New methods for funding films

From dashed hopes to confidence boosts, the year's greatest film finance tales revealed new gamers and methods in funding the film industry. Wall Street might have fled Hollywood within the wake from the economic collapse, but gamers like New Regency and Legendary are showing that bank money has began to trickle back. Simultaneously, Miramax's film-backed securitization established that institutional traders are prepared to start banking around the commitment of digital, while Relativity's delayed talks with JP Morgan Chase & Co. demonstrated precisely how delicate the dealmaking process could be. The 2010 greatest tales in film financing offer hints of what's in the future within this fast-altering sector. Summit refinancing: In March, Summit Entertainment closed a $750 million deal that permitted the organization to unshackle itself from itself from a number of a number of its debt and increase feature production. Company elevated about $1 billion 4 years ago -- a combination of debt and equity -- that assisted launch it as being a complete-fledged production and distribution operation. Since that time, Summit has launched four "Twilight" photos, together with solid entertainers "Red-colored" and "Source Code" and Oscar best-pic champion "The Hurt Locker." Because of its newer round of financing, brought by JP Morgan and UBS AG, rankings agencies Moody's Traders Service and Standard & Poors expressed some concern the "Twilight" franchise is ending in 2012. Both agencies examined the borrowed funds, that was ultimately cut by $50 million from $800 million. The re-fi will even help Summit run its day-to-day procedures and pay a cash distribution to the biggest traders, including Participant Media and equity fund Rizvi Traverse Management. Miramax securitization: Miramax's $500 million debt raise through Barclays Capital sent an indication to experts the financial community was seeing more quality in digital certification pacts for older content. Company, which traders bought from Disney for $663 million only one last year, has signed a lot more than $300 million in new certification contracts a year ago, a lot of which originated from Netflix and Hulu. That assisted give experts confidence within the company's capability to ink 100s of millions in new pacts within the next decade, and financial counseling firm Duff and Phelps valued Miramax at a lot more than $813 million this summer time. While the organization is developing about 20 projects with outdoors partners, Miramax doesn't have intends to start funding production, rather concentrating on taking advantage of its 700-title library. With only a number of major gamers, though, the querry is still if the digital space will expand enough to aid Miramax's forecasts. Legendary will get new line of credit: As galleries progressively turn to share performance risk, Legendary's recent credit facility gave partner Warner Bros. a $700 million reason to unwind. Company uses those funds, elevated by JP Morgan and Bank of America, to carry on co-financing high-profile photos, together with a potential third "Hangover" installment, Superman reboot "Guy of Steel" and "The Dark Dark night Increases" for Warner Bros. to distribute. But Thomas Tull's company has additionally been creating a growing internal slate, including "Godzilla" and "Wow.Inch It has additionally been ramping up efforts to grow into other platforms for example TV, digital and posting, where it might target the kind of high-profile popular culture fare presently preferred by risk-averse producers. Experts also required the offer like a sign that banks were helping to loosen the purse strings. And thus does New Regency: Most of the bankers who attended the September premiere of twentieth century Fox's "What's Your Number?" had their very own answer: 500 million. That's just how much the film's production company, New Regency, elevated in the credit facility this fall through lead bank JP Morgan and co-lead Bank of America. That'll help the organization, that has seen numerous executive shakeups since August, because it marches right into a new direction.Included in this was this news that co-chairmen Bob Harper and Hutch Parker would exit by year's finish, and also the subsequent installing of former Vital professional Kaira Weston as Boss. Underlying this is a pledge by company founder Arnon Milchan to consider Regency within an edgier and more personal direction, favoring more dark, more risky material like "L.A. Private" and "Warmth," from the beginning. Relativity/JP Morgan talks stall: When news broke this summer time that Relativity Media wanted JP Morgan Chase and Co. to boost over fifty percent a billion dollars on its account, many had doubts the deal would get made. Relativity Media founder Ryan Kavanaugh has numerous supporters and detractors around, plus some sources with understanding from the deal told Variety it was facets of this bigger-than-existence persona that gave some senior executives at JP Morgan pause. Because the days pulled on, the possibilities of a JP Morgan-backed deal to purchase out hedge fund Elliott Management's stake in Relativity grew to become progressively unlikely. As well as in November, multiple sources within the entertainment financing community with direct understanding from the talks told Variety that reputational risk and necessity spooked some senior executives in the bank. Even without JP Morgan, Relativity could still complete its planned buyout of Elliott having a different investor. Even though the possibilities of a JP Morgan/Relativity deal strikes many as unlikely at this time, some sources near to the talks insist the 2 companies continue to be in discussions. In November, investor Ron Burkle designed a substantial loan to Relativity to have an undisclosed amount. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

