Reginald Collin dies at 84

Reginald Collin, a producer and director for British television, died of heart and chest problems in Shaftesbury, Dorset, England, on Friday, 12 ,. 16. He was 84. Collin created the esteemed, dark espionage drama "Callan," which went from 1967-72 and starred Edward Woodward. Younger crowd authored and directed some episodes, and that he was nominated for 2 BAFTA Honours for his focus on the series Woodward won a BAFTA for his performance. Collin became a member of ABC Television (later Thames TV) in 1959. Like a director within the features department, he produced the 1963-65 arts series "Tempo" and helmed a set of episodes. Later he created the series "Sat'day While Sunday," "Special Branch," "Six Times of Justice," "Napoleon and Love" and "Armchair Cinema." Collin was created working in london and left school at 14. His first job was like a lab boy in a London hospital in the height from the blitz. Throughout service following the war within the RAF, he would be a shorthand typist at Headquarters Bomber Command but spent a lot of his time running the amateur drama group. After departing the military he won a scholarship towards the Old Vic Theater School and spent some carrying out in repertory, then many years by which he directed pantomime and summer time shows. Additionally to his BAFTA noms, Collin received a Royal Television Society fellowship (the RTS' greatest award) in "recognition of the outstanding contribution towards the furtherance of television" in addition to nods for plan to the from BAFTA and Kodak. Collin also composed it "BAFTA Behind the Mask: Personal Memories." Children include Collin's wife, Pamela Lonsdale, a BAFTA Award champion for that preschool program "Rainbow," which she produced. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Brad Pitt Birthday: Actor Turns 48; What's His Best Onscreen Moment?

On Dec. 18, 1963 in Shawnee, Okla., William Bradley Pitt was born to Jane Etta and William Alvin Pitt. 48 years later, William -- better known to you as Brad -- has become one of the biggest movie stars in the world thanks to his performances ('Se7en,' 'Fight Club,' 'Ocean's 11,' 'Moneyball') and relationships. (Did you know Pitt once dated Gwyneth Paltrow and was married to Jennifer Aniston before his current long-term pact with Angelina Jolie? Me neither!) 2011 might have been Pitt's best year yet: in addition to continuing his successful coupling with Jolie, the actor starred in two likely Best Picture contenders, 'The Tree of Life' and 'Moneyball,' the latter of which has him in the thick of the Best Actor race. In honor of Pitt's happy day, let's remember his finest onscreen moment. Pitt is unbelievable in 'Moneyball' and probably deserves and Oscar for his work in that film (he also probably won't get it); you also can't go wrong with anything he did in 'Fight Club,' 'Se7en,' 'Inglourious Basterds' or 'The Assassination of Jesse James.' But, for his birthday, let's remember Pitt as burnt-out stoner Floyd in 'True Romance,' the guy who smokes pot out of a honey bear and doesn't like to get con-des-cended to by mobsters (in this case, a very, very young James Gandolfini). Cheers, Floyd! Cheers, Brad! Have a great birthday! [Photo: AP] Best Performances of 2011 11. Uggie, 'The Artist'10. Corey Stoll, 'Midnight in Paris'9. Ryan Gosling, 'Drive'8. Kristen Wiig, 'Bridesmaids'7. Michelle Williams, 'My Week With Marilyn'6. Meryl Streep, 'The Iron Lady'5. Michael Fassbender, 'Shame'4. Albert Brooks, 'Drive'3. Charlize Theron, 'Young Adult'2. Brad Pitt, 'Moneyball'1. Rooney Mara, 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Forex Orders KGB Spy Drama from Justified Showrunner

Graham Yost Forex has purchased The People in america, a drama about two KGB spies appearing as People in america in early eighties, the network introduced Friday. The series, executive created by Justified's Graham Yost and produced by Falling Skies' Joe Weisberg, focuses on the 2 spies, whose arranged marriage evolves into some thing real, compromising their mission throughout the Cold War. Browse the relaxation of present day news "Joe Weisberg has written among the best pilot scripts we have ever read with two highly attracted and indelible figures starting with an epically exciting, emotional, and morally complex journey," stated Nick Grad, executive v . p . of original programming at Forex. Who do you consider should take part in the married spies? Could it be an excessive amount of for you to for Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton? Friday Evening Lights reunion! Hit your comments ought to together with your ideas.

LA Filmmaker Charged With Movie Tax Credit Fraud In Massachusetts

News reports saywriter-director Daniel Adams was arraignedtoday with defrauding Massachusetts of about $5 million in inflated tax credits he obtained for The Golden Boys and The Lightkeepers.Adams appeared this morning in Boston Municipal Court and ordered held on $100,000 bail. He was arrested Thursday andcharged quickly because authorities want to keep him from flying back to Los Angeles. His attorney said officials had rushed to judgement. Production companies are eligible for a 25% tax credit for payroll and filmmaking expenses incurred in Massachusetts. Prosecutors allege Los Angeles-based Adams intentionally inflated expenses when completing forms for the tax credit andthe state overpaaid some $4.7 million to his production companies. One of Adams’ alleged false claims waspaying Richard Dreyfuss $2.5 million for The Lightkeepers when the actor’s actual fee was $400,000. Maximum penalty if convicted is five years in prison. Both movies were written and directed by Adams andset in the early 20th centuryalong the Cape Cod coast.The Golden Boys (2008) starred David Carradine, Rip Torn and Bruce Dern. The Lightkeepers (2009) starred Dreyfuss, Julie Harris, and Blythe Danner.Adams most recently directed The Big Valley, starring Jessica Lange as the matriarch of a California family based on the TV series that starred Barbara Stanwyck.

The State of the Screenplay Races

CBS has nabbed a police procedural from the Queen. The network has made a script deal for an untitled cop show from Queen Latifah. The project, about a street savvy Philadelphia woman who realizes her calling as a homicide detective after a defining moment, hails from Flavor Unit Entertainment and CBS Studios. Charles Murray (V, Castle, Criminal Minds) will pen and executive produce the drama, withLatifah (Single Ladies, Let's Stay Together) set to executive produce through her production banner Flavor Unit Entertainment.Flavor Unit's Shakim Compere and Shelby Stone along with production company Rocklin/Faust's Nicole Rocklin, Blye Faust and Renata Adamidov are attached as executive producers. If it ultimately makes it to air, the project will join other Latifah-produced entries, including VH1's Single Ladies and BET's Let's Stay Together. Latifah is also prepping a daytime talk show with Sony Pictures Television. Murray, who is writing and directing indie drama Things Never Said, is repped by UTA, Industry Entertainment and Morris-Yorn; Latifah is repped by WME and Eisenberg, Tanchum & Levy. Email: Lacey.Rose@THR.com; Twitter: @LaceyVRose PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 20 Best and Worst Music to Movie Crossovers Related Topics Queen Latifah CBS TV Development

Top Chef's Whitney: My Way Of Thinking Was Off

Whitney Otawka Steak-gate hit Top Chef when Lindsay fired Ty-Lor's meats too soon, however it was Whitney Otawka's undercooked potato gratin that sent her packing and bought Ty-Lor a later date. Not she's any difficulty with this. "Ty shouldn't go home for that meats," Whitney informs TVGuide.com. "A lot of people were focusing on them and there is bad communication, also it wasn't his fault that they are fired early. I deserved to visit.Inch The Georgia-based chef understood the writing was around the wall the moment Tom Colicchio stated his taters were raw. What exactly went wrong? And just how was she unaware these were undercooked? Continue reading.Best Chef's Chuy: I understood I had been screwedTom stated it was among the simplest eliminations they have done. Was very difficult to listen to?Whitney: No, I had been fine with this. It had been among individuals things where the moment he explained exactly what the problem was, I understood I would go back home. I undercooked the potato. This is a pretty fundamental component that people all use each day. And So I was like, "Oh, garbage! I am departing." He's a chef, I am a chef, and so i have it. It's disappointing, obviously, because I wish to be there before the finish. However I comprehend the show. I have seen it over nine seasons. I understood what would occur to me also it happened! You did not think they may pursue Ty for that meats?Whitney: I did not think so because I understood that that required an organization effort. It had not been just him. Individuals were, like, 300 meats. He grilled them, however they went into a lot of hands, whereas with my dish, it had been my dish. Which was among the problems too. I required possession from the dish because I understood that maybe it's a positive thing ultimately or perhaps a really bad factor. It had been exclusively my responsibility, therefore it ought to be me to visit home. Many people were suggesting to prepare the gratin yesterday. Why did not you?Whitney: It had been a period constraint. We'd three hrs in advance so when you are preparing it for your lots of people - just setting it up sliced and eager - there is not a way to prepare it in advance. After which I place it all-in-one convection microwave. You realize when you are in individuals situations under a lot pressure that the brain does not think linearly? [Laughs] My way of thinking was off. I put everything within the convection microwave and whenever you accomplish that, it will not prepare exactly the same it is going to prepare longer. There's a lot in [the dish], therefore it is working harder. So that all those within the center, I am presuming, just were not too done because the ones at the base or even the top. All kitchen devices are various and all ovens work in a different way. It was completely new equipment and that i just shoved everything inside! After I first got it out, I believed which i needed to awesome them because cutting a hot gratin is completely impossible. I understood right from the start like, "What have I completed to myself?"Top Chef's Richie: I wasn't thinking clearlyHow have you not tell that a lot of it was undercooked? Whitney: It's funny because we cooled it so quick because you don't work when it is hot, which means you wouldn't have the ability to differentiate. These were quizzing me in the Judges' Table, like, "Could not you know together with your knife?" It's like, "No, because whenever a potato is cooled off, it's essentially cream and cheese with this dish and hen cream and cheese are cold, it's harder to chop, therefore it seems hot." Those that Used to do try, I figured were overcooked, therefore it just proves that the oven does not always prepare everything evenly. This is exactly why I had been like, "What?! It's undercooked?!" You are saying you had been tight on some time and the idol judges stated six hrs was a lot of time. Whitney: It isn't enough! [Laughs] Consider planning for a social gathering for, like, 40 people. Consider time it might take that you should plan it, prepare it after which prepare it. But you're able to be in your space. You need to suppose you are not in your kitchen, so you are totally not acclimated to everything who are around you. After which you will find 13 people having one another. There's a lot stress it carries over into how you are cooking and that i return to that non-linear way of thinking. Your mind is simply bouncing around inside a million directions. You appear back and you are like, "My dear gosh! That which was I doing?"The entire steak problem was strange. Why did Lindsay fire them so early? Just how much did affecting your dish?Whitney: The entire factor was this type of strange mess. I am not really sure the way it all went lower. It affected many of us because we are all attempting to make the meals hot, therefore it could've cooled off more. Which was among the hard things, too, because we made the only real hot plate. I was effortlessly the prospective. Performing 300 hot plates isn't the simplest factor on the planet.Best Chef's Keith: I understood Sarah and Lindsay would throw me underneath the busHugh is the mentor. Did he say almost anything to you once you were removed?Whitney: He did not say almost anything to me directly. They know me like a chef and that i know him. I have labored for him for such a long time. He's trained me all I understand, therefore it is type of good he wasn't like, "You suck! Whoever else done?" I believe they know me much better than that. I believe also because he's been on the top Chef Masters, he realizes the strain level we are under, so perhaps he did not wish to put on. Maybe there is a soft place in Hugh Acheson's heart we haven’t heard of! [Laughs]What exactly are you so far?Whitney: I am in Athens, Ga. I am back where Hugh's original restaurant is and I am in a restaurant known as Farm 255. I required over this kitchen around three days ago, therefore it is been crazy busy. It is amazing. We now have our very own farm and process our very own meat. It is simply a very great space. I am off [Cumberland Island, where she accustomed to work], that is sad, however i thought I ought to become more accessible because individuals help you on television plus they should have the ability to a minimum of come and eat my food!

