Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Comic Patrice O'Neal dies

Standup comedian Patrice O'Neal died Tuesday, November. 29, in NY from complications of the stroke experienced March. 19 following a lengthy fight with diabetes, his booking agent, Matt Frost, confirmed. He was 41.O'Neal made an appearance in September on "The Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen" and captured with an episode of "Late Evening With Jimmy Fallon." He would be a regular guest on "Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn" coupled with guested on "Letterman," "Ellen" along with other talkshows. He seemed to be a normal guest on radio's "The Opie and Anthony Show."The comic also guested on sitcoms, together with a recurring role as Lonny on "Work,Inch and made an appearance in films including "25th Hour," "Mind of Condition" "Within the Cut" "Frightening Movie 4" and "Furry Vengeance."O'Neal is made it by his wife, Vondecarlo a stepdaughter a sister and the mother. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Giladi attracted on as Icon U.K. Boss

LONDON -- Aviv Giladi remains attracted on as Boss of Access Industries' Icon U.K. Group. The appointment, that's effective immediately, will dsicover Giladi oversee Icon U.K.'s entire methods, including its Brit distribution arm, Icon Film Distribution, Icon Entertainment, worldwide sales arm Icon Entertainment Intl. and London-based Regal Films and tv. Giladi's appointment is predicted to herald Icon's change toward an even more production focused business, which will goal to purchase projects chilling out the $15 million to $20 million mark. Sources indicate the audience is presently in predicts back Paul Greengrass' approaching project "Memphis," in regards to the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, which Universal Pictures dropped taken. Giladi is presently chairman of Israeli media group R.G.E. Group, which is experienced in many content and production activities, and produces and works Television stations in Israel. He controls 33% from the organization, alongside Access Industries' Russian billionaire owner Len Blavatnik, who also provides a 33% stake in R.G.E. Giladi also sits round the board of Ealing Art galleries, through which he may serve as non-executive director. The appointment will come in the sun's rays of numerous changes prone to unfold inside the approaching several days with Icon U.K's strained business. In October, Variety reported that Blighty's film biz happen to be abuzz with reviews that Access, which bought Icon's U.K. methods couple of years ago, was shopping their U.K. library to potential customers carrying out a distrib's recent weak performance available on the market (Weekly Variety, March. 29). It's believed that Giladi remains one of the key figures, along with Access' European Counsel Thomas Harding, behind manipulating the possibility acquisition of Icon's U.K. library to customers. As recently like a few days ago, this U.K. library have been looked to customers with Access showing fascination with selling this fraction in the biz once the cost was right. While Giladi's appointment is positive in by doing this it seems there's movement and direction happening within the group, will still be unclear what is going to happen to the group's Brit distrib arm and equally unclear about what can happen for the positions of joint controlling company company directors Hugo Grumbar and Ian Dawson. Sources indicate that, up to now, nobody has yet ankled the business, but as they are typical when gears change in the company, there can be casualties. Further changes are needed being introduced inside the organization soon. Blavatnik's Access Industries bought Icon U.K. Group in November 2009 and placed former PolyGram and UIP topper Stewart Till within the helm. Till's intention to create Icon becoming an worldwide distribution network was averted when he could not find appropriate purchases in Italia, The nation, France and Germany inside a realistic cost. In November 2010, Till sidestepped to chairman of Icon, and Grumbar and Dawson walked around the dish manipulating the worldwide sales division and U.K. operation correspondingly. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Thursday, November 17, 2011

'Joy Behar' to finish HLN run in December

"The Pleasure Behar Show" on HLN goes from the air in the finish of 2011 after 2 yrs around the Turner news cabler. HLN has not introduced a alternative, however the show saw a 38% year-on-year rankings improvement within the third quarter that can make that it is hard to top. Originals for "Behar" will finish in mid-December, with reruns airing in the slot before the first of the season. "Pleasure and her team created over 500 instances of a reveal that featured newsmaking interviews, great conversation and lots of humor," HLN prexy Scot Safon stated within an e-mailed statement on Thursday. "We thank Pleasure for that many memorable moments she gave the HLN audience." Behar stated that they was "happy with the reveal that we produced at HLN, and that i owe tremendous because of the show team who managed to get possible." An unspecified quantity of positions is going to be removed using the finish from the skein on Jan. 3 TVNewser reviews that staffers are asked to re-apply for other positions within the organization. Contact Mike Thielman at mike.thielman@variety.com

