Lie Lower With Dogs, Awaken With Beverly Slopes Ninja 2 together with a Suit

There is a classic Korean proverb intoning that anyone who attempts to produce a follow-up to Beverly Slopes Ninja starring David Hasselhoff may ultimately have the cosmic punishment they warrants. If you don't believe that, then request Jay So, the complaintant in the new suit such as the incomplete Beverly Slopes Ninja 2 and six figures' cost of delinquent development work. THR passes along word in the suit filed Wednesday in L.A., through which So alleges that author-director Mitchell Klebanoff and also the Korean traders (the 2nd who Klebanoff effectively punished a year ago for his or her own improper termination) stiffed him around the $100,000 co-producer fee. This came after So "commenced substantial pre-production efforts and activities, including sourcing potential traders" Body who, Jungho Han, eventually became a member of with Klebanoff, with both allegedly changing the business title and edging So out: Consequently, So requested about his $100,000. He then stood a meeting Han, who allegedly told him that $200,000 happen to be acquired for your project, that the cash might be prone to Klebanoff and Han. So was allegedly rejected his fee. [...] Meanwhile, at concerning the time that So was karate-chopped in the picture, the film experienced some money issues, according to particulars that have been revealed within the last Klebanoff suit. The film stopped production in LA, before coming back to in Vancouver. A couple of from the film was shot, nevertheless it was not ever completed because Klebanoff and Han contended over things like when the film's lead actress should appear nude inside the film. Clearly. I enjoy that David Hasselhoff reaches this, too? What might have to go wrong? In addition, this is just what they're dealing with at La Superior Court? I believe that let Judge Joe Brown eliminate this in a quarter-hour, together with a lesson in regards to the stinking miasma of Hollywood values and possibly remanding the litigants with a kind of experimental rehab for hideous taste. Or exiling those to space. Now i'm from ideas. Suggestions? [THR] Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Ghost House taps Cross to pen 'Triffids'

Ghost House Pictures has tappped Neil Cross ("Luther") to write "The Day of the Triffids," based on the sci-fi horror novel written by John Wyndam and the 1962 film.The film will be produced by Ghost House Pictures, The Mark Gordon Company, and Preger Entertainment, LLC. Mark Gordon, Michael Preger and Don Murphy are partnering with Ghost House principals Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert to produce. Ghost House principals Nathan Kahane and Joe Drake will exec produce alongside Susan Montford. J.R. Young and Audrey Chon will oversee the project for Ghost House. Drew Simon will supervise the project for The Mark Gordon Company. Cross created and wrote "Luther," which will air its third season on BBC. He was recently named one of Variety's 10 Screenwriters to Watch. Cross currently has several feature scripts being produced by Guillermo Del Toro including the horror film "Mama," staring Jessica Chastain, which is in post-production. Cross is represented by UTA, UK agent Michael McCoy at Independent Talent Group, and attorney Fred Toczek. Preger is represented by Laurence Becsey of IPG and attorney Wayne Alexander of Alexander, Nau, Lawrence Frumes & Labowitz. Murphy is represented by attorney Craig Emanuel of Loeb & Loeb LLP. Dan Freedman and Allison Mella Strina negotiated the deals for Ghost House. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