Golden Globe nominees for the best director

Martin Scorsese around the group of 'Hugo' The HFPA appeared to walk out its method to spread the love within the director category this season, nominating two stories, a respected auteur, a French filmmaker presently riding the crest from the award-season wave and George Clooney.Wait: Clooney got nominated over Steven Spielberg and Stephen Daldry? By George, do you consider celebrity has anything related to the options?Clooney's inclusion for his lead actor operate in "The Descendants" have been considered confirmed. However, the "Ides of March" nods for film drama and director caught some unexpectedly because the film has not had much traction with experts groups or any other honours precursors. But there's history around the HFPA side, because the org's voters had formerly nominated Clooney for his behind-the-camera focus on his last film, 2005's "Night, and Best Of Luck.InchAs you HFPA member place it: "Cynics may think otherwise, but it is really quite simple. Voters like Clooney and believe his movie shipped."Clooney is became a member of within the category by Alexander Payne, who directed him in "The Descendants." Payne, too, includes a proven history using the Globes, getting been nominated two times for pointing and winning two times for script. Another favorite is "Hugo" helmer Martin Scorsese, whom the HFPA honored finally year's ceremony using its Cecil B. DeMille award. Scorsese has had the course two times previously decade for "Gangs of NY" and "The Departed."The category's final two slots originate from well-regarded as comedies with French connections -- Gallic filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius' valentine to quiet cinema, "The Artist," and Woodsy Allen's nostalgic "Night time in Paris." The jerk reps Allen's fifth nomination like a director, though he's never won the course.Particularly absent is Spielberg, a ten-time nominee and 2-time champion as director. Spielberg's equine epic "War Equine" found success moving picture drama, but could not accomplish a regular-double because of its director. (Spielberg exists one of the animation nominees for "Tintin.")Daldry's omission can also be something of the surprise, because the British helmer had received nods for his previous two excursions, "The Hrs" and "The Readers." A lesser surprise: Auteur Terrence Malick neglecting to result in the cut for his impressionistic "The Tree of Existence." HFPA has not nominated Malick since "Times of Paradise" in 1979.Despite the fact that their films turned up within the heavyweight drama category, the HFPA overlooked Bennett Burns ("Moneyball") and Tate Taylor ("The AssistanceInch). Taylor, helming his first studio film, continues to be receiving more run for his script adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's popular novel. Miller's "Moneyball" has additionally been winning more kudos around the writing side because of its degree-of-difficulty adaptation of Michael Lewis' 2003 amounts-oriented bestseller.Because the pointing category typically draws more in the drama side than its comedy alternatives, neglecting to incorporate Paul Feig ("Bridesmaids"), Jonathan Levine ("50/50") or Simon Curtis ("My Week With Marilyn") did not raise any eye brows among Globe viewers.For the lack of last year's champion, David Fincher, who returns this season with "The Lady Using the Dragon Tattoo," one HFPA member provides a concise explanation: "We simply loved the Swedish version better."GOLDEN GLOBES COUNTDOWN Year of couples therapyThe ContendersDrama: Best Picture Comedy: Best Picture Best Director Drama Actor/Actress Comedy Actor/Actress Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

