'Parks and Rec's' Jim O'Heir on Playing Jerry and Pilot Season

Round the NBC sitcom "Parks and Entertainment," which just completed production on its fourth season the other day, longtime Pawnee Parks Department worker Jerry Gergich can be a loving husband and father who also is undoubtedly a gifted painter and pianist. But audiences rarely look at this side of him because the other figures inside the show berate, humiliate, and abuse Jerry every week.InchWithin the writers' room, they have reached prevent approaching with terrible things for Jerry, since they can begin all day long lengthy," actor Jim O'Heir, who plays Jerry, states happily. "It's their preferred factor. But a few things i love about our showand you do not notice oftenis there's love between these figures. I don't take credit with this. I'm not scripting this brilliant stuff. We just have the prettiest authors."Back Stage: How will you maintain separation between yourself as well as the character you play? Jim O'Heir: You obtain fan mail from people, which is heartbreaking from many of them that are the "Jerrys" from the office. The primary distinction between people people and myself is always that after they yell "cut," I've got people adopting me and laughing together and becoming an enjoyable experience. Which individuals, they don't. They're that each from the office, which is heartbreaking. But we're stars. When you are getting an element, just purchase it. Jim O'Heir is not Jerry.Back Stage: At your job some gifted improvisers inside the cast, like Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, and Aubrey Plaza. Just how much the show is improvised? O'Heir: I visited improv school with people like Matt Walsh, who started the UCB with Amy. We did The Players Workshop in Chicago, and second City. He'd an improv group, I'd an improv group. However I have arrived at inform you, Amy Poehler is at another league. She's enchanting, plus it just seems super easy.Perform that which you call a "fun run" after every scene, meaning we're gonna repeat the process, and anything goes. But ninety percent within our show is what was designed in writing, because the authors are writing it so funny and fantastically they do not require us.Every every occasionally, something is important-add for your show. There's an instalment referred to as "Flu Season," and everybody was getting sick, and Leslie (Amy Poehler) was sick. Chris Pratt, from nowhere, states, "Oh, Leslie, I looked it using the pc, plus it states you may have 'network connectivity problems.'" That was just brilliant.Back Stage: Even though the show is well-loved by experts and youthful audiences, the ratings weren't sufficiently strong enough to make sure your renewal for just about any fifth season yet. How will you deal with the uncertainty? O'Heir: Becoming an actor, this can be pilot season at this time around. Therefore if you're in the show and consists of not been made a decision [be it being restored for the next season], they really don't have to inform you until May, plenty of aircraft aircraft pilots will not consider you. It puts an actress in the tough place, because we don't know. Essentially make an effort to get another pilot this season most of the places go, "No, we're not seeing him. Why would we shoot an plane pilot with him that individuals will have to reshoot if his show returns which we obtain acquired?" A year ago, in the start of March, we heard [that "Parks and Entertainment" happen to be restored]. So that it was like, "Okay, I'm good! I obtained a show! I'm able to savor the summer season, carry out some other work, and understand that within the finish of the summer time we're altogether again.Inch And Hopefully happens this year. I am unable to imagine not receiving them forever during my world. But it's the smoothness of television. No show continues forever.Back Stage: Many people might be watching "Parks and Entertainment" online, or by themselves phone, or on Digital video recorder, but people amounts still don't get counted much the same way as TV audiences at this time around. O'Heir: I have got a number of rental characteristics with youthful people dwelling inside them. They don't have Televisions. I walked right away to correct something, and i'm like, "Where's your television?" They don't acquire one. Everything they're doing is online.Back Stage: Wait, you handle the upkeep of people rental characteristics yourself? O'Heir: If something will need completed, someone's got to make it happen. As well as, things fail. There've been many Jerry moments when there's a hammer throughout my hands, believe me. (Laughs.)"Parks and Entertainment" airs on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on NBC.

Dwayne Johnson To Star In Ciudad, First Russo Brothers Feature Since 2006

EXCLUSIVE: Dwayne Johnson has signed on to star in Ciudad, an intense action thriller to be directed by Joe and Anthony Russo. The pic is being produced by Eric Gitter and Peter Schwerin of Closed on Mondays Entertainment (Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World), as well as Emmett/Furla Films partners Randall Emmett & George Furla. Emmett/Furla Films will finance the movie. Envision Entertainments Stepan Martirosyan and Remington Chase, who have a film fund with Emmett/Furla Films, will executive produce. The Russo Brothers will direct from a script written by Joe Russo. Ciudad is based on the upcoming Oni Press graphic novel that the Russo Brothers co-wrote with Ande Parks. Set in one of the most dangerous and corrupt cities in the world, the thriller will star Johnson as a black market mercenary hired by a Brazilian drug lord to rescue his kidnapped daughter. Since joining Fast Five, Johnson has been on fire. He’s become the face for two other pre-existing franchises; Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, which has grossed $270 million worldwide, and G.I. Joe: Retaliation, which opens in the summer. Johnson is also in early talks to play the title role in MGM’s Hercules: The Thracian Wars, which Brett Ratner will direct. Ciudad is Johnson’s second recent collaboration with Emmett/Furla Films as he’s also attached to star in the crime thriller Empire State, which Dito Montiel is directing. For the Russos — who have been working on the TV series Community, Happy Endings, and Arrested Development–Ciudad is their first feature since 2006′s You, Me And Dupree. Ciudad is their first foray into hard-core action. “Exploring genre has always been a driving motivation for us as filmmakers,” the Russos said in a statement. “This movie is the culmination of a long time ambition to bring our sensibilities to an action thriller.” Closed on Mondays Entertainment’s Joe Nozemack will executive produce and Steven V. Scavelli and Lisa Gitter will co-produce. David Guillod of Intellectual Artists Management will also executive produce. Johnson and the Russo Brothers are repped by WME and 3 Arts, as is Closed On Mondays and Oni Press.

