AFTRA, music labels set talk date

Discussions between ballroom dancers for music videos and record labels will resume Jan. 11-12 following a six-month break. The American Federation of Television & Radio Artists, which reps the ballroom dancers, made the announcement Thursday evening. AFTRA also offers scheduled a Jan. 6 rally before The new sony Music offices in Beverly Hillsides to aid the ballroom dancers. Board member Jason George and ballroom dancers Teresa Espinosa and Dana Wilson are going to speak. The moves come two several weeks after AFTRA came a lot more than 160 ballroom dancers and choreographers to some standing-room-only "Now It's Time" forum in North Hollywood to exhibit support for that unionization move. AFTRA's current deal on its seem recording contract includes a contract through the labels to bargain for any music-video agreement to exchange a contract discussed in 1986. AFTRA negotiator Randall G. Himes complained in the October event that whenever a settling session on June 21, labels had delayed in reacting to AFTRA's proposal and setting dates for additional talks. AFTRA contended the 1986 agreement is outdated, particularly with ad-supported streaming services, music videos producing growing revenues. The "Now It's Time" campaign, released with a number of videos to coincide using the MTV Video Music Honours at the end of August, requires an agreement which includes safety, fair pay, residuals and health insurance and retirement benefits. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Oprah Winfrey: Dedicated To OWN Despite Rocky First Year

First Published: December 29, 2011 5:09 PM EST Credit: Getty Images LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Oprah attends the Costume Institute Gala Benefit to celebrate the opening of the American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 3, 2010 in NY CityOprah Winfrey earned the rare opportunity to convert her media charisma into a monogramed TV channel. Now shes the one tasked with rescuing OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network, after a disappointing first year. Its a high-stakes, potentially ego-shattering challenge that could make the strongest woman or man flinch. But win or lose, Winfrey says she relishes the fight to turn OWNs fortunes around. Yes, some mistakes were made. Who hasnt made mistakes? The real beauty is you can say, I learned from that, Winfrey said. I dont worry about failure. I worry about, Did I do all I could do? The cable channel, which marks its first year Jan. 1, is trying for a fresh start after executive turnover and missteps that proved OWN lacked a solid foundation on which to build, this despite a Discovery Communications investment of a reported $250 million and counting. Viewers snubbed the lineup that skimped on programming and, surprisingly, what should have been OWNs unique weapon of choice: Winfrey herself, whose limited on-air presence will be boosted Sunday with a new weekly series, Oprahs Next Chapter. OWN has failed to improve on, or in some instances even match, the modest ratings and small audience earned by the low-profile Discovery Health channel it replaced. I would absolutely say it is and was not where I want it to be for year one, Winfrey said. My focus up until (last) May was doing what I do best, which is The Oprah Winfrey Show, and giving that my full attention until its conclusion. But Winfrey, who said management team errors in planning and execution could serve as a cautionary tale (I was never interested in writing a book. THIS could be a book), rejects the idea that a single years performance will determine OWNs ultimate fate. Or hers. Somebody was talking to me in that kind of saddened, How are you? tone, and I was thinking, Im fine, said Winfrey, 57, who ruled as the queen of daytime TV until she ended her talk show after 25 years and turned her attention to the channel. I realized the reason people have this tone is theyre reading all the press (about OWN), so you see me and wonder if I can still walk. I am a determined and committed woman. I dont give up. Im just getting started, she said in a recent interview. One bonus of being Oprah: She has received pep talks from other media movers and shakers. Everybody has told me Ted Turner has told me, Barry Diller has told me, Lorne Michaels has told me, David Geffen has told me anybody whos ever worked with a channel, whos ever done anything, has said it takes three to five years, she said, adding, You have to do the work. You do not have to pay attention to the criticism. Year two for OWN will reflect executive changes made last July, when Winfrey expanded her role at the channel by adding the roles of chief executive and chief creative officer to her position as chairman. Discovery Communications COO Peter Liguori had filled in as interim head after OWN CEO Christina Norman was dismissed in the wake of poor ratings. Although the channels ownership is split evenly between Discovery and Winfreys Chicago-based production company, Harpo Inc., it is Discoverys money thats on the line. With more scheduling consistency, movies, original series with and without Winfrey, and a lot more Oprah in general, Discovery is a lot more confident that were heading in the right direction, said company spokesman David Leavy. Sheri Salata and Erik Logan, two veteran Harpo executives, were brought on board to share the title of OWN president, with Logan moving from Chicago to OWNs Los Angeles headquarters. Logan said he clearly understands the hard work in establishing any cable channel, and this one in particular. One of the greatest gifts and challenges is to have her name on the door, Logan said of his top boss. Everything you do garners a high level of scrutiny and attention. We dont run from that. The initially slight programming lineup is being beefed up, most notably with Oprahs Next Chapter. The weekly series debuts 9 p.m.-11 PM EST Sunday with Winfreys visit to the New Hampshire home of Steven Tyler. Next Chapter turns the once studio-bound Winfrey into a globe-trotting interviewer who drops into the home of a Hasidic Jewish family in NY, George Lucas Skywalker Ranch in California and cook Paula Deens Georgia estate. There is also a trip with Sean Penn to Haiti, fire-walking with Tony Robbins and a planned India trip with Deepak Chopra. The injection of Winfrey on-screen, not just in the executive suite, is sorely needed, suggested one industry analyst. The biggest mistake they made is, if its the Oprah Winfrey Network, wheres Oprah? said Bill Carroll of media buying firm Katz Media. He compared OWNs Winfrey vacuum to programming the Court TV channel without courtroom shows or the Major League Baseball channel without games: After a while, viewers stop going, Carroll said. OWN has averaged about 136,000 viewers a day, a drop of 8 percent from what Discovery Health drew in 2010, although its up slightly in total viewers in prime time and has seen an 8 percent increase among women ages 25 to 54, part of the channels hoped-for demographic. Popular shows include The Judds, which ran for six episodes in April and May; Our America With Lisa Ling; and the reality series Welcome to Sweetie Pies, which attracted a strong African-American audience (prompting media reports that OWN intended to skew toward black viewers, an assertion that Discovery and Winfrey deny. It doesnt mean were going to turn into the Roots channel, Winfrey said, wryly.) Winfrey also is on-air with Oprahs Lifeclass, which draws on her talk-show archives, and Oprahs Master Class, a series of high-achiever biography specials. But, she said, she never was supposed to carry the channel on my back, and it never was supposed to be about me being on the air as much as possible. Instead, O magazine, with Winfrey as monthly cover girl and articles reflecting her better-life philosophy, is the intended model. She attributes the channels rough start to a more basic error: The lack of a library of programming for the many hours of airtime not filled by original shows, compounded by overconfidence about her market value in general. I dont understand what anybody was thinking. Youre going on the air, youve got four shows. What do you think youre going to do by Tuesday? Did they think people were going to turn on the channel just because it had my name on it? she said, sounding almost eager to cast doubt on her drawing power. People didnt turn on The Oprah Winfrey Show because my name was on it. It was absolutely topic driven every day, she said. Such modest expressions aside, Winfreys involvement clearly is key to the channels success. Shes glad to make the commitment, she said. As her longtime boyfriend Stedman Graham told her, shed be bored silly today if shed taken any lengthy break after ending her daytime show. Discovery is also in it for the long term, said spokesman Leavy, citing the three to five years that other cable channels have needed to develop audience-grabbing hits and firmly establish themselves. He declined to specify what Discovery has spent so far on the venture, calling media estimates high. But he pointed to long-term advertising contracts with major companies including Procter&Gamble, and hopes of new carriage fees from cable providers that have been airing the channel for free. Viewership that has been lower than expected, however, has meant make goods in ad time for sponsors. Winfrey, who describes herself as obsessed by ratings for the first time in her career, said shes giving OWN everything Ive got. Ive spent more energy doing this than anything Ive ever done in my whole life. With good reason. I walked in today (to OWNs offices) and felt uplifted to see my name on the door, Oprah Winfrey Network, she said. Just to be able to sit in a room with a team of people presenting you with ideas what a gift that is. It has also made OWN her ultimate responsibility. Every third week, someone new was in charge, and now shes in charge. From where I sit, this is going to be her success or her failure, said analyst Carroll. Winfrey claims to have an unlikely sounding Plan B if the channel falls short. If this doesnt work out, Im going to go into organic farming in Maui. And Im not kidding. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Seth Rogen Joins The B Team

Developing spy comedy at DisneyThere was a period when The B Team would be a cop comedy starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, before a particular A-Team triggered a title-change to Another Men. However with Another Men now come and gone, and also the A-Team a distant, tank-flying memory, The B Team has returned, this time around as a spy spoof being produced by Seth Rogen. It simply proves you cannot have a good title lower. Or something like that.This project really pre-dates individuals others, and it is title was most probably in flux there for some time. Development being as slow because it is though, it's fair game again. The storyline within this situation is all about a "key-agent" who will get kidnapped and needs to be saved by his back-up gang of scientists and techies, who most probably aren't as "top" because he is.The initial pitch towards the studio was by Derek Guiley and David Schneiderman, whose last created script was Chasing after Liberty in 2004. Rogen originates aboard like a producer at this time, but might have his eye on the starring role too. There is no reference to his usual cohort Evan Goldberg being involved right now, but we are sure it's only dependent on time.The B Team continues to be in the coming-together stage right now, without any start-date around the cards. That is fine, because Rogen greatly must give his complete focus on Jay And Seth Versus. The Apocalypse. Last we heard, that a person's due prior to the cameras in Feb.

'Mission: Impossible' illuminates early holiday B.O.

'Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol' is off and away to a good start in the holiday B.O., generating $8.six million Wednesday."Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol" easily may be the early B.O. leader this Christmas weekend, getting collected $8.six million on Wednesday for any domestic cume of $25.7 million.Vital released the film last week solely in particular-screen houses.In second place, Warner Bros.' "A Virtual Detective: A Game Title of Shadows" collected $4.3 million Wednesday, pushing its Stateside cume to $54 million in under two days of play. Sony's "The Lady Using the Dragon Tattoo," meanwhile, adopted with $3.six million from the opening day, though latenight Tuesday tests increased the pic's total cume to $5.a million.The B.O.'s current top trio are required to remain on top through Monday, however it appears "Mission" could pull ahead, for the way the Christmas Eve downturn affects the general market.Specialized photos like "Dragon Tattoo" will fare best Christmas Eve -- in the past a b -.To. trough -- than more all-audience fare, for example "Mission" and "A Virtual Detective.InchAround the family front, Fox's "Alvin and also the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" did better ($3.5 million) than Par's new entry "The Adventures of Tintin," which bowed midweek with $2.3 million. Theater traffic to see relatives-specific films might be sluggish with the weekend, though business should increase considerably by mid-mid-day on Sunday."Alvin" to date has totalled almost $33 million locally "Tintin," $5.six million, including last week's Canadian grosses. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

5 Things the 2012 SAG Nominations Might Inform You Of Oscar Season

For people people who think the SAG award nominations on Wednesday morning didn't mean greatly for Michael Fassbender, Albert Brooks and Shailene Woodley -- three presumed Oscar nominees who've been snubbed by SAG -- consider this, from Deadline's Pete Hammond: "Guild voters overlap with Academy voters and sometimes will be the most accurate barometer of where Oscar might be headed." Translation: these nominations matter! No less than greater than the NY Film Experts Circle honours might! So, what do i mean for your nominated and not nominated? Ahead, five ways the 18th annual SAG award nominations might affect Oscar season. 1. 'Bridesmaids' can be a legitimate contender Inside the summer season, Movieline's S.T. VanAirsdale wondered if 'Super 8' would create the coveted 'Inception' Exception within the Academy awards in 2012. That being: the primary one summer season blockbuster Hollywood honors getting a Best Picture nomination in order to goose audience fascination with the fledgling telecast. The standard thinking round the 'Inception' Exception changed when AMPAS dropped the most effective Picture nominees lower in the standard ten to between five-to-ten -- with various percentage election -- but possibly 2011 will still provide some audience fodder. Most assumed that 'Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows Part 2' would roll onto a Best Picture nomination in the 'Return in the King'-like coronation, but knowing within the SAGs -- as well as the less-predictive critical honours -- 'Bridesmaids' appears being the main reason célèbre as soon as. 'Bridesmaids' acquired a Best Ensemble cast nom from SAG, opposite assumed Academy Award heavy-gamers 'The Help,' 'The Artist,' 'Midnight in Paris' and 'The Descendants,' and before thought-to-be faves like 'Moneyball' and 'Hugo.' Meanwhile co-star Melissa McCarthy was nominated inside the Supporting Actress category, before 'Descendants' star Shailene Woodley. Will the actors' branch carry this now-classic romcom for the Kodak Theater? Don't wager against it happening. 2. 'War Horse' isn't an stars movie, so it must be OK... Future 'War Horse' supporters shouldn't be too upset in regards to the Steven Spielberg film being excluded within the SAG nominations. Ultimately, despite a cast of enjoyable talent (Tom Hiddleston, Emily Watson, Peter Mullan, Jeremy Irvine, Benedict Cumberbatch, Toby Kebbell), the main character in 'War Horse' is Joey ... the equine. Unless of course obviously SAG features a secret equine branch where Mr. Erection dysfunction as well as the equine from 'Hot to Trot' spend some time, that certain wasn't inside the cards. 3. ... but 'Hugo,' 'The Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' and 'Extremely Noisy and very Close' may not Pointless to push the strain button at this time around, nevertheless the SAG nominations probably weren't the most effective factor for 'Hugo' and Scott Rudin's twosome, 'The Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' and 'Extremely Noisy and very Close.' In the Best Picture perspective, 'Hugo' ought to be solid gold -- ultimately, its support will vary from Company company directors Guild (for Martin Scorsese), the Producers Guild (for Graham King) and many types of the below-the-card inserts (for editor Thelma Schoonmaker, cinematographer Robert Richardson and production designer Dante Ferretti). 'Dragon Tattoo' and 'Extremely Noisy,' however, certainly are a different story: no Rooney Mara (shocking, since she's so brilliant), no Tom Hanks or Sandra Bullock, no ensemble nods. At this time around, neither of individuals films appear to be with the honours-circuit radar. This can be a problem no embargo will fix. 4. 'Drive' takes a turbo boost Whither 'Drive'? Most likely probably the most-discussed film of September has fans all over the critical community, then one sure-fire bit of Oscar bait in Albert Brooks's brilliant supporting turn just like a gangster susceptible to stabbing people with forks. Roughly it absolutely was thought. Brooks's snub -- for either Armie Hammer, oddly for 'J. Edgar,' or Jonah Hill for 'Moneyball,' according to your prejudices -- was easily most likely probably the most surprising in the morning, if possibly because it was assumed the 'Drive' star would no less than finish since the unofficial runner-around Christopher Plummer within the Oscars. Why no SAG passion for Brooks? Exactly why is not FilmDistrict pushing 'Drive' more in the weak year if the could easily grab nominations for top Picture, Director, Supporting Actor, Cinematography, Editing and Score? Hopefully, situation a blip and Brooks can get the nomination he so highly warrants come The month of the month of january. That's certainly what Team 'Drive' thinks, just like a publicist sent this email out (via Movieline) right after the snub: "We appreciate all of your ongoing support of DRIVE and coverage in the film, especially following this morning's SAG noms. Thanks for your shout-outs to Albert Brooks on Twitter too as with your analyses in the SAG nominations if this involves his not recognized today, but we remain sure that the Supporting Actor race still boils lower with a two-guy showdown between Albert and Christopher Plummer." Hopefully! 5. Nobody knows anything Remember everything products you simply read? Not a way! Since the great William Goldman once mentioned of Hollywood, "Nobody knows anything." Never is always that more true throughout Oscar season. So, just in case your a Brooks pom-pom waver or sporting a Fassboner for Michael Fassbender's snubbed performance in 'Shame,' don't get worried there's still the required time to enable them to end up among the candidate of 2012 Oscar nominees. Happy going for a chance! EARLIER: 'The Help,' 'The Artist' and 'Bridesmaids' Lead 2012 SAG Award Nominations [Photo: FilmDistrict] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Weekend Box Office: 'New Year's Eve' Drops the Ball, Wins Anyway

'New Year's Eve' was designed to bring the party a few days ago, however it performed a lot more like a brand new Year's Day hangover. It mustered an believed $13.7 million, about 50 % what it really was likely to earn. Still, on probably the most lackluster box office weekends all seasons, which was enough for any victory. 'New Year's Eve' was director Garry Marshall's follow-as much as his similar holiday-designed, all-star ensemble romantic comedy 'Valentine's Day,' which first showed having a huge $56 million two Februarys ago. Obviously, which was around the greatest date weekend of the season it was not (plus, it had the still-strong ''The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Part 1' to deal with for female ticketbuyers). Nobody expected it to spread out as large as 'Valentine's Day,' but many expected a dent around half the dimensions, not really a mere 4th the dimensions. Aside from the 'Twilight' vampires of the underworld, blame scathing reviews and poor word-of-mouth. Opening in second place, 'The Sitter' also carried out below its already underwhelming anticipation. Jonah Hill hasn't transported a comedy simply by themself, and knowing through the mild reception for that recent 'A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas,' this is not a time period of year having a strong marketplace for raunchy comedies. So commentators predicted a dent close to $12 to $13 million, but Sunday estimations arrived just $10. million. Director David Gordon Eco-friendly, that has yet to restore the levels of 'Pineapple Express,' now likes the dubious distinction of getting launched two flops this season (another was this spring's 'Your Highness'). After three weekends atop the chart, 'Breaking Dawn' finally ended up to 3rd place, by having an believed $7.9 million. A decline of 52 percent from the other day is not that unusual for any four-week-old blockbuster. The supernatural romance has gained $259.5 million in The United States up to now. 'The Muppets' also dropped two spots, lower to 4th place by having an believed take of $7.a million. That signifies a modest decline of 32 percent within the movie's third weekend. Up to now, Kermit & Co. are seeing eco-friendly towards the tune of $65.8 million. The only real Christmas-designed movie presently playing, 'Arthur Christmas,' saw the littlest decline among wide-release movies, just 11 percent in the third weekend. At No. 5, it gained an believed $6.six million, for any three-week total of $33.5 million. Also opening now were two movies that did perfectly in limited release, based on studio estimations. Charlize Theron's black comedy 'Young Adult' gained a massive $40,000 per screen on eight screens (in comparison, 'New Year's Eve came $3,505 per screen), and it is total debut of $320,000 arrived it at No. 15 around the chart. One notch below was Gary Oldman's espionage thriller 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,' which gained a much more astonishing $75,250 per screen at four venues, for any total of $301,000. Supporting well in limited release were 'The Artist' (up 38 percent now with the help of 10 screens, for any total of 16, having a per-screen average of $18,250 as well as an believed weekend take of $292,000) and 'Shame' (lower just 21 percent, for an believed $276,000, or $13,143 per screen). All potential year-finish honours challengers, these films should continue doing well because they expand into wider release. Overall, the very best 12 movies gained just $69.7 million a few days ago, marking the 3rd straight week of decreasing box office. Grosses for that year tend to be more than 3 % below where these were this time around last year ($9.5 billion, in comparison to $9.8 billion), but that gap could widen if the month is constantly on the see such lackluster performance. 'New Year's Eve' - Trailer No. 2 The entire top ten: 1. 'New Year's Eve,' $13.7 million (3,505 screens), era 2. 'The Sitter,' $10. million (2,750), era 3. 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Part 1,' $7.9 million (3,604), $259.5 million total 4. 'The Muppets,' $7.a million (3,328), $65.8 million 5. 'Arthur Christmas,' $6.six million (3,272), $33.5 million 6. 'Hugo,' $6.a million (2,608) $33.5 million 7. 'The Descendants,' $4.8 million (876), $23.six million 8. 'Happy Ft Two,' $3.8 million (2,840), $56.9 million 9. 'Jack and Jill,' $3.two million (2,787), $68.six million 10. 'Immortals,' $2,4 million (2,286), $79.9 million [Photos: Warner Bros. ('New Year's Eve'), twentieth century Fox ('The Sitter'), Vital ('Young Adult')] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook Follow Gary Susman on Twitter: @garysusman

Sinead OConnor Weds In Pink Cadillac In Las vegas

First Released: December 9, 2011 10:50 AM EST Credit: Off-shore Coast News Vegas, Nev. -- Caption Sinead OConnor marries Craig Herridge in the Little Whitened Wedding Chapel in Vegas on December 8, 2011Sinead OConnor got married in true Vegas style on Thursday at the back of a pink Cadillac in the same chapel where Britney Warrior spears and Elvis also got married. Just like the singer introduced on her behalf website on Wednesday, she tied the knot with Craig Herridge, a counselor, on her behalf 45th birthday. The bride to be used an easy pink low-cut dress that displayed her many tats and transported some red-colored roses. Your daughter's groom carried a gray suit having a light pink shirt to complement Sineads dress. The pair passionately kissed and cuddled together with wiping away a couple of tears at the back of the classic vehicle while swapping vows. The Nothing Compares 2 U singer told photography enthusiasts that they virtually no time for any honeymoon, but selected Las Vegas for his or her wedding since it was rock 'n roll. Following the ceremony, the pair spent the evening in a Vegas area hotel. This marks the performers 4th marriage. She divorced longtime friend and collaborator Steve Cooney in April after being together just for eight several weeks. Sinead, that has four children from previous associations, get married music producer John Reynolds in 1989 and journalist Nicholas Sommerlad in 2001. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Grimm's Silas Weir Mitchell: Monroe Is Wilier Than Twilight's Jacob

