New poster for that Paperboy

A brand new poster continues to be launched for that Paperboy, Lee Daniels' thriller by which Zac Efron finds themself falling for any noticeably cougarish Nicole Kidman.Efron plays the brother of Matthew McConaughey's investigative journalist, with both males employed in tandem to prove the innocence of John Cusack's dying row inhabitant.Situations are complicated however by the existence of Kidman's character (a lengthy-standing correspondent from the accused) also it is not lengthy before she and Efron end up starting upon an ill-advised affair.The poster does not provide us with a lot more to visit upon beyond that, suffice to express that Efron has clearly been putting lots of hrs in in the club to obtain individuals biceps sufficiently pumped.Modified in the novel by Pete Dexter, The Paperboy has yet to get the official release date, but is anticipated to reach at some stage in 2012. Browse the poster entirely, below...

'W.E' Composer Talks Golden Globes, Making Music With Madonna

In talking about mainstream award shows as well as the of the routine from the annual nominees lists, the Golden Globes are often the most difficult to calculate because their nominees always incorporate a few unforeseen surprises. This year, nobody was possibly more surprised about hearing the 2012 nominations than composer Abel Korzeniowski, who acquired a Best Original Score nomination for his concentrate on "W./E.," the Madonna-directed romantic drama that has not been released wide in theaters. "Its very hard each time a movie is not in theaters," Korzeniowski told MTV News recently of his disbelief in succeeding as nominated. "Up to now weve had only the being qualified run which was one theater in La so little you seen the film. It absolutely was more surprising because we've no ads anywhere, this really is this is not on the net, not in newspapers therefore i thought it wouldnt be possible." The bottom line is: "It's a large surprise." The Polish composer, whose latest work was the score for "Only One Guy," ongoing to convey that becoming connected with "W./E." to start with was an amount bigger surprise. "Eventually I obtained a telephone call that Madonna preferred to go into touch which i simply couldnt accept it. 'What can you mean Madonna? The Madonna?' She preferred to transmit us a script which when i first first got it too as with the script itself there has been already references to my music," he appreciated. "It had been really flattering. Generally after our initial conferences we required to focus on the phone, which is not ideal situation but no less than once we spoke around the telephone she could sing somewhat in my opinion which was really thrilling, in the event you contemplate it. Madonna is singing my music around the telephone and hearing this and he or she doesn't need auto tune, it absolutely was just great." Korzeniowski referred to this specific scoring experience, he employed a 60-piece orchestra along with other piano, violin, cello and viola solos, together with the correctly anachronistic inclusion from the Sex Guns song, was unique because Madonna travelled to La to make use of him at his studio which he composed music round the place. "It had been a really great adventure because basically I desired to compose getting her behind my back. It absolutely was a very demanding situation because its unusual. Lots of time it's not this type of immediate process, but concurrently it absolutely was really thrilling plus it labored well. Most likely probably the most surprising factor about coping with Madonna? Well, the tempo at work. Some several days we labored together felt like the final stage connected having a other movie, happens where everything speeds up plus you've got to use for the maximum ability. I loved it, shes this kind of perfectionist and he or she loves every little detail, the actual way it affects the story but it had been the finest thrill and challenge." Does Korzeniowski's Globe nomination possibly you've curious to find out "W./E." if the hits theaters February 3, 2012? Reveal inside the comments or on Twitter!

How Aquaman Got His Groove Back

Aquaman Aquaman might be probably the most well-known superheroes, but that does not mean he's probably the most popular. Though his fans know he's one of the most effective and courageous figures in comics, everyone continues to be poking fun at the orange and eco-friendly clad hero since his days around the seventies Super Buddies cartoons. Lengthy criticized because his primary superpower appears to become his capability to "speak with seafood," and because of his perceived uselessness from the water, Aquaman is much more connected with punch lines than punches. However the hard luck hero continues to be continuously working his way to the popular culture A-List in the last couple of years, and the new comic series has converted into a best seller. "I truly thought the smoothness had a lot of potential," states Geoff Johns, Electricity Comics' chief creative officer, who's writing it. "Getting Aquaman function as the king of Atlantis but a tale on land, this is a great dichotomy for any character." Included in a relaunch of Electricity Comics' entire line this fall, Aquaman was handed a solo series the very first time since his last book was cancelled in 2006. Ironically, which was just like his mainstream image transformation was beginning. A guest appearance on Smallville (performed by The American Idol Show semifinalist Alan Ritchson) in nov 2005 would be a hit with fans, as well as on HBOs' Entourage primary character Vincent Chase got his large break starring inside a (imaginary) blockbuster Aquaman movie directed by James Cameron. More lately the ocean king grew to become the breakout star of Cartoon Network's Batman: The Brave and also the Bold because of an unabashedly jolly (while still plucky) reinterpretation of his personality. Still, Johns felt the new Aquaman comic required to address the hero's laughingstock history. "You will find the fans, like myself, who always root for that character, and you are always around the defensive immediately," states the writer, that has formerly restarted other dusty Electricity franchises, such as the Justice Society, Teen Leaders and Hawkman. "And That I desired to take that approach within the book, that he's the best underdog of superheroes. He becomes a lot more human and relatable when you are undervalued." Within the first couple of issues, cops have mocked him to his face, as well as in a current problem of Justice League Of America of America (also compiled by Johns) Eco-friendly Lantern, on meeting him the very first time, states, "I figured Aquaman would be a sketch on Conan O'Brien." This honest undertake the smoothness has won raves from old fans - and introduced in brand new ones. The very first problem has offered a lot more than 100,000 copies (a remarkable number by present day standards) with problem No. 4 happening purchase this Wednesday - in comic stores an internet-based - it ranks within the Top 20 for sales, based on Gemstone Comic Marketers. Still, a current cameo within an SNL Digital Short demonstrates what he's facing. "It takes a very long time to create Aquaman the best super hero there's, however i love combating that tide," states Johns, who confesses that water-designed puns are inevitable when speaking concerning the character. Considering the fact that much less popular heroes like Iron Guy, Thor and Eco-friendly Lantern have converted into Celebrities, could a screen-version from the King from the Seas be remote? "You will notice Aquaman in many various things beyond comics," Johns promises, but, "that's all I'm able to enter into now." Somewhere he could certainly appear is Cartoon Network's approaching Electricity Nation programming block, a partnership with Warner Bros. Animation and Electricity Comics slated to produce in 2012. Sandwiched among shows like Youthful Justice and Eco-friendly Lantern: The Animated Series is going to be animated shorts featuring DC's enormous library. "Some are reinterpretations of figures that we understand,Inch states Johns, "a number of figures that people i never thought we'd see animated." Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Rooney Mara on her behalf account Law & Order: SVU Role: "It Absolutely Was So Awful"

Rooney Mara Rooney Mara isn't searching back on her behalf account Law & Order: Special Sufferers Unit guest role with much fondness.In the recent interview with Allure, the star in the Girl While using Dragon Tattoo condemned the level of smoothness and narrative she was asked for to see. "It absolutely was so awful. So stupid," Mara mentioned. "[Inside the episode] me and my boyfriend-although I don't look who are old enough to experience a boyfriend-went and pummelled these body body fat people, at the conclusion in the demonstrate uncover which i was obese which i personally don't like body body fat people. It's absurd."Rooney Mara debuts Girl While Using Dragon Tattoo-inspired lookMara, 26, showed up the guest devote 2006 through the NBC drama's seventh season. But it's apparent she's very little interested in the veteran NBC drama."Who'd beat someone up since they're body body fat?" Mara ongoing. "People are passionate about this demonstrate. I don't get it.InchExactly what you think Mara's comments?

ABC cancels 'Extreme Transformation: Home Edition'

'Extreme Transformation: Home Edition'Longtime ABC series "Extreme Transformation: Home Edition" will finish its run in The month of january, the network introduced Thursday."Transformation" will close out its nine-season run using its 200th episode on The month of january sixth and thirteenth. The network intends to restore the franchise being an periodic special.The unscripted series saw its year-over-year rankings decline precipitously when ABC moved it from Sunday to Friday beginning this year.InchTransformation" is created by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-created by Brady Connell and George Verschoor.

Paramount Unveils 100th Anniversary Logo

"The Protester" has been named Time magazine's person of the year for 2011.our editor recommendsLouis C.K. Internet Comedy Special Is Already ProfitableAdele Named Top Pop Artist of 20115 Revelations from New Book by Casey Anthony's ProsecutorAlan Dershowitz Sends 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Palestinian Chicken Episode to Benjamin Netanyahu (Video) In choosing to highlight the year's global protest movements of 2011, the magazine wrote, "No one could have known that when a Tunisian fruit vendor set himself on fire in a public square, it would incite protests that would topple dictators and start a wave of global dissent. In 2011, protesters didn't just voice their complaints; they changed the world." PHOTOS: 'Occupy Wall Street Hollywood': Entertainers on Scene of Protests And while the publication gave its person of the year designation to a generic entity, it profiled several specific people in the issue associated with various movements: Dr. Arthur Chen, Chelsea Elliott, Olmo Galvez, Ahmed Harara, Natalia Klossa and Antonis, Wael Nawara, Katerina Patrikarakou, Carmen Rodriguez, Javier Sicilia and Mohammad Bouazizi, the Tunisian whose self-immolation in Dec. 2010 is credited with sparking the Arab Spring. PHOTOS: Royal Wedding Photos Runner-ups for person of the year were William McRaven, the Navy admiral who commanded the capture (and killing) of Osama bin Laden; Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei; Republican Congressman and House Budget Committee chair Paul Ryan and new British royal, Kate Middleton. PHOTOS: Michele Bachmann's Politics of Fashion Pop culture figures were represented in the issue's "Peope Who Mattered" category. There, comedian Louis C.K., Adele, and Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother author Amy Chua were singled out alongside political heavyweights like Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Tunisian President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Hamas leader Khaled Meshal and British Prime Minister David Cameron. PHOTOS: 10 TV Trials That Shook the World Acquitted Florida mom Casey Anthony, Warren Buffet, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Michele Bachmann and Hermain Cain were also among the people singled out by the magazine. This isn't the first year that Time has named a generic person or entity as its annual honoree: in 2006, the weekly gave the distinction to "you," and in 1988, "Endangered Earth" was the cover subject. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The Scene at Occupy Wall Street Related Topics Kate Middleton Adele Casey Anthony Louis C.K. Politics Hillary Clinton

