'Iron Guy 3' Rumor: Robert Downey Junior. Getting Lifts?

The Iron Guy suit might be getting improving: Heels! According to Us Weekly (with the NY Publish), Robert Downey Junior. is adding lifts for 'Iron Guy 3.' "They're concentrating on a distinctive pair just for him," an origin told the celebrity magazine, that the lifts might be hidden in boots. Why over the following Iron Guy movie and not 'The Avengers?' At 5'8", the actor certainly isn't the greatest inside the 'Avengers' cast. That could be mighty Thor, Chris Hemsworth, at 6'3", once we have seen in shots in the stars round the set. No less than Downey appears being taller than Mark Ruffalo, who's also apparently 5'8". Downey formerly told Men's Fitness he'd doubts about as an action hero, partly due to his height. "I've always really loved that genre, however mean, it's pretty outlandish. I'm not particularly tall or strong or fast or aggressive. Yet, I'm not faking it. In my opinion, it's a cosmic chuckle." As they are this complete story, probably. [via NY Publish] [Photo: FilmMagic] The Gloomy of 'The Avengers' Cast Scarlett Johansson, 'The Last Score'Robert Downey Junior, 'Less Than Zero'Chris Evans, 'Puncture'Chris Hemsworth, 'Ollie Klublershturf Versus. the Nazis'Samuel L. Jackson, 'Jungle Fever'Jeremy Renner, 'Dahmer'Mark Ruffalo, 'Reservation Road' See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

'Dark Dark evening Rises' Trailer Records, New Photos Arrive

We understood the initial theatrical trailer for Christopher Nolan's Batman finale is a huge hit, while not 12.5 million huge! Inside the week following a trailer's massive debut, anticipation remains high for "The Dark Dark evening Increases." New high quality stills and restored fascination with an unused clip from "The Dark Dark evening" only added fuel for the rising fire. Listed below are the week's finest Batman's tales up to now. "Dark Dark evening Increases" Trailer Tops "Avengers" Inside the 24 several hours that adopted balance anticipated discharge of the extremely first full-length "Dark Dark evening Increases" trailer, over 12.5 million people seen it either round the iTunes Movie Trailer site or using the iTunes Trailers iOS programs. The release from Warner Bros. made certain to express the Batman's preview first demonstrated to more effective amounts than "The Avengers" trailer, beating it by greater than two million sights. New "Dark Dark evening Increases" Stills Reach High Quality We'd seen the images already when Empire featured them inside their large "Increases" problem, however we have to relish these questions much clearer, hi-res quality. Particulars that didn't survive inside the scans, like the more understanding about Bane's costume and problem, stand out inside the new versions. We're also treated to have an epic shot in the guy behind everything, Christopher Nolan, repping the format he loves a great deal, IMAX. Joker Rides riding on the bus in Unused "Dark Dark evening" Footage The alternate originate from the Joker in the chartered bus since it drives in the overflowing hospital has been around for any very long time. However Kevin Cruz tweeted it to his lots of fans, as well as the clip made the models once more. Celebrate you question another unused footage can be obtained in the performance people can't seem to consume an adequate amount of. Reveal everything you considered history week's "Dark Dark evening Increases" news inside the comments below and also on Twitter!

'Magic Mike': Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and Alex Pettyfer Stripper Movie First Look (PHOTO)

Here's one gift from Santa Claus that actually doesn't need very much unwrapping: the first official image from 'Magic Mike,' the studio-proclaimed dramatic comedy from Steven Soderbergh about male strippers. Based on the experiences of Channing Tatum from his days as a dancer, 'Mike' stars a bevy of good-looking leading men (Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Adam Rodriguez) and -- judging from the still -- their assets will be firmly displayed upon release on June 29, 2012. Would you believe Matthew McConaughey takes his shirt off in this one? What an opposite of a surprise! [CLICK ABOVE FOR BIGGER] Soderbergh has two films arriving in theaters in 2012: 'Mike' and 'Haywire,' which hits in January. [Photo: Warner Bros.] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Trump Drops Republican Party Registration

First Launched: December 24, 2011 11:31 AM EST Credit: Getty Images NY, N.Y. -- Caption Jesse Trump and Melania Trump attend the earth premiere of Tower Heist within the Ziegfeld Theatre, New you are able to city, on October 24, 2011Billionaire businessman Jesse Trump has changed his voter registration in NY condition from Republican to unaffiliated. A representative for Trump states the businessman and television host changed his affiliation to preserve his option to seek the presidency in 2012. Special Counsel Michael Cohen mentioned Friday that Trump could enter in the race if Republicans don't nominate a job candidate who is able to defeat Leader Obama. He mentioned Trump probably would use his substantial wealth towards the playing area with Obamas re-election campaign. Cohen mentioned Trumps persistence for hosting Televisions The Apprentice can keep him from doing anything until May, when the shows season systems up. He mentioned Trump filed his voter registration documents Thursday. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

FilmFunds buys post house

PARIS -- FilmFunds, a crowdsourcing venture launched at the Toronto Film Festival, has stepped into the 3D conversion biz with the acquisition of Duran Duboi U.S., a California-based post-production and vfx house. Created by Christian Paris in 2002, Duran Duboi U.S. has developed 3D LiveFlix software, which enables real-time 3D conversion of films and toons. Deal allows FilmFunds to poll moviegoers to see what popular library titles they want to see in 3D and offer conversion services to digital players like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, as well as studios. The Los Angeles-based company allows filmmakers to post their synopses and marketing material on FilmFunds' website and mobile app and lets members give feedback on the projects. FilmFunds' online community is currently building, but the goal is to reach the 60 million moviegoers in the U.S., per Carl Freer, co-founder and chairman of FilmFunds.Freer says the idea behind the acquisition of Duran Duboi U.S. is to become a one-stop shop for filmmakers and people in the industry. "We're looking to help content distributors evaluate the market for 3D conversion and decide what movies to convert," Freer said. "Our model is simple: We either have the content owners write the check for the 3D conversion or we fund it inhouse and do a revenue share with pay-per-view websites."Paris, who's now VP of FilmFunds, says the 3D LiveFlix technology, recently used on "Conan the Barbarian," works best to convert homevid titles. "We could convert a catalog of 600 titles in one week," said Paris, a French post-production vet. FilmFunds also is bidding for Quinta Industries' Duran Duboi, the Paris-based vfx and animation shingle that was placed in bankruptcy last week.Paris said the bid has yet to be approved by French authorities. If greenlit, FilmFunds will pursue ongoing productions, such as Luc Besson-produced "The Boy With the Cuckoo-Clock Heart," according to Paris. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Focus World sets film slate

Focus World, the initial digital distribution initiative possessed and operated by Focus Features, has set its slate for that first quarter of 2012. The brand new Focus World choices include James Franco's "The Damaged Tower," which is launched electronically on Jan. 10 Gaukur Ulfarsson's documentary feature "Gnarr," set to bow on February. 7 and Liza Johnson's "Return," which is launched February. 28. Additionally, Focus World and Entertainment You will release several game titles -- all already available electronically -- on DVD through the first quarter of 2012: Alma Har'el's "Bombay Beach" on Jan. 17, Jon Foy's "Resurrect Dead" on Jan. 31 and Toniko Melo's "VIPs" on February. 14. Black-and-whitened pic "The Damaged Tower," which first showed only at that year's La Film Festival, stars author-director Franco as "Lost Generation" poet Hart Crane. "Gnarr," which opened only at that year's Tribeca Film Festival, stories comedian Jon Gnarr's campaign for mayor of Reykjavik. The campaign came from like a joke but grew to become a political statement and accomplished an unpredicted momentum that taken Gnarr into office. Focus World will electronically distribute the documentary throughout the peak of next year's U.S. presidential primary season. "Return," which opened included in the Directors' Week in the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, is really a drama in regards to a U.S. Military reservist (Linda Cardellini) who comes back home following a tour of duty and it has trouble readjusting to small-town existence. Michael Shannon and John Slattery co-star. Released captured, Focus World states it identifies and curates probably the most exciting voices in worldwide and independent cinema. A part of Focus Features' multiplatform strategy, Focus World presents game titles "of genuine vision and originality" as premiere releases on EST, iVOD and VOD, together with DVD along with other formats. The Main Focus World deals were closed by Avy Eschenasy, professional Vice president of proper planning, business matters and purchases, together with Kent Sanderson, manager of digital content. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

First trailer lands for Jack The Giant Killer

Bryan Singer's fairytale saga Jack The Giant Killer is searching superbly epic, with Warner Siblings delivering an initial trailer and poster with this ultimate underdog story.The film stars Nicholas Hoult as reluctant hero Jack, who unknowingly opens a gateway to an enormous amount of bloodthirsty titans as an astonishing great beanstalk.Tossed in to the role of hero, Jack must fight these fearsomely extra-large beasties to be able to save his kingdom and win one's heart of Eleanor Tomlinson's beautiful princess.Browse the first trailer below... We are quite liking the feel of that one, with Hoult searching a great fit for that everyman hero, and also the visual aesthetic perfectly taking the outlandish essence of the fairy story.The film is going to be launched in three dimensional on 15 June 2012, so expect various big chunks of rock, trees and portions of beanstalk in the future sailing from the screen once the titans obtain fight on...

Showtime stretches MMA deal

Showtime will produce and televise as much as eight live mma occasions within new agreement with Strikeforce. A match between Rockhold and Keith Jardine on Jan. 7 would be the first underneath the new deal, that will also result in undercard fights airing survive Showtime Extreme. "Since its advent on Showtime in 2007, live mma has always carried out well with this customers, especially in the more youthful census," Showtime Sports professional veep and g.m. Stephen Espinoza stated. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Vegas crix say 'The Artist' tops

''The Artist'' continues its winning ways among critics' because the Vegas Film Experts Society 2011 bestows its greatest recognition around the quiet pic. Additionally to winning the Sierra for the best picture, the Michel Hazanavicius flick also required home wins for the best actor for Jean Dujardin, best score for Ludovic Bource, costume design for Mark Bridges and art design for Gregory S. Hooper. Within the other acting groups, Michelle Williams won best actress on her submit ''My Week with Marilyn,'' while Albert Brooks (''Drive'') and Melissa McCarthy (''Bridesmaids'') rounded the supporting nods. Brooks seemed to be honored using the org's William Holden Lifetime Achievement Award. Nicholas Winding Refn won for the best helmer for ''Drive.'' The LVFCS consists of selected print, television and internet film experts within the Vegas area. Contact Erin Maxwell at erin.maxwell@variety.com

'What to Expect When You're Expecting' Trailer: Elizabeth Banks, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez Hit Pregnancy Walls

Getty ImagesRainey Qualley, left, and Andie MacDowell Actress-musician Rainey Qualley has been named Miss Golden Globe 2012 by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.our editor recommendsGolden Globes Comedy vs. Drama Category Battle Rages OnGolden Globes TV Predictions from THR's Tim Goodman Qualley, the daughter of Golden Globe-nominated actress Andie MacDowell, will assist at the 69th edition of the awards show, set to air live at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on NBC from the Beverly Hilton Hotel. PHOTOS: Golden Globe Awards' Most Memorable Moments Qualley performed in several productions at Belmont University and went on to study acting at the Maggie Flanigan School. She is awaiting release of her first feature, the indie film Mighty Fine, which stars Chazz Palminteri and MacDowell. She also is pursuing a musical career and is in the midst of writing songs. Miss Golden Globe is traditionally the child of a well-known celebrity. Previous Miss/Mister Golden Globes include Rumer Willis (daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis), Laura Dern (daughter of Diane Ladd and Bruce Dern), Joely Fisher (daughter of Connie Stevens and Eddie Fisher), Melanie Griffith (daughter of Tippi Hedren), Freddie Prinze Jr. (son of Freddie Prinze), Mavis Spencer (daughter of Alfre Woodard and Roderick Spencer) and Gia Mantegna (daughter of Joe Mantegna). PHOTOS:8 Possible Hollywood Targets for Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes The awards show, to be again hosted by Ricky Gervais, will be produced by dick clark productions in association with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Golden Globes 2011 Red Carpet Style Golden Globes Andie MacDowell Golden Globes 2012

