Hollywood's Human Rights Problem(s), and 5 Other Stories You'll Be Talking About Today

Happy Monday! Also in today’s edition of The Broadsheet: Arnold Schwarzenegger sets another action comeback… James Franco gets kinky with James Dean… Doris Day draws love from the critics… Michael Shannon teases a bit of General Zod… and more. · Virtually every Hollywood controversy blows over in time, but Hilary Swank likely added some life to her Chechen despot birthday debacle over the weekend when she fired her manager and came thisclose to axing three of her agency squad at CAA. The moves follow Swank’s paid appearance at the 35th birthday party of Ramzan Kadyrov, whose reputation for torture and other human-rights abuses in Chechnya prompted an apology from Swank and the donation of her fee to charity. I mean, fine, but now who will she blame for New Year’s Eve? [The Independent] · Not to be outdone, Relativity Media is in hot water with human-rights watchdogs for filming parts of its Hangover-esque buddy comedy 21 & Over in the Chinese province of Shangdong, where blind dissident Chen Guangcheng remains under house arrest and subject to regular harassment from state authorities. Relativity dismissed the concerns in a statement, affirming its commitment to the coexistence of human-rights advocacy and foreign moolah: “As a company, we believe deeply that expanding trade and business ties with our counterparts in China and elsewhere can result in positive outcomes.” Of course. [Deadline] · Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comeback will reportedly include Black Sands, which will feature the ex-California governor as “a loner who wages war against a ruthless weapons manufacturer and his private army in the Southwest.” [Deadline] · From the same classy joint that brought you James Franco’s ass-y magazine cover, how about a glimpse into the actor-filmmaker’s raunchy Rebel Without a Cause-inspired art project? “Having sex with dolls with plastic dicks is fucking great […] because you get to examine that act without the onus of people just looking at it and saying, ‘That’s pornography.’ You can actually think about it for a second and ask yourself what is happening there when you’re doing that for real.’” Don’t look at me; I was gonna ask you. [THR] · Congrats to Doris Day on her forthcoming career achievement honor from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, news of which included the shocking snippet that Day hasn’t made a movie since 1968. Common knowledge? Sure, but still: How is that possible? [LAT] · Finally, Michael Shannon offers the critical distinction you were looking for between his Boardwalk Empire character and his Man of Steel villain: “General Zod is, I think, a bit stronger than Van Alden. General Zod would not go to the speakeasy and have a shot. General Zod will stop at nothing to get the job done. General Zod doesn’t have a supervisor.” Now you know. [EW] · What’s shakin’ in North Korea? Oh, not much, just an official government exile of workers based in Libya, lest they come back and spread a single word of revolutionary promise or potential. Utterly, utterly fascinating stuff. [The Telegraph]

