Friday, March 9, 2012

Exclusive: Babycall Trailer Online

Noomi Rapace features a little problemNoomi Rapace is not any stranger to intense situations. She's battered rapists, joined swords with Moriarty and may soon be fighting while using infinite in Ridley Scott's latest. There's no respite for your Swedish actress in Norwegian horror-thriller Babycall either. The film features a new trailer, which you'll want to watch along with your eyes below. All things have been looking pretty rosy for Rapace since the Girl while using Dragon Tattoo. The actress has recognized into holiday tentpoles (An Online Detective: A Game Title Title Of Shadows) and seems to own segued effortlessly into massively-anticipated cerebral sci-fi (Prometheus) too.Here she's back on Scandinavian soil in the horror-thriller which has a familiar, um, Ring in it. Shoddy punning aside, the prior Lisbeth Salander can be a single mom who tries to get her 8 year-old boy as not even close to her violent husband as you can. Sadly, her secret Oslo bolt-hole is haunted having a rogue baby monitor that pipes the tormented cries from the small child from somewhere inside the building.But can it be real or all in their mind? Or, failing that, a mewling xenomorphic that needed the wrong turn on LV-426? Uncover if the can get its theatrical release on March 30.

American Idol's Jeremy Rosado: "I Understood They Will Not Put Me Through"

CBS drama Person of curiosity hit a thrilling-time filled with the ratings on Thursday evening. The newcomer series received 15.8 million audiences getting a 3.4 rating inside the grownups 18-to-49 demographic, aided with the lead-with a Large Bang Theory repeat, which easily outperformed the ultimate new episode of Make the most of! Discover More > Other Links From TVGuide.com American IdolGrey's AnatomyThe OfficeSupernatural30 RockThe Large Bang TheoryThe MentalistWipeoutParks and RecreationThe Vampire DiariesPerson of InterestGCBAwakeUp With The Evening

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

First look at Ryan Gosling in Only God Forgives

Only God Forgives, the new film from Nicolas Winding Refn, has released a first official image of star Ryan Gosling looking rather cross indeed.Drive might have been cruelly passed over by the Academy, but that hasn't stopped Gosling and Refn reuniting for another hard-bitten crime flick, this time set against the backdrop of Thai boxing.Gosling will play Julian, a fugitive who runs a Bangkok boxing club that functions as a front for a drug smuggling ring. Searching for a crack at redemption, Julian finds himself training for a match against a retired cop, known as "The Angel of Vengeance," who just happened to kill his brother.Kristin Scott Thomas is currently attached to play Julian's mother, the head of a powerful crime syndicate who urges Julian to avenge his fallen brother. Something tells us this one is going to be quite violent, don't you think?Gosling seems to have the same dead-eyed, gritted-teeth expression he wore for much of Drive, so we'll be hoping for another ultra-cool, ultra-black thriller when the film opens later this year.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Shaun Kupsky to depart The best spinner's

LONDON -- Turner Broadcasting System stalwart Shaun Kupsky, the prexy for Europe, Middle East and Africa, is giving up after 30 years with the organization. Kupsky, who became a member of Turner almost 30 years ago, will exit within the next couple of days. The professional re-situated to Europe from Turner's Atlanta headquarters in 1997 to produce a regional business development office. He grew to become leader in 2007. Kupsky's decision to stop is understood to pre-date last month's announcement that RTL Group Boss Gerhard Zeiler have been hired as leader of The best spinner's Worldwide. The best spinner's chairman and Boss Phil Kent stated: "There is no funnel, acquisition or advancement of Turner's business in EMEA that Shaun is not directly associated with. "He's been consistent in the business acumen, discussions and calm attitude, and that he leaves Turner with this gratitude and respect." Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Report: WGA distributed $104 million in levies

