New image from Bullet To The Head

You might have missed this one over Christmas, but a new image has been released for Stallone's upcoming action thriller Bullet To The Head, and it goes some way towards answering whether Sly is too old for this shit...Well, from the looks of that washboard stomach, we'd have to say no! Granted, we're not sure exactly what the thinking process is behind that constipated facial expression, but in the muscles department, he certainly looks good to go.A new synopsis has also been released for the film, albeit a fairly brief one. "Based on a graphic novel," begins the blurb, "Bullet to the Head also tells the story of a New Orleans hitman (Stallone) and a NY City cop who form an alliance to bring down the killers of their respective partners."Stallone will be trading body blows with Conan beefcake Jason Momoa, whilst Christian Slater is the pick of the supporting cast. Red Heat helmer Walter Hill will be filling the director's chair.We're hoping Stallone is a little more mobile here than he was in The Expendables, but the man looks at least to be in imposing shape. Bullet To The Head is released in the UK on 13 April 2012.

Brigitte Nielsen Hospitalized After Crash With Suspected Drunken Driver

Brigitte Nielsen Movie and reality TV star Brigitte Nielsen is recovering after surviving a three-car accident in Los Angeles, TMZ reports. The former model was a passenger in a 2006 Porsche Cayenne when a woman driving a Toyota Matrix smashed into them from behind about 10:20 p.m. Wednesday. The Porsche, in turn, hit the car in front of it. The operator of the Matrix was arrested for DUI after reportedly blowing far above the legal blood-alcohol limit of .08. The Worst of 2011 Paramedics transported Nielsen to a nearby hospital where she received X-rays and was treated for injuries to her neck and back. She was released and allowed to go home and is "sore and resting," her rep says. Nielsen, 48, has struggled with her own alcohol abuse and has appeared on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. According to a 2010 interview, Celeb Rehab producer John Irwin said, "She's sober, and she quit smoking. She's doing crazy good."

GWAR Horse! Watch as Heavy Metal's GWAR Reviews War Horse

I can’t believe it either, but I’ve chosen to accept GWAR — the satirical, Grammy-nominated heavy metal outfit — as real film critics. In a new clip, the costume-loving dudes both praise and rip on War Horse, unleashing a fiery badinage that Ebert and Roeper would have killed for. Just watch it, dammit. “I think they should change the name to Snore Horse!” Nice to know that heavy metal icons also enjoy pejorative puns as much everyday film critics. In fact, they should go by punnier monkiers: Might I suggest LOLnard Maltin and L.M.A.O. Scott? GWAR Reviews ‘War Horse’ [NextMovie]

Gary Oldman to Be Honored by the Palm Springs International Film Festival

Gary Oldman will be honored with the International Star Award at the 23rd annual Palm Springs International Film Festival's Awards Gala on Jan. 7 at the Palm Springs Convention Center."Gary Oldman is a performer whose ability to portray the most extreme of characters is a testament to the enormity of his talent," festival chairman Harold Matzner said. "In 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,' as the embodiment of John le Carr's classic spymaster George Smiley, he combines cunning, pathos and cold determination when he is brought out of retirement to ferret out a double agent during the Cold War."Oldman, who burst on the international film scene with 1986's "Sid and Nancy," has had ongoing roles in two of the biggest franchises of all time, playing Sirius Black in the "Harry Potter" movies and Captain Jim Gordon in the "Dark Knight" series.The festival itself runs Jan. 5-16. The Hollywood Reporter

Terrific pix, period

Sketch from the inner sanctum at Britain's intelligence service in 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.'Costumes from 'Anonymous.'Costumes from 'Anonymous.'Madonna's 'W.E.' thoroughly re-produced the clothes worn by Britains high society within the '30s and '40s.Oscar loves period dramas, particularly if they are set across water-feature, which year Blighty rules the waves again with four films that together span some 400 many years of glorious (and fewer-than-glorious) British history -- "Anonymous," "W.E.," "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy" and "The Iron Lady."Four groups of artists met the task of utilizing art direction, costumes and makeup to illustrate the different eras, and three from the four company directors of those films aren't even British: Roland Emmerich, a German, handled Shakespeare in "Anonymous" Michigan-born Madonna examined Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson and Swede Tomas Alfredson re-produced Cold War England. Only "Iron Lady" helmer Phyllida Lloyd is really a Brit.There's little left of 16th century London, so after extensive research in museums, "Anonymous" production designer Sebastian Krawinkel and the team made the decision to create and make everything at Babelsberg galleries outdoors Berlin, such as the Globe and Rose theaters and "a London street with 14 houses along with a muddy road around the backlot, which gave us lots of control."Costume designer Lisy Christl made 300 costumes for that film. Like Krawinkel, she visited museums, archives and art galleries, and spoken to historians. When she came back to Babelsberg and started creating, "it had been a little just like a puzzle, as I'd have a color in one source, and perhaps a sleeve from another, and make something in the different elements." Her greatest hurdle: re-creating the wealthy embroidery from the Elizabethan era. "You cannot get it done today, so our training courses working in london and Berlin emerged with this particular faux-embroidery, which labored well."For "Spy" production designer Maria Djurkovic, family roots offered a window in to the murky realm of espionage. "I am British-born but my mother is Czech, my dad half-Russian, half-Montenegrin, and so i have very effective reminiscences of childhood holidays behind the Iron Curtain," she states. To re-create the field of the Cold War, "Tomas and that i checked out photographs, visited Churchill's War Rooms making our very own version of '70s mess and clutter." Additionally, it assisted that they inherited a comprehensive library of period magazines and books from her grandmother.Her finest resource was use of "Spy" author David Cornwall (who authored as John le Carre). He gave detailed explanations from the practical workings of MI6. "During the night all desk drawers were left empty, glass sheets accustomed to write on to ensure that no imprints were left," she states. For using seem-proofing foam within the conference room, "it had been a bold visual of my very own conceit," she confesses, "but made logical sense which are more secret heart of MI6, and also the idea got David's full support."To check out the glamorous existence from the duke and duchess, "W.E." costume designer Arianne Phillips submerged herself within the '30s and '40s, reading through "around I possibly could concerning the British monarchy and London society, along with the haute couture realm of Paris," she states. She also analyzed film clips, visited museums and searched for out enthusiasts of vintage clothing and jewellery. "Sotheby's assisted us liaise with a few of the private proprietors of pieces notoriously offered in the auction," she adds, "and speaking to Sotheby's employees was very useful for that 1997 narrative.InchFollowing the study, Phillips centered on sourcing vintage materials, trims and notions. "It is extremely vital that you comprehend the feel and touch from the real fabric from the moment,Inch she states. "Frequently we are restricted to using contemporary materials because the vintage ones don't always stand the ages. I was lucky to have the ability to see and examine a few of the real clothes possessed through the duke and duchess."Jenny Shircore, makeup and hair on "W.E.," did research by searching at documentaries and contemporary magazines. To find the authentic nineteen forties look, she'd the actors' hair "barbered in to the short-back-and-sides style during the day. An easy dressing for example Brylcreem ended up being labored in to the hair. It had been then separated right into a high side or middle break and combed right into a neat, controlled ultra-groomed finish."The males were clean-shaven, and Shircore "from time to time applied a moustache or two within the type of Ronald Coleman to intensify the '40s look." The ladies' make-up was, "a set powdered look," she states. "Hair was always outfitted near to the mind, keeping a neat mind shape, and only softly curled or formed into crisp waves across the hairline."Although "The Iron Lady" is occur the greater recent past, still it presented challenges for production designer Simon Elliott. "I was fortunate with the truth that there's a lot archive footage of Margaret Thatcher throughout her time at work, but because the scope from the film required us in the nineteen forties right through to the the nineteen nineties -- with a few of the decades just with us for a few moments, it had been necessary that the crowd very rapidly have a feeling of period," he states.Shooting in manchester locations grew to become, "a logistical problem of permission, road closure, and also the sheer scale of set dressing," adds Elliott. For just one scene illustrating the stranglehold from the unions throughout a rubbish strike within the '70s, "the only real solution would be a huge overnight dress with large numbers of artificial refuse shipped although the evening for any beginning shoot."Eye around the Academy awards: Art Direction, Costume Design & Makeup:Terrific pix, period Paris' palette competes with L.A. duotone Makeup miracle turns Streep to Thatcher Older crafts rise towards the challenge of three dimensional Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Netflix Nears 13-Episode Order For Horror Drama Hemlock Grove From Eli Roth And Gaumont International Television

EXCLUSIVE: Netflix is finalizing a deal with Gaumont International Television for a 13-episode series order to Hemlock Grove, an hourlong thriller/horror series executive produced and directed by Eli Roth. This marks the first foray into television for top horror feature writer-director-producer Roth, creator of the Hostel franchise. Hemlock Grove is based on Brian McGreevy’s upcoming gothic horror novel of the same name, which will be released by Farrar, Straus and Giroux on March 27. Set against the backdrop of our darkest myths, adolescent deceptions, ravenous relationships and rumors of a werewolf, the series re-imagines everything it means to be a monster as reflected in the struggle to be human. McGreevy will help adapt his book, co-writing the script with his writing partner Lee Shipman. The feature writing duo, that has made multiple appearances on Hollywood’s Black List of hot screenplays, is currently working on a reimagening of Bram Stokers Dracula for Warner Bros., Leonardo DiCaprios Appian Way and Mad Hatter Entertainment. Mad Hatter’s Michael Connolly will serve as a co-executive producer on Hemlock Grove. Eric Newman of Strike Entertainment, who worked with Roth on The Last Exorcism and the upcoming The Man With The Iron Fists, which Roth co-wrote and is producing with Newman, will executive produce Hemlock Grove along with with Roth, McGreevy and Shipman. This marks Netflix’s third original series pickup following deals for the David Fincher/Kevin Spacey drama House Of Cards, Jenji Kohan comedy Orange Is The New Black and a new season of Arrested Development. For Gaumont International TV, which was launched only 3 months ago with former NBC head of drama Katie O’Connell at the helm, this is the second big sale, following a 13-episode commitment from NBC earlier this month for Hannibal, a drama based on the iconic character Hannibal Lecter, which is written and executive produced by Bryan Fuller and executive produced by Martha De Laurentiis. Additionally, the LA-based indie company, U.S. arm of French film studio Gaumont, has in the works Madame Tussaud, a six-hour miniseries written by The Tudors creator Michael Hirst based on the book by Michelle Moran. Shipman and McGreevy’s other feature projects in the hopper include King Arthur epic Pendragon for New Regency and Zorro Reborn for Fox, which are now casting. Hemlock Grove was packeged by CAA.

