LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Action stars may lose their currency as they move into their 50s. But Bruce Willis keeps on raking in the offers.
The newly remarried "Die Hard" star, who turned 54 last month, has been in discussions to shoot and fight his way through three indie action pictures -- a thriller titled "Inventory," the CIA tale "Red" and the mob biopic "Scarpa."
In "Inventory," Willis would play a detective on the trail of a murderer. It is set up at NuImage/Millennium, which is handling Sylvester Stallone's latest crop of movies.
In the comic-book adaptation "Red," he would portray a former black-ops agent who is forced out of retirement when a high-tech assassin comes a-callin' to threaten him and his girlfriend.
Summit Films, the studio behind the "Twilight" movies, has made an offer on "Red," and Willis' camp has counteroffered, though those with knowledge of the talks say negotiations could yet break off without the sides reaching a deal.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Desire outdoes sense in overheated O'Neill revival
NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) – They lost me at Bob Dylan.
To be sure, there already had been plenty of strangeness on display in the new Broadway revival of Eugene O'Neill's "Desire Under the Elms." The set, for example, which with its giant rocks resembles a stone quarry; a large house that rises and falls as if threatening to crush a wicked witch; and nary an elm in sight. Or the sweaty Neanderthals in the opening scene, gutting a large pig and generally acting like refugees from "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre."
But when Dylan's "Not Dark Yet" began blaring through the speakers, while actors Pablo Schreiber and Carla Gugino went through a series of silent activities, the production confirmed its wrongheadedness.
It's easy to see what director Robert Falls is aiming for with his production, which garnered much acclaim at Chicago's Goodman Theater. His expressionistic staging clearly seems designed to accentuate the stylized aspects of this problematic, Greek tragedy-inspired work.
Unfortunately, his choices too often call attention to themselves, rather than enhancing the emotional impact of the overheated melodrama.
To be sure, there already had been plenty of strangeness on display in the new Broadway revival of Eugene O'Neill's "Desire Under the Elms." The set, for example, which with its giant rocks resembles a stone quarry; a large house that rises and falls as if threatening to crush a wicked witch; and nary an elm in sight. Or the sweaty Neanderthals in the opening scene, gutting a large pig and generally acting like refugees from "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre."
But when Dylan's "Not Dark Yet" began blaring through the speakers, while actors Pablo Schreiber and Carla Gugino went through a series of silent activities, the production confirmed its wrongheadedness.
It's easy to see what director Robert Falls is aiming for with his production, which garnered much acclaim at Chicago's Goodman Theater. His expressionistic staging clearly seems designed to accentuate the stylized aspects of this problematic, Greek tragedy-inspired work.
Unfortunately, his choices too often call attention to themselves, rather than enhancing the emotional impact of the overheated melodrama.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
ABC in talks to renew Scrubs
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – The doctors might still be in.
ABC is in talks to renew the veteran comedy "Scrubs" for a ninth season with some or all of the original cast members coming back full- or part-time.
The network is going over the proposed budget for next season with series producer ABC Studios.
"Scrubs" creator Bill Lawrence, busy editing his ABC comedy pilot "Cougar Town," is said to be deeply involved in the renewal talks as well as in the discussions with the cast, who don't have deals beyond the show's current eighth season.
Last summer, Lawrence and ABC chief Stephen McPherson indicated that they were looking into a way to keep "Scrubs" going with new cast members, a la NBC's revolving-door medical drama "ER." This season, the show integrated a new crop of interns.
Talks are under way with the original cast members -- including Zach Braff, Donald Faison, John C. McGinley and Neil Flynn -- regarding ways to bring them back, possibly as recurring characters rather than regulars, as in the case of , who are co-starring on pilots.
ABC is in talks to renew the veteran comedy "Scrubs" for a ninth season with some or all of the original cast members coming back full- or part-time.
The network is going over the proposed budget for next season with series producer ABC Studios.
"Scrubs" creator Bill Lawrence, busy editing his ABC comedy pilot "Cougar Town," is said to be deeply involved in the renewal talks as well as in the discussions with the cast, who don't have deals beyond the show's current eighth season.
Last summer, Lawrence and ABC chief Stephen McPherson indicated that they were looking into a way to keep "Scrubs" going with new cast members, a la NBC's revolving-door medical drama "ER." This season, the show integrated a new crop of interns.
Talks are under way with the original cast members -- including Zach Braff, Donald Faison, John C. McGinley and Neil Flynn -- regarding ways to bring them back, possibly as recurring characters rather than regulars, as in the case of , who are co-starring on pilots.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
"Golden Girls" star Bea Arthur dies at 86: reports
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Emmy Award-winning actress Bea Arthur, best known as star of the hit TV comedies "Maude" and "Golden Girls," has died at age 86, entertainment news websites reported on Saturday.
