Exclusive: Toby Keith, Pawn Stars Join American Country New Year's Eve Live

Toby Keith, Rick Harrison, Austin Chumlee Russell The Eli Young Band, Toby Keith and Joe Nichols will perform during American Country New Year's Eve Live, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively. In addition, comedian and country music singer Rodney Carrington and Pawn Stars' Rick Harrison and Austin "Chumlee" Russell have signed on to host the event, which Fox will air live from Las Vegas, beginning 11 p.m. Eastern Saturday, Dec. 31. Check out today's news Also on hand: Howie Mandel, who will share a preview of Mobbed, which returns to the network on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 9/8c. The Eli Young Band, Keith and Nichols join a line-up of performers that already includes American Idol's Lauren Alaina and Rodney Atkins.

Uggie and Cosmo, the Dogs From 'The Artist' and 'Beginners,' Meet (VIDEO)

It's a movie -- and dog -- lover's dream come true! Uggie and Cosmo, the cute canine stars of awards-magnets 'The Artist' and 'Beginners,' met in a photo studio to pose for pictures. Despite there being a "Vote for Uggie" campaign, there didn't seem to be any rivalry between these two completely adorable, very talented Jack Russells. From the looks of it, the shoot was just a lot of tail wagging and a little bit of scenery chewing. (Hope that's not a real Oscar statuette Uggie's got there.) See the video after the jump. Can't get enough movie mutts? Look for our Top 11 Movie Dogs of 2011 list, out next week. [via THR] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Judge Orders Man To Stay Away From Kirsten Dunst

First Published: December 9, 2011 9:45 PM EST Credit: Getty Images LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Kirsten Dunst sports a black coat at The Hollywood Reporters Annual Power 100: Women In Entertainment Breakfast at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. on December 7, 2011 A judge on Friday granted Kirsten Dunst a temporary restraining order against a French man who has repeatedly written to the actress and traveled to Los Angeles at least five times to try to meet her. Superior Court Judge Carol Boas Goodson ordered Jean Christophe Prudhon of Dijon, France, to stay 100 yards away from the Spider-Man star and to stop trying to contact her. In letters accompanying Dunsts petition, Prudhon wrote that he sold his home in France so he could continue to travel to meet Dunst, who has not responded to any of his more than 50 letters. He wrote that he is in love with the actress and that he has repeatedly waited outside Dunsts home to try to meet her and has been mistaken for a paparazzo. I am frightened for my safety, as well as the safety of my family and friends who visit my home, Dunst wrote in a court filing. I am worried that Mr. Prudhon will escalate his conduct further, putting myself and my family in danger. Dunsts mother, Inez Dunst, wrote in a sworn declaration that she was alarmed by Prudhons appearance when he came to her door last week trying to meet the actress. Inez Dunst said she knew who he was because he has repeatedly sent her daughter letters over the years. It could not be immediately determined if Prudhon, 51, was represented by a lawyer, and attempts to locate him for comment were unsuccessful. The actress, who recently appeared in the film Melancholia, wrote in a court filing that her security personnel told Prudhon to stay away, but he has refused. Goodson will consider whether to grant a three-year restraining order at a Dec. 21 hearing. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Judge Slams Attorneys in 'South Park' 'What What (In the Butt)' Copyright Lawsuit (Video)

Hollywood's leading ladies -- and a few good men -- took to the Beverly Hills Hotel on Wednesday, Dec. 7 to honor The Hollywood Reporter's annual Women in Entertainment power list, but all eyes were on Jane Fonda as she accepted the coveted Sherry Lansing Leadership Award.our editor recommendsJane Fonda Opens Up About Her Father, Her Return to Acting and the Lesson She Learned From Warren Beatty Jane Fonda to be Honored at THR's Women in Entertainment BreakfastAnne Sweeney Tops THR's 2011 Women in Entertainment Power 100 ListTHR's 2011 Women in Entertainment Power 100 Related Topics•Women in Entertainment PHOTOS: 2011 Women in Entertainment Power 100 Fonda tearfully took the stage after a touching introduction from Lansing herself, telling the audience, "I didn't expect I would cry." The legendary actress later acknowledged that while her Golden Globe, Emmy and Oscar statues were collecting dust, she was thrilled to add a new piece of hardware to her collection. "I'm really honored to accept this award, which I guess is made out of a chunk of the glass ceiling Sherry broke through," she said. On the red carpet, Fonda told THR which ladies in the business served as her personal inspiration over the years. "Sherry Lansing is a role model," she said. "I worked with her in the late 70s and I really admire her. I think Katharine Hepburn is the woman I learned the most from." COMPLETE LIST: 2011 Women in Entertainment Power 100 Lansing echoed Fonda's admiration on the carpet, saying that she was "intimidated" upon first meeting the actress. The duo first worked together on The China Syndrome, released in 1979. "Jane Fonda was one of my biggest role models in life, which is why it's so ironic and such a pleasure to be giving her this award," Lansing told THR. "I really can't believe it's happening. She was someone I admired and someone who intimidated me, she doesn't anymore, but someone I aspired to be. I admired her authenticity, I admired her honesty, I admired her courage, and I admired the fact that she wasn't afraid to take a stand." STORY: Jane Fonda to be Honored at THR's Women in Entertainment Breakfast As the latest recipient of the leadership award, Fonda joins the ranks of Meryl Streep, Halle Berry, Jodie Foster, Glenn Close and Barbara Walters. Last year, Dame Helen Mirren took home the award. So what do all these females have in common? "Intelligence, compassion, strategy, kindness [and] knowing a good story," Fonda said of the qualities necessary to be a female power leader. Watch THR's red carpet interview in the clip above, and check back for video of her full acceptance speech. Related Topics Jane Fonda Sherry Lansing Women in Entertainment 2011

Christian Bale Will not Captain Darren Aronofsky's 'Noah' (UPDATE)

It seems like Noah's Ark will sail without Christian Bale. According to Deadline, the 'Dark Dark evening Rises' star is shooting the Terrence Malick-directed films 'Lawless' and 'Knight of Cups,' consecutive, which might conflict while using production dates on 'Noah,' which Darren Aronofsky co-written with John Logan ('Gladiator') and may direct. The film can be a retelling in the classic Spiritual story, most most likely without heroin needles, space travel or ballerinas with tortured souls. 'Noah' is positioned striking theaters in 2013. UPDATE: Per Variety, Michael Fassbender could replace Bale in 'Noah,' but no offer continues to be produced yet. Keep in mind that for future reference. [via Deadline] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Oxygen Developing Travis Wall Docuseries, Two More Unscripted Projects

Conrad Murray is set to appear in court at 8:30 a.m. PT for his sentencing following his involuntary manslaughter conviction in the death of Michael Jackson Nov. 7.our editor recommendsConrad Murray Documentary Gives MSNBC a Ratings Win in DemoMSNBC's Conrad Murray Documentary Raises New Questions About Checkbook Journalism (Analysis)Nancy Grace: Conrad Murray 'Should Have Gotten Murder One'Conrad Murray Verdict: What Michael Jackson's Family Is SayingConrad Murray Found Guilty in Death of Michael Jackson PHOTOS: 10 TV Trials That Shook the World: Casey Anthony, OJ Simpson, Rodney King The pop star's former doctor was found guilty after undergoing a six-week-long trial that was broadcast on HLN and detailed Jackson's final hours with Murray, who was using propofol, an operating-room anesthetic to treat chronic insomnia, that led to his death. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths The cardiologist's defense attorneys have asked that Murray receive probation, the Associate Press reports. They have said a jail sentence will render him unable to practice medicine and relegate him to a lifetime of ostracism. The prosecution have requested the maximum four-year jail term (which would likely be cut in half due to overcrowding), and want the doctor to pay Jackson's children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, more than $120 million in restitution. VIDEO: Dr. Conrad Murray Trial ER Doctor Testimony Before the sentencing, Jackson's family members will have the opportunity to speak, though none have announced plans to make a statement. The entertainer's mom, Katherine, told CNN Monday she hoped Murray would get the full punishment. She also said his children will not be present in court. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Hollywood's Biggest Real Estate Deals of the Week: Rihanna, Michael Jackson, David Schwimmer, Sue Mengers Related Topics Michael Jackson HLN Conrad Murray

Kelly Osbourne: Miley Cyrus Stoner Comment Was A Joke

First Published: November 27, 2011 2:25 PM EST Credit: Getty Premium Caption Kelly Osbourne and singer Miley Cyrus arrive at the 2010 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on November 21, 2010LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Kelly Osbourne has leapt to the defense of friend Miley Cyrus after a video emerged on Sunday showing the teen actress/singer joking about marijuana at her 19th birthday party last week. In the video (obtained by The Daily), Miley can be seen laughing with friends before thanking revelers for a cake featuring the face of reggae icon Bob Marley, saying, You know youre a stoner when your friends make you a Bob Marley cake you know you smoke way too much f***in weed. However, Kelly, who threw the birthday bash for the former Hannah Montana star, says the cake and subsequent comments were simply making light of Mileys highly-publicized salvia incident in 2010. Let me make something very clear after Miley Cyrus salvia incident we started calling her bob miley as a JOKE! Kelly Tweeted on Sunday. The cake was also A JOKE! It makes me sick that Miley Cyrus so called friends would sell her out and lead people 2 believe she is someone that she is not! U guys if Miley Cyrus is not recording/filming/touring she is works everyday how could she possible do all that if she was a stoner! #think, she added. A rep for Miley was not immediately available for comment on the video when contacted by Access Hollywood on Sunday. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Online Music Hub Vevo Eyes New Ad Cope with YouTube (Report)

NY - Online music hub Vevo is searching to barter a brand new advertising cope with Google's YouTube, the NY Publish reported. Under their current agreement, Vevo, a venture of Vivendi's Universal Group, The new sony Music Entertainment and also the Abu Dhabi Media Co., will get 65 % from the ad revenue it can make online, using the host site obtaining the relaxation, based on the Publish. It stated Vevo, which released 2 yrs ago, is searching to improve its share. The organization, brought by Boss Rio Caraeff, really wants to alter the deal before it mulls a potential IPO, that could happen within the next 18 several weeks, based on the Publish. "Vevo's an excellent partner and that we anticipate dealing with them later on," a YouTube spokesperson told the Publish. Vevo lately hired veteran author Jim Macnie since it's new editorial director because it concentrates on improving news and editorial features. Email: Georg.Szalai@tthr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects Google Vevo

