ABC Cancels 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' (Exclusive)

Prashant Gupta / FX FX and Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter have prevailed in a lawsuit filed by an ex-Hell's Angel biker who claimed the idea for the hit drama series was stolen.our editor recommends'Glee,' 'Sons of Anarchy' Added to Amazon Prime Instant Video Streaming Service'Sons of Anarchy' Creator Kurt Sutter on Season 4's Bold Finale and Season 5 PlansFurious 'Sons of Anarchy' Creator Tells DirecTV Viewers 'You're Getting F---ed Over'; Reveals Banned Script Chuck Zito sued FX for $5 million in June 2010 claiming he had developed a show called Nomads (later The Wild Angels) and had agents at ICM set up a pitch meeting in 2004 with FX chief John Landgraf, during which Zito says he discussed ideas for a show about a motorcycle club. FX passed on the project but later developed Sutter's Sons, which ICM packaged and recently concluded its 4th season as a big hit for the network. "FX was obligated to pay Zito the reasonable value of his ideas, hire him to work on the series and afford him screen credit as creator," the lawsuit alleged. "Defendants breached an implied-in-fact contract with defendant." VIDEO: 'Sons of Anarchy': Ron Perlman Says Season 4 Was a Challenge At the time, Sutter took to his twitter account to blast the lawsuit, saying: "HAVING THE F***ING IDEA IS NOT THE SHOW. THERE HAVE BEEN DOZENS OF OUTLAW MOTORCYCLE TV DRAMAS PITCHED IN THE LAST TEN YEARS. NONE OF THEM HAS MADE IT TO SERIES, EXCEPT SOA. BECAUSE THEY SUCKED." STORY: 'Sons of Anarchy' Creator Kurt Sutter on Season 4's Bold Finale and Season 5 Plans Today a Los Angeles Superior Court judge agreed, ruling on summary judgment that Sons was independently created and Zito doesn't have a case. The judge relied on declarations submitted by Sutter, Landgraf and talent agent Matt Solo (now with WME), among others, showing Sutter's development process and the fact that Sons was pitched to several networks, including HBO and AMC, before arriving at FX, which bought the project in a bidding war. The judge saw no reason for the case to continue past the summary judgment phase. We've reached out to Zito's attorneys for comment. FX is represented by Scott Edelman at LA's Gibson Dunn firm and Rick Stone at Jenner & Block. Email: Matthew.Belloni@thr.com Twitter: @THRMattBelloni PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Sons of Anarchy' Red Carpet Premiere

Giuliana Rancic Doing Very Well After Double Mastectomy

First Released: December 14, 2011 7:08 PM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Bill Rancic and Giuliana Rancic attend the 18th Annual QVC FFANY Footwear On Purchase in the Waldorf Astoria, New york city, on October 13, 2011Giuliana Rancic went through a effective double mastectomy and rebuilding surgery on Tuesday. G does very well, her husband, Bill Rancic, told E! News. Her surgery survived four hrs and also the doctors were happy using the result. Bill accepted the hrs after surgery were definitely not very simple for his brave wife. She'd some discomfort with the evening but is feeling far better today and was cracking jokes, he added. Giuliana herself, offered gratitude for that encouraging words she's received in the public. I wish to thank all of the audiences and fans for his or her support and hopes, she told E! News. The tweets and notes haven't gone undetected. I'm very grateful. Earlier this year, the E! host revealed she was likely to undergo the double mastectomy following a previous lumpectomy was not able to rid her body of cancer. For me personally, it was vital to find the cancer out, Giuliana described around the Today show at the begining of December. Thats things i desired to do just have it out. The E! TV personality who first revealed she was fighting cancer of the breast in October stated her wish to have children would be a large a part of her decision-making process. Which was really a large some of it, not every one of it, but a large part, she formerly told The modern Ann Curry. But to tell the truth, in the finish, all it came lower to only agreed to be selecting to reside, and never overlooking my shoulder for that relaxation of my existence. Thats really what it really came lower to. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Help Leads Screen Actors Honors With 4 Noms

First Published: December 14, 2011 9:53 AM EST Credit: Disney Caption Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer in The HelpLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- class="ap-story-p">The Deep South drama The Help cleaned up with four nominations Wednesday for the Screen Actors Guild Awards, among them honors for Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer. The adaptation of the best-selling novel also was nominated for best ensemble cast, along with the silent film The Artist, the wedding comedy Bridesmaids, the family drama The Descendants and the romantic fantasy Midnight in Paris. Davis is up for best actress and Spencer for supporting actress as black maids who agree to share stories of their tough lives with an aspiring white writer at the start of the civil-rights movement in 1960s Mississippi. Chastain also was nominated for supporting actress as Spencers lonely, needy new boss. The Artist ran second with three nominations, including a best-actor honor for Jean Dujardin as a silent star falling from grace amid the advent of talking pictures and supporting actress for Berenice Bejo, who plays a rising sound-era movie star. Along with Davis, best-actress contenders are Glenn Close as a woman disguising herself as a male butler in 19th-century Ireland in Albert Nobbs; Meryl Streep as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady; Tilda Swinton as a grief-stricken woman coping with her sons horrible deeds in We Need to Talk About Kevin; and Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn. Joining Dujardin in the best-actor category are Demian Bichir as a hard-working illegal immigrant father in A Better Life; George Clooney as a neglectful dad tending his two daughters in The Descendants; Leonardo DiCaprio as FBI boss J. Edgar Hoover in J. Edgar; and Brad Pitt as Oakland As general manager Billy Beane in Moneyball. The SAG Awards will be presented Jan. 29. The nominations are among the first major honors on the long road to the Feb. 26 Academy Awards. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

CW reskeds to launch 'Remodeled'

The CW is extending a break for two of its returning primetime series in order to put its weight behind a new unscripted skein. "Remodeled," a reality show set in the fashion world, will launch behind a new episodes of "90210," which will be postponed to Jan. 17. Then the series premiere will get two more replays on Jan. 18 and Jan. 20. The second episode will air Jan. 24 and replay the following night. The rebroadcasts will push the return of "Ringer" to Jan. 31. "Remodeled" is from Fly on the Wall Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television with executive producers Allison Grodner, Rich Meehan, Amy Palmer, Paul Fisher, Greg Suess and Erik Stone. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Humane Society picks doc

The Humane Society of the United States has tapped "Cages of Shame" by Martin Guinness as its sixth winner of the Animal Content in Entertainment Documentary Grant. The society announced the winner of the $20,000 grant on Thursday, noting that it had received almost 90 submissions from over 20 countries. "Cages of Shame" is a feature-length documentary about a mission to rescue moon bears from a bile farm in China through advocate Jill Robinson. "Cages of Shame" is narrated by Peter Coyote and is in the final stages of post-production. The society awarded second place to "The Eyes of Thailand," directed by Windy Borman, which focuses on the work of a veterinarian dedicated to rehabilitating wild elephants injured by landmines. Previous recipients of the grant have included "The Elephant in the Living Room," a documentary about exotic pet ownership by Michael Webber, and "One Lucky Elephant," directed by Lisa Leeman. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