Arthur, a longtime stage actress whose comic timing and deadpan delivery were a perfect fit for her sharp-tongued roles on the two series, died of cancer at her Los Angeles home, celebrity website TMZ reported.
Representatives for the actress, who won best-actress Emmys -- America's top television award -- for "Maude" and "Golden Girls," could not immediately be reached for comment.
"Thirty-seven years ago she showed me how to be very brave in playing comedy," one of Arthur's co-stars, Rue McClanahan, told TMZ in a statement. "I'll miss that courage and I'll miss that voice."
Arthur, a longtime stage actress whose comic timing and deadpan delivery were a perfect fit for her sharp-tongued roles on the two series, died of cancer at her Los Angeles home, celebrity website TMZ reported.
Representatives for the actress, who won best-actress Emmys -- America's top television award -- for "Maude" and "Golden Girls," could not immediately be reached for comment.
"Thirty-seven years ago she showed me how to be very brave in playing comedy," one of Arthur's co-stars, Rue McClanahan, told TMZ in a statement. "I'll miss that courage and I'll miss that voice."
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Forbes names Madonna Hollywood's hardest working mom
NEW YORK (Reuters) – With earnings of $110 million in 2008, Madonna topped Forbes' list of Hollywood's hardest working mothers, followed by actresses Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow.
The pop singer and mother of three, who was recently turned down in her bid to adopt a second child from Malawi, grossed $105 million on her tour and sold nearly a million albums in the United States. Madonna also signed several lucrative endorsement deals last year, according to Forbes.com.
"She had an incredible year in 2008," said Lauren Streib who helped to compile the list that was released on Friday.
"She had the top tour of any musician...The tour sold out around the world. So it wasn't surprising as much as it is a commentary on how successful her year was," she said.
Witherspoon, who earned an estimated $24 million last year, was second on the list, followed closely behind by Paltrow with $20 million in earnings.
The pop singer and mother of three, who was recently turned down in her bid to adopt a second child from Malawi, grossed $105 million on her tour and sold nearly a million albums in the United States. Madonna also signed several lucrative endorsement deals last year, according to Forbes.com.
"She had an incredible year in 2008," said Lauren Streib who helped to compile the list that was released on Friday.
"She had the top tour of any musician...The tour sold out around the world. So it wasn't surprising as much as it is a commentary on how successful her year was," she said.
Witherspoon, who earned an estimated $24 million last year, was second on the list, followed closely behind by Paltrow with $20 million in earnings.
Friday, April 24, 2009
"Idol" Anoop Desai ditches grad school for music
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Out but far from down, "American Idol" reject Anoop Desai said on Thursday he was leaving behind his graduate school studies to pursue a career in the music industry.
Desai, 22, only the second singer of Indian descent to reach the final stages of the TV talent show, said he had learned from the show that music was his first love.
Asked whether he was returning to college in North Carolina, where he was doing a post-graduate course in folklore before auditioning for the show, Desai told reporters.
"I am definitely going to pursue a music career. Singing is what I am the happiest doing. It's what I do the best," the political science and American studies graduate said in a telephone conference call.
"I want to go the pop and R&B round...I am looking forward to making that album," he said, adding he was a fan of American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo.
Desai, 22, only the second singer of Indian descent to reach the final stages of the TV talent show, said he had learned from the show that music was his first love.
Asked whether he was returning to college in North Carolina, where he was doing a post-graduate course in folklore before auditioning for the show, Desai told reporters.
"I am definitely going to pursue a music career. Singing is what I am the happiest doing. It's what I do the best," the political science and American studies graduate said in a telephone conference call.
"I want to go the pop and R&B round...I am looking forward to making that album," he said, adding he was a fan of American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Jolie teams up with Cornwell on Scarpetta films
It could be deemed a kind of Hollywood marriage made in heaven — bestselling murder-mystery writer Patricia Cornwell has signed a deal to develop a film franchise based on her Dr. Kay Scarpetta books, all set to star Angelina Jolie.
Fox 2000 studio has bought the screen rights to all 16 books featuring the crime solver, according to Hollywood trade paper Variety.
It's a double coup for the studio — snagging a global star such as Jolie and then persuading the usually reluctant Cornwell to allow her book series to be adapted to screen.
Cornwell changed her mind about a film franchise after meeting with Jolie and producer Geyer Kosinki to discuss the project, according to the report. She is said to be playing a key role in the development of the first film.