Producers back Johansson's directorial debut

Johansson"Summer season Crossing," an adaptation of Truman Capote's lost novella, is headed for your bigscreen since the directorial debut of Scarlett Johansson.Project's being produced by Craig Spikings, who won an Oscar for "The Deer Hunter," and executive produced by Peter D. Graves using the Truman Capote Literary Trust which is trustee Alan Schwartz.Film author and NY playwright Tristine Skyler is adapting the Capote novella."Summer season Crossing" novella is occur NY when Gotham was emerging within the trauma of World War Ii and concentrates on an 18-year-old girl breaking free of her wealthy, impeding, family to discover her own identity and sexuality."Summer season Crossing" was put together by Capote through the 19 forties after which it lost for half a century just before being retrieved and launched.Johannson told Women's Placed on Daily in September they planned to direct the film. She'll be seen next in "We Bought a Zoo," "Beneath the Skin" and "The Avengers." Johannson's repped by CAA. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Republican Presidential Debate on CNBC: What Hollywood Says

The Republican presidential candidates faced off in another debate Wednesday evening, that one happening in Michigan and airing on CNBC.our editor recommendsHerman Cain Declines Sexual Harassment Accusations on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live': 'We're Using This Mind On' (Video)Herman Cain Faces Reporters on Live TV and Concurs to Lie Detector Test (Video)Herman Cain's Accusers Might Join ForcesMichele Bachmann: The Politics of FashionMitt Romney, Bachmann Wanted to Boycott Univision Debate Because of Extortion Allegations'Butter': Jennifer Garner Campaigns like a Bachmann Wanted Clone (Video)Ron Perry: The Strange Reason Hollywood Is Disappointed in Him'The Daily Show' Jams MSNBC for Misrepresenting Ron Perry, Maligning Leader ObamaRelated Subjects•Politics The controversy -- the ninth for that GOP candidates previously six several weeks -- incorporated Minnesota Repetition. Bachmann Wanted, businessman Herman Cain, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman,Texas Repetition. Ron Paul, Texas Gov. Ron Perry, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen.Ron Santorum. PHOTOS: Best Presidents in Film and tv The eight candidates clarified questions mostly concerning the economy -- the scheduled subject -- although other staff Maria Bartiromo and John Harwood were booed once they requested Cain questions regarding "character issues." Cain, former Boss of Godfather's Pizza, is the topic of sexual harassment accusations introduced forth by four women previously week. Cain also sparked head lines when he known as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi "Princess Nancy," saying she blocked any effort when she was speaker to repeal Dems' healthcare overhaul, legislation she assisted marshal through. The big event also was significant for any gaffe produced by Perry, who battled to consider which three government departments he'd cut in their tax plan. PHOTOS: Stars Who've Performed Political figures "It's three agencies of government after i make it happen which are gone: Commerce, Education and -- the, uh -- what's the 3rd one there? Let's see ..." Perry stated. "Commerce, Education, and -- uh. The, uh ..." Romney chimed in. "Environmental protection agency?" "Environmental protection agency! There you have it,Inch Perry stated having a laugh, trying once more to reply to: "I'd eliminate Education. The, uh, Commerce. And let's see. I'm able to't. The 3rd one, I'm able to't." About ten minutes later, he finally appreciated while responding to another question: "And incidentally, which was the United states doe I had been grabbing.Inch PHOTOS: Dems and Republicans' Favorite Movies Several people in Hollywood hit Twitter to respond to the candidates' comments instantly with a number of weets, with lots of making jokes concerning the candidates as well as their remarks. Included in this: The Talk co-host Aisha Tyler: -- Fortunately for Cain there's not a way he enter into more trouble. Virtually no time to slip the ladies whenever you're getting a Repub debate every 1.67 days. -- Fortunately basically miss this debate, there'll be one tomorrow at lunch. Do these folks not have access to jobs? -- Think I will blow from the CNBC Repub debate. I curently have a headache. Pleasure Behar, co-host from the View and also the Pleasure Behar Show: -- Huntsman is the only person around the Republican side capable of run for leader. Maybe that's why he has only 1 percentage. From the election. -- Does anybody understand a thing Perry states? -- [Mentioning to Cain's 999 plan] I question if nine nine nine more women can come out soon. -- [After Cain known as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi "Princess Nancy"]: Note to Cain:hands off Princess Nancy --That curl on Mitt's temple is turning me on. Make room, Elvis -- [Following the other staff' references to many candidates' flat tax plans]: The only real factor that's flat is Ron Perry's brain waves -- Doesn't Newt seem like Chuckie? -- OMG Perry is getting brain farts PHOTOS: 10 Artists Dems and Republicans Like to Hate Actor Steven Weber (Studio 60 around the Sunset Strip, Wings): -- Ron Perry'd better perform CPR on the choking Ron Santorum, which becomes an in-depth soul hug, if he wants to return to #1. -- Ron Perry: "And number 3---There's NO THIRD Factor!" #airpull -- Newt's windbaggery will really provide 1/3 of the united states's energy for just two of his four years of leader. #imhighonwhiteout -- Dibs on photos of Ron Perry weeping as an 11 years old beauty contest loser!!! -- I'm much brighter for watching the GOP debate and I think you'll are, too. Related Subjects CNBC Politics Bachmann Wanted Ron Perry Herman Cain Newt Gingrich 1 2 next last

Rister: Casting a precise net

Laura Rister"Build the cast and they will come," says Laura Rister, head of production at Untitled Entertainment and principal of Waterfall Media, the joint venture between Untitled and Cassian Elwes.It's hard to question Rister's philosophy. She knew she had to start finding a cast after reading J.C. Chandor's script "Margin Call," which she had gotten from Zachary Quinto's Before the Door Pictures in May 2009.A year later, Kevin Spacey, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci and Paul Bettany were on board and principal photography on Chandor's directorial debut had begun. Pic went on to close a number of key foreign territory deals during the American Film Market last November and was a hit at Sundance in January. (Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions acquired and released pic Oct. 21.)" 'Margin Call' is the kind of film that I said I wanted to be a part of when I left CNN to work in the film business," says Rister, former Miramax Films head of casting and a production/development exec. "It's strong material that has something to say, with terrific roles and a talented filmmaker who just needed a shot."Rister describes herself as a "hybrid" producer, who can package, cast, troubleshoot, help find financing and sell.During her 8 1/2-year tenure at Miramax, Rister says she wore many hats working in production. "I think that prepared me for being adaptive to any given project's needs."These days, Rister is moving nonstop. She is in post-production on Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal's directorial debut, "The Words," starring Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Irons and Olivia Wilde."I read the script 10 or so years ago at Miramax and I wanted to make it, but studios have a hard time supporting first-time filmmakers," she says. "Now I get to go with my gut instincts and make those decisions because I work at a company where I can chose when I want to make something and I have the resources and relationships to do it."Other projects in the works include Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman's "Lovelace," Ariel Vromen's "The Iceman" with Michael Shannon and "Scar Tissue," based in part on Anthony Kiedis' autobiography for FX.10 PRODUCERS TO WATCH 2011Jason Michael Berman | Borderline Films | Tyler Davidson & Sophia Lin | James Gay-Rees | Lawrence Inglee | Red Granite Pictures | Laura Rister | Jonathan Schwartz | Diarmid Scrimshaw | Kevin Walsh Contact Addie Morfoot at news@variety.com

Ask Matt: Walking Dead, Homeland, Revenge and More!

