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.