Reese Witherspoon launches new banner

WitherspoonPapandrea Reese Witherspoon and "Warm Bodies" producer Bruna Papandrea have teamed to launch a new production banner, Pacific Standard. Duo will fold a number of projects into the partnership from their pre-existing shingles Type A Films and Make Movies. Pacific Standard has several properties prepped to go out to the market, including an adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's upcoming "Wild," which tells the story of an 1100-mile solo hike that breaks down a young woman reeling from catastrophe and brings her back to life. Witherspoon and Papandrea look forward to utilizing the relationships they've forged with filmmakers, actors and writers to make smart, character-driven, commercial films both large and small. "I've always been impressed by Bruna's taste and her skills as a producer," said Witherspoon. "I'm very excited to be working with her. It's a pleasure to collaborate with someone so smart, fun and formidable." "In Reese I have found a like-minded and incredibly passionate partner who genuinely shares the same goals," added Papandrea. "I've had a wonderful time producing movies independently but I couldn't be more excited about the company and brand we will create together." Witherspoon earned her first producing credit for "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde," and went on to produce "Four Christmases" and "Penelope" through her Type A shingle. Thesp acquired Peggy Lee's life rights and partnered with Marc Platt on a biographical film that Nora Ephron will write for Fox 2000. She also set up the original comedies "Who Invited Her?" in partnership with Gary Foster at DreamWorks, "My Husband's Wife" with Ryan Seacrest's company at Universal and the Courtney Hunt-directed indie "Rule #1" with Brad Epstein at Emmett/Furla Films. Papandrea recently produced Jonathan Levine's zombie pic "Warm Bodies" for financier Summit Entertainment. Pic, which stars Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, is skedded for release Feb. 1, 2013. Papandrea's development slate includes Jennifer Smith's upcoming novel "The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight" and Emily Giffin's best-selling book "Love the One You're With." Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

'Lorax' draws $70.7 million opening

'The Lorax''Project X'Backed with a hostile marketing and advertising campaign, Universal's "The Lorax" acquired a boffo $70.7 million domestic opening and hang up a slew of Stateside records, like the best-ever debut for just about any nonsequel toon.Stalwart family holdover "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," meanwhile, reclaimed the overseas weekend title, tallying an thought $14.7 million with an worldwide cume of $184.5 million.Basically a few areas within the center East saw "The Lorax" open a couple of days ago U has timed a substantial overseas push for your toon to coincide with Easter time some time and summer time break over the following handful of several days.Playing second fiddle to "Lorax," Warner Bros.' R-rated counterprogrammer "Project X" handled a hearty $20.8 million domestic bow. "X," which cost $12 million to produce, was forecasted by most pre-weekend monitoring services to land somewhere inside the mid-to-high teens.The combined B.O. might of "Lorax" and "Project X" lifted domestic box office up greater than 23% over this time around around a year ago, creating the ninth week back to back through which box office was greater in comparison to the identical frame a year ago year-to-date B.O. is outpacing 2011 by roughly 19%, with admissions up much more by 21%.The niche biz saw mixed is because of new and growing game game titles, however.Focus Features' "Being Flynn" opened up as much as some disappointing per-screen average of $11,386 from four locations in NY and L.A.Meanwhile, the Weinstein Co.'s "The Artist," getting a cume of $37 million, did well within the first publish-Oscars frame by getting one more 790 playdates, improving by 34% with an thought weekend gross of $3.9 million."The Academy recognition is opening entrance doors for your film in additional compact areas," mentioned Weinstein distribution chief Erik Lomis.TWC's other Oscar-winning title, "The Iron Lady," at $27 million in your area, was up 29% with 11 less locations versus. a week ago.Becoming a member of on 'Lorax'In the run-around its country wide release, U signed greater than 70 global partners round the $70 million enviro-designed "Lorax," gathering as much as $60 million on tv value. Marketing partners incorporated the Environment protection agency, H . P ., Whole-meals Market, Seventh Generation and Mazda."Audiences were alert to this movie because the marketing campaign first sprouted a year ago,Inch mentioned U prexy of domestic distribution Nikki Rocco. "Still, Never imagined it could open to $70 million-plus."The pic's boffo perf needs to be credited for the studio's distribution strategy too.As opposed to a summer season bow (just like "Wretched Me"), U chosen for just about any first-quarter release, given such past family accomplishments as "Ice Age: The Meltdown," which first demonstrated to $68 million throughout this month in 2006, and 2010's "Alice's adventures in wonderland," the all-time March leader getting a bow of $116 million."We needed a difficult have a look at each weekend inside the twelve several weeks,Inch Rocco mentioned, "and there's been some huge accomplishments around this time around around."Furthermore towards the toon benchmark, "Lorax" now stands since the finest Stateside debut for just about any Dr. Seuss adaptation, besting 2000's "How a Grinch Stole Christmas" at $55.millions of, together with the finest opening for Chris Meledandri's Illumination Entertainment. Their previous two game game titles, "Wretched Me" and "Hop," first demonstrated at $56.4 million and $37.5 million, correspondingly."Lorax" acquired 52% of the opening from 3d, including 8% in Imax. That's within the top finish of recent 3d animated fare: "Happy Foot Two" acquired 48% from 3d, "Puss in Boots" 50%.B.O.'s X-factorWhile "The Lorax" skewed heavily toward families, parents and ladies, there's furthermore a considerable contingent of non-parents or parents with teens. "Lorax" received a b - CinemaScore rating. "Project X," meanwhile, averaged a b - -, but males under 25 gave the pic a b -.Regardless of its mainly male turnout, "Project X," from producer Todd Phillips and first-time director Nima Nourizadeh, acquired a effective 42% female contingency. Pic's age breakdown, however, was weighted more heavily toward under-25 moviegoers at 67%.Warner distribution professional Rob Goldstein recognized the filmmakers, saying, "Todd mentored this youthful director, and so they both did an admirable job. This really is really the film to party by."The weekend's top holdover, Relativity Media's "Act of Valor," dropped 44% within the second frame with an thought weekend take of $13.7 million. Similarly male-specific "Safe House" adopted in ranking getting a forecasted $7.2 million, lower just 34%. "Valor" has cumed $45.2 million in your area, while "Safe House" joined the $100 million mark in four days.Lionsgate's "Good Deeds" saw the steepest drop among the weekend's top players, lower 55%. Tyler Perry's latest thought $7 million through Sunday, getting its Stateside cume with a tepid $25.7 million."Journey 2," meanwhile, held remarkably well, lower 48%, given "Lorax's" entrance to the family market. The Warner-New Line follow-up needed an thought $6.9 million, pushing cume to $85.6 000 0000 in your area. "Journey 2" has become probably the most notable box office accomplishments of 2012, getting a worldwide cume just north of $270 million -- already greater than 10% more than its predecessor's lifetime cume worldwide. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