Silas Weir Mitchell Silas Weir Mitchell thinks his wolfy Grimm character Monroe could totally undertake Twilight's werewolf Jacob... only when he didn't depend solely on brute strength. "If you're asking if Taylor Lautner's character could kick my a--, yeah he probably could," Mitchell notifies TVGuide.com. "I'd hold the wiles, however when he got the visit me, I'd be dead meat. I'm older than he's, therefore i know some techniques, but like I mentioned, whether or not this were pound for pound, I'm dead." Watch full cases of Grimm Monroe may need to rely on his cunning in Friday's episode, "The Three Bad Baby baby wolves" (9/8c, NBC), when some old pals threaten the existence he's created for themselves. Just like a awesome Blutbad, Monroe resists his violent, wolf-like character with no more kills humans. "There's an arson situation, as well as the victim in the fire is certainly a classic friend,Inch states Mitchell. "People in the past can be found in and very disrupt my flow: They wreak havoc on my human mojo, as well as the Blutblad element must be labored with once more." "Also, one of these simple may well be a classic flame." His character's ongoing have trouble with his dual character -- the thinking person versus. the instinctive animal -- was what initially came the actor to Grimm. "The exciting element is always that anytime, my id will make itself known," Mitchell describes. "As a creature or someone who's descended in the creature, your relationship for the mythical/mental self is nearer up compared to normal people. There's a mythical element the creatures inside the series have a very direct line to in the type of Jungian way. I have discovered that really interesting to see with: The conventional, not-normal dynamic." The Wieder Blutbaden, also called the awesome Large Bad Baby baby wolves, use diet, drugs or exercise to handle their more animal natures. Too as with the problem of Monroe, more youthful crowd holds every factor of human culture: assembling and fasten clocks for a job, experiencing culinary works of art and playing the cello. "When he'll try something, he goes completely whether it is the clocks or perhaps the food or perhaps the coffee or perhaps the wine," states Mitchell. "What's fun about Monroe might be the measures he will get into his mission for human experience rather than the Blutblad experience." And although his new cop friend Nick (David Giuntoli) is dependent on Monroe's Blutbad side inside the more fantastical research, Monroe also benefits of their unusual partnership. "A Few Things I escape coping with Nick is trying being round the good guys' side a little rather than ravaging the countryside," Mitchell observes. "Essentially are capable of doing something good, I'll take a look. It's dangerous I guess personally, because Grimms are my natural enemy. The trust must be built." The actor finds that using his inner wolf to see Monroe isn't as difficult as you may think. He thinks that myths and magical tales are creatively safe techniques for exploring fundamental man's instinct in many its facets. "You just pretend around the very deep level it's real," Mitchell states. "Everybody's first first got it, which is an actor's job to get into it. Everyone's got an inner Monroe plus an inner Blutbad... or possibly an inner mouse, whichever your factor is." Grimm airs on Fridays at 9/8c on NBC.

AXN partners on Takayama skein

Tokyo, japan, japan -- The The brand new the new sony-backed AXN Mystery Funnel has became a member of with Hong Kong-based Charis Entertainment to co-produce a new unscripted series for Japanese and Asian auds. Titled "Cyril's Vacation,In . the six-episode show will feature Japanese illusionist Cyril Takayama travelling in Hawaii along with his family and astounding the neighborhood people. The show can be a follow-around the 2011 strand "Cyril: Simply Miracle," which broadcast on AXN, while using target aud in Japan and Asia. Among the executive producers are Takayama, Charis' Sophistication Chen and thesp Andy Lau, along with his Focus Group shingle. Shooting is skedded to start next season with release skedded for your spring. AXN Mystery Funnel is handled through the new the new sony Pictures Entertainment Japan and also the new the new sony Pictures Television's Asian branch. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Lars Von Trier's 'Melancholia' Wins Best Film at European Film Awards

Former Godfather's Pizza executive Herman Cain's suspension of his quest for the GOP presidential nomination is a double blow to Hollywood: late-night comedians have lost a rich source of material and the industry's ideological, mainly libertarian Republicans have lost the candidate many found most appealing.our editor recommendsHerman Cain Suspends Presidential Campaign Suspending a presidential campaign almost always is a prelude to dropping out of the race. Candidates usually do it because a "suspended" campaign can go on collecting donations and, in some cases, matching funds to cover debts already incurred. PHOTOS: 10 Hollywood Players That Will Make a Difference in 2012 Elections Among the current slate of Republican hopefuls, Cain had a definite appeal for many of Hollywood's most conservative Republicans. Unlike, say, Texas Gov. Rick Perry or Rep. Michelle Bachmann, he didn't come freighted with the baggage of Evangelical Christianity's social conservatism. He also projected a natural, informality and spontaneity - the kind of outsider authenticity that attracts entertainment industry activists, no matter what their party. Cain's appeal was reinforced by a goofy series of Internet campaign videos, spots so off-center that they lent the genre a kind of underground, auteur sensibility. PHOTOS: Democrats and Republicans' Favorite Movies A series of allegations involving various claims of sexual harassment and long-term marital infidelity now has brought all that to nothing. While that sort of problem barely registers in Hollywood - even among Republicans - it dooms his campaign in the coming GOP primaries in places like Iowa and South Carolina. It's hard to see where the industry's ideological conservatives turn next in the turbulent Republican race. Former Gov. Mitt Romney is the candidate of Hollywood's executive suite Republicans, but he seems to hold little appeal for others. Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman is an unflinching economic conservative - he's categorically endorsed the Ryan budget proposal, but believes in things like climate change, which most conservatives disdain. One-time House Speaker Newt Gingrich has surged in the polls, but part of his self-reinvention involves the sort of social conservatism and pious religiosity that grates in Hollywood. Moreover, as one Democratic wit recently put it, "even Newt's baggage has baggage." So where does it leave the thoughtful conservative Republican west of La Cienega? Ron Paul, anyone? PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Democrats and Republicans' Favorite Movies Related Topics Politics Herman Cain

Actress Dagmara Dominczyk Sells First Novel (Exclusive)

This story first appeared in the Dec. 9 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.our editor recommendsDoes Michael Bay's 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Recycle Old Movie Clips? (Video)Director Michael Bay Goes on 3D OffensiveMichael Bay Reveals James Cameron's Secret Role in the Making of 'Transformers' Transformers: Dark of the Moon director Michael Bay weighs in on the importance of sound. The Hollywood Reporter: You have quite a large below-the-line team. Michael Bay: Roughly 3,000 people worked on this Transformers. Some have been with me since 1995's Bad Boys. The people I work with are animals. They're passionate. It irks me that VFX and VFX movies aren't considered art. It's a different type of art, but it's definitely art. THR: How important is sound to your films? Bay: Sound has been a major part of my movies. It's something I love and put a huge emphasis on. The sound on this film is the most complex I've ever done. The Transformers sound team invents sounds, and they start very early. It's a long, creative process, and nothing for this movie is off-the-shelf. Chaos in Chicago: Image progressions of a skyscraper's demise caused by The Driller, which ILM constructed from 30 million polygons -- the digital equivalent of an atom. If they were laid out end to end, the polygons would stretch 68.36 miles. THR: What did you use to create some of the sound that became part of The Driller's "voice"? Bay: At one point, we worked with an orangutan whose trainer said to sound designer Erik Aadahl, "Turn your back and put your keys to the side. I'm going to steal your keys when the orangutan is watching. He'll go crazy because he can't imagine the injustice of what's going on." THR: Can you discuss the Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound mix in the climactic Chicago destruction sequence? Bay: [Rerecording mixer] Greg Russell said reel seven [the destruction of Chicago, including The Driller] was the hardest of his career. He said it had 30,000 fades [audio files], and the entire [Pro Tools audio postproduction system] locked up. They had to call the engineers who developed the program to fix it. They had never heard of a reel having 30,000 fades. THR: Didn't the movie also crash ILM's computer system? Bay: It was the scene where The Driller destroys Chicago. It was single-handedly the most complex shot ILM has ever done in its history. They had to hijack the entire computer system over the weekends to get the shots finished. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 7 Music to Movie Directors: Michael Bay, David Fincher, Spike Jonze Related Topics Michael Bay Oscars Oscars 2012 Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Fassbender Fleshes Out Figures With Physicality