SAG-AFTRA: Anti-Merger Lawsuit Drops a Key Demand

SAG-AFTRA: Anti-Merger Lawsuit Drops a Key Demand By Jonathan Handel February 28, 2012 Anti-merger activists filed an amended complaint today, unexpectedly backtracking on a claim that the SAG/AFTRA merger referendum amounted to an improper election by extending the terms of existing board members, and also dropping their demand that SAG provide them access to and use of member email addresses.That latter is a strategic setback, because it removes a demand that anti-merger forces be granted a low-cost or no-cost method of communicating with the membership, other than the opposition statement included in the referendum packet.SAG sources confirmed that those packets are being mailed today to approximately 131,000 members of SAG and AFTRA. The packets include pro and con statements, merger ballots, the merger agreement, proposed SAG-AFTRA constitution and a pension and health feasibility review. Ballots are due back March 30.The suit does not seek to stop the mailing, but does demand that the union not "call for a vote" on the proposal until it performs an actuarial study of the impact of pension and health plan merger.Additional papers filed today spell out the terms of the preliminary injunction the plaintiffs seek and will argue for at a March 26 hearing: an order that SAG and its officers be "enjoined and prohibited from tallying the merger vote, or publicly announcing the results" until the guild's executive committee "has recommended . . . an independent study detailing the actuarial effect of any proposed merger of the pension and/or health plans."The requested injunction would also mandate "a truthful and complete disclosure . . . (of the merger plan's) limitations and omissions, including any potential adverse impacts."As expected, the amended complaint also seeks to add a claim against SAG's officers asserting that they've violated their fiduciary duty to the union. The plaintiffs need court approval to add this claim, so they filed a brief allowing with the amended complaint.Approval is not unusual, but would only mean that the court will then review whether a claim might be legally and factually supportable, and not necessarily that the court agrees with the claim. In most areas of litigation, plaintiffs can file whatever claims they think appropriate, but sometimes as is the case here statutes require them to seek court permission even to assert the claim.The new claim brings with it a demand for attorneys fees, and also interposes a demand in the name of SAG itself that the officers pay damages to the union. In other words, the plaintiffs suing SAG and the officers are also purporting to make a claim on behalf of one defendant (SAG) against the other defendants (the officers).Meanwhile, SAG is expected to file a motion later today seeking to dismiss the entire lawsuit. The motion will be heard at the same March 26 motion as the plaintiff's demands.As to why the plaintiffs dropped the claim of improper election, SAG general counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland pointed out to "The Hollywood Reporter" last week that unions merge all the time, and said that "federal Department of Labor regulations allow merging unions to establish interim officers and boards appointed as part of the merger." Court cases have upheld those regulations, THR is told.It's somewhat unusual for a plaintiff to delete a claim in this fashion just days after an initial filing, without the court having even held a hearing.As in the initial complaint filed last week, defendants in the suit are SAG, guild president Ken Howard, secretary-treasurer Amy Aquino and vice-presidents Ned Vaughn, Mike Hodge and David Hartley-Margolin. In addition, national executive director David White is listed in the caption (i.e., title) of the case, but omitted from the list of defendants in the body of the document.The plaintiffs are Martin Sheen, Edward Asner, Ed Harris, Valerie Harper, Clancy Brown, James Remar, George Coe, Diane Ladd, Lainie Kazan, Nichelle Nichols, Renee Aubry, Jane Austin, Erick Avari, Steve Barr, Sara Barrett, Terrance Beason, Michael Bell, Warren Berlinger, Joe Bologna, Ralph Brennen, Alexandra Castro, Jude Ciccolella, Cynthia Lea Clark, David Clennon, Joe D'Angerio, Patricia D'Arbanville, Dick Gautier, Dorothy Goulah, Marty Grey, Sumi Haru, Angel Harper, Basil Hoffman, David Huddleston, Anne-Marie Johnson, David Jolliffe, Kerrie Keane, Peter Kwong, Kurt Lott, Barbara Luna, Eric Lutes, Stephen Mach, Michael McConnohie, Peter Antico, Susan McNabb, Phyllis Timbes, Marguerite Moreau, Traci Murray, Nicole Mandich, Larry Newman, Barbara Niven, Kathleen Nolan, Jack Ong, Peggy Lane O'Rourke, Leslie Parrish, Scott Pierce, Robin Riker, Stephanie Rose, Alan Rosenberg, Alan Ruck, Wendy Schaal, Tascha Schaal, Nancy Sinatra, Cynthia Steele, Renee Taylor, Malachi Throne, Beverly Todd, Jessica Wright andMomo Yashimo. The Hollywood Reporter SAG-AFTRA: Anti-Merger Lawsuit Drops a Key Demand By Jonathan Handel February 28, 2012 Anti-merger activists filed an amended complaint today, unexpectedly backtracking on a claim that the SAG/AFTRA merger referendum amounted to an improper election by extending the terms of existing board members, and also dropping their demand that SAG provide them access to and use of member email addresses.That latter is a strategic setback, because it removes a demand that anti-merger forces be granted a low-cost or no-cost method of communicating with the membership, other than the opposition statement included in the referendum packet.SAG sources confirmed that those packets are being mailed today to approximately 131,000 members of SAG and AFTRA. The packets include pro and con statements, merger ballots, the merger agreement, proposed SAG-AFTRA constitution and a pension and health feasibility review. Ballots are due back March 30.The suit does not seek to stop the mailing, but does demand that the union not "call for a vote" on the proposal until it performs an actuarial study of the impact of pension and health plan merger.Additional papers filed today spell out the terms of the preliminary injunction the plaintiffs seek and will argue for at a March 26 hearing: an order that SAG and its officers be "enjoined and prohibited from tallying the merger vote, or publicly announcing the results" until the guild's executive committee "has recommended . . . an independent study detailing the actuarial effect of any proposed merger of the pension and/or health plans."The requested injunction would also mandate "a truthful and complete disclosure . . . (of the merger plan's) limitations and omissions, including any potential adverse impacts."As expected, the amended complaint also seeks to add a claim against SAG's officers asserting that they've violated their fiduciary duty to the union. The plaintiffs need court approval to add this claim, so they filed a brief allowing with the amended complaint.Approval is not unusual, but would only mean that the court will then review whether a claim might be legally and factually supportable, and not necessarily that the court agrees with the claim. In most areas of litigation, plaintiffs can file whatever claims they think appropriate, but sometimes as is the case here statutes require them to seek court permission even to assert the claim.The new claim brings with it a demand for attorneys fees, and also interposes a demand in the name of SAG itself that the officers pay damages to the union. In other words, the plaintiffs suing SAG and the officers are also purporting to make a claim on behalf of one defendant (SAG) against the other defendants (the officers).Meanwhile, SAG is expected to file a motion later today seeking to dismiss the entire lawsuit. The motion will be heard at the same March 26 motion as the plaintiff's demands.As to why the plaintiffs dropped the claim of improper election, SAG general counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland pointed out to "The Hollywood Reporter" last week that unions merge all the time, and said that "federal Department of Labor regulations allow merging unions to establish interim officers and boards appointed as part of the merger." Court cases have upheld those regulations, THR is told.It's somewhat unusual for a plaintiff to delete a claim in this fashion just days after an initial filing, without the court having even held a hearing.As in the initial complaint filed last week, defendants in the suit are SAG, guild president Ken Howard, secretary-treasurer Amy Aquino and vice-presidents Ned Vaughn, Mike Hodge and David Hartley-Margolin. In addition, national executive director David White is listed in the caption (i.e., title) of the case, but omitted from the list of defendants in the body of the document.The plaintiffs are Martin Sheen, Edward Asner, Ed Harris, Valerie Harper, Clancy Brown, James Remar, George Coe, Diane Ladd, Lainie Kazan, Nichelle Nichols, Renee Aubry, Jane Austin, Erick Avari, Steve Barr, Sara Barrett, Terrance Beason, Michael Bell, Warren Berlinger, Joe Bologna, Ralph Brennen, Alexandra Castro, Jude Ciccolella, Cynthia Lea Clark, David Clennon, Joe D'Angerio, Patricia D'Arbanville, Dick Gautier, Dorothy Goulah, Marty Grey, Sumi Haru, Angel Harper, Basil Hoffman, David Huddleston, Anne-Marie Johnson, David Jolliffe, Kerrie Keane, Peter Kwong, Kurt Lott, Barbara Luna, Eric Lutes, Stephen Mach, Michael McConnohie, Peter Antico, Susan McNabb, Phyllis Timbes, Marguerite Moreau, Traci Murray, Nicole Mandich, Larry Newman, Barbara Niven, Kathleen Nolan, Jack Ong, Peggy Lane O'Rourke, Leslie Parrish, Scott Pierce, Robin Riker, Stephanie Rose, Alan Rosenberg, Alan Ruck, Wendy Schaal, Tascha Schaal, Nancy Sinatra, Cynthia Steele, Renee Taylor, Malachi Throne, Beverly Todd, Jessica Wright andMomo Yashimo. The Hollywood Reporter

