Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Frozen Planet's Penguin Cam: Too Cute or Totally Overrated?

Breaking In "So happy to see you finally came to your senses and gave us another shot," Contra Security head Oz (Christian Slater) says in the Season 2 premiere of Breaking In. He may be talking to a new client, Mr. Fox, but the sentiment clearly has a deeper meaning. "I don't even know if Fox noticed that his name was Mr. Fox," co-creator and executive producer Adam F. Goldberg tells TVGuide.com with a laugh. Breaking In creator on raising Season 2 hopes: Fox recognizes there is something there Breaking In returns on Tuesday (9:30/8:30c, Fox) after what Goldberg calls a "rollercoaster ride" back from the dead. After the network ordered six episodes very late into midseason, it axed the comedy in May. However, network chief Kevin Reilly remained optimistic about finding a way to revive it. In July, those chances dimmed when the show's female lead, Odette Annable, joined House. But Fox wound up renewing the options for the rest of the cast and renewing it for a 13-episode second season anyway. Goldberg thanked actors Slater, Bret Harrison and Alphonso McAuley for sticking with the show, even when its future looked grim. "We are forever indebted to them for keeping the show alive," he said. "They were at a crossroads where they could have moved on. We went to them and said, 'You owe nothing to us, but we would love for you to renew,' and they just jumped right on board." Fox gives surprise 13-episodes order to Breaking In However, there were still a few office shake-ups. Recurring guest star Michael Rosenbaum left to direct a film, and Annable will only appear in five episodes. "I'll miss them both," Goldberg says. Enter new series regulars Megan Mullally and Erin Richards. "Fox felt like the one element missing from the show was a comic foil for Christian's character," he says. "Bringing in Megan, who is a big comic force, to play off of Christian and everyone in the office was just a great puzzle piece that we were missing." Mullally, an Emmy winner for Will & Grace, joins the workforce as Contra Security's crazy new leader, Veronica. "We knew there was going to be a boss, but we didn't know what kind of boss until we had an actress to define the role," Goldberg says. "Basically, Megan was the one who shaped the entire character. Once we heard she was interested, I wrote some sample scenes for her, and she saw that we could write for her and her voice." Fox creates Tuesday night comedy block The two new female team members will move the series' focus towards inter-office romances and away from the out-of-office capers. (Although still expect nods to the show's geeky roots including references to Back to the Future, Terminator 2 and Indiana Jones). "It's less about what they do and more about who they are as people. The big thing that I took away from talking to people last year was that the show was a little too fast," Goldberg says. "This year, we're really exploring a lot of the different romantic pairings. Especially coming after New Girl, I think that is something I really wanted to focus on because when you're in an office, office romances happen." Goldberg says he didn't mind the change in tone. He credits New Girl for helping to save Breaking In. "I think Kevin Reilly always planned on bringing the show back, it was really just seeing if New Girl would work," Goldberg says. "No one wanted New Girl to work more than me because otherwise, I know we wouldn't be on the air. They wouldn't have the confidence to do a whole comedy night." So does Goldberg feel the pressure returning behind Fox's biggest comedy? He's just happy to be on the air. "Everything this year has just been gravy because I was canceled twice," he says. "Hopefully this time it will stick."

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Simon Baker Says I Give It A Year

He'll star in the newlywed comedyWhile Simon Baker has been spending the majority of his time on US telly drama The Mentalist, he has managed to squeeze in the odd movie here and there, including Margin Call, which arrived on these shores in January. And he's just selected his next film gig, joining the cast of Working Title's romantic comedy drama I Give It A Year.Dan Mazer, who worked his way up through Da Ali G Show and has contributed to all of Sacha Baron Cohen's cinematic output (including this year's The Dictator), wrote the script and will direct. Year is the story of a pair of newlyweds as they negotiate the tricky business of their first 12 months as a married couple.Anonymous' Rafe Spall is already attached to star, but there's no word yet on when it'll shoot. Working Title is also still in the market for a distributor, though given the company's close relationship with Universal, we'd guess they might just pick it up.

Monday, February 27, 2012

'Descendants' Co-Authors Jim Rash And Nat Faxon: That You Know Them From

by Joel Hanek In the meme that will surely rival The Bronx Cobra in lasting relevancy, Angelina Jolies right leg increased being joke fodder for that internet after Best Modified Script award individuals who win Jim Rash and Nat Faxon was similar to Angies lunging pose after accepting their honours. In the event you thought people males with Alexander Payne that came on stage needing to pay tribute/playfully mocking Angelina look familiar, thats because youve probably seen them inside their acting roles. Former Groundlings, Faxon and Rash did plenty of comedy roles over time - and trust me, when I believe that a good deal, I'm speaking about a good deal. No stranger for the recognition of Community, Jim Rash can be a series regular in the NBC sitcom as Principal Dean Pelton. Being fair, you may haven't recognized him at first as they was wearing a tuxedo rather than his usual entrances in drag. Nat Faxon is probably not a marquee status for movies, however when you see the males IMDB page you will not be needed to scroll lower far prior to deciding to recognize youve seen his face no less than a six occasions: "Super Military," "Beerfest" plus much more (Im keen on his moments in Oc myself). Furthermore compared to that, Faxon is doing his quantity of commercial work. For example, take his role since the alcoholic philistine in this particular Bud Light ad. There you have it: the Faxon/Rash mystery solved! Appreciate joining us for the next episode of, Hey, look, people males! Perhaps you have recognize Rash and Faxon last evening? Reveal inside the comments or on Twitter!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Blue Bloods' Donnie Wahlberg is Hangin' Tough