First Released: November 29, 2011 10:54 AM EST Credit: Getty Images NY, N.Y. -- Caption Michael Fassbender attends the AFI FEST 2011 Presented By Audi secret screening of Haywire held at Graumans Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on November 6, 2011It might be 3 years since he performed the hunger-striking Irish national Bobby Sands, nevertheless its still a relief to determine Michael Fassbender eat. So strong may be the memory of Fassbenders performance in Hunger, that he lost 50 pounds, that the view of him eagerly gobbling lower a plate of eggs and sausage, because he did on the recent interview in a Manhattan restaurant, appears like breaking character. However the jaunty, 34-year-old actor has recently been getting his fill. He stars in 2 of the falls noticably releases: Because the sex-addicted Brandon in Shame, by Steve McQueen (who directed him in Hunger) as well as in David Cronenbergs A Harmful Method because the pioneering psychiatrist Carl Jung. That caps annually by which younger crowd starred as Mangeto within the blockbuster X-Males: Top Class so that as Edward Rochester in Jane Eyre. He lately shot Ridley Scotts sci-fi thriller Prometheus, that is planned for the coming year. After Prometheus, I simply shut up shop, states Fassbender. Ill give myself a rest and i believe everyone else. Its kind of like Fassbender overload here. Foremost, possibly, is his performance in Shame, which won him best actor in the Venice Film Festival and it has him within the conversation to have an Oscar nomination. Its a breaking performance of the self-abusive NY bachelor who eliminates closeness using the compulsive quest for carnality. I truly desired to keep him as near in my experience as you possibly can, Fassbender states from the character. I did not wish to hide behind any masks. After I initially browse the script, I had been like, Lots of this really is relevant. I am aware some things in here. Therefore i desired to lead him to just an regular guy in the pub. The part strangely enough dovetails having a Harmful Method. Cronenbergs film concentrates on the connection between Jung and the mentor, Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen), whose prism for comprehending the mind was more primarily sexual than Jungs larger perspective. Within the movie, Jung, like Brandon, is racked by sexual temptation and guilt. Theyre linked, Fassbender states of Brandon and Jung. They most likely might have assisted one another out a bit. Maybe Jung would say, Visit my pal Freud. Hed be right up his alley. The body should play this type of central role both in figures one whose clothing is frequently shed, another who remains clad within the formal type of turn-of-the-century Europe is not a coincidence for Fassbender, who takes pains to obtain the physicality inside a part. Within this, John Cazale is really a major affect on Fassbender. He strongly recalls the posture of Cazale (as Fredo) within the Godfather Part II, relaxing in a plush arm chair. The unpredictability he handled relating to his physical existence, I had been like, I have to do something of that nature, states Fassbender. For me personally, sometimes I'm able to express really an intention with my body system and body gestures than the usual page of dialogue, he states. You simply think: What kind of animal is guy? So how exactly does he move? Is he light on his ft or it is possible to large amount of weight? Do you know the clothes that you simply put on? Fassbender breaks after which laughs or insufficient? Over breakfast, Fassbender is relaxed and jovial. His musical bent (he was elevated on a number of instruments, first the container whistle, then piano accordion, then guitar) discloses itself most readily in gleeful understanding of Television show styles and seem effects. At reference to the Godfather, he merrily and precisely hums the Nino Rota score. Once the artist-switched-filmmaker McQueen first met him, he states hethought he was a little cocky. But on the second meeting, the 2 hit them back and also have designed a close partnership since. Fassbender will again use McQueen on his third film, 12 Years a Slave, in regards to a NYer who had been taken in 1841 and captive in Louisiana. Requested to describe their collaboration, McQueen replies, Its love, I guess. I dont mean it inside a corny way, however in a genuine way. You do not know why, youre just happy it is available and also you would like it to continue. He is a superb actor mainly due to his vulnerability, absolute, states McQueen. There is a womanliness to him which really can translate in ways that people, the crowd, can recognize him. Some stars, you will find obstacles you admire them, however they never allow you to in. Michael, the problem youre certainly in, youre feeling it. Fassbender, whose mother is Irish and father is German, was created in Germany but elevated in Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland. His parents went a cafe or restaurant they lately upon the market from, but Fassbender getting first thought about being a music performer found acting after attending that which was marketed as local comedy-drama classes. He created their own theater company and set on the manufacture of Quentin Tarantinos Reservoir Dogs. (He performed Mr. Pink.) Ironically, hed later use Tarantino, playing an english lieutenant in Inglourious Basterds. Fassbender thought he'd showed up in Hollywood when he arrived a little role in Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks Gang of Siblings. He gone to live in La but felt overcome and also got little traction in auditions. And So I returned to London to reflect on the problem and that i told myself I wouldnt return there again until I'd something during my back pocket coupled with some ammunition to return with, Fassbender states. The 2006 action hit 300 was the passport he required for Hollywood. I returned there and located a brand new agent coupled with a much better kind of idea the way i desired to approach it, things i desired to get from this, he states. Next, it had been Hunger that actually powered Fassbender. Younger crowd came popularity of his performance because the roguish boyfriend of the youthful mother in Aquarium. Cronenberg states it had been Fassbenders posture like a British officer in Inglourious Basterds that reminded him of Jung. I desired the projection of the particular type of intelligence, he states. Fassbender utilizes a systematic method of getting a character like Jung, or other. He lists its primary qualities and also the little, tributary qualities after which uses it as being a record against their own characteristics. You feel the list, states Fassbender. I've that. I've this. Less this. And you attempt to uncover it within yourself. Its there somewhere. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Rivero discovers 'Pozo amargo'

BARCELONA -- Mexico-based shingle Una Comunion will produce "Pozo amargo," the next feature of Locarno Golden Leopard champion Enrique Rivero. Project was revealed within the twelfth Huelva Co-Production Forum, which closed Saturday. Money is near $millions of. "Pozo" might be the very first script that Rivero has written. Zamora Films co-produces. Una Comunion is seeking finance completion in the country. Along with his first feature, Rivero increased being among Mexico's foremost new left-of-area auteurs. Debut "Parque via" nabbed Locarno's top prize in 2008, the Ingmar Bergman Intl. Debut Award at Sweden's Gothenburg Fest, as well as the Audience Award within the now-defunct Mexico City Ficco fest -- last year -- among several kudos. Occur the The the spanish language language region of Castilla-La Mancha, in the real-existence village referred to as Pozoamargo, pic triggers Jesus, a man who finds out he's battling having a venereal disease, and decides to hides inside the village running using their own inner demons. "Pic is certainly an analysis of guilt, some morality and, inside the ultimate analysis, a useless sentiment," Rivero referred to. "The main character won't create a sense of audience empathy: He's an anti-hero, the choice of Beto at 'Parque.'" "Pozo" will shoot in 2013, put into two stages -- grape-picking in September, the olive-harvest within the month of the month of january. Rivero will lense his sophomore feature -- "Mai Morire" -- in February. "Morire" is co-produced by Una Comunion and Zamora Films while using support of Netherlands' Hubert Bals Fund. Pic is occur Mexico City's Xochimilco, a place whose residents travel by boat via rivers. "In the place where people live like five centuries ago, a middle-aged lady returns to think about proper proper care of her ill mother which is instructed to have a couple of serious options," Rivero referred to, saying "Morire" talks about "transcendence." Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

'Breaking Dawn' Wedding: Luxury Brand Product Placement Draws Criticism For Mis-Targeting

Some industry insiders are wondering whether the latest film in the Twilight series Breaking Dawn Part 1 was mis-targeted by luxury brandsManolo Blahnik, Carolina Herrera and BMW. All of these luxury brands had blatant product placement -- and major merchandizing deals -- in the box-office topping film, starring that trend-setting trio,Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.our editor recommends'Twilight: Breaking Dawn's' Taylor Lautner on His Most Challenging Scene and Jacob's Massive Transformation (Video) Kristen Stewart Stands Out in Black Roberto Cavalli Gown on UK 'Breaking Dawn' White Carpet (Video) PHOTOS: 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part I' Black Carpet Premiere Blahnik's exclusive Swan Embellished Satin Pump certainly got their lingering closeup as the loveably gawky Bella Swan practices walking in the heels. You could also spotthe shoes as Bella walked down the aisle and the camera opens to reveal the full wedding party. And the shoes can be yours for just $1, 295 at Neiman Marcus. Pre-order now! And they also come in black and red! Herrera's long sleeved lacy low-backed wedding design is now for sale at wedding gown stores around the US for just $799. Of course, the gown won't be quite the same quality as Bella's couture version which cost an estimated $35,000. PHOTOS: 'Twilight' and the Top 15 Grossing Threequels of All Time Even the company that did the wedding invitations -- Connor Fine Engraver & Stationer is -- offering the same style for altar-bound Twihards for $25 a piece. Gulp. Anichini, the makers of luxury linens, showed off their expensive Italian bed sheets in the best light during the honeymoon scene. The company is now having a Facebook contest to win the honeymoon sheets. No, not the real ones used in the film. That would be too creepy. No, really. It would be. So what do you think? Was there was too much emphasis on expensive luxury brands -- considering the dire economic climate -- for your taste and pocketbook? Or do you enjoy NOT being able to buy the fantasy fashions, shoes and accessories you saw in the film? One can -- after all -- always dream. But by comparison, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo's merchandizing is a line of clothing designed by the film's costume designer Trish Summerville -- based on punk hacker Lisbeth Salander's lived-in look -- and sold exclusively at H&M stores. Prices range from $3.95- $199.00. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1' Black Carpet Premiere Arrivals PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Kristen Stewart Vs. Lily Collins Projects: Anatomy of a Snow White Smackdown Fashion Robert Pattinson Taylor Lautner Twilight Saga Kristen Stewart Carolina Herrera

Does Rachel McAdams 'Sherlock Holmes 2' Poster Mean A Bigger Role?

In the new Sherlock Holmes film, "A Game of Shadows," the world's most famous detective meets up with his arch-nemesis from the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories, Professor Moriarty. But what will become of the only person to have ever out-witted Holmes, the infamous Irene Adler? Rachel McAdams portrayed the iconic character in the first film, but until recently, a potential appearance in the sequel was still up in the air. Eventually, it was announced that McAdams would reprise her role, but only in a small capacity. But now a new Korean promotional character poster depicts McAdams by herself as Adler, with no other players to be found. Does this mean we may see a bigger presence from Irene Adler than we had thought? It's impossible to say until "A Game of Shadows" hits theaters on December 16. All signs thus far have pointed to a small role for Adler and McAdams, so what's most likely the case is that Warner Bros. is simply looking to capitalize off of the actresses profile. Adding McAdams to promotional material, even for a small role, adds to the film's overall star power. Would you like to see a bigger role for Rachel McAdams in "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows"? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!

