Monday, November 28, 2011

'Walking Dead' systems season large for AMC

Sunday evening saw AMC's "The Walking Dead" wrap its short fall season with large amounts while audiences ongoing to cling towards the Kardashian clan. Also of note in the finish from the lengthy holiday weekend would be a sluggish start for "Hallmark Hall of Fame" on its new network home, ABC, that can be a net's "Not so long ago" dipped because it came back carrying out a one-week hiatus but nonetheless remains potent. Searching in the preliminary Nielsen estimations, "The Walking Dead" averaged 6.six million audiences, including 4.5 million one of the demo-friendly grown ups 18-49 crowd. It had been up week to week and drenched the sophomore skein's the second best scores up to now -- behind only its season premiere recently. While "Walking Dead" has emerged as fundamental cable's top-ranked original drama series ever in grown ups 18-49, the brand new drama airing behind it, "Hell on Wheels," has lost ground after its sturdy start and should now proceed for the following three days without its customarily strong lead-in. "Hell" came 4.4 million because of its premiere on November. 6 coupled with fallen to three.5 million because of its third episode AMC didn't problem rankings for that show's 4th episode on Sunday. Elsewhere, it seems the short-resided marriage of Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries did not alienate audiences, who're still keen to follow along with the household's reality exploits. Sunday's second-season premiere of E!'s "Kourtney and Kim Take NY" came 3.two million audiences, slightly much better than the amounts for that series launch in The month of january. Within the 18-49 demo, "NY" received 2.3 million. Starting the growing season preem, it had been hard to forecast whether or not the divorce brouhaha will bring more audiences towards the "Kardashian" series or turn them from the cabler's franchise. The Three.two million number was good sixth-season finale of "Maintaining Using the Kardashians," which broadcast in September. October's two-part wedding special averaged 4.two million audiences. Following "NY," "After Recently" came a set-high 1.two million for that internet. Around the broadcast side Sunday, the lower-trending "Hallmark Hall of Fame" franchise opened up gradually for ABC, as "Mitch Albom's Possess a Little Belief" settled for any preliminary 1.1 rating/2 be part of grown ups 18-49 and 6.5 million audiences overall from 9 to 11 p.m., lower an astonishing 48% in the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" original presentation of "November Christmas" last year on CBS. The Attention internet had broadcast the franchise solely from 1995 until captured before relinquishing it because of decreasing rankings. Also for ABC, "America's Funniest Home Videos" (1.8/4 in 18-49, 7.six million audiences overall) was up a little versus. its newest airing, and "Not so long ago" (3.4/8 in 18-49, 10.7 million audiences overall), sidelined a week ago through the American Music Honours, was lower but did draw its biggest audience up to now one of the under-18 crowd (1.5 million). The vacation weekend also saw "Tyler Perry's For Better of Worse" draw 3.4 million audiences (including 1.8 million grown ups 18-49) because of its Friday premiere on The best spinner's. The sitcom, in line with the "Why Did I Got Married?" movies, may be the latest from multihyphenate Perry, whose "House of Payne" broadcast a lot more than 200 episodes around the cabler. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Kim Zolciak Unveils Third Wedding Look A Jumpsuit!

First Published: November 26, 2011 1:57 PM EST Credit: Kim Zolciak/Twitter LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Kim Zolciak shows off her bridal jumpsuit by Pnina TornaiKim Kardashian wasnt the only reality star to rock three different looks at her wedding Kim Zolciak also opted for a bridal trifecta with a twist. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star, who wore a Baracci gown for her first look, followed by a mermaid gown adorned with Swarovski crystals and pearls, revealed her unique third wedding fashion to her Twitter followers on Friday a lacey jumpsuit! Love my 3rd wedding look!! she Tweeted, along with a photo of herself wearing the halter-necked jumpsuit by famed designer Pnina Tornai. A big thanks to Kleinfeld Bridal. They were so good 2 me! The Dont Be Tardy For The Party singer, 33, wed Atlanta Falcons player Kroy Biermann on November 11, following their engagement announcement in October. The couple welcomed their first child together, Kroy Jagger, back in May. In addition to peeks at her wedding day fashion, fans of the Bravo star will soon be privy to an intimate view of Kim and Kroys journey to the altar in a half-hour Bravo reality show, Dont Be Tardy for the Wedding. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Fishing pic fishing lures scribe