The Authors Guild of america has collected nearly $130 million in foreign levies from 19 nations within the last 20 years and distributed $104 million of people funds, with different recently completed report with the KPMG speaking to firm.The report, spurred with the extended-running legal challenge for the guild's handling of those funds, was released now round the WGA West site.Selection reported on Jan. 10 that lawyers for your WGA revealed the $104 million figure within a standing conference tomorrow in La Superior Court inside the 2010 settlement from the class-action suit by William Richert ("Winter Kills").5-page KPMG report includes formerly undisclosed particulars:The funds collected go back to 1992, when $1.28 million was collected from France and Germany.The greatest volume of funds collected reaches 2008, with $19.76 million.Investment interest collected within the funds inside the 20 years totaled $8.95 million $7.60 5 million of which has been moved for the WGA West general fund to cancel out the costs of giving the program.Administrative costs, which equal to 5% of what's been sent for the authors since 2004, found almost $5 million.The most effective year for funds provided to authors was for recent fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, with $21.04 million.The WGA West had $21.62 million in "funds kept in balance" by last March 31.A Q&A in regards to the report, also released round the WGA website, noted that 85% in the $104 million in distributed funds visited films and tv projects incorporated in WGA contracts. The relaxation of funds distributed were for "non-covered" works including news, sports, adult films and non-WGA animation."The report certifies the wealth of the program, which has distributed $104 million to authors over 2 decades,In . the guild mentioned in the Jan. 10 statement. "Whether or not this wasn't for your efforts in the WGA West, these funds may have ongoing to become within reach of the foreign collection towns."Richert's 2005 suit alleged the WGA had not properly handled foreign funds due scribes as compensation for telecasts together with other exhibition of writers' works. The settlement needed the WGA to pursue "best efforts" to cover all foreign funds within three years and problem research having a Large Four accounting firm to look at the foreign levies utilizing their starting in the 19 nineties.The settlement, signed this season by Judge Carl West, also needed an annual summary of the foreign levies program incorporated in the official annual account to individuals. Richert attorney Neville Manley elevated concerns through the The month of the month of january hearing the annual report would are not successful on particulars, adding the foreign levies programs operated with the guilds happen to be saved under systems for 15 years.WGA West general counsel Anthony Segall mentioned responding the annual report may have a substantial amount of detail in regards to the program, comparable to the KPMG report.The WGA West revealed within the last annual report within this summer time it had been holding $25.4 million "due to people" but did not use the quantity of that figure arises from foreign levies. The levies for U.S. creatives began circulation following a U.S. agreement in 1989 towards the Berne Convention, which determines the very best of authorship for those who create works of art. The levies are addressed by collecting towns.West has furthermore supervised funds of sophistication-action foreign levies suits that have been filed in the Screen Stars Guild by Ken Osmond as well as the organization company directors Guild of america by William Webb. West recently left his judicial publish, departing supervision in the cases to judge Kenneth Freeman.Film author Eric Hughes, who's offered just like a consultant for the litigants, belittled KMPG's review and mentioned it is not an audit."An assessment will not uncover fraud or other improper financial activity," he mentioned."KPMG used the data and understanding supplied by the WGAW without any independent analysis or verification.The WGAW is constantly on the haven't produced a shred of evidence in this particular situation which is not the accounting a legal court had guaranteed the objectors." Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Mad Males Season 5 Start Searching: Don Draper Has Came back!

Mad Males, Jon Hamm It's been far too extended since Don Draper remains on our television screens. Positive factor he'll return by Sunday, March 25. AMC develops Walking Dead's Season 3, announces return dates for Mad Males, The Killing Mad Males hasn't broadcast new episodes since October 2010, due only to extended discussions for Seasons 5 and 6 between series creator Matthew Weiner and AMC. It is therefore unfortunate that AMC didn't supply any new footage inside the just-released teaser trailer. It's good to know that style, debauchery together with other tips in the antihero have came back, but, well, what's really happening this season remains to look. See the teaser below: Mad Males Season 5 debuts getting a 2-hour premiere on Sunday, March 25 at 9/8c on AMC.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

62nd Ace Eddie Honours: The Descendants, The Artist, Rango TV Breaking Bad, Homeland, Curb Your Enthusiasm