Donnie Wahlberg Taking a break between moments, Blue Bloods' Donnie Wahlberg places two cell phones within easy achieve. The onetime teen heartthrob is actually mounted on social media that instead of watching his hit cop show on Fridays at 10, he reads real-time Tweets to gauge what audiences like or don't. Happily for your actor who plays Det. Danny Reagan, the "likes" win - Blue Bloods and Wahlberg rule the evening. His fans certainly are a large, loyal bunch. Extended devoted to him from his boy-band days in New Kids available on the market (now reunited as NKOTB), they inundate the show's Brooklyn set with inspiring books, photo collages and vintage figures. Many have even adopted their hero to his CBS series. "Each day we're around the stage, [his fans] know where we're shooting," states Tom Selleck, who plays patriarch Frank Reagan. "They spend some time all day long lengthy. Donnie covers and speak with them - he's good by doing this.Inch fifteen years after he gained the transition from music to acting, notwithstanding roles such exclusive movies since the Sixth Sense and tv projects like Gang of Brothers and sisters and Boomtown, the 42-year-old gets the part he seems born to see. Chalk up to great fortune. The show was casting in Toronto and Wahlberg been in Canada in order to a concert in Alaska because he got wind in the chance. "I had been getting trouble finding an actress to see Danny," recalls professional producer Leonard Goldberg. "I examined Donnie's reel and mentioned, 'That's Danny Reagan!' He'd the energy as well as the physicality. If Tom Selleck's police commissioner might be the initial step toward Blue Bloods, Donnie might be the engine that drives the show. He brings such passion - together with just a little danger - for the police tales it allows us to prevent and carry out the family moments that are a person's heart within our show. Without Donnie, it could become somewhat bland.Inch Wahlberg also nails the intimate interactions with both Jackie (Jennifer Esposito) - Danny's partner round the pressure - and wife Linda (Amy Carlson). Notes Goldberg, "We pay attention to audiences their relationship is actually real, and the first time they're seeing how it's enjoy being married with a cop." Danny and Linda's marriage is amongst the solid TV associations since Friday Evening Lights' Taylors, a portrayal that Carlson preferred to emulate from Day 1. "Love might be the building blocks from the connection,Inch states the actress. "Linda and Danny may drive each other crazy, but they are deeply in love with each other!" Tonight's episode movingly combines the procedural while using show's family values when an undercover detective, who's a pal in the Reagan family, is destroyed in the drug bust - after Danny and Jackie arrive about a minute too far gone. "Danny knows it easily may have been him," states Goldberg. "Which he must call Linda because she's the godmother in the dead cop's newborn, who's potential christened. It hits him on sides." The episode ties into what's be considered a common theme on Blue Bloods: "Everybody is faced while using existence that he / she has selected," states Wahlberg. "Whether it is the theif, his drug-dealing mother or perhaps the cops whose existence reaches risk.Inch A divorced father of two, Wahlberg states they can relate: "I'm in NY and the kids live in L.A. I'm lucky essentially can catch somewhat Skype time together, as this is the existence I decided.In . Humor might be the weapon Wahlberg chooses to handle extended several hours and freeze-your-butt-off NY weather. "He works more several hours than anybody around the program, and he's doing jokes at 2am concentrating on the same energy he'd because he started at 2 inside the mid-day," states Goldberg. That geniality doesn't surprise Wahlberg's uncle Archie, visiting the set one February day. "Donnie was the comedian inherited,In . he unveils. "He was thrilling just like a boy, a great kid, and he's now a enjoyable guy." Wahlberg cops to like a cutup, dancing across the set and trying to create everyone laugh, even if the director has known for quiet. "Jennifer which i try everything inside our energy to keep the crew getting a lot of fun,In . according to him. Despite his goofiness, nobody should doubt his acting chops, Carlson cautions. "He's a prankster which he will get my goat, however always have to be in my toes because he's so smart and therefore passionate." The showbiz veteran also will not do not remember what measures he's come since the eighth of nine poor kids (actor/producer Mark Wahlberg is his baby brother) in the tough Boston neighborhood. "I'd get hit if I'd discuss trying to become an actress,Inch according to him. "I'm a adequate self-critic to keep it honest. There's an occasion when I used to be frustrated because I believed, my band is more suitable to I'm given credit for which i'm able to become well. I have finally proven it, nevertheless it needed 2 decades. I probably wouldn't are actually ready if everything was perfect in the past. Now after i am out chasing after after crooks, I pinch myself and say, 'This is crazy! This can be too good actually was.AInch Wahlberg's next factor: pointing an instalment. "I have some homework to accomplish first. I don't take lower to pointing Tom Selleck lightly. Tom can be a formidable guy. I'd like him to convey, 'Hey, when are you going to perform the next?A rather than, 'Let's not test that experiment again,'" according to him, emulating Selleck's sonorous voice. We'll wager round the kid from Boston. Blue Bloods airs Fridays at 10/9c on CBS. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Anthony LaPaglia To Star In ABC Drama Pilot Americana