PaleyFest opens door to online TV lovefests

'Sons of Anarchy'Now the film biz's silly several weeks are gone, the smallscreen is incorporated in the spotlight while using 29th annual Paley Festival, which starts Friday getting a gabfest about FX's edgy drama "American Horror Story."For people who cannot achieve the seshes for such buzz shows as "Community," "Sons of Anarchy" or "New Girl," the Paley Center is joining track of Livestream to supply live streaming in the occasions, a preliminary for your event. PaleyFest runs through March 14 within the Saban Theater in Beverly Slopes.Paley has furthermore pacted with Hulu to produce nine in the 13 seshes available via Hulu and Hulu Plus by March 15."At its heart, PaleyFest is among the communal knowledge about television, as well as the unique relationship between TV audiences in addition to their favorite series," mentioned Paley Center prexy and Boss Pat Mitchell.Other new elements to PaleyFest this year add a live online auction marketplace marketplace of memorabilia and "unique encounters" connected with shows featured in this particular year's selection additionally to past PaleyFests.The Gotham branch of Paley Center will host viewing parties for Saturday's "Community" panel as well as the March 9 gathering for "Castle" -- together with a pep rally for your hard-core "Community" buffs together with a scavenger look for "Castle's" mystery fanatics.Other frosh series acquiring a PaleyFest showcase include "Not such a long time ago" (March 4) and "Revenge" (March 11). Veterans displayed include "WorkInch (March 6), "two and a half Males" (March 12) and "Modern Family" (March 14). Contact Shalini Dore at shali.dore@variety.com

Hulu Pacts To Stream PaleyFest Sections

PaleyFest 2012 Sets Panel Schedule Beverly Slopes, CA, February 22, 2012 The Paley Center for Media today introduced Hulu can be a partner for PaleyFest 2012. Incorporated within the agreement with PaleyFest, beginning March 15, Hulu will stream full-length content and short form clips exclusively on-demand from nine in the festivals sections round the free, ad-supported Hulu as well as the Hulu Plus subscription service at http://internet.hulu.com.Hulu might be the premier movie streaming service offering current season Tv shows, classic series and acclaimed movies from greater than 350 content partners, including five in the six major broadcast systems. Hulu will stream PaleyFest2012 sections featuring the casts of Community, Not such a long time ago, New Girl, Work, Bones, Castle, The Vampire Journals, Revenge and Modern Family. PaleyFests two-week celebration of great television runs March 2-14, 2012 within the Saban Theatre in Beverly Slopes.