RobinsonJen Robinson continues to be introduced onboard to pen the untitled fishing movie for Gil Netter and FLW Outdoors, the sanctioning org for a lot of sports-fishing tournament tours. Netter will produce and help develop the project with FLW principals Irwin Jacobs and Trisha Blake. Plot particulars weren't revealed. Aside from the movie, Irwin Jacobs and the daughter Trisha will also be behind the Walmart FLW Tour and therefore are wishing to assist build the recognition of professional angling. "This movie may have all the elements that represent great family entertainment. We have seen a genuine demand in present day society for clean family fun, and also the sport of fishing signifies just that,Inch Irwin Jacobs stated. Robinson composed the scripts for "Flicka 2" and "Flicka 3" for Netter at Fox. She's repped by ICM and Magnet Management. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

ESPN's Bill Simmons on His Small-Empire, Why Hollywood 'Sucks' and Why He Will not Talk about Sandusky (Q&A)

This short article first made an appearance within the 12 ,. 2 problem from the Hollywood Reporter magazine.our editor recommendsDisney's ESPN Mind George Bodenheimer to decrease Day-to-Day Responsibilities Jan. 1ESPN Analyst Drops F-Explosive device on Live Television (Video)Penn Condition Scandal: Marketers Bail on ESPN Broadcast I don't care what anybody states, I'm not scared to test shit," states Bill Simmons, reclining at his desk in the sparsely decorated downtown La office. Within this situation, Simmons, 42, whose wit, humor and frequently irreverent Sports Guy column have switched him in to the most prominent sportswriter in the united states, is mentioning to Grantland, the ESPN-backed site he released in June. By September, the website -- a mixture of intellectuals pontificating around the entertainment triumvirate of sports, popular culture and Hollywood -- was tempting 2.4 million unique site visitors per month, based on ComScore. It's quite an addition towards the Boston native and former America online blogger's portfolio, which boasts two best-selling books, the Peabody-winning 30 for 30 documentary series, 1.5 million Twitter fans and an accumulation of B.S. Report podcasts which are each downloaded about 750,000 occasions. The married father of two, who gone to live in La to create for Due To Jimmy Kimmel Live! and keeps scores of Hollywood fans who appreciate his capability to compare a game title for an episode from the Wire (nowadays, he's even recapping Television shows), sitting lower to go over his vision for Grantland, his Hollywood gripes and the tentative intend to add "TV star" to his résumé. The Hollywood Reporter: Why did you choose to do Grantland? Bill Simmons: I'd spent 3 years focusing on this book, and that i was striking 40, and that i was like, "Exactly what do I wish to do lengthy-term?" I always aspired to produce a site which was sports and popular culture. 30 for 30 were built with a large impact because I loved how which was about finding, strengthening and dealing with one of these incredible company directors, and that i thought exactly the same factor perform for authors. I investigated different sites and looked through all my personal favorite magazines and attempted to locate individuals who were enroute up. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Greatest Fantasy Football Fans THR: How have you convince ESPN to finance it? Simmons: Simple -- I'd did it with someone else. My contract still had 10 several weeks to visit, and that we began speaking about this, and that i stated: "I wish to figure this out, and I wish to get it done here. But when we arrive at the finish of individuals 10 several weeks, I'm still going to get it done.Inch THR: Podcasts really are a large focus for you personally. It is possible to real business there? Simmons: Yes. I believe we are able to cut them into Television shows, and i believe ESPN and ESPN 2 can run them. That's why we built the studio to complete half-hour shows or hourlong shows or whatever. THR: Which means you're likely to turn your podcast interviews into half-hour sit-lower interview shows? Simmons: Yeah. Should you consider the ESPN schedule, you will find lots of occasions where, say, a game title 7 fell through, or they thought a game title would happen also it doesn't. Or at this time, where they thought they'd have many of these National basketball association games they don't have. They've time, and when you've evergreen content you are able to provide them with, they're likely to run it whether it's good. THR: So far as visitors go, who's around the wish list? Simmons: I believe the very best podcasts we've done happen to be ones where individuals are wise. Used to do a podcast with Ticketmaster Boss [Nathan Hubbard], that we thought was great. I'd enjoy having Aaron Sorkin on. Ray David could be really fun. Anyone who has produced an excellent show -- David Simon or Matthew Weiner. I'm able to always get commissioners and sports people, however i'd prefer to dive into Hollywood a bit more. I'm approaching it just a little in a different way. I believe once they do industry interviews, it's always "inside baseball." This will probably be a great conversation. THR: What else would you like related to Grantland that you simply haven't yet? Simmons: We discuss it as if you will find TV seasons. Season one, which we simply finished, involved not heading down in flames, building a crowd and employing a complete staff, which we didn't have until Labor Day. We now have four more employs to create, only then do we'll be achieved at about 16 total. Season two is ongoing to obtain authors. One thing which i was wishing happens immediately was getting celebs to create for all of us. When a celebrity who are able to really write really wants to write something, they are doing it for that Huffington Publish, which pisses me off. THR: In May, before Grantland released, you stated within an interview that you simply weren't sure you'd produce the site should you needed to get it done once again. Still believe way? Simmons: It had been most likely the worst possible time that i can did a job interview. I was starting in four days, and that we weren't ready, and that i may potentially go lower in flames. Look, we released before we ought to have, and that we didn't have sufficient people. We had watching people us and were hypercritical the very first couple of days -- that we didn't think was totally fair, however i have it. Exactly the same factor happened whenever we released Jimmy's show. You receive judged because of your first week when you get judged because of your 30th week. Jimmy's show didn't even become the show that it's now until 18 several weeks in. He is able to say all he wants, but he's filled with shit. (Laughs.) You learn, and also you get some things wrong. It simply appears like individuals are afraid to test things. Related Subjects ESPN 1 2 next last

