Prisa extends $4 bil debt repayment

MADRID -- Prisa, controlling shareholder of Spain's biggest pay TV platform, Digital Plus, has closed a deal with creditor banks to extend re-payment of around Euros2.92 billion ($3.8 billion) in debt to March 2014 at the earliest. Maturity on a $2.6 billion bridge loan, originally made to Prisa in 2007 by a seven-bank syndicate led by HSBC, will be put back to January 2015. Another syndicated loan is extended to March 2014, or December 2014 if Prisa sells bonds or its 17% stake in Mediaset Espana, Bloomberg suggested. Agreed with 35 banks, the debt extensions rep an important vote of market confidence in Prisa, one of the biggest media congloms in the Spanish-speaking world, which also owns Spanish newspaper El Pais, radio network Cadena Ser and Portuguese TV holding Media Capital, owner of broadcaster TVI. As Prisa initiates what it called this week a "growth policy," one affect of the loan extensions may be an heightened appetite for top-notch product at Digital Plus, whose consumer base has languished around 1.8 million subscribers in recent years. "Prisa has a clear commitment to Digital Plus. It will now attempt to improve its content, one way or another," forecast one analyst. This February, Digital Plus acquired Spanish rights to select UEFA Champions League soccer games for the next three seasons. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

REVIEW: Glenn Close Explores Female Sexual Repression in Dowdy, Unfinished-Feeling Albert Nobbs

All of the characters in Albert Nobbs, a mild and mildly stirring adaptation of the George Moore short story, are dreamers. Employees in a mid-19th century Dublin inn, they dream of each other, chiefly, and the ways in which they might be set free. They deceive each other, as well, so that their dreams are often projected onto false fronts — of character, of obligation, and — in a couple of cases — of tightly bound breasts. We know, of course, that breasts and more lurk behind the waistcoat of the title character, the hotel’s genteel footman, because he is played by Glenn Close. As Mr. Albert Nobbs, Close wears a discreetly waved cap of cropped ginger hair and the bright, blank expression of a small animal caught mid-nibble. Blanched of make-up, her Edwardian features — balustrade cheekbones, long, straight mouth, and even, almondine eyes — seem to have been pinched from clay. Mr. Nobbs, as his peers call him, is immaculately devoted to his duties, which include hauling baggage, silently conducting the evening’s dinner service, absorbing the indignities of the hotel guests (including a boor played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers), and knowing when to open his palm for that extra shilling. As run by a fatuous hen named Mrs. Baker (Pauline Collins), life at the inn is tightly controlled. Nobbs ends each day by adding his extra earnings to a secret stash he tucks under his bedroom’s floorboards. It’s a vague kind of emancipation Nobbs dreams of: Though he marks his earnings scrupulously each night and has plans to open a tobacco shop, stepping out into the world requires a little more than capital. Meanwhile, cheeky scullery maid Helen Dawes (Mia Wasikowska) is making eyes at the porridge-shoveling handyman (Aaron Johnson), and the house doctor (Brendan Gleeson) — kept by Mrs. Baker — is carrying on with the head chambermaid (Maria Doyle Kennedy). Just passing through on a painting errand is Hubert Page (Janet McTeer), a strapping lad with a suspiciously barreled chest. Mrs. Baker goes sweet on Hubert, Hubert takes note of Miss Dawes’s blonde curls, and Nobbs gives Hubert an eyeful the night he leaps out of their shared bed, trying to root a flea out of his corset. Once the mutually held secret is out, as it were, Nobbs treats Hubert as a role model. The latter has a wife (played, in a vivid cameo, by Bronagh Gallagher) and a stable social identity; whatever is going on behind it seems beyond Nobbs’s concern. And this is where the script, co-written by Close and novelist John Banville, disperses in too many directions to serve any one of them well. It soon becomes obvious that Nobbs may have disappeared entirely behind his mask: Where Hubert admits to his original name, and describes the domestic abuse that pushed him out of a marriage and into an identity that would let him bring home his own bacon, Albert maintains that his “real” name is Albert. And though he recalls his common upbringing with bitterness (“Life without decency is unbearable,” he spits) and tells Hubert of the gang rape that led to his exile, his extreme social and emotional constipation suggest that Nobbs has no past self — or even basic human instinct — to speak of. Across films like Nine Women and Mother and Child, director Rodrigo Garca has developed a neo-women’s picture aesthetic; he brings a human texture and fearlessness to his sisterhood stories. It would seem fortuitous that Close — who has been trying to bring this story to the big screen since some time after she starred in a stage version in 1982 — was paired with Garca when the project’s stars finally aligned. And yet this story of literal and figurative female sexual repression feels curiously unfinished, its many layers rather decorously undisturbed. This is not a story of transgendered triumph or subversion — in both cases abuse and economics are what got the women into bootstraps. Having successfully passed as men, the question of sexuality is treated as academic. Hubert and his wife have an arrangement that suits both of them socially, and Albert seeks the same, awkwardly tilting his hat at the blooming Miss Dawes. What he actually wants — beyond a life of decency — is as opaque as Close’s petrified expression. When Miss Dawes is punished for indulging her own burgeoning sexuality, Albert Nobbs — shot in silky shades of blue with impeccable, period set direction, framed and paced with a precise hand — begins to take a dowdy, rather Victorian shape. It’s all very decent, in other words, when it seems it might have been much more. Follow Michelle Orange on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Former William Morris Headquarters Sold for $47.8 Million (Exclusive)

Christiane Amanpour is stepping down from the anchor chair at ABC's Sunday news program This Week. She has hosted the program for a year and a half and will continue to report for ABC via various news specials as well as launch a new global affairs program on CNN International.our editor recommendsMusical Chairs: ABCs Christiane Amanpour Hires Ousted Katie Couric Exec ABC's Christiane Amanpour Comes Under Attack in Cairo Same Day as Anderson CooperChristiane Amanpour to anchor 'This Week' Amanpour stepped into the This Week position following George Stephanopoulos' move to Good Morning America. Stephanopoulos will return as This Week's anchor and remain at GMA, reports the Associated Press. Amanpour said in a statement Tuesday, "This is an exciting and unique opportunity for me to take my love of story telling to primetime at ABC News with multiple specials, as well as becoming a roving Global Affairs anchor across all ABC platforms. PHOTOS: The Most Talked About TV News Faces "I am looking forward to getting back into the field to report stories on global issues that matter greatly to the American people. At the same time, I will be broadcasting once again to millions of people across the world with a weekday show on CNN International.This role is groundbreaking, bold and very different! I am thrilled and honored. "It's been an incredible experience to have had a ringside seat to democracy in action at This Week. It's been an incredible honor to anchor such a prestigious program and I thank all of you who have helped me on that journey." With Amanpour as anchor, This Week was down one percent in ratings from last year and remained the No. 3 Sunday political affairs talk show behind NBC's Meet the Press and CBS' Face the Nation, notes AP. PHOTOS: 10 Entertainers Democrats and Republicans Love to Hate Prior to her ABC gig, Amanpour spent 27 years at CNN where she served as chief international correspondent and anchor of Amanpour. CNN Worldwide president Jim Walton said, "Christiane Amanpour has been synonymous with international reporting and with CNN for many years. We could not be happier that through this unique arrangement with ABC News her experience and global perspective are returning to a nightly news broadcast for our international audience." PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The Most Talked-About TV News Faces Related Topics International ABC News

Abud upped at Telemundo

Telemundo Media has promoted longtime company exec Manuel Abud to prexy of the Telemundo Station Group. Abud, who was most recently prexy and general manager of Telemundo Dallas KXTX, will oversee 15 Telemundo-owned local stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. He replaces Ronald Gordon who was named chairman at ZGS Communicaitons, which owns and operates the largest group of Telemundo affiliates. Gordon was prexy and CEO of ZGS before joining Telemundo in 2009. In 2010, Abud combined his role at Telemundo Dallas to serve as interim general manager of indie TV station KWHY in Los Angeles. Prior to that, he was VP and general manager of Telemundo LA, prexy of Telemundo Cable and launched sister channel mun2. Abud was also prexy of CBS Telenoticias, which he relaunched as Telemundo Intl. Before Telemundo, Abud was chief financial officer of Mexico's media company Grupo Medcom, director of investor relations at Grupo Televisa and general treasurer of Grupo ICA. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

OWN to show Shadyac's 'I Am'

In the network's first high-profile docu acquisition, "I Am" will preem on Oprah Winfrey's OWN next month, marking the Discovery Communications/Harpo joint venture's first anniversary on Jan. 1. "Bruce Almighty" helmer Tom Shadyac's pic explores philosophical questions in interviews with thinkers including Noam Chomsky, Desmond Tutu and Howard Zinn. Street date for the "I Am" DVD is Jan. 3. The film will air on following an interview between Oprah and Shadyac about the painful bicycle accident that caused him to begin questioning his lifestyle. Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com