OSCARS: Stellar Work By Veterans May Keep Upstarts Out Of Supporting Actor Race

Although there are some young Hollywood turks trying to break through in an Extremely Large and Incredibly Close race for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, 2011 may eventually become known as the year of the veteran. Acting legends with decades of iconic screen performances and Oscar winners dominate the field of frontrunners in one of Oscars most crowded and intriguing categories. With names like Christopher Plummer, Max von Sydow, Ben Kingsley, Nick Nolte, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Albert Brooks, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hanks and Robert Forster in the mix, the pedigree of contenders for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role is formidable indeed. But could a relative newcomer like Jonah Hill or Patton Oswalt swoop in and take the whole thing? Here are the major players. FRONTRUNNERS CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER, BEGINNERS Plummer turns 82 this month andis enjoying a major resurgence in a film acting career that goes back to 1958, when he made his debut in Stage Struck. Since then his fine screen roles have often been eclipsed by his own stage-struck ways with a number of memorable performances in the theater including a couple that won him Tony Awards. He only just received his first Oscar nomination two years ago forThe Last Station, but with his touching role as a 75-year-old widower who finally decides to come out of the closet, he may grab the actual statuette this time. An effective, if small, supporting role inThe GirlWithThe Dragon Tattoo only adds to his chances. MAX von SYDOW, EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE With a life spent before the cameras for over 60 years, the 82-year-old von Sydow is an acting legend whose work ranges from several landmark Ingmar Bergman films to the harrowing Exorcist. Yet like Plummer (who is just eight months his junior), he incredibly has been Oscar-nominated only once, for 1987s Pelle the Conqueror. But his touchingand completely wordless performance as a distant grandfather inExtremely Loud And Incredibly Close could finally be his ticket to the Kodak stage. KENNETH BRANAGH, MY WEEK WITH MARILYN Another acting icon, Laurence Olivier, is also part of this years supporting race — but in this case he is being channeled by none other than Olivier fan and student Kenneth Branagh, who portrays Olivier in 1956 as he was directing and starring with Marilyn Monroe in The Prince And The Showgirl. Branagh has tackled many Olivier screen roles likeHenry V and Hamlet (he even directed the remake of Oliviers Sleuth), but taking on the actual persona of the man himself was particularly challenging and puts him — and his mentor — right back in the Oscar race. BEN KINGSLEY, HUGO Already an Oscar winner for 1982sGandhi, Kingsley effectively takes on the role of film pioneer Georges Melies in Martin Scorseses valentine to the early days of movies. With a total of four nominations split evenly between lead and supporting categories, Kingsley is an Academy favorite who once again creates a memorable character, one with great meaning for the filmmakers who will be voting. Will being the only serious candidate in a 3D movie also separate him from the pack? ALBERT BROOKS, DRIVE Until now Brooks was only known for comedy — those he wrote and directed and those he starred in. He was even previously Oscar-nominated for his hilarious supporting turn in 1987sBroadcast News. But none of his previous work prepared critics and audiences for his nasty, villainous Bernie Rose in the noirish thriller Drive. But his brilliant interpretation and cool new screen persona should deservedly win him a second Oscar nomination. BRAD PITT, THE TREE OF LIFE Pitt is a double threat this year. Hes already won the NY Film Critics award given for bothMoneyball andThe Tree Of Life, and ever since its debut in Cannes, Terrence Malicks Palme dOr winner has sparked Oscar buzz for Pitts effectively low-key change-of-pace and critically acclaimed work as a 1950s-era father. Could he become one of those rare thesps who score both supporting and lead actor nominations in the same year? Dont bet against it. JONAH HILL, MONEYBALL Pitts co-star in Moneyball who was best known for his antics in movies like Superbad enjoyed his first taste of awards buzz for shedding several pounds and shrewdly underplaying the whiz-kid genius who comes up with an inexpensive formula to create a winning baseball team. Going head to head with Pitt, Hill proved he could hold his own just as he did in last years lesser-known Cyrus. KEVIN SPACEY, MARGIN CALL Although the film was well-received at its Sundance debut,Margin Call was not considered a major awards contender, even by its own distributor. That has changed with several early awards and Oscar talk for two-time winner Kevin Spacey, who has spent a lot more time in recent years running Londons Old Vic rather than on his own film career. A change-of-pace performance won raves and could put Spacey back in the front row at the Oscars. PATTON OSWALT, YOUNG ADULT Perhaps best known as a stand-up comedian and the voice of the lead rat in Pixars Ratatouille, Oswalt is quickly establishing his credentials as a serious actor, first in the critically acclaimed indie film The Big Fan and now on a larger scale as a lonely man whose life was defined by an unfortunate incident in high school. His scenes opposite Charlize Theron are awkward, funny, poignant and memorable. CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITIES GEORGE CLOONEY, PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN, PAUL GIAMATTI, THE IDES OF MARCH A great actors showcase, this political thriller provides three great supporting roles for a trio of Oscar and Emmy winners (including its director, Clooney). But they may all cancel each other out. Hoffman could have the edge among them due to his other fine supporting turn in Moneyball. NICK NOLTE, WARRIOR Another veteran in the race, Noltes searing performance as a wayward father may not have been seen by enough voters in this box-office challenged but much admired early September release. TOM HANKS, EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE This two-time Oscar winners presence as a devoted father and husband who is killed on 9/11 is felt throughout the film, but his actual extremely limited screen timerules himout andmeans von Sydow has the better shot. ARMIE HAMMER, J. EDGAR Getting to run the gamut from his 20s to his dying years, Hammer made a strong impression as the loyal confidante and companion Clyde Tolson in Clint Eastwoods biopic of FBI legend J. Edgar Hoover. But despite the complex nature of his role, most of the awards talk seems centered on Leonardo DiCaprios lead turn. ROBERT FORSTER, THE DESCENDANTS Occasionally a performer can take limited screen time and win an Oscar. Think Judi Dench and Beatrice Straight among others. In only two scenes, Forster was unforgettable. CHRISTOPH WALTZ, JOHN C. REILLY, CARNAGE Both male stars had their moments, but Waltz once again stole the show in Roman Polanskis adaptation of the Broadway hit. Still, its hard to imagine either one breaking out on their own, which means a split decision and a tough road to a nomination. VIGGO MORTENSEN,A DANGEROUS METHOD As Sigmund Freud, Mortensen again proves he is one of the most versatile actors around. Dont underestimate the admiration his fellow actors have for him. JOHN HAWKES, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE After breaking through with his first nomination in last yearsWinter’s Bone, can he make it two in a row even though the film hasn’t gained a lot of awards traction? DAVID THEWLIS, THE LADY It may be called The Lady, but in dual roles as her cancer-stricken husband and his brother, Thewlis was flawless throughout. The question is will enough voters even see it to give him a shot in the race. COREY STOLL, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS Playing the embodiment of a young Ernest Hemingway with deadpan precision, this little-known actor stole the show in Woody Allens greatest box office success. Could he be the category sleeper? He already has nabbed a Spirit nod. JIM BROADBENT,THE IRON LADY Oscar winner Broadbent (Iris) is always formidable in any role he tackles, and he certainly delivers as Denis Thatcher, doting husband of English Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The problem is that Denis was always overshadowed by his wife in real life, and the same is true opposite Meryl Streep here. TOM HIDDLESTON,WAR HORSE Hiddleston is a standout, particularly in one scene, but the horses are the actors people seem to be talking about. BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH,TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY Another War Horse thesp stood out in the new adaptation of the John LeCarre spy thriller, but for some reason buzz has yet to build for his sterling performance. Based on this work, his time is coming. ANDY SERKIS,RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Serkis is the undeniable king of the Mo Cap actors, and his performance as Caesar the lead ape in this Planet Of The Apes prequel is getting the full campaign support of20th Century Fox. But the question remains: Is the technique just too controversial among his fellow actors to gain him entry into the golden circle?

Michelle Duggar Miscarries

First Published: December 8, 2011 5:17 PM EST Credit: TLC Caption Michelle and Jim Bob DuggarLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Duggars were given heartbreaking news on Thursday. According to People, during a routine check-up where Jim Bob and Michelle were supposed to find out the sex of their 20th child, their doctor was unable to find the babys heartbeat. Michelle was told that she had miscarried in her second trimester. After the appointment, we came back home and told the children, the 45-year-old mother of 19 told the mag. We had just been talking about baby names last night and they were getting excited about naming a boy or a girl. It has been a real sad disappointment. Jim Bob also released a statment confirming the tragic news to Access Hollywood, saying, Earlier today at a routine doctors appointment, Michelle and I received the sad news that we lost the baby. Michelle is resting comfortably at home with the support of the entire family. We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, but ask for privacy during this difficult time. The Duggar matriarch said they will still name the baby after they find out of it was a boy or a girl and they plan to hold a funeral service. I feel like my heart broke telling my children, she continued. They have all been so excited about this baby and looking forward to April coming around and having a new little one in our arms. That was the most difficult. The Lord is the giver of life and he can choose when that life is ready to go on and be with Him. This is Michelles second miscarriage. She previously lost a baby during her second pregnancy, when she was reportedly taking oral birth control. According to the mag, this incident caused the couple to let the number of children they have be up to God. In addition to their youngest daughter, Josie, who was born in December 2009, the couple is also parents to Joshua, 23 (who has two children, Mackynzie, 2, and Michael, 4 months, with wife Anna, 23), twins Jana and John-David, 21; Jill, 20; Jessa, 19; Jinger, 17; Joseph, 16; Josiah, 15; Joy-Anna, 14; twins Jedidiah and Jeremiah, 12; Jason, 11; James, 10; Justin, 8; Jackson, 7; Johanna, 6; Jennifer, 4; and Jordyn, 3. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Appeals Court Ends Four Decades of Lawsuits Over Bank Robber Who Inspired 'Dog Day Afternoon'

Mary Evans/Ronald Grant/Everett Collection On August 22, 1972, a 27-year-old man named John Wojtowicz attempted to rob a Chase Manhattan bank and held several employees hostage for 17 hours. The events of that day were captured in an article for Life magazine and later in the 1975 classic Sidney Lumet film, Dog Day Afternoon, starring Al Pacino.our editor recommendsHarlan Ellison Drops Lawsuit Claiming 'In Time' Ripped Off His Story (Exclusive) After the film came out, Wojtowicz, whose attempted robbery was intended to finance a transsexual operation for his lover, wrote a letter to the NY Times, saying he was outraged how filmmakers had misrepresented the truth. He also felt "exploited," saying that Warner Bros. had breached a deal to pay him 1 percent of the profits. He took the studio to court with the help of a fellow inmate named George Heath, his so-called "jail-house" lawyer. Now, nearly four decades after the original bank robbery, a NY appeals court has finally ordered that the litigation must stop. For his work in helping Wojtowicz get his claimed due, Heath was to be entitled to more than 16 percent ofWojtowicz' take. PHOTOS: Sidney Lumet (1924-2011) Wojtowicz died in 2006 at the age of 60. Throughout much of Wojtowicz' late life, he was on public assistance. NY law allows the government to recover benefits to a decedent within 10 years of death by making claims upon his or her estate. And so, the Human Resources Administration in NY put a lien on Wojtowicz' property, including the royalties he was getting from Warner Bros. After Wojtowicz died, this left Heath in the lurch. When the government tied up the funds, Heath argued, among other things, that the statute of limitations should exempt the lien and that the distribution of the royalties should be handled differently by Warner Bros. At one point, Heath submitted a motionto have Time Warner held in contempt for failure to pay him his share of royalties. In 2009, a judge lifted the lien, saying it had been fully satisfied, but Heath was back to court to gain more royalties. STORY: Sidney Lumet Tribute -- THR's Todd McCarthy Remembers the 'Dynamic' Director The final straw came last month when NY's appellate division denied Heath's attempt to get anything more than the 16 2/3 % of 1% of royalties owed to Wojtowicz. The appeals court also decided it had had enough of the Dog Day Afternoon royalties saga. According to the ruling: "Given plaintiff's pattern of continuous and vexatious litigation concerning this subject matter for the past few decades,an injunction barring him from commencing new actions or proceedings seeking royalties from the film is warranted." Thus ends the aftermath of what happened forty years ago in a Chase bank in Flatbush, NY. Here'sthe fascinating letter the letter thatWojtowicz sent the NY Times after seeing the film. He was critical of the film overall, explaining why he felt exploited, and describing some of his legal troubles, such as an inability to get legal papers notarized. But he called Al Pacino's Oscar-nominated performance "out of sight." E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Sidney Lumet (1924-2011) Sidney Lumet

Sonny Boy: Film Review

Inside a recent interview, Mark Manley, the lengthy-term chairman from the language committee from the Academy, stated he had urged producers all over the world to submit edgier and more personal movies his or her Oscar candidate, rather than the "soft, safe movies" they thought were more synchronized with Oscar voters' tastes. This campaign by Manley also incorporated a brand new system of voting, which brought towards the questionable inclusion from the bizarre Greek film, Dogtooth, one of the nominees this past year. Although not all nations have fallen using the new program. The Netherlands' submission for the best foreign film this season, Sonny Boy, is really a traditional film greatly within the Masterpiece Theatre mold. Additionally, it is surely a good movie, though whether or not this will pass muster using the new elite "supercommittees" that Manley has implemented remains to appear. It'll, however, be loved by audiences who get the opportunity to determine it. To begin with, we have an impressive scale, from the 20's and taking its figures with the finish of The Second World War. Director Maria Peters, using a first-rate technical team, does an excellent job re-creating the time moments, but she never allows the development design overwhelm the intimate human story. The film is dependant on a Nederlander best-seller by Annejet van der Zijl that recounted the real story of the interracial romance that spanned decades. Rika (Ough Koole) is separated from her husband when she rents an area to Waldemar (Sergio Hasselbaink), a youthful black student from Surinam. He develops from a well educated, affluent family in South Usa, but he nevertheless inflames the prejudice of the Nederlander neighbors, particularly when the 2 start a passionate romance. There is a boy together, however their romance comes in a high cost Rika manages to lose custody of the children of her four older kids. When Rika and Waldemar are kicked out using their home, they're drawn in with a Jewish saloon keeper. Throughout the Nazi occupation, Rika repays the favor by hiding numerous Jewish refugees. The film covers a lot of hot-button subjects it sometimes appears just like a Nederlander Stanley Kramer movie (Guess Who's Visiting Dinner entered with Judgment at Nuremberg). What saves it's that Peters keeps her target the figures as opposed to the issues. She's assisted enormously by Koole, a marvelously earthy actress who always finds telling particulars to create her character alive. Rika is repel convention not basically by cohabiting having a black guy but additionally one that is actually 17 years her junior. Koole and Hasselbaink illuminate the conflicts together along with the passionate attraction. Not every one of the figures are extremely well attracted. As Rika's unforgiving ex-husband, Marcel Hensema is nearly because a 1-dimensional villain because the sadistic Nazi officer who interrogates her late within the film. Peters' direction is solid instead of inspired, however the pacing is brisk enough to help keep the crowd engaged throughout all of the sections of the saga. Lush cinematography, set and costume design also boost the film. Although some aspects of this story are conversant using their company movies, it really works mainly due to the existence of Koole, who turns out to be among Holland's most alluring and eloquent stars. Main point here: Old-fashioned Nederlander epic hits the best emotional notes. Production: Shooting Star Film Company. Cast: Ough Koole, Sergio Hasselbaink, Marcel Hensema, Frits Lambrechts, Misha Hulshof, Gaite Jansen, Daniel van Wijk. Director: Maria Peters. Screenwriters: Maria Peters, Pieter van p Waterbeemd. In line with the book by: Annejet van der Zijl. Producers: Hendes Pos, Dork Schram. Director of photography: Walther VandenEnde Production designer: Jan Rutgers. Music: Henry Vrienten. Costume designer: Bho Roosterman-Vroegen. Editor: Or Louw. No rating, 132 minutes. Academy awards 2012

Taylor Quick Debuts New 'Do

Taylor Quick Taylor Quick is rocking more recent and much more effective bangs."Got a haircut," the country singer tweeted, revealing her extended blonde locks and wispy bangs. The country crooner's new 'do replaces her usual curls and side-taken bangs.See photos of Taylor Quick using the yearsSwift was most recently a sizable champion within the American Music Honours, where she needed home the trophy for Artist of year.Can you like T-Swift's change?