Mira Sorvino to star in 'Trooper'

SorvinoMira Sorvino has formally stored in control role in CBS drama pilot "Trooper." Sorvino may have a commonsensical mother-switched-NY condition trooper inside the pilot from professional producers Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman and Aron Coleite (who scripted). Craig Gillespie is professional creating and pointing the pilot, which co-stars Jay Hernandez. Sorvino makes significant guest looks on television, together with a chapter of "House" that came an audience more than 29 million following a Super Bowl in 2008, but this really is her first series regular role since winning the 1995 supporting actress Oscar for "Mighty Aphrodite." Jerry Bruckheimer Television is creating "Trooper" in colaboration with Warner Bros. Television. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Spirit Awards: Weinstein Company Near-Sweep: The Artist, Michelle Williams, Jean Dujardin, Michel Hazanavicius, Guillaume Schiffman

BREAKING… Refresh for latest… SANTA MONICA The Artist won 4 awards and The Weinstein Company swept 5 at today’s 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards.Hosted bySeth Rogen, the 27th annual awards ceremony took placeduring aluncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica.The Spirit Awards celebrate artist-driven filmmaking and recognizes the best achievements of todays independent filmmakers. This year the weather was cooperating: sunny and warm as the looky-loos lined up on the sand to snapa picture andgrab a handshake from their favorite stars arriving in afleet of black limos and cars. Seth Rogen opened the show by continuing the Spirit Awards’ long tradition ofprovocative standup,saying: “I have no fucking clue why were in a tent right now. There are previously existing structures where we could have done [the awards].You know you are at a class awars showif they have porto-potty.”… He notes how he’s “hosted a few Seders” before this. I dont know what the opposite of selling out is, but I want that to happen.” He tells the audience, “Im committed to watching all your movies. I made it through the first 5 minutes of every single one of them. Some start out slow, pretty fuckin slow. [He draws that out so its funnier.) ... Rogen lampoons Spirits for giving awards for Tallest Horse, Prettiest Pig"... He calls Spirits "the only awards show that is completely inconsequential. Nothing will come of this, absolutely nothing. It wont help you get paid any more. If anything, it proves youll work for nothing." Of all the four seasons there's no season like awards season. Without awards season we wouldn't know what a horriblle bigot Brett Ratner is." ... "At the Grammys you can beat your girlfriend and they'll ask you to perform. Twice."... Rogen took the piss out of George Clooney and also made fun of The Artist: "Didn't we learn anything from Roberto Bernini?" ... "Michael Fassbender's dick almost got the role of the knob in Albert Nobbs." Rogen went on to compliment his dick... "Great year, I just learned there was another Olsen. The best one. Where were they keeping her?" During the Spirit Awards show, Patricia Clarkson led a toast to the memory of independent film executive Bingham Ray who passed away at the most recent Sundance Film Festival: In January, we lost Bingham Ray. He was an independent film. He was gutsy, ingenious, a little out of focus, heartbreaking, unforgettable, and way too many curse words for PG-13. Please join me in a toast for this man that we loved very much. To Bingham. Thank you, Bingham. Wish you were here. Cheers, thank you. 2012 Film Independent Spirit Award Winners BEST FEATURE The Artist - Producer: Thomas Langmann Langmann onstagetalked about how hard it is getting film financing, thengave special thanks to Cannes Film Festival chief Thierry Fremauxand The Weinstein Co's Harvey Weinstein. Backstage, Langmann was at first asked a question in French, drawing howls of protest from the English-speaking press. But the accommodating producer joked, I dont speak French,then immediately translated the question:It's about Harvey Weinstein, what is most important about him. [It is] his weight, he said, to laughter. I mean, hes big. And this is the end of our American career. He went on to praise Weinsteins tenacity in getting the movie made.”He came. He flew. We were totally unknown, and he went to see a movie that was silent and black and white.Our stars were not known here. He thought there was something that made it worth flying to come to see the movie. And he did, and here we are today. I have nothing bad to say. He called having this movie recognizeda tribute to Hollywood cinema,a dream come true. When director Michel Hazanavicius arrivedbackstage to join Langmann and actors James Cromwell and Penelope Ann Miller, Langmann deferred to the director. This is Mr. Magic, he said. SaidHazanavicius, There is no recipe to build magic, and credited luck and hiring talented people.He joked about the demands of constantly appearing atawards showsthis season. Its not the worst job you can find.People say you are nice guy, you are talented, you have a very charming French accent.And we have the police come to escort us from the airport. That was great! The director said he’s feeling a little stage fright for tomorrows Oscars. I can’t say Im super cool.But today -this is important too. This means a lot because it is a small movie, its not expensive, we did it with small money, and its black and white and silent.” But, with another apparent wink to Weinstein,”Small money, but his money,” the director added. BEST DIRECTOR Michel Hazanavicius – The Artist The Artist filmmakers just landedfrom the French Casar Awards and drovehere with a police escort (your tax dollars at work), according to Hazanavicius in his acceptance speech: “We just arrived from