2012 Movie Preview: Horror, From 'Halloween 3D' to 'World War Z'

With 2011 in the dying cycle, selection time for you to look forward to 2012. All of this week, Moviefone will preview the apparently endless way to obtain large-time films striking theaters throughout the following 12 several weeks -- from from 'The Demon Inside' to 'Django Unchained' and my way through between. Next: the 12 family films to look at for the coming year. 2012 Movie Preview: Horror <A href="http://world wide web.moviefone.com/movie/underworld-4/38968/primary">'Underworld Awakening'</a><a href="http://world wide web.moviefone.com/movie/the-lady-in-black/10058942/primary">'The Lady in Black'</a><a href="http://world wide web.moviefone.com/movie/the-innkeepers/10057131/primary">'The Innkeepers'</a><a href="http://world wide web.moviefone.com/movie/the-raven/10059909/primary">'The Raven'</a><a href="http://world wide web.moviefone.com/movie/quiet-house/10056456/primary">'Silent House'</a><a href="http://world wide web.moviefone.com/movie/the-cabin-in-the-forest/34946/primary">'The Cabin within the Forest'</a><a href="http://world wide web.moviefone.com/movie/warm-physiques/10058166/primary">'Warm Physiques'</a><a href="http://world wide web.moviefone.com/movie/the-apparition/10038291/primary">'The Apparition'</a><a href="http://world wide web.moviefone.com/movie/resident-evil-5/53358/primary">'Resident Evil: Retribution'</a><a href="http://world wide web.moviefone.com/movie/texas-chainsaw-massacre-three dimensional/54330/primary">'Texas Chainsaw Massacre three dimensional'</a><a href="http://world wide web.moviefone.com/movie/halloween-iii/54286/primary">'Halloween III</a><a href="http://world wide web.moviefone.com/movie/world-war-z/1422073/primary">'World War Z'</a>Dishonorable Mention: 'Sinister,' 'The Possession' and 񡂼' all being released at the end of August. See All Moviefone Art galleries » EARLIER: 2012 Movie Preview: Large Company directors 2012 Movie Preview: Blockbusters 2012 Movie Preview: Comedies 2012 Movie Preview: Family Films 2012 Movie Preview: Romance 2012 Movie Preview: Action Follow Eric Larnick on Twitter Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

NBC bets the nest on 'Smash'

'Smash' Katharine McPhee takes on the role of a struggling singer out to achieve stardom.The creative team behind 'Smash.'"Good for them," Theresa Rebeck thought when she read in Variety that Steven Spielberg had sold a drama series at Showtime revolving around an effort to mount a Broadway musical.Rebeck, a playwright, novelist, TV and film scribe, had pitched a similar concept to various networks over the years, to no avail. When she learned in November 2009 about the project DreamWorks TV had in the early stages of development at Showtime, she felt vindicated that her idea had been a good one, and happy that someone was finally tackling an arena that she knew to be full of potential for TV.What Rebeck didn't know was that she would be the one tasked with getting the show on its feet for Spielberg and his tuner team of producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron and composers-lyricists Marc Shaiman and Scott Witt-man. Nor could anyone have predicted that the ambitious venture destined to become "Smash" would eventually migrate from Showtime to NBC along with its biggest champion, Bob Greenblatt.The NBC Entertainment chairman's faith in "Smash" is evident by just how much the network is banking on the show to make a much-needed midseason splash in its Feb. 6 premiere, the night after the Peacock's telecast of the Super Bowl.NBC desperately needs the show -- toplined by Debra Messing, Christian Borle, Katharine McPhee, Jack Davenport and Megan Hilty -- to deliver an audience, but it is also counting on "Smash" to generate the kind of qualitative raves that have been few and far between for the network's programming in recent years. The Peacock is throwing every resource it has at the "Smash" launch, starting with the decision to sked it in the Monday 10 p.m. slot behind returning reality hit "The Voice." NBC's struggles in the first half of the season have only heightened the stakes for the return of "Voice" and the bow of "Smash."Rooted in the lives of the key players developing a Rialto tuner about Marilyn Monroe, "Smash" is a high-wire act of a show-within-a-show, enhanced by at least one original song per episode, song-and-dance numbers and location lensing throughout Gotham. (Some have dubbed it "The West Wing" with music.)The show, produced by Universal TV and DreamWorks TV, costs just under $4 million per seg, according to industry sources, a hefty sum for a first-year skein. But "Smash" demands the talents of legit pros and below-the-line specialists that aren't required on the typical network crime procedural."Smash" is rooted in a world Greenblatt knows intimately. He's a lifelong theater enthusiast who produced the Broadway adaptation of the film "9 to 5" in 2009 (as a sideline to his then-day job as Showtime entertainment prexy)."There is nothing that gets people galvanized and excited quite like a musical," Greenblatt says. "Everybody involved has to be energized about it, and then you add the songs and the choreography. It's very physically demanding to do a musical, and that energy gets everybody really excited."The success of Fox's "Glee" helped take the "Cop Rock" sting out of the notion of a series incorporating musical elements. But "Smash" ups the ante with the original music designed to coalesce by the end of the season into a cohesive musical.As "Smash's" creator and showrunner, Rebeck has not only crafted the story arc for the show's 15-episode frosh season, she's also written the book for an original tuner dubbed "Marilyn.""It's very much an 'Upstairs, Downstairs' kind of world, but instead of a mansion, it's a musical," Rebeck says.The production of each episode is complex, as the musical numbers are frequently shot out of sequence at various stages in Gotham, while the scripts for each seg have to be in shape early enough to allow Shaiman and Wittman, the tunesmiths behind "Hairspray," to deliver songs that have to pass muster with producers. There's a dance unit that almost always works separately on choreography with a regular troupe of hoofers as well as day players.The show's conceit requires that Broadway-caliber production numbers be staged with theatrical authenticity, but then filmed for the smallscreen. In addition to the original songs, there's at least one cover performed in most segs. Amid all of this activity, McPhee and other key actors have to find the time for studio recording sessions for the songs that will be released via Sony Music, which has logged big sales in the past three years with its parade of "Glee" hits."Whenever you do anything musical, there are a million challenges," says Meron. "We like to think of it as producing a gigantic action film. There are so many moving parts, so many details that must be taken care of. Scheduling is the biggest challenge. We are sometime shooting more than one (dramatic) segment at a time. One day you'll be shooting a musical sequence for the second episode, and the next day you'll be working on one for the fifth episode with a different director."To pull it off, Spielberg and his top TV lieutenants, DreamWorks TV toppers Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank, recruited from a short list of creatives with the experience that bridges both mediums.The first phone call after Showtime expressed interest in Spielberg's concept went to Zadan and Meron, whose resume hit the bull's-eye thanks to their varied track record with musical TV specials such as ABC's "Annie" and "Cinderella," telepics and drama series including Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva" and film tuners including "Hairspray" and "Chicago." If that weren't enough, the duo were then in the midst of the launching the Broadway revival of "Promises, Promises.""If you start from the theory that the most difficult thing to produce well is a one-hour weekly drama, and you add all the elements we have (on 'Smash'), this is without a doubt going to be one of the most ambitious shows the audience has ever seen," Zadan says.Shaiman and Wittman were also in from the beginning, having responded immediately to the initial overture that came in a phone call Zadan and Meron made from Spielberg's office. The tunesmiths had some experience with Spielberg from working on the stage musical rendition of his 2002 pic "Catch Me if You Can."Rebeck was also a natural choice. The prolific playwright has an extensive background in TV drama from her years as a writer-producer on such series as "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "NYPD Blue," "Third Watch" and "L.A. Law." She also knew Greenblatt, Zadan and Meron from her professional travels over the years."It was pretty exciting when they came looking for me," she says.While Rebeck began navigating the "Smash" sked this summer, she was busy preparing for the November bow of her Broadway play, the dark comedy "Seminar," starring Alan Rickman. It was her previous Off Broadway play, the backstage Broadway drama "The Understudy," that convinced Spielberg she was the woman for the job.Beyond the exec producers, "Smash" has reached deep into Gotham's legit scene for cast and crew members. Director Michael Mayer, whose credits include "Spring Awakening" and "American Idiot," had never done any TV before he was tapped to direct the "Smash" pilot last year, as well as its second and third episodes.Mayer enlisted choreographer Joshua Bergasse (who danced in Shaiman-Whittman's "Hairspray") to conceptualize "Marilyn's" dance numbers. They tapped Bernard Telsey, the dean of legit casting in Gotham, to spearhead lining up the talent for a show that demands a high volume of guest stars and day players with legit experience. Lighting designer Donald Holder is a Rialto vet with credits ranging from "La Cage aux Folles" to "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.""Because so many of us who are making this show spend our lives primarily in theater, it's really important to all of us that the audience see the ways in which people dedicate their lives to this very unique art form," Mayer says. "My hope is that people will be turned on to the creative process, as well as (be given) a glimpse of what it's like to be a writer, director, choreographer or dancer watching these numbers come to life in a rehearsal space. "Like others on the "Smash" team, Mayer juggled other Broadway duties while working on the show as he prepped for the December opening of the revival of "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" with Harry Connick Jr. Looking at musical numbers through a TV lens gave him a deeper perspective."We stage ('Smash') as though these were being done for a Broadway show, but then we get the thrill of jumping inside the heads of people and give the audience another perspective that only the medium of film can deliver. In theater, you can't be in more than one place at a time -- there's just one frame and everything happens inside it. In film, you can jump inside, outside, back and forth. It's a very visceral experience."Besides McPhee, Jim Chory, the line producer and co-exec producer, marks a rare exception to the steeped-in-stage curriculum vitae of the "Smash" principals. His job is even more challenging than usual because of all the sked juggling and cross-boarding done to accommodate the tuner aspects of the show, but his background working on vfx and action-intensive shows like "Heroes" and "The Event" was good training.Rebeck and her fellow exec producer David Marshall Grant and the writing staff also face intense pressure to go above and beyond the typically punishing sked of a weekly drama series."There are about six extra steps that you have to take on each episode," Rebeck says. "The biggest challenge is that you can't change your mind, you can't hesitate, and you have to commit to all your story (points) earlier on. That's been a trick to figure out, because the thrill of TV is that as you're on the ride, a character or a storyline will really pop. For us it's really hard to move things around, but we still need to be able to accommodate that if it happens."(Mayer notes that his assistant director on two episodes, Luis Nieves, came to "Smash" from USA Network's high-octane drama "Burn Notice." "He thought he was prepared for anything after all those explosions, and after two days he said to me 'Oh my god, singing and dancing is so much harder.' ")From the start, the creative vision for "Smash" was to ground the series in the universal themes of ambition, aspiration and drive, rooted in the colorful clutch of characters who have to come together to get a Broadway musical off the ground -- the test of wills that it takes to get it launched, and then the even longer odds that the show will have more than a fortnight in the footlights.Spielberg and Co. were committed to making it absolutely Shubert Alley-authentic, but without being so inside the proscenium as to turn off viewers who have never set foot in a Broadway theater. It's a tricky balance."We never want this show to become 'Entourage.' We never want it to be totally insular to the theater community, so that even if you have no interest in Broadway you could still love this show," Zadan says. "We've all been watchdogs on the scripts. Every time it starts to veer into the direction of being too theater-oriented, we remind ourselves to broaden the base and go to the personal stories."The show's move from Showtime to NBC wound up helping its producers keep the focus on the broader dreamers-and-schemers theme. The initial draft of the pilot that Rebeck wrote for Showtime featured the same group of characters and "Marilyn" concept, but it was darker and edgier in the way pay TV fare demands. The need to make "Smash" work for the traditional upscale NBC drama aud has helped keep the focus on the characters and their motivations."When it was Showtime, it was darker and a little bit more cynical. And honestly, it didn't need that," Greenblatt says. "I was happy to take another look at it in the broadcast venue. It's a hopeful story that portrays the power of true optimism, which I think is a very welcome (sentiment) in our country today."Although the musical is the fulcrum of the show, Rebeck has no plans for an episode that features the "Marilyn" tuner from start to finish. "What we want you to see is the musical as something that is part of the lives of the people who are creating it," she says. (It's unclear where the storyline will go if the show is renewed for a second season.)Greenblatt says he thinks the prevalence of reality shows that has created celebrities out of everyday folks in recent years sets the stage nicely for viewers to latch onto "Smash" and the quest of McPhee's struggling singer Karen Cartwright to achieve stardom via "Marilyn." It's no accident that "Smash" will air in tandem with "The Voice," which proved a surprise hit for the Peacock last spring. And of course, McPhee got her start as a contestant on Fox's "American Idol."" 'Smash' is little bit like a scripted version of 'The Voice,' where out of obscurity someone is given a platform and suddenly everyone's talking about that person," Greenblatt says. "We want to tap into that exhilaration and the highs and lows of performing. The audience may learn a little bit about how a musical is put together, but that is not the main intention. We want the audience to be carried along by the drama and the passion and the excitement of it all."Sam Thielman contributed to this report. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