Audition for NBC, Disney, mun2, Telemundo and More at Actorfest LA on Nov. 5th

Are you registered for Actorfest LA yet? The yearly event offers Workshops with Top Industry Professionals, Meet & Drops with Leading Casting Directors, as well as an array of Audition Opportunities with companies like Disney, NBC, Telemundo, mun2 and much more! Below is an overview of the casting opportunities at Actorfest LA, which takes place on Saturday, November 5th in downtown Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.ActorfestLA.com. To register for Workshops, Free Casting Calls or Free Meet & Drops, visit actorfestla2011.eventbrite.com. REGISTER NOW! WALT DISNEY PARKS & RESORTS Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will be holding auditions at Actorfest L.A.Have the experience of a lifetime with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. We are continuously seeking Dancers and Character Look-alikes to perform in meet-and-greets, parades and stage shows at Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and even the Disney Cruise Line with itineraries to exotic locales such as Europe, Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, and the Caribbean.Seeking:Males (5'9" - 6'2"): and Females (5'0" - 5'8"): to portray popular lead characters made famous in the following Disney features: Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Tangled, The Little Mermaid, Tinker Bell, The Princess and the Frog;Dancers: males (5'1" 6'2") and females (4'8" 5'8"), dancer/performers who move well, to appear in our Mainstage musical theatre productions, Disney Cruise Line, and in Disneyland Resort Parades. Some performers will appear as Disney Costumed Characters and Look-alikes for Meet and greets on board ships and others will step out into ensemble dancer roles. Candidates will be measured at the audition. Note: All Applicants must be 18 years or older.For more information and to sign up for an audition spot, visit the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts table in the Actorfest Exhibit Hall.Auditions will be held at Back Stage's Actorfest LA on Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. (sign-in 10:30 a.m.) and 4 p.m. (sign-in 3:30 p.m.) for Characters, and 2 p.m. (sign-in 1:30 p.m.) for Dancers at California Market Center, 110 E. 9th St. (between Main and Los Angeles Sts.) in Downtown Los Angeles.Bring pix & rsums. Dancers should wear appropriate dance attire and be prepared to learn a dance combination. Depending on the location, Individual Employment Contracts range in length from six months to one year. Benefits may include per diem, housing, medical/dental coverage, vacation/sick days, complimentary park entrances, employee discounts and more. There is no guarantee that everyone will be seen; early attendance is strongly recommended.General admission to Actorfest is free. Please be advised that no actor is guaranteed a role in a future production.NBC, TELEMUNDO AND MUN2 NBC, Telemundo and mun2 will be holding auditions designed to add diversity to their expanding talent pool.There Is No Guarantee That Everyone Will Be Seen; Early Attendance Is Strongly Recommended.What:NBC is seeking union talent (SAG or AFTRA members only); Males and Females, who can play ages 18 to 45.Telemundo is seeking Spanish-Speaking and Bilingual actors; Males and Females, all ages; union and non-union talent welcome.mun2 is seeking Spanish-Speaking, English-speaking and Bilingual actors; Males and Females, all ages; union and non-union talent welcome.When:Saturday Nov. 5, 2011Starting at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until 1:30 p.m. Callbacks will be held in the afternoon. Audition wait time may be several hours.Where:California Market Center, 110 East Ninth St., (between. Main and Los Angeles Sts.) in Downtown Los Angeles*** All talent under 18 years MUST be accompanied by an adult.***What To Prepare:-- Bring multiple copies of your picture & rsum, stapled together; must include contact info.-- If you are called back, you will be given a scene to prepare and read.What To Wear:-- Dress casualWhat To Expect:-- Audition time slots will be given out upon sign up. If you miss your time slot you will not be seen.-- The audition itself should not last longer than 1 2 minutes.-- A limited number of people will be notified at their audition that they have a callback.Important Info:-- There is no guarantee that everyone will be seen; early attendance is strongly recommended.-- Sign up for an audition time slot as early in the day as possible after arriving at Actorfest.-- General admission to Actorfest is free.-- There is no guarantee of being cast or called back.-- Headshots may be kept on file for possible future casting.-- We are not accepting any DVD's, CD's or Demo Tapes. Items left may be discarded.-- Please be advised that no actor is guaranteed a role in a future production.CASTING DIRECTOR MEET & DROPS The Meet & Drops at Actorfest provide you with the opportunity to have a 1-2 minute one-on-one meeting with a well-know casting director, and drop off a copy of your headshot and resume.This is a great opportunity to meet a knowledgeable casting director, ask questions you have been eager to know answers to, and get critical feedback on your pix & rsum presentation.Below are names of confirmed casting directors participating in Actorfest LA Meet & Drops:Kerry Barden, CSA: Casting Director/Partner, Barden/Schnee Casting with offices in NY and LA. Casts mostly feature films. Credits include: "The Help," "Machine Gun Preacher," "Winter's Bone," and "Conviction."Mark Teschner, CSA: Four-time Emmy Award-winning casting director for "General Hospital."Matthew Barry, CSA: Casting Director/Partner, Barry Green-Keyes Casting. Casts feature films. Works with Nick Cassavetes, credits include "My Sister's Keeper," "Alpha Dog," and the upcoming "Yellow."Dorian Frankel, CSA: Casting Director. Casts mostly for television. Credits include: "Parks and Recreation," "The Office," and "Curb Your Enthusiasm."Craig Campobasso, CSA: Casting Director. Casts for feature films. Credits include: "Pizza with Bullets," "The Perfect Host," and the upcoming "Buffalo Bill" and "In Love and Death."Chadwick Struck: Casting Director and Producer of indie Feature Films. Credits include: "A Green Story," "The Drunk," and "Rockbarnes."Michael Testa: Casting Director/Partner, Shaner/Testa Casting. Casts mostly for television. Credits include: "Cold Case," "Ringer," and "Chase."Caroline Liem, CSA: Casting Director for television and feature films. Credits include: "Jimmy Kimmel Live," "Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3," "Silent Witness," and "X2."Chris Game: Casting Director, Theater Director, Teacher. With 15 years of experience in the industry, Chris has cast a number of national commercial campaigns, for Harley-Davidson, Swiffer, Shell, and Burger King.Killian McHugh: Commercial Casting Director and Teacher. Works with Alyson Horn Casting.Fern Champion: Casting Director. Casts mostly feature films. Credits include: "Pet Cemetary," "The Mask" and recently "Beyond" and the TV mini-series "The Hatfields & McCoys."Russell Boast: Casting Director, Pagano/Manwiller Casting. Credits include: "Franklin and Bash" and "White Irish Drinkers." Russell also produces and directs theater in L.A.Meet & Drop sessions are available to all attendees who have registered for Actorfest. PIX & RSUM DROP BOXES Lots of casting directors will have drop boxes set up at Actorfest that you can use to drop off your pix & rsums for FREE. Back Stage will make sure that the boxes are shipped directly to the casting directors' offices so they'll have a chance to see your info.So make sure to bring multiple copies of your headshots and resumes (stapled together) to Actorfest. And make sure to drop off your pix & rsums in the boxes early, because the boxes will be promptly packed up before the end of the day.

Report: YouTube to Partner With Large Names to Unveil Shows for Niche Channels

YouTube Logo design design YouTube is predicted to announce Friday it's became a member of with several large names to supply TV-style channels that will feature properly produced shows, The Hollywood Reporter reviews. Although YouTube remains regarded as a hub for amateur-produced fare for instance crazy cat videos, makeup application training, backyard stunts or personally recorded greetings, it-talking about website is searching to branch by helping cover their programming that will deal with satellite and cable tv companies. Sesame Street YouTube funnel restored after being jeopardized with porn Even though official announcement hasn't happened yet, it's expected that YouTube desires to create 100 niche channels which will be created by the type of Ashton Kutcher, Parks and Recreation's Amy Poehler, MTV, Warner Bros., Ben Silverman's Electus, CSI creator Anthony Zuiker, Everyday Health, Legendary Entertainment, BermanBraun, World Wrestling Entertainment, HSN, Shaquille O'Neal, together with a Latin funnel featuring Modern Family's Sofia Vergara. A lot of the channels will launch in 2012 about 25 several hours of latest and original programming daily. An entire report on content partners is predicted being released Friday.

Fashion Slam: Halloween Style!

