January 25, 2013
Oscars to celebrate movie musicals of the past decade
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – The Oscars will include a special celebration of movie musicals of the last ten years, the telecast’s producers announced today.
“The musical as a motion picture genre has had a remarkable renaissance in the last decade,” said producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. “We are excited to showcase three musical films—’Chicago,’ ‘Dreamgirls’ and ‘Les Mis�rables’— on our Oscar� show.”
Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, February 24 at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center�, and will be hosted by Seth MacFarlane live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.
Reports: JJ Abrams to direct next ‘Star Wars’LOS ANGELES (AP) — Another universe of sci-fi fans has been put in the hands of J.J. Abrams.
According to multiple trade reports, Abrams, 46, is set to direct the next installment of “Star Wars,” which Disney has said will be “Episode 7” and due out in 2015. Disney bought “Star Wars” maker Lucasfilm last month for $4.06 billion.
The Emmy-award-winning director of the TV show “Lost” also captained the reboot of “Star Trek” for rival studio Paramount Pictures, with the next installment in that series, “Star Trek: Into Darkness,” set to hit theaters May 17.
Citing unnamed sources, the news was reported earlier by Hollywood trade outlets The Wrap, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety.
Messages left by The Associated Press for Abrams’ representatives as well as Disney and Lucasfilm were not immediately returned.
Soon after the news broke Thursday afternoon, websites were flush with chatter. On Twitter, “J.J. Abrams,” ”Star Wars” and “(hash)Star Trek” were all trending topics.
Roberto Orci, a producer and writer who has worked with Abrams on “Star Trek,” ”Star Trek: Into Darkness,” and “Mission: Impossible III,” appeared to confirm the reports on Twitter. In response to a question about Abrams’ involvement, Orci tweeted back “True!” He also responded to a Spanish-speaking questioner, “Creo que si!” (“I think so.”)
Despite denying his interest in directing the next “Star Wars” following The Walt Disney Co.’s October announcement, many people pegged Abrams as the most obvious choice.
Abrams spoke about the plot of the original “Star Wars” in the lecture series “TED Talks” in March 2007, and reportedly became enamored of “Lost” co-creator Damon Lindelof partly because Lindelof was wearing a “Star Wars” T-shirt when they first met.
In 2009, Abrams told the Los Angeles Times: “As a kid, ‘Star Wars’ was much more my thing than ‘Star Trek’ was.”
Abrams also worked with Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light and Magic special effects division for “Mission: Impossible III.”
He is the second big name associated with the new “Star Wars” films to be launched under the Disney umbrella. Late last year, Lucasfilm confirmed that Michael Arndt, who wrote “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Toy Story 3” would pen the screenplay for “Episode 7.”
Adam Frazier, a staff writer for the entertainment website GeeksofDoom.com, said Abrams should be able to make the next “Star Wars” original but at the same time appease longtime fans.
“He took the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, which was just drowning in misery, and he was able to bring that back to life,” Frazier said. “If there’s anyone that can do it with ‘Star Wars’ I think it’s him.”
Black Keys sue casino owner over commercial songNEW YORK (AP) — The Black Keys are remaining vigilant when it comes to sound-a-like songs.
The Nashville duo is suing Pinnacle Entertainment in New York federal court. Drummer Patrick Carney and singer-guitarist Dan Auerbach say the casino owner commissioned a song that sounds like their hit “Howlin’ For You” for a commercial advertising two of its Louisiana properties. They are asking a judge for an injunction and compensation.
The Keys recently settled lawsuits against Pizza Hut and Home Depot over similar charges. Terms of those settlements were not released.
A message left with the band’s representatives Wednesday was not immediately returned.
The Keys are up for five trophies at next month’s Grammy Awards and Auerbach also has been nominated for producer of the year.
Open Road Films set to release “JOBS” on April 19
LOS ANGELES–Open Road Films, in partnership with Five Star Feature Films, will release “JOBS”–the highly anticipated film chronicling the story of Steve Jobs’ ascension from college dropout to one of the most revered creative entrepreneurs of the 20th century–nationwide on April 19, 2013. April 2013 marks the 37th anniversary of the founding of the Apple Computer Company. As previously announced, “JOBS” will premiere this Friday, January 25, as the closing night film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
Directed by Joshua Michael Stern, written by Matthew Whiteley, shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Russell Carpenter and produced by Mark Hulme, “JOBS” details the major moments and defining characters that influenced Steve Jobs on a daily basis from 1971 through 2001. “JOBS” plunges into the depths of his character, creating an intense dialogue-driven story that is as much a sweeping epic as it is an immensely personal portrait of Steve Jobs’ life.