The report says the film series will be modelled after the Jason Bourne films, starring Matt Daman. Plots from many Bourne stories, originally written by Robert Ludlum, were merged into the first three films.
Fox 2000 studio has bought the screen rights to all 16 books featuring the crime solver, according to Hollywood trade paper Variety.
It's a double coup for the studio — snagging a global star such as Jolie and then persuading the usually reluctant Cornwell to allow her book series to be adapted to screen.
Cornwell changed her mind about a film franchise after meeting with Jolie and producer Geyer Kosinki to discuss the project, according to the report. She is said to be playing a key role in the development of the first film.
The report says the film series will be modelled after the Jason Bourne films, starring Matt Daman. Plots from many Bourne stories, originally written by Robert Ludlum, were merged into the first three films.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
"Calendar Girls" remains a crowd-pleaser onstage
LONDON (Hollywood Reporter) – It's not a musical, but Tim Firth's stage version of his screenplay for the hit 2003 film "Calendar Girls" takes aim squarely at the audience that flocked to see "Mamma Mia!" and hits its mark.
Sharing the same canny, if unsophisticated, mix of inoffensive titillation and sentimentality as the film directed by Nigel Cole, the play tells the real-life tale of a group of middle-aged English women who strip down for a charity calendar and become instantly famous.
The movie boasted such top-line screen talent as Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, and the theatrical production at London's Noel Coward Theater features big names from U.K. stage and television including Patricia Hodge, Lynda Bellingham and Sian Phillips.
Fashioned by Firth and director Hamish McColl as a two-hour crowd-pleaser, the play follows the film in establishing the contented but dull lives of the women of a village in Yorkshire.
Sharing the same canny, if unsophisticated, mix of inoffensive titillation and sentimentality as the film directed by Nigel Cole, the play tells the real-life tale of a group of middle-aged English women who strip down for a charity calendar and become instantly famous.
The movie boasted such top-line screen talent as Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, and the theatrical production at London's Noel Coward Theater features big names from U.K. stage and television including Patricia Hodge, Lynda Bellingham and Sian Phillips.
Fashioned by Firth and director Hamish McColl as a two-hour crowd-pleaser, the play follows the film in establishing the contented but dull lives of the women of a village in Yorkshire.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Madonna to try again to adopt Malawian girl
(Reuters) – Madonna will formally appeal next month against a Malawian court ruling that said she could not adopt a second child from the African country, her lawyer said on Monday.
Malawi's High Court ruled this month the U.S. pop star could not adopt a four-year-old girl, named Mercy James, because she was not a resident of Malawi. The Supreme Court of Appeal will hear the case. Madonna is not expected to appear.
"I cannot disclose our grounds of appeal but I can confirm that the court will hear our appeal on the 4th of May," her lawyer Alan Chinula told Reuters. "
Malawi's government came under fire after Madonna adopted a 13-month-old child, David Banda, in 2006, with critics accusing it of giving her special treatment by skirting laws that ban non-residents from adopting children.
Rights groups accused the government of giving Madonna, a U.S. citizen, special treatment. The government had supported Madonna's attempt to adopt Mercy, saying she was a worthy mother.
Malawi's High Court ruled this month the U.S. pop star could not adopt a four-year-old girl, named Mercy James, because she was not a resident of Malawi. The Supreme Court of Appeal will hear the case. Madonna is not expected to appear.
"I cannot disclose our grounds of appeal but I can confirm that the court will hear our appeal on the 4th of May," her lawyer Alan Chinula told Reuters. "
Malawi's government came under fire after Madonna adopted a 13-month-old child, David Banda, in 2006, with critics accusing it of giving her special treatment by skirting laws that ban non-residents from adopting children.
Rights groups accused the government of giving Madonna, a U.S. citizen, special treatment. The government had supported Madonna's attempt to adopt Mercy, saying she was a worthy mother.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Crash writer J.G. Ballard dies
British author J.G. Ballard, famed for novels such as Crash and Empire of the Sun, has died at age 78.
The writer had been ill "for several years" according to his agent Margaret Hanbury and passed away on Sunday. He had been battling prostate cancer since 2006.
Both of his most famous novels were made into movies.
Crash, about car accident sex fetishists, was adapted to the screen by Canadian director David Cronenberg in 1996, while the autobiographical Empire of the Sun, starring a young Christian Bale, became a 1987 Steven Spielberg movie.
Often regarded as a science fiction writer with a dystopian view of the world, Ballard insisted that his works were ways of "picturing the psychology of the future."