France five minutes ago. We came from the airport with a police escort so it was like a theme from Drive. As for independent film, you’re never really independent because you always need somebody.” BEST SCREENPLAY Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash – The Descendants BEST FIRST FEATURE (given to the director and producer) Margin Call – Director: J.C. Chandor; Producers: Robert Ogden Barnum, Michael Benaroya, Neal Dodson, Joe Jenckes, Corey Moosa, Zachary Quinto Chandor said backstage: “There was a tremendous concern inbringing this property to the screen and in shopping this around we could notfind the money to do it.There was trepidation about it.” Chandor noted that Quinto helped get his friends to take roles.”Castingwas always a big moving puzzle.But one by one, it came together.” Quinto said backstage: “The thing that actors respond to is material.When I read the script, it was unequivocally clear that I wanted to get behindthis project.J.C.’s affability, his ability to articulate his point of viewput actors at ease and disarmed them.I think all the credit goes back to J.C.Everyone signed on because of him and his screenplay. I just had to twist somearms.” Quinto said he’sproducing Chandor’s follow-up which is goinginto pre-productionsoon. BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY Will Reiser – 50/50 Reiser onstage said he “had to give credit where credit is due — to cancer”. (At 24, Reiser was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Six years later, he got a clean bill of health andwrote afilm comedy based on his cancer experiences.) The best part of winning, Reiser said backstage, was being part of a “prestigious list of names, writers who have been major influences. To be listed amongst those names is really special. I had no idea how much the movie would connect with people, because it was so personal to me and the guys, Seth and Evan.” He was affected by “how it has really touched people and connected with people, especially people who have been affected by cancer who can really relate to it.”He added that winning an Indie award was especially gratifying because in commercial film there “is less and less room for films like these.” And if you thought cancer was funny, Reiser says his next project is a comedy about Alzheimer’s disease based on a vacation he took with his grandmother who was in the early stages of the disease. He and grandma mistakenly ended up at a Jamaican couples resort. “And I lost her,” Reiser said. JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD Given to the writer,directo, and producer of the best feature made for under $500,000 Pariah Writer/Director: Dee Rees; Producer: Nekisa Cooper Rees said onstage: “Anytime we can have two whiskies before noon is alright…” “Pariah is a film about identity,” said director and writer Dee Rees backstage. “It’s a universal concept that everyone can relate to.I only referenced one other film in making this, and it was Paris Is Burning. The filmmakers of that movie thrust you in, exploring their world. We trusted the audience and didn’t want to overexplain.This award is meaningful to me because Cassavetes is one of my favorite directors.” Producer Nekisa Cooper said backstage:”You make a film for a half a million dollars and you’re always a winner.It took a village to make this film –IFP, Sundance Institute, Spike Lee. Our D.P. built lights to try to figure out ways to make shots better.We shot in 18 days, and we had a creative and technical crew. Our production designer transformed a 4-story brownstone into 10 different locations.”Cooper gave this advise towannabe filmmakers: “Find a good producer. Someone who’ll support a good vision around your film.” Presented by Anne Heche who reminded the audience, “There’s no such thing as a small film. Just a cheap film.” BEST FEMALE LEAD Michelle Williams – My Week With Marilyn Williams said onstage: “I came here to the Spirits for the first time 10 years ago and I wore my own clothesback then, they were not very good, and cut my ownhair,not so good.But I still remember the feeling that in this room, unlike others, that was OK. Because this was a room full of misfits, outlaws, loners, dreamers, mumblers, dropouts, just like me. Thank you for supporting me and welcoming me and making me feel at home in this room and this community. All the way back then, and now, when the only thing that I own that I am wearing is my dignity.” Backstage, Williams said that her friends think, “She’s the Susan Lucci of the Indie Spirit Awards” after not winning for nominated roles in Brokeback Mountain, Land Of Plenty, Wendy And Lucy, and Blue Valentine. About each film, she said, “I’m lucky to work with better and better people.” (She did share an ensemble award for 2008′s Synecdoche, NY.) Aboutportraying Marilyn Monroe, “Sometimes I can’t believe I did this role. I had to remove the fact that shewas an icon and put that out of my mind. I tried to think of her as an ordinary girl, which is how she wanted to be remembered. There wasn’t one pathway to her. The only way for me into her was time, so much time, and letting Marilyn dictate and letting the information about her take shape, rather than me controlling it. The most challenging thing in prepping a role like this is going through whatevermoments you’re facing at the time.” Does Williams feel sexier after playing the bombshell? “No, not really,” Williams deadpanned. BEST MALE LEAD Jean Dujardin – The Artist Dujardin was not here to accept, apparently because the plane carrying The Artist‘s talent and filmmakers coming into Los Angeles from the Cesar Awards in Paris hasn’t yet landed. Penelope Ann Miller accepted for Dujardin. Dujardin’s brother Marc Dujardin was supposed to accept for him but couldn’t be found. (“Perhaps he’s out having a cigarette” the person