Actor Thomas Martell Brimm dies

Actor and music performer Thomas Martell Brimm, who made an appearance on Broadway in Eugene O'Neill's "The Iceman Cometh" and onstage around the globe as well as labored to broaden use of the humanities, died from kidney failure in La on November. 30. He was 75. Brimm developed his abilities being an actor with Frederick Papp's Shakespeare Company. He later together with 16 European nations using the Negro Ensemble Company's manufacture of "Events in Dark Old Males." During Europe, he made an appearance in "Once the Chickens Get Home to Roost" so that as Large Dad in "Cat on the Hot Container Roof." In Munich, he directed and created plays compiled by African-American ladies and offered as artistic director for that American Drama Group, Europe. Throughout his career younger crowd carried out in Africa, South america, Haiti and Venezuela. Thomas made an appearance Off Broadway in plays including "Mother Courage and Her Children," "Coriolanus" and "Beclch." Having a grant from Pulitzer Prize champion Charles Larger Junior., he established Theater from the Roads to widen use of the humanities in Greenwich Village. Also, like a.deb. for Cellblock Theater, he directed plays and trained acting in Nj and NY prisons. He directed and oversaw an ensemble in excess of 100 creative artists for any group known as Hospital Audiences, which together with hospitals and nursing facilities. Brimm's television credits include telepics "The Lure" and "Second Chances" and Thurgood Marshall story "Simple Justice" (a part of PBS' "American Experience." When he came back to California, he established a carrying out arts academy, known as A Light Pressure. Younger crowd ongoing to do themself, showing up as Cutler in August Wilson's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." Brimm carried out with artists for example John Paul Johnson of Brought Zeppelin and Richie Havens, in addition to sang and performed guitar in the band, also known as A Light Pressure. Thomas Martel Brim Junior. was created in Louisiana. He first made an appearance onstage in New Orleans at 9 in minstrel shows written and created by his father, a minister who had been additionally a bandleader. He grew to become enthusiastic about carrying out in senior high school, but his aspirations were deferred when he volunteered for Military service throughout the Korean War. Upon coming back towards the States, he started his acting career in Bay Area. He eventually gone to live in NY to find greater possibilities and transformed the spelling of his title. Children incorporate a boy, a daughter, five siblings four siblings along with a large relatives. Services is going to be held Saturday, 12 ,. 10, at 2 p.m. in the Angelus Funeral Home, 3875 Crenshaw Blvd., La. Donations might be designed to Amazing Sophistication Conservatory, 2401 W. Washington Blvd., La, CA 90018. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

David Guetta Becomes First DJ to be Handprinted at Graumans Chinese Theatre

DJ and producer David Guetta became the first music industry artist to have his handprints put into cement at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood over the weekend, but don't look for his imprint in the famous courtyard in front of the iconic theater.our editor recommendsAMAs 2011: Nicki Minaj Gives Electric Performance with David GuettaHow Electronic Music Moved the Masses in 2011 A native of France, Guetta is the first to be tapped for Handprints Homage, a new program in which music stars, and some DJ's, are immortalized in cement. The resulting imprint is then mounted on the wall of the renovated Grauman's Ballroom, which is the new name of the completely renovated lobby of the Chinese 6 theater complex on the third floor of the theater adjacent to Hollywood-Highland. PHOTOS: 54th Annual Grammy Nominees That lobby, which leads to the six multi-plex theaters, is now a venue for events and parties, complete with a new kitchen. Over the weekend the Chinese Theater kicked off a new program of events in the space with Guetta performing in front of about 800 people who paid to party and dance to his music. The theater plans to do various events about once a month going forward. Guetta, according to a source, is one of the rare DJ's to be so honored. Most of the artists the Chinese will immortalize in cement will be music stars who perform there, or are chosen to be honored there. PHOTOS: The Best (and Worst) Moments of AMAs 2011 Guetta is a hot artist right now with his single "Without You," which has been number one on the top 40-airplay chart for two weeks. He also was nominated for two Grammy awards last week. One is for Best Dance/Electronica Album for Nothing But The Beat, his fifth studio album. The other nomination is for Best Dance Recording for the electronic track "Sunshine," produced with Swedish DJ Avicii. Guetta won Grammys in 2010 and 2011 for Best Remixed Recording. Guetta has also recently partnered with the website Vevo for a sweepstakes that runs through Dec. 26. The prizes include a trip to the Grammys, a trip to Disneyworld and equipment including an Ipad 2 and headphones. Guetta recently was the opening act on the American Music Awards as part of a performance by Nicki Minaj. There are also screenings this month of Guetta's documentary film Nothing But The Beat, about his career and rise from underground house DJ to being a star in his own right. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The Best (and Worst) Moments of AMAs 2011 Related Topics David Guetta Nicki Minaj

Joss Whedon's Long-Delayed 'The Cabin in the Woods' Gets a New Poster

Patricio Guzman's Nostaligia for the Light, a documentary about Chile's Atacama Desert, where astronomers go to gaze at the sky while women sift through the sand for evidence of loved ones murdered by the Pinochet regime, took top honors at the International Documentary Association's 2011 IDA Documentary Awards on Friday night.our editor recommendsWerner Herzog Explains His First Visit to MIPCOMAnimated, Documentary and Foreign: 3 Key Oscar Categories Analyzed PHOTOS: Gotham Awards 2011 Red Carpet Arrivals At the ceremony held at the DGA Theatre and hosted by filmmakers Tiffany Schlain, Josh Fox and Eddie Schmidt, the prize for best short was given to Sara Nesson's Poster Girl, the portrait of an Iraq War vet. Nesson and producer Mitchell Block accepted the award. Documentarian Les Blank was presented with the IDA's Career Achievement Award, given to him by fellow filmmaker Werner Herzog. The Jacqueline Donnet Emerging Filmmaker Award was given to Danfung Dennis, director of Hell and Back Again. STORY: Animated, Documentary and Foreign: 3 Key Oscar Categories Analyzed The Best Continuing Series Award went to the PBS series POV, the long running showcase for independent non-fiction films, and the Best Limited Series Award went to Planet Green's Boomtown, directed by Rachel Libert. The complete list of winners follows: 2011 IDA DOCUMENTARY AWARDS CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Les Blank JACQUELINE DONNET EMERGING FILMMAKER AWARD Danfung Dennis BEST FEATURE AWARD NOSTALGIA FOR THE LIGHT Director/Writer: Patricio Guzmán Producer: Renate Sachse Atacama Productions (France), Blinker Filmproduction GmbH and WDR (Germany), and Cronomedia Ltda. (Chile), Icarus Films BEST SHORT AWARD POSTER GIRL Director/Producer: Sara Nesson Executive Producer: Sheila Nevins (HBO) Producer: Mitchell Block Supervising Producer: Sara Bernstein (HBO) Consulting Producer: Ross Kauffman Portrayal Films, Inc. in association with HBO Documentary Films BEST LIMITED SERIES AWARD BOOMTOWN Executive Producer/Director: Rachel Libert Executive Producers: Josh Braun, Ken Druckerman, Susannah Ludwig, Banks Tarver Co-Executive Producer: Matthew Galkin Producer: Kevin Vargas Left/Right Inc., Discovery Channel- Planet Green BEST CONTINUING SERIES AWARD POV Executive Producer: Simon Kilmurry Co-Executive Producer: Cynthia López VP of Programming and Production: Chris White Series Producer: Yance Ford Coordinating Producer: Andrew Catauro American Documentary | POV DAVID L. WOLPER STUDENT DOCUMENTARY AWARD GUAÑAPE SUR Director/Executive Producer/Writer: János Richter Executive Producers: Heidi Gronauer, Lorenzo Paccagnella Producer: Georg Zeller ZeLIG- School for Documentary, Andanafilms, Icarus Films HUMANITAS DOCUMENTARY AWARD POSITION AMONG THE STARS (STAND VAN DE STERREN) Director/Writer: Leonard Retel Helmrich Producer/Writer: Hetty Naaijkens - Retel Helmrich Scarabee Films and HUMAN Broadcasting in association with HBO Documentary Films ABCNEWS VIDEOSOURCE AWARD THE PRUITT-IGOE MYTH Director/Producer/Writer: Chad Freidrichs Producers: Jaime Freidrichs, Paul Fehler, Brian Woodman Unicorn Stencil Documentary Films PARE LORENTZ AWARD THE LAST MOUNTAIN Director/Producer/Writer: Bill Haney Executive Producers: Tim Disney, Sarah Johnson Redlich, Tim Rockwood Producers: Clara Bingham, Eric Grunebaum Writer: Peter Rhodes Uncommon Productions, Dada Films, New Video CREATIVE RECOGNITION AWARDS BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY IL CASTELLO Cinematography: Massimo D'Anolfi Directors: Massimo D'Anolfi & Martina Parenti BEST EDITING SENNA Editors: Chris King & Gregers Sall Director: Asif Kapadia BEST MUSIC BETTER THIS WORLD Composer: Paul Brill Directors: Katie Galloway and Kelly Duane de la Vega Werner Herzog