The filmmakers strove for absolute authenticity in making the film, including shooting in the historic garage in Palo Alto, that served as the birthplace to Apple Inc. JOBS stars Ashton Kutcher (in the title role), Dermot Mulroney, Josh Gad, Lukas Haas, J.K. Simmons and Matthew Modine.
Sundance stars sound off on gun violence in filmBy Ryan Pearson, Entertainment Writer
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The Sundance Film Festival isn’t home to many shoot-em-up movies, but action-oriented actors at the festival are facing questions about Hollywood’s role in American gun violence.
Guy Pearce and Alexander Skarsgard are among those who say Hollywood shares in the blame.
Pearce is in Park City, Utah, to support the family drama “Breathe In,” but he’s pulled plenty of imaginary triggers in violent films such as “Lockdown” and “Lawless.” He says Hollywood may make guns seem “cool” to the broader culture, but there are vast variations in films’ approach to guns.
“Hollywood probably does play a role,” Pearce said. “It’s a broad spectrum though. There are films that use guns flippantly, then there are films that use guns in a way that would make you never want to look at a gun ever again — because of the effect that it’s had on the other people in the story at the time. So to sort of just say Hollywood and guns, it’s a broad palette that you’re dealing with, I think. But I’m sure it does have an effect. As does video games, as do stories on the news. All sorts of things probably seep into the consciousness.”
Skarsgard, who blasted away aliens in “Battleship,” says he agrees that Hollywood has some responsibility for how it depicts violence on-screen.
“When (NRA executive director) Wayne LaPierre blames it on Hollywood and says guns have nothing to do with it, there is a reason,” he said. “I mean, I’m from Sweden. . We do have violent video games in Sweden. My teenage brother plays them. He watches Hollywood movies. We do have insane people in Sweden and in Canada. But we don’t have 30,000 gun deaths a year.
“Yes, there’s only 10 million people in Sweden as opposed to over 300 (million) in the United States. But the numbers just don’t add up. There are over 300 million weapons in this country. And they help. They do kill people.”
Ellen Page, who co-stars with Skarsgard in “The East,” noted that gun restrictions are much more pervasive in her home country, Canada.
“You can’t buy some crazy assault rifle that is made for the military to kill people. And like that to me is just like a no-brainer,” she said. “Why should that just be out and be able to be purchased? That does not make me feel safe as a person.”
Skarsgard says it may be time to revisit the Second Amendment.
“The whole Second Amendment discussion is ridiculous to me. Because that was written over 200 years ago, and it was a militia to have muskets to fight off Brits,” he said. “The Brits aren’t coming. It’s 2013. Things have changed. And for someone to mail-order an assault rifle is crazy to me. They don’t belong anywhere but the military to me. You don’t need that to protect your home or shoot deer, you know.”
‘Mad Men’ to return for new season on April 7NEW YORK (AP) — AMC says “Mad Men” will return for its new season on April 7.
AMC announced Wednesday that the two-hour premiere kicks off the acclaimed drama series’ sixth season. The episode was written by “Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner.
“Mad Men” is set in the advertising world of circa-1960s New York City and stars Jon Hamm as agency exec Don Draper. Other stars include January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, John Slattery and Christina Hendricks.
Adele to perform Bond theme ‘Skyfall’ at Oscars
NEW YORK (AP) — Adele will perform the James Bond theme “Skyfall” at the Oscars, her first U.S. performance since last year’s Grammy Awards.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Wednesday that Adele will sing the Oscar-nominated song at the 85th annual Academy Awards on Feb. 24. She and producer Paul Epworth are nominated for best original song for “Skyfall.”
The announcement isn’t much of a surprise considering Adele’s award show ubiquity. She recently won a Golden Globe for the Bond theme.
Adele hasn’t previously sung “Skyfall” live for an audience. She says in a statement that she’s honored to be singing in front of people who’ve captured her imagination. The Oscars will also present a tribute to James Bond, marking the 50th anniversary of the franchise.
Filming begins on DreamWorks’ WikiLeaks movieLONDON (AP) — DreamWorks Studios says filming has begun on a movie about WikiLeaks, starring Benedict Cumberbatch (TV’s “Sherlock”) as the website’s controversial founder, Julian Assange.