Ralph McQuarrie dies at 82

Conceptual designer Ralph McQuarrie, who designed the look of "Star Wars" characters including Darth Vader and Chewbacca, died Saturday, March 3, in Berkeley, Calif. He was 82 and had been suffering from Parkinson's. McQuarrie, part of the team that won an Oscar in 1986 for the visual effects in "Cocoon," worked on all three of the original "Star Wars" films and designed the spaceships in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial." He was also credited on "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and worked on the original "Battlestar Galactica" series. McQuarrie was born in Gary, Ind., but moved to California. He was a technical illustrator for Boeing at first, but also designed film posters and provided animation for CBS' coverage of NASA's Apollo missions. George Lucas hired him to illustrate scenes from his "Star Wars" script, and McQuarrie not only created the look of characters Darth Vader, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO but also of some of the sets, including of the desert world Tatooine. His conceptual drawings helped convince 20th Century Fox execs to finance the film. The artist even appeared in "The Empire Strikes Back," playing General McQuarrie, who was among the characters made into action figures. In a statement, Lucas said: "His genial contribution, in the form of unequalled production paintings, propelled and inspired all of the cast and crew of the original 'Star Wars' trilogy. When words could not convey my ideas, I could always point to one of Ralph's fabulous illustrations and say, 'Do it like this.'" McQuarrie later worked on the films "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home," "Batteries Not Included" and "Nightbreed" and was the conceptual designer of Back to the Future: The Ride at Universal Studios in Hollywood and Florida. He was later asked to work on the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy but declined. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Justin Hartley Can get Male Lead In CW Pilot First Cut

EXCLUSIVE: The CW‘s Grey’s Anatomy-esque medical drama pilot First Cut required its McDreamy in former Smallville co-star and CW heartthrob Justin Hartley. Put together by Jennie Snyder Urman and produced by CBS TV Art galleries, First Cut involves a lately minted female physician your hospital. Hartley may have Will, a handsome and sexy surgical intern, a golden boy that ladies want so far and many types of males desire to spend some time with. Hartley features a strong following from his role since the Eco-friendly Arrow on Smallville, which he will be a fans’ choice to reprise his role inside the CW’s pilot Arrow, a modern day retelling in the story of Electricity Comics character Eco-friendly Arrow. The part ultimately visited Stephen Amell, now Hartley will get a CW pilot lead that belongs to them.

Two More Aircraft pilots and something Direct-to-Series Pickup Get Casting Company directors

Two late pilot orders have attached casting company directors, Back Stage has confirmed.CBS' untitled comedy project from Ben Falcone and Ray Dorf is going to be cast by Dava Waite Peaslee. The pilot, from Warner Bros. Television, stars Falcone like a property investor who manages to lose my way through an offer gone bad and it is instructed to move in together with his family. Rachael Harris was already cast becoming Falcone's wife. Melissa McCarthy, Falcone's real-existence spouse, is serving among the show's executive producers. Plans will be to start shooting in mid March.Apart from her gigs on Showtime's "Weeds" and Fox's "Raising Hope," Peaslee can also be casting the NBC comedy pilot "Friday Evening Dinner.""Ignore It,Inch a Fox comedy pilot from The new sony Pictures Television, is going to be cast by Collin Greenstein and Brett Daniel. Plot particulars continue to be scarce on that one, that is only referred to like a single-camera comedy in regards to a husband and wife as well as their buddies because they find it difficult to navigate and manipulate social customs. Zachary Levi, star from the lately came to the conclusion NBC drama "Chuck," has signed onto star. No start date is placed.Additionally to "Ignore It,Inch Greenstein/Daniel are casting two other aircraft pilots this spring: Fox's "Ben Fox Is My Manny" and "Paging Dr. Freed" for USA Network. Additionally they cast the television Land series "Hot in Cleveland" and it is approaching spin-off starring Cedric the Performer, "Have Belief."Finally, "Mistresses," a task which was in contention for any pilot order but ended up obtaining a straight-to-series order for summer time 2013 rather, is going to be cast by Mary Jo Slater and Steve Brooksbank. The drama, which originates from ABC Galleries, is dependant on the BBC1 series four, well, mistresses whose various romantic entanglements result in a variety of problems. The series doesn't have start date yet. Slater/Brooksbank lately cast the very first season of TNT drama "Perception," set to premiere this summer time.