Anthony LaPaglia, who had 3 aircraft pilots at 3 systems competing for his services, has closed an offer to topline the ABC drama pilot Americana, a cleaning soap in regards to a famous fashion industry clan. It focuses on legendary designer Robert Soulter (LaPaglia), the patriarch of the sprawling family who just welcomed a brand new member, a youthful designer whose shocking arrival turns the household and also the legendary label thoroughly. Michael Seitzman authored the script, with Phillip Noyce, who helmed the pilot for ABC’s Revenge this past year, pointing. Seitzman, Mark Gordon and Nicholas Pepper executive produce for ABC Galleries and also the Mark Gordon Co. This marks the go back to television and also the first TV role for LaPaglia since his starring switch on the most popular CBS crime drama With No Trace, which gained him a Golden Globe Award. The Aussie actor, repped by CAA and Industry Entertainment, is presently filming Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Oscars 2012: Why 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' Deserved A Best Picture Nod

Nine films are nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards this year, begging the question: who deserved a tenth spot on that list? "Oscars 2012: 10 Spot" answers that question, as the MTV Movies team highlights some of 2011's greatest films and argues why they deserved a nod as the tenth Best Picture nominee. "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" specifically points out what's wrong with the Best Picture race this year. Of the films in the conversation, David Fincher's adaptation of Stieg Larsson's best-selling novel did deserve a nomination for the Oscar top prize in 2011, but in almost any other year, I think the snub would have been justified. That is because "Dragon Tattoo" has one thing that all of the Best Picture nominees, with the exception of "Tree of Life," severely lack: an edge. With the field almost entirely filled with nostalgia movies ("Hugo," "The Artist," "Midnight in Paris," "War Horse," "The Help"), a lack of variety bogs down the race, leaving it without a real sense of drama. The films, while enjoyable, don't represent the gamut of subjects the medium can touch and result in a fairly one-note race. "Dragon Tattoo" went dark and stayed dark, and did so without apologizing. With an essentially incompetent male protagonist, a female rape-victim has to use her intellect to serve justice, and when the murderer is cornered, he dies because of his inability to drive with a shattered jaw. Though its formulaic thriller plot ultimately lessens the story's impact, a nomination for "Dragon Tattoo" would have added spice to the race and shown some daring on the part of the Academy. Even ignoring the subject matter and the story, Fincher made a technically masterful film, as he tends to do, and reaffirmed his place as one of the genre's best directors, always ready to innovate. At this level, the snub seems particularly insulting when you consider that Tate Taylor's by-the-numbers "The Help" earned a spot on the list. Also consider that Fincher's loss to the undeserving Tom Hooper at last year's ceremony should have qualified for the Academy's love of payback. Then again, my whole argument comes with a caveat: I don't think "Dragon Tattoo" is all that great, and it wouldn't deserve a nomination if the other nominees had been of a higher caliber. The snub exists based on the merits of comparison and not solely on the film itself. That being the case, however, adding "Dragon Tattoo" to the tenth spot would have lent a little more respect to a category that I think sorely needs it. The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Stick with us for everything you need to know leading up to the awards show, and on Sunday, February 25, tune into MTV.com at 5:30 p.m. ET for our three-hour red-carpet live stream and updates on the night's big winners.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