The writer had been ill "for several years" according to his agent Margaret Hanbury and passed away on Sunday. He had been battling prostate cancer since 2006.
Both of his most famous novels were made into movies.
Crash, about car accident sex fetishists, was adapted to the screen by Canadian director David Cronenberg in 1996, while the autobiographical Empire of the Sun, starring a young Christian Bale, became a 1987 Steven Spielberg movie.
Often regarded as a science fiction writer with a dystopian view of the world, Ballard insisted that his works were ways of "picturing the psychology of the future."
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Decades after the MGs, Booker T takes center stage
INDIO, Calif. – Booker T. Jones was flummoxed by the digital revolution. So he went to school.
The former frontman for the MGs said he was "languishing" and "frustrated" by the shift from analog music recording. He signed up for Pro Tools 101 at San Francisco State University and then upped his confidence with more advanced classes.
A new manager then relaunched his music career — at the age of 62.
Jones started his resurrection at a South by Southwest jam session with the Drive-By Truckers two years ago. Booker T and the DBTs played again Saturday at the three-day Coachella Music & Arts Festival.
The DBTs "play real funky Southern rock, and they're influenced by some of the music that I played in the past," Jones said in an interview before his set. "And we have a common influence in Neil Young and the fact that we like music that's just a little bit too loud."
The former frontman for the MGs said he was "languishing" and "frustrated" by the shift from analog music recording. He signed up for Pro Tools 101 at San Francisco State University and then upped his confidence with more advanced classes.
A new manager then relaunched his music career — at the age of 62.
Jones started his resurrection at a South by Southwest jam session with the Drive-By Truckers two years ago. Booker T and the DBTs played again Saturday at the three-day Coachella Music & Arts Festival.
The DBTs "play real funky Southern rock, and they're influenced by some of the music that I played in the past," Jones said in an interview before his set. "And we have a common influence in Neil Young and the fact that we like music that's just a little bit too loud."
Friday, April 17, 2009
Jonas Brothers to host MuchMusic video awards in Toronto
A day after the Jonas Brothers kick off their world tour at a concert in Texas, the pop-rock boy band will hop on a plane to Toronto to co-host the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards on June 21.
Kevin Jonas, the eldest of the troupe, says he and his brothers are “excited” and “pumped” to commandeer the live event, which has featured performances from Rihanna, Britney, Sum 41 and the Killers in past years.
“The last time we were in Toronto it was fun and totally crazy,” said the 21-year-old lead guitarist in a phone interview.
And he means crazy: More than 6,000 fans showed up and screamed their heads off when the brothers came to town for their one-hour Live@Much special in July, 2008. Some diehard groupies even slept on the street for two days.
Kevin Jonas, the eldest of the troupe, says he and his brothers are “excited” and “pumped” to commandeer the live event, which has featured performances from Rihanna, Britney, Sum 41 and the Killers in past years.
“The last time we were in Toronto it was fun and totally crazy,” said the 21-year-old lead guitarist in a phone interview.
And he means crazy: More than 6,000 fans showed up and screamed their heads off when the brothers came to town for their one-hour Live@Much special in July, 2008. Some diehard groupies even slept on the street for two days.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Will Ferrell takes to the "Wild" in guest stint
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Will Ferrell is roughing it as a guest star on an episode of the popular reality series "Man vs. Wild."
The early June installment of the Discovery Channel show -- a tie-in to the June 5 release of Ferrell's new film, "Land of the Lost" -- features "Man vs. Wild" star Bear Grylls taking Ferrell through the paces of survival in northern Sweden's ice-bound mountain ranges.
The two tandem-abseil off a helicopter, rappel down hundred-foot frozen waterfalls and build a shelter to stay warm overnight in subzero temperatures.
Grylls shows Ferrell what it takes to find food in the icy coniferous forests as they climb trees, improvise snow shoes from saplings, drink their own urine and eat reindeer eyeballs.
The early June installment of the Discovery Channel show -- a tie-in to the June 5 release of Ferrell's new film, "Land of the Lost" -- features "Man vs. Wild" star Bear Grylls taking Ferrell through the paces of survival in northern Sweden's ice-bound mountain ranges.
The two tandem-abseil off a helicopter, rappel down hundred-foot frozen waterfalls and build a shelter to stay warm overnight in subzero temperatures.
Grylls shows Ferrell what it takes to find food in the icy coniferous forests as they climb trees, improvise snow shoes from saplings, drink their own urine and eat reindeer eyeballs.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Michael Jackson auction canceled, exhibit continues
BEVERLY HILLS (Reuters) – A huge auction of Michael Jackson memorabilia scheduled for next week was canceled on Tuesday and auctioneers agreed to return all the items to the singer.