Beverly Slopes, February 18 The Descendants, (edited by Kevin Tent, A.C.E.) as well as the Artist (edited by Anne-Sophie Bion & Michel Hazanavicius) won Best Edited Feature Film (Drama) and greatest Edited Feature Film (Comedy or Musical) correspondingly within the 62nd Annual ACE Eddie Honours tonight where trophies were given out in nine (9) categories of film, television and documentaries. The black-tie ceremony happened inside the Worldwide Ballroom in the Beverly Hilton Hotel using more than 1,000 taking care of celebrate time best editing. Rango (edited by Craig Wood, A.C.E.) won Best Edited Animated Feature Film and Freedom Riders (edited by Lewis Erskine & Aljernon Tunsil ) won Best Edited Documentary. Television individuals who win incorporated Curb Your Enthusiasm – Palestinian Chicken (edited by Steven Rasch, A.C.E.) for top Edited Half-Hour Series for Television, Breaking Bad Face Off (edited by Skip MacDonald) for top Edited One-Hour Series for Commercial television, Homeland Pilot (edited by Jordan Goldman and David Latham) for top Edited One-Hour Series for Non-Commercial Television, Cinema Verite (edited by Sarah Flack, A.C.E. and Robert Pulcini) for top Edited Miniseries or Movie for Television, and Anthony Bourdain – No Reservations Haiti (edited by Eric Lasby) for top Edited Reality Series. Students Editing Competition champion was Eric Kench of Video Symphony who outshine hundreds of rivals from film schools and schools across the country. Esteemed film editor Anne V. Coates, A.C.E. presented the ACE Eddie Award for the champion. Alexander Payne received the ACE Golden Eddie Filmmaker of year recognition provided to him by Reese Witherspoon and also the editor round the Descendants and several other past projects, Kevin Tent, A.C.E.. Lifetime Career Achievement Honours visited industry veterans Joel Cox, A.C.E. and Doug Ibold, A.C.E. presented by industry luminaries Clint Eastwood and Dick Wolf correspondingly. Their careers were layed out with clip reels and praise from pals and co-employees through the affair. The evening was presided over by ACE Leader Randy Roberts, A.C.E. Becoming Master of Occasions was actor and comedian Patton Oswalt. It had been a repeat performance for Oswalt who situated the ACE Eddies once before. Other presenters incorporated a thrilling-star make including Laurie Holden within the hit AMC series The Walking Dead, actor Kyle Chandler (Friday Evening Lights, Super 8), Erika Christensen (Motherhood), Robert Forster and Matthew Lillard (The Descendants), Penelope Ann Burns and Missi Pyle (The Artist), Jesse Faison (The Exes), Hannah Simone (New Girl), Jonathan Silverman and Jennifer Finnigan (Better Together With You). Special site visitors incorporated Judy Greer within the Descendants, there to assist her director Alexander Payne. Individuals who win FOR 62nd ANNUAL ACE EDDIE Honours BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (DRAMATIC): The Descendants Kevin Tent, A.C.E. BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (COMEDY OR MUSICAL): The Artist Anne-Sophie Bion & Michel Hazanavicius BEST EDITED ANIMATED FEATURE FILM: Rango Craig Wood, A.C.E. BEST EDITED HALF-HOUR SERIES FOR TELEVISION: Curb Your Enthusiasm: Palestinian Chicken Steven Rasch, A.C.E. BEST EDITED ONE-HOUR SERIES FOR COMMERCIAL TELEVISION: Breaking Bad: Face Off Skip MacDonald BEST EDITED ONE-HOUR SERIES FOR NON-COMMERCIAL TELEVISION: Homeland: Pilot Jordan Goldman & David Latham BEST EDITED MINISERIES OR Movie FOR TELEVISION: Cinema Verite Sarah Flack, A.C.E. & Robert Pulcini BEST EDITED DOCUMENTARY: Freedom Riders Lewis Erskine & Aljernon Tunsil BEST EDITED REALITY SERIES: Anthony Bourdain – No Reservations: Haiti Eric Lasby STUDENT COMPETITION Eric Kench Video Symphony AMERICAN CINEMA EDITORS (ACE) is certainly an honorary society of motion picture editors founded in 1950. Film editors are selected into membership according to their professional achievements, their dedication for the education of others in addition to their persistence for the craft of editing. The objectives and reasons in the AMERICAN CINEMA EDITORS is to advance the science and art in the editing profession to enhance the entertainment price of movies through getting artistic pre-eminence and scientific achievement inside the creative art of editing to produce into close alliance people editors who want to succeed the prestige and dignity in the editing profession.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Casting Begins for 'Motown,' New Musical About Berry Gordy