Monday, November 21, 2011

Pacheco to do in Cates benefit at Geffen

Singer Nathan Pacheco will work Christmas classics in the Geffen Playhouse 12 ,. 18, with proceeds going toward the Gil Cates Memorial Fund. Event entitled "Home for that Holidays: The Voice of Nathan Pacheco" includes a wine and dessert reception. Singer would be a favorite of Cates, who had been the controlling director in the Geffen before he all of a sudden died March. 31 at 77. Presently playing in the Geffen is "Next Fall," with James Wolk and Geoffrey Nauffts, and also the Alan Alda-written "Radiance: The Passion of Madame Curie." Pacheco, presently signed under Disney Gem label, were built with a prominent role within the 2009 "Yanni Voices" tour. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Friday, November 18, 2011

Fox Sports Asks Court To Dismiss Dodgers From Personal personal bankruptcy

Fox Sports has asked for a federal personal personal bankruptcy court to dismiss the Dodgers from personal personal bankruptcy since the systems mentioned it could this year's week, the LA Occasions reported late Friday. Fox Sports mentioned there's no requirement for owner Frank McCourt to advertise they’s TV rights to fulfill his obligations to creditors. Fox indicates McCourt will pay back his creditors entirely simply by selling they “for a handsome cost” either while using current TV contract with Fox Sports or having a completely new owner settling a completely new TV deal. They’s personal personal bankruptcy likely would hamper Fox’s capacity to enforce its existing contract without court intervention. The Dodgers wish to auction people rights and attract greater bids for your team too for people broadcast rights.Fox has asked for legal court to enforce the current contract that bars the Dodgers from discussions with almost every other media shops before November 30, 2012. Major league baseball removed an agreement with McCourt to promote they, which he’s certain to shut an order by April 30. Fox reported the $160 million contract with Matt Kemp as evidence that personal personal bankruptcy isn't needed for your Dodgers to continue operating which McCourt is just attempting to leave any deal with more earnings within the own pocket.

'Cougar Town,' 'Scandal,' 'Don't Trust the B----' Missing From ABC's Midseason Schedule

Thanks to ABC"Cougar Town" On Friday, ABC introduced the midseason premiere dates because of its new and coming back shows, but there have been some notable holes.our editor recommendsABC Sets Midseason Selection, Agendas 'GCB,' 'River'ABC Seeking $1.6-1.7 Million with this Year's Oscar Ad SpotsABC Sets Premiere Date for 'You Deserve It' Game Show While rookie comedy Arrange It snagged the publish-Last Guy Standing slot -- overtaking for Guy Up!, that will finish its run by year's finish-- on Tuesdays starting in The month of january, Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel's half-hour series Cougar Town still remains from the network's schedule. Once the network revealed its fall shedule in May, the Courteney Cox-toplined show had been eyed for any midseason run. Since Cougar Town released last year, the show has seen arranging jumps. Last season, ABC slotted its spring return after a lot more than two several weeks from the air on the Monday evening before ongoing in the usual home 2 days later. Dedicated to Jules, her number of buddies and her college-bound boy, Cougar Town is not the breakout rankings success that ABC has already established with Modern Family, which released exactly the same year. But Cougar Town isn't the only real ABC offering still waiting for a premiere. Don't Trust the B---- in Apt. 23, starring Krysten Ritter, Dreama Master and James Van Der Beek like a increased version of themself, continues to be from the internet's schedule. Don't Trust the B---- follows the lives of two different women, a barista who lost a higher-profile trendy job (Master) along with a savvy street wise disadvantage artist (Ritter), who finish up rooming together inside a NY City apartment. Shonda Rhimes' Kerry Washington-brought political drama Scandal can also be missing in the internet's selection. The hourlong involves Olivia Pope (Washington), an old media consultant towards the leader (Tony Goldwyn) who reveals her very own firm, wishing to begin a new job and private existence. Assuming ABC slots Scandal, this could mark Rhimes' third drama around the network's schedule, joining veteran medical procedurals Gray's Anatomy and Practice. ABC Cougar Town Apartment 23 Scandal