Auctioneer Darren Julien told Reuters the cancellation of the planned April 22-25 sale was the result of an agreement with Jackson, who had filed a lawsuit in March demanding the return of certain items.
A public exhibit of the 1,400 lots which opened on Tuesday in Beverly Hills will continue until April 25.
"The auction isn't going to take place. We wanted to reach an agreement (with Jackson) and we have reached one today that is mutually acceptable and beneficial," Julien said.
Julien said all the items -- including a single crystal white glove worn in the singer's "Billie Jean" performances and the gates to his Neverland Ranch in California -- would be returned to Jackson when the exhibit closes.
Auctioneer Darren Julien told Reuters the cancellation of the planned April 22-25 sale was the result of an agreement with Jackson, who had filed a lawsuit in March demanding the return of certain items.
A public exhibit of the 1,400 lots which opened on Tuesday in Beverly Hills will continue until April 25.
"The auction isn't going to take place. We wanted to reach an agreement (with Jackson) and we have reached one today that is mutually acceptable and beneficial," Julien said.
Julien said all the items -- including a single crystal white glove worn in the singer's "Billie Jean" performances and the gates to his Neverland Ranch in California -- would be returned to Jackson when the exhibit closes.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Phil Spector convicted of murder
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Eccentric music producer Phil Spector was convicted on Monday of murdering a Hollywood actress in 2003, and will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.
In his second trial, held after jurors deadlocked in 2007, Spector, 69, was found guilty of second-degree murder by a Los Angeles jury. The man once revered for revolutionizing pop music in the 1960s with his layered "Wall of Sound" production technique, faces 18 years to life behind bars when he is sentenced on May 29.
Lana Clarkson, 40, a B-movie actress, died of a shot to the mouth, fired from Spector's gun in the foyer of his home outside Los Angeles on February 3, 2003. The two met hours earlier at a Hollywood nightclub.
California criminal defense attorney Darren Kavinoky said Spector could be paroled only after spending the initial 18 years in prison.
"He's got a better chance of winning the lottery than ever being released," said Kavinoky, who was not involved in the case.
Spector, who worked with The Ronettes, The Beatles, Cher and Leonard Cohen at the height of his fame, denied murdering Clarkson. His lawyers said on Monday they would appeal.
In his second trial, held after jurors deadlocked in 2007, Spector, 69, was found guilty of second-degree murder by a Los Angeles jury. The man once revered for revolutionizing pop music in the 1960s with his layered "Wall of Sound" production technique, faces 18 years to life behind bars when he is sentenced on May 29.
Lana Clarkson, 40, a B-movie actress, died of a shot to the mouth, fired from Spector's gun in the foyer of his home outside Los Angeles on February 3, 2003. The two met hours earlier at a Hollywood nightclub.
California criminal defense attorney Darren Kavinoky said Spector could be paroled only after spending the initial 18 years in prison.
"He's got a better chance of winning the lottery than ever being released," said Kavinoky, who was not involved in the case.
Spector, who worked with The Ronettes, The Beatles, Cher and Leonard Cohen at the height of his fame, denied murdering Clarkson. His lawyers said on Monday they would appeal.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tribune gets federal subpoena on stock plan
NEW YORK (Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Labor subpoenaed Tribune Co over an employee stock plan crucial to real estate mogul Sam Zell's buyout of the media company, Tribune said in a bankruptcy court filing on Thursday.
The subpoena, which the Labor Department issued in March, asks for "an extensive range of documents" related to the newspaper publisher and broadcaster's employee stock ownership plan, or "ESOP," Tribune said in the filing.
Tribune handed over the documents on March 31, it said.
"We view this as a routine inquiry," Tribune spokesman Gary Weitman said in an e-mail message.
The Labor Department's questions relate to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, a law designed to protect people who participate in employee retirement plans.
The filing did not say what kinds of documents the government was seeking or what it planned to do with them.
The subpoena, which the Labor Department issued in March, asks for "an extensive range of documents" related to the newspaper publisher and broadcaster's employee stock ownership plan, or "ESOP," Tribune said in the filing.
Tribune handed over the documents on March 31, it said.
"We view this as a routine inquiry," Tribune spokesman Gary Weitman said in an e-mail message.
The Labor Department's questions relate to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, a law designed to protect people who participate in employee retirement plans.