'Avatar' amps up HD accessories on iTunes

'Avatar iTunes Accessories Special Edition'Given "Avatar's" technological achievements, it's not surprise last century Fox is adopting James Cameron's sci-fi blockbuster to destroy new digital ground while using film's release on Apple's iTunes.Beginning 12 ,. 20, the film will probably be accessible in HD -- the initial inside the format for Fox on iTunes -- and supply interactive accessories that will enable audiences to deconstruct 17 moments in splitscreen that reveal how a f/x for your sequences were created through various amount performance capture and publish-production processes. Just like a scene plays, the screen is separate to at the same time show various f/x layers, with every easily changed without needing to open separate home home windows. Another feature enables clients move a cursor in most directions as being a torch to exhibit what part of a scene was greenscreen on set while making the film.The "Avatar iTunes Accessories Exclusive EditionInch includes Cameron's original script, his scriptment together with a gallery of some 1,700 images.Up to now, the feature-filled digital version of "Avatar" is only able to be carried out on Apple and PC desktop and laptops, not pills, despite the fact that items might be mounted on a TV.Apple is prices the unique at $19.99 for your HD edition and $14.99 for your SD version.Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment labored with carefully with last century Fox Home Theatre to develop the interactive accessories, offering up footage in the library and fine tuning the qualities.InchElectronic platforms like iTunes usher in new techniques to speak with watching movies like 'Avatar,'" mentioned Aubrey Freeborn, senior V . p . of marketing and product management for worldwide VOD and electronic sell-through for last century Fox Home Theatre. "These new interactive features raise the experience and encourage digital possession."Fox hopes to create similar interactive special models next season for other game game titles within the library and desires to expand their offering through other e-tailers afterwards.Developing digital sales is, naturally, something Fox together with other art galleries want to build up as DVD sales still decline. Throughout the initial half of year, the electronic sales of films rose 4%, producing $270 million, far under VOD rental costs, which showed up at $929 million, also up 4%, in line with the Digital Entertainment Group. Just the amount of copies of iTunes' unique of "Avatar" will sell remains to look. While produced for "Avatar" fans, Fox and Lightstorm realize the qualities may appeal more to film students or filmmakers who want to explore the expansion process. But as collectible anniversary boxed groups of game game titles, like "The Appear of Music" and "West Side Story" have offered well, Fox is adopting "Avatar" to make a similar product for your digital era.Fox thought we would postpone on selling HD films on iTunes to date due to piracy concerns -- the identical problem that has saved art galleries from offering up more HD versions from the films through other online retailers as digital downloads. But Apple convinced Fox that it's copy-protection software packages are secure enough, which will help get other art galleries aboard, particularly with "Avatar" since the title leading the charge."Avatar," the finest-grossing film within the worldwide box office, has acquired nearly $2.8 billion. Film may also be the most effective-selling Blu-ray ever, while together with its DVD, ranks since the top homevideo relieve 2010. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

Angelina Jolie Reacts to Golden Globe Nomination for 'Blood and Honey': 'I Never Expected This'