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

'Alcatraz' Co-Creator Liz Sarnoff Steps Lower as Showrunner

A large change is happening behind the curtain at Fox's midseason drama Alcatraz.our editor recommendsComic-Disadvantage 2011: 'Alcatraz' Will 'Embrace' Its Resemblance of 'Lost,' States Executive Producer'Alcatraz': 'Lost's' Jack Bender Joins as Air, Director Co-creator Liz Sarnoff, who had been becoming a professional producer and showrunner from the ambitious series, is walking lower from her publish. Rather, Cold Caseand Chase executive producerJennifer Manley and Miami Vice and Fracture writerDaniel Pyne happen to be drawn on to consider over day-to-day showrunning responsibilities. Sarnoff (Lost, Deadwood) is anticipated to get the title of executive consultant on Alcatraz. Captured, Sarnoff and company made the visit to Comic-Disadvantage in North Park to tout their new show, drawing evaluations to a different serialized effort which had a similarly complex premise: Lost. "This show comes with an incredibly aggressive story engine. There's likely to be a theif to trap each week. ... You want to answer the questions. It's about mixing individuals things and [fitting them] into 1 hour of television," stated Sarnoff in This summer. The Warner Bros. TV and Bad Robot-created drama focuses on several inmates jailed on Alcatraz island who start coming back in modern-day Bay Area. Sarah Johnson, Jorge Garcia, Parminder Nagra, Jeffrey Pierce, Robert Forster and Mike Neill co-star. Though no official premiere date continues to be looking for Alcatraz, the hourlong will air within the Monday at 9 p.m. time slot. Related Subjects Alcatraz

Monday, November 14, 2011

'Corman's World' Trailer: New Doc Goes Within the presence of Cult Cinema's Godfather

If the involves making B-movies, Roger Corman always supplies a b+. Since his first production in 1954, the legendary filmmaker makes somewhere inside the ballpark of 380 low-budget horror and action movies in route he increased to become mentor to Oscar-winning company company directors (like Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese and James Cameron) and gave large-title stars (Robert P Niro, William Shatner) their first break. If you're searching for a fast studies inside the director's almost-60-year career filming bikini babes and rubber monster suits, you're going to get all taken up while using approaching documentary 'Corman's World: Exploits from the Hollywood Digital digital rebel,' featuring interviews with everyone from Jack Nicholson to Pam 'Foxy Brown' Grier, To whet your appetite for that grindhouse mayhem, see the just-released trailer and poster from Anchor Bay Films. 'Corman's World: Exploits from the Hollywood Rebel' can get to select theaters on 12 ,. 16. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Shailene Woodley, 'Descendants' Star, Does not Wish to Learn About Oscar Buzz, George Clooney's Fart Machine