Discovery Taps MTV Vet Courtney Menzel As SVP Domestic Distribution

SILVER SPRING, MD Discovery Communications has named Courtney Menzel Senior V . P ., Domestic Distribution, effective March 1. An excellent 20-year internet affiliate marketing and advertising executive with MTV Systems and several recently Current Media, Menzel will lead National Accounts and Area Advertising and marketing efforts for Discoverys Domestic Distribution team, responsible for the correct oversight and distribution from the portfolio of 13 U.S. systems, nine HD channels and many types of Discovery U.S. Hispanic systems. “Courtney is an excellent and dynamic leader who certainly really are a significant resource towards the team,” mentioned Bill Goodwyn, Leader, Global Distribution and Boss, Discovery Education, Discovery Communications, with whom Menzel will report. “She has proven her ability, over and over, to create strong, productive client associations and mutually beneficial partners. With Courtney aboard, Discovery is extremely well situated to keep its solid tradition of employing the potency of its brands and quality ready to drive incredible value for entrepreneurs. In their new role, Menzel will oversee every factor of Discoverys partners with entrepreneurs, together with its industry-famous advertising and marketing team. She'll develop and direct all national accounts strategy while using top entrepreneurs, and may oversee the Domestic Distribution Area Sales force and many types of Internet Internet Affiliate Marketing efforts country wide. Menzel will manage the teams inside the Silver Spring headquarters location, together with the La and Charlotte now now regional offices. Discoverys Domestic Distribution team was ranked #1 by Beta Research for seven consecutive years since the top sales organization within the cable television industry and contains been formerly named Affiliate Sales force of year by CableFAX magazine. Menzel involves Discovery most recently from Current Media, where since 2010 she introduced all affiliate sales and partner marketing initiatives. Among her many accomplishments for Current, Menzel smartly talked about affiliate contracts to secure extended-term carriage and revenue created and drove a comprehensive, company-wide way of disseminating Energy TV video content across platforms and guaranteed Energy first national VOD and tv Everywhere deals. Right before joining Current, Menzel spent 14 years at MTV Systems, in a number of senior distribution and marketing roles. There, she developed proper associations with major entrepreneurs and elevated carriage for many systems including TV Land, Comedy Central, MTV2, CMT, Logo design design and Wager. Among her many achievements for MTV Systems, Menzel introduced partnership discussions with affiliate entrepreneurs and forged key marketing initiatives, most particularly a multi-platform music partnership with Comcast and VH1 Storytellers. Her latest charge for MTV Systems was leading distribution and web marketing strategy for EPIX, the partnership including Viacoms Vital, Lionsgate and MGM. Within twelve several weeks, Menzel and her team elevated distribution of EPIX to Thirty Dollars million available houses. Menzel started her career inside the cable industry just like a marketing manager for Cox Communications. Among her many industry achievements and organizations, Menzel is area of the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM) and girls in Cable Telecommunications (WICT). She's a couple-time CTAM Mark Award champion and offered around the committee to develop WICTs senior executive leadership program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications within the College of Delaware.

Terence Davies to shoot 'Sunset Song'

LONDON -- British auteur Terence Davies is poised to produce his extended-anticipated feature using the classic Scottish novel "Sunset Song." According to producer Bob Last, the pic is casting to shoot in the finish of 2012 or early 2013 in Scotland and Sweden. Last, who produced "Home of Mirth" for Davies in 2000, has struck a deal to co-finance "Sunset Song" with Sol Papadopoulos and Roy Boulter of Hurricane Films, who produced Davies' 2008 doc "Of Your Energy as well as the City." Hurricane has elevated its equity fund, which will buy the project. Last, who most recently produced "The Illusionist," has furthermore guaranteed a Swedish co-production deal with Christer Nilson of Gotafilm, producer of "Simon as well as the Trees." "Sunset Song," put together by Lewis Grassic Gibson, was launched in 1932. Occur the very first last century, it's the story from the farmer's daughter in northern Scotland fighting for love among difficulty and family misfortune. Davies remains developing this passion project with Last for quite some time, nonetheless its tough written content handled to obtain difficult to get backing. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Supernatural Episode Recap: "Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie"

