Why Armie Hammer Almost Turned Clint Eastwood Down

Why Armie Hammer Almost Turned Clint Eastwood Down By Jessica Gardner December 13, 2011 Fresh off playing the Winklevoss twins in "The Social Network," Armie Hammer gives an outstanding supporting performance in Clint Eastwood's "J. Edgar." It's a performance that almost didn't happen, because Hammer initially turned down the audition. His agent called and told him "J. Edgar" casting director Fiona Weir wanted him to audition for the part of Clyde Tolson, J. Edgar Hoover's trusted adviser and lifelong companion. Hammer read the script and thought it was great but didn't understand the character. "He didn't make sense to me," says Hammer. "I didn't get why Clyde stuck around and took Edgar's hot-and-cold abuse. I didn't understand the depth of their love and the complications of their relationship."Hammer passed, telling his agent that if he couldn't understand it, he wouldn't do well in an audition. Weir persisted, telling him "Clint" really wanted him to audition. "I was like, 'Okay, well, now that you use his name like that, I guess I have to come in,' " jokes Hammer. He turned to some of his older, gay friends to help him understand Tolson and Hoover's complex relationshipwhat it was like to be a man in love with a man in a time when such a relationship was completely taboo. Then, he went into Weir's office and asked questions for an hour and a half until he felt comfortable enough to have her put him on tape. A week later, he got a call that Eastwood wanted him for the film. Hammer hired a researcher to help him dig up as much information as he could on Tolson and Hoover. Hammerwho has studied with such teachers as Lesly Kahn, Brian Reise, and currently Deborah Aquilasays he is big on studying and preparation. He approaches acting as intellectually as possible. "I know it's an art of emotion," he says. "But if you're just doing it for emotion every time, it can be wild, cumbersome, and unwieldy, or it might not work. If you truly understand intellectually who these people are or what their deal isnot what they did but why they did it, their headspaceI find it's easy to occupy them." Meeting His Match Although his onscreen relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays Hoover, was filled with subtext and connection, the two only had one rehearsal before shooting, when DiCaprio invited screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and Hammer over to his house. "We didn't even put things up on their feet," recalls Hammer. "We just read through the script and discussed some scenes. Basically, we both came up with our characters and showed up to set. We didn't even have a discussion about how in love should these guys be or is there any connection. We didn't address it, which I thought was appropriate because they didn't address it. The characters would have never addressed it. It was always like, the elephant in the room. I think that worked out well. But also working with Leo made it so easy. It's like, if you're playing tennis with someone that's better than you, it elevates your game, you know?"For the emotional fight scene, Hammer says he and DiCaprio approached it with as much seriousness and effort as they could bring. "There's so much that I got to do in that scene, which was great," he says. "It's so rare that you get a scene that well-written, where it's like you start at one place and end in a place totally different while taking a huge detour. It was amazing getting to smash glass against the wall and scream and fight and just the fake blood and everything. It was a really intense day."Eastwood Style After working with director David Fincher, known for doing take after take and leaving his actors exhausted by the end of the day, being directed by Eastwood was a change of pace. "They couldn't be more polar opposite," says Hammer. He compares watching Eastwood direct to watching a master glass blower make a vase: "They don't look like they're trying hard. They're just chill. They'll talk to you while they're doing it. Then all of a sudden they're done, and you have a perfect vase. That's what it's like with Clint. It's like it doesn't require effort for him to do what he does. You think that you're not working hard enough, but in reality you just have to learn how to trust him."Eastwood decided that when it was time for the actors' faces to age, they wouldn't use CGI but instead would act through latex masks. On the first day of wearing the mask and makeup (which took eight hours to apply), Hammer discovered the challenges. He spent time looking in a mirror, figuring out how to make himself look like he was naturally smiling, squinting, and grimacing. "I had to learn how my face worked," he says. "You have to emote much more to get what you're trying to get across to come through a quarter inch of latex that's superglued to your face." In true Eastwood style, no coaches were hired to help the actors with mask acting. "Figure it out on your own. Figure it out as you go. But you better figure it out quick," Hammer says. Even though it was challenging, Hammer was thrilled with the decision. "It felt really nostalgic," he says. "We got to make a movie the old-fashioned way, without computers and all the nonsense that goes into it. The movie looked exactly the same as if they shot it in 1950. It was an old-school, nostalgic movie that an old-school, nostalgic director made."Outtakes Had a dentist inject his whole mouth with Novocain to simulate what it would be like to try to talk after having a stroke. Didn't meet Eastwood until two days before filming: At the DGA Awards, Kevin Spacey, executive producer of "The Social Network," introduced them after finding out they hadn't met. Says his first day on set was terrifying: "I was sitting in between Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Dustin Lance Black, and Dame Judi Dench. I was like, 'What the hell am I doing here?' But you can't make a diamond without pressure, you know? Knowing I was up against these legends, it put the fear of failure into me, so I had to overcome it."Upcoming roles include Prince Andrew Alcott in "Mirror Mirror" and John Reid/The Lone Ranger in "The Lone Ranger" opposite Johnny Depp. Why Armie Hammer Almost Turned Clint Eastwood Down By Jessica Gardner December 13, 2011 Fresh off playing the Winklevoss twins in "The Social Network," Armie Hammer gives an outstanding supporting performance in Clint Eastwood's "J. Edgar." It's a performance that almost didn't happen, because Hammer initially turned down the audition. His agent called and told him "J. Edgar" casting director Fiona Weir wanted him to audition for the part of Clyde Tolson, J. Edgar Hoover's trusted adviser and lifelong companion. Hammer read the script and thought it was great but didn't understand the character. "He didn't make sense to me," says Hammer. "I didn't get why Clyde stuck around and took Edgar's hot-and-cold abuse. I didn't understand the depth of their love and the complications of their relationship."Hammer passed, telling his agent that if he couldn't understand it, he wouldn't do well in an audition. Weir persisted, telling him "Clint" really wanted him to audition. "I was like, 'Okay, well, now that you use his name like that, I guess I have to come in,' " jokes Hammer. He turned to some of his older, gay friends to help him understand Tolson and Hoover's complex relationshipwhat it was like to be a man in love with a man in a time when such a relationship was completely taboo. Then, he went into Weir's office and asked questions for an hour and a half until he felt comfortable enough to have her put him on tape. A week later, he got a call that Eastwood wanted him for the film. Hammer hired a researcher to help him dig up as much information as he could on Tolson and Hoover. Hammerwho has studied with such teachers as Lesly Kahn, Brian Reise, and currently Deborah Aquilasays he is big on studying and preparation. He approaches acting as intellectually as possible. "I know it's an art of emotion," he says. "But if you're just doing it for emotion every time, it can be wild, cumbersome, and unwieldy, or it might not work. If you truly understand intellectually who these people are or what their deal isnot what they did but why they did it, their headspaceI find it's easy to occupy them." Meeting His Match Although his onscreen relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays Hoover, was filled with subtext and connection, the two only had one rehearsal before shooting, when DiCaprio invited screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and Hammer over to his house. "We didn't even put things up on their feet," recalls Hammer. "We just read through the script and discussed some scenes. Basically, we both came up with our characters and showed up to set. We didn't even have a discussion about how in love should these guys be or is there any connection. We didn't address it, which I thought was appropriate because they didn't address it. The characters would have never addressed it. It was always like, the elephant in the room. I think that worked out well. But also working with Leo made it so easy. It's like, if you're playing tennis with someone that's better than you, it elevates your game, you know?"For the emotional fight scene, Hammer says he and DiCaprio approached it with as much seriousness and effort as they could bring. "There's so much that I got to do in that scene, which was great," he says. "It's so rare that you get a scene that well-written, where it's like you start at one place and end in a place totally different while taking a huge detour. It was amazing getting to smash glass against the wall and scream and fight and just the fake blood and everything. It was a really intense day."Eastwood Style After working with director David Fincher, known for doing take after take and leaving his actors exhausted by the end of the day, being directed by Eastwood was a change of pace. "They couldn't be more polar opposite," says Hammer. He compares watching Eastwood direct to watching a master glass blower make a vase: "They don't look like they're trying hard. They're just chill. They'll talk to you while they're doing it. Then all of a sudden they're done, and you have a perfect vase. That's what it's like with Clint. It's like it doesn't require effort for him to do what he does. You think that you're not working hard enough, but in reality you just have to learn how to trust him."Eastwood decided that when it was time for the actors' faces to age, they wouldn't use CGI but instead would act through latex masks. On the first day of wearing the mask and makeup (which took eight hours to apply), Hammer discovered the challenges. He spent time looking in a mirror, figuring out how to make himself look like he was naturally smiling, squinting, and grimacing. "I had to learn how my face worked," he says. "You have to emote much more to get what you're trying to get across to come through a quarter inch of latex that's superglued to your face." In true Eastwood style, no coaches were hired to help the actors with mask acting. "Figure it out on your own. Figure it out as you go. But you better figure it out quick," Hammer says. Even though it was challenging, Hammer was thrilled with the decision. "It felt really nostalgic," he says. "We got to make a movie the old-fashioned way, without computers and all the nonsense that goes into it. The movie looked exactly the same as if they shot it in 1950. It was an old-school, nostalgic movie that an old-school, nostalgic director made."Outtakes Had a dentist inject his whole mouth with Novocain to simulate what it would be like to try to talk after having a stroke. Didn't meet Eastwood until two days before filming: At the DGA Awards, Kevin Spacey, executive producer of "The Social Network," introduced them after finding out they hadn't met. Says his first day on set was terrifying: "I was sitting in between Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Dustin Lance Black, and Dame Judi Dench. I was like, 'What the hell am I doing here?' But you can't make a diamond without pressure, you know? Knowing I was up against these legends, it put the fear of failure into me, so I had to overcome it."Upcoming roles include Prince Andrew Alcott in "Mirror Mirror" and John Reid/The Lone Ranger in "The Lone Ranger" opposite Johnny Depp.