Baruchel & Chabot: Thesp moves into writing, scores with sports

Jay BaruchelJay Baruchel thinks it's absurd he and writing partner Jesse Chabot ended up focusing on two sports movies back-to-back, the hockey comedy "Goon" and "Baseballissimo."While they are large sports fans, "we are are about as far from (sports) as you may get," states the Montreal native, most widely known for his roles as awkward teenagers in movies for example "She's From My League" and "The Sorcerer's Apprentice."The happy couple met within their home town of Montreal once they were 15 and rapidly grew to become close friends and inventive partners in crime, turning up at open mic nights to carry out a surreal sketch they authored by which Chabot performed a robot and Baruchel a children's Television show host."Hilarity ensued," Baruchel recalls. "Or at best we thought so."Baruchel co-authored "Goon" with Evan Goldberg ("Superbad," "Pineapple Express"), but Goldberg was too busy to become around the occur Manitoba, Canada, so Baruchel -- who also co-stars within the film with Seann William Scott -- introduced in Chabot to assist him punch up dialogue quickly.Chabot told Baruchel it would be hard to return to dealing with his uncle within the furniture moving business. Baruchel guaranteed his friend that his days carrying sofas would soon be over."Obviously, nobody understood at this time which i authored, period, and nobody understood Jesse from Adam," Baruchel confesses.Although not lengthy after, Baruchel and Chabot were drawn on by Hurry bassist/lead singer Geddy Lee and producer David Burns to script a bigscreen adaptation of Dork Bidini's book "Baseballissimo," concerning the author's 2002 trip to Nettuno, the baseball capital of Italia.They are now midway through their first draft from the script of "Baseballissimo," and there is more to range from duo."We now have already develop near to twelve movies nobody is aware of because we have been too busy focusing on other activities,Inch states Baruchel, that has requested Chabot to be the greatest guy at his wedding the coming year. "It is a wonderful problem to possess.Inch10 SCREENWRITERS To Look At 2011:Josh Applebaum & Andrew Nemec Jay Baruchel & Jesse Chabot Justin Britt-Gibson Neil Mix Andrew Haigh Kurt Johnstad Lauryn Kahn Paula Pell Jon Spaihts John Yorkey Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

David Ayer To Script Updated Scarface

EXCLUSIVE: Training Day scribe David Ayer has been hired to write the new version of Scarface for Universal Pictures. The film will put a contemporary spin on the outlaw tale first released in 1932 with Paul Muni playing an Italian who took over Chicago, and then turned into the spectacularly violent 1983 film that starred Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban who took over the cocaine trade in 1980s Miami. The new film is being produced by Marc Shmuger and his Global Produce banner along with Martin Bregman, who produced the Brian De Palma-directed version. When the studio set up the project in late September, the intention wasn’t to do a remake as much as to marry the common elements of the two films with a contemporary crime context. Basically, the focus is on an outsider, an immigrant who barges his way into the criminal establishment in pursuit of a twisted version of the American dream, becoming a kingpin through a campaign of ruthlessness and violent ambition. Ayer tells me that he is not at all cowed by stepping into an iconic title. “This is a fantasy for me, I can still remember when I saw the film at 13 and it blew my mind,” he said. “I sought it out; I went after it hard. I see it as the story of the American dream, with a character whose moral compass points in a different direction. That puts it right in my wheelhouse. I studied both the original Ben Hecht-Howard Hawks movie and the DePalma-Pacino version and found some universal themes. I’m still under the hood figuring out the wiring that will translate, but both films had a specificity of place, there was unapologetic violence, and a main character who socially scared the shit out of people, but who had his own moral code. Each was faithful to the underworld of its time. There are enough opportunities in the real world today that provide an opportunity to do this right. If it was just an attempt to remake the 1983 film, that would never work.” Ayer takes on the job after completing End Of Watch, the Exclusive Media Group-funded drama that Ayer wrote, directed and produced. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena star as LAPD partners and best friends who navigate their work and personal lives. It started out as a found footage-style film, with the POV coming from everything from the camera mounted on every cop car to security cameras and other surveillance devices. Ayer said it evolved into something not so rigid, which he called a mix of “unconventional storytelling interwoven with conventional photography that creates a portrait of their lives. It’s a cross between Cops and Mean Streets.” It is Ayer’s third directing effort after Harsh Times and Street Kings, and he’s got a cut that he’ll test with an audience before finishing and showing it to potential domestic distributors before year’s end. The film, which was financed by Exclusive Media, will be ready to be seen by domestic distributors before year’s end. Ayer’s repped by CAA and attorney David Weber.

R.I.P. John Chambers

last century Fox TV’s publish-production executive John Chambers died November. 11 carrying out a extended fight with pancreatic cancer. He was 56. Chambers spent eight years within the studio, becoming Director of Publish Production without any.2 executive inside the publish production department to Gary Hall. He oversaw publish production on all 20th TV series and upset until his dying he was last at the office a few days before he died. In the last couple of years, Chambers produced a detailed relationship with Modern Family co-creator/executive producer Steve Levitan whom he aided watch cuts and do other publish-production concentrate on his iPad. Modern Family‘s Thanksgiving episode the other day ended getting a card devoted for the Chamber’s memory. Before joining 20th TV, Chambers labored as editor, producer, and production manager around the slew of film and television productions, including features Lethal Weapon 3 and Frankie and Johnny and series Fame and Knowing Amy. More youthful crowd trained editing within the American Film Institute for virtually 10 years.

Golden Globe contenders for animated feature

It's been another strong year for animated features, both creatively and at the box office. And the HFPA can nominate five, with the winner possibly making the Oscar list of best pics.The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the UnicornClassic precursor: "Casablanca" meets "Around the World in 80 Days."Chances for a nom: It has all the right ingredients -- Steven Spielberg directing his first animated film, ground-breaking 3D motion capture (based on Jim Cameron's animation process developed for "Avatar"), Peter Jackson producing, and Daniel Craig, Jamie Bell and Andy Serkis doing voice-overs. Glowing reviews and huge B.O. overseas -- where it was strategically released first -- only increase its Globe chances. * * * Arthur Christmas Classic precursor: "Elf" and"Santa's Workshop."Chances a nom: The 3D computer-animated fantasy comedy is co-produced by Sony and respected U.K. animation house Aardman ("Wallace & Gromit") and features the right seasonal ingredients and a top Brit voice-over cast that includes Globe noms James McAvoy as Santa's son Arthur and Imelda Staunton as Mrs. Santa, Globe fave Hugh Laurie (six noms, two wins) and Globe winner Bill Nighy. * * * RangoClassic precursor: "Pinocchio" with some "High Noon" thrown in.Chances for a nom: Boasting a bunch of firsts, Paramount's "Rango" showcased state-of-the-art animation and visual effects by industry powerhouse ILM, and was the first animation film for both ILM and "Pirates of the Caribbean" veteran Gore Verbinski. With a stellar cast that includes Globe winner Johnny Depp -- charming as the swashbuckling green, bug-eyed chameleon -- and Isla Fisher as his love interest, the lizardy Western was a global smash, raking in more than $242 million and critical plaudits. * * * Puss in BootsClassic precursor: "Shrek" franchiseChances for a nom: Beautifully animated in 3D, this prequel to the "Shrek" films stars Antonio Banderas as the title character in full Zorro/Latin lover mode, and was directed by "Shrek 3's" Chris Miller. The $130 million production also features the vocal talents of Salma Hayek as Kitty Softpaws and Zach Galifianakis as Humpty Dumpty in a redemption tale that should appeal to all HFPA cat-lovers. * * * Kung Fu Panda 2Classic precursor: 2008's $631 million global smash "Kung Fu Panda"Chances for a nom: Starring a Globe-friendly cast that includes Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman, the well-received sequel earned $653 million worldwide -- making it the highest-grossing film ever directed by a woman, Jennifer Yuh -- who won an Annie for her work on the first film. * * * Cars 2Classic precursor: 2006's "Cars"Chances for a nom: While the sequel was lovingly developed and directed by Pixar head John Lasseter, and ended up grossing over $551 million worldwide (significantly, just half of what last year's "Toy Story 3" grossed), "Cars 2" failed to live up to (maybe too high) expectations. Critical reception was also mixed, and this year may offer competitors a real chance to knock Pixar off its perch. * * * Gnomeo & JulietClassic precursor: Offspring of Walt Disney, Mario Puzo and the BardChances for a nom: The kitschy, kid-friendly tale of rival tribes of English garden gnomes features a strong voice-over cast (James McAvoy and Emily Blunt as the title characters) and an even stronger score from Elton John, who also exec produced and collaborated with Lady Gaga on "Hello, Hello." * * * RioClassic precursor: "101 Dalmatians"Chances for a nom: The irresistible Carnival vibe of "Rio," the 3D CG extravaganza from native son director Carlos Saldanha ("Ice Age") and Blue Sky, was a $484 million global hit and seems tailor-made for the party-loving Globes. * * * Happy Feet TwoClassic precursor: 2006's $385 million grossing Globe-winner "Happy Feet."Chances for a nom: The popular penguin dance party teams four-time Globe winner Robin Williams with Globe winners Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, throws in newcomers Sofia Vergara, Pink and Common, and also showcases an eco-sensitive plot. * * * GOLDEN GLOBES RACETops in tubthumps? Best Picture: Drama | Best Picture: Comedy or Musical | Television | Animation Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