For many in Holly­wood, the most interesting aspect of Relativity Media is whether founder and CEO Ryan Kavanaugh can continue what appears to be a high-wire act to keep releasing big-budget movies.our editor recommendsRelativity Enters Distribution Partnership With Germany's Senator EntertainmentBrian Edwards Is the Latest Executive to Exit Relativity MediaAlan Menken to Compose Score for Relativity's Snow White Film 'Mirror Mirror'Relativity's Snow White Movie to Be Called 'Mirror Mirror' PHOTOS: Julia Roberts, Lily Collins and the 'Mirror Mirror' Cast The company insists a recent $200 million loan from Colbeck Capital Management is part of raising money as any growing company does. But banking sources continue to question its finances and ponder whether its major investor, Elliott Management, can or will be bought out. Relativity, which most recently distributed Immortals (pulling in a strong but not blockbuster $187 million worldwide to date), is preparing to release several films in 2012, most important among them Mirror Mirror, a $100 million reworking of the Snow White story starring Julia Roberts, which opens March 16. An insider says Relativity is well under way in terms of planning and -- crucially -- paying for that film's marketing campaign. PHOTOS: 'Immortals' Premiere Red Carpet But a number of bankers say they are not working with Relativity because they remain unconvinced about its strength in light of financial maneuvering and relentless management changes. In October, Brian Edwards resigned as the company's COO after just five months. The previous month, Joe Matukewicz, its senior vp acquisitions, left to join Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions. The company also has lost Bill Sutman, its CFO; Peter Adee, president of marketing and distribution; and Michael Joe, who had been president. VIDEO: 'Mirror Mirror' Trailer Now there is uncertainty about Joe's replacement, Steve Bertam, whose contract is up in January. A company insider says Relativity wants him to remain in the job but says no announcement will be made until early January. Another insider says work is proceeding despite a sense of uncertainty. "All we can do is put our heads down and stick to our knitting," this person says. "When you're an independent like this, you get your lifeline in increments. ... Ryan keeps pulling rabbits out of his hat." -- Alex Ben Block contributed to this report. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The Two Snow Whites: Anatomy of a Smackdown Related Topics Relativity Media Ryan Kavanaugh Immortals Mirror Mirror

Financing Hollywood: A Better Way For Studios To Pay For Films

Joe Simon, the legendary comic artist who created Captain America with his partner Jack Kirby, died Thursday at age 98 according to a Facebook post from his son. Marvel Comics confirmed his death, according to the website Comic Book Resources.our editor recommends'Avengers' 101: Trailer School'Captain America' Surprisingly Loved by the World PHOTOS: 'The Avengers': Comics vs. Film Simon is best known for Captain America, which he created with Jack Kirby for Timely Comics (the predecessor of Marvel Comics) in March 1941, a few months before the Pearl Harbor attack and America's entry into World War II. The cover of Captain America #1 famously displayed the hero punching Adolf Hitler in the jaw. Captain America was an instant hit with the first issue selling nearly a million copies. During World War II, Captain America was the one hero who rivaled Superman in popularity with American forces abroad. Simon and Kirby soon jumped to National Comics, the forerunner of DC Comics, in a pay dispute. At National, the pair worked on Sandman, the Boy Commandoes, and the Newsboy Legion. They also wrote and illustrated Captain Marvel Adventures #1, the first comic devoted to the boy who says "Shazam" to become a hero, for Fawcett Comics. PHOTOS: 'The Avengers': New Photos From Marvel's Superhero Film After serving in the Coast Guard during World War II, Simon returned to comics, producing horror and romance comics with Kirby as interest in superheroes waned after the war. In 1960, Simon founded the MAD magazine competitor Sick, and in 1966 he became the editorial director of Harvey Comics, where he launched the company's superhero line and again worked with Kirby. The last time Kirby and Simon teamed up was for a six-issue run of Sandman in 1974. The partnership between Simon and Kirby was as close -- if not closer -- than one between Kirby and Stan Lee at Marvel Comics. In a July 2011 interview to celebrate the release of his memoir, Simon said, "Jack was one-of-a-kind -- I knew that even before Al Harvey introduced us. As soon as we started working together, he and I were determined that when we worked together on a story, you wouldn't be able to see where one of us left off and the other started. We worked so closely together that, after the war, we moved into the same town on Long Island. That way, all we had to do was cross the street to get to the other's studio. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths "It wasn't until the late 1950s, after Mainline, that we started working on separate projects, but even then, we collaborated on features like The Fly and Private Strong. When Jack moved to California, we talked a lot on the phone. First, I would talk business with Roz, then she would hand me over to Jack so we could reminisce. We were friends until he passed away, and I still miss him." Simon became a champion of creator rights, suing Marvel over the rights to Captain America and retaining the copyrights for many of his other characters. He was beloved by a later generation of comic book artists like Rob Liefeld who said, "Joe Simon in his late 80′s was savvier than most of us in our 40′s. Generous and enthusiastic until the end!" PHOTOS: Comic-Book Characters in Dispute Joe Simon was born Hymie Simon in Rochester, NY in 1913. During his early twenties, he worked as an editorial cartoonist for newspapers before settling in NY City in the late 1930s, where he met Kirby when both were trying to break into the comics industry. In addition to his work in comics, Simon worked in advertising, notably as art director for Burstein, Phillips, and Newman from 1964 to 1967. Still, Simon would always be best known for his early work on Captain America. UPDATE: DC has released statements from co-publsihers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee on Simon's passing. Didio: "Joe Simon was a true legend in the comic book industry. So much of what we are today is owed to him and his amazing creativity. In addition to one of the great writers of the Golden Age, he was also an editor at DC Comics. We appreciate all of his contributions to DC Comics and the industry as a whole, both on the page and behind the scenes." Lee: "We lost another of the Titans this week. A creative virtuoso, Joe Simon will be best known for co-creating Captain America with legendary artist Jack Kirby but his many contributions to DC Comics, both as a writer and an editor, are legion and will continue to be cherished by longtime fans, this one included. Our sympathies go out to his family, friends and many, many fans." PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Comic-Book Characters In Dispute Captain America