who came to accept said…) BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE Shailene Woodley – The Descendants Woodley said onstage: “To Fox Searchlight, Alexander Payne, and everyone in this film. They taught me to be a better human bein. I know that sounds so cheesy, but it’s true!” Backstage, the young actress who also stars in ABC Family’s The Secret Life Of The American Teenager, said she was shocked to win today over Oscar favorite Octavia Spencer — apparently not realizing that Spencer wasn’t nominated for a Spirit Award because The Help was ineligible. “She is such a nice woman, I definitely didn’t expect it,” Woodley said.”Im so grateful. I dont know if surprise is the right word. I think gratitude says it all.The role transformed me as a human being. I was surrounded by gentle kind grateful souls. Being on the film and experiencing it at 18 was kind of a catalyst for me as I was coming into my own.”As for herSecret Life colleagues, “Everyone is super stoked for me, it’s a beautiful supportive family.” She has no more movies in store and plans to continue to concentrate on the TV show, she said. BEST SUPPORTING MALE Christopher Plummer – Beginners Plummer said onstage: It’s taken me the longest time to realize the Spirit AwArds has nothing to do with booze. Pity really… I raise my glass to the dear Michael Mills who’s given me an extraordinary gift. Also to Ewan McGregor, that scene-stealing swine… Taking the microphone backstage, Plummer joked to a reporter motioning to him “What is it, do you want me to come sit down besides you?!” Despite all the notoriety this season for his role of Hal Fields in The Beginners, Plummer mentioned his role of Captain Von Trapp from The Sound of Music – something he rarely talks about.”My old persona seems to chase me around every year. Every generation of child has to go through Sound of Music. However, this film Beginners hasn’t been seen by a tremendous amount of people.By winning, I hope it helps this amazing film be seen again. I know it’s on DVD, but hopefully they’ll reissue it.” As far as what’s next, Plummer is going to do an HBOproject. “I’m going to croak any minute, so I have to keep going.” On how Plummer prepared for his Beginners role of an older man who comes out of the closet later in life, Plummer joked, “The whole crew was gay!…Actually, the director wrote a role with so much affection. I took the role because it was so human.”He had plenty of praise for his canine co-star in Beginners. “I think our Cosmo was much more human than Uggie from The Artist. That Uggie is just a trickster.” Later onstage, Goran Visnjic, who played Christopher Plummer’s young lover in Beginners, said: “I never thought I would get to work with the amazing Christopher Plummer, much less make out with him.” BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Guillaume Schiffman – The Artist Schiffman was on that plane carrying The Artist‘s talent and filmmakers coming into Los Angeles from the Cesar Awards in Paris and which hasn’t yet landed. Penelope Ann Miller accepted for him. BEST DOCUMENTARY(given to the director and producer) The Interrupters – Director/Producer: Steve James Producer: Alex Kotlowitz James already received a special distinction trophy for 1994′s Hoop Dreams. He said backstage: “This award means a lot for a film like this because it’s about urban violence in Chicago, and for this film to culminate with an award it means a lot.” The Interrupters tells the story of three community activists inChicago and the violencethat impacted the city. “Wherever you live, there are people trying to deal with this issue. The film was inspired by an article my producer Alex Kotlowitz wrote in The NY Times magazine,” explained James. “As far as being a filmmaker in Chicago, it’s a great place to be. When I went to Sundance, I was always asked if I was from Los Angeles or NY. Chicago is a great filmmaking and documentary community and all the filmmakers are close knit. We pull for each other. It’s the quintessential American city where you can tell every story.” James said he and Koslowitz plan to work together again, with an eye on feature collaborations. BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM (given to the director) A Separation(Iran) – Director: Asghar Farhadi Onstage in Farsi, Farhadi said: “These must be independent awards because I’ve never received an award in a tent by the beach…” PIAGET PRODUCERSAWARD (honors emerging producers who,despite highly limited resources demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, andvision required to produce quality, independent films.Includes $25,000 unrestricted grant.) Sophia Lin – Take Shelter SOMEONE TO WATCHAWARD (recognizestalented filmmakerof singular visionwho hasnot yet received appropriate recognition.Includes$25,000 unrestricted grant) Mark Jackson – Without TRUER THAN FICTIONAWARD(presented to an emergingdirector of non-fiction features who has not yet received significantrecognition.Includes$25,000 unrestricted grant.) Heather Courtney – Where Soldiers Come From ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD(given to one films director, casting director, and its ensemble cast) Margin Call Director: J.C. Chandor; Casting Director: Tiffany Little Canfield,Bernard Telsey; Ensemble Cast: Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, PaulBettany, Jeremy Irons, Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore, Zachary Quinto, KevinSpacey, Stanley Tucci Zachary Quinto accepted the award and said onstage. “As an actor in this film, I have great memories. As a producer, every day was abig fucking nightmare. Like having two Oscar winners and their schedules.I will take these lessons less happily with me but with a lot of newknowledge.” (Deadline contributors: Brian Brooks, Anthony D’Alessandro, Diane Haithman)