'Flowers of War' Director Zhang Yimou Reveals Steven Spielberg's Role in Casting Christian Bale

Directorial novice Angelina Jolie(In the Land of Blood and Honey) and her Kung Fu Panda 2 director Jennifer Yuh Nelson, the highest-grossing female director of all time, were shot by Peggy Sirota for the cover of the currentHollywood Reporter. Recently, they sat down with THRsenior film writer Pamela McClintock for a frank discussion on the lack of female directors in Hollywood, their own directorial mentors, feelings on awards nominations (Panda 2 leads the Annie noms with 12 and Blood and Honey could get a Golden Globe nomination for best foreign language film) and the status of a Kung Fu Panda 3. Jolie also opens up about being a first-time director, explaining how she got a "famously unsuccessful" topic (war) funded, when she found the time to write and what really happened to shut down the Bosnia set ofBlood and Honey, which opens in limited release Dec. 23.our editor recommendsAngelina Jolie's 'In the Land of Blood and Honey': 4 New Clips Depict the Bosnian War (Video)Angelina Jolie Explains Choosing 'Blood and Honey' for Directorial Debut (Video)'Kung Fu Panda 2' Leads Annie Award Nominations'Kung Fu Panda 2' Crosses $300 Million OffshoreFEINBERG FORECAST: 'War Horse,' 'Extremely Loud,' 'Dragon Tattoo,' 'Iron Lady' and 'Blood and Honey' Remain Question Marks Their interview ran as a part of THR's larger female directors package, highlighting Vera Farmiga (Higher Ground), Dee Rees (Pariah), Phyllida Lloyd (The Iron Lady), Lorene Scafaria (Seeking a Friend for the End of the World) and Patty Jenkins (Monster). PHOTOS: 5 of Hollywood's Female Directors To Know WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT HOLLYWOOD'S DEARTH OF FEMALE DIRECTORS Although neither would label herself an activist for female causes per se, the duo are mystified as to why there aren't more women directors -- only 13.4 percent of the DGA's director members are female. To boot,Kung Fu Panda 2is only the second animated studio pic solely directed by a woman, afterThe Tigger Movie. Angelina Jolie:"Isn't that crazy? Animated films are so family-oriented, you'd think that there would be women." Jennifer Yuh Nelson:I don't think about the gender thing very much. But when I speak at schools, I've had female students say to me afterwards, "I never envisioned myself being a director, since I've never seen women do it." But after seeing me, they can picture themselves directing, so maybe we'll see more female directors. And half of these kids in art and animation schools are girls. PHOTOS: The Kung Fu Panda 2 Premiere ON MAKING THE SECONDKUNG FU PANDA AND WHY IT TOOK THREE YEARS Nelson:It's a long process, and you have to know exactly what's going to happen next. You can't do coverage. Everything has to be planned ahead of time. And you have to make sure that people are still motivated and happy and creatively challenged so that it can all be stitched together. The voice acting starts after a lot of the storyboards are done. With Angie, things would change when we got into the booth and played with her lines. We would discover things in the moment and rewrite the script on the spot. She really knows the character, so when she would say, "A tiger wouldn't say that," she was absolutely right. She gives Tigress that extra level, and that's why people like the character so much. Sometimes, Angie's kids would be in the booth with me. [Jolie's son] Maddox would say, "That take was good," and I'd think, OK, he likes it, let's take that one. Jolie:On the firstKung Fu Panda, I would fight a line. With Jen, she would politely say, "Can we just try it?" And you kind of melt and say, "OK." She is a genuine artist who can see the bigger picture. And, fortunately, I've scored some points at home because of Kung Fu Panda. They love Tigress, who is my alternate personality. Otherwise, they think Brad [Pitt] and I are just so not cool. PHOTOS: Angelina Jolie's Top 10 Red Carpet Looks THEIR DIRECTORIAL ROLE MODELS Jolie:I've had the fortunate experience of working with so many interesting directors, from Michael Winterbottom to Clint Eastwood. I tried to remember the experiences that were my best as an actor, and what a director did to give me comfort and confidence. And I tried to keep a happy crew, which I learned a lot about from Clint and Jen. Nelson:I remember being in the middle ofKung Fu Panda, which took three years, and everyone was upset and tired and wondering if we were ever going to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and Guillermo del Toro stopped by and gave me the "man" speech. He said, "You've gotta man up and take this, and don't be scared of making bold choices." He was such a great supporter. PHOTOS: 'The Tourist's' Style JOLIE PERSONALLY FUNDED LARGE CHUNK OF IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY'S $15 MILLION BUDGET;GRAHAM KING PUT UP THE REST Jolie:I worked with him onThe Tourist, and one day I asked him if he'd read my script. I didn't know how he'd react, since on many levels, this was a big risk. I wasn't going to star in it, and I wanted to cast all local actors. It wasn't a pile of good news for him. But he was great, and he took the chance. PHOTOS: Hollywood's 10 Highest-Paid Actresses WHEN SHE FOUND THE TIME TO WRITE THE SCRIPT Jolie:I wrote whenever I could, when the kids were asleep or in their classes. Halfway through some of the most horrific scenes, I'd hear, "Mommy, I need another story, I can't go to sleep," and so I'd pause what I was doing and go tell happy stories about bunny villages. I studied a lot about the war, and watched a lot of documentaries.They won't see this movie. They know that mommy, on occasion, goes off to Libya or other places. I make them very conscious of the fact that there are a lot of people struggling through different things, and I don't protect them from the fact that war isn't a video game, it's a very, very horrible thing. THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE BOSNIAN WOMAN WHO PROTESTED HER MOVIE Before reading her script, the Bosnian government temporarily suspended Jolie's filming permit when the Association of Women Victims of War in Bosnia objected to a Muslim woman falling in love with her Serb captor. But, that wasn't the case -- the two fall in love before the war starts -- so the film's permit was reissued. Jolie:There was one woman who hadn't read the script, and who didn't want to meet with me. This is a very sensitive subject for someone who lived through these things. It's only been 15 years since the war and it's a painful memory. In my heart, the film was done on behalf of all people who suffered through this. A lot of women's groups have seen it, and the NY premiere of the movie was co-sponsored by Women for Women International, another group founded after the war in Bosnia. They felt it was the right thing to support it. Nelson:It's definitely not a passive movie and it makes you think. VIDEOS: 4 Clips From 'In the Land of Blood and Honey' THE STATUS OF KUNG FU PANDA 3 Nelson:There's plenty left to tell. Jolie:We can say we are in discussions. Tigress is my alternate personality, especially with children. I love animation because you get to do things you don't normally get to. For one, I could bring my kids and wear my pajamas, and hang out with Jen. And my character is just so badass. Nelson:And the stunts are safe. Jolie:Yes, eating pizza is the hardest stunt we did. To read THR's full cover story, click here>> FEMALE DIRECTORS AT THE WORLD BOX OFFICE 1.Kung Fu Panda 2: $663 million DAW/Paramount (2011) Jennifer Yuh Nelson's sequel narrowly bested the $631.7 million earned by the originalKung Fu Panda. 2.Mamma Mia!:$609.8 million Universal (2008) Phyllida Lloyd's film adaptation grossed an astounding $465.7 million overseas. 3.Alvin and the Chipmunks: The SqueakQuel: $443.1 million Fox (2009) Director Betty Thomas' other credits includeDoctor Dolittleand28 Days. 4.Twilight: $392.6 million Summit (2008) Catherine Hardwicke's pic proved that women and girls are as fervent as fanboys. 4.What Women Want: $374.1 million Paramount (2000) Like Nora Ephron and Penny Marshall, director Nancy Meyers has cracked the studio system, primarily with romantic comedies. Anne Fletcher is another to watch, withThe Proposalearning $443.1 million. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Hangover II' & 'Kung Fu Panda 2' Premieres Related Topics Annie Awards Golden Globes Angelina Jolie Brad Pitt Clint Eastwood Kung Fu Panda 2 Kung Fu Panda In the Land of Blood and Honey Awards Season Preview

'Valley,' 'Benghazi' win at Latin Side in the Doc

BUENOS AIRES -- Carlos Caridad Montero's "Beyond the Silicone Valley" and Nathalia Orozco's "Benghazi, Beyond the Front Line" needed top honors Thursday within the 3rd Doc Buenos Aires/Latin Side in the Doc, Latin America's top doc co-production forum. Nabbing the Arte France Prize together with a Sunny Side in the Doc Prix Coup p Coeur, "Valley" can be a "funny, ironic but furthermore deep analysis of Venezuela's beauty industry," mentioned Roberto Blatt, director of content and development at Spain's Chello Multicanal. Pitched with passion by Orozco, "Benghazi" captures the anticipation of Libya's middle classes through the Arab Spring. Orozco closed a co-production pact in Buenos Aires with Colombia's E-nnovva so when TV Mexico, she mentioned. Straddling Chile and Italia, Constanza Fernandez's mouth-watering food doc "Levaggi" needed the Cono Sur Award. Professionals from Arte France, France Televisions, Al-Jazeera Network, ARD, Sundance Institute and Link Media figured among 68 customers at LSD/BDA. In 2012, LSD will move from Argentina to mid-November's Mexico City DocsDF Festival. "Mexico is a perfect platform to mix documentaries within the Americas," mentioned LSD mind Yves Jeanneau. Pubcaster Once TV Mexico will sponsor DocsDF and LSD, added Once TV gm Rafael Lugo Sanchez. "DocsDF grows. We are growing. Documentaries have a very extended history in Mexico," he mentioned. This August, Once TV launched Documents 360, per week day primetime docu slot. DBA will overlap a couple of days with 2012's Ventana Sur and morph in the meet with a four-day sister docu mart, hosting a difficult-cut docu showcase and completed docu feature tests, mentioned DBA director Marcelo Cespedes. DBS/LSD went 12 ,. 6-8. As well as the individuals who win are: ARTE PRIZE "Beyond the Silicone Valley," (Carlos Caridad Montero, Venezuela) SUNNY SIDE In The DOC PRIX COUP P COEUR "Benghazi, Beyond the Front Line" (Nathalia Orozco, France, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico) "Beyond the Silicone Valley," (Carlos Caridad Montero, Venezuela) CONO SUR PRIZE "Levaggi," (Constanza Fernandez, Chile) STAGNARO LABORATORY PRIZE "Jorge Sanjines, The Courage from the Cinema Alongside the folksInch (Alejandro Zarate Rotor rotor blades, Bolivia) Appear Publish-PRODUCTION PRIZE "Where Had You Been? (Through the U.S. Invasion of Panama)" (Abner Benaim, Panama) ARGENTINA HIGH-DEFINITION PRIZE "Puerto Alvira," (Hector Ulloque Franco, Manuel Ruiz Montealegre, Colombia) Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

'The Lucky One' Trailer Starring Zac Efron Hits the Web (Video)