Obama Speechwriter-Switched Show Scribe Unveils '1600 Penn' Particulars (Q&A)

This Year's fall, Jon Lovett cast off his three-year gigas Leader Obama's speechwriter to ensure it is in television. The NY-elevated Lovett, 29, wasted almost no time. He's marriage towards the 2 cell phone industry's while using red-colored-colored-hot1600 Penn, a White-colored House comedy Lovett agreed to NBC withThe Book of MormonstarJosh GadandModern FamilydirectorJason Winer.our editor recommends'Book of Mormon' Star, Obama Speechwriter and 'Modern Family' Director Sell White-colored House Comedy to NBCObama Dismisses Republican Rivals on 'Tonight Show' (Video) The Hollywood Reporter: Simply how much is dependent inside your time while using Obamas? Jon Lovett: Clearly, my encounters will probably inform a few things i do, but this family might have absolutely nothing associated with the best choice. The idea is niagra can be a dysfunctional family, as well as the first family today is up to now from that, it's absurd. PHOTOS: Preview NBC's Fall Key Art for 'Playboy Club,' 'Grimm,' 'Whitney,' More THR: You will want signed some type of ironclad NDA while using leader, correct? JL: Well, yeah. It's serendipitous ... that we stood a winding up in Jason, which he stated this idea he and Josh Gad happen to be thinking about. I realize that world and the way the White-colored House works, but this is not about me telling tales within the White-colored House. THR: Also are you aware us in regards to the project? JL:Really the only factor we discussed this it isn't about politics, it comes down lower to some household. It comes down lower as to the continues whenever a classic married, dysfunctional family just occurs live as of this most well-known address. Beyond that, we'll see. THR: You've discussed other projects, plus a potential MASH update. Where does that stand? JL:It's still only a concept. That's' a thing that I desired to spoken to 20th about before other concept showed up. That was a thing that I used to be considering. THR: Still something for you to do eventually? JL:In my opinion so. It absolutely was an idea that we thought might be intriguing, notable and maybe timely. THR: Searching back at that time there, the thing that was the highlight? JL: Browsing the trunk when he [repealed] "Don't request, don't tell," or choosing the best choice when he was making his situation for health care reform.People were most likely the most important moments personally. As well as for most likely probably the most fun? Nothing comes even close to the White-colored House Correspondants' dinner, which was about giving the best choice an chance to poker fun at themselves, the press as well as the absurd side of Washington. THR: What measures is it possible to go? JL:The fantastic factor is the Leader is not afraid to go to pretty far. He is not afraid in people moments to push the limit as they, like a lot of us, relishes the chance to poker fun in the absurd and superficial side of Washington. THR: Will you stay connected using the Leader inside a capacity? JL:I am unsure but If only to become helpful. The most difficult part about identifying to go away wasn't any more adding with no more feeling like I used to be part of a team that I do think in and serving an innovator that I do think in. That was the only real most difficult part about departing as well as the only component that assisted me hesitate. If only to uncover a means to be helpful. Related Subjects Obama Politics

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Biz: Examining This Season's Talk Shows

Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell Large changes and familiar faces have stirred in the talk-show arena this year. Here's what it is trembling out to date. EllenEllen DeGeneres was likely to take advantage of The famous host oprah Winfrey's departure in daytime and to date, she's. The syndicated chatfest expires 6 % year-to-year, calculating 3 million audiences. The ChewABC executives expected rankings to decrease once they changed My Kids with The Chew plus they were right - year-to-year, the meals-oriented talker is off 15 %. However the production pricing is a smaller amount and audience levels happen to be ticking upward, having a season a lot of 2.two million audiences watching a few days of October 31. The TalkCBS changed the chairs round the coffee table (Leah Remini and Carol Robinson Peete were changed by Sheryl Underwood and Aisha Tyler), however the audience level has remained near to last year's average of two million and lately hit its season high. AndersonAnderson Cooper's show is drawing 1.7 million audiences, as well as in occasions of fragmented audience, that's enough for any Season 2 in distribution. "Should you show some promise, Tv producers tend to be more patient," states Telepictures leader Hilary McLoughlin. The Rosie ShowIt's tough to suppose Rosie O'Donnell's new show on OWN is just one of Oprah's favorite things. It has been shedding since its premiere week, calculating a puny 171,000 audiences overall along with a scant 58,000 within the 18-to-49 demo. Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Bob Costas Describes How He Arrived 'Very Strange' Sandusky Interview (Video)

The morning after his well-received interview with alleged child rapist and former Penn Condition coach Jerry Sandusky, Bob Costas made an appearance on MSNBC to discuss the way the last-minute interview emerged.our editor recommendsPenn Condition Scandal: Bob Costas Famous for Jerry Sandusky 'Rock Center' InterviewJerry Sandusky's Interview With Bob Costas: What Hollywood, Audiences Are SayingEx-Penn Condition Coach Jerry Sandusky Breaks Silence on Sex Scandal to NBC's Bob Costas: 'I Should not Have Bathed With Individuals Kids' (Video) "I had been set to sit down lower together with his attorney, Frederick Amendola, and a maximum of 10-fifteen minutes prior to the cameras would roll, Amendola states 'What basically could possibly get Sandusky on the telephone?AInch Costas told Morning Joe's Willie Geist. "And I am thinking, 'I question out of your perspective whether this is the wisest factor to complete, but simultaneously, sure if you wish to get it done, let us get him on the telephone.A And that is what went down.Inch VIDEO: How Penn Condition Protesters Specific the Media The NBC sportscaster also stated it had been never obvious if the idea for Sandusky in the future around the air was his decision or his attorney's. Their interview, which made an appearance on the rankings-increased broadcast Rock Center With John Williams, was interspersed with straightforward questions from Costas about accusations that Sandusky involved in criminal sexual conduct with underage boys for a long time. Sandusky's solutions, as Costas stated, did little to clarify the conditions from the 40 counts of sexual abuse introduced from the former defensive coordinator. VIDEO: Even Satan Upset by Penn Condition Scandal on 'SNL' "Very strange," Costas known as one response. "[Assistant coach Mike] McQueary states he observed a rape... Pretty hard to confuse the type of horseplay that Sandusky referred to -- despite the fact that that might be by itself inappropriate -- to confuse that type of horseplay having a forcible rape." Costas noted the participation of now-ousted Penn Condition coach Joe Paterno also remains particularly cloudy, with Sandusky's reactions about Paterno's understanding from the accusations revealing no new information. "I don't think it may be described acceptable," Costas stated. "There's not a way to describe it away. The extent of his participation or non participation has not yet been fully established." Watch the entire interview below: Related Subjects MSNBC NBC Sports Rock Center

Ricky Gervais on Golden Globes Bubble, and 6 Other Stories You'll Be Talking About Today