'New' pair aspire to fuel B.O. uptick

Ashton Kutcher as Randy in New Line Movie theaters romantic comedy 'New Years Eve,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Fox's R-ranked comedy, 'The Sitter,' starring Jonah Hill, is anticipated to bow within the high single numbers to low teens.With year-to-date box office still lower 2.4% versus. this past year, industryites are searching for this weekend's set of openers -- Warner Bros.' ensembler "New Year's Eve" and twentieth century Fox's R-ranked laffer "The Sitter" -- to assist jumpstart an outburst in filmgoing with the holidays.Last weekend's B.O. downturn, usual for the publish-Thanksgiving frame, saw "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning -- Part 1" win its third straight weekend. "New Year's Eve" should break that streak having a bow expected to stay in the reduced- to mid-$20 millions. "The Sitter" is forecasted to debut within the high single numbers to low teens.A good amount of new niche game titles is going to be competing for adult attention: Focus Features' "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy" and Paramount's "Youthful Adult" both bow in limited release. "Mess" launches today at four locations in NY and L.A. "Youthful Adult" is out in five marketplaces, amassing eight engagements.B.O. experts remain positive the remaining days through New Year's -- using their roster of high-profile product -- is going to be enough to shut the Stateside B.O. gap versus. this past year.Though "New Year's Eve," from New Line, is not likely to equal the outlet of 2010's "Valentine's," which bowed to $56 million, Warners has situated "New Year's Eve" to profit from the extended holiday lead-in. The studio stated it needs the pic ultimately to outgross "Valentine's," which cumed $110 million locally. Films released around Christmas often begin to see the greatest multiples in comparison holiday to a play period, though the 2011 crowded Christmas slate could stunt the film's growth.Allocated in a reported $56 million, "New Year's Eve" also bows day-and-date a few days ago in a number of overseas marketplaces including Australia, Germany and also the U.K.Pic's star energy, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert P Niro, Zac Efron, Jessica Biel and Nicole Kidman, should drive attendance both locally and abroad. The inclusion of worldwide stars Til Schweiger and Sofia Vergara should help further overseas."New Year's Eve" is anticipated to skew mostly female, while Fox's "The Sitter" is monitoring fairly evenly between your genders, with teenagers holding a small edge. Fox stated it needs "The Sitter," which cost within the $20 millions, to profit from elevated holiday moviegoing the film's greatest comedy competish can come from "Youthful Adult" if this grows wide next weekend.Searching to construct person to person, Fox intends to sneak "We Purchased a Zoo" again a few days ago, just two days following the film's first countrywide sneak previews. Monitoring continues to be around the soft side, although the studio remains hopeful, because the film plays well with auds.Also reaping helpful benefits from positive buzz, Paramount's family-friendly "Hugo" grows in the third frame to two,608 locations, up from 1,840. Martin Scorsese pic cumed $26.8 million by Wednesday, with enhanced mid-week tallies.Fox Searchlight will even turn to get holiday traction from "The Descendants" and "Shame" because the two photos get larger releases a few days ago. "The Descendants" adds a hostile 300 playdates for any total 874, while "Shame" a lot more than doubles its limited run, with 21 locations on Friday. To date, "Descendants" has totalled $18.9 million "Shame" nearly $500,000. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

Helping hand lifts bizzers

During the recent economic meltdown, a successful 45-year-old director with a mid-seven-figure portfolio -- 60% of which was in stocks -- saw his holdings drop in value by about 20%.Against the advice of his financial adviser, Freemark Financial's Steves Rodriguez, the anxious helmer sold everything and moved into cash, fearing that equities would continue to fall."There's a visceral reaction," says Andrew Meyer, another partner at Freemark, a Santa Monica business and wealth management firm. "You want to jump out of these things that have pulled back in value."In fact, stocks extended their decline. From the Lehman Bros. bankruptcy in September 2008 though the market bottom in March 2009, the S&P 500 index tumbled more than 40%.At first it looked like the director had made the right move, but then stocks came roaring back."Changing strategy at that point just does not work," Meyer says. "You're going to lose all the upside."The director is still in cash today, having missed the entire 2010 market advance. Meyer notes that he's the firm's only client who didn't fully recover from the 2008 decline."It's very rare that making an emotional decision is going to turn out well for you," adds Rodriguez. "At the end of the day, you want to be true to whatever strategy you employ."Although nobody could foresee the extent of the downturn, many wealth managers were getting uneasy well before 2008. Stephen Prough, co-founder and managing director of Salem Partners, a Los Angeles-based wealth management and investment banking firm, began telling clients in 2006 that "prices of certain assets were unsustainable."Prough's clients were nervous, especially a 40-year-old entrepreneur who had sold his entertainment-related business for "tens of millions of dollars" just before the crisis hit.By fall 2008, the firm had reduced the average equity exposure in portfolios from about one-third to 15%. "We didn't miss all of the 2008 meltdown, but we missed a lot of it," Prough adds.The entrepreneur's portfolio fell about 10%, but "we certainly made up for it the next year," Prough says. The firm saw value in both convertible bonds and municipal debt, which had tumbled as investors across the country were forced to liquidate holdings to raise cash. Salem started to put clients' money to work in those asset classes at the end of 2008. It also made opportunistic buys of stock options. That positioned clients for the market rebound, yet risked only the relatively small option premium.For Jason Romano, a financial planner and partner at Moss Adams Wealth Advisers, protecting clients' financial health comes down to structuring an asset allocation so that "regardless of what happens -- whether it's a good or bad market -- you're going to be OK."In 2008, Romano, who specializes in entertainment clients at the firm's Los Angeles office, had a portion of clients' assets in alternative investments that have low correlations to U.S. stocks. A small position was in a fund that could sell short, thus rising as stocks plunged.Although clients suffered modest losses, says Romano, the key technique was to rebalance portfolios -- selling part of a position that had advanced to buy more of an asset class that had declined.One of Romano's clients, a successful TV writer in his mid-50s, had a portfolio of 20% stocks and 80% bonds, mostly California munis. Although the muni market also sold off, Romano reminded the writer that he held individual bonds that would eventually mature at face value. (In contrast, bond funds have no maturity date.) Meanwhile, the income from the individual bonds would continue unchanged.Romano reminded the writer, whose portfolio is in the range of $7 million to $10 million, they were not investing for that one year. The writer's portfolio was rebalanced and recovered with the market."We highly encourage clients to continue adding money to their investments," he says.Financial advisers say entertainment industry clients can't be lumped together as one group. While studio execs have a steady paycheck, talent often lives from job to job. Having a large cash cushion is imperative for someone with a variable income stream.That can limit the amount of money available for investing in stocks or other "risk" assets. "I don't put any money in that they're going to need within the next three years," says Rich Winer, prez, Winer Wealth Management in Woodland Hills, Calif.The intensity of showbiz can also affect the money management process. "I find that entertainment clients are so focused on their careers they are not following their financial stuff as closely as other clients," adds Winer.He and other advisers who work with showbiz pros try to overcome that with frequent communication.But the key is having that plan. "If we can avoid losing (much) money in these big market declines that come every three to five years, then we don't have to take as much risk during the bull runs."SHOWBIZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT REPORTHelping hand lifts bizzers | Segal gets kudo as biz manager | No boom, no bust | How to avoid the downside of Westside wealth | Social media money trail Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Mega Buzz: Handcuffs on Castle, 2 Broke Hookers, and Marshall's HIMYM Tribute

Nathan Fillion, Kat Dennings, Jason Segel Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questionsto mega_scoop@tvguide.com. I am so excited for the "Cuffed" episode of Castle. What can you tell me? -Erin ADAM: Castle and Beckett, handcuffed on a bed together, with no recollection of how they got there - what could possibly go right wrong? As you might imagine, the duo finds themselves in a number of awkward - and suggestive -positions as they try to escape. At one point, Beckett even asks Castle to lift up her shirt. Rawr! (That sexist sound is also a hint.) Will Max and Caroline ever hit their goal on 2 Broke Girls? - Jen NATALIE: I know, right? These girls need some quick cash. What could they do, what could they...? No! Not that! They wouldn't possibly consider... prostitution, would they? Yep, in a story line straight out of every 13-year-old boy's imagination, they would. Got any good How I Met Your Mother scoop? - David ADAM: Marshall will honor the memory of his dearly departed dad by continuing their tradition of tailgating at a Minnesota Vikings football game. Well, not exactly at. Instead, he and his brothers will want to watch the game "with" their dad (and some beers and bratwurst, of course). Suffice it to say that their tribute will go from touching to all-out creepy when some uninvited guests join the party. When will the curse be broken on Once Upon a Time? - James NATALIE: Well, first of all, it's not going to be like - poof! - and all of the sudden everyone knows they are beloved fairy tale characters. In fact, they're definitely not going to find out all at the same time. But one person will, and soon. But this knowledge might end up being more of a curse than a blessing. "Even if you do know who you are, that doesn't mean everything immediately comes back to you and you get your happy ending," executive producer Adam Horowitz says. Adds executive producer Edward Kitsis: "In a lot of ways, it might just make it worse." I need intel on the Sons of Anarchy finale. - Jon ADAM: Tara's actions will remind you of Gemma more than ever. Potter will surprisingly go above and beyond to help SAMCRO. And by the season's end, someone new is holding the gavel while someone else is conspicuously absent from the chapel. Are Pete and Violet really breaking up on Private Practice? - Leo NATALIE: It sure looks that way. A new paramedic (Stephen Amell) is joining the crew as a potential love interest for one of the Seaside Wellness docs. By process of elimination - Addison has too many men, Amelia just lost her fiancé and Charlotte already has a husband - it seems like Violet will be moving on to new prospects very soon. Please tell me there's hope for Annie and Liam on 90210? - Lacey ADAM: Alas, it looks like there is another man waiting in the wings for Annie, a twentysomething playboy who is the heir to his family fortune and therefore completely oblivious to the concept of work. Although Annie encourages him to give up yacht racing and jet-setting in favor of doing something important with his life, he simply becomes a slightly more grounded version of himself - the type of guy Naomi would fall for. Hmm, maybe there is hope for Annie and Liam after all! I can't stand thinking of Jason Dohring as a rapist on Ringer. Please tell me that it didn't really happen! - Jessica NATALIE: It didn't really happen... or did it? You'll find out for sure after the New Year, but let's just say things aren't exactly what they seem between Juliet and her teacher. In fact, there's actually a third party involved. Is it just me, or is CSI: Miami pitting Natalia against the new girl in the lab? - Beth ADAM: It's not just you. In fact, producer Barry O'Brien tells me that the bad blood brewing between Natalia and Taylor Cole's Samantha will become more important as the season goes on. "We're going to put the two of them in the field, where they have to rely on each other in a life-or-death situation," he says. "We're having some fun with that rivalry, but we're soon going to drive to a very powerful, emotional place with them." Are there anymore Saturday Night Live stars heading to Up All Night? - Heather NATALIE: We're going to immediately start lobbying the Up All Night casting peeps to cast Kristen Wiig for the upcoming role of Amanda, a glamorous old friend of Ava's who's an over-the-top former girl band singer. They can use this as the audition tape. So glad Leverage is back. What can you tell me about the new episodes? - Todd ADAM: Look for Hardison to take more of a leadership role. "We've addressed Hardison's interest in running his own team," Aldis Hodge tells us. "[He's] taking a shot at it and... it's a very interesting turn for him because he's never had that kind of responsibility." Don't worry, Hardison's not leaving the team. In fact, the experience may serve as an attitude adjustment. "I think he's still learning," Hodge says. "I think he's ready in ways that he still doesn't understand, but he still has a few tactics that he needs to get comfortable with." What do you know about the new season of Pretty Little Liars. - Meg NATALIE: Remember when Pretty Little Liars star Ian Harding told us that Ezra was going to have a "tumultuous" interaction with a certain someone's parents that involved a stunt coordinator? That violent confrontation takes place in the premiere. And if you're anything like us, you'll be quite surprised by who throws the first punch. Natalie's Mega Rave: After a slow start to the season, Terra Nova finally got some much-needed momentum by not only revealing who the mole is, but why she's betraying the people of the colony... in the same episode! Adam's Mini Rant: I can't believe Showtime execs still agreed to renew Dexter for two more seasons after seeing Sunday's painfully obvious "twist." (Additional reporting by Robyn Ross and Kate Stanhope) Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows?E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.comor drop us a line atTwitter.com/TVGuide

