'American Horror' finale nabs 3.2 million viewers

FX's "American Horror Story" may have scared people, but it hasn't scared them away -- the freshman horror drama managed to sustain its viewership all season. Wednesday night's season finale of the Ryan Murphy-produced skein pulled in just over 3.2 million total viewers with a healthy 2.19 million in the demo, comparing favorably to the just-under 3.2 million pairs of eyeballs logged for its first seg, back in October. The show has also added plenty of all-important demo viewers; its initial ep only attracted 1.6 million 18-49-year-olds.It's a series that attracts plenty of late viewers -- those numbers for the series premiere later ballooned to 4.2 million with 2.8 million demo watchers when 3-day DVR viewership was included later -- so expect a healthy percentage of "Horror" fans to tune in Thursday, Friday and on Christmas Eve. Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com

11 Non-Christmas Christmas Movie Moments

If you prefer a real Christmas feel this holidays, stick to the classics like 'A Christmas Story,' 'It's an excellent Existence,' or the Disney films, because within the following holiday movies, the idea of Christmas (giving, loving, caring) is switched on its mind. A scene in the lately launched 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,' featuring Father Christmas inside a Lenin mask singing the Russian national anthem, triggered Moviefone to generate another 11 Christmas movie moments that are not very Christmasy. From 'Gremlins' to 'American Psycho,' these moments are not happy. Non-Christmas Christmas Movie Moments 'Bad Santa''Die Hard,' 'Die Hard 2'Elf'Gremlins''A Very Harold & Kumar three dimensional Christmas''Trading Places''National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation''Go''Goodfellas''LA Private''American Psycho' See All Moviefone Art galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook [Top Photo: twentieth century Fox] #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-77428.cke_show_edges #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-77428, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-77428

Amanpour's ABC Exit Announcement Spurred By New York Times Reporter's Twitter Gaffe

Firooz ZahediJane Fonda Jane Fonda is coming to the small screen.our editor recommendsJane Fonda, THR's Sherry Lansing Leadership Award Recipient, on Her Role Models (Video)Jane Fonda's Women in Entertainment Acceptance SpeechJane Fonda Opens Up About Her Father, Her Return to Acting and the Lesson She Learned From Warren Beatty Jane Fonda to be Honored at THR's Women in Entertainment Breakfast The two-time Academy Award-winning actress has booked a recurring role on HBO's newsroom-set Aaron Sorkin drama, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. She will join a collection of high profile actors, including Jeff Daniels and Emily Mortimer. In the project, which is set at a 24-hour cable news network, Fonda will play Leona Lansing, the CEO of the cable news network's parent company whose ideals often clash with the news outlet she oversees, according to TV Line, who first reported the news. STORY: HBO Gives Series Pickup to Aaron Sorkin Project Her character's name is a nod to two Hollywood icons, the late Leona Helmsley and the one-time Paramount chief Sherry Lansing. The news comes one week after Fonda was honored at THR's Women in Entertainment breakfast with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award for her influential role on- and off-screen. In a corresponding interview, Fonda told THR that she was eager to enter the TV fray with a comedy vehicle, much the way fellow actresses Laura Linney (The Big C) and Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie) have done in recent years. "First of all, I like the idea of a regular job," she said. "And second, I like the idea of comedy about an older woman." To be sure, Fonda knows her way around newsrooms. In addition to a previous marriage to CNN founder Ted Turner, she played a TV news reporter in Columbia Pictures' 1979 thriller The China Syndrome, an early collaboration between Fonda and then-midlevel studio executive Lansing. HBO picked up the project to series in September. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery THR's 2011 Women in Entertainment Breakfast Highlights PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Women In Entertainment 2010 Event Jane Fonda Sherry Lansing Aaron Sorkin HBO

