ERs Anthony Edwards To Topline ABC Drama Pilot Zero Hour

EXCLUSIVE: Within the first series regular role since ER, Anthony Edwards has signed on since the lead in Fundamental steps drama pilot Zero Hour. The ABC Art galleries project, written and executive produced by Prison Break creator Paul Scheuring, concentrates on Hank Foley (Edwards) who, after trading 2 decades since the editor of recent Naysayers magazine, becomes associated with the most compelling conspiracies ever when his wife is kidnapped.

The Brand New iPad: Why Must Hollywood Care?

On Wednesday at 10 AM PT, Apple uncovers its latest iPad. The media event continues to be shrouded with typical secrecy, using the invite saying only,”We have something you need to see. And touch.”New Apple Boss Tim Prepare will disclose what’s within the new tablet. Gossips are rampant.They break lower by doing this: The brand new device will most likely be known as theiPad HD because itimprovesviewing. Also expected is ‘retina display’ which Hollywood will like.Siri’s presence could be awesome.The iPad look isn’t likely to change significantly or much whatsoever.But it's preducted to possess a faster processor (from dual-core A5 processor todual-core A5X processoror evena quad-core A6 processor).The following iPad might be Apple’s first 4G LTE device.Large queston is whether or not the brand new iPad’s cost will rise. However the wise cover might be upgraded.Finally, you will find gossips that Apple could update its $100 set-top box together with its iPad, possibly to higher accomodate transmitting HD video fromiPad’s screen totelevision.

Sundance Funnel to bow in Romania

LONDON -- Sundance Funnel, possessed by AMC Systems, is always to bow the first time in Romania and possess its distribution beefed up in Hungary and Belgium. In Romania, the internet will probably be provided on Liberty Global's DTH platform, Focus Sitting. In Hungary, it's being moved on UPC cable, another Liberty platform. In Belgium, Sundance has signed a distribution agreement with broadband cable provider Telenet, enabling the funnel to look nationwide in 1.4 million houses in Flemish and French versions. Web was formerly restricted to offering something within the city. The expansion follows recent announcement that Sundance will bow inside the Netherlands this month in cahoots with Film1, the Benelux paybox run by Liberty Global's Chellomedia division. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

FCC Crimps Dish Networks Broadband Plans By Refusing To Approve Rule Waiver

Dish Network shares are down about 3.5% in post-market trading after the satellite broadcaster suffered a set-back in its plan to develop a wireless broadband network. The company wants to use spectrum from a $1.4B planned acquisition of TerreStar — and asked the FCC, which must approve the deal, to grant a waiver to its build-out requirements. But late Friday the FCC declined therequest as regulators develop rulesgoverning all companies that want to use particular airwaves.”In light of the unique characteristics of this spectrum band,” an FCC spokesman says, “the rule-making process will best serve the public interest and maximize the long-term value of the spectrum for the American economy.” Last week Dish Chairman Charlie Ergen said that if the TerreStar deal was rejected or delayed thenwed have to look at other alternatives, which would be unfortunate and could require a write-down. Dish said Friday that it is “disappointed” and will review its options. But it added that, while it considers its next move, it will “continue working with the FCC” to find ways to”solve the existing spectrum crunch” and provide additional broadband competition. That has become “particularly critical given the expanding world of bit caps and restrictive data plans,” it says. Dish hopes to close its spectrum deals “as soon as practicable.”