Unicorns, laser-eyed robots, killer sharks and cranky clowns all have an impact on this latest installment of Supernatural. Unfortunately, Sam is on the business end of a brutal beating by the things he fears most. Meanwhile, Dean finds something he loves: a giant Slinky. Over the last seven seasons of Supernatural, we've learned a lot about Sam and Dean. We've learned their likes and their dislikes. We've learned their favorite lingo and what they like to eat and wear. But since this is a horror show, we've also learned what they're afraid of. For instance, we know Dean hates to fly. Season 1's "Phantom Traveler" had him face that fear to hilarious results. In Season 2's "Everybody Loves a Clown, we found out something about Sammy: He has a great big fear of those circus freaks called clowns. This latest episode had the youngest Winchester battling that fear once more. And by battling, I mean getting his cute self beaten, battered and bruised. Poor Sammy. I don't mind saying I was dreading "Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie" (aka "PPMM") for a couple of reasons. 1. Typing that long ass title takes forever. So it's only going to happen once. 2. Much like Sammy, I hate clowns. However, I did make it through "Everybody Loves a Clown" back in the day, so I had high hopes. Of course the episode didn't waste any time getting to those carnival monstrosities. Sam's running away from them in a scene that's reminiscent of Dean's own fleeing escapade that went down in Season 4's "Yellow Fever." But Sammy has something real to be afraid of while Dean only thought he did. His tormentor was a cute little doggie. Not the second coming of Pennywise, the scary clown from Stephen King's book and subsequent mini-series called "It." What I loved about "PPMM": -I like the fact the recap showed Sam's coulrophobia (fear of clowns) from Season 2. It seems so long ago, right? -The Supernatural title page was tailored to fit the theme of the day. Unexpected and very cool. -That Plucky/Chuck E. Cheese-type place looked appropriately annoying for any adult to enter. -The Jack Bauer/24-ish countdown clock with accompanying sound effect was a nice touch. -Dean having a cryptic conversation with Frank on an actual pay phone: "I am the Egg Man." Loved Sam's reaction to hearing it too. -Dean mentioned being out of the hot chicks game for a while. A good move considering what happened to him in the last episode with his one-night stand and the "daughter" who tried to kill him. That's enough to get anyone to put a halt on all hookups right away. Even Dean Winchester. Wonder how long his moratorium will last? -We find out the genesis for Sam's phobia. It seems when Big Daddy Winchester was probably away, Dean used to ditch Sam at Plucky's so he could go pick up girls. I don't blame Sam for developing this fear. What else was supposed to happen? -I love Sam reciting the mantra Dean told him: "If it bleeds, you can kill it." -Loved all the different names for the nightmares that came to life: "Vamptopus;" "Octopus;" "Dractopus;" "Land Shark" "Seabiscuit the Impaler" -Is it me or did the vibe between the brothers seem a bit more relaxed? Sam was smiling more at Dean's jokes. More than ever before. Even the bad ones. I liked that. -The death by unicorn scene was great. Guy thought he was clear of the danger. Then the horn comes piercing through the man's chest. Awesome. Loved when the unicorn was running and rainbows were coming out of its ass. too -I like that Sam was able to get some punches in. Those clowns deserved it. -Of course Dean wants to buy a giant Slinky. Of course he does. -Love Sam trying to get tough with the Plucky employees. Love Dean trying to help out that kid and then not being able to eat the Plucky pizza because it tastes like "butt." -I never expected a Breaking Bad reference on this show. How cool is that? -When the kid mentioned the robot had "laser eyes," all I could think of was Ronald from Season 2's "Nightshifter" and the fact that he originally thought the scary shape-shifter was a Mandroid. -Kooky Plucky employee Howard was the culprit. He had all these nightmares come to life and off parents because he was clearly screwed up -- he blamed his parents for his brother's death. But the trigger was also the fact that he didn't get the manager's job. Could you imagine him as manager? I think not. This episode was an argument against art therapy for kids. -Cliff was the Plucky employee in the lion suit. I wonder if they named the character after the show's bodyguard Clif Kosterman. -After the 24 clock runs out, here's how they let us know we're in the present: with a lower third in big type that says: RIGHT FRIGGIN' NOW. Of course the local CW channel covered a lot of it up with bugs and stuff like that. Boo. -Sam got glitter'd as well as bruised up. But he faced his fear. Good for Sam. -Loved loved loved that last scene between Sam and Dean. Dean was full-on laughing. I remember him doing that with Castiel in an episode. But I don't ever remember such a full body laugh when he was with Sam. Maybe "Hell House" from Season 1? It was nice. It was also nice that Sam got Dean the giant Slinky he wanted so much. Of course, Dean takes things a little too far and gets Sam a stuffed clown. Not cool, Dean. -I love anytime the boys can talk about some of their experiences when they were growing up -- good or bad. And we got some of that in this episode. Dean even mentioned how dad used to haul him from place to place when he was a kid. "PPMM" was a fun episode. We needed something like this. The Winchester brothers haven't had much in the way of fun in a long time. It's been a lot of depression and loss and grief this season. And I get that Sammy probably doesn't think being beat up by clowns is his kind of fun but if it resulted in that final scene, I'm okay with it. And from the looks of the sneak peek for the next Supernatural, all the fun is gone. And drama and Sam's hellucinations are back. Plus, Dean looks like he's in quite the scary predicament. Bring it on. But first, I may have to watch "PPMM" a couple more times. Random Thoughts -Did Dean actually say "no booze?" Is he going to stop like that? I mean, I get it. He had been imbibing when he had the one-night stand. But still. Let's see how long his "no drinking" act lasts. -Are both Sam and Dean turning into Danny Glover aka Roger Murtaugh from the Lethal Weapon franchise? In "The Slice Girls" Dean says he's "too old for this." Now it's Sam's turn in this episode. -Oh and apparently Fred Savage from The Wonder Years is a Leviathan now. Love that. Some Favorite Lines (courtesy of writers Andrew Dabb/Daniel Loflin) -"I am the Egg Man. Seriously, Frank. Pay phones? I mean, come on. I'm getting the clap off this thing just touching it." -"So what are we looking for? An octovamp? A vamptopus?" "That's crazy even for us, right?" "It does push the envelope." -"Cops have a theory?" "Yeah, they think the ball washer did it." "The what?" "The...ball washer." "The what?" "The ball..." -"Close, but no Seabiscuit." -"That's a shark bite." "Yeah." "And judging by the radius, I'd say a 20-footer at least. (Sam gives a look) Shark Week, man. How do you not watch that? Whole week of sharks." "You scared of robots?" "They have laser eyes!" -"Yeah, we don't care that you uh, you know, broke bad or whatever." -"So what do you think?" "I think the bitchy mom plus uh, sad kid, plus uh place mat with something nuts written on it equals wacky corpse." show less