David Morrissey to Play The Governor on The Walking Dead

Sacha Baron Cohen, The Dictator The Dictator has won! The Acadmy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has invited Sacha Baron Cohen to attend Sunday night's Oscar ceremony dressed as his title character in the upcoming film The Dictator, Deadline reports. This decision reverses the Academy's previous stance banning attendees using the red carpet for "stunting" or self-promotion. Baron Cohen had originally planned on walking the Oscars red carpet as the fictional Admiral General Aladeen. Can Clooney win? TVGuide.com's Oscar predictions "VICTORY IS OURS!" reads a statement from The Dictator himself on Friday. "Today the Mighty Nation of Wadiya triumphed over the Zionist snakes of Hollywood. Evil and all those who made Satan their protector were vanquished and driven into the Pacific Sea. What I am trying to say here is that the Academy have surrendered and sent over two tickets and a parking pass! TODAY OSCAR, TOMORROW OBAMA!" The actor has a history of doing outrageous stunts to promote his films, once appearing at the Cannes Film Festival as the character Borat in a giant lime green thong. At the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009, he dressed in character as Bruno, a gay fashion icon, flew in on overhead wires and literally landed in the lap of a seemingly furious Eminem. Test your Oscars IQ Paramount Pictures tells Deadline that Baron Cohen has not yet decided if he will attend, whereas Oscars telecast producer Brian Grazer and Academy President Tom Sherak say that Baron Cohen is attending and is in fact a part of the show. The conflicting reports could indicate that the whole "banning" situation was a publicity stunt from the start. The 84th Academy Awards airs Sunday, Feb. 26 at 8:30/5:30c on ABC. The Dictator opens in theaters nationwide on May 11. Do you think this whole affair has been a publicity stunt from the start? Will you watch The Dictator?

Anthony LaPaglia To Star In ABC Drama Pilot Americana

Anthony LaPaglia, who had 3 pilots at 3 networks vying for his services, has closed a deal to topline the ABC drama pilot Americana, a soap about a famous fashion industry clan. It centers on iconic fashion designer Robert Soulter (LaPaglia), the patriarch of a sprawling family who just welcomed a new member, a young designer whose shocking arrival turns the family and the legendary label inside out. Michael Seitzman wrote the script, with Phillip Noyce, who helmed the pilot for ABC’s Revenge last year, directing. Seitzman, Mark Gordon and Nicholas Pepper executive produce for ABC Studios and the Mark Gordon Co. This marks the return to television and the first TV role for LaPaglia since his starring turn on the popular CBS crime drama Without A Trace, which earned him a Golden Globe Award. The Aussie actor, repped by CAA and Industry Entertainment, is currently filming Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained.

Survivor Alum "Coach" Weighs in on One World, Calls the Men "Tool Academy"

Oprah Winfrey will join Jimmy Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards, ABC announced on Thursday. Winfrey, who's the recipient of the Academy's Jean Hershold Humanitarian Award this year, will be joined on the post-Oscars show by George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Martin Scorsese and Helen Mirren, among others. Billy Crystal will kick off the program and Coldplay will close it out with a performance on the Kimmel outdoor stage. Read More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Billy CrystalGeorge ClooneyHelen MirrenMartin ScorseseOprah WinfreyTom HanksJimmy Kimmel LiveJimmy KimmelColdplay

Beyonce and Jay-Z Release First Photos of Blue Ivy

Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter Hello, Blue Ivy Carter indeed.Eschewing the tabloid photo shoot route, Beyonce and Jay-Z have released the initial photos from the 1-month-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter (the rapper's real title is Shawn Carter) on her behalf Tumblr page, HelloBlueIvyCarter.Beyonce and Jay-Z confirm daughter's birth: "We are in paradise"5 shots are the proud new parents each cradling their young girl, which has a complete locks. "We invite you in to discuss inside our pleasure. Appreciate enhancing our privacy throughout this beautiful in time our life-style,Inch reads the note round the page, that's signed "The Carter Family."