Casting Begins for 'Motown,' New Musical About Berry Gordy By Daniel Lehman February 16, 2012 Photo by Getty Images Berry Gordy Auditions are actually introduced for just about any developmental lab of "Motown," a completely new musical using the information on Berry Gordy, Junior. Bethany Knox of Telsey + Customers are casting the project, which runs March 10-April 12 in NY City.Gordy, the 81-year-old record producer who founded the Motown label in 1960, is creating the autobiographical musical with former Universal Music Boss Doug Morris and Broadway producer Kevin McCollum. The lab production will probably be directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, with choreography by Bradley Rapier and Patti Wilcox. "The NY Publish" reported in May that Gordy "features a $100 million budget around the cornerInch for your show.Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, "little" Berry Gordy, Stevie Question, and Michael Jackson will probably be figures inside the musical, featuring the task of several Motown composers. One youthful boy actor may have the roles of Gordy, Question, and Jackson as eight-year-old children. The producers are searching for African-American artists for those roles.Equity principal auditions for your above lead roles will probably be held on Friday, February 24 in NY City. An Equity chorus demand ballroom ballroom dancers will probably be held on Monday, February 27. For more information and audition particulars, begin to see the full notices on BackStage.com. (Subscription needed.)In line with the Equity casting notice, the casting director states, "Because a number of these figures are true people, although we are not seeking impersonators, perform want stars that stimulate the look and appear of individuals music symbols. Research photos of people you don't know and audition only if you believe you are able to play these figures All stars must sing perfectly in design for that figures they are representing. All ought to be subtle stars who is able to capture the essence of this time around around period." Casting Begins for 'Motown,' New Musical About Berry Gordy By Daniel Lehman February 16, 2012 Berry Gordy PHOTO CREDIT Getty Images Auditions are actually introduced for just about any developmental lab of "Motown," a completely new musical using the information on Berry Gordy, Junior. Bethany Knox of Telsey + Customers are casting the project, which runs March 10-April 12 in NY City.Gordy, the 81-year-old record producer who founded the Motown label in 1960, is creating the autobiographical musical with former Universal Music Boss Doug Morris and Broadway producer Kevin McCollum. The lab production will probably be directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, with choreography by Bradley Rapier and Patti Wilcox. "The NY Publish" reported in May that Gordy "features a $100 million budget round the cornerInch for your show.Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, "little" Berry Gordy, Stevie Question, and Michael Jackson will probably be figures inside the musical, featuring the task of several Motown composers. One youthful boy actor may have the roles of Gordy, Question, and Jackson as eight-year-old children. The producers are searching for African-American artists for individuals roles.Equity principal auditions for your above lead roles will probably be held on Friday, February 24 in NY City. An Equity chorus demand ballroom ballroom dancers will probably be held on Monday, February 27. For more information and audition particulars, begin to see the full notices on BackStage.com. (Subscription needed.)In line with the Equity casting notice, the casting director states, "Because a number of these figures are true people, although we are not seeking impersonators, perform want stars that stimulate the look and appear of individuals music symbols. Research photos of people you don't know and audition only if you believe you are able to play these figures All stars must sing perfectly in design for that figures they are representing. All ought to be subtle stars who is able to capture the essence of this time around around period."