John Hawkes On For Jackie Brown Prequel

He'll star in SwitchLet's acquire one factor obvious from the beginning: Quentin Tarantino isn't associated with this film, although it has his blessing. No, author/director Serta Schecter may be the guy behind this adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Switch, and she has Martha Marcy May Marlene star John Hawkes and Yasiin Bey (the artist formerly referred to as rapper-switched-actor Mos Def) prepared to star.Hawkes and Bey will have the more youthful versions of Louis Gara and Ordell Robbie, as performed correspondingly by Robert P Niro and Samuel L. Jackson in Tarantino's film, which itself was modified from Leonard's Rum Punch.Schechter required a gamble writing a script in line with the Switch, which Leonard released in 1978, and sent it to Michael Siegel, who is actually the author's representative. Impressed together with his work, the happy couple handed him the film privileges and decided to be producers. Youthful filmmakers have faith: it may happen!The plot, set fifteen years prior to the occasions in Brown, finds Louis and Ordell joining as much as kidnap Mickey Dawson, a lady married to some corrupt Detroit property magnate. However when her husband will not spend the money for ransom, the crooks use the wife to obtain her revenge. Schecter is striving to begin shooting the film in May.Hawkes continues to be winning plaudits only at that year's Sundance Film Festival for his leading role within the Surrogate, in regards to a disabled poet who seeks to get rid of his virginity having a professional sex surrogate (Helen Search). He'll also appear this season in Steven Spielberg's Lincoln subsequently. Bey most made an appearance upon us crime drama Dexter.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Adam Sandler Away And Off To Chocolate Land

Kevin Lima still directingThe deal between toy leaders Hasbro and film studio Universal is starting to look like a sinking ship weight loss projects are removed. Yesterday, we introduced word of Relativity Media accumulating Stretch Remedy (and departing recommended star Rachelle Lefervre bobbing within the development wake) now there's news that Hasbro takes Chocolate Land towards the new the new sony, where Adam Sander's Happy Madison production customers are waiting with open arms. While there's no official announcement, it may look like this program is ideal for Sandler to star inside the new film, which Enchanted'sKevin Lima remains installed on direct. If this was introduced, Tropic Thunder's Etan Cohen was on script patrol. Now, though, Sandler will work a rewrite, coping with regular collaborator Robert Smigel.What tone they'll take while using movie is anyone's guess, though we figure they'll mind lower the Mattress time Tales family comedy route, mixing an energetic action Sandler while using fantastical chocolate setting.This clearly signifies The brand new the new sony searching to discover another Smurfs-level success, and the sport is going to do the task if this involves the crowd. Chocolate Land was birthed within the 19 forties, specific at delivering gentle entertainment for youthful kids simply because they adopted a path driven by colour-coded cards through such locales as Chocolate Stick Forest and Gum Drop Mountain (oddly, that particular is twinned with Mount Disaster in Mordor). Figures who put their hands up in route (that could also boast inside the eventual film) incorporated Full Frostine, Gramma Nutt and Gloppy the Chocolate Monster. Frankly, these appear like they belong in the Sandler comedy anyway.At this time around, meaning up to now, all Universal remains capable of shepherd towards screens is Battleship, which invades the following on April 11.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Producers Guild Honours The Artist

Searching strong but quiet for OscarsThe temperature round the honours season kettle elevated another handful of levels last evening since the Producers Guild of America introduced their honours, as well as the Artist ruled triumphant. TheAdventures Of Tintin:The SecretOf The Unicorn needed the Animated category, and Beats, Rhymes and Existence: The Travels from the Tribe Referred to as Mission needed the Documentary prize.The PGA honours (not to be mistaken with golf) are likely the only real best predictor from the finest Picture champion within the Academy awards - although accurate documentation of picking 15 in the last 22 individuals who win is definitely a perfect score. Still, it has due to the Oscar about both Michael Hazanavicius and StevenSpielberg a good start before tomorrow's AcademyAward nominations and February 26' ceremony.The whole report on Producers Guild individuals who win is below:The Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Movies:THE ARTISTBRIDESMAIDSTHE DESCENDANTSTHE GIRL While Using DRAGON TATTOO The Help HUGO THE IDES OF MARCH Evening amount of time in PARIS MONEYBALLWAR HORSEThe Award for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion PicturesTHE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN CARS 2 KUNG FU PANDA 2PUSS IN BOOTS RANGOThe Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Theatrical Motion PicturesBEATS, RHYMES & Existence: THE TRAVELS From The TRIBE Referred to as QUESTBILL CUNNINGHAM NYPROJECT NIMSENNATHE UNIONThe television nominees and individuals who win are:The David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Extended-Form TelevisionCinema VeriteDownton AbbeyThe KennedysMildred PierceToo Large To FailThe Danny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Comedy30 RockThe Large Bang TheoryGleeModern FamilyParks and RecreationThe Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, DramaBoardwalk EmpireDexterGame of ThronesThe Good WifeMad MenThe Award for Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment & Talk Television The Colbert ReportThe Ellen DeGeneres ShowReal Time with Bill MaherSaturday Evening LiveThe 64th Annual Tony AwardsThe Award for Outstanding Producer of Competition TelevisionThe Amazing RaceAmerican IdolDancing while using StarsProject RunwayTop ChefThe Award for Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television30 for 30American MastersAnthony Bourdain: No ReservationsDeadliest CatchUndercover BossNews ProgramsAnderson Cooper 360BBC World News AmericaNBC News with John WilliamsThe Rachel Maddow Show60 MinutesSports Programs (*There's a tie, which explains why you'll find six nominees.)Monday Evening FootballReal Sports with Bryant GumbelSports Center30 for 302010 FIFA World CupU.S. Open Tennis ChampionshipChildren's ProgramsDora the ExploreriCarlyPhineas and FerbSesame StreetSpongeBob SquarepantsWeb SeriesAsk a NinjaThe GuildParks and Entertainment Presents: 'April & Andy's Road Trip'30 Rock Presents Jack Donaghy, Executive SuperheroWeb Therapy