First Launched: October 28, 2011 5:41 PM EDT Credit: Access Hollywood La, Calif. -- Caption Ryan Patterson with daughter Harlow (fitted as Snow White-colored) for your Access Hollywood Live kids Costume show Today would be a particularly fun workday! 18 Access Hollywood kids (along with a couple of of the parents) arrived at be models for just about any day inside our Halloween fashion show today on Access Hollywood Live. My 2-year-old daughter Harlow was Snow White-colored and loved her sparkly dress and headband, but was especially passionate concerning the matching illuminate wand. Any mother from the girl knows the Disney Princesses are massively popular which we'd Belle (Hannah Jordan), Pocahontas (Nataly Roa), Rapunzel (Aubrey Castle) in addition to baby Belle, worn by 1-year-old Abbey. (Check out an image gallery of all the costumes.) The Avengers is large with boys of all ages. Large kid Scott Movie Mantz fitted up like Captain America, while four-year-old Jaden Farhan was the junior version. Thor (Anthony DeFranco), Iron Guy (Logan Brock), as well as the Hulk (Jayden Snyder) all hit our stage too. Much more about The Hulk laterhe will be a total scene-stealer. Who not love Sesame Street? The gang left typically the most popular street to go to our set. Eric Anderson, the Controlling Editor of AccessHollywood.com was Large Bird and also the cute 14-month-old Evan was baby Elmo. We'd an adult Elmo (3-year-old Jean) additionally to Cookie Monster! (We company directors three-year-old, Noah.) Snacks!!!!! There's furthermore several Angry Wild wild birds, (Thanks Joe, Ashley, and Drake!) which is amongst the broadly used trends this year. (It's the most looked subject on the web.) Thirty-four years later, Alien is very popular. AccessHollywood.coms Dish of Salt, Laura Saltman was Princess Leia moving her 6-month-old boy Brenner, fitted just like a baby Darth Vader. Our Stage Company company directors boy, Drake Sahm, developed a very dapper Luke Skywalker! And going for a little old-fashioned style, we'd an attractive Cat and Puppy worn by staff cuties Lucas and Milo. Our Publish Evening Change Coordinator Lenny Snyders boy stole the show! His 15-month-old Jayden, who was simply fitted just like a small-Hulk, created a amusing unscripted moment when he burst out in to a Noisy wail through the live tape. Billy Rose rose bush joked he was the newborn whisperer but got him to avoid! Classic! Due to all the families to become involved together with an enormous shout to the very patient producer Susan Moore, who develop this massive undertaking champion Susan! Happy Halloween everyone! Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

IM Global adds trio

CatlinPowell Rayford IM Global has added to its staff with a trio of executive hires -- Ben Shields Catlin, Elizabeth Powell and Juanita Rayford -- as the company preps for the American Film Market.The hirings were announced Thursday by founder and CEO Stuart Ford.IM Global noted the acquisitions, business and legal affairs, and finance departments are expanding to meet the growing demands from its film divisions -- Opus, Acclaim, Octane and Anthem -- and its Automatik production joint venture with Alliance.Catlin is joining as senior VP of acquisitions. He was most recently an acquisitions consultant at Relativity Media and was previously manager of production and acquisitions at Overture. Shields will work alongside the existing acquisitions team of Amal ElWardi, Babacar Diene, and Ben Rekhi.Powell has joined as VP of business and legal affairs, reporting to Exec VP of Finance and Operations Michael Roban as part of the company's five person legal team. Powell comes to IM Global from Essential, and currently serves on the Legal Committee for the Independent Film and Television Alliance.Rayford joins as collections manager, reporting to Financial Controller Miguel Palos to meet the growing demands of the sales and distribution business.Tatyana Joffe has been promoted to Exec VP of international sales and will continue reporting to International Sales President Jonathan Deckter. She's one of 28 staffers in the Los Angeles office."Business is strong, the company keeps growing, and I'm delighted to add three more talented people to the executive team," Ford said. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Will Katie Couric's New Talk Show Mean the Dying of 'General Hospital'?

This informative article initially came out inside the November. 4 problem in the Hollywood Reporter.our editor recommendsKatie Couric Discloses About Her New Talk Show (Q&A)Katie Couric Talk Show Will Probably Be Referred to as 'Katie' (Photo) Disney/ABC introduced March. 24 it's removed Katie Couric's syndicated Katie to air in than sixty percent of U.S. houses if the bows in fall 2012, fueling speculation about not able to the cleaning cleaning soap that has broadcast at 3 p.m. in lots of areas since 1963. ABC, which in September came the ire for cleaning cleaning soap fans by altering the extended-running My Children using the foodie chat show The Chew and jettisoning One Existence to reside in for the web, likely won't decide the fate of the last remaining cleaning cleaning soap prior to the spring. But General Hospital clearly is beneath the microscope. The cleaning cleaning soap will "compete based on ratings and chargesInch together with other options, states a network repetition. PHOTOS: 'All The Children': Famous Alums of ABC's Daytime Drama Chew is with an average start, tempting 1.9 million total audiences daily within the third week -- well below the 2.4 million the Kids came this past year. But Chew, together with the Revolution, a existence-style strip that will launch within the month of the month of january, costs a more compact add up to create when compared to a cleaning cleaning soap. Despite the fact that GH still earnings 2.43 million audiences, that's lower from 2.47 million a year ago and off twenty percent this season among women 18-to-49. PHOTOS: Katie Couric Talk Show Will Probably Be Referred to as 'Katie' "There's no extra reward for the way passionate people are of a show, specially when it will not function as right audience," states Mike Ford, an academic and co-editor in the book The Survival for cleaning cleaning soap Opera. Sources say Katie is creating lower distribution costs than Disney had wanted but nevertheless will pull in than $10,000 each week such areas as Atlanta, Detroit and Dallas. Disney-possessed stations in large areas will each pony up nearly $50,000 each week, aiding to create about $60 million yearly and giving systems strong incentives to air the show in plum time slots -- like the the one that GH occupies. Related Subjects ABC Katie Couric General Hospital