The filing did not say what kinds of documents the government was seeking or what it planned to do with them.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Dave Matthews Band's "Whiskey" a toast to Moore
NASHVILLE (Billboard) – From the bluesy sax solo that opens the album, to the inspired songs and performances throughout, it's clear that this one's for LeRoi.
"Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King," the Dave Matthews Band's first album since 2005, draws upon a number of sources of inspiration: producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance), the band's maturation and a focus on creating a studio project on a level with the band's potency as one of the most popular live acts in rock history. But it's hard to deny the impact of the loss of founding member LeRoi Moore, who last summer died of complications from injuries suffered in an all-terrain-vehicle accident after work on the album had begun.
"Everything was really hard after Roi's death," Matthews says. "But when we were all spending time together and listened to what he had already played, we really had time to think about him and be grateful for the time we had with him."
Violinist Boyd Tinsley agrees that the sessions helped pull the band members together. "You're in the studio and you look around, and there's somebody missing," he says. "I know there were some moments for me that were really tough in the studio."
"Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King," the Dave Matthews Band's first album since 2005, draws upon a number of sources of inspiration: producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance), the band's maturation and a focus on creating a studio project on a level with the band's potency as one of the most popular live acts in rock history. But it's hard to deny the impact of the loss of founding member LeRoi Moore, who last summer died of complications from injuries suffered in an all-terrain-vehicle accident after work on the album had begun.
"Everything was really hard after Roi's death," Matthews says. "But when we were all spending time together and listened to what he had already played, we really had time to think about him and be grateful for the time we had with him."
Violinist Boyd Tinsley agrees that the sessions helped pull the band members together. "You're in the studio and you look around, and there's somebody missing," he says. "I know there were some moments for me that were really tough in the studio."
Friday, April 10, 2009
YouTube and Universal to launch premium music site
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Google's YouTube and Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company, said on Thursday they will launch a premium music video website as they bid to increase revenue from YouTube's huge usage.
The new advertiser-supported site, featuring professional videos, will be called Vevo and is expected to launch in coming months, the companies said.
The deal is a boost for YouTube, which has been under increasing pressure from music labels and publishers who are frustrated that the popular site has been unable to pay higher fees for rights to use their music and videos.
Talks broke down late last year between YouTube and the No.3 music company Warner Music Group. Last month YouTube was forced to block all music videos in the UK and last week it had to do the same in Germany in a similar dispute with song publishers over money.
The new advertiser-supported site, featuring professional videos, will be called Vevo and is expected to launch in coming months, the companies said.
The deal is a boost for YouTube, which has been under increasing pressure from music labels and publishers who are frustrated that the popular site has been unable to pay higher fees for rights to use their music and videos.
Talks broke down late last year between YouTube and the No.3 music company Warner Music Group. Last month YouTube was forced to block all music videos in the UK and last week it had to do the same in Germany in a similar dispute with song publishers over money.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Pay fell for Cablevision executives in 2008: filing
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Top executives at Cablevision Systems Corp saw their total pay drop significantly in 2008 partly due to lower dividend payouts compared with the previous year, according to a filing on Wednesday.
The shares of Cablevision, which is controlled by the Dolan Family, fell more than 30 percent through 2008 largely in line with a wider market fall.
Total compensation paid by Cablevision to Chief Executive Jim Dolan fell to $13.9 million in 2008 from $23.9 million in 2007. The reduction in Dolan's earnings was caused by decreases in his non-share based incentive plan compensation, as well as lower dividend payouts than in 2007.
Last year, Cablevision executives received a one-time $10 dividend per share, originally declared in April 2006 for all shareholders, as well as regular dividends paid last year.
Dolan's father, Charles Dolan, who is chairman of Cablevision, saw his total pay dip to $13.4 million from $15.4 million.
The shares of Cablevision, which is controlled by the Dolan Family, fell more than 30 percent through 2008 largely in line with a wider market fall.
Total compensation paid by Cablevision to Chief Executive Jim Dolan fell to $13.9 million in 2008 from $23.9 million in 2007. The reduction in Dolan's earnings was caused by decreases in his non-share based incentive plan compensation, as well as lower dividend payouts than in 2007.
Last year, Cablevision executives received a one-time $10 dividend per share, originally declared in April 2006 for all shareholders, as well as regular dividends paid last year.
Dolan's father, Charles Dolan, who is chairman of Cablevision, saw his total pay dip to $13.4 million from $15.4 million.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Toronto to take stake in Filmport
Toronto city council has voted to buy a minority stake in the Filmport studio complex, the massive film studio that opened last year on the waterfront.
Filmport, a public-private partnership managed by Toronto Film Studios, has been hard hit by the downturn in the film industry.