Stephen King's Bag of Bones

Pierce Brosnan in "Stephen King's Bag of Bones" Shot in Nova Scotia by The new sony Pictures Television. Executive producers, Mark Sennet, Stewart Mackinnon, Mick Garris co-executive producers, John Gary, David Davoli producer, Michael Mahoney director, Garris author, Matt Venne, in line with the novel by Stephen King.Mike Noonan - Pierce Brosnan Mattie Devore - Melissa George Jo Noonan - Annabeth Gish Sara Tidwell - Anika Noni Rose Max Devore - William Schallert Rogette Whitmore - Deborah GroverWatching a novelist jobs are nearly impossible to create aesthetically interesting, and just among the challenges rattling around "Bag of Bones," the most recent adaptation of the Stephen King novel and also the seventh including director Mick Garris. According to that collaboration -- including "The Stand" and "The Shining" miniseries -- this two-part ghost story starring Pierce Brosnan qualifies like a muddled disappointment, building toward a nearly risibly convoluted ending. For those his success in publications, quality TV versions of King's work remain as elusive as definitive evidence of the beyond. A effective novelist, Brosnan's Mike Noonan is crazy about his wife Jo (Annabeth Gish) before she steps before a quick-moving bus. Devastated, he stays a lot of the following hour grief-stricken and fraying psychologically, much towards the concern of his agent and brother (Jason Priestley and Matt Frewer, correspondingly, with what add up to throwaway cameos). Seeking consolation and possibly the way to begin their work again, Mike decamps towards the lake house where Jo spent considerable time, in a single of individuals idyllic King cities that often hide large secrets. A lot of what develops happens within stated residence as Jo's presence manifests itself. Dealing with author Matt Venne, Garris attempts to sustain the audience's interest through lots of cheap jump-out-at-you moments and eerie dreams, but that is mostly instead of narrative momentum, a drawback that becomes progressively apparent through the second hour. Eventually, Mike meets an attractive lady, Mattie (Melissa George), who together with her youthful daughter has been bothered by her wizened father-in-law, Max Devore (William Schallert), for reasons that become obvious within the frenetic second hour. This enables Mike to experience the whitened dark night, when he is not speaking to his late wife via refrigerator magnets. Without giving an excessive amount of away, the wider plot involves lengthy-ago occasions revealed to Mike in visions, although the juxtaposition between fantasy and the truth is handled awkwardly at the best. Even though it's nice to determine the 89-year-old Schallert sink his teeth into this bad-guy role, Brosnan occupies a lot screen time (frequently in moments where he's alone in the home) no one else within the cast registers. For Any&E, obviously, the King title alone most likely protects a crowd which will validate its investment. Yet as anybody who read after which saw "Pet Sematary" can attest, not every King's material translates, and "Bag of Bones" (a title based on what's stated to become a Thomas Sturdy quote concerning the schism between real people and imaginary figures) might fall under that category. Whether or not this does or otherwise, the internet effect is drearily familiar -- another King production that starts with glimmers of promise and ends up being bad towards the "Bones."Camera, Craig Donlevy production designer, Guy Lalande editors, Andrew Cohen, Patrick McMahon music, Nicholas Pike casting, Lynn Kressel. 4 Hrs.With: Matt Frewer, Jason Priestley. Contact John Lowry at john.lowry@variety.com

An Ambiguous "Error" Hits The X Factor

We're lower for the final five, and tonight the participants will probably be singing two tunes each, as well as the first must be considered a dance number. Host Steve Manley foreshadows a twist later inside the episode. The Jackson kids were here the other day, meaning it must be Madonna's daughter Lourdes now, right? Get excited! To start the evening, Melanie assumes a dance remix of Adele's "You,Inch making me question... is the first time we're hearing her do Adele? Because it kind of seems as being a no-brainer artist on her behalf. Melanie's voice is ideal per usual, nevertheless the back-up ballroom ballroom dancers robots and pyrotechnics shown to become little annoying. "You looked and appeared like the rock star diva that you are tonight," states Nicole. Next, Marcus Canty does Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody (Love Me Better)," as well as the second time today, the idol idol judges are place-track of the song choice. While everybody knows he doesn't hold the most effective voice inside the competition, Marcus is really entering their very own if the involves performance-quality. He's possibly most likely probably the most exciting anyone to watch on stage inside the competition. "I have to condition that might be a really, excellent performance. You came back strong," states Simon. Rachel Crowe sings B.O.B.'s "Nothin' you,Inch despite the fact that In my opinion Simon had the very best idea with choosing something youthful, it was not the most effective we view from her. Paula states, "You are just fantastically courageous. Your vocal depth goes past all decades. You nailed it, and i'm so pleased.Inch Next we've Josh Krajcik. It'll be interesting to find out how he handles this genre, since there's without doubt he's couldn't be further in the dance music artist. Inside an unusual and unforeseen move, he sings Beyonce! And (for me personally) it's awesome! I didn't think Nicole been there in their. The song, "We Found Love," is not just current and relevant, nevertheless it gave Josh an opportunity to showcase his voice diversely than we view. Apparently, I seen another performance in comparison to idol idol judges. "I really could never help much you transporting this out song. Therefore I didn't purchase it,Inch states LA. You're great just like a singer, however i didn't buy that song." Simon confirms, and jams Nicole's song choice. Rounding the very best 5, Chris Rene assumes another Beyonce hit (that certain, her collaboration with T.I. "Live Your Existence") nevertheless it was shaky and unimpressive. He's doing the half-singing/half-rapping factor he always does, while gliding within the stage using what came out to become small-treadmill. Really the only word I am in a position to consider to describe the performance is "not-special." Nevertheless the idol idol judges didn't come in your ideas it. They're playing nice today typically. "I'm not gonna say you're the best singer because you aren't,Inch states Simon. "When you are a general potential recording artist... In my opinion you need to do brilliant." We're within the half way point when Steve unveils the twist! "There's an error in communication while using song options here around the program, therefore we have required to gradually slowly move the Pepsi Challenge tunes to inside a couple of days.Inch (The entertainers were stated to become undertaking tunes selected with the audiences tonight). Everyone else launches a unanimous gasp. They boo. The horror! Rather, the participants will sing a sound lesson they have selected - however they only have had one evening to arrange because everyone just discovered last evening. Which is always to condition that somebody in production realllllly screwed up, now they've been fired. Steve alerts that simply because they haven't had lots of time to organize, pressure at this time around is incredible. (By he means, "They could be tragic, so bear around.Inch) Next fantastic build-up, I am unable to wait for next five performances! What about you? We're beginning by helping cover their Melanie again, and fortunately she made the decision on the song ("If You Believe") that fits her perfectly. She will really don' wrong if the involves a Mariah Carey/Whitney Houston number. Melanie looks stunning, the setting shenanigans are minimal, and overall it absolutely was a higher-notch performance on her behalf. "You really considered that last evening plus it am good?Inch states LA. "That was unbelievable." Marcus sings "A Sound Lesson to suit your needs,In . that's certainly a departure for him. It's a soulful performance - not whatsoever that which you would expect within the guy that is well-known for gyrating back-up ballroom ballroom dancers and doing movies on stage. It was not the most effective vocally, nevertheless it was a lot better than I believed he could. "Appreciate telling many of us why we fell deeply deeply in love with you right from the start,In . states Nicole. "You help help remind me from the youthful Al Eco-friendly. That was beautiful." Rachel's choice, "Music and Me," by Michael Jackson, couldn't are actually more off-target on her behalf. It felt old, boring, and to tell the truth, it put me to relaxation. There isn't really other things to express from it. "I like that you just selected that song by yourself,In . states LA. "Your eyesight to suit your needs is actually inspiring." Which basically means he didn't hold the heart to see her how terrible it absolutely was. Josh Krajcik, however, does an amazing rendition of "Something" with the Beatles. Clearly becoming an older contestant, he's a far greater understanding of themselves becoming an artist. Still wasn't the most popular performance of his, nevertheless it was an undeniably good song choice. "In contrast for the first song In my opinion it had been a massive improvement," Simon notifies him. "In my opinion if you watch it back you looked really insane half way through it. Such as your eyes were moving." Co-sign. The ultimate artist in the evening is Chris Rene, which has chosen to sing a geniune song tonight. Is it possible to say Harmful? It's probably just the guitar, but does he look hot tonight or what? Much i am pleased to report, I love the performance. No, really - I like it. The song features a appealing Jason Mraz-like quality in it, plus it reminds us that you will find more to him in comparison to half-rapper/half-singer dude. "The earth works in mysterious ways, Chris. Had that glitch not happened, you wouldn't are actually singing this song," states Paula. "This is just what I've been waiting for. God be thankful.In . Simon calls the song a stroke of genius. This performance might have just single-handedly saved him from elimination tomorrow. Just what a confusing evening it had been! Whoever else think? Was Chris's original song the standout in the evening? Who's going home tomorrow? Weigh in below! show less

Kudos hopefuls set for re-release

Sony relaunches The Ides of March at more than 1,000 locations on Friday.Sony Classics pic Midnight in Paris is getting a bigscreen relaunch prior to its Dec. 20 homevideo release. With a lack of new releases at this weekend's box office, a few studios are hoping to take advantage of the opportunity to relaunch titles that have either left theaters or are playing mostly second-run houses. Not surprisingly, some of the titles getting a fresh push are looking for traction in the year-end kudos jockeying.Sony plans to re-release "Moneyball" and "The Ides of March" at more than 1,000 locations each on Friday. And the studio's Sony Classics arm plans to expand "Midnight in Paris" from 41 playdates to 305.Fox Searchlight plans to give its "The Tree of Life" a one-week relaunch at Laemmle's Music Hall theater in Beverly Hills starting Dec. 9. "Tree," which cumed $13.3 million, hit DVD shelves late September.Warner Bros. also is considering re-releasing "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" at a few locations in NY and Los Angeles, though the pic is already out on homevideo. Warners is pushing hard for "Potter" in the awards arena; the film is this year's highest-grossing domestic release so far with $381 million."Midnight in Paris," which scored a pair of Spirit Award noms on Tuesday, is getting its second major relaunch since its May 20 bow. The film has grossed $55 million to date and is slated for a Dec. 20 release on homevideo. Sony's "Moneyball," which nabbed lead actor and screenplay nods from the NY Film Critics Circle, played last weekend at 187 Stateside engagements; "Ides of March" had 159. "Moneyball" enters its 11th frame with a cume of $73.2 million; "Ides" has tallied nearly $40 million after its eighth week."I think that both films were fan favorites this fall," said Sony prexy of worldwide distribution Rory Bruer. "We had an opportunity to bring them back prior to the Christmas rush, and exhibitors agreed with us."Bruer said expansion plans for the pics had been in the works for awhile, but acknowledged that the timing was opportune for the studio as it positions its awards contenders.Weekend expectations aren't incredibly high for the Sony relaunches. But an absence of wide releases -- Fox Searchlight's limited release of "Shame" is the only notable new entry -- still bodes well for the market's holdovers. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