“The Fifth Estate” also stars Daniel Bruhl as Daniel Domscheit-Berg, an early WikiLeaks associate who eventually fell out with Assange.
Early filming has been taking place in Iceland. A photo released Wednesday by producers shows Cumberbatch and Bruhl on location in Reykjavik.
Laura Linney, Anthony Mackie and Dan Stevens are among the cast of the film, due for release in November.
Director Bill Condon (“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn”) said the movie would not offer “any final judgment” on WikiLeaks, which is both praised and reviled for publishing classified government material.
He said it would “explore the complexities and challenges of transparency in the information age.”
The screenplay is by former “West Wing” writer Josh Singer.
Assange is currently living in Ecuador’s London embassy in a bid to avoid extradition to Sweden to face sexual misconduct allegations.
Survey: Global movie spending up 2.1 pct in 2012LOS ANGELES (AP) — Global spending on movies rose 2.1 percent last year to $62.4 billion, helped by increased theater attendance in China and growth in emerging markets as spending on discs continued to fall.
That’s according to research firm IHS, which released the results Monday.
Spending on movie theater tickets grew 7 percent to $33.4 billion, while rental or purchase of discs fell 3 percent to $23.7 billion. IHS says spending on digital delivery of home movies showed “strong growth,” rising to $4.9 billion.
Steve Harvey to host Feb. 1 NAACP Image AwardsLOS ANGELES (AP) — Steve Harvey is hosting next month’s NAACP Image Awards.
The organization said Tuesday that presenters will include “Django Unchained” nominees Samuel L. Jackson and Jamie Foxx. Queen Latifah and Tony Goldwyn also will be among the presenters. Dennis Haysbert will be the announcer for the live broadcast.
Comedian-TV talk show host Harvey said he’s honored to host the ceremony and promised “great things in store for the night.”
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Image Awards honor diversity in the arts. Contenders for the top movie prize are “Flight,” ”Django Unchained,” ”Beasts of the Southern Wild,” ”Red Tails” and “Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds.”
The 44th annual ceremony is scheduled to air Feb. 1 on NBC.
‘Girl Rising’ spotlights need for girls’ educationBy Sandy Cohen, Entertainment Writer
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Just because a film isn’t finished doesn’t mean it can’t get buzz at Sundance.
Director Richard Robbins showed about 10 minutes of his new movie, “Girl Rising,” at the independent-film festival Monday, even though he still has a few weeks of post-production work to do on the project.
The film tells the stories of nine girls from different developing countries and shows how access to education would change their lives.
Robbins, who works as a writer for TV’s “Scandal,” said he had hoped to finish the film in time to compete or premiere at Sundance, but after visiting 10 countries in 12 months gathering footage, he just couldn’t make it in time. Still, he wanted to generate interest in the film, which is set for release in March.
It is being distributed by CNN Films and Gather, an on-demand distribution platform that allows those interested in the film to request a theatrical showing in their neighborhood.
Actress Freida Pinto introduced “Girl Rising” Monday at Sundance by sharing some powerful statistics: There are 66 million girls who are not in school; 14 million girls under 18 who will be married this year; and 150 million girls are victims of sexual violence each year.
“No one is more vulnerable than an uneducated girl,” she said. “Making a girl aware of her fundamental human rights through education can change all that.”
Girls who are educated marry later, have fewer and healthier children, achieve self-sufficiency and continue the cycle of education with their own children, Pinto said.
“If you educate girls, you will change the world,” she said.
The film features the voices of Meryl Streep, Salma Hayek, Kerry Washington, Alicia Keys, Cate Blanchett and Selena Gomez, among others.
Editor Greg Sunmark Joins Reel FXSANTA MONICA, Calif.–Digital studio Reel FX (Dallas/Santa Monica) has added sr. editor Greg Sunmark to its creative roster. Sunmark comes to Reel FX from Red Car, where he spent the last 10 years as an editor.
Throughout his career he’s worked with top agencies including BBDO, Leo Burnett, DraftFCB and DDB on major national brands such as Chrysler, Midas and McDonalds.
Recent work for Sunmark includes the touching spot, “State of Hope,” for State Farm from DDB Chicago and director Joe Pytka, which aired at the Hurricane Sandy relief concert that took place in Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2012.
Filmmaker Michael Winner dies at 77
LONDON (AP) — The British filmmaker behind “Death Wish,” restaurant critic and bon vivant Michael Winner, has died at the age of 77.
Winner’s wife Geraldine says he died Monday at his London home after an illness.