'Avengers' Trailer Proves Loyal to Comics' Roots

Zack Rosenthal/Marvel Studios This article first appeared in the Oct. 28 issue of The Hollywood Reporter.our editor recommends'The Avengers': Comics vs. Film'The Avengers': New Photos From Marvel's Superhero Film'Avengers' Jeremy Renner and Scarlett Johansson Talk Fight Scenes and Injuries (Video)'Avengers' Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth On Hypothetical Fight Between Thor and Iron Man (Video)'Avengers' Tom Hiddleston Talks the Return of Loki (Video) Avengers assemble! The trailer for Marvel's The Avengers debuted Oct. 11, almost seven months ahead of its May 4 release. The initial burst of enthusiasm was strong: The preview for the Joss Whedon-helmed flick recorded more than 10 million downloads on iTunes during the first 24 hours, shattering all records for movie trailers on the service. But to ensure the film is a success, Marvel and its new owner, Disney, are first trying to pump up the hard-core fans, and since the trailer debuted, the comics cognoscenti have been poring over the 124 seconds of footage to see if it captures that Marvel Comics mojo. PHOTOS: 'The Avengers': New Photos From Marvel's Superhero Film The movie unites four major heroes (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and the Hulk, who have collectively grossed $2.5 billion worldwide in six separate film efforts), adds two new heroes (Hawkeye and Black Widow) and tosses in another half-dozen major supporting players. It is trying to do something never before attempted: bring the central magic of the Marvel Comics universe -- the interconnectivity of its disparate heroes -- to the big screen in one place. Jonah Weiland of Comic Book Resources said the trailer "gives us a glimpse of the dynamic between the core members. Frankly, that's one of the biggest challenges with this 'team movie' concept." By greenlighting the reported $220 million budget, Marvel has a lot riding on the movie. If it works, Avengers will launch a new generation of interconnected franchises and secure Marvel's movie future. PHOTOS: New Generation of Superheroes Marvel has been building toward a cohesive movie universe with little cameos and Easter eggs here and there in its earlier films, but now it lays it all on the line with Avengers. So far, the trailer -- packed with nods to the classic stories, the visual look of legendary artist Jack Kirby (the brush behind nearly every major Marvel character from the 1940s through the '70s) and the influence of the popular 2002 comics reboot The Ultimates, which also influenced the Thor and Captain America movies -- has comics lovers gushing. Wrote one fan on comics site bleedingcool.com, "I had a geekgasm." With the full class roster revealed, the trailer unveils three key ways the movie plans to honor story lines that will have longtime comic book fans looking forward to May (while also bringing in an all new audience.) Don't Mess With the Class Prez Nick Fury originally was a secondary character, a cigar-chomping, Italian-American World War II vet with a dash of James Bond. In the Ultimates reboot, Fury was moved front and center as the leader of the Avengers and re-imagined as an ass-kicking, gun-toting, bald-headed team leader specifically modeled on Samuel L. Jackson. The updated Fury, on display in the trailer with guns blazing, is much more Bourne than Bond. Judging by the trailer, The Avengers will pack more action into it than any of Marvel's other films. Plus, the movie has Loki as the main villain, a nod to 1963's The Avengers #1, which brought the team together to face Thor's mischievous half-brother. STORY: 'The Avengers' Trailer Downloaded More Than 10 Million Times in 24 Hours Have the Big Men on Campus Bicker as Well as Bond The do-gooder Captain America and the smart aleck Iron Man have always had a complicated but important relationship in the comics. The heroes shared a book in the 1960s but have often clashed in recent years. Marvel's post-9/11 influenced story line Civil Wars had them on opposite sides of an effort to register all heroes, with Cap leading the resistance and Iron Man working with the government. The trailer shows that Whedon, who co-wrote the film's screenplay with Zak Penn, is smartly playing up the clash. Sure, Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man is going to get the best zingers, but don't underestimate Chris Evans' spot-on portrayal of the Star-Spangled Avenger to win fans. The trailer is also jammed with Marvel's trademark hero-vs.-hero fights, including teases of a sure-to-be-epic confrontation between Captain America and Thor (Chris Hemsworth). VIDEO: 'The Avengers' Trailer Hits the Web Make the New Kids Feel at Home Whedon is a huge comics fan. He penned an acclaimed 24-issue run of Astonishing X-Men, so it's no surprise that the trailer is littered with callouts to classic comic book shots -- Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) drawing his bow into the camera and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) in action -- that suggest starring turns for these fan-favorite supporting characters. Plus, the Dutch angle shots of Thor throwing his hammer and Captain America leaping over a car show that Whedon is capturing the kinetic energy of the visual style of original Avengers artist Kirby. View photos that compare the comics with the upcoming Marvel film here. Avengers Joss Whedon Marvel Entertainment The Avengers

'Culling' scares up cast

Jeremy Sumpter, Bret Davern, Elizabeth DiPrinzio, Chris Coy, Lindsey Godfrey, Virginia Williams, Jonathan Schaech and Harley Graham are starring in indie horror thriller "The Culling," presently shooting in New Orleans.Craig Chapman ("Machine Gun Preacher"), Colin Bates and Peter Fruchtman ("Black Swan") are coming up with with Gary Safady professional creating. The film was written and directed by Rustam Branaman."The Culling" concentrates on several five college pals who mind on holiday for just about any fun-filled extended weekend however plans change after you have a 7-year-old girl alone within an empty cafe over the highway and possess no choice but they're driving her home. After they reach her house it's quickly apparent they are going to need to remain for your evening -- but what's not apparent might be the evil nightmare they are likely to encounter. Graham plays the 7-year-old and her parents are referred to by Schaech and Williams. She came out in "Thor" and basically reserved Gerard Butler's "Of Males and Mavericks."Sumpter was seen in "Soul Surfer," DiPrinzio in "The Demon Within" and Godfrey in "The House Bunny." Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

'Grand Thievery Auto' Headed to iPads for brand spanking new (Q&A)