Fashion Slam: The Friday Five Black Friday Shopping Options

First Released: November 25, 2011 11:50 AM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Fed up with holiday shopping stress?La, Calif. -- Missing the sales today? Me too! So if you're searching for different ways to invest your entire day off, here are a handful of saner ideas than enduring the mall madness! HIT THE MULTIPLEX My pick for that weekend is George Clooney within the Descendants. Clooney plays a distant father whose wifes coma brings him nearer to his two kids. The film experts within our office say this is actually the performance of his career and hes a Best Actor shoo-in. The experts agree! If you prefer a movie for the whole family, you cannot beat The Muppets, which will probably be HUGE! HIT THE Health spa Be oblivious towards the mall mayhem and discover inner peace at the local health spa. Or pamper yourself aware of an appearance scrub and mani/pedi. Go To The Gym Should you overindulged, you are able to ease your guilt with a decent workout. I love to be outdoors and hike, but a brisk walk could make you feel good. Or Perhaps Be A Inactive Plenty of good guilty pleasure TV to look at. The The famous host oprah Winfrey Show Favorite Things marathon begins at 2 PM on OWN. The Glee Project marathon begins at 10 AM on Oxygen. Over on Bravo, The Uniform Matchmaker marathon begins at 11 AM. MEET A Buddy Almost everyone has your day off, so utilize it to reunite and meet up with buddies prior to the entire holidays will get from you. If you do not have enough time for your meal, meeting for coffee or drinks are also options. Ienc the growing season to become grateful specifically for your buddies and family. Possess a wonderful weekend! Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

MTV orders ' Buck Wild'

Anthropologists studying the Jersey shore will soon have another quirky region to examine: MTV has ordered 12 episodes of "Buck Wild," a series set in rural West Virginia among a group of friends who have just graduated from high school. Series produced by John Stevens and Barry Poznick from Zoo Prods. and J.P. Williams of Parallel Entertainment. Series will track the exploits of the recently matriculated Appalachian denizens as they head off to college, work at local jobs or just struggle to get by. "We know that showing unique slices of youth culture on MTV is something that resonates with our audience," said MTV programming head David Janollari. Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com

TV Ratings: 'Bones' Evolves, 'Person of Interest' Matches Low

"Bones" It absolutely was a mixed bag inside the ratings on Thursday evening. CBS won the evening among the internet marketer-coveted demo on the potency of comedy staple The Big Bang Theory by getting a typical rating of three.2 in primetime. The network was easily most likely probably the most-seen in the evening, tempting 12.2 million audiences from 8-11 p.m. The Big Bang Theory (14.8 million total audiences, 5.2 rating in grownups 18-49 demographic), lower slightly, ongoing to dominate as Thursday's most-seen and finest-rated series which elevated Rules of Engagement (11 million, 3.6) three percent. Because the comedies were around the high, CBS' dramas couldn't capitalize. Person of curiosity (11.6 000 0000, 2.6) dropped four percent in the last original on friday to fit a collection low as well as the Mentalist (12.millions of, 2.5) sank fourteen percent matching a small for your season. Fox showed up an in depth second behind CBS, calculating a few.9 rating and 9.millions of audiences. The newest elimination episode in the X Factor (9.5 million, 3.) dipped 9 %. Bones elevated 8 percent known as the finest-rated drama among grownups 18-49, outperforming Private Practice and Person of curiosity at that time of your time to simply accept 9 p.m. victory. ABC adopted by getting an ABC News special with outgoing Live! co-host Regis Philbin and Katie Couric (8 million, 1.5), drawing the web's finest audience inside the 8 p.m. slot since September. A Couple-hour intervention episode of non-public Practice (7.2 million, 2.5) was lower 11 percent from the other day's airing. A few of NBC's comedies enhanced from the other day: Community (3.6 000 0000, 1.6) rose 7 percent and Parks and Entertainment (3.7 million, 2.) enhanced 11 percent. Work (5.6 000 0000, 2.9) and Whitney (4.millions of, 1.9), meanwhile, saw three percent and ten percent drops for lows. Prime Suspect (4.4 million, 1.1) matched up up a collection low, losing fifteen percent. The CW broadcast a Paul Wesley movie, Beneath the Blue (2.6 000 0000, .8). Refresh for your latest ... TV Ratings

Gwen Stefani Talks Delays On New Undoubtedly Record

First Launched: November 16, 2011 10:30 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Gwen Stefani Talks New Undoubtedly Album: When Will It Finally Drop? La, Calif. -- Gwen Stefani has three clothing lines, shes married (to rocker Gavin Rossdale), with two children, too as with between, shes recording a completely new album along with her band, Undoubtedly, being released next season. Precisely how does she do everything? In my opinion lately, my new secret's just trying to delegate, Gwen told Access Hollywood Correspondent Tim Vincent. I merely make points of interest of what's important at this time, she ongoing. At this time around, the Undoubtedly record is everything personally. Gwen mentioned she and her bandmates have a very system to have their album done. Perform this factor where we concentrate on it tough, and then we take breaks, because everybody offers quite a bit happening, she mentioned. Because of this its taking this type of very long time. Everybody asks, So why do taking this type of very long time? Because I have kids, Gwen ongoing, getting fun. Im a parent! I have school, I have homework. Its a good deal. Gwens Harajuku Small line for Target is going now. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Snow White' Versus 'Mirror Mirror': An Account Of Two Trailers

Two mirrors, two evil queens, two fairest maidens and 14 dwarves -- add everything together and also you get two very, completely different understanding of "Snow Whitened." The dueling story book adaptations "Snow Whitened and also the Huntsman" and "Mirror Mirror" have both released their first full-length trailers now, giving audiences their finest points of comparison yet for that two similar projects... except, if you have viewed the trailers, you realize they are hardly similar whatsoever. Watch the "Snow Whitened and also the Huntsman" trailer! The MTV Movies team of Josh Wigler, Amy Wilkinson and Kevin P. Sullivan take their heads together to weigh the commonalities and variations between your two "Snow Whitened" trailers. Browse the pound-for-pound results following the jump! A Dark Tone Josh Wigler: Quickly the softball bat, the main difference in tone between both of these Snow Whitened projects couldnt often be clearer. Huntsman takes itself very seriously, selling what appears like a The almighty from the Rings undertake the classic fairytale. Tarsems take, around the switch side, is slap-sticky and also over-the-top within the comedy department. Call me tasteless, however i kind of love how absurd Mirror Mirror looks, though I understand a number of my co-workers dont agree Kevin P. Sullivan: You are able to count me among your competitors about this. It's very easy to choose on Mirror Mirror for that silliness which was that trailerand dont misunderstand me, it had been ridiculousbut the larger issue is that I am not sure who that film is targeted at. Could it be for the children? Could it be for middle-aged women? Nathan Lane fans? I've no clue. Huntsman, within the trailer a minimum of, knows exactly what it's and who its looking to get into theaters, and that i count myself among individuals people. Amy Wilkinson: Tarsems managed to get pretty obvious this movie is perfect for children, even going to date regarding tell Moviefone that it is sickeningly kiddie. Heres wishing a PG rating follows, but regardless, Mirror Mirror may be the kind of fare youll want to accept nieces and nephews to determine, while arranging Huntsman for date evening. The Design And Style JW: Usually, you realize a Tarsem Singh movie if you notice it. And that's why its so strange that after I consider the Huntsman trailer, thats got the greater apparent Tarsem style: huge landscapes, animals disintegrating in elaborate fashion in addition to that, Mirror Mirror just appears to date outdoors of Tarsems usual wheelhouse. It is not things i expect whatsoever in the director from the Cell, as you would expect. KS: I do need to accept you that some aspects of the Huntsman trailer look a lot more like the Tarsem we all know and love, but Mirror Mirror is undeniably a Tarsem Singh joint, simply not as strange as were utilised to seeing. The design and style is certainly there, simply not within the heaping servings we've got in Immortals and also the Fall, but yet nothing stuck to me as particularly interesting, just boilerplate Tarsem. Huntsman, however, surprised me with how engaging I discovered a number of individuals pictures, particularly the sassy, gold lamé-covered mirror. AW: Because the lone girl within this clubhouse (and the only person whose closet is not composed exclusively of plaid), I guess the job falls in my experience to discuss Mirror Mirrors style via a fashion lens, and for the reason that regard, I disagree with Kevin. I am talking about, this clip has enough eye chocolate to depart you sick having a tummy pain for the days. For just one, Snow and Prince Charming clearly continued a double date to Princess Beatrices milliner, because individuals fascinators perched hazardously on the heads are wild. And in which the Huntsman wallows in the shades of grey, Mirror Mirror may be the motion picture same as a 64-count box of Crayolas. And That I like it. Watch the "Mirror Mirror" trailer! THE QUEENS JW: Both Snow Whitened trailers have leaned heavily on the Evil Queens, why is this so? These Oscar-those who win would be the heaviest players both in projects, so it seems sensible to allow them shine whenever possible. Charlizes Full chews on scenery and spits out venom in exchange, also it yields a really potent sting. Julia, meanwhile, chews on scenery, swallows up and relishes in her own bloated tummy. Shes getting a really fun time playing this character, however i question if would have as entertaining watching her. KS: They simply needed to obtain a patented Jennifer Aniston laugh in to the trailer, didnt they? Haw-'! In justness, Julia did bring some existence towards the Mirror Mirror trailer. Both Queens do the things they're doing best, and thats always appreciated, but Charlize going full-scale evil may be the performance thats likely to be appreciated beyond opening weekend. AW: Its almost unfair to check Julias Full to Charlizes Full. Possibly I unconsciously required a bite of the poisonous apple, because I discovered myself simply spellbound by Charlizes menacing maniac, while Julias kooky caricature barely stored my attention. THE SNOW JW: Speaking purely when it comes to exposure, Lily Collins wins the Snow Whitened fight to date. We all know Lilys Snow better, simply from hearing her talk and watching her feel the motions of countless moments with dwarves and princes aplenty. Stewarts Snow takes the less-is-more approach for the time being, departing that first Huntsman trailer without uttering just one line. I believe her silence works very well poor a clip, but from another perspective, her downplayed presence might be a danger signal... KS: Josh, you required the bait. The Huntsman trailer wanted you to definitely need to know much more about Stewarts Snow Whitened, and thats precisely what happened. The possible lack of Snow Whitened presence for the reason that trailer is intriguing, especially because she offers different things, character-smart. The Lily Collins Snow will get overshadowed by Julias Full and also the dwarves, which well reach in just a minute. Less takes the wedding cake over more here. Stewarts Snow will get my jerk. AW: Its interesting that both films are set on positioning Snow as not a damsel in distress. To wit, Lilys Snow lilts within the trailer, Ive read a lot of tales in which the prince saves the princess. It is time we change that ending. If thats the litmus test through which were knowing the 2 heroines, Kristen is clearly the fiercest of all of them. For goodness sake, Lily does not even pull her hair back for that large sword-fighting scene. I have no idea any women who swashbuckle using their mane loose! THE DWARVES JW: We barely begin to see the dwarves whatsoever within the Huntsman trailer. But because not really a one of these utters what Snow Whitened? Snow Way! within the trailer, theyre already much better than the dwarves in Mirror Mirror. I search what Tarsems attempting to do here, but this really is even a tad too absurd for me personally. KS: Snow way caused popular mind trembling on my small part. Mirror Mirror handed experts an evaluation headline gift-wrapped when that line turned up within the trailer. If Stewarts Snow tops Collins due to less is much more, the dwarves of Huntsman beat Mirror Mirror just because a non-appearance trumps whatever which was. AW: Will I need to discuss little ugly males? Id rather write an ode to Chris Hemsworth Watch the "Snow Whitened and also the Huntsman" trailer commentary! » Have more "Mirror Mirror" action at Hollywood Crush! Which trailer would you prefer? Tell us within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