Pic partners astounded by 'Wither'

'Wither'Lauren DeStefano's dystopian sci-fi fantasy "Wither" is headed for your bigscreen, as Prospect Park and Crimson House Prods. allow us feature rights for the first book in the planned trilogy.Producers are Rob Kwatinetz and Make the most of Carliner through their Prospect Park banner and Aly and AJ Michalka via their Crimson House shingle."Wither," the initial of three books in first-time author DeStefano's "Caffeine Garden" trilogy, was released in March by Simon & Shuster and assigned the Barnes & Noble and Entrepreneurs Weekly's youthful adult bestseller lists. Story is occur the following where the world's inside a condition of stress due to a not successful effort to make a perfect race that's left women getting a lifespan of 2 decades while males die at 25.It series follows a kidnapped girl and her try to prevent a forced polygamous marriage made and also hardwearing . population from dying out. The second book, "Fever," arrives out next season. Prospect Park will be a producer with Scott Free on "Easy."DeStefano is repped by APA as well as the Irene Goodman Literary Agency. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Sarah Palin and Mark Burnett Pitching Reality Show About Todd Palin

Todd Palin and Sarah Palin Together with her presidential ambitions behind her - a minimum of for that 2012 race - Sarah Palin is pitching a brand new reality series that will concentrate on her husband, Todd Palin, based on the Hollywood Reporter. The project would particularly focus on Todd Palin's career like a championship snowmobile racer (a subject mocked frequently on Saturday Evening Live throughout the 2008 presidential race). Sarah Palin, 47, is pitching the project with Mark Burnett, who also created her TLC reality series Sarah Palin's Alaska, which broadcast this past year. Watch videos of Sarah Palin Discovery Communications, which is the owner of TLC, along with a&E Systems have handed down the project, but producers continue to be shopping it with other channels. Alaska first showed to some record-breaking 5 million audiences in November 2010, but viewership dropped to two.5 million once the series covered with The month of january 2011. Sarah Palin has typically been from the spotlight since announcing in October she'd not run for leader in 2012. The first kind Governor of Alaska continues to be a correspondent for Fox News. Can you watch a real possibility show about Todd Palin?

Variety unveils Directors to Watch

Variety has announced its 10 Directors to Watch list, representing up-and-coming helmers whose early work suggests promising careers ahead.The lineup includes Zal Batmanglij ("Sound of My Voice"), Valerie Donzelli ("Declaration of War"), Gareth Evans ("The Raid"), Philippe Falardeau ("Monsieur Lazhar"), Gerardo Naranjo ("Miss Bala"), Matt Piedmont ("Casa de mi padre"), Michael R. Roskam ("Bullhead"), Lynn Shelton ("Your Sister's Sister"), Benh Zeitlin ("Beasts of the Southern Wild") and filmmaking duo Mike "Mouse" McCoy and Scott Waugh, aka the "Bandito Brothers," former stuntmen whose "Act of Valor" stars actual Navy SEALs in a ground-breaking actioner.Four of the helmers were also tapped to represent their home countries in the Oscar foreign language category: Donzelli's French "War" was selected for the opening night slot of Critics Week at Cannes; Canadian Falardeau recently earned the audience prize for "Monsieur Lazhar" at the Whistler film fest; Naranjo unveiled Mexican thriller "Miss Bala" at Cannes; and Roskam's Belgian debut "Bullhead" has been winning prizes at both art- and genre-film fests.A handful of the films are still traveling the festival circuit. At least five will screen at the Palm Springs sprocket opera next month, while later in January, another five are heading to Sundance, where Zeitlin's "Beasts" is set to preem in narrative competition.Profiles of the directors will appear in Daily Variety on Jan. 6. Contact Peter Debruge at peter.debruge@variety.com

Report: Lindsay Lohans Purse Stolen In Hawaii

First Launched: December 11, 2011 12:20 PM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Lindsay Lohan sits in the courtroom throughout her probation breach hearing within the Airport terminal terminal Courthouse in La on November 2, 2011Just if the made an appearance Lindsay Lohan was set to please Superior Court Judge Stephanie Sautner at her progress report hearing inside a couple of days (the actress finished her court-mandated community service and psychological therapy needs for your hearing each week before schedule), she may be headed for trouble. According to TMZ, the actress who jetted to Hawaii let's focus on any little R&R while using permission of her probation officer left her $5,000 Chanel bag inside the vehicle while attending a celebration in Laie. When she visited the leave the party, her purse apparently that consists of her passport, probation documents giving her permission to remain in beautiful hawaii together with a hefty amount of cash disappeared. If complications from her missing ID prevent her from returning to La on her behalf Wednesday court date, she might trouble contempt of court and shipped to jail. Kahuku Information considering the reported robbery, TMZ reported. This really is really the 2nd time the star has experienced passport worries immediately right before a court date. In May 2010, Lindsay is at the Cannes Film Festival when she mentioned her passport happen to be stolen and was unable to return stateside just before a court. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Comic Legend Alan Moore Joins Occupy Comics

As 2011 nears an end, Twitter compiled a list of the top topics on its website for the year.our editor recommends'Pretty Little Liars' Renewed for Third SeasonRosie O'Donnell's Engagement Ring for Michelle Rounds Gets a Close-Up on TwitterKeith Olbermann Will No Longer Engage With His Twitter Followers In television, ABC Family's mythology-heavy teen drama Pretty Little Liars was the No. 1 hot topic, according to the company, topping its ranking from the previous year when it ranked second. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Twitter Feuds That may come as a surprise since the hourlong drama, returning for the second half of its sophomore season in January, has hovered around the 3 million viewers mark thus far this season -- just a small percentage of the audience that tunes in to CBS juggernaut Two and a Half Men, which came in No. 2 this year with the help of Charlie Sheen's high-profile ouster and the casting of heavy Twitter user Ashton Kutcher. It's no surprise then that Sheen was Twitter's most-talked about actor for the year; Kutcher was eighth. Ricky Gervais was No. 4 following his controversial Golden Globes hosting stint at the beginning of the year and Tracy Morgan ranked sixth, most likely due to his homophobic rant. PHOTOS: Charlie Sheen's Wacky Twit Pics Lifetime telepic The Craigslist Killer followed Liars and Men as the third most-talked about TV event, with the Golden Globe Awards and People's Choice Awards at fourth and fifth, respectively. Craigslist Killer, based on the real-life story of med student/National Honor Society member Philip Markoff who was accused of killing a woman he found on Craigslist, drew 5.4 million viewers in January. On the film side, the four out of the five top topics of the year were genre films based on beloved characters. At the top of the list was Chris Hemsworth's summer blockbuster Thor, followed by the heavily-reported Batman threequel The Dark Knight Rises with Christian Bale, X-Men: First Class, actioner Fast Five and the Seth Rogen superhero turn Green Hornet. PHOTOS: Ashton Kutcher's Career Through the Years Actresses like Mila Kunis, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lopez, Nina Dobrev and Emma Watson were all topped by Elizabeth Taylor, who died at the age of 79 in March. Rebecca Black and her song "Friday" dominated the social media site in music for the year. (Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" music video featured Black.) Nate Dogg followed in second and Britney Spears' Femme Fatale was No. 3. Interestingly, What the Trend? released the top 10 trending topics on Twitter and reported that Justin Bieber was No. 1, with Lady Gaga third, the Jonas Brothers fifth, South Korean boy band Super Junior at No. 7, Britney Spears eighth and a U.K. boy band One Direction at No. 10. In their list (data was compiled Nov. 30, 2010 to Dec. 1, 2011), Glee, Saturday Night Live, The Vampire Diaries and Jersey Shore were in the top five among U.S. television shows. Harry Potter took up two spots in movies, while Phineas & Ferb telepic topped Twilight. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Hollywood's Twitter Feuds Related Topics Ashton Kutcher Tracy Morgan Charlie Sheen Pretty Little Liars Rebecca Black Blackthorn

The Monday Help guide to TV: A Vacation Closer, Charlie Brown and much more Country Honours