Jamie Bell on 'The Adventures of Tintin' and Andy Serkis's Oscar Campaign

You will not recognize Jamie Bell in 'The Adventures of Tintin' in the end, Bell's motion-capture character may be the titular cub reporter, a symbol of worldwide fame happening nine decades, meaning he can't perfectly seem like the little one from 'Billy Elliot.' (To not fear, Difficulties fans his villainous Sakharin looks just like the 'Dragon Tattoo' star.) But -- together with a card board dog masquerading as Snowy, and Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock -- Bell spent several weeks putting on a motion-capture suit to experience Tintin for director Steven Spielberg, and the work inhales existence right into a character that previous only resided around the funny pages. As Tintin might say, "Great snakes!" In theaters now, 'The Adventures of Tintin' concentrates on Tintin, a youthful reporter who will get thrust into an enormous amount of adventure as he stumbles onto one of the decades-old ship. Bell spoken with Moviefone concerning the new film, its motion-capture technology and whether Serkis -- who plays Haddock because the Felix Ungar to Bell's Oscar Madison -- warrants an Academy Award. For audiences, motion capture continues to be a rather difficult factor to understand. Had you been concerned whatsoever about engaging in it as being a artist? No, I do not think so. I am talking about, dealing with people like Steven Spielberg, greatly a pioneer of the technology, you realize you are likely to be taken proper care of and also the movie will look amazing ultimately. I believe for people, as filmmakers and stars and entertainers, the most crucial factor was for individuals to use towards the movie and also have an event and are available the other finish -- to your investment medium that is made. The medium is not the content, you realize. When they went inside and end up forgetting the things they were watching and merely went along for that ride, only then do we would seem like we'd been successful. I seem like the film does indeed that for you. I believe it diminishes concerning the technique and much more the experience and thrill from the movie. A few of the sequences within this movie are pretty phenomenal. You may never do it in live action and it is just type of astounding, the originality of Steven Spielberg's brain and exactly how he sees movies. He sees individuals types of sequences as fully recognized within this movie. You realize, I believe he's the next like a filmmaker. [Laughs] I understand you had been on record like a large fan from the material. How did everyone balance doing justice towards the legacy of 'Tintin,' and keep it broad enough for those who aren't acquainted with the origin? I believe there is a spirit from the character that's type of everything about the prosperity of the books. He's an excellent heart. The soul of the character is purely good, you realize? He's a beacon of excellence for kids. He's a buddy who's -- they are the odd couple, him and Captain Haddock. There's this excellent, action-adventure hero having a great natural instinct -- an excellent natural capability to do everything he must do, who's then combined track of this person who's a tragedy. Probably the most unconventional friendship in movies. It greatly turns into a buddy movie in the centre of the Indiana Johnson-like adventure. I believe, for all of us, it was vital for that fans -- especially worldwide in which the film's already opened up -- that people hit all of the guitar chords and notes of the Tintin adventure. But, simultaneously, with Steven Spielberg, I believe he has the crowd in your mind, and that he wants to really make it accessible. I believe something concerning the Tintin character is that he's readily available. You mention Captain Haddock, who's performed by Andy Serkis, perhaps the premier motion-capture artist ever. How important was your collaboration with him? I believe I had been truly distracted many of the time just due to how good that guy is. Knowing Andy before we made the film, understanding what he's able to, knowing his embodiment of character, knowing that he's just an unbelievably gifted individual, just was annoying! But, perfect casting with this type of role. When you train with an expert of things, I truly think asking them questions is wrong. I've found that, from my experience, simply to listen, to look at and learn and listen, is the greatest factor. I'd just admire watching his performance. With Andy, each time he is doing one of these simple -- which happened with 'Avatar,' too, with Zoe Saldana -- almost always there is this debate whether motion capture performances should be regarded within the same respect like a traditional performances. Do you consider there must be a strict delineation? Don't misunderstand me, I believe there should be some type of acknowledgement, in some way. I believe whether it's an invention of the new category -- because several voice and vocal performance, which is not always motion capture, can also be brilliant. I recall Robin Williams in 'Aladdin,' that amazing voice performance made that movie. I'm not sure, whether it's the invention of the new category, an inclusion in other groups I'm not sure. But there certainly must be some acknowledgement to the fact that these performances are truly moving people all over the world, acknowledging a cultural phenomenon. I believe Zoe Saldana would be a massive area of the reason the film was effective. Clearly, we have seen Andy this season in 'Rise from the Planet from the Apes' -- which, certainly, he helps make the movie. Yeah, we have to give some type of acknowledgement on these entertainers who submit excellent performances and obtain zero credit on their behalf. What have you think whenever you saw the finished film? Like a longtime fan, how have you think it arrived on the scene? For me personally, dude, it exceeded any type of expectation visually of the items it might seem like. Joe Letteri is really a magician! The man is unbelievable. I have never witnessed such photorealism within an animated film during my existence. I believe the figures are fully recognized. We actually feel exactly what they are feeling. When Andy Serkis says, "Nobody takes my ship!" which spit comes flying from his mouth and also you observe that glare in the eye, I am there. I am there using the character. I am immediately! It had been beyond any expectation but simultaneously, when you train with most of these people you're friends with it will likely be something special. For me personally, searching inside my performance, I'm able to always tell the choices I had been making on that day. You can observe the authorship you have of your performance despite the fact that it does not seem like you which ones is interesting. [Photo: WireImage] The Very Best Movies of 2011 The Very Best Movies of 201150. 'Breaking Beginning཭. 'Transformers: Dark from the Moonཬ. 'The Tripཫ. 'Warriorཪ. 'Cave of Forgotten Dreamsཀྵ. 'The Iron Ladyཨ. 'We Purchased a Zooཧ. 'Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocolས. 'Horrible Bossesཥ. 'Contagionཤ. 'Winnie the Poohལ. 'Win Winཡ. 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spyར. 'Hannaའ. 'Extremely Noisy and extremely Closeཟ. 'The Interruptersཞ. 'Crazy, Stupid, Loveཝ. 'The Guardཛྷ. 'Captain America: The Very First Avengerཛ. 'The Ides of Marchཚ. 'Beginnersཙ. 'Martha Marcy May Marlene''A Harmful Methodབྷ. 'The Adventures of Tintinབ. 'Bill Cunningham NYཕ. 'We Have to Discuss Kevinཔ. 'Young Adultན. 'My Week With Marilynདྷ. 'Margin Callད. 'X-Males: Top Classཐ. 'Attack the Blockཏ. 'Shameཎ. 'Super 8ཌྷ. 'Melancholiaཌ. 'The Muppetsཋ. 'Rise from the Planet from the Apesཊ. 'Tree of Existenceཉ. 'Rango཈. 'The Helpཇ. 'Moneyballཆ. ཮/50Ə. 'DriveƎ. 'The Girl Using the Dragon Tattooƍ. 'Harry Potter and also the Deathly Hallows, Part IIƌ. 'Midnight in ParisƋ. 'BridesmaidsƊ. 'The DescendantsƉ. 'War Equineƈ. 'The ArtistƇ. 'Hugo' See All Moviefone Art galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Rating the Movie Santas, From Best to Worst

Sure, Santa Claus is super busy on Christmas Eve, but what does he do the rest of the year? Apparently, he makes movies. IMDb lists him as a character in more than 800 movies and TV shows. How, then, to rate all the cinematic St. Nicks from best to worst? We narrowed the list down to 21 Santas who had a prominent role in big-screen features. Some are the real Father Christmas, some are shopping mall impostors. Some are the stars of their movie, some are subordinate Clauses. Some are naughty, some are nice. And some are stellar in movies that are otherwise lumps of cinematic coal, while others offer moments of tough sledding in otherwise fine films. Read on to see if you agree with our list. Check it twice. Best (and Worst) Movie Santas (THE BEST) 1. Edmund Gwenn in 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947)2. Edward Asner in 'Elf' (2003)3. Billy Bob Thornton in 'Bad Santa' (2003)4. Paul Giamatti in 'Fred Claus' (2007)5. Jim Broadbent in 'Arthur Christmas' (2011)6. James Cosmo in 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe' (2005)7. Bill Raymond in 'The Ref' (1994)8. Al 'Red Dog' Weber in 'Scrooged' (1988)9. Jan Rubes in 'One Magic Christmas' (1985)10. David Huddleston in 'Santa Claus: The Movie' (1985)11. Richard Attenborough in 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1994)12. Edward Ivory in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)13. Tom Hanks in 'The Polar Express' (2004)14. Richard Riehle in 'A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas' (2011)15. Tim Allen in 'The Santa Clause' trilogy (1994-2006)16. Jim Belushi in 'Jingle All the Way' (1996)17. Jeff Gillen in 'A Christmas Story' (1983)18. Dean Cameron in 'Hi-Life' (1998)19. Rickey Smiley in 'Friday After Next' (2002)20. John Call in 'Santa Claus Conquers the Martians' (1964)(THE WORST) 21. 'Silent Night, Deadly Night' (1984) See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