25 Stuff You didn't Find Out About 'Network'

Altogether now: "I'm as mad as hell, and i'm unlikely to consider this any more!Inch This is actually the famous catchphrase uttered by "mad prophet in the airwaves" Howard Beale in 'Network,' a movie that, inside the 35 years since its release (on November 27, 1976), originates to look a smaller amount like satire and the majority a lot more like a blueprint. There's nothing an excessive amount of-fetched any more in film author Paddy Chayefsky's vision from the TV industry where newscasting has become indistinguishable from entertainment, where designers will endeavour virtually anything for ratings, where reality TV stars will endeavour virtually everything to grab their a quarter-hour of fame, and where the goals of worldwide corporatism override the most effective interests in the condition as well as the individual. Clearly, 'Network's critique is relevant for the film industry too it's tough to visualize today a Hollywood studio which will greenlight a comedy that so brazenly bites the bites the hands that feeds it. However, in age Occupy Wall Street, there might be some resonance in the movie where people countrywide start chanting Beale's bleat. Read onto discover concerning the horrifying on-air suicide that inspired the legendary movie, the behind-the-moments buzz on its unequalled Oscar victories, which is ties to contemporary stars Heath Ledger, Tim Robbins, and George Clooney. 1. The germ in the idea for 'Network' came from in the actual-existence on-air suicide of California, Fla. TV reporter Christine Chubbuck, who destroyed herself throughout an energetic newscast about this summer time 15, 1974. In the Howard Beale-worthy pronouncement, Chubbuck had mentioned, "In line with Funnel 40's policy of having the most recent in blood stream and guts, too as with living color, you will notice another first: attempted suicide," then shot herself behind the very best ear. That same month, Paddy Chayefsky began writing 'Network.' 2. Chayefsky and director Sidney Lumet were well-poised use a warts hpv warts-and-all portrayal in the TV industry. Both became their large career breaks through the golden ages of television inside the 19 fifties, when live dramas were common network fare. Chayefsky won the initial of his three screenwriting Oscars for 1955's 'Marty,' based by themself 1953 TV drama script. Lumet's legendary pointing career, which spanned nearly six decades, also began at first of TV and incorporated one of the primary news/entertainment compounds, the CBS series 'You Exist,A through which historic occasions were re-passed as Walter Cronkite pretended to create of these. Lumet broke into movies with '12 Angry Men' (1957), which, like 'Marty,' will be a remake from the play written for TV. 3. Like Lumet, Chayefsky's real title was Sidney. "Paddy" will be a nickname the Jewish Chayefsky had acquired throughout his Military service in World War Ii, when he mentioned being half-Irish to have the ability to request permission to visit Mass and escape KP duty. 4. MGM and United states . Artists made the decision to invest in and distribute 'Network' inside the wake of Chayefsky's suit in the latter over royalties from his previous movie, 1971 medical satire 'The Hospital,' the foundation of his second screenwriting Oscar. 5. Finding an actress authoritative enough and unhinged enough to see Howard Beale was tricky. Henry Fonda had the gravitas, but he apparently rejected the role as "too hysterical." The filmmakers finally found their Beale inside the courageous Peter Finch. 'Network' - "I'm as Mad as Hell" Speech 6. As Max Schumacher, the tv professional who's the film's problematic moral center, the filmmakers required to decide between durable leading males Glenn Ford and William Holden. Holden's recent success in 'The Towering Inferno,' since the mogul behind the condemned skyscraper, expected the scales within the favor. 7. For Diana Christensen, the ambitious, charming, soulless programmer, the studio wanted Jane Fonda, but Chayefsky vetoed her as they couldn't agree along with her politics. Other stars round the wish list incorporated Candice Bergen, Jill Clayburgh, Diane Keaton, and Marsha Mason. Faye Dunaway finally decided to accept role, alert to alerts from Chayefsky and Lumet that she'd be allowed to impart no vulnerability for the character. Dunaway's experts, including her then-husband, J. Geils Band frontman Peter Wolf, feared she'd get typecast as cold and heartless women if she needed the role. That didn't happen, though she wound up getting typecast a few years later after her well-known portrayal of Joan Crawford in 'Mommie Dearest,' and he or she joked they wanted the negative people out there has been around to talk her from that particular. 8. To see Louise, the wife Max cheats on when he's an affair with Diana, the filmmakers cast Beatrice Straight. The actress came from from the classic-money Colonial family (she will be a cousin of Gloria Vanderbilt), and she'd won a Tony in 1953 for getting involved in Elizabeth Proctor in Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible,' a fooled-but-defiant wife role a smaller amount totally different from Louise Schumacher. Before her casting inside the movie, she was probably most broadly noted for lending her aristocratic bearing for the role of Lynda Carter's regal mother on TV's 'Wonder Lady.' 9. Ned Beatty agreed to battle the small but key role as corporate titan Arthur Jensen, whose lecture to Beale in regards to the cosmic energy of worldwide companies is probably the film's funniest and many frightening sequences. Years later, Beatty would remark that stars shouldn't turn lower employment, stating his experience here. "I labored every day on 'Network' but got an Oscar nomination with this,Inch he apparently mentioned. 10. For research, Dunaway met with NBC daytime programming v . p . Lin Bolen to uncover about like a lady inside the mostly male arena of the tv executive suite. On the way, she acquired lots of Bolen's actions and speech tempos. Bolen mentioned she thought the performance was accurate to date as taking her idiosyncrasies but was appalled with the character's amorality. 11. An in-joke: Max and Diana reference their fling as "a many-splendored factor." Holden, clearly, happen to be the star of 1955's romantic drama 'Love Can be a Many-Splendored Factor.' 12. Diana stays many of the film identifying Howard's fate, but she's so detached within the thought of Howard just like a flesh-and-blood stream individual who there's no scene inside the film where Dunaway really foretells Finch. 13. Throughout all Howard's different broadcasts, he appears being addressing the identical studio audience. Visit a guy with extended hair together with a beard who's wearing a black vest he appears each and every tape. 14. When 'Network' is created, Lumet's former 'You Are There' host Walter Cronkite required over since many reliable news anchor in the united states. His tie for the film's satire in the news business: his daughter Kathy plays the kidnapped, Patty Hearst-like heiress. 15. Extended before his looks in 'The Terminator' and 'Aliens,' Lance Henriksen switched up in 'Network' inside a small, uncredited role just like a network attorney. 16. It's extended been mentioned that particular in the assassins within the finish in the movie is Tim Robbins, making his film debut. The uncredited actor certainly resembles the long run 'Bull Durham' star, but Robbins, who was simply 17 when 'Network' is created, has asserted he is not inside the film. 17. Upon its release in November 1976, 'Network' was an instantaneous hit with audiences additionally to experts. Created for a reported $3.8 million, it made $23.7 million within the U . s . States. 18. TV journalists were appalled incidentally 'Network' referred to their area and worried it might harm their image. One national news anchor was adament there wouldn't be "that kind of showbiz approach to what is the news because we can not let it happen." The one that mentioned that? Barbara Walters. 19. Heart problems was taking its toll on Finch throughout filming it absolutely was the primary reason he could barely complete two takes in the "I'm mad as hell" speech. He were living extended enough to look for the completed film also to increase the risk for models marketing it. He came out on 'The Tonight Show' the evening before he died of cardiac event, inside the lobby in the Beverly Slopes Hotel, around the month of the month of january 14, 1977. He was six decades old. 20. 'Network' was nominated for 10 Academy awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Original Script, and greatest Lead and Supporting performances for five of the stars (Holden, Dunaway, Finch, Beatty, and Straight). It lost Best Picture to 'Rocky,' nevertheless it did win four honours, for Chayefsky, Dunaway, Finch, and Straight. It absolutely was the initial film since 1951's 'A Streetcar Named Desire' to win three in the four available acting trophies, as well as the last movie to get this done to this day. 21. Finch wasn't the initial actor being nominated with an Academy Award after his dying, but he was the first to win. He appeared to become the initial Australian to win Best Actor. In those days, many Oscar bloggers saw his victory just like a sympathy prize, not just to get died, but also for becoming lost the award in 1971 to Gene Hackman. Hackman attempted an incredible job playing macho cop Popeye Doyle in 'The French Connection,' but Finch attempted groundbreaking behave as a gay physician who required part in mainstream cinema's first guy-on-guy hug in 'Sunday, Bloody Sunday.' Many felt in those days the snub was due to Hollywood homophobia -- electric energy charge which will echo 34 years later when fellow Aussie Heath Ledger not successful to win the prize for 'Brokeback Mountain.' Ledger, too, would win a consolation prize Oscar for 'The Dark Knight' three years later -- which he'll be the very first artist since Finch to win it after their very own dying. 22. Straight was on-screen just for a few minutes and 40 seconds, making hers minimal performance ever to win an Oscar. (Judi Dench came close along with her victory for 'Shakespeare in Love' 22 years later, for just about any role that lasts about eight minutes.) 23. Along with his 'Network' win, Chayefsky increased being only film author to own won three Oscars for scripts he written by themselves other threepeaters Francis Ford Coppola, Charles Brackett, and Billy Wilder all won their very own along with other authors. 24. After winning her Oscar at 62, Straight ongoing being active in movies and tv for the next 15 years she died in 2001. Aside from 'Network,' she's best appreciated today on her behalf role since the ghost-hunting investigator in 1982's 'Poltergeist.' Dunaway's career, clearly, has not become inside the debacle that was 'Mommie Dearest,' though some fans think the 1981 film is her appropiate product. Beatty has loved a extended career just like a character actor. So has Robert Duvall, really the only principal cast member who was without an Oscar jerk for 'Network,' who finally did win one for 1983's 'Tender Mercies' and contains ongoing to become desired for four decades. Chayefsky completed another movie, 1980 sci-fi drama 'Altered States,' before he died of cancer three decades ago. Holden ongoing to see the important thing guy such movies as 'Damien: Omen II' and 'S.O.B.' before dying of injuries sustained in the fall at his home three decades ago. Lumet ongoing to become an energetic director of acclaimed films ('Prince in the City,' 'The Verdict,' 'Running on Empty,' 'Q&A,' 'Before the Demon Knows You're Dead') into his 80s but never won a hostile Oscar, though he wound up getting an honorary Academy Award in 2005. He died in April 2011. 25. In 2005, 'Network' almost came back for the very medium it so mercilessly satirized, just like a made-for-TV movie which will have starred George Clooney (most most likely in Holden's role). In the jerk to Chayefsky and Lumet's roots, it might have been done just like a live drama. The idea was the development of CBS network chief Ces Moonves, who was simply apparently not insulted with the story's scathing indictment that belongs to them industry. Ultimately, what had once made an appearance prophetic or absurd was now just business of course. [Photos: MGM/United states . Artists] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook Follow Gary Susman on Twitter: @garysusman

A Few Days Ago in New york city: Join Movieline and Being Elmo Puppeteer Kevin Clash in the Apple Store

Kevin Clash. You realize him. You like him. Or at best you like Elmo, the enduringly, endearingly winsome Muppet whom Clash gives furry red-colored existence as a living — a connection profiled within the award-winning new documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey. However it’s only a matter of dealing with know Clash, which is simpler than ever before for NYers who visit the Apple Store a few days ago. (Which’s not really counting our special guest. Ahem!) I’ll be joining Clash and Being Elmo filmmaker Constance Marks on Sunday mid-day in the Apple Store around the Upper West Side (1981 Broadway at West 67th Street) for any talk about the puppeteer’s humble roots, the worldwide Elmo phenomenon, and also the documentary showing how one turned into another. We’ll be there Sunday at 2 p.m. for any discussion then a Q&A you never know cure might appear to talk? For additional particulars, browse the Apple Store’s Site, our recent interview with Clash, and also the Being Elmo trailer below. Aspire to help you there!