The Closer Is he a great Santa or perhaps a bad Santa? Seems like a situation for Brenda Leigh Manley (Kyra Sedgwick), and in an exceedingly cheesy Christmas episode of TNT's The Closer (9/8c) - one of several holiday episodes we'll be hitting the scales about this week - the Santa is question (and under questioning) is performed by Fred Willard, so a minimum of you realize you will be entertained. Whenever a fellow Santa is wiped out throughout a sabotaged zip-line stunt in the "North Pole Village" run by Willard, he's introduced to the precinct entirely costume, consuming and smoking and barfing and raving. This will cause great dismay for Christmas-loving Buzz (Phillip P. Keene, resplendent inside a reindeer sweater), who's supported by his mind-turning sister Casey (FlashForward's Christine Forest), an immediate favorite one of the men within the precinct, referred to at some point with a petulant Brenda as searching "like a lot of diabetes sufferers waiting in front of the old fashion candy store." However the greatest gift of for me personally may be the return of Mark Pellegrino in the devilishly funny turn as Brenda's crazy lawyer, who's requesting more income to carry on focusing on her federal suit. Should you request me, he's worth it.The cartoon classic that defines Christmas TV, A Charlie Brown Christmas, returns to ABC (8/7c), and that i can already feel myself dancing round the room to that particular jazzy Vince Guaraldi score. This season, it's combined with the brand new Prep & Landing cartoon Naughty Versus. Nice (8:30/7:30c), by which elves Lanny and Wayne race to save classified North Pole technology from the Naughty Kid hacker.Want more fall TV news? Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!Another week, another country-music extravaganza where someone's providing honours. Changing Fox's regular selection for that evening, the 2nd annual American Country Honours allows fans election for his or her faves in a number of groups, including touring. Trace Adkins hosts from Vegas with Kristin Chenoweth, and entertainers include Alabama - champion from the Finest Hits Award - and Toby Keith, whose new hit "Red-colored Solo Cup" may also be featured on Tuesday night's Glee. As you'd expect, last season's The American Idol Show country faves Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina go back to the network that gave them their large break.The CBS comedy watch: When last we left The Way I Met Your Mother (8/7c), Robin had just told Barney she's pregnant. But that is not the final spanner coming their way. ... On 2 Broke Women (8:30/7:30c), the Brooklyn babes plan to locate a project for their old friend Chestnut, the equine that also lives within their backyard, expecting finding him some winter shelter. Because, really, that joke had performed itself by the second episode. ... Walden is caught between two women on 2 . 5 Males (9/8c), when his romancing of recent girlfriend Zoey (Sophie Winkleman) is interrupted through the surprise return of ex-wife Bridget (Judy Greer). I mention this mainly to call your focus on Judy Greer's terrific work in a tiny but pivotal role opposite George Clooney within the terrific new movie The Descendants. Still wishing she lands popular Television show of her very own at some point. Also in this episode: Melanie Lynskey as Rose, who we've not seen since Charley's funeral.Shipper alert: Tonight's Castle (ABC, 10/9c) puts Castle and Beckett in mattress together - there is however a twist. (Is not there always?) They are handcuffed inside a locked room, without any clue concerning the whys and wherefores of the predicament.What exactly else is on? ... Cinemax premieres the Oscar-winning documentary video clip Other people Forget About (6:45/5:45c), about existence inside a public school in Tel Aviv where Jews, Muslims and Christian believers live and focus together, researching tolerance in an element of the world where that may be an issue. ... A&E looks into the search for that New York Murderer inside a two-hour true crime special (9/8c). ... Syfy's directing Peter Pan fantasy Neverland concludes (9/8c), having a test of youthful Peter's loyalty. Should you skipped the very first half Sunday evening, it's repeated at 7/6c. ... NBC's The Sing-Off crowned its champion (Pentatonix) a week ago, and returns for any live Sing-Off Christmas special, with groups all three seasons carrying out holiday music together with the idol judges, together with a duet with Sara Bareilles and Ben Folds. ... On the two-hour American Chopper (Discovery, 9/8c), tabloid terror Jesse James returns towards the network the very first time since 2006 to defend myself against the 2 Paul Teutels (Senior and Junior) inside a motorcycle-building contest. Fans can election for his or her favorite from the three teeth, and also the results is going to be introduced inside a live episode Tuesday. ... In VH1's docu-series T.I. & Small: The Household Hustle (9/8c), cameras follow Grammy-winning rapper T.I. because he reunites together with his wife Tameka ("Small") and family following a 12-month prison sentence. ... In Sundance's The Shocked Periods (8/7c), interviewer David Nadelberg excavates celebrities' childhood photos, journals, letters along with other potentially embarrassing souvenirs to show what built them into who they really are today. First of all at the spine-to-back episodes: Erectile dysfunction Helms, Mo'Nique and Eric Stonestreet.Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Considering the 'Consider' Campaign: Warrior

Throw on your fur and gaze sinisterly by a swimming pool, because those collectible toys of Oscar season, the “Consider” campaigns posters, are busting out. The first one up for inspection is the campaign for Warrior, the gritty MMA drama starring Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, and Nick Nolte. Let’s take a look at the wordy one-sheet and see if it makes us feel any differently about its positioning in the Oscar index. So, no. Bye, everyone! All right, let’s dwell: The poster certainly does a good job of reminding us that we enjoyed Warrior overall — Nick Nolte’s performance is indeed heartfelt and fearless, and the balance of “human frailty” and “triumph” was a pungent trail mix, no doubt. But I feel the same way about Warrior that I do about another September release with a 7-letter “W” name — Weekend. Both are solid films, and if we’re being honest, Weekend is the better one. Unfortunately, both movies are proud, but ultimately unassuming showings in familiar genres. Warrior is a boxing flick with one more protagonist than we usually allow, and Weekend is a whispery romance that’s both incisive and sexually frank, though it lacks those indispensable “Oscar moments” (and an Oscar push too). But if anyone from Warrior can exhume the movie’s energized machismo and still nab a fifth-place nomination, Nolte is the man. Comeback stories make for unassailable Oscar kudos — the Academy’s always looking for ways to be liked and inoffensive — though Christopher Plummer is dominating the old-timer niche with his shoo-in performance in Beginners. As such, I enjoyed Warrior, but I don’t see it finding a way to overtake any of the standing and upcoming powerhouses. Consider It…: Mostly KO’d.

Paramount CEO Brad Grey Buys $15.5 Million Apartment in New York's Carlyle Hotel (Exclusive)

Lionsgate"The Hunger Games" Lionsgate, the studio behind the upcoming film version ofThe Hunger Games, has been sued for $10 million by a beauty products company that claims it isbeing jerked around overa deal to create special nail polish in connection with the movie's March release.our editor recommends'Hunger Games' Nail Polish Debuting in 2012'Hunger Games' Trailer Sparks Strong Reaction From Fans of the Book Series'The Hunger Games' Trailer: 5 Instant Observations While Watching Los Angeles-based American International Industries, which says it is the country's largest privately-held manufacturerof personal care and beauty products,filed a lawsuit Wednesday in LA Superior Court. The companyclaims that it closed a deal in late October to create a Hunger Games-branded version of its "China Glaze"nail polish, as well as contribute to the promotional campaignfor the adaptation of the popular Suzanne Collins novelthat Lionsgate is hoping will be a mega-blockbuster movie series similar to Twilight. But shortly after Lionsgate executives signed the contract, according to the complaint, the studio made statements to the press that the deal was "not happening," and askedAmerican to say that the parties "were merely 'discussing' a 'possible' promotional deal." American says it refused to lie, prompting a Lionsgate attorney to send an email on Nov. 17 saying that the studiowas "terminating" the contract. "However, the contract does not permitLionsgate to unilaterally terminate,"argues the complaint, a copy of which was obtained by THR. "Lionsgate attempted to justify its actions by claiming that American had supposedly 'leaked' information about the contract to the press. The claim was and is completely untrue--American did not 'leak' any information, and so informed Lionsgate immediately." American says it purchased millions of dollars in nail polish materials and expended substantial time and labor in reliance on the fully-executed contract, and it wants $10 million in damages. We've reached out to Lionsgate for comment and will update with a response. Thesuit, filed by Charles Harder and Michelle Goodman of LA's WolfRifkin Shapiro Schulman & Rabkin, alleges one cause of action for breach of contract. Lionsgate declined to comment on the suit. Email: Matthew.Belloni@thr.com Twitter: @THRMattBelloni PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Hunger Games' First Look: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson Hunger Games

Tribune Co. to Pay Ex-CEO Randy Michaels $675,000 in Settlement

NY - Media firm Tribune Co., which operates TV stations and the LA Times, among others, agreed to pay former CEO Randy Michaels $675,000 in a settlement tied to his departure from the company last fall, the Chicago Tribune reported. Michaels left in October under controversial circumstances after charges that he created a "frat house" atmosphere at the company. Tribune, the parent of the Chicago Tribune, will also cover $50,000 in Michaels' legal fees, the paper said, citing documents filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. It said that Michaels had demanded $900,000, the pro-rated potion of his planned 2010 bonus, arguing that he was effectively "terminated without cause." Tribune disagreed, but settled to avoid extended litigation, the paper said citing court documents. Tribune, which has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy for three years, is looking to finally emerge from bankruptcy next year. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tribune-push-expedited-approval-ne... Meanwhile, Michaels this summer teamed with private equity firm GTCR to buy majority stakes in three radio stations in Chicago and NY. The new firm, called Merlin Media, focuses on all-news FM formats. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics Tribune Company

Taylor Quick, Adele and Nicki Minaj Lead American Music Honours

Taylor Quick Female vocalists centered within the 2011 American Music Honours, as Taylor Quick, once again, was the most effective champion in the evening, acquiring three honours - Favorite Country Female Artist, Country Album and Artist of year. "That is crazy," Quick thirstily told everybody else Sunday evening. Adele received two statues, for Favorite Female Pop/Rock Music Artist and Pop/Rock Music Album. Nicki Minaj needed home both Favorite Rap/Stylish-Hop artist and Rap/Stylish-Hop album. "There is lots love in this room," Minaj introduced after winning her first award in the evening. Have a look at red-colored-colored carpet arrivals within the 2011 American Music Honours Although she lost inside the traditional groups, Katy Perry was honored onstage rigtht after her performance to become the initial lady to own five No. 1 singles in one album. See the report on individuals who win: Pop/Rock Music Favorite Male Artist: Bruno Mars Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Maroon 5 Favorite Female Artist - Adele Favorite Album - Adele, 21 New Bands Favorite Male Artist: Blake Shelton Favorite Female Artist: Taylor Quick Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Lady Antebellum Favorite Album - Taylor Quick, Speak Now Soul/R&B Music Favorite Male Artist: Usher Favorite Female Artist: Beyonce Favorite Album: Beyonce, Noisy Rap/Stylish-Hop Music Favorite Artist - Nicki Minaj Favorite Album - Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday Latin Music Favorite Artist: Jennifer Lopez Artist of year Taylor Quick New Artist of year Hot Chelle Rae

'Twilight' boffo with $283 mil worldwide

'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1'Summit's "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" scored a whopping $283.5 million worldwide opening, of which an estimated $139.5 million came from Stateside plexes -- not a franchise best, but nothing to sneer at.On a global scale, the film debuted just behind "New Moon," which grossed $296.6 million during its first weekend worldwide. That pic opened in the U.S. with $142.8 million in three days. (The franchise's third offering "Eclipse" bowed mid-week last year, earning $157.6 million domestically in its first five days, with a global debut of $300.5 million.)Warner Bros.' 3D "Happy Feet Two," meanwhile, drastically underperformed its predecessor, bowing to an estimated $22 million vs. the 2D original's $41.5 million opening.The toon may have lost some of its female audience to "Breaking Dawn," especially moms taking teens and tween girls.Budgeted for a reported $135 million, "Happy Feet Two" should have better luck with family auds next weekend, though it also faces a crowded field as three other family pics bow nationwide. As a more successful counterprogramming bid, Fox Searchlight's "The Descendants" broke into the domestic B.O.'s top ten with an estimated three-day take of $1.2 million. Pic launched limited on Wednesday, before expanding to a total 29 locations two days later. Searchlight plans to give the film a significant push over Thanksgiving weekend, with an additional approximately 400 playdates set to bow Nov. 23. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

Bradley Cooper is People's Sexiest Man Alive; Was Ryan Gosling Unavailable?