Shailene Woodley loves to say "fuck." Regrettably, because the star from the ABC Family series 'The Secret Existence from the American Teen,' she is not frequently given the opportunity to achieve this. That transformed throughout the filming of Alexander Payne's 'The Descendants,' an R-ranked George Clooney vehicle which has thrust Woodley in to the Oscar discussion. Just don't request her concerning the Oscar discussion. In 'The Descendants,' Woodley plays Alexandra King -- the frequently surly teenage daughter of Matt King (Clooney) -- who mustn't only deal with the truth that her mother is within a coma following a boating accident, but that her mother have been cheating on her behalf father. Moviefone spoke to Woodley about her much "buzzed-about" performance (a phrase she hates), her somewhat mixed feelings concerning the 2 yrs she's left on her behalf television contract, and why her late adolescence cost her the role of Kaitlin Cooper (a job she already had) on 'The O.C.' (It was among Woodley's last interviews during the day. Because this interview begins, i was joking about the quantity of occasions that they needs to answer exactly the same questions.) "You are inside a movie. What's that they like?Inch "What exactly is it like to utilize George Clooney?" The number of occasions are you currently requested that? Many. [Laughs] Many, many, many, many. And That I don't mind responding to because he's a high quality one to discuss. Right. It isn't like asking what it really was like dealing with Gaddafi. It may be weirder, yeah. I seem like many people inside your position, using the tv program that you are on, get cast in teen comedy movies or even the shitty horror movie, however, you got George Clooney's potential Oscar movie. For me personally it certainly is been about truth, as well as for standing on a show as lengthy as I have been in it -- and finding yourself in an agreement for an additional 2 yrs -- I have many userful stuff here about creating obligations and extremely having to pay focus on the fabric that you simply focus on. And I am so grateful for that show, my dear gosh, it has been this type of fun ride ... However when you pointed out finding yourself in an agreement for an additional 2 yrs, you've made a distressed face. What did which means that? Would you not wish to accomplish the show for an additional 2 yrs? No, no, no. I would like to get it done for an additional 2 yrs. I designed a commitment for an additional 2 yrs. But ... it certainly ... I am talking about, I believe doing anything in existence you learn things. And also the greatest learning lesson from which was really having to pay focus on that which you do. Because whenever you do sign an agreement, you need to do sign -- I'd rather not say a percentage of the existence -- however, you create a commitment. And also you stay with that commitment. And i believe with this particular movie, or perhaps in every movie -- I have been acting since i have was five -- it certainly is been really fun and not something that I needed to do or happen to be pressed to complete. It is something I have loved doing, therefore if I just read a script and it is cheesy -- I am talking about, everybody represents cheesy in a different way -- but when I do not feel anything inside me, then I am clearly not meant to achieve that movie. So when I just read this script, I acquired the greatest guttural sense of immense passion. Which was the signal that I wish to work with this. And, to become fair, whenever you signed that contract, you were not in 'The Descendants' yet. Yeah, but that is the entire strategy a part of acting and that i won't ever participate for the reason that because I believe it's all regulated Baloney. Are you able to screw yourself up by doing that? Not always. I understand many people who've tried it and they are very effective by using it. But, for me personally, acting is not my only passion in existence, and so i refuse allow it more than. And all sorts of that it's is fun. And I am enthusiastic about it and that i have fun doing the work. And when I must plan the way i do that to be able to do this, it's boring! And it is demanding also it makes me anxious and that is difficult whatsoever also it will make me wish to quit. So, I refuse to get familiar with the politics. Used to do the show because I figured it might be fun, not because I figured it might take me anywhere. After I reserved the film, everybody was, "Oh, you reserved the film since you did this show -- this is exactly why you have this movie." And Alexander [Payne] explained, initially when i first reserved it, "If only you had not done the show because I needed somebody that had not done anything." You are angry a great deal within this movie. I understand, it's acting, however it needs to originate from somewhere. Yeah, you realize, it had been fun. It had been really fun to argue and spar with George. Because, to begin with, he isn't George Clooney, quote, famous guy, finish quote, in my experience any longer. He's George Clooney, guy from Kentucky. Only a good guy. To have the ability to spar with him and argue -- and become inside a movie where you are permitted to express words like "fuck" and also the "t-word" -- I do not know basically should say it at this time... It is the Internet. All test is permitted. It's fun! In many movies they are like, "Oh, no, no. We want it PG-13 We can not state that.Inch And also to have the ability to say these to an actress like George Clooney, who are able to spit back to you -- it had been fun. I really like quarrelling. I usually state that I'll never win an actual fight, however i can invariably win a mental fight. I am talking about, not necessarily, because I never really argue with anybody. Is he still a prankster? That's always the storyline, "George Clooney is really a prankster!" We did not have any infamous "George Clooney pranks,' since it would be a very family based atmosphere because we'd a ten-year-old. But we ended up getting lots of practical jokes, such as the fart application on the telephone will come out. That seems like a really lame George Clooney joke, really. Usually they are elaborate. A fart application sounds quite disappointing. We did not have any typical George Clooney pranks. Listen, he is doing all individuals good pranks on like 'Oceans Eleven' and movie like this -- where it's him and every one of his pals. How does one describe your character, Alexandra? Ornery? I believe she's obtuse. Would you like her? Yeah. I am talking about, I believe she's an ordinary 17-year-old studying the disorder of the items it's enjoy having a household. Families is dysfunctional, whether you need to be honest or otherwise. Would you consider honours season? Um ... no. I am talking about, yes and ... I'm not sure. It's strange. Everybody today is much like, "Shailene, you are getting a lot buzz. So how exactly does the feeling?Inch It is the most odd question since it is like asking a youngster who experienced Cornell the way it feels to become the top your class at among the Ivy League schools. How can you answer that? You simply go, "I'm not sure." I did previously state that case the maraschino cherry on the top, but made the decision maraschino cherries are awful. So I am likely to begin right now preaching the Bing cherry on the top. Maraschino cherries are scrumptious. They are so filled with artificial chemicals! I understand they are harmful to you, however the chemicals are what's scrumptious. OK, they might be scrumptious, but they are so harmful to the atmosphere. Should you have had a sundae, can you favour a genuine cherry on the maraschino cherry? Oh, a genuine cherry. Without a doubt. But, yeah, I am just forever grateful and taking everything in stride. You need to go all in, "Goddammit, I would like an award." [Laughs] Honestly, it's flattering. As it pertains lower into it, I am only a girl who wears individuals five-finger strange foot footwear. You had been on 'The O.C.' as Kaitlin Cooper. You had been changed by Willa Holland. Have you take into account that a setback? No. I had been 11 and that i was on like a guest, recurring character, or whatever. My character visited boarding school so when they made the decision to create her back, they really re-auditioned me to create her back. However I did not undergo adolescence until late: I had been the 15-year-old who didn't have breasts. So, at 11, I had been just like a little mouse-child. I appeared as if an 8-year-old. That same year, I shot a film by which I had been playing a 9-year-old. So, there is no weirdness when Willa Holland first got it because she am clearly suitable for the role... and that i am clearly not [laughs]. [Photo: Fox Searchlight] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook You are able to contact Mike Ryan on Twitter