'Enlightened' Creator Reacts to Golden Globe Noms: 'It Would Be Nice to Celebrate With a Pickup'

Getty Images Last month,Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino from Jersey Shore sued Abercrombie & Fitch over what he saw was a less-than-amusing publicity stunt. The retailer had offered him a "substantial payment" to stop wearing its clothes, and introduced a line of clothing that seemingly aped Sorrentino's famous catch phrases. In response, MPS Entertainment, the company owned by Sorrentino and his brother, filed a $4 million lawsuit alleging trademark violations, deceptive advertising and misappropriation of his publicity rights.our editor recommendsTHR's 5 Worst Celebrity Books of 2011: Jersey Shore, More Jersey Shore and the Levi Johnston-Bristol Palin Feud'Jersey Shore' Season 5 Trailer: Keeping Security Guards Employed Since 2009 (Video)'Jersey Shore's' The Situation Sues Abercrombie & Fitch for $4 MillionAbercrombie & Fitch Offers 'The Situation' Compensation to Not Wear Its Clothes PHOTOS: 'Jersey Shore's' Quotable Situation On Monday, Abercrombie & Fitch responded in court with a very detailed motion to dismiss. The clothing company tells a slightly different story of what happened. Additionally, the defendant attacks Sorrentino for weak trademark claims and says the Jersey Shorecastmember is interfering with its First Amendment right to make light of a troubling situation. Here's A&F's side of the story, which begins on an episode of Jersey Shorethat aired on August 11. Throughout the episode, A&F says that Sorrentino wore green Abercrombie sweat pants bearing its logo. PHOTOS: The Best and Worst Moments of 'Jersey Shore' The retailer says it was concerned that "the prominent display of its A&F logo would be viewed as an endorsement by A&F of the raucous behavior on the show." Reality TV shows often blur out brand names. Not this time, allegedly. So A&F sent a letter to MTV with a request that its marks be pixilated out of future episodes.Along with the demand allegedly came an offer that MTV, Sorrentino and other castmembers would be paid money for not wearing its products. Sorrentino's camp says it never got such an offer, but here's a look at the letter to MTVco-general counselGeorge Cheeks, revealing that the "substantial" offer to stop wearing A&F clothing was for $10,000: In his lawsuit, Sorrentino says that A&F's efforts to contact MTV were all part of a "marketing ploy." Even if MTV was contacted, the star says that such an offer was never conveyed to him. A&F responds that it doesn't matter. "Whether the offer letter went directly to Sorrentino is immaterial, and does not establish the falsity of the offer that Plaintiffs allege was made," the company writes in its motion to dismiss. Sounds good. Here's the problem: Was this a sincere and timely offer? The letter above is dated August 15, yet A&F had already had put out a press release three days earlier noting that it had offered compensation to Sorrentino to cease wearing A&F products. Additionally, although one presidential candidateis getting slammed as being out-of-touch for casually offering up a $10,000 bet in a recent debate, we'll wager that "up to $10,000" wouldn't impress many Hollywood dealmakers as being very "substantial." PHOTOS: Crazy Cases! 18 of Hollywood's Outrageous Entertainment Lawsuits A&F does somewhat better in attacking Sorrentino's claims that certain A&F clothing infringed his trademarks. A&F says it had placed an order in January 2010 for two t-shirts featuring phrases that parodied Jersey Shore. The company says that Sorrentino was aware of the parody t-shirts for almost a year and never objected. The retailer goes on to dispute Sorrentino's trademark dominion over "The Situation" and "GTL," saying the evidence shows merely that the reality star has applied to register those marks. The applications have not yet been granted by the U.S. Trademark Office. Additionally, the use and "good will" of the mark is questioned. It's noted that MPS supposedly acquired rights to a stylized upside-down "Situation" mark and design from a retailer named Yak Shoes, but A&F questions the validity of this assignment since there has been no transfer of business nor evidence that the mark and design has been used. Besides, A&F points out that the asserted trademark registration and A&F's clothing aren't very similar and its products are unlikely to confuse consumers. The clothing retailer provides some good reasoning to doubt whether Sorrentino will eventually succeed in registering GTL. It's pointed out that Viacom (parent company of MTV) actually holds a trademark registration for "GYM TANNING LAUNDRY" and has been offering on its website t-shirts for sale bearing "GTL." "Based on both MTV's and other Jersey Shore castmates' use of 'GTL', Plaintiffs cannot establish that they are the single source of goods being offered under the alleged mark 'GTL', and their unfair uncompetition and false designation of origin claim under 1125(a) must fail," says the brief. Perhaps most important is the question whether A&F's use of Sorrentino and his catch-phrases is constitutionally-protected free speech. A&F says that its shirts and use of the star's likeness was parody -- clearly a joke, not intended to convey sponsorship: "A&F's t-shirt bearing the phrase 'The Fitchuation' was a pun or turn of phrase, parodying Sorrentino's nickname for himself as 'The Situation'. As Plaintiffs plead, Sorrentino has appeared on several nationally televised programs and as such is a public figure, subject to being parodied by virtue of his presence in the public eye. Additionally, the t-shirt bearing the phrase 'G.T.L. (You Know The Deal) Fitch', was poking fun at the Jersey Shore castmates self proclaimed habit of doing the 'GTL', i.e. 'gym, tanning laundry.' We have no idea what makes the average guido in Jersey laugh, and we know the old saying that the best way to kill a joke is to explain it, but was this actually humorous? Whether the judge chuckles and chucks....stay tuned. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Jersey Shore': The Quotable Situation

Fincher's Dragon Tattoo Hits London

Craig, Mara as well as the relaxation walk the carpetDaniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Stellan Skarsgard as well as the relaxation walked the red-colored-colored carpet london last evening for your GirlWithThe Dragon Tattoo, the completely new film from David Fincher. The rain may have been flowing lower, nevertheless the film nevertheless received a warm reception within the crowd - and hey! A harsh climate could be a excellent fit using this film.Uk PremiereAs practically everyone knows at this time, the film is yet another adaptation of Stieg Larsson's very popular book series, withDanielCraig starring as investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and Rooney Mara playing hacker savant Lisbeth Salander. Stellan Skarsgard,Robin Wright, Joely Richardson, Christopher Plummer and Geraldine James also star. The Woman While Using Dragon Tattoo is going inside the UKon December 26. Only the one factor to blow away any residual Christmas spiderwebs.

Stick Fly (Cort)

'Stick Fly'Credits: A Nelle Nugent, Alicia Secrets, Samuel Nappi, Reuben Cannon, Jay H. Harris/Catherine Schreiber, Huntington Theater Company, Serta Frishwasser, Charles Salameno, Sharon A. Carr/Patricia R. Klausner/Ron Danzansky, Daveed D. Frazier/Mark Thompson presentation from the play by 50 percent operates by Lydia R. Gem. Directed by Kenny Leon. Original music, Alicia Secrets.Cheryl - Condola Rashad Taylor - Tracie Thoms Spoon (Kent) LeVay - Dule Hill Switch (Harold) - Mekhi Phifer Joe LeVay - Ruben Santiago-Hudson Kimber - Rosie BentonA comedy in the dysfunctional-family variety, "Stick Fly" provides plenty of laughter and several enjoyable performances while not much if this involves distinction. While playwright Lydia R. Gem mixes in intrigue, sex and sociology, the proceedings are not surprising and never compelling the finish result signifies another cousin of August Wilson married to Jean Kerr's stepchild. There is a crowd with this particular piece, at the very least of 5 other productions nationwide make apparent, but without ticket-selling stars, it's unclear whether they'll be capable of attract a crowd for the Cort Theater. The author sets out a typical template. A maximum-class family arrives for just about any extended weekend at their country house in Martha's Vineyard, the grown sons getting along new female buddies. Your family is black the woman one of the sons brings home is white-colored. You will discover two key figures present solely via telephone, as well as the family's basic principles are skyrocketed by among people second-act secrets that are telegraphed midway using the first. With "Stick Fly," Gem has attempted a commercial comedy with soapy overtones, but no matter the abundance of laugh lines, the initial act bogs lower with cultural anthropology talk because the second meanders through five moments. Director Kenny Leon ("Fences"), who effectively staged "Stick Fly" when it comes to Stage in Washington a year ago, has recast essentially one of the roles, but what this play cries out for can be a rewrite. David Gallo's Vineyard cottage might be the type of place you want to maneuver into immediately, with partial walls identifying three distinct playing areas you should use at the same time. Pop music giant Alicia Secrets -- the second-billed producer -- has composed scene-change music that sadly slows lower the proceedings. Ruben Santiago-Hudson ("Seven Guitars"), the primary one stage veteran inside the group, rules the knowledge getting a comical turn since the controlling patriarch in the clan. Tracie Thoms and Rosie Benton lead detailed portraits from the very different female buddies the sons, top-billed Dule Hill and Mekhi Phifer, receive less to make use of. Stealing attention is Condola Rashad, who gave an memorable performance becoming an roughed up victim in Lynn Nottage's "Destroyed," and who proves a effective comedienne here. The title arises from the play's resident entomologist to have the ability to study the wing actions of houseflies, you glue those to Pop-sicle stays watching them squirm. That's exactly what the playwright gives her figures in "Stick Fly."Sets, David Gallo costumes, Reggie Ray lights, Beverley Emmons appear, Peter Fitzgerald production stage manager, Robert Bennett. Opened up up 12 ,. 8, 2011. Examined 12 ,. 5. Running time: 2 Several hours, 30 MIN. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Hendes Zimmer and Pharrell Williams to Supervise Music for your 84th Academy awards

The entrepreneurs behind The Woman While using Dragon Tattoo got creative in the new clip that hit the net on Thursday.our editor recommends'Dragon Tattoo' Director David Fincher on NYer Embargo Fight: Stop All Experts From Early ScreeningsTrent Reznor Releases 'Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' Full Soundtrack List 'Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' Extended Trailer Released (Video) It, released within the Dragon Tattoo Tumblr site Mouth Recorded Shut, can be a nine-minute segment that focuses on the mysterious disappearance of Harriet Vanger from her family estate decades ago. The problem, that's at the center of the arrival David Fincher-directed movie and Stieg Larsson book it's modified, is what draws journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Difficulties) and hacker Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) together. PHOTOS: 10 Finest Book-to-Silver Screen Adaptations in the Latter-and-a-half decades Nevertheless the entrepreneurs have selected to create back the newsmagazine Hard Copy for your segment, which causes it to be appear as an investigative report within the demonstrate that was recorded on VHS in addition to mixing in ads within the eighties. The segment really re-produces the show to probe to the disappearance by ending up in several "experts" in regards to the teen and what might have happened. VIDEOS: 'Dragon Tattoo' Co-Star Christopher Plummer in THR's Honours Season Stars Roundtable The brand new the new sony Pictures releases the film 12 ,. 21. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 10 Finest Book-to-Silver Screen Adaptations in the Latter-and-a-half decades Related Subjects Rooney Mara Difficulties David Fincher The Woman While using Dragon Tattoo