Ka-Chung! How All Christmas Music Doubles Radio's Ratings

Jason Aldean was the big winner at Monday night's American Country Awards in Las Vegas, taking home six awards, including artist of the year.our editor recommendsAMAs 2011: Taylor Swift Wins Entertainer of the Year; Adele Scores Favorite Album; Bruno Mars Upsets Justin BieberCMA Awards: Taylor Swift Wins Second Entertainer of the Year TrophyKristin Chenoweth Covers Carrie Underwoods 'Lessons Learned' (Video)Taylor Swift Wins Entertainer of the Year at ACM Awards The singer, the night's top nominee with Zac Brown Band at eight, also nabbed album of the year for My Kinda Party, touring artist of the year and single of the year by a male artist for "My Kinda Party" at the fan-voted awards. PHOTOS: Country Crossovers Meanwhile, Carrie Underwood, who was last year's top winner with six of the Fender Telecaster trophies, won female artist of the year honors as well as music video and single of the year by a female artist for "Mama's Song." Brad Paisley, who was not present at the ceremony, was named male artist of the year. Blake Shelton won video of the year by a male artist for "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking." He dedicated the win to his father, who has "been having a pretty rough couple of weeks." Dick Shelton is the hospital with pneumonia. American Idol winner Scotty McCreery was named new artist of the year. PHOTOS: 54th annual Grammy Award Nominees As expected, the show's focus was squarely on country music's youth movement, with twentysomethings taking in the early haul of Fender Telecaster trophies and performances slots. Chris Young was the show's early leader, earning breakthrough artist and single of the year for "Voices." Co-host Kristin Chenoweth, brought in to keep returning host Trace Adkins in line, added zing to the show. The diminutive Broadway star entered the MGM Grand Garden Arena in boxing gloves, a fighter's robe and impossibly tall high heels, tossing jabs at her 6-foot-6 counterpart while running circles around him. She then challenged him to a singing contest. After she required him to sing "Oklahoma," she dropped the robe to reveal an artificially enhanced posterior and launched into Adkins' hit "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk." Later, Adkins carried her on stage strapped to his chest in a baby carrier. The Associated Press contributed to this report. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Country Crossovers Related Topics Carrie Underwood Kristin Chenoweth Blake Shelton Brad Paisley

Wizarding Arena Of Harry Potter Goes Hollywood

FROM MTV MOVIES: The Wizarding Arena of Harry Potter will get a little bigger. News broke this year's week the second spot for the "Potter" theme park looks like it's opening at Universal Studios' Hollywood location, getting all the frozen butter beer and patronuses that Californians might request. Seems like now's pretty much as good a period of time every for your "Potter" cast's wants Wizarding World inclusions in enter effect, too! See the full story at MTV Movies.

Holdovers, re-releases rule B.O.

Disney's 'The Muppets,' which cumed $41.5 million inside the holiday stretch, is searching ideal for a soph-sesh revival.'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning -- Part 1' is constantly on the feast round the B.O. within the third frame.Appreciate it or else, most Stateside moviegoers will have to play catch-up at multiplexes a couple of days ago.That's because that is usually one of the slowest B.O. seshes of year (a couple of days following Thanksgiving), art galleries have chosen not to bow new game game titles around the country wide scale. The drought takes care of for holiday game game titles, introduced by last week's top photos, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning -- Part 1" and "The Muppets."The weekend's finest-profile era is Fox Searchlight's NC-17-rated "Shame," starting with nine locations.Searching to take advantage from the recession, a few honours hopefuls that opened up up taken, such as the new the new sony pair "Moneyball" and "The Ides of March," have become wide re-releases. Paramount's large champion while using National Board of Review, "Hugo," also adds greater than 500 locations within the second outing for just about any total 1,840.A week ago, "Breaking Beginning" assigned the domestic B.O. getting a five-day tally of $61.9 million, then "The Muppets," which collected $41.5 million inside the extended holiday stretch. "Breaking Beginning" cumed $228 million through Wednesday "Muppets," $44 million.Even though penultimate "Twilight" pic might win its third straight frame (pic has assigned mid-days handily), some B.O. bloggers say "The Muppets" is searching ideal for a soph-sesh revival.A year ago, Warner Bros.' Thanksgiving champion "Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" surrendered the publish-holiday frame's top spot to Disney's "Twisted." "Twisted," however, did slightly a lot better than "The Muppets" with mid-week perfs. "Muppets" faces a more crowded family market.Either in situation, B.O. experts expect a great race.Other likely benefactors in the holdover-centered weekend are the remaining kidpics -- Warner Bros.' "Happy Foot Two," Sony's "Arthur Christmas" and "Hugo."Initial soft monitoring for "Hugo" triggered Componen to re-think the film's release strategy, scaling it to simply north of a single,200 locations. In the wake of positive critical response and robust adult interest, the studio attacked an effective second week expansion. (Adult auds are often more passionate patrons throughout repeat frames.)Fox Searchlight's "The Descendants," which nabbed three NBR honours, including actor and supporting actress, also needs to still draw strong adult support. A week ago, the film increased being Searchlight's fastest-grossing film to attain $ten million in just 12 days, beating "Black Swan," which needed 17 days striking that mark."Descendants," which has totalled north of $12 million through Wednesday, develops now to 574 playdates.Meanwhile, the distrib's limited bow of "Shame" faces an uncertain road given its limited rating, though kudos attention for star Michael Fassbender should lift overall interest. Searchlight bowed NC-17-rated "The Dreamers" at five locations throughout February 2004, calculating a great $28,526 opening per-screen.Similarly explicit indie "Sleeping Beauty," from Sundance Selects, debuts a couple of days ago at two locations, because the Weinstein Co.'s "Coriolanus" features a one-week Oscar-being qualified run at two locations in NY and La before its opening Jan. 20. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

REVIEW: Strange, Hypnotic Sleeping Beauty Sends No Apparent Message -- Fortunately

When Australian author-director Julia Leigh’s Sleeping Beauty made its debut at Cannes last May, the responses among experts I spoken to veered from bland outrage to vexed monotony. That doesn’t leave plenty of middle ground, which i desired to determine Sleeping Beauty again before I used to be reasonably sure a few things i considered it. I’m still not reasonably sure a few things i contemplate it: The look is clinical within the approach which is technique, yet it leaves lots of questions not-clarified — it’s straightforward in the vague, maddening way. It’s also oddly, obliquely compelling. Emily Browning — who recently came out just like a small-skirted vixen warrior in Sucker Punch and, a few years before that, as Crimson in Lemony Snicket’s Numerous Unfortunate Occasions — plays Lucy, a continuously broke Australian college student who must execute a patchwork of jobs to settle the debts. She also provides an unusual mishmash of pals whose particular roles in their existence should never be clearly referred to: There’s some science dude in the lab coat who’s grateful they’ll permit him to regularly drop a narrow tube way lower her throat there’s furthermore a shy, bookish shut-in gent (carried out by Ewen Leslie) who’s thrilled when she involves visit him — and not because she flows him a bowlful of cereal decorated liberally with vodka. Nevertheless the central occasions of Lucy’s existence at this time around are episodes through which she literally sleeps: After reacting to some newspaper ad, she becomes the worker of Clara (Rachael Blake), a awesome blonde Tippi Hedren lookalike who’s a madam of sorts. Lucy’s first gig with Clara involves wearing pale vanilla lingerie that seems as if it were built of spun sugar and flowing brandy for many leering, clearly wealthy oldies. (Her compatriots in this particular exercise are bare-breasted brunettes with slicked-back hair from the Robert Palmer video.) Then Clara enlists Lucy for just about any different kind of work: Lucy is drugged, along with her consent, having a couple of unknown powder taken into a cupful of tea. Then, in their slumber, she’s placed naked beneath the coverlet from the golden-brocade bed mattress. Clara’s clients — mostly the identical wealthy oldies seen earlier — can buy time while using “sleeping beauty,” there is however one strict rule: They cannot penetrate her. They could, however, talk dirty to her, lift her up and drag her around, or just nestle silently alongside her. And you'll wager they're doing all people things. Lucy’s curiosity eventually can get the higher of her, that literally brings the film to have an unforeseen and oddly tender climax. But through everything, you’re vulnerable to request, after i did: Exactly what are you doing here? And why? The greater I consider Sleeping Beauty, the higher I admire Leigh due to not being released getting a significantly defined motive or message. It wouldn’t be difficult to constitute some blah-biddy blah-blah explication of Sleeping Beauty through getting a few convenient feminist-lit code words about women’s agency if the involves their sexuality, or perhaps the possessive character of male desire, or somesuch. However think Sleeping Beauty is much better experienced as a little of fragmented poetry instead of a strict ideological tract. Visually, it’s a perfect little bit of craftsmanship: As shot by DP Geoffrey Simpson, the look features a pearlescent, dreamy glow, specially when it calls for Browning’s impossibly peachy skin, which there’s a good deal. The majority of the movie’s plans are painterly, and Browning herself is kind of a Burne-Manley heroine to use it. Her performance here's measured and controlled mostly, her character just allows products to happen to her, barely responding. That’s part of the idea, possibly: Lucy can be a receptor, even though she appears to own taken charge of her sexuality (she sleeps with whomever sherrrd like, picking males up in bars if the suits her), she really hasn’t a concept what she’s doing. The reason, possibly, is always that there’s something so mysterious about libido that doesn't probably the most contemporary freethinkers within our midst can ever totally appreciate it. Maybe that’s really all this semi-surreal, hypnotic picture is about. And possibly that’s enough. Follow Stephanie Zacharek on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