'Harry Potter' Coming back By Video In Exclusive Edition Set

Just like Harry Potter came back in the in-between in the finish of "Harry Potter and also the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," the "Harry Potter" Dvd disks and Blu-Sun rays that people just lost forever for a short period of your time will be apparating back onto store shelves in your area. Okay, to ensure that may have been a stretch for any metaphor, however the "Harry Potter" films are returning to keep shelves inside a completely new collection. This bad boy is replete using the special features and memorabilia absent from last year's complete DVD/Blu-Ray collection, and comes added having a $500 cost. Amazon . com published the particulars concerning the "Harry Potter Magicians Collection" as well as offered a $150 markdown, but did not have particulars by what the boxed set will formally include. Well, this is where I are available in. Because the collection continues to have a vague "2012" release date, it appears fair to consider a crack at puzzling out what may be incorporated which makes the exclusive edition home video release so costly. Click following the jump to determine my memorabilia and featurette wish list. Among The Horcruxes It only appears fair that, if we are spending half a great for any exclusive edition "Harry Potter" boxed set, we obtain among the products that assisted bring lower Voldemort. In the end, you will find eight of these. That's plenty enough for everyone. A Wand That Actually Works Actual Miracle Yes, I actually do love my wand which i based on the Wizarding Realm of Harry Potter, but it is a little missing within the magical department. Regardless of the number of occasions I attempt to cast "lumos," my apartment remains depressingly unlit. I am certain right now Warner Bros finds a way of creating miracle a real possibility, therefore it is likely incorporated within this box. I'd also be satisfied with a Deluminator. An Active Owl PETA would have actually a area day with this particular, however the exclusive edition box looks large enough to have an owl, rat or cat to suit within. Just play a couple of air holes and they're going to be acceptable for the .002 seconds these collector's models will probably remain on the shelves. For $500 you can most likely purchase a purebred puppy, so why wouldn't you an enchanting creature to reside beside you when you survive through your magical adventures? (#riphedwig) The Cast Reading through All Of The "Harry Potter" Books Screw audio books, I would like a videobook. Sure, some might reason that that's only a movie, but I am speaking all of the stars relaxing in an area reading through us the whole of J.K. Rowling's seven book series in character. And Rowling could possibly get the lucky role of reading through the narration. Well, her or Morgan Freeman. J.K. Rowling's New Book Hey, a woman can dream, right? Both Rowling's new book which boxed set have vague 2012 release dates, therefore it only is sensible the two might be launched alongside each other. It might a minimum of incorporate a tease of the items we must expect. Give me an idea to determine incorporated within the "Harry Potter" boxed set? Inform us within the comments section below or on Twitter!

Leah Remini & Sara Rue Join ABC Comedies

Former Talk co-host Leah Remini is positioned since the only female cast part of Fundamental steps comedy pilot White-colored Van Guy. The only real-camera can be a blue collar ensemble using the British format and concentrates on Jack (Kyle Bornheimer) who's expected to put his dreams on hold to have the ability to dominate your family renovator business from his father Tony (J.K. Simmons). Remini, repped by UTA as well as the Collective, may have Tony’s happy massage counselor sister. The casting originates from The King Of Queens alumna‘s talent deal with ABC. Bobby Bowman written the pilot, produced by ABC Art galleries. Also c-starring are Jonny Pemberton and Edi Gathegi. Former Under Perfect star Sara Rue has came back at ABC getting a co-starring role opposite Reba McEntire inside the network’s comedy pilot Malibu Country. The project, from author Kevin Abbott, concentrates on Reba Gallagher (McEntire) who, after her good ol boy rock star husband cheats on her behalf account and burns through nearly all their funds, divorces him and moves her family from Nashville for the only resource she's left somewhat house in Malibu. Rue, repped by APA as well as the Alan David Group, may have Kim, Rebas upbeat new neighbor who's a share-too-much, hug-too-freely, trophy wife.

Oscar Predictions: Stephanie Zacharek on Who'll (and Who Should) Win on Hollywood's Finest Evening