PTC to NBC: Don't Hire Howard Stern for 'America's Got Talent'

The Parents Television Council (PTC) is urging NBC not to "abandon and offend its family audience" by hiring Howard Stern as an America's Got Talent judge.our editor recommendsHoward Stern in Talks to Join NBC's 'America's Got Talent'Piers Morgan Set to Leave NBC's 'America's Got Talent'Howard Stern Defends Brett Ratner, Slams Hollywood As 'Loony' (Video) Piers Morgan, 'America's Got Talent' Co-Stars Tweet Farewell Wishes; Mutual AdmirationRelated Topics•Howard Stern Stern is in talks with the network to replace Piers Morgan, who announced his departure last week. PTC president Tim Winter said in a statement Monday, "If the rumors are true that NBC is considering the addition of radio shock-jock Howard Stern to the America's Got Talent judges table, the result will be the alienation of millions of families, and with it the alienation of tens of millions of advertising dollars." PHOTOS: Howard Stern Through the Years Saying the move "smacks of desperation by the once-proud peacock network," Winter continued, "Any short-term buzz from Stern's shock value will result in a longer-term decline as families abandon the show for more suitable programming." Earlier this year, the TV watchdog group lobbied against NBC's Playboy Club, calling on its members and others to contact local NBC affiliates, and asking advertisers whether the Playboy brand aligns with their corporate image. When the show was canceled in Oct., the PTC said, "We're pleased that NBC will no longer be airing a program so inherently linked to a pornographic brand that denigrates and sexualizes women." PHOTOS: PTC vs. TV: 10 Television Show Controversies According to sources, Stern is a big fan of the talent competition and is eager to be involved in the show. He would share judging duties with Sharon Osbourne and relative newcomer Howie Mandel,who replacedDavid Hasselhoffin 2010. Related Topics Howard Stern NBC PTC America's Got Talent

Thursday, November 10, 2011

ROLL CALL: Olsen Twins Top Vogues Best Fitted List

First Launched: November 10, 2011 2:37 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen attend the Louboutin Party at Barneys NY in NY City on November 1, 2011 La, Calif. -- Your Day-to-day Dispatch of Celebrity Shenanigans Mary-Kate & Ashley Best The Middleton Brothers and sisters: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen might have received their great deal of favor flack over time, but this year the twins are golden inside the eyes of fashion. The 25-year-old brothers and sisters top Vogues annual Best Fitted problem, which includes fellow celebrity siblings and siblings Dakota and Elle Fanning, Beyonce and Solange Knowles and Kate and Pippa Middleton. See the entire list, HERE! CMNay!: Speaking concerning the alternative of Best Fitted, we provide you with country singer Laura Bell Bundy within the CMA Honours last evening in Nashville did she think she'd a pool party? RippedNicki!: Jonathan Lipnicki is permitting it to any or all spend some time which we mean the guns as well as the abs! Have a look in a current photo shoot the first sort child star did where he showcases his very labored-out body. Too for more Lipnicki fun, have a look at his recent visit to Access Hollywood Live, HERE! Nics Wise Purchase: Oh Nicolas Cage, Roll Call isn't keen on requiring to inform people items to spend their funds on, but according to TMZ, the actor recently dropped two 1000 dollars around the knife! The actor apparently bought a Don Dezarn original at Northern Knives in Anchorage, AK, on Wednesday. The pricey edge features a mammoth ivory handle together with a novelty helmet engraved round the edge! And what is going to Nic apparently use his knife? He allegedly told employees in a shop he expects to make use of it just like a steak knife! Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Disney reups Mayhem Pictures deal