The Walking Dead Question: I am currently enjoying The Walking Dead and Homeland, both cable shows and therefore both with shorter seasons. However, after a couple of fast-moving episodes at the start, they've both come to a bit of a standstill. The Walking Dead has basically been stuck at the same place for the last couple of episodes, and Homeland now feels like they don't know what to do between the start of the story and the eventual reveal of Brody's intentions. So what I don't understand is, given that they're more limited in the number of episodes they have per season, why are they trying to drag out the storylines? Moreover, if The Walking Dead continues to go at this pace, how are they going to explain the impending puberty/growth spurt of Chandler Riggs (like Malcolm David Kelley's Walt on Lost)? - JoeMatt Roush: I've heard a few complaints on the lines of "nothing much is happening" on Walking Dead - though this is the first such gripe I've heard about Homeland (so far) - and in both cases, I just don't see it. (And this came in before Sunday's episode of Homeland, where the relationship of Carrie and Brody took a major twist, so bear in mind that when showing impatience toward a series, you never know when it will take off again.) Even with the abbreviated number of episodes per season typical of a cable series, I am OK with narratives unfolding at their own pace, as long as the show can sustain tension (or at least our interest) through character, and I find both Dead and Homeland excel at that. While it's true the Dead survivors have hit a major speed bump with little Carl's injury and little Sophia's disappearance, that to me is the opposite of a "standstill." We've met new characters at Hershel's farm, and Shane had his harrowing misadventure at the high school. I have been riveted throughout. Ditto for Homeland, which for me is as much about the psychopathology of Carrie and how that will affect the investigation as it is about eventually getting to the truth of Brody. Plus, we're only halfway through the season. How quickly do you need the reveals to come when the characters and the situation are this compelling? If the individual episodes weren't satisfying me, then maybe I would share your concern. But for me, these are two of the very best shows operating right now, and I'm not in the least frustrated in the ways the stories are playing out. Regarding Chandler Riggs: I'll worry about his growth spurt when it happens.Want more Matt Roush? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!Question: I always love reading each week about your thoughts on TV viewing. I know you have had lukewarm thoughts about it, but I am finding myself really surprised at how much I love Revenge each week. Similarly, I am surprised at how disappointed I have been with Up All Night, Pan Am and Terra Nova, which I had thought would become new weekly favorites. So it got me wondering what has surprised and disappointed you this season so far from what you had expected at the beginning of the season? - RobMatt Roush: I think it's fair to say I wasn't expecting Revenge to become such a satisfying guilty pleasure. It has begun to mix things up a bit more lately, with some intriguing new characters and threats, and Emily/Amanda isn't quite as infallible as she seemed at the start - though why in the world a prison warden is in on her scheme just reminds us that credibility is not one of the show's assets. Conversely, I'm struggling to stay involved with the CW's glossy but plodding Ringer, which I thought would be a juicier mystery soap. I haven't changed my initial opinions on most of the fall shows - 2 Broke Girls sometimes still makes me laugh despite myself, but its crudeness makes me regret I broke it out in our "shows to watch" feature - but I would single out Pan Am as my greatest disappointment. I love the look of the show, but expected more fun and excitement from its jet-setting, which has turned out to be rather bland and generic (the cast in particular). I'm enjoying Terra Nova for what it is: a square, rather corny sci-fi family adventure with incredible production values. And I'll give Up All Night more time to figure out the balance between its domestic comedy (which I enjoy) and the workplace humor (which I mostly don't). I like the characters, but it's always going to take a back seat on Wednesdays to ABC's comedies, which have been on fire this season, especially The Middle. And the pilot in which I saw the most room for improvement, NBC's Prime Suspect, has lived up to its promise in every way but the ratings.Question: Having read and enjoyed Kate Atkinson's Case Histories, I was naturally concerned that the movie made from it would not live up to expectations, as is usually the case with adaptations of novels. I was more than pleasantly surprised, then, at how good it and its sequels were [on Masterpiece Mystery!]. In particular, Jason Isaacs made Jackson Brodie come alive for me more than he ever did on the printed page. Since I remember him primarily as the gangster brother on Brotherhood and Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies, his characterization of Brodie came as a complete (and welcome) surprise. Please tell me they have plans to continue this series with Atkinson's most recent Jackson Brodie novel. - RickMatt Roush: There have been reports of a second series, but much will depend on how Jason Isaacs' risky new midseason drama Awake performs for NBC. He's as terrific in this as he is as Brodie, and if NBC can defy the odds and make a success of Awake, that would make the timing of any future Brodie movies problematic. But should Awake not go past the first season, then getting more of these Case Histories would be a most agreeable consolation prize. In the meantime, if you missed these three films on PBS, Acorn Media is releasing them on DVD on Tuesday.Question: In the October 31 episode of Castle, a reference was made to an address on Cascadilla Street in Ithaca, NY. I was born on Cascadilla Street in Ithaca! Would you be able to find out why this reference was made? Our local paper has asked if anyone knows why! Thank you. - GayMatt Roush: Sometimes an address is just an address, but in this case there's a cute back story, courtesy of the show's executive producer, Andrew Marlowe, who generously offers this explanation: "The episode's writer, Terence Paul Winter, picked the Ithaca address as a silly valentine to our 'shipper' fans. It's a play on the 'Caskett' portmanteau [as in Castle-Beckett for non-shippers]. Father McCaskey gives Castle and Beckett the address on Cascadilla Street. As wonderful of a city as Ithaca is, Terence chose it for its driving distance from NY City and for the Casketty name of one of its streets."Question: Ever since Chicago Hope and ER debuted at the same time, I've been wondering this question: Why do similar shows debut at the same time? This year we have had '60s-era Pan Am and The Playboy Club. Also, Grimm and Once Upon a Time. I remember that 30 Rock and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip also premiered the same season. It just seems like such a bad strategy from the networks. If the executives know that a similar show is slated for another network, why would they want to compete? Wouldn't they want something original and thereby having no fear that their audience will be split? Thanks, and I read you all the time! - AphroditeMatt Roush: This is just the way TV development works. Projects percolate on separate tracks, and sometimes there's just something in the gestalt that results in period pieces being hot one season, or shows about TV, or medical shows (which tend to come around nearly every year). I'm not that surprised about the simultaneous arrival of multiple shows set in the '60s, given that Mad Men generated so much cultural buzz (regardless of its actual ratings). And the fairy-tale projects couldn't be more different, which unlike the '60s dramas, seem to have struck a chord in an audience seeking escapism. But speaking practically, even when a network becomes aware of similar shows in competitors' pipelines, who's to say that all of them will make it to air, and even if there are multiples, success depends more on execution than premise, and you never know when one will be an ER-style breakthrough. What was really crazy about the ER-Chicago Hope situation was that they were initially scheduled opposite each other in the same Thursday time period (didn't take long for CBS to blink on that one). And with 30 Rock-Studio 60, it was peculiar to have both shows airing on the same network, though their approaches were not at all similar (and we know which one lasted).Question: What are your thoughts on Hell on Wheels? I know it's kind of silly to hold something against a show because of the network carrying it. Last year, I would have checked it out simply because AMC airs so much other great programming. But this year, given the very public creative and contractual issues with the show-runners of their three biggest hit shows, and even the split with the creator of Rubicon, I'm not sure if I want to commit to another show that, in success, will likely be screwed around with by its incompetent network. The only hit AMC has on its hands that it has not had public disputes with is The Killing, and I am still so utterly offended by the finale, and Veena Sud and AMC's total lack of regard for why the finale annoyed so many people, that it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It's not so much the actual finale itself, which I am more or less resigned to, but the fact that Sud's response to those who didn't like it was basically "We were trying to be different; the show is not for everyone," instead of acknowledging the issues it had and moving on. The network's half-apology-but-not-really of managing expectations incorrectly was annoying, too. Any one of these issues would have been easy to overlook, but together, they're making me doubt the "Story Matters Here" mantra, and I'm not sure why I should get attached to another show the network is just going to send down the tubes. Talk about brand dilution. - JakeMatt Roush: There's a real danger in approaching any show critically on anything but its own merits. In that regard, I find Hell on Wheels lacking for a number of reasons I articulated last week, none of which had to do with AMC itself. Context is important, and we might be more inclined to give shows on certain networks the benefit of the doubt (or not) depending on their track record and our individual tastes, but when watching the five episodes of Wheels made available before premiere, I gave no thought at all to the various public-relations messes the network has experienced this year. But then, I found the brouhaha over The Killing finale in particular way overblown (although I agree Veena Sud did herself no favor in her media interviews; just letting the work speak for itself might have been the best road). This year, AMC at times has felt like a victim of its own success, but when you consider the ongoing quality of shows like Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead, I'm still waiting for any of these messy business issues to bleed into the creative. And I can forgive them the occasional clunker like Rubicon and Hell on Wheels (which for all I know will do well, despite many critics' reservations). No network is perfect, and if you can't keep an open mind about such things, you could miss the next gem like this summer's Awkward (easily the best thing to emerge from MTV in ages).Question: I'm a Fringe fan. My question is twofold: Is this year really going to be about Peter? (Seems like it's still about Olivia.) Will we ever see any Nina, Astrid and Broyles-centric full episodes? I love Anna Torv, but Fringe hasn't yet given meaty stories to their amazing supporting cast. I think Anna Torv is being stretched pretty thin and I would love the EP's to spread the storytelling load on all their actors and not just Anna Torv. I can see why she wants the show to end after five years. They seem to have drifted away from the wonderful dynamic of Olivia + Peter + Walter to just Olivia. - SAMatt Roush: This question came in before last Friday's episode, but wasn't it obvious that until Peter came back into the world, Olivia (and to a lesser extent, a less-than-whole Walter) would be the focus of the early episodes? And now that he is, it's pretty clear to me that the Olivia-Peter-Walter axis is still the core of the show. Fringe boldly changes things up season to season, which is one of the many things I love about it. And while I don't know if there will be episodes with a particular focus on Nina or Astrid or Broyles (or Lincoln Lee, for that matter) - of all shows, this is one I keep blinders on regarding future events - I can't say I'm pining for that unless there's a good reason. (Even Skinner got his occasional big episodes on The X-Files, so anything is possible.) There is plenty of mystery to explore on this show, and plenty of characters to service along the way. But Olivia is and always will be the centerpiece, with the Bishops adding such anguished heart.Question: I was wondering if you could tell me if American Dad! is going on hiatus starting mid-season 2012, or if it will stay on the Fox schedule at 9:30 on Sundays. There are two different versions of the mid-season schedule on the Fox site. The one schedule that came out at the upfronts doesn't have American Dad! listed at all, but on a different section of the site, there is a schedule that was posted at a later date that has American Dad! listed at 9:30. I emailed Fox to ask them this same question, but I never received a reply, so I was curious if you knew the answer. American Dad! is my absolute favorite of any show on broadcast and cable, and I would love it if new episodes continued to air in January/February of 2012. - JenMatt Roush: Nothing has been officially announced yet, but to avoid confusion in future, here's a rule of thumb: Don't put much stock in any of Fox's announcements about midseason that are made during the May upfronts; those are always wildly subject to change. The more recent schedule is the most likely, with Napoleon Dynamite and Bob's Burgers sharing the 8:30/7:30 time period at different points of the midseason, leaving American Dad! at 9:30/8:30c, at least for now. But again, until the actual premiere dates are set and officially announced, none of this is set in stone.Question: I am surprised how much I am liking Law & Order: SVU this season. I think the two new characters add fresh appeal, and the fact that Olivia is working through being without her partner of so long makes it really good. I am not sure how long, or if Mariska Hargitay is sticking around, but I am enjoying it while the cast is like it is. Not that I would not have liked Christopher Meloni to be around had it worked out with his contract. I have given them over a decade of viewing, so I am not going to stop because one guy left. I gave ER all 15. Guess I am a low-maintenance viewer! - AmyMatt Roush: And also very loyal - which is very refreshing (although I'll admit I bailed on ER long before season 15). As is the case with most shows of this sort, I run hot and cold on SVU, but I thought the episodes with T.R. Knight and most recently with Andre Braugher were very strong - and while the characters played by Kelli Giddish and Danny Pino combined don't really make up for the loss of Stabler, they're certainly pulling their weight this season.Question: Don't you think Halloween was a bad night to premiere a new show like Rock Center With Brian Williams? Then again, maybe NBC wanted an excuse if ratings were low. - Island Snoopy [from Twitter]Matt Roush: It wasn't optimum, to be sure, but in this case, given the rather hasty turnaround to get the show ready to fill Playboy Club's Monday slot, keeping expectations low was no doubt the right move. It was a modest (being generous) start to a modest opener, which really could have used a blockbuster "get" out of the gate, but NBC and Comcast is taking the long view when it comes to Rock Center's ratings. Now the show just needs to start making the kind of noise with its stories to make it look like something other than an extension of the evening news.That's all for now. Keep sending your comments and questions to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com, and in the meantime, follow me on Twitter!Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Rhianna Launches the Born By Doing This Foundation

Rhianna Rhianna is adding another role to her résumé : philanthropist. The 25-year-old singer introduced Wednesday that they is starting the Born By Doing This Foundation together with her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, MTV News reviews.Take a look at photos of Lady GagaThe foundation, that takes its title from Gaga's hit single and album, aims to help inspire youthful people. "My mother and that i have started an interest project," Gaga stated. "Together hopefully to determine a typical of bravery and kindness, in addition to a community worldwide that safeguards and helps produce others when confronted with bullying and abandonment."Concentrating on "youth empowerment and equality...through coaching and career development," the building blocks will partner using the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the California Endowment and also the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard College.