We Bought a Zoo: Film Review

This story first appeared in the Dec. 2 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.our editor recommendsFrom 'The Artist' to 'War Horse,' 23 Awards Contenders That Prominently Feature Animals (Photos)The Making of 'The Artist''The Artist' Star Berenice Bejo to Wear Her 1920s Costumes on Red CarpetsHow Rin Tin Tin Ruined Any Oscar Shot for 'The Artist's' Jack RussellMichel Hazanavicius, the Artist Behind 'The Artist,' On the Great Crowd-Pleaser (Video) Somehow, Michel Hazanavicius managed to come up with something that even the French thought was loopy. For years, the Parisian writer-director -- an analytical guy who sees filmmaking as what he calls "playing with codes" -- had been captivated by an idea. But financiers got cold feet just hearing about it; the boutique television stations that typically fund sophisticated European films walked away. Even in a nation of cineastes and revival houses -- a country in which a major film movement was once launched by a band of movie critics -- his dream looked to be dead on arrival. PHOTOS: The Making of 'The Artist' "I wanted to make one for a long time," the director says about his fascination with doing a black-and-white silent set in the 1920s. His long limbs folded over a table at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, he talks about his heroes like F.W. Murnau and Fritz Lang. "But it's even difficult to convince myself, or to convince anyone else, it is even possible. I found that some producers -- really all of them -- were a little bit cold." It didn't help that the 44-year-old Hazanavicius was known in France for the box-office-friendly, period-conscious OSS 117 spy parodies, in which a kind of Gallic Bond scampers through the 1950s and '60s. "What I needed was a crazy guy," he says. Enter Thomas Langmann, 40, whom Hazanavicius calls "the craziest producer in France." Langmann, the son of Oscar winner Claude Berri (who directed Manon of the Spring and produced Roman Polanski's Tess), worked a bit with Soderbergh and Coppola as a young man and produced some French smashes in his 30s. Langmann sees producing as a species of gambling. "It was always about betting on directors," he says of the philosophy his father passed down. "I knew if we made a film in black and white and we succeeded, it would be original." It took director and producer awhile to sync up -- early ideas such as a feature with an invisible protagonist didn't make the cut. "I really wanted to make an entertaining movie," Hazanavicius says, noting that many European silents were tragic romances. "I thought it was unfair to ask people to come to a black-and-white silent movie that was also dark -- it would be too much." But finally the two came up with an idea that worked: a film about a '20s matinee idol who struggles with the advent of talkies. PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes of our Directors Roundtable Photo Shoot With Michel Hazanavicius The movie that resulted is being talked about as the first silent film with real best-picture Oscar chances since Wings, the 1927 Clara Bow film that arrived soon before the talkies changed the game (it won). The Artist opened in the U.S. on Nov. 25 -- just two screens each in NY and Los Angeles -- but already has banked an impressive $12 million since its release in France in October. More important, the film took the best actor award at Cannes, where it played to rapturous audiences, and it has gone on to seduce judges at festivals around the world and sweep the season's audience awards from Chicago to the Hamptons to San Sebastien. "It is as wonderful a film as it is modern," says silent-film collector and producer Serge Bromberg, who has seen the movie six times at festivals, "with jaw-dropping cinematography, good acting, wonderful knowledge of classic cinema. And it has the flavor of the old. But it is not a film of the '20s; the pace is not the same, and its constant humor gives it some distance from what a film of the '20s would be." Hazanavicius was already an admirer of the silent era, but as he wrote, he immersed himself deeply for several months, reading actors' biographies, going to screenings of Murnau and Frank Borzage and early John Ford at Paris' Cinematheque, studying photographs and playing music of the '20s and early '30s. STORY: 'The Artist' Star Berenice Bejo to Wear Her 1920s Costumes on Red Carpets He wanted Jean Dujardin -- a bankable French star known mostly for comic roles -- to play the lead, Valentin. "Of course, I said: 'You're crazy. It's impossible,' " says Dujardin. Hazanavicius also asked his girlfriend, Berenice Bejo, the Argentina-born French actress who appeared in A Knight's Tale and in his OSS films, to play a studio extra named Peppy, shot into fame by a chance encounter. "I said, 'No way -- no way,' " recalls Bejo, who has two children with the director. "Not with me." The two eventually were persuaded, and their presence caused a change in the movie itself. The original vision for the film focused on Valentin's isolation. But as Hazanavicius got deeper into the film, Peppy began to seem major, and the movie became a romance. Dujardin had only ever scratched the era's surface. "I knew only the masterpieces of Keaton and Chaplin," he says. "It was a real discovery for me to find King Vidor's The Crowd," a film about a man lost in the big city of the 1920s that the actor calls "very modern, very touching; it helped me to assemble all the different references." PHOTOS: It's a Zoo This Season: 23 Awards Contenders Featuring Animals As a model for his character, he found Douglas Fairbanks -- the actor who started making films in 1915 and whose career faded as talkies ascended. "In all his films," Dujardin says, "he doesn't ask himself any questions," never straining against the limits of the swashbuckling style required by such films as Robin Hood and The Mark of Zorro. "It's pathetic when you know the talkies are coming, but he's also very generous. He's like my character George Valentin: He can be arrogant, but he has integrity. He believes in his art. He fights for it." (Valentin needs that integrity -- as he spirals downward, it's all he has, besides liquor and an attentive, scene-stealing dog to keep him warm.) Bejo's research found inspiration in Gloria Swanson -- who, unlike Fairbanks, excelled after the silent era. She fell for Swanson's autobiography, which describes a life very different from the desiccated former star she played in Sunset Boulevard. "She started in the silent period and then went to the talkies and then to TV," Bejo says. "I got a sense of the atmosphere of the period." To make a film about Hollywood, Langmann reasoned, you had to shoot there. By now he'd drawn some funding from French station Canal+ and invested considerably from his own company, La Petite Reine. But the costs of coming to America -- and surrendering French government subsidies -- raised the stakes substantially. (The film's eventual budget came close to $20 million.) STORY: 'The Artist': The Not-So-Silent Entry Shooting at the Paramount and Warner Bros. lots -- as well as locations like the beautifully lit center court of downtown L.A.'s 1893 Bradbury Building, known to film buffs for its role in Blade Runner -- inspired the crew over the 35-day shoot. (Dujardin was put up in an old house in the Hollywood Hills -- he thinks to amplify his isolation for his slide in the movie's second act.) "Hollywood, in my opinion, is the big star of the movie," says Hazanavicius. Also crucial to re-creating the era onscreen was the work of costume designer Mark Bridges, who worked on all of Paul Thomas Anderson's films, including Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood. Some of his vision for The Artist came from the MGM documentary 1925 Studio Tour. "You could see what the carpenters, what the plasterers wore," he says. "Even those guys in their bib overalls had a necktie. And a lot of hats, either for warmth or bad hair days." Surprisingly, director of photography Guillaume Schiffman shot the film in color because today's black and white is too sharp, not grainy enough. He used unusual filters to diffuse the whites and mute the blacks slightly -- and as the film went on, with its main character losing some of his sheen, the light got grayer. Although Hazanavicius deliberately had chosen very expressive actors -- Americans John Goodman, James Cromwell and Penelope Ann Miller round out the cast -- they found the limitations were difficult at first. For Bejo, working without lines threw her off. (The actors improvised in English while onscreen, to give their mouths something to do, mixed with a few of the "lines" shown to the audience on intertitles.) But she eventually found a way to inhabit the role. "If it was a talking movie, she would have been the same -- would have moved the same way, winked the same way, danced the same way," she says. "The challenge was to try to focus on the body language, but the rest of it was finding a way of being an American actress. I think of American actors -- they take up a lot of space, they talk really loud, they talk with their hands. So I had to find that, since being a French actor, everything is more petite." STORY: How 'The Artist's' Fashions Are Impacting the Red Carpet To keep communing with the past, the director kept the music of the era -- George Gershwin, Cole Porter -- in constant rotation while they shot, and he brought cast and crew to see films at the Silent Movie Theatre on Fairfax, and to the Nuart for its revival of Murnau's Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (a morality tale about the corrupting influence of the city Murnau made for Fox in 1927) . The director applied some of what he learned: Murnau, for instance, had instructed his protagonist from Sunrise to wear heavy, weighted shoes on set after he fell on hard times; Hazanavicius did something similar when he dressed his fallen star in suits slightly too big for him. "He's not as perfect as he was in the first act," he says. Hazanavicius credits the world's fascination with Hollywood for the film's international appeal, but the enormous enthusiasm of Harvey Weinstein is the reason it has exploded out of the gates during the festival season into the awards race. Weinstein, who had enjoyed the OSS films, had heard about the movie from Langmann and in March flew to Paris, where he saw the film alone in a screening room. Weinstein was not ambiguous in his praise. The Artist, he says now, "treasures the American cinema I love. It's an inspiration, everything about the movie -- where they shot the movie, the way they used American cast and crew. It's just a love letter to American cinema." Langmann was impressed with Weinstein's urge to pull the trigger without any associates along to vet the decision. It was still months before Cannes -- it was not even assured at this point that the film would be released in France -- but by the time of the festival, the deal to distribute in the U.S., the U.K. and other regions was done. The film ends with a tap dance that required more work than anything else in the film. "I think 95 percent of the preparation was for the tap dancing," Hazanavicius says. Bejo recalls her practice with both pleasure and exasperation: "Five months, every day." The film was shot in as close to real sequence as possible -- in part to give the actors time to learn to tap dance, and partly so they would travel the same journey as George and Peppy before arriving at the climactic scene. "The dance is all about their characters," Hazanavicius says. "If it's just a performance, it's not interesting." Bejo's attitude toward the conclusion captures some of the quality that makes her character -- and the film -- so winning. "I kept telling myself: 'Just smile, look at each other, enjoy the moment. The happier you are, the less people will look at your feet. Just act, don't try to be good -- your feet will follow.' " PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The Making of 'The Artist' Related Topics The Artist 1 2 next last

Daniel Radcliffe and 'Harry Potter' Pals Celebrate Franchise at Lunch in New You'll be able to (Video)

our editor recommends'Harry Potter' Films Dominate Home Video Chart Due to 'Deathly Hallows Part 2' Release'Harry Potter' Director Developing Large-Screen Undertake 'Doctor Who'Harry Potter's Parents' Dying Anniversary Sweeps Web'Harry Potter' Documentary Particulars the conclusion in the Film Franchise (Video)This mid-day, Warner Brothers and sisters situated a Peggy Siegal lunch at NY's fabled 21 Club in celebration of Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the eighth and final installment in the decade-spanning film franchise that has with one another made over $7.7 billion at box-offices around the globe and single-handedly elevated the decreasing British film industry. PHOTOS: Maturing 'Harry Potter': Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint Even though franchise's first seven obligations received only scattered Oscar nods in technical groups -- art direction/set direction (#1, #4, #7), cinematography, (6), costume design (#1), original score (#1, #3), and visual effects (#3, #7) -- the best the very first is considered to experience a extended while not impossible shot of cracking to the best picture category itself, possibly incorporated inside a Master in the Rings-like tribute. (Because you can recall, the next and final installment of the epic franchise wasn't only nominated for but won the most effective picture Oscar.) Participants at today's event incorporated the heavens Daniel Radcliffe and Alan Rickman, who in many eight films carried out the title character and villainous Severus Snape, correspondingly the director David Yates, who helmed some latest obligations (Chris Columbus did #1 and #2, Alfonso Cuaron did #3, and Mike Newell did #4) as well as the producer David Heyman, who bought the rights to J.K. Rowling's books about 10 years ago and contains brought the film franchise since. PHOTOS: 10 Finest Book-to-Silver Screen Adaptations in the Latter-and-a-half decades THR exclusively taken footage of remarks of gratitude that have been created by Heyman and Yates for the participants in the event. You will see them near the top of the publish or read them here... Heyman transcription... "Throughout the time from the, I guess, 10 years that individuals've been making these films, we increased to become household. You understand, Serta, Alan -- plenty of these people -- done all eight films, plus it only decided to function as the lovliest journey. Since it's over, it's somewhat strange -- you understand, that family's all gone a unique way -- but people 10 years are filled with fantastic recollections. Which I've had the pleasure of coping with good quality company company directors, but not one of them a lot more than David Yates, nobody had the daunting challenge of not just pointing one film but pointing four films -- he's still on holiday, incidentally. More youthful crowd introduced the series with a conclusion within this perfect method that I really think did justice to Jo Rowling's magnificent books. The simple truth is none people might be here were it not for Jo, which i recognize that they will get really pleased with this film -- she's a producer about it. She will get incredibly pleased with it. Which I thanks all to become here to assist us also to support it." Yates transcription... "There's almost no to incorporate aside from to convey gratitude to become here. It has been an incredible journey -- I've only been along for half from it, plus it just feels strange coming back. We finished the film four several days ago, and following a promotions as well as the premieres we felt we'd, kind of, left it behind. Nevertheless it's wonderful being back and basically talking about this, because we are happy using the final film. There's huge expectation and anticipation, far more of pressure, because this material which books mean a great deal to numerous people around the globe, which we moved that responsibility around around. We did a DVD launch yesterday in Orlando, which we met several of these youthful fans, and so they counseled me really wonderful, and also the one factor they saved telling us was, 'Thank you,' which was really, really touching. And then we left it behind within this summer time, but we're coming back to find out it again now. Appreciate being here and supporting the film. We greatly be grateful.Inch Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe Alan Rickman David Yates