'Star Wars,' 'Safe House,' More: Double Feature Friday!

If an individual movie a evening is not enough to suit your needs and you are looking for a flick to help you get inside the mood with this particular week's era, Double Feature Friday will be here to help. This new weekly column evaluates the week's releases and pairs these with an absolutely free film to check out before, after or just like a substitution. "Alien: Episode I The Phantom Menace in 3dInch & "Peace" The text between these two goes much much deeper than their deep space setting. Joss Whedon filled the big-screen continuation of his television space opera, "Firefly," while using fun and swagger from the original "AlienInch trilogy, while creating a vision that was entirely their very own. Sure, Mal burrows from Han, but that doesn't make Nathan Fillion one ounce less enjoyable or awesome. It is simple to reason why "Firefly" and "Peace" were more severe continuations in the space opera/western combo-genre that Lucas established with "AlienInch in 1977. "Peace" can uphold itself, but watching "Firefly" ahead of time increases your enjoyment greatly. Also, 2D. "Safe House" & "Eco-friendly Zone" Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass' publish-Bourne collaboration fell victim within the box office to "Alice and Wonderland," quickly and unjustly diminishing within the conversation. "Eco-friendly Zone" meets the traditional set with the duo's previous interact and assumes an even more contemporary edge having its "ripped within the mind lines" story about WMDs. Much like "Safe House," Damon's character mustn't in support of the wishes of his commanding authorities—one who may also be carried out by Brendan Gleeson—to uncover the truth behind the government's misdealing. "The Vow" & "Indication" Believe to journey over losing memory spectrum in comparison to Christopher Nolan's sophomore effort before diving into its polar opposite! Instead of Rachel McAdams anxiously trying to patch together the bond she's lost using Channing Tatum, you obtain Guy Pearce anxiously trying to patch together the bond he's lost using body tats and Joe Pantoliano. Plus, there's no better time for you to consider the film that made the man before "The Dark Dark evening Increases" comes to This summer time. "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" & "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Cat By the bucket loadInch Listen, you'll find only lots of reasons you will get around visit "Journey 2." It may be because of your boyfriend or girlfriend of Dwayne Manley, however i am taking a chance there's probably an in-depth seeded irony/curiosity. If that's your poison, I would recommend director Kaira Peyton's previous directorial effort, the follow-up to 2001's "Cats & Dogs." Prior to deciding to scoff, read a good example in the cast: Academy Award nominees Nick Nolte and Bette Midler, J.K. Simmons, Neil Patrick Harris, James Marsden, and Jason Bourne themselves, Roger Moore. It's by no means an excellent film, but shouldn't matter a lot of for you personally. "Rampart" & "The Shield" When Foreign exchange initially went promotions for your gritty cop drama starring Michael Chiklis, it passed the title of "Rampart." The shared title arises from the particular-existence Rampart Division scandal inside the LAPD through the the 19 nineties. Should you weren't capable of catch the series if this initially broadcast, "The Shield" remains a collection worth watching, since it launched the careers of several of current day top TV talents, like Walton Goggins from "Justified."