Scarlett Johansson on Nude Photos: It's Not Like I Was Shooting a Porno

Scarlett Johansson Scarlett Johansson knows how to take naked pictures and she doesn't mind talking about it.Speaking out about her nude photo-hacking scandal last month, Johansson tells Vanity Fair that they were meant for her then-husband Ryan Reynolds and she's not ashamed of them."I know my best angles," she says of the pics of her posing in front of a mirror and lying topless in bed. "They were sent to my husband. There's nothing wrong with that. It's not like I was shooting a porno."Man charged with hacking e-mails of Scarlett Johansson, Mila Kunis and othersShe adds: "Although there's nothing wrong with that either."Christopher Chaney, 35, was arrested last month in connection to the hacking. Authorities said Chaney also hacked into the e-mail accounts of Christina Aguilera and Mila Kunis, among others. He has been charged with hacking, wiretapping and aggravated identity theft.

All's Faire in Love: Film Review

NY - An astonishingly bad comedy that hardly merits booking on bottom-tier cable, Scott Marshall's All's Faire in Love sneaks into theaters a couple of years after production, presumably in hopes of grabbing a few quick bucks from star Christina Ricci's Pan Am exposure. One imagines Ricci's agents are praying for its quick disappearance. Their prayers will be answered. STORY: 'Pan Am' Star Christina Ricci Explains Why She Boarded the ABC Series We meet Ricci's Kate in a job interview that ends when, inexplicably, she strips out of her business suit and changes into a flowered dress. It seems she's always dreamed of working at a Renaissance Faire, and the capitalist intensity of a Wall Street interview has finally pushed her toward her destiny. At the Faire she meets Will (Owen Benjamin), a college jock whose English Lit professor (Cedric the Entertainer) has offered to give him credit for a class he never attended if he'll submit to a summer of mock-peasantry. Viewers who find that premise tough to swallow should head for the exit before Will meets his tormentor, Rank (a desperately unfunny Chris Wylde), and Rank's three sidekicks -- a French dwarf, a cartoonish Chinaman and a Mexican oaf named Jamón. PHOTOS: ABC's New Season TV Shows: 'Pan Am,' 'Charlie's Angels' and More From the opening credits -- an animated sequence so crude a junior-high art student would be ashamed of it -- to a climax in which Kate's dog is taken hostage with a crossbow, there's not an ounce of mirth in this parade of ghastly accents, tin-eared romantic montages and dime-store knavery. Even a director whose last film was the Jessica Simpson bomb Blonde Ambition might worry that this is a career-killer. Opens: October 28 (MGM, Regal Entertainment exclusive) Production companies: Patriot Pictures, Duke of York Pictures, That's Hollywood Cast: Christina Ricci, Owen Benjamin, Matthew Lillard, Ann-Margret, Chris Wylde, Nadine Velazquez, Cedric the Entertainer Director: Scott Marshall Screenwriters: Scott Marshall, Jeffrey Ray Wine Producers: Michael Mendelsohn, Ron Singer, Scott Reed Executive producers: Randy Mendelsohn, Mark Lindsay Director of photography: Mark Irwin Production designer: John Collins Music: Jeff Cardoni, Julian Jackson Costume designer: Gary Jones Editors: Josh Muscatine, Tara Timpone Rated PG-13, 107 minutes Ann-Margaret Christina Ricci

Damages Taps Ryan Phillippe for Season 5

Ryan Phillippe Ryan Phillippe has signed on for your fifth and final season of Damages, TVLine.com reviews. Phillippe may have a Julian Assange-esque character inside the year, which will pit Glenn Close's Patty Hewes against Rose Byrne's Ellen Parsons. In this situation, his character uses Ellen for help. See the relaxation of current day news Phillippe, whose film roles include Crash, I Realize Everything You Did Last Summer season and Cruel Intentions, hasn't stood a regular TV gig since his days as Billy Douglas on one Existence to reside in. Damages is predicted to premiere its final season next summer season on DirecTV.

UPDATE: Universal Halts Tower Heist VOD Plan As Participants Accept Further Talks

UPDATE, 12:25 PM: The resolution from the spat between Universal and theater proprietors uses per week of the items we’re told were “dozens and tons” of phone conversations exhibition company chiefs had with Universal Galleries leader Ron Meyer and chairman Adam Fogelson.Some theater proprietors were surprised today once they learned ofUniversal’s decisionto scrap the premium video-on-demand test out Tower Heist. The exhibition companies hadn't made aspecific concession, though Cinemark was became a member of by a number of more compact circuits and National Activity in saying it wouldn't screen the film when the VOD plan — looking for two metropolitan areas, Atlanta and Tigard, Ore. — went forward. However it’s considered significant the statement in the National Association Of Theatre Proprietors states the trade group “recognizes that galleries must find new models and possibilities in your home market, and appears toward marketers and participants cooperating for his or her mutual benefit.” each side decided to keep speaking: (Washington, D.C. and North Hollywood, Calif. October 12, 2011) In reaction to Universals decision to cancel its planned discharge of Tower Heist towards the home on Video when needed just three days after its theatrical debut, National Association of Theatre Proprietors leader and Boss John Fithian mentioned, NATO want to thank Universal for reacting to numerous theater proprietors’ concerns and rescheduling the PVOD test drive it was considering. They've been engaged with individual participants about this test, even though it had been something which many theater proprietors couldn't ultimately support, outdoors and collaborative character from the dialogue is appreciated. NATO sees that galleries must find new models and possibilities in your home market, and appears toward marketers and participants cooperating for his or her mutual benefit.” EARLIER: La, CA, October 12, 2011Universal Pictures today introduced that in reaction to some request from theater proprietors, it's made the decision to obstruct its planned premium home video when needed (PVOD) experiment by which Comcast digital customers in Tigard and Atlanta might have had the chance to rent TOWER HEIST when needed just three days after its theatrical release on November 4, 2011. Universal is constantly on the think that the theater experience along with a PVOD window are business models that may coincide and thrive and that we anticipate dealing with our partners in exhibition to try to experiment in this region later on.

Keith Olbermann's Current TV Announces Show With Former Michigan Governor

Current TV is beginning a completely new primetime program situated by former Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm.our editor indicates Rob Zucker Praises Keith Olbermann Unveils Their Very Own Plans Keith Olbermann Jams 'Very Stupid' Sarah Palin, Jokes About Anthony Weiner PHOTOS: Keith Olbermann's Famous Feuds The War Room With Jennifer Granholm premieres within the month of the month of january 2012. PHOTOS: The Hollywood Reporter Cover Tales It'll air after Countdown With Keith Obermann at 9 p.m. ET. and also have election commentary. PHOTOS: Most likely Probably The Most Spoken-About TV News Faces Related Subjects Keith Olbermann

Cinemark goes nuclear, boycotts 'Tower Heist'

'Tower Heist'For the first time since the premium-video-on-demand debate flared up in March, an exhibitor is fighting back with the nuclear option: Cinemark on Thursday announced it would not show "Tower Heist" over Universal's decision to offer the film on PVOD three weeks after its theatrical bow.U announced Wednesday that it had partnered with Comcast to offer "Tower Heist," which opens Nov. 4, on PVOD less than 30 days later for $60 in two markets: Portland, Ore., and Atlanta. While U didn't specify the date Comcast customers could watch the film, the three-week window that Cinemark specified would make the title available over the Thanksgiving holiday."If Universal Pictures moves forward with its 'Tower Heist' premium video-on-demand offering as announced, Cinemark has determined, in its best business interests, that it will decline to exhibit this film in its theatres," Cinemark Holdings, Inc., said in a statement.Presuming Cinemark plans to boycott the title across its entire chain, that would represent about 10% of total screens in the U.S. U declined to comment on the development.It's not clear how much impact Cinemark alone would have on the film's B.O., though a chain-wide boycott could lead to other exhibs, specifically AMC and Regal, to threaten the same. (Regal and AMC are the nation's top two theater chains, respectively; neither immediately responded to requests for comment.)While no exhibitor has yet followed through with an outright boycott over PVOD, some overseas theater owners previously threatened to pull "Alice in Wonderland" from plexes when Disney announced last year it would offer the film on DVD after 12 weeks, rather than the traditional 16 or 17 weeks.Those exhibs, primarily in the U.K., eventually backed down; Disney compromised with a 90-day window instead.According to sources, U plans to compensate exhibs for any losses incurred due to the PVOD trial; compensation will be limited to those two markets where Comcast will make the film available. It did not, however, specify how the amount of those losses might be determined. (Marc Graser contributed to this report). Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

Ricky Gervais Golden Globes return planned

Ricky Gervais' controversy-packed presentation of this year's Golden Globes was one of our favourite moments of 2011.And it looks like we'll be getting more of the same in 2012, albeit in a very different format.Writing for the Wall Street Journal, Gervais revealed: "I don't think I should host the Golden Globes again, even if I'm asked and that is very unlikely, to be honest..."But because of the greatest thing about our society, freedom of speech, I can still host the Golden Globes, or any event on the planet."I am working with a Californian technology company on a live webcast idea."People watch their TV at the same time as listening to me and a few chums provide our own alternative commentary.""This is not to steal anyone's thunder, or disrupt pleasant society. It's simply a new horizon. And for its own sake."I have no idea if it will work but I didn't know if podcasting would work back in 2005 when I launched The Ricky Gervais Show."I didn't particularly care either. I was doing it for a laugh. There are not many better reasons to do anything."We can't wait. After all, Gervais had to run his jokes past the Golden Globes producers last year, and he still made headlines around the world.What will he come out with if he's completely unfettered by any kind of censorship?Also, 'me and a few chums' makes us think that Karl Pilkington will be involved in the webcast at some point.Karl Pilkington hosting the Golden Globes? Now that's something we'd pay to see. Or listen to.