Happy Tuesday! Also in today’s edition of The Broadsheet: Channing Tatum is the latest subject of Man From U.N.C.L.E. rumors… Felicity Jones will Hughes it up with Warren Beatty… We’re exporting Meryl Streep and Joel Coen to China… and more. · The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has until the end of this week to determine whether or not it wants to bring Ricky Gervais back for his third Golden Globes hosting gig in January. I can’t even believe this is a real internal debate — of course they invite Gervais back (assuming he even wants to host; at this point he’d actually get more attention turning this sad, sad group down than he would taking their money and drinking their beer onstage). But here’s the “controversy” as it reportedly stands today: “NBC has put the HFPA in a lose-lose situation. If the Hollywood Foreign Press says ‘Yes’ to Ricky, it risks turning the Globes into The Ricky Gervais Show and leaving the impression that they’re annually throwing a great party while inviting someone who humiliates all of the guests. If it says ‘No,’ the HFPA looks like it has no sense of humor about itself.” Actually, no: It puts any nominees who decline to attend in the position of having no sense of humor about themselves, and since everyone’s paying to play anyway, who’s going to not show up? Do it, already, HFPA. [Deadline] · Could Channing Tatum be the lead for The Man From U.N.C.L.E? Someone’s agent seems to think so. [Deadline] · Actual headline: “Russell Brand to Star in and Produce Comedy The President Stole My Girlfriend.” And Russell Brand stole my will to live. [THR] · Breakout Like Crazy actress Felicity Jones has apparently nabbed the female lead in Warren Beatty’s long-gestating Howard Hughes film that may or may not actually get made in our lifetimes. [Deadline] · Meryl Streep and Joel Coen are among the Americans headed to a cultural summit in Beijing, where Streep will screen The Iron Lady for the first time. Tough crowd! [Variety] · With J. Edgar dead in both the box-office and Oscar water, an autopsy in no doubt in order. Who knew that it was 9 percent Watchmen? That’s enough to kill anything. [Moviefone] · Below is the only Steve Jobs tribute you’ll ever need, and this terrific interview with its illusionist, Paul Gertner, persuasively explains why. Brilliant, heartbreaking stuff that nevertheless makes me want to smash my Mac to bits. [Press Play/indieWIRE]

Friday, November 11, 2011

Sean Kingston Says Hes Bounced Back From Crash

First Published: November 11, 2011 9:31 AM EST Credit: Getty Images LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Caption Sean Kingston steps out at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards held at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, Calif. on August 7, 2011 Singer Sean Kingston says he feels blessed to be back on stage after a major Jet Ski accident and says hes not afraid to get back in the water next time he gets the chance. The 21-year-old star told reporters Thursday at the Latin Grammys in Las Vegas that hes bounced back from the May 29 crash and is happy to have another chance at life. Kingston performed at the awards show with Puerto Rican duo Wisin y Yandel. Kingston said backstage that he didnt understand what was being said at the show, but he called himself a huge fan of reggaeton, or Spanish hip hop. Ive dated a few Latin ladies so I understand a little bit, poquito, he said. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Todd Allen Joins Cast Of Django Unchained

Todd Allen has grew to become an associate from the still-growing ensemble for Quentin Tarantinos Django Unchained as plantation representative Dollar Bill. He joins Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Kerry Washingon, Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kurt Russell, Anthony LaPaglia and Don Manley among others. Allen’s previous credits include Friday Evening Lights, CSI, NCIS, Chicago Hope featuring The Mail company, The Apostle, Broken Hill and 48 Several hrs.

Euro Disney Posts Higher Fiscal Year Loss Amid Investments

NY - Euro Disney, the operator of the Disneyland Paris theme park, on Wednesday reported mixed full fiscal year financials as revenue rose, but the firm's bottom line loss also increased. The Walt Disney Co. owns a 39.78 percent stake in the company. For the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, the company reported revenue of 1.30 billion euros, up from 1.28 billion euros in the previous year. But Euro Disney's loss also rose from 45.2 million euros to 63.9 million euros amid higher costs and expenses and increased depreciation and amortization. Theme park attendance for the year improved from 15.0 million to 15.6 million, while average spending by guest rose from 45.30 euros to 46.23 euros. Euro Disney's hotel occupancy rate and average spending per room also improved. "Our resort revenues increased by 5 percent, reflecting growth in both guest spending and resort volumes," said Euro Disney CEO Philippe Gas. "In fact, we grew our attendance in most of our key markets, by 600,000 overall to 15.6 million, even as our summer season was impacted by the weaker European economic environment." He added: "This past year we further invested in enhancing the overall guest experience, by introducing longer park operating hours, adding new entertainment and improving the appearance of our guest facing assets. Although these investments increase our costs, they are critical to maintain our long-term attractiveness as Europe's number one tourist destination." The company highlighted that in the upcoming year it will celebrate its 20th anniversary, beginning in April. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics The Walt Disney Company

Sunday, November 6, 2011

AFM 2011: Mike Figgis to Direct Matt Dillon, Julia Stiles in 'Seconds of Pleasure'