German-Russian coin backs projects

New projects by helmer Alexander Sokurov ("Russian Ark") and Bakur Bakuradze are among the first five pics to receive coin from the German-Russian Co-Development Fund.The fund is backing the projects with a total of E95,000 ($125,226).Zero One Film and Studio Bereg in St. Petersburg are co-producing Sokurov's "The Louvre Under the Occupation," about the relationship between the director of the famed Paris museum and the Third Reich's commissioner for art conservation in the occupied territories.Bakuradze's "The General," about the flight and capture of Balkans war criminal, is co-produced by Leipzig-Berlin outfit Ma.Ja.De. Filmproduktion and Moscow's Institute of Communications Vita Activa.Leipzig-Berlin producer Rohfilm and A-One Film in St. Petersburg are teaming on Ella Vakassova's "Tajik Jimmy," which follows an illegal immigrant in Moscow who becomes a Bollywood sensation, while A-Film in Berlin and Panopticum Entertainment in Moscow are co-producing Alexander Strizhenov's comedy "Offside," in which a former German soccer pro becomes the head coach of Russia's national women's soccer team.Aleksei Uchitel's "The Stockholm Syndrome," about a woman who falls in love with her kidnapper, is a joint production between Berlin's Film Base and Rock Films in St. Petersburg.Launched last year, the first German-Russian Co-Development Fund is a joint initiative of the German Federal Film Board, the Russian Cinema Fund and regional funders Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg and Mitteldeutsche Medienfoerderung.The Fund's next application deadline is July 16, with selections expected in September. Contact Ed Meza at ed.meza@mannaa.de

SAG board grants AFTRA merger

The pending marriage between your Screen Stars Guild and also the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists has moved one step closer. SAG's national board has approved a merger proposal with 87% from the panel OKing the program, SAG introduced Friday evening. The proposal would go to AFTRA's board, which meets Saturday and when AFTRA leaders approve, it might trigger a election by SAG and AFTRA people beginning February. 27 with tabulation on March 30. Merger competitors around the SAG board were not able to satisfy the 25% threshold that will have needed that the minority report be released within the balloting material. If the AFTRA national board approve, the proposal will be delivered to 120,000 SAG people and 70,000 AFTRA people, who include stars, tv stations, DJs, performers and ballroom dancers. To pass through, the referendum would want a 60% approval margin from both orgs among votes cast. The brand new union is going to be known as SAG-AFTRA, should people approve the merger election. SAG people defeated merger plans in 1999 and 2003 while AFTRA people supported both. In 2003, the merged union could have been known as the Alliance of Intl. Media Artists, who have been an issue within the defeat. Key particulars from the proposal will unquestionably be recommended by SAG persident Ken Howard throughout Sunday's SAG Honours ceremony in the Shrine Auditorium in La. The SAG prexy typically gives an on-air speech throughout the kudocast. Howard and AFTRA leader Roberta Reardon make the merger of these two unions their signature problem and received strong support from people in recent elections. The merger proposal was hammered out in a nine-day meeting earlier this year through the AFTRA and SAG Group for just one Union to sort out particulars like a title, governance, financing, membership needs and dues. That group had met five occasions since June. SAG's chosen leadership continues to be centered recently by individuals in support of a merger, who contend that the combined union could be more effective and take away jurisdictional overlaps. Competitors within SAG, whose influence has decreased recently, contend that SAG should remain for stars only and assert the new union will face problems in trying to mix the and retirement plans. SAG and AFTRA share jurisdiction on primetime TV. After many years of bitter disputes, AFTRA split from SAG on joint negotiating in 2008 and discussed another deal a complete year before SAG arrived at an accord -- resulting in producers choosing to sign with AFTRA for pretty much brand new shows. Howard suggests that people of SAG and AFTRA wish to mix unions to then resolve the dilemma of seeing pension and health contributions get into separate SAG and AFTRA plans, that are operated by joint industry-union boards. Howard was handily re-chosen to some second two-year term in September. If the suggested SAG-AFTRA merger pass, annual elections is a factor of history using the contests happening every 2 yrs rather. The program is targeted at mixing SAG's annual direct voting structure for many offices along with other slots filled using AFTRA's national convention structure, held every 2 yrs with associates chosen in the local level. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Drafthouse to bow 'Bullhead'

Drafthouse Films will open "Bullhead," a nominee for your foreign-language Oscar, on Feb. 17 at eight theaters in Austin, La and NY. "Bullhead," the feature debut of author-director Michael R. Roskam, was acquired by Drafthouse following its U.S. premiere at Fantastic Fest, where it won best picture over the following Wave Competition. Roskam was named among Variety's "10 Company company directors to check out.In . Story is occur Belgium and stars Matthias Schoenaerts just like a player who initiates a shady deal with a common meat trader. "Bullhead" might be the 2nd film released by Drafthouse Films, following "Four Lions." Drafthouse Films is part of the Alamo Drafthouse theater chain, which has 13 locations in Texas and Virginia. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Netflix looking for new CMO