The Adopted (L'ensemble des adoptes): Film Review

Aldo RossiClockwise from left: Cari Fletcher, Paige Elizabeth, Dani Knights in combat and Hayley Orrantia X Factor's Simon Cowell states girl group Lakoda Rayne, that they together with fellow idol judges L.A. Reid, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger produced if this paired bootcamp finalistsDani Knights in combat, Cari Fletcher, Paige Elizabeth and Hayley Orrantia, was chosen from the competition to be "too pretty."our editor recommends'X Factor' Double Elimination: Who Went Home for that Holidays?'X Factor' Burning Questions: Is L.A. Reid From the Demi Lovato Loop? Will Chris Rene's 'Young Homie' Be Launched?'X Factor' Redux: Melanie Amaro Finds Her Spirit and Her Accent (Video) "It's an issue I've had my existence," he joked following Wednesday's elimination show. But in most importance, he blamed the audience members' searches for their exit. "Women did not like them," Cowell stated. "Groups will always be difficult however i think someone like Came is excellent for the reason that she talks to teens just like a teen -- that's a part of her appeal. They're a little older, however it's exactly the same principle." PHOTOS: 'X Factor' Behind the curtain Because The Top 11 Exercise a few days's Performances For LeRoy Bell, the unlikely 60-year-old finalist who stole America's heart together with his velvety voice and sweet disposition, Cowell doubts ageism was at the office. "It had been personality-ism," the mind judge told the Hollywood Reporter. "You've really reached pop now, you've reached get people to wish to election for you personally whenever you're rivaling people like Came or Rachel [Crow] or particularly what Melanie [Amaro] did Tuesday evening. At this time, you are making an argument and that i always felt with LeRoy he was slightly embarrassed he needed to contend with 13 ort 14-year-olds while he's a guy and that he's got dignity. And That I type of have it, but It seemed like he didn't quite let themself go in the manner that Josh [Krajcik] allows themself go." Talking about letting things go, it appears Reid is not holding a grudge if this involves Cowell's verbal assault another evening. "L.A. was a bit chilled at the start, specially when he saw the playback from the show," Cowell cracked. "I don't think he loved that greatly, because I'd the final word.Inch PHOTOS: Become familiar with 'X Factor's' Top 17 Runners up Still, Cowell demands it's mainly for show. "I described to L.A. before we did the reveal that we're likely to have that type of relationship," he stated. "If you want one another, you could have that type of banter." But Cowell is not going to allow the Demi Lovato slip go. In conclusion: Reid belittled Came for singing the hit "Skyscraper" saying it had been music for 40-year-olds. Lovato, who sings the song, is 19. "We haven't stopped speaking about this,Inch Cowell stated having a chuckle. "I'm getting the album shipped to his dressing room." Cowell adds he was as surprised as anybody that Reid "didn't be aware of song," but younger crowd first viewed it being an chance. "I loved it because I understood he would have trouble with [Came], that's been happening for some time,Inch Cowell described. "Then when he dropped the ball on Demi, it had been like, 'Fine, now I'm likely to say what I wish to say.'" And did he ever. Cowell known as Reid's experience "stupid, inaccurate rubbish" among a slew of other insults, departing the Epic Records chairman dumbfounded. But no hard feelings -- minutes later, the 2 were kibitzing outdoors the X Factor stage door. It's television, in the end. Twitter: @shirleyhalperin PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Inside Simon Cowell's 'X Factor' Trailer (Exclusive) PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'X Factor' Behind the curtain: The Very Best 11 Exercise the Week's Performances Nicole Scherzinger Paula Abdul Simon Cowell Antonio L.A. Reid Lakoda Rayne LeRoy Bell Josh Krajcik Melanie Amaro Came Ryniewicz The X Factor

Graham King nabs 'Out of Time'

Graham King's TV division has acquired global distribution rights for your approaching Canadian series "From Time."Simon Craig written the pilot and may professional produce with fellow scribe Rob King. Patt Williams may even professional produce.Ten episodes are actually bought to air on Canuck broadcaster Shaw Media, with Reunion Pictures set to produce. Tom Rowe, Lisa Richardson and Matthew O'Connor are professional producers for Reunion.No U.S. network is presently attached.One-hour drama concentrates on a girl cop around 2077 who's moving several terrorists in order to their execution. Out of the blue, however, the crowd is distributed time visiting 2012 where they could reconstitute their violent agenda. While casting has yet to complete, Thandie Newton is circling the project too as with predicts play in the lead. Newton is co-starring inside the new Tyler Perry pic "Good Deeds," that's scheduled for release early next season.GK-TV remains searching to improve its pipeline lately. Shingle is developing a biopic for Lifetime on former Hollywood bigwig William Wilkerson and "Port Royal" is at script development at Foreign exchange.Produced with Gale Anne Hurd's Valhalla Entertainment, "Port Royal" concentrates on pirates and a myriad of undesirables who undergo a 17th century Jamaican town. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Scorsese's three dimensional learning curve

Richardson Martin Scorsese and the crew mulled the thought of shooting "Hugo" in 2D and transforming it, but made the decision it must be shot in three dimensional -- though they rapidly discovered the procedure needed these to re-think "everything" about filmmaking, the helmer stated. The training curve was steep given that they didn't have prior three dimensional experience. Scorsese told Variety, "Transpire here was to try and tell the storyline with this particular added component of depth, to make use of depth as narrative since most people thorough." "None people tried three dimensional before," stated "Hugo" production designer Dante Ferretti, that has now done eight films with Scorsese. He found their latest effort especially challenging due to the sheer detail needed by three dimensional, which, he rapidly recognized, cries out for significant detail to fill the depth it produces while watching camera. "It is extremely vital that you put a lot of things for the reason that space," Ferretti stated. A lot of "Hugo" -- occur the nineteen thirties -- happens at Paris' Gare p Montparnasse stop and inside its clock tower, parts which Ferretti built on massive sets at a number of London-area soundstages. "We did tests and recognized we needed to add particulars towards the clocks, machinery, gears and pipes because for three dimensional to be effective, a person always has to possess many objects before you decide to,Inch Ferretti added. The creative approach on "Hugo" was almost the polar opposite to that particular of "Immortals," the topic of this column two days ago. That Tarsem Singh-helmed, vfx-intense saga depended largely on greenscreen technology because of its skills and was shot in 2D and transformed into three dimensional in contrast, "Hugo" was shot stereoscopically and used huge, elaborate physical sets, with vfx supervisor Take advantage of Legato adding just the background extensions. Cinematographer Robert Richardson was both "excited" and "put off" by the possibilities of his first three dimensional shoot, that also been his first electronically shot feature. He used Arri Alexa cameras paired on the Pace rig. The first factors of shooting in 2D and carrying out a conversion were up for grabs "for reasons of financial aspects," based on Richardson, "but Marty always aspired to shoot on three dimensional and there is no doubt when you are taking three dimensional seriously, taking it this way is essential.Inch Sorsese looks toward further technical advances. "You are speaking a lot more than three dimensional, you are speaking holograms," stated the helmer. "This is where it is going, ultimately It does not need to be sci-fi. That you can do 'Hamlet' in hologram." Reservations & Signings Re-recording mixers Greg P. Russell and Scott Millan happen to be drawn on to operate on "Skyfall," the 23rd Mission Impossible film, in the new Technicolor publish-production seem facility around the Vital lot, where these were lately became a member of by fellow re-recording mixer Anna Behlmer. Sandra Marsh & Affiliates reserved production designers John Myhre on February's Academy awards ceremony, Jim Clay on Mike Newell's "Great Anticipation" and Yohei Taneda on Keanu Reeves' "Guy of Tai-Chi" producers Iain Cruz on George Miller's "Mad Max: Fury Road" and Bennett Walsh on M. Evening Shyamalan's "1000 A.E." editors Nancy Richardson on Jonathan Levine's "Warm Physiques" and Dany Cooper on Wayne Blair's "The Sapphires" vfx supervisor Bruce Steinheimer on Ben Affleck's "Argo" and stunt coordinator Melissa Stubbs on Fox's "Alcatraz." Marsh signings: ).g.Is Jason Lehel ("Gaia") and Steve Lawes ("Strikeback") and production designers Ben Procter ("Ender's Game") and Keith John Burns ("Abduction"). Dattner Dispoto signed costume designer Nadine Haders ("John From Cincinnati") and reserved d.p. Bojan Bazelli on Gore Verbinski's "The Lone Ranger." ITalent reserved editors Crispin Struthers on David O. Russell's "The Silver Textures Playbook" and Susan Littenberg on Daryl Wein's "Lola Versus" and d.p. Marco Fargnoli on Adult Swim's "Children's Hospital." Innovative Artists signed costume designer Kathleen Felix ("Dexter'). Agency reserved d.p. Eric Edwards on Take advantage of Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman's "Lovelace" and John Thomas on Showtime's "The Large C" editor Michael Ruscio on HBO's "True Bloodstream" and production designers Anthony Medina on Lifetime movie "Killing Mr. Wright" and Lauren Crasco on USA pilot "On We Go." Contact Peter Caranicas at peter.caranicas@variety.com

Christopher Walken Employs Lawyer to deal with Natalie Wood Analysis (Exclusive)

Stephen Lovekin/Getty ImagesChristopher Walken Because the analysis in to the 1981 dying of actress Natalie Wood gets hotter, Christopher Walken has hired an attorney regarding the the situation.our editor recommendsRobert Wagner Blamed Self For Natalie Wood's Dying in MemoirChristopher Walken Offered Natalie Wood Dying Theory in Past InterviewNatalie Wood's Sister Makes First TV Appearance on 'Piers Morgan Tonight' (Video)Natalie Wood Researchers to look at Boat in Hawaii Robert Wagner Not really a Suspect Natalie Wood Reopened Situation Prompts CBS' '48 Hrs Mystery' to maneuver Up Air DateNatalie Wood Dying: Christopher Walken Radio Interview a Hoax The Hollywood Reporter has found that Mathew Rosengart, an old federal district attorney switched lawsuit specialist at La' Greenberg Traurig firm, has become representing Walken. The actor was among the last individuals to see Wood, his co-star within the film Brainstorm, before she inexplicably died almost 30 years ago. PHOTOS: Best Pictures of Natalie Wood Sources tell THR that La Sheriff's Department researchers don't consider Walken to become a suspect within the inquiry, that was formally reopened Friday. PHOTOS: 12 of Hollywood's Most Mysterious Deaths In a press conference, Lt. John Corina stated the situation continues to be treated being an accidental drowning but declined to supply particulars around the inquiry or say who'd be questioned regarding the the probe. Corina stated the department had received new, credible information that motivated further analysis. VIDEO: 5 of Natalie Wood's Most Memorable Roles Walken, Wood and Wood's husband Robert Wagner counseled me aboard a ship from the coast of Catalina Island when Wood disappeared and was later found dead within the sea. Corina stated in the Friday press conference that Wagner isn't a suspect. VIDEO: Natalie Wood's Boat Captain Confesses to Laying, States Robert Wagner 'Responsible' on her Dying Sources say Rosengart originates aboard to advise Walken within the inquiry. Although the attorney spent ten years like a district attorney using the U.S. Justice Department, his employing does not necessarily mean Walken is expecting an adversarial process. Rosengart is really a civil litigator having a strong entertainment lawsuit practice, and Walken is anticipated to cooperate fully with researchers throughout the probe. STORY: Christopher Walken Offered Natalie Wood Dying Theory in Past Interview On Friday, new organizations reported an erroneous story which stated Walken contacted to some radio station to discuss the evening of Wood's dying. However, the segment the station broadcast ended with a Walken impersonator that has an every week bit on ESPN980, and never real. Email: Matthew.Belloni@thr.com Twitter: @THRMattBelloni Christopher Walken Natalie Wood Robert Wagner