Costumers Designers Guild Awards: Dragon Tattoo, W.E., Harry Potter, Glee, Boardwalk Empire, Downton Abbey

LOS ANGELES, CA February 21, 2012 The winners of the 14th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards were announced tonight at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The event was hosted by actress, Jane Lynch. The Guild handed out competitive awards for costume design excellence in seven categories including films, television and commercials: EXCELLENCE IN CONTEMPORARY FILM The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trish Summerville EXCELLENCE IN PERIOD FILM W.E. Arianne Phillips EXCELLENCE IN FANTASY FILM Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Jany Temime OUTSTANDING CONTEMPORARY TELEVISION SERIES Glee Lou Eyrich & Jennifer Eve OUTSTANDING PERIOD/FANTASY TELEVISION SERIES Boardwalk Empire John A. Dunn, Lisa Padovani OUTSTANDING MADE FOR TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINI SERIES Downton Abbey Susannah Buxton EXCELLENCE IN COMMERCIAL COSTUME DESIGN Swiffer: Country Dirt Cowgirl Roseanne Fiedler In addition, four honorary awards were presented at the Awards Gala: This year, the Guild honored talented screen and stage actress Kate Beckinsale with the LACOSTE SPOTLIGHT AWARD. Beckinsale was presented with the award by Columbus Short, her costar in the film Whiteout. Renowned costume designer Marlene Stewart was honored with this years DISARONNO CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN FILM AWARD. A montage highlighting her extraordinary career was introduced by model and actress, Amber Valletta. Two-time Emmy Award nominated costume designer, Lou Eyrich was honored with this years CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN TELEVISION AWARD. Ryan Murphy, co-creator and executive producer of Glee, presented her with the Award. The DISTINGUISHED COLLABORATOR AWARD was presented to Emmy award-winning costume designer, Deborah Hopper, and four-time Oscar winner, Clint Eastwood, who have collaborated on more than 22 films over the last 20 years. A montage featuring such critically acclaimed films as Flags of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima, Mystic River, Million Dollar Baby, Changeling, Gran Torino, Invictus and most recently, J. Edgar was introduced by actress, Marcia Gay Harden. Actor Ken Watanabe (who worked with the duo on Letters from Iwo Jima) surprised the two when he came out from backstage to present them with the statuettes. In honor of their centennial anniversary, Western Costume was presented with a special SERVICE AWARD reflecting the company’s 100 years of professional contributions from the silent era to the present, as well as its continuous support of the Costume Designers Guild.

Orange alert

Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Cicely Tyson and Viola Davis meet within the Shrine. Laurence Fishburne parties with Mara Brock Akil, Salim Akil and Pooch Hall. Samuel L. Jackson and George Lucas Keke Palmer and Jill Scott It absolutely was no shock that Viola Davis needed best actress honors at Friday's NAACP Image Honours. But "The AssistanceInch star's remarks backstage within the Shrine did surprise the press corp. "I decided it because of the color,In . Davis mentioned of her plunging orange Herve LeRoux gown. "I didn't realize my tatas might be so prevalent. I believed as extended since they're not hanging lower to my knees I'm good."After her "House of Payne" win, Keshia Dark evening Pulliam could not stop gushing about her blue Dolce & Gabbana, though she was concerned about the measures some women trip to obtain that perfect look. "Ladies, eat, please! It's good to look fabulous however, you'll need food. I'd garlic clove clove fries last evening to be able to talk."Jill Scott, who won outstanding female artist honors, stood a bone to select while using Grammys, which has stopped giving honours for gospel music. "There's a little of music without black folksbut hardly any,In . she mentioned. Keke Palmer needed home a statuette on her behalf "True Jackson, Private roomInch turn, but got flustered when explaining her first on-screen hug. "OMG!" she mentioned of Robbie Amell. "He'd his shirt off which he put me available....But no, he wasn't very challenging to your vision.In . Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Machete follow-up could film in April

Good new for fans of B-movie trashiness, as Robert Rodriguez has set the wheels moving for doing things follow-up Machete Kills. And additionally, it might be around sooner or later...Obtaining seen the initial film produce a respectable profit (a $44 million take against a $10.5 million budget), a script looks like it's in place for your follow-up, with Rodriguez wanting to start filming in April.Danny Trejo looks like it's in predicts reprise his role since the badass Mexican hit-guy, as well as in the sounds from this, the completely new plot is a lot more available in comparison to original.Machete Kills will dsicover Trejo's character attempting to foil the villainous machinations from the billionaire arms dealer, who expects to spread war all over the world with the aid of a mega weapon... wide.How Rodriguez has handled to address calling that certain Machete Wide is beyond us, however when the second film can be a success, we are capable of seeing him complete the trilogy with mooted second follow-up, Machete Kills Again.However, thinking about the extended-guaranteed Vegas 2 still remains no closer to fruition, we'd advise taking these grand plans getting a pinch of salt...