Idina Menzel on Motherhood, Being Pigeonholed and Her PBS TV Special

TORONTO - Stage and screen star Idina Menzel has originated from the role in the eco-friendly-skinned Elphaba in "Wicked" and Maureen in "Rent."As well as the Broadway belter features a recurring guest star role as Rachel's biological mother on Fox's "Glee."But nothing comes even close to when Menzel and husband and "Private Practice" star Taye Diggs stood a choosing, Master Diggs."In my opinion, it absolutely was something special to own this intense passion for somebody that I'd never felt before, for any kid, making you're feeling a lot better than other activities you have carried out,In . Menzel mentioned backstage after undertaking over two nights with an approaching PBS TV special recorded in Toronto within the Royal Conservatory of Music's Koerner Hall.She referred to motherhood has changed her in the gifted, yet self-absorbed artist bedeviled by doubts to experiencing first-time fulfillment."Since I'd my boy, I have really a single cup half-full perspective on existence he (Master) has given me," Menzel mentioned getting an extensive smile."Essentially screwed up a greater note, The year progresses simpler on myself," she added, knowing just like a mother she's a baby boy home who loves her.Menzel marked another milestone in Toronto, while using Kitchener-Waterloo Orchestra and legendary maestro Marvin Hamlisch using a medley of hit tunes from "Glee," "Wicked" and "Rent," and tales in the career that needed her in the wedding singer in New You are able to, NY to arousing bravos on Broadway and screen looks.For Menzel, a preliminary-time TV special is about showing fans that connect her success with role-playing that she's far not just a Belle of Broadway by getting an acting bug."Everyone desires to pigeon-hole you, throughout my situation just like a eco-friendly witch for Wicked or possibly a rock singer to rent,Inch she mentioned."This (PBS special) gives you an opportunity to become myself and be genuine also to show a sizable spectrum of talents," Menzel added.That proposition will probably be examined very quickly as Menzel's PBS TV special to air in March 2012 will probably be then an energetic album together with a DVD release.The chance to become herself also follows Menzel and Hamlisch beautifying her one-lady concert show completed with numerous orchestras inside the U.S. at Royal Albert Hall london, England.Her solo amounts are associated with set-up tales that recall being told through a bandleader to carry on singing within a marriage gig just like a guy had cardiovascular disease round the party area "because the band always plays on, like it's the Titanic," or embarrassing herself attending college by singing Cole Porter's "Love Available" to please a teacher she'd a crush on who switched to become gay.She also notifies, and colorfully embellishes, an account about being overlooked inside a dining area table by Barbara Streisand after she completed on her behalf inside a Kennedy Center Honors concert, only to learn within the finish in the meal the Broadway legend did not remember her glasses and didn't create Menzel undertaking on stage.Menzel also spoke of meeting Taye Diggs in 1996 round the Broadway number of Rent "Did a touch too much tease back-stage, you know what happens I'm speaking about ladies?" in addition to landing a recurring role on "Glee" after questioning she'd have you ever gotten work again after having a baby.InchI have been getting a baby, I used to be really body body fat which i get yourself a script for 'Glee,'" she appreciated just before the Gleeks inside the Toronto audience skyrocketed with cheers on her behalf rendition of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face.""In my opinion you have to be vulnerable and intimate by getting a crowd,Inch Menzel states backstage as round her the PBS production crew packed up for your morning flight home within the border.As if to underline that point, Menzel for that finish of her PBS special walked for the front in the acoustically perfect Koerner Hall stage, dropped her microphone, and filled the quiet hall by getting a b cappella version of "Permanently" from Wicked."'For Good,' that's the most popular part of the show. It's removed lower, there's no orchestra you'll be able to hide behind," she referred to. The Hollywood Reporter

George Clooney: Ryan Gosling 'Wanted' Most sexy Guy Alive

You had been only some of the real person disappointed that Bradley Cooper needed home People Magazine's Most sexy Guy Alive title for 2011 over Ryan Gosling apparently Gosling was too! No less than if you feel noted prankster George Clooney, who told Extra the Gos "want[erection dysfunction]" very good. "He [Gosling] want,Inch Clooney joked to Extra at La premiere of 'The Descendants' on Tuesday evening. "He's been saying ... the whole time i had been round the number of 'Ides of March,' he was like, 'How perhaps you have pull that off?' Therefore I referred to as up Kaira Pitt which we labored with him for the days round the walk, we told him the best way to train ... everything." Apparently, it was not enough, as Cooper was selected rather. Gosling fanatics needed for the streets outdoors individuals Magazine offices in NY on Thursday to protest selecting a Cooper, possibly an ill-advised decision taking into consideration the particular protests happening around Manhattan. [via ExtraTV] [Photo: Getty] Ryan Gosling 2011 Photos See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Access Hollywood Live: Go Green With Meatless Monday Recipes!

First Published: November 14, 2011 3:54 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Billy Bush and Kit Hoover talk Meatless Monday with chefs Laurie David and Kristin Uhrenholt on Access Hollywood Live on November 14, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- To kick off NBCUniversals Green Week, author Laurie David and chef Kirstin Uhrenholdt stop by with some great recipes from their book, The Family Dinner, about how you can not only eat healthy but save the environment too! Moninas Wheat Berry Salad Ingredients: 2 cups wheat berries (wild rice or farro also are good) 1 cup dried cranberries or cherries 1/3 cup canola or toasted walnut oil Zest and juice of 2 oranges Zest and juice of 1 lemon Salt and Pepper to taste 1 cup frozen edamame beans, defrosted (no need to cook) 1 cup toasted pecans or walnuts Optional additions: feta, chopped dried apricots, chopped scallions, parsley, dill arugula, spinach, pine nuts, or whatever else your desires TO MAKE 6 SERVINGS: In a large pot, combine the wheat berries with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered, for about 60 to 80 minutes, bearing in mind that they are quite unpredictable, so start tasting them after 45 minutes. When they are tender but still chewy, drain and let cool. Toss the wheat berries with the cranberries, oil, and zest and juice of the oranges and lemon. Season gener- ously with salt and pepper. Let the salad hang out for at least 2 hours so the ingredients get to know each other. Just before serving, toss with the edamame and nuts. ********** Lentil Stew with Potatoes and Warm Indian Spices Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium onions, chopped 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon good quality garam masala 1 cup diced carrots 1 large potato, peeled and cut into small cubes 2 cups brown lentils, rinsed 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or light coconut milk) 1 cup frozen peas, defrosted Salt and pepper to taste Yogurt, for garnish TO MAKE 46 SERVINGS In your soup pot, heat the olive oil and fry the onions until wilted and golden, then add the garlic, ginger, and spices and stir for a moment until they are fragrant. Be very careful not to burn the spices, as this will make them bitter. Take half of this mixture and set it aside for later. Add the carrots, potato, lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk, and stock. Let the stew simmer, without a lid, for about 30 to 40 minutes until the potatoes and lentils are tender. Fold in the remaining onion-and-spice mixture. Add the peas to the stew last to keep their brilliant color. Simmer for another few minutes until the stew is heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a dollop of yogurt, warm naan bread or pita, and perhaps some brown rice, plain or cooked with a 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth cardamom pod. ********** Oven Grains, Greens and Cheese, Please Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium onions, sliced 2 cloves, garlic, chopped 2 cups sliced mushrooms Salt and pepper 2 bunches kale, chopped 2 bunches Swiss chard, chopped 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg, beaten Squeeze of lemon 6 cups cooked, mild-tasting grains, like quinoa, barley or wheatberries 6 cups Fragrant Tomato Sauce (p. 98 of our book or a basic marinara sauce like here or your favorite store-bought tomato sauce, plus extra to serve on the side 2 cups mixed cheeses, like a soft goat cheese, fresh mozzarella and Fontina To Make 6 Servings (plus leftovers): Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and drizzle in enough oil to cover the bottom. Saute the onions, garlic and mushrooms until they are soft and golden. Season with salt and pepper and dump them into a bowl. In a large pot or pan with a lid, steam the greens until tender, 4 to 5 minutes (you might have to do this in a couple of batches). Put the cooked greens in a clean dishtowel or salad spinner and wring out all the excess water. Toss the greens with the Parmesan cheese and egg. Season with a squeeze of lemon, salt and pepper. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Now treat all the ingredients just like a lasagna. Put a layer of grains in your baking dish, top with tomato sauce, a layer of greens, the mushroom mixture, and a layer of the mixed cheeses. . . .and so on until you finish with a layer of tomato sauce and cheese. Top the dish with foil or a lid, stick it into the oven, and bake until bubbling, about 35 minutes. Then take off the lid and return the dish to the oven for 10 minutes. To learn more, go to www.TheFamilyDinnerBook.com and www.MeatlessMonday.com. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Lionsgate Grants or loans Netflix Exclusive Movie Streaming Privileges For United kingdom And Ireland

This announcement comes 1 week after Netflix arrived an identical cope with MGM to exhibit movies within the pay TV window within the United kingdom and Ireland. Here’s the discharge for that new agreement with Lionsgate: BEVERLY Hillsides, Calif., November. 14, 2011– Netflix, Corporation. (Nasdaq: NFLX) and Lionsgate United kingdom, a subsidiary of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (New york stock exchange: LGF) today introduced a brand new multi-year certification agreement that can make Netflix the exclusive subscription streaming service within the United kingdom and Ireland for first-run movies in the studio. Lionsgate United kingdom game titles is going to be readily available for Netflix people within the United kingdom and Ireland to look at instantly within the pay TV window on the televisions, pills, video games, computer systems and cell phones, for any low monthly cost. Netflix introduced recently it would launch its service within the United kingdom and Ireland at the start of 2012. Showing up solely on Netflix within twelve months of the theatrical release is going to be such films as “The Hunger Games,” the highly-anticipated film according to Suzanne Collins’ best-selling teen novel and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth “The Expendables 2,” the follow up towards the blockbuster hit starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis and Jet Li and also the lately-introduced remake from the beloved 1987 classic “Dirty Dancing.” Among recent Lionsgate United kingdom hits open to watch instantly within the United kingdom and Ireland are “The Auto technician,” “Saw three dimensional” and also the original “The Expendables” in addition to great catalogue game titles including “Reservoir Dogs,” “Blair Witch Project,” 𔄛:10 to Yuma,” and “Good Evening and Best Of Luck.” “Lionsgate is a vital and effective supplier of television series and films to us in most in our areas,” stated Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer. “We are proud to become the exclusive Pay TV home for Lionsgate theatrically-launched films within the United kingdom and Ireland.” “Netflix may be the leading worldwide brand in steaming movies and they've an amazing service in The United States. We're very excited to become dealing with them because they launch their service and produce our movies to audiences within the United kingdom and Ireland,” added Zygi Kamasa, Lionsgate United kingdom Boss.

Benicio wanted for 'Star Trek' villain

Del ToroAbramsThough most roles are cast in Vital and Skydance's "Star Trek" follow up, the mysterious villain part was still being available -- and today J.J. Abrams makes his choice. Sources near to the project tell Variety that Benicio Del Toro is anticipated to become offered the part, possibly prior to the weekend has gone out. Associates say Del Toro has met with Abrams but, in order to keep your role a secret, still does not know precisely what it's. Componen and Skydance didn't have discuss the casting process. Abrams has returned to direct with Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Damon Lindelof penning the script. Abrams, Kurtzman, Orci, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, and David Ellison will produce through Bad Robot and Skydance Productions. Production is anticipated to begin at the begining of 2012. Del Toro most lately finished production on Universal's "Savages." Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Screen Media Acquires Greta Gerwig's 'The Dish and the Spoon' (Exclusive)

Screen Media Films, noted for little movies with big talents (like Maggie Gyllenhaal in Laurie Collyer's Sherrybaby), has acquired Alison Bagnall's The Dish and the Spoon, which star Greta Gerwig filmed just after her Spirit Award-nominated breakout performance in Greenberg.our editor recommendsThe Dish & the Spoon: Movie ReviewGreta Gerwig, Adam Brody to star in 'Damsels in Distress'Greta Gerwig, Alison Pill Join Woody Allen Movie Olly Alexander (Bright Star) also stars in the movie, which centers on a woman who, after her husband admits to an affair, embarks on an unconventional romance with a stranded British teenage she discovers marooned on the beach. "A delicate brief-encounter indie set in the aftermath of betrayal," wrote The Hollywood Reporter's John DeFore of The Dish and the Spoon's March SXSW premiere. "The film has art-house potential and could raise the profile of costar Olly Alexander." Bagnall, an AFI alum who broke out as the writer of Buffalo '66, will screen the film in AFI's 2011 Young Americans section. After NY Times critic Manohla Dargis'Greenberg review said Gerwig "may well be the definitive screen actress of her generation," Gerwig began landing roles in such high-profile films as Nero Fiddled by Woody Allen, also on a career upswing. The Dish and the Spoon will come out on VOD and DVD in early 2012. The deal was brokered with Josh Braun of Submarine Entertainment and Suzanne Blech, president of Screen Media Films. Related Topics Greta Gerwig

Sinclair To Buy Freedom Stations For $385M

Sinclair Broadcasting this morning unveiled third-quarter revenue of $180.8 million, which is down 3% from a year ago but beat Wall Street estimates, and the company used its sold earnings report to announce it has acquired eight TV stations from Freedom Communications for $385 million. The deal marks the second buy for Sinclair in two months after it purchased seven Four Point Media stations in September for $200 million. “It is our intent to continue evaluating television station transactions which are accretive and where we can use our expertise and presence to improve profitability and competitive position,” said Sinclair CEO David Smith. He also predicted that the fourth quarter will see low-teen percent growth in automotive spending as well as an upswing in political advertising revenue as the presidential elections ramp up. The company saw growth in automotive, retail, and schools during the third quarter, while services, media spending, telecommunications, and grocery were down the most. Year-over-year, Sinclair’s income was $19.2 million, or 24 cents a share, compared with $14.3 million, or 18 cents a share. It also today announced acash dividend of$0.12per share on the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock.