American Film Market Remaining Place In Santa Monica With New Deal Through 2017

The Independent Film & Television Alliance, which runs the American Film Market, have been teasing with moving the annual market downtown towards the L.A. Live complex, and just unwillingly confirmed in September it was remaining in Santa Monica through 2012. However it's become the upgrades it wanted in the city and it has inked an offer which will keep your confab in the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel — its home since 1991 — through 2017. Occasions will also take place at Le Merigot Beach Hotel and also the Fairmont Miramar. AFM authorities reported an approaching AMC cinema complex with 12 screens a refurbished and broadened Santa Monica Social Auditorium, that will give a venue for red-colored-carpet premieres additional rooms in hotels within the downtown area an easy-rail visit 4th Street and Colorado Boulevard set to spread out in 2015 along with a seven-acre park on Sea Avenue opposite the Loews scheduled to become carried out 2013, together with a mixed-use complex featuring restaurants and retail. Our mentioned goal in the oncoming of this method is to supply the best atmosphere, assets and value for that mobile phone industry's purchasers and retailers and, after lengthy and careful deliberations, we feel residing in Santa Monica will achieve all individuals goals, IFTA leader and Boss Jean Prewitt stated. Santa Monica authorities state that AFM will lead a lot more than $100 million towards the local economy within the next six years. Listed here are the approaching AFM dates, also introduced today: October 31-November 7, 2012 November 6-13, 2013 November 5-12, 2014 November 4-11, 2015 November 2-9, 2016 November 1-8, 2017.

NFL, Broadcast Networks Close to Eight-Year TV Deal Extension (Report)

Jason Aldean was the big winner at Monday night's American Country Awards in Las Vegas, taking home six awards, including artist of the year.our editor recommendsAMAs 2011: Taylor Swift Wins Entertainer of the Year; Adele Scores Favorite Album; Bruno Mars Upsets Justin BieberCMA Awards: Taylor Swift Wins Second Entertainer of the Year TrophyKristin Chenoweth Covers Carrie Underwoods 'Lessons Learned' (Video)Taylor Swift Wins Entertainer of the Year at ACM Awards The singer, the night's top nominee with Zac Brown Band at eight, also nabbed album of the year for My Kinda Party, touring artist of the year and single of the year by a male artist for "My Kinda Party" at the fan-voted awards. PHOTOS: Country Crossovers Meanwhile, Carrie Underwood, who was last year's top winner with six of the Fender Telecaster trophies, won female artist of the year honors as well as music video and single of the year by a female artist for "Mama's Song." Brad Paisley, who was not present at the ceremony, was named male artist of the year. Blake Shelton won video of the year by a male artist for "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking." He dedicated the win to his father, who has "been having a pretty rough couple of weeks." Dick Shelton is the hospital with pneumonia. American Idol winner Scotty McCreery was named new artist of the year. PHOTOS: 54th annual Grammy Award Nominees As expected, the show's focus was squarely on country music's youth movement, with twentysomethings taking in the early haul of Fender Telecaster trophies and performances slots. Chris Young was the show's early leader, earning breakthrough artist and single of the year for "Voices." Co-host Kristin Chenoweth, brought in to keep returning host Trace Adkins in line, added zing to the show. The diminutive Broadway star entered the MGM Grand Garden Arena in boxing gloves, a fighter's robe and impossibly tall high heels, tossing jabs at her 6-foot-6 counterpart while running circles around him. She then challenged him to a singing contest. After she required him to sing "Oklahoma," she dropped the robe to reveal an artificially enhanced posterior and launched into Adkins' hit "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk." Later, Adkins carried her on stage strapped to his chest in a baby carrier. The Associated Press contributed to this report. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Country Crossovers Related Topics Carrie Underwood Kristin Chenoweth Blake Shelton Brad Paisley

Exclusive Preview: Electricity Comics Recharges Static Shock

Static Shock #4 It has been seven years because the animated Kids' WB series Static Shock signed off, however the character continues to have plenty of juice. Electricity Comics released a monthly Static Shock series in September, getting the smoothness in to the comic mainstream. In problem No. 4 (on purchase Wednesday at comic stores an internet-based) visitors will find out more about the conspiracy including Static's new opponents (including one that is not what he appears) and also the mystery surrounding his sister and her clone.Get more information at a unique preview of pages from Static Shock No. 4.The smoothness of Static (also known as teen Virgil Hawkins, who fights crime by using his electromagnetic forces) was produced in 1993 through the African-American media company Milestone. His profile skyrocketed in 2000 using the debut from the Static Shock cartoon, but following the show's cancellation in '04 his looks have been couple of and flickering.When Electricity made the decision to relaunch all of their type of 52 comics this fall (the so-known as "New 52") Static was handed a solo title, contributing to a little but growing number of racially diverse superheroes using their own series. (The business's new selection includes the African vigilante Batwing, the African-American genius Mister Terrific and also the Latino teen Blue Beetle. Within an unfortunate little bit of irony, Static's upgrade meant the disappearance of DC's other electricity-carrying African-American super hero, Black Lightning.)Among the greatest changes designed for this new book was moving Static in the imaginary town of Dakota (the setting of his Milestone Comics adventures and also the cartoon) to NY City. "The Brand New 52 should be a brand new new start for Electricity and it is visitors," states the book's editor, Harvey Richards. "NY City is awesome. It's noted for diversity. It had been a simple fit for Static and the family."NY has additionally introduced Static to a different rogues gallery. "Villains are harder, wiser, and meaner in NY, which can make Static strong," Richards states. "Heroes are just just like their villains make sure they are.InchAdditionally to their own series, Static will even come in the web pages of teenybopper Leaders No. 6 (on purchase in Feb) and also the Savage Hawkman No. 7 (in March).Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

'Artist,' 'Tomboy,' 'War' chase Louis-Delluc

PARIS -- Michel Hazanavicius' "The Artist," Celine Sciamma's "Tomboy" and Valerie Donzelli's "Declaration of War" are among the nine pics set to compete for the Louis-Delluc award. Headed by Cannes Film Festival's prexy Gilles Jacob, the jury comprises about 20 critics and film journos. As is often the case, the lineup features many films that bowed at Cannes in the Official Selection, notably "The Artist," Aki Kaurismaki's "Le Havre," Bertrand Bonello's "House of Tolerance," Pierre Schoeller's "The Minister," Bruno Dumont's "Outside Satan" and Alain Cavalier's "Pater." "War" played in Directors' Fortnight. However, Maiwenn's "Polisse," which nabbed Cannes' jury prize, surprisingly didn't make it onto the list. Teddy Lussi-Modeste's "Jimmy Riviere" and "17 Girls," helmed by Muriel Coulin and Delphine Coulin, will vie for the first film nod, along with three other pics. The award was created in 1937 in homage to film journalist Louis Delluc. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on Dec. 16. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Palm Springs honors Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams is going to be honored using the Desert Palm Achievement Actress Award in the 23rd annual Palm Springs Worldwide Film Festival. The Academy Award-nominated actress will get the award in a gala on Jan. 7. ''Every generation, the cinema includes a couple of entertainers who mesmerize audiences by having an exceptional mixture of talent, flexibility and sophistication,'' stated festival chairman Harold Matzner. ''Michelle Williams epitomizes these characteristics as she is constantly on the accept challenging role after challenging role. In her own latest work, My Week with Marilyn, she perfectly captures the glamour and vulnerability from the legendary Marilyn Monroe who finds respite and solice throughout per week-lengthy hiatus from Hollywood demands.'' Williams, who joins George Clooney and Glenn Close among formerly introduced honorees, presently stars in ''My Week With Marilyn,'' which follows the actual-existence story of Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier throughout their focus on ''The Prince and also the Showgirl.'' Past readers from the Desert Palm Achievement Award include Natalie Portman, Hathaway As Catwoman, Halle Berry, Marion Cotillard, Charlize Theron, Naomi W and Kate Winslet. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com

Akiva Goldsman Ink Overall Cope With Cinemax, Creates Western Drama About Doc Holliday With Ron Howard Mounted On Direct

EXCLUSIVE: Oscar champion Akiva Goldsman has signed a 2-year exclusive overall cope with Cinemax. The very first project underneath the pact is definitely an untitled Western drama about Doc Holliday, the famous gambler and gunslinger from the Old West. Adam Cooper and Bill Collage (Recognized) will write the script and can executive produce with Goldsman and the creating partner Kerry Promote. Ron Howard is mounted on direct the possibility pilot. His father, Rance Howard, assists as co-producer together with his wife Judy Howard. The project is inspired by Mary Doria Russells significantly recognized novel Doc, that was released in May. Doc Holliday is frequently described being an ailing partner (he died from t . b at 36), most widely known for his friendship with Wyatt Earp and the participation within the Gunfight in the O.K. Corral (Val Kilmer described him within the movie Tombstone). However the Cinemax project aims to place Holliday in the forefront because the series protagonist, an educated Southern gentleman and dental professional by trade, thrust in to the cruel and violent realm of that old West to be able to salvage his ailing health. The series will feature the never-before-investigated love triangular between Holliday, his prostitute wife, Kate Elder and closest friend, Wyatt Earp — ready from the lawlessness and desperation of the quickly altering society. Goldsman describes the project as “all in the household” if this involves auspices. His partner at Weed Road Promote discovered the origin material. Goldsman pointed out the concept to frequent collaborator Ron Howard as the two were talking about their latest project, The Dark Tower. Howard is placed to direct and Goldsman is writing the variation from the Stephen King’s book series, that is searching for a house like a feature trilogy as well as an associated limited TV series after being place in turnaround by NBCUniversal. Goldsman, who quipped that he's following a rule “work with Ron whenever you can” after his first collaboration using the director, An Attractive Mind, gained him a writing Oscar, also composed the Howard-directed The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Devils and Cinderella Guy. Howard expressed curiosity about the Western TV project, also it switched out that his father, veteran actor Rance Howard, includes a passion for Doc Holliday. So Rance Howard and the wife came aboard as co-producers and Ron Howard grew to become attached as director from the potential pilot. (Howard, whose company with John Grazer Imagine is extremely active in TV, hasn't directed a TV pilot yet.) Meanwhile, Promote’s husband, Adam Cooper, and the writing partner, Bill Collage, came aboard to create the Western. Initially, the project was eyed like a small-series and was pitched as a result to Cinemax. The pay cable network recommended making it a set rather. Goldsman isn't a TV novice. He earned a stealth entry into series with Fox’s sci-fi drama Fringe. In the past, author-producer Goldsman was searching to branch out into pointing. Uncle J.J. Abrams offered him to create and direct a chapter in the first season of Fringe, which Abrams co-produced and it is executive creating. Goldsman made it happen after which stuck around being an “eccentric uncle”, because he place it. He is constantly on the function as a talking to producer around the significantly recognized but low-ranked drama, from time to time writing, co-writing or pointing episodes. “Nobody watches us however i’m greatly happy with the show and also the work were done,” Goldman stated of Fringe. “We handled to follow along with that new trend of serialized storytelling. And Cinemax is the greatest in the industry for your.” Goldsman have been searching to grow into TV inside a bigger way. “I believe that the road between film and tv gets blurrier and blurrier, and i believe thats pretty exciting artistically,” he stated. Due to Cinemax’s method of storytelling, it had been the area he wanted to get it done. Especially due to his lengthy history with fantasy and sci-fi and exactly how Cinemax goodies genre series with 2 shows he likes, True Bloodstream and particularly Bet On Thrones (“I worship in the alter of this show,” Goldsman stated.) “What I really like about Cinemax is the fact that storytelling appears to become king which genre appears to become almost irrelevant,” he stated. Also attractive to Goldsman in signing a general cope with Cinemax was the chance to become a writing, non-writing producer and director. He is doing intend to create his first series underneath the pact, probably in the favorite mold of character-driven drama inside a genre framework. For Dark Tower, “we’re still pushing the boulder uphill,” Goldsman stated but is positive the ambitious project will discover a home “very soon.” The writing duo of Cooper and Collage, repped by WME, have done over 24 scripts for major galleries, including NY Minute, Wrong Turn, Ransom and Tower Heist. They most lately authored Exodus for that Chernin Co., Marco Polo for Frances Lawrence and Moby Dick for Timor Bekmambetov at Universal. Goldsman and Howard are with CAA, that also co-repped Russell’s book with Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.