Big news from grocery store check-out magazine racks: Bradley Cooper has been named the Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine. Cooper -- who appeared onscreen in 'Limitless' and 'The Hangover Part II' this year, and off-screen in a garbage bag -- was pleased with the honor. "I think it's really cool that a guy who doesn't look like a model can have this [title]," he said. "I think I'm a decent-looking guy. Sometimes I can look great, and other times I look horrifying." Funny stuff, Mr. Cooper. Though his selection raises the obvious question: Was Ryan Gosling unavailable for a photo shoot? Seriously. If there was one actor in 2011 who seemed to embody the idea of "sexiest man alive," it would have to be The Gos. From his mostly shirtless performance in 'Crazy Stupid Love' to his strong-silent badass in 'Drive' to his Barneys-wearing politico in 'The Ides of March,' Gosling was everywhere, constantly. Dude even made a ridiculous stripped tank-top look good. No offense to Cooper -- who co-stars with Gosling in 'The Place Beyond the Pines' next year -- but if Gosling wasn't People's Sexiest Man Alive, it must be because he's a zombie. Or something. Head over to People Magazine for more. [via People] Ryan Gosling 2011 Photos See All Moviefone Galleries » [Top Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Katie Couric Show Eyes Ad Rates of Around $50,000 (Report)

NY - Katie Couric's planned syndicated talk show Katie positioning itself to fill the void left by the end of Oprah Winfrey's syndicated show and is looking for advertising rates above those of big established shows. Syndication company Disney-ABC Domestic TV along with Couric and executive producer Jeff Zucker is making the rounds on Madison Avenue and asking for something around $50,000 for a 30-second ad spot in the yet unproven show that is set to launch in September, the NY Post reported. That would be about half of the $100,000 that spots on Winfrey's show drew before it ended, but that was after a 25-year run of a beloved show. However, the ad price would be above the costs for such shows as Ellen and Live with Regis and Kelly, which command about $35,000-$40,000, according to the paper. Gary Carr, head of TV buying at small ad firm TargetCast, told the Post that the unproven Couric show could be shooting high in terms of the ad rates it targets. "Katie Couric was fine on the Today show, but she didn't exactly set the world on fire at the CBS Evening News," he argued. The Post said that executives are telling ad agencies that Couric's show will film live from NY and feature topical conversation on the news of the day along with inspiring stories. The show is expected to launch in a 3pm slot on Disney-owned ABC stations and at various times on affiliated stations. The syndication company declined to comment on ad prices and other plans. Ad sales are expected to happen next summer following the networks' upfront presentations. Earlier this week, Disney-ABC Domestic Television said that Katie has sold to 55 of the top 60 markets, covering more than 80 percent of the country. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics Jeff Zucker Katie Couric

Christina Hendricks Talks Mad Men Season 5 & Her New Video Game

First Published: November 15, 2011 5:16 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Mad Men star Christina Hendricks seen on the set of Access Hollywood Live in Burbank, Calif., on November 15, 2011 LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Fan have been clamoring to take a trip back to 1960s NY and wander the halls of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce on AMCs Mad Men, but their wait will continue until March 2012, something star Christina Hendricks says will pay off in big ways. I know its been a little bit of a wait, but it will be worth it, the actress, who plays office bombshell Joan Holloway on the series, told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Tuesdays Access Hollywood Live. Were already shooting our tenth episode. Viewers last saw Joan in the middle of a pregnancy pickle, not knowing if the father of her baby was husband Greg Harris (played by Sam Page) or the child of her boss and former flame, Roger Sterling (John Slattery). But Christina stayed tightlipped on who her characters baby daddy might be. It wouldnt be fun if I told you, you gotta wait! she said with a smile. Theres some really great storytelling. Youll have to wait and see. Some of the stories in the upcoming Season 5 will be directed by co-star Jon Hamm. Hes natural, she said of Jons skills behind the camera as a director. John Slattery has also directed a couple episodes. They know the story so well and they know us so well and their notes are fun. Its very, very easy to work with them. Theyre really great at it. In addition to currently filming her Emmy-winning series, Christina is also busy promoting another new venture into the world of video games! The star is featured in Need For Speed: The Run, where she plays a character (featuring her voice and likeness) in the midst of a race across the country from San Francisco to NY City. My husband is a huge video game player, she said of Body of Proofs Geoffrey Arend, her husband of two years. I had to enter his world! Its like, Im going to be in the video game, you wont be able to get away from me! Need For Speed: The Run hits stores today. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

BSkyB professional backs James Murdoch

LONDON -- The deputy chairman of U.K. paybox BSkyB, Nick Ferguson, put his weight behind the satcaster's unhappy chairman, James Murdoch, on Friday.Ferguson stated that Murdoch tried a "top class job" in the feevee, adding that BSkyB's independent company directors have given Murdoch their unanimous backing in front of an expected election on his future at BSkyB in the annual meeting on November. 29.His public letter was released the next day of Murdoch was asked with a British committee of pols for that second amount of time in four several weeks regarding the the telephone-hacking scandal in a News Intl. paper throughout his tenure as topper of News Corp.'s British posting arm. Ferguson stated the telephone-hacking scandal in the now defunct Sunday tabloid, this news around the globe, hadn't had an adverse effect on BSkyB -- despite the fact that it scuppered New Corp.'s $14 billion bid to purchase the 61% of BSkyB this didn't already own."We view no impact on sales, clients or providers during the last five several weeks," Ferguson authored. "We view no impact on the proportion cost. Finally, we view no bad effect internally."Ferguson stated he and the fellow independent company directors had been astounded by Murdoch's work on BSkyB, that they went before father Rupert marketed him to some bigger role that incorporated responsibility for News Intl."We now have known James for many eight years, and throughout that point he's always behaved with integrity within the eyes of both board and also the senior management. If sony playstation change, clearly the independent company directors would re-assess the position," Ferguson stated.At his second appearance before pols on Thursday, Murdoch again was adamant he wasn't told that phone hacking was common when he approved a payment of 725,000 ($1.1 billion) in 2008 to U.K. soccer official Gordon Taylor, whose phone was compromised.As lately as late 2010, News Intl. blamed the practice on one rogue reporter.But former News Intl. lawyer Tom Crone stated that Murdoch's latest evidence was "disingenuous" he stated he'd told Murdoch from the extent from the practice 3 years ago.Meanwhile U.K. media commentator Roy Greenslade, writing within the Protector, the British paper that broke the telephone-hacking story, stated: "What type of company boss one thing does not show any fascination with an enormous payment in questionable conditions? A deceitful one or perhaps an incompetent one?" Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Natural Phenomenon of Madness

A Grit Project, Brooklyn Park Pictures production. Produced, directed, written, edited by Charliebebs Gohetia.With: Jess Mendoza, Opaline Santos, Ces Aldaba, Regina Valenzuela, Patrick Esteban, Anthony Torres, Greggy Buquia, Xhian Khou. (Tagalog, British dialogue)An arrestingly shot monochrome study in regards to the aftereffects from the rape, "Natural Phenomenon of Madness" reps a amazing sophomore effort from Filipino multihyphenate Charliebebs Gohetia ("The Thanks Women"), who's edited numerous Brillante Mendoza's photos. The drama's wise formalist approach shows two protags' somewhat different sights of the occasions in a way that recalls Apichatpong Weerasethakul's "Syndromes together with a hundred years,Inch which will increase the risk for pic an all-natural for additional fests. Occur contempo Manila among a bohemian set not frequently featured in Filipino cinema, the story involves a girl artist (Opaline Santos) together with a man (Jess Mendoza), never named. Apparently pals since childhood, the man rapes the woman inside the opening sequence next, the digital camera follows the femme around as she predicts your physician, confronts her rapist in most cases wanders across the city. Partner shows the man confessing with a priest and becoming slightly different conversations while using lady in designs formerly seen (apparently repping his version from the products happened on one occasions), generally reflecting her peregrinations. Pic features strong perfs and knockout widescreen lensing, nevertheless the pace is a touch draggy.Camera (B&W, widescreen, HD), Zigcarlo Dulay music, Monet Silvestre production designer, Marxie Maolen Fadul. Examined at London Film Festival (World Cinema), March. 20, 2011. (Also in Vancouver, Busan film festivals.) Running time: 134 MIN. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Kim Kardashian Has not Received Dying Risks on Number of 'The Counselor,A Reps Deny

On Friday, reviews made an appearance proclaiming that to guard Kim Kardashian was beefed around the number of Tyler Perry's new film The Marriage Counselor following a reality star received dying and kidnapping risks.our editor recommendsKim Kardashian's Husband Kris Humphries Utilizes Divorce LawyerKim Kardashian Quickie Marriage Mocked on CMAs (Video)Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries' Divorce Rules 'Kourtney and Kim Take NY' (Video)Kim Kardashian Lands Role in Tyler Perrys 'Marriage Counselor' But, a repetition for Kardashian notifies The Hollywood Reporter that "there is no truth to her getting dying and kidnapping risks." PHOTOS: Inside Kardashian Corporation. Kardashian, who started filming her part for your movie November. 9 in Atlanta, GA, has received a difficult day or two. The Maintaining while using Kardashians and Kourtney & Kim Take NY star declared divorce from husband of 72 days Kris Humphries March. 31. Rapidly the authenticity in the union and Kardashian's motives to get married towards the Basketball star were requested.Humphries hired their very own lawyer November. 11. PHOTOS: 19 of Hollywood's All-Time Least Close ties And, the backlash hasn't stopped there. Perry's loyal number of fans are actually writing straight into his how do people express their displeasure while using casting, which sees Kardashian playing Ava, the nearest friend in the film's protagonist (carried out by Friday Evening Lights actress Jurnee Smollett). STORY: 10 Signs Kim Kardashian's Marriage Was One Large Hoax All Along "Personally, I am sick to dying of her being glorified for simply having sex on camera," written one. Adding, "She doesn't require money and he or she certainly doesn't need any longer attention. And, although I still you, I won't be adding one cent to anything with K. Kardashian within it.In . In addition 'blacktresses' were upset while using casting, Carol Robinson Peete kidded your entire day Kardashian started filming, saying, "We could always depend on Tyler Perry use a 'blacktress' employment,Inch she joked. "So, all over the world 'blacktresses' are upset." AUDIO: Kim Kardashian's Ex-Publicist Thinks She Staged Her Wedding But, apparently no negativity has affected the burgeoning actress' on-set attitude. A studio source tellsTHR"Kim remains only low-key and agreeable round the set," adding they haven't heard anything about risks for the actress' safety. Related Subjects Kim Kardashian Tyler Perry Maintaining While using Kardashians Kourtney & Kim Take NY

Marathon, time change slows Broadway box office

Broadway sales downshifted just a little in Week 23 (March. 31-November. 6), although two shows grew to become an associate from the selection, aiding and also hardwearing . cume on componen while using prior sesh.One cause of the downtick could lie inside the November. 6 switchover from daylight not spend your time, which some legiters believe negatively impacts B.O. Also affecting biz was the NY Marathon, annoying travelers and Gothamites.Primary Stem cume wound up, just, to $21.2 million for 30 shows round the boards, with attendance rising slightly to 230,161.The 21 musicals made $17,142,682 for 80.9% in the Broadway total, with attendance of 180,467 plus an average paid out admission of $94.99. The nine plays made $4,047,124 for 19.1% in the Broadway total, with attendance of 49,694 plus an average paid out admission of $81.44. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Taryn Manning Set To Star In The White-colored Trash Christmas

EXCLUSIVE: Taryn Manning remains attracted on for your lead role inside the indie A White-colored Trash Christmas, a undertake the Christmas Carol story that concentrates on the struggles of from the trashy, whiskey-drenched, unemployed hairstylist and mother (Manning) who's visited by three ghosts who make an effort to show her a route to a much better future. Ron Carlson is pointing in the script he co-written with Terri Kauffman. Carlson and Rachel North are coming up with. Manning, recognized for such films as Hustle & Flow and 8 Mile, is repped by APA and MPE.