'Breaking Bad' Ensemble on Meth and Method

'Breaking Bad' Ensemble on Meth and Method By Back Stage staff November 30, 2011 Photo by Ben Leuner/AMC When "Breaking Bad" premiered on AMC in January 2008, expectations weren't high. It was only the second original program the network had producedalthough its first one, "Mad Men," was a critical and commercial hit. And it starred Bryan Cranston, best known as the doofus father from "Malcolm in the Middle," playing a high school teacher who turns methamphetamine manufacturer when he's diagnosed with lung cancer. Four seasons and three Emmy wins for Cranston later, "Breaking Bad" has proved to be not only groundbreaking television but also a showcase for one of the best dramatic ensembles on TV. Along with Cranston as Walter White, the original cast consists of all-stars: Aaron Paul as Walter's boneheaded partner, Jesse; Anna Gunn as Walter's wife, Skyler; Betsy Brandt as Skyler's sister Marie; Dean Norris as Marie's DEA agent husband, Hank; and RJ Mitte as Walter and Skyler's son, Walt Jr. Over the years, great support has been lent by Bob Odenkirk as sleazy lawyer Saul, Giancarlo Esposito as meth distributor Gus, and Jonathan Banks as Gus' right-hand man Mike. Much credit goes to creator Vince Gilligan, who has crafted complex, distinctive characters and a story line that dares to go places never seen before on television. Back Stage spoke with some of the cast members of the innovative show, now gearing up for its fifth and final season.Back Stage: How did your role on the show come about? Bryan Cranston: Well, I was the first one cast. Almost 10 years earlier, I had done an "X-Files" episode, which Vince Gilligan wrote. The character I played was conflicted: He was really an awful person, and yet he was a human being. That kind of nuance was exactly what Vince does well. Flash-forward: After "Malcolm in the Middle," I get this call. Vince wants to see me for this role, Walter White, on "Breaking Bad." Then I read the script, and it was phenomenal. I went in for a scheduled 20-minute meeting, and an hour and a half later I left. After that meeting, Vince was my champion to get the role. And it wasn't easy. I became known for "Malcolm in the Middle," so AMC and Sony TV were saying, "Wait a minute. For Walter, you want that goofy dad from 'Malcolm in the Middle'? Are you kidding?" And Vince was like, "Yes. He's the guy." He sent over the tape from "X-Files," and they watched it and said, "Yeah, but we should still look at others." He said, "Well, you can, but he's the guy." I owe it all to the Vince, not only in writing this character but also in support of me to get the role. I was very fortunate they filled out the rest of the cast with fantastic actors to work with. All the drama is in the show and not around the show, which is great.Anna Gunn: I had just had my second babyshe was about 3 or 4 months oldwhen my friend and casting director Sharon Bialy was trying to get me to come in and read for "Breaking Bad." At the time, I had a really bad flu, and I told her I couldn't come in, but then Sharon called and said, "I don't care how sick you are, you're coming in. You have to read for this." She sent me the script, and I went, "Oh myokay, this is a brilliant script." They had already cast Bryan Cranston as Walt. I went in and read opposite him, and so did three other women. Bryan and I got along immediately. We had really good chemistry and just really enjoyed each other. Sharon said after the reading, "Okay, get ready to go to New Mexico." I said, "What?" because the script at the time was still set in the outskirts of L.A., but they decided to take it to New Mexico. I talked to Vince because I wanted to make sure that Skyler wasn't going to be just the long-suffering wife. There are a lot of those characters on TV. I had a conversation with him and asked, "What's your plan for her? What kind of journey is she going to go on?" He said, "Well, she's going to be kind of like Carmela Soprano, but in on the crime." He had a clear sense of where he wanted to take the characters. I said, "Okay. Sold." Dean Norris: I auditioned for Vince Gilligan. It's funny because I met Betsy Brandt outside the room for the first time. I was looking at her, and I was going, "Man, this seems like a comedy to me, right?" She was like, "Yeah, I'm not sure; I think it's a comedy, too." "Right," I said. "But it's not all comedy. I think my part's the comedy part." So luckily, I made the right call on that and hit it off with Vince right away, and that was it. I think I pretty much had it from that moment on. Had to go through the test with the network, but they were all on board.Betsy Brandt: Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomastwo of my favorite casting directors; I love them professionally, and they are two of the best people that I knowbrought me in for the role of Marie. I'm always excited when they bring me in for something, because they do such good work. I read the pilot and told my husband it was the best one that I had ever read, and then once I met Vince Gilligan, I really wanted to work on the show.Aaron Paul: I read the pilot, and I loved it instantly, but I actually found out later on that Jesse was supposed to have died in the first season. They still make a joke out of it on set. But they loved the sort of "Odd Couple" pairing Walt and Jesse made and, thankfully, decided to keep him on. I'm so grateful, and just feel so blessed, because it's been such an amazing journey.Back Stage: Did you do any special research or preparation for the part? Cranston: I went to USC, and I followed around the head of the chemistry department for two daysreally just sucked up all his brain matter on the subject. In fact, I had my script with me, and I showed it to him. And for a few things, he said, "Oh, that's not correct. That kind of round-bottom boiling flask is only for boiling, not for mixing." So I called Vince right away. We do the best we can to make it as accurate as possible, so that chemists watching the show will go, "That's pretty damn good."Gunn: Research was very minimal for Skyler at the start because, being from New Mexico and a mother of two, I understand how she felt as a housewife who is pregnant and has another kid. She and her husband are in dire financial straits, and she's trying to keep her head above water as she runs that household, but she's always trying to find a clever way to pay the endless pile of bills. I felt like I knew who Skyler was up-front, but we had to do some shading with her. I asked Vince, "Why is Skyler not working if Walt has to work two jobs to keep the family afloat?" He said, "Well, she's pregnant." I said, "I know, but pregnant women do work as well, so is there something we can give her to do to help the family?" Early on, he and I talked about her being a short-story writerartistically that was her dream, and that was something we felt she could do while being at home taking care of the kids. That was in the show in the first season here and there. Then she went back to being Ted Beneke's [played by Christopher Cousins] accountant. I thought from the beginning that [she] would have something to do with the cooking the books, possibly. Norris: I did [research] after I got [the role], because the material of the audition didn't actually make it into the pilot. It was all kind of his personality and his being, who he was. So the research came after I got the role, because I needed to know more about the DEA and how they worked and their guns and all that kind of stuff. We had a lot of DEA guys, and they would take me out in Albuquerque to their top-secret training locations, and we got to shoot a lot of guns and just talk about the process and things they do. Also, at the same time, I was getting to meet the guys and get an eye on them and see what they are like and learn about them, in addition to getting the actual information about what the DEA does and how they do it.Brandt: I didn't do any special research for Marie in the beginning. I did talk to some friends in New Mexicohe's a DEA agent, and she's lived through all the things you live through when you're married to an agent. That was really helpful to me, and they've become close friends of ours.Paul: Yeah, it's really been a combination of things. I've watched a lot of YouTube videos of peopleyou can pretty much find anything on the Internet nowand I also spoke one-on-one with some recovering addicts, and they shared their journeys with me. I also had some personal experience watching a friend that had gone through that and watching that path. It was a very dark experience.Back Stage: What has been your most challenging moment on the show? Or favorite scene? Cranston: I enjoyed the classroom scenes early on when Walt was still teaching, because I was able to allow the character to be comfortable, sharing his knowledge of a subject he was very fond of. Now that's gone, and it spun off into this deteriorating kind of lifestyle that this man has because of his poor choices. The most important element for me was when he made the initial decision to become someone he's not. A lot of people will have different opinions on when he went from good to bad. I say it was the very first episode, when he allowed his morality to lapse and make a decision, and consequently, make more decisions that supported that lack of morality and dance with the devil. Gunn: I really loved in Season 3 when Skyler starts a relationship with Ted. She gets there because they did have a friendship and obviously some sort of chemistry between them beforehand. At that point in the show, she's in a position where Walt won't tell her anything when she finds out what he's doing and she's trapped. She doesn't have a way to deal with it. She could take the kids away and run, or she could turn Walt in to the police, which she knows she can't do because that would devastate her 16-year-old. She's in a situation where she has to say, "I'm going to stay here and make the best of it." But her anger and the feeling of being trapped makes Skylerin terms of her ownbreak bad. And leads to her involvement with Ted, which was really a slap in the face to Walt. I really liked the scene where she comes into the kitchen and says, "I f---ed Ted," because nobody knew that was coming and nobody knew that Skyler had it in her to do that. That was a really great moment because that was when she really started to break bad herself. In Season 4, Ted comes to Skyler and basically says, "The IRS is going to come and look at the books. They are going to look into me and you." She knows if they look into her, that's very bad. I love the scene where she went into the IRS office and pretends to be a bubble-headed blond to explain the errors in the books. Skyler has been a moral center for the show, and I love that she was willing to tart herself up and act like a bimbo because it was her only way to save the family. Norris: It would be the episode "One Minute." Actually, any of my scenes in "One Minute" I'll take, but particularly the scene where Hank's on the bed talking to his wife and admits that he's no longer the man that he thought he was. I thought that was really, really a great, well-written scene and amazing for a guy like Hank to have to admit that. Admit to the whole PTSD thing to his wife and all that stuff. Immediately followed by him almost getting shot to death. For me, the biggest challenge was Season 4, having to be in a really bad mood and stuck in bed. We were in real time on that show, and there was only so much recovery they could have Hank do believably, because I think in the whole show we've only gone six months or something from day one, you know? It's not long. A year at the most. So they needed to keep him in bed. He was frustrated, and all that frustration oddly enough just bled over. After having had such interesting stuff to do in Season 3I mean, as an actor I find it more fun to play a character breaking down than a character slowly recovering. Now that he's recovered, we'll see what Season 5 brings in terms of him being able to get back into the fray of things. I mean, I'm hoping that they're going to. I don't see how they cannot not focus on the Hank-Walt confrontation because it's been building for four seasons. One would think that would have to be one of the focuses of the next season.Brandt: To this day, I would say that the intervention scene in Season 1 was a big moment for me. It was such a great ensemble piece, and I felt as if who all of these people werein their own right and to each otherbecame crystal clear in that scene. Don't get me wrong: I love the material that I get, especially in Seasons 3 and 4, but shooting that scene in the first season was a watershed moment for me.Paul: In the second-to-last episode of this season, the scene with Walt and Jesse where Jesse accuses Walt in his house of poisoning Brockthat scene took an entire day to do, and we just did it over and over all day. Our writers, they're just so amazing. The words they write are just so compellingthe way that scene unfolds has such an emotional arc. The writers really did an amazing job with this season; they just keep raising the stakes every episode.Back Stage: Are you surprised such a dark and unique show has found such critical acclaim and an audience? Was there a moment you realized the show was having such an impact on people? Brandt: No, not at all. It's just so good. I also felt that when we were shooting the pilot, that I could really see this going over extremely well. It seems kind of addictive. I love the moments that the show takes. A lot of shows, or films even, don't do that, and I just live for that stuff.Paul: Yes, every day when people come up to me on the street asking me to say, "Yo, bitch!" But in all seriousness, I kind of am surprised, but not really, how the show has found such an audience. There's a flavor in the market for material that pushes past normal television's limits. Vince and his team of writers have been so great at pushing the boundaries, and I'm so blessed to be a part of it.Cranston: I felt all along that this was a show that would make an impact if it was lucky enough to stay on the air. There are several shows that have been taken off the air before it was their time and are now forgotten. This show was pitched about six years ago. If it was pitched 10 years ago, it would never have been made. So timing is an essential part of success in this ephemeral television business. The audiences were demanding sophisticated storytelling. Cable was looking for product that was not like anything that was on broadcast. All of these elements came into place in a perfect storm. Gunn: Yeah, I think [the attention] really started to happen this season. Wherever I went, basically somebody said, "Oh, my God, you're Skyler," or "I love the show." It's such a broad and diverse group of people that say that, so it's always surprising to me. I noticed during our fourth-season premiere the number of fans outside grew exponentially from that of previous years. I thought, "Oh, my gosh, we're really on the map now." I'm doing a play over at the Geffen Playhouse currently and went out for a drink with some of my co-stars at a bar. It was right before Halloween. There was a guy with a sort of a fedora-type hat, and his eyes lit up when I walked in. He came over and said, "Are you Skyler?" I said, "I am." He said, "Oh, my God, I'm dressed as Heisenberg [Walter White's alter ego]." He pulled out crystal blue rock candy, which was supposed to be blue meth in a baggie. He asked, "Can I take a picture with you? If I take a picture with Skyler, it will make my entire night." So I took a picture with him. It was so funny, but it happens a lot now. We've seen [the audience] really grow. It's been great. Norris: There was a moment when I realized it was great, and that's when we all sat down and screened the pilot. We were just left speechless. Like, "Wow, it's like a feature film." I was a little nervous because it was so good I was like, how could it continue to be that good? Then there was a moment when Bryan won the Emmy the first year, because nobody, I mean you couldn't even bet on him, I mean there were no odds. Then when he did, we were like, "Oh wow, some people are watching. People are noticing." After that, it was just kind of slow and steady. Certainly after Season 3, any place I would go in public I would run into people who were big fans. They would stop me, and they don't just go, "Hey, I like your show." They grab me by my shirt and go, "Man, that's the best f---ing show I've ever seen." They are very vocal about it. Which is cool. And I'm up here in Alaska doing a movie ["The Frozen Ground"], and literally everybody in any bar or restaurant I go out at, there's any number of people who will come up and talk about the show. 