Filmport, built at a cost of $60-$65 million, has been in talks with Hollywood moviemakers on several film projects, but its huge, high-tech sound stage has had very little business.
On Monday, Toronto city council voted 31-7 to approve a loan for the city to purchase minority ownership in Filmport.
The stake was said to be in the region of 20 per cent, though the city has not yet released dollar figures or full details of the deal.
It does guarantee Toronto a place on the board of Filmport and is being hailed by Mayor David Miller as good for the city's film industry.
Filmport, a public-private partnership managed by Toronto Film Studios, has been hard hit by the downturn in the film industry.
Filmport, built at a cost of $60-$65 million, has been in talks with Hollywood moviemakers on several film projects, but its huge, high-tech sound stage has had very little business.
On Monday, Toronto city council voted 31-7 to approve a loan for the city to purchase minority ownership in Filmport.
The stake was said to be in the region of 20 per cent, though the city has not yet released dollar figures or full details of the deal.
It does guarantee Toronto a place on the board of Filmport and is being hailed by Mayor David Miller as good for the city's film industry.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Two Crichton novels to be published posthumously
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Two novels by "Jurassic Park" author Michael Crichton, one finished by him before his death last year and the other to be completed based on his notes, will be published posthumously, his publisher said on Monday.
Crichton, a doctor turned novelist and filmmaker whose books have sold more than 150 million copies worldwide, died of cancer last November at age 66.
The HarperCollins publishing house said a completed novel called "Pirate Latitudes," an adventure story set in Jamaica in 1665, was discovered in Crichton's files after this death and will be published this November.
HarperCollins Senior Vice President Jonathan Burnham described it as "a fantastically enjoyable and light-hearted adventure yarn."
The second book, to be published in late 2010, is a technological thriller "which explores the outer edges of new science and technology," HarperCollins said in a statement.
Crichton, a doctor turned novelist and filmmaker whose books have sold more than 150 million copies worldwide, died of cancer last November at age 66.
The HarperCollins publishing house said a completed novel called "Pirate Latitudes," an adventure story set in Jamaica in 1665, was discovered in Crichton's files after this death and will be published this November.
HarperCollins Senior Vice President Jonathan Burnham described it as "a fantastically enjoyable and light-hearted adventure yarn."
The second book, to be published in late 2010, is a technological thriller "which explores the outer edges of new science and technology," HarperCollins said in a statement.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Farrah Fawcett in L.A. hospital: reports
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Actress Farrah Fawcett, who has been battling cancer for almost three years, has been admitted to a Los Angeles hospital, according to news reports.
The 62-year-old former star of "Charlie's Angels," was hospitalized on Thursday, according to People magazine.
Celebrity gossip Web site Radaronline, which broke the news, quoted sources as saying the actress was unconscious.
The hospital was not identified. A Fawcett spokesman did not return a call seeking comment on Sunday.
Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in September 2006. Four months later, she declared herself cancer-free, only to have the disease return in May 2007. Fawcett traveled to Germany for alternative treatment and documented her experiences, footage of which she shared with entertainment television shows in early 2008.
The 62-year-old former star of "Charlie's Angels," was hospitalized on Thursday, according to People magazine.
Celebrity gossip Web site Radaronline, which broke the news, quoted sources as saying the actress was unconscious.
The hospital was not identified. A Fawcett spokesman did not return a call seeking comment on Sunday.
Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in September 2006. Four months later, she declared herself cancer-free, only to have the disease return in May 2007. Fawcett traveled to Germany for alternative treatment and documented her experiences, footage of which she shared with entertainment television shows in early 2008.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Reality star's funeral cortege tracked by cameras
LONDON – Hundreds of mourners paid their final respects to reality television star Jade Goody on Saturday, most of them watching her funeral play out — like much of her life — through the lens of a camera.
Goody died of cancer March 22 at age 27, shortly after marrying her fiance Jack Tweed in a media extravaganza.
Her funeral, too, was a media event, with a flower-laden vintage Rolls Royce hearse tracked by a crowd of photographers and a television helicopter.
A mass of fans and journalists gathered at St. John the Baptist Church in Buckhurst Hill, just east of London, where large television screens were installed to relay the service to the public.
Her publicist said Goody wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Goody died of cancer March 22 at age 27, shortly after marrying her fiance Jack Tweed in a media extravaganza.
Her funeral, too, was a media event, with a flower-laden vintage Rolls Royce hearse tracked by a crowd of photographers and a television helicopter.
A mass of fans and journalists gathered at St. John the Baptist Church in Buckhurst Hill, just east of London, where large television screens were installed to relay the service to the public.