Chris Helcermanas-Benge/Summit Entertainment What follows is my latest assessment of the two Oscar categories devoted to screenplays -- best adapted screenplay and best original screenplay -- along with commentary about which contenders in each have positive and negative momentum at the moment. I welcome your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of the post.our editor recommendsFEINBERG FORECAST: 'Dragon Tattoo' and 'Extremely Loud' Last Contenders to ScreenYear of the Hunk: How George Clooney, Brad Pitt Could Save the Oscars 'Glee' Cast Raises Money for Budding Screenwriters at Young Storytellers Annual Benefit PHOTOS: Oscar Show Moments Best Adapted Screenplay 1. Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash (The Descendants) Payne, who won this category seven years ago, appears to be the frontrunner again. Last week, he and his co-adapters of Kaui Hart Hemmings' novel won the NBR's best adapted screenplay prize and were nominated for best screenplay by the Indie Spirits. 2. Stan Chervin, Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zaillian (Moneyball) This moving adaptation of Michael Lewis' best-seller was released way back in September and had begun to fade from the discussion, but then last week the NY Film Critics chose its star Brad Pitt as its best actor and the film as its best screenplay, and seem to have revived interest in it. 3. John Logan (Hugo) The charming film version of the popular kids book The Invention of Hugo Cabret is red-hot at the moment, making Logan -- who was previously nominated for best original screenplay Gladiator (2000) and The Aviator (2004) and might also earn a nod in that category this year for Rango -- an increasingly good bet. 4. Richard Curtis, Lee Hall (War Horse) This take on the hit Broadway play of the same title was penned by two previous nominees for best original screenplay -- for Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) and Billy Elliot (2000), respectively -- but it's only just beginning to screen, so the jury is still out on its prospects. 5. Tate Taylor (The Help) The the strongest element of the film is its performances, not its script (which has yet to be recognized by any awards-dispensing group), but I expect that enough voters will want to champion its message to propel it into the field. 6. Eric Roth (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) Roth, who won this category's Oscar 17 years ago for Forrest Gump (1994) and has been nominated for it three other times since then, is back with another deeply moving film set against a historical backdrop. 7. Steven Zaillian (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) The NY Film Critics Circle delayed their vote in order to screen this second adaptation of Stieg Larsson's hit book -- the first in English -- and then elected not to recognize it in any category. The NBR, on the other hand, named star Rooney Mara as its best breakthrough actor and the film as one of the year's 10 best. 8. Bridget O'Connor, Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) This thickly-layered adaptation of John le Carre's novel, which many have struggled to follow, is in a rut: it was completely shut out by the Gothams, Indie Spirits, National Board of Review, and NY Film Critics Circle, and not even the British Independent Film Awards could find room for it in their screenplay category. 9. Hossein Amini (Drive) It turns out this neo-noir actioner has more than just a cult following -- last week, the NY Film Critics Circle awarded it best supporting actor (Albert Brooks); the Indie Spirits nominated it for best feature, best director, best actor (Ryan Gosling), and best supporting actor (Brooks); and the NBR named it one of the year's top 10 films. 10. George Clooney, Grant Heslov (The Ides of March) The buzz for this political-thriller has come to a virtual standstill, with awards-dispensing groups passing on it even though embracing it might result in having Clooney -- who, along with Heslov, scored a best original screenplay Oscar nod six years ago for Good Night and Good Luck (2005) -- show up at their events. Best Original Screenplay 1. Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist) Just because it's silent doesn't mean it didn't have a great script laying out its various scenarios, as Indie Spirits voters acknowledged by nominating it for best screenplay last week, capping off a stretch in which it also was named the year's best film by the NY Film Critics Circle and one of the top 10 films of the year by the NBR. 2. Woody Allen (Midnight in Paris) Though there are passionate supporters of this May release, they haven't been able to propel it to any awards attention, thus far, which is a bit troublesome: it was denied nods for pic, director, or screenplay by the Indie Spirits, and was completely shut out by the Gotham Awards and NBR. (The fact that Allen never puts his name on screeners of his films can't help matters.) 3. Mike Mills (Beginners) Somewhat unexpectedly, this little indie has come surging back to life, winning best feature (in a tie with The Tree of Life) and best ensemble at the Gothams; earning best supporting actor honors (Christopher Plummer) and a spot on the list of the year's top 10 indie films by the NBR; and garnering feature, director, supporting actor, and, yes, screenplay nods from the Indie Spirits. 4. J.C. Chandor (Margin Call) Chandor's first script was strong enough and timely enough to attract a horde of A-list actors, and the resulting film is now a runaway hit on VOD. Last week, he received Indie Spirit nods for best first film and best first screenplay; was named best debut director by the NBR (which also listed the film as one of the year's top 10 indies); and won best first feature from the NY Film Critics Circle. 5. Tom McCarthy (Win Win) McCarthy, a giant on the indie scene, was nominated in this category two years ago for Up (2009), and should have been on at least two other occasions, as well. This film came out way back in March, but seems to have stuck in people's minds: it just scored a best screenplay Indie Spirit nod and was chosen as one of the year's top 10 indies by the NBR. 6. Will Reiser (50/50) Reiser's semi-autobiographical script about cancer has provoked laughter and tears from audiences since its release in September, and now it's getting rewarded for it: last week, he won the NBR's award for best original screenplay and was nominated for the Indie Spirit Award for best first screenplay. 7. James Ward Byrkit, John Logan, Gore Verbinski (Rango) An animated film has scored a best original screenplay nod in five out of the last eight years -- Finding Nemo (2003), The Incredibles (2004), Ratatouille (2007), WALL-E (2008), and Up (2009) -- but every one of those came from Pixar, whereas this one does not. Still, with industry stalwarts like Logan and Verbinski involved, maybe that trend can be broken. 8. Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life) Malick's latest film is, like The Artist, largely silent, but the strange and moving scenarios of which it is comprised are unmistakably his own. People remain deeply divided over the film itself, but it had enough supporters to win best feature at the Gothams and best actor and best cinematography at the NYFCC. 9. Dustin Lance Black (J. Edgar) The film just hasn't clicked critically (it has a dismal 41% rating on Rotten Tomatoes) or commercially (after over four weeks in release it still hasn't recouped its $35 million budget), and the basis of several of its central claims have been called into serious question, which may explain why it has been a virtual non-factor on the awards circuit, thus far. 10. Diablo Cody (Young Adult) Though many find the script's central character to be utterly repugnant, it never hurts to have high-profile champions like Quentin Tarantino, who said at the Hollywood Awards, where Cody was honored for her script, that she is "in the class of a Paddy Chayefsky [and] William Goldman." PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Oscar Shockers

Rod Blagojevich Sentenced to 14 years In Prison

After a long hiatus, Jerry Seinfeld is returning to the L.A. stage.our editor recommendsJerry Seinfeld Joins Kelly Ripa on First 'Live' Broadcast Sans Regis PhilbinJerry Seinfeld Performs His First Show in Paris ClubJerry Seinfeld Responds to Donald Trump: He's 'God's Gift to Comedy' (Video) The comedian, who recently returned to his stand-up roots, announced he will be performing a two-show engagement at L.A.'s Pantages Theatre March 17, 2012. VIDEO: Jerry Seinfeld Talks About Taking Over for Regis Philbin on 'Live!' It will mark the first time the Seinfeld and The Marriage Ref star will have appeared solo onstage in the city in over 10 years. Tickets for the performances (both at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. March 17) will go on sale Dec. 17 at 9 a.m. Prices range from $59-$89. Seinfeld's U.S. tour begins Dec. 9 in Marshantucket, CT. and will continue through Spring 2012. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Emmy Roundtable: Comedy Actors Related Topics Jerry Seinfeld Seinfeld

Singer Dobie Gray dies at 69

Dobie Gray, a level balladeer who hit the very best music charts in 1973 with "Drift Away" and written tunes for a variety of country and pop artists, died within the sleep in Nashville early Tuesday, 12 ,. 6. He was 69 carrying out a extended fight with cancer. Gray's smooth tenor also was heard on other hits including "The In Crowd" in 1965 and "Loving Arms" in 1973. His tunes received radio airplay on several formats including top 40, country, AOR and adult contemporary. He written tunes recorded by Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis, Etta James, Three Dog Evening, Julio Iglesias, John Colorado, George Manley and Tammy Wynette. Gray along with extensively in Europe, Australia and Africa and was adament on undertaking for integrated audiences in Nigeria. Next declaration, he increased being especially popular in Nigeria. More youthful crowd sang round the soundtracks of films including "Uptown Saturday Evening," "From Sight" and "Casey's Shadow." "Drift Away" also was recorded by artist Uncle Kracker in 2003 and increased being popular again. "I guess what happens you call my 'signature songs' will not ever die, fortunately," he told the Tennessean newspaper in 1988. In those days, he was really the only major black singer to call Nashville home. Gray was produced in to a number of sharecroppers in Simonton, Texas. He moved from Texas to California at the begining of sixties where he met Sonny Bono, a professional with Niche Records. This introduced to his first record, "Have a look at Me," in 1963. Throughout La, Gray came out in the output of "Hair." He wasn't married combined without any children. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Covert Matters Bosses round the "Bittersweet" Finale and What's Next for Annie and Auggie