Keck's Exclusives: Andrew Dice Clay Pays Visit to Raising Hope

Andrew Dice Clay Andrew Dice Clay will get another chance to experience themselves (following a final season of HBO's Entourage). Fox's Raising Hope has requested the potty-mouthed stand-around are available in the November 29 episode. Inside the show, Dice might be the celebrity judge from the amateur designers convention attended with the Chance family. Because the Chances have high hopes their invention could make them super wealthy, they once again finish up round the losing finish of lady luck, due to a twist such as the Diceman'scharacter. Even though this is Dice's first appearance round the sitcom, a March episode found Jimmy (Lucas Neff) telling his father, "Father, I have stated a hundred occasions, I have not a clue who Andrew Dice Clay is." Well Jimmy, you will uncover! How will you all experience Andrew Dice Clay's revival this season? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Genesis Rodriguez to 'Stand'

Genesis Rodriguez has joined the cast of Lionsgate's "The Last Stand," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Kim Jee-woon is helming the pic, for which lensing has begun. Jaimie Alexander, Forest Whitaker and Harry Dean Stanton also star. Schwarzenegger will play the sheriff of a sleepy little town who runs up against an escaped drug cartel leader heading for the Mexican border. Rodriguez will play an FBI agent who's partnered with another played by Eduardo Noriega. Andrew Knauer penned the original script, and Jeffrey Nachmanoff and, more recently, George Nolfi have done rewrites. While relatively new to the scene, Rodriguez is ready for a big year in 2012 with roles in Summit's "Man on a Ledge," Lionsgate's "What to Expect When You Are Expecting" and "Casa de mi Padre," starring Will Ferrell. She is repped by ICM and De Paz Management. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Spencer: 'Help' raises vet's profile, cultural issues

Octavia SpencerMontgomery, Ala. native Octavia Spencer knows she gets laughs in "The Help," but doesn't see the tempestous, Jim Crow-era maid Minny as being comedically self-aware."Her life is so difficult. She's not easily amused," says Spencer, who has earned raves for her spirited, rich portrayal of Minny in the adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's bestselling novel about life for house servants in the 1960s. "I never played it as if I'm trying to be funny, never saw her with a sense of humor. She said exactly what she felt, and because of the context, it comes out funny."Before "The Help," Spencer's bailiwick since moving to Los Angeles 15 years ago was nailing one-scene moments in films and a handful of TV series. Tackling a feature-length role like Minny was a change that she clearly cherished."I had to build it, and it was really hard," she says. "But it was a good lesson to learn."Less enjoyable was waiting to know if she'd be given the opportunity to play Minny, even though the character was inspired partly by Spencer, who met Stockett eight years ago through her good friend, "The Help" director Tate Taylor.Taylor wanted her, but she figured DreamWorks might have other casting ideas, specifically an African-American actress who was more well-known to auds."I thought it would go through Mo'Nique, Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah before it ever got to me," Spencer recalls. "I'm grateful (DreamWorks CEO) Stacey Snider took such a huge chance."Spencer originally thought she'd become a producer, and developing her own projects is still not far from her mind."I've been writing concepts and treatments," she says. "By nature I'm a detective. I like figuring things out, and I know that's what producers do."For now, though, she enjoys dispelling friends back in Alabama about what they assume to be the incessant glamour of Hollywood life. It's not all limos, caviar and gowns."I tell them, 'Honey, there's nothing glamorous about squeezing into two pair of Spanx.'"Lucky break: "I got a tiny part in 'A Time to Kill,' and then I came out to L.A. and Sandra Bullock put me in her short 'Making Sandwiches.' Because of that, one thing led to another."Favorite film: "If 'The Color Purple' is on, I will be late for anything."Career I'd like to emulate: "Pour in Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Alison Janney and Melissa McCarthy, shake it up and make a Molotov cocktail."10 ACTORS TO WATCH 2011:Benedict Cumberbatch | Jean Dujardin | Luke Evans | Josh Hutcherson | Felicity Jones | Taylor Kitsch | Brit Marling | Elizabeth Olsen | Octavia Spencer | Shailene Woodley Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

The immortalization of Mickey

Mickey Rourke in 'The Immortals'Tarsem Singh was talking to his friend David Fincher about casting his new film "Immortals." "I need a real bad-ass guy," the helmer said, to play the bloodthirsty, power-mad King Hyperion.Singh recalls, "I was reading off names. The first was Mickey Rourke. And Fincher said, 'Don't read another name. That guy, if you can get him, you can't get a worse guy. Rourke is the bad guy you want.' And that was it. I wanted a guy that was larger-than-life. And Mickey's got it in spades."Then Singh met with Rourke. "He is this really bad boy, but in his hands he has the smallest dog that you've ever seen. He's almost saying, 'I want to be really macho, but I want to wear a pink thong.' You just know that this guy is sure of everything. I just said, 'Fuck me, he is it.' "The larger-than-life Rourke closed the deal, and now roars into Relativity Media's 3-D, visual effects loaded epic as a despot who conducts a murderous rampage to conquer the world.Rourke, himself, has already conquered the equally tumultuous world of Hollywood. Or maybe that's reconquered."Look, I had a career and I threw it away," Rourke has said. "I wasn't accountable for anything, and I didn't take responsibility. I was unprofessional. There were things I blamed on the system or other people but it was Mickey Rourke who screwed everything up, not Hollywood or any director or producer."The actor, who ditched his career in 1991 for a 4 1/2-year stint as a boxer and then resurfaced spectacularly in 2007 with "The Wrestler," will plant his prizefighting paws in cement at Grauman's Chinese Theater on, appropriately enough, Halloween Day."He's solidified his comeback," confirms "Immortals" exec producer Tucker Tooley. "He'll have projects that are well received and projects that are not well-received. But he's such a great actor that he's going to be around for a long time."Rourke was what "Immortals" producers Mark Canton and Gianni Nunnari needed. "We wanted what Jack Nicholson brought to the Joker, and what Tony Hopkins brought to Hannibal Lecter," says Canton. "And Mickey was the only place where we knew how to get it."Gianni adds, "It's the way he breathes. The way he moves his face. He brings another dimension to a character. He is a mythological bad king, but he's also very modern in his desires of conquering. He is a King Hyperion slash Mickey Rourke."Rourke may be out of the fight game, but producers contend that their star still likes a good verbal toe-to-toe."Mickey is in the ring with everyone," Canton says with a laugh. "He's very tough guy. And he's very clear about his own opinions. He doesn't back down. He's tried to kill Gianni and me on several occasions. I'm certain that his life experiences have contributed to his role. I always volunteer the other of us to go see Mickey first."Singh points out, "Mickey's character needs to put everyone on edge. And Mickey does not suffer fools. He knows who he thinks is a jerk and who is not. You don't know how far he is going to push anything. You give a guy like that a spear and the simplest line, and everybody's on edge because you have no idea where he's going."The helmer goes on to recall one of many memorable instances on set: "Hyperion's minions wear masks when they speak to him. So one of the actors asked me, 'Can I take off my mask for this scene?' I said, 'Well, 'I haven't told Mickey that. Go ahead. But I don't know what he's going to do.' So the guy took off his mask behind Mickey."The director kept the cameras rolling because he didn't know what was going to happen, and he knew it was only going to happen once."Mickey's eating walnuts," Singh continues. "He turns around and sees this minion without his mask and moves closer to him. Mickey's wearing this helmet with sharp things coming out of it. I was hoping that he wouldn't head-butt the actor because he'd probably kill him with that helmet. The guy got really uncomfortable. And then got really terrified. Mickey moved in even closer. And then Mickey just gave him a walnut and said, 'Go make yourself useful somewhere else.' The guy was so relieved to get the fuck out of there. The King just gave him a fucking walnut. That scene really worked. It's almost like working with an animal or a child. Mickey is from a different planet." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Billy Burke: Breaking Beginning Was Initially Ranked R

First Released: October 28, 2011 3:28 PM EDT Credit: Summit Entertainment Caption Billy Burke and Taylor Lautner within the Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning - Part 1LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Twilight for grown ups only? Based on series star Billy Burke, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Part 1 was previously too racy for minors. It had been so strange, it didnt even seem like i was carrying out a Twilight film. I had been like, Bella! What's happening? Wow! What's happening here?! the 21-year-old actress told the United kingdom edition of Glamour in the December problem, when requested concerning the movies sex moments. It had been very surreal. We [initially] got ranked R. They re-work, she described from the movie, that also stars boyfriend Taylor Lautner and Rachelle Lefervre. For filming the films pivotal wedding scene between Bella and Edward, the actress told the mag it was key affair. I needed to be shrouded in secrecy the whole 2 days of filming, she stated. It had been crazy I had been on full lockdown, as though I had been putting on huge amount of money price of diamonds. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Part 1 hits theaters on November 18, 2011. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Variety Film Technology Summit loudspeakers set

LevyEmmerich"Real Steel" producer-director Shawn Levy and Roland Emmerich, whose "Anonymous" premieres Friday, happen to be set as keynote loudspeakers at Variety's Film Technology Summit on November. 7 at Hollywood and Highland. Additionally, Variety's Way forward for Film Summit, to become held November. 8, will feature keynote speaker Ryan Kavanaugh in addition to Alcon Entertainment co-CEOs Broderick Manley and Andrew Kosove."From top professionals at major galleries to producers of independent films, this summit enables everybody in the market to obtain a sneak look at what's coming,Inch John Gott, writer of Variety, stated for the future of Film event.The November. 7 Film Technology summit, presented by The new sony and co-created by Digital Media Wire, will explore how production and exhibition are changing within the digital age, with loudspeakers exploring 4K projection, greater frame rates and three dimensional. Panelists include executives from The new sony ImageWorks, Cinedigm, Warner Bros., AMC Theaters, Vital and ILM. A Masters of Technology panel features the f/x-savvy helmers Raja Gosnell, Chris Burns and Steven Quale. The November. 8 Way forward for Film Summit, created with Digital Media Wire, will dive into such subjects as film financing, crowdsourcing, digital film distribution across multiple platforms, and internet marketing. The Condition from the Film Industry panel features the Weinstein Co.'s David Glasser, Endgame's Jim Stern and Morgan Creek's Ron Nicita.For additional info on either event, visit lafilmconference.com. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Dream House director wanted his name removed from film

Director Jim Sheridan petitioned the Directors Guild of America this summer to have his name removed from the film Dream House.Morgan Creek Productions - the major financial backer behind the project - was unhappy with the amount of improvisation that deviated from David Loucka's script.The company recut the film following poor test screenings.Sheridan dropped his original bid to have his name removed when Morgan Creek agreed to fund reshoots.However, without the right to the final cut in his contract, it was a version cut by Morgan Creek that was released into cinemas and the director refused to do publicity for the film.Sheridan has since reinstated his petition to have his name taken off the film.Dream House, which stars Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz, opens 25 November 2011 in the UK.