'Breaking Bad' Ensemble on Meth and Method By Back Stage staff November 30, 2011 PHOTO CREDIT Ben Leuner/AMC When "Breaking Bad" premiered on AMC in January 2008, expectations weren't high. It was only the second original program the network had producedalthough its first one, "Mad Men," was a critical and commercial hit. And it starred Bryan Cranston, best known as the doofus father from "Malcolm in the Middle," playing a high school teacher who turns methamphetamine manufacturer when he's diagnosed with lung cancer. Four seasons and three Emmy wins for Cranston later, "Breaking Bad" has proved to be not only groundbreaking television but also a showcase for one of the best dramatic ensembles on TV. Along with Cranston as Walter White, the original cast consists of all-stars: Aaron Paul as Walter's boneheaded partner, Jesse; Anna Gunn as Walter's wife, Skyler; Betsy Brandt as Skyler's sister Marie; Dean Norris as Marie's DEA agent husband, Hank; and RJ Mitte as Walter and Skyler's son, Walt Jr. Over the years, great support has been lent by Bob Odenkirk as sleazy lawyer Saul, Giancarlo Esposito as meth distributor Gus, and Jonathan Banks as Gus' right-hand man Mike. Much credit goes to creator Vince Gilligan, who has crafted complex, distinctive characters and a story line that dares to go places never seen before on television. Back Stage spoke with some of the cast members of the innovative show, now gearing up for its fifth and final season.Back Stage: How did your role on the show come about? Bryan Cranston: Well, I was the first one cast. Almost 10 years earlier, I had done an "X-Files" episode, which Vince Gilligan wrote. The character I played was conflicted: He was really an awful person, and yet he was a human being. That kind of nuance was exactly what Vince does well. Flash-forward: After "Malcolm in the Middle," I get this call. Vince wants to see me for this role, Walter White, on "Breaking Bad." Then I read the script, and it was phenomenal. I went in for a scheduled 20-minute meeting, and an hour and a half later I left. After that meeting, Vince was my champion to get the role. And it wasn't easy. I became known for "Malcolm in the Middle," so AMC and Sony TV were saying, "Wait a minute. For Walter, you want that goofy dad from 'Malcolm in the Middle'? Are you kidding?" And Vince was like, "Yes. He's the guy." He sent over the tape from "X-Files," and they watched it and said, "Yeah, but we should still look at others." He said, "Well, you can, but he's the guy." I owe it all to the Vince, not only in writing this character but also in support of me to get the role. I was very fortunate they filled out the rest of the cast with fantastic actors to work with. All the drama is in the show and not around the show, which is great.Anna Gunn: I had just had my second babyshe was about 3 or 4 months oldwhen my friend and casting director Sharon Bialy was trying to get me to come in and read for "Breaking Bad." At the time, I had a really bad flu, and I told her I couldn't come in, but then Sharon called and said, "I don't care how sick you are, you're coming in. You have to read for this." She sent me the script, and I went, "Oh myokay, this is a brilliant script." They had already cast Bryan Cranston as Walt. I went in and read opposite him, and so did three other women. Bryan and I got along immediately. We had really good chemistry and just really enjoyed each other. Sharon said after the reading, "Okay, get ready to go to New Mexico." I said, "What?" because the script at the time was still set in the outskirts of L.A., but they decided to take it to New Mexico. I talked to Vince because I wanted to make sure that Skyler wasn't going to be just the long-suffering wife. There are a lot of those characters on TV. I had a conversation with him and asked, "What's your plan for her? What kind of journey is she going to go on?" He said, "Well, she's going to be kind of like Carmela Soprano, but in on the crime." He had a clear sense of where he wanted to take the characters. I said, "Okay. Sold." Dean Norris: I auditioned for Vince Gilligan. It's funny because I met Betsy Brandt outside the room for the first time. I was looking at her, and I was going, "Man, this seems like a comedy to me, right?" She was like, "Yeah, I'm not sure; I think it's a comedy, too." "Right," I said. "But it's not all comedy. I think my part's the comedy part." So luckily, I made the right call on that and hit it off with Vince right away, and that was it. I think I pretty much had it from that moment on. Had to go through the test with the network, but they were all on board.Betsy Brandt: Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomastwo of my favorite casting directors; I love them professionally, and they are two of the best people that I knowbrought me in for the role of Marie. I'm always excited when they bring me in for something, because they do such good work. I read the pilot and told my husband it was the best one that I had ever read, and then once I met Vince Gilligan, I really wanted to work on the show.Aaron Paul: I read the pilot, and I loved it instantly, but I actually found out later on that Jesse was supposed to have died in the first season. They still make a joke out of it on set. But they loved the sort of "Odd Couple" pairing Walt and Jesse made and, thankfully, decided to keep him on. I'm so grateful, and just feel so blessed, because it's been such an amazing journey.Back Stage: Did you do any special research or preparation for the part? Cranston: I went to USC, and I followed around the head of the chemistry department for two daysreally just sucked up all his brain matter on the subject. In fact, I had my script with me, and I showed it to him. And for a few things, he said, "Oh, that's not correct. That kind of round-bottom boiling flask is only for boiling, not for mixing." So I called Vince right away. We do the best we can to make it as accurate as possible, so that chemists watching the show will go, "That's pretty damn good."Gunn: Research was very minimal for Skyler at the start because, being from New Mexico and a mother of two, I understand how she felt as a housewife who is pregnant and has another kid. She and her husband are in dire financial straits, and she's trying to keep her head above water as she runs that household, but she's always trying to find a clever way to pay the endless pile of bills. I felt like I knew who Skyler was up-front, but we had to do some shading with her. I asked Vince, "Why is Skyler not working if Walt has to work two jobs to keep the family afloat?" He said, "Well, she's pregnant." I said, "I know, but pregnant women do work as well, so is there something we can give her to do to help the family?" Early on, he and I talked about her being a short-story writerartistically that was her dream, and that was something we felt she could do while being at home taking care of the kids. That was in the show in the first season here and there. Then she went back to being Ted Beneke's [played by Christopher Cousins] accountant. I thought from the beginning that [she] would have something to do with the cooking the books, possibly. Norris: I did [research] after I got [the role], because the material of the audition didn't actually make it into the pilot. It was all kind of his personality and his being, who he was. So the research came after I got the role, because I needed to know more about the DEA and how they worked and their guns and all that kind of stuff. We had a lot of DEA guys, and they would take me out in Albuquerque to their top-secret training locations, and we got to shoot a lot of guns and just talk about the process and things they do. Also, at the same time, I was getting to meet the guys and get an eye on them and see what they are like and learn about them, in addition to getting the actual information about what the DEA does and how they do it.Brandt: I didn't do any special research for Marie in the beginning. I did talk to some friends in New Mexicohe's a DEA agent, and she's lived through all the things you live through when you're married to an agent. That was really helpful to me, and they've become close friends of ours.Paul: Yeah, it's really been a combination of things. I've watched a lot of YouTube videos of peopleyou can pretty much find anything on the Internet nowand I also spoke one-on-one with some recovering addicts, and they shared their journeys with me. I also had some personal experience watching a friend that had gone through that and watching that path. It was a very dark experience.Back Stage: What has been your most challenging moment on the show? Or favorite scene? Cranston: I enjoyed the classroom scenes early on when Walt was still teaching, because I was able to allow the character to be comfortable, sharing his knowledge of a subject he was very fond of. Now that's gone, and it spun off into this deteriorating kind of lifestyle that this man has because of his poor choices. The most important element for me was when he made the initial decision to become someone he's not. A lot of people will have different opinions on when he went from good to bad. I say it was the very first episode, when he allowed his morality to lapse and make a decision, and consequently, make more decisions that supported that lack of morality and dance with the devil. Gunn: I really loved in Season 3 when Skyler starts a relationship with Ted. She gets there because they did have a friendship and obviously some sort of chemistry between them beforehand. At that point in the show, she's in a position where Walt won't tell her anything when she finds out what he's doing and she's trapped. She doesn't have a way to deal with it. She could take the kids away and run, or she could turn Walt in to the police, which she knows she can't do because that would devastate her 16-year-old. She's in a situation where she has to say, "I'm going to stay here and make the best of it." But her anger and the feeling of being trapped makes Skylerin terms of her ownbreak bad. And leads to her involvement with Ted, which was really a slap in the face to Walt. I really liked the scene where she comes into the kitchen and says, "I f---ed Ted," because nobody knew that was coming and nobody knew that Skyler had it in her to do that. That was a really great moment because that was when she really started to break bad herself. In Season 4, Ted comes to Skyler and basically says, "The IRS is going to come and look at the books. They are going to look into me and you." She knows if they look into her, that's very bad. I love the scene where she went into the IRS office and pretends to be a bubble-headed blond to explain the errors in the books. Skyler has been a moral center for the show, and I love that she was willing to tart herself up and act like a bimbo because it was her only way to save the family. Norris: It would be the episode "One Minute." Actually, any of my scenes in "One Minute" I'll take, but particularly the scene where Hank's on the bed talking to his wife and admits that he's no longer the man that he thought he was. I thought that was really, really a great, well-written scene and amazing for a guy like Hank to have to admit that. Admit to the whole PTSD thing to his wife and all that stuff. Immediately followed by him almost getting shot to death. For me, the biggest challenge was Season 4, having to be in a really bad mood and stuck in bed. We were in real time on that show, and there was only so much recovery they could have Hank do believably, because I think in the whole show we've only gone six months or something from day one, you know? It's not long. A year at the most. So they needed to keep him in bed. He was frustrated, and all that frustration oddly enough just bled over. After having had such interesting stuff to do in Season 3I mean, as an actor I find it more fun to play a character breaking down than a character slowly recovering. Now that he's recovered, we'll see what Season 5 brings in terms of him being able to get back into the fray of things. I mean, I'm hoping that they're going to. I don't see how they cannot not focus on the Hank-Walt confrontation because it's been building for four seasons. One would think that would have to be one of the focuses of the next season.Brandt: To this day, I would say that the intervention scene in Season 1 was a big moment for me. It was such a great ensemble piece, and I felt as if who all of these people werein their own right and to each otherbecame crystal clear in that scene. Don't get me wrong: I love the material that I get, especially in Seasons 3 and 4, but shooting that scene in the first season was a watershed moment for me.Paul: In the second-to-last episode of this season, the scene with Walt and Jesse where Jesse accuses Walt in his house of poisoning Brockthat scene took an entire day to do, and we just did it over and over all day. Our writers, they're just so amazing. The words they write are just so compellingthe way that scene unfolds has such an emotional arc. The writers really did an amazing job with this season; they just keep raising the stakes every episode.Back Stage: Are you surprised such a dark and unique show has found such critical acclaim and an audience? Was there a moment you realized the show was having such an impact on people? Brandt: No, not at all. It's just so good. I also felt that when we were shooting the pilot, that I could really see this going over extremely well. It seems kind of addictive. I love the moments that the show takes. A lot of shows, or films even, don't do that, and I just live for that stuff.Paul: Yes, every day when people come up to me on the street asking me to say, "Yo, bitch!" But in all seriousness, I kind of am surprised, but not really, how the show has found such an audience. There's a flavor in the market for material that pushes past normal television's limits. Vince and his team of writers have been so great at pushing the boundaries, and I'm so blessed to be a part of it.Cranston: I felt all along that this was a show that would make an impact if it was lucky enough to stay on the air. There are several shows that have been taken off the air before it was their time and are now forgotten. This show was pitched about six years ago. If it was pitched 10 years ago, it would never have been made. So timing is an essential part of success in this ephemeral television business. The audiences were demanding sophisticated storytelling. Cable was looking for product that was not like anything that was on broadcast. All of these elements came into place in a perfect storm. Gunn: Yeah, I think [the attention] really started to happen this season. Wherever I went, basically somebody said, "Oh, my God, you're Skyler," or "I love the show." It's such a broad and diverse group of people that say that, so it's always surprising to me. I noticed during our fourth-season premiere the number of fans outside grew exponentially from that of previous years. I thought, "Oh, my gosh, we're really on the map now." I'm doing a play over at the Geffen Playhouse currently and went out for a drink with some of my co-stars at a bar. It was right before Halloween. There was a guy with a sort of a fedora-type hat, and his eyes lit up when I walked in. He came over and said, "Are you Skyler?" I said, "I am." He said, "Oh, my God, I'm dressed as Heisenberg [Walter White's alter ego]." He pulled out crystal blue rock candy, which was supposed to be blue meth in a baggie. He asked, "Can I take a picture with you? If I take a picture with Skyler, it will make my entire night." So I took a picture with him. It was so funny, but it happens a lot now. We've seen [the audience] really grow. It's been great. Norris: There was a moment when I realized it was great, and that's when we all sat down and screened the pilot. We were just left speechless. Like, "Wow, it's like a feature film." I was a little nervous because it was so good I was like, how could it continue to be that good? Then there was a moment when Bryan won the Emmy the first year, because nobody, I mean you couldn't even bet on him, I mean there were no odds. Then when he did, we were like, "Oh wow, some people are watching. People are noticing." After that, it was just kind of slow and steady. Certainly after Season 3, any place I would go in public I would run into people who were big fans. They would stop me, and they don't just go, "Hey, I like your show." They grab me by my shirt and go, "Man, that's the best f---ing show I've ever seen." They are very vocal about it. Which is cool. And I'm up here in Alaska doing a movie ["The Frozen Ground"], and literally everybody in any bar or restaurant I go out at, there's any number of people who will come up and talk about the show.