Each Wednesday in the last five several days, my pal S.T. VanAirsdale has fearlessly sailed the ever-shifting Academy awards tides along with his weekly Oscar Index, a gig thats enough to produce probably the most wise seafaring mortal extended for dry land. Its nearby, Stu! With this particular coming Monday morning, our completely modified predictions, additionally to the wayward wants our personal personal faves, will equal to simply scraps of speared whale blubber, diminishing inside the distance after we move toward next years Oscar broadcast. But enables not succeed of ourselves. Theres still time to savor the ultimate-minute glitter wave. Compared to that finish, listed below are my own, personal Oscar predictions for each category, then your candidates If perhaps would win. BEST PICTURE I loved The Artist initially initially when i first first seen it last May, and Ive seen it two occasions since. It's, clearly, become p rigueur to think about the It's not so competent stance when talking in regards to the picture. But it's not where my heart lies, and Ive already spent ample time, both freely (at Slate Movie Club) and individually, safeguarding the film within the Meh Brigade. So, yeah, I am hoping it wins. However offer lots of fondness for Moneyball and Evening amount of time in Paris, too for War Equine, whose old-school movie grandness appears being sorely from fashion, and mores the pity. Will win: The Artist Should win: The Artist BEST DIRECTOR I still dont understand the easiest method to have nine Best Picture nominees and merely five Best Director nominees. What, does the Academy think these pictures direct themselves? Clearly, inside the situation of Very Noisy and very Close, youd be pardoned for thinking so, but not to mention. Woodsy Allen has provided us his best movie inside a very long time a very long time with Evening amount of time in Paris, therefore i would definitely quaff one more dose of Champagne if he'd win. But my Best Director choice usually lines track of my Best Picture choice, leading us to Hazanavicius. Will win: Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist Should win: Michel Hazanvicius, The Artist BEST ACTOR After I selected in a number of critics' groups within the finish of 2011, I put the same three names on every Best Actor ballot: Jean Dujardin, Gary Oldman and Kaira Pitt (the 2nd for Moneyball only, though I concede that inside the Tree of Existence, he works his ass off for just about any director who cares little for stars). I'd be thrilled when the three would win, with possibly a little edge in regards to the width from the pencil mustache prone to Dujardin. Will win: Jean Dujardin Should win: Jean Dujardin or Kaira Pitt or Gary Oldman please dont cause me to feel choose! BEST ACTRESS Although Michelle Williams gave the most popular female performance of year, throughout my Week with Marilyn, for a number of years Ive checked out Viola Davis doing superb work always the quiet, unflashy kind that we might be thrilled doing win for your Help. Poor Glenn Close I should not have a look at Alberts or anybody elses nobbs, thanks greatly. Despite the fact that I greatly dislike Meryl Streeps high-well toned mimicry inside the Iron Lady, the primary one component that will truly drive me over the bend is an additional trilling, faux-gracious acceptance speech from La Streep. Oh God, no, please. Will win: Viola Davis, The Help Should win: Viola Davis, The Help BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR This really is really the course that i have minimal enthusiasm: These performances are fine, however dont go to whichever sparks of mad genius included. (Not necessarily Branaghs amusing pointing of Olivier qualifies.) I am in a position to pay a Christopher Plummer win, if possibly because it is time for Old Mr. Grouchypants. Will win: Christopher Plummer, Beginners Should win: Christopher Plummer, Beginners BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Octavia Spencer might be the actual charmer in this particular category, and he or she has the benefit of being both a mysterious as well as the underdog. Jessica Chastain is lovely inside the Help, but shes better yet in the little-seen movie in the handful of previously referred to as Jolene, through which she carried out a forerunner of the character. Brnice Bejo is extremely winning inside the Artist, but Id still would prefer to see Spencer win. While its laudatory the Academy should nominate a comedy actress with this particular award, Id prefer it not to function as brassy McCarthy. Despite the fact that McTeer is extremely moving Albert Nobbs, I truly am searching forward, after i mentioned earlier, with a nobb-free Sunday evening. Will win: Octavia Spencer, The Help Should win: Octavia Spencer, The Help BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY I have my fingers joined for either Guillame Schiffman for your Artist or Janusz Kaminski for your unfairly maligned and gorgeous - War Equine. (If perhaps Kaminski could follow me around getting a vital light every moment of my existence Id kill to look as luminous as that equine does.) However fear the champion will probably be Emmanuel Lubezki for your Tree of Existence. I like Lubezski, while not The Tree of Lifes model of sterile, calculated beauty. Will win: Emmanuel Lubezki, The Tree of Existence Should win: Guillame Schiffman for your Artist or Janusz Kaminski for War Equine. BEST ANIMATED PICTURE Generally, Im with Mark Harris: I dont much be worried about this category. Except once i do. Which year, I came across a few things i thought will be a firm favorite in Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscals lovely, mostly hands-attracted Latin jazz romance Chico & Rita.. I Rapidly saw Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Feliciolis The Kitty in Paris another hands-attracted adventure, that certain of a winsome and mysterious cat crook padding his way using the cell phone industry's most mysterious and wonderful city which i fell a lot more deeply for one another. I'd be thrilled to find out either picture win, though I suspect very good would go to Gore Verbinskis Rango, that's no less than clever and lively. Will win: Rango Should win: The Kitty in Paris or Chico & Rita Follow Stephanie Zacharek on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Glam Slam: Angelina Jolie Style File