Carol Burnett draws publicists' nod

Hollywood publicists have tapped Carol Burnett to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Intl. Cinematographers Guild's 49th annual Publicists Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Feb. 24. Kudo was announced Wednesday by ICG president Steven Poster and Henri Bollinger, Awards Committee chairman. The org noted Burnett has won six Emmys, two Golden Globes, a special Tony Award, a Peabody Award, a Kennedy Center Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. "Carol Burnett has had an extraordinary career and a reputation for direct involvement in the promotion of the shows and movies in which she has starred," Bollinger said. "She has a clear understanding of the role publicity plays in the success of TV shows and movies." Previous recipients of the award include George Burns, Lew Wasserman, Warren Beatty, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Clint Eastwood, Julie Andrews, Harrison Ford and Robert Zemeckis. Last year's recipient was Sylvester Stallone. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Disney Shares Surge 6 % as Wall Street Brags About Earnings

Disney saw its stock rise 6 % on Friday as Wall Street experts cheered its fiscal 4th-quarter earnings which were revealed each day earlier.our editor recommendsDisney Posts 30 % Increase in Quarterly Net Gain as Amusement Parks SoarHarlem Nun Sues Disney, The new sony Declaring They Stole 'Sister Act'Euro Disney Posts Greater Fiscal Year Loss Among Opportunities The organization stated Thursday that it is quarterly revenue rose 7 percent to $10.43 billion and net gain jumped 30 % to $1.25 billion. "A resounding beat," crowed Michael Nathanson of Nomura Equity Research on Friday. "After two unimpressive quarters, Disney compensated investors who stored the belief." Nathanson upped his cost target on Disney stock by a remarkable $5 a share on Friday to $43. Disney shares rose $2.06 on Friday to $36.70. "Disney will get in the anticipation game after two disappointing quarters," echoed Michael Morris of Davenport & Co. The analyst elevated his target on Disney by $1 on Friday to $39 a share. "The operating outcome was solid where it mattered, as cable systems, parks and resorts and broadcast results arrived above anticipation," stated Anthony DiClemente of Barclays Capital. The analyst left his $44 cost target unchanged. The majority of the experts appeared impressed with Disney's amusement park and ESPN assets. "Given ESPN's greatest-ever share of the market of sports content, ESPN has generated a powerful competitive moat around its business," stated DiClemente. Even an National basketball association lockout will not harm ESPN, Disney Boss Bob Iger told the experts on Thursday, as fans and marketers will seek college basketball along with other sports to meet the increasing demand. Related Subjects Bob Iger The Wally Disney Company National basketball association ESPN

Walking Dead's Robert Kirkman: Lori's Surprising Answers Are Just the Beginning

Andrew Lincoln subsequently, Sarah Wayne Callies [Spoiler Warning: This story consists of particulars from both Sunday's episode from the Walking Dead and also the comics the AMC series is dependant on.As though Lori's existence within the zombie-plagued realm of The Walking Dead wasn't already tumultuous, she got a bit of surprising news which will alter the dynamic from the children.In Sunday's episode, Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) discovered she's pregnant. But whose baby could it be? Husband Ron (Andrew Lincoln subsequently), who had been comatose at the beginning of the zombie apocalypse? His closest friend Shane (Jon Bernthal), who started a torrid romance with Lori thinking Ron passed away in the hospital? To discover, we switched to Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman, who also dishes around the impending conflict using the Greene family and also the return of Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker)!The Walking Dead searches for existence after Frank DarabontLori is pregnant! How's she going to cope with this thought?Robert Kirkman: It's certainly a terrifying factor to think about nowadays using the condition of things, it's like returning to pioneer days and needing to be worried about how you are likely to give birth and just how you are likely to survive her pregnancy. This can be a very complicated process in modern occasions, it takes lots of interaction with doctors and none of this stuff can be obtained, so it will likely be terrifying on her.The large real question is if the baby is Rick's or Shane's. How's that likely to modify the dynamic one of the three of these particularly?Kirkman: This will probably be a catalyst for Shane. Once he discovers relating to this, presuming he is doing discover relating to this, he will react pretty strongly for this. His whole reason behind worrying about Lori and Carl (Chandler Riggs) is the fact that they have be a surrogate family on their behalf. If he thinks this baby will probably be his, that's just likely to solidify his condition with this particular family. It's certainly likely to throw a wrench within the whole love triangular factor that's happening.The Walking Dead: 10 things in the comics the cast can't wait to playIs Lori's pregnancy what Jenner had whispered to Ron in the CDC within the Season 1 finale?Kirkman: [Laughs] I can not say. That continues to be to appear. All I'm able to have to say is that it's going to certainly be revealed this year. We are approaching the midpoint of year, so the probability of it finding yourself in the very first half is searching pretty slim.Will Ron begin to clue directly into what's happening using the tension between Lori and Shane?Kirkman: Yeah, certainly. The truth is: We never want our primary character to appear like he's stupid. That isn't something we have ever wish to accomplish. The crowd has known this affair because the very start of the show. Ron is really a officer, and so i would suspect he might start catching onto things at some point.The Walking Dead: Can the children exist together with your family at Hershel's farm?The children and also the Greene family appear to become heading toward conflict. What else could you inform us about what's ahead on their behalf?Kirkman: It's interesting to be aware when this show was told in the outlook during the Greene family, then Ron and every one of children would virtually function as the villains ... Hershel (Scott Wilson), Otis (Pruitt Taylor Vince), Patricia (Jane McNeill) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) were getting quite a OK time around the farm, after which this group came and Otis was wiped out and today there's this powder keg of crazy people living around the farm. Obviously this will result in conflict. We have now seen that Hershel says they are going to need to log off his farm once Carl is much better, now that we all know Lori is pregnant, and Hershel is usually the only guy that has any type of medical expertise, they have certainly got lots of incentive to intentionally remain on that farm. Things can get pretty interesting soon.AMC renews Walking Dead for third season In line with the promotions for in a few days, Merle is finally coming back. What else could you inform us of the items he's been as much as?Kirkman: All I'm able to really say about Merle's return is it happened to us within the writing of getting Merle back that people never even saw Daryl Dixon and Merle Dixon interact within the first season. These were never inside a scene together. Dealing with see Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker really interacting and playing off one another will probably be a massive treat for that audience and it is something we have been dying to get at.Are you currently searching toward Merle's return? Whose baby is Lori really transporting? Hit your comments ought to together with your ideas.The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC.

TCM nabs 'Hell on Wheels' in U.K.

LONDON -- Turner Classic Movies has nabbed U.K. TV privileges to Endemol USA oater "Hell on Wheels." The show, occur publish-Civil War America, is made together with eOne and Nomadic Pictures for AMC, where it'll bow Sunday. Story involves a Confederate soldier who sets to take revenge for that killing of his wife by Union troops. "Hell on Wheels" has additionally been acquired through the Sundance Funnel for Portugal, The country, Eastern and Central Europe, plus AB Droits in France, Antenna 3 in The country, TV Norge in Norwegian and CNBC-e in Poultry. Endemol has European TV privileges while eOne is the owner of all home theatre and digital privileges plus TV privileges for that relaxation around the globe. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Hot Trailer: American Reunion

Universal Pictures has released a trailer for American Reunion, that's likely to be out April 6, 2012. It seems that Jason Biggs, Allyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari, Shannon Elizabeth, Tara Reid, Chris Klein, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Thomas Ian Nicholas and Eugene Levy are around their old techniques. You now request ,, is always that an optimistic factor?

J.K. Rowling Almost Killed Ron Weasley

In other 'Harry Potter'-death-related news, J.K. Rowling has revealed that she almost killed one your favorite characters from the beloved franchise. In an interview with The Guardian, the author admits how close she came to axing Ron Weasley at the end of the seventh and final 'Potter' book. So, what stopped her? "Funnily enough, I planned from the start that none of them would die. Then midway through, which I think is a reflection of the fact that I wasn't in a very happy place, I started thinking I might polish one of them off. Out of sheer spite," Rowling told the paper. "But I think in my absolute heart of heart of hearts, although I did seriously consider killing Ron, [I wouldn't have done it]." You have to love that Rowling refers to killing one of her characters as "polishing them off." At least Weasley fans everywhere can now sleep well knowing that their "king" is living the good life with Hermione and their two children, Rose and Hugo. You can see Ron, and his other mates, when 'The Deathly Hallows Part II' hits shelves on Nov. 11. [via Guardian] [Photo: Warner Bros.] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Schweiger to star in killer pic

SchweigerBERLIN -- German star Til Schweiger is taking a break from his trademark screwball comedies and getting deadly serious for his next pic, an action thriller about a professional hitman.Schweiger is writing, directing and producing "The Guardian," which has so far picked up Euros600,000 ($850,434) from the German Federal Film Fund (FFA).The multi-hyphenate will produce via his Berlin-based Barefoot Films. Paul Maurice is co-writing the script.Schweiger's last film, "Kokowaah," about a skirt-chasing writer whose life is turned upside down when a little girl shows up on his doorstep, earned some $43 million at the German box office this year, making it the most successful domestic pic of the year and a major hit for Warner Bros. Contact Ed Meza at staff@variety.com

Matraga (A hora e a vez p Augusto Matraga)

A Prodigo Films presentation and production, in colaboration with Orkestra Filmes, using the participation of TeleImage, Studio Quanta. Created by Adriano Civita, Beto Gauss. Exective producer, Elisa Tolomelli. Directed by Vinicius Coimbra. Script, Manuela Dias, Coimbra, in line with the short story by Joao Guimaraes Rosa.With: Joao Miguel, Vanessa Gerbelli, Jose Wilker, Chico Anysio, Antonio Petrin, Ze Dumont, Teca Pereira, Ivan p Almeida, Irandhir Santos, Gorete Milagres, Werner Schunemann, Claudio Jaborandi, Vinicius p Oliveira, Odilon Esteves, Romulo Braga, Julio Andrade, Alexandre Zachia, Evil Reboucas, Geraldo Peninha, Glicerio Rosario Dias, Joao Dinico, Iami Lobato Silva, Melissa Isabelli, Carolina Franca.A Brazilian bandit player sees the sunshine, simply to be confronted with more violent opponents in "Matraga," the type of film where you'd half-be prepared to visit a miniature angel and demon do fight while perched around the protag's shoulders. But newcomer Vinicius Coimbra's suave but simplistic adaptation from the 1946 short story by literary giant Joao Guimaraes Rosa is simply too committed to as being a feijoada Western, seasoned with regionalist touches, to actually plumb the depths of Matraga's opposing interior forces. Quadruple wins in the Rio fest should help local odds, while curio factor inspires some sprocket-opera shootouts. Within an unspecified time, courageous rural troublemaker Augusto Matraga (Joao Miguel, sufficient) is drawn in by two religious outcasts (Ivan p Almeida, Teca Pereira) after being left for dead by his adversaries. He subsequently turns into a God-fearing citizen, until a effective landowner (Jose Wilker) crosses his path. Lensing and art direction are specifically elegant, although the tanned, leatherlike faces and whiskey-colored firelight imbue a nostalgic, yellowed-paper quality that romanticizes the violence, towards the hindrance of mental insight. Helmer Roberto Santos' earlier "Matraga" adaptation performed Cannes in 1966.Camera (color), Lula Carvalho editor, Alexandre Boechat music, Sasha Amback production designer, Moa Batsow costume designer, Janet Filipecki. Examined at Rio Film Festival (competing), March. 14, 2011. Running time: 106 MIN. Contact Boyd van Hoeij at news@variety.com

Cable Pilot Castings: Dan Lauria To Star In Sullivan & Son, Austin Butler In Intercept

EXCLUSIVE: Dan Lauria is set to star opposite Steve Byrne in TBS half-hour comedy pilot Sullivan And Son, starring comedian Byrne and executive produced by Vince Vaughn and Peter Billingsley. Written by Byrne and Cheers alum Rob Long, Sullivan And Son is in the vein of the classic NBC comedy and takes place in a popular and legendary neighborhood bar in a working-class neighborhood in Pittsburgh. It centers on Steve Sullivan (Byrne), the son of the bars current owner (Lauria) and the grandson of its founder, who surprises his Irish-American father and Korean-American mother (Jodi Long) when he decides to leave his job as a successful corporate attorney in New York and return to the neighborhood to take over Sullivan & Son. Lauria is with Talent Works, Marshak/Zachary & Jeff Berger. Austin Butler, who has been recurring on ABC Family’s Switched At Birth, is set to star in a potential new series for the network. Butler has joined ABC Family’s hourlong pilot Intercept, a technology- and action-driven drama about four college students who get roped into solving crimes when one of them (Butler) creates a high-tech communication device that intercepts conversations throughout the West Coast. Butler joins recently cast Danielle Panabaker and Chloe Wang.