Mega Buzz: Who's the Boss on House, Damon-Elena on Journals and New Girl's Party

Olivia Wilde, Nina Dobrev, Zooey Deschanel Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams fit your requirement of TV scoop. Please send all questionsto mega_scoop@tvguide.com.Since Cuddy is completed, who'll most likely function as the completely new dean of medication on House? - MelissaADAM: Like I'd inform you! I've been sworn to secrecy, but return here after Monday's episode for just about any Q&A while using actor in mind. Meanwhile, Let me tell you certainly it won't be 13, who's only slated to appear in one episode this fall. "She may be again later around. Things are determined by to produce,In . creator David Shoreline notifies us. "But it is a goodbye."Will Elena ever admit for the chemistry she and Damon share round the Vampire Journals? - Laura NATALIE: She may not, but her pals will certainly catch onto their budding passions. Really, executive producer Julie Plec states the big "elephant inside the roomInch hasn't gone undetected and very soon enough, "her pals and family people is going to be like, 'What's happening there?'"I am deeply deeply in love with New Girl. Got any scoop on approaching episodes? - AlexisADAM: Jess (Zooey Deschanel) will toss the wedding special birthday ever! (Notice we didn't say "best.") Among the calamities that will befall the festivities: the odd presence from the chartered bus, the even odder presence of Jess' vice principal... getting over the top and perhaps the oddest of oddities: a catfight between Nick's date together with a stripper who's much less toned. Plus: You will notice snacks! Adorable!I like Benjamin Bratt on Private Practice now, and frequently will this new gig prevent him from returning to Modern Family? - Rachel NATALIE: Not really a chance. Bratt, who plays Manny's father and Gloria's ex, will probably be back! Inside an approaching episode, his reappearance will ignite Jay's competitive streak, states executive producer Christopher Lloyd. "Jay is surprised to know how possessive he's become of Manny, and he's almost jealous of Javier and also the affect on Manny," according to him. "He always examined Manny just like a cost he paid out to acquire Gloria, however he's finding themselves the specific father to him and trying to shape his existence."Now when was the completely new captain prone to ease on Beckett on Castle? - CarrieADAM: I wouldn't expect to ensure that it's soon. Nor would Cent Manley Jerald, who demands her character isn't being inflammed, but rather teaching Beckett the best way to stick out inside the male-centered NYPD. "In my opinion you are able to really put that in to a number of tough love," she notifies us. "You have to a lot better than the most effective because you're a lady. In my opinion she sees some herself in Beckett. So sherrrd like Beckett to make it happen with the book to make sure that Beckett isn't the cause of her own demise."What else are you aware me about Jamie Lee Curtis' guest perfect NCIS? - JeffADAM: Sadly, I am in a position to only explain how her two-episode arc just like a single mom utilized by the DoD's Office in the Inspector General, initially slated to air in November, remains punted to February. "We did slightly juggling of the couple of from the storytelling," executive producer Gary Glasberg notifies us. But he promises it'll be worth the wait. "We are searching toward seeing the chemistry that [Curtis and Mark Harmon's Gibbs] have together, with the perspective connected with a kind of relationship that could occur, but merely if this involves the enjoyment that might be had," according to him. "You've two stars that absolutely learn how to play off each other but that it'll be pretty special."Will N and Quinn really last this season on Dexter? - Mitchell NATALIE: There's a extended road ahead on the account, but this week's episode will definitely mark an amount inside their relationship. "They've created plenty of sense together," Jennifer Contractor notifies us. "I don't think she's hesitant to commit. With Quinn, she has the capacity to proceed with him as extended as it won't be occur a container that may not hold them. She's still altering and he or she sees that.In . When are we able to discover much more about the completely new detectives on SVU? - WillyADAM: Since we now have finally met Danny Pino's character, look for the spotlight to exhibit back onto Kelli Giddish's Amanda Rollins each time a serial rapist (T.R. Dark evening) she once supervised in Georgia (on Chase?) begins attacking again in NY. But her understanding in the predator's past isn't nearly as vital as the actual fact she's exactly his type. Blonde bait, anybody?The Walking Dead has came back soon. Got any scoop? - Sarah NATALIE: Immediately after the show's March. 16 premiere (9/8c on AMC), we'll go to a flashback for the very start of series, also called your entire day Ron got shot. Furthermore to get a glimpse at the end of Lori and Rick's marital problems, we'll also witness the initial spark of attraction between Lori and Shane.How extended will Percy be in jail on Nikita? - Mike NATALIE: Percy was already concentrating on his escape plan, but he's going for a extended disadvantage, by progressively acquiring menial luxury items - his favorite suit, a great breakfast - that will eventually comparable to a sizable pay day. So monitor his next request.Anything you can inform me in regards to the Closer? - ThomasADAM: Remember Phillip Stroh, the rapist/killer/attorney carried out by Billy Burke that Brenda has not had the chance to convict? He'll mix paths with Brenda again when he defends among her latest suspects. That same episode will introduce a completely new recurring Deputy D.A. who'll clobber anyone who can get in their way - including Brenda. I furthermore hear the level of smoothness might be moving onto join the cast in the Closer spin-off Major Crimes.Huge Happy Being fan here. What's approaching? ­- Derek NATALIE: Get ready for some serious jealousy issues when Max's secondary school girlfriend moves to Chicago. While Cent is out of the blue feeling overlooked, Dork decides he desires to break the bro code and date her. Meanwhile, Jane and Kaira have problems that goes for them after they placed their "work partners" on the disastrous double date.Natalie's Mega Rave: The women have stolen the spotlight round the Large Bang Theory -which we love it! Between Amy's awkward, yet endearing friendship with Leonard - and her offhanded sexual comments toward Cent - to Bernadette's perfect impersonation of Mrs. Wolowitz now, we almost did not recall the show involved several nerdy males.Adam's Small Rant: I really preferred to love American Horror Story, but it's just horrifying. And i'm not speaking about how precisely frightening it's.(Additional verifying by Robyn Ross and Kate Stanhope)Crave scoop inside your favorite Tv shows?In the-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.comor drop us a line atTwitter.com/TVGuide

New Zealand sets 'Orator' for Oscar

It's a story of firsts for New Zealand, as tyro helmer Tusi Tamasese's pic "The Orator" has become New Zealand's first-ever foreign-language Oscar entry. Backed by the New Zealand Film Commission and the Samoan Government, the pic bowed at Venice where it received a special mention and Commission topper Graeme Mason says he hopes it is the first of many entries for the Pacific region which has been underrepresented in the past.Pic tells the story of a small-statured Samoan named Saili who must fight for his land and his pride and is filmed on and around the islands of Upolu in Samoa."It's fantastic lyrical exploration of bravery and love," says Mason who also chaired the selection committee. "But on top of that it is also an extraordinary portrait of a place and a way of life and I think that is something which resonates with the foreign-language voters." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

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The brand new the new sony Classics near 'Hysteria'

'Hysteria'Sony Pictures Classics is at discussions to obtain domestic rights for the romantic comedy "Hysteria," devoted towards the invention in the vibrator in Victorian-era England."Hysteria" opened up on Sept. 15 at Toronto Intl. Film Festival following several press and industry showings. When The new the new sony Classics shuts the sale, it may be the initial TIFF title it's acquired.Cassian Elwes, who's handling the u . s . states purchase, confirmed the discussions Friday. Elle Driver is handling foreign salesIFC, Samuel Goldwyn and Millienium Entertainment will also be investing in an offer on "Hysteria," starring Hugh Dancy, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jonathan Pryce, Felicity Manley and Rupert Everett. Pic's composed by Stephen Dyer and Jonah Lisa Dyer, is directed by Tanya Wexler."Hysteria" is produced by Informant Media and Forthcoming Films in colaboration with Beach Films and Chimera Films. Producers are Sarah Curtis, Judy Cairo, Tracey Becker and professional producers are Michael A. Simpsons, Eric Brenner, Ken Atchity, Sandra Siegel, Leo Ernest, Nathalie Ernest, Mark Kress, Hakan Kousetta, Claudia Blumhuber, Florian Dargel, Peter Fudakowski and Stephen Dyer.Dancy and Pryce star as doctors london coping with cases of hysteria, an condition mentioned being indicated in those days having a woman's irritability, anger or inexplicable tears. Dancy's character and also the nearest friend, referred to by Everett, test out a completely new electrical device for technique to the problem. Gyllenhaal shows the daughter of Pryce's character. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Google helps Tech City expand

LONDON -- Google's announcement the other day it had been considering opening a multimillion dollar investment hub in East London's so-referred to as Plastic Roundabout not only marked an excellent day for your city's aspirations being technology center but furthermore made the government's ambitions due to its Tech City plan appear really possible.What started becoming an area that three years ago situated around 15 digital companies, now boasts greater than 500, from digital advertising and marketing clothes to social media and e-commerce shingles to gaming and programs companies.Together with the London 2012 Olympics being set mostly in East London next season, some $14 billion of government gold gold coin was already being plowed into the region.Tech City is, according to Eric Van Der Kleij, the primary professional for your project, the fastest-growing tech cluster in Europe."The pace of rise in digital and technological sector in the area has greater than bending because the month of the month of january," states Van Der Kleij. "Every week we view a substantial company within the broadcast sector and entertainment sector come and have a look because of the incredible infrastructure beginning the Olympic Park." It seems like that's what Yahoo is doing: The business, whose primary offices will be in an even more central part of London, gets a ten-year lease around the seven-story building in Tech City that will become a shared space for your growing cluster in internet companies situated in the region.Because the Internet giant could have a title inside the building, Google states it expects to use it occasions, training courses and demos for engineers an internet-based companies.Last November, Pm David Cameron first introduced his want to make East London one of the world's great technology centers, backed by 400 million ($625.3 million) in government funding with corporate support from tech companies for instance Facebook, Google, BT and 'cisco'.Nevertheless the new region may well be a tricky cost London's vibrant publish-production and vfx shingles, which are mostly located in London's Soho.Van Der Kleij states that though some Hollywood entertainment companies are showing fascination with Tech City, there is not been a rush to relocate. Despite the fact that some Soho-based publish houses are intrigued, other people are either unaware or happy where they are.InchWe are in possession of no fascination with moving for the Tech City area," states a repetition for starters prominent publish house that didn't have to be named.Another high-profile publish house hadn't even learned about the initiative and mentioned it absolutely was "highly unlikely" the business would go to the location.But possibly this might change once Tech City is able to go publish-Olympics, and as long as Van Der Kleij and also the team lure the very best start-ups and established companies into the area."We'll invite individuals to have a look when it's thriving through the Olympics," to obtain the feel in the scope in the facilities and the amount of production they can handle supporting,Inch Van Der Kleij states. "There is nothing beats it in Europe." n Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Private Practice: Where Were We and What's Next?