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

TBS Orders 35 More Episodes of Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse

Tyler Perrys For Better or Worse TBS has renewed its commitment to Tyler Perry's marital sitcom. The network has ordered an additional 35 episodes of the comedy For Better or Worse, TBS announced Wednesday. Check out the rest of today's news In the series, Marcus and Angela (Michael Jai White, Tasha Smith), two characters from Perry's big-screen comedy Why Did I Get Married Too? work on their relationship issues. For Better or Worse premiered in November 2011 and averaged 2.9 million viewers over its 10-episode first season, making it basic cable's No. 1 sitcom for 2011. The series will return to Fridays this summer.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

A helicopter ride home

Matthew Libatique and Harrison Ford After long lasting a few of the more lengthy-winded honours speeches in recent memory -- even by ASC standards -- the characteristically shy Harrison Ford, who had been because of the Board of Governors laurel, stored his remarks thankfully short, as did individuals who won competitive awards in the d.p. kudofest Sunday at Hollywood and Highland's Grand Ballroom. Ford, whose reel incorporated d.p. touchstones "Apocalypse Now" and "Bladerunner," gave a shoutout to dolly grips, who managed to get simple for lensers like presenter Matthew Libatique, to mimimize Ford's time on set. The prize? A ride home on Ford's helicopter.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

'Key' launches strong for Comedy Central

Comedy Central newcomer "Key & Peele" opened to 2.1 million total viewers Tuesday, giving the cabler its top launch for a new series since 2009. The premiere of sketch-comedy show "Key" followed the fourth-season debut of "Tosh.0," which drew 3.1 million viewers. "Tosh" was the No. 1 show in all of primetime among men 18-34 with a 3.4 rating and No. 2 behind Fox's "New Girl" in men 18-49. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele star in "Key," which had a 2.2 rating among men 18-34 and won its timeslot in that demo 18-34. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Friday, January 27, 2012

Alias' Kevin Weisman Joins NBC's Upcoming Awake

Kevin Weisman Former Alias star Kevin Weisman is heading to NBC's new drama Awake, Entertainment Weekly reports.Weisman will play a mysterious character named Mr. Blonde, opposite Jason Isaacs' Detective Britton. The series tells the story of Britton, who, after a car accident, lives in two very different realities: one where his wife died in the accident but his son survived, and the other where his son died but his wife lived.ER alum Laura Innes joins AwakeWeisman's recurring character will appear in both realities and will have crucial information about the car accident that changed Britton's life.VIDEO: First Look At AwakeWhile he's best known for playing Marshall Flinkman on Alias, Weisman has also appeared on episodes of CSI and Fringe.Awake is executive-produced by Lone Star's Kyle Killen and 24's Howard Gordon. NBC has yet to schedule a premiere date for the series.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Jeff Who Lives At Home Trailer Arrives

Segel! Helms! Duplass brothers!After noodling in the deeper realms of the indie world for years with the likes of The Puffy Chair and Baghead, writing/directing sibling team Jay and Mark Duplass soundly cracked the surface of a bigger awareness level with 2010's achingly sharp comedy-drama Cyrus. And now they're back with another great cast and a new comedy that wades along the line between the bitter and the sweet, Jeff Who Lives At Home. The trailer's up at Apple.Jeff (Jason Segel) is by all accounts a directionless loser, content to lounge about in the basement of his mother Sharon (Susan Sarandon) and while away his days on meaningless errands. His brother Pat (Ed Helms), on the other hand, appears to have made a life for himself, with a job and a wife (Judy Greer). But a chance meeting between the siblings leads to revelations, confrontations and something of an opportunity for the two of them to bond. Especially when they stumble on Pat's wife meeting another man...From the looks of this, the brothers Duplass have come up with another little handcrafted delight. The film arrives here on April 20.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Amber Rose Speaks Out On Kim Kardashian & Kanye West Allegations