First Published: January 24, 2012 12:44 PM EST Credit: Getty Images LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Angelina Jolie steps out at the Producers Guild Awards on January 21, 2012Angelina Jolie is juggling a lot right nowBrad Pitt, six kids and six red carpets in 16 days. Not to mention that she looks pretty dang good EVERY time she goes out. Here are some of the hits on her whirlwind style tour.so far. Cant wait to see what she wears to the SAG Awards and the Oscars! PRODUCERS GUILD AWARDS WHERE: Los Angeles WHEN: Saturday, January 21 WHO: Michael Kors THE DEETS: Hot, hot, hot! Angelina rocked her signature black in a sleek Kors gown with lace panels and thigh-high slit. Super sexy. THE GOLDEN GLOBES WHERE: Los Angeles WHEN: Sunday, January 15 WHO: Versace Atelier THE DEETS: Angelina stole the show making many best dressed lists with her creamy, draped satin one-of-a-kind custom gown with crimson detailing on the neckline and matching bold, crimson lips. GOLDEN GLOBES FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM NOMINEES EVENT WHERE: Los Angeles WHEN: Saturday, January 14 THE DEETS: Angelina was the epitome of conservative chic in a black dress paired with black jacket and heels with her hair pulled back at an event honoring her film In the Land of Blood and Honey. NY FILM CRITICS AWARDS WHERE: NY WHEN: Monday, January 9 WHO: Ferragamo THE DEETS: Angie went for a sexy naughty secretary look with a prim cream blouse and black leather Ferragamo pencil skirt. She keeps the look simple with black heels and bag and jade jewelry. PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL WHERE: Palm Springs WHEN: Saturday, January 7 WHO: Elie Saab THE DEETS: Angie traded in black for a greige halter neck Elie Saab pleated jumpsuit, which she paired with Jimmy Choo heels and natural-looking hair and makeup. Beautiful! Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More liberal undertake visual media kudos

'The King's SpeechAlexandre Desplat's score for 'The King's Speech' was alone from the year's nominees and to have an Oscar jerk. Miss out on much-coveted Oscar nomination for score or song? Don't worry, it's Grammy can provide relief. Unlike the Academy awards, the Grammys offer three groups inside their "music for visual media" area -- score soundtrack, compilation soundtrack and song -- because the recommendations are less strict than people in the Academy of motion Picture Arts & Sciences, composers and songwriters have a very better shot within the recognition."It probably is quite open, in contrast for the Oscars," states Recording Academy awards V . p . Bill Freimuth, although he highlights the essential criteria for your score Grammy resemble: the music activity ought to be particularly written for your movie, Tv program or videogame and a pair of-thirds in the tracks round the album must really keep up with the film, show or game.Grammy voters are music-biz pros -- many of them not inside the film, TV or game world -- as well as the concept, no less than, is the Grammy voters are wonderful idol idol judges of strong musical material.Song-driven albums are qualified for your compilation-soundtrack recognition. AMPAS features a "song score" category nevertheless it has not been triggered because too handful of original musicals are actually became a member of (and compilations of tunes in the movie weren't honored with the Acad).Direct critiques are hard because the Grammy qualifications year finishes Sept. 30, while Oscar's finishes 12 ,. 31. One of the year's Grammy score nominees appeared to become an Oscar nominee: "The King's Speech" by Alexandre Desplat.Desplat -- which has both 2010's "The King's Speech" and 2011's "Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" in contention as of this year's Grammys -- states he doesn't personally enter in the competition his management, or perhaps the record labels, do. Grammy professionals say this can be common.Another Grammy nominees were either disqualified for Oscar consideration (2010's "Black Swan" by Clint Mansell, because of its Tchaikovsky roots), may have been too edgy (2010's "Tron Legacy" by Daft Punk) or were not qualified (2011's barely released "The Shrine" by Ryan Shoreline).This Year's song nominees tell the same tale: Apt to be Oscar-nominated but were not (Diane Warren's "You Haven't Seen all the Me," completed by Cher in 2010's "Burlesque" Zac Brown's "Where the River Goes" from 2011's "Footloose" Zooey Deschanel's "This Type Of Very Long Time" from 2011's "Winnie the Pooh"), together with a TV song from "Family Guy," a Attacking Youthful Boys number from his concert film, and merely one tune that actually got an Oscar jerk ("I Start to see the Light" from 2010's "Twisted").For AMPAS, its music branch determined that 3 tunes were fit for competition, which elevated more than a few eye eyebrows.GRAMMY Honours 2012Year's finest star fires up Grammys Refurbished Grammys requires more trims Macca guarantees great MusiCares gala Creative sparks fly from clash of styles More liberal undertake visual media kudos Grammy spotlights Shore's 'Shine' Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Air grows into finance