Her publicist said Goody wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
The Genies give a big hand to a tiny film
Aaron Poole doesn't expect many people tuning into Saturday night's Genie Awards to have a clue who he is when his name is called in the best-actor category, alongside the likes of Paul Gross and Christopher Plummer.
But his relative anonymity – compared with the star power of the other two – doesn't faze him. In fact, the 32-year-old Torontonian, who is nominated for his portrayal of a crackhead in the independent film, This Beautiful City, is just grateful to be invited to the party, held this year in Canada's capital.
“It feels really good,” says Poole, a graduate of the Etobicoke School of the Arts and the George Brown College Theatre School. “I'm not very good at taking compliments, but I've been trying to let this soak in. It feels like a validation that a certain tier [lower-budget, indie filmmaking] is becoming more prevalent in Canada – like we're finally getting on the map.”
Writer/director Ed Gass-Donnelly's This Beautiful City premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and has toured to many rave reviews (author Michael Ondaatje called it a “breathtaking and powerful film”) on the festival circuit, both here and in the United States.
But his relative anonymity – compared with the star power of the other two – doesn't faze him. In fact, the 32-year-old Torontonian, who is nominated for his portrayal of a crackhead in the independent film, This Beautiful City, is just grateful to be invited to the party, held this year in Canada's capital.
“It feels really good,” says Poole, a graduate of the Etobicoke School of the Arts and the George Brown College Theatre School. “I'm not very good at taking compliments, but I've been trying to let this soak in. It feels like a validation that a certain tier [lower-budget, indie filmmaking] is becoming more prevalent in Canada – like we're finally getting on the map.”
Writer/director Ed Gass-Donnelly's This Beautiful City premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and has toured to many rave reviews (author Michael Ondaatje called it a “breathtaking and powerful film”) on the festival circuit, both here and in the United States.
Friday, April 3, 2009
"Furious" auto race franchise gets its mojo back
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – It's kinda like those ads for automotive additives: Just put Brand X into your motor oil and look at that car spark back to life! In the case of "Fast & Furious," Brand X is Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.
In 2001, "The Fast and the Furious" launched a franchise about illegal street racing that now encompasses four films. Yet "Fast & Furious" is the first true sequel of the bunch. By reuniting the two male stars from the original and -- smartly ignoring the intervening films -- continuing the story from the first film, this new film should re-ignite the franchise.
As with the entire series, the stories serve as an excuse to downshift quickly to chases. But the new film, which opens Friday (April 3), does allow time for the characters to interact and develop so that audience concerns extend beyond who'll win the next race. Box office should be strong for the Universal release, especially among young males -- and their dates might not mind checking out the body work on a buff male cast.
In 2001, "The Fast and the Furious" launched a franchise about illegal street racing that now encompasses four films. Yet "Fast & Furious" is the first true sequel of the bunch. By reuniting the two male stars from the original and -- smartly ignoring the intervening films -- continuing the story from the first film, this new film should re-ignite the franchise.
As with the entire series, the stories serve as an excuse to downshift quickly to chases. But the new film, which opens Friday (April 3), does allow time for the characters to interact and develop so that audience concerns extend beyond who'll win the next race. Box office should be strong for the Universal release, especially among young males -- and their dates might not mind checking out the body work on a buff male cast.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
X-Men pic "Wolverine" leaks online
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" made an unauthorized debut online Tuesday, even though the film isn't set for U.S. release until May 1.
Web sites described the illegal download as a nearly complete, high-quality copy, but 20th Century Fox, the studio behind the film, said Wednesday that it included temporary sound and music and was missing effects and some scenes, with other scenes unedited.
The studio issued a statement saying, "We immediately contacted the appropriate authorities and had it removed," though once a film begins circulating online, it can be difficult to stamp it out.
Because of forensic marks, the studio said it would be able to determine the source of the leak, though it did not immediately disclose it, saying: "The FBI and the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) also are actively investigating this crime. We are encouraged by the support of fansites condemning this illegal posting."
Web sites described the illegal download as a nearly complete, high-quality copy, but 20th Century Fox, the studio behind the film, said Wednesday that it included temporary sound and music and was missing effects and some scenes, with other scenes unedited.
The studio issued a statement saying, "We immediately contacted the appropriate authorities and had it removed," though once a film begins circulating online, it can be difficult to stamp it out.
Because of forensic marks, the studio said it would be able to determine the source of the leak, though it did not immediately disclose it, saying: "The FBI and the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) also are actively investigating this crime. We are encouraged by the support of fansites condemning this illegal posting."
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