Indie Brit pix nab record U.K. share

LONDON -- Independent British films hit their finest ever recorded business within the U.K. box office a year ago, due to photos like "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy," "The Inbetweeners" and "The King's Speech." According to independent research within the British Film Institute, the business of indie U.K. photos from our B.O. was 14% -- the finest ever on record. Stellar is because of "King's Speech" and comedy "Inbetweeners," which both made $71 million, together with a $22.3 million gross for "Mess Tailor" counseled me key drivers inside the Brit indie surge. It absolutely was an excellent year for U.K. cinemas generally with admissions up 1.4% year-on-year at 172 million. U.K. B.O. sitting at $1.64 billion, up 5% from 2010, despite the fact that a few of the is credited for the 2.5% hike in Vat, which begin working at the outset of 2011. Business for individuals U.K. photos, including "Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" and "Sherlock Houses: A Game Title Title of Shadows," taken care of for 36% in the total box office, up from 24% this season. Total acquisition of U.K.-based film production showed up at $1.99 billion, which $1.6 billion came from from worldwide productions lensing inside the territory. Overall purchase worldwide productions was up 3%. While purchase film production in Blighty overall was up, the whole volume of U.K. photos produced with budgets of just a million ($789,000) or maybe more fell to 71, lower from 78 this season. 90-eight photos were made on budgets below $789,000, obtaining the entire volume of U.K. feature photos produced this season to 169, lower on 2010's 262 photos. However, the quantity of U.K. co-productions elevated by one third to 40, while co-productions recorded a U.K. spend of $93.millions of. BFI Boss Amanda Nevill noted that even though final results were positive overall, "it's still an unpleasant time for filmmakers trying to boost finance to produce independent films in this particular tough economic climate.In . Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Spartacus: What you should expect in Season 2 (Beyond the Blood stream and Physiques)

Liam McIntyre, Lucy Lawless "I am Spartacus." Newcomer Liam McIntyre claims these legendary words in Spartacus: Vengeance, which returns to Starz due to its second season on Friday at 10/9c. With techniques, the Aussie is stating the completely new regime, both since the slave who won his freedom and since the actor who walked into Spartacus' shoes after Andy Whitfield required to exit because of lymphoma. (Whitfield died in September.) McIntyre: Andy Whitfield's dying was the "saddest day" round the Spartacus set Since the new guy, McIntyre gets into in to a fantastically overwrought arena of gore, copulation and pseudo-period dialogue that fans are actually familiar. No matter the convoluted language and intense fight sequences requiring several days of training, it absolutely was the revealing sex moments he found most likely probably the most challenging. "The text I loved because I'd a Shakespeare background, so that it actually was fun to see,In . McIntyre notifies TVGuide.com "It's like revisionist Shakespeare or something like that like this. The fighting is similar to like a 10-year-old it's so enjoyable. Therefore I guess most likely probably the most challenging factor might be the nudity. It's just this kind of strange factor. It always works inside the story, it definitely is a mixture of an important moment... when you are an actress, it's just an unusual experience. People just don't bypass utilizing their clothes off." Nevertheless, McIntyre removed lower and walked up, getting Spartacus to existence once again in many his naked glory. Season 2 builds up with Spartacus leading the rebels who've won their freedom by overthrowing home of Batiatus in the bloody fight. Have a look at what else McIntyre, executive producer Steven DeKnight and co-star Lucy Lawless have to say on what's approaching this season: A Brothel Massacre. Crixus (Manu Bennett) is placed on obtaining information, and that he is not likely to let a house of ill repute enter his way. Naturally, his fellow rebels tend to be than attempting to participate. "In Episode 1, one of the early things we placed on the board inside the writers' room, was 'Brothel Attack," and you just can't fail getting a title such as this. There's a really emotional story that enhances that, but we thought about being, 'Well, you will not wish to only use and attack lots of males and acquire good info. They need to attack a brothel.'" VIDEO: Spartacus purports to "repay with blood stream" in Season 2 The Roman Upstart. Gaius Claudius Glaber (Craig Parker) only agreed to be seen briefly inside the first season, but has came back with elevated screen time while he sets to oppose Spartacus as well as the rebels. Bad the greater youthful generation of Romans aren't always on one page. "We certainly preferred to throw some roadblocks in the manner which is how we showed up with Seppius [Tom Hobbs] and also the sister Seppia. [Hanna Mangan Lawrence]," DeKnight describes, adding they "preferred to possess this youthful guy" cause Glaber some trouble. "In the beginning inside the season, there's a scene involving the two. They're just sitting and speaking, but it's among my faves of the year, the scene through which Seppius eats the fig. It's a energy fight." The Unforeseen Slave. As Spartacus and also the males travel the countryside, clearing slaves simply because they go, they encounter Tiberius (Pana Hema-Taylor) a young guy who isn't thrilled to own his master destroyed. "People like Tiberius challenge the notion that Spartacus has that everybody needs to be free," states McIntyre. "Rome is actually an oppressive regime that sometimes it's better the demon you understand than another factor. As well as as he was lashed and many types of people things, no less than they are fully aware where it's coming initially from from. Whereas the problem the rebels have within the get-go is always that we're round the lam. We're abroad within the law, as well as the law desires to kill you. Is always that a genuine better factor than receiving and fighting if this involves your money can buy? Is always that a far greater situation to remain in? In principle, yeah. The simple truth is not.Inch Not Just Figs. "I'm large inside the scripts about writing inside a couple of times when people are eating. It carries much more weight," states DeKnight. "It's one factor we started doing with Nick Tarabay, who plays Ashur. There's a scene in Season 1 where we'd the dailies, the other terrible was happening to somebody, which we cut to Ashur, and he's getting somewhat snack. And then we started writing that in. That really just spoke tons about his character." The Return in the Retiarus. Gnaeus (Raicho Vasilev), who wielded the trident and internet if this involves, may be dead this season, but another gladiator will need within the "fisherman's gear." "The retiarus, the trident and internet gladiator, in many the versions of movies and stuff, he's a inclination to appear absurd," DeKnight states. "But on our show - which may be the genius of [stunt supervisor] Allan Poppleton - he handled to obtain absolutely badass. You will observe really tridents and nets." A genuine fascination with Lucretia. The domina managed to get home of Batiatus slaughter, however isn't the Lucretia we once understood. Nevertheless, she still holds appeal not under one person. "Lucretia's lost everything," Lawless states. "She's lost her beloved husband, the little one she'd supply him with, the lover who enabled the little one, the home, status and for your reason the right response is understandable that she's lost her marbles meanwhile... but she includes two love interests. Somebody falls deeply deeply in love with her." Have a look at what else can be obtained for Lucretia inside our interview with Lawless: Will you stay updated for your new Spartacus? Which character are you currently presently excited to find out back?