David Ayer Writing The Completely New Scarface

For Universal's latest updateYou might recall that, in September, Universal made a decision to risk the wrath in the anti idea-recycling crowd by announcing it might take another shot at Scarface, that's been introduced for the screen two occasions already. In individuals days, only producer Martin Bregman (who aided usher John P Palma's 1983 Al Pacino version to cinemas) was attached, busily winding up in authors to discover a fresh take. Well, he's found one exactly the same shape as David Ayer. The man who written Training Day and Dark Blue and contains since gone onto write and direct Harsh Occasions, Street Nobleman as well as the approaching Finish Of Watch knows a couple of reasons for criminal types and violent corruption, and chased the job: "This is often a fantasy personally, I am in a position to still remember once i saw the film at 13 plus it blew my ideas,Inch he notifies Deadline. "I looked for this I assaulted that it is hard. I notice since the story in the American dream, getting a personality whose moral compass points in the different direction. That puts it during my wheelhouse. I examined both original Ben Hecht-Howard Hawks movie as well as the P Palma-Pacino version and situated some universal styles."But though he thinks he's found the styles, he continues to have not cracked their very own practice it simply yet. "I'm still beneath the hood identifying the wiring that will translate, but both films stood a specificity of place, there's unapologetic violence, together with a principal character who socially scared the shit from people, but who had their very own moral code. Each was faithful for the underworld of time. You will discover enough options inside the real existence today that provide an chance to accomplish this right. Whether or not this only decided to be an attempt to remake the 1983 film, which will never work."There's not sure yet on whether Ayer will direct what he produces, but chances are Universal might offer him the gig once the studio likes his script...

HBO Sets Eastbound & Down Return, Life's Too Short Premiere

Eastbound & Down Kenny Powers is back! Eastbound & Down, starring Danny McBride as a former major league baseball player, will return Sunday, Feb. 19 at 10/9c, followed by the premiere of Ricky Gervais' mockumentary Life's Too Short at 10:30/9:30c on HBO. Check out the rest of today's news The new series stars Harry Potter's Warwick Davis as a fictionalized version of himself as he tries to hustle his way back into the spotlight. Johnny Depp, Sting and Steve Carell are all set to make appearances. The third season of Down will see Powers return to his hometown of Shelby, N.C., after a stint playing south of the border. Are you excited for the show's return?

