Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Electronics Lead Way in Record-Breaking Black Friday Sales

ABC Family"Pretty Little Liars" The mystery of "A" continues.our editor recommendsABC Family Schedules 'Jane By Design'; Sets 'Pretty Little Liars' Return Date'Pretty Little Liars' Halloween Special Performs in Ratings'Pretty Little Liars' Casts 'Glee' Actor in 'Significant Role' (Exclusive) ABC Family has given the go-ahead on a third season of Pretty Little Liars. The cable network has ordered 24 episodes for the new season. The hourlong drama, led by Lucy Hale, Ashley Benson, Troian Bellisario and Shay Mitchell, will return for the second half of its sophomore season Monday, Jan. 2 at 8 p.m. PHOTOS: Hollywood's New Leading Ladies Pretty Little Liars, developed by Marlene King and based on the popular Sara Shepard novels, has been a solid ratings draw for ABC Family, recently airing a special Halloween episode with ties to the main mystery. Its summer finale, "Over My Dead Body," airing at the end of August lured 3 million viewers. Pretty Little Liars returns one month after the events of the summer finale and will serve as a lead-in to rookie drama The Lying Game, based on another Shepard property. Holly Marie Combs, Ian Harding, Chad Lowe, Laura Leighton and Sasha Pieterse co-star in Pretty Little Liars, executive produced by King, Oliver Goldstick and Leslie Morgenstein. RELATED: 'Pretty Little Liars': 10 Spoilers on the Game-Changing Midseason Finale EXCLUSIVE: 'Pretty Little Liars': Special Halloween Episode to Air Later This Year 'Pretty Little Liars' EP on Why the Series Won't Last 10 Seasons ABC Family Pretty Little Liars

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Bryan Singer To Direct And Produce NBCs The Munsters Reboot

EXCLUSIVE: NBC’s The Munsters will be brought to you by The Bryans. X-Men and Superman Returns helmer Bryan Singer is finalizing a deal to direct and executive produce Bryan Fuller’s reboot of the 1960s comedy, which recently received a pilot order by NBC. Universal Television is producing the project, described as an imaginative reinvention of The Munsters as a visually spectacular one-hour drama. Singer, who had been interested in the project since before it got the greenlight by NBC two weeks ago, will exec produce with Fuller. After originally developing The Munsters last season, Fuller redeveloped it with NBC’s new executive team this summer and delivered his new script at the beginning of this month. Like Fullers previous series, Pushing Daisies, The Munsters calls for striking visuals mixed with all the classic Munsters archetypes, and NBC had been looking for a top director to create the world of The Munsters circa 2011. The pilot for Fuller’s Pushing Daisies also was directed by a feature helmer, Barry Sonnenfeld, who earned an Emmy for his work. The first pilot Singer directed wasHouse, and he continues to serve as an executive producer on the long-running Fox medical drama. Singer has since directed only one other pilot, ABC’s Football Wives, and he served as an executive producer on the ABC drama series Dirty Sexy Money. On the feature side, WME-repped Singer most recently produced X-Men: First Class. As a director, he is in post-production on Jack the Giant Killer.

Monday, November 28, 2011

WATCH: It's Open Season on Twilight and Teen Idols in the Latest Verbal Vogueing, Featuring Movieline's Louis Virtel

In the latest episode of the pop culture-masticating internet sensation Verbal Vogueing, Louis Virtel tackles teen idoldom through the ages. Does Justin Bieber deserve those lesbian doppelganger slams? Can any of the Twilight kids escape Louis’s wrath? Did he just drop a Karen Carpenter joke so hard I nearly LOLed-up my lunch onto my computer screen? Oh yes. He did. Catch up on more Verbal Vogueing here, and tell Movieline which devastatingly embarrassing teen idols line(d) the walls of your room/locker/dungeon below.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Jeremy Renner Unveils Key 'Bourne Legacy' Details