Wall Street All Ears for Liberty Media's Sirius XM, Starz Plans

NY - After Wall Street chatter last week about a potential spin-off and deal involving Liberty Media-controlled premium TV firm Starz, at least one analyst says that Liberty chairman John Malone and his team could instead plan to spin off Sirius XM Radio. Malone, Liberty CEO Greg Maffei and a range of other executives are scheduled to speak here Thursday at Liberty's annual investor day, which is typically a big draw for analysts and media investors. And Wall Street observers hope for some guidance on Malone's plans for Starz and Sirius, in which Liberty got a stake by helping Sirius out of bankruptcy a few years ago. This year, morning sessions will focus on Liberty Interactive, which is anchored by home shopping network QVC, followed by a focus on Liberty Capital, which includes satellite radio firm Sirius XM, and Liberty Starz. Among the speakers will be Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin and Starz CEO Chris Albrecht. Collins Stewart analyst Thomas Eagan said ahead of the Thursday meeting that there are "increased prospects for a Sirius spin." Wrote Eagan: "With the Liberty Media Investor Day this week, we thought we'd write about the strategic alternatives we expect the company is considering." He suggested that the alternatives revolve around two main options. "One, spinning out the Sirius shares from Liberty Capital into their own security and two, spinning out Liberty Starz into an asset based security." Eagan called option one "more likely because it enables Liberty to further monetize its investment in Sirius (without having to increase its stake) and preserves the bulk of the Liberty Starz balance sheet strength for another future transaction." A Sirius spin-off would likely be accompanied by a consolidation of the Liberty Starz tracking stock with Liberty Capital, which could disappoint Liberty Starz investors, Eagan said. He compared a possible Sirius spin to how the company several years ago spun a stake in satellite TV giant DirecTV into a separate stock and ultimately merged it, tax free, with DirecTV. "Should Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin want to "take back" full control of Sirius, he may want to merge with a Liberty Sirius to "take out" Liberty's control," Eagan said. Liberty's Sirius investment has thrown off a lot of money for Liberty. Increasing its stake in Sirius would be a costlier alternative to his scenario though, Eagan highlighted. Several analysts have said ahead of Thursday's meeting though that a Starz spin-off could also be in the offing. BTIG analyst Richard Greenfield had said last week that Wall Street reports about a Starz move to raise debt could signal a spin-off plan. "We find it hard to believe that Liberty/Starz would not have outright denied if the story was blatantly false," he said."It makes far more sense that this was not supposed to be announced until the Liberty Media analyst day." Greenfield argued that the likeliest scenario is that "Liberty is preparing to hard-spin Liberty Starz out of Liberty Media, to enable it to be acquired mid-late next year by a larger media entity," such as Time Warner of NBCUniversal. Maxim Group analyst John Tinker said this week that "it is unclear to us what Liberty Starz's role is in chairman John Malone's media empire." He argued that "at some point, we believe that the company should be merged into a larger entity." Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics John Malone Liberty Media Liberty Starz

CBS preps 'Early Show' alternative

RoseCBS' alternative because of its low-ranked "Early Show" will begin Jan. 9, the internet introduced Tuesday. Chris Licht, who became a member of this news division from MSNBC, will professional produce this program, that will feature Gayle King, Erica Hill and Charlie Rose.Adding Rose have been rumored for days, as the NY Times' John Stelter broke news from the Hill and King hirings Friday.Rose continues his work on PBS additionally to adding towards the as-yet un named CBS program King will leave her show at OWN and can still lead towards the internet "as her schedule enables," based on an argument in the Discovery/Harpo partnership. The program, right now, would be to put Rose and Hill at 7 a.m. and King at 8, however the schedule continues to be fluid.Licht continues in the publish as veep of programming for CBS News one of the show's correspondents is going to be John Burns, Rebecca Jarvis, and Shaun Glor. Licht stated he would not be searching to ape "Today" or "Hello America," that have be similar over recent several weeks and also the demo gap between your two has simplified. "You will find there's first-rate team before and behind your camera,Inch he stated. "Our goal is straightforward: develop a broadcast using its own identity that provides audiences something truly different each morning.Inch Contact Mike Thielman at mike.thielman@variety.com

Shailene Woodley, 'Descendants' Star, Doesn't Want to Hear About Oscar Buzz, George Clooney's Fart Machine

Shailene Woodley likes to say "fuck." Unfortunately, as the star of the ABC Family series 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager,' she isn't often afforded the chance to do so. That changed during the filming of Alexander Payne's 'The Descendants,' an R-rated George Clooney vehicle that has thrust Woodley into the Oscar discussion. Just don't ask her about the Oscar discussion. In 'The Descendants,' Woodley plays Alexandra King -- the often surly teenage daughter of Matt King (Clooney) -- who must not only cope with the fact that her mother is in a coma after a boating accident, but that her mother had been cheating on her father. Moviefone spoke to Woodley about her much "buzzed-about" performance (a term she hates), her somewhat mixed feelings about the two years she has left on her television contract, and why her late puberty cost her the role of Kaitlin Cooper (a role she already had) on 'The O.C.' (This was one of Woodley's last interviews of the day. As this interview starts, we were joking about the amount of times that she has to answer the same questions.) "You're in a movie. What's that like?" "What is it like to work with George Clooney?" How many times have you been asked that? Many. [Laughs] Many, many, many, many. And I don't mind answering because he's a good one to talk about. Right. It's not like asking what it was like working with Gaddafi. It might be weirder, yeah. I feel like a lot of people in your position, with the television show that you're on, get cast in teen comedy movies or the shitty horror movie, but you got George Clooney's potential Oscar movie. For me it's always been about truth, and for being on a show for as long as I've been on it -- and being in a contract for another two years -- I've learned a lot about making commitments and really paying attention to the material that you work on. And I'm so grateful for the show, oh my gosh, it's been such a fun ride ... But when you mentioned being in a contract for another two years, you made a distressed face. What did that mean? Do you not want to do the show for another two years? No, no, no. I would love to do it for another two years. I made a commitment for another two years. But ... it definitely ... I mean, I think doing anything in life you learn things. And the biggest learning lesson from that was actually paying attention to what you do. Because when you do sign a contract, you do sign -- I don't want to say a portion of your life -- but you make a commitment. And you stick to that commitment. And I think with this movie, or in every movie -- I've been acting since I was five -- it's always just been really fun and never anything that I had to do or have been pushed to do. It's something I've enjoyed doing, so if I read a script and it's cheesy -- I mean, everyone depicts cheesy differently -- but if I don't feel anything inside me, then I'm obviously not meant to do that movie. And when I read this script, I got the biggest guttural feeling of immense passion. And that was the signal that I want to work for this. And, to be fair, when you signed that contract, you weren't in 'The Descendants' yet. Yeah, but that's the whole strategy part of acting and I refuse to ever take part in that because I think it's all BS. Can you screw yourself up by doing that? Not necessarily. I know a lot of people who have done it and they're very successful with it. But, for me, acting isn't my only passion in life, so I refuse to give it more than it is. And all that it is is fun. And I'm passionate about it and I have a good time doing it. And if I have to strategize how I do this in order to do that, it's boring! And it's stressful and it makes me anxious and that's not fun at all and it would make me want to quit. So, I refuse to take part in the politics. I did the show because I thought it would be fun, not because I thought it would take me anywhere. When I booked the movie, everyone was, "Oh, you booked the movie because you did this show -- that's why you got this movie." And Alexander [Payne] told me, when I first booked it, "I wish you hadn't done the show because I wanted someone who hadn't done anything." You're angry a lot in this movie. I know, it's acting, but it has to come from somewhere. Yeah, you know, it was fun. It was really fun to argue and spar with George. Because, first of all, he's not George Clooney, quote, famous man, end quote, to me anymore. He's George Clooney, guy from Kentucky. Just a good guy. So to be able to spar with him and argue -- and be in a movie where you're allowed to say words like "fuck" and the "t-word" -- I don't even know if I should say it right now... It's the Internet. All words are allowed. It's fun! In most movies they're like, "Oh, no, no. We need it PG-13 We can't say that." And to be able to say them to an actor like George Clooney, who can spit right back at you -- it was fun. I love arguing. I always say that I'll never win a physical battle, but I can always win a mental battle. I mean, not really, because I never really argue with anyone. Is he still a prankster? That's always the story, "George Clooney is a prankster!" We didn't get any infamous "George Clooney pranks,' because it was a very family based environment because we had a 10-year-old. But we did get a lot of practical jokes, like the fart application on the phone would come out. That sounds like a very lame George Clooney joke, actually. Usually they're elaborate. A fart application sounds quite disappointing. We didn't get any typical George Clooney pranks. Listen, he does all of those good pranks on like 'Oceans Eleven' and movie like that -- where it's him and all of his buddies. How would you describe your character, Alexandra? Ornery? I think she's obtuse. Do you like her? Yeah. I mean, I think she's a normal 17-year-old going through the dysfunction of what it's like to have a family. Every family is dysfunctional, whether you want to admit it or not. Do you think about awards season? Um ... no. I mean, yes and ... I don't know. It's weird. Everyone today is like, "Shailene, you're getting so much buzz. How does the feel?" It's the most odd question because it's like asking a kid who got into Cornell how it feels to be the top of your class at one of the Ivy League schools. How do you answer that? You just go, "I don't know." I used to say that this is just the maraschino cherry on top, but decided maraschino cherries are awful. So I'm going to start now preaching the Bing cherry on top. Maraschino cherries are delicious. They're so full of artificial chemicals! I know they're not good for you, but the chemicals are what's delicious. OK, they may be delicious, but they're so bad for the environment. If you had a sundae, would you rather have a real cherry over a maraschino cherry? Oh, a real cherry. For sure. But, yeah, I'm just endlessly grateful and taking it all in stride. You should just go all in, "Goddammit, I want an award." [Laughs] Honestly, it's flattering. When it comes down to it, I'm just a girl who wears those five-finger weird toe shoes. You were on 'The O.C.' as Kaitlin Cooper. You were replaced by Willa Holland. Did you consider that a setback? No. I was 11 and I was on as a guest, recurring character, or whatever. My character went to boarding school and when they decided to bring her back, they actually re-auditioned me to bring her back. But I didn't go through puberty until late: I was the 15-year-old who had no boobs. So, at 11, I was like a little mouse-child. I looked like an 8-year-old. That same year, I filmed a movie in which I was playing a 9-year-old. So, there was no weirdness when Willa Holland got it because she was so obviously right for the role... and I was so obviously not [laughs]. [Photo: Fox Searchlight] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook You can contact Mike Ryan directly on Twitter