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Cisneros, China net pact for TV content

On the eve of the NATPE content mart, Venezuela's Cisneros Group and state broadcaster China Central Television have pacted to exchange documentaries to increase mutual awareness and understanding of their cultures. CCTV's Documentary Channel will bow Latin Week, devoted to a selection of docs provided by the Cisneros Group's global distributor Venevision Intl. In exchange, the Cisneros Group will secure a pan-regional channel to air a collection of docs produced by CCTV throughout Latin America. Sunday's agreement reinforces Cisneros' commitment to the Chinese market as part of its global expansion strategy, while highlighting CCTV's growing presence in international markets. The relationship between the two goes back to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing when Cisneros and CCTV agreed to pool resources to distribute TV programming in their respective markets. NATPE kicks off Monday in Miami. Cisneros is a privately held media, entertainment, telco and consumer products conglom. CCTV provides TV across China to its 1.3 billion citizens. Contact Bobbie Whiteman at bobbie.whiteman@variety.com

Thursday, January 19, 2012

David Beckham Re-Signs With LA Galaxy

First Published: January 19, 2012 11:18 AM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption David Beckham of the Galaxy warms up before the friendly match between the Melbourne Victory and LA Galaxy at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia on December 6, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- David and Victoria Beckham are staying put in Los Angeles. The 36-year-old soccer superstar announced he has re-signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy. This was an important decision for me, the midfielder said in a statement on the teams website. I had many offers from clubs from around the world, however, Im still passionate about playing in America and winning trophies with the Galaxy. Ive seen first-hand how popular soccer is now in the States and Im as committed as ever to growing the game here, he added. My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America and we look forward to spending many more years here. Details of his new contract were not released. As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, the star athlete was in talks to play for Paris Saint-Germain, but decided to keep his family stateside. PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi confirmed he wouldnt be joining the team earlier this month saying, David Beckham is not coming. We feel a little disappointed. But both sides agreed it would be better that we not do the deal maybe in the future. The new MLS season starts in March. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Social TV: Will Whitened Collar Use Twitter to allow Fans Decide the Show's Ending?