Piper Perabo, Christopher Gorham [WARNING: The following story includes major spoilers within the Season 2 finale of Covert Matters. Read in the own risk.]It finally happened. Annie (Piper Perabo) developed a move for Auggie (Christopher Gorham) round the Season 2 Covert Matters finale - only to get her heart broken. Much less Auggie was alert to it, clearly, after giving Annie his Corvettes because they jetted away and off to Eritrea to pursue his relationship with Parker (Devin Kelley). But that wasn't really the only large development: Auggie got unhealthy news he is not a appropriate candidate for eye surgery to revive his sight, and Jai (Sendhil Ramamurthy) outed his father Henry (Gregory Itzin) since the CIA leak and also the large, bad plan to seize Joan's job.What's readily available for Annie and Auggie? You'll be able to love triangular inside the works? And the way will Jai start dethroning Joan (Kari Matchett)? Co-designers/co-executive producers Chris Ord and Matt Corman answer our burning queries about the finale and reveal what expect in Season 3.VIDEO: Covert Affairs' Sendhil Ramamurthy: What Jai does is "pretty severe"How did you decide to start the Annie-Auggie narrative now?Matt: I believe that it is the correct time to make a complication on the account. Fans are actually wanting this for a while plus it was too early then, however was the optimum time for with the idea to kind of be described as a little brave and express their truer feelings, which is exactly what Annie did. Part of falling for one another and in love takes chances and making yourself vulnerable. It's very human and extremely admirable. In my opinion the ending's sad, but it's satisfying on some levels. I had been wanting for bittersweet.Parker remains inside the picture. Are she and Auggie still apt to be together?Chris: He's seriously interested in Parker. We never mislead, so he will go [to Eritrea], but he can't stay there, clearly, to ensure that is a challenge. The right path he'll continue is great next season with Parker and basically with themselves. He gained plenty of large options inside the finale which continues.Could he realize his feelings for Annie or will Annie make hers known?Matt: He's pursuing this relationship with Parker at this time around and Annie respects that. She's not just a willful home wrecker so there won't be considered a torrid affair or anything. ... Inside our mind,Annie and Auggie arestar-joined inside the strict sense because either might connect using their feelings at anybody point, but up to now they haven't synced up. In my opinion what people do sometimes is they visit town to determine which it feels as if because moment. She just mentioned, "You're the individual If only to talk with,In . however he help remind her where his mind was at.Chris: Their relationship will most likely be examined. Annie shot somebody inside the finale that will impact her psyche, and Auggie's dealing with their very own issues. She's a mental person, but she's calculating. I don't think she'll break lower, but that's always your dream along with her. What's great about her is always that she doesn't necessarily desire to hide her feelings. ... Also while she knows there's a girl available, she doesn't define much about his relationship with Parker as it is not just a subject they enter greatly. As evidenced when Auggie discovered about Dr. Scott through Danielle (Anne Dudek), they don't discuss their associations with each other. Which is telling. For those who have a friendship where you stand holding that element back, In my opinion the two of you are clearly feeling something for one another, while not performing on it.Auggie's usually very intuitive about Annie, but he was completely off here. Is definitely an indication more obstacles inside their way?Chris: It had been intended as the initial moment where he isn't really being intuitive. We wanted their relationship to change. ... He's within the own headspace - he's one ft on their way to Africa - and he'll remain in Season 3. Matt: I'd say it's just from what he's experienced inside the episode. Because they feels safe along with his blindness, he'd still need to see. By doing the MRI, you can't help but obtain a hopes up. To own people hopes dashed is painful. He's been taken up because. He is not dense, but she's their very own issues which is fair for him to own their very own issues.Covert Affairs' Kari Matchett: Joan won't make an effort to eliminate Jai againYou males and Chris have always mentioned you wouldn't like Auggie to revive his sight. Is always that still this program?Gleaming: Yes. He's wrestling using these issues, but also for us, it's more interesting to find out someone be ready for a disability or possibly a existence-changing accident. In my opinion you can question it. In my opinion to blithely accept something such as that is disingenuous. Individuals who're in this case make an effort to appreciate it and luxuriate in their lives, but a lot of it is railing against it once in awhile. But to actually reinvent the level of smoothness might be distasteful. For people, it's the journey he's coping with is a lot more magical than any surgery that could cause him to sighted.Chris: You need to explore the medial side of Auggie when they can see, he'd need to see. In my opinion why he [visited the doctor] was part Parker and part Annie. He's multiple top reasons to see. He's never really seen Annie, in the event you realize. Because they has a sense of who she's, In my opinion there's a part of Annie that brought compared to that.What about Annie's sex existence? Will she have love interests? We have not seen Ben shortly.Bob: Maybe Ben (Eion Bailey) will probably be back! We could say she'll have love interests - old and new. Let everyone speculate!Let's achieve Jai. Has his plan gone perfectly up to now? Is Joan's job his actual goal?Chris: It's virtually gone according to plan, nevertheless the further along you utilize an idea similar to this, the higher complicated it will get. We now have only began to start to see the true Jai story. In Season 3, it will evolve with techniques individuals will not expect. ... Joan's job is what he thinks he wants. In my opinion ultimately if you think you need something large, it's a cautionary tale. In the event you come down the street of searching to have it, it will not be whatsoever what you consider it's and you will Not up with this. How could he pursue Joan? Auggie even told him he's alienated everyone there.Matt: It's also your pet-eat-dog world inside the CIA. If he gains enough momentum, he causes it to be happen. He's become themselves here but he's a concept methods for getting further. He'll undergo everything to access Joan - missions, inquests. He's handled to obtain apparent he's carrying it out. He's told Arthur (Peter Gallagher). It's just like basketball if you tell someone what you'll probably do and also you take action. This can be a mind game.Are we able to see Henry again - in or from jail?Chris: Henry will probably be back. I am unable to say how, but he's definitely not gone. And Jai thinks the "stink of nepotism" is completed, but it's not. His legacy won't disappear which may well be more apparent while he goes forward [along with his plan]. It comes down lower to controlling and dealing with that.Covert Affairs' Chris Gorham on Auggie's new girlfriend: It's a very complicated relationshipArthur's in the precarious position. Could he tell Joan what's happening?Frank: You will notice him weighing these options. His relationship with Joan is sufficiently strong enough where he could remind her, but Arthur is actually more concerned about Jai. There's a side of Arthur this is a parent figure to Jai. I'm speaking about, he's worried about Jai taking Joan's job certainly, but he's worried about Jai just like a person and what they can triggered by help him.What's readily available for Joan besides Jai going after her job?Matt: We will probably explore numerous Joan's backstory. We have not set up it together yet ... but she'll be in the region again. We're wanting it'll be on location. We now have loved the area shooting. Whether it appears sensible for tales, we'll continue disappear.Possibly you've considered obtaining a extended-term villain instead of standalone villains?Matt: Yes. That's really what we should are identifying now. We could be dovetailing into more extended-arc storytelling in Season 3. I believe that it is something our audience committed to. We're within the point now where we could start to do more in-depth weaving of narrative. Sendhil's about getting an ab-offered by Chris and Peter. Will you write that in?Chris: [Laughs] That may be a unique spin-off. Where would they be shirtless? Throughout a good work out session?Shiny: Yeah, that's really a spin-off aerobic fitness exercise show. Which means you realize, Chris which i've our t t shirts off at this time around.Bob: I'd temper your enthusiasm for the though!

Taylor Quick Debuts New 'Do

Taylor Quick Taylor Quick is rocking newer and more effective bangs."Got a haircut," the nation singer tweeted, revealing her lengthy blonde locks and wispy bangs. The nation crooner's new 'do replaces her usual curls and side-taken bangs.See photos of Taylor Quick with the yearsSwift was most lately a large champion in the American Music Honours, where she required home the trophy for Artist of the season.Would you like T-Swift's change?

New Movie Reviews: 'Shame,' 'Sleeping Beauty,' 'Coriolanus' Hitting Theaters

Some awards hopefuls hit theaters this weekend.our editor recommendsWhy 'Shame' Could 'Legitimize' the NC-17 RatingFEINBERG FORECAST: Can 'Shame' Crack the Major Categories Despite NC-17 Rating?New 'Shame' Trailer Features Carey Mulligan Singing (Video)Ralph Fiennes 'Coriolanus' Among Movies Receiving Ad Money From the British Film InstituteSundance Selects Acquires U.S. Rights to 'Sleeping Beauty' (Cannes) FEINBERG FORECAST: 'Coriolanus,' 'J. Edgar,' 'Hugo,' 'Into the Abyss,' 'Lady' Move Post-AFI'Kinyarwanda' Takes Top Prize at Skip City Festival Shame reteamsactor Michael Fassbenderwith Hunger director Steve McQueen in astory about a 30ish sex-obsessed NYer (Fassbender). Carey Mulligan co-stars as his sister. The movie, which premiered at the Venice, Telluride, Toronto and NY Film Festivals earlier this year, was slapped with a NC-17 rating by the MPAA's Classification and Rating Administration for "some explicit sexual content." PHOTOS: THR's Awards Season Roundtable Series 2011: The Actresses Novelist Julia Leigh makes her way big-screen debut withSleeping Beauty, which she wrote and directed. The film,which starsEmily Browning (Sucker Punch) and Rachel Blake,is about a young woman who goes into high-end prostitution without involving actual sex. The movie was shown at Cannes his year. Coriolanus premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in February, then debuted at the Toronto Film Festival in September. Director-producer Ralph Fiennes also stars in the movie -- along with Gerard Butler and Vanessa Redgrave --playingWilliam Shakespeare's Rambo, a Roman soldier who survives odds at his city while seeking the title of consul. Outrage marks director-screenwrite'sr Takeshi Kitano first flick since Brother. The violent-genre movie, which premiered at Cannes, starsBeat Takeshi, Kippei Shina and Ryo Kase. Read what The Hollywood Reporter's film critics have to say about all the films opening this weekend, and find out how they are expected to perform at the box office. Shame Director Steve McQueen's second feature film will stir audiences and critics with Michael Fassbender's scorching portrayal of a sex addict. Click here to read Todd McCarthy's review. VIDEO: 'Shame' Red Band Trailer: Michael Fassbender Brings Sex to the Subway Sleeping Beauty Emily Browning stars in director-screenwriter Julia Leigh's debut feature about a young woman who goes into high-end prostitution. Click here to read David Rooney's review. Coriolanus Ralph Fiennes directs and stars in "Coriolanus" as William Shakespeare's Rambo in a production that delivers heavyweight screen acting at its best. Click here to read Ray Bennett's review. Outrage As violent, amoral and misanthropic as a Jacobean play, "Outrage" is Takeshi Kitano's first yakuza flick since "Brother," and arguably his best film in a decade. Click here to read Maggie Lee's review. VIDEO: Ralph Fiennes Reveals Backstory on His Name, Finest Performances and Directorial Debut, 'Coriolanus' Khodorkovsky The life and times and current plight of incarcerated Russian oil-billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky are given a thorough examination in this documentary. Click here to read Neil Young's review. Kinyarwanda The movie, competing in the world cinema dramatic section, Is the first feature to be produced by Rwandans. Click here to read Duane Bygre's review. Also opening this weekend are Watching TV With the Red Chinese, Pastorela, Answers to Nothing and I Am Singh. Related Topics Coriolanus Sleeping Beauty Shame Kinyarwanda Outrage Khodorkovsky Pastorela Carey Mulligan Gerard Butler Michael Fassbender Takeshi Kitano Vanessa Redgrave Ralph Fiennes Brian Cox Emily Browning Steve McQueen

Fox slots 'Finder' behind 'Idol'

Fox is giving its "Bones" spinoff "The Finder" and reality skein "Mobbed" the plum publish- "The American Idol ShowInch berths in the midseason sked update. The internet has additionally set The month of january preem dates because of its midseason dramas "Alcatraz" and "Touch" and animated comedy "Napoleon Dynamite." Coming back comedies "Bob's Hamburgers" and "Breaking In" are positioned for March bows. Within the midseason sked revealed Thursday, Fox set Jan. 18-19 for "American Idol's" two-evening premiere of their eleventh season. It will likewise possess a special Sunday telecast on Jan. 22 following Fox's coverage from the NFL's NFC championship game. As "Bones" requires a break with new episodes until spring, "Finder" bows on Jan. 12 at 9 p.m. behind a repeat of "Bones." The next week it'll have the advantage of a lead-in in the second a part of "Idol's" season preem. "Alcatraz" opens having a two-hour seg on Monday Jan. 16 before establishing to the regular 9 p.m. berth behind "House" the next week. "Alcatraz" will wrap its run having a two-hour finale on March 12. "Touch" moves in to the Monday 9 p.m. slot by March 19. However the Kiefer Sutherland starrer may have a unique preview airing Jan. 25 at 9 p.m. behind "Idol." "Napoleon Dynamite" joins Fox's Sunday toon block on Jan. 15, airing in multiple slots that evening before setting into its regular publish-"Simpsons" 8:30 p.m. slot on Jan. 29. "Dynamite" will vacate that place by March 11 once the sophomore season of "Bob's Hamburgers" moves in. "Breaking In," the comedy that scammed dying captured by generating another-season pickup several weeks after it had been canceled, is going to be combined with a repeat of "New Girl" from 8-9 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning March 6, when "Glee" requires a relaxation before the spring. Fresh segs of "New Girl" stay in the show's regular Tuesday 9 p.m. slot, combined with "Raising Hope." "Mobbed" returns to Fox's sked within the Wednesday 9 p.m. berth by Jan. 4. It'll reap the rewards of the "Idol" lead-in beginning February. 1. Fox also stated it'll bring its new comedy "I Dispise My Teenage Daughter," that has been much-maligned by crix, in the spring having a slot following "Idol." The show bowed Wednesday following "The X Factor" to so-so amounts and can finish its initial operate on 12 ,. 21. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

Occupy L.A. Raid Prompts 200 Arrests, City's Largest Police Presence Since 2000 D.N.C.