Abercrombie & Fitch Slams 'The Situation' in Detailed Lawsuit Response (Analysis)

Comediennes Mo Gaffney, Nancy Lee Grahn and Morgan Walsh are encouraging a cat fight.our editor recommends'The View' Plans 'One Life to Live' Special for Series Finale'The Talk's' Julie Chen Admits to Signing a 'Generous' Pre-nup on 'Howard Stern' (Video)'The Talk' Hits Season High, Sets NY Holiday ShowsHolly Robinson Peete Talks About Her Surprise Axing From 'The Talk'; What Went Wrong With Show The actresses are set to launch Back Talk,a new web series for UCBcomedy.com,the Upright Citizens Brigade online comedy channel. The show will poke fun at what happens behind the scenes at women's talk shows such as The View and The Talk. PHOTOS: 'The Talk's' Memorable Guest Hosts "It's everything you've always wanted to see behind the scenes at a women's talk show ... except the topless parts," Gaffney said of the series, which is set to begin filming in March with a target May premiere date. Added Walsh,"Finally, a women's talk show where no one listens!" Matt Walsh(The Hangover, Veep) will direct Gaffney (Absolutely Fabulous, House of Lies), Grahn (General Hospital) and Walsh (Childrens Hospital, High Road). Media Sparks Entertainment's Stacey Parks will serve as a producer. STORY:'The View' Plans 'One Life to Live' Special for Series Finale The actors have performed live versions of the show at the UCB Theater, with guests includingJulie Bowen(Modern Family),Anthony Geary(General Hospital)andLea Thompson(Caroline in the City). Though there are no immediate plans to adapt the project for television, that trajectory is becoming more common. Just last month, FX teamed with UCB co-founderAmy Poehler to bring cult Web series Broad City to TV. Poehler will EP the project created by and starring UCB alums Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer. Email: Lacey.Rose@THR.com Twitter: @LaceyVRose PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The Talk: Memorable Guest Hosts Related Topics The View The Talk

A Confession (Ganjeung)