Scripps profits up 15%

Scripps Systems Interactive, parent in the Food Network using one of the final independent cable network groups, mentioned profits last quarter rose nearly 15% to $178 million driven by greater advertising and affiliate costs. Revenue elevated 10% to $553 million. The Knoxville, Tenn. company reported an 11% begin ad revenue to $394 million and affiliate costs of $147 million, up 5.7%. Expenses rose 6% to $296 million on greater programming amortization expense and charges connected with acquisition of its UKTV deal. Among the nets, flagship Food Network saw revenues of $204 million, up 15% HGTV had revenue of $191 million, up 8.1% Travel Funnel revenue dipped 1.4% to $67 million DIY Network hopped 18% to $27 million Cooking Funnel, was up 14% at $17.8 million and Great American Country fell 15% to $6.6 000 0000. Revenue from digital companies, including high quality websites, rose 4.1% to $30.4 million. For 2012, Scripps mentioned it sees total revenue rising 8-10%. It predicted programming expenses will rise 13-15%, with marketing and investment trading up 10-12%. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Daisy Betts Cast in ABC's Last Measure

Daisy Betts Daisy Betts continues to be cast in ABC's drama pilot Last Measure, TVGuide.com has confirmed.Executive-created by Shawn Ryan (Mislead Me), the series follows a U.S. nuclear submarine crew brought by Capt. Marcus Chaplin, who defies orders to fireplace nuclear missiles. Consequently, they generate a camping with an island that's the place to find a NATO listening station.Pilot Season: Andre Braugher lands lead in Shawn Ryan's Last ResortBetts, that has made an appearance in Harry's Law and Persons Unknown, will join Andre Braugher within the pilot. The actress will have Sophistication Shepard, the gutsy newbie towards the submarine crew who's a household friend of Chaplin (Braugher).

Film restorer John Lowry dies

John D. Lowry, a specialist in film restoration who was set to receive an Academy Plaque for his innovative Lowry Process at Feb. 11's Scientific and Technical Awards, died Jan. 21. He was 79. With several colleagues, Lowry developed what AMPAS described as a "unique and efficient system for the reduction of noise and other artifacts, thereby providing high-quality images required by the filmmaking process." Lowry's company enhanced the image quality on dozens of films, including recent pics such as "Avatar" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and classics such as "Gone With the Wind," "Citizen Kane," "Sunset Boulevard," "Singin' in the Rain," "Roman Holiday" and "Dr. Zhivago." Lowry founded his company in 1988 as Lowry Digital Images. It later became DTS Digital Images under the ownership of DTS from 2005-08 but the Burbank-based firm eventually became part of India's Reliance Big Entertainment Group. Reliance MediaWorks CEO Anil Arjun said, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of John Lowry. He was a visionary who brought unprecedented technological and imaging advancements to the motion picture industry. His work has been used to restore some of the most prestigious classic films of the century and respected for the standards and excellence the tools stood for." In addition to its work restoring historically significant films, Lowry Digital has become increasingly expert in work on 3D films. Jon Landau, co-producer of "Avatar," which won an Oscar for visual effects, said: "Lowry Digital's innovative digital image processing helped us create the wholly immersive world that (director and co-producer James Cameron) imagined. We brought Lowry in to clean up and enhance live-action scenes where necessary, allowing us to present 3D images with unprecedented quality." Lowry was also involved in the transfer of Cameron's "Titanic" to 3D. Born in Toronto, Lowry started in the entertainment industry as a stagehand at the CBC in 1952. In 1971 he gained recognition in the industry for his algorithms used in the restoration of the NASA Apollo missions 16 and 17 films. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Pilot Season: CBS Orders Greg Berlanti Drama Pilot Golden Boy

Greg Berlanti CBS has bought an plane pilot for Greg Berlanti's Golden Boy. The primary one-hour drama tales one cop's meteoric rise from officer to detective to Police Commissioner. Nicholas Wootton will write and executive-produce alongside Berlanti, who offers drama aircraft aircraft pilots at Fox (Guilty) as well as the CW (Arrow). Pilot Season: CBS Orders Jerry Bruckheimer Drama Trooper CBS formerly acquired the aircraft aircraft pilots Elementary, a modern day to experience a Virtual Detective, an activity from Jerry Bruckheimer, the legal drama Baby Large Shot, plus an untitled Nick Stoller comedy.