The Extraordinary Voyage (Le Voyage extraordinaire)

An MK2 release of a Steamboat Films presentation and production, in co-production with Lobster Films, with the participation of France Televisions. Produced by Serge Bromberg, Marianne Lere. Directed by Serge Bromberg. Co-director, Eric Lange.With: Costa-Gavras, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Michel Gondry, Michel Hazanavicius, Eric Lange, Tom Burton, Nicolas Ricordel. Narrator: Serge Bromberg.Technology and infinite patience form the alchemist's stone that turns celluloid dross into cinematic gold in "The Extraordinary Voyage," Serge Bromberg's and Eric Lange's tale of preservation magic. The 12-year restoration of a color version of George Melies' seminal 1902 masterpiece "A Trip to the Moon" involved long, slow, tedious processes, but Bromberg's docu, liberally sprinkled with fanciful excerpts from Melies' surviving works, never bogs down in scientific detail as bits get reassembled and enhanced, frame by frame, fragment by fragment. Skedded to tour worldwide in tandem with the gorgeous new "Moon," this docu makes a worthy satellite for the main attraction. Though it chronicles the transference of images in great detail, the docu's biggest impact lies in the fantastical power of the hand-painted imagery itself and the passion of those committed to its phoenix-like resuscitation. Talking-head duties are assumed by Melies-philes Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Michel Gondry, Michel Hazanavicius and, surprisingly, Costa-Gavras. Co-helmer Eric Lange, appearing in front of the camera, emerges as the print's obsessed, monomaniacal savior, softening and unspooling badly decomposed silver-nitrate stock in minuscule increments. But fittingly, it is Melies himself, the unsurpassed impresario, who steals the show.Camera (color, HD), Jean-Louis Sonzogni; editor, Janice Jones; music, Bruno Alexiu. Reviewed at Museum of Modern Art, NY, Nov. 11, 2011. Running time: 65 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

John Malone Finishes Liberty Starz Monitoring Stock And Ups Share Repurchases

This can give Liberty Media Chairman John Malone along with other professionals a great deal to discuss later today at the organization’s annual dog-and-pony show for traders.Your decision toconvert Liberty Starz and Liberty Capital from monitoring stocks right into a single resource-based stockshould diminish the growingsense that Malonewas fattening up Starz for any large deal — possibly a purchase.The funnel continues to be trading heavily in original programming, and Liberty Starz just revealed a $1.5B credit facility.Janney Capital Marketplaces analyst Tony Wible states the Street “likely is going to be included the way it translates this news” from the alternation in Liberty Starz’ status. Meanwhile, Liberty’s $1.25B stock repurchase “should help ease (traders’) concern.” And hope springs eternal:Burns Tabak analyst David Joyce states that “in time we'd expect M&A activity with one of these assets to get again.” Here’s the organization’s release: ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Liberty Media Corporation (Nasdaq: LCAPA, LCAPB, LSTZA, LSTZB) (Liberty) today introduced that it is board of company directors has all chosen to get rid of Libertys monitoring stock structure by transforming each share of their Liberty Starz common stock into .88129 of the share from the corresponding number of Liberty Capital common stock, good at 5:00 p.m., NY City time, on November 28, 2011 (the Conversion Date). Cash is going to be compensated instead of fractional shares. We're very happy to announce the mixture of Liberty Starz and Liberty Capital into an resource-backed security, stated Greg Maffei, Liberty Leader and Boss. The board of company directors determined it was the best proceed to boost the value for Liberty Capital and Liberty Starz investors by getting rid of the tracker discount, growing liquidity within the stock and developing a more powerful acquisition currency. Additionally, we lately required benefit of the attractive debt marketplaces to boost capital at Starz, and that we convey more possibilities to deploy it in a combined Liberty Media. The conversion of shares of Liberty Starz common stock is going to be effected pursuant to Article IV, Section A.2(b)(ii) of Libertys restated charter and can lead to the conversion of all the outstanding shares of Liberty Starz common stock around the Conversion Date unless of course, pursuant towards the restated charter, the board determines to terminate the Conversion just before the Conversion Date. The conversion doesn't need any pursuit by Libertys investors and can don't have any effect on the companies, liabilities and assets of Liberty. Following a conversion, Liberty may have two number of common stock, that will trade underneath the Nasdaq symbols LMCA and LMCB. Libertys board also going to boost the repurchase authorization for Liberty Capital common stock to $1.25 billion following a conversion. Holders of certificated shares of Liberty Starz common stock will get instructions of transmittal from Computershare Trust Company, N.A., with instructions regarding how to surrender their certificates formerly representing shares of Liberty Starz common stock for certificates representing shares from the corresponding number of Liberty Capital common stock. Certificated holders must surrender their stock certificates, plus a completed and duly performed letter of transmittal (and then any other documentation needed therefore), to Computershare, Corporate Actions, P.O. Box 43014, Providence, RI 02940-3014, to be able to receive certificates representing their Liberty Capital common stock shares. Regarding holders of Liberty Starz common stock locked in book-entry form, their accounts is going to be debited its their shares of Liberty Starz common stock and immediately credited using the relevant number and number of shares of Liberty Capital common stock around the Conversion Date.

Nomura Downgrades Entertainment Industry to 'Neutral'

NY - Analyst Michael Nathanson of Nomura Securities downgraded his view on the U.S. media and entertainment sector from "bullish" to "neutral" on Monday saying "we believe that the sector's positive earnings revisions are set to slow in 2012." He also downgraded his rating on CBS Corp.'s stock from "buy" to "neutral," arguing that 2013 earnings "are set to decelerate sharply post highly anticipated strong 2012 results." But despite the downgrades, Nathanson emphasized: "Having defended media fundamentals over the past year, our downgrade of the group and CBS is not rooted in the belief that industry drivers are about to fall off a cliff. Rather, we think that the upside earnings surprises that drove CBS and the broader sector are going to be less likely in the year ahead." Nathanson still recommends shares of Walt Disney, News Corp, and Viacom as "buys" in the entertainment sector. "We believe that Disney and News Corp. have the best earnings per share revision potential in the group due to the benefit of near-term and widespread affiliate and retrans/reverse negotiations, strong cable content franchises, and the potential for further capital return plans," he wrote. "Viacom is now simply a value play on a massive equity shrink." Among factors negatively affecting his entertainment industry outlook are U.S. advertising trends, which the analyst said "have been decelerating over 2011 and came in below forecast for the second quarter in a row." He said he was "worried that national scatter trends, a major source of upside, have cooled and will become even more challenging in the first quarter." Nathanson also said some cable networks groups with ratings challenges will face increased programming and marketing costs, and smaller cable networks owners will have more contentious relationships with distributors. Plus, while big entertainment companies have "widely embraced" stock buybacks, which boost earnings per share and investor confidence, investors are now mostly including them in their evaluation of stocks. "After decades of capital destruction, we applaud these [buyback] actions," said Nathanson. "However, they are now factored in to most forward earnings estimates." Nathanson even mentioned digital platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon, highlighting that for the second quarter in a row they have driven earnings upside surprises at Hollywood conglomerates. "While we are in early days, we worry that the market is starting to see these deals 'as having your cake and eating it, too'," he wrote. "We are concerned that the scope for more near-term digital dollars is limited, the increase in Web options may cannibalize some level of viewing and that traditional syndicated TV buyers will be less interested in library content going forward." Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics Time Warner Viacom The Walt Disney Company News Corp. CBS Corporation

Access Hollywood Live: Candice Kumais Cold & Flu Fighting Healthy Quality quality recipes

First Launched: November 11, 2011 1:54 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Candice Kumai shares her immunity-enhancing quality quality recipes on Access Hollywood LiveLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Chef Candice Kumai stopped by Access Hollywood Live to discuss good quality immunity-enhancing quality quality recipes for foods that may help you & your family members fight cold & flu season! Fall Veggies Salad Elements: 1/4 cup sunflower seed items 1/2 bunch kale, chopped 1/2 bunch Swiss chard, chopped (I like Rainbow Chard, but any variety can do) 1 cup butternut squash laces and laces and ribbons (very carefully shaved raw slices) 1/4 cup dried red-colored grapes 2 tbsps . crumbled chevre For your Orange Vinaigrette: 1/2 cup orange juice 1 tablespoon Dijon 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to taste 1 tablespoon essential essential olive oil 1 teaspoon herbal remedies p Provence Roasted Garlic clove clove + Lemon Flatbreads: Serves 8, appetizer portions Pre-warmth oven to 350 levels 1. Cut a whole garlic clove clove clove in 2. Wrap garlic clove clove in foil, with 1 tablespoon of essential essential olive oil, and roast for roughly an hour or so approximately . 5. Elements: 1 store-bought pizza dough 3 tbsps . extra-virgin essential essential olive oil, divided 1 mind of garlic clove clove, roasted 1/4 fresh lemon, cut into thin slices 1/4 medium red-colored-colored onion, cut in two and incredibly carefully sliced 1/2 cup arugula 1/2 cup fresh goat cheese (Chevre) Directions: 1. Pre-warmth oven to 350 levels 2. Wrap garlic clove clove in foil, with 1 tablespoon of essential essential olive oil, and roast for roughly an hour or so approximately . 5 3. Toss lemon slices in essential essential olive oil, and arrange in a single layer around the sheet pan. Bake prior to the rinds are soft, and begin to brown 4. Unveil pizza dough, around the floured surface, with a thickness of just oneOr2 inch. Brush the dough with 2 tbsps . of essential essential olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for five-7 minutes. Get rid of the crust within the oven. and rehearse the trunk of the spoon to spread a thick layer of roasted garlic clove clove inside the surface 5. Spread the lemon, red-colored-colored onion, arugula, and goat cheese inside the crust 6. Bake for 12-a quarter-hour, prior to the crust is golden, as well as the veggies are slightly wilted. (Quality quality recipes courtesy Candice Kumai) Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Disney Beats Fiscal 4Q Estimations With Strong Results At ESPN And Amusement Parks

The organization reportednet earnings of $1.1B, up 30% versus the time this past year, on revenues of $10.43B, up 7%. That easily beat Street predictions for revenues of $10.36B. Earnings, at 58 cents a share, also capped forecasts of 54 cents — and with out them-time charges might have hit 59 cents. Disney’s cable channels brought the charge with revenues up 9% to $4.8B along with a 20% hike in operating profits to $1.46B. The organization states that ESPN and also the overseas channels brought the way in which with greater affiliate costs and worldwide ad growth — even though sports funnel was hurt by rising costs for programming and marketing along with a rankings drop from losing the FIFA World Cup. The systems figures range from the ABC broadcast operation, where revenues were up 4% to $1.33B having a 37% rise in operating earnings to $201M. Even though it didn’t have political advertisements, the system tips from greater ad rates — partially because of an uptick in rankings for news and sports — minimizing programming costs. The organization states that scatter costs are 25% in front of the upfront market. In the amusement parks, attendance was up 1% but investing was up 9% because of cost increases. That brought to some revenue increase of 11% to $3.13B with operating earnings rising 33% to $421M. The organization states that consumer investing was up — especially new guest choices at Disney California Adventure and also at the Disney Cruise Line,although sales were lower in the Disney Vacation Club. The studio had mixed results with revenues lower 8% to $1.46B and operating earnings up 13% to $117M. Home theatre sales were lower andCars 2 wasn't any match for this past year’s Toy Story 3 — but this past year’s results incorporated a $100M writedown in the closing of Robert Zemeckis’film studio in Northern California.