'A Bird of the Air' Star Jackson Hurst Soars Toward His Dreams

'A Bird of the Air' Star Jackson Hurst Soars Toward His Dreams By Melinda Loewenstein October 5, 2011 Photo by Vanni Natola Jackson Hurst Slow and steady wins the racethat is the philosophy businessman-turned-actor Jackson Hurst, currently starring in Lifetime Television's "Drop Dead Diva," used to launch his second career. A Texas native, Hurst began acting in junior high and continued until he found himself pulled in too many directions in college. "I decided the 'smart' route would be to pursue academics and get my business degree, and if I still couldn't stay away from the acting, then I would pursue it," he reveals. After graduation, he began his career in business, but he also immediately started doing independent films. He juggled the two careers as long as he could, but when he was offered a role in Frank Darabont's "The Mist" and he had used up all his vacation time working on other films, he met a fork in the road. He "realized it was a sign that [he] had to pursue acting." So he quit his job, packed up everything that fit in his car, and moved to Austin.Patience Pays Off Working regionally wasn't always easy. "You're not going to be able to make a living in theater and film and television living in Texas or living in a lot of regions," he says. In addition to the economic struggle, Hurst was frustrated by the lack of satisfying roles. "Roles that would cast in the area would be the smaller roles that they had budgeted for scale or for regional actors. So that's the toughest part, because you wouldn't get the best roles and you wouldn't make that much money," he notes. Hurst feels that's one of the hardest things about acting for a beginner: "When you're not able to pay your bills and you are struggling for moneythat is a tough place to be in when you constantly doubt yourself. As a struggling actor, the toughest thing [is] constantly keeping confidence in yourself, to push forward even though you know that you may not be able to pay the bills next month."Even though working regionally was challenging, Hurst feels the ease of his transition from regional to L.A. was due to his patience. He says, "I didn't want to be another statistic coming out to L.A. Sometimes it was very difficult to stay patient staying in Austin, but I made myself do it before I got some good projects under my belt, like 'The Tree of Life' and 'Living Proof.' " Hurst stresses that gaining experience on set is invaluable: "I would just sit back, close my mouth, and observe." Working regionally gave him opportunities that he might not have had in L.A., like working with directors Terrence Malick and Robert Rodriguez.The experience led to more work. His producers on "Living Proof," Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, approached Hurst about the role of the love interest Grayson on "Drop Dead Diva," a legal fantasy-drama for Lifetime. After shooting the pilot and seeing the finished product, he had a great feeling about it and decided it was time to make the leap to L.A.Thriving on Challenges Early in his work on "Drop Dead Diva," which just completed its third season, Hurst had a discussion with the producers about his character: "They absolutely had a vision for where they would take him. He was going to go through hell, and that's what I liked. I like the challenge." And if Grayson isn't evolving from episode to episode, Hurst figures out a way to make him evolve. "I hate that feeling of being stagnant," Hurst explains. "Because getting in here and doing a badass scene where everything comes together, you can't duplicate that feeling. It's the best feeling on the planet. And I'd say [for] most people the reason they do [act] is because of that."While doing press for "Drop Dead Diva" in NY, Hurst met with Amanda Mackey, who was casting "A Bird of the Air" (formerly "The Loop"), a quirky romantic comedy about a solitary man breaking out of his shell by connecting with a parrot. She pitched him the project and sent him the script, which he fell in love with. " 'A Bird of the Air' was a life-changing experience," says Hurst. Initially, there's not a lot of dialogue for Hurst's character, Lyman, but he says, "I liked the fact that he didn't talk a lot because I wanted to be able to express what Lyman was going through just in the eyes. I think that's crucial, and I don't feel like you see a whole lot of that these days. It's a natural inclination for an actor to want to overdo it and want to talk a lot and want to express a lot of facial expressions. It was difficult at times, but once I really got into Lyman's skin it started to come a little easier. It's a role that made me really look at myself and dig really deep within myself and also take a collection of so many facets of other people's lives and make them part of my own." Another great aspect of the film was working with the birds. "It was fun; it was sometimes even easier than working with the humans," he notes. "There were actually three different birds. Each one was able to do different tricks." Hurst prepared by hanging out with birds and getting used to handling them. "An animal respects you if you are very much in control, and it's the same thing with the bird. I definitely bloodied up my hands a few times, but it's all part of the fun."Lessons Learned When Hurst was starting his acting career, he didn't get a lot of tips. He says he mostly heard " 'Why would you quit a high-paying corporate job to go pursue something that's completely unreliable?' " But that taught him to ignore the negativity and figure things out for himself. One of the most important things he learned was to stay focused. He says that "means you study and you stay away from stuff that is going to distract you. Everything that you do should be moving you towards your goal." And don't give up: "If it's truly what you're meant to do and what you feel is your destiny, you cannot give up. You do whatever it takes to make it happen because the odds of it eventually happening are very high. It's like the more you play the lottery, every time you play, the probability of you winning goes up. I'm a perfect example of that. I was in dire straits; I was in a bad placeemotionally, mentally, physicallyfor a while, and I cleaned my shit up and I went after it and made it happen. And I think anybody can do it." 'A Bird of the Air' Star Jackson Hurst Soars Toward His Dreams By Melinda Loewenstein October 5, 2011 Jackson Hurst PHOTO CREDIT Vanni Natola Slow and steady wins the racethat is the philosophy businessman-turned-actor Jackson Hurst, currently starring in Lifetime Television's "Drop Dead Diva," used to launch his second career. A Texas native, Hurst began acting in junior high and continued until he found himself pulled in too many directions in college. "I decided the 'smart' route would be to pursue academics and get my business degree, and if I still couldn't stay away from the acting, then I would pursue it," he reveals. After graduation, he began his career in business, but he also immediately started doing independent films. He juggled the two careers as long as he could, but when he was offered a role in Frank Darabont's "The Mist" and he had used up all his vacation time working on other films, he met a fork in the road. He "realized it was a sign that [he] had to pursue acting." So he quit his job, packed up everything that fit in his car, and moved to Austin.Patience Pays Off Working regionally wasn't always easy. "You're not going to be able to make a living in theater and film and television living in Texas or living in a lot of regions," he says. In addition to the economic struggle, Hurst was frustrated by the lack of satisfying roles. "Roles that would cast in the area would be the smaller roles that they had budgeted for scale or for regional actors. So that's the toughest part, because you wouldn't get the best roles and you wouldn't make that much money," he notes. Hurst feels that's one of the hardest things about acting for a beginner: "When you're not able to pay your bills and you are struggling for moneythat is a tough place to be in when you constantly doubt yourself. As a struggling actor, the toughest thing [is] constantly keeping confidence in yourself, to push forward even though you know that you may not be able to pay the bills next month."Even though working regionally was challenging, Hurst feels the ease of his transition from regional to L.A. was due to his patience. He says, "I didn't want to be another statistic coming out to L.A. Sometimes it was very difficult to stay patient staying in Austin, but I made myself do it before I got some good projects under my belt, like 'The Tree of Life' and 'Living Proof.' " Hurst stresses that gaining experience on set is invaluable: "I would just sit back, close my mouth, and observe." Working regionally gave him opportunities that he might not have had in L.A., like working with directors Terrence Malick and Robert Rodriguez.The experience led to more work. His producers on "Living Proof," Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, approached Hurst about the role of the love interest Grayson on "Drop Dead Diva," a legal fantasy-drama for Lifetime. After shooting the pilot and seeing the finished product, he had a great feeling about it and decided it was time to make the leap to L.A.Thriving on Challenges Early in his work on "Drop Dead Diva," which just completed its third season, Hurst had a discussion with the producers about his character: "They absolutely had a vision for where they would take him. He was going to go through hell, and that's what I liked. I like the challenge." And if Grayson isn't evolving from episode to episode, Hurst figures out a way to make him evolve. "I hate that feeling of being stagnant," Hurst explains. "Because getting in here and doing a badass scene where everything comes together, you can't duplicate that feeling. It's the best feeling on the planet. And I'd say [for] most people the reason they do [act] is because of that."While doing press for "Drop Dead Diva" in NY, Hurst met with Amanda Mackey, who was casting "A Bird of the Air" (formerly "The Loop"), a quirky romantic comedy about a solitary man breaking out of his shell by connecting with a parrot. She pitched him the project and sent him the script, which he fell in love with. " 'A Bird of the Air' was a life-changing experience," says Hurst. Initially, there's not a lot of dialogue for Hurst's character, Lyman, but he says, "I liked the fact that he didn't talk a lot because I wanted to be able to express what Lyman was going through just in the eyes. I think that's crucial, and I don't feel like you see a whole lot of that these days. It's a natural inclination for an actor to want to overdo it and want to talk a lot and want to express a lot of facial expressions. It was difficult at times, but once I really got into Lyman's skin it started to come a little easier. It's a role that made me really look at myself and dig really deep within myself and also take a collection of so many facets of other people's lives and make them part of my own." Another great aspect of the film was working with the birds. "It was fun; it was sometimes even easier than working with the humans," he notes. "There were actually three different birds. Each one was able to do different tricks." Hurst prepared by hanging out with birds and getting used to handling them. "An animal respects you if you are very much in control, and it's the same thing with the bird. I definitely bloodied up my hands a few times, but it's all part of the fun."Lessons Learned When Hurst was starting his acting career, he didn't get a lot of tips. He says he mostly heard " 'Why would you quit a high-paying corporate job to go pursue something that's completely unreliable?' " But that taught him to ignore the negativity and figure things out for himself. One of the most important things he learned was to stay focused. He says that "means you study and you stay away from stuff that is going to distract you. Everything that you do should be moving you towards your goal." And don't give up: "If it's truly what you're meant to do and what you feel is your destiny, you cannot give up. You do whatever it takes to make it happen because the odds of it eventually happening are very high. It's like the more you play the lottery, every time you play, the probability of you winning goes up. I'm a perfect example of that. I was in dire straits; I was in a bad placeemotionally, mentally, physicallyfor a while, and I cleaned my shit up and I went after it and made it happen. And I think anybody can do it."

Netflix And Showtime Eye Potential New Arrested Development Limited Series

Up-to-date: Arrested Development creator Mitch Hurtwitz dropped another bombshell today, telling a panel within the NYer Festival he expects to create the Emmy-winning series to television for just about any limited 9-10 episode run before proceeding while using extended-gestating Arrested Development movie. He didn’t specify where the potential series would air since it doesn’t always have to work on Fox, which moved the mothership series. I have discovered that last century Fox TV, which co-produced Arrested Development with Imagine TV, has received talks with Netflix, that's been around the quest for original programming, and Showtime, whose new entertainment leader David Nevins shepherded Arrested Development when he went Imagine TV. 20th TV declined comment. According to participants within the panel, where Hurwitz was grew to become an associate of by series stars Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, Portia p Rossi, Michael Cera, Tony Hale, Jeffrey Tambor, David Mix, Alia Shawkat and Jessica Walter, Hurwitz organized his plan to have each installment focus on someone else within the Bluth clan. Bateman later considered in round the announcement on Twitter. “It’s true,” he written. “We can do 10 episodes as well as the movie. Probably shoot these together next summer season for just about any release noisy . 󈧑. VERY excited!” Which will mean beginning the follow-up limited series round the tenth anniversary in the original, which opened up in 2003.