A CJ Entertainment relieve a Korean Academy of Film Arts presentation from the Kafa Films production. (Worldwide sales: CJ Entertainment, Seoul.) Produced by Han Seung-sang. Executive producer, Kim Seung-joon. Directed, put together by Park Soo-min.With: Gwon Hyuk-poong, Lee Joo-seung, Lee Dae-yun, Lee Haw-si.A worldwide-class water torturer takes revenge around the religious zealot who kills their very own grandmother in tyro helmer Park Soo-min's from time to time intriguing critique of belief, "A Confession." Some may bristle at what appears being Park's pointed denial of God, although some goes while using director's report that it's blind devotion he's slapping lower. Either in situation, he supplies a bold, very Korean take, replete with torture moments, that positions absolute belief as either delusion or possibly a shield for psychosis. Though unlikely to produce genuflections, "Confession" often see mild fest action. Expressionless former detective Park Duk-joon (Gwon Hyuk-poong) longs to obtain an reaction to his hopes, wanting the Holy Spirit can make sense of his son's dying and clean away the stain of years spent sadistically interrogating suspects. Despite a specific discomfort along with his past (guilt is overstating it), he's now being a completely independent torturer for just about any local gangster. After frequent attempts to lead him to chapel, Mrs. Lee (Lee Haw-si) finally works, only as they notices his former boss Lim Gwang-han (Lee Dae-yun), the infamous "torture cop," is Sunday's inspiring speaker. Lim states have found religion jail time now is "clean in God's eyes," though inside an uncomfortable conversation with Park, according to him he feels no guilt for anything they did. Park comes away a lot more perplexed, and hopes Mrs. Lee might make things clearer. However, if he finds her strangled body inside the shower and realizes her grand boy Yoon Kyung-ho (Lee Joo-seung) might be the main reason, he abducts the fanatically religious teen, whose belief he was God's instrument makes Park less certain about divine will. Allow a Korean filmmaker to wrap an account of a sadist who'll get no pleasure from his job around a disquisition on God's invisibility. Also considered would be a pointed critique in the country's historic amnesia, which often blithely brushes away time inside the eighties when condition torture was considered acceptable. Park progressively unveils his characters' unspeakable deeds in darkly monochrome flashbacks, unflinchingly lensing a worldwide where belief might help get some good through immediate discomfort but functions becoming an ineffective salve against lasting torment. The helmer offers very hard solutions, just open questions. Thesping is strong throughout, from Gwon's deadened core where an ember is constantly glow, to youthful Lee Joo-seung's frighteningly confident psychopath and Lee Haw-si's yearning warmth. An excessively apparent fantasy sequence feels abnormal, but otherwise, pacing is tight as well as the tension doesn't let up.Camera (color, HD), Kim Bo-ram editor, Kim Chang-joo music, Lee Jeong-hyun production designer, Gwon Sun-joo costume designer, Lim Chan-youthful appear, No Chun-gil, Seong Yun-yong, Lee In-gyu. Examined at Turin Film Festival (competing), November. 27, 2011. Running time: 96 MIN. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Liveblogging Six New Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked Clips...So You Don't Have To!