Ciardi GrayDisney has reupped its first-look deal with Mayhem Pictures producers Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray, the duo best known for feel-good sports films like "Secretariat," "Invincible," "Miracle" and "The Rookie."Mayhem continues to develop sports pics, including an inspirational tale about Greek marathoner Stylianos "Stelios" Kyriakides, who competed in the 1936 Olympics; baseball project "Million Dollar Arm," and "McFarland," about a California high school track and field coach. But the producers are also branching out into other genres with the Reese Witherspoon comedy "Wish List" and fantasy series "Fallen," based on the young adult book series by Lauren Kate, as well as an adventurous take on Disneyland's Tomorrowland, all for the Mouse House.They also have the Chuck Russell-helmed actioner "Arabian Nights" in the works at FilmDistrict, and the Dwayne Johnson actioner thriller "Protection" with IM Global. Mayhem also collaborated with Johnson on the CBS Films thriller "Faster" and comedies "The Tooth Fairy" for Fox and Disney's "The Game Plan."Mayhem landed its deal at Disney in 2002, shortly after the success of "The Rookie." Their shingle had previously been housed at Revolution Studios, where they produced "The New Guy." Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Leading Edge backs 'Looper,' 'Parker' pix

Leading Edge Films has committed to the approaching features "Parker" and "Looper" by supplying purchase of music budgets and music supervision for that films. Leading Edge introduced the deals Tuesday, to which it'll receive privileges towards the films' music later on. Three-year-old Leading Edge provides advance funding in excess of 140 films, most particularly "The King's Speech." "Parker," just wrapped and stars Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez, and it is directed by Taylor Hackford. CEG's investment ended with Incentive Shot Entertainment, that is funding the film together with Current Entertainment and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment. "Looper," directed by Rian Manley from their own script, is funded by Endgame Entertainment and stars Frederick Gordon Levitt and Bruce Willis. "These deals all involve films with large casts and noted filmmakers that experience the worldwide level, that is our sweet place," stated CEG chief professional Philip Moross. CEG's business design involves evolving funding for any film's music budget (including scoring, clearances and music supervision) too as with-kind services. After that it recoups its investment via soundtrack and written music sales, plus, certification and royalties from worldwide ticket sales and TV deals. Leading Edge introduced in May at Cannes it had committed to romantic comedy "Lola Versus" and Nicolas Winding Refn's actioner "Drive," starring Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan and Christina Hendricks. In 2008, Leading Edge received a preliminary investment of $15 million from investor Aberdeen Resource Management, and hang up its first multipicture cope with Joel Silver's Dark Castle Entertainment last year. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

'MTV First: Breaking Dawn' Countdown: Your Number Five Favorite 'Twilight' Moment

FROM HOLLYWOOD CRUSH: With just four days until our MTV First special on "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1"complete with never-before-seen clips from the film and interviews with Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautnerwe're getting antsy in the pantsy for our last-minute exclusive peek at the crushworthy culmination of Edward and Bella's big day. But before we get cracking on picking our new favorite moments from the penultimate chapter of "The Twilight Saga," we're counting down the top five fan favorite moments (voted by you!) from the "Twilight" movies we've already seen... and today, we've got your official No. 5. The verdict: Robert and Taylor's snarky sniping over a sleeping KStew in the "Eclipse" tent scene! The filmmakers may have been trying to skew viewers in favor of this one; Rob even confessed, "I think they tried to make it more erotic!" when he told us about some last-minute reshoots of the pivotal scene. But fun as it was to watch our favorite Forks hotties get snippy in the wilderness, this fan favorite moment still came in behind some of the more, er, explicit sexiness of scenes like the "leg hitch" from "Eclipse" or the first kiss in "Twilight." Read the full story at Hollywood Crush!