Friday Fun Time: Make Your Own Banal Skyfall 007 Set!

It seems like only yesterday that the team behind the upcoming James Bond film Skyfall tweeted the first photo from the first shot of Day 1: A camera slate in front of bathroom sinks that nevertheless stirred the imagination of what was to come from Sam Mendes’s 007 blockbuster. Today, however, comes a new photo of a Skyfall slate on Day 10 — and can you believe it’s even less enthralling than the first? Which is fine, I guess, but you can do better. At least this latest one was souped up on an iPhone, but still… Here are your shots to date (click for bigger): That would be a desk, folks. No Daniel Craig, no Javier Bardem, no Rosamund Pike, no Ralph Fiennes, not even so much as a candid, sensitive glimpse at Mendes grazing at craft services. It got me thinking of all the other banalities we might foresee in Skyfall, like: So on and so forth. Try it yourself: Just download Movieline’s handy Do-It-Yourself Banal Skyfall Location Kit, open up Photoshop, and while away your Friday envisioning the movies’ most celebrated spy on line at Starbucks, at the hardware store, balancing his checkbook, doing his laundry… the sky is the limit. Then share your work below or tweet it with a #Banal007 hashtag. Let’s see where this takes him — and you. [via @007] Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Oscar PR Chief Leslie Unger Resigns

Leslie Unger, the primary publicist for your Academy awards a year ago, has resigned the publish. It’s part of a restructuring in the department. She'd already been through it for pretty much 20 years. Unger was the publicist who disinvited me within the Oscars a year ago because Deadline had revealed precisely what happens within the Oscars, except who'd win trophies.

Are You There, Chelsea? Exclusive: Seinfeld Star, Chelsea Lately Alum Join Cast

Natasha Leggero and Estelle Harris Seinfeld's Estelle Harris and comedian Natasha Leggero have landed multi-episode arcs on NBC's new comedy Are You There, Chelsea?, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively. Based on Chelsea Handler's best-selling book, the series revolves around a youthful, opinionated and sexually aggressive Chelsea (Laura Prepon) who works at a bar and drinks away all its profits. Valderrama to appear on Are You There, Chelsea? with former That '70s Show co-star Leggero, who frequently appears on the Chelsea Lately roundtable, will portray Nikki Natoli, the ex-girlfriend of Rick (Jake McDorman) who gets a job at the sports bar. Nikki has a difficult time relating to Chelsea and other people who, in her mind, are not as classy as she is. In turn, Chelsea will take a liking to Nikki's loud and often offensive grandmother Tess (Harris), who pushes Nikki's buttons. Harris and Leggero, who recently starred in NBC's short-lived comedy Free Agents, will appear early on in the series, which will premiere Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 8:30/7:30c on NBC.

Lego Is Really A Go

Warners greenlights the toy-based picSlowly clicking into position since Warner Bros. nabbed the privileges to create a film in the plastic stuff in 2008, the Lego movie has become creating a move towards production, using the studio setting a tough 2014 release.Cloudy Having A Possibility Of Meatballs co-company directors Phil The almighty and Chris Burns continue to be attached, getting re-written the script initially drafted by Serta and Kevin Hagerman. And they have got a brand new recruit aboard to assist using the directorial workload: Chris McKay, who's usually found getting figures to existence on Robot Chicken.You will find still no solid particulars concerning the plot available, however the film will apparently comprise 80% animation with live action stars, and the quest for the humans is scheduled to begin in The month of january. However the studio already has its own eye on the 'toon team to handle plastic fantasy elements: Australian company Animal Logic, best recognized for their Oscar-gathering focus on Happy Ft (and today its follow up) is aboard. Their presence means the film scores some handy regulations from Here.Regardless of the stiff cloak of secrecy, The almighty spoken just a little concerning the concept this past year, explaining the idea would be to craft a world from the knobbly plastic bricks, with everything else from water to explosions created from the stuff. More information should begin to leak as casting will get going ahead and following a news conference looking for in a few days in Nsw.The almighty and Burns will make a start on making the one thing once they have place the finishing touches for their live-action debut, 21 Jump Street, that is out here on March 16, 2012.

Jana Marimpietri Joins Paradigm (Exclusive)

Jana Marimpietri has grew to become an associate of Paradigm becoming an agent inside the alternative programming department. In the last three years, she'd been a manager at Variety. While there,Marimpietri labored to secure former Miss USA Rachel Cruz's ongoing gig as co-host of ABC's across the nation syndicated entertainment show Round The Red-colored-colored Carpet. She also done Barbara Keagan's deal to host Large Morning Buzz Survive VH1. At Variety, she also represented Claire Coffee (NBC's Grimm) and Carly Craig (The Three Stooges). Marimpietriwill be employed in the unscripted space and also on hosting options for Paradigm clients. Email: Daniel.Burns@THR.com Twitter: @DanielNMiller Paradigm Hirings-firings

Four more head to indie 'Napa'

Sean Astin, Kevin Pollak, Johnathon Schaech and Taryn Manning have rounded out the cast of the indie "Napa." The pic currently stars Rose McGowan and will be helmed by Michael Kerr. Pic follows a woman recently who has recently returned from three Afghanistan military tours and is given the job of sheriff in her Napa hometown. Kerr and Hans Ostrom penned the script with Nellie Nugiel producing. The pic is currently lensing in Napa Valley. Astin was most recently seen in "And They're Off" and Pollak is currently filming "Chez Upshaw." Manning's past credits include "8 Mile" and "Hustle and Flow." Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Roundabout sets Broadway farce

The Roundabout Theater Company has skedded a Broadway run of farce "Don't Dress for lunch,Inch scribe Marc Camoletti's follow up to "Boeing-Boeing." The 1987 play is modified by Robin Hawdon and helmed by John Tillinger, who directed the show inside a well-received 2008 run in Chicago. Story follows Bernard and Robert, the 2 buddies whose antics also fuel Camoletti's 1960 outing "Boeing-Boeing," and also the farcical complications that ensue when plans for secret trysts collide. Play initially preemed inside a French-language version in Paris, where it were built with a two-year run, just before a London version that opened up in 1991 and performed for six years. No cast continues to be looking for the Broadway staging of "Don't Dress." In Chi the play starred Jeffrey Donovan ("Burn Notice"), Mark Harelik ("The Standard Heart"), Patricia Kalember and Spencer Kayden ("Urinetown"), amongst others. The 2 primary figures of "Don't Dress" is going to be familiar to comtempo legit auds in the recent manufacture of "Boeing-Boeing" that released within the U.K. just before landing on Broadway in 2008 and scoring Tonys for play revival as well as for lead thesp Mark Rylance. Design team for that Roundabout production includes John Lee Beatty (sets), Jess Goldstein (costumes) and Ken Billington (lights). Show will start previews March 30 in front of an April 26 opening in the Gotham nonprofit's American Air carriers Theater. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Justin Bieber Launches Media Blitz for New Album Amid Paternity Controversy

Justin Bieber has hardly stayed under the radar in the wake of claims that he fathered a child last year.our editor recommendsJustin Bieber Denies Ever Meeting Woman Suing Him For Paternity (Video)Justin Bieber Sitcom Lands at ABCJustin Bieber's Paternity Suit Spoofed By Jimmy Fallon (Video)Justin Bieber's 'Under the Mistletoe' Headed for Platinum? Sells 164,000 in Pre-orders PHOTOS: MTV EMAs Performers 2011: Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga After news broke Tuesday that a paternity suit has been filed against the singer by 20-year-old Mariah Yeater, who claims to have given birth to a baby boy after the two had sex backstage at his Staples Center concert in Oct. 2010, Bieber took to his Twitter page to give his first public statement on the claims. "all the rumors...the gossip....Im gonna focus on the positives....the music," he TweetedonWednesday, Nov. 2. STORY: Justin Bieber Accuser Might Be Investigated for Statutory Rape The singer, who is also in the midst of a publicity blitz for his new Christmas album Under The Mistletoe, then appeared on NBC's Today show Friday for a sit-down with anchor Matt Lauer. And denied all of the claims in no uncertain terms. PHOTOS: Justin Bieber's Moustaches "I never met the woman," Bieber said."I know I"m going to be a target, but I'll never be a victim," he added. "Every night after the show, I go right from the stage to my car. So it's crazy that people want to make up such allegations. But to set the record straight: None of it is true." VIDEO: Justin Bieber's Paternity Suit Spoofed By Jimmy Fallon The media appearances didn't stop there. The singer also called into TMZ's Live show to refute the claims, after the site posted a story saying Yeater accused her ex-boyfriend of fathering the same child last year. "I know that being in the public eye, people are going to say something things, but it's just about staying strong and remember what's important in life," he said. "It's crazy some of the allegations, but they're definitely one hundred percent not true." STORY: Justin Bieber Becomes First Artist to Top 2 Billion YouTube Views He also said people have been screaming "Are you going to be a father?" at him all week. His response? "Someday I will be, but not any time soon." "It's the first time that something like this has happened, so it's kind of really crazy. But I'm sure it won't be the last. Its just sad that it has to happen like this." But, a Bieber camo source insists the singer isn't in reputation-crisis mode, but merely keeping his previously-scheduled publicity engagements for the album. "The Today show appearance was previously scheduled and there was no reason not to go on," the source tells The Hollywood Reporter. "He was being honest," adding"It's a case of, you're damned if you do, damned if you don't." Related Topics Justin Bieber Matt Lauer Today Twitter

Jason Bourne 23 Introduced!

Yes, it's SkyfallSkyfall, the title for Jason Bourne 23, remains formally introduced inside a West Finish press conference disappointingly free of armed goons or males patting cats. What is the news - broadly considered online since domain names bearing permutations in the title were bought by MGM and also the new the new sony Pictures - is virtually no large surprise. If you're holding a betting slip with 'Quantum Of Solace 2: Quantums Will Probably Be Solaced' rip up now, then come and use Empire.More to follow along with together with.