Carlos Slims Broadcast Rivals Protest His Web TV Delivery In Mexico

Rivals of Carlos Slim are protesting to government regulators his delivery of TV programming over the Web in Mexico, Bloomberg reports. Grupo Televisa CEO Emilio Azcarraga complained last month and TV Azteca has filed suit against Slim’s companies as well as complained to the nation’s phone regulator over Web broadcasts such as last months Pan American Games.Slims America Movil and Telefonos de Mexico are forbidden from using their networks to offer TV service under the terms of their telecommunications license that was acquired in a 1990 privatization sale. Slim, 71, has tried unsuccessfully to reverse the ban, especially as Televisa has begun offering phone and Internet service to lure away his customers. Banning web videos without a broadcast license would also affect companies such as Netflix, which has begun streaming services in Latin America, and Mexican phone company Maxcom which started an online TV plan in September. Jose Otero, an analyst at Signals Telecom Consulting based in Uruguay said thatif youre going to need a broadcasting license to offer video streaming, youre going to need to block a lot of companies. America Movil is already the biggest pay-TV provider across all of Latin America, with 12.5 million subscribers, mostly in Brazil, compared with DirecTVs 10.3 million. And America Movilis moving aggressively toward delivery of pay-per-view and streaming of Hollywood movies. Telmex, as the America Movil unit is known, began offering an online news service, Uno TV Noticias, three years ago. It has added coverage of Formula One racing where it sponsors driver Sergio Perez, and of events such as the International Cervantino Festival, an arts gathering in Guanajuato, Mexico.TV Azteca began its legal moves after Telmex started online transmissions last month of the Pan American Games, held this year in Guadalajara, Mexico. The broadcaster argues that even though the streaming video is free for all Internet users, Telmex uses its network to transmit the programming and is therefore violating the terms of its license, Nino said. Telmex was an official sponsor of the Games and had online broadcast rights for Mexico.Competition between Slims companies and Mexicos two broadcasters has intensified this year. Slim pulled his companies advertising from the broadcasters and both sides filed antitrust complaints against each other.America Movil has 70% of Mexicos wireless subscribers, and Telmex has 77% of the nations land lines. Televisa and TV Azteca get almost all of the nations TV viewers.

Prince Harry Surprises Arizona Restaurant Patrons

First Launched: November 7, 2011 9:37 AM EST Credit: Getty Images GILA BEND, Ariz. -- Caption Prince Harry visits Salford Ambulance Headquarters to fulfill ambulance crew those who have been working throughout last days riots in Salford, England on August 18, 2011The western Arizona capital of scotland - Gila Bend got a visit from royalty when Prince Harry dined about 30 military pals within the Little Italia Restaurant. Fridays royal visit came just like a large surprise for the staff and restaurant owner Antonino Buccellato. He notifies The Arizona Republic newspaper that Harry ate a pizza engrossed in pepperoni, sausage and sausage. Residents are actually wondering once they would obtain the chance to look for the 3rd in line for the British throne. Buccellato states patrons recognized the prince and began whispering and talking with one another, but nobody awoke and asked for to talk with him. Prince Harry is at Arizona for Apache helicopter learning the Gila Bend Air Pressure Auxiliary Area. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

John Cho on A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas, Meeting the World's Leaders, and Talking Basketball with the President

The sweetest feel-good flick of the holiday season may well be the one about two ex-BFFs, who’d once gone in search of White Castle sliders and tangled with Homeland Security, who reunite on Christmas Eve to hunt down the perfect fir, crossing paths with drug-sniffing babies, Ukrainian gangsters, and a sweater-clad Danny Trejo along the way. Stoner heroes Harold and Kumar have come a long way since 2004 — and so has co-star John Cho, who sat down with Movieline recently to talk H&K, career moves, and his encounters with the likes of U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and President Obama. And why shouldn’t the leaders of the world mingle with Cho and sometimes-White House staffer Kal Penn? In three films, their Harold and Kumar characters have grown into American cinematic heroes of a sort, post-racial emblems of a generation balancing budding responsibility with the occasional marijuana puff. There’s a surprising amount of well-intentioned life lessons to be found in the franchise’s latest holiday-themed installment, which Cho succinctly describes as “both a perversion of and an homage to” seasonal classics like A Christmas Story and the entire Rankin/Bass oeuvre. Read on as Cho shares his thoughts on the Harold & Kumar franchise, the shenanigans he was afraid of his mother seeing, and what he talked about upon meeting President Obama and various other political and cultural luminaries. How long had a Christmas movie specifically been in the works for Harold and Kumar, and why did it make sense? Well, the first question — I feel like it was in the works as soon as the project was in the works. It was 3-D and Christmas, all kind of a bundle idea. How does it fit? For me, there are a lot of things. We wanted to age the characters. I couldn’t imagine doing a movie set a minute after the second one, it just didn’t feel like we could keep them at 23 or however old they were. And I was interested in playing something else, having them in different circumstances. The first movie was sort of this race polemic in a lot of ways, and the second one was this goof on political satire; I didn’t think we could keep that going with a third one. How far can we go with this particular direction? So they pitched this idea of a Christmas movie and I thought it seemed radical to then go very traditional, ironically. So it’s perfect. It’s a Christmas movie that hits all the beats of a holiday film, but at the same time it is completely and totally a Harold and Kumar story. Right — it’s both a perversion of and an homage to, you know? It’s also self-aware, in that the film acknowledges perceived criticisms out of the gate. You have a line about the necessity of 3-D, there’s a conversation about jumping the shark… Well, that’s become the language of our movies at this point, to goof on ourselves and to goof on whatever we’re doing. Somehow they get away with it — we’ve always had our cake and eaten it, too. We bring up stereotypes and then make fun of them, so we’re kind of guilty of bringing them up in the first place but we make fun of them, too. [A plate of sliders is brought in for Cho.] You want a burger? No, thanks. No waffles at this junket? No waffles. [Pause] So that’s kind of been our thing now at this point. We just do both things. Going back to the first question, by the way, the most important thing that happened, I think, between the second and the third one in our real lives, is that Neil [Patrick Harris] came out! So there was this whole thing, he was this cooze-hound. [Laughs] This was the opportunity for a fun joke here. That was a brilliant move. Hayden [Schlossberg] and Jon [Hurwitz] have written all three Harold & Kumar movies. I’m curious as to how collaborative they are with you and Kal… They do their thing and we sit in awe of them, really. That’s kind of more the process. They run it by us and I figure if we had a real problem we could definitely say something. We’re so close at this point. Really, we’re friends; we go to each other’s weddings and all that stuff. I was concerned about some things in this script but I kept my mouth shut because I do feel like if I start tampering with it, because of my vanity or my own values, they wouldn’t be Harold & Kumar movies anymore. I don’t want to mess with a winning formula. What sort of things do you mean? [SPOILERS] I was concerned about the baby — the drug baby. [Laughs] I was concerned about the penis on the pole… [END SPOILERS] Were you worried that audiences would reject those gags? Well, just that my mother would see it at some point. I just felt like maybe it was… embarrassing to family? How does your family feel about this character? I mean, certainly your other work, even Sulu in Star Trek, should make up for any embarrassing scenes from Harold & Kumar. Maybe. I mean I’ve done stuff that’s more… I mean, Sulu is an important character that marked an advance for Asians in pop culture. Yes — I would argue that Harold and Kumar are, too! They totally are. But you know, from my mother’s point of view — which is the relevant point of view, the most important point of view — she has other things to talk about as well. She liked Flash Forward, she liked Star Trek. But honestly, they love these movies too in the sense that I think what we get away with is they’re kind of well-meaning dudes, and the movies are well-intentioned. We get away with stuff, it’s kind of surprising. Most of all to me. That underlying heart and sweetness makes Harold & Kumar stand out within the category of so-called stoner movies, but this installment in particular seems to be advocating on behalf of responsible drug use — at the end, marijuana brings friends together. You’re right, maybe it could be read that way. Also, I feel like what was nice about aging the characters was that the audience aged and it was a nod to them. Harold and Kumar, though older, are still the same guys at their core. So it was a nod to our audiences as well. I see it as a valentine to them, too. Do you feel something similar with the American Pie franchise, which has another sequel coming out that sees familiar characters come back years later? Yes. We did a reunion movie now, so I think it’ll be interesting as the people who were in high school when the first movie came out have now gone to their ten-year reunion, which is crazy. It’ll be another way to relate to that movie. Kal mentioned that he doesn’t think of the Harold & Kumar franchise as a stoner series. You know, it never really sunk in that we were in a stoner movie because we don’t spend much of the movie being high. There’s basically about two scenes per movie where we’re smoking weed, and then the rest of the movie we’re stone cold sober and pissed. And the third one doesn’t really have a fantasy — Weed sequence! Well, there was a Russian belladonna scene, the Claymation sequence. But we didn’t have a romance-weed sequence, either. That was my one regret. I love watching that stuff. The suspension of disbelief runs strongly within me. You share scenes with Danny Trejo, who plays your disapproving — but Christmas-obsessed — father-in-law. Is he scary in real life… when he’s wearing a silly Christmas sweater? Slightly less scary, I’d say. But as soon as they yell “Cut,” he takes it off. Really? Oh, yeah. If you had all those tattoos you’d be wanting to show them off, too. Very scary man. How did all those cameos come together? Personal favors from funny friends? A little bit, but there was more of that with the first one — the personal phone calls. They’re very choosy with who they use, because sometimes the studio is pitching someone who’s on a show, very popular, and that’s not necessarily who the team wants. They’re looking for somebody who fits, has the right sensibility. So I can really say we’re happy about each and every cameo because they’re very particular. And to get the RZA, or Bobby Lee, or Elias Koteas — it’s just a weird, wide variety. It somehow works, I don’t know why. RZA’s cameo is as one of two African-American Christmas tree salesmen who the audience sees playing deliberately with stereotypes, which brings me back to Hayden and Jon — how do two white guys get it right when it comes to this franchise starring Asian-American heroes, in which the characters aren’t necessarily built around their own ethnicities but many of the jokes are? I think they’re just honest. There’s a guy named Harold Lee that they wrote this series about, who I’m very close to know. I think they just grew up hearing him talk and they just know him, and they just stole from his life. You know, the first script had a lot more culturally-specific references because it was a defensive thing. They were afraid that the studio would change the title to David and Jason Go to McDonald’s. So they wrote more culturally-specific talk that didn’t make it in the movie. And there’s plenty in the movie, but there was even more in the first draft in order to dissuade someone from changing it. So they use a lot of Harold. I think it’s great; that stuff adds to the specificity and makes him more real. You’ve got Total Recall coming up; how do you feel that fits into your career as a whole, the kinds of roles you take? I don’t know that I think about my career in the bigger sense. I appreciate the way it’s turned out, looking back, but there wasn’t a lot of planning. It’s more emotional, like somebody presents an idea and you react to it. It’s more like somebody comes to you with an idea and you say, that sounds great. It feels good. And I also have this rule now, because I’ve made this mistake before, of doing something because your agents say you should. It’s always a bad idea because you don’t bring much to the project when you’re not excited about it on a very personal level. …Which project are you talking about? [Smiling] I’m not gonna say… [jokingly] Star Trek. Clearly I’m talking about Star Trek. Obviously! So, we all know Kal went to the White House for a few years. You also visited the White House recently. What was that experience like? That was, strangely enough, my second visit. I went earlier this summer and met [Obama] in the Oval Office, and this time I went for a State dinner and it was great. I brought my father, so that was a mind-blower for him. It was a very, very special evening. And I also got a chance to meet a lot of Korean heroes of mine, [like] Chang-rae Lee. It’s funny how we were all keeping tabs on one another as Koreans. I was like, “You!” and he was like, “You!” Even, like, Secretary-General of the U.N. Ban Ki-moon. It was just really crazy. Wait - Secretary General Ban Ki-moon knew you… from your movies? He watches your career? Yeah. That blew my mind. It was pretty wild. When you met the President, was Harold & Kumar a touchstone for him? Did you talk about your movies? We talked about the basketball lockout. [Laughs] When I first met him, he was just curious about what I’ve been up to, and what I was working on. Have you ever been inspired to do something like Kal did, taking time off for public service? I wouldn’t want to do what he did, personally, but from my perspective I don’t know that I have the stamina to do a job that hard. A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas 3-D is in theaters today. Follow Jen Yamato on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