In another sign the flourishing tablet marketplace is altering the videogame business, Rockstar Games is entering the portable space with Grand Thievery Auto III. The organization may also be adapting other key franchises, includingMax Payne, for Ipad and Android pills.our editor recommendsE3: How Take-Two Boss Strauss Zelnick Switched an income With no New 'Grand Thievery Auto' Release (Q&A)Cypress Hill Singer's $250M Suit Claims 'Grand Thievery Auto' Stolen From His Story Based on researching the market firm Gartner, global tablet sales are required to top 63.six million this season, up from 17.six million this year. GTA III marks a change within the depth of games that'll be readily available for pills, that have centered on shorter arcade and casual games like Rovio's Angry Wild birds and PopCap's Plants versus. Zombies so far. Grand Thievery Autois probably the most effective gaming franchises ever, selling a lot more than 114 million copies worldwide since 1997. GTA III, that is honoring its 10thanniversary, performed a huge role in integrating Hollywood stars like Robert Loggia,Kyle MacLachlan,Michael Rapaport,Joe Pantolianoand Frank Vincent in to the open world interactive entertainment experience. Serta Houser, vice president creative at Rockstar Games, informs The Hollywood Reporterin a unique interview why pills are ideal for complex games like Grand Thievery Auto III and just how his company has labored with Hollywood talent to create best-selling games like Red-colored Dead Redemption, LA Noire and Max Payne to existence. Do you know the challenges of converting a game title like Grand Thievery Auto III to pills? Serta Houser: You will find two teams of challenges. The first is the technical side of setting it up to operate, the same challenge you face on porting any game anywhere. And also the other is which makes it play within an interesting way. I believe our men have found some interesting solutions. The important thing to conquering the very first challenge is simply making the effort and getting good people focusing on the overall game. But for the second challenge, it's making certain that the overall game is not only an inexpensive port. In my opinion we are finding some interesting solutions, but we are still trimming everything stuff up correctly. Which makes it play inside a fun and interesting way around the tablet is essential into it being interesting. Individuals are improving in internet marketing, but nobody has fully nailed it yet. I believe we'll have a large step for the reason that direction. Grand Thievery Auto IIIfeatured a cast of notable Hollywood stars. What exactly are your ideas on using well-known stars in games? Houser: We've got tired of that. It had been really helpful on Ps 2, in which the animation and also the fidelity and detail were fairly limited. I was attempting to do stuff in a fairly broad brushstroke. We recognized that stars offered the animation many offered the figures more because you'd need them for any couple of minutes which could it have been. We made the overall game, Bully, that people thought would be a transitional game between PS2 and PS3 era stuff from old gen and current gen. From that moment on, particularly with GTA IV, we remained from top-tier famous stars. Why perhaps you have remained from identifiable Hollywood stars? Houser: You will find two reasons we do not make use of the famous talent any longer. The first is how long requirement for these men from the development perspective. Then from the purely greater perspective, we found believe that when the figures are designed so and also the facial animation gets so great, we have really moved past wanting the overall game to seem like its very own Television show or movie arrived at existence. We would like it to end up like our planet arrived at existence. Getting a famous person into that's annoying. It had not been only a practical problem, it had been additionally a greater problem that meant i was no more going after celebrities playing themselves, which is still interesting within the right context then one we'd certainly turn to do again. "Were in what we feel is excellent quality, although not famous talent, and having to pay a really high union day rate for them. These stars finish up employed by days and often several weeks at any given time for all of us, so its just like focusing on a Television show for them.Inch Have you ever encounter any difficulties with stars in your games? Houser: On GTA: San Andreas, among the famous stars got upset using the script along with a minor comedian stormed off while he did not like the truth that his character was gay. We've got the man who'd done the mo-cap to complete the part and that he was much better than every other people who auditioned. I had been doing this much pointing of those games and also the process have been so slow and ponderous. Which other guy was nailing it in 2 takes. And So I thought let us only use exactly the same people from mo-cap. How has technology enhanced the performances you are capable of getting from stars in games today? Houser: Back with GTA IV, there still could be two separate performances, but through the same person. After GTA IV, we really got a bit of new tech in the people who do our facial animation, therefore we now perform the mo-cap and also the facial animation simultaneously. That brought as to the i was after, that was an overall total integration of performance through physical acting and voice acting to create the figures really alive. Whenever we visited hd that grew to become extremely important. What impact has dealing with stars inside your newest games had around the storytelling experience? Houser: We are in what we feel is excellent quality, although not famous talent, and having to pay a really high union day rate for them. These stars finish up employed by days and often several weeks at any given time for all of us, therefore it is just like focusing on a Television show for them. Once they understand that the procedure might involve them putting on a scuba suit (for motion-capture), but otherwise is acting with hopefully good scripts and interesting flow it is just like other things they focus on in Hollywood. Grand Thievery Auto IIIis honoring its 10thanniversary. What exactly is it relating to this game, which franchise, which has survived the ages? Houser: There is a real resolve for making these encounters which are unlike encounters others are providing on games as well as elsewhere. It's a mix of unique videogame experience that enables gamers to understand more about these mobile phone industry's which are filled with a multitude of interesting content. It isn't trying to become a movie. It's a game title, however it has cinema-level production values. These games get their own undertake the planet, the industry mixture of gangsterness and cynicism. When combined, it gives this feeling of this factor that's alive and features its own perspective. I believe that's unique within these games. Very few games coping the contemporary world in quite that same manner. Music has performed an instrumental role within the Grand Thievery Auto games. How perhaps you have seen the role of games grow if this involves music? Houser: Radio is becoming rather stale. It had been never a location to listen to classics, and we are all of a sudden in a position to mine music which was classic whenever we were more youthful and introduce it to kids who've not a way of hearing stuff from 4 decades ago. That's showing that games really are a effective medium for music, partially since you spend such a long time with a game title. You'll spend an hour or so . 5 having a film and you will spend 100 hrs with a game title, in order that they hear this music in a lot of various ways while doing lot of different things in the overall game. It demonstrated that games, just like classic moments in film, basically may become an interactive pop video somewhat. People go through the music while performing these outlandish things, or perhaps cruising round the mountain while sunset. And whatever it may be, they fall deeply in love with the background music plus they find out about things they would not have otherwise discovered. That's am enormous privilege for individuals people that love music introducing individuals to. Related Subjects