The park surrounding Los Angeles City Hall was disbanded of its last Occupy residents early Wednesday morning.our editor recommendsOccupy L.A. Seeking Federal Court Injunction to Stop EvictionPolice Arrest 4 Occupy L.A. Protesters After Midnight Evacuation Deadline IgnoredOccupy Los Angeles: Hundreds of Protesters Planning to Defy Midnight EvictionOccupy Los Angeles Protesters Given 48 Hours to Leave City Hall Camp (Video) After returning to the encampment following Sunday night's ordered eviction from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, many said they would stay despite promises of arrests. PHOTOS: The Scene at Occupy Los Angeles And they did. The AP reports more than 200 protestors were taken into custody during the largely peaceful raid, with thousands more scattering into the nearby streets -- and a few persistent individuals nesting in the park's trees. Police used beanbags fired from shotguns to subdue one lingering trio in a makeshift tree house, which they acknowledged as a minor use of force. (No injuries were reported.) "I said that here in L.A. we'd chart a different path, and we did," said Mayor Villaraigosa. "In my life, I have never seen a more professional, restrained police force." PHOTOS: The Scene at Occupy Wall Street Approximately 1,400 police officers were dispatched to handle the vacating of the park. Authorities said it was the largest force in the city in over a decade, since the 2000 Democratic National Convention. No drugs or weapons were found during a search of the camp. And as of 5:10 a.m. PT, the park was clear of protestors, and city workers had put up concrete barriers around the area to keep people out for the duration of the restoration. A similar Occupy raid in Philadelphia Tuesday night resulted in 50 arrests. Related Topics Antonio Villaraigosa Occupy

The Guide to Monday TV: The Closer, The Grinch, Terra Nova and More!

Kyra Sedgwick Taking advantage of the networks' post-sweeps lull, TNT roars back in a big way this week, with tonight's winter return (for five episodes) of its two biggest hits, The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles, and starting Tuesday for the next month, a weekly series of first-run mystery movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. (More on that later this week.)The Closer (8/7c) and Rizzoli (9/8c) each have similar starting points for this week's cases - the violent murder of an inner-city leader - but how they go about handling the story is an object lesson on why one show remains such potent entertainment midway through its final season and why the other is such a cartoonish bad joke.Want more fall TV news? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!On an unsettlingly topical episode of The Closer, the fatal shooting of a high-school principal leads Brenda and her Major Crimes team to investigate the school's long-time coach (ER's Michael Beach), whose career is in jeopardy after it's discovered he has taken an unusually personal interest in the lives of some of his more disadvantaged players. Is he a predatory monster or a selfless humanitarian? Either way, he hasn't followed the rules. And as he tells Brenda (the canny Kyra Sedgwick) in an interrogation, "Do you know what it's like to have someone staring over your shoulder day and night, looking for that one thing that could get you fired?" As a matter of fact, Brenda does. This entire case unfolds with Capt. Sharon Raydor (Mary McDonnell) watching everyone on the team like a hawk, keeping strict records and taking a rigid by-the-book approach while the federal lawsuit against Brenda & Co. is pending. Brenda isn't happy, and Sharon is just as displeased to be playing "hall monitor," but they have one goal in common: flushing out the leak in the department.It's a strong episode, and even if the denouement is fairly obvious, it beats the ludicrousness of the way Rizzoli & Isles wraps its case, about the drive-by murder of a community activist and the brave eyewitness who risks it all to come forward and testify against the notorious gangbanger who terrorizes the neighborhood and is believed to have already killed 15 people. The writing is unfailingly clumsy and the acting so broad (including from guest star Roselyn Sanchez as an aggressive prosecutor) it's almost funny - except for those moments when the show is trying for laughs and ends up being embarrassing, as usual involving Lorraine Bracco as Jane's shrill imbecile of a mom, this week fawning over a visiting Bill O'Reilly.Everyone has their favorite animated Christmas special, and mine is Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (ABC, 8/7c), the 1966 classic with its jubilant score, the memorable voice work of Boris Karloff, and the yearly spectacle of the Whos of Whoville expanding the shrunken heart of the grouchy Grinch by showing him that Christmas is more than presents and decorations. Probably didn't hurt that my childhood pet looked an awful lot like the Grinch's devoted and long-suffering sidekick, Max. This is followed by the very enjoyable Shrek the Halls (8:30/7:30c) from 2007, in which Shrek's storybook friends keep intruding on the ogre's plans for peace and quiet.Fox's Terra Nova (8/7c) finally revealed some juicy intel in last week's above-par episode, if we can believe Commander Taylor's story about his estranged son Lucas developing a two-way portal that would allow the Earth of 2149 to denude Terra Nova of its natural bounty. Hoping the momentum continues this week, as Taylor and Mira (the Amazonian Sixers leader) have a confrontation in the jungle that is interrupted by a dangerous prehistoric creature, while Jim continues to pursue the mole while Terra Nova goes on lockdown. Of course, there's always the "awww" factor to gum up the works, as precious little Zoe is forced to make a tough decision about her stewardship of the fast-growing baby Ankylosaur she's been raising. (In Terra Nova, being cute enough to eat might just backfire. We can hope.)So what else is on? ... NBC's The Sing-Off (8/7c) names its winner in a live two-hour season finale, as the final three a capella groups perform one last time before finding out which is America's favorite. ... In what amounts to a greatest-hits compilation, back-to-back episodes of BBC America's Top Gear Top 40 (8/7c and 9/8c) reveal some of the fans' choices for the show's best challenges and stunts over the years. ... MTV salutes one of its class clowns with A Tribute to Ryan Dunn (10:30/9:30c), reliving the late comic stuntman's antics with the Viva La Bam and Jackass crews. It's preceded by a new episode of Ridiculousness (10/9c), featuring Dunn in one of his last TV appearances.Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Lay offs Follow Happy Ft Two Failing

It’s bad enough that Happy Ft Two wentover budget by $50 million. Or that my sources say Warner Bros blocked it foreseeing the follow up towards the smash hit2006 Best Animation Oscar champion wouldbe another large earner. However it’s not. The vacation pic is tanking. Now comes a whole lot worse Christmas news.Based on a web-based article today in IF magazine, the Australian digital productioncompany behind Happy Ft Two islaying off600 staffers at the begining of December. Sydney-based Dr D Galleries may be the 2007 joint venturebetween filmmaker George Burns’s and producer Doug Mitchell’s Kennedy Burns Mitchell, which isAustralia’s most effective production company, together with The Mapp family’s Omnilab Media Group, that is Australia’s biggest film services company.Dr D Galleries was meant to rival Peter Jacksons Weta Digital in Nz like a home for top-finish effects and digital feature film production.The IF article states some employees were also offered positions in a new company that KMM plans to setup early the coming year. Now, a retrenchment such as this usually follows the finish of the large budget film like Happy Ft Two, and KMMs Doug Mitchell lately stated the company was restructuring because it faced a production gap prior to the Dr D’s next production, the fourth Mad Max film titledFury Road.

Bellas Breaking Dawn Wedding Dress For Less

First Published: November 22, 2011 4:20 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Designer Alfred Angelos replica of Bellas wedding dress from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1Twi-hards might not be able to marry Edward Cullen, but starting today, you can purchase a replica of Bellas wedding dress from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1. Designer Alfred Angelo has made a significantly less expensive version of the characters gown, priced at $799. The Carolina Herrera gown worn in the movie took six months to make and was handmade by four seamstresses. The original stunning dress is made from crepe satin with French Chantilly lace with 152 buttons that line the entire back. It is estimated to be worth $35,000. I wanted to create a magical moment that they had at the wedding, Herrera told Reuters last week when asked about Bellas gown. Shes an innocent girl that is finding her first true love, so there is romance, there is magic, there is everything together. Alfred Angelos version is made from satin sheath with lace applique with 126 buttons. The dress will fit women of a variety of sizes, ranging from 0 to 18. Celebrity stylist Joey Tierney, who appeared on Tuesdays Access Hollywood Live, told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover, Its for every woman. Everybody can be Bella. The waist is very slimming, the way they designed it. Its classy. Alfred Angelo also created replicas of Bellas bridesmaids dresses a possible option for prom too available in purple and lavender and priced at $189. See more of Bellas wedding replica gown, HERE! Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Game of Thrones' star to play 'Arthur' for WB

HaringtonAfter playing the bastard Jon Snow on HBO's "Game of Thrones," Kit Harington looks ready to display his sword-wielding skills yet again, as Warner Bros. has tapped him for the role of King Arthur in "Arthur and Lancelot." A schedule is still being worked out, but once that is resolved, Harington should be able to jump into the role and begin shooting in early 2012. Joel Kinniman is already in place to play Lancelot with David Dobkin on board to write and direct. Plot details are vague, and though Dobkin is known more for his comedies like "The Wedding Crashers" and "The Change-Up," insiders this pic will be more in the vein of "Braveheart"-style action. Dobkin will also produce with Charles Roven. A start date has been set for early 2012. Warner Bros. and Dobkin have been hard at work searching for their two leads, holding chem tests for the last month to find their right duo. Kinniman and Harington were said to be the early front-runners for both roles, and while Kinniman's test was good enough to get an early offer, Harington had to re-test for the role. Harington eventually beat out the likes of Sam Claflin and his "Game of Thrones" co-star Richard Maddon. Harington is currently filmming the second season of "Game of Thrones." Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Warren Buffett Makes Tech Foray With 5.4 Percent Stake in IBM