Mike Figgis will direct the ensemble drama Seconds of delight, which Neil LaBute has modified for your screen from his book of short tales that was launched beneath the same title in 2004.our editor recommendsJohn Calley Memorialized By 'Leaving Las Vegas' Director Mike Figgis (Exclusive)'Leaving Las Vegas' Director Mike Figgis Debuts Erotically Charged Dance Film Myriad Pictures has acquired worldwide rights outdoors the U.K. for your film, that's set to star Matt Dillon, Julia Stiles, Brendan Fraser, Kristin Scott Thomas and Christina Hendrix. The film will weave together several separate but connected tales about six different couples. Seconds was produced and may by produced by Scotland broadcaster STV. It's being produced by STV Productions mind of drama Margaret Enefer, Bill Shapter and LaBute. "We're delighted being coping with Myriad relating to this fantastic film," Enefer mentioned. "Neil has written an incredibly candid, blazingly witty script. Everyone knows Mike Figgis makes it shine inside the most sensitive and imaginative way possible. It's a thrill to own them dealing with this excellent cast." Added Myriad Pictures Boss Kirk D'Amico:"We immediately taken proper care of immediately Neil's script, that's razor-sharp, so informative and honest, in regards to the real challenges and lure people face each day. Mike Figgis is the greatest director to produce this script to existence, particularly with this particular amazing cast." Figgis, who's repped by WME and London's Cruickshank Cazanove, received two Academy Award nominations for writing and pointing 1995's Departing Las vegas. Throughout yesteryear few years, he's busied themselves with short films and documentaries. Related Subjects AFM Brendan Fraser Julia Stiles Neil LaBute AFM 2011

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Napa Valley fest pairs pics, wine

Napa Valley Film Festival co-founders Marc and Brenda Lhormer are about to bring in their first harvest.The scale of the Nov. 9-13 festival is ambitious one for an inaugural outing: More than 100 films will be presented at 12 venues (albeit only one of them a formal theater), including Alexander Payne's opening-nighter, "The Descendants," which unspools at the 400-seat Napa Valley Opera House, and "J. Edgar" screening as a sneak preview Nov. 8. A $10,000 unrestricted cash prize awaits the winner of the narrative competition, and industryites will lead a daylong seminar for filmmakers.As befits a festival set in the heart of California's wine country, though, the focus is on feasting and imbibing as much as on the films; 125 area wineries will help lubricate the festivities, which open with a gala for 800 at the Robert Mondavi Winery, featuring an impressive array of Napa Valley-based chefs.The Lhormers already had a well-established rep as fest organizers after seven years at the head of the Sonoma Valley Film Festival, in the adjacent, more rural, winemaking county. But they learned firsthand the pitfalls and pleasures of indie filmmaking and distribution when they produced 2008's "Bottle Shock," about Napa wines' triumph at a pivotal 1976 Paris tasting. The next spring, the two were talking with Sonoma Valley resident and winery owner John Lasseter, who also happens to be Pixar and Walt Disney's animation honcho, and he suggested Napa Valley was ripe for its own film festival.While 2009 wasn't the best year to raise money, the Lhormers attracted local patrons from among the scenic towns of Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena and Yountville, which have their share of deep-pocketed Silicon Valley entrepreneurs as well as notable industryites. Still, Marc Lhormer termed the festival an "entrepreneurial venture funded by sweat equity."The Lhormers pitched the Napa's Destination Council -- the valley's tourism board -- on the idea, emphasizing that the festival's potential cultural draw would marry well with the valley's epicurean rep. Meadowood Napa Valley resort liked the concept enough to sponsor the festival's artists-in-residence program as well as a workshop for filmmakers; it's also underwriting the narrative competition prize."We wanted to find something to contribute that would be meaningful," says Ann Marie Conover, the resort's director of marketing.The daylong master class at Meadowood brings biz mentors and filmmakers together. Expected forum participants include John Sloss of Cinetic Media (and narrative jury prexy), producer Michael De Luca (whose feature "Butter" is screening at the fest) and producer/manager Keith Addis.In addition to the local support, the fest has since signed on big corporate sponsors, including Virgin America and Mercedes Benz. Lhormer notes that the fest's mid-November date is intended to attract awards-season studio pics. Indie filmmakers got the pitch, too, via a well-attended launch party at Sundance 2011 featuring wine from 16 Napa Valley wineries.Although landing high profile pics is a notable coup for a first-ever fest, the festival's challenge then becomes how to lure auds to see those films without the draw of name talent or docus that take on difficult topics. "We've done a lot of niche marketing," explains Lhormer. Writer-director Nicholas Ozeki, who has made the rounds of the festival circuit via several short films and his debut feature "Mamitas," says the fest organizers have impressed him. "I've been to a good cross-section of festivals out there, and one of the most important things for filmmakers is an atmosphere of appreciation," he says. "It's gratifying that the people organizing the festival know how much work goes into making a film." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness

Variety Reviews - Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness - TV Reviews - - Review by Brian Lowry Home Text size: a- A+ Log inOnline Subscription HelpSlanguage Dictionary Subscribe to VARIETY at 73% off the cover price Latest NewsLatest ReviewsFeaturesPeople NewsChartsOpinionsEventsPhotosVideos VarietyMediaCareers.com FILMBrowse ByFilm HomeLatest NewsFinancial NewsReviewsFeaturesChartsPhotosVideosHot Topics3DBox Office NewsOpinionsBoffoPeter BartPeter CaranicasTimothy M. GrayTVBrowse ByTV HomeLatest NewsFinancial NewsReviewsFeaturesChartsPhotosVideosHot TopicsReality TVTV RatingsPilot ChartsUpFrontsOpinionsBLTVOn the AirBrian LowryLEGITBrowse ByLegit HomeLatest NewsReviewsFeaturesChartsPhotosHot TopicsLegit Box OfficeOpinionsGordon CoxDavid BenedictMUSICBrowse ByMusic HomeLatest News

Exclusive: Agnes Nixon to Guest-Star on a single Existence to reside

Agnes Nixon Like it! TV Guide Magazine has found that the legendary cleaning soap scribe Agnes Nixon can make a look and feel on a single Existence to reside prior to the show finishes its operate on ABC - and her role is really a hoot! Nixon, who produced OLTL in 1968, will have Agnes Dixon, creator from the show's cleaning soap inside a cleaning soap, Fraternity Row. Nixon will shoot her moments November 17 striking the environment a few days of The month of january 9. Though further particulars are now being stored hush-hush for the time being, Fraternity Row - a part of Llanview existence because the eighties - will once more be prominent throughout OLTL's final days around the air. Prominent enough for Nixon, as Dixon, to become questioned on television by bitchy newshound Blanca Morales (Carolina Bermudez)! This will not be the very first time Nixon has cameo'd on OLTL. In 2008 she performed a much more effective creator - the main one up in Paradise - when Viki (Erika Slezak) "died" throughout the soap's 40th anniversary celebration. Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

21 Jump St Red-colored-colored Band Trailer Arrives

Cops and knob gagsFrom the beginning, 21 Jump Street made an appearance being an odd proposition. A film based on an eighties Tv program, given an action comedy overhaul by Jonah Hill and Scott Pilgrim co-author Michael Bacall? Which stars Hill and Channing Tatum (who to date has received handful of options to really show comic chops) as mismatched buddy cops going undercover inside a local secondary school? Though the look in the film's first trailer, a extended, Red-colored-colored Band affair full of promising, it seems enjoy it might be probably the most fun films to achieve in 2012. Take a look within the promo below.When we're slightly concerned at how extended this factor is (it clocks in at greater than three minutes), it's certainly got the comedy goods.As directed by Cloudy Getting Possible Of Meatballs' Phil Our god and Chris Burns, Hill and Channing make a stylish pair as Schmidt and Jenko, a duo who've been the archetypal jock and nerd in secondary school, but who bond although within the police academy mostly because Schmidt gets the brains to feed tests and Jenko might be the experience guy.However, if their first police duties are not like the high-speed excitement they expected, they volunteer to help smash a drugs ring.The supporting cast is beyond solid, using the type of Betty Kemper, Dork Franco, Ice Cube and Make the most of Riggle arriving. As well as in the looks from the, Nick Offerman introduced the whole Ron Effing Swanson to cope with on his role since the large chief. Just his delivery round the phrase "you idiots" has us laughing.Hopefully this doesn't showcase all the good bits and you'll find much more to look when 21 Jump Street appears for cine-duty on March 16.

Ana Gasteyer Upped to Series Regular on Suburgatory

Ana Gasteyer Suburgatory's Ana Gasteyer is becoming a series regular on the ABC sitcom, Entertainment Weekly reports.Gasteyer plays Sheila Shay, the on-again-off-again PTA president and über-controlling mother of Lisa (Allie Grant), and neighbor to George (Jeremy Sisto) and Tessa (Jane Levy). Gasteyer describes her character as a "well-intended nightmare."Name that tune: This fall's new TV theme songsAfter receiving the news about her promotion, Gasteyer said, "I screamed and jumped for joy and then went right to the table read."Known for her stint on Saturday Night Live, Gasteyer memorably appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm this year.Suburgatory - recently picked up for a full season - airs Wednesdays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.