Dwts Episode Recap: Tuesday, March. 18, 2011

Eight (and eighties Week) is enough! Dwts trims lower to seven couples. Did we lose a higher contender for your third week running? Uncover below!Brooke is rockin' some Cowardly Lion curls, am I right? In my opinion I like yesterday's shoulder-padded Empire glory.Instead of an encore, Len stays a few breathing departing comments round the past two weeks' premature eliminations. Season 13 is crazy as they imagined Kristin and Chynna inside the final, and apparently so did plenty of fans who complained to him regarding ousters. OK, maybe lots of people penciled in Chynna, but seriously, who legitimately thought Kristin was likely to be there? All people people she told inside the premiere not to consider her just like a bitch? Len states he notifies people fans they can't complain when they didn't election: "Don't moan if you don't phone." I'm confident this can be a slogan for just about any phone sex company somewhere.Ricki and Derek, and Hope and Maks would be the initial two couples up, as well as the whole factor is produced 10 occasions more awkward after they air a disheartened Hope crying inside the hall last evening because she thinks nothing she does is a great one. Maks' perfunctory pep talk doesn't help matters. They're totally apt to be one of the final two standing later... otherwise individuals departing.First safe couple:Ricki and DerekHope and Maks will be in risk.After Tom tries to woo Kelly Clarkson to participate the show next season (Dancing Idol?), you are prepared to use the Kleenex for your Spotlight Performance. This week's inspiring story is Charm Ladonna, who emerged from Compton, Calif., to bounce on tour with Madonna. She used her tour salary to cover her way through college now volunteers at her elementary school. Great story, but the most popular Compton accomplishments are Venus and Serena Williams. Tennis FTW!The most effective three pairs hit happens next. It's strange to consider David one of the top-scoring couples, however guess someone must be after we whittle lower. Plus, I'd supply him with three 10s for the awesome Len impression.Next two safe couples:J.R. and KarinaRob and CherylDavid and Kym will be in risk.Undertaking a Kelly encore, the bottom-citizens learn their fates.Next two safe couples:Chaz and LaceyNancy and TristanCarson and Anna join Hope and Maks, and Carson and Anna beneath the Red-colored-colored Light of Disaster. David and Kym feel at ease, but Hope and Maks and Carson and Anna aren't always the bottom two.As well as the couple departing is... Carson and Anna.Carson thanks the fans, the whole crew, cast as well as the idol idol judges. "It's been pure pleasure personally,In . according to him.InchThe very best injustice personally,In . Tom states without missing a beat, "7 days shy of Broadway Week!"The show really will not be the identical without Carson (as well as the masterdom that's Anna), however it was the best option. Good job, America! The entertainment factor is only able to carry you up to now if you don't really improve. You have to supply the guy extra props, though, for walking in in literally the ultimate minute after Ryan O'Neal dropped out because of a bum knee. (Yeah, I'm glad we didn't get Ryan and Anna either. Shudder.)Considerably enhanced Carson remains relieved of his dancing duties, will we election him as new co-host? Or otherwise new DanceCenter panelist? Pretty please?So that's that. Whoever else think? Did the very best person return home? Should Carson search for a lasting gig around the program? Can Hope get it together? Should Kelly do Dancing? Will David and Kym stop speaking in British accents? If you do not moan if you don't phone? Who's your current pick to win? show less

AMPAS picks 7 scribes for Nicholl fellowships

The Academy of movement Picture Arts and Sciences has selected seven scribes for that 26th annual Don and Gee Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, which arrives having a $30,000 prize.Listed alphabetically, they're: -- Chris Bessounian and Tianna Langham, La, "Guns and Saris" -- Dion Prepare, Altus, Okla., "Cutter" -- John MacInnes, La, "Outdoors the Wire" -- Matthew Murphy, Culver City, Calif., "Unicorn" -- Abel Vang & Burlee Vang, Fresno, Calif., "The Tiger's Child"Those who win, selected from the record 6,730 scripts posted, will be provided using the first payments from the fellowship money in a gala dinner in Beverly Hillsides on November 3. They get the fellowships using the knowning that they'll develop a feature-length script throughout the entire year.Previous those who win include Jason Micallef ("Butter"), Ehren Kruger ("Transformers: Dark from the Moon") and Andrew W. Marlowe, who produced and executive produces ABC's "Castle." Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Participant Media's Dynamic Duo Jim Berk and Ricky Strauss (Q&A)