Andrea Wong Tapped As President Of Intl Production At Sony Pictures TV & President International At Sony Pictures Entertainment

EXCLUSIVE: After a year and a half away from the spotlight, Andrea Wong is rejoining the executive ranks with top international positions at Sony Pictures Entertainment. The former CEO of Lifetime, who had been rumored for virtually every high-profile TV executive job that became available in the past 18 months, has been named President of International Production for Sony Pictures Television and President of International for SPE. She will be based in London. In her SPT position, Wong will head the studios international TV production business, reporting to SPT president Steve Mosko. She will oversee SPT’s 15 owned and joint venture international production companies. Wong will shepherd the development of new formats as well as the local adaptations of SPT-owned formats, primarily on the unscripted side. The studio’s library of reality formats, which was boosted by the 2008 acquisition of Dutch company 2waytraffic, includes Who Whats To Be A Millionaire?, Dragon’s Den and Pyramid. Additionally, SPT has been setting up local versions of its daytime talk show Dr. Oz and some of its library sitcoms, including The Nanny, Married… with Children and Everybody Loves Raymond. It was Wong’s successful tenure as head of alternative and late night at ABC, where she developed such hit franchises as The Bachelor, Dancing With the Stars and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, that was key in landing her the SPT job, which is skewed heavily towards reality. Andreas business acumen and her role in developing successful unscripted programming like Dancing with the Stars, and The Bachelor, make her a perfect fit for SPT, Mosko said. Wong replaces Kees Abrahams who is stepping down as president of international production for SPT. Abrahams, former CEO of 2waytraffic, had been overseeing SPT’s international production operations since 2waytraffic’s acquisition. Kees’ entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental to the growth of our television production business internationally and we thank him for all of his efforts, Mosko said. Added Kees, “I think it is now time for me to pursue some new commercial opportunities, and I wish Sony well.” As President of International for Sony Pictures Entertainment, a newly created position, Wong will serve as SPE’s liaison oversees on matters related to international production, reporting to SPE chairman and CEO Michael Lynton and co-chairman Amy Pascal. SPE currently has offices in 39 territories. Wong will be tasked with championing internationally SPE’s business and political agendas, working closely with various corporate groups such as Government Affairs group based in Culver City as well as SPE’s other business units. “Andrea will be an important ambassador for Sony Pictures in the international marketplace, Lynton said. Added Wong, “There has never been a better time to be globally focused and I look forward to collaborating with Sony’s strong creative team to build and produce great programming worldwide.” Wong, who serves on the board of Liberty Media Corp., segued from her highly successful turn as EVP alternative programming, specials and late night at ABC to a rocky 3-year stint as president and CEO of Lifetime Networks, which ended when the company was taken over by A&E Television Networks last year. During her tenure there, Wong oversaw the launch of Lifetime’s flagship drama series Army Wives and orchestrated the high-profile acquisition of Project Runway, but wasn’t able to stem the cable network’s ratings erosion.

Watch Transformers 3 Dark Of The Moon Movie Online

Bizzers ready for Emmy's last lap

The limos are warming up, hair is being coiffed and makeup applied as bizzers gear up for the last lap of Emmy season.Making the rounds of pre-Emmy parties on Saturday, Emmycast exec producer Mark Burnett promised that tonight's three-hour show from the Nokia Theater will be unlike any of the previous 62 Emmy fetes."It's looking a lot like the MTV Video Music Awards," Burnett said with a mischievous grin Saturday night at theEvening Before before fundraising event in Century City.Expect a youthful infusion of talent and plenty of stunts that will be talked about into the wee hours of Monday, Burnett added. As for those Internet rumors that Charlie Sheen will be making a surprise appearance on the telecast, Burnett would only say: "You know me. What do you think?"In a sign that the showbiz economy is on the upswing, Emmy weekend was definitely busier than it has been in the past few years, and the mood among industryites is hopeful. WME packed 'em in on Friday night at its sprawling party at Milk Studios in Hollywood, which marked the percentery's first large-scale pre-Emmy bash since WMA and Endeavor tied the knot in 2009. With so many top execs, agents and creatives together under one (spacious) roof, undoubtedly some business got done, or at least started, there.ICM hosted an intimate gathering Friday on the roof the London West Hollywood (even the balmy weather cooperated). "Modern Family's" Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson had quite the receiving line of fans who wished them well as they go up against each other and fellow co-stars Ty Burrell and Ed O'Neill for supporting comedy actor honors.Saturday's soirees included Showtime's poolside party at Skybar and NBCUniversal's blow-out at Spago, which served up enough Godiva chocolates to sink a battleship and macarons in every color of the Peacock's plume (and then some). Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

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Damsels in Distress

'Damsels in Distress'A The brand new the new sony Pictures Classics release and presentation from the Westerly Films production in colaboration with this particular-and-That. Produced by Whit Stillman, Martin Shafer, Liz Glotzer. Co-producers, Charlie Dibe. Directed, put together by Whit Stillman.Crimson Wister - Greta Gerwig Charlie Master - Adam Brody Lily - Analeigh Tipton Rose - Megalyn Echikunwoke Louise - Barbara Maclemore Xavier - Hugo Becker Frank - Ryan Metcalf Thor - Billy Magnussen Priss - Caitlin Fitzgerald Jimbo - Jermaine Crawford Depressed Darlene - Aubrey Plaza Ron Dewolfe - Zach Forest Mad Madge - Alia Shawkat "Freak" Astaire - Nick Blaemire Alice - Meredith HagnerA film that boosts laughs despite its finish credits, Whit Stillman's whimsical campus comedy "Damsels in Distress" is certainly an utter delight. Developing a welcome return to helming carrying out a extended sabbatical following 1998's "The Ultimate Occasions of Disco," Stillman proves he still knows crafting crackling, articulate dialogue for awesome preppie figures whom he loves poking fun around with. Pic's youthful cast, introduced by Greta Gerwig, features enough up-and-coming names on its roster to tug in the youthful demographic to supplement Stillman's older number of fans, which will save "Damsels" within the niche, upmarket margins. Sweet-natured Crimson (Gerwig, "Greenberg") and her coed coevals Rose (Megalyn Echikunwoke, "24," "That '70s Show") and Louise (Barbara Maclemore, "Gossip Girl") are college students about the mission. Dedicated to creating Seven Trees U., their alma mater, an even more aromatic and enjoyable place, they goal to combat the Neanderthal male populace's body-odor problem by marketing good hygiene, and stoically accept it's their lot around so far frat boys a lot more stupid and less good-searching than themselves. Ultimately, as Crimson states inside the pic's many quotable lines, "The inclination, common, to constantly seek someone 'cooler' than yourself (is) always a stretch, frequently a sizable stretch. Why not rather hire a roofer who's frankly inferior?" Among their other projects (Violet's long-term ambition is always to invent a completely new dance craze) and philanthropic companies, they run the suicide-prevention concentrate on campus where the raspberry braid cost nothing, but merely to anybody verifiably depressed. Based on Lily (Analeigh Tipton, "Crazy Stupid Love," "America's Next Top Model"), the most recent addition for his or her clique, they are ready to hurry to the help of anybody in the tailspin carrying out a recent break-up, their survival techniques usually turning around the advisability of dating uglier, stupider males than yourself. Violet's help backfires on her behalf account when one student, Priss (Caitlin Fitzgerald), occupies with Violet's own intellectually challenged b.f., Frank (Ryan Metcalf), a frat boy so dim he literally doesn't be aware of colour of own eyes. No less than they can identify colors, though, unlike his buddy Thor (Billy Magnussen, superb), that's been educationally handicapped by his tricky parents' insistence he skip kindergarten. Later, Crimson connects with Charlie (Adam Brody), among Lily's beaus, that like Crimson is not all he seems and contains something special for reinvention. Pic is chockfull of daft digressions and sweetly silly subplots, nevertheless the ensemble goes advertising online by utilizing such deadpan rigor, it plays like vintage screwball comedy with no pratfalls, apart from what ought to be most likely probably the most uproariously funny suicide attempts in recent film history. Positively boiling with sharp, almost delicately distributed zingers, repeated phrases (Rose is constantly about the suspicious vigil against "playboy or operator types"), and dialogue that's most likely not too funny when repeated in isolation but is amusing in context, Stillman's script can be a factor of beauty. Helmer's comic timing is on the money, in a largely self-effacing, quietly efficient method that recalls the old-school craftsmen of Hollywood's golden age, like Howard Hawks in the breezy mood. Due to the pic's retro feel, it's entirely appropriate the climax tips its hat to Fred Astaire getting a dance scene patterned concerning the Astaire-Joan Fontaine rug-cut from "A Damsel in Distress" (1937). One can't help but question what Stillman would do while using arrange for an entire-on musical, but even though this originates inside the same well-heeled milieu he's formerly looked into, there's an excellent here that signifies his 13-year hiatus from pointing hasn't done him any harm. People inclined to dislike Stillman's work won't be convinced otherwise by "Damsels," but fans may well be more than satisfied. Shot on HD, the pic doesn't have an identical glossy, glassy prettiness of Stillman's earlier film-shot work like "Metropolitan," "Barcelona" and "The Ultimate Occasions of Disco," but it's still carried out with professional polish by lenser Doug Emmett. Extra credit arrives costume designer Ciera Wells and "special styles" by Kristen Blomberg for kitting Crimson and her pals within the perfect kind of prim but interesting A-line frocks and neat add-ons that endow these with a pleasant combination of glamour and ladylike dowdiness.Camera (color, HD), Doug Emmett editor, Andrew Hafitz music, Mark Suozzo, Adam Schlesinger production designer, Elizabeth J. Manley art director, John Goodwin set decorator, Emmanuelle Hoessly costume designer, Ciera Wells appear, Mikhail Sterkin re-recording mixer, Tom Paul choreographer, Justin Cerne special styles, Kristen Blomberg stunt coordinator, Anthony Vincent line producer, Jacob Jaffke assistant director, Curtis Cruz casting, Kerry Barden, Paul Schnee, Amy Britt, Anya Colloff. Examined at Venice Film Festival (closer, noncompeting), Sept. 10, 2011. (Also in Toronto Film Festival -- Special Presentations.) Running time: 99 MIN. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

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Rare 'Indiana Jones' Footage With Barbra Streisand as a Dominatrix Surfaces Online (Video)

Remember the scene in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom where Barbra Streisand, dressed in a leather dominatrix outfit, whipped Indiana Jones until Carrie Fisher stepped in to protect him? Probably not. Until now, the scene, which was part of a practical joke on star Harrison Ford, was a rumored bit of Indy history. But grainy footage, which reportedly existed as part of director Steven Spielberg's private blooper reel, has finally surfaced online. The scene features Streisand, who showed up unexpectedly on the Temple of Doom set one day in 1983, torturing Ford for Hanover Street and "for all the money you're going to make on Return of the Jedi." Fisher then appears, quoting her Jedi line, "Someone who needs you!" Empire Strikes Back director Irvin Kershner then steps out and complains "I don't believe one word you're saying. Now come on, do it again." The clip, originally posted by JoBlo.com, ends with Streisand saying, "I feel like a faggot..." Barbra Streisand Harrison Ford Carrie Fisher