Carol Schreder dies at 65

Author-producer Carol Schreder, who produced landmark telepic "The Burning Bed mattress" and directed numerous documentaries throughout an even more than three-decade career, was destroyed in the cycling accident round the Mulholland Highway near Kanan Road, inside an area near Agoura Slopes, Calif., on 12 ,. 3. Schreder was finishing an ordinary 50-mile ride when she was struck having a passenger van towing a trailer and died your evening at UCLA's Taxation Hospital. She was 65. An analysis in the accident with the California Highway Patrol is pending. Schreder was one of the primary female Pointing Men in the American Film Institute's Center for Advanced Film Studies, where she developed a documentary about aerospace pioneer William Lear, "With the Chair of His Pants." In 1978 Steve McQueen hired her to evaluate and write the first technique to his 1980 Western "Tom Horn." Schreder produced numerous films for long-term friend Jon Avnet's production company, including acclaimed NBC telepic "The Burning Bed mattress" (1985), which starred Farrah Fawcett and directed national concentrate on the problem of domestic violence. She appeared to become showrunner for ABC's 1984-85 series "Call to Glory," a great Air Pressure family through the sixties co-producer of Avnet's 1986 ABC telepic "Between Two Women," starring Fawcett Colleen Dewhurst and author-producer of NBC's 1987 docudrama "For One Another and War," about Medal of Recognition recipient Admiral James Stockdale's gallantry just like a Prisoner of War in Hanoi. In 1995 Schreder traveled to Nigeria and asked Nelson Mandela, seeing his release from prison firsthand on her behalf behave as a author together with a producer on "Apartheid," an eight-part TNT miniseries created by Avnet and Jordan Kerner. She also looked into human rights issues in CBS' brief 1998 series "Mama Flora's Family," that they was nominated for just about any Humanitas Award. Born in Greenwich, Conn., Schreder received a bachelor's degree in Chinese Studies from Skidmore College together with a Masters within the USC School of Cinema. A longtime part of both Authors Guild of America as well as the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Schreder had returned for the American Film Institute lately. Just like a part of AFI's 2005 Pointing Workshop for girls, she written and directed a short film, "A Establishing of Arms." Schreder is managed to get by her mother a brother together with a sister together with a niece and a pair of nephews. A public memorial service will probably be kept in Santa Monica within the Aero Theatre within the month of the month of january. Donations be created for the Carol Schreder Scholarship Fund within the American Film Institute in La. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Vital reveals new logo design design

Vital Pictures has revealed a completely new logo design design to commemorate the studio's 100th anniversary. The logo design design will first appear before "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol," which opens in Imax theaters on 12 ,. 16. The completely new logo design design will probably be installed on Componen photos throughout 2012. In 2013, the 100th anniversary element will probably be removed, while using relaxation in the new logo design design installed on future Vital films. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Mary Tyler Moore To Obtain SAG Existence Achievement Award From Dick Van Dyke

It’ll happen through the Screen Stars Guild Honours telecaston The month of the month of january 29. Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke increased being TV symbols round the Dick Van Dyke Show. Moore ongoing to produce her production company MTM with Grant Mess and headinedThe Mary Tyler Moore Show, which produced several character spinoffs including Lou Grant. Other MTM shows incorporated The Bob Newhart Show, WKRP in Cincinnati, Hill Street Blues, The White-colored Shadow and St. Elsewhere. Nominations for SAG Honours will probably be introduced tomorrow at 9 AM on TNT.