Warren Buffet seems to be overcoming his aversion to technology. Having spent his career as a billionaire investor steering clear of computing brands, he revealed that he's now in business with IBM. Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway fund now owns a 5.4% stake in IBM. He disclosed Monday, during an interview with CNBC, the fund has spent $10.7 billion on shares since March. "Well, I didn't buy railroad companies for a long time either," he said of his tech transition. "I've had two interesting incidents in my life connected with IBM, but I've probably read the annual report of IBM every year for 50 years. And this year it came in on a Saturday, and I read it. And I got a different slant on it, which I then proceeded to do some checking out of. But I just -- I read it through a different lens." Buffett says that he had not told IBM chief executive Sam Palmisano about the stake before he announced it on television, adding that he has no plans increase his shares at the time. One of the richest people in the world, Buffet has a track record for buying undervalued stock. "I don't think there's any company that I can think of... that's done a better job of laying out where they're going to go and then having gone there," he continued. "They have laid out a road map and I should have paid more attention to it five years ago where they were going to go in five years ending in 2010. Now they've laid out another road map for 2015." IBM's shares rose slightly after the CNBC broadcast, but the company has yet to comment publicly on Buffet's vote of confidence. Related Topics IBM Warren Buffett

Rachel Korine joins 'Spring Breakers'

KorineRachel Korine, the wife of indie filmmaker Harmony Korine, has arrived the final lead in the next project, "Spring Breakers."The women gone wild pic follows four college women who who take advantage of a quick food restaurant to pay for springbreak in Florida. Upon arrival, they get arrested and get together having a shady criminal who bails them from jail and encourages these to kill his arch-rival. Emma Roberts, Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez have been in foretells take part in the other three women alongside Korine, while James Franco is mounted on take part in the drug and arms dealer they get confused with.Harmony Korine, who's most widely known for writing Ray Clark's seminal film "Kids," is pointing from their own script. MJZ prexy David Zander will produce "Spring Breakers" with Chris Hanley of Muse Prods., in addition to Charles-Marie Anthonioz and Jordan Gertner. Production will occur throughout springbreak in Florida. CAA packed the project and can repetition its domestic distribution privileges.Rachel Korine, who most lately starred in Michael Tully's Sundance entry "Septien," formerly performed Little Red-colored Riding Hood in her own husband's 2007 pic "Mister Lonely" as well as made an appearance in the newest film, "Trash Humpers." Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

Can Julie Taymor Shut Lower 'Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark'? (Analysis)

Julie Taymor's suit against producers of Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark may well be a larger deal than many people realize. The first media coverage from the suit Tuesday presents Taymor's claims like a dispute over owed royalties -- that is certainly a part of exactly what the director is seeking, but not every one of it.Actually, as strange because it sounds, Taymor's billion dollar claims are covering the potentially big ones.our editor recommendsJulie Taymor Sues 'Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark' for Infringing Her Creative Input'Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark' Producers Fire Back at Julie Taymor How can we arrived at this calculation? Browse the money which was gained by Taymor's last blockbuster Broadway musical, The Lion King. Based on a tale in NY magazine this year, Lion King was mounted for $25 million in 1997, however continued to gross $4.2 billion worldwide. Most hit musicals don't result in the a lot of money in ticket sales. Based on Taymor's suit,Spider-Guy: Switch off the Dark has made $60 million in revenue. That doesn't include running costs, however. One study came to the conclusion when the showmerely depended on Broadway box office to fill the coffers, it might take four years before it even started showing an income. Rather, the greatest pot of cash comes through certification productions all over the world along with other ancillary earnings. That can bring us to Taymor's suit and also the single most threatening factor about her complaint: "Upon information and belief, Hello and 8 Legged are planning to create or license to become created, without Taymor's approval, a version from the Musical to become carried out in venues apart from on Broadway....Taymor and LOH are titled to some permanent injunction barring Accused from creating or certification a version from the Musical to become carried out inside a venue apart from on Broadway without Taymor's written consent." Is possible or basically leverage to extract funds on Taymor's breach of contract claims? No matter the solution, Taymor is wearing a great show in her own ambitious copyright claims. Based on the complaint, in 2006, Taymor signed an offer memorandum with producers on her services like a co-bookwriter, which she terms an "Author Deal Memo." The agreement provides that Taymor "like a co-who owns it from the musical...shall have approval...over tendencies of privileges towards the Musical, and all sorts of other choices customarily reserved towards the authors from the Musical." It's entirely possible that the agreement was basically giving her final cut on Broadway, not a desire for derivative licensed versions from the show elsewhere. But Taymor then continues to provide a theory that despite the fact that Spider-Guy modified its book by altering figures and studying some plot lines after she was release, still it constituted an violation because the new book replicated substantially similar expression from her original treatment and book. "As a whole, over 350 lines of dialogue and explanations of stage activity -- nearly a quarter from the Infringing Book -- are replicated verbatim from Taymor's Original Book," the complaint states. Then, Taymor's complaint presents a side-by-side comparison of stage activity, plot arcs, and dialogue to ensure that a judge can easily see the alleged substantial similarity. Here's an example of methods Taymor is trying to assert copyright in explanations of stage activity: Finally, the hopeful coup p grâce: "Regarding the present Broadway manufacture of the Musical, Taymor is titled to some permanent injunction barring Accused by using copyrighted aspects of her Original Book without paying her for such use and praising their contracts together with her... Taymor is titled to some permanent injunction barring Accused from the future utilization of copyrighted aspects of her Original Book in a medium whatsoever, including any future manufacture of the Musical in venues apart from on Broadway and then any 'making-of' film or video, without Taymor's written consent." Yes, Taymor is searching to prevent the show if she's not compensated properly. Without doubt that defendantMichael Cohl's 8 Legged Prods may have arguments which will turn to limit Taymor's stated curiosity about future productions of Spider-Guy, but there's a wide open question about if the accused are actually likely to put a possible billion-dollar enterprise at risk instead of just having to pay Taymor a tidy sum disappear. Taymor may never ultimately obtain a judgment that grants or loans her an injunction. and can licensees take that chance? What's going to the insurance coverage rates be on the licensed production that's one potential adverse judgement from getting shut lower? Cohl has taken care of immediately Taymor's suit by stating that "fortunately a legal court system will give you, for good, an chance to solve this dispute," but when he really intentions of more Spider-Guy productions all over the world, we question if there's not really a much greater possibility this situation forms. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner Julie Taymor Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark

Dylan McDermott and Connie Britton Preview American Horror Story's Approaching Scares

Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott FX's American Horror Story is perhaps the season's most sexy, most frightening, oddest show - and it is going to get even weirder. Yep, which means fans can get more Rubber Guy, more ghosts of tenants past, more about Constance's creepy kids and - finally! - the reality behind the infant-dad mystery. In the centre from the sex-and-screams series are Ben (Dylan McDermott) and Vivien Harmon (Connie Britton), the tenuously husband and wife who purchase the wicked old mansion in L.A. referred to as "The Murder House." Britton and McDermott take us within the don't-watch-it-alone thriller. TV Guide Magazine: Dark Blue, The Practice, American Horror Story. Dylan, you have to like dark stuff!McDermott: Let me perform a comedy but in some way I've found myself in dark roles. They are interesting to experience. Ben Harmon takes me to locations that I i never thought I'd visit on the show. TV Guide Magazine: For example?McDermott: Ben is unraveling. He's becoming a lot more haunted by his devils and that he can't appear to unshackle themself. I might be playing the craziest [person on the program. And you will find lots of crazy people about this show, without a doubt.Britton: In tangible existence, he's the craziest. [Laughs] I believe you're superbly infusing him with your personal crazy.McDermott: Oh, nice. TV Guide Magazine: But is not it the home that's making everybody who makes its way into it lose their marbles?Britton: Everybody's got some crazy happening [already] and a home is just reflecting that.McDermott: The home does indeed bring everything stuff out. Ben did not have a family becoming an adult, and all sorts of these conflicting emotional issues got pressed lower. When he gone to live in the home, everything he resided through came knocking around the door. I've found the most fascinating factor about him, he can't stop the repeating his existence, and finally it bites him within the ass. TV Guide Magazine: Talking about areas of the body, when creator Ryan Murphy said there'd be nudity involved, did what "Gym time!" spring to mind?McDermott: [Laughs] I've been very happy with my ass for several years.Britton: He told his agents, "Just get us a job where I'm able to show my ass."McDermott: Really, I believe Ryan's office known as my agent and stated, "Does Dylan come with an ass double?" I had been like, "No, I do not need an ass double."Britton: This is exactly why you have the task! TV Guide Magazine: After which, obviously, there is the kinky sex. Dylan, that which was it like engaging in that fetish rubber suit?McDermott: I used to be fitted for your latex suit, that is incredible, incidentally. But, alas, I'm not the Rubber Guy.Britton: They really hired a man [Riley Schmidt] to experience the Rubber Guy, however whenever we shot that sex scene [within the pilot], they'd Dylan put on the suit so it might be a bit more comfortable for me personally. I had been really nervous, after which after we really shot it, I increased to Ryan and was like, "That wasn't so bad." And that he goes, "Ugh, I am horrified." Among my personal favorite things was that Ryan Murphy am shaken by their own creation. He could barely watch! TV Guide Magazine: Where performs this series rank for you personally two around the jump-out-of-your-chair scare-o-meter?Britton: Through the roof! Every episode is legitimately frightening on its own.McDermott: You want to scare people, you want to lure people, and you want to make sure they are feel something. And i believe that occurs each and every week. But it is not Carl's junior, it isn't for everybody. And that is fine. TV Guide Magazine: In the centre from it, though, this is actually a portrait of the very screwed-up marriage. Type of a nightmare version from the Taylors on Friday Evening Lights.McDermott: Yeah, the core from the show for me personally is really family. And that is the stuff that's rooted the truth is. When not rooted for the reason that, then it is just a lot of crazy people on television.Britton: That is what causes it to be available to not only large horror fans. And, frankly, what managed to get interesting in my experience. Vivien were built with a very effective, controlled existence. But it is failing now, and she or he doesn't have treatments for that. What our figures are dealing with is exactly what we are wishing people can connect with on some level. [Laughs] Well, hopefully not completely... American Horror Story airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on Forex. Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