Glam Slam: Get Salmas Sexy Do

First Published: November 3, 2011 1:05 PM EDT Credit: FilmMagic LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Salma Hayek attends the premiere of Puss In Boots at Regency Village Theatre on October 23, 2011 in Westwood, Calif.Salma Hayek has been on a non-stop global promotional tour for her new animated film, Puss in Boots. (She plays feline femme fatale Kitty Softpawspurrfect casting!) Hitting the road with Salma is her longtime hair stylist Robert Vetica, who has also worked with Jessica Simpson, Cate Blanchett and Marion Cotillard. Salmas look for the premiere was fresh and modern, Robert says, easily done by blow-drying each section with a large round brush, making sure to blow-dry sections away from the face. Salma had her hair cut and colored in Paris, Robert says. She has an incredible amount of hair, so this cut is great for her, because her hair still remains long and sexy. The great thing about this cut is that it works on all face shapes. I would recommend to women who would like to request a similar cut, to have their stylist start the layers at the chin, which is key to making this cut flattering on all face shapes. Golden highlights were also added for a touch of freshness, the golden hue compliments her skin tone well. Its quite beautiful and a great change for any woman who wants a new look, but doesnt want to lose the length. Because the cut is so layered, it is very versatile. Heres how you can get Salmas premiere look: Start by dividing your hair into four sections: First, down the middle to the back, then ear to ear. Thats two in front and two in back. Take one of the sections in the back where the hair is thickest and starting at the bottom, blow-dry hair using a medium size round brush. Dry in 2-inch sections, then repeat on the other side. Now do the top using the same technique and direct everything away from the face. To ensure a better blow out, take five Velcro rollers and roll huge sections of hair. Spray with hair spray and hit with some heat from your dryer. Let cool while you do your makeup or get ready. Take out rollers and give a good brushing. The result? Easy, bouncy, beautiful hair! For more info on Robert, check out www.robertvetica.com. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Immortals' Star Luke Evans 'Can't Wait to Go Back to Work' on 'The Hobbit'

Luke Evans is having an epic moment: He plays Aramis in 'The Three Musketeers,' Zeus in the upcoming 'Immortals,' and he's also been cast in a strategic role in Peter Jackson's 'Hobbit' films as Bard the Bowman, a heroic human who comes to Bilbo Baggins' aid. Evans talked to Moviefone about 'Immortals' (look for our interview with him about playing the youngest version of the Greek God closer to the movie's release on Nov. 11) and how much he's enjoying shooting the "longest job of his life" in New Zealand. Your character, Bard the Bowman, has a very pivotal role. That's a big moment there at the end of the story. There's an epic moment there, yeah. Have you been practicing your archery skills? Yes, I was trained for three weeks in New Zealand with a stunt coordinator, learning my new weapon. I've gone from swords in 'Musketeers' and a bow -- a long bow at that -- for 'The Hobbit,' so it's been a really interesting education, because there's very different ways of using a bow and arrow, so I've learned lots of them to make it look realistic. When do you go back to work on it? I go back in three weeks for my second block. Taking a little break to open 'Musketeers' and 'Immortals' and talk to you lovely people. The actors who made 'The Lord of the Rings' films had this amazing camaraderie, are you experiencing that on 'The Hobbit?' Yes, I am. It's interesting because the boys -- and when I say the boys, I mean the dwarves -- have been there since February, so they already had their team set up. But there's a lovely energy when you go to Wellington and you meet the whole team, including Fran [Walsh] and Philippa [Boyens] and the whole crew. Everybody. It's a Kiwi quality which I absolutely love and they immediately embrace you and you're part of the family. It just sort of transcends all the way through the layers [of the production], from the runners up to the top. Everybody's there loving the fact they're doing something incredibly special and I feel very honored to be in this family. I feel part of it now and I miss them very much and I can't wait to go back, to be honest. How much longer do you have to film your part? I'm there until the middle of next year. It's the longest job of my life. We can't wait to see it. Neither can I. [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

CNN Revamping Morning Selection (Report)

NY - After rejigging its mid-day and evening programming schedule, Time Warner's CNN has become searching to unveil a brand new morning selection with the kind of Soledad O'Brien, the NY Occasions reported. The cable news network's new plans will effectively dismantle its current American Morning block, that has been an inadequate rankings artist, the paper stated. The brand new early schedule, that could be revealed as soon as now, might find O'Brien, among CNN's former morning anchors, anchor from 7am to 9am on mondays to fridays, while Ashleigh Banfield, an old correspondent for ABC News, will co-anchor with someone else from 5am to 7am. One co-anchor possibility is Zoraida Sambolin, an old morning hours anchor from Chicago, based on the Occasions. A CNN speaker rejected to discuss possible changes on Sunday, the Occasions stated. American Morning has battled within the rankings, it outlined, pointing towards the dominance from the Today show and Hello America on network TV and Fox & Buddies and Morning Joe on CNN's cable news rivals. The morning selection has additionally routinely underperformed the rankings of Morning Express With Robin Meade on CNN sister funnel HLN. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects Time Warner CNN

ABC Buys Interracial-Themed Comedy From Lisa Ling, DreamWorks TV

Lisa Ling Lisa Ling, who currently hosts OWN's Our America documentary series, is getting into the comedy game. ABC has bought the comedy No. One Son from Ling, DreamWorks TV and Saturday Night Live writer Cindy Caponera, Deadline reports. Lisa Ling kicks off Season 2 of Our America with amateur porn stars In the single-camera show, a Chinese family and an Irish-Italian family must learn how to navigate their cultural differences after their two eldest children have married and merged the clans. Caponera will executive-produce with Ling and DreamWorks TV's Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank. ABC Studios will produce.

Componen, Lovefilm ink German pact

BERLIN -- Vital Pictures has inked a multi-year content deal for Germany with Lovefilm, Europe's leading online entertainment subscription service.The agreement provides Lovefilm customers in Germany exclusive streaming use of Vital game titles throughout the very first subscription TV window beginning this fall.The offer means Lovefilm people in Germany will get access to Paramount's approaching game titles before every other pay TV provider within the territory, including such films because the Coen Brothers' "True Grit," J.J. Abrams' sci-fi thriller "Super 8" and Michael Bay's "Transformers: Dark from the Moon." Customers will have the ability to instantly stream all Paramount's new and future releases through the Lovefilm Player, either on PC, via in-home connected family room products or on PlayStation3.Later this season, German people will even have the ability to watch films instantly with the Xbox 360 360.It the most recent content agreement to enhance Lovefilm's European offering and follows other recent deals, including first subscription pacts within the U.K. with eOne and Studiocanal. Contact Erectile dysfunction Meza at staff@variety.com

Energy Shopping: Eco-friendly Expert Danny Seo's 5 Best L.A. Spots to buy Home

Eco-friendly interior designer Danny Search engine optimization, 34, lately released a type of sustainable home items -- quick-drying out towels, plush bath mats, smooth soft bedding -- that's offered countrywide in shops like TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods.our editor recommendsION Existence Adds Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Series to LineupDo Something Honours 2011: Sophia Rose bush Describes Why She Fights for that Atmosphere (Video)'Mad Men' Actor Debuts Design Book A tight schedule-to eco-friendly guy for stars like Kerry Washington, Amy Wise and Emmanuelle Chriqui lately composed his seventh bookUpcycling,which showcases his "MacGyver-meets-HGTV" approach towards crafting that can take everyday products and transforms them into gorgeous new things around the house. He spoke withThe Hollywood Reporter about his favorite places to look in La. Vintageweave Inside "This really is my go-to put whenever I'm re-carrying out a client's home or styling a photograph shoot. Owner Kathleen Delgado mixes hard-to-find French antiques with new add-ons plenty of repurposed products should be found like vintage luggage converted to canine beds. Art work photography around the walls comes from actor Scott Caan and the likelihood of running into Sharon Osbourne are nearly 1:1. She j'adores the store.Inch 7928 West Third, La 90048 Inheritance "Think Anthropologie decor for men -- so no bird imprinted tea cups or bohemian jewel encrusted chandeliers here. In my opinion every home requires a couple of "strange" pieces to help keep it interesting a light produced from gnarly driftwood, a classic chair colored glossy orange, a pouf side table produced from old sake barrels. Inheritance mixes the improbably perfectly: taxidermy with flatware on the top of antique stools with worn boxing mitts quietly, all styled perfectly and in some way influencing you to definitely bring 'em all home." 8055 Beverly Boulevard, La, CA 90048 Matteo Bedding "It's well worth the trek todowntown L.A. to check on-out this La-made, pure Americana type of luxe bedding. You won't find super ornate, shiny bedding here. Rather, founder Matthew Lenoci produced Matteo to fill a void for straightforward, well-made bedding using the best materials. I'm speaking tea-stained florals, blue-and-whitened ticking and crisp whitened sheets Rob Lauren wishes he designed. Insider tip: become buddies with Matteo and register to be informed of the periodic sample sales." 917 East Third Street, La, CA 90013 Atmosphere Furniture "Eco-friendly style was previously a contradiction, particularly in interior decor.Atmosphere Furniture removes that misunderstanding with simple, upcycled pieces. The Pacficia Sofa is really a fave, produced from repurposed Military tent fabric and thus may be the Beam Bench, simply made with 100-year-old planks of wood." 8126 Beverly Boulevard,La, CA 90048 Related Subjects Atmosphere