Fringe Scoop: 5 Items to Know Since Peter Has Came back

Joshua Jackson [Warning: This story consists of spoilers from Friday's episode of Fringe.] Fringe's Peter has came back! After Olivia (Anna Torv) and Walter (John Noble) both recognized these were getting visions of the identical strange guy, they set to uncover his identity. Thinking about that Peter (Joshua Jackson) required the type of a vibrant blue blob of one's -- an unwanted effect of attempting to mix in to the timeline -- he found them first. After watching The Power Blob absorbing everything metal, they incorrectly assumed it was really a rogue cortexiphan patient Olivia had formerly experienced who had a chance to project themself . Even though they hunted lower the topic under consideration, works out he wasn't accountable for The Blob, but tend to destroy it. Fringe Scoop: Peter returns... but nobody takes note of him! Fortunately, recognizing it had been literally the guy of her dreams, Olivia stopped the individual over time, though he still apparently provided enough juice for Peter to come back in corporeal form at Reiden Lake, the website well over-there Peter's dying when he would be a boy. So, Peter has returned - but nobody takes note of him, as displayed when Olivia stated, "Who're you?" Who's he indeed? As this is the convoluted realm of Fringe, we have to become familiar with this particular new Peter, so we have put together 5 things to understand about him and also the reality he's facing since he's came back: 1. Peter 2. is certainly upgrading: Peter is technically exactly the same guy we have arrived at know and love, but he is not the guy we first met. "Since the guy that people met at first of Fringe didn't have wish to be there, and gradually got warped into this, as John and that i referred to it, fanboy," Jackson formerly told us. "Throughout doing that, he type of went from being the impetuous teen from the show to type of sulking within the corner, to really as being a guy. And also the guy who does return towards the show after getting sacrificed themself for that passion for his household is another guy. I believe he's developed a great deal. I believe another guy returns compared to guy that left." 2. You will see trust issues: They might not know him, but Peter still maintains all his reminiscences of these, that will make the Fringe Division to place him on lockdown. "When he turns up declaring all these points and knowing all these points, it is freaky," Lance Reddick states. "Broyles' attitude is the fact that it is possible what he's saying holds true, however the last place I am likely to do would be to believe him... a minimum of in the beginning. It needs to achieve a place where there's a lot validity towards the information he has and exactly how he helps, that with time, he's given increasingly more trust and increasingly more freedom to use, work and help." Fringe Bosses: Peter never been around, however the last three seasons still did 3. Peter and Walter will not be playing catch in the near future: Poor Peter, he most likely expected a warm welcome from his father, but all Walter sees may be the guy that has been haunting his visions. "'Oh hello there, I am your son' -- It will not be, 'Oh thank heavens for your,'" Noble told us on set. "Around Walter may would like it to be [like this] - and we'll see some that, but we can not resolve this too soon, so we have reached build that factor through. You will see some resolution within the first half of year.Inch 4. Peter and Olivia aren't relaxing in a tree: Oh, the way we wish it were really like old occasions and they'd just fall under each other peoples arms, but Torv states, "Within this timeline, Olivia does not know who he's, as well as in Peter's timeline, it required them a very long time to obtain together, so..." 5. Baby Henry is not a gleam in Peter's eye: Simply because Peter has returned, does not mean his baby with Bolivia instantly is going to be, too. "It isn't possible if they have never met," Torv states. "Unless of course we finish up returning towards the other timeline, which might happen." Are you currently excited that Peter has returned? Seem off within the comments!

'The Lady in Black' Trailer: Daniel Radcliffe Freaks Out

&amplta href='http://video.uk.msn.com/?mkt=en-gb&ampampfrom=null&ampampvid=46fcf972-d1fc-4739-91c9-e5830a3a5ca9&ampampsrc=FLPl:embed::uuids' target='_new' title='MSN World Exclusive: Lady In Black - Uk trailer' &ampgtVideo: MSN World Exclusive: Lady In Black - Uk trailer&amplt/a&ampgt .publish-content img There wouldn't be just as much fanfare surrounding 'The Lady in Black' whether or not this wasn't Daniel Radcliffe's first publish-'Harry Potter' film. On paper, the film appears much like your standard horror flick: a young lawyer travels towards the and surrounding suburbs and discovers a ghost losing it the neighborhood people. However, when the short but terrifying teaser opened up in August, many amazed at -- well, how good the film looked. Does the initial full trailer for your movie keep so great will going? Yep! While it's tough to judge an entire film having a two-minute clip, 'The Lady in Black' trailer indicates a project that should be quite entertaining. Your friendly Moviefone editors are rooting for Daniel to become launched on top with that certain. Ultimately, we wouldn't want Potter fans on Quiddich brooms chasing after after us across the relaxation within our lives, either. [via MSN] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Whitney Houston Faces Offered by Airline travel Personnel

Whitney Houston Whitney Houston rejected to buckle her vehicle car seatbelt onboard a Delta flight from Atlanta on Wednesday, People has confirmed.Photo gallery: Whitney Houston using the yearsThe 48-year-old Grammy champion "had words" getting a crew member who asked for the singer to lock her vehicle car seatbelt. After she was informed that they may be started the Detroit-bound flight if she didn't comply, Houston eventually allowed your flight attendant to buckle her in.Have a look at really current day news"She wasn't drunk, consuming or on drugs she only decided to be exhausted," an origin told People.Houston has saved a small-profile lately, after apparently stretching her stay at a rehab facility in June.

Holly Robinson Peete Books First Gig Since Leaving The Talk: Arc On CBS Comedy Mike & Molly

EXCLUSIVE: No hard feelings? Two months after her surprising ouster from CBS’ daytime show The Talk, Holly Robinson Peete is returning to the network for her first major post-Talk gig: a multiple-episode arc on CBS’ sophomore comedy Mike & Molly. Robinson Peete has been enjoying an outpouring of support from fans of The Talk following CBS’ August decision not to pick up her and fellow co-host Leah Remini’s options for Season 2, and there has been a lot of curiosity about what the actress would do next. Joining a CBS series was probably not high on anybody’s guess list. Mike & Molly, from creator Mark Roberts, executive producer Chuck Lorre and Warner Bros TV, stars Billy Gardell as overweight police officer Mike and Melissa McCarthy as his plus-size schoolteacher girlfriend Molly. Robinson Peete will play a love interest for Mike’s partner Carl (Reno Wilson), who lives with grandmother and has been struggling with women. This marks Robinson Peete’s return to multi-camera comedy genre where she she has starred in a number of series, including the Warner Bros TV-produced Like Family. The actress, repped by Innovative and manager John Ferriter, also has a cameo in the upcoming 21 Jump Street movie, reprising her role from the Fox series.

Ask Matt: Homeland, Revenge, Dancing, Prime Suspect, and More!