'Prometheus' Details: Ridley Scott Offers Update on 'Alien' Connections

'Alien' fans have been pretty excited at the prospect of 'Prometheus,' Ridley Scott's first science-fiction film in almost three decades. Up until this point, there has been plenty of speculation surrounding the plot of the movie, and whether or not it will tie into the 'Alien' franchise. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Scott addressed the 'Prometheus'-'Alien' connection -- along with the general themes of the film -- as cryptically as possible. On the themes of 'Prometheus' The central metaphor of 'Prometheus' is about a "higher being" who challenges the gods, and the gods don't want to give him fire. "Fire is our first form of technology," Scott says, and so by taking fire, the higher being is punished "in perpetuity in a horrible fashion." Much like the story of the mythological god, Prometheus, who stole fire from Zeus and for his actions was bound to a rock with an eagle eternally devouring his liver. On the 'Alien' connection and whether Sigourney Weaver will return for 'Prometheus' The last eight minutes of the "Prometheus" story evolve into "a pretty good DNA of the 'Alien' one." ... We confirmed with 20th Century Fox that Sigourney Weaver, star of the first four 'Alien' films, doesn't make a cameo in 'Prometheus.' So, not a whole lot of information to work with here, but, hey: it's something. Scott also discussed his use of 3D on 'Prometheus.' You can read the entire thing over on WSJ's Speakeasy blog. [via WSJ] [Photo: Getty Images] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Shawn Levy: Keep eye on storytelling

LevyAdvancements in filmmaking tools may enable company company directors to put anything they could consider round the bigscreen, but helmers need to make certain to look at one main factor: story."80 % from the brain space is adopted with the visual effects 15% is actually the story,Inch mentioned director-producer Shawn Levy at Variety's inaugural Film Technology Summit at Hollywood & Highland on Monday. "There's nothing impossible any more. That's exciting, but even though your main time is adopted with the technical stuff, you need to devote the lions share of energy for the emotional stuff."Despite helming large-budget CG-heavy tentpoles like "Evening within the Museum" photos and "Real Steel," Levy recognized to not getting been enamored with dealing with effects when choosing which projects to produce. "I'm always initially delay by visual effects," he told Variety connect editor David S. Cohen. "I don't geek around the how from this. I love the final results from this.In . Still, Levy advised filmmakers not to feel compelled to know aspects of the most recent tech tools."The director's job is to understand what you need the film to look like on the watch's screen,In . he mentioned. "The comfort will be your team. You should not be placed off. I didn't realize it, now I really do. If you're moderately vibrant and learn it you'll be able to tell amazing tales." Waiting for a greenlight for just about any studio to tackle an effects-heavy tentpole isn't any more standard, Levy mentioned. "The occasions from the moving greenlight as well as the blinking eco-friendly light" are really typical. "You aren't waiting to improve any more, it's on ongoing process." Levy mentioned that has been the problem round the James Cameron-produced remake of "Fantastic Voyage" at Fox, which Levy remains developing for six several days.Developing digital conditions and the design of a film requires financing and "is the required steps to obtain the studio to fall deeply deeply in love with the project," Levy mentioned.Just like a director, Levy isn't worried that art galleries only desire to produce pricey tentpoles."There will continually be great smaller sized movies," he mentioned. "People aren't threatened. However when the very first is yearning to see an account with items that are not appearing within the real existence there is a bottomless well of tools."Levy especially found pre-visualization technology useful while filming DreamWorks' "Real Steel," because it allowed him to "dream and play earlier" and organize shots before filming began. "Six several days before I shot the film, I possibly could capture the fights and direct every punch rather than hands everything to have an animator you will never meet," Levy mentioned. "That can be done any shot imaginable so when you don't appreciate it, hit remove."The director also accomplished good success by using SimulCam B that enables motion capture performances being reasonably made as digital figures instantly in camera on set."You know what happens you'll probably see since you are seeing it," Levy mentioned.But Levy's production team still produced four full-scale rc robots for your shoot. "What you'll receive from performances with practical effects is large,Inch he mentioned.Although "Real Steel" wasn't shot in 3d, due to its release near the third "Transformers," "Fantastic Voyage" will lense in 3d, Levy mentioned. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

REVIEW: Punk-Rock Jumps Doc Other F Word Good With Kids, Less So With Ideas

“You might say hey, maybe punk rock never was designed to develop — however it did, also bad. We’re in uncharted territory,” Bad Religion’s Brett Gurewitz, also who owns Epitaph Records, states at the start of Andrea Blaugrund’s documentary Another F Word. Billing itself like a “coming of middle age story,” this serious and occasionally adorable consider the lives of prominent punk rockers who’ve gone onto become responsible fathers doesn’t break just as much ground because it appears for you to and believe. Punk’s hardly the very first counterculture movement to age into less cutting-edge their adult years, though using its roots within the rejection of conformity, of authority and established structures it might be the main one best suited to become left towards the youthful, angry and centered on the things they don’t desire to be instead of the things they're doing. But exactly how these inked veterans of mosh starts and numerous tours cope with being authority figures in their own individual families is really a question this film goodies with great tenderness if little impact — as you bemused punk pop puts it, “How did we range from rebelling against our very own parents to becoming parents ourselves?” Blaugrund pulls together a good set up of interviewees for that Other F Word (if ones that stretch beyond the limitations of punk) — Gurewitz is became a member of by Body fat Mike from NOFX, Mark Hoppus of Blink-182, Everclear’s Art Alexakis, Lars Frederiksen from Rancid, Flea from the In Demand Chili All kinds of peppers and lots of others, including skate boarder Tony Hawk and BMXer Ron Thorne to pipe in from outdoors from the music world. The primary arc from the film is made around Jim Lindberg of Pennywise (incidentally the writer of the book known as Punk Rock Father: No Rules, Just Real Existence) who finds themself exhausted through the endless loop of touring that’s a realistic look at band existence for many nowadays, a brutal schedule that enables him to aid his family but additionally keeps him from them for most of the season. He’s placed in times by which his obligations to his kids come facing individuals to his bandmates of two decades, and also at the close from the film he helps make the difficult decision to stop. It’s just as much the shifting ground within the music business because the burdens of image and ideology which make existence a hardship on these mohawked fathers, although it’s this aspect Another F Word handles least well, referring to complaints about downloads and also the reasoning behind putting an album on Bebo which are a part of attorney at law nobody’s even getting any longer. However with the thought of earning money from record sales gone, touring’s everything’s left, as well as for a band like Pennywise, that’s no glamorous proposition. We watch Lindberg look at an Econolodge having a suitcase filled with antacid and clothes he didn’t have enough time to add in the laundry, to during the night comb dye into his goatee to cover the grey. The film splashes lyrics in all directions throughout the lively performance footage, but off stage the interviewees talk of exhaustion using their tunes along with the cycle of needing to summon enthusiasm each evening for every new town. Punk might be ideal towards the youthful and lighthearted about effects (“Sometimes you believe, ‘Oh shit, must i have inked my temple?’” muses Frederiksen, whose brow reads “SKUNX”), however it’s obviously the moments of those unlikely fathers doing typical father stuff that’s in which the movie sings, from Flea tearing up speaking about his daughter to Alexakis singing “The Wheels around the Bus” to his young girl within the vehicle chair behind him to Body fat Mike inside a zebra-print bath robe squirting toast with — is will be able to’t Accept Is As True’s Not Butter!? The concept that these males, a lot of whom originated from rough skills and troubled home lives, find such fulfillment and meaning in becoming better fathers for their kids than their very own fathers would them is touching, especially given how ill-suitable for the role most of them in the beginning considered themselves. The sincere truthfulness of those moments almost obscures how little there's towards the Other F Word beyond them. It’s lovely to determine these attempts at punk raising a child, but there’s not really much “punk” for them beyond looks. The youngsters with the freedom spikes need to develop eventually, or risk being left the earliest men in the show, striking on senior high school women, developing liver damage and boasting about never selling out while residing in their parents’ basement. This film functions enjoy it’s unpredicted to locate such paternal dedication among these pierced, guitar-playing dudes appears terribly naive. Why would finding yourself in a hardcore band preclude you against as being a decent father? You'll need only switch with the current roster of reality TV to determine that far more frightening and fewer-prepared people become parents every single day. Follow Alison Willmore on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter. [Photo: TheOtherFWordMovie.com]

Brett Ratner Is Hunting Eichmann

Tower Heist director targets MossadBest recognized for commercial actioners and comedies like the Hurry Several hours as well as the imminent Tower Heist, Brett Ratner looks being getting serious for starters of his future projects: a Nazi-hunting drama about Hunting Eichmann.Adolf Eichmann will be a high-ranking SS officer throughout the second world war, and one of the main figures behind the conception and facilitation in the Final Solution: he organised the logistics behind the mass deportation / removal / elimination of Jews for the ghettos and concentration camps of Eastern Europe.Following a war he fled to Argentina, where he labored just like a foreman in the Mercedes-Benz factory. He was finally situated in 1960 with the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, attempted for crimes against humanity, and hanged in 1962, really the only execution ever to be a consequence of a civil trial in Israel.Since the title signifies, it's his publish-war analysis and pursuit that concerns Hunting Eichmann, a thriller in regards to the Israeli agents independently entering Argentina round the war criminal's trail. Ann Peacock (The Lion, The Witch As Well As The Wardrobe) is writing the script, with Anthony Bregman (Eternal Sunshine In The Spotless Mind) creating for Mandalay Pictures.Eichmann was carried out by Stanley Tucci in Frank Pierson's brilliant 2001 TV-film Conspiracy, by Thomas Kretschmann in Robert Young's 2007 Eichmann.