First Published: January 17, 2012 4:15 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Amber Rose stops by Access Hollywood Live on January 17, 2012LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Amber Rose made headlines earlier this month when she claimed that Kim Kardashian was responsible for her split from then-boyfriend Kanye West. The model/singer called the reality star a home wrecker in a tabloid interview and stuck by her claims when he stopped by Access Hollywood Live on Tuesday. The story I said in Star magazine is very true. Its a very, very true story, Amber claimed to Billy Bush and Kit Hoover. In the interview with Star, Amber alleged that Kim hooked up with Kanye while she was dating the rap star. According to the 29-year-old, her emotions got the best of her which led to her comments. I didnt want to stoop down to that level by calling her a home wrecker. I kind of just spoke on my emotions at the time, Amber, who is now dating rapper Wiz Khalifa, continued. Im not upset about what happened anymore because I got past it. I was just upset that every interview Ive had, they ask me why was I the cause of her and Reggie [Bush] breaking up, and it was just not true. Adding, I have a reputation. Also, and I just had to set that straight for people to know exactly what it is. I wasnt the one that did that to her, she actually did that to me. Amber, who just released her first single, Fame, with Wiz Khalifa, admitted she doesnt even know the reality star. Ive never been friends with Kim, I dont know her personally, she told Billy and Kit. I didnt want it to look like I was just going after Kim and just like, kick her when she was down. I just wanted to set the record straight. A rep for Kim was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Access Hollywood. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Shannen Doherty Talks Kim Kardashians Split: My Heart Is To Her

First Launched: The month of the month of january 14, 2012 8:51 PM EST Credit: WEtv La, Calif. -- Caption Shannen Doherty in the promo shot for Shannen SaysShannen Dohertys marriage to digital digital photographer Kurt Iswarienko was chronicled for Shannen States, premiering this spring on WEtv, nevertheless the former 90210 star states their relationship and marriage have absolutely nothing that's much like Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries. Hes not abnormally tall, that's great. Hes not likely to question my pals about whether theyre gay or straight and never drop it, Shannen jeered on Saturday within the Television Experts Association Winter Session when asked for how her show Shannen States on WEtv comes even close to Kims recent relationship. Shannen, who married Kurt, an electronic digital photographer in October, combined together with her large day recorded for your approaching series, was adament the couples relationship is rather solid and zilch like her past two close ties (the initial wound up being to Ashley Hamilton from 1993-1994, the second one, to Ron Salomon, in 2002, was annulled somewhat at least a year later). Kurt will say weve known each other our lives which we've dated for 3-and-a-half years, so that it wasnt a quickie marriage. I cant judge what went lower in somebody elses marriage. God knows, my a few other close ties werent so competent and so they were quickie, Shannen mentioned. My heart is to her, I realize that, the actress ongoing, mentioning to Kim. I applaud anybody who'll get from something if it's no more working, regardless of terrible jokes and press thats prone to can be found in there. Although not interested in the reality TV format, Shannen mentioned she does watch a few shows, including Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, starring her former 90210 co-star, Tori Spelling, and her husband, Dean McDermott. Personally, i really like Tori & Dean, and that i don't like the reality show forum whatsoever. I, typically, roll my eyes and go, Oh my gosh God! Thats so setup Tori & Dean seems very real, she mentioned. Youre coping with know them around the personal level and enables tell the truth, their kids are just like, beyond adorable. Shannen States premieres Tuesday, April 3 at 9 PM EST/PST on WEtv. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Apple gets taste of Sony's Music Unltd.