Shawn Stockmans Sing-Off Blog: A Day To Celebrate

First Published: October 25, 2011 3:14 PM EDT Credit: Getty Premium LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Shawn Stockman performing at the 2011 Essence Music Festival at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans on July 1, 2011. Today is a special day for me! Not only did we experience another incredible display of talent on The Sing-Off, but today, new music from my group Boyz II Men is released from our new album entitled Twenty. This marks a milestone in our career making this 20 years of being a group. Most marriages dont even last that long! This is a proud moment! Outside of the music weve made through the years, Im most grateful for what this journey has taught me so far! I was a frail, shy little guy when I first came out, an introvert to some degree. The only friends I had were my group members, which, with some exceptions, is still the truth. But what this experience has done was force me into situations where I had to shed my skin, be more assertive, change from being a boy to a man. Part of that growth I owe to my father Thurman Sanders, who, not through his triumphs, but through his mistakes, and how he dealt with them and his candor with me about them, I witnessed who is to me one of the greatest men Ive ever seen! I tell this one story a lot because it, in my mind, is one of the most profound moments in my younger life! I was sitting at home one Friday night watching TV on the couch. My father on Fridays never comes home till late because he takes his normal trip to the local lounge where he has a few drinks and relaxes! This night, he comes home a bit inebriated. Now, Im normally used to my dad having impromptu convos with me about pretty much everything school, his job, sex, the whole nine. At times, they can be pretty embarrassing, but tonight was different. My dad comes walking in slowly, even when he was drunk he was never sloppy, and he plops down on the couch next to me. He tells me to make him another drink, his favorite, Windsor whiskey with three ice cubes and a bit of water. I come back from the kitchen with his drink and as he sips it, he gives me a smile of approval. Just right. We watch TV a bit and then he turns to me and says: Son, as you go through life youre going to mess up! (He actually used a word that starts with a f and ends with a k). Youre going to do things that may hurt someone emotionally! You are GOING to make mistakes! I didnt know how to take what he was saying to me. I was flabbergasted, and somewhat disturbed! Until he leaned closer to me and said, With all that you will do, and you WILL do it, it is NOT the end of the world! Get up when you fall, dust your shoulders off, and try again! He finished his drink, gave me the empty glass with half melted ice cubes, and went upstairs to bed. I sat there with the TV playing in the background of my thoughts of what he said. And he changed me. Changed my thinking. I was always the type that tries to please everyone. Even now still to some degree. But I found equanimity in understanding that when all falls down, I start the healing process by not panicking, but generating the state of mind that only maturity, wisdom, and understanding brings! I thought the idea of life was to go through it unbruised, to do everything right and make everybody happy! So far, Ive learned the opposite! A shower is for the dirty. And I really do enjoy the sunlight more right after a thunderstorm! Life is pain AND pleasure, sadness AND happiness! U cant have one without the other. Its what teaches us to appreciate whats around us. And Im so glad to say Ive enjoyed my life thus far of experiencing a little bit of ALL of it! These are the things that change boys to men!! - SHAWN Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Ratings: Dancing with the Stars Stomps World Series

Dancing With The Stars Dancing with the Stars stomped Game 5 of the World Series, averaging 17.17 million fans vs. 14.32 million. In the 18-to-49 demographic, though, Fox's baseball coverage beat ABC's program, which was spiced up Monday night by a spat between Maksim Chmerkovskiy and judge Len Goodman, 4.2 to 3.2. NBC's The Sing-Off pulled in 4.18 million (1.6) over two hours, Nielsen data shows. Read our Dancing with the Stars recap Castle nabbed the most viewers in the final hour of Monday's prime time for the sixth consecutive week of the new season - 10.81 million vs. 10.70 million for CBS' Hawaii Five-0, which won the demo battle, 3.1 to 2.4. AndNBC's repeat of Prime Suspect snagged 2.43 million people (0.7). Fall TV Popularity Contest: What new shows have won you over? CBS scored with its comedy block: How I Met Your Mother (9.79 million/4.3 demo rating); 2 Broke Girls (11.19 million/4.5); Two and a Half Men (15.29 million/5.5), a notable increase after four straight weeks of declines following its huge season premiere); and Mike & Molly (12.16 million/4.2). Check out the rest of the day's news on TVGuide.com The CW's Gossip Girl got a steady 1.36 million (0.7), and Hart of Dixie 2.01 million (0.8) - the freshman series' most-watched (and highest-rated) so far. Both shows saw week-to-week gains and gave the network its most-viewed Monday of the season.

Dolby, Barco set ShowEast demo

Dolby and global tech company Barco have planned a demo for ShowEast 2011 designed to demonstrate that only one projector can playback at nearly three occasions the frame rate of traditional movie exhibition rates of 24 fps. Barco and Dolby have scheduled demos that will present 2D 2K high frame rate at 48 fps 2D 4K at 24 fps and 2K high frame rate at 48 and 60 fps per eye for 3 dimensional. Every one of these demos will probably be done employing a single Barco DP2K-20C projector getting a prototype 2K/4K Dolby Integrated Media Block (IMB) and Dolby DSS200 cinema server. There is industry fascination with greater frame rates for several years, only recently -- using the roll-out of digital cinema technology -- has it even become thinkable within the exhibition level. Right before that, showing films inside a greater frame rate moved a massive cost barrier to participants. Barco and Dolby goal showing their ultra-vibrant DLP projectors and 3d cinema system, correspondingly, can effectively playback inside a high frame rate while still maintaining a greater-level experience for your audience. "Dolby's wealthy heritage when controling content designers and partners like Barco provides the understanding and perspective can be expected future market needs for your cinema industry," mentioned Ramzi Haidamus, Dolby Labs professional V . p . of advertising and marketing. "Dolby and Barco's technical illustration showing high frame rate in a variety of formats means our goal to provide filmmakers a choice that meets their creative vision while delivering audiences the finest-quality presentation possible in emerging digital cinema conditions." Barco's "High Frame Rate" presentation will occur today between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. throughout ShowEast 2011 within the Westin Diplomat Hotel, Miami/Hollywood, Fla. You will notice another presentation at Barco's Belgian Beer Bar on Wednesday from 5 to eight p.m. within the Marriott Hollywood Beach Hotel, by invitation only. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Do Hollywood Celebrities Have a Right to Occupy Wall Street?

Kim Kardashian has a reported net worth of over $35 million; Tyler Perry earned $130 million from May 2010 to May 2011. Which is to say that these are two stars who treat fame like Donald Trump treated real estate properties in the '80s: by turning it into a lucrative business. As such, their accountants are probably happy about this one: Deadline reports that Kardashian has been added to the cast of Perry's new film, 'The Marriage Counselor.' Based on one of Perry's stage plays, the film focuses on an Ivy League-educated marriage counselor ('Friday Night Lights' star Jurnee Smollett) who cheats on her long-time husband (never mind that Smollett is only 25; just go with it). Kardashian would play her friend Ava, who gives the woman a "big-city makeover." Kardashian made her official screen debut in 'Disaster Movie' in 2008, and has appeared as an actress in three other projects: two television shows ('CSI: NY' and 'Beyond the Break') and the little-seen film 'Deep in the Valley.' She stars with her sisters on the wildly popular reality show 'Keeping up with the Kardashians.' Here's guessing Kourtney and Khloe will be a little jealous with this bit of news. [via Deadline] [Photo: WireImage] Kim Kardashian at AOL/Huffington Post Game Changers Awards See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Guillermo del Toro's 'Pacific Rim' Moves Around May 10, 2013

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are very thinking about the very first effects from Guillermo del Toro's Off-shoreline Rim they're improving the film's release out of this summer time 12, 2013, to May 10, 2013.our editor recommendsComic-Disadvantage 2011: Guillermo del Toro Vows 'Pacific Rim' Will Feature 'Finest F--king Monsters Ever Dedicated to Film''Pacific Rim': Idris Elba Joins Guillermo del Toro ProjectCharlie Hunnam Lands Lead Role in Guillermo del Toro's 'Pacific Rim' Del Toro begins shooting the Godzilla-meets-Transformers pic begins this fall in Toronto. Thomas Tull's Legendary takes charge round the project. The moving to May 10 will take off-shoreline Rim taken proper care of of Steven Spielberg's Robopocalypse, that's scheduled striking theaters about this summer time 5. Off-shoreline Rim stars Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba and Charlie Day, among others. Producers are Tull, del Toro, Jon Jashni and Mary Parent. Off-shoreline Rim will be the first film del Toro has helmed since Hellboy II: The Golden Military in 2008. Related Subjects Guillermo del Toro Worldwide Off-shoreline Rim

Hayden Panettiere Excited Amanda Knox Gets A Second Chance At Life

First Published: October 13, 2011 2:12 PM EDT Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Hayden Panettiere chats with Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Access Hollywood Live, Burbank, Calif., on October 13, 2011 LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Amanda Knox case caused a great deal of emotion when an Italian appeals court threw out her murder conviction earlier this month, especially for Hayden Panettiere, who played the 24-year-old on the small screen. I was on the edge of my bed, my eyes welled up when I heard the verdict read, the actress, who starred in the Lifetimes Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy, told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Thursdays Access Hollywood Live. Its hard for me because I played her. I do feel like I have a certain connection with her, the 22-year-old actress who currently stars opposite Julia Roberts and Ryan Reynolds on the big screen in Fireflies in the Garden continued. Its difficult for me to say that Im not excited to see a young girl get a second chance at life and she does have a second chance, and I hope she makes the best of it. Hayden feels like her Lifetime movie stands on its own and doesnt need to shoot a new ending. I think the great thing about that film was that it ended. It was so fact based that it ended when she went to jail, regardless the ending wouldnt change, she explained. But would the actress consider doing a second movie about Amanda? I just dont know how differently theyd do the story or what theyd do it about and because it was such public knowledge. They had such facts and information, she told Billy and Kit. Now, if they did it about her being in jail, I feel like they would have to get her involved. Adding, Id definitely read [another script about her [but doing another movie] would depend on a whole lot of things though. confused on the double brackets Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