ABC's Paul Lee States 'Grey's Anatomy' Won't Follow 'Desperate Housewives' On their way (Q&A)

This story appears inside the November. 11 problem in the Hollywood Reporter. Relaxing in the sparsely decorated office in Burbank, ABC Entertainment Group's mild-mannered leader, Paul Lee, values he wasn't alert to everything accompany controlling a studio and network when he recognized the role in summer season 2010. But because the Oxford-educated former BBC America founder and ABC Family chief is busy filling holes around the schedule that has taken its share of hits lately, lots of his newcomer efforts -- from Revenge to Suburgatory to fall's No. 1 new drama, Not such a long time ago -- seem to become connecting track of audiences. Still, the present Family network was lower four percent inside the internet marketer-coveted 18-to-49 demographic 5 days to the season, according to Nielsen, considered lower having a stable of aging series as well as the since-canceled Charlie's Angels. PHOTOS: Fall TV Dying Pool: Which Shows Will Probably Be Axed First? Lee, 51, a married father of two college-age sons who got his start just like a BBC reporter designated to cover the conflict in Belfast, Northern Ireland, sitting lower while using Hollywood Reporter to talk about the fitness of reboots, the failure of Angels and also the necessity to try out the broadcast model. The Hollywood Reporter: What's the most difficult factor in regards to the job that you just didn't expect? Paul Lee: There's a massive workload for broadcast systems because you produce a hell of plenty of television. I'm fairly shy, and also you receive a lot of attention in this job. You obtain checked out for every move you're making. You're like, "Oh, I believed I'd accomplish that, but everybody first seen it.Inch (Laughs) THR: Can you anticipate more deviation within the traditional broadcast model, like shorter seasons? Lee: We're starting to. We did 10 cases of Missing with Ashley Judd, which we're doing eight cases of [horror drama] The River. I came from from the global where in the event you handled to acquire 10 cases of something, it absolutely was a massive success. You are able to crack open champagne -- well, it absolutely was a great deal a lot more like Guinness. Here, you're failing in the event you don't get beyond 16. I really think, if this involves getting in talent or certain kinds of storytelling, it appears sensible with something such as The River to convey, "OK, let's do eight of individuals and very construct them with techniques making sense." It appears sensible with Ashley Judd to carry out a limited series. But essential, as well as the energy within our business, does 22 or 24 episodes. That's still an important business, which we're not departing from that. One component that distinguishes American television is always that we could make storytelling that sustains on the very long time. But we'll experiment round the edges. THR: How about lower-cost programming, possibly on Friday nights? Lee: We're experimentation. We've had some success with Rookie Blue, the low-cost little bit of programming that's effective for people inside the summer season. We're doing other versions of the. We're doing worldwide co-productions, which we'll have a look at cost points on broadcast inside the U.S. However don't think it stops the fact we'll be buying and selling in large storytelling on comedy, drama and reality for primetime. THR: Reality franchises like Dwts are actually flagging this season. Will that genre's slice in the primetime cake shrink? Lee: Certainly not. It's a massive genre. It probably rules nearly all cable it rules broadcast in lots of nations. Nevertheless it's much more tough to develop possible demonstrate that's prone to break the recommendations now. You throw somebody off an exotic, plus it's unlikely to surprise people any more. PHOTOS: 'Dancing While using Stars' Season 13 Cast Official Photos THR: Cable systems want to be clearly defined brands. How achievable and valuable could it be for just about any broadcast network like ABC being one? Lee: I'd argue ABC has a brandname. You will discover brands on cable whose job is always to setup a sign saying, "In the event you're a girl, don't can be found in,In . or, "In the event you're a guy, don't can be found in,In . or, "In the event you're over 34, don't can be found in.In . The primary difference is always that we're an even more inclusive brand, closer to Apple or Target instead of Urban Outfitters. It's not our responsibility to put up a sign that states, "Don't can be found in,In . nevertheless it's absolutely our responsibility to produce brand promises that you know what happens you'll get in the event you come. I enjoy say it's a "smart with heart" network. THR: You set an finish date for Desperate Regular folks. Is always that something you'll look associated with Grey's Anatomy? Lee: Not again. I am hoping Grey's lasts another decade. THR: Producer Mark Gordon told us he'd would like it to go until he dies. Lee: I really like his ambition. Let's say five decades! With Desperate Regular folks, it absolutely felt like the right step to complete. Marc [Cherry] wanted to make it happen as well as the showrunners wanted to make it happen. We managed to get happen with Lost before I obtained here, plus it felt as being a great factor take its victory lap. Marc will write it which he's recognized for eight years what the last a quarter-hour are. We're likely to be in the sealed envelope and shipped getting a motorcade. [laughs] THR: Why didn't Charlie's Angels work? Lee: It's always so frantically to see. In my opinion we just didn't breathe existence into that idea. We didn't catch everyone else or have the momentum we wanted within the show. THR: While using struggles of NBC's The Playboy Club along with your Charlie's Angels and Pan Am, is retro TV dead? Lee: No. Ultimately, what really matters happens when good the show is. The advantage of obtaining a recognised brand is that you could get out of the clutter, too as with the fall launches, that's a useful step to complete. However when you don't stick to it tabs on an amazing show, it's unlikely to sustain. PHOTOS: 10 Tv Shows Canceled Faster Than 'The Playboy Club' THR: You want to say, "Essentially can't market it off, I'm not considering it.Inch What do i mean? Lee: I'm an ex-director, therefore i are available in a show visually, that's unusual because most people that do that job are ex-designers are available in the host to words. Personally, If only to think will have the ability to see some key art. THR: What's a genre you need to maintain? Lee: We're trying a completely new genre while using River. We glance carefully at what labored previously tough occasions throughout the final century. In the event you think about the 19 thirties as well as the ྂs, comedy did perfectly. It's not just that people desire to laugh, they wish to be entertained and moved, which is probably the reasons we did a tale book. Don't forget, the Wally Disney Co. is created on favorite anecdotes within the 19 thirties. So when you gaze at people periods, fear carried out, too. We just originated from the launch of Paranormal Activity, which we now have [its creator] Oren Peli doing The River. It's unlike anything you've seen on ABC. It's some risk, nevertheless it's one I like taking. I'm absolutely open to searching at new genres. THR: Between Marc Cherry's Hallelujah and Carlton Cuse's project with pastor-author Make the most of Bell, you're developing inside the spiritual genre. What options can you see in this space? Lee: Religion can be a fascinating subject, it goes back for the voice in the showrunner. Bobby Harling, who [GCB], involves religion getting huge dose of humor. We haven't seen the redeveloped pilot of Marc's Hallelujah, nevertheless it's deeply sincere. I don't think it's a subject that's off-limits. It's very relevant, which i'm a great believer that might be no taboos. As extended since it's produced by anybody that has talent and class, In my opinion you'll be able to discuss anything. THR: What's most likely probably the most surprising pitch you've heard? Lee: A pitch is certainly an invite to have an invitation with a preparty. You're telling us just how much of the outline might be, which outline may well be a script, which script may well be a pilot, which pilot may well be a series. It's up to now from really visiting the party the very best customers must have amazing antennae for when the party will most likely be worth visiting. You're acquiring the idea those being pitched in addition to trying to determine whether these individuals and ideas will catch fire and be various and surprising. Related Subjects ABC Desperate Regular folks Modern Family Paul Lee The River Grey's Anatomy ABC Entertainment Group