'Devil Inside' Follow-up? Despite Horrible Reviews, Producer States Maybe

Within the files of "fool me once": inside an interview with TheWrap, "The Demon Inside" producer Steven Schneider mentioned that discussions can happen regarding whether or not to accept micro-budget horror film into franchise territory -- despite the fact that it absolutely was roundly hated. Created for just $millions of (with millions more allotted to marketing, natch), "The Demon Inside" stormed el born area office the 2009 weekend, producing a company shocking $34.5 million and departing huge amounts of individuals upset within the wake. The film, a found-footage exorcism thriller that "wasn't endorsed with the Vatican," acquired an amazing F-grade on Cinemascore, the least expensive score in recent memory. Lots of that has associated with the questionable ending, which found some audiences booing the screen in protest. "It's all regulated controlled type of componen for your course while using horror genre particularly," Schneider mentioned in regards to the visceral reactions to "The Demon Inside" which is finale. "Once the movie wasn't carrying this out well, nobody gives consideration that there are many bitterness or negative critical opinion. [...] Creating debate in order to stimulate more rates of interest really are a method that is not like we're individuals inventing it if the requires the horror genre." Translation: sorry, suckers! Even if "The Demon Inside" takes a colossal fall next weekend -- it could drop some seventy percent based on word-of-mouth -- expect when part two makes theaters soon. You will see the questionable film in theaters now -- just in case your pals haven't scared you off already. [via TheWrap] [Photo: Vital] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Retired people want their entertainment

Refer to it as the geezer booster.Show business might be enthusiastic about the youth market, but older patrons might be more prepared to invest in its wares, according to a different survey of retired people and pre-retired people commissioned by insurance and financial-services firm the Hartford.According to almost 2,000 telephone interviews of grown ups 45 and older, laptop computer determined that only 9% of pre-retired people and 7% of publish-retired people would forgo entertainment (understood to be including movies, concerts and theater) when they needed to quit one factor to pay the bills in retirement.For individuals already in retirement, which was the cheapest percentage obtained by any category. For pre-retired people, quitting movies, concerts and theater tied with getting rid of eating out or entertainment (for example golfing or tennis) because the last category to become voluntarily abandoned.Publish-retired people stated they'd be probably to stop holidays and travel (19%) and shopping to purchase nice things on their own (17%). Pre-retired people are most prepared to move to some more modest home (21%) and trade lower to some less costly vehicle (18%). Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