Netflix is searching outdoors the business for just about any new chief marketing officer, the streaming service introduced Friday.Leslie Kilgore, who held the career in the last 12 years, continues to be elevated for the Netflix board just like a non-executive director. Jessie Becker, presently V . p . of marketing, will a part of as interim CMO."Leslie remains instrumental inside our extended-term success and our recent return to solid growth," mentioned Netflix Boss Reed Hastings. "We are delighted she's joining our board of company company directors and it's still an important part of Netflix."The mission for any alternative for Kilgore has come about as Netflix shakes in the most turbulent period inside the company's history. Disastrous options including its prices and DVD business left many on Wall Street using the idea the business was tone hard of hearing for the marketplace--an problem getting into fresh blood stream with a consumer-facing executive position might help rectify.Before joining Netflix, both Kilgore and Becker are veterans of Amazon . com . com Becker remains while using compny as extended as Kilgore.Furthermore, Netflix developed a change round the corporate communications side, raising Jonathan Friedland from senior V . p . to chief communications officer. Friedland grew to become part of Netflix nearly this past year from Disney. Both Becker and Friedland account to Hastings. Netflix will announce its fourth-quarter earnings on Jan. 25. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Blossom Star Jenna Von Oy Pregnant With First Child

First Released: The month of january 20, 2012 5:41 PM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Jenna von Oy attends the OK! Magazine and BritWeek Academy awards party in the London West Hollywood on Feb 25, 2011Former Blossom star Jenna von Oy is pregnant together with her first child. The actress, who performed Mayim Bialiks fast-speaking closest friend Six around the series, told People her little girl with husband Kaira Bratcher, a Dell data consultant arrives in June. Kaira is really cute since the other evening I stated to him, Shes likely to perhaps you have wrapped round her finger, the actress told the mag. He provided this wonderfully defeated look and stated, I believe she already does. I will tell hes searching at me like Im a bit more fragile because there is a girl inside. Jenna, who now lives in Nashville, told the mag being pregnant finds her using more than morning sickness. Its an exciting-day affair, she stated. Jenna and Kaira married in October 2010 and therefore are searching forward the next stage within their relationship. Weve always wanted children, and that we desired to start getting a household immediately, she told People. Were so excited! Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Michelle Obama Heading To Lenos Tonight Show

First Published: January 19, 2012 2:41 PM EST Credit: Getty Images BURBANK, Calif. -- Caption First Lady Michelle Obama discusses joining forces with Hollywood Trade Representatives at the Writers Guild Theatre in Beverly Hills, Calif. on June 13, 2011 First lady Michelle Obama is headed to Jay Lenos stage later this month. NBC announced Thursday that the first lady will appear on The Tonight Show on Jan. 31, where shes expected to talk about life in the White House, her fitness initiative for children and her upcoming book about the White House kitchen garden. She was a guest on the program in 2008 when her husband was a candidate and also appeared via satellite hookup from the White House on The Jay Leno Show in 2009, the hosts perch before returning to The Tonight Show. Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Ough Gervais Never Really Wants To Host Globes Again, But Praises This Year's Audience

First Released: The month of january 18, 2012 11:30 AM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Ough Gervais sometimes appears onstage throughout the 69th Annual Golden Globe Honours in the Beverly Hilton Worldwide Ballroom in Beverly Hillsides, Calif. on The month of january 15, 2012Hollywoods best and cleverest arent the only real ones happy they managed to get with the Ough Gervais-helmed Golden Globes relatively untouched this yearthe Brit themself has spoken out concerning the high-pressure job, acknowledging hes relieved its behind him. Phew! Thank [expletive] thats over, Ough authored inside a blog published on his personal website, in mention of the Sundays ceremony. I'd a great time really. It had been undoubtedly the best from the three hosting stints. Although the open comedian loved the task, he stated hes not thinking about using the wheel again. Ive told my agent never to allow me to be convinced to get it done again though, he authored. Its just like a parachute jump. You are able to only enjoy it looking back whenever you realize you didnt die also it was quite an incredible factor to complete. The 50-year-old star also had praise with this years audience, saying they appeared to know his sometimes caustic humor a little more this time around around. Everyone else [was]great this season too, he authored. I believe they finally exercised that my gags only appeared rude and nasty but were really much less frightening whatsoever. Or these were just drunker. In either case, it had been fun but Im glad to express Im off and away to NY to relax out a little, he added. Ahhhhhh. And relax. AH Nation poll: Do you consider Ough should host the Golden Globes a 4th time the coming year? Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

PHOTO GALLERY: 'Moneyball' Event with Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill

PHOTO GALLERY: 'Moneyball' Event with Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill By Jenelle Riley The month of the month of january 17, 2012 Photo by Kevin Parry Photography Jonah Hill loves making prank phone calls, and Kaira Pitt found his acting teacher using a stripper. These were just a few the details the heavens produced in a unique Q&A on Monday, presented by Back Stage as well as the SAG Foundation. Both stars acquired Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for roles inside the film, which notifies the actual story of techniques Concord A's manager Billy Beane (Pitt) used record analysis to create a hostile baseball team with less money than other major leagues teams. Pitt mentioned this concept intrigued him."I'm a fan of sports the truth is sports just like a competitive level playing area," he mentioned in case, which incorporated a screening from the film. "One team assumes another team, one individual faces another individual, as well as the best guy, the most effective team, wins. I used to be not aware from the gulf, the primary difference in payrolls, these teams are dealing with. Which I truly was taken by the notion that this is not fair. So these males saying we've arrived at re-question the way you fit everything in, I believed that was interesting." PHOTO GALLERY: 'Moneyball' Event with Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill By Jenelle Riley The month of the month of january 17, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT Kevin Parry Photography Jonah Hill loves making prank phone calls, and Kaira Pitt found his acting teacher using a stripper. These were just a few the details the heavens produced in a unique Q&A on Monday, presented by Back Stage as well as the SAG Foundation. Both stars acquired Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for roles inside the film, which notifies the actual story of techniques Concord A's manager Billy Beane (Pitt) used record analysis to create a hostile baseball team with less money than other major leagues teams. Pitt mentioned this idea intrigued him."I'm a fan of sports the truth is sports just like a competitive level playing area," he mentioned in case, which incorporated a screening in the film. "One team assumes another team, one individual faces another individual, as well as the best guy, the most effective team, wins. I wasn't alert to the gulf, the primary difference in payrolls, these teams are dealing with. Which I truly was taken by the notion that this is not fair. So these males saying we've arrived at re-question the way you try everything, I believed that was interesting."