Mere 'Immortals' at premiere

Actress Freida Pinto arrives at the "Immortals 3D" Los Angeles premiere at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.Joseph Morgan, Tarsem Singh, Henry Cavill and Kellan Lutz play this one for the gods. Tucker Tooley with Stephen Dorff Mickey Rourke was in top form Monday for the preem of Relativity Media's "Immortals" at L.A. Live. He started with nothing but praise for co-star Henry Cavill. "Henry's very serious about it all. He was very focused and got himself in great shape," Rourke said. "He's a regular, hard-working guy who I think is going to take the opportunity that he's been given. Where he goes is up to him. Anybody can be a movie star for five minutes but let's talk to you 25 years later and see what you're made out of. All the really good young actors these days are coming out of the U.K. and Australia, and who do we got? Shia LaBeouf and Ryan Gosling?" Rourke, who recently played the baddie in "Iron Man 2," also discussed the downside of ceding the screen to the hero. "It's a continuous fight when you play these kind of roles, because Lord knows the bad guy can't be more intelligent or interesting than the good guy," he continued. "The villain is usually written in a one-dimensional kind of way with no layers. They bring a guy like me in to make choices, but I lost the battle with 'Iron Man' because most of my performance ended up on the floor." Helmer Tarsem Singh doesn't feel much pressure to deliver a box office hit. "I just want to make sure my DNA is in the film," he said. But the pressure is on regardless. "Tarsem better come through for us," joked Relativity's Tucker Tooley, who added, "It was clear right away that Cavill was the right guy for the role... and for Superman, apparently." P.S. to Rourke: Gosling is Canadian. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

FEMA Chief Apologizes For Widespread Glitches In Emergency Alert System Test

It can’t be a happy day for the FCC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency as they absorb a flood of reports about bizarre results at some TV and radio outlets from today’s first-ever national test of the Emergency Alert System.Viewers and listeners flocked to Twitter and Facebook after the 30-secondalert at 2 PM ET/11 AM PT.Some DirecTV customers said they just heard Lady Gaga singing “Paparazzi,” The NY Times says. Several TV stations had minutes of silence. That included Los Angeles’ KABC: Itposted the EAS sign without audio, and several minutes later anchors mics were dead.Some radio listeners said that they just heard background noise or nothing at all. Time Warner Cable customers in NY said they saw no sign of a test. “We do know that in many places, the Emergency Alert Notification flowed through to viewers without a hitch,” the National Cable & Telecommunications Association said. “However, we also know that in some places, it did not.” Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, told ABC News that he’s”concerned that we are probably seeing more failures than what we thought. But we didnt know what we didnt know. If you dont test you cant fix. … I apologize for the disruptions that people went through. But we need to test things to find out what works and what doesnt work. The 30,000 communications services that participated in the test will report their results within 45 days.”Based on preliminary data, large regions of the country received the test but some areas did not,” says FCC Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau Chief Jamie Barnett.”We are currently in the process of collecting and analyzing data, and will reach a conclusion when that process is complete.

'Harry Potter As Well As The Deathly Hallows' For That Consideration Oscars Ad Launched

Warner Bros has their Oscar campaign for "Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" under control. A completely new ad for For That Consideration campaign highlights every single tear-jerking moment within the film. Snape's recollections? Check. Harry's go into the forest? Check. The King's Mix Station scene? Absolutely. Could be whether it has the required steps to convince the Academy of motion Picture Arts and Sciences take a best picture jerk, nevertheless it certainly has us poised to purchase the DVD if the hits stores Friday. Nominees won't be revealed before the month of the month of january 24, but Warner Bros goes ready for his or her FYC campaign. Furthermore to trading within an offer for top Picture, they're also suggesting Best Director, Best Modified Script, Best Actor (Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint), Best Actress (Emma Watson), Best Score, Best Supporting Actor and Actress (everyone you might consider, minus Tom Felton) together with an entire slew of technical ones. Taking into consideration the truth the Academy is a lot more open to blockbusters given that they gipped "The Dark Dark evening" from the nomination this past year, it seems fair to consider that "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" will no less than obtain a few major nods even if it doesn't win anything. I am putting my bid in at this time around for Alan Rickman certainly acquiring a nomination for top Supporting Actor. Everyone from Michael Gambon to Matthew Lewis certainly launched an amazing performance in this particular film, nevertheless it was finally Rickman's time to shine. Even if "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" can get snubbed its much-deserved Best Picture jerk, it'll be satisfying enough to own Rickman in contention as they stands the most effective chance of really winning. But this year, greater than almost every other, marks "Potter's" best chance of really winning some major honours. Let's remember how "Return in the King" taken the Academy awards if the was released. "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" is broadly made the decision as the most effective of all the "Potter" films, which is been a location of contention within the last decade that "Potter" has not been nominated for just about any major Oscar (in addition to won for visual effects). It may be a suitable send-on the business-changing franchise to become finally -- finally -- be acknowledged depending on how great it's on Oscar evening. You think Warner Bros does a fantastic job convincing Academy voters to consider "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" with an Oscar? Reveal inside the comments section below or on Twitter!

Academy Backs Oscarcast Producer Brett Ratner, But There Is No Room For Screwups

UPDATE: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will not take action after Brett Ratner made and then apologized for making an insensitive comment during a Q&A for his film Tower Heist. AMPAS president Tom Sherak told Deadline he is standing behind Ratner after the filmmaker apologized for saying that rehearsal is for fags. But Sherak made it crystal clear that another indiscreet comment will not be tolerated. “His remarks were inappropriate, Sherak told Deadline. He said it best in his apology, that his comments were dumb and insensitive. When you think of our community, it went against all the beliefs of the creative community we represent. He knew it was wrong and he issued that response as quickly as any human being ever has. The bottom line is, this wont and cant happen again. It will not happen again. He apologized and we will move forward. How do I know this? Ive known this man for a very long time. He has many friends who are members of the gay and lesbian community. The apology he gave I truly believe comes from his heart. If I didnt believe it, I would do something about it. This is about integrity and honoring the Academy Awards, but we all make mistakes and I believe he didnt mean it.” EARLIER, 1:56 P.M. Director and Oscarcast producer Brett Ratner needs to conduct himself with more class in public appearances or risk screwing up his dream job of staging the upcoming Academy Awards by alienating Academy membership. Ratner, who got off on the right foot getting Eddie Murphy to host, has cast himself in an unflattering light with comments made while promoting Tower Heist. He has fielded questions with a lack of understanding that as Oscarcast producer, he is something of an ambassador for the Academy and a prestigious Oscar tradition. At a screening last weekend, Ratner made the insensitive observation to a room full of people that “rehearsing is for fags,” and today had to issue an apology. Beyond that, Ratner showed a lack of tact talking about his prolific sexual exploits on the cable TV program Attack of the Show and again this morning on Howard Stern’s Sirius XM radio show. The latter was a particularly graphic discussion. I’ve known Ratner for years, and he has a quality of wanting to please, be it making his actors happy or delivering a dishy interview that a host like Stern is after. Ratner’s priority for the next few months should be to put on a good show, and stop embarrassing the Academy. I get the feeling Ratner now understands this but if he keeps shooting himself in the foot, it will be up to the AMPAS board to lay down the law.

Oz academy links track of G'Day USA

SYDNEY -- The Australian Academy of Cinema and tv Arts, which released in August, has introduced it'll use G'Day USA, a La event that encourages everything Australian, to enhance its kudocast in The month of january. AACTA uses the G'Day USA black tie gala, held on Jan. 14 in the Grand Ballroom in L.A., like a platform to announce the noms because of its AACTA Worldwide Honours, that will bow the very first time in the Sydney Opera House on Jan. 31. The worldwide portion of the kudos will recognition the very best professionals worldwide in four groups: film, acting, writing and direction. "Australia's film and tv industries play a huge role in developing our cultural identity, in impacting on tourism as well as in adding to the export market, and that we anticipate working alongside G'Day USA to boost the profile in our screen industry worldwide," stated AACTA topper Damian Trewhella. "The Australian public has tossed its support behind some good Australian tales this season, with 'Red Dog' catapulting its distance to the very best 10 greatest grossing Australian films, and also the popular documentary, 'Mrs Carey's Concert,' making box office history as just two good examples." AACTA, which changed the Australian Film Institute, aims to lift the neighborhood industry's worldwide profile. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Stoner Movie How-To Influence

'Like Crazy' director Drake Doremus knows his way around a great montage, a skill which will come in handy within the new indie romance. Doremus's star-joined drama notifies the story from the youthful couple (Anton Yelchin as well as the Felicity Manley) separated by Visa issues in addition to their own insufficiencies, and features some perfectly edited sequences of love, separation and anticipation. Rarely has youthful love looked so honest -- and technically adept -- round the silver screen. In this exclusive new clip package within the film, Jacob (Yelchin) and Ana (Manley) meet-cute at their college, continue an attractive date in addition to participate some poetry. "The halves will halve you in 2,In . states Ana. Along with her British accent, it's really no surprise Jacob wants her constantly. Watch the "I Truly Want YouInch clip above, and search for the "I Really Want You,Inch "I Like You" and "I Miss You" packages at Apple, Fandango and EW, correspondingly. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Gotham Group gets 'Where Things Come Back'

Gotham Group has acquired feature rights to Cory Whaley's thriller "Where Things Come Back" with Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Lindsay Williams and Eddie Gamarra producing. "Things," Whaley's first novel, is set in a small Arkansas town and told through the eyes of a 17-year-old after a birdwatcher spots a species of woodpecker thought to be extinct since the 1940s, sparking a flurry of woodpecker-mania -- while the teen's younger brother has suddenly and inexplicably disappeared. Story is intertwined with that of a young missionary in Africa, who has lost his faith and searching for meaning. "Where Things Come Back" was published by Simon & Schuster's Atheneum Books for Young Readers in May. Gotham Group's produced "Abduction" and "Spiderwick Chronicles." Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