Damien Lewis, Claire Danes Send questions to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com and follow me on Twitter!Question: Homeland is excellent! Absolutely loved the first episode! I love the drama, storyline and just how it was set up for the entire season. My question to you is if this show is supposed to be only one season or depending on the ratings may extend to another season? ­- MikeMatt Roush: Isn't it great! Let's hope Homeland runs for as many seasons as the story allows. You always have to figure shows like these are intended to run beyond a single season. (If not, we'd be calling it a miniseries.) But I do understand the question, because the initial premise of the show - is Brody a sleeper agent, or is Carrie crazier than she seems? - makes you wonder where the story will go once we get to the root of what happened during Brody's captivity and whether that figures into a larger terrorist conspiracy. Preferring to go on the ride without knowing where it's heading (no spoilers here, obviously), I'm basically looking on this season as the first chapter in what is promising to be an emotionally compelling thrill ride.Question: For the first time in years, I am finding myself really enjoying many new fall shows. What are your thoughts on Revenge? I have really enjoyed the episodes so far. The cast is stellar and the story leaves enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. But I am concerned about the sustainability and longevity of the show. I know producers have promised to run a couple of "revenge" stories per year, but so far it seems like everything is leading up to an "end." What do you think about its chances for long-term success? - RobMatt Roush: Hard to say. I wasn't sold on this one initially, though I do understand its appeal as a melodramatic guilty pleasure with a healthy dose - maybe overdose - of class warfare wish fulfillment. (A pox on those hateful rich-bitch Hamptonites!) My problem as I've watched the successive episodes so far is that it keeps hitting the same beats rather slavishly - Emily certainly makes her payback schemes look ridiculously easy - and even the overripe showdowns between Emily and queen bee Victoria feel repetitive to me. (Plus, when the focus shifts to blah subplots like the Romeo and Juliet relationship of Declan and Charlotte, I feel I'm trapped in ABC Family hell.) But if the producers stick to their guns and move the story forward in presumably surprising ways after this initial arc of Emily's cross-off-the-next-victim game plan, that could make for a more interesting show. Revenge opened strong but has lost ground a bit, though it's still doing considerably better than any other drama ABC has tried in that tough time period in recent seasons. So I can't imagine we won't get a full season of this show, and what happens in the back half will determine whether this really is worth watching for the long haul.Want more Matt Roush? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!Question: I enjoy reading critical opinion about TV, especially yours, but sometimes I feel like TV critics get stuck on an idea and echo-chamber something into the ground. I definitely feel that way about critical response to Free Agents, but I'm writing particularly about Prime Suspect. I know critics watched, and loved, the Helen Mirren version, but I feel like it's blinded you to how good the Bello show is, just because it's called the same thing. Critics appear to have gotten stuck on the Prime Suspect title and decided that the show could only be a pale imitation. I've seen some of the Mirren Prime Suspect and found it excellent, but I can divorce that from what Maria Bello and co. are quietly and competently (dare I say more than competently) doing over on NBC. I think that thanks to critical drubbing, this show is on the cancellation track when the elements are all there for success. I definitely disagreed with critics about what they considered to be the weaknesses of the pilot. I think it's telling that most of the critics complaining about the "cartoonish" sexism were men, because I'm a woman in a heavily male work environment and I can tell you they didn't go far enough and obvious enough. I acknowledge the hat and Jane's rough edges are a stylistic choice that may not be to everyone's taste (though I like them), but nobody can deny that you can look at this character and tell exactly who she is. I just feel like this show was judged and found wanting without a fair trial, and I'm sorry that it's probably going to be canceled, because it's a great show, with some amazing talent doing better-than-solid work in front and behind the camera. - NikaMatt Roush: Don't give up on this one yet. I haven't. Although I'm also not going to apologize for comparing it unfavorably to the British series - they asked for it, after all, by naming it Prime Suspect (a title that doesn't really even apply to this more generic series) - or for criticizing the over-the-top portrayal of the "beef trust" in the pilot episode. Which seems to have been scaled back since, as promised. I liked Bello's portrayal from the start, but wish they'd toughened the character even more. (Case in point: Substituting Jane Tennison's self-destructive alcoholism for the new Jane's nicotine habit, played for laughs, feels like such a "network" sort of compromise.) NBC is probably going to be patient with this one as best it can - giving it some additional exposure the next few Mondays (in the Playboy Club slot) is a good start - but if it fails, it won't be a result of critical derision but because it didn't stand out enough from the oversaturated field of police dramas. And with this pedigree, it should have.Question: I am looking for a positive spin on CW's Nikita ratings. Do you have one to offer? The show is phenomenally good and I hate that all the press right now is coming down to ratings. - SabrinaMatt Roush: The best way to spin those numbers is to put them in context. We're talking the CW here, and Friday night TV, so figure that expectations are low. I can't imagine the CW expected Nikita to do much better than it's doing in this lousy Friday time period, where it has to be a self-starter. In the bigger picture, Nikita is the kind of slick action thriller that can sell well internationally, so it may be in the best corporate interest (of Warner Bros., the "W" in the "CW" equation) to keep the show going regardless of its ratings. I'm enjoying the rogue nature of Nikita this season, but its dense mythology probably doesn't help when it comes to attracting new viewers, even if the show hadn't switched nights.Question: I am watching Dancing with the Stars for the first time this season. I read in TV Guide Magazine this week that ratings have dropped 18 percent mainly due to the "lackluster cast." Well, it's the cast that drew me to watch the first week and to continue watching. It's a mix of people I have liked for years (Ricki, Chynna, David, Carson), people that I wanted to see a different side of (Nancy, Chaz), and people I only vaguely recognized but was curious about (Hope, Rob, J.R.). It's the first time in ages that I knew who most of the "stars" were. Approaching week 4, I'm running into two obstacles to enjoyment: two-hour episodes plus an hourlong results show, and fans voting off superior performers. Although I wasn't crying in my beer when Ron/Metta, Elisabetta and Kristen were eliminated, it didn't seem right for them to be sent off when they had done so well by the judges' scores. Still, someone must go every week and the heavy weighting of the fan votes keeps the competition interesting for them.The long episodes in the early weeks are justified because we see the hard work in rehearsals and the developing chemistry (or not) of the stars with their pro partners. I have watched episodes both live and recorded and can't get through the recordings in less than 95 minutes because I like to run a couple of the dance routines back and watch them again. I only watched one of the results shows all the way through and liked it OK, but a whole hour seems unnecessary. As much as I am enjoying this season so far, I can't justify devoting three hours a week to it, so I'm not. This is a beautifully produced show, so should I feel guilty about enjoying it on my own terms? Is there any realistic solution to the time problem? - FrankMatt Roush: I'm always interested in someone's first-time take on a long-running phenom. Your learning curve is, I'm betting, not that much different than how the rest of us have adjusted to watching Dancing over time. In other words, NEVER IN REAL TIME. The padding of these two-hour performance shows and especially the hourlong results shows are excruciating to watch in anything but fast-forward mode. Like you, I have replayed some of my favorite (or most indelibly train-wreck) performances along the way, and I figure there are many fans who regard the results show, with the guest performers and dancers, as a throwback of sorts to the old-fashioned variety show. But three hours of this, and four hours of The X Factor some weeks, is just too much. I certainly don't have the time or inclination in a brand-new season to spend infinite hours with these shows, but at the same time, if you enjoy the rehearsal footage and production values, there's nothing to be guilty about, however you choose to indulge. As we recently reported in the same issue you referred to, these super-sized reality shows aren't going to shrink anytime soon, even as their ratings have gone down noticeably this fall. Regarding Dancing's numbers and the current cast, I'll be curious if the ratings start improving, now that they've shed most of the "who-are-these-people" contestants. But in analyzing the Dancing numbers, it's not just about the show but about the environment, and Mondays are much more competitive this fall, with bigger-than-usual numbers for the CBS comedies plus fresh meat like Terra Nova.Question: If Whitney is supposed to be "taped before a live audience," then why the annoying laugh track?? Oh yeah, I know - because it is NOT funny. - RJMatt Roush: Whitney is a very grating show, which makes the pumped-up laughter that much more irritating, but as I've said before, I don't buy into the snobbery concerning the classic sitcom format. My advice is to get used to it. And not just because Whitney got a full-season pickup. (Sigh.) Especially with the mega-ratings for CBS' traditionally filmed comedies (Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory and even the resurgent How I Met Your Mother, which employs a laugh track without benefit of a studio audience), I'm betting you'll see a higher percentage of shows in the pipeline embracing the old format, which includes actual laughter from the studio audience, though often sweetened in the final mix. If the show is funny, like Big Bang, I don't mind it. And the brilliance and success of Modern Family aside, many of TV's most enduring and successful comedy hits have come accompanied with the sound of unseen people's laughter.Question: While I enjoyed the previous season of Harry's Law, the new season is even better. Gone is the fluffy romance of Jenna and Malcolm from the first season (In fact, Aml Ameen is nowhere to be seen). In contrast, the new season has a tougher edge, with Jean Smart's bitchy DA Remmick as the perfect foil for Harry. Also, Alfred Molina has been superb as the dangerously disturbed murder suspect Eric Sanders. If this first three-episode arc is any indication of what we will be treated to this year, Harry's Law may become something NBC hasn't seen since their Law & Order heyday: a hit drama. Your thoughts? - CarlMatt Roush: I wasn't shy about sharing my feelings about Harry's Law last season, so it's probably not a surprise that in my estimation, the show had only one way to go, and that's up. So yes, I'm on board with the changes, including the addition of the always-welcome Mark Valley, and even when I'm not a fan, I can appreciate that David E. Kelley shows have always been strong in the guest-casting department, and that's been the case in the first arc this season, especially watching Jean Smart go head-to-head against Kathy Bates. Even so, classifying this show as a hit is a stretch. It skews very old (which isn't a negative in my eyes, but I'm not an advertiser) and is in a terrible time period, where it's being outpaced by bigger hits like Modern Family, Criminal Minds and The X Factor. It's lucky to be on NBC, where so much of the schedule is in tatters that it's likely to be left alone for a while.Question: I know it's a bit early to be thinking about this, but given the larger-than-usual number of strong pilots for midseason and obviously limited shelf space on the networks, what do you think the chances are of fall series being picked up for a full season this year? Fox has already said that Terra Nova won't have a back-nine order due to its long turnaround time, but what about other shows? I know ABC has to be looking for a new hit to replace Desperate Housewives next year, and if the subsequent episodes stay as fun as the pilot was, I'd be pretty okay with Pan Am moving up an hour to do that. But will they even give it a full season to grow, with shows like Good Christian Belles and The River waiting in the wings? Is it possible that some of the fall shows could be expected to return next fall, without back-nine orders? Such a long hiatus (albeit for strike-induced reasons) ultimately doomed Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money, which started off strong pre-strike, and obviously Terra Nova will have the same problem if it launches again next fall. I just hope that all the good stuff this fall gets to stick around long enough to stay visible. - JakeMatt Roush: I'm sorry to say that it's not looking as if Pan Am has the lift to fill Desperate Housewives' pumps after all. Although I'll be surprised if it doesn't get a full-season pickup to prove its case. Maybe GCB will have better luck at midseason. And don't rule out Once Upon a Time as a sleeper contender. I just watched a second (actually the third) episode, and I'm now on board with this fanciful series in a way I wasn't after my first look at the overstuffed pilot. To answer your actual question, I don't think any successful first-year show except Terra Nova (which has a limited first season for logistical reason) will be denied a full-season pickup because of midseason replacement needs. There's ample time to rest shows in the spring to give midseason hopefuls a tryout and then bring them back (when warranted) to finish the season. You're right that benching shows too early makes it more difficult to relaunch them the next year. But I don't see that affecting any of the breakout shows this season.Question: Maybe I'm a huge dork, but I love the show Parenthood. There never seems to be any buzz about it at all. Don't get me wrong. I'm in love with The Good Wife, one of the absolute best shows on TV now and maybe ever. I've adored Julianna Margulies since ER, ditto with Josh Charles since Sports Night. The writing, the acting, everything is impeccable. Desperate Housewives needs to go from Sundays immediately. So stupid and badly written and acted at this point. But Parenthood is an extremely moving show. Is it only on the air because NBC has crap programming? Does it get any ratings at all since it's up against Body of Proof? Can't tell you how tired I am of shows about a medical examiner who goes everywhere when the real ones do post-mortems in the lab and visit crime scenes. Only. Parenthood is the only "family" show that I'm interested in. Are there any others at this point? I hate how they just stop story lines, although many shows seem to do this. The Lauren Graham character was becoming a successful playwright and it was cool. Now she's back to having no direction and her only activities are bugging her daughter and dating the teacher. It's all pathetic and ridiculous. This is the star of Gilmore Girls, after all. She's a phenomenon, for goodness sake. But I love the new venture with Colby and Adam and the Julia thing with the coffee girl and her baby. Yes, the parents are meddlesome. This is not uncommon. The Asperger's thing is done really well, I think, having known a few people with this condition. I'm just curious if it has any future and if I'm the only one watching it. - TeddyMatt Roush: Parenthood is a rarity on TV, dealing with multigenerational family issues in a more-or-less realistic manner, with humor and warmth (and at times maybe a bit too much hysteria). I'm kind of glad they dialed back on Sarah-as-budding-playwright, because I like that the Bravermans for the most part aren't living a heightened-for-TV lifestyle. And the Asperger's storyline for Max has always been the most moving and successful aspect of this series. The fact that NBC recently increased the show's order this season from 16 to 18 episodes is a welcome sign of support on behalf of a network that has very few bright spots. Parenthood isn't what you'd call a hit, but its concentration of younger viewers makes it more competitive than most dramas on the NBC schedule. I've always been struck by how people say they want to see shows like this on TV, and then tend to ignore them when they're on, in favor of the kind of formula TV (like Body of Proof and, even worse, Unforgettable) you can watch virtually any hour of the week. Parenthood's future is directly tied to NBC's fortunes - if the network starts doing better, it will begin to shed its more marginal players - but I sense NBC really believes in this show and isn't looking to dump it.That's all for now. Keep sending your comments and questions to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com, and in the meantime, follow me on Twitter!Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