'One Man' to Broadway

Richard Bean's U.K. hit "One Guy, Two Guvnors" is headed for the Primary Stem. The comedy, modified from Carlo Goldoni's 1700s laffer "The Servant of Two Masters," will open within the Music Box on April 18 beneath the direction of National Theater honcho Nicholas Hytner. Variety reported in August that producer Bob Boyett was hoping to get a Stateside transfer for your play. The show has converted into a significant success for your National, which first demonstrated the sixties period piece in May. Comedy embarked around the monthlong tour after closing within the National Sept. 19 and began its run in the western world End's Adelphi Theater captured. "One Guy" will be the first full-length legiter produced Stateside for prolific U.K. playwright Bean the writer's Brit-centric comedies include "England People Excellent,Inch "The Mentalists" and "Mr. England" within the National alone. Bean has labored just like a standup comic to ensure that as both author and artist on BBC radio sketch show "Control Group Six." Contact Mike Thielman at mike.thielman@variety.com

Tim Burton Circles Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children

EXCLUSIVE: Inside a match that appears ideal, Tim Burton is within early foretells come aboard Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children, the Ransom Riggs novel that twentieth century Fox and Chernin Entertainment acquired last spring. Burton is within foretells develop it like a potential pointing project, and that he would engage in setting a author to evolve the storyplot. It calls for Jacob, a 16-year-old whose childhood was full of tales his grandfather told him a good orphanage for unusual children. One of the citizens: a woman who could hold fire in her own hands, another whose ft never touched the floor, and twins who conveyed without speaking. When his beloved grandfather dies suddenly but leaves a note behind for his grand son, the teenager heads off and away to his grandfather’s home with an isolated island off Wales. There he finds out the abandoned remains of Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children. It's in great disrepair so that as Jacob explores its sleeping rooms and hallways, he is able to begin to see the children were a lot more than peculiar, they may happen to be there simply because they were harmful. And that he can’t shake the sensation they're still hiding around. Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark and Jenno Topping are creating. The WME-repped Burton has wrapped Dark Shadows for Warner Bros with The Actor-brad Pitt, and directed the feature-length version of his video clip Frankenweenie by Disney. Burton also created the Timur Bekmambetov-directed Abraham Lincoln subsequently: Vampire Hunter for Fox.

God's Fiddler: Jascha Heifetz

Jascha Heifetz in "God's Fiddler: Jascha Heifetz" A Peter Rosen Prods.,WDR, Arte, Euroarts Music Intl. presentation of the Peter Rosen production. Created by Rosen. Executive producers, Carol Colburn Hogel, Lothar Mattner, Bernd Hellthaler. Co-producer, Sara Lukinson. Directed by Peter Rosen. Compiled by Sara Lukinson.With: Jascha Heifetz, Itzhak Perlman, Ayke Agus, Seymour Lipkin, Ivry Gitlis, Ida Haendel, John Maltese, Bill Van Horn. (British, Russian dialogue)Peter Rosen's uninspired docu on master violinist Jascha Heifetz jogs along fairly quickly in working with the gifted prodigy's early years: his first public performance at 5 in Vilna, his formative childhood in the Conservatory in St. Petersburg, his much-heralded Carnegie Hall bow at 17. But when Heifetz turns into a household title, Rosen struggles mightily to milk drama not from his musical genius, but from his relatively unremarkable personal existence. The only docu on among the finest violinists ever, "God's Fiddler" ought to be guaranteed a TV pursue its November. 11 limited release. Heifetz's fame insured ample archival material at each stage of his career, from curly-headed tot to cosmopolitan guy-about-town. He seemed to be, in the own words, "a camera fiend," and homemovies abound footage of him twirling a topi in India or holding outside benefits in earthquake-devastated Japan alternates with lengthy excerpts of virtuoso performances nearer to home. Music artists worldwide pay homage to his immense talent: Itzhak Perlman, an essential presence throughout, describes Heifetz in concert as "a cyclone waiting in the same location and spinning around." Among the docu's most surprising segments demonstrates that Heifetz wasn't always a musical machine: After moving from NY to Beverly Hillsides, he engaged in most types of sports and completely partook from the epicurean pleasures his intensive training refused him. The receipt of his first negative review, however, cautioned of encroaching complacency and rapidly came back him to dedication and austerity, making them a dull boy but an incomparable fiddler. For any documentary in regards to a music performer, "God's Fiddler" appears strangely enough uninformative about Heifetz's music, apart from fortunately lengthy passages of his performances and general praise of his mastery. Heifetz is declared the very first modern violin virtuoso, but nowhere is his modernity described. Rather, stylistic debates over emotion versus. technique inexorably use questions of personality (Heifetz, whose face demonstrated little emotion, was sometimes belittled for "coldness," his remarkable technical perfection considered "mechanical"). Rosen only briefly mentions muscle damage that eventually avoided Heifetz from raising his arms (he performed anyway), but includes endless testimony how his reserve could from time to time use warmth at parties. The docu's final, overlong section latches onto Heifetz's making it through accompanist, secretary and ex-students, who offer endless anecdotes about his teaching techniques and recount each detail of his everyday activities. Only belatedly does Rosen reference Heifetz's two ex-spouses and various estranged children as evidence of the maestro's tragic sacrifices to his muse.Camera (color/B&W, HD), Rosen, Craig Markowitz, editors, Joshua Waletzky, Rosen. Examined on DVD, NY, November. 5, 2011. (In Doc New york city -- Symbols.) Running time: 87 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Comcast Boss: Telemundo Soccer World Cup Rights Deal 'Should Be Profitable'

The extended-gestating drama My Wild Existence, concentrating on animal conservationist Dame Daphne Sheldrick, is finally taking strides for that silver screen.our editor recommendsPhilip Noyce Pointing 'The Arrangement' for Mandate Nicole Kidman is installed on star since the elephant advocate while Philip Noyce is aboard as director.Rob Stockwell(The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys) written the script. Mandalay's Peter Guber and Trina Schulman will produce along with Geyer Kosinski and Chris Burns. Experience Unlimited has acquired foreign sales rights for the Mandalay Pictures project and may begin selling it at AFM. PHOTOS: Academy awards Nominees Lunch The project happen to be setup at New Line and then try to attracted talent: Nick Cassavetes and Walter Salles were attached at certain points while stars for instance Jennifer Aniston and Kate Winslet circled. Mandalay influences process of extricating it from New Line which is in discussions with Universal to offer the film distributed in your area getting to start dating ? sometime around the 2012 holidays. Telepool has acquired the rights for Germany. VIDEOS: Honours Watch Roundtable: The Heavens Production is scheduled for first quarter 2012 on location in Africa. National Geographic character photography fanatics Dereck and Beverly Joubert will participate in taking snapshots of the elaborate character sequences, in line with the producers. Sheldrick and her husband David devoted their lives to safeguarding the animals of Kenya's Tsavo National Park. Sheldrick is credited with finding the best way to formulate the milk needed to give orphaned tigers. Her autobiography is scheduled being launched in March. Remington Chase, Stepan Martirosyan, Mark Damon and Tamara Stuparich P La Barra will executive produce. Related Subjects AFM Nicole Kidman Worldwide Asia AFM 2011

Back Stage Wins Three Folio Awards

Back Stage has won three 2011 Folio Awards, which honor the best in magazine editorial content and design.Back Stage won the gold awards for the best use of illustration in a business-to-business publication with a circulation of under 100,000 for its June 2010 Readers' Choice Awards issue and for best business-to-business website. The magazine also won a silver award for best full issue of a business-to-business publication in media, entertainment, or publishing for its February 2011 issue on branding.The awards, presented by Folio magazine, were announced at a ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in NY City on Tuesday."I am thrilled that the Folio Awards have recognized Back Stage for its excellence in editorial and design," said Back Stage editor-in-chief Jamie Painter Young. "Indeed, Back Stage's staff strives for excellence, and to be acknowledged for this is greatly appreciated and exciting."The Folio Awards are the magazine industry's largest contest celebrating editorial and design excellence. For more than 20 years, they have recognized work in all sectors of the industry, including business-to-business, consumer, association, regional, and custom media.Back Stage also won the Folio Award for best business-to-business media, entertainment, or publishing website in 2009.