'Tintin' Reviews: Steven Spielberg's 'The Adventures of Tintin' Receives Mixed Reaction at AFI Fest

With $125 million in worldwide ticket sales already, 'The Adventures of Tintin' is well coming toward as being a worldwide smash for director Steven Spielberg. How American audiences will react to the eu flair of film -- modified within the famous comic strip by Belgian author Herge -- remains to look, though once the critical a reaction to north of manchester American debut of 'Tintin' within the AFI Fest is any suggestion, expect many houses divided. Carrying out a screening on Thursday evening, many authors and film experts taken care of immediately 'Tintin' the simplest way they understood how: via Twitter. "'Tintin' is great!In . written Movieline's Jen Yamato. "Feels a great deal a great deal a lot more like 'Raiders [in the Lost Ark]' than 'Captain America' ever did." "Snowy 4ever!!" tweeted a thrilled Devin Faraci from Badass Digest, mentioning to Tintin's trusty dog Snowy. Thompson on Hollywood proprietor Anne Thompson agreed with both Yamato and Faraci, but noted the film didn't hold together due to its running time. "'Tintin' is great-searching fun, and Snowy might be the star. Amazing camera be employed in digital atmosphere. Nevertheless it expires of narrative steam." The sentiment was echoed by Slashfilm's Peter Sciretta, who, while experiencing 'Tintin,' noted it "felt just a little extended" with an animated film that they didn't care enough in regards to the star in the show, Tintin themselves. Esteemed Oscar blogger Sasha Stone being more deflated, evaluating 'Tintin' to 'The Polar Express,' because of the lifeless figures created with the advanced motion-capture technology. "Cold," she written. "Not my bag.Inch Stone also reported that upon departing the AFI Fest screening, she heard one fellow festival goer say, "'Tintin' would suck balls, whether or not this had any." No proof whether that was the curmudgeonly Rob Wells from Hollywood Elsewhere, nevertheless the veteran author did offer this Twitter review for Spielberg's latest: "'Tintin' is popcorn punishment. It's so marvelously congratulations I desired to think about cyanide. Exact same youthful Indiana Manley rollercoaster garbage." LA Weekly film editor Karina Longworth put it a tad more succinctly: "A great deal a lot more like Shit Container," she written. Clearly, not everyone used 140 figures use a point of view Spielberg's action-adventure: In Contention blogger Kris Tapley written an entire summary of 'Tintin,' calling it "handily one of the year's best films." 'The Adventures of Tintin' opens inside the U.S. on 12 ,. 21. [Photo: Vital] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Nia Long Gives Birth To Baby Boy

First Published: November 9, 2011 6:58 PM EST Credit: LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Nia Long arrives at the 2010 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.Its another boy for Nia Long. A representative for the 41-year-old actress says Long gave birth Monday to son Kez Sunday Udoka. Spokeswoman Priscilla Moralez says both mother and child are healthy and happy to be home. Kez is the first child for Long and Ime Udoka. Long has a 10-year-old son, Massai, from a previous relationship. Longs credits include the films Soul Food, 'Love Jones and Big Mommas House and TV shows such as Boston Legal, 'Judging Amy and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Oldman Wanted For Arthur & Lancelot

Warners is hunting for a Merlin...Warner Bros. is actually searching to help keep onto Gary Oldman's services. Getting labored with him round the Book Of Eli, Red-colored-colored Riding Hood, several Harry Potters and Christopher Nolan's Softball softball bat-trilogy, the studio was already trying to create a deal for him to star in Akira. Now comes word he may also play Merlin in Arthur & Lancelot.The Alteration-Up's David Dobkin has written and may direct the Arthurian adventure, which, he's mentioned, will re-invent the mythology somewhat making the figures more "grounded." Hhhm.... Even Merlin? Well, once the BBC can offer it a crack...Joel Kinnaman, who came out in the usa TV remake in the Killing in addition to crops up in Safe House as well as the Pitch-dark Hour, is presently stored directly into experience Lancelot and Dobkin is trying to find an Arthur to star alongside him.Oldman is a great choice as Merlin, giving some gravitas in the younglings. He's also proven he's a dab hands at miracle, so he's that utilized by him...

If 'Puss in Boots' Co-Star Amy Sedaris Calls for a 'Safety Meeting' You Should Probably Hide the Kids

Amy Sedaris is best known for her role as clueless Jerri Blank on Comedy Central's 'Strangers With Candy,' but she's also lent her voice to a lot of animated characters, including Cinderella in 'Shrek the Third' and the nefarious Jill in 'Puss in Boots.' Sedaris talked to Moviefone about how Jack's other half stacks up against other cartoon villainesses, who's likely to dress up as Jill for Halloween, why she had to end her cupcake business, and what going to a 'safety meeting' actually means. You've voiced a lot of fairy tale characters. Yeah, I've done a few. Foxy Loxy in 'Chicken Little'... Oh, that's right, I forgot about that one. And Cinderella in 'Shrek the Third.' Of course. And The Tooth Fairy in 'Yo Gabba Gabba.' So what's different about voicing Jill? Well, I love doing Southern accents, and it was fun to have a husband, even thought he was animated. And it's fun to be part of a franchise. I'm a big fan of 'Puss in Boots,' it's a really cute movie. Is it more fun playing a villain? Oh yeah, that's always great. Those are always the best parts to have, being the villain. They're the most fun. Billy Bob Thornton said he met you for the first time the other day while you were doing TV interviews, how do you think he did on his first big voiceover job? He's terrific and I had a feeling we'd get along because he's from the South. And he was a little nervous about doing something like this, but I love him in the movie, I think he's great. What does it take to be a good voiceover actor? Just being able to follow direction, being able to surrender and trust the director's vision and do what he asks. And being able to take a note. So not so much with the improv? Well, it's already on the page. Sometimes they encourage you to improvise and some people don't. But I prefer to improvise because that's my background but I think everything that's in the movie was on the page. Where does Jill rank in the pantheon of animated villainesses? She can kick some ass. I think she's up there. She just doesn't have a traditional look, you know. She's built like a refrigerator box. So could she take on Maleficent and the Evil Queen in Snow White? They're all so good. I think they would get along. You can't touch that Queen from Snow White. That was one of my favorite movies. When you saw the movie, you were hearing all the other voices for the first time? Yeah, I love Zach [Galifianakis]'s voice [as Humpty Dumpty], so sweet wasn't it? And I love anything with an accent, so I love Antonio. What do you think moviegoers will enjoy the most? Just that it's a really fun character and I think the music is great. Everyone I've talked to really, really enjoyed it. I'm just happy he got a spin-off. He's super nice, Antonio. I met him today for the first time. Do you think Jack and Jill might get a spin-off? I don't know. I don't know, but beware! Or maybe Halloween costumes? I'm too old to dress up. I'm going as myself this year, a hobo. But do you see people dressing up as Jill? You've got to be a big person. Maybe a transvestite will dress up as Jill. So who would dress up as Jack? A big transvestite. And then bring your cat and you're good to go? Yeah, just add some boots. In the movie, Puss has a catchphrase, "Holy frijoles!" Do you have a personal catchphrase? Holy, frijoles, what's my catchphrase? "Time for a safety meeting!" When you say that, it's code that it's time for a pot break. And when do you say that? About once an hour. Is there a story behind it? It just means it's time to get together to smoke it up. I was reading that you run a cupcake and cheeseball business on the side. That was a long, long time ago. I don't do that anymore. What made you hang that up? Because cupcakes became really popular, everybody was doing it. And the price of butter became really high. I liked doing it because it felt like allowance movie but it felt like it was time to stop. So is the cupcake trend over now? I don't know. I don't pay much attention to it. I was also reading that you started your voiceover career at a Winn-Dixie. Yes, I did. [Laughs] They had to take the microphone away from me at some point. The minute I saw my manager leave the store, I would get on there and make stuff up all the time. [Photo: AP] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Box Office Report: 'Puss in Boots' on the right track for Halloween Record $36-$38 Mil

DreamWorks Animation's Puss in Boots is ruling the Halloween box office having a Friday gross of $9 million to $9.5 million, putting the three dimensional toon on the right course for any record $36 million to $38 million weekend. The present crownholder for the best Halloween weekend opening is Lionsgate's Saw III, which made just north of $33 million in 2006. It's almost uncommon for any family film to spread out over Halloween, but Vital and DreamWorks Animation desired to give Puss in Boots more space before a deluge of Thanksgiving family game titles open later in November. The down-side, based on Vital: Puss in Boots could forfeit business in the first weekend since kids might be otherwise occupied. PHOTOS: 'Puss in Boots' and 9 Other Sexy Cartoons That puts pressure on Puss in Boots to possess a strong hold next weekend, if this was initially designed to open, exactly the same frame that DreamWorks Animation's Megamind opened up this past year to $46 million. Moving in Puss in Boots' favor is strong reviews. Vital also required no. 2 just right Friday with horror pic Paranormal Activity 3, which fell a lot more than 70% on its second Friday for an believed $7.9 million. The film, already generating nearly $70 million locally, is on the right course for any $20 million weekend, and really should have a strong Monday due to Halloween. REVIEW: 'Puss in Boots' Paranormal Activity 3 is besting Justin Timberlake-Amanday Seyfried's new sci-fi thriller Over Time, which made a soft $4.9 million on Friday for any $12 million to $13 million weekend. Fox is disbursing the $35 million pic, directed by Andrew Niccol, for partner New Regency, which fully funded the film. This news was all-out glum for The Actor-brad Pitt starrer The Rum Diary, which required in under $two million on Friday for any forecasted weekend debut of $six million or less. FilmDistrict is disbursing the film, which is dependant on Hunter S. Thompson's semi-autobiographical novel. Related Subjects Box Office The Rum Diary Puss in Boots Over Time