Mooning over Melies

French cinema pioneer Georges Melies produced the floor-breaking movie 'A Visit to the Moon.'Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo,' starring Asa Butterfield, can also be an homage to Georges Melies.'A Visit to the Moon'The concept of Martin Scorsese pointing "Hugo," a three dimensional family movie according to an highlighted children's novel, elevated some eye brows but his eagerness to tackle the storyline shows the breadth and endurance of French cinema pioneer Georges Melies' legacy.Around the 150th anniversary of his birth, Melies -- among the founding fathers of cinema and science-fiction movies, a guy whose dreams were crushed by piracy and personal bankruptcy -- is well known in Scorsese's pic and it is taking pleasure in a revival of recognition.French helmer-producer duo and fervent Melies lovers Serge Bromberg and Eric Lange oversaw Technicolor's restoration from the only making it through hands-colored color version of Melies' groundbreaking "A visit to the Moon" (1902) prior to Cannes' opening evening in May.The happy couple also directed Melies biopic "The Remarkable Voyage," featuring interviews with Michel Hazanavicius ("The Artist") and Michel Gondry ("The Eco-friendly Hornet"), amongst others.Doctor is placed to be released in French theaters on the day that as "Hugo."Paris Forex, the animation and vfx showcase set to operate 12 ,. 14-15, will even host a roundtable talking about Melies' heritage.A French illusionist who produced the very first film studio, Melies developed using movie effects to produce dreams. He's credited with lounging the footwork for vfx-intensive spectaculars from such company directors as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, James Cameron and Christopher Nolan, who see him like a type of spiritual father.Melies would be a perfectionist: applying his background as theater owner-manager and stage magician, he oversaw all of production on his films.He directed from their own scripts, supervised the cameraman, built scenery designed costumes and applied makeup.He edited the disadvantages and authored music to become performed being an accompaniment to his quiet, black and whitened movies.He seemed to be the first one to commercialize hands-colored movies."It's mind-coming to determine how Melies performed his ideas using the couple of tools available. He used every available motion picture trick -- editing, camera work, music, makeup, costuming and miniatures -- to produce illusions, states "Hugo" vfx supervisor Take advantage of Legato, whose credits likewise incorporate "Shutter Island" and "Titanic.""What Melies did in 1902 with 'Trip towards the Moon,' without copying anybody, has inspired lots of individuals work."In 1896, the first times of cinema, Melies broke ground with "The Disappearing Lady," by which he stopped your camera to create a lady disappear and changed her having a skeleton."Today, we all do these methods having a computer but they are exactly the same ideas," states Legato, adding that Melies inspired him to operate the "old-fashioned way" on "The Aviator," using miniatures. "It looked so convincing -- a lot more than using the computer, that make things look off -- also it am rewarding."Julien Dupuy, a French journo that has lately finished a magazine about Melies, states, "Melies may be the first filmmaker who gave effects a natural devote the creative process."Dupuy will host the Melies roundtable at Paris Forex."Today, in lots of films there's not limitations between different departments and effects are integrated everywhere. In Spielberg's 'Tintin,' for example, effects were considered in the beginning and therefore are area of the storytelling," Dupuy states.Melies also used prosthetic makeup to optimize illusions -- a method utilized on most genre films and tentpoles, highlights Dupuy, stating Guillermo del Toro's "Hellboy" and Spielberg's "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence." Melies also produced the precursors of animatronic effects in "The Conquest from the Pole."His relentless mission to enhance his movies is really a supply of inspiration, states Pierre Buffin, founding father of Paris-based shingle Buf and creator of numerous vfx techniques, like the "bullet time" shots within the "Matrix" franchise."He invented methods by testing various things and that is the way we operate in visual effects. And like him we fabricate everything: we model, perform the seem, we color, etc."Melies did not just create vfx, states Bromberg, "he gave them meaning and billed them psychologically."He wasn't inquisitive about the mundane but instead through the imaginary, the astounding. Melies powered audiences into an enormous amount of spectacle and poetry and presented the kid within."FRENCH VFX & ANIMATION:Mooning over Melies Universal benefit in Mac Gruff accord Forging forward Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows: Film Review