Taye Diggs and Kate Walsh When Private Practice returns (Thursday, 10/9c on ABC), Pete is hanging on for dear life after a heart attack, Amelia is hitting the sauce, Addison and Sam have reunited even though they disagree on the children issue, and her mystery man from the finale? He's a fertility doctor! Also, Oceanside Wellness is no more. Get ready to welcome Seaside Wellness Center to the mix. That being said, before diving in to Season 5, you might need a quick refresher on where we left off - and a juicy tease about what comes next. Private Practice Exclusive First Look: Addison enlists Jake to make a baby Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) Where Were We? After a rocky season with Sam, the pair eventually broke up. Addison then went out with a stranger from the supermarket, with whom she shared a kiss and was enticed by his offer to run away to Fiji. Ultimately, she stood him up at the airport and went back to Sam, still intent on having a child, even though he doesn't. What's Next? Addison is on a mission to have a baby, which will make things slightly awkward with Sam. "They want to try to make it work," Walsh says. "They're both really questioning it every step of the way and being honest with each other and talking about it like adults in very mature, realistic way." The good news? The mystery man may be able to help her achieve her goal. The bad news? She's not pleased with his return. "He's a little too close for comfort, let's put it that way," she says. With the possibility of both old and new loves meeting, she'll continue her therapy sessions. "You see her sort of explore those issues, those questions of guilt," she adds. Violet Turner (Amy Brenneman) Where Were We? After hitting a rough patch with husband Pete in dealing with the fallout from her book, Violet had her medical license suspended, which enabled her to run away from her problems and go on a book tour. What's Next? "The first bunch of episodes is her trying to be an at-home mom and failing miserably at that," Brenneman says, noting that Violet will eventually fight to get her license back. In the meantime, with Naomi (Audra McDonald) out of the picture, Violet and Addison will develop a newfound friendship, which is fortunate because there's still hard feelings because of her book and the subsequent fallout. "Violet's way of processing in a very public way and expressing herself very publically has negative repercussions," Brenneman says. Private Practice Scoop: Benjamin Bratt's character revealed! Pete Wilder (Tim Daly) Where Were We? The blissfully married Pete contended with returning family issues and the aftermath of Violet's book. The Season 4 finale saw him stricken with a heart attack with no one around to help except their child, Lucas. What's Next? First off, the team will attempt to save Pete's life. "What's scary about it is that he's been in that house for a long time so there's a question of how compromised will he be if we are able to save him at all," Paul Adelstein says. Moving forward, "Pete's recovery is very rocky for both of them," Brenneman says. "He is not a very pleasant patient. He just goes into these rages, which is totally beyond his control, so I think Violet is trying to hang in." Sam Bennett (Taye Diggs) Where Were We? When the investigation into the practice began, Sam fought the hardest to keep Oceanside Wellness together. He also gave his blessing to ex-wife Naomi to run off with Fife and then reunited with Addison, despite her wanting to have a child. What's Next? Now that Addison is determined to have a child, the couple will have to figure out how to balance that with their relationship. "Just the balancing act of being in a committed, passionate adult relationship while dealing with the fact that Addison wants to bring a child into her life, that's going to be the challenge for Sam," Diggs says. On the up side, Addison is his new boss. "He thinks it's sexy," he says. "They have a relationship where, if Sam doesn't think things are going down the way they should, he'll voice his opinion. So I think it's a good thing." Fall Preview: Get scoop on your favorite returning shows Cooper Freedman (Paul Adelstein) Where Were We? Cooper weathered the ensuing storm after Charlotte was attacked, which included questioning their relationship both sexually and emotionally. The pair eventually eloped in Vegas after their feuding families suggested they call off the wedding. What's Next? Cooper will make a morally questionable decision that will stir up old trust issues with Charlotte. "He may do something that's not entirely ethical to hopefully save someone's life," Adelstein says. "There's many risks involved and Charlotte is not happy about the risks that Cooper is willing to take, especially given that she is Chief of Staff at the hospital where he's breaking the rules." Charlotte King (KaDee Strickland) Where Were We? In the aftermath of being sexually assaulted by a mentally unstable patient, she turned her attention to helping Amelia, a fellow former addict who began to slip back into old habits. What's Next? The trust issues between Cooper and Charlotte continue as a woman (A.J. Langer) from Cooper's past returns with news. "Charlotte is like any other wife would be, she is damn suspicious," Strickland says. "She takes issue with the situation and has got some issues with this woman." She'll also be attempting to help Amelia as the doc falls deeper into substance abuse. Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone) Where Were We? After confiding in Charlotte about her issues with substance abuse, Amelia began to slide back into her old ways. Once Charlotte, who tried to get the doc help, discovered that Amelia operated on a patient while under the influence, she revoked her medical privileges. What's Next? Since the season picks up right where it left off, Amelia is still boozing it up - which is problematic when she's paged into Pete's surgery. "There's another neurosurgeon who is en route to the hospital but isn't there yet," Scorsone says. "She's placed in a situation where she either steps in in the state that she's in, or waits for the surgeon who's on call who is far enough away that disaster could happen by the time he arrives." Moving forward, Amelia will continue drinking. "She's fallen off the wagon so Charlotte is concerned about Amelia, but doesn't always express that concern in a way that is necessarily constructive and helpful," she says. "They will butt heads." Gallery: Which TV shows jumped the shark last season? Jake Reilly (Benjamin Bratt) Where Were We? After flirting with Jake at the supermarket, Addison took a "no details" approach to their fling. She nearly ran off with him to Fiji, but decided against it at the last minute. What's Next? Jake returns from his vacation and crosses paths with Addison. "We discover early on that while there may still well be a mutual attraction between Addison and Jake alive, it's put aside for the sake of professionalism," Bratt says. "Things do get complicated because she's still on her personal quest of getting pregnant and she's with a man who has no interest in participating in that." Jake will attempt to convince her to use him as her IVF specialist, but she thinks it's a conflict of interest. Plus, with a vacancy at the practice (Bye, Naomi!), it seems he may the perfect person to fill that spot. Sheldon Wallace (Brian Benben) Where Were We? Against his better judgment, Sheldon started a relationship with the writer who gave Violet's book a bad review, which damaged their friendship. What's Next? Because Violet isn't practicing, he'll become the person everyone turns to at the practice, whether it be for the aftermath of Pete's heart attack or his giving unsolicited advice to Charlotte. The one person not going to him? "Violet's pissed at Sheldon," Brenneman says. "She's given him a lot of her cases to look after while she's gone, and I think she differs with him on how he's handling it." All caught up? Now tell us: What are you looking forward to in the new season?

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Exclusive: The Bold and also the Beautiful's Bradley Bell Dishes on Jacob Youthful, Usher and much more

Jason O'Mara, Stephen Lang After what appears like 85 million many years of anticipation, Fox's dinosaur adventure Terra Nova finally premieres tonight. To mark the occasion, Fox has given TV Guide Magazine this exclusive bit of marketing art. The shot mixes an active-action photo of series stars Jason O'Mara and Stephen Lang (adopted location within the Australian forest) having a computer-produced picture of a rampaging carnosaur - among the first dinosaurs to appear tonight.The effects team recognizes that its dinosaurs could do or die the show. "Once audiences begin to see the best [of CGI], they hope to keep on seeing it," states Lang, who plays Nathaniel Taylor, commander from the Terra Nova settlement, 85 million years previously. "Celebrate our obligation very tricky, but we take that mandate seriously."They'll showcase their work again within the October 3 episode, featuring a pack of killer pterosaurs that dive-explosive device the colonists Taylor and ex-cop Jim Shannon (O'Mara) must battle to save their paradise from utter destruction. "We are all dying to determine the way the episode works out," states Lang, who stays many each day fighting animals that are not really there. "I simply shot a scene that required three full nights - a face-off between my character and two mating dinosaurs. It's painstaking stuff but always a thrill along with a gift whenever we begin to see the finished product."The 2-hour series premiere of Terra Nova airs tonight at 8/7c on Fox.Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

China to Submit 'The Flowers of War' within the Foreign-Language Oscar Race

Beijing New Picture FIlm Co Zhanhg Yimou's The Flowers of War, starring Christian Bale, is going to be China's submission for top foreign-language film Academy Award, China's Film Bureau introduced on Friday. STORY: Top U.S. Purchasers Get First Peek at Christian Bale's 'The Flowers of War' Modified by film writer Heng Liu from Geling Yan's historic novel 13 Flowers of Nanjing and created by Zhang Weiping, the film is occur Nanking in 1937 because the Japanese Imperial Military overruns China's capital. Bale plays John Haufman, a united states who assisted safeguard several schoolgirls and hookers in the entering military. PHOTOS: Toronto Film Festival: 13 Films to understand The film, with dialog both in Mandarin and British, cost $90 million to create. It had been executive created by Chaoying Deng and David Linde. Glen Basner's FilmNation Entertainment, that is handling worldwide sales, previewed footage throughout the current Toronto Worldwide Film Festival, and many U.S. purchasers are presently circling the project. Toronto Worldwide Film Festival Christian Bale

You May Never You Know What 'Breaking Dawn' Is Ranked

Thinking about all of the drama that occurs in 'Breaking Beginning,' the ultimate installment of Stephenie Meyer's 'Twilight Saga,' it seems sensible the film versions from the YA sensation -- the beginning, obvs, hits theaters on November. 18 -- would be more adult than their forerunners. In the end, there is a wedding! Mattress-breaking sex! A womb-tearing vampire baby! Along with a birth scene that could involve A Vampire Named Edward using his sharp chompers to do the vampire version of the cesarean section on blushing bride Jacob Black. With shenanigans like this, did 'Breaking Dawn' obtain a dreaded R-rating in the MPAA? Not a chance! Per Summit Entertainment, 'Breaking Dawn' continues to be ranked PG-13 through the Film Association of America, "because of disturbing images, violence, sexuality/partial nudity plus some thematic elements." Start daydreaming about which star reaches take part in the partial nudity right... now. [via Not Far Off] Photo: Andrew Cooper/Summit Entertainment