This story first appeared in the Oct. 21 issue of The Hollywood Reporter.our editor recommendsParticipant Media Boarding Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln' (Exclusive)'The Help's' Retro, Southern Style (Photos) The house that billionaire Jeff Skoll built is a happy place these days. Participant Media CEO Jim Berk, 51, and president Ricky Strauss, 44, are enjoying back-to-back box-office success with The Help and Contagion. Thirty-six films in -- including two Oscar-winning documentaries, An Inconvenient Truth and The Cove -- Berk and Strauss have succeeded in fulfilling Skoll's mission to combine moviemaking with social activism. When Skoll, who was in on the start of eBay, formed Participant in 2004, the Hollywood establishment thought he was just another billionaire wanting to bask in the glitz and glamour of showbiz. The naysayers were wrong. Participant's first big movie, Syriana, came early on -- as did its first dud, North Country (another low point was the May release The Beaver). Help is Participant's top-grossing movie so far, earning $171.4 million to date, and Contagion has turned in a handy $76.2 million. The company has become a trusted studio partner and grown its own ranks to 70 full-time employees (plus an army of interns). Like Skoll, Berk -- a high school principal-turned-CEO -- was a Hollywood outsider. He headed several companies, including Hard Rock Cafe International, and was founding executive director of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Foundation (he's got a sophisticated-rocker vibe). Berk lives in Beverly Hills with his wife, Jane -- their two daughters are in their early 20s -- and walks to work two days a week. The eloquent and always-smiling Strauss is a veteran production and marketing executive who lives in Hancock Park with his longtime partner, Tom Newman, an architect. How did you find and develop The Help? Why do you think audiences like it? Was it difficult finding a studio partner before DreamWorks came aboard? Strauss: I was on vacation when I read the book, and I knew it was a movie for sure. The best opportunity is when you have a story that's socially relevant but happens to be very commercial and entertaining. The Help is very approachable but has meaningful themes about human rights. PHOTOS: How 'The Help' Was Cast Berk:Almost every studio passed, but we've gone from film to film with DreamWorks, and they totally get what we do. What is your next big project? Strauss:We're going to partner with DreamWorks and co-finance Lincoln. To work with Steven [Spielberg] and follow the legacy of The Help with a movie about Abraham Lincoln feels very important. PHOTOS: 15 Movies That Made The Grade: A+ CinemaScore Posse Where is Participant's focus these days? Berk:First, you have to get your core film business in order, which we've done. We're ramping up to do anywhere from seven to 12 films a year, from about six to nine. We're also moving into television and expanding our digital presence. Jeff brought me here in 2006 and said he wanted this to be a global media company. We've made key investments and are one of the two largest shareholders of Summit Entertainment. Vampires have been very good to us. When you started making movies, be it Syriana or Good Night, and Good Luck, cause marketing and social activism were unusual concepts. Berk:It's interesting because when we started, studios said, "Don't do it at all." Then it became, "OK, you can do it around the DVD release." Next, it was, "OK, you can do it when the film is released." Now these campaigns, which start before a film is released, are contractually required. EXCLUSIVE: Participant Media Boarding Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln' When did it change? Berk:With The Visitor and An Inconvenient Truth. And then we got to a movie like The Soloist, and it was all about Nathaniel Ayers and the homeless. You had 1,000 orchestras generating over 1 million pounds of food for homeless shelters, and you had 300,000 pairs of gently worn jeans that were donated to shelters for teens leading up to the release of the film. You've backed an impressive slate of feature documentaries, from Murderball to Food, Inc., but aren't they financially risky? Berk:Documentaries are our primary social engagement tool in terms of being out front and center with the issues. That's the main purpose driving that side of the business. And Diane Weyermann, who heads up our documentary division, is the queen of all docs [the equally respected Jonathan King runs features]. On the feature side, what are your criteria? Strauss:Quality, social relevance and commercial viability. The reality is, if a movie doesn't get an audience, we're not going to have a social impact. Everything is looked at with that retail sense, but then again, the whole mandate of the company is to inspire audiences to act and think differently. Embedded in films like Contagion are socially relevant themes that are being presented in a mainstream way. I always say, you have to hide the medicine in the popcorn. Contagion seems like an especially tough sell. Disease isn't exactly a box-office draw. Strauss:We take such pride of ownership in both Contagion and The Help because they were with us from the beginning. Contagion is a movie we developed with Steven [Soderbergh] and Scott [Burns]. The idea came from a scene in The Informant! where Matt Damon takes a phone after someone has sneezed on it and has a monologue in his head about how he's going to get sick, how his kids are going to get sick and it's going to ruin the whole weekend. When we found out that Steven really did want to take the project on and Scott was going to author the script from scratch, we were absolutely going to pay for development. PHOTOS: A Guide to Fake Film Diseases Is it true that you consulted with the CDC and the scientific community on Contagion? Do you think it has pushed the issue of pandemics to the forefront? Berk:Yes. There's all this conversation about the movie. And there's been a groundswell of opposition to a reduction in the budget of the CDC. There's even a movement out of the film for an early-warning biosystem, though that's not what we set out for. We want the individual to feel empowered that they now have information they can use to make certain choices. Is Jeff Skoll involved in the decision-making process as to what films you make? Berk:From the standpoint of what our mandate is, we're not going to stray from Jeff's mission. Jeff's hand in this is very direct. We're a consensus organization. We get in a room with a document that each of the divisions has submitted [marketing, social action, digital], and the group decides whether it is worth pursuing. There has never been a time in my tenure here where Jeff has disagreed with the group. EXCLUSIVE: 'The Help' Generating More Online Buzz Than Any Other Film What happens when one of your films, like The Kite Runner or The Beaver, becomes embroiled in its own controversy? Berk:We look at it like any other company in terms of determining if the right thing was done. If not, how do you make it right? Strauss:And, like any other company, we rely on very talented public-relations people. Is Participant economically viable? Some say Skoll has poured hundreds of millions into the company. Berk:This has been a very good year for Participant. We budget a slate, and we have returns on a slate. Sometimes we blow past it, and sometimes we miss it. Overall, we're doing very well. One of the great privileges of working here is that Jeff is incredibly generous about what we're able to do. Why did Jeff leave Participant as CEO after two years? Berk:It was very much like eBay. He's an entrepreneur, a creator who comes in and sets what he wants into place. There's a story Jeff tells about how you become a millionaire in Hollywood -- start with a billion dollars and invest in movies. When he came to town, everybody thought it was easy money, but he spent a year meeting and greeting, having lunches and working out of a corner of Peter Schlessel's office at Sony. This is the smallest company I've ever run, but it's unlike anything I've ever seen. Strauss:Like a marching band. PARTICIPANT MEDIA'S BOX-OFFICE REEL: The company's diverse slate of features and documentaries includes these top earners. The Help (2011): $171.4 million* Charlie Wilson's War (2007): $119 million Syriana (2005): $94 million Contagion (2011): $76 million The Kite Runner (2007): $73.3 million * Still in release. All figures worldwide. Source: BoxofficeMojo Related Topics Contagion Participant Media The Help

NBCs Prime Suspect Gets Order For 6 More Scripts

NBC is solidifying its support for well-received but struggling new drama Prime Suspect with a six-script order. It follows similar script pickup for sophomore dramedy Harry’s Law yesterday. Prime Suspect is NBC’s only new fall scripted series whose fate has not been determined. The network recently gave comedies Up All Night and Whitney full-season orders and canceled drama The Playboy Club and comedy Free Agents. Such a script order allows producers to keep a series in continuous production if the network gives it an episodic back order. After a slow start, Prime Suspect held steady last Thursday (1.5/4), when virtually all other shows were down. The cop drama starring Maria Bello is getting additional sampling on Monday where its repeats replaced Playboy this week.