To be fair, there was never any possibility of me seeing Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked in theaters…however there was a possibility that I might opt to half-watch a complimentary in-flight screening of the threequel if the airborne opportunity ever arose. To determine whether there might be any reward to this risk, I bravely watched six new clips from the upcoming comedy and logged my observations. Hopefully you’ll find them helpful when determining whether to see Fox’s furry CGI trio get Chipwrecked yourself. 0:03 - This appears to be the worst Carnival Cruise commercial ever. 0:15 - Listening to five seconds-worth of helium-affected Chipmunk singing is the cruelest imaginable punishment. The CIA should look into the use of these clips for torture against immobilized captives. Terrorists will be screaming for the waterboarding alternative after hearing the Chipettes cover the Go-Gos. 0:30 - Do you think that in the ’90s, while on the set of a Sonic Youth music video, Jason Lee ever imagined that one day he would have to discipline CGI chipmunks while wearing white pants and boat shoes? 0:33 - Alvin makes his grand entrance by sliding down a rope harboring the cruise ship they are about to board. That’s all. 0:40 - Breaking: Chipmunks need passports to travel. Do not book an international vacation with your chipmunk family unless you have the proper government documentation. 0:41 - This is a Carnival Cruise commercial. Take note of the Carnival tent stationed directly behind David as he tells Alvin (with a straight face) that he is “too young for parasailing.” 0:05 - Surprising news: I am not turned off entirely by this clip. Simon (at least I think it’s Simon) appears to give Dave some advice concerning Alvin while helping him get dressed. Maybe I judged Chipwrecked too soon based on the main characters’ irritating singing voices, abundance of energy and the film’s blatant cruise line advertising. That was not entirely fair. It would be great to have a wise, rodent-sized friend who could help me get ready for Carnival cruise black tie events. 0:59 - Dammit, Alvin. As soon as Dave heeds Simon’s advice and loosens the reigns on his rat-sized friends, Alvin whips off his red shirt to reveal a Bond-style dinner coat and a plan. “I’m feeling lucky,” exclaims Alvin, “And Dave said that we are old enough to make our own decisions.” 1:00 - Theodore, the pear-shaped member of the titular trio, plops down on an easy chair with the remote control, revealing that he is my spirit chipmunk. 0:05 - The Chipmunks and Chipettes are off the Carnival cruise ship and appear to be [don’t make me say it] chipwrecked on an island. 0:10 - Jenny Slate appears and the CGI rats scream, “Please don’t eat us, Mr. Jungle Monster,” after flinging a mango at her forehead. This is not the way to treat your most promising co-star. 0:25 - For a second, a disoriented Jenny Slate, also stranded on this island, lunges towards the chipmunks and I get excited, thinking this could take a turn into Lord of the Flies territory with Alvin’s head ending up on a stick. Instead, she just can’t believe that squirrels can talk and needs a closer look. 0:36 - When Slate confesses that she doesn’t know who these high-pitched hooligans are, they offer her a choreographed “Bad Romance” number. Each second that they cover the hit, I see Lady Gaga’s bank account growing in direct correlation with my annoyance. 0:59 - Upon hearing that Slate has been chipwrecked for “8 or 9 years,” the Chipettes worry that they will be trapped “forever.” I am unsurprisingly fine with this as long as the public isn’t subjected to any more sequels of their adventures.

Back Stage Presents Advance Screening of 'War Horse'

Back Stage and SAG Foundation with DreamWorks Pictures presents a special advance Los Angeles screening of Steven Spielberg's "War Horse," followed by a Q&A with star Jeremy Irvine.The event will be Sunday, Dec. 11 at 11am at The Pacific Design Center Silver Screen Theatre, 8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood. Parking is free, please enter on Melrose Ave.To RSVP, email EveningWith@backstage.com with "War Horse" in the subject header. Please indicate if you plan on bringing a guest. You will not receive an email in return unless the event is full. Your name will go on a list at the theater. Please note we overbook to ensure capacity.DreamWorks Pictures' "War Horse," director Steven Spielberg's epic adventure, is a tale of loyalty, hope and tenacity set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War. "War Horse" begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraord...inary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets-British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter-before the story reaches its emotional climax in the heart of No Man's Land.The First World War is experienced through the journey of this horse-an odyssey of joy and sorrow, passionate friendship and high adventure. "War Horse" is one of the great stories of friendship and war- a successful book, it was turned into a hugely successful international theatrical hit that is currently on Broadway. It now comes to screen in an epic adaptation by one of the great directors in film history.WAR HORSE opens in theatres on December 25th, and the running time of the film is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.Please note that the review embargo for WAR HORSE is December 19th. We kindly ask that you refrain from posting your reviews until this date.Website and Mobile site: www.warhorsemovie.com Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WarHorseMovie. Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/warhorsemovie.