HadityPayment and production management group Entertainment Partners has drawn on Producers Guild East chairman John Hadity to guide its new financing division. Hadity can help push Air forward in to the financing arena, concentrating on the money making of production tax credits. Air is an expert being produced payroll and residual payment processing, in addition to production tax credit talking to and administration. Hadity includes a lengthy history with film finance, getting offered for twelve years as professional Vice president of movement picture and tv production finance for Miramax. Professional works from EP's NY offices. Company hopes to produce its film financing operation later this season. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

'Cold Light Of Day' Trailer: Henry Cavill Advances, Bruce Willis Can get Paid out

Despite how a trailer for "The Cold Light of Day" starts, the film isn't about Bruce Willis and Henry Cavill just like a encouraging father-boy team, who've a pleasant vacation, yachting around the globe and becoming a conventional time. Calculates that father reaches the CIA, which he didn't tell his family, including his boy, until it absolutely was too far gone. See the "Cold Light of Day" trailer following a jump! "The Cold Light of Day" follows Cavill's character while he fights his way with the country to correct the mess his father left for him also to save his family utilizing their captors. A clip supplies a awesome have a look at Cavill's action chops in the pre-"Guy of Steel" movie. You'll find a scene of him jumping building to building. It's under jumping tall structures in a single bound, but 2013 can be a extended ways away. Also, has others observed that Bruce Willis seems to experience a clause in many his contracts that states that he'll concentrate on a film for starters day without any more? SPOILERS, I guess, nevertheless it seems like Willis will bite the dust right after revealing his strategies for Cavill. Finish SPOILERS. That isn't always a poor arrangement whatsoever. Whoever else consider a clip for "The Cold Light of Day"? Are you currently presently aboard for Cavill's next pre-Superman action movie? Inform us everything you consider a clip inside the comments section below and also on Twitter!

Componen homevid arm names South usa professional

Davi Oliveira remains attracted on V . p . and controlling director of South usa for Vital Home Media Distribution. The territory is becoming an growing industry for Hollywood's homevid distribs. In this particular role, Oliveira can lead to controlling marketing, sales and distribution in South usa. He reviews to Dork Davis, senior V . p . Asia Off-shoreline and South Usa physical and digital transactional sales. Oliveira joins Componen from Samsung do Brasil where he offered as sales director, retail and was responsible for restructuring the advertising and marketing chain and driving Samsung to the leading business position within six several days. Before that, he offered as sales director, retail in the new the new sony Ericsson Brasil, controlling planning and treatments for the retail funnel. "I am delighted that Davi is joining Vital and begin feeling certain that his extensive management experience and proper vision is really a tremendous resource towards the organization," mentioned Wendy Ferren, executive V . p . gm of worldwide home media distribution. "We anticipate his contributions after we still strengthen and expand our global methods." Oliveira's employing comes several several days following the new the new sony Pictures and last century Fox paired around pursue Brazil's growing middle and upper classes that are buying more Digital video disks and Blu-sun sun rays by developing Fox-The brand new the new sony Pictures Home Entertainment System do Brasil just like a partnership (Daily Variety, March. 17). Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