Seth Rogen Thinks the Oscars Screwed Over James Franco

If there’s one thing we still need to discuss, it’s the 2011 Oscars and how co-host James Franco bungled them up. (If you believe that, I have bunch of leftover Sarah Palin jokes I’d like to fly for you.) Fellow Freaks and Geeks alum Seth Rogen responded to a question regarding Mr. Franco, and he finally weighed in on the Oscars’ decision to hire young hosts. Specifically, he thinks the Academy screwed James Franco over. In an interview with Shortlist.com, Rogen considered the circumstances surrounding Franco’s dubious hosting gig. James Franco’s a friend of yours. Would you ever host the Oscars like he did? Not now [laughs]. I think when you agree to do something like that, you put a certain amount of faith in the institution, hoping that they’ll take care of you, and I feel like they didn’t [take care of him]. Why hire James Franco and then give him Billy Crystal’s monologue? It was like, “Oh, we’ll hire these young hosts and then we’ll just do the same sh*t we do every f*cking year.” Which to me was really odd. I think they just approached it wrong. They didn’t think it through, and they were way underprepared. I think they hung him out to dry. So I wouldn’t do it unless they hired some better writers [laughs]. I think the better question is, “Why hire James Franco to recite patter at all?” Even smoother thespians like Jon Hamm and Ryan Gosling would’ve had a tough time remaining buoyant and perky for 210 minutes. An Oscar host must be vaudevillian. There’s no getting around it. Hugh Jackman, I eagerly await your return to the dais. Mind you, if Franco decided to host the Razzies next year, my respect for him would likely quintuple. Seth Rogen interview [Shortlist]

Jared Harris Cast as Ulysses S. Grant in Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln'

Jared Harris may be British, but he retains the acting chops to see a classic U.S. general and leader. According to Variety, Harris been cast as Ulysses S. Grant in Steven Spielberg's historic biopic, 'Lincoln.' The film focuses on Abraham Lincoln subsequently subsequently (Daniel Day Lewis) through the finish in the Civil War. Harris, most recently recognized for his role as Lane Pryce in 'Mad Males,' has starred in many films, for instance 'The Curious Situation of Benjamin Button,' Mr. Deeds' and 'Natural Born Killings.' In 'Lincoln,' he'll play Grant before he increased being leader (Lincoln subsequently subsequently was the 16th, Grant the 18th). Harris is seen starring opposite Robert Downey Junior. in this particular December's 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game Title Title of Shadows' 'Lincoln' presently doesn't include the official release date, but you could expect it in theaters following a presidential election in 2012. [via Variety] [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

NBC News President Defends Hiring Chelsea Clinton

On Nov. 17, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced that it was reopening the case of actress Natalie Wood's Nov. 19, 1981, death after 30 years.our editor recommendsHow Natalie Wood Seduced Her Way Into 'Rebel Without a Cause'Natalie Wood's Sister 'Frightened' of Death Investigation Outcome (Video)Natalie Wood 'Ear Witness' Says She Was Threatened Three Days After The Actress DiedChristopher Walken Hires Lawyer to Handle Natalie Wood Investigation (Exclusive)Christopher Walken Offered Natalie Wood Death Theory in Past InterviewNatalie Wood's Death: 10 Developments During Week 1 of the Reinvestigation Related Topics•Natalie Wood•Obituaries Investigators revealed that new information had been received and was the cause of the reinvestigation. The 43-year-old actress, whose death was ruled an accidental drowning at the time, disappeared from her yacht, Splendour, which was floating just off the coast of Southern California's Catalina Island. She was on board with husband Robert Wagner and Brainstorm co-star Christopher Walken. PHOTOS: 12 of Hollywood's Most Mysterious Deaths As the case enters its third week,The Hollywood Reporter takes a look back at last week's new developments. 1. A new "ear witness" comes forward. Marilyn Wayne, who was moored 50 feet from Wood's Splendour the night she drowned, says she heard cries for help and three days later received a handwritten note warning her to keep quiet. Wayne said in a statement to the Sheriff's Department that she heard a woman's voice yelling, "'Help me, someone please help me, I'm drowning' we heard repeatedly. Alarmed, I called out to my son, who also heard the cries, and looked athis new digital watch: it was just minutes after 11:00 P.M." Wayne says she soon her a "man's voice slurred, and in aggravated tone, say something to the effect of, 'Oh, hold on,we're coming to get you,' and not long after, the cries for help subsided, but we heard the cries for upto 15 minutes." 2. Splendour captain passes polygraph test.Dennis Davern, whosaid he believes Wagner had something to do with the actress' deathand claimed to have heard Wood and her husband arguing on the boat after Walken went to bed (a story that conflicts with Wagner's account), takes a lie detector test and passes. ExaminerHoward Templeperforms the exam and says that the results of the polygraph "indicated he was telling the truth," reported ABC News."Davern made the statement that he stayed at the Wagner home ... [was] told not to talk ...Wagner paid for his therapy, and Davern could not leave the estate without bodyguards," Temple said. STORY: Natalie Wood's Death: 10 Developments During Week 1 of the Reinvestigation 3. Criminal experts outline a path for the case.Robert Wittman, former senior investigator for the FBI, tells THR the investigation will rely on improved forensic technology and a more skeptical re-examination of the evidence."You are looking at it from a different set of assumptions -- that something nefarious happened," he revealed, adding,"You are not looking to prove the theory that she fell in, you are looking to prove a homicide." 4. Former LAPD detective Mark Fuhrman said the inquiry's next step could be to reclassify the case as a homicide."It's a mind-set of 'this person died at the hands of another.'" Last week, authorities said neither Walken,nor Wagner is considered a suspect, though, as THR first reported, Walken did hire an attorney. PHOTOS: Best Pictures of Natalie Wood 5. The Christopher Walken impersonator comments on the Associated Press mistaking him for the actor. Matt Sterne, who does his impression of the actor on the Washington, D.C.-based ESPN 980, while giving fantasy football advice, said: "Christopher Walken hasn't spoken about this in 30 years, do they really think he's calling into a D.C. sports show, to talk about Natalie Wood, and then, by the way, give fantasy football tips? It was absurd." The AP retracted its story, but not until it was widely picked up by news organizations."Let's be honest: I'm sure Julia Roberts does a better Christopher Walken than I do, and I'm embarrassed for the AP reporter," said Sterne. 6. Robert Wagner guest stars on NCIS as murder suspect. In the episode, which aired Nov. 22, Wagner played Anthony DiNozzo Sr., the father of Tony DiNozzo Jr. (Michael Weatherly). The show's -- perhaps inconveniently timed -- plot line follows Wagner's character, who is found in a car with a dead body in the trunk and no memory of the previous night. It wasn't the actor's first time on the show: He also played the role in NCIS' 150th episode in January 2010. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Biggest Deaths and Surprises 7. Lifeguard captain says he still believes Natalie Wood "could have been saved." Former county supervising rescue boat captain Roger Smith, who pulled Wood's body from the water in 1981, said he hopes the reopened investigation will provide answers as to why there was a time lapse before lifeguards were called."Based on the condition of her body when we pulled her from the water, I believe she survived for sometime in the water and was blown out to sea. She probably cried for help for hours," Smith said. "I've always believed she could have been saved. Her fingers were still pliable when she was pulled from the water, suggesting she had not been dead for hours." VIDEO: 5 of Natalie Wood's Most Memorable Roles 8. Wayne also claims to have received a threatening note days after Wood's death."I had a 'client box' designed for clients to drop off their messages through a slot in the front,"she says. "The boxes were opened in the back, labeled by broker name on each end. Three days after Natalie died, I found a scribbled message on a torn piece of paper in my box that read, 'If you value your life, keep quiet about what you know.' I immediately suspected it was related to Natalie Wood's death because that's all anyone had been talking about. I was disturbed and even told an attorney about the threat." 9. Wood's sister says she's "frightened" of the outcome of the investigation. Lana Wood appears on NBC's Today, where she tells Matt Lauer that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department had alerted her the case was going to be in the spotlight again and that she was nervous about it: "I'm scared, I'm nervous, I'm happy, I think. I'm so ambivalent, it's almost like having to relive her death again." 10. Lana Wood reveals she believes Wagner might have been involved in the death. In her Today appearance, the actress' sister says she subscribes to the theory put forth by Davern. "Unfortunately I do," she says, adding: "I've never known him to lie. He certainly never has to me." She says Davern had contacted her frequently about the incident over the years. "He had called me many years ago very upset, crying, obviously had been drinking and unburdening himself. Little bits and pieces had always filtered over to me. There were so many things that were always bothering me." PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Natalie Wood: A Hollywood Icon Remembered Related Topics Christopher Walken Obituaries Natalie Wood Robert Wagner

Signs of the Apocalypse From the 2011-12 Awards Season

The penultimate film in Summit Entertainment's Twilight franchise nearly matched the box office brawn of New Moon in its opening weekend, but just one week after Breaking Dawn Part 1 was released in theaters reports are surfacing that it has been causing seizures.our editor recommendsBox Office Report: 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' and 'Muppets' Rule Thanksgiving'Breaking Dawn' Wedding: Luxury Brand Product Placement Draws Criticism For Mis-Targeting 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn's' Taylor Lautner on His Most Challenging Scene and Jacob's Massive Transformation (Video) 'Breaking Dawn's' Taylor Lautner Draws Affection From Overzealous Male Fan at Film's PremiereBox Office Report: 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' Scores $9.9 Mil on Monday'Breaking Dawn' Fan Blames Drunk Driving on Boyfriend's Refusal to See Film A California man, Brandon Gephart, was reportedly rushed to the hospital after getting sick while watching Breaking Dawn's birth scene.The screening ended when paramedics arrived to help Gephart. PHOTOS: New Images of 'Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn' "He was convulsing, snorting, trying to breathe," Gephart's girlfriend Kelly Bauman told CBS Sacramento. "He scared me big time." Gephart admitted that he has no interest in seeing how the movie ends. A Salt Lake City man also suffered a similar seizure while watching Breaking Dawn, ABC4 reports. PHOTOS: The Evolution of Film Vampires "I didn't really remember what happened after that," he said. "I think I blacked out. According to [my wife] I was shaking and mumbling different noises." His wife explained further: "I was kneeling in front of him and slapping his face." The man's name was not given because he was afraid he would lose his job. Breaking Dawn features Bella's violent pregnancy of her child with her significant other, vampire Edward. PHOTOS: 10 Biggest Book-to-Big Screen Adaptations of the Last 25 Years "Bella turns pale and gaunt and seems in danger of wasting away; it appears the fetus is taking all of the nutrients for itself and leaving nothing for Mom, who can no longer eat normal food," writes THR's chief film critic Todd McCarthy. Medical experts said that the film's birth scene -- which features red, white and black images -- could have triggered episodes of photosensitive epilepsy. "It's like a light going off because it hits your brain all at once," Dr. Michael G. Chez tells CBS Sacramento. "The trouble with theaters is that they're so dark, the light flashing in there is more like a strobe light." This isn't the first instance of a film causing moviegoers to feel uncomfortable. During screenings of Danny Boyle's 127 Hours, which tells the story of climber Aron Ralston whose arm is trapped by a boulder in a Utah canyon, it has caused some moviegoers to vomit and faint, with one taken out of the theater and an ambulance called. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1' Black Carpet Premiere Arrivals Related Topics Twilight