2011 Oscar Bait: The Most Obvious Academy Award Suitors

Ah, mid-December -- a great time to catch quality flicks. As any movie buff knows, December is the prime time for studios to roll out their juiciest Oscar bait, so it's fresh in the minds of Academy voters in the new year. You're apt to find a lot of movies -- sorry, "films" -- that integrate plenty of classic Oscar bait like "true events," mental illness, period settings and quirky counter-cultural sentiments. This year, almost all of the classic Oscar bait categories are covered. We have plenty of "real" characters, from J. Edgar Hoover to Margaret Thatcher to Marilyn Monroe. We have a 9-11 flick, 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,' inspired by true events and starring two Oscar darlings: Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. Article Continues After Slideshow... Transparent Oscar Bait: 2011 Edition Meryl Streep in 'The Iron Lady'Keira Knightley in 'A Dangerous Method'Michelle Williams in 'My Week With Marilyn'Glenn Close in 'Albert Nobbs''The Artist''Young Adult''Anonymous''Carnage''Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close'Leonardo DiCaprio in 'J. Edgar'Brad Pitt in 'Moneyball'Michael Fassbender in 'Shame'George Clooney in 'The Descendants' See All Moviefone Galleries » We also have a couple of quirky gems like 'Young Adult' and 'The Artist.' The former is the latest flick from Canadian director Jason Reitman, who at the tender age of 34 already has plenty of Academy accolades under his belt ('Juno,' 'Up in the Air'). 'The Artist,' on the other hand, is a silent film. You can't get more Academy-friendly than a silent film. It's a bold move to release such a thing, plus it's actually good. Such a feat likely won't go unrecognized. Another good way to get the Academy's attention is by adapting an award-winning play ('Driving Miss Daisy,' anyone?). So 'Carnage,' based on the play 'God of Carnage,' already has that going for it. The fact that it's stacked with Oscar vets Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, John C. Reilly and Christoph Waltz certainly won't hurt its Oscar appeal. 'Albert Nobbs' is also based on a classic play, and it stars Oscar-winner Glenn Close. It also has two other very important factors to its credit: it's a period piece, and Close portrays a woman living as a man. It really ticks all of the boxes, doesn't it? Of course, one of the safest ways to land on the Academy's radar is to play someone battling an addiction or mental illness. Michael Fassbender nails his role as a sex addict in 'Shame.' Plus he does full-frontal nudity, which signifies a "brave" performance in the Academy's eyes. Keira Knightley received mixed reviews for her portrayal as the mentally ill Sabina Spielrein to Fassbender's Carl Jung in 'A Dangerous Method.' Whether people loved or hated her performance, though, the important thing is that people were talking about it. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook [Photos: Alliance Films/E1 Entertainment] #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-64409{display:none;}.cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-64409, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-64409{width:570px;height:411px;display:block;}

New 'Hobbit' Photo: Martin Freeman's Greatest Adventure Lies Ahead

It's been so, so long since we last saw Middle Earth, almost a decade ago if you can believe it. The world returns in 2012's "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," another Tolkien adaptation courtesy of Peter Jackson and a sure bet to make all kinds of money. Besides casting news and the general plot details, we haven't seen too much from the film. All of that changes tonight when the first trailer drops promptly at 7 P.M. PST. For now, you can get a tease by looking at this production still of Bilbo Baggins alongside his dwarf companions. Martin Freeman's Bilbo looks quite dapper in his rumbled clothing and knapsack, while the dwarves look like dwarves. It's not very surprising, though, that Jackson's team still remembers how to make Middle Earth's denizens look like themselves -- they've probably only gotten better in the layoff since "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King." As "The Hobbit" will be broken into two films, there will certainly be a lot to see as Bilbo and his merry band venture across Middle-Earth in search of the treacherous Smaug. If you like any sort of fantasy, you're probably just as pumped as we are. If you haven't caught up with "Hobbit" news, brush up on the rumored plot details, as well as our hopes for what tonight's trailer will reveal. Otherwise, look here and across the Internet at 7 P.M. PST sharp to start getting excited for next year's holiday season. Tell us what you think of the latest "Hobbit" photo in the comments section and on Twitter!

Beyonce Loses $355,000 On Sale of Swanky Miami Beach Pad

Hire Chelsea Clinton as on-air talent, and watch the pundits pounce.our editor recommendsChelsea Clinton Makes Debut as NBC News Correspondent (Video)NBC News President Defends Hiring Chelsea Clinton The First Daughter-turned-journalist, 31, made her first cameo Monday night on Rock Center With Brian Williams, presenting a 'Making a Difference" segment about Annette Dove, who runs an after-school program for impoverished children in Arkansas. In a tepid yet diplomatic review, NY Times TV critic Alessandra Stanley observed: "Ms. Clinton is a little self-conscious on camera and doesn't have the kind of richly modulated anchor voice most television reporters acquire, but that actually gave her piece a more natural feel -- like a video blog on Current TV." PHOTOS: 10 Entertainers Democrats and Republicans Love to Hate "She did just fine," said Vulture's Noreen Malone. "No flubs, no ill-advised tangents -- though when Clinton addressed Dove with 'Yes, ma'am,' it wasn't the most natural-seeming thing in the world, despite her Southern roots." Meanwhile, other pundits were more brutal. Take, for example, this review by the Washington Post's Hank Stuever: "It's no surprise whatsoever that Chelsea Clinton didn't electrify broadcast journalism with her debut Monday night on NBC's Rock Center With Brian Williams, because she has no experience in broadcast journalism. ... Rather, what was surprising to see on Monday night's show is how someone can be on TV in such a prominent way and, in her big moment, display so very little charisma - none at all. Either we're spoiled by TV's unlimited population of giant personalities or this woman is one of the most boring people of her era." In the opinion of Newsday's Verne Gay, Clinton "seems like a very nice young woman" who's "obviously bright." But "there was nothing else that necessarily dismissed charges (mostly by TV critics, although they were not alone) that she got this job because of that name," Gay wrote. "Her voice -- the first time most of us have even heard it -- was pleasing and plummy, but monochromatic; in the obligatory crosstalk with Williams following her report on Arkansas social worker Annette Dove, she exhibited the spontaneity of any TV rookie." STORY: Media Analyst Slams NBC News for Hiring 'Impostor' Chelsea Clinton Clinton, who gives off an air of professionalism and poise, might have to loosen up a bit in order to win over critics. "Chelsea doesn't 'pop' off the screen, to use an industry term -- her demeanor is reserved, she doesn't project her voice like a broadcaster. Not that most viewers probably care," said Howard Kurtz of The Daily Beast. "Her best moments were in the subsquent conversation with Williams. Though slightly nervous, she seemed sincere, and her careful cadence, empathetic gaze, and beaming smile were instantly reminiscent of Hillary." PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The Most Talked-About TV News Faces Related Topics Brian Williams NBC Politics Rock Center Chelsea Clinton