This is a big year coming up for Jeremy Renner. He has a major role in the upcoming "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol," is one of the titular superheroes in "The Avengers" and is also launching a new branch of the Jason Bourne franchise. The latter is arguably his biggest project in the future, and the one we know least about. Fortunately, he dished some pretty big details in a recent interview. When promoting "Ghost Protocol" with Empire magazine, Renner shared that his character in "The Bourne Legacy" will be named Aaron Cross, at least to start. "He ends up having a bunch of different names. For fans of the franchise, [The Bourne Legacy] has that same ticking clock, but it's a new programme and new characters," he said. "It's that same deal, it's just a new set of agents with a different leash. Check out the rest of today's casting news after the jump! Chris Evans Becomes "The Iceman" We knew there was no way James Franco could possible honor all the projects he'd taken on in the past year. Deadline is reporting that Chris Evans will be replacing Franco in the upcoming thriller "The Iceman." Based on the Anthony Bruno book, the film follows Richard Kuklinski as a contract killer for the mob. Michael Shannon is currently tapped to play Kuklinski. Amber Heard Heads To "Motor City" Deadline has learned that Amber Heard has been chosen to star in the upcoming action film "Motor City." She will play opposite Dominic Cooper in the revenge flick, which is directed by Albert Hughes. Cooper plays a man released from prison who ends up going on a revenge mission to get back at the people who framed him. Ewan McGregor Heads To HBO Jonathan Franzen's best-seller "The Corrections" is being turned into an HBO drama, and it's getting an all-star cast. The Hollywood Reporter says that Ewan McGregor will join a cast that includes Dianne Wiest and Chris Cooper. Noah Baumbach and Scott Rudin did the adaptation. McGregor will play Chip, the middle son of Cooper and Wiest's characters, as the family reunites for one last Christmas. Tell us your thoughts on today's Casting Call in the comments section below or on Twitter!

Monday, November 21, 2011

IFC Evening time takes 'Corridor'

IFC Evening the years have acquired U.S. rights to "The Corridor," the Canuck sci-fi/horror outing from debut helmer Evan Kelly. Composed by Josh MacDonald, pic stars Stephen Chambers, James Gilbert and David Patrick Flemming in the story of a psychologically unstable guy whose reunion with pals is thrown into upheaval having a strange energy phenomenon discovered inside the nearby forest. Craig Cameron and Mike Masters produced the film, which received funding from Telefilm Canada and Nova Scotia Film. Movie was shot in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Pic won a couple of kudos within the Fantasia film festival taken in addition to acquired trophies at fests in Rhode Island and Oklahoma. Rob Deutchman of Sundance Selects/IFC Films inked the U.S. distribution deal with Abc Films' Nate Bolotin. Genre label IFC Evening time can be a sister division of IFC Films and Sundance Selects. "Corridor" joins an approaching IFC Evening time slate of multiple-platform releases for photos including "The Incident" and "Penumbra." Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Thursday, November 17, 2011