Underground Films & Management duo split

Underground Films & Management partners Nick Osborne and Trevor Engelson have decided to part ways after a decade of working together.The duo made the announcement Monday, indicating that the split was amicable. Engelson will continue to run Underground as a management / production company and Osborne will be forming a new as yet unnamed production company while at the same time focusing on writing."Over the last three years I have been working on a novel 'Refuge' and now that's it's almost finished I realized that I wanted to focus on writing even more while continuing with my other great passion producing," Osborne said. "In such a scenario being a partner of a management / production company did not make sense.""I started off as Nick's assistant 10 years ago and we've been able to build this really special company together over the years," Engelson said. "I may be losing a great business partner by Nick transitioning into being a writer, but he's my client now, so I'll be working for him all over again!"Osborne and Engelson will continue to work on studio projects they have developed and set up together over the years under the Underground banner on the production side of the company. The duo produced "Remember Me" at Summit and "License to Wed" at Warner Bros.Josh McGuire and Evan Silverberg are remaining as part of the Underground team of managers. Underground clients include Jon Lajoie, Jim Field Smith, Patrick Melton & Marcus Dunstan, Chip Hall, Andrew Goldberg, Matthew Moy, Hageman Brothers, Jason Micallef, Joel David Moore, Dito Montiel, Holland Roden, Doug Goldstein, Sharni Vinson, Austin Winsberg, Seamus Kevin Fahey, Scott Zabielski, Daniel Stamm and Irvine Welsh. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Stage Fright

Jonathan Cooper is wanted by the police who suspect him of killing his lover's husband. His friend Eve Gill offers to hide him and Jonathan explains to her that his lover, actress Charlotte Inwood is the real murderer. Eve decides to investigate for herself, but when she meets the detective in charge of the case, she starts to fall in love.

Weighty, heartstopping material dominates category

Richard Bedser & Ed Fields"Gettysburg"HistoryHighlight: "Unknown" Union soldier Amos Humiston becomes one of the most famous figures in the Civil War when his unidentifiable body is found with a photo of his family. His family finally learns his fate when the photo runs in a newspaper.Why they might win: Bedser and Fields make "Gettysburg" the story of individual soldiers by tracing their actual moves that lead them to the battle.Maybe not: Recent history is beautifully documented in "No Reservations." Anthony Bourdain"Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations"TravelHighlight: The usually unfazed Bourdain is unapologetically emotional about the tragedy that has befallen Haiti, and his conversations with Sean Penn revealed an uncertain future for the country.Why he might win: Bourdain's portrait of Haiti in crisis and the people who live there is both unflinching and deeply compassionate at the same time.Maybe not: No shortage of other nominees telling high-stakes stories.Josh Fox"Gasland"HBOHighlight: Fox captured a legendary moment, that still has people talking, when one homeowner opens a kitchen faucet and then lights the water on fire because it is so contaminated with gas.Why he might win: The stories of those who agree to have hydraulic fracturing are explored in an achingly personal manner, one that shows the real long-term impact on their lives.Maybe not: When Fox veers away from their stories and inserts himself too much into the narrative, the impact wanes.Stanley Nelson"Freedom Riders"PBSHighlight: Testimony from the Freedom Riders who journeyed across America to violate and change Jim Crow laws paints a harrowing portrait of a campaign that took place only 50 years ago.Why he might win: Nelson's film is both skilled journalism and a dramatic compelling narrative that tells a significant story with all the tension of a top-notch thriller.Maybe not: Nelson is going head to head with "Gettysburg," another historic heavyweight.Jon Wilkman"Moguls & Movie Stars -- The Birth of Hollywood"TCMHighlight: D.W. Griffith makes the controversial "The Birth of a Nation" and evokes charges of racism while expanding cinematic story-telling techniques in one troubling project.Why he might win: Wilkman masterfully grounds the beginnings of Hollywood in the personalities of those who created it.Maybe not: In a field full of historical and activist-oriented subject matter, this could seem like a lightweight.ROAD TO THE EMMYS: THE WRITER Showrunners don't run from non-writing dutiesDrama | Comedy | Movies & Miniseries | Nonfiction | Variety, music or comedy series Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Saturday Night Live Vet Paula Pell to Play Ron Swansons Mom on Parks and Recreation

Nick Offerman and Paula Pell The third Tammy in Ron Swanson's life has taken form: Saturday Night Live veteran Paula Pell has been cast as Parks and Recreation's Mama Swanson -- or Tammy, Ground Zero if you like. Mama Swanson will be introduced early on in Season 4 along with Ron's never-before-seen, super scary first wife Tammy 1, who will be played by Patricia Clarkson. Parks and Recreation scoop: Get ready for Mama Swanson and the return of Jean-Ralphio! Series executive producer Mike Schur told TVGuide.com that Ron's mom is "no shrinking violet," and a character breakdown for the role describes her as "a no-nonsense, patriotic, salt-of-the-earth farm woman." Insiders say Ron (Nick Offerman) may be in for a Tammy tornado when all three Tammys gather in the same episode. Megan Mullally will reprise her role as the super-frisky Tammy 2. Parks and Recreation Season 4 scoop: Ron's facial hair, Leslie's big decision and more! Pell has been a writer on SNL since 1995, serving as head writer for two seasons alongside Seth Meyers and Andrew Steele, and often appearing as an audience member during sketches. She's also written episodes of 30 Rock and guest-starred as Pete's wife Paula Hornberger. She recently sold a feature pitch with Tina Fey to Universal for a comedy based on Pell's childhood diaries. The fourth season of Parks and Recreation premieres Thursday, Sept. 22 at 8:30/7:30c on NBC.

Wahlberg Wants To Heft 2 Guns

Taking over for Vince VaughnThings are all swings and roundabouts where Mark Wahlberg and director David O Russell are concerned, it would seem. Because now the actor is in talks to star in Universal's graphic novel adaptation 2 Guns, which Russell has been interested in for some time. But don't go thinking that it'll end up as another reunion for the Fighter team - as Variety reports, the movie is now looking for a director, as Russell has committed to shooting The Silver Linings Playbook and other movies instead. And who left Silver Linings recently due to scheduling issues with Broken City? Why, Wahlberg of course! Adapted from Steven Grant's Boom! Studios title by Blake Masters, 2 Guns will see a DEA Agent and an undercover naval intelligence officer unwittingly on each others' trail when they both steal mob money. There's no word on which role Wahlberg is after. Back when the project was picked up in 2008, Universal was considering it as a vehicle for Vince Vaughn. But there's no sign of him still attached at this point - unless he's taking on the other main part, of course...

Kenny Ortega To Direct Dirty Dancing Reboot

By Jolie LashLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Dirty Dancing is getting the reboot treatment, Lionsgate announced on Monday. Kenny Ortega, the films original choreographer, and director of Michael Jacksons This Is It, will direct the new film. The opportunity to direct Dirty Dancing is like returning home for me, Ortega said in a statement. Growing up in the 60s, on the dance floor helped define me as a person and as an artist. I am looking forward to assembling a great creative team and an exciting cast to bring Dirty Dancing to the screen for a new generation. Patrick Swayze set the bar for men dancing in the movies as Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire did before him. I believe everywhere you look there is evidence that the talent is out there and I cant wait to begin the process of discovering the next breakout triple-threats. AH Nation Poll: Is the Dirty Dancing reboot a good idea? Click HERE to vote! Ortega is set to produce the film with Debra Martin Chase, whose credits include The Princess Diaries and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Amazingly it has been almost 25 years since the original film was released, but the fans remain legion, and engaged more than ever with a brand that is special and vital to them. We believe that the timing couldnt be better to modernize this story on the big screen, and we are proud to have Kenny Ortega at the helm, Joe Drake, co-Chief Operating Officer of Lionsgate and President of the Motion Picture Group said in a statement. Lionsgate is in talks with the original writer and co-producer of the 1987 film, Eleanor Bergstein, to become involved with the reboot in some capacity, the studio said in a release. The late Patrick Swayze and recent Dancing with the Stars champ Jennifer Grey starred in the original, much-beloved film. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Mark Neveldine talks Nic Cage in Ghost Rider 2

Director Mark Neveldine saysGhost Rider 2starNicolas Cage shares the same level of insanity as himself and co-director Brian Taylor.That's saying something, especially when the directing duo did everything from roller skating behind a motorcycle to swinging on bungee cords to shoot scenes in Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance."Nic [Cage] is as insane as we are, which is nice because it's a nice blend of insane powers. A meeting of the insanity, I guess you could call it," Neveldine tells Marvel.com.Neveldine, who shot both Crank films with his directing partner Taylor, was also impressed by Cage's dedication to the character."He's so passionate about it and so cerebral about it. Talk about controlled chaos, that's Nicolas. He thinks about everything that he does, and he's got a reason for it. An intellectual reason and a poetic reason for every choice that he makes," Neveldine says."Once he has all that foundation, that's when you let him loose. Then it's just a ramping the knob up. "Oh, let's do this take on 11, Nic. Let's do this one on 15. Maybe you can modulate this down and do this on nine and half." Once he has that, once he knows what he's doing and why, then he really puts the fight in the demon."Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance opens in UK cinemas on 22 February 2012.