Matt Bomer, Whitened Collar When Season 3 of Whitened Collar opened with a brand new opening title sequence last June, fans weren't pleased. They required to social networking - namely Facebook - to convey their displeasure, also it did not go undetected. Within an unparalleled move, USA bowed towards the fan pressure and reverted to the initial game titles. Shaun Eastin, the show's creator, spoken to us about why he loves getting together with fans, which actress he snagged like a guest star using Twitter and whether he'd ever let audiences decide the show's ending.TVGuide.com: How have you first enter into social networking, and how about it become a huge hit for you?Shaun Eastin: I acquired into Twitter due to the fact I did not know very well what the large deal was. After which after we began continuing to move forward with Whitened Collar, fans began the follow and that i could communicate directly together, that was nice. Around the nights we broadcast, you'd find every Whitened Collar author looking at their apple iphone trying to find "#WhiteCollar," and in line with the quantity of traffic, we'd come pretty near to predicting the rankings the following day. In my experience, which was a remarkably effective tool - to obtain that immediate feedback you could not have become five to ten years ago.TVGuide.com: What type of feedback is easily the most helpful?Eastin: This past year we did a unique-effects scene in which a book dissolved, and that we were really afraid it had not been likely to play well, but very quickly we had people really loved it. That grew to become really effective for all of us, just when it comes to getting a feeling of what individuals are thinking about the show. We obtain to right away see what's working and what's no longer working.Sociable TV: 5 methods of showrunners to interact their audienceTVGuide.com: Inform us concerning the new opening credits, and the reason why you transformed it back.Eastin: There is lots of creative pressure to try and turn it into a quite different, just a little slicker. There is this type of huge reaction on Facebook very quickly. What we should had not anticipated was that individuals really loved the initial -- these were accustomed to the background music and pictures. Therefore we were built with a large debate and that i ultimately recommended, "Well, let us come with an online election and find out what goes on?Inch And That I give USA lots of credit for really saying yes to get it done.TVGuide.com: Maybe you have become in danger for divulging an excessive amount of?Eastin: After I discovered we'd become Season 2 acquired, I tweeted "Champion towards the best cast and crew in television!" however i made it happen a few days before I had been designed to. And That I got in danger. But typically, USA's been very encouraging.Social TV: Understand why Nathan Fillion will get a remove of TwitterTVGuide.com: Why do you consider it's advantageous for showrunners to maintain a dialogue with fans?Eastin: We've these large breaks where it will likely be three several weeks before a brand new episode airs. And it is like... how can you get individuals to recall the show's likely to be on? How can you ask them to ensure that it stays in your mind? I believe it's a lot better than your standard ad campaign, which just puts the show before them. This prevents them interacting, and that i can perform it 140 figures at any given time.TVGuide.com: What are a few things you need to do to interact audiences?Eastin: I set up a script page sneak look a couple of days before we air, that is really well-liked by our fans. It's nice because basically it's just like a free commercial! Or maybe I am seated to create and I am simply not within the mood yet, I'll say, "OK, I am responding to fan questions for the following ten minutes.Inch It is a nice method of getting that behind-the-moments look.TVGuide.com: Could it be correct that Twitter performed a large part to get Eliza Dushku to guest-star?Eastin: We actually wanted her on the program, and that i tweeted at her, "Hey, you want to do Whitened Collar." She's on the million fans, and lots of them who choose the show authored to her, "My dear God! You gotta do Whitened Collar!" So she got really looking forward to it. Ultimately I can not state that we wouldn't have become her without Twitter, but It certainly assisted.TVGuide.com: Obviously with the positive feedback comes negative feedback. Will it find yourself getting for you?Eastin: Sometimes we'll introduce a personality and also the fans can get really nasty about this. Or every now and then I'll get "your show sucks" and it is like... returning home following a lengthy day's work simply because, it type of affects. However the great factor is the fact that that's so rare.The Voice (and former TRL) host Carson Daly: The founding father of social TV?TVGuide.com: How can you keep your experience authentic for fans?Eastin: I believe the actual secret into it would be to ensure that it stays personal. Basically stopped tweeting and switched it within the corporation, it might kind of lose its appeal.TVGuide.com: Do you consider social TV - along with a greater focus on fan engagement -- may be the future?Eastin: It's this type of no-brainer that companies are likely to begin to transfer to this. It's becoming progressively important if not only starting a show, but additionally to maintain the group of followers. It's a terrific way to interact and people interested. I can tell each day where I'll sign an agreement like a showrunner and will also include a Facebook account.TVGuide.com: Maybe you have considered permitting fans to dictate the plot? Just like a choose-your-own adventure situation?Eastin: That's really a fascinating idea. I never wanted to accept reveal that far, but you never know? Maybe Season six or seven we may contemplate something similar to letting fans pick the ending. I'd almost guarantee when we do not do it, another person will.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