Ali Landry & Alison Sweeney Dish On Their New Reality Show

First Published: November 23, 2011 4:45 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Access Hollywood Live: Ali Landry & Alison Sweeney Get Revealing On Hollywood Moms Night LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- As mothers with hectic work schedules, friends Ali Landry and Alison Sweeney treasure their ladies nights, and now, the actresses have parlayed their need for female bonding into a new reality show, Hollywood Moms Night. It started with moms in the business just because, you know, were all sort of in the same place in our lives with kids, Ali Landry explained to Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Wednesdays Access Hollywood Live of how their monthly supper club came to be. Just to get together, have a girls night, gossip, have a good time, get away from the children and the hubby. And we cook, Alison added. We do a potluck, so everybody has to bring something and we try to do a theme. Among their group of Hollywood Moms are Denise Richards, LaLa Vasquez and Niecy Nash the latter of which has a penchant for getting the gals to spill the beans on touchy topics. There are things I didnt want to talk about [on camera], but Niecy drags it out of you, Alison told Billy and Kit. Next thing you know, youre driving home wondering, Whoa should I have said that? In addition to typical ladies night fodder, the women bond over showbiz blunders, such as fashion mistakes and red carpet drama. We talk about what its like to be in a magazine and be made fun of, or teased on camera when you didnt wear an outfit right, or something went terribly wrong on the red carpet, Alison added. See the ladies in action when Hollywood Moms Night premieres on Sunday at 8 PM on the TV Guide Network. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Endemol creditors reject Time Warner bid

ROME -Time Warner's $1.4 billion bid for Endemol remains rejected by loan providers in the Nederlander unscripted TV giant, according to sources with direct understanding in the matter. They confirmed research in Italian daily La Repubblica on Friday saying with debt Endemol has written to Time Warner to exhibit lower its bid, because Endemol creditors think the information customers are worth more earnings. Endemol creditors, including equity finance funds Apollo Management, Centerbridge and Providence Equity Partners, have recently extended their capital restructuring deadline to 12 ,. 13. Endemol on Monday declined discuss time Warner offer, but was upbeat about its overall situation. "The discussions with this particular loan providers regarding our capital restructuring are ongoing to produce excellent progress," mentioned Endemol representative Charlie Gardner. In 2007 an investor group introduced by Endemol founder John p Mol, and including Italy's Mediaset and Goldman Sachs, paid out some $3.5 billion to obtain Telefonica's controlling stake inside the "GovernmentInch producer. Nonetheless they largely used utilized financial financial loans that now weigh heavily on Endemol, whose other formats include "Deal or No Deal" and "Extreme Transformation: Home Edition." Endemol is becoming pushing ahead with talks to possess a debt for equity swap which will cut its current $3.7 billion debt close to $670 million. Mediaset and Italian equity fund Clessidra have apparently decided to inject $268 million in Endemol to enhance their current 33% stake to 51%, with loan providers having the relaxation from the minority interests. The larger debt for equity swap now available prefer to dilute Mediaset's stake to have an thought 10%-12% share. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

'Abduction' Exclusive VOD Trailer: Rachelle Lefervre Invades Your House In December!

Taylor Lautner's espionage thriller "Abduction" hit theaters several weeks ago, however the adrenaline ride is not even close to over. In December, the John Singleton directed action flick arrives on cable and digital VOD platforms including Movies when needed, DirectTV / Pay-Per-View, iTunes and much more however it will not be there for lengthy. "Abduction" is going to be available for rental to have an exclusive two-week window from December 22 through The month of january 4, giving fans the opportunity to begin to see the Lautner-starring action vehicle within the holidays. Additionally fully movie, an "Abduction" featurette may also be available when needed, providing you with added understanding of Lautner's latest pulse-pounding adventure. Take a look at a trailer for that new "Abduction" VOD release below, and tell us that which you think about the announcement within the comments section as well as on Twitter! Lautner stars in "Abduction" as Nathan Harper, an ordinary teen living an ordinary existence together with his normal parents (Jason Isaac and Maria Bello) except they are not his parents in the end. Through a number of deadly occasions, Nathan realizes that he isn't who he thinks he's, leading him on the harmful path of self-discovery that's certain to burn the criminals lower along the way. Additionally to Lautner, "Abduction" features an exciting-star cast which includes "Aliens" hero Sigourney Weaver, "Spider-Guy" villain Alfred Molina, and "Mirror Mirror" lead Lily Collins. Exactly what do you think about the brand new "Abduction" trailer? Are you watching the Lautner-starring movie if this hits VOD from December 22 through The month of january 4? Tell us within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

Fox To Sneak We Bought A Zoo Four Weeks Early On Thanksgiving Weekend

Obviously 20th Century Fox must be excited about Cameron Crowe’s We Bought A Zoo because the studio has just decided to sneak it four weeks ahead of the film’s December 23rd bow.Thenationwide sneaks of the holiday picturewill take place on Saturday, November 26th during Thanksgiving Weekend, one of the busiest moviegoing times of the year as well as Christmas when there’s a lot of releases all at once.In a statement,Oren Aviv, the studios president and chief marketing officer: Once in a while, were lucky enough to have a picture to which audiences of all kinds and all ages respond so strongly, that it demands a big and unexpected event. We Bought A Zoo is that kind of picture and Thanksgiving is a great time to share it via this special very early preview. The idea is to generate very early word of mouth, so necessary in these times of slumping box office.The studio claims test screenings of the film in both major cities and the heartland have produced “exceptional responses across wide-ranging demographics so the Studio is using one family holiday to prime the release for the next holiday”. How Fox is going about the sneaks is different than usual, using social media outreach. The studio is partnering with the social media service TOUT for a TOUT Takeover. Attendees can TOUT their reviews of the film, and present their own experiences involving 20 Seconds of Courage playing off a key theme of the movie.OneTOUT entry will win a trip for four, to the San Diego Zoos Ultimate Zoo Experience. The social media outreach will also include a live chat with Cameron Crowe following the film showings, and tie-ins with Twitter, Facebook, and AMC Theatres. Crowe said in a statement, “Im really excited about these sneaks. Holding previews so far ahead of our opening is a bold move but thats one of the many reasons I like it.” We Bought A Zoo starsMatt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, and Thomas Haden Church, andwas co-written by Crowewith Aline Brosh McKenna, and produced with Julie Yorn and Rick Yorn.

NBC Shuts Lower Production on 'Prime Suspect'

Adam Taylor/NBC"Prime Suspect" When production on NBC rookie drama Prime Suspect finishes this month, it might be a lasting goodbye for that cast and crew. A next day of the battling Maria Bello drama remained off NBC's midseason schedule, a resource verifies towards the Hollywood Reporter that production around the series will indeed close at month's finish. STORY: NBC Sets Midseason Schedule, Moves 'Whitney,' 'Up Through The Night,' More As the network in October purchased six additional scripts for that drama, a reboot from the BBC franchise that starred Helen Mirren, the series will probably complete its run prior to the network views its options. Prime Suspectthus far has consistently registered a final-place finish in the Thursday at 10 p.m. slotagainst CBS' The Mentalist and ABC's Private Practice. STORY: 'Prime Suspect' Future Uncertain, 'Community' Is Going To Be Back NBC's experiment in samplingPrime Suspect on different nights on its schedule has additionally not proven fruitful enough. Up to now, the reboot is calculating 4.97 million audiences along with a 1.4 rating following a NBC comedies. Newcomer drama The Firm will require over Prime Suspect's Thursday at 10 p.m. slot beginning Jan. 12. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com Twitter: @Snoodit Prime Suspect

Kaira Pitt Talks Departing Acting In three years

First Launched: November 14, 2011 10:40 AM EST Credit: Getty Premium La, Calif. -- Caption Kaira Pitt is smiles within the press conference for Moneyball in Tokyo, japan, japan on November 9, 2011 Dont anticipate seeing Kaira Pitt round the silver screen for a lot of longer. In line with the celebrity, hes planning an exit from his leading guy status in a few years. The 47-year-old actor might be near the top of his game, but he revealed in the new interview with Australias an hour or so that she or he is headed behind the digital camera. three years, Kaira mentioned when asked for how extended hed would rather continue acting. I am really experiencing the creating side and progression of tales and putting people pieces together. And achieving tales for the plate that could have observed a harder time otherwise, the Moneyball star referred to. Brads latest a baseball drama about Concord As gm Billy Beane was already getting early Oscar buzz. The film can be a project he attacked and aided get through to the silver screen. By getting an acting retirement pending, will Kaira still expand his family (including Maddox, 10, Pax, 7, Zahara, 6, Shiloh, 5, and Vivienne and Knox, 3) with Jennifer Aniston? I've no clue that have been finished, he revealed. I've no clue yet. I've no clue. Kaira states his six children have affected the projects he takes as well as the actor hopes his kids can look back happily on his body at work. When theyre grownups I wish it to mean something on their behalf, he mentioned of his films. I'd like those to think, Fathers okay. It changes everything. Everything. Which is so damn interesting. The actor also opened up up up about his concerns he's for your Brangelina kids maturing the primary attraction. Their idea is always that after they go out beyond the gate because we should live behind a gate theres people standing there in line with cameras that try to accept picture. Their idea is everyone needs to handle that, he referred to. I worry. It's the only factor I buy hot about, Im ready to fight about. But nevertheless, you realize, its a trade-off, like anything. There's an excellent trade-off. Which we, these males, Im so happy on the account, since they begin to see the planet. In addition to their existence is really overflowing due to it. Adding, It's true that the couple of ours can't stand it. You understand, it normally will not appreciate it and it is the right that will color them in a few interesting way. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Who's to Blame for the 'Tower Heist'-Oscar Debacle? (Analysis)