Argentine TV funds filmmakers

When film funds dried out in Argentina, producer Nicolas Batlle drawn on pubcaster gold coin for medical drama 'El Paraiso.'BUENOS AIRES -- Nicolas Batlle is really a busy guy, a positive thing for just about any producer in Argentina, where 25% annual inflation along with a tight broadcast market causes it to be tough to manage.Batlle, who formerly worked mostly in film, this season created school drama "Entre horas" and human privileges docu "Espacio p memoria" through his Magoya Films, and executive-created medical drama "El Paraiso" with production shingle Zoelle."It is a lot more than we have created for TV in the past years," he states. The smallscreen supplement originated from a condition initiative to invest in indie programs to fill the slates of pubcasters -- and finally a condition DTT network -- breeding producing 220 series this year an believed 300 have been in the pipeline with this year."This really is helping provide work as the film market is slow," states Vanessa Ragone, who created Oscar-winning "The Key to them,Inch and it is focusing on body-parts trafficking drama "Organ & Co." for among the pubcasters, possibly the greatest, Canal 7.A primary reason the pubcasting initiative is really welcome is the fact that top tv stations El Trece and Telefe produce much that belongs to them content or have output handles the kind of Ideas del Sur and Pol-ka. This leaves more compact indies to vie against heavyweights including Endemol, Eyeworks-Cuatro Cabezas and RGB Entertainment for leftover slots.Pitching projects for public DTT channels increased 50% this year in comparison with 2010, states German Calvi, who coordinates the initiative at Incaa, the condition film board.The initiative is also distributing production gold coin from Buenos Aires towards the provinces. "New producers and new content are likely to appear," states telenovela author Jorge Maestro ("Sos mi vida"), who judged a DTT pitching session. "This is actually the road we have to decide to try develop talent."Most of the series explore educational, political and social styles which are harder sells to commercial systems, adds author Marcelo Camano ("Montecristo").Gonzalo Ferrari Nicolay is probably the fresh talent assisted through the initiative. We have spent in food and telecommunications, he got his break like a producer this past year as he won a DTT commission for historic docu "The Damaged Wing: The Existence of Jorge Newbery," concerning the Argentinian aviator, a task he'd been shopping to Background and other feevees, but which unsuccessful to consider off when demands for aircraft pilots and trailers jacked in the financial risk. With condition financing, the docu broadcast this season. The cash is not huge however it helps him develop a resume.Profits may improve, too, as Incaa encourages the series at marketplaces including Ven TV, a brand new sister event in the 12 ,. 2-5 Ventana Sur film market in Buenos Aires."Nobody will get wealthy on these series," Batlle states. "But it is worthwhile. Other voices are becoming heard." Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Giuliana Rancic Round The Unforeseen Effects Her Cancer Diagnosis Had On Her Behalf Account Pals

First Launched: The month of the month of january 9, 2012 8:58 PM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Giuliana Rancic poses through the E! Entertainment Television lunch panel through the NBCUniversal part of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour within the Langham Huntington Hotel and Health health spa, Pasadena, around the month of the month of january 7, 2012Giuliana Rancic does well since dealing with a double mastectomy greater than 72 hours ago, but she recognized her cancer fight, which she thought we would make public late a year ago, has affected a couple of of her associations. Lots of people, enjoy it normally will not learn how to act around me and Ill say Males! And Ill kind of make new buddies like, Im who I used to be before I used to be recognized. Im exactly the same person, Giuliana told just a little quantity of reporters on Saturday through the E! lunch within the Television Experts Association Winter Session in Pasadena. Giuliana was already working again, and he or she mentioned shes been feeling fine. Ive never felt sick through this entire factor because I caught it early and Im very lucky and Im just fortunate that we caught it early, she mentioned. The E! News correspondent and Fashion Police star mentioned she felt an obligation to discuss her breast cancers diagnosis a year ago from the necessity to help others. What helped me go public was the fact I'd see my pals, like in the office, which i had been hiding this huge secret plus it wasnt that we was dying to see them, it absolutely was more that we felt like I preferred to see them, like, Go to the physician. Whether or not this could happen to me at 36, with no genealogy, it might affect you. So, I felt I used to be keeping this secret that might help people I merely wanted to be available just kind of to produce youthful women conscious of whether or not this may affect me it might affect you. Fashion Police, airs Friday nights at 10:30/9:30c on E! Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.