5 Music Stars Who Became Movie Stars

5 Music Stars Who Became Movie Stars By Christy Lemire January 13, 2012 Photo by Screen Gems Cher in "Burlesque" LOS ANGELES (AP) Everyone wants to be a multi-hyphenate. No one wants to be pigeonholed. And so basketball players try to be rappers and rappers try to be basketball players. Jessica Simpson sells shoes and Jennifer Lopez sells perfume.But while actors often try to be singers Eddie Murphy's "Party All the Time," anyone? singers also frequently venture into acting. Sometimes they carve out impressive second careers for themselves; sometimes, they're Britney Spears in "Crossroads."This week, we see several musicians who've made the transition from the recording studio to the big screen. Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton co-star in the gospel comedy "Joyful Noise," while Mark Wahlberg plays a master smuggler in "Contraband." So here's a look at five great music stars who became great actors. For sake of argument, performers like Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli and even the aforementioned J.Lo, who had their roots in both art forms simultaneously, don't count. We're talking about people who were primarily known as singers (or rappers, etc.) and made the leap: Frank Sinatra: The Chairman of the Board was, of course, a major pop star who caused a frenzy among screaming bobbysoxers in the 1940s before crafting a major movie career for himself. Sinatra won an Academy Award for best supporting actor in 1953's "From Here to Eternity" and earned a best-actor nomination for 1955's "The Man With the Golden Arm." Early film roles naturally were in musicals, including "Anchors Aweigh" (1945) and "On the Town" (1949) with Gene Kelly. The original "Ocean's Eleven" (1960) allowed him to play it smooth as master thief Danny Ocean, while the political thriller "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962) probably provided him with his greatest performance. Will Smith: The former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air transformed himself into a two-time Oscar nominee, going from catchy rap tunes and sitcom laughs to heavyweight roles in "Ali" and "The Pursuit of Happyness." Smith is the epitome of a movie star, with talent and charm for days. He's proven he can do it all, from comedy (the "Men in Black" movies) to action (the "Bad Boys" movies) to romance ("Hitch") to sci-fi ("I Am Legend") to serious dramas ("Seven Pounds"). But his first major role, in 1993's "Six Degrees of Separation," showed he was confident enough to juggle multiple genres within the same film. At this point, I would say he's crossed over so completely, he's known more for his acting than for his music. Bette Midler: The Divine Miss M forged her career belting out tunes on Broadway, at nightclubs and in bathhouses (with a then-unknown Barry Manilow as her accompanist) a petite woman with a larger-than-life stage presence. But she wowed the world with her acting abilities in her first major film role in 1979's "The Rose," playing a self-destructive, drug-addicted rock star inspired by Janis Joplin. The performance earned her an Oscar nomination for best actress; a second nomination would come for 1991's "For the Boys." Standout comic roles include "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," ''Outrageous Fortune" and "The First Wives Club." And just try to watch "Beaches" without crying. Cher: She's a diva who's had highs and lows and been around forever. But Cher was a singer and variety television star (with then-husband Sonny Bono) known for her big, flamboyant personality before putting together a string of strong, eclectic film performances in the '80s and '90s, including "Mask," ''The Witches of Eastwick" and "Tea With Mussolini." She won a best-actress Oscar as the hard-headed Loretta in 1987's "Moonstruck" (and before that was nominated for best supporting actress for 1983's "Silkwood"). Her last film role was ... well, it was providing the voice of a lioness under Kevin James' care in 2011's "Zookeeper." But Cher is always full of surprises, so as her "Burlesque" ballad goes we haven't seen the last of her. Justin Timberlake: I was very tempted to put Dwight Yoakam in this spot. Or Mos Def, or even Ice Cube. But JT is just too powerful. He has long since transcended his "Mickey Mouse Club" and boy-band origins to become not just a formidable solo performer but also an actor of surprising range. Following dramatic supporting roles in "Alpha Dog" and "Black Snake Moan," he was charismatic as hell as the ambitious Sean Parker in "The Social Network." This year, he proved he can be both a romantic lead ("Friends With Benefits") and an action star ("In Time"), while reinforcing his strengths as a comedian ("Bad Teacher"). And then there are his "Saturday Night Live" appearances, which granted spoof his pop-star youth, but they also allow him to show off that sharp comic timing.Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 5 Music Stars Who Became Movie Stars By Christy Lemire January 13, 2012 Cher in "Burlesque" PHOTO CREDIT Screen Gems LOS ANGELES (AP) Everyone wants to be a multi-hyphenate. No one wants to be pigeonholed. And so basketball players try to be rappers and rappers try to be basketball players. Jessica Simpson sells shoes and Jennifer Lopez sells perfume.But while actors often try to be singers Eddie Murphy's "Party All the Time," anyone? singers also frequently venture into acting. Sometimes they carve out impressive second careers for themselves; sometimes, they're Britney Spears in "Crossroads."This week, we see several musicians who've made the transition from the recording studio to the big screen. Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton co-star in the gospel comedy "Joyful Noise," while Mark Wahlberg plays a master smuggler in "Contraband." So here's a look at five great music stars who became great actors. For sake of argument, performers like Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli and even the aforementioned J.Lo, who had their roots in both art forms simultaneously, don't count. We're talking about people who were primarily known as singers (or rappers, etc.) and made the leap: Frank Sinatra: The Chairman of the Board was, of course, a major pop star who caused a frenzy among screaming bobbysoxers in the 1940s before crafting a major movie career for himself. Sinatra won an Academy Award for best supporting actor in 1953's "From Here to Eternity" and earned a best-actor nomination for 1955's "The Man With the Golden Arm." Early film roles naturally were in musicals, including "Anchors Aweigh" (1945) and "On the Town" (1949) with Gene Kelly. The original "Ocean's Eleven" (1960) allowed him to play it smooth as master thief Danny Ocean, while the political thriller "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962) probably provided him with his greatest performance. Will Smith: The former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air transformed himself into a two-time Oscar nominee, going from catchy rap tunes and sitcom laughs to heavyweight roles in "Ali" and "The Pursuit of Happyness." Smith is the epitome of a movie star, with talent and charm for days. He's proven he can do it all, from comedy (the "Men in Black" movies) to action (the "Bad Boys" movies) to romance ("Hitch") to sci-fi ("I Am Legend") to serious dramas ("Seven Pounds"). But his first major role, in 1993's "Six Degrees of Separation," showed he was confident enough to juggle multiple genres within the same film. At this point, I would say he's crossed over so completely, he's known more for his acting than for his music. Bette Midler: The Divine Miss M forged her career belting out tunes on Broadway, at nightclubs and in bathhouses (with a then-unknown Barry Manilow as her accompanist) a petite woman with a larger-than-life stage presence. But she wowed the world with her acting abilities in her first major film role in 1979's "The Rose," playing a self-destructive, drug-addicted rock star inspired by Janis Joplin. The performance earned her an Oscar nomination for best actress; a second nomination would come for 1991's "For the Boys." Standout comic roles include "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," ''Outrageous Fortune" and "The First Wives Club." And just try to watch "Beaches" without crying. Cher: She's a diva who's had highs and lows and been around forever. But Cher was a singer and variety television star (with then-husband Sonny Bono) known for her big, flamboyant personality before putting together a string of strong, eclectic film performances in the '80s and '90s, including "Mask," ''The Witches of Eastwick" and "Tea With Mussolini." She won a best-actress Oscar as the hard-headed Loretta in 1987's "Moonstruck" (and before that was nominated for best supporting actress for 1983's "Silkwood"). Her last film role was ... well, it was providing the voice of a lioness under Kevin James' care in 2011's "Zookeeper." But Cher is always full of surprises, so as her "Burlesque" ballad goes we haven't seen the last of her. Justin Timberlake: I was very tempted to put Dwight Yoakam in this spot. Or Mos Def, or even Ice Cube. But JT is just too powerful. He has long since transcended his "Mickey Mouse Club" and boy-band origins to become not just a formidable solo performer but also an actor of surprising range. Following dramatic supporting roles in "Alpha Dog" and "Black Snake Moan," he was charismatic as hell as the ambitious Sean Parker in "The Social Network." This year, he proved he can be both a romantic lead ("Friends With Benefits") and an action star ("In Time"), while reinforcing his strengths as a comedian ("Bad Teacher"). And then there are his "Saturday Night Live" appearances, which granted spoof his pop-star youth, but they also allow him to show off that sharp comic timing.Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Frosh target different demos at B.O.