Nfl can get its anthems in order

Darius Rucker works through the Super Bowl since the Nfl moves to integrate more music into its activities.Appropriate because of its status as not only most likely probably the most-seen annual sporting event but furthermore probably the sporting event most seen by non-sports fans, next week's Super Bowl will feature plenty of music to keep pigskin-averse audiences pacified. Garnering a lot of the mind lines will probably be Madonna's halftime appearance, but Kelly Clarkson, Nicki Minaj, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are scheduled to complete through the broadcast too.Along with the greater apparent headliners, however, will probably be original football-designed tunes from Darius Rucker, Sammy Hagar, Jordin Sparks while others which will be plainly peppered throughout both Jan. 29 Professional Bowl and Feb. 5 Super Bowl broadcasts on NBC. Once they could go relatively undetected one of the hoopla, these tunes are early products from the new deal involving the National football league and Banshee Music, a Wisconsin-based music offshoot in the GMR Marketing agency that's on the way of creating new, proprietary music for teams within the league.Banshee's professional football dealings started when the agency produced a brand new kickoff song due to its hometown Eco-friendly Bay Packers last season and subsequently extended to commission original tunes for your Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers. In the start of the current season, the business signed a multi-year deal with the Nfl and released a five-song digital Air of original music."The partnership launched inside the fall, so time wasn't excellent,In . mentioned John Canaday, Banshee's V . p . of sports marketing. But by the start of the 2012-13 season, the business is wanting to own produced original, proprietary tunes for all the league's 32 teams.The close integration of pop music and professional sports is not new. European celebs have extended notched hits with fight tunes for local soccer teams, and rapper Wiz Khalifa showed up an unpredicted No. 1 single this season along with his Gambling ode "Black and Yellow." Labels come in this mix too, with Atlantic Records a year ago pairing with ESPN to combine-promote its new artists on NCAA football broadcasts. (Plus there's the 100s of thousands of dollars each Nfl team pays every year to license existing music for stadium play and promotions.) Nevertheless the Banshee deal can make teams not only commissioners but furthermore partial entrepreneurs that goes for them particular anthems, therefore enabling greater mix-marketing options."A team might play AC/Electricity inside the stadium after every touchdown, which is okay,Inch Canaday noted. "However if you develop a highlight reel after, take advantage of stock music because you don't have the licenses." Beneath the Banshee deal, Canaday mentioned, "Teams become equity partners throughout these tunes ongoing to maneuver forwardInch and could control utilizing an audio lesson from stadium plays to online seminars and marketing videos without needing to be worried about certification.(As Canaday noted, World Wrestling Entertainment remains while watching curve in this connection, getting operated its record label for any very long time. But this is often a first for that large four professional sports leagues inside the U.S.)Beneath the agreement, teams and artists participate revenue participation, while Banshee strikes certification deals and supervises rights. While nothing remains made the decision yet, Canaday mentioned the business is at talks with videogame giant Ea, developer in the annual "Madden NflInch franchise, to license its official tunes within the sport.Music are largely written and produced inhouse, too as with choosing artists to complete them, the organization includes a inclination to search for artists having a couple of link to they. (Atlanta natives Sevendust were useful for any Falcons anthem, for example.) However, Canaday noted: "An excellent song is a superb song. A thing that works well with battery battery chargers could probably work elsewhere too."Furthermore for the Nfl, Banshee has produced music for NCAA teams for instance Louisiana Condition U. as well as the U. of Texas, together with the Kentucky Derby. But for the moment, the primary focus can be a league-wide rollout within the Nfl.InchThe priority will get while watching next season," Canaday mentioned. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Michelle Williams, George Clooney to Present at Directors Guild Awards

Michelle Williams, George Clooney to Present at Directors Guild Awards By Philiana Ng January 25, 2012 Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images George Clooney Hours after the Academy Award nominations were announced, presenters for the 64th annual Directors Guild Awards were revealed.Michelle Williams, George Clooney, Ben Kingsley, Octavia Spencer, Berenice Bejo, Jean Dujardin, Jessica Chastain and Owen Wilson have been tapped to present at Saturday's ceremony.Additionally, DGA president Taylor Hackford, Michael Apted, Jon Cryer, Laura Dern, Tom Hooper, Stana Katic, Kathleen Robertson, Betty Thomas and Deborah Ann Woll will also take part.The nominees for outstanding directorial achievement in feature film include Woody Allen (Midnight in Paris), David Fincher ("The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"), Michel Hazanavicius ("The Artist"), Alexander Payne ("The Descendants") and Martin Scorsese ("Hugo").On the television side, "Modern Family," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "General Hospital" and "All My Children" lead with two nominations apiece.The winner will be announced Saturday at the Grand Ballroom in Hollywood & Highland, hosted by recent Golden Globe winner Kelsey Grammer. The Hollywood Reporter Michelle Williams, George Clooney to Present at Directors Guild Awards By Philiana Ng January 25, 2012 George Clooney PHOTO CREDIT Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Hours after the Academy Award nominations were announced, presenters for the 64th annual Directors Guild Awards were revealed.Michelle Williams, George Clooney, Ben Kingsley, Octavia Spencer, Berenice Bejo, Jean Dujardin, Jessica Chastain and Owen Wilson have been tapped to present at Saturday's ceremony.Additionally, DGA president Taylor Hackford, Michael Apted, Jon Cryer, Laura Dern, Tom Hooper, Stana Katic, Kathleen Robertson, Betty Thomas and Deborah Ann Woll will also take part.The nominees for outstanding directorial achievement in feature film include Woody Allen (Midnight in Paris), David Fincher ("The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"), Michel Hazanavicius ("The Artist"), Alexander Payne ("The Descendants") and Martin Scorsese ("Hugo").On the television side, "Modern Family," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "General Hospital" and "All My Children" lead with two nominations apiece.The winner will be announced Saturday at the Grand Ballroom in Hollywood & Highland, hosted by recent Golden Globe winner Kelsey Grammer. The Hollywood Reporter