TV Rankings: 'Chuck' Return Hampered By World Series, 'Grimm' Has Good Premiere

NBC"Chuck" It had been baseball which was towards the top of their email list for television audiences -- also it demonstrated within the rankings. The ultimate game around the globe Series, which crowned the nation's League's St. Louis Cardinals because this year's champions following the team handily beat the Texas Rangers 6-2, averaged 23.two million total audiences in primetime for Fox, based on preliminary amounts. (Finals for the overall game come in later.) Within the all-important 18-49 demographic, Game 7 published a 6.8 rating. Fox easily required home the victory. PHOTOS: Fall TV Dying Pool: Which New Shows Is Going To Be Axed? That didn't prove useful for NBC, which elected to proceed with its two premieres, Chuck and Grimm, however the latter carried out much better than expected within the rankings. Meanwhile, Fox pressed Fringe's go back yet another week and CBS drawn its Friday dramas in the schedule in the last second, airing reruns for that evening rather. The beginning of Chuck's final sason was the series' cheapest up to now at 8 p.m., the hourlong came 3.4 million and published only a 1. rating in 18-49. Rankings could grow in a few days, without baseball breathing lower its neck. Providing the full Grimm pilot along with a country-wide screening tour before last evening's premiere might have been factors within the new story book procedural's solid start carrying out a weak lead-in. PHOTOS: 10 Shows Canceled Faster Than 'The Playboy Club' The brand new series surprised, calculating 6.5 million along with a 2.1 rating within the demo, against heavy sports competition. Grimm was the very best-ranked non-sports telecast on any network since December, NBC notes. What's much more impressive would be that the genre show had a constant climb in trouble slot (in a few days, it will likewise go facing Fringe, additionally to Supernatural and CSI: NY), but wound up carrying out much better than a few of the network's greater-profile projects such as the Playboy Club. Dateline (4.7 million, 1.3) broadcast at 10 p.m. The CW, which demonstrated Thursday that could grow its audience even from the World Series, broadcast originals of Nikita (1.8 million, .6) and Supernatural (1.7 million, .7) -- both dramas remaining steady. ABC's Extreme Transformation: Home Edition (4.two million, 1.1) settled into its new house, then 20/20 (5.two million, 1.2). Following Fox was NBC, which averaged single.5 rating. ABC and CBS tied around the evening having a 1.1 using the CW trailing having a .7. Fox -- 6.8 NBC -- 1.5 · Chuck (P): 3.4 million, 1. · Grimm (P): 6.5 million, 2.1 · Dateline: 4.7 million, 1.3 ABC -- 1.1 · Extreme Transformation: Home Edition: 4.two million, 1.1 · 20/20: 5.two million, 1.2 CBS -- 1.1 · A Gifted Guy (R): 5.8 million, .9 · CSI: Miami (R): 6.9 million, 1.1 · CSI: NY (R): 4.7 million, 1.3 The CW -- .7 · Nikita: 1.8 million, .6 · Supernatural: 1.7 million, .7 TV Rankings

'Trek' Co-Star Yelchin Finds Love in 'Like Crazy'

TORONTO (AP) The art of improvising is what grabbed Anton Yelchin as a boy in his first acting class. He gets back to improv in his latest film, "Like Crazy," a rare drama whose dialogue was made up by the actors as they went along.Yelchin, known for a string of acclaimed performances in independent films, along with his role as navigator Chekov in the new incarnation of "Star Trek," found that making things up came to him naturally when he started to study acting."I loved the improvisation part of it the most, because it was a lot like just playing around with stuff," Yelchin, 22, said in an interview at September's Toronto International Film Festival, where "Like Crazy" played ahead of its theatrical debut Friday. "There was something about it that I just felt completely comfortable doing and happy doing."My parents were like, OK, our kid is happy doing this. This is great. They were figure skaters and grew up going to school and skating, so for them, a person needs to have things to do. They don't just sit around the house watching TV."Before long, people were watching child actor Yelchin on TV and then his breakout big-screen role opposite Anthony Hopkins in 2001's "Hearts in Atlantis."Yelchin's career over the past decade would be the ideal of almost any child actor trying to make the transition to adult roles. His credits include impressive parts in such indie films as "Alpha Dog," ''Fierce People" and "Charlie Bartlett," along with a role in the short-lived TV series "Huff."The last two years alone, Yelchin's resume ranges from "Star Trek" and another huge sci-fi franchise with "Terminator: Salvation" to the vampire romp "Fright Night" and a voice role in "The Smurfs" to personal stories such as Mel Gibson's "The Beaver" and "Like Crazy," which earned the top prize at last winter's Sundance Film Festival."What's great about him is he can do anything. He's a chameleon. He can do bigger movies or smaller, more intimate ones," said "Like Crazy" director Drake Doremus. "There are a lot of people who can't, who can only do one or the other. And he's only 22 years old. That's what blows my mind."In "Like Crazy," Yelchin stars as Jacob, an aspiring furniture designer in southern California who falls into a passionate romance with Anna (Felicity Jones), a Londoner studying at the same college.The two are an ideal match, but they're forced apart after Anna overstays her student visa and is unable to return to the United States. Years of on-again, off-again long-distance romance follow with Jacob's occasional visits to London. The two take up with other lovers and build professional lives 6,000 miles apart, all the while trying to figure out how to reunite for good and whether they'll still be suited for one another if they do.Aiming for authenticity, Doremus and his co-writer prepared detailed back stories on the characters but did not do a conventional screenplay, leaving the dialogue to develop naturally among the actors through a week of rehearsal and improvisation during the monthlong shoot.Jones had seen none of Yelchin's previous work before, and she was glad for that once they began filming."For this type of film, I didn't want to have too many preconceptions about him, and so as I'm meeting him as Felicity, so are Anna and Jacob just getting to know each other. We didn't even meet before we were cast," Jones said. "So it felt we as the actors were going on a journey as the characters were."The result is a heartbreaking chronicle of stymied love filled with moments of raw honesty that are very specific to the characters, yet represent emotions universal to relationships."Even I could relate to it, watching it myself," Yelchin said. "I remember with my ex-girlfriend, when we broke up, you remember the first time you slept together, you remember the first drink you had together. You remember the dinners you had, seeing your first movie together."You remember everything and it's just perfect, and you look at yourself now, and you look at the other person now, and they're just not there anymore. There's all this baggage and weight on this relationship, and if it's at the point where it's about to crumble; it's just like a different universe that you're in. The movie has so many of those moments that ring true to people."Yelchin stars as a clairvoyant short-order cook in the upcoming Dean Koontz adaptation "Odd Thomas," and he's preparing to reprise his role as Chekov in a "Star Trek" sequel."What, when and where, I have no idea. They pretty much keep you in the dark until it's time to make the movie," Yelchin said. "Whatever it may be, I'm looking forward to being with those guys again."Yelchin shares Russian ancestry with "Star Trek" counterpart Chekov. The actor was born in Russia, where his parents were skaters before coming to the United States when their son was an infant.He had a brief flirtation with skating lessons himself before moving on to acting class."They were very quick to understand that I wasn't very good at it," Yelchin said. "And they weren't going to make me do it if I wasn't good, so it automatically reverted to me being a doctor or lawyer. Because, we're Russian Jews, so naturally, what does your kid do? He goes to law school or he goes to med school."He said it took his father a little time to accept his career choice. "He still wanted me to apply to college and stuff, and I did. But this is what I wanted," Yelchin said.Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. By David Germain October 26, 2011 Anton Yelchin PHOTO CREDIT AP Photo/Carlo Allegri TORONTO (AP) The art of improvising is what grabbed Anton Yelchin as a boy in his first acting class. He gets back to improv in his latest film, "Like Crazy," a rare drama whose dialogue was made up by the actors as they went along.Yelchin, known for a string of acclaimed performances in independent films, along with his role as navigator Chekov in the new incarnation of "Star Trek," found that making things up came to him naturally when he started to study acting."I loved the improvisation part of it the most, because it was a lot like just playing around with stuff," Yelchin, 22, said in an interview at September's Toronto International Film Festival, where "Like Crazy" played ahead of its theatrical debut Friday. "There was something about it that I just felt completely comfortable doing and happy doing."My parents were like, OK, our kid is happy doing this. This is great. They were figure skaters and grew up going to school and skating, so for them, a person needs to have things to do. They don't just sit around the house watching TV."Before long, people were watching child actor Yelchin on TV and then his breakout big-screen role opposite Anthony Hopkins in 2001's "Hearts in Atlantis."Yelchin's career over the past decade would be the ideal of almost any child actor trying to make the transition to adult roles. His credits include impressive parts in such indie films as "Alpha Dog," ''Fierce People" and "Charlie Bartlett," along with a role in the short-lived TV series "Huff."The last two years alone, Yelchin's resume ranges from "Star Trek" and another huge sci-fi franchise with "Terminator: Salvation" to the vampire romp "Fright Night" and a voice role in "The Smurfs" to personal stories such as Mel Gibson's "The Beaver" and "Like Crazy," which earned the top prize at last winter's Sundance Film Festival."What's great about him is he can do anything. He's a chameleon. He can do bigger movies or smaller, more intimate ones," said "Like Crazy" director Drake Doremus. "There are a lot of people who can't, who can only do one or the other. And he's only 22 years old. That's what blows my mind."In "Like Crazy," Yelchin stars as Jacob, an aspiring furniture designer in southern California who falls into a passionate romance with Anna (Felicity Jones), a Londoner studying at the same college.The two are an ideal match, but they're forced apart after Anna overstays her student visa and is unable to return to the United States. Years of on-again, off-again long-distance romance follow with Jacob's occasional visits to London. The two take up with other lovers and build professional lives 6,000 miles apart, all the while trying to figure out how to reunite for good and whether they'll still be suited for one another if they do.Aiming for authenticity, Doremus and his co-writer prepared detailed back stories on the characters but did not do a conventional screenplay, leaving the dialogue to develop naturally among the actors through a week of rehearsal and improvisation during the monthlong shoot.Jones had seen none of Yelchin's previous work before, and she was glad for that once they began filming."For this type of film, I didn't want to have too many preconceptions about him, and so as I'm meeting him as Felicity, so are Anna and Jacob just getting to know each other. We didn't even meet before we were cast," Jones said. "So it felt we as the actors were going on a journey as the characters were."The result is a heartbreaking chronicle of stymied love filled with moments of raw honesty that are very specific to the characters, yet represent emotions universal to relationships."Even I could relate to it, watching it myself," Yelchin said. "I remember with my ex-girlfriend, when we broke up, you remember the first time you slept together, you remember the first drink you had together. You remember the dinners you had, seeing your first movie together."You remember everything and it's just perfect, and you look at yourself now, and you look at the other person now, and they're just not there anymore. There's all this baggage and weight on this relationship, and if it's at the point where it's about to crumble; it's just like a different universe that you're in. The movie has so many of those moments that ring true to people."Yelchin stars as a clairvoyant short-order cook in the upcoming Dean Koontz adaptation "Odd Thomas," and he's preparing to reprise his role as Chekov in a "Star Trek" sequel."What, when and where, I have no idea. They pretty much keep you in the dark until it's time to make the movie," Yelchin said. "Whatever it may be, I'm looking forward to being with those guys again."Yelchin shares Russian ancestry with "Star Trek" counterpart Chekov. The actor was born in Russia, where his parents were skaters before coming to the United States when their son was an infant.He had a brief flirtation with skating lessons himself before moving on to acting class."They were very quick to understand that I wasn't very good at it," Yelchin said. "And they weren't going to make me do it if I wasn't good, so it automatically reverted to me being a doctor or lawyer. Because, we're Russian Jews, so naturally, what does your kid do? He goes to law school or he goes to med school."He said it took his father a little time to accept his career choice. "He still wanted me to apply to college and stuff, and I did. But this is what I wanted," Yelchin said.Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Charlie Sheen Halloween Outfits Apparently Selling Out at Spirit