Disney "Beauty & your pet 3dInch (L-R) Belle & your pet. 2011 Disney. All Rights Reserved. Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady" A 3-way equine race among the weekend's new records, along with several expansions for Golden Globes-nominated fare, should help with keeping overall domestic B.O. totals in line inside the extended Martin Luther King Junior. holiday weekend.Leading individuals is Universal's Mark Wahlberg thriller "Contraband," which bows today at 2,862 locations. Warner Bros.' musical-comedy "Pleased Noise" follows at 2,735, while Disney goes wide having its 3d re-relieve 1991's "Beauty as well as the Animal," at 2,625 Stateside engagements.None of people photos, however, are expected to achieve last weekend's record-setting $33.7 million debut for "The Demon Inside." Rather, bizzers predict the trio will fight to get the best positioning, with bows through Monday inside the mid teens.But one of the current unpredictablity in the marketplace, tallies could sway in both direction.Among this weekend's honours hopefuls, the Weinstein Co. strongly develops "The Iron Lady" -- nominated within the Globes to find the best actress-drama -- to 802 engagements, up from five, as the new the new sony Pictures Classics' two occasions-nommed "Carnage" (within the actress, comedy or musical category) increases to just about 500 playdates. "Iron Lady," entering its third frame, has totalled almost $570,000 in your area "Carnage" stands at roughly $530,000 after four days.Also competing inside the actress-drama category, Oscilloscope's "We must Discuss Kevin," starring Tilda Swinton and John C. Reilly, bows limited at two engagements.FilmDistrict's Globes foreign-lingo contender "Inside the Land of Blood stream and Honey" also develops today, to 18 locations.Meanwhile, Warner's "An Online Detective: A Game Title Title of Shadows" should continue its reign atop the world B.O., growing to South usa. A week ago, "Sherlock" displaced three-week overseas champion "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol," which has cumed $289.9 million worldwide. "Sherlock" makes $180.6 000 0000 in general.InchContraband" reps really the only new studio release to start day-and-date overseas, debuting in seven areas, including Russia.In your area, the film is monitoring similar to Par's "The Fighter," which extended wide through the same frame this season, though U mentioned "Contraband" is showing a little more effective responses among teens. "The Fighter" acquired $12.millions of within the first wide weekend."Contraband," using the 2008 German film "Reykjavik-Rotterdam," is helmed starting with-time director Baltasar Kormakur, and arises from Working Title and Relativity Media. Pic set you back a reported $25 million.While "Contraband" is predicted to start strong with mostly male auds, Warner's "Pleased Noise," toplining Full Latifah and Dolly Parton, will earn almost all its opening tally from women. The Alcon-produced and -funded pic is poised as counterprogramming to "Contraband," though "Pleased Noise" might lose numerous its femme aud, particularly moms, to Disney's 3d "Beauty."A Control Button re-release will benefit most from kids from soccer practice, by getting an thought 15% out today and 91% on Monday."Beauty" in 3d isn't likely hitting the identical opening levels as "The Lion King" did within the 3d rerelease in September ($30.2 million). "The Lion King" had greater than bending "Beauty's" initial theatrical earnings.Like "Lion King," Disney mentioned it hopes "Beauty" will need to non-family auds based on nostalgic reasons. "Lion King" in 3d cumed nearly $95 million in your area -- a greater bar for "Beauty."Disney released a 3 dimensional version of "Beauty" theatrically last September with an exclusive run at L.A.'s El Capitan theater. Launch was created to coincide while using film's 3d DVD and Blu-ray release on March. 4. (Pic first showed up in this area on Blu-ray this season.) Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com