SAG and AFTRA Condemn IMDb Revealing Performers' Age range

Ageism is really a hot button problem in show business, and something that leading U.S. guilds representing movie and TV stars charge has been irritated through the posting guidelines from the popular IMDb online database.our editor recommendsActress Sues IMDb for $a million for Revealing Her AgeEnhanced IMDb.com Application Offers Complete Coverage of Movies, TV Projects The Screen Stars Guild and AFTRA struck out at IMDb and it is owner Amazon . com.com on Thursday, condemning their practice of revealing age range of entertainers with no actor or stars' permission -- after which declining to remove or change it out even if that individual demands them to do this. Based on a pr release released through the guilds, there have been recent behind the curtain talks with IMDb relating to this practice that involved SAG, AFTRA along with other un named guilds, but individuals talks have finally divided. This uses an actress in Texas, referred to being an Asian-American although not named, filed a suit against IMDb after it required information she provided when registering for that IMDb Professional subscription service and tried on the extender to write her age around the IMDB website. "Within the entertainment industry, youth rules,Inch stated the suit filed on March. 13. "If your are perceived as being 'over-the-hill,' i.e., approaching 40, it's extremely difficult to have an up-and-coming actress, like the Complaintant, to obtain act as she's considered to tight on of the 'upside,' therefore, casting company directors, producers, company directors, agents/managers, etc. don't offer her exactly the same possibilities, no matter her appearance or talent." SAG and AFTRA stated it is not only a legitimate problem. They stated they "strongly think that companies like IMDb possess a moral and legal obligation to not facilitate age discrimination in employment." However, that's exactly the things they're doing, stated the guilds, by posting age range of stars which in turn are utilized by potential talent purchasers: "Entertainment industry companies who'd never directly request a possible worker's age routinely access that information through IMDb and it is professional subscription site IMDbPro." It has were built with a devastating effect on the careers of numerous stars, charge the guilds. "An actress's actual age does not matter to casting," stated the guilds. "What matters may be the age groups that the actor can portray. For the whole good reputation for professional acting, it has been true but that reality continues to be upended by the introduction of IMDb being an industry standard utilized in casting offices across America." The guilds known as on Amazon . com and IMDb to complete the best factor: "The time is right for IMDb to step-up and be responsible for that harm it's triggered, and also to take appropriate measures to safeguard entertainment industry employees, including stars, from losing jobs for that enhancement of IMDb's financial claims." There is no indication that IMDB will change its policy, with no immediate comment from Amazon . com. SAG IMDB

Miramax, DFI ink intern pact

DOHA -- Miramax has joined forces with the Doha Film Institute to launch a Media Immersion Program, which will enable Qatari college students to intern in the company's Santa Monica or London offices. The news comes the day after Miramax CEO Mike Lang announced at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival that the company was launching a Facebook app, which would enable users in Qatar, Egypt and the UAE to rent select pics via the social network site. Speaking at the fest, Lang said: "Through this internship, we seek to offer talented and driven young people hands-on experience in entertainment that will contribute to their professional growth. We are also excited about opportunities to promote our library throughout the region, which we believe will be a great source of creative and business talent in the future." Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Cowell Talks Voting By Social Media On X Factor

First Launched: October 25, 2011 11:34 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images NY, N.Y. -- Caption X-Factor judge Simon Cowell appears round the Tonight Show With Jay Leno at NBC Art galleries in Burbank, Calif., on September 19, 2011 Simon Cowell doesn't use Twitter but he wants X Factor fans to take advantage from the web site to election for favorite participants. The Fox show introduced Tuesday that beginning November. 2, fans can cast a ballot by delivering an instantaneous message over Twitter for the official X Factor account. Audiences could also cast a ballot round the shows Facebook page which is official website. Its a sign from the occasions, mentioned Cowell, who thinks more votes is going to be consequently of accelerating the process. Sites like Facebook give (everyone else) a considerably bigger voice. Aside from social media, votes might be sent the standard way, by considering creating a mobile call or delivering a text and taking advantage of a unique Application created for Verizon Android items. Cowell uses the net to gauge what people consider the series up to now. He goes online throughout and following a show to determine which people say and expects to become listed on Twitter once he finds out the best way to type faster. The show is calculating about 12.5 million audiences an instalment, just one factor thats impeded it in recent days might be the Major league baseball World Series. Games on Fox have pre-empted the show leading to confusion among audiences and resulting in some DVRs to not record X Factor. Cowell states the conflict remains frustrating nonetheless they understood in advance this could happen. He thinks the ratings are actually consistent up to now and individual to individual could possibly get people to remain updated. On Tuesdays first live show, five functions were cut departing 12 remaining participants. While using competition starting to warm up, so gets the tension among its idol idol judges, that are each training a group of participants. Cowell gets the women. LA Reid is training the boys. Paula Abdul helps the groups and Nicole Scherzinger gets the solo functions over 30-years-old. Cowell states Abdul claims to offer the most difficult category to mentor, but disagrees along with her. He mentored the groups inside the U.K. version in the show and loved carrying it out. At this time around each judge has someone inside their category who could win the show, he mentioned. However when I desired to wager about it, Id back me. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Affiliates: Births

Cher and Chris Van Amburg, a boy Caden Thomas Van Amburg, Sept. 22, La. Mother's a realtor at Innovative Artists father's senior veep of promoting in the new the new sony Pictures TV.Stacy Rukeyser and Clark Billings, a boy Truman Rukeyser Billings, Sept. 2, La. Mother's a author and producer father's a producer. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Man Up!

Credits: Filmed in Los Angeles by Bicycle Path Prods. and Tagline Television in association with ABC Studios. Executive producers, Christopher Moynihan, Victor Fresco, Ron West, Kelly Kulchak; producer, Marc Solakian; director, Beth McCarthy Miller; writer, Moynihan.With: Mather Zickel, Dan Fogler, Christopher Moynihan, Teri Polo, Amanda Detmer, Henry Simmons, Jake Johnson, Charlotte Labadie.Remember "Traffic Light," which was on Fox, like, last season? It was only the most recent kinda-funny casualty in the male-panic genre, in which suburban trios of guys expose their inner Peter Pans, mostly by playing videogames and whining. In that regard think of ABC's "Man Up!" -- paired with "Last Man Standing" in a thematically compatible if not particularly appealing block -- as "The Hangover: Part TV," exploring the tired question of whether modern times have produced an over-evolved generation of girly men. Alas, it'll take more than sociology to pump up this stale sitcom. Producer-writer Christopher Moynihan also co-stars as Craig, a member of the central group, who escape from their daily duties by playing a first-person shooter game as they chat to each other wearing headphones. The anchor is clearly Will (Mather Zickel), whose brother-in-law Kenny (Dan Fogler) is divorced and chafing at the fact his ex (Amanda Detmer) is dating the man of anybody's dreams ("NYPD Blue's" Henry Simmons). As always, Fogler plays a tightly wound ball of rage, potentially dragging Will into his madcap capers. Then again, Will spends a lot of his time wondering about whether he can measure up to the manliness of his father's generation. As such, Kenny's antics -- or in the premiere's case, Craig potentially triggering an ass-kicking by pissed-off groomsman after crashing his ex-girlfriend's wedding -- only provides an opportunity to test what he's truly made of. Finally, there's Will's beautiful/patient/much-smarter-than-he-is wife Theresa (Teri Polo), who may (at the risk of over-thinking things) bear less of a resemblance to her onscreen brother, Fogler, than any sibling pairing in modern TV history. Although some of the situations are relatable -- Will's anxiety about finding his 13-year-old son an appropriate gift, for one -- and others goofily arbitrary (Kenny's obsession with Tobey Maguire), it's presented in such a familiar single-camera manner it would be easy to mistakenly assume "Man Up!" is a rerun of recent sitcoms past. If there's a surprise here, it's Simmons' comic chops as the perfect physical specimen who has replaced Kenny, though making that a regular element -- as opposed to a gag for the pilot -- offers a sense of how broad "Man Up!" is going to be. As for the show's future, that almost entirely depends on Tim Allen's performance as its lead-in -- once again leaving these men, oddly, at the mercy of an earlier generation. Then again, even if Allen's show works, this companion half-hour is so thin there's still a chance ABC will wind up tossing "Man" overboard.Camera, Michael Trim; production designer, Ian Phillips; editor, Richard Candib; music, John Kimbrough; casting, Debby Romano, Brett Benner. 30 MIN. Contact Brian Lowry at brian.lowry@variety.com

Baseball Rain Delay Pushes X Factor to Thursday, Thursday's Episode to Air Sunday

Simon Cowell Sorry, Simon! A two-hour rain delay for Game 4 of the American League Championship Series has pushed the first judges' homes episode of The X Factor to Thursday night, Fox announced late Wednesday. X Factor: Rihanna to serve as L.A. Reid's guest mentor The episode, which was supposed to air immediately following Wednesday's match-up between the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers, will now air Thursday. That in turn will push Thursday's scheduled episode, the second part of the judges' homes visits to a special Sunday timeslot at 8/7c. As originally planned, the third and final episode of the judges' homes round will then air at 8/7c on Tuesday. However, it's unclear what will happen to The X Factor schedule should the American League Championship Series go to a Game 7, which would air on Sunday. In place of Wednesday's scheduled episode, Fox will air a rerun of The X Factor for viewers on the West Coast .

Fox Pulls New Girl Until November

Zooey Deschanel You now see her you now don't. New Girl - the very first new show to obtain acquired for any full season - will probably be scarce for a lot of October.Lizzy Caplan to Party Lower on New GirlFox will not air the following two instances of Zooey Deschanel's sitcom to ensure that The X Factor can expand from 1 hour 30 minutes to some full two hrs. The network had already planned to pre-empt the March. 25 episode for Simon Cowell's new amateur-talent show. Which means we will not visit a new episode of recent Girl until November. 1.Browse the relaxation from the day's news on TVGuide.comThe move was initially reported through the Futon Critic.