Participant taps marketing exec Boettcher

Veteran marketing exec Chad Boettcher will join Participant Media as exec VP of social action and advocacy. Jim Berk, CEO, made the announcement Tuesday. Boettcher, who takes the new post on Nov. 28, will be responsible for leading the creation, development and execution of campaigns for all Participant content. Participant said the hire is aimed at building on the success of its social action initiatives this past year with its campaigns for "Waiting for "Superman" and "Contagion." Participant said the "Waiting for "Superman" campaign has reached over 30 million people and that over 2 million people have visited Participant's online Social Action "hub" for "Contagion." Boettcher founded the digital co-creation platform Goodzuma and teaches marketing innovation at NYU. He's previously served as senior VP of social innovation at Weber Shandwick, Global Director of Corporate Responsibility at Nike and Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships and Public Affairs at MTV: Music Television. Boettcher is also the National Co-Chair of the Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

'American Country Honours:' Blake Shelton, Kristin Chenoweth to complete

Blake Shelton, Kristin Chenoweth and Trace Adkins are among people works within the American Country Honours, which air live from Las vegas on Fox on 12 ,. 5.our editor recommends'American Country Honours:' Zac Brown Band, Taylor Quick Score NomsCarrie Underwood Rules First-Ever American Country Honours PHOTOS: Country Crossovers (Chenoweth and Adkins also host.) The Pistol Annies, Thompson Square as well as the Eli Youthful Band may even hit happens. STORY: The ful llist of yank Country Honours nominations The The American Idol Show Show champion Scotty McCreery, runner-up Lauren Alaina, CW star Rachel Bilson and Miranda Lambert may even make looks. Voting for individuals groups remains open until Friday, November. 11 at internet.theacas.com. Voting for Artist of year continues until Friday, 12 ,. 2. The American Country Honours is executive-produced by Bob Bain (Teen Choice 2011, Kids' Choice Honours). Fletcher Promote, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein work as producers and Greg Sills is supervisory producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the special. Related Subjects Kristin Chenoweth American Country Honours

Anthony Marcoly Named Mind of significant Worldwide Theatrical

There has been more changes at Vital on Thursday since it named former Disney executive Anthony Marcoly leader of Worldwide--Theatrical. His hire has come about as the studio consolidates its worldwide methods in La, where Marcoly is dependent.our editor recommendsThe Condition in the Studio Deals: Who's Doing What WhereDavid Stainton Attracted onto operate Vital Animation Marcoly, who walked lower as leader of Disney Worldwide a year ago, works the broadly respected Andrew Cripps. Cripps, who's British, relies london. Lately, Vital introduced it absolutely was streamlining its home theatre, digital and film methods, paticularly around distribution and marketing. On Thursday, roughly 120 studio positions were removed worldwide as essential implemeted people changes. The London office will probably be considerably scaly back, because the Latin American regional office in Rio will probably be closed. Overall, 40 worldwide jobs are being elimiated. STORY: The Problem in the Studio Deals: Who's Doing What Where Inside the U.S., 80 positions are increasingly being removed across various divisions. "We are undertaking this reorganization to best adapt to the world evolution inside the movie business," mentioned Vital chairman & Boss Kaira Grey. "We are grateful to Andrew for individuals he's implemented to let us build Vital Worldwide, which we anticipate Anthony joining we and becoming his extensive worldwide experience to cope with for that pictures." Marcoly -- who spent 26 years at Disney -- will oversee Vital Worldwide's distribution, finance and methods, and may report right to Vital vice chairman Make the most of Moore. The duo understood each other well when both working at Disney. EXCLUSIVE: Vital Taps Hot Author to evolve 'Forgotten' for Hailee Steinfeld to Star "This should actually be as basic a transtion as there's," Moore mentioned. "I'd the pleasure of coping with Anthony at Disney. He's very gifted which we're all excited to own him join we.Inch Marcoly formally joins Vital within the finish in the month, wonderful country managers verifying to him. Formerly, Cripps' team london oversaw worldwide marketing now, all global theatrical marketing will probably be overseen by recently promoted chief marketing officer Josh Greenstein. The overall modifying is built to make the most of Paramount's strong box office performance and allow the studio to totally capture growth options inside the altering global entertainment market. As also introduced in September, the lately produced Home Media Distribution division will consolidate home theatre, digital certification and tv certification activities worldwide in to a single organization introduced by Dennis Maguire. Hal Richardson will assume the completely new role of Leader, Home Media Distribution Amy Reinhard will finish up EVP Gm of Domestic Home Media Distribution and Wendy Ferren will finish up EVP Gm of Worldwide Home Media Distribution. They will be responsible for controlling sales, marketing and methods inside their particular geographic areas. Related Subjects Vital Pictures

Charlie Sheen's 'Anger Management' sells to FX

SheenCharlie Sheen's new syndie sitcom "Anger Management" has found a home at FX. Cabler has ordered 10 episodes and, per the syndie deal with Lionsgate-owned distrib Debmar-Mercury, an additional 90 episodes will be aired by FX only if the show hits a series of initial high-ratings thresholds. Debmar-Mercury has a similar deal with Tyler Perry's comedies that air on TBS. Production will begin early next year, with a summer launch scheduled. Sheen, who is already a fixture at the cabler in "Men" reruns, will topline the skein that is based on the 2003 bigscreen Adam Sandler-Jack Nicholson comedy. Lionsgate will produce, with Bruce Helford serving as showrunner. He'll exec produce with Sheen and Joe Roth. The project was aggressively pitched around town a few weeks ago to a handful of broadcast and cable nets, including USA Network, Comedy Central and TV Land. While FX has made its mark with original laffers -- "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "Louie," "Wilfred" and "The League" -- net has seen a huge increase in its bottom line because of its recent syndie acquisitions, and the cabler feels it can get keep that momentum ongoing with "Anger Management." Sheen's popularity is difficult to gauge right now. He starred in "Men" for eight seasons on CBS; the comedy was for many years the most watched on television. However, after his public meltdown that led to his dismissal from the show earlier this year, "Two and a Half Men" has stormed back with strong ratings with Ashton Kutcher as Sheen's replacement. Following the "Men" brouhaha, Sheen went on a public standup tour that left many fans feeling unsatisfied. Deal gives Sheen a stake in the show, so it is now clearly in the actor's best interest to stay sober. All parties have out clauses that would go into effect should Sheen become medically unable to complete the 100 episodes. On Sheen's history of instability and what it would mean to the show's future, one source said: "It's fair to say that everyone who has something invested in this show has their eyes wide open." The initial 10 episodes will run as a weekly series next summer, and the show will then shift to a mostly daily pattern -- from early 2013 through September 2014 -- if FX picks up the additional 90 episodes. Cabler is planning on pairing "Anger Management" with both "Two and a Half Men" and "How I Met Your Mother." "Men" continues to be a strong asset for FX, currently averaging 700,000 viewers an episode. No pilot has yet been shot, nor has a cast been selected. As much as Sheen is the show's drawing card, FX prexy John Landgraf and his exec team are relying on the producing skills of Helford to keep the show on course. Helford is a veteran comedy producer and knows how to balance both production schedules and disparate personalities. At one time, about a decade ago, he was Chuck Lorre-like in juggling three series on the air: "George Lopez," "Nikki" and "The Drew Carey Show." Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

'In Time' Director Discusses Casting Justin Timberlake (Video)

Andrew Niccol helms the approaching sci-fi action film, Over Time, which stars Justin Timberlake like a poor guy residing in a society that utilizes time as currency. Inside a world where nobody age range past 25, time can be used to cover from food to clothing. Therefore, the wealthy can live forever, and also the poor die youthful.our editor recommends'In Time' Premiere Red-colored Carpet Arrivals: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried'In Time' Official Trailer Starring Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried Debuts'In Time' Premiere: 'Mad Men's' Vincent Kartheiser on his Anxiety about Dying (Video) Timberlake's character, Will Salas, is charged with murder when he gets time from the wealthy guy that has been alive for over a century. He's forced to take the run, going for a wealthy man's daughter (Amanda Seyfried) with him. PHOTOS: 'In Time' Premiere Red-colored Carpet Arrivals: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried Niccol told The Hollywood Reporter he continues to be following Timberlake's acting career for quite a while. "Justin I'd been monitoring since Alpha Dog and so i understood he would be a gifted actor in addition to a artist. Which was a simple decision because he's an excellent modern everyman for me personally,Inch stated Niccol, who spoken with THR in the premiere event for Over Time. VIDEO: 'In Time' Premiere: 'Mad Males's' Vincent Kartheiser on his Anxiety about Dying "And Amanda has this excellent combination where she could possibly be the bird within the gilded cage, but she's a feisty side to her too. And So I understood she may be the Bonnie within this Bonnie and Clyde adventure," added Niccol. Niccol, who helmed the sci-fi drama Gattaca, stated the concept for that film found him while he loves the "very literal metaphor of just living within the moment." "And when the thing is your seconds ticking away it might build your more alert to the way you spend time,Inch he stated. FILM REVIEW: Over Time A fascinating part of the film would be that the entire cast must look two-and-a-half decades old. Even though some figures tend to be older in a long time, their looks stays within their 20s. THR requested Niccol how he earned a youthful person appear older. VIDEO: 'In Time': Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried Meet, Search for Assist in New Clips "You help remind them how lengthy they have been in the world,Inch he stated. "Their tastes tend to be more refined and also you write dialogue on their behalf that's more articulate than the usual 25-year-old and also you dress these questions more refined way even when you are a thug like Alex Pettyfer's character, you are a 75-year-old thug which means you would dress sharp." The Twentieth Century Fox film also stars Olivia Wilde, Cillian Murphy, Matt Bomer, Johnny Galecki and Mad Men's Vincent Kartheiser. It opens in theaters March. 28. Related Subjects Amanda Seyfried Justin Timberlake Andrew Niccol Alex Pettyfer Over Time