Tom Cruise Talks Filming Mission: Impossibles Death-Defying Stunts

First Published: December 7, 2011 12:13 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Tom Cruise chats with Access Hollywood at the Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol junket in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on December 7, 2011DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- For Tom Cruises latest movie, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, the actor performed a series of harrowing stunts on the Burj Khalifa in Dubai the worlds tallest building and said he had one mission to accomplish! Not falling! Tom said with a laugh during an interview with Access Hollywood guest correspondent Tim Vincent in Dubai on Wednesday. I want to entertain an audience, and I think people see and feel the difference, he said when asked why he and director Brad Bird didnt opt for special effects or green screen moviemaking tricks on the action movie. But does wife Katie Holmes worry about her husband hanging on the side of the worlds tallest building? No, she knows that I train and prepare. I couldnt do it without her, without my familys support, Tom told Tim. Shes very supportive. While on top of the Burj Khalifa, which towers at 2,723 feet in the air, Tom left Katie and his family a message. I crawled over the side and signed some messages to Katie and the kids, you gotta sign it! Youre there, the actor explained. I wrote their names and that I love them. According to 49-year-old star, Katie is responsible for his newfound fancy footwork, which audiences first saw him show off as Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder and also in the upcoming movie musical Rock of Ages. Kate is a dancer and she kind of inspired Les Grossman and the dancing in that. Shes kind of said, Come on I want you to come to this dance class. And shes gotten the whole family in those classes, he told Tim. Shes the best dancer and Suri, of course. With me, Ive got to work at it. Tom and Katie celebrated five years of marriage last month and the actor took some time out while shooting his current project, One Shot, to celebrate their special day. We had a great time, he said of their anniversary. I was shooting in Pittsburgh and it was very special. I made it very, very special. And with audiences buzzing about the latest Mission: Impossible is there the possibility of a fifth movie? I just want to get through this one, Tom said. And then well all sit down and talk about it. I love this franchise. Its so fun to work on. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

CBS int'l biz growing despite crisis

CBS Corp. Boss Leslie Moonves stated Tuesday that turmoil in worldwide market has not designed a dent within the company's muscular $1 billion worldwide sales -- a well known fact which surprises even him. "It is interesting because I clearly speak (regularly) using the guy who runs our worldwide sales group but for the this past year, without a doubt, I keep expecting him to return and say, you realize, 'In america we've got wiped out through the economy.' I've not heard that when. The amounts go up every year in just about every territory," Moonves told traders in the UBS Global Media and Communications summit in Gotham. "Not too we create a fortune in A holiday in greece, but we have increased in A holiday in greece, and The country, and Italia," three from the Europe's toughest hit gamers within the tormented Euro-zone. It's proven simpler and perhaps cheaper for foreign companies to carry on purchasing U.S. shows even just in occasions of recession than attempt to recreate them. Most CBS dramas get north or $two million a chapter, he stated. "All will work for American product overseas." Meanwhile, CBS yet others still spend for sports privileges. Reviews now stated the Nfl is near to inking extra time of three deals, with CBS, Comcast and Fox, for annual average privileges obligations with a minimum of $1 billion -- a 60% increase within the previous contract. "The cost of poker is rising," Moonves stated. However it should, he added. "A bad football game out-rates most programming." Requested about among CBS' more recent partners, Netflix, Moonves stated it "has certainly become really a buddy than the usual foe." Content deals are inserting fresh cash in to the CW Network in the present 4th quarter and can transform it lucrative the coming year. Media chieftains still assess Netflix's influence and it is effect on their overall business, especially because the video streaming company, that has been dogged by a number of recent proper problems, launches into original programming. "We're rooting on their behalf,Inch Moonves stated. "Hopefully they continue being strong, to achieve customers." Netflix Boss Reed Hastings is going to be showing in the massive conference afterwards Tuesday. CBS' handles Netflix along with other streaming services are non-exclusive, a method which Moonves is constantly on the defend. CBS is the owner of 70% of their shows, he stated and "individuals would be the family jewels. We're protective of this content. Then when someone states 'there's this chance to get this done deal, it will likely be worth $30 or $40 million,' I only say 'At what risk?'" With vast amounts of dollars between advertising and distribution to safeguard, "You are going to need to create a very compelling proposal." Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Aeroplano, Buena Onda form alliance