In this region: Conan O'Brien's Return to New You'll be able to City

Jimmy Fallon and Conan O'Brien To celebrate his one-year anniversary around the best spinner's, Conan O'Brien introduced his late-evening show to NY for his first broadcast within the The The Big Apple since he left Late Evening noisy . 2009. And nearly 3,000 screaming fans were obtainable in the Beacon Theater to supply him a warm welcome. Conan O'Brien looks back on his large year "I've not heard applause such as this simply because they introduced I used to be departing NY," O'Brien joked near the top of his monologue. O'Brien then switched his target the people in the audience, lots of whom were fitted in Halloween clothes. Not remarkably, more than a few fans were fitted as O'Brien. "I see plenty of Conan costumes," he mentioned. "Hey, no less than you'll be able to take yours off! I'm locked in this!" O'Brien, who now tapes Conan in La, constantly repeated the love of NY City, and each one of the episode's pre-recorded bits celebrated the city. Inside the first, O'Brien spent your entire day being a delivery boy inside a Chinese restaurant with mixed results. His first delivery customer rejected to just accept food from him for nervous about sitting on camera. Later, Conan couldn't uncover the address he was delivering to, so he gave the foods on people all the time. (He then transformed the takeout food that he'd distributed with Thai soup, nevertheless the clients quickly forgave their famous delivery boy.) Conan O'Brien to officiate gay wedding on tv Another pre-recorded bit saw O'Brien wearing a disguise to have the ability to visit his old pals at NBC without which causes it to be "too awkward." So, utilizing an imitation mustache and several shades (Conan first stated he made an appearance as though a "hipster child molester" and so the Unabomber), he combined to the audience within the Today Show in Rockefeller center. The NY City love ongoing getting a battle for the dying involving the Empire Condition Building together with a Scientology book store - also called "the most effective building L.A. could develop." (The Empire Condition Building easily won.) Then NY City Mayor Michael Bloomberg switched around administer a NY citizenship test. Sample question: What's Derek Jeter's finest accomplishment? Conan's (correct) answer: Minka Kelly. Have a look at photos of O'Brien O'Brien's first guest every week was Jimmy Fallon, who been effective O'Brien since the host lately Evening. Fallon offered up a "winning" impression of Charlie Sheen, and needed a few moments to plug his new Ben & Jerry's frozen goodies flavor, the audience attempted following a show. (Sadly, this reporter will be a little late for the sample line, nevertheless it sounds tasty.) Both Fallon and music artist/comedian Reggie W, who opened up up for Conan throughout his country wide tour a year ago, completed rousing musical amounts. W did a suitable rendition of "The Boys Have Been In Town" while Fallon completed a "Halloween Song" that was a genuine celebration of America that incorporated a massive American flag and red-colored-colored-white-colored-and-blue-clad baton twirlers. Throughout some commercial breaks, O'Brien embarked out to the audience to sign autographs, pose for pictures in addition to hands out a few hugs. Throughout others, he danced around the stage and pretended to box announcer/partner Andy Richter. Sooner or later late inside the show, O'Brien removed his jacket to awesome off, only to uncover some noticeable pit stains. He switched to discuss his embarrassment while using audience, nevertheless the Team Coco crowd simply roared with elevated applause. Only in NY. Conan airs weeknights at 11/10c around the best spinner's. Whoever else consider O'Brien's fist show within the The The Big Apple?

Wealthy Ross Unveils Why Training Can be a Passion (Q&A)

On November. 1, Wally Disney Art galleries chairman Wealthy Rossand Madeleine and Tom Sherak will probably be honored within the Fulfillment Fund STARS 2011 benefit dinner within the Beverly Hilton. Because the Sheraks have extended been active within this type of fundraising event, it is not something Ross is doing frequently. According to him he agreed because training is a factor he deeply thinks in. What he's supporting while using Fulfillment Fund can be a program Dr. Gary Gitnick began in 1977 to help L.A.'s low-earnings students finish secondary school and check out college. It seems being working. 90-one percent in the students inside the program graduated from secondary school, in addition group, 93% percent ongoing to college. Ross spoken for the Hollywood Reporter about his fascination with training. The Hollywood Reporter: You need to get asked for constantly to accomplish fundraising event dinners, why choose that certain? Wealthy Ross: The main reason For me in most importantly else in the world is training, whether it is co-employees or youth making the leap into the adult years. With something such as this, you raise money and awareness. In my opinion, this can be a no-brainer. THR: You've had mentors yourself? Ross: Absolutely. My first and possibly the finest was my dad. My former boss Anne Sweeney and current boss Bob Iger may also be incredible mentors. I really could not have access to done things i did without any three of those. THR: Does Disney have a very training program? Ross: We now have were built with a couple of training programs within the studio in the last couple of years together with a professional training program together with a studiowide one. It's a core part of my management style. The Fulfillment Fund is community training, but all the items of the puzzle accumulate. It's all regulated controlled connected. THR: Any idea what is vital to training? Ross: An opportunity to listen. Young people need private places so as undergo challenges and options. You will need a mentor who is able to give feedback which arises from an opportunity to be described as a patient listener. THR: What you are looking at inside the Fulfillment Fund program particularly? Ross: In the last few years, things certainly were not getting simpler for college kids inside the L.A. schools. Dr. Gitnick approaches the problems in the broad approach to "no-it's possible to remain out." They observe that students need help in your and try to double lower round the initiative. You will discover real issues that affect boys and ladies in different ways that could affect their rates of graduation. The Fund takes a personalized approach to each student. THR: And you also think the program works? Ross: You actually really make a difference in each student's existence -- training is not throwing a pebble inside the ocean. The main one factor that's stick out in regards to the Fulfillment Fund happens when it returns the alumni being mentors themselves. It offers them the equipment to be successful and so they consequently feel compelled to take advantage of what they've learned to help really really make a difference in someone else's existence. Related Subjects Wealthy Ross Philanthropy The Wally Disney Company

TDKR Prologue To Screen Before MI4

The Dark Dark night Increases before Cruise doesA brief but significant The Dark Dark night Increases titbit has appeared among all present day Mission: Impossible news and dragon tats. Confirmation originates through, as strong whispers recommended a week ago, that six minutes price of DKR prologue will have before showings of Jason Bourne - Ghost Protocol at selected IMAX screens.We are saying 'selected' because Warner Bros. are insisting that just the full 70mm screens is going to be titled to exhibit the footage. There is a small group of these within the United kingdom so expect queues to begin developing around the South Bank now. It's a little of the surprise to determine the ever-secretive Christopher Nolan lounging his Softball bat-cards up for grabs - six minutes of footage is, in the end, a good chunk of scene-setting - but we are certainly not worrying. It isn't a brand new technique for Warner Bros. either. They labeled the outlet minutes from the Dark Dark night onto I'm Legend 4 years ago. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol lands within the United kingdom on December 26, so you'll have the ability to lay your vision around the first minutes from the Dark Dark night Increases then. The entire film storms into movie theaters on This summer 20, 2012.

ROLL CALL: First Lady Michelle Obama Computes To Beyonce

First Launched: October 21, 2011 1:06 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images Caption Beyonce / First Lady Michelle ObamaLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Your Day-to-day Dispatch of Celebrity Shenanigans Sweating To B!: Exactly why is First Lady Michelle Obama move? Beyonce! While reacting to questions for your Enables Move campaign inside an movie message, the initial Lady mentioned, It's my job to love Beyonce, so anything fast-paced that shes doing is a superb one personally. Adding, However have very eclectic tastes, so my playlist in my ipod device device, that people give consideration to, runs from busy to a little tranquil. For a number of First Ladys fitness tips, Follow The Link! Xtina Doesn't remember Something: Oh, Christina Aguilera what's happened to all or any your pants? According to Us Weekly, the singer left for again now with little on downstairs. The 30-year-old The Voice judge was spotted departing a lingerie boutique on Thursday searching like she was wearing which she might have bought. See the singer permitting it to any or all spend some time look, HERE! Whoa! Indeed!: Just several hours after revealing his Ken Toy-esque worked out body in the park on Thursday, Joey Lawrence left within the La premiere of With Time, rocking some bold fashion options. Fur lined leather coat check! Double gold chain waist accessory check! Shades throughout the evening check! See his look, HERE! Who Knows Mariah Best?: If the involves getting most likely probably the most understanding about Mariah Carey, does the award go to the guy who married her or perhaps the guy which has spent years covering her? Have a look in an excellent Mimi understanding showdown between Nick Cannon and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton throughout the interview on Nicks show on NYs 92.3 radio show, HERE! Were wanting Nick schools Perez, nevertheless the blogger does know a couple of things or useless celebrity particulars. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Kathryn Bigelow's Bin Laden Thriller Moves Out of Controversial Pre-Election Slot

Kathryn Bigelow’s upcoming movie about the team of Navy SEALs who killed Osama bin Laden was originally set to debut right before election day 2012, prompting U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-NY) to call for an investigation of the extent of the Obama administration’s assistance to the project. Now, that point seems moot; Sony has rejiggered its release schedule so that the Mark Boal-penned picture will debut after the Presidential election, and possibly not until 2013. Then again, with today’s news of Muammar Gaddafi’s death, Obama might not need as much help raising the victory flag, pre-election. [NYT]

'Avenger's' Samuel L. Jackson, Hathaway As Catwoman Reveal Acting Inspiration

The Avengers star Samuel L. Jackson and also the Dark Dark night Increases' Hathaway As Catwoman are among 123 stars, producers, company directors, ballroom dancers and performers who sitting for portraits and authored by what the humanities mean for them for any new book, Art & Soul.our editor recommends'Dark Dark night Rises' Co-stars Hathaway As Catwoman, Frederick Gordon-Levitt Sing Together in French (Video)'Avengers' Star Samuel L. Jackson Joins Twitter (Video) "An action of creation is definitely an act of hope. Art provided my heart," creates Hathaway (the notes are printed within the stars' own handwriting all records include signatures, many have doodles) prior to signing her title having a giant swoop. Jackson creates, "Art may be the master, I'm its slave!" PHOTOS: 'The Avengers': New Photos From Marvel's Super hero Film Adrian Grenier: "Art is Fart with no 'F.'" "Dance class was my personal favorite subject. Plus they never helped me climb a rope!" jokes actress-author Nia Vardalos, who signs off "in theater nerd solidarity." PHOTOS: 'The Dark Dark night Increases' Start Looking: Around the Set Alyssa Milano and Kathy Najimy write poems, New Girl star Zooey Deschanel sketches out a more sophisticated flow chart and Alfre Woodard creates about how exactly art affected her childhood inside a page-lengthy essay. Also featured: Kerry Washington, Patricia Arquette, The X Factor's Paula Abdul, Kelsey Grammer, Modern Family's Ty Burrell and director Joel Schumacher. The coffee-table sized book, released by Hearst Communications in colaboration with The new sony Electronics, hits stores on March. 26 and charges $40. PHOTOS: top 10 Summer time Superheroes Ever: Fight of Box Office Brawn A percentage from the proceeds is going to be contributed towards the Creative Coalition, the nonprofit advocacy number of the humanities and entertainment towns. It had been edited by Robin Bronk, the Boss from the Creative Coalition as well as the producer of Poliwood, which broadcast on Showtime and was helmed by Oscar-winning director Craig Levinson. The photos were clicked by Pulitzer Prize champion John Cruz. VIDEO: Hollywood Talks Charitable organisation "After I started this book, I requested participants to pinpoint a instant that transformed their lives. While everybody mind his very own individual and significant anecdote, the most popular thread woven throughout everybody's story was that somebody or something like that fostered the artistic sensibility in all of them,Inch Bronk informs The Hollywood Reporter. Adds Private Practice's Tim Daly, the leader from the Creative Coalition: "Art & Soul couples unique portraits nowadays's most identifiable faces using their poignant stories. These tales are illustrative from the unique energy from the arts to give the soul." Related Subjects Hathaway As Catwoman Samuel L. Jackson