Winner’s 30 movies included three “Death Wish” films starring the late Charles Bronson.
He had a second career as restaurant critic for the Sunday Times newspaper, where his highest praise was to declare a meal “historic.”
His wife, a former dancer who married Winner two years ago, said he was “a wonderful man, brilliant, funny and generous. A light has gone out in my life.”
Publicists Name Maxwell Weinberg Showmanship Nominees for Motion Pictures, TelevisionLOS ANGELES–The Publicists of the International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600) have announced nominees for their Maxwell Weinberg Publicist Showmanship Awards, with the honorees to be announced at the publicists’ 50th Annual Awards Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Friday, February 22.
Nominees for the Maxwell Weinberg Publicist Showmanship Award for Motion Pictures are the union publicists who worked on “Argo” (Warner Bros.); “Flight” (Paramount Pictures); “Les Mis�rables” (Universal Pictures); “Life of Pi” (20th Century Fox); “Skyfall” (Sony Pictures) and “The Avengers” (Walt Disney Studios).
The honorees for the television category are “Chicago Fire” (Wolf Films in association with Universal Television for NBC); “Elementary” (CBS Television Studios); “Homeland” (Fox 21); “New Girl” (20th Century Fox Television); “Person of Interest” (Warner Bros. Television) and “Revolution” (Warner Bros. Television).
Also being honored at the event are Kirk Douglas, with a Lifetime Achievement Award; Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, with the Motion Picture Showman Award; Chris McCumber and Jeff Wachtel, co-presidents of USA Network, with the Television Showmanship Award; and recipients of the Les Mason Lifetime Achievement Award; the Press Award; the International Media Award; the Excellence in Still Photography Award; and the Bob Yeager Award, which recognizes significant community service.
Catdance elevates the cat video to Sundance level
By Sandy Cohen, Entertainment Writer
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Everyone’s favorite Internet meme — the cat video — has hit the big time.
Behold the Catdance Film Festival, a one-night celebration of camera-worthy cats that was held Saturday at the Sundance Film Festival.
The five short films that were featured went beyond the typical surprised-kitty or cat-threatens-dog fare popular on YouTube. The Catdance films, culled from submissions by cat lovers across the country, told creative, feline-focused tales. There was the story of an aging Internet cat who can’t cope with the loss of fame and “A Cat’s Guide to Caring for a Human.”
“Humans are inherently lazy,” reported the latter film in a ’50s-inspired instructional style. “Left to their own devices, they will sleep well past the break of dawn.”
Other films included “Catalogue,” where a couple orders a bedspread from a catalog and is surprised to see that the cat shown in the photo was shipped with the comforter. “Rocky” tells a heartfelt story of a man’s 17-year relationship with his cat. In “A Change of Heart,” a photo of a cat on a cellphone saves a failing relationship.
Each of the five finalists was awarded a golden cat-litter scoop.
Actress AnnaLynne McCord hosted the event, which was sponsored by the Fresh Step litter brand. The 25-year-old “90210” star is a lifelong cat lover who proudly displayed photos and videos of her cat, Christopher Buni, on her own cell Saturday.
“What’s not to love about a cat?” she asked. “Cats have so much personality. They’re very highly intelligent creatures, and if you’re a highly intelligent creature, you respond to that.”
McCord is known for taking her cat to work on set, and once dashed out of her house naked to chase away a coyote who was threatening her kitty companion.
The Catdance Film Festival was accompanied by a festive, feline-themed party on Park City’s Main Street. Spoofs of famous movie posters dotted the walls, with cats replacing the stars of films such as “Top Gun,” ”Pulp Fiction,” ”The Big Lebowski” and “Clueless.” Drinks such as the Feline Fresh and Kitten Kaboodle were served, along with tuna appetizers.
Catdance continues online: Fans can watch the feline films beginning Sunday and vote for their favorite until Feb. 28. The winning filmmaker will collect $10,000. Also available are limited-edition knit hats with cat ears, with all proceeds benefiting the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Cats have even clawed their way into the actual Sundance festival. They had their own official entry with the short film “Catnip: Egress to Oblivion?”, director Jason Willis’ spoof of educational movies exploring social ills. The seven-minute film, which ran in Sundance’s midnight-movie program, has commentary from the “Catnip Crisis Center” and other supposed scientific groups about the effects and hazards felines face when partaking of catnip.
Willis called it “mostly a home movie about my cats” and said the film’s entire budget came to $25 — to buy catnip.