Katherine Heigl Blogs About Motherhood, 'Having It All'

Ever desired to have girl time with Katherine Heigl? She informs all of you her fears and worries and also you say, "No, Kat," that is what you call her, "You are so pretty and excellent!Inch Well, you can now. Type of. Heigl has became a member of Denise Richards, Alanis Morissette and Ricki Lake (a fascinating selection) as iVillage's latest celebrity blogger. All of this-star blogging team comprises the site's CelebVillage section, a forum for celebs to talk about their insight and private struggles for the internet to determine. (Quite simply: stars, they are much like us!) Each blogger creates four posts, that are released throughout the path of per month. Last Year, the actress adopted a daughter and her first publish is devoted to attempting to reconcile motherhood and dealing. (Seem just like a movie she'd star in?) "I requested myself that which was wrong beside me. How do i wish to leave my child to return to work? How do i miss all individuals important little moments together with her to complete anything significant make a film? I am talking about, a minimum of basically were a famous researcher focusing on fixing world hunger I would come with an excuse." (...OK?) The actress continued a 'having it all' bender a la Barbara Bradshaw and described that as being a mother is not Heigl's only job -- she's an actress, too. "I Quickly pray to God that they will understand eventually which my example will encourage her to locate and follow her bliss too ... after I have taken care of all of the therapy, obviously.Inch Judd Apatow, are you currently listening? [iVillage via THR] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

MTV Movie Brawl: 'Dark Dark evening Rises' Versus. 'Avengers'

The MTV Movie Brawl 2012 is formally on! Following a initial play-in and wild card models, 16 films are actually selected to compete in many mind-to-mind single elimination matches inside our March Madness-style bracket. Ultimately, only one of these brilliant movies might be crowned the can't-miss movie of year, as well as the choice is entirely your choice. Which movie will win the brawl with this all? Election at MTV Movies Blog deciding known! Two of the very fundamental comic movies of 2012 heck, ever are likely to enter in the arena in the mind-to-mind match-up that numerous would agree can be a very very long time coming. In one corner, the hero that Gotham needs. Inside the other, Earth's Mightiest Heroes. How do i superpower-less crime-fighter defeat a veritable military of superheroes? You are able to say for several he's Batman, right? (3) "The Dark Dark evening Increases" versus. (6) "Marvel's The Avengers" Christopher Nolan's conclusion to his Batman trilogy, "The Dark Dark evening Increases," is certainly most likely probably the most anticipated movies of year. Nevertheless the identical may be mentioned for "The Avengers," Marvel's reaction to DC's finest effort of 2012. Two rival galaxies are likely to collide as batman charges headfirst at Iron Guy, Thor, Cap in addition to their allies in this first round fight. Both movies completed well beneath our anticipation in round one, so our guess is like yours. Perform know this, though: whoever wins, it'll be one hell from the epic fight. Watch our MTV Movie Brawl 2012 analysis!

Fox 2000 eyes Goodman for prod'n Vice president

Fox 2000 is within early talks with former Warner Bros. professional Jessica Goodman to become professional Vice president of production.Goodman would replace former professional veep Carla Hacken, who required employment as New Regency's production prexy in November.Goodman's production credits with WB include Steven Soderbergh's "Contagion," "Watchmen" and "I'm Legend."Professional offered in excess of 13 years in the studio before departing this year. Last Century Fox-based Fox 2000, capped by Elizabeth Gabler, is presently at the office on projects including Ang Lee's "Existence of Pi," David Bowers' "Diary of the Wimpy Kid: Dog Days," Thor Freudenthal's "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Ocean of Monsters" and Michael Sucsy's "Rosaline."Fox rejected to comment. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

Melrose Place 3.? CW Is Buying the Canadian Series L.A. Complex

The L.A. Complex It seems like the CW is planning a proceed to La. The network is approaching a deal to buy the arrival Canadian cleaning cleaning soap The L.A. Complex, Deadline reviews. The series follows the lives of numerous twentysomethings who live in the identical La apartment complex and continue to ensure it is in Hollywood. The CW orders mystery drama pilot Cult The series, which will premiere round the Canadian music funnel MuchMusic inside a couple of days and may also air on Canadian sister network CTV, sounds a good deal like Melrose Place. The drama initially went from 1992 to 1999 on Fox just before the CW remade the series this past year, however canceled it after 18 low-rated episodes. The CW is searching to buy no less than the initial six cases of The L.A. Complex, but sometimes get around 13. The network expects to produce the show this summer season, according to Deadline. The L.A. Complex stars Jonathan Patrick Moore (Neighbours), Cassie Steele (Degrassi), Joe Dinicol (Existence with Derek) and Chelan Simmons (Kyle XY). Watch a preview: Will you watch The L.A. Complex?