Stage Collapse Injures 16 on 'Resident Evil 5' Set (Up-to-date)

A stage around the Toronto group of 'Resident Evil: 5' flattened Tuesday morning, hurting 16 people. Based on the Hollywood Reporter, a wheeled platform suddenly moved while stars were moving in one part of the stage to a different. The movement triggered the woking platform to break down, hurting 16 un named crew people and stars -- eleven which were delivered to the neighborhood hospital for non-existence threatening injuries. UPDATE: Based on Deadline, seven from the stars have previously came back to operate. 'Resident Evil: Retibution' is placed for any Sept. 14, 2012 release date. The film may be the 4th installment in line with the popular gaming. Coming back figures include Mila Jovovich (clearly) as Alice, Sienna Guillory as Jill Valentine, Boris Kodjoe as Luther West and Shawn Roberts as Albert Wesker. There still aren't a lot of particulars concerning the plot, however, earlier this year, Jovovich tweeted that they comes with an "an incredible fight with a lot of zombies as well as an EPIC fight with Jill Valentine." The whole 'Resident Evil' film franchise has made near to $700 million worldwide (a majority of that's because of its last follow up, 'Resident Evil: Afterlife,' which made $296 million). [via THR] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Bond 23 to become known as Skyfall?

Mission Impossible will return in Skyfall...Really? Well, this is the buzz since brand protection agents employed by The new sony Pictures began purchasing up any virtual property that ties along with that title.From jamesbond-skyfall.com to skyfall-themovie.internet continues to be registered lately to prevent people buying and selling on that title.The very first purchase arrived mid-August, when SonyPictures.com domain title services bought Sky-FallMovie.com along with other websites using the word Skyfall inside them.On the internet speculation indicates that ties along with the purpose MGM and The new sony might have completed a title, with Difficulties only verifying a title is available previously month.What appears unnatural in the recent run of movies is any link with Ian Fleming's books or any other references towards the author's existence.However, until EON, MGM or The new sony announces the state title (or Craig allows it slip), this is actually the nearest proof we now have of Bond 23's moniker.

The Simpsons Studio On Cast Salary Dispute: We Can Not Produce Future Seasons Under Current Business Design

The way ahead for the longest-running scripted series on television, Fox’s The Simpsons, is once again uncertain over voice cast renegotiations with last century Fox TV, a torturous cycle they are dealing with every couple of years. Likelast time around,there’s an impasse over how large the heavens’ salaries. “Twenty-three seasons in, The Simpsons can be as creatively vibrant of course and beloved by millions around the globe,” 20th TV mentioned in the statement. “We believe this brilliant series can and may continue, but we can not produce future seasons under its current business design. We are hopeful that individuals is capable of an agreement while using voice cast that allows The Simpsons to consider entertaining audiences with original episodes for quite some time later on.” While still very lucrative, The Simpsons has seen its primetime ratings on Fox erode throughout the past few years. Nevertheless the franchise remains very crucial that you News Corp., using the organization’s COO Chase Carey recently suggesting the Simpsons cable funnel may be inside the offing. As firstreported with the Daily Animal, talks involving the cast and 20th TV eliminate after 20th TV switched lower the cast’s proposal to think about a 30% pay cut close to $4 million per season each in exchange for a little from the rear-finish and launched an ultimatum yesterday for just about any 45% salary reduction.

B.O. flips for 'Dolphin Tale'

'Dolphin Tale'Out with the old wait.A quartet of wide releases, led by "50/50" and "Courageous," were no match for a trio of sturdy holdovers, as Warner Bros.' "Dolphin Tale" surged in its second week to claim the domestic B.O.'s top spot with an estimated $14.2 million. Overseas, Sony's "The Smurfs" likely retained its eighth-straight No. 1 perch, dropping just 15% for a weekend take of $10.7 million and a cume of $380.8 million."Dolphin Tale," which fell just 26%, knocked previous B.O. champ "The Lion King" 3D from its two-week reign to the No. 3 spot, leaving Sony's "Moneyball" holding on to second place. "Lion King," with an astonishing Stateside cume of $79.7 million, grossed in its third frame an estimated $11.1 million; "Moneyball" took in $12.5 million.Meanwhile, Sony's "Courageous" -- an under-the-radar contender this weekend -- overperformed with an estimated $8.8 million, thanks in large part to a strong foothold in the faith-based community, which gave the film an A+ CinemaScore rating."Based on (the film's) pre-sales, we knew we had something going into the weekend," said Sony distrib topper Rory Bruer, referring to the pic's $2 million in advanced ticket sales. "Plus, it's the type of film that's going to work really well with its core audience." "Courageous," which wasn't expected to surpass $6 million, came in just slightly under weekend estimates for Summit's cancer comedy "50/50," grossing a projected $8.9 million. The pair could flip-flop when actuals are released on Monday, since some studio estimates have "Courageous" ahead of "50/50."Bowing soft this weekend, Morgan Creek's "Dream House," which is being distribbed by Universal, came in at No. 6, with an estimated $8.2 million, while 20th Century Fox's laffer "What's Your Number?" stalled with $5.6 million. ("Dream House" was expected to hit a double-digit opening; low-end pre-weekend projections for "What's Your Number?" were at $6 million.)The bar was lowered from last weekend, but a broad swath of pics doing mostly OK biz kept overall totals roughly 5% ahead of the same frame last year. In limited release, Sony Pictures Classics' "Take Shelter" started out strong, averaging $18,724 from three screens in NY and L.A. for a three-day total of $56, 171.Sundance Selects' gay-themed U.K. drama "Weekend" had a solid expansion, broadening to six engagements for a per-screen average of $8,000 and an estimated weekend take of $91,000. By comparison, Relativity Media's "Machine Gun Preacher" grossed $82,000 from an expanded 33 locations, averaging just $2,485 per screen.Kenneth Lonergan's long-delayed sophomore pic "Margaret" also struggled to gain traction this weekend. Pic, from Fox Searchlight, averaged a quiet $3,748 from two locations but will expand to 12 more U.S. markets on Oct. 7. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

Transformers 3 Online Free