In Their Own Words

In Their Own Words October 12, 2011 Photo by Getty Images Idina Menzel On Big Breaks... "First big breakhard to say. Could be Mabel in 'The Pirates of Penzance,' 4th grade, Baylis Elementary School, where I discovered the warmth and exhilaration of the spotlight. Or perhaps getting hired as a professional wedding/bar mitzvah singer at the age of 15 for Tony Saitta and the Echoes, where I learned the true meaning of rejection, as a drunk audience ate their salads to the tune of 'I'm So Excited' by the Pointer Sisters. But I guess the most significant break was in December 1995, when I was cast in the Off-Broadway production of the musical 'Rent.' I met my husband; I learned the endurance and discipline it takes to do eight shows a week, the fragility of life, and the importance of being in the moment." Idina Menzel"'Big break' implies that it's done now, you've gotten it, and now you're in. We know you're never in. You're in, then you're not in. Then you're back in, then you're out again. You're always on some part of that scale. There are very few actorsyou could probably count them on one handthat you know aren't going anywhere." Don Cheadle"Waiting for a big break is a mistake. I knew I would go to seed waiting for a break, and I didn't go full time as an actor until I was 34. And after I did my first thing as a full-time actor, I realized I had nothing else lined up. So I did a one-man show. You can't sit around waiting for the phone to ring; you have to make your own work. Just do it, do it, do it." Brendan GleesonOn Auditioning... "One of the things I've recently discovered is the way I get through the nerves of auditions is telling myself it's a workday. I know my lines, I know my character, and I'm going to work with the director. And sometimes it goes terribly, terribly wrong, but it frees me up a little bit." Connie Britton"I've met some wonderful actors who found the audition process just too terrifying, even painful, and gave up. That nerve-jangling stretch before the reading can seem downright flulike. Well-meaning efforts to convince you that 'It's just energy!' are pointless. It feels like fear, so it's fear. But what are we afraid of? What's the worst that can happen? They don't give you the job? Guess what: You already don't have the job. The worst has happened! Pressure's off, so have fun. The main reason we wanted to do this is that it looked like it would be fun, right?" Michael McKean"I was attending NYU. They have a strict absence policy: Three absences and you're kicked out. I was auditioning on the side and had about 10 absences and begged them to let me stay. I had been auditioning for almost a year and hadn't booked anything. At the start of my final semester, I booked a lead guest-starring role in a 'Law & Order' episode. I was going to have to miss a week of school. Crap. It was a new semester, so I'd already have five absences. Two over the limit. I figured I'd take the job and beg NYU to let me stay later. On the set, I met Dick Wolf and we got along well. I guess he liked what I was doing, because he asked me if I would be interested in doing another guest-starring role in a new show he had, a short-lived series named 'The Wright Verdicts.' I would have to take off another two weeks of school. I knew there was no way NYU would go for it, so I decided to take the semester off and finish up my last 15 credits the next semester. But I kept booking jobs, and I never went back. About 10 years later, I was up for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series at the SAG Awards for 'Six Feet Under,' which I had guest-starred on that season. I saw Dick Wolf there and we started talking. I said, 'You know, Dick, I was 15 credits from graduating and dropped out of college to do your shows. So you're the reason I don't have my diploma. But...you're the reason I got my SAG card. So it's a good tradeoff." - Peter Facinelli"One of the greatest I think was Tom Hanks [for 'Forrest Gump']. That screen test with him washe was just so sweet and warm and I wasn't scared. I felt at ease. He was so loving, and that was a great experience, and I got the part. It all works out." Robin Wright"I remember going to one of those casting workshops, where you pay 50 bucks and go off and work on scenes. I came back and they evaluated me, and the guy was like, 'Conservatively speaking, you need three more years of work, probably working at our workshops.' I was like, 'Uh-huh, okay.' Not to say that he was wrong and I was really good, but it just felt creepy and weird. Also, in the limited amount of commercial auditions I used to do, I swear, every time I went in, the person in front of me would come out laughing with the casting director. They'd be hugging each other: 'Bye, Bob! Great to see you! Say hi to the wife!' Then they'd be like: 'Next! Phil Ferrell.' 'Uh, it's Will, actually.' 'Whatever.' " Will Ferrell"There are two of them. I won't name who they were. One was a producer, and one was a director. I went in and read for a director, and I was to read the role of a bad guy, and I read it and he looked at me and he said, 'Ooooh, scary,' but in such a cynical, awful way. How do you even react to that? I just kind of laughed or something and it was over, and I didn't get the part, thank God. The other one was, I was auditioning for something, and a producer sat there reading the NY Post while I was auditioning. So when I started directing, I vowed that I would maybe try to compensate for people like that." Stanley Tucci"I don't get starstruck. I'm fine. Especially Ben [Affleck]he's a Boston guy; I should be fine. I walked in [to audition for 'Gone Baby Gone'], and I'm walking down the halls looking for this room, and as I passed a room I heard, 'There he is.' In my head I was like, 'That's Ben.' I turned around and it was, and for some reason I instantly was nervous. I went in and shook his hand, and the first thing I said was 'Hey, how ya doing? Am I gonna be okay where I parked?' And he said, 'Where'd you park?' And I said, 'At one of the meters.' And he said, 'Did you put money in it?' And I said, 'Yeah.' And he said, 'I think you'll be all right.' From that moment, I just wanted to get the f--k out of the room. I just wanted to be anywhere but there. I sat down with my heart beating out of my chest. I was so mortified that I started this meeting off that way. I started giving him one-word answers. They put me in a rocking chair, so I'm just rocking and twisting, just nervous. 'So, what was your last movie like?' 'Good.' 'What was it like to work with Danny Boyle?' 'Good.' I just wanted to get out of there. It was horrible, a complete disaster. So, obviously, I did not get that job." Chris Evans"I've had so many bad auditions. 'Dawson's Creek' was probably the worst. I had just gotten back from Toronto doing this Disney show, and I had a video camera, and I'd directed some plays and I really, really wanted to direct. For a birthday, I got one of those little viewfinders, and I was 15. I went to network for 'Dawson's Creek,' and on the last one I realized I was really going to knock it out of the park. I wanted this show more than anything, because it was a kid who loved movies and he had some problems with a girlfriend. And I could relate. I liked movies, and I had a problem with a girl."So I came in with a viewfinder around my neck, and I wanted to show them that I liked movies, and I wore my Sundance cap. This is for network. And they said, 'Okay, do these scenes.' And I did them pretty good. It was like a mix-and-match and then I did it again. And they said, 'Okay, thanks, Ben.' And I thanked them. 'So when do you think there's going to be a callback, because I may be going out of town or something.' And that's a huge no-no, but you don't know until you do that. And they said, 'Yeah, we'll get back to you. Thanks, it was a great read.' I was like, 'Okay, great. Do you want me to do it again in another way?' They said, 'No, no, that was fine, thank you.' And there were, like, 20 people in the room. So I then shook 20 people's hands. I refused to leave a single person without looking them in the eye. Then I knew something was building, but I thought it was my courage rather than these people really wanting me to get the f--k out of their room. So I leave the room and I wait two minutes outside the door, and I'm sweating. I'm like, 'I didn't do enough. I didn't give enough.' So I knocked on the door, and they're like, 'Yeah, come in.' And they were shocked to see that I came back in. I was like, 'I'm so sorry,' and I adjusted the chair that I was sitting on in the room, because I kind of left it askew. And then I said, 'Thanks so much. This was terrific, and I can't wait to hear back.' So I walked outside, and I couldn't drive at the time, and my dad was supposed to pick me up. I was like, 'You know what? Don't come. Don't pick me up yet.' And he was like, 'Why?' I was like, 'I'm going to really let them have it. Pick me up in two hours.' So I sit and I wait outside, because it's, like, 10 in the morning and I wait until, like, 12:30 for them to go to lunch. And I watch them all walk out of the office, and I'm there sitting with my viewfinder and a Sundance cap, and I just wave at them. So I get in the carno, it wasn't my dad; it was my girlfriend at the time's mom, actually. She drove me back, and she's like, 'How'd it go?' And I was like, 'Really well. I really, like, committed.' And I get back to the Oakwood Apartments, where I was living. And I'm waiting by the phone. Five o'clock, 6 o'clock rolls around, and you're sweating by the phone, being like, 'I got it. I know I got this.' My manager calls up and I say, 'Hey!' and he says, 'Hey. What the f--k did you do in there?' I was like, 'It went great, right?' And he just said, 'Whatever you just did, don't ever do it again.'"And I've heard that a few times in my life. I guess I haven't learned it. Maybe I've become a little less desperate or a lot less desperate in terms of trying to prove myself to other people, but that was a rough one. I learned that it doesn't matter what they think, as long as you give your performance and you can be pleasant, but you don't have to give your person to them. You just do that through the work. If I had left, maybe things would have been different. There are no regrets, of course, but as actors we have so much heart, and we just want to give pieces of ourselves away so badly: 'See? I feel, I feel, I feel so much. I want to feel for you. I want to feel for the world.' It's a city filled with people who want to give their hearts away, and sometimes like human beings we're not so calloused, and that's beautiful. It can work in the opposite way: 'I'm too callous, and I can't give anymore because you don't deserve my heart,' and that's bullshit, too." - Ben FosterOn Getting Their SAG Card... "I got my SAG card with a T.J. Maxx commercial. 'You get the max for the minimum at T.J. Maxx.' It was a back-to-school ad. Ben [Affleck] and I were in it together, and our part got cut, but we still got the checks. It was 1986 when I got my SAG card, and they raised the rate from $600 to $800, and I only had $600, and I was on my way to get my SAG card and I found out that it was $200 more than I had, and my father gave me the money. And I've always been really grateful about that." Matt Damon"Oh, GodI did an episode of 'Spenser: For Hire.' I remember some controversy over doing 'Spenser: For Hire,' because I didn't have [the card]. But I got it in 1985." Patricia Clarkson"I got my SAG card as an extra on an ABC Afterschool Special where I had to play spin the bottle, and I got my first kiss and SAG card. They weren't going to give anyone lines, but then they gave me a line and a kiss, and so they gave me my SAG card." Kyra SedgwickOn Training... "I took classes for technical reasons, like knowing how to count. I could not count for the life of me when I first started. I was like, 'Five and nine!' 