Sony Network Ent. prexy Tim Schaaff, left and Michael Aragon announced the Music Unlimited service will come to Apple. Sony is bringing Music Unlimited to Apple's devices. The company will unveil an application for the streaming music service sometime in the first quarter of the year, officials revealed at a roundtable discussion with reporters at CES in Las Vegas. The step is a big one for Sony, as it has been trying to compete with Apple on its own devices as well as Android platforms. It also put the company into an increasingly crowded field on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, as services like Spotify, iHeartRadio and Rhapsody all have established footprints there. The free Music Unlimited app will do more than allow users to play music from the Music Unlimited catalog. Users will also be able to save cached versions of their playlists to enjoy when offline. "We have to compete vigorously with Spotify and lots of services," said Tim Schaaff, president of Sony Network Entertainment. "I heard from one of the record industry guys that they licensed their music to more than 250 services last year. Yes, we are going to compete with these guys. (Apple's) iOS is one way to do that." To usher in the application, Sony has once again boosted the number of songs in its catalog. At its CES press conference Monday, Sony pinned the number of available songs at 12 million, but it has since closed another deal with CD Baby, bringing the total to 15 million. Schaaff said the Music Unlimited service currently has 1 million active users -- those who are in a trial or paid mode. It's hoping to increase that number not only with the iOS app, but by including Music Unlimited on the PlayStation Vita during its U.S. launch. As Schaaff notes, though, the land grab for users is still a very fierce battle. "We're in the early stages of this cloud-based service," he said. "That's the state of the industry right now ... The reality is we're trying to build a marketplace around these subscription models and that's going to take some time and the effort of putting skin in the game. We feel pretty confident that Sony is in this for the long run." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Debutantes shine in Rotterdam

The town -- Untested talent rules the competish as of this year's Rotterdam Film Festival, which opens Jan. 25. 13 in the 15 game game titles introduced Wednesday are debut features. Eight photos placed their world bows within the fest.In the section of unknowns, Icelandic gangster movie "Black's Game" stays out due to its connections. Pic is founded on a close best-seller, "Black Curse" by Stefan Mani, and was executive produced by "Drive" helmer Nicolas Winding Refn. South Korean debutant Lee Kwang-Kuk also provides links, due to assistant director credits on Hong Sang-Soo's "Tale of Cinema" and "Hahaha." His film "Romance Joe" presents connected tales offered up to filmmaker having a feisty waitress.Meanwhile. Dominga Sotomayor's road movie "Thursday Till Sunday" boasts cinematography from busy Latin American lenser Barbara Alvarez ("Whisky," "The Headless Lady").The Two company company directors with history are Vasily Sigarev of Russia and Okuda Yosuke of Japan. Sigarev's "Wolfy" along with European fests this past year, which he returns with "Living," a harsh portrait of existence in the wintry Russian town. Okuda's low-budget gangster comedy "Hot as Hell: The Deadbeat March" carried out within 2011, which he explores similar ground this year inside the better resourced "Tokyo, japan, japan Playboy Club."Really the only film getting a U.S. connection is "It Seems Pretty In the Distance," by Polish artists Anka and Wilhelm Sasnal, that's produced by NY's Anton Kern Gallery.TIGER Honours COMPETITION 2012"A Sea food," Park Hong-Min (Columbia)"Black's Game," Oskar Thor Axelsson (Iceland)"Clip," Maja Milos (Serbia)"Egg and Stone," Huang Ji (China)"In April one year afterwards, There's a fire place,Inch Wichanon Somumjarn (Thailand)"It Seems Pretty in the Distance," Anka Sasnal and Wilhelm Sasnal (Belgium, U.S.)"L," Babis Makridis (A vacation in a holiday in greece)"Living," Vasily Sigarev (Russia)"Neighboring Sounds," Kleber Mendonca Filho (South usa)"Return to Burma," Midi Z (Taiwan, Myanmar)"Romance Joe," Lee Kwang-Kuk (Columbia)"Southwest," Eduardo Nunes (South usa)"Thursday Till Sunday," Dominga Sotomayor (Chile, Netherlands)"Tokyo, japan, japan Playboy Club," Okuda Yosuke (Japan)"Voice of My Father,Inch Orhan Eskikoy and Zeynel Dogan (Chicken, Germany) Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Par nabs worldwide rights to 3D 'Cirque' pic

Paramount Pictures has acquired worldwide distribution rights to "Cirque du Soleil Worlds Away," exec produced by James Cameron. Andrew Adamson wrote and directed the pic, which has lensed in 3D. It features performances from some of the most elaborate Cirque du Soleil productions. Adamson, Aron Warner, Martin Bolduc, Ed Jones and Cary Granat are producers. No formal release date has been set but the studio expects it to bow this year. Adamson's credits include "Shrek" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com