Jessica Simpson: Im Pregnant!

First Released: October 31, 2011 4:25 PM EDT Credit: Jessica Simpson NY., N.Y. -- Caption Jessica Simpson showcases her baby bump in her own mummy halloween costume on October 30, 2011After days of speculation and numerous photos of the baby bump, Jessica Simpson has confirmed shes pregnant! It Is True! I will be considered a mummy! the 31-year-old stated inside a statement published on her behalf website on Monday. Together with her statement, Jessica published a photograph of herself in her own Costume a mummy cradling her baby bump. A resource near to Jessica told Access Hollywood the singer/fashion mogul and fiance Eric Manley are thrilled using the baby news. The Mother-to-be is feeling great, the origin told Access. And dad Eric can be quite excited! This is the very first child for that couple. Jessica and also the former National football league player, 32, started dating in May 2010. It is the best year of my existence, the star told Access to be Erics fiance captured in May. The pair introduced their engagement in November 2010, and it has stated they aspire to get married by Christmas 2011. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Heidi Klum's Halloween Costume: I [Play] Dead People (Photos)

Twitter Heidi Klum went all out this year for Halloween... literally.our editor recommends'Project Runway': How Characters, Controversy and Heidi Klum Have Kept the Series FreshHeidi Klum Going Nude for 'Project Runway' Ad Campaign (Exclusive)Heidi Klum Plans 'Hairy' Halloween CostumeHeidi Klum Poses Nude for Lifetime's 'Project Runway' (First Look) The model and mother of four is known for her elaborate Halloween costumes. In 2006 she went as Eve's apple: "I had an extra challenge with this Halloween costume working around my eight-month pregnant belly," Klum wrote on her website. Her husband, Seal, came dressed as Eve. PHOTOS: Halloween Gone Wrong: 10 Least Scary Films of All Time In 2008 she came as the Hindu goddess Kali, complete with blue face makeup and eight arms. Her memorable costume last year was a red and purple superhero, made with built-in stilts that had the 5'9" host of Project Runway towering over her guests at more than eight feet tall. This year, Klum hosted her 13th Halloween party Saturday night at Tao Las Vegas and arrived in dramatic fashion: wheeled in on a hospital gurney by two doctors, covered with a bloody white bed sheet. As the doctors lifted the sheet, Klum's naked body was revealed. Well, sort of. She was covered in a skintight body suit to appear as though her skin was ripped off. STORY: Heidi Klum Poses Nude for Lifetime's 'Project Runway' (First Look) Klum documented her nearly four-hour transformation on her twitter, tweeting pics from the makeup chair as her team airbrushed her face and body. Klum also tried to start a "twitter war" with Kim Kardashian after the reality star revealed her sexy green poison ivy costume. "I think I look sexier than you tonight!! ;)" she tweeted with a pic. Kardashian responded: "I'm scared!LOL I want u 2 pick my costume nxt yr." PHOTOS: Hollywood's Twitter Feuds This is one of two costumes this year for Klum. She also revealed a hairy sneak peak to her other Halloween costume... and it looks like this one will be a monkey. Klum will be hosting a Halloween bash Monday night at the Dream hotel's rooftop nightclub, Ph-D. Heidi Klum Kim Kardashian Seal

Sugarland Fans Ready For Bands Return To Ind.

First Launched: October 28, 2011 4:10 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images Indiana, Ind. -- Caption Kristian Rose rose bush nd Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland perform within the Mandalay Bay Occasions Center intended for the album, The Incredible Machine in Las vegas on August 27, 2011Survivors and people still traumatized with the deadly stage collapse within the Indiana Condition Fair wanted for many musical healing Friday as country band Sugarland returned for the condition for just about any benefit concert greater than ten days carrying out a tragic evening that's constantly around the picture painful recollections. The Grammy-winning duo was giving the free concert at Conseco Fieldhouse in downtown Indiana, justa handful of miles within the fairground venue where high winds before an approaching storm toppled scaffold and stage rigging towards the crowd. Seven everybody was destroyed and dozens more were hurt inside the August. 13 collapse, in just minutes before Sugarland wound up being to do. Indiana resident Sue Humphrey, whose 17-year-old boy Kaira was partially paralyzed when rigging crushed his spine and legs, planned to visit Friday nights concert with relatives despite mixed feelings. But she mentioned her boy, who's now in the mobility device, wasnt certain that hed attend, even though he'd eagerly anticipated the August show and is at line for six several hours tomorrow to acquire a stage-side ticket. Humphrey mentioned her boy is apprehensive in regards to the recollections the show might mention. And shes worried it can result in a repeat in the meltdowns she and her only child have seen since he was hurt. If he attends, she mentioned Kaira may also be sitting inside the fieldhouses handicapped section not the coveted Sugarpit area foot within the stage where he together with other fans were standing throughout time from the collapse. I cant make sure he understands this can heal him, because it wont, which i cant make sure he understands it won't hurt, because it might, Humphrey mentioned. It is not really like the large concert he was searching toward in August. Participants within the Friday evening concert were being asked for to offer to some victim relief fund that already has elevated nearly $millions of. Sugarland declined comment through their reps about Fridays show, which marks the bands first return to Indiana since the collapse. But Indiana-based music artist Corey Cox, who along with actress Rita Wilson works before Sugarland takes happens, mentioned the show is a tribute for the lives in the seven sufferers as well as the children. Hes expecting a hard evening. Its apt to be a celebration but furthermore a evening tohold individuals who lost their lives close to our hearts, he mentioned. Everyones likely to undergo the healing energy of music because its one of the better medicines there's. Cox completed a few days ago inside a benefit concert for just about any lady from his hometown of Pendleton, Ind. 30-year-old Andrea Vellinga who experienced severe mind injuries inside the stage collapse but nonetheless is fighting to recoup. Vellingas family and pals were apt to be sitting in front row for Fridays concert. A mental health expert who is experienced in working with kids of problems mentioned attending the concert might help a couple of from the roughly 40 people hurt inside the stage collapse and relatives of people destroyed be ready for the tragedy. But he mentioned there's an opportunity it could deal others a setback, dredging up intense or painful recollections. Its good this benefit concert should happen, however it may be too much for most people to endure it, mentioned Anthony Ng, interim chief medical officer within the Acadia Hospital in Bangor, Maine. Clearly everybodys various and there's no most convenient way or wrong method this. Ron Stevens, who offered becoming an Military team in Vietnam, mentioned he still doesn't would rather discuss what he saw your evening while he together with other fans rushed into the twisted metal rigging to assist people crushed inside the collapse. Its potential to consider lots of people forever, once they overcome this, mentioned Stevens, 57, of Terre Haute. I've no clue many individuals, unless of course obviously youre in the war, who experience mass dying, as well as the injuries of the quality as well as the screaming that happening. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Avengers' Director Joss Whedon's Stunt Work, 'Dark Dark evening Rises' In Manhattan

"Avengers" director Joss Whedon is less than pleased with simply controlling Earth's Mightiest Heroes -- apparently, he wants to get the experience themselves. Tom Hiddleston, who plays the film's villain Loki, recently shared an anecdote from his time round the "Avengers" set when Whedon fully socialized out a stunt-heavy moment, producing the filmmaker serious kudos points in Hiddleston's eyes. See what he required to say the following. Get lots of latest comic movie news beyond the break! "Dark Dark evening Increases" Takes Manhattan If you're dwelling in NY but always aspired that need considering a Gotham City citizen, you at long last possess the time. Christopher Nolan's third and final Batman movie is shooting inside the The The Big Apple over the following 2 days, and you'll uncover a couple of from the particulars in regards to the production's schedule and shooting locations inside our latest report. You will discover some mild spoilers ahead, so be informed. But the truth is, it might seem like the good folks of Gotham have observed better days. More "Incredibles" Please! Kaira Bird, you're this kind of tease! The "Incredibles" director recently spoke out in what it could require him to shoot a follow-up to his beloved Pixar superhero flick: "'Toy Story 2' was, in my opinion, a perfect follow-up, because it absolutely respected the initial film but found new places to go to without selling out its figures. If I really could create a concept that's to 'Incredibles' what 'Toy Story 2' is always to 'Toy Story,' I'd take action in the second." "Ghost Driver" Villain Analysis Company company directors Mark Neveldine and John Taylor spoken around recently in regards to the "Ghost Driver: Spirit of Vengeance" villains, acknowledging some changes specified for towards the level of smoothness of Blackout, carried out by Johnny Whitworth: "We really didn't honestly perform a lot of research into the comic version of Blackout ... We kind of just needed the visual of him and attacked that.Inch Learn a lot of products they have to say in this video below. Reveal everything you consider current day Splash Page roundup inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