California's Prop. 8 Moves Closer to a Showdown in U.S. Top Court

The California Top Court ruled Thursday that supporters of Proposition 8, the anti-marriage equality measure, are legally entitled to safeguard the ballot measure in the courtroom because the governor and condition attorney general declined to get this done.our editor recommendsAFM 2011: Make the most of Reiner Planning Film on Proposition 8 Legal CaseStars singing out against Proposition 8Dustin Lance Black Debuts Prop. 8 Play in NYStar-Studded Cast Debuts Dustin Lance Black's Prop. 8 Play Related Subjects•Politics The ballot initiative grew to become among Hollywood's top causes with industry people giving talent and funds inside the battle to overturn it, including Make the most of Reiner, David Geffen, Steve Bing, Morgan Freeman and Ellen Barkin. The American Foundation for Equal Rights, introduced by board leader and Hollywood political consultant Chad Griffin, might be the sponsor in the federal court challenge for the proposition. The problem court's decision sends the problem towards the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which are in possession of to analyze whether Prop. 8 violates the equal protection clause in the U.S. Metabolism. Since the problem already remains briefed and contended for the court, a ruling should come relatively soon. When the appellate justices choose or in the initiative, their ruling is predicted being be a huge hit for the U.S. Top Court. STORY: Make the most of Reiner Planning Film on Proposition 8 Legal Situation "Our litigants are thrilled being to federal court, back round the steps for achievement and headed with a place where these loving couples...may cost absolutely nothing to marry," mentioned Chad Griffin, the board leader in the American Foundation for Equal Rights. Once the high court accepts the appeal, which most legal experts expect it to accomplish, numerous benefits are possible. Even if the justices sustain the constitutionality of Prop 8, a narrowly attracted decision probably could leave the states liberated to choose the authenticity of marriage equality around the condition-by-condition basis. The 2008 anti-marriage equality measure has labored a tortured course using the electoral and legal process. It absolutely was drafted to overturn a young ruling with the California Top Court, acknowledging that same-sex couples have a very constitutional to marry. STORY: Dustin Lance Black Debuts Prop. 8 Play in NY After its passage, professional-marriage equality rivals of Prop. 8 punished in federal court, alleging the problem measure violated the federal government Constitutional rights of gays and lesbians. U.S. Judge Vaughn Master agreed and, this season, overturned the initiative. When the governor and condition attorney general declined to appeal his ruling, the measure's backers needed within the cause and asked for the Ninth Circuit to strike lower Walker's decision. Before handing lower an option round the trial court's ruling, however, the Ninth Circuit asked for the state's high court to find out when the proposition's supporters had legal standing to safeguard the measure. With this particular question resolved, the appellate court now's absolve to proceed, as well as the consensus among legal experts is always that they're vulnerable to sustain Walker's ruling knocking over Prop. 8. The California Supreme Court's unanimous opinion was put together by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye. "The possible lack of ability in the official advocates from the initiative measure to appeal an attempt court judgment invalidating the measure, when the public government bodies who ordinarily would file this type of appeal decline to get this done,In . she written, "would substantially undermine the initiative energy. "It has been simply shameful to find out Governor Jerry Brown, his predecessor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Kamala Harris abdicate their constitutional responsibility to safeguard Proposition 8 in the courtroom,Inch mentioned John Brown, NOM's leader. "Although current day ruling within the California Top Court certifies the advocates of Prop. 8 have the legal right to defend their initiative when the condition government bodies will not fulfill their sworn duty, it's satisfying to know the over 7 million Californians who supported the initiative could have a energetic defense from the decision inside our federal courts." Related Subjects Dustin Lance Black Morgan Freeman Make the most of Reiner David Geffen Politics

Ratings: Modern Family Hits Season Low in Demo

Modern Family ABC's Wednesday lineup came back after making way for the 45th annual CMA Awards last week. All its shows declined from their previous outings, according to Nielsen overnight figures. Modern Family, while reaching its usual night-leading numbers in viewership (12.88 million) and demo rating (5.5), declined to a season low in the industry-standard 18-to-49 crowd. NBC's Harry's Law also hit a season-low in the demo (1.1). And without the CMAs as competition, CBS' lineup rose. Catch up on today's news 8 p.m.CBS: Survivor: South Pacific 11.52 million viewers (3.3 demo rating)ABC: The Middle 9.14 million (2.9); Suburgatory 8.13 million (2.8)Fox: The X Factor 10.89 million (3.6)NBC: Up All Night 4.82 million (1.9); Up All Night {rerun} 3.86 million (1.4)CW: America's Next Top Model {rerun} 1.89 million (0.4) 9 p.m.CBS: Criminal Minds 12.54 million viewers (4.4 demo rating)ABC: Modern Family 12.88 million (5.5); Happy Endings 7.11 million (3.2)Fox: The X Factor 11.47 million (4.0)NBC: Harry's Law 7.15 million (1.1)CW: America's Next Top Model 1.86 million (0.8) 10 p.m.CBS: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 10.51 million viewers (2.6 demo rating)ABC: Revenge 7.95 million (2.6)NBC: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 7.26 million (1.9)

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

CAA TV Lit Agent Roy Ashton Joins Gersh As Partner And Mind Of TV Lit Division

EXCLUSIVE: Veteran CAA TV literary agent Roy Ashton is joining the Gersh Agency as Partner and Mind in the Television Literary Department. The recruitment of Ashton, that's been at CAA more than 13 years, is an element from the expansion plan by Gersh, that's been getting into experienced agents in a variety of areas as partners within the this past year, including Bob Hohman, Bayard Maybank and Devra Lieb inside the Film Lit department and Jay Cohen inside the Film Financing and Distribution division. At Gersh, Ashton will probably be designated with leading the current 6-agent TV lit department and grow it. The organization, that's very good in TV round the talent side, makes beefing up its TV lit roster important. Roy is probably the respected agents inside the TV literary area and you'll be an very strong resource for the agency,” Gersh co-presidents Bob Gersh, David Gersh and controlling partner Leslie Siebert mentioned. “His experience and associations could make him a great leader after we expand our presence in the bradenton area. Getting Roy was step one towards accomplishing this goal. It's yet unclear who of Ashton’s clients follows him to Gersh where he'll bring the quantity of partners to 13. CAA can be a terrific agency which i hold the finest respect for everyone I have labored with,” he mentioned. Gersh presented me getting a distinctive and special opportunity to participate building something great. My goal is always to create a competitive TV literary department, Gersh gets the assets and contains made the persistence for get this to a real possibility.