Buenos Aires-- Sebastian Aloi's Aeroplano, that's resides in L.A. and Buenos Aires, has produced a production alliance with Italy's Buena Onda Intl. First films up are Argentine Lautaro Nunez p Arco's "Corazon p perro," and Italian Beniamino Catena's "Io Sono Vera."Both game game titles play off two phenomena: a business appetite for arthouse genre films Argentina's attractive combination of low production costs, specially when compared to neighbor South usa, yet high-quality specialists. "Perro" can be a '50s-set Argentine love story from the girl elevated just like a boy by her lumberjack father together with a youngster who had been elevated inside the forest getting your dog pack. "Vera" triggers a lady who vanishes when she's seven in to a parallel world only to return years later. Catena directed Canale 5's mega-hit series "Squadra Antimafia."Both photos shoot in Argentina next season, "Vera" first, "Perro" August/September."The conventional of specialists and production values for the investment you spend in Argentina is excellent,In . mentioned Buena Onda Intl. partner Jesse Ranvaud.Ranvaud features a distinguished Latin American c.v., professional creating Walter Salles' "Central Station" and Fernando Meirelles' "Capital of scotland - God" and "The Ceaseless Novel reader.InchAloi also provides a knack of supporting new company company directors. Most recently, Aloi produced Nicolas Goldbart's groundbreaking Argentine sci-fi black comedy, "Fase 7" bought for your U.S. by Bloody Disgusting Selects as well as the Collective. "I'm considering creating genre films from La but furthermore finding new talent in Argentina," Aloi mentioned. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

'Caucus' the musical tunes into 2012 satire

The 2008 output of 'Caucus!' tweaked that election cycle. GOP Prexy hopefuls Ron Perry, left, and Ron Paul have due to the 'Caucus!' authors some wealthy material for your new show.The 2012 presidential race needs to date carried out by helping cover their the theatrics from the reality show, but an Iowa playwright and composer sees the celebs aligned for just about any musical.Previews will start 12 ,. 8 at Des Moines' Stoner Theater for "Caucus! The Musical," Robert John Ford's followup with a similar titled staging he presented in the last presidential cycle. This time around around around, the musical gets the tagline "2012: The GOP Strikes Back," but thinking about the truth that the satire seems be writing itself inside the GOP race this year, it begs the question about what will probably be left for your stage.Really, the media spotlight on candidate gaffes, mind freezes and historic revision is certainly an problem for "Caucus!" Ford states he as well as the director, Ron Ziegler, were built with a contract not to add any longer material for the show after summer's finish, but since the election season carried out out, it increased being irresistable. The other day, they handled to use in the lick on Texas Gov. Ron Perry's failure title all of the three gov departments he'd cut if selected leader. This time around around they can only title two branches of government, negelecting the executive.The musical concentrates on an Iowa player and also the family as "typical caucusgoers" as well as the amazing efforts by campaigns to win their votes. The figures, all carried out having a team of local artists, are imaginary, nevertheless the candidates resemble people in 2012. Ford also seems to experience a knack for prescience. In 2007, the musical had reference to the gay close ties in Iowa an ailment Top Court decision legalized them this past year. Sarah Palin had yet to even meet John McCain when the show was staged in the last cycle, nevertheless the story that year incorporated the visit with a mystery Alaskan governor who interferes with the race. The irony, Ford notes, is all the campaigns, the staffers who've been the most common audience people for "Caucus" came from in the McCain campaign.The musical will explain 12 ,. 31, only a few days shy in the actual caucus date of Jan. 3.Ford stresses the satire is equal chance, although naturally it'll concentrate on the Republicans by getting an uncontested race however in the aisle. Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com

Miramax Owner Colony Eyes Deal With Summit Entertainment

NY - In the latest hit to Blackberry maker Research In Motion, the company said Friday that it would take a $485 million charge in its fiscal third quarter after marking down the value of its inventory of its PlayBook tablets.our editor recommendsBlackberry Service Glitches Hit North AmericaApple iPhone 4S Sells Out in U.S. Pre-Orders The technology company, hit by competition from Apple and Google devices that have overtaken it in U.S. market share, also cut its revenue and earnings expectations amid disappointing sales of the tablets, which have led it to cut its price. The stock dropped sharply in early Friday trading. As of 10:05am ET, it was down 8.8 percent to $16.95. Late last month, the stock had hit a 52-week low of $15.98. "The company now believes that an increase in promotional activity is required to drive sell-through to end customers," RIM said about the PlayBook tablets, which have been met with weak reviews and buzz. "This is due to several factors, including recent shifts in the competitive dynamics of the tablet market and a delay in the release of the PlayBook OS 2.0 software." The Blackberry maker said it wants to "expand upon the aggressive level of promotional activity recently employed by the company in order to drive PlayBook adoption around the world." Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis said in a statement: "RIM is committed to the BlackBerry PlayBook and believes the tablet market is still in its infancy. Although a number of factors have led to the need for an inventory provision in the third quarter, we believe the PlayBook, which will be further enhanced with the upcoming PlayBook OS 2.0 software, is a compelling tablet for consumers that also offers unique security and manageability features for the enterprise." Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics Google Apple