The life story of the late singer, dancer and actor Sammy Davis Jr. will be developed for the stage and as a feature by Entertainment Studios, it was announced Thursday, on what would have been the entertainer's 86th birthday.our editor recommendsOscar Rat Pack "Sammy Davis, Jr. was a phenomenal entertainer, icon, and American treasure whose inspirational story has to be told," said Byron Allen, founder, chairman and CEO of Entertainment Studios. Entertainment Studios acquired the life rights to the story from Davis's daughter Tracey Davis, whose mother is actress May Britt, the second of his three wives. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Riches to Rags: 18 Stars Who Have Lost It All "On his deathbed, one of the last things my father told me as he put my face in his hands was: 'Tracy, tell my story. Warts and all'," said Tracey Davis. "Byron Allen, who knew and worked with my father, is the perfect producer to help my family and I achieve my father's dying wish." Davis, who died in 1990, started out as a child in vaudeville as a dancer and singer working with his father and uncle. He later became a recording artist. Davis lost an eye in an auto accident in 1954 but continued to grow as a performer, starring on Broadway in Mr. Wonderful in 1956. He became even more famous when he was the only African-American who was part of Frank Sinatra's "Rat Pack," which led to movies, performances in Las Vegas and elsewhere. In 1966, Davis had his own variety show on TV, making him one of the first African- Americans to do so. He talked about the racism he faced in his life in interviews and was a supporter of the Civil Rights movement. However, he was criticized in 1970 for publically embracing then President Richard Nixon. Davis died deep in debt to the IRS of throat cancer. His estate was left to fight years of legal battles. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Hollywood's Riches to Rags: 18 Stars Who Have Lost It All Related Topics

Amy Winehouse Foundation Makes First Donation

The Producers Guild of America announced their five 2012 Documentary Theatrical Motion Picture award nominees Friday.our editor recommends'Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest' Trailer HBO Acquires Rights to Elton John Documentary 'The Union'SUNDANCE: 'Project Nim' Broaches Big Issues on Opening Night'Senna' Starts Theatrical Run in High Gear Sony Pictures Classics' Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest from Michael Rapaport, Richard Press' Bill Cunningham NY from Zeitgeist Films and Senna, the profile of Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna from Asif Kapadia were among the nominees. VIDEO: 'Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest' Trailer Project Nim, which follows a chimpanzee who was raised like a human child from Oscar-winnerJames March (Man on Wire) also received a nod. PHOTOS: From 'The Artist' to 'War Horse,' 22 Awards Contenders That Prominently Feature Animals As did Cameron Crowe's film on the making of Elton John and Leon Russell's T-Bone Burnett-produced album, The Union. COVER STORY: Cameron Crowe Reveals How He Seduced Matt Damon for 'We Bought a Zoo;' Names His 5 Favorite Movies The PGA will announce television series nominations Dec. 7, followed by the rest of the categories Jan. 3. The awards ceremony is set to be held Jan. 21 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Awards Watch Roundtable: The Producers Related Topics PGA Awards Elton John Cameron Crowe T-Bone Burnett The Union

'Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' Extended Trailer Released (Video)

BERLIN - Acclaimed British film director Mike Leigh will be the Jury President for the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival, which runs Feb. 9-19, 2012. Leigh, who has collected a Palme d'Or in Cannes, a Golden Lion in Venice and seven Oscar nominations in his 40-year film making career, will oversee the international jury that hands out Berlin's Golden and Silver Bears at the 62nd Berlin fest.our editor recommendsQ & A: Mike LeighGrief: Theater ReviewRelated Topics•Berlin International Film... PHOTOS: 61st Berlin Film Festival Buzz Films Leigh's debut feature, Meantime premiered in Berlin's Forum sidebar in 1984 but he didn't return until 2008, when Happy-Go-Lucky bowed in competition, winning the Best Actress prize for star Sally Hawkinsand launching her international career. Leigh is considered one of Europe's greatest living directors. His last feature, Another Year, premiered in Cannes in 2010 and earned Leigh an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The 57-year-old director continues to work on stage. His most recent play, Grief, is currently being performed across Britain. Related Topics International Berlin Mike Leigh