Lively intro, lifeless kudocast

Gervais The inspired selection of Ough Gervais to host this years Golden Globes soured this past year, once the multifaceted star's "courageous insult comic" persona motivated him to visit beyond his debut in irreverence, departing award-show decorum within an uncomfortable shambles. Inviting him back thus introduced a whiff of anticipation in to the ceremony ("Who'll he party next?") that almost surpassed the nominees heading into Sunday's telecast. Still, the late great Gil Cates spoke from the unpredictable "award-show gods," with Gervais largely an absentee the majority of the evening, they did not smile on Sunday's lifeless telecast."Boy, he's fun," stated The Actor-brad Pitt after Gervais' six-minute opening monologue, as well as in an extensive sense, it's difficult to argue. It is simply in hindsight the telecast peaked together with his open, and was practically all downhill after that.With individuals anticipating another celebrity flaying, Gervais reserved his toughest barbs for NBC and also the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn., showing his iconoclastic streak by (frequently) biting hands feeding him."So, where was I?" he started, before likening the HFPA towards the corrupt immigrants in "Boardwalk Empire" and quipping the Globes will be to the Academy awards "what Kim Kardashian would be to Kate Middleton," which really sounds about right. When it comes to naughtiness, Gervais danced as much as the road with jokes about Attacking Young Boys and also the Jodie Promote-directed "The Beaver," but otherwise -- aside from a later expletive -- there is little to create the area or censors blanch.Depp's appearance right in advance strengthened the "it's all regulated in fun" attitude, given Gervais' injections at him over "The Tourist" this past year. (Obviously, which gave Gervais an opportunity to plug his approaching Cinemax series "Life's Way Too Short,Inch by which Depp constitutes a twisted appearance as themself.)Even when the injections smarted -- the HFPA is not exactly noted for its spontaneity regarding questions regarding the group's authenticity -- getting Gervais back would be a basically clever misdirection considering the minimal period of time he really made an appearance inside the three-hour telecast. Ultimately, getting Gervais host felt just like a bait-and-switch tactic.On the other hand, the Globes are usually deft professionals of shaping a telecast -- rapidly racing through TV honours to splash as numerous celebrities on the watch's screen as you possibly can.Past Gervais, the show was virtually lifeless, indicated by plenty of acceptance speeches that droned on with no hint of spontaneity or miracle. When Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep and Madonna all get stop by music, you realize you are set for a tough evening.Nor made it happen help the voters unintentionally appeared going to choose as numerous little-seen those who win as you possibly can.Whilst the Globes have typically cultivated unpredictability, there is an insufficiency of this too. OK, Streep didn't remember her glasses and there is an exhibition mixup with Take advantage of Lowe and Julianne Moore mostly, little strengthened the customary "expect wackiness" vibe.Seth Rogen bucked the popularity, referencing glamorous co-presenter Kate Beckinsdale by saying he was "presently attempting to hide an enormous erection," and George Clooney went beneath the belt in adoring "Shame" star Michael Fassbender's, er, performance.Next, the pickings were awfully slim: Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy's little showing duet. "Modern Family's" bilingual acceptance. Madonna awkwardly attempting to zing Gervais.Even director Louis J. Horvitz, an experienced from the award-show wars, battled to locate reaction shots from anyone who appeared as if these were getting fun, except throughout the nice and cozy tribute to Morgan Freeman.For the arrivals program, Carson Daly demonstrated less giddy than his co-hosts, however the only fireworks originated from Elton John, who needed to be bleeped for saying fellow song nominee Madonna "has not got a f--kin' chance." Given Gervais' slip and also the FCC fine levied over Bono utilizing the same term in 2003, the network may want to time-delay Men and women later on telecasts.Incidentally, Madonna -- who pretentiously stated her song "like magic arrived on the scene of me" -- later won, making John's premature exclamation one of several misfires inside a shateringly lengthy evening.Related: 'The Artist' and Weinstein Co. dominate Globes 69th Golden Globes: Complete listing of those who win TV newcomers dominate Globes Spencer takes note of ladies who inspired 'The Help' Large Globes footprint for TWC Contact John Lowry at john.lowry@variety.com