This Halloween, its smart to become Charlie Sheen.our editor recommendsCharlie Sheen Roast-Mortem: Jeffrey Ross Live In the Actor's House (Exclusive) PHOTOS: Charlie Sheen's Crazy Twitpics The actor-switched-self-professed-warlock apparently arrived a lucrative cope with Spirit Halloween stores, as Sheen-designed costumes are flying from the shelves. Based on TMZ, Spirit acquired all necessary licenses to market Sheen masks, tousled hairpieces (designed to resemble his memorable coif throughout the infamous media circus) and t-t shirts that read: "Charlie's Goddess." VIDEOS: Charlie Sheen's Craziest TV Interviews Sheen themself blocked the item on his Twitter page earlier this year, posting a photograph by which he's exhibiting a mask in the likeness. "Halloween Cadre!" he authored. "Experienced my Costume... Ready! (yeah... This really confused the children!!)" PHOTOS: Charlie Sheen's Colorful Career Apparently, the masks really are a large seller, with several stores waiting for new deliveries to fill outstanding orders. An agent from Spirit wasn't immediately readily available for comment when approached through the Hollywood Reporter. Related Subjects Charlie Sheen

John Hannah, Jenna Elfman Join Final Season of Damages

John Hannah, Jenna Elfman Ryan Phillippe isn't the main large title joining the best season of Damages. John Hannah has signed on for just about any major recurring role opposite Phillippe, in line with the Hollywood Reporter. The Spartacus star will portray Rutger, an consultant to Phillippe's Channing McClaren, a Julian Assange-esque character who turns to Ellen (Rose Byrne) for help. Damages taps Ryan Phillippe for Season 5 In addition, Jenna Elfman has grew to become an associate from the cast becoming an investment banker who's troubled by her company's actions and may use McClaren, Deadline.com reviews. Damages is predicted to premiere its final season next summer season on DirecTV.

Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie Join Occupy Wall Street Protests

Folk singer Pete Seeger and sixties music performer Arlo Guthrie are taking part within the Occupy Wall Street protests, the Connected Press reviews. The Occupy Wall Street protests, which started recently in NY City before distributing across the nation, is definitely an effort to campaign against corporate avarice.our editor recommends'Dark Dark night Rises' to Film at Occupy Wall Street?John Williams Talks Politics, Occupy Wall Street on 'Late Show' (Video)Hollywood Chefs Join Occupy Wall Street ProtestsIranian Leader States Occupy Wall Street Will Topple American CapitalismKanye West Visits Occupy Wall Street Protests PHOTOS: The Scene at Occupy Wall Street Seeger, 92, became a member of in around the protests on Friday evening, marching together with several about 1,000 people in NY City's Upper West Side, walking past banks and large shops. He was became a member of by his grand son Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, David Amram and Guy Davis. A current poll recommended which more than another from the U.S. is meant for the Wall Street protesters contributing to 58 percent admit that they're unhappy with U.S. politics. PHOTOS: The Scene at Occupy La But several NYers are worrying of a few of the protesters actions, for example peeing within the roads and playing drums late during the night at Zuccotti Park. Throughout an invisible interview on Friday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg accepted that since the protesters don't have any single leader, it's been hard to negotiate using the group. A representative for that protesters agreed the group must be better neghbors, promising to reduce the noise every evening. Seeger and the music performer buddies, including Guthrie, carried out "We Shall Overcome," a protest anthem that Seeger prominent at Columbus Circle. Related Subjects

Ascot Elite nabs 'The Hunter,' 'Starbuck'

BERLIN -- Zurich-based distrib Ascot Elite has acquired Toronto faves "The Hunter" and "Starbuck" for German-speaking areas. "The Hunter" is Daniel Nettheim's Australian thriller in regards to a guy sent to obtain the last making it through Tasmanian tiger, modified from Julia Leigh's novel. It stars Willem Dafoe, Mike Neill and Frances O'Connor Ken Scott's Quebec laffer "Starbuck" stars Patrick Huard like a sperm donor whose early enthusiasm for simple money returns to bite him within an unpredicted way. Both photos were acquired from eOne and can get their Euro preems in a German fest in 2012. "To locate raw gems within the loads of additional features available on the market is exactly what is actually enjoyable in the commercial,Inch stated Stephan Giger, Ascot Elite's chief operating officer. Ascot Elite, that has been taking pleasure in a powerful arthouse release in Germany with John Michael McDonagh's "The Guard," will next release Werner Herzog's "Cave of Forgotten Dreams," Shaun Nichols' "Take Shelter," Argentine box office hit "Chinese Take-Away" and German drama "Combat Women." Contact Erectile dysfunction Meza at staff@variety.com

Viacom, Google Prepare For Battle in Appeals Court Over YouTube Copyright Issues

Viacom, Google, along with a class of copyright holders brought through the United kingdom Premier League squared off Tuesday before a 3-judge panel in the second Circuit Court of Appeals inside a situation which will shape the way forward for the web by identifying the conventional for copyright liability. The parties not just presented distinct world-sights of the interpretation of relevant legal language, but debated "understanding" nearly as if one for reds was reading through from Plato and also the other from Ludwig Wittgenstein. The gulf between your two camps is the fact that enormous. Up first was Paul Cruz, chair from the appellate practice at Jenner & Block, quarrelling on Viacom's account that YouTube willfully blinded itself to a lot more than 60,000 copyrighted works like clips in the Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Wager content illegitimately published around the video-discussing website. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Greatest Blunders In opening remarks, Cruz known as a choice by U.S. District Court Louis Stanton to dismiss Viacom's billion-dollar suit against YouTube "indefensible." If left to face, Cruz contended it would nullify three legal obligations by ISPs like YouTube:First, to do something expeditiously if your company gains understanding of copyrighted material on its network. Second, there'd be no stopping online businesses from drawing direct financial benefit off the rear of copyrighted material. And third, there'd be no preventing sites like YouTube from storing infringing materials in the behest of the customers. Throughout questioning in the appellate idol judges, Cruz got a bit of push-back on whether Viacom was basically saying YouTube had "abstract" understanding of copyright infringing material. The idol judges desired to know whether this is enough to fulfill its burdens in pushing the situation. Viacom has lengthy contended that general understanding of violation is just like actual understanding in forcing ISPs to do something expeditiously, but here Cruz largely eschewed direct discuss "red-colored flags." Rather, he (along with the lawyer representing the category litigants) contacted the problem more practically, striking difficult on the reality that the e-mails along with other recorded evidence in the situation demonstrated that whatever standard of understanding was selected, it had been a lot more than sufficient to create the situation before a jury. "The founders of YouTube were among the 10 most typical customers from the website," stated Cruz, adding, "They deliberately hid using their own eyes what happening.Inch To THR, Esq. 1 2 3 next last Google Viacom YouTube The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Wager

2011 American Music Awards: Adele Leads With 4 Nominations (Video)

Nominations for the 2011 American Music Awards were announced Tuesday morning. Leading the pack: British chanteuse Adele, with four nominations including artist of the year and favorite album for her latest, 21.our editor recommendsRihanna Named Esquire Magazine's 'Sexiest Woman Alive' The Black Keys Announce New Album 'El Camino'American Music Awards: Red Carpet Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne, Rihanna, The Band Perry and Taylor Swift each saw three nods while Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Jason Aldean, Kanye West, LMFAO, Nicki Minaj and Pitbull collected two nominations. PHOTOS: AMA Hot Performances Winners will be determined by online voting. Fans can vote at the Coca-Cola AMA website, amavote.com, as well as AMA.abc.com. The 39th annual AMAs will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Sunday, Nov. 20 on ABC. Perry and Pitbull were also announced as performers on the show, which is executive produced by Dick Clark Productions' Orly Adelson and Larry Klein, AMA producer. PHOTOS: Top 10 Highest Paid Music Artists See the full list of nominees below: POP or ROCK MUSIC Favorite Male Artist Justin Bieber Bruno Mars Pitbull Favorite Female Artist Adele Lady Gaga Katy Perry Favorite Band, Duo or Group LMFAO Maroon 5 OneRepublic Favorite Album Adele/21 Lady Gaga/Born This Way Rihanna/Loud COUNTRY MUSIC Favorite Male Artist Jason Aldean Brad Paisley Blake Shelton Favorite Female Artist Sara Evans Miranda Lambert Taylor Swift Favorite Band, Duo or Group The Band Perry Zac Brown Band Lady Antebellum Favorite Album Jason Aldean/My Kinda Party The Band Perry/The Band Perry Taylor Swift/Speak Now RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC Favorite Artist Lil Wayne Nicki Minaj Kanye West Favorite Album Jay-Z & Kanye West/Watch The Throne Lil Wayne/Tha Carter IV Nicki Minaj/Pink Friday SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES MUSIC Favorite Male Artist Chris Brown Trey Songz Usher Favorite Female Artist Beyonce Rihanna Kelly Rowland Favorite Album Beyonce/4 Chris Brown/F.A.M.E. Rihanna/Loud ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC Favorite Artist The Black Keys Foo Fighters Mumford & Sons ADULT CONTEMPORARY MUSIC Favorite Artist Adele Bruno Mars Katy Perry LATIN MUSIC Favorite Artist Enrique Iglesias Jennifer Lopez Pitbull CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL Favorite Artist Casting Crowns Tobymac Third Day ARTIST OF THE YEAR Adele Lady Gaga Lil Wayne Katy Perry Taylor Swift Sprint New Artist Of The Year POP/ROCK Foster The People Hot Chelle Rae COUNTRY The Band Perry Thompson Square SOUL/R&B Marsha Ambrosius Miguel RAP/HIP-HOP LMFAO Wiz Khalifa Related Topics Chris Brown Katy Perry Lady Gaga Rihanna Taylor Swift Lil Wayne Bruno Mars Adele