5 Great Films With Street Names in Their Titles

5 Great Films With Street Names in Their Titles By Christy Lemire August 5, 2011 Photo by Universal Pictures "Mulholland Drive" LOS ANGELES (AP) The ultra-low-budget "Bellflower," which opens in limited release this weekend, is named for the Southern California street where director-writer-star Evan Glodell was living when he went through the dramatic relationship that inspired the film. It's also the name of the generic street where much of the film's action takes place the romance and, eventually, the break-up and brutal climax.Providing a sense of place is a crucial part of luring us into a film, and that can start right from the very beginning. So here's a journey through five great movies with street names in their titles. Try not to get lost: "Sunset Boulevard" (1950): Billy Wilder's sharp, biting satire remains one of the most insightful films ever made about Hollywood. All these decades later, the names have changed and the technology has improved but the egos and illusions remain. LA's Sunset Boulevard is where aging silent film star Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) lives in her garish mansion, dreaming of a comeback, and it's where writer Joe Gillis (William Holden) narrates from the great beyond while lying face-down in her swimming pool at the start. Holden is the film's steady, quick-witted anchor, while Swanson teeters brilliantly on the brink of madness until the very end. She IS big. It's the pictures that got small. "Mulholland Dr." (2001): David Lynch's dreamlike Hollywood noir gave us a major star in Naomi Watts. She's mesmerizing here in multiple roles as both a bright-eyed aspiring actress and a starlet who's seen better days. She and Laura Elena Harring form a giddy, girly friendship that morphs into something darker and more intense. The name comes from the long, winding road that snakes along the top of the mountains that separate Los Angeles from the San Fernando Valley; it's where the car crash takes place that sends Harring's character into amnesia and into Watts' life. I will admit I did not get "Mulholland Dr." when I first saw it, but after multiple viewings, I now find myself drawn to its complicated structure and haunting mood. "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984): Despite various sequels, remakes and reboots, we're going with Wes Craven's original here, for sake of argument and because it's the best. Craven's core concept that if you die in your dreams, you die in real life was truly disturbing back then, and it provided an exploration of the frightening power of the subconscious. With his jaunty fedora and torn sweater, his hideous, scorched skin and an arsenal of one-liners, child-killer Freddy Krueger (the venerable Robert Englund) could be anywhere at any time. There was no way to stop him. At some point, you have to fall asleep. And the idea that such brutal killings could take place on Elm Street, which sounds like such a safe and familiar place in Anytown, U.S.A., made the horrors hit even closer to home. "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947): He's not crazy, he's just Santa. Edmund Gwenn earned an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his portrayal of Kris Kringle in this holiday favorite. Gwenn plays a kindly old man who takes over as Santa Claus at the flagship Macy's department store on 34th Street in New York City (hence the title). But he infuses the place with such jolly, ruddy-faced goodness, people begin to wonder whether he's the real deal. When he's deemed delusional and committed to Bellevue, he pleads his case at a legal hearing, becomes a sensation and makes everyone believe in the power of Christmas, including a young Natalie Wood. How are you gonna hate on that? "Cloverfield" (2008): The title of this low-budget sci-fi thriller helped build its buzz. What is Cloverfield? What could it possibly mean? And what does it have to do with a monster that terrorizes New York? Well, nothing. And that's part of its charm. Cloverfield is the name of a street near producer J.J. Abrams' Santa Monica office. It's a code word the filmmakers used to keep the project under wraps but it stuck, adding to the mystery. Director Matt Reeves' film is a thrill ride tailor-made for the YouTube generation, with the attack being documented entirely through the perspective of a partygoer's hand-held video camera. You know that would be your first instinct, too - and that not only gives the film a feeling of authenticity, but makes it more interactive.Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 5 Great Films With Street Names in Their Titles By Christy Lemire August 5, 2011 "Mulholland Drive" PHOTO CREDIT Universal Pictures LOS ANGELES (AP) The ultra-low-budget "Bellflower," which opens in limited release this weekend, is named for the Southern California street where director-writer-star Evan Glodell was living when he went through the dramatic relationship that inspired the film. It's also the name of the generic street where much of the film's action takes place the romance and, eventually, the break-up and brutal climax.Providing a sense of place is a crucial part of luring us into a film, and that can start right from the very beginning. So here's a journey through five great movies with street names in their titles. Try not to get lost: "Sunset Boulevard" (1950): Billy Wilder's sharp, biting satire remains one of the most insightful films ever made about Hollywood. All these decades later, the names have changed and the technology has improved but the egos and illusions remain. LA's Sunset Boulevard is where aging silent film star Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) lives in her garish mansion, dreaming of a comeback, and it's where writer Joe Gillis (William Holden) narrates from the great beyond while lying face-down in her swimming pool at the start. Holden is the film's steady, quick-witted anchor, while Swanson teeters brilliantly on the brink of madness until the very end. She IS big. It's the pictures that got small. "Mulholland Dr." (2001): David Lynch's dreamlike Hollywood noir gave us a major star in Naomi Watts. She's mesmerizing here in multiple roles as both a bright-eyed aspiring actress and a starlet who's seen better days. She and Laura Elena Harring form a giddy, girly friendship that morphs into something darker and more intense. The name comes from the long, winding road that snakes along the top of the mountains that separate Los Angeles from the San Fernando Valley; it's where the car crash takes place that sends Harring's character into amnesia and into Watts' life. I will admit I did not get "Mulholland Dr." when I first saw it, but after multiple viewings, I now find myself drawn to its complicated structure and haunting mood. "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984): Despite various sequels, remakes and reboots, we're going with Wes Craven's original here, for sake of argument and because it's the best. Craven's core concept that if you die in your dreams, you die in real life was truly disturbing back then, and it provided an exploration of the frightening power of the subconscious. With his jaunty fedora and torn sweater, his hideous, scorched skin and an arsenal of one-liners, child-killer Freddy Krueger (the venerable Robert Englund) could be anywhere at any time. There was no way to stop him. At some point, you have to fall asleep. And the idea that such brutal killings could take place on Elm Street, which sounds like such a safe and familiar place in Anytown, U.S.A., made the horrors hit even closer to home. "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947): He's not crazy, he's just Santa. Edmund Gwenn earned an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his portrayal of Kris Kringle in this holiday favorite. Gwenn plays a kindly old man who takes over as Santa Claus at the flagship Macy's department store on 34th Street in New York City (hence the title). But he infuses the place with such jolly, ruddy-faced goodness, people begin to wonder whether he's the real deal. When he's deemed delusional and committed to Bellevue, he pleads his case at a legal hearing, becomes a sensation and makes everyone believe in the power of Christmas, including a young Natalie Wood. How are you gonna hate on that? "Cloverfield" (2008): The title of this low-budget sci-fi thriller helped build its buzz. What is Cloverfield? What could it possibly mean? And what does it have to do with a monster that terrorizes New York? Well, nothing. And that's part of its charm. Cloverfield is the name of a street near producer J.J. Abrams' Santa Monica office. It's a code word the filmmakers used to keep the project under wraps but it stuck, adding to the mystery. Director Matt Reeves' film is a thrill ride tailor-made for the YouTube generation, with the attack being documented entirely through the perspective of a partygoer's hand-held video camera. You know that would be your first instinct, too - and that not only gives the film a feeling of authenticity, but makes it more interactive.Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DirecTV Second-Quarter U.S. Sub Gains Weaken

NEW You are able to - Satellite Television giant DirecTV reported enhanced second-quarter revenue and profit on Thursday, nevertheless its U.S. customer growth destabilized within the typically reduced period as the organization reported economic weakness and heated competition. DirecTV's stock dropped at the begining of buying and selling. By 10am ET, it had been lower 6.3 % at $46.35. DirecTV's quarterly profit rose 20 % to $701 million, and revenue increased 13 percent to $6.6 billion. DirecTV once more added customers within the U.S. and Latin America, nevertheless its 26,000 U.S. customer additions - to finish June at 19.43 million U.S. customers - in comparison with 100,000 around-ago period. Wunderlich Investments analyst Matthew Harrigan had predicted 68,000 internet additions, and also the Wall Street consensus estimate was at 57,000. In the fast-growing Latin American unit, DirecTV added 472,000 internet new clients. The National football league labor dispute extended through the quarter, and DirecTV has got the exclusive privileges for that National football league Sunday Ticket program package, that could have affected U.S. user trends. Chairman and Boss Mike Whitened reported "a frightening economic and competitive landscape" that "is constantly on the impact DirecTV U.S." Within the U.S., average revenue per user elevated 3 % to $90.58 driven by cost increases on programming packages and leased set-top boxes, in addition to greater advanced service costs. Individuals were partly offset by more marketing offers, based on the organization. "Internet additions rejected to 26,000 as the rise in gross additions was a lot more than offset with a greater average monthly churn rate of just one.59 percent primarily caused by a far more competitive atmosphere combined with ongoing economic weakness," DirecTV stated. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects

Impasse du desir

ROBERT BLOCK (50), a mental health specialist and analyst, finds out that his youthful wife CAROLE (30) is getting an affair having a much more youthful guy. Totally overcome through the situation, his dependence on it prevents him from focusing on his patients until LEO DEBOND (40) seems in this area. Leo is really a depressive and psychotic bachelor who may never have got over an unsatisfied romance by having an actress 15 years formerly. Privately determining themself with Leo, Robert learns him with a combination of empathy and disgust, so when Carole allows him realize that she'll leave him permanently, Robert realizes that Leo will give you him using the perfect way of reducing his suffering.

BSkyB Boss Jeremy Darroch Defends 'Unanimous' Board Support for Chairman James Murdoch

LONDON - BSkyB tried to build bridges with traders Friday, announcing a £750 million ($1.2 billion) share buyback just days after political fallout in the phone-hacking scandal forced News Corporation to abandon its $12 billion takeover plans.our editor recommendsJames Murdoch Questioning May Continue as Hacking Scandal Gets worse James Murdoch Prone to Remain BSkyB Mind Despite Phone Hacking Scandal News Corp. won't increase its voting or economic stake in the organization underneath the buyback arrangement, retaining a 31 percent stake and taking $444 million in cash rather. This news came as BSkyB leader Jeremy Darroch revealed another stellar performance in the pay TV giant, posting twelve month revenues up 16 percent at $10.7 billion and operating profits up 23 percent to $1.63 billion. Speaking on the business call, Darroch ignored suggestions the phone-hacking scandal had damaged BSkyB chairman James Murdoch, stating that this news Corp deputy COO - who had been also control of this news Worldwide newspapers - had the "unanimous" backing from the BSkyB board. Darroch declined suggestions the ongoing criminal, judicial and parliamentary queries by which James Murdoch has accepted serious errors and that are expected take more than a year to summarize, would affect confidence in Sky, probably the most popular consumer brands within the U.K. "Customers react to what we should offer them," he stated, adding he "refused to take a position on hypotheticals" concerning the possible selection of final results for James Murdoch. "The job of the board would be to keep a watching brief," he stated. The BSkyB boss pointed towards the strong results to illustrate the way the business have been untouched through the scandal. However, the outcomes period predates the 3-week period where the phone-hacking scandal captivated, so any effect on customers won't be visible before next quarter. Darroch accepted that some clients had cancelled their monthly subscriptions due to facts of phone-hacking in the News around the globe - a part of News Worldwide - but stated it had been only "a small handful." The organization stated overall it had added 327,000 television customers within the year and stated that clients were also scrambling to its broadband items. Sky also introduced it has acquired privileges to any or all live Formula 1 motor-racing occasions in another aggressive purchases deal that sees the BBC drop its monopoly about the sport - now retaining privileges for just half the competitions it formerly demonstrated. The offer, which saves the BBC a chunk of license fee payer's money at any given time when its investing continues to be ruled in - might find Sky simulcast all competitions broadcast through the BBC.         Related Subjects Worldwide News Corp. News Worldwide James Murdoch Phone Hacking Scandal