'Faith' advances to Broadway

Raul Esparza, who starred within the Ahmanson staging of Leap of Belief will return for Broadway.Inside a Broadway shakeup, the tuner adaptation of "Leap of Belief" has jumped right into a vacancy produced by battling revival "On the Obvious Day You Can Observe Forever," now set to shut Jan. 29.Raul Esparza, who toplined the planet preem of "Leap" in L.A. this year, returns to guide the cast from the Gotham version. Creative team includes new additions Warren Leight ("Side Guy"), now co-writing it, in addition to helmer Christopher Ashley and choreographer Sergio Trujillo ("Jersey Boys").The jump for "Leap" rejiggers the Rialto's spring sked, contributing to the roster yet another new tuner -- inside a production which had formerly been striving to land on Broadway within the fall.Gossips concerning the change have been circulating for any couple of days now, because it grew to become apparent that Harry Connick Junior. starrer "On the Obvious Day," which opened up to largely unfavorable reviews, wouldn't last, departing among the Street's prime musical houses, the St. James Theater, open for any reveal that could mobilize rapidly."Leap" had been preparing for any run at Broadway, getting introduced an autumn target date along with a new cadre of collaborators within the wake from the unenthusiastically received Ahmanson Theater run. Ashley changed Take advantage of Ashford ("How to achieve Business Without Really Trying") as helmer, and Leight came aboard to operate on scribe Janus Cercone's original book.Producers of "Leap" pressed for "Obvious Day" to announce its closing at some point to ensure that final funds for "Leap" might be kept in and particulars ironed out prior to performances beginning at the begining of April.Confirmation of "Leap" means the show's composer, Alan Menken ("The Small Mermaid"), is poised to possess three shows running at the same time around the Primary Stem, with "Leap" joining the present "Sister Act" and "Newsies," opening in April. Glenn Slater, who labored with Menken on "Sister Act," creates the lyrics for "Leap."Book author Cercone also composed the 1992 film, toplined by Steve Martin, which the musical relies. Story follows a charlatan reverend (Esparza) and also the female sheriff, to become performed by Jessica Phillips, who vows to seal him lower.Kendra Kassebaum will also come in the Gotham version of "Leap," with further casting still to become introduced.If this wooden shutters Jan. 29, "On the Obvious Day," which opened up 12 ,. 11, may have performed 29 previews and 57 regular perfs. The redux from the 1965 Lerner and Lane musical, created and directed by Michael Mayer ("Spring Awakening"), pulls a gender turn on the show's reincarnation-designed story.Despite the existence of Connick -- whose prior stint around the Rialto, "The Pajama Game," demonstrated popular -- the development did not become popular with auds. A week ago the tuner drawn within $585,000 and performed to under 70% of capacity.Producers of "Obvious Day" include Tom Hulce, Ira Pittelman, Liza Lerner and Broadway Across America, amongst others.Even though previews for "Leap" happen to be set to start April 3, a precise opening date remains to become introduced. Cutoff for Tony qualifications is April 26.Creating team of "Leap" includes Michael Mannheim (additionally a producer around the film), James D. Stern, Douglas L. Meyer, Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, Steven Baruch and Jujamcyn Theaters, amongst others. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Keith Urban Coming back To Stage After Vocal Surgery

First Released: The month of january 12, 2012 3:38 PM EST Credit: Getty Images NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Caption Keith Urban works in the 49th Annual ASCAP New Bands Honours in the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn., on November 6, 2011Keith Urban will return to the level on February. 3 in the Grand Ole Opry following vocal surgery. The nation celebrity were built with a polyp taken off a vocal cord at Vanderbilt College Clinic late this past year and it has been in vocal relaxation. His appearance in the Ryman Auditorium the following month is going to be his first public performance since he recorded an audio lesson for that CMA Country Christmas television special in mid-November. He was instructed to postpone his All For That Hall benefit concert for that New Bands Hall of Fame which was initially scheduled for Jan. 18. Younger crowd rescheduled the tail finish of his 2011 concert tour for later this season. The Grand Ole Opry also introduced Urban will work in March. __ Online: http://world wide web.keithurban.internet Copyright 2012 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.