Hank Junior. Creates Song About Fox & Buddies

First Released: October 10, 2011 9:04 AM EDT Credit: NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Caption Singer Hank Williams Junior. seems around the area before a National football league game between your Gambling and also the Miami Whales at Sun Existence Stadium on September 12, 2011 Hank Williams Junior. is going to have his say. Williams has cut new song Ill Keep My , calling out Fox&Buddies and ESPN after a job interview a week ago around the Fox News talk show brought towards the finish of his connection to the sports network and Monday Evening Football, lengthy the place to find his Isn't it time for many football? theme. Hes also scheduled to look around the View and Hannity on Tuesday to go over the uproar that popped up after he earned an example that Leader Obama and House Speaker Repetition. John Boehner golf together was like Nazi leader Adolph Hitler and Israeli Pm Benjamin Netanyahu playing a round. ESPN made the decision to drag Williams intro from last Mondays MNF telecast following the comments and also the move grew to become permanent Thursday when each side stated theyd made the decision to drag the place. Williams authored the topical third verse of Ill Keep My when he awoke Friday morning and that he and several gamers laid it lower inside a Nashville studio by Friday mid-day. It may be on iTunes late Monday or early Tuesday. Within the song Williams, boy of new bands icon Hank Williams, states Fox&Buddies hosts twisted his words: So Fox n Buddies wanna put me lower/Request for my estimationOrDistort everything around. He finishes the verse: Well two can enjoy that gotcha game youll see. At the start of the song, he states the U.S. is certainly going to waste and states its becoming The U . s . Socialist States of America. He mentions keeping Fox&Buddies and ESPN from home toward the finish from the song. Williams comments last Monday came unlikely responses with lots of bloggers and comics visiting his defense, declaring ESPN was infringing on his to free speech. His defenders incorporated the left-leaning Whoopi Goldberg and Pleasure Behar from the View and Jon Stewart from the Daily Show and on the other hand from the political landscape Sarah Palin and Hurry Limbaugh. The brouhaha motivated Williams and to start selling Hank Junior. for Leader T-t shirts on his website. Williams theme song continues to be a part of MNF since 1989. The song would be a version of his hit My Rowdy Buddies Are Coming Over Tonight he changed to complement each days game. He is the owner of the song and all sorts of the privileges into it, so ESPN won't have the ability to utilize it by any means. Rather, the network states it'll make use of an intro featuring Hall of Fame running back Craig Sanders and soul singer Jimmy Scott just before the Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions game Monday evening. The introduction can change every week. (Copyright 2011 by Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed) Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Real Steel Outmuscles your competitors Ides of March Strong Second

Real Steel Real Steel pummelled the weekend competition laminator tl901 office, grossing an thought $27.3 million within the debut, Box Office Mojo reviews. The Hugh Jackman-starring family film ended up being the weekend's other major era, George Clooney's latest directorial effort, The Ides of March. The political film, headlined by Ryan Gosling, came $10.4 million. Dolphin Tale jumps over Lion King laminator tl901 office Last weekend's top film, Dolphin Tale, ranked third with $9.millions of. Moneyball showed up at No. 4 with $7.5, then 50/50 at No. 5 with $5.5 million. Taking sixth place, Courageous scared up $4.6 000 0000. The 3-D re-relieve The Lion King needed seventh with $4.55 million, obtaining the re-release's total to $86 million as well as the movie's overall decide to use $414.5 million. Rounding the very best ten: Dream House (No. 8, $4.5 million), What's Your Number? (No. 9, $3 million) and Abduction (No. 10, $2.9 million).

Boxing Legend Sugar Ray Leonard Provides His Favorite Boxing Movies

Legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard given his talents with this weekend's robot boxing movie 'Real Steel' just like a fight consultant. As Leonard describes, his job was less to choreograph the physical nuances of boxing, plus much more to supply star Hugh Jackman the look and feel from the boxer -- something Leonard is actually alert to as interested in boxing movies. Moviefone spoke for the Hall of Famer about his favorite boxing movies and the way he cries throughout Ough Schroeder's 'The Champ' like everyone else. Sugar Ray Leonard's Favorite Boxing Movies The Champion looks back at his favorite boxing movies over time. 'The Fighter' (2010)'Rocky' (1976)'Raging Bull' (1980)'The Champion' (1979)'Ali' (2001)'Million Dollar Baby' (2004)'The Hurricane' (1999)'Requiem for just about any Heavyweight' (1962) See All Moviefone Galleries » [Top Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook You'll be able to contact Mike Ryan on Twitter.

Fox to 'Dance' again for ninth season

Fox renewed summer reality skein "So You Think You Can Dance" for a ninth season. The series finished No. 1 in its timeslot among adults 18-49 in its most recent season. Fox is planning a summer 2012 return for "Dance." The network experimented with a fall edition of the series in 2009, but otherwise has been content to keep it airing during the summer months -- more so now that "The X Factor" looks like a stable if not spectacular fall performer. Co-creators Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe exec produce "Dance" with Barry Adelman; 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark Prods. produce. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Cheers & Jeers: Sons of Anarchy Does not Hassle the Hoff

David Hasselhoff Cheers to Sons of Anarchy to have an inspired little bit of stunt casting. Want more Cheers & Jeers? Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now! If this was introduced that David Hasselhoff would guest star in Season 4 of FX's motorcycle-gang drama, I'll admit I groaned. Would this be another distractingly cheesy joke like Stephen King's cameo last season? Imagine my surprise once the Baywatch veteran put themself with gusto in to the role of Dondo, a notoriously well-endowed porn star-switched-producer. He devoured the part much more ferociously than the usual certain cheeseburger all of us remember. Here's wishing we've not seen all of the Dondo. The Hoff wasn't the episode's only welcome guest. Tom Arnold reprised his juicy role as adult-film-industry sleazeball Georgie Caruso, and infamously cranky SOA creator (and Mickey Rourke lookalike) Kurt Sutter came back as you-eyed inmate Otto to experience poignant moments opposite his real-existence wife, Katey Sagal, along with the always-great Mark Boone Junior. Without doubt about this: This year, these motorcyclists take presctiption a roll. What have you think about last night's SOA? Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Amanda Knox Lifetime Movie to become Up-to-date After Verdict

Lifetime's movie concerning the Amanda Knox trial is going to be up-to-date after an Italian court overturned its guilty verdict on Monday.our editor recommends27 Fact Flubs in Hayden Panettiere's Amanda Knox Movie?Amanda Knox Appeal Brings Court docket to Tears in Perugia, Italia (Video) Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italia starred Hayden Panettiere as Knox. It broadcast last Feb despite protests through the Knox family, who felt it might sway a legal court because they ongoing to battle on her release. PHOTOS: 10 TV Tests That Shook the planet A representative for Lifetime informs the La Occasions any time the telepic is proven, it will likewise include several sentences upgrading the situation, that will air pre and post. VIDEO: Amanda Knox Leaves Italia for U.S. After Guilty Verdict Overturned Lifetime will broadcast the film again Tuesday evening -- about 24 hrs following the verdict was revealed, so that as Knox remains a hot subject in media. Story: Amanda Knox Verdict: Conviction Overturned Panettiere rejected to discuss the Knox verdict via her manager. STORY: Amanda Knox's Conviction Overturned: What Individuals Say Knox was arrested last year together with a then-boyfriend for allegedly stabbing her roommate, Meredith Kercher, to dying. Kercher's body was discovered in 2007. Knox was sentenced to 26 years in jail which she offered 4 years. STORY: Amanda Knox Verdict: Daily Mail's Website Posts Wrong Decision Know is on the way to the U . s . States from Italia. Cinemax lately re-edited telepic Paradise Lost: Purgatory following the West Memphis Three were launched from prison in August. Related Subjects Hayden Panetierre Worldwide Lifetime Amanda Knox

ZenithOptimedia Cuts Global Advertising Growth Outlook for 2011 From 4.1% to 3.6%

NEW You'll be able to - Global advertising trading will rise 3.6 percent this year to $466.3 billion, media planning and buying firm ZenithOptimedia predicted on Monday, lowering its outlook in the 4.one percent gain it had forecasted within this summer time. It reported "a modest recession in expenditure growth for that finish from the seasonInch among soft economic trends. This summer season, the business had forecasted global ad trading would achieve $471 billion its 2011, on componen while using peak level showed up at just before the most recent recession. However, on Monday, furthermore, it slightly elevated its expectation for major media trading inside the U.S. this year from 2.one or two.2 percent among ongoing ad momentum, particularly in cable tv and Internet trading. The business slightly modified its U.S. estimate for network TV momentum this year though from flat with a 2 percent decline, so it must become then single percent drop next season. ZenithOptimedia forecasts $155. billion in U.S. major media ad trading this year, $160.3 billion in 2012 and $166. billion in 2013. "After we move further past therecession, we expect bigger increases of three.5 % in2012 and 2013" inside the U.S., Zenith mentioned within the latest forecast. That's slightly a lot better than its previous projection of gains of three.5 % and three.2 percent, correspondingly, over the following couple of years. Nevertheless it reiterated its expectation it might take a long time for U.S. ad trading to offer the amount it absolutely was at in 2008. Formerly, Jonathan Barnard, mind of predicting at ZenithOptimedia, had mentioned the U.S. ad companies are unlikely to offer the 2007 trading amount of $177.7 billion until 2015 or 2016. This summer season, the business, that's part of advertising giant Publicis Groupe, had already slightly decreased its April global ad growth forecast of 4.2 percent. "The recession in economic recovery inside the developed areas, coupled with rising fears of double-dip recession, have triggered some entrepreneurs to trim back budget increases planned for your finish of 2011, there is however been no symbol of the cancelled campaigns and sharp budget cuts that signaled the beginning of the ultimate advertising recession in 2008," Zenith mentioned on Monday. The business also cut its growth forecast for 2012 from 5.9 % to 5.three percent, while calling that outlook "reassuring." It added: "This picture is consistent with past ad market growth after many previous stock market shocks, supposing the earth economy does not deteriorate considerably." 2012 can be a quadrennial year and can savor the Summer season Olympics london, the eu soccer championship as well as the U.S. presidential elections. The business estimations that they may add $6.2 billion for the global ad market next season. Growth next season may even make the most of Japan's recovery within the earthquake in March, that may account for the following $800 million, according to Zenith. For 2013, the firm slightly reduced its global ad growth outlook from 5.6 to 5.5 percent, which might bring global ad spend to $518.2 billion. Zenith layed out that global Internet ad trading will exceed newspaper trading in 2013 with $96.4 billion in costs, compared to $91.3 billion. "Overall, we predict advertising on the internet increases its share in the ad market from 14.four percent this season to 18.9 % in 2013, if the will overtake newspapers being our planet's second-greatest medium," the firm mentioned. For your U.S., Zenith this year predictions the greatest increases in ad spend on the internet (12.6 percent, then 16.2 percent in 2012 and 17.three percent in 2013) and cable tv (12. percent this year, 10. percent in 2012 and 10.5 % in 2013). "Online ad growth continues to be driven, simply, by movie, with video ads becoming the mainform of brand advertising inside the digital space," Zenith mentioned. Network TV trading continues trending lower next season no matter the return in the Olympics to NBC, it suggested. "While using Olympics happening london, time difference will meanfewer occasions airing live than there has been for your Vancouver Olympics," the firm referred to. Zenith also needs cinema advertising costs to find out a 6. percent increase in 2011 and 5. percent gains in 2012 and 2013. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects NBC