The 25 shows that changed television

Here are 25 series, in chronological order, that changed the smallscreen:1948-71"The Ed Sullivan Show"His variety show wasn't unique even when it started and Ed Sullivan himself, a newspaper columnist who wrote about show business, was far from gifted as a TV host. Nonetheless, during the 23 years this show ran, it was America's foremost star-making machine. Among those who made their American television debut on Sullivan's show (initially called "Toast of the Town") were Bob Hope, Lena Horne, Dinah Shore, Eddie Fisher, Charles Laughton, the comedy team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and, of course, the Beatles. In an era of few viewing options, Sullivan selected guests to please all constituencies, even including excerpts from opera and ballet. Little wonder that he dominated Sunday night in a way today's TV execs can only dream about.1950-54"Your Show of Shows"When TV was in its infancy, this live 90-minute weekly program, originally titled "Admiral Broadway Revue," laid the foundation for nearly every comedy-variety show for generations to come. Regulars Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner and Howard Morris formed the nucleus of a cast that pioneered sketch comedy and cultural satire. The characters they developed returned time and again to the delight of the studio audience and the growing number of Americans with TV sets. Although the show featured singers and dancers, it continues to be remembered most for the way it redefined comedy to take full advantage of the visual element of the new medium. 1951-57"I Love Lucy"Before "I Love Lucy," TV sitcoms were either live from NY, or filmed with a single camera and sweetened with canned laughter. But Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball broke ground by filming before a live aud with three cameras at once. Not only was a new style of L.A.-based TV production born, but the 35mm quality of the prints led to heretofore unseen levels of syndicated success. It's impossible to overstate the impact of "Lucy" beyond its well-established popularity as great comedy, but it even inaugurated the notion of event television when Ball's character gave birth to Little Ricky on the show the same night Ball herself gave birth to her second child.1955-75"Gunsmoke"John Wayne's stamp of approval marked the premiere episode of "Gunsmoke" in 1955, the first adult Western to hit the air. This series offered complex depiction of ethnic groups, not the standard good vs. bad shown in countless films. With his slow drawl and fast gun, the iconic Marshal Dillon became the face of the American West. The series inspired a different take on the standard horse opera, paving the way for series such as "Have Gun, Will Travel" and "Maverick" during its record run spanning 20 seasons and 635 episodes. 1956-60"Playhouse 90"CBS produced what became the crown jewel of live television anthologies with "Playhouse 90." Using a considerable budget and a top-drawer approach to talent that included writers Rod Serling, Horton Foote and Abby Mann, as well as frequent director John Frankenheimer, the series introduced teleplays that have since become dramatic classics: Serling's "Requiem for a Heavyweight"; "The Miracle Worker," which would go on to stage and screen success; and "Judgment at Nuremberg," plus countless literary adaptations. Though it couldn't outlast a changing trend toward filmed or pre-taped shows, its commitment to quality weekly drama was unique for its time.1962-92"The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson"Without Carson, there's no Letterman, no Leno, no Ferguson, no Fallon. They'll be the first to tell you that. But Carson's influence extends well beyond the latenight landscape. He taught two generations of comedians how to tell a joke and, many, including Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Maher and Roseanne Barr, received their first national exposure on his show. Carson's brilliance transcended his monologues and self-deprecating sketches. He knew how to listen, which endeared him to guests and inspired innumerable off-the-cuff moments. His presence was singular. As Letterman put it: For 30 years, people wanted to end their day being "tucked in by Johnny." 1965-68"I Spy""I Spy" made the history books for its ground-breaking casting of African-American Bill Cosby in a lead dramatic role (that won Cosby three Emmys), but the 1960s drama deserves a chapter in chemistry texts as well. The give and take between Cosby and Robert Culp, wry but deeply felt, stands against any two-person combo in TV history. Combined with its global, James Bond-caliber playing field, its keen sense of humor and suspense and one of the best damn opening credit sequences you'll ever find, the Sheldon Leonard-produced "Spy" ranks among TV's most important concoctions. 1967-78"The Carol Burnett Show"Burnett could do it all: Sing, dance, tug her viewers' hearts as effortlessly as she tugged on her ear. But the genius of her long-running variety show burned brightest in its comedy sketches that showcased the impeccable chemistry between the star and series regulars Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Lyle Waggoner and Vicki Lawrence. There were plenty of smart parodies, but slapstick ruled the day -- a big reason why the show's appeal cut across generations. Jimmy Stewart served as the series' final guest star in 1978. George Carlin worked the prior episode. Burnett's generosity as a comic ringmaster can be seen in the way Tina Fey and Amy Poehler lead their own inspired ensembles today. 1968-present"60 Minutes"The end of the 1960s was a pivotal time for television news. The hourlong docu, once the crown jewel of network news departments, had become nearly extinct amid increasing pressure for ratings and demands that news divisions pay their own way. Then along came "60 Minutes" and the birth of the TV newsmagazine. Its relatively short feature stories and interviews attracted a broad demographic even as it provided CBS with another outlet for its star reporters. A decade after it first aired, the show became the top-rated primetime series. It remained among the top 10 for the next 20 years, with its ticking stopwatch, musings by Andy Rooney and exec producer Don Hewitt's requirement that each segment tell an engaging story. 1970-present"Monday Night Football"Football was just football before ABC impresario Roone Arledge made it a weekly primetime event. While the games were entertaining, it was the guys in the booth -- Hall of Famer Frank Gifford, "Dandy" Don Meredith and former attorney Howard Cosell -- whom fans either loved or hated. That type of fervor, of course, led to major ratings, meaning it wasn't only pigskin fans watching. Meredith's end-of-game refrain, "Turn out the lights, the party's over," and Cosell's general disdain for those whom he felt to be beneath him were often much more fun to watch than a 2-yard touchdown run and a cloud of dust.1971-79"All in the Family"Before Norman Lear, television would occasionally touch upon hot-button topics such as racism, women's rights, abortion and homosexuality. Yet Lear's "All in the Family" examined these issues on a weekly basis, using humor instead of sloganeering to look at the seismic changes rocking American society. When the show began in 1971, CBS included a disclaimer, warning audiences of its frank approach. A year later, "All in the Family" hit No. 1 in the ratings, launching Lear's empire that included topical spinoffs "Maude" and "The Jeffersons." After Archie Bunker, nothing was off limits. 1975-present"Saturday Night Live"NBC's latenight comedy-variety series was a groundbreaking success upon its arrival in 1975, bringing counterculture laughs to network television and reintroducing the thrill of live performance to viewers. Mixing up-to-the-minute and often controversial satire, surreal humor, hip musical acts and whatever game laugh-getting skills its weekly guest hosts brought, producer Lorne Michaels' edgy jamboree made household names (and movie stars) out of many cast members, from John Belushi and Bill Murray, to Eddie Murphy and Mike Myers, to Will Ferrell and Tina Fey. It quickly became television's premier showcase for emerging comedy talent, and one of the last bastions for sketch humor on the smallscreen.1977"Roots"The miniseries that should have been called a maxiseries. For eight consecutive nights "Roots" riveted the U.S. to its TV, to absorb nothing more than the history of a previously anonymous (save for the Alex Haley book on which the program was based) black family -- and nothing less than the history of America. The premiere episode had a 61 share; the finale, which to this day remains the No. 3 all-time scripted program in overall viewers, a 71. "Roots" spawned a fervor for ancestral research along with an eye-opening appreciation for the lives and trials of slaves and their descendants, and it remains TV's most unforgettable miniseries.1981-87"Hill Street Blues"TV's modern age dawned with the two-hour premiere of "Hill Street Blues," which changed the face of television with unprecedented mix of serialized storytelling, an overflowing ensemble cast, stark themes and docu-style cinemato-graphy with scripts that were critically unsurpassed. Though auds initially withheld their embrace, leaving it among the least-watched series in its first season, the TV Academy rewarded "Hill Street" with a record 21 Emmy noms and eight wins, justifying NBC's faith and setting the series up for a seven-season run that produced 98 Emmy noms in all. 1984-92"The Cosby Show"From TV's earliest days, the family-based sitcom had been one of its most popular genres. In the 1970s, viewers bestowed No. 1 status on "All in the Family" and "Happy Days." In the early 1980s, though, the genre struggled and people fretted that America had lost its appetite for family comedies. That notion was quickly put to rest with the premiere of "The Cosby Show," which ranked first for five seasons in a row (1985-90). Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad starred as Cliff and Clair Huxtable, upper-middle-class parents of five children, each with his or her own issues. Funny and hip, the show was guided by Cosby's trademark gentle humor and his doctorate in education.1989-present"The Simpsons""South Park" co-creator Trey Parker once wrote an episode titled " 'Simpsons' Already Did It," paying tribute to the longevity of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and the other denizens of Springfield. The episode aired nearly a decade ago. "The Simpsons" is now entering its 23rd season and early next year, probably during sweeps, will air its 500th episode. Its success paved the way for primetime animated series such as "King of the Hill," "Family Guy," "Futurama" and, yes, "South Park," showing there was a huge adult audience hungry for irreverent humor unshackled by the limitations of the live-action format. Best. Show. Ever? One could make the argument. 1989-98"Seinfeld"The most dangerous myth about "Seinfeld" is its self-propelled claim to be "a show about nothing." If anything, the NBC laffer was a show about everything, able to comment on attitudes, relationships, world events and whatever else Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David and friends could think of. "Seinfeld" also became a structural trendsetter in TV comedy with its Superman ability to leap multiple storylines in a single bound. In a landscape where having a B plot might have seemed par for the course, a typical "Seinfeld" episode might have C, D and even E plots, all of them coming together in a fashion that meant everything to its fans. 1990-2010"Law & Order"Like a combo pack of beloved formats, producer Dick Wolf's bifurcated 1990 NBC crime series was half cop show -- detectives investigated a murder -- and half law drama as the prosecution's case made its way through a twisty legal system. The fast-paced, facts-only episodes revived both the procedural as a genre, and NY as a gritty, mood-setting location for tough-minded police shows. De-emphasizing the core characters' personal lives also allowed Wolf to change departing (or fired) cast members without losing viewers, who kept coming back -- often in marathon sessions during its ubiquitous syndicated life on cable -- for stories that were often shrewdly transparent mirrors of true-life cases.1990"The Civil War"Ken Burns turned the nation's TV sets into a virtual campfires and classrooms. In examining the bloody War Between the States, stories were told in vivid detail using personal photos and letters. The docu, which aired over five days in 1990, still holds the record as the most-watched PBS series with more than 40 million tuning in for the initial broadcast. Burns turned history into a living, breathing organism that sparked an interest in how America came to be. Its widespread popularity proved that TV docus were a vitally important programming element that had a place among all other genres. 1992-present"The Real World"Before there was a "Big Brother," there was "The Real World." Premiering in 1992, the Mary-Ellis Bunim and Jonathan Murray documentary-style series took the MTV generation into a house where eight strangers lived in a hip spot "when people stop being polite and start getting real." And the next phase of reality television was born. In the third season, the show came into its own with a cast in San Francisco that included Pedro, a young man struggling with AIDS. That story helped put a face on the disease and was more of a teaching tool than anything else on TV that year. 1999-2007"The Sopranos"An early promotional tagline for the HBO series said it all: "Hell hath no fury like the Family." The beauty of "The Sopranos" lies in the fact that the ad could have been talking about mobster Tony Soprano's crew, his Mafia rivals or his own blood relations. That kind of complexity had rarely been seen on television before and certainly not with the kind of artfulness that creator David Chase brought to each episode. After Tony Soprano, television embraced serial storytelling and conflicted antiheroes with a passion i.e. "Dexter," "Breaking Bad," "Mad Men." We could go on. It's a long list full of brilliant shows, none of which would have been made without the success of "The Sopranos."2000-present"Survivor"CBS' summer 2000 "reality" experiment in alternative programming -- stranded contestants in a remote location battling the elements and each other for $1 million -- spawned a massive franchise hit worldwide, countless copycats and a whole new programming genre that, for the first time, threatened the impenetrable hegemony of scripted primetime TV. It forever set high bars for casting (having produced memorable good guys and bad guys from its many contestants), iconic touches ("The tribe has spoken"), memorable moments (Susan Hawk's season one "rats and snakes" speech) and the efficacy of a good host (globe-trotting tribe-wrangler Jeff Probst). That it's still going strong is a tribute to its unique mix of gameshow suspense, beautiful scenery and outsized personalities in stressful situations.2002-08"The Wire"David Simon and Ed Burns' sharply written, brilliantly acted Baltimore-set drama for HBO about cops and criminals barely made a dent in visibility when it premiered in 2003. But its fans were talkative, its network was loyal and by the end of its run "The Wire" had set a television benchmark for complex longform storytelling, realistic portrayals of urban life, emphasis on African-American characters, location verisimilitude and the thematic possibilities for an hourlong drama. Simon and Burns didn't care to repeat plot points to placate distracted viewers the way TV shows often do, but they did care about novelistic sweep (creating dozens of memorable characters) and depicting -- detail by detail -- how heartbreakingly easy it is for modern institutions to fail us.2002-present"American Idol"No one expected much from the singing competition series searching for the next big pop superstar, especially when the judges were faded pop queen Paula Abdul, obscure music producer and bassist Randy Jackson and unknown Brit Simon Cowell. Yet, the series captured something in the zeitgeist that drove viewers to their sets, turning it into a ratings behemoth. Critics dubbed it "The Death Star" as would-be timeslot competitors had little or no chance of capturing eyeballs. And when the series felt tired after nine seasons, a new judging panel gave it renewed freshness that still makes it a nearly indestructible force.2007-present"Mad Men"Notice those billboards for the upcoming series "Pan Am" and "The Playboy Club"? Seem familiar? That's because "Mad Men" got there first. For a show sporting fantastic drama and a compelling, smoke-filled re-examination of recent American history, "Mad Men" has been most influential with its arresting visual style. The series is the antidote to casual Fridays, launching its own clothing line at Banana Republic and reviving interest in the politically incorrect early '60s. Its attention to period detail is amazing, but the fashion never takes precedence over the storytelling. Fill a tumbler with your favorite beverage and raise a glass.(Capsules by Robert Abele, Barry Garron, Stuart Levine, Jon Weisman Glenn Whipp and Susan Young)Related Links: Emmy not afraid to make bold choices Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com