Globe golden at DWA

Anne Globe has overseen DWAs marketing efforts since 1996. DreamWorks Animation has inked a completely new lengthy-term agreement with Anne Globe to remain since the toon studio's chief marketing officer through no less than 2014.A completely new contract, which begins at the outset of 2012, has come about as DWA prances into theaters Friday with "Puss in Boots," a spinoff in the "Shrek" franchise, to ensure that as "Kung Fu Panda 2" ranks since the finest-grossing animated pic within the worldwide B.O., getting a $664 million haul, the fourth finest grosser of 2011.Globe has overseen marketing efforts for DWA's films, Tv shows and ancillary characteristics like videogames, theme park sights, stage shows and live tours since 1996. Her position also provides her broker promo partners with entrepreneurs that match while using company's films or perhaps the DreamWorks Animation brand, and manage studio associations with partners including Imax, RealD and Nickelodeon. Formerly, promo deals have involved heavy gamers like Walmart, Carl's junior, General Mills, H . p ., Apple and cruise line Royal Caribbean. "Puss in Boots" has Carl's junior, Friskies and Avocados From Mexico as key partners.DWA has produced and released 23 animated films, with 11 through Vital since 2006. The photos have acquired greater than $5.5 billion within the B.O., and $10 billion once homevideo, pay TV, merchandise together with other sources are totalled.Globe's jobs are being paid out getting a pay raise. She'll now earn an earnings of $862,000, up from $835,000, furthermore to cash incentive honours together with other bonuses, with different DWA filing while using Opportunities and Exchange Commission. The documents condition that Globe's new contract stretches through 2014, however the studio has a range of stretching it further for the following year under new terms.The studio is during the time of identifying if you should ink a completely new distribution deal with a studio once its current pact with Vital expires within the finish of 2012, to be able to self-distribute its films alone. Globe will oversee the release of three new films in 2013.DreamWorks Animation chief Jeffrey Katzenberg mentioned Globe's "creativity, dedication and amazingly effort throughout the final 15 years are actually vital to making DreamWorks Animation just like a premiere family entertainment company.""Since the DreamWorks Animation brand evolves within the U.S. and worldwide, I anticipate coping with my team inside the mission for global marketing efforts that highlight the astounding creative work produced by our artists each day,In . mentioned Globe, whose team has formerly created numerous spots that broadcast through the winter season Olympics, in Vancouver, to market "The best way to Train Your Dragon." Walmart also built a power outlet-within-its-stores, together with a Viking ship filled with merchandise, for your dragon tale."This is an incredibly exciting time in the organization after we look nearby within the many options we should still develop everything DreamWorks Animation has accomplished so far,Inch Globe mentioned. Right before joining DreamWorks Animation, Globe offered as V . p . of promotions at MCA/Universal, and director of national promotions on Universal Pictures and Universal Art galleries Hollywood. She began her marketing career at Disney. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

VIDEO: Shane West Teases Nikita's Father Issues and Michael's Surname

Maggie Q, Shane West, David Keith Nikita will deal with father issues. Shane West sitting lower with TVGuide.com to tease Friday's episode of Nikita, "343 Walnut Lane" (8/7c round the CW), and certifies the Cassandra (Helena Matsson) narrative isn't over yet. [Spoilers! In the event you haven't seen the last episode, "Searching Glass" yet, it is advisable to not read further.] VIDEO: Nikita's Shane West on trouble in "Mikita" paradise In the last episode, Michael (West) reconnects with Cassandra, a classic resource he'd become psychologically connected with within a mission six in the past. In present day, he and Nikita (Maggie Q) assist in saving her existence, before parting ways, Nikita finds out that Cassandra happen to be keeping a secret: Michael might be the daddy of her 5-year-old boy, Max. "There's a sizable blast that's dropped that Nikita finds out about but nobody,Inch West mentioned. "And also to ensure that's completed into this next episode." As Nikita decides should you tell Michael he's a baby father, she tracks lower her own father, Richard (guest star David Keith). In typical Nikita fashion, their reunion is less hugs plus much more slugs simply because they make an effort to take each other out. Have a look at West's undertake your family reunion and concepts about finding Michael's surname: And here's a review of Keith as Nikita's father: Nikita airs Fridays at 8/7c round the CW. Should Nikita tell Michael about his child? Any idea what might be the big mystery behind hiding Michael's surname?

UPDATE: Redbox To Unveil Streaming Plan Since It Boosts DVD Rental costs To $1.20 A Evening

UPDATE, 3 PM: Boss Paul Davis states the Redbox cost increase to $1.20 a evening adopted “several several days of testing” and was produced to keep prices “as low as achievable for clients” as operating costs rise. The business states the “vast majority” of transactions at its kiosks involve an atm card influenced through the Durbin Amendment, rather than bank cards. Clients will still be capable of rent for $1 a evening through November once they reserve a DVD on the web and then have it inside a kiosk. He added the organization expects to unveil a digital streaming plan by year’s finish, calling it “a primary concern for that organization.” Davis states Redbox has seen business increase from clients who felt “disenfranchised” by Netflix’s 60% cost hike due to its combo DVD rental and streaming service, but they can’t say the amount of people defected. Round the studio side, Davis states Vital just extended its agreement to provide Digital video disks to Redbox within 24 hrs they’re accessible in shops through 2014. The studio can get 100,000 shares of restricted stock in Coinstar, and could collect yet another 100,000 shares whether or not this exercises its two options that each would extend the agreement having a year. Redbox’s day-and-date agreement using the new the new sony runs through September 2012, then one with Lionsgate encounters August 2014. It's similar handles Summit and Anchor Bay. Not free of charge, however in the pattern in Coinstar purchasing and selling it sure appears to be if word of potentially upsetting news launched approximately one hour just before the marketplace close: Coinstar happen to be up all day long lengthy but dropped on heavy volume around 3 ET to seal lower 2.3% — strange behavior at the time when the areas were up. Here’s another possibility: Possibly lots of people were amazed because of your blog item that BTIG’s Wealthy Greenfield released around 2:30 getting in touch with Warner Bros to produce Redbox wait two several weeks for Digital video disks. PREVIOUS, 1:28 PM: The announcement seems to own thrown traders for just about any loop, even though parent company Coinstar reported 3Q earnings well above anticipation. Coinstar shares are lower 12% in initial after-several hours purchasing and selling. The business mentioned it had internet earnings of $37.1M, up 90.3% versus the identical period a year ago, on revenues of $465.6M, up 22.5%. Earnings from ongoing methods at $1.18 a share handily beat the 88 cents Wall Street expected. “Our Redbox business alone passed $1B in revenue year so far and increased being the important thing renter of Digital video disks by remaining dedicated to delivering great value and convenience towards the clients,” Boss Paul Davis mentioned. Still, according to him the organization increases DVD the price of rent beginning October 31, although Blu-ray dvd disks will remain $1.50 a evening and game game titles will stay at $2. This marks the initial cost increase for just about any Redbox standard-definition DVD rental in eight years,” Davis states. “The change is principally due to the increase in operating expenses, like the recent increase in debit card interchange costs consequently in the Durbin Amendment. The amendment for the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 enabled the federal government Reserve to handle debit card interchange costs. Coinstar states it must finish 2011 verifying around $1.835B in revenues, lower from three several days ago, if the mentioned it could hit $1.85B. But earnings per share could hit $3.25, up within the more $3.15 it had forecast.

Social Power Rankings: Team Maks or Team Len? Pick a Side, People!

Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Len Goodman Monday's Dancing with the Stars smackdown between Maks Chmerkovskiy and judge Len Goodman got you guys talking - and as a result, the show skyrocketed to No. 1 on our Social Power Rankings list. Based on your feedback, one thing is clear: The majority of TVGuide.com users are Team Maks. On Facebook, Debbie Pokriots Franko posted, "The judges are persecuting Hope. Maks had every right to defend her." TVGuide.com user Sauly001 agrees: "Now it has turned vicious and nasty and it gets worse every season. The judges should judge and not take turns being rude, crude and socially unacceptable." Not everyone is thrilled about Maks' behavior though. "Len is the same every season. He is a tough judge and always has been," user Terri LaValle posted on TVGuide.com. "Fair or not, it is what it is. That doesn't give Maks the right to be disrespectful." Whose team are you on? Let us know in the comments! Other hot topics on TVGuide.com: Regis Philbin is leaving Live over contract issues and Sunday's premiere of Once Upon a Time - you guys loved it so much that it became the best scripted series debut on ABC in two years! Check back anytime to see the latest Social Power Rankings, which are updated in real time throughout the week.

Box Office Report: 'Footloose' Grosses $5.57 Million, On Course To Dance Away With The Weekend

Paramount's Footloosedanced it up at the Friday box office, grossing an estimated $5.57 million and putting the remake on course to top the weekend chart with $17 million.our editor recommends'Footloose' Trailer: Dennis Quaid, Julianne Hough Star in the Paramount Remake (Video) 'Footloose:' Julianne Hough, Kenny Wormald Defend Remake Against Critics PHOTOS: Julianne Hough and Her Co-Stars Fete 'Footloose' Starring Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough, Footlooselooks to steal the No. 1 spot from DreamWorks holdover Real Steel, which grossed an estimated $4.7 million on its second Friday for a projected second weekend cume of $15.5 million. VIDEO: Blake Shelton's 'Footloose' Music Video Premieres Footlooseearned an A CinemaScore, portending good word of mouth. VIDEO: 'The Thing' Trailer Hits With Mary Elizabeth Winstead Elsewhere at the box office, Universal's early Halloween entry The Thing, a prequel to John Carpenter's 1972 movie of the same name, grossed an estimated $3.8 million on its first day for a solid $10 million to $11 million weekend opening. Universal is distributing The Thingverseas for Morgan Creek, which owned the international rights. The pic opens this weekend in Australia, France, Hong Kong and Taiwan this weekend. The Thing received a B- CinemaScorae, the same grade awarded to Fox 2000's adult comedy The Big Year.The Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson got off to a sluggish start, grossing an estimated $1.25 on Friday for a disappointing weekend gross of less than $4 million. Related Topics Dennis Quaid Jack Black Steve Martin Box Office Paramount Pictures Julianne Hough Universal Pictures Owen Wilson Footloose The Big Year The Thing

'The Walking Dead': Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd Tease Season 2