Johnny Depp Banned From Talking 'The Rum Diary' With ABC Affiliates

Disney has apparently banned ABC affiliates from speaking with and videotaping Johnny Depp when it concerns his new film, The Rum Diary.our editor recommendsJohnny Depp Hosts Surprise Concert in Northern CaliforniaIn Theaters Oct. 28FEINBERG FORECAST: 'Tintin' Triumphs in London, 'Descendants' Descends on NY, 'Rum' Hangover in Hamptons PHOTOS: 'The Rum Diary' Photo Stills: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart and Amber Heard The actor arrived at the Austin Film Festival on Friday where The Rum Diary will be screened and he's accepting an award from the festival's organizers for his "Extraordinary Contribution to Film." But, if you're watching on an ABC affiliate, you won't be hearing what Depp has to say on either topic. According to Houston's KHOU, no ABC affiliates were allowed to speak with or even shoot the actor at the event due to a clause in his contract with Disney for its successful film franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean. "We came here expecting to talk to one of the biggest names in Hollywood," say KHOU News reporter Shelton Green. "But apparently, Disney doesn't want Johnny Depp's new movie premiering here at the Paramount [Theatre] to get more exposure than his new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. So, they wouldn't allow us to interview him nor would they even allow us to get video of him, but hundreds of other people did." PHOTOS: Johnny Depp's Most Memorable Career Moments The Walt Disney Co. owns ABC Inc. and several ABC owned and operated stations. The Rum Diary is based on the novel of the same name by Hunter S. Thompson about a reporter in Puerto Rico during the 1950s. Depp both produced and stars in the film out in theatres on Oct. 28. The fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, On Stranger Tides, debuted last may. The next installment is reportedly due to go into production in summer 2012. Related Topics Johnny Depp The Rum Diary The Walt Disney Company Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

2011 World Series: Zooey Deschanel, Trace Adkins to Perform

Michael Buckner/Getty Images for LA Times New Girl star Zooey Deschanel has lined up one of her highest profile singing gigs: she'll be performing the national anthem at the World Series. The actress, who is also the lead singer of indie duo She & Him, will be belting out "The Star Spangled Banner" at Game 4 of the championship match between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers. That showdown is Sunday on Fox, the network that airs New Girl. PHOTOS: 'New Girl': Behind the Scenes of Fox's New Comedy Country singers Trace Adkins and Ronnie Dunn are also scheduled for national anthem duties. Adkins will perform Thursday at Game 2 and Dunn will take the microphone at Game 3 on Saturday. American Idol winner Scott McCreery had national anthem honors during Game 1 Wednesday but had to re-start the song after his microphone malfunctioned and flubbed a couple of lyrics. PHOTOS: Fox's New Season TV Shows: 'Terra Nova,' 'The X Factor' and More McCreery joins a long list of celebs who have flubbed the National Anthem, including Christina Aguilera at the Super Bowl, Cyndi Lauper at the U.S. Open and Steven Tyler at the Indy 500. The World Series broadcast schedule is: Game 1 -- Oct. 19, 8:05 p.m. ET, Texas at St. Louis (St. Louis won) Game 2 -- Oct. 20, 8:05 p.m. ET, Texas at St. Louis Game 3 -- Oct. 22, 8:05 p.m. ET, St. Louis at Texas Game 4 -- Oct. 23, 8:05 p.m. ET, St. Louis at Texas Game 5* -- Oct. 24, 8:05 p.m. ET, St. Louis at Texas Game 6* -- Oct. 26, 8:05 p.m. ET, Texas at St. Louis Game 7* -- Oct. 27, 8:05 p.m. ET, Texas at St. Louis *If necessary Zooey Deschanel New Girl

Skype Founders Concentrating on Netflix Competitor (Report)

NY - The founders of Skype, Joost and Kazaa are concentrating on an internet-based video service named Vdio that could use deal with the type of Netflix, introduced by Boss Reed Hastings, technology news site GigaOm reported.our editor indicates CBS, Netflix Sign Two-Year Content Agreement ICMs Chris Silbermann on New Network Chiefs, Netflixs Impact as well as the Very Worthwhile Pilot Season The streaming video services are presently undertaking a little beta make certain looks to create inside the U.K. first, it mentioned. PHOTOS: Netflix's 10 Most Leased Movies ever Video site Joost lost momentum due to inadequate popular content, nevertheless the Vdio site teases movies and tv shows in the type of Warner Bros., AMC, Showtime The brand new the new sony and Fox, GigaOm reported. The web site, which uses the slogan "Are You Currently Presently Watching?," recently launched a web page that highlights such content since the Dark Dark evening and Karate Kid and tv shows like Mad Males as well as the Tudors, according to GigaOm. It wasn't immediately apparent should they have indeed licensed that content or only decided to be testing the actual way it could promote content. U.S. site site visitors, after logging into websites via Facebook, are told that Vdio is "presently accessible within the U.K. only," while U.K. people get yourself a message proclaiming that Vdio is "not remote,Inch it added. They behind the Vdio website is searching to copy the model behind their formerly launched music subscription site Rdio for your video space, according to GigaOm. Rdio offers unlimited music for just about any monthly subscription. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects Netflix

The Woman in the Septic Tank (Ang babae sa septic tank)

A Star Cinema release of Cinemalaya presentation of a Martinez-Rivera Films, Quantum Films production in association with Straight Shooters Media. (International sales: Ignatius Films, Mississauga, Canada.) Produced by Chris Martinez, Marlon N. Rivera, Josabeth Alonso, John Victor Tence. Directed by Marlon N. Rivera. Screenplay, Chris Martinez.With: Eugene Domingo, JM de Guzman, Kean Cipriano, Cai Cortez, Jonathan Tadioan, Carlos Dala, K.C. Marcelo, Cherry Pie Picache, Mercedes Cabral, Ronnie Pressman, Lani Tapia, Sonny Bautista. (Tagalog, English dialogue)Current trends in Filipino indie cinema are lampooned in "The Woman in the Septic Tank," a lively laffer about cynical filmmakers planning a "poverty porn" drama solely for the purpose of scoring free travel to international film festivals. Complete with politically incorrect song-and-dance numbers and a delightful perf by local star Eugene Domingo as an over-the-top version of herself, the pic looks set for the lengthy fest run its characters seek. Unlike many of the movies it satirizes, "Septic Tank" scored a local commercial release in August and grossed an impressive $700,000. Niche broadcasters should check it out. The irony here is that "Septic Tank" is presented by the Cinemalaya Foundation, which since 2005 has supplied funds for many movies -- often dealing with poverty and violence -- that have dramatically raised the international profile of Filipino cinema. Chris Martinez's screenplay never aims jibes at specific Filipino films or filmmakers; the humor is much more about how the rest of the world sees Filipino art cinema. Auds could be forgiven for thinking they're watching a genuine Filipino poverty opera at first. Accompanied by a serious voiceover announcing scene numbers and settings, single mother Mila (Domingo) feeds her seven children before delivering a preteen daughter to the hotel of foreign pedophile Mr. Smithberger (Ronnie Pressman). In a snazzy surprise, the footage just seen turns out to be all in the head of producer Bingbong (JM de Guzman) and writer-director Rainier (Kean Cipriano), young hustlers out to manufacture a fest-friendly Filipino indie. Wanting a big name for the lead in their movie, titled "With Nothing," the boys also imagine local stars (and good sports for appearing) Mercedes Cabral ("Serbis") and Cherry Pie Picache ("Foster Child") in the role of Mila before setting their sights on the distinguished Domingo. Ahead of a meeting with their prospective leading lady, Bingbong, Rainier and assistant Jocelyn (Cai Cortez) ruthlessly discuss how to make theirs the ultimate Filipino misery movie. This prompts some very funny illustrated sequences about the best configuration of crimes, victims and perpetrators to catch the attention of fest programmers. In the most daring flight of fancy, "With Nothing" becomes a musical, with Mila and Smithberger singing a duet. Some auds will find this too much; for others, it will be a highlight. Domingo is terrific at sending up her star status when she agrees to play Mila for reasons just as cynical as those of Bingbong and Rainier. Her extended interpretation of the screenplay and inane suggestions for "improvements," spoken at a million miles per hour, are a real knockout. Cipriano and de Guzman are spot-on as the guys with one eye on the slums and the other on travel and trophies. Lensing is simple and effective. Music by Vincent de Jesus wonderfully evokes French farce with merry melodies played on accordion. Other tech work is fine.Camera (color, DigiBeta), Larry Manda; editor, Ike Veneracion; music, Vincent de Jesus; production designer, Norman Regalado; art director, Michael D. Labora; choreographer, Carlon Matobato; sound (stereo), Albert Michael Idioma, Addiss B. Tabong; line producer, Madonna Tarrayo; assistant director, Melvin Lee. Reviewed at Busan Film Festival (A Window on Asian Cinema), Oct. 13, 2011. (Also in Cinemalaya, Hawaii, Vancouver, Tokyo film festivals.) Running time: 87 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

'Real Steel' Knocks Out 'Footloose' At Box Office

Matt Reeves, you will enter "The Twilight Zone." Warner Bros. has certainly let the most appropriate one in by using the "Cloverfield" and "Let Me In" filmmaker to direct a completely new large-screen adaptation in the classic Fly fishing rod Sterling television series. Deadline gets the news, verifying round the Jason Rothenberg-composed film: "Even though last Twilight Zone film was an anthology with assorted company company directors, that certain can be a large sci-fi action movie getting just one free-standing story that's in the original series mainly because it shares that familiarly eerie feel." Personally, I'm thrilled with selecting a Reeves, however i sometimes wish WB had opted the anthology route and hired multiple company company directors to supervise different "Twilight Zone" vignettes. That recently leaked wish report on filmmakers including Christopher Nolan, Michael Bay and Alfonso Cuaron may have created for one heck from the dynamic moviegoing experience. Previously "The Twilight Zone" news » It had been initially reported this past year that Leonardo DiCaprio and also the Appian Way production company might be joining with Warner Bros. to make a new film version of "The Twilight Zone." » On hearing what is the news, we emerged with this particular own wish report on classic "Twilight Zone" episodes we'd need to visit round the silver screen. » News ongoing to stop barking until early October, each time a report showed up in this area that Christopher Nolan, Michael Bay and Alfonso Cuaron were among the organization company directors Warner Bros. was thinking going to helm the "Twilight Zone" remake. Ultimately, the job visited Matt Reeves. Reveal everything you consider the "Twilight Zone" news inside the comments section and also on Twitter!