Monday, November 14, 2011

'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' Star Kellan Lutz Denied Doughnut Delivery to Fans by Premiere Venue

While activists across the globe sit in and camp out for the Occupy movement, there remains another, possibly more devoted group going unbathed: the Twilight fans.our editor recommends'Twilight's' Kellan Lutz Says 'Breaking Dawn' Director Brought Gay Sensibility to FilmComic-Con 2011: Kellan Lutz, Henry Cavill, Tarsem Singh Stump for 'Immortals'The Twilight Saga: Breaking DawnPart 1: Film Review'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' Red Carpet Premiere Live Stream Twilight's 'Breaking Dawn - Part One' Premiere Buildup Hits New Heights Twilight "Tent City" (current population: 1,400) went up in downtown Los Angeles last week in anticipation of Monday's premiere screening and red carpet for the saga's penultimate installment, Breaking Dawn - Part One. Many residents have slept on the ground for four nights just to catch a glimpse of the franchise stars, and on Friday one of them made an early appearance. PHOTOS: New Images of 'Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn' Kellan Lutz, who plays Emmett Cullen in the series and currently stars as Poseidon in Immortals, stopped by late in the evening with 40 dozen glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts for his devoted fans. He started making his way through the three massive tents, nestled between the Nokia Theater and the Staples Center, passing out the baked goods with staffers from Summit Entertainment, when he was cut short. A rep for Lutz tells The Hollywood Reporter that the 26-year-old was halted by representative from LA Live said he couldn't pass out food, as it was in violation of code. VIDEO: Kellan Lutz Says 'Twilight' Film 'Wasn't a Well-Oiled Machine,' 'Immortals' Was 'Much More Enjoyable' There was apparently no elaboration on why Lutz couldn't pass out the doughnuts, and LA Live parent company AEG did not immediately return THR's request for comment, but Subway sandwiches were handed out in a similar fashion earlier that day to no consequence. So while the remaining doughnuts were packed away, Lutz continued to make his way through the crowd, clocking an hour and a half of face-time to pose for photos and sign autographs. PHOTOS: The Evolution of Film Vampires Tent City has become an unlikely hub for distractions over the past five days, with Summit hosting screenings of previous films, a concert series from soundtrack artists and an appearance from Twilight scribe Stephenie Meyer all feeding into the fan frenzy. Perhaps the glazed confections would have made for just too much excitement. Related Topics Stephenie Meyer Twilight Summit Entertainment Kellan Lutz

Saturday, November 12, 2011

'Immortals' tops at Friday B.O.

'Immortals'The B.O. gods have allied with Relativity's "The Immortals," earning it $15 million domestically last night.Because under-25 auds have shown little love at plexes lately, B.O. observers gave conservative estimates in the mid-$20 million range for the pic this weekend. However, its opening night perf suggests "Immortals" should have little trouble breaking $30 million through Sunday.In close competition behind Relativity, Sony's "Jack and Jill" and Paramount's "Puss in Boots" will fight it out for second, earning $9.9 million and $9 million respectively last night. Both are headed for the low- or mid-$20 million range, and while "Jack and Jill" is in the lead now, insiders say "Puss" might claw itself over the Adam Sandler laffer based on pre-weekend projections.Universal holdover "Tower Heist" scored fourth with $4.9 million Stateside on Friday. Down 40%, the star-studded ensemble caper has cumed $35.6 million domestically thus far.Warner Bros. opened "J. Edgar" to $4.3 million last night. The Clint Eastwood helmed Leonardo DiCaprio starrer is anticipating solid business similar to other adult fare from earlier this fall, like "Moneyball" and "The Ides of March." "J. Edgar" is expected to land just north of $10 million this frame.In the specialty scene, Par expanded "Like Crazy" to 70 locations for the weekend while Fox Searchlight's "Martha Marcy May Marlene" widened to 183. "Crazy" repped a one-day per screen average of $2,343 while "Martha's" expansion brought its per screen to $814. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com