'No, there's no nine.' " Harry Shum, Jr. On Acting... "I'm so lucky to be doing what I'm doing. I will tell anyone that. Acting is no easy feat, though.... It truly requires more focus, dedication, tenacity, and perseverance than most paths. Telling stories allows you to truly see the power of the human spirit and mind, but also to understand that we can use humor as a medicine for pain. It's this simple: The only way to weave the thread of life into a character is to pull from your own life's past, present, and future. I tried with some success but never really got it until reading Ivana Chubbuck's book 'The Power of the Actor' and studying this type of acting, using real-to-me connective tissue between me and whomever I'm playing. Then it all made sense." Ian SomerhalderOn Wanting to be an Actor... "I'm one of those obnoxious, annoying people who will tell you there was never any question that's always what I was going to be. I didn't have a backup career." Ginnifer Goodwin"I still wake up some days thinking, 'What in the hell am I doing?' I often pass between anxiety and amusement at some of the situations my life as an actor has put me in. But when I think back to 10 or 11 years ago, I am amazed at how lost I really was. I showed up in NY knowing everything and absolutely nothing, all at the same time. I knew I wanted to be an actor. That was it. Fortunately for me, I came across a copy of Back Stage at a newsstand and it became my handbook. The first thing I would do every Thursday morning (after some Tylenol and a ton of water; I bartended Wednesday nights) was get my copy and open up to the submissions page. These were my first auditions. My first work experiences. The student films I booked out of there were my training. And I'm still trying to get copies of a couple of those!" Jeff Hephner In Their Own Words October 12, 2011 Idina Menzel PHOTO CREDIT Getty Images On Big Breaks... "First big breakhard to say. Could be Mabel in 'The Pirates of Penzance,' 4th grade, Baylis Elementary School, where I discovered the warmth and exhilaration of the spotlight. Or perhaps getting hired as a professional wedding/bar mitzvah singer at the age of 15 for Tony Saitta and the Echoes, where I learned the true meaning of rejection, as a drunk audience ate their salads to the tune of 'I'm So Excited' by the Pointer Sisters. But I guess the most significant break was in December 1995, when I was cast in the Off-Broadway production of the musical 'Rent.' I met my husband; I learned the endurance and discipline it takes to do eight shows a week, the fragility of life, and the importance of being in the moment." Idina Menzel"'Big break' implies that it's done now, you've gotten it, and now you're in. We know you're never in. You're in, then you're not in. Then you're back in, then you're out again. You're always on some part of that scale. There are very few actorsyou could probably count them on one handthat you know aren't going anywhere." Don Cheadle"Waiting for a big break is a mistake. I knew I would go to seed waiting for a break, and I didn't go full time as an actor until I was 34. And after I did my first thing as a full-time actor, I realized I had nothing else lined up. So I did a one-man show. You can't sit around waiting for the phone to ring; you have to make your own work. Just do it, do it, do it." Brendan GleesonOn Auditioning... "One of the things I've recently discovered is the way I get through the nerves of auditions is telling myself it's a workday. I know my lines, I know my character, and I'm going to work with the director. And sometimes it goes terribly, terribly wrong, but it frees me up a little bit." Connie Britton"I've met some wonderful actors who found the audition process just too terrifying, even painful, and gave up. That nerve-jangling stretch before the reading can seem downright flulike. Well-meaning efforts to convince you that 'It's just energy!' are pointless. It feels like fear, so it's fear. But what are we afraid of? What's the worst that can happen? They don't give you the job? Guess what: You already don't have the job. The worst has happened! Pressure's off, so have fun. The main reason we wanted to do this is that it looked like it would be fun, right?" Michael McKean"I was attending NYU. They have a strict absence policy: Three absences and you're kicked out. I was auditioning on the side and had about 10 absences and begged them to let me stay. I had been auditioning for almost a year and hadn't booked anything. At the start of my final semester, I booked a lead guest-starring role in a 'Law & Order' episode. I was going to have to miss a week of school. Crap. It was a new semester, so I'd already have five absences. Two over the limit. I figured I'd take the job and beg NYU to let me stay later. On the set, I met Dick Wolf and we got along well. I guess he liked what I was doing, because he asked me if I would be interested in doing another guest-starring role in a new show he had, a short-lived series named 'The Wright Verdicts.' I would have to take off another two weeks of school. I knew there was no way NYU would go for it, so I decided to take the semester off and finish up my last 15 credits the next semester. But I kept booking jobs, and I never went back. About 10 years later, I was up for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series at the SAG Awards for 'Six Feet Under,' which I had guest-starred on that season. I saw Dick Wolf there and we started talking. I said, 'You know, Dick, I was 15 credits from graduating and dropped out of college to do your shows. So you're the reason I don't have my diploma. But...you're the reason I got my SAG card. So it's a good tradeoff." - Peter Facinelli"One of the greatest I think was Tom Hanks [for 'Forrest Gump']. That screen test with him washe was just so sweet and warm and I wasn't scared. I felt at ease. He was so loving, and that was a great experience, and I got the part. It all works out." Robin Wright"I remember going to one of those casting workshops, where you pay 50 bucks and go off and work on scenes. I came back and they evaluated me, and the guy was like, 'Conservatively speaking, you need three more years of work, probably working at our workshops.' I was like, 'Uh-huh, okay.' Not to say that he was wrong and I was really good, but it just felt creepy and weird. Also, in the limited amount of commercial auditions I used to do, I swear, every time I went in, the person in front of me would come out laughing with the casting director. They'd be hugging each other: 'Bye, Bob! Great to see you! Say hi to the wife!' Then they'd be like: 'Next! Phil Ferrell.' 'Uh, it's Will, actually.' 'Whatever.' " Will Ferrell"There are two of them. I won't name who they were. One was a producer, and one was a director. I went in and read for a director, and I was to read the role of a bad guy, and I read it and he looked at me and he said, 'Ooooh, scary,' but in such a cynical, awful way. How do you even react to that? I just kind of laughed or something and it was over, and I didn't get the part, thank God. The other one was, I was auditioning for something, and a producer sat there reading the NY Post while I was auditioning. So when I started directing, I vowed that I would maybe try to compensate for people like that." Stanley Tucci"I don't get starstruck. I'm fine. Especially Ben [Affleck]he's a Boston guy; I should be fine. I walked in [to audition for 'Gone Baby Gone'], and I'm walking down the halls looking for this room, and as I passed a room I heard, 'There he is.' In my head I was like, 'That's Ben.' I turned around and it was, and for some reason I instantly was nervous. I went in and shook his hand, and the first thing I said was 'Hey, how ya doing? Am I gonna be okay where I parked?' And he said, 'Where'd you park?' And I said, 'At one of the meters.' And he said, 'Did you put money in it?' And I said, 'Yeah.' And he said, 'I think you'll be all right.' From that moment, I just wanted to get the f--k out of the room. I just wanted to be anywhere but there. I sat down with my heart beating out of my chest. I was so mortified that I started this meeting off that way. I started giving him one-word answers. They put me in a rocking chair, so I'm just rocking and twisting, just nervous. 'So, what was your last movie like?' 'Good.' 'What was it like to work with Danny Boyle?' 'Good.' I just wanted to get out of there. It was horrible, a complete disaster. So, obviously, I did not get that job." Chris Evans"I've had so many bad auditions. 'Dawson's Creek' was probably the worst. I had just gotten back from Toronto doing this Disney show, and I had a video camera, and I'd directed some plays and I really, really wanted to direct. For a birthday, I got one of those little viewfinders, and I was 15. I went to network for 'Dawson's Creek,' and on the last one I realized I was really going to knock it out of the park. I wanted this show more than anything, because it was a kid who loved movies and he had some problems with a girlfriend. And I could relate. I liked movies, and I had a problem with a girl."So I came in with a viewfinder around my neck, and I wanted to show them that I liked movies, and I wore my Sundance cap. This is for network. And they said, 'Okay, do these scenes.' And I did them pretty good. It was like a mix-and-match and then I did it again. And they said, 'Okay, thanks, Ben.' And I thanked them. 'So when do you think there's going to be a callback, because I may be going out of town or something.' And that's a huge no-no, but you don't know until you do that. And they said, 'Yeah, we'll get back to you. Thanks, it was a great read.' I was like, 'Okay, great. Do you want me to do it again in another way?' They said, 'No, no, that was fine, thank you.' And there were, like, 20 people in the room. So I then shook 20 people's hands. I refused to leave a single person without looking them in the eye. Then I knew something was building, but I thought it was my courage rather than these people really wanting me to get the f--k out of their room. So I leave the room and I wait two minutes outside the door, and I'm sweating. I'm like, 'I didn't do enough. I didn't give enough.' So I knocked on the door, and they're like, 'Yeah, come in.' And they were shocked to see that I came back in. I was like, 'I'm so sorry,' and I adjusted the chair that I was sitting on in the room, because I kind of left it askew. And then I said, 'Thanks so much. This was terrific, and I can't wait to hear back.' So I walked outside, and I couldn't drive at the time, and my dad was supposed to pick me up. I was like, 'You know what? Don't come. Don't pick me up yet.' And he was like, 'Why?' I was like, 'I'm going to really let them have it. Pick me up in two hours.' So I sit and I wait outside, because it's, like, 10 in the morning and I wait until, like, 12:30 for them to go to lunch. And I watch them all walk out of the office, and I'm there sitting with my viewfinder and a Sundance cap, and I just wave at them. So I get in the carno, it wasn't my dad; it was my girlfriend at the time's mom, actually. She drove me back, and she's like, 'How'd it go?' And I was like, 'Really well. I really, like, committed.' And I get back to the Oakwood Apartments, where I was living. And I'm waiting by the phone. Five o'clock, 6 o'clock rolls around, and you're sweating by the phone, being like, 'I got it. I know I got this.' My manager calls up and I say, 'Hey!' and he says, 'Hey. What the f--k did you do in there?' I was like, 'It went great, right?' And he just said, 'Whatever you just did, don't ever do it again.'"And I've heard that a few times in my life. I guess I haven't learned it. Maybe I've become a little less desperate or a lot less desperate in terms of trying to prove myself to other people, but that was a rough one. I learned that it doesn't matter what they think, as long as you give your performance and you can be pleasant, but you don't have to give your person to them. You just do that through the work. If I had left, maybe things would have been different. There are no regrets, of course, but as actors we have so much heart, and we just want to give pieces of ourselves away so badly: 'See? I feel, I feel, I feel so much. I want to feel for you. I want to feel for the world.' It's a city filled with people who want to give their hearts away, and sometimes like human beings we're not so calloused, and that's beautiful. It can work in the opposite way: 'I'm too callous, and I can't give anymore because you don't deserve my heart,' and that's bullshit, too." - Ben FosterOn Getting Their SAG Card... "I got my SAG card with a T.J. Maxx commercial. 'You get the max for the minimum at T.J. Maxx.' It was a back-to-school ad. Ben [Affleck] and I were in it together, and our part got cut, but we still got the checks. It was 1986 when I got my SAG card, and they raised the rate from $600 to $800, and I only had $600, and I was on my way to get my SAG card and I found out that it was $200 more than I had, and my father gave me the money. And I've always been really grateful about that." Matt Damon"Oh, GodI did an episode of 'Spenser: For Hire.' I remember some controversy over doing 'Spenser: For Hire,' because I didn't have [the card]. But I got it in 1985." Patricia Clarkson"I got my SAG card as an extra on an ABC Afterschool Special where I had to play spin the bottle, and I got my first kiss and SAG card. They weren't going to give anyone lines, but then they gave me a line and a kiss, and so they gave me my SAG card." Kyra SedgwickOn Training... "I took classes for technical reasons, like knowing how to count. I could not count for the life of me when I first started. I was like, 'Five and nine!' 'No, there's no nine.' " Harry Shum, Jr. On Acting... "I'm so lucky to be doing what I'm doing. I will tell anyone that. Acting is no easy feat, though.... It truly requires more focus, dedication, tenacity, and perseverance than most paths. Telling stories allows you to truly see the power of the human spirit and mind, but also to understand that we can use humor as a medicine for pain. It's this simple: The only way to weave the thread of life into a character is to pull from your own life's past, present, and future. I tried with some success but never really got it until reading Ivana Chubbuck's book 'The Power of the Actor' and studying this type of acting, using real-to-me connective tissue between me and whomever I'm playing. Then it all made sense." Ian SomerhalderOn Wanting to be an Actor... "I'm one of those obnoxious, annoying people who will tell you there was never any question that's always what I was going to be. I didn't have a backup career." Ginnifer Goodwin"I still wake up some days thinking, 'What in the hell am I doing?' I often pass between anxiety and amusement at some of the situations my life as an actor has put me in. But when I think back to 10 or 11 years ago, I am amazed at how lost I really was. I showed up in NY knowing everything and absolutely nothing, all at the same time. I knew I wanted to be an actor. That was it. Fortunately for me, I came across a copy of Back Stage at a newsstand and it became my handbook. The first thing I would do every Thursday morning (after some Tylenol and a ton of water; I bartended Wednesday nights) was get my copy and open up to the submissions page. These were my first auditions. My first work experiences. The student films I booked out of there were my training. And I'm still trying to get copies of a couple of those!" Jeff Hephner