Because of AMC"The Walking Dead" With new showrunner Glen Mazzara in place and 2 occasions the quantity of episodes to educate yourself regarding within the second season, The Walking Dead authors cash more room to see this year. Now, the AMC zombie series can concentrate on the drama happening on-screen, beginning while using fiery finale and what Jenner whispered to Ron (Andrew Lincoln subsequently subsequently) just before the CDC explosion. Plus how stable is Ron and Lori's (Sarah Wayne Callies) marriage? Will Shane (Jon Bernthal) get beyond control? And basically what triggered the zombie outbreak to start with? The Hollywood Reporter taken track of executive producers Gale Anne Hurd and Robert Kirkman (who created the comics the series is founded on) to obtain the scoop what's next for your gang of not-so-merry children. Listed below are nine things to learn about Season 2. PHOTOS: Behind the curtain of 'The Walking Dead' Season Two 1. What did Jenner whisper to Ron within the CDC? When Season 1 ended, this rock band of kids was out of the blue forced to the path to nowhere after Jenner blew within the CDC right after whispering something to Ron. What did he make sure he understands then when will that be revealed? "We certainly tease it inside the premiere," Hurd notifies THR. Is everyone infected? Is Lori pregnant? "We'll certainly let guess what happens that's and resolve that although you're still curious about this,Inch Kirkman states, watching the authors are very alert to retaining audiences' interest. "It'll be ended just before the conclusion in the second season -- it might be the initial episode, it might be in the last.In . 2. What triggered the zombie apocalypse? Because the origin in the story has not been approached, whilst Kirkman's series approaches Problem 90, the AMC drama will disclose things "occasionally,In . the comic creator states. "To date as really finding the reaction to things, we're not likely really doing that soon.In . Meanwhile, the impact in the apocalypse will customize the children -- as well as the new people Ron and company meet in route -- in another way. STORY: 'The Walking Dead' Season 2: Just what the Experts Say Inside the Season 2 premiere, for example, T-Dog (Robert "IronE" Singleton) cuts his arm staying away from a pack of ramblers as well as the authors uses that to educate yourself regarding ways the world population has changed. "While using second season, we preferred to show that there are still natural volume of dying -- someone might get influenza and acquire very sick and die," Kirkman offers. "With T-Dog, he cuts his arm which he could just bleed to dying from acquiring a cut nowadays. You don't always have to be getting eaten by zombies. We preferred to make sure people understood the earth is always that much more dangerous." 3. More back story. With two occasions the quantity of episodes, Walking Dead's second year will delve more for their figures' back tales, while using premiere flashing to Ron and Lori just before the planet changed and studying the character from the marriage. "We're prone to study a lot about Ron and Lori's relationship previously," Kirkman teases. "Given stuff that ongoing with Shane, we'll be identifying their associations a lot more clearly continue.Inch Flashbacks, however, will probably be used moderately and not an ordinary part of each episode, a la Foreign exchange's American Horror Story. 4. What continues with a marriage when the world finishes? Asked for if Ron and Lori certainly are a stable couple, Kirkman noted they weren't OK just before the outbreak that your global filled with the undead may have aided their relationship. "Just what the finish around the world is doing is boiled things lower to, 'Are we ideal for each other? Can we love each other?' " according to him. While Kirkman notes that taking a have a step in the "nonsense every single day civilized existence" remains ideal for the happy couple, their vitalized relationship can make existence progressively harder for Shane. "One of the large reasons for dramatic tension inside the piece is clearly the love triangular," Hurd states. "Lori feels tremendous guilt and Shane is fighting along with his passion for her and Carl and the way he matches -- does he easily fit into, you'll be able to place for him in this community?" STORY: What's Next for 'The Walking Dead' Season Two? 5. Can I stay or can i go? With Shane playing no choice but to check out as Lori stands by Ron's side, inside the premiere he'll ponder splitting within the group -- but he won't function as the sole one with branching on the mind. "Everyone is seeking a few things: first, a good harbor, a sanctuary," Hurd states. "Second, a feeling they participate in something." "Shane is kind of being tortured when you're around Ron and Lori, getting had that relationship [with Lori] so clearly he'd be tempted to merely kick themselves in the equation and embark by themselves,In . Kirkman states. "We view very in the beginning inside the second season that things aren't easy which the idea of going off on your own may hold less appeal than sticking it and fighting using these people." 6. Shane's existence really sucks. While Daryl's (Norman Reedus) brother Merle (Michael Rooker) can be obtained somewhere and everyone has lost pals and family, Shane is regarded as the miserable in the group and may likely still solve. "Most importantly else, Shane continues to be completely tortured with this particular world which he's obtaining a harder time than anybody," Kirkman states, watching that although Ron was presumed dead, he got your family he wanted combined having a location in society. "Once Ron came back, everything was taken off him in a really abrupt change which's a thing that's a hardship on him to handle. That's one of the core story lines in the second season: How can Shane deal with this and simply what does it drive him to accomplish.In . STORY: 'The Walking Dead' Self-help guide to As being a Zombie 7. Who's The Governor? The legendary character within the comics has yet to produce a feel and look round the AMC series and, despite speculation that Daryl's brother, Merle, could eventually function as twisted psychopath, Kirkman keeps that audiences have not yet meet him. "The Governor character will probably be introduced eventually and will also probably be a geniune character that hasn't came out inside the appear compared to that point," Kirkman states. 8. Andrea and ... Shane? Still mourning losing her sister, Amy, Andrea (Laurie Holden) bailed around the suicide work for balance the CDC to have the ability to save Dale (Jeffrey DeMunn). When Season 2 opens, she's still very damaged and extremely upset being alive. "Eventually she's likely to leave that trying to be capable of safeguard herself," Kirkman states. "We'll certainly see the beginning of the evolution for the character they influences comic, in the courageous sharpshooter they increased being.Inch Who she turns to as she transitions into that strong character becomes the fierce sharpshooter, meanwhile, may surprise fans in the comics. "We're certainly prone to see a little of rapport developing between Shane and Andrea," Kirkman notes. "People two are extremely apt to be trading just a little more hours together." 9. New figures. Ron and company are likely to a farm (as seen in the key factor art for Season 2), where they'll meet Hershel (Scott Wilson), his daughter Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and farmhand Otis (Pruitt Taylor Vince), just like Kirkman's comics. However, the budding romance between Maggie and Glenn may not participate in simply because they did inside the pages. "You will notice an attraction nevertheless it's not necessarily simple it's apt to be complicated by items that are very clearly not inside the comic," Hurd states. Adds Kirkman: "Shane was already dead at this time around inside the comics, when they cope with towards the farm, he's directly from the image. Getting him play in the story changes things in lots of interesting ways as well as the Andrea-Shane relationship, regardless of what that entails, can be a large part of that." The 90-minute Season 2 premiere in the Walking Dead airs Sunday at 9 p.m. on AMC. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com Twitter: @Snoodit RELATED: 'The Walking Dead': Glen Mazzara on Frank Darabont and also the Fears since the Drama's New Showrunner AMC The Walking Dead Gale Anne Hurd

Kanye, Maroon 5 To Talk About Runway With Victorias Secret Models

First Released: October 14, 2011 2:34 PM EDT Credit: Getty Premium NY, N.Y. -- Caption Kanye works in the 84th Annual Macys Thanksgiving day parade testing at Macys Herald Square in NY City on November 22, 2010Top models Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr and Doutzen Kroes will strut within the annual Victorias Secret Fashion Show to reside musical performances by Kanye and Maroon 5. The catwalk event, that also includes Versus models Erin Heatherton, Candice Swanepoel, Lindsay Ellingson and Lily Aldridge, is going to be shot on November. 9 for any public special later within the month. The November. 29 one-hour show on CBS will incorporate behind-the-moments information, model profiles and red-colored-carpet interviews all around the much-over-blown lingerie show. Obviously, several models will come out within the elaborate wings that are presently a signature of the runway, and something will put on the jewel-encrusted Fantasy Bra. This past year, that recognition visited Adriana Lima. In 2007, West drawn from a performance in the annual Victorias Secret fashion show because of the sudden dying of his mother after she went through plastic surgery. West is a front-row regular at fashion shows for a long time, and earlier this year he first showed their own collection throughout Paris fashion week. Copyright 2011 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Tree of Life 10-Word Review Contest: We Have Our Winners!

Let’s hear it for all the Movieline readers who turned out to critique Terrence Malick’s Tree of Life as part of our 10-word review contest! We’ve received some clever, concise and inspired submissions about the thought-provoking (and stoner-approved!) feature starring Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain and Sean Penn — which is out on DVD and Blu-ray this week! Alas, we could only pick two winners. Click through to see whose witty write-ups earned them a Tree of Life combo pack. The verdicts on Tree of Life were varied, with guest critics calling the film everything from a “cinematic masterpiece” to “the best computer screen saver you will ever see” which will undoubtedly cause “ass fatigue.” That being said, the two winning reviews are: · Glebe: “Meditative examination of life’s — Whoa look at that cool sunbeam!” · Anonymous: “Beautiful Cinematography, Dinosaurs, and Brad Pitt. Perfect for high definition.” Congratulations to the winners (Movieline will be in touch shortly), and thanks again to everyone who participated in this special Tree of Life contest. As always, please check back for more Movieline giveaways!

Fall TV Recognition Contest: Do you want to Keep Last Guy Standing Company?

Tim Allen Is Last Guy Standing first inside your TV Watchlist?Reveal everything you considered the ABC sitcom - which that you simply consider every new series this season.Are you currently presently glad Tim Allen's back round the small screen? Or was his family guy act better on Do-it-yourself? Election now! And encourage your pals together with other fans to election, too.Election: Which fall premieres won you over? Which flopped?Return all fall to determine which TVGuide.com clients consider your chosen - and least favorite - new shows. And remain up-to-date to look for the ultimate rankings in the season's most loved and resented debuts.Here's ahandy calendar that may help you keep close track of premiere dates then when to election.