This article first appeared in the Nov. 18 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.our editor recommends'Tower Heist' Director Brett Ratner Issues Apology for Gay SlurBox Office Report: Holdover 'Puss in Boots' Wins in Shocking Upset over Brett Ratner's 'Tower Heist'Tower Heist: Film ReviewEddie Murphy Exits as Oscar HostHow Much Will Eddie Murphy's Oscar Exit Hurt His Career? (Analysis)Brett Ratner Out as Oscar Show Producer (Exclusive)Billy Crystal to Host the OscarsBrian Grazer Replacing Brett Ratner as Oscar Producer (Exclusive)Eddie Murphy's 6 Biggest Missteps Before Bailing on the OscarsRelated Topics•Brett Ratner Tower Heist almost seems to have been born under a bad sign. Its softer-than-expected $24 million opening was tough news for all involved: Universal, stars Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy and hit-hungry producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer of Imagine Entertainment. Then there's the Academy, which lost director Brett Ratner as producer of the Oscar show thanks to unseemly remarks he made as the film opened Nov. 4. Murphy departed as host shortly thereafter. COVER STORY: Ben Stiller Reveals 'Zoolander' Sequel Secrets, What He Thinks of 'Tower Heist' Co-Star Eddie Murphy Theories abound as to why Heist, which Universal had hoped would open north of $30 million, instead succumbed to Puss in Boots in its second weekend: YOUNG PEOPLE LIKED IT -- BUT FEW CAME Universal and Imagine hardly needed another dud after Cowboys & Aliens and The Dilemma. According to the studio, the lesson is one that should send chills throughout the business: Younger audiences aren't showing up in force for movies. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Biggest Blunders Despite Stiller's family following from the Night at the Museum and Meet the Parents franchises, 73 percent of the audience for the PG-13 Heist was over age 25. The largest segment -- 27 percent -- was over 50. Those under 18 made up only 15 percent of moviegoers, but they liked the movie most, giving it an A- CinemaScore (overall, the picture received a B). Heist wasn't the only victim that weekend: A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, with a passionate young fan base, scraped up only $13 million in its opening weekend, less than the previous Harold & Kumar despite heavy 3D premium charges. IT WAS MURPHY This film was supposed to rescue Murphy from the ghost of Norbit and bad comedies and bring him back to the kind of action-caper role that worked so memorably in Beverly Hills Cop. But a leading agent, citing such flops as Meet Dave and Imagine That, postulates harshly, "Eddie no longer matters." PHOTOS: Hollywood's Memorable Mea Culpas "Universal probably should have cast an ingenue in the part, like Paramount did with Eddie in 48 Hrs.," says a veteran producer. "I know Eddie is proud of the movie, as evidenced by how hard he worked to promote it," says his publicist, Arnold Robinson. (Murphy did his first print interview in years for Rolling Stone and appeared on a number of talk shows.) "From the reporting that I've read, people went to see the movie to see Eddie, and the exit polls, from what I understand, were all very positive." Murphy might have been a good partner in promoting the film, but he proved difficult when the studio wanted a new scene to round out the ending. The idea was to reunite him with Stiller, in the vein of the Ocean's Eleven final sequence with Brad Pitt and George Clooney. But sources say Murphy declined to shoot it unless Universal paid him an additional $500,000 (on top of his $7.5 million payday), which the studio elected not to do. VIDEO: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy in 'Tower Heist' Trailer A producer not involved with Heist says he finds Murphy's demand especially appalling considering Murphy was a producer on the film. IT WAS STILLER -- AT LEAST IN THIS ROLE For Stiller, the heist/caper film represented a move away from his most successful shtick: playing the hapless victim who prevails, as in Museum and Meet the Parents. "Some movie stars are movie stars only in their genre," says a source with ties to the production. "Angelina Jolie without a gun -- not a movie star. Adam Sandler in a drama -- not a movie star. ... Ben Stiller is a movie star in comedies, but is Tower Heist a comedy? The story is markedly more dramatic than Stiller's hits, and the title itself suggests a genre that isn't in Stiller's wheelhouse." Heist put Stiller in a different type of role, but "it's not a U-turn," says a source close to the film. "And if you're talking about comparisons for Ben in PG-13 or R-rated comedies, this opening is not out of left field at all." (Tropic Thunder opened to $26 million, for example, while Along Came Polly bowed to $28 million.) VIDEO: Eddie Murphy Says Brian Grazer Saved 'Tower Heist' WHAT ABOUT RATNER? Industry observers aren't pointing the finger at Ratner for the film's opening, but he didn't do the movie -- or the Academy -- any favors during promotional appearances. On Heist's opening day, Ratner went on Howard Stern's radio show, boasting of his skill at oral sex and of sleeping with a then-very-young Lindsay Lohan. He followed up at a screening of the film that night with his costly remark, "Rehearsals are for fags." Although Ratner apologized (for the "fag" remark), the rest is history. He resigned -- undoubtedly under pressure -- as Oscar producer Nov. 8. "Boy, was Brett stupid," says a source connected to Heist. "When you're already a controversial choice, try keeping your mouth shut." Related Topics Adam Sandler Brett Ratner Eddie Murphy Oscars Ben Stiller Oscars 2012 Tower Heist

Britney Spears' Manager Takes New Client: 'Real Average women of recent York's' Kelly Bensimon (Exclusive)

What's Kelly Killoren Bensimon so far that they's not coming back to Bravo's The Actual Average women of NY City? Apparently, the truth star has some large future plans plus they include tapping probably the most well-known managers within the entertainment business.our editor recommends'Real Average women of NY': Jill Zarin, Alex McCord, and Kelly Bensimon Formally Out, Too'Real Average women of NY's' Jill Zarin States Official Goodbye, Teases New ShowMTV Video Music Honours: 10 Things Been sent PHOTOS: VMAs Most Crazy Red-colored Carpet Fashion Bensimon's repetition tellsThe Hollywood Reporter that Ray Rudolph and associateRebecca Lambrecht of ReignDeer Entertainment will work using the reality star. An old attorney, Rudolph wasBritney Spears'original manager and it is credited with molding her right into a star. They separated methods of a short while in 2007, but have since reunited. He's also symbolized a number of other music clients and celebs includingJustin Timberlake, Nick Lachey, Jessica Simpson, Pauly Delvecchio, andLindsay Lohan. Bensimon's approaching projects include her shoeline with BBC Worldwide known as "Kelly" debuting this spring along with a new healthy lifestyle book, "I Will Make You Hot!" with St. Martin's Press, which is obtainable in April 2012.Also, her repetition states that they includes a new Television show in development, but was not able to inform THR any more particulars at this time around. She starred around the NY based Bravo reality series from Season 2 through Season 4. She's most widely known by audiences for going foot-to-foot with Bethenny Frankel and showing up to possess a nervous breakdown throughout a dramatic cast vacation on Season 3. Earlier this September, Bravo made the decision to not renew her agreement for Season 5 together with Jill Zarin, Alex McCord, and Cindy Barshop. VIDEO: Super Bowl's Most Legendary Advertisements The first kind model and Elle Add-ons editor was married to famous digital photographer, Gilles Bensimon, from 1997-2007. They've two kids together. THR has approached Rudolph for comment, but he didn't immediately react to our request. Former cast mate, Zarin, has additionally lately signed with new management, former The Hillsides cast member, Lo Bosworth,at Octagon Entertainment. Email: Jethro.Nededog@thr.com Twitter: @TheRealJethro Related Subjects Britney Warrior spears Bravo The Actual Average women of NY City

Attacking Young Boys Announces Donation, Acoustic Concert for Students on 'Ellen' (Video)

Michael Rozman/Warner Bros. Attacking Young Boys stopped through the Ellen DeGeneres Show on Tuesday to advertise his new Christmas album even though he was there, he introduced he was giving $100,000 to some Vegas elementary school and can perform an acoustic concert for that students in December. Ellen DeGeneres continues to be highlighting Whitney Elementary School forever of year. Over 70 % from the student human population is presently with no permanent home and DeGeneres has vowed to assist them to, such as the donation of the $100,000 check from Target. Bieber introduced he'd match DeGeneres' gift as well as visit the college to do tunes from Underneath the Mistletoe, that was launched Tuesday. PHOTOS: MTV EMAs Entertainers 2011: Selena Gomez, Attacking Young Boys and Rhianna DeGeneres also spoken to Bieber about all of the photos from the tween singer kissing girlfriend Selena Gomez around the oral cavity. "It appears that you simply and Selena find mistletoe wherever you go,Inch DeGeneres stated. "To begin with, it should be nice to finally not need to hide and try to escape. It should be nice you may be open regarding your relationship." "She's very kissable cheekbones," Bieber responded. "I believe that's really sweet," DeGeneres stated. "Is the fact that simpler that you simply don't need to hide and do things like that any longer?" "You realize I seem like I only live once. It sucks to continually need to hide it. I simply type of do me, I suppose,Inch Bieber stated. "You want to do you," DeGeneres stated. "You're a great person to complete.Inch video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player Ellen DeGeneres Attacking Young Boys

Melissa Joan Hart's Former Manager Files Suit Against Her

Melissa Joan Hart Melissa Joan Hart has been prosecuted by her former manager, based on the Hollywood Reporter. Kiernan Maguire filed a complaint using the La Superior Court on Wednesday declaring that Hart is declining to pay for him commissions on her current ABC Family show Melissa & Joey. Maguire states he started representing the 35-year-old actress in 2006 and was fired after she got her present gig. Catch on much more of present day news "This situation is a more incident of the actress who seeks to make the most of, mistreat and thumb her nose at individuals in her own employ - in cases like this the one who saved her career because it was rapidly declining towards obscurity," the suit states. "Melissa Joan Hart doesn't have heart." A repetition for Hart gave the next statement to TVGuide.com: "Melissa labored with Kieran for any finite time period, and that he was compensated entirely for his services.Throughout that point, Melissa never examined nor signed an administration contract with him nor did Kieran ever present her with one. No agreement was ever arrived at between the pair of them. Ultimately, Melissa and many of her partners had difficulties with the way in which Kieran did business, and Melissa ended her relationship with him several several weeks ago. There's no basis whatsoever for that material accusations in the suit, that are false and defamatory."