'Breaking Bad' Season 4 Finale Earns Record Ratings

AMC AMC scored a win with the season four finale of their hit series Breaking Bad. Across three airings on Sunday, Oct. 9 (10 pm, 11 pm, Midnight), the show nabbed 2.9 million viewers, with 1.8 million in the 18-49 demographic. PHOTOS: THR's Emmy Icon Covers With Bryan Cranston, Mary Tyler Moore The show was also ranked as the most engaging series on television according to Nielsen's IAG, which measures program engagement and ad effectiveness. THR COVER STORY: Hollywood's Emmy Icons Overall, season four is Breaking Bad's highest rated season to date. The series grew 24% over season three among adults 18-49, which is the largest jump for any drama series in the history of basic cable. Season four averaged 1.9 million viewers. In August, AMC announced a 16-episode final season to air in 2012. AMC TV Ratings Breaking Bad

Box Office Preview: Hugh Jackman's 'Real Steel' Set to Win Weekend

Shawn Levy's father-boy boxing tale Real Steel features a apparent shot within the weekend box office crown on the potency of families and fans, because the George Clooney-directed political drama Ides of Marchwill rely on older grownups.our editor recommendsReal Steel: Film ReviewThe Ides of March: Film Review'The Ides of March': George Clooney, Ryan Gosling Play Politics in New Trailer (Video)'Real Steel': Hugh Jackman Talks Robot Boxing, Possible Follow-up (Video) Conservative estimations show Real Steel -- starring Hugh Jackman -- opening inside the $22 million-$25 million range. Disney is disseminating the film. PHOTOS: 'Real Steel' Start Searching: Hugh Jackman in DreamWorks' Robot Boxing Film From DreamWorks, the $110 million pic introduces the game of robot boxing which is occur the long term. Jackman's character, a washed-up fighter, discovers he's an 11-year-old boy, as well as the two bond around the junkyard robot they uncover. The finest question for you is whether males under 25 might have up (they've been AWOL within the multiplex in recent several days). Real Steel, rated PG-13, examined best among families in prereleasing tests. Disney thinks Sunday business may be strong, since Monday might be the Columbus Day holiday, when 36% of babies come from school. VIDEO: Hugh Jackman Describes Robot Boxing in 'Real Steel' Featurette Overseas, the DreamWorks pic opens in many major areas, including Mexico, Russia and Australia (Jackman's home country). Within The U . s . States, Real Steelopens in 3,440 locations, including Imax theaters. Ides of Marchgoes by 50 percent,199. The brand new the new sony is disseminating Ides of March -- starring Clooney, Ryan Gosling and Philip Seymour Hoffman -- for Mix Creek pictures, which fully funded the $12.5 million political thriller. VIDEO: George Clooney States He's Still 'Upset' About Losing 'Thelma & Louise' Role to Kaira Pitt The well-examined Ides of March, set within a presidential campaign, should make the most of its topical written content. The film is monitoring best among as well as males over the age of 25, however the new the new sony needs more youthful moviegoers to exhibit out too. Within the niche box office, Emilio Estevez's The Means By Which, starring the director's father,Martin Sheen, opens in 33 locations. The film continues to be disseminating the Producers Distribution Agency. VIDEO: George Clooney States 'ER' Made His Existence 'More Complicated' The Weinstein Co. opens Dirty Girl, starring Juno Temple, in nine locations, while IFC opens follow-up Human Centipede 2: Full Sequencein 18. Related Subjects George Clooney Hugh Jackman Philip Seymour Hoffman Ryan Gosling Real Steel Martin Sheen Emilio Estevez The Ides of March An Individuals Centipede 2

Fox taps Godsick in your thoughts consumer products

GodsickJeffrey Godsick, a longtime marketing vet at last century Fox, remains named leader of Fox Consumer Products. Lucrative runs worldwide certification of Fox's film and TV characteristics across all consumer products groups, including traditional merchandise, interactive gaming, posting and TV promotions. He'll manage both La and London offices, with Robert Marick, professional V . p . of Fox Consumer Products, verifying to him. Godsick reviews to last century Fox Television chairs Gary Newman and Dana Walden, since last century Fox Consumer Products can be a unit of last century Fox TV. "Jeffrey can be a most likely probably the most respected marketing professionals in this industry, which we leaped in the chance to create him onboard to steer our consumer products division," Newman mentioned. "His history over side remains amazing, which they know brand stewardship a lot better than anybody in the region. With this particular defacto standard characteristics like 'The Simpsons,' 'Glee,' 'Ice Age,' 'Family Guy' and 'Avatar' to title a couple of, you will discover fantastic options to build up our business." Fox might be the most recent studio to recently reorganize its consumer products division -- Disney and Vital offer attracted on new chiefs within the last several several days. The moves come since the models are becoming more valuable reasons for revenue for your majors, especially as art galleries produce more merchandise-friendly films and tv shows with broad appeal. "We are during the time of the development inside the points of consumer consumption, which amplifies the eye in creativity," mentioned Godsick of the necessity to reinvent how a studio approaches merchandise connected using its characteristics. While Godsick mentioned it absolutely was "too early to go over strategy," he did acknowledge the studio will especially focus on foreign areas. "It's a global business ... they're areas that are also growing in the products perspective." He added that digital platforms like Facebook could influence marketing techniques continue. "I really do think that there's really an opportunity for products being developed and released intended for the launch from the tv series or perhaps the launch from the movie," Godsick mentioned. Fox has frequently anxiously anxiously waited before opening from the film to make the most of its selling options, just like August's "Rise in the Planet in the Apes" as well as the first "Alvin as well as the Chipmunks." But, Godsick mentioned the world success in the Rupert Wyatt-helmed reboot of "Apes" augurs well for possible future obligations. "In my opinion 'Planet in the Apes' has totally opened up up up options overall in the selling and certification perspective. A home needs something to thrust itself to popular culture. Because the home posseses an awareness among a really selection of people, it's broad exposure around the worldwide basis." Since joining Fox in 1995, Godsick has held marketing posts including senior V . p . of publicity, professional V . p . of promoting and senior professional V . p ., concentrating on such campaigns as "Rise in the Planet in the Apes," "X-Males: Top Quality,In . "Rio," "Avatar," the "Ice Age" franchise, the "AlienInch films, the first "X-Males" film trilogy, "Moulin Rouge" and "Independence Day." He left the studio in 2006 being prexy of Fox-Walden for just two years before rejoining Fox. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

Paul Master Starring in Publish-Hurricane Katrina Thriller 'Hours'

Getty Images Paul Master has signed onto star in Hrs, a publish-Hurricane Katrina thriller that's making the directorial debut of film writer Eric Heisserer. Hrs constitutes a change of pace for Heisserer, who is among the town's go-to horror men he authored The One Thing, which opens October 14, along with the recent three dimensional pic, Final Destination. Younger crowd co-authored 2010's A Nightmare on Elm Street. PHOTOS: Premiere Photos: 'Fast Five' and 'Water for Tigers' Hrs informs the storyplot around a youthful father (Master) and the battle to keep his newborn daughter alive within an abandoned New Orleans hospital as a direct consequence of Hurricane Katrina. Peter Safran (Hidden) will produce the film though his Safran Company, also is financing the project, that is thinking of getting a March 2012 start. The film will shoot on location around New Orleans. For Master, coming from the massive success of Fast Five, Hrs reteams with Safran, to whom he just completed principal photography on indie thriller Vehicle 19. The actor also professional created the film. STORY: Paul Master to Executive Produce, Star in 'Vehicle 19' Master and Heisserer are repped by UTA. Master is furthermore repped by Luber Roklin while Heisserer can also be repped by Artwork Entertainment. UTA Independent Film Group packed Hrs together with Safran and can represent worldwide privileges towards the film. Paul Master UTA

Olivia Wilde, Russell Crowe 'Rush' To Ron Howard

Ron Howard can be a hot commodity in Hollywood at this time around after his ambitious approach to both "Arrested Development" film and tv series as well as the not successful "The Dark Tower" adaptation. His next movie might be the F1 racing drama "Hurry," plus it just showed up its latest top quality talent. Deadline is verifying that Olivia Wilde might be the most recent actress to participate Howard's latest film. She'll play seventies supermodel Suzy Burns, who eventually eventually ends up falling deeply deeply in love with and becoming married to primary character James Search. "Thor" star Chris Hemsworth plays Search, and Deadline finds that Howard hopes to recruit Russell Crowe for the film too. See the relaxation of current day casting news following a jump! More Stars Join Schwarzenegger's "The Ultimate Stand" The celebs of "The Ultimate Stand" continue relocating. The newest to participate the project are Rodrigo Santoro and Jaimie Alexander. Santoro may have a celebration-loving officer under Schwarzenegger's command, in line with the Hollywood Reporter. CinemaBlend discovered that Alexander could have a "playful romance" with Santoro's fellow officer. Billy Crudup Heads For The "Neighborhood Watch" "Watchmen" star Billy Crudup might be the most recent actor being signed aboard Ben Stiller's flick, "Neighborhood Watch." In line with the Hollywood Reporter, Crudup may have a neighbor known to as "creepy and strange." The film also stars Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, Will Forte and Rosemarie DeWitt. "Neighborhood Watch" continues to be directed by Akiva Schaffer. 50 Cent Joins "The Pursuit" Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson wants a effective acting career, which explains why he'll headline and produce his next action thriller, "The Pursuit," in line with the Hollywood Reporter. Jackson may have "the cop" inside the film who must synergy getting a criminal to locate an steered obvious of bank crook. Director Jessy Terrero is helming the project. Ensemble Comics Join Untitled Comedy Director Adam Shankman is attempting to reteam Oscar hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin once again. Deadline is verifying they haven't closed a deal getting a studio or hired a author, nevertheless the three principal players inside the film have expressed fascination with cooperating around the comedy. According to Deadline, the untitled movie is known to as "Purchasing and selling Places" meets "Inflammed Old Males." Reveal everything you considered current day Casting Make contact with should be genuine section below or on Twitter!