Paul Simon Planning 'Graceland' Tour, Box Set (Video)

A 25th anniversary tour to celebrate Paul Simon's landmark Graceland album next season influences early planning stages. The tour would coincide getting a Graceland box set the new the new sony Legacy will release inside the late spring, most likely in May.our editor recommends9/11: Paul Simon Works at Twin Towers Memorial Service (Video)Carlos Santana, Paul Simon Protest Cuts to Grammy Groups Simon told Billboard.biz he needs to reunite artists who as well as with him later, incorporated within this the South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Within This summer time, Simon returned to Nigeria along with his band and completed with trumpeter Hugh Masekela and Ladysmith Black Mambazo for just about any crowd of 300 people. Director Joe Berlinger, whose credits include documentaries round the West Memphis Three and Metallica, shot the performance for just about any film which will be incorporated in the 25th anniversary box set. Berlinger's film may also be apt to be published to film festivals. PHOTOS: Top Finest Paid out Artists "The documentary," Simon mentioned, "needed me towards the artistic aspects as well as the political areas of making Graceland as well as the believe that ornamented it and the way it absolutely was resolved, plus what remains from this and that which you study on it." Simon, who along with the U.S. and Europe in the year and summer season following a relieve So Beautiful roughly What, returns to undertaking March. 17 in Phoenix, Ariz. The tour systems November. 26 in Atlantic City, N.J. Later, Simon received the album of year Grammy for Graceland. Simon and also the entourage along with the planet from early February through early This summer time, returning to Europe inside the summer season of 1989 undertaking music inspired by South African township jive, zydeco and Mexican conjunto. While Graceland was launched on Warner Bros., taken Simon licensed his catalog towards the new the new sony Music, getting together all his solo and Simon & Garfunkel work in one location, aside from So Beautiful roughly What, that's on Hear Music/Concord. The brand new the new sony Legacy re-released his first four solo albums in June. CAA, Simon's booking agent, wouldn't discuss the tour. Related Subjects Paul Simon

Shearer chides Fox over 'The Simpsons'

'The Simpsons'Harry Shearer, one of the six stars who voices for figures on "The Simpsons," launched a disagreement Friday chiding last century Fox TV due to not enabling he and also the fellow cast individuals to possess any profit participation inside the series.The statement came at that time the studio is mentioned to own enforced a deadline round the cast to simply accept a 45% pay cut or risk obtaining the Fox series finish in the present 23rd season."I'm prepared to enable them to cut my salary not just 45% but greater than 70%," mentioned Shearer via his repetition, Allan Mayer. "All I'd request as a swap is always that I be allowed just a little share in the eventual profits."20th TV has contended it's forget about economically viable to continue production because of the fee for that actors' salaries, which has risen to $440,000 per episode.Because the studio has due to the cast boosts in salary in 4 or 5 different renegotiations coming back to 1998, what is the news Corp.-possessed entity has not given them in the share in the back finish. "Simpsons" has acquired billions in profits from distribution, DVD, selling together with other global revenue streams.While Shearer acknowledged the salaries he and also the fellow cast people receive, which total no less than $8 million per season for each actor, are exorbitant by any standard, they are a part of the requirement for the franchise."All I'd request as a swap is always that I be allowed just a little share in the eventual profits," mentioned Shearer, who noted he doesn't speak for your other cast people.But Shearer added that Fox has rejected his reps' request he get yourself a small little bit of the trunk finish in exchange for any 70% cut."There has been, the Fox people mentioned, without any conditions that the network would consider enabling me or even the stars to discuss inside the show's success."Top producers round the series have formerly recognized unspecified pay cuts to continue for just about any 24th season, as Variety first reported.Shearer, a skilled comic actor whose credits include "That is Spine Tap" and "Saturday Evening Live," might be the to start the "Simpsons" cast stored within the dispute to go to public with critique of Fox. Another stars inside the standoff include Nancy Cartwright, Hank Azaria, Yeardley Cruz, Serta Castellaneta and Julie Kavner.Shearer does the voices of several "Simpsons" figures including Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders and Rev. Timothy Lovejoy. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Sugar Ray Leonard on Real Steel, Life Behind the Scenes and the Problem With Boxing Today

You might not think that Real Steel, the sci-fi action flick about a washed-up boxer and the junkyard robot he trains toward a fictional fighting championship, would carry much boxing credibility. But that’s where Sugar Ray Leonard comes in. The Hall of Famer was recruited by director Shawn Levy to choreograph the robot fights and most importantly, to advise the filmmakers on how to establish a humanistic relationship between the movie’s beleaguered trainer (Hugh Jackman) and Atom, the robo-underdog he takes on, that audiences will want to root for. In anticipation of the Steven Spielberg-produced film’s release, Leonard sat down with Movieline to explain why Real Steel will bring people to tears, how his relationship with trainer Angelo Dundee inspired Hugh’s performance and the realism of Rocky. So congratulations on Real Steel! Thanks. It’s a great movie that I think everyone is really going to love. What originally appealed to you about the idea of choreographing a robot boxing movie? I didn’t know that this movie would be as complete as it turned out to be. It covers everything though — the physicality, the power and the intrigue of boxing in general. It also covered the emotional attachment and drama between the father and his son and the robot and the trainer. There’s such a mixture of emotions that are so present in boxing. It’s a sport that demands your attention. It’s really touching. You mentioned that you didn’t know Real Steel would be so complete when you first signed on. Were you concerned about being part of a boxing film that might misrepresent the sport? Well, after talking with Hugh Jackman and Shawn Levy, not at all. I wasn’t too sure about the whole story and the premise of the movie. Even though I read the script, I still didn’t feel it. It wasn’t until I was on set with Hugh choreographing this one robot. It was important for me that Hugh felt an attachment to Atom, the robot [he trains] because with trainers and fighters, there is an intimate connection there. I wasn’t concerned with his use of punches — because that looks good anyway — but I wanted him to show on his face that look of a passionate trainer. He pulled that off. How did you establish the importance of that fighter-trainer connection with Hugh? I kept stressing the importance of that relationship in my fights. I kept telling him stories about back in the day, when I was losing a fight and my trainer Angelo Dundee was shouting at me, “You’re blowing it, son! You’re blowing it!” He knew to say the perfect soundbite and look at me this certain way — not desperate but with a sense of urgency that was real. He looked at me that way, and Hugh had to have the same attachment to Atom, a robot. That was not easy to do, but he did it because he’s such a great actor. It’s so much more than that boom, boom, boom, boom. It’s that association between that little kid and his dad, and the dad and his fighter. Those connections there are most important. You make it seem like that relationship between the fighter and trainer is almost more important than the skills and punches being thrown in the ring. Have you seen other boxing films that really got that fighter-trainer relationship right? You see that in most fights, but films never really captured that the way that Real Steel has — and with robots, too! That’s a whole different arena. A boxer has so many emotions during a fight and Shawn Levy had to draw those emotions out of a robot. I took my wife and my mother-in-law and my kids and they all loved it. My mother-in-law and my wife cried because they felt that attachment. They cared about the people in this movie. Do you envision that the future of boxing will involve robot fighters like Real Steel? I really hope not, but phew! Boxing has taken a few black eyes in the recent past. The thing that bothers me about boxing is that there are just too many self-governing bodies. Champions don’t fight champions like they used to. To prove you’re the best, you have to fight and beat the best. I understand the way the sport operates now from a business standpoint, but at some point you’ve got to come to grips and compromise. Who knows what can happen in the next 10 or 20 years from now? I look at this little gadget here [points at an iPhone], and I remember that I had one of the first cell phones and it was this huge thing with the huge base and antenna. Now look where we are. I could never have imagined this. Does it scare you that people may no longer be stimulated by the amount of violence in human boxing and will need to see machines literally tear each other apart? We have a younger generation of people who want instant gratification. We want action! We want entertainment! Hopefully that will be awhile before we get there. Aside from Real Steel, do you have a favorite boxing movie? The movies that I truly enjoy watching are The Champ — that’s one of my favorite films — and Million Dollar Baby. Was that good or what? Raging Bull and The Fighter — The Fighter because I was a part of that history. There’s been some movies that have really hit home because they’ve resonated with fans because of that emotional context and involvement between the fighter and the trainer. People love to see people overcome the odds. And come on! Rocky! I saw Rocky the day before my first professional fight in Baltimore. What do you remember about that experience? It was the night before my first professional fight, and I was not the underdog by any long shot. But that movie was so inspirational and Rocky — or Sly — did these little things, these idiosyncrasies that real fighters do. That egg thing — drinking the raw eggs — I probably did that two or three times before I just said, “I don’t need this.” That was a well-scripted movie that really captured the life of a fighter. And then years later, you had the chance to work with Sylvester Stallone on the television show The Contender. I know. Can you believe that? All those years later, I got to work with Sly. You know, my life and my career have been amazing. Now, these 30 plus years later, I’m working with Hugh Jackman on a movie that I know is going to be a hit because it captivates the audience. Do you have any aspiration to get back in front of the camera like you did on The Contender or more recently for The Fighter? Not really. I’m at a point in my life where I enjoy doing this type of stuff. I’ve had my day in the sun. I’ve had a good life. I’ve done that. I don’t need that anymore. You can find me behind the scenes.

Film marketers savor social media

Twentieth Century Fox Intl.s Kieran Breen, left, and Exclusive Medias Alex Walton discuss international marketing at the Variety summit. While social media can be alluringly cheap, marketing overall is getting more expensive.That was the consensus at Variety's Film Marketing Summit on Wednesday, when panelists discussed the growing challenges -- and benefits -- presented by the proliferation of digital and social-media platforms."Digital is a very grown-up medium -- it's no longer the new kid on the block," said Sony senior VP of international digital marketing Michael Fisk. "Everyone in my marketing group should be a digital marketer."And while some platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, can be cheap and effective ways to generate buzz, emerging platforms have inflated the new-media budgets for many marketing divisions."Media is by far and away the bulk of our costs, and we've been looking for ways to be much more efficient in our media spend," Kieran Breen, exec VP of international marketing for 20th Century Fox, told the audience. "When new media comes around, (we're) trying not to just add it to our media spend budgets."Breen added media inflation has added to the cost crunch, saying that "inflation, particularly in the digital space, has gone through the roof." While inflation is a naturaleconomic component, marketers did enjoy a brief respite in 2008."For about 12 months, media was deflationary, and it was a weird and wonderful feeling that we don't get very often because our spends went much further."And while franchises have the appeal of brand recognition, commercial films are often prohibitively expensive to market for companies without big studio budgets."A lot of times you'll have a really good film, and a distributor will come to you and say, 'The problem is that it's too commercial of a film, so I can't just rely on the critics. I need to spend a lot of money to release this movie,'" said Eric Christenson, prexy of HIS Films. "It's not even the costs of them acquiring the movie."All this makes social media even more appealing, with word-of-mouth hits like "The Help" and "Midnight in Paris" are just recent examples of how inexpensive buzz can fuel box office results."Social media has become one of the most economical ways to reach and define audiences," said Marian Koltai-Levine, exec VP of film for PMK*BNC.Ivan Reitman, who gave the day's keynote speech, knows the importance of word-of-mouth marketing in a way that predates the Internet. The "Animal House" producer credits the intangible buzz that built around National Lampoon's 1978 pic with much of its B.O. success."What happens with a movie or two a year (is) this kind of secret signal goes out," Reitman said. "Sometimes it only works in one country, sometimes it works all over the world. It's like this electricity that gets generated." Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com