Fashion Slam: The Friday Five: Best Fitted Stars

First Launched: December 9, 2011 10:43 AM EST Credit: WireImage La, Calif. -- Caption Jennifer Aniston involves The Land Of Blood stream And Honey La Premiere on December 8, 2011Happy Friday, everyone! Another week, another parade of stars punching the red-colored-colored carpet. Heres the most effective from the bunch. Jennifer Aniston Angelina looked absolutely stunning in the evening time blue asymmetrical one-shoulder evening gown by Romona Keveza for the La premiere of her directorial debut, Inside The Land of Blood stream and Honey. Gorgeous. PAULA PATTON Paula impressed within the premiere of Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol in Dubai! Love the color of her flowy, feminine gown, which really jumps against her creamy skin. The orange bustier gown is actually Andrew Gn featuring a significant embellished waist. She completed the look with striking rose gold and gem ear-rings by Tresor. JESSICA BIEL White-colored hot! Jessicas white-colored Victoria Beckham dress hugs every curve within the perfect place. Her sparkly ring ear-rings and funky peep-feet footwear complete the look. Sexy! MICHELLE PFEIFFER She does not age whatsoever! Michelles crimson Dolce & Gabbana dress is super flattering due to the fragile cap masturbator masturbator sleeves, neck-line and ruching. She finishes the look with crimson platform pumps and plum lipstick within the La premiere in the film New Years Eve. RACHEL MCADAMS Silver Belle! Rachels a knockout in their awesome metallic gown. She pairs her sleek Marchesa with Jacqueline Nerguizian jewels plus an updo within the LA premiere of her film An Online Detective: A Game Title Title of Shadows. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Kung Fu Panda 2' Exclusive: Jean-Claude Van Damme Goes Behind The Curtain

It's tough to hear the voice in the Muscles in the city themselves, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and not think about the experience celebrity uppercutting the atmosphere. Since it calculates, that's probably what he's really doing. In this particular exclusive behind the curtain featurette within the approaching Blu-ray and DVD relieve "Kung Fu Panda 2," you have a peak at exactly what it was like for Van Damme because they recorded his voice track for your film. Van Damme plays Master Croc, a reptilian fighting styles expert, who uses his tail among his primary weapons. The actor expressed some be worried about the level of smoothness since crocodiles have such short hands or legs. How's the animated character portray the whole choice of Van Damme's ferocious moves? The clip is raw Van Damme, that is certainly worth a peek. He requires a while to explain how he found be one of the primary fighting styles super stars and the way his status since the world's first person to complete splits between two chairs inspired Master Croc's moves. Make certain to consider the whole clip above. "Kung Fu Panda 2" hits Blu-ray and DVD on December 13. Whoever else consider Van Damme's behind the curtain moves? Inform us inside the comments below and also on Twitter!

Electus on Buble blitz abroad

'A Michael Buble Christmas'Electus introduced the purchase of holiday special "A Michael Buble Christmas" to a lot more than 60 areas abroad. The show is slated to air Tuesday evening on NBC. The main one-hour special continues to be bought by major systems in nations including Australia (Funnel 7), Canada (CTV), South america, (Globosat), Latin America (Televisa Systems), Mexico (TV Azteca) and Nigeria (Mnet). "Christmas" was offered with the company's Electus/Engine Distribution arm. The special features the Grammy Award-winning singer carrying out cuts from his Christmas album with special visitors including Attacking Young Boys, Thalia, Erectile dysfunction Helms and Tracy Morgan. Selling overseas happens to be a vital technique for Electus, that has worldwide plans in position for other TV qualities including "Mob Spouses" and "Fashion Star." Since founder Ben Silverman introduced aboard fellow Reveille alum Chris Grant as Boss recently, Electus will probably renew its push for global growth. "We are always congnizant at Electus of creating our content, regardless of what this content is, viable for worldwide marketplaces," stated Grant. "The show should be 100% family-friendly having a broad appeal across all nationalities." Electus is the owner of distribution privileges across all platforms for "Christmas," so it created with Kaira Lachman Prods. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Viola Davis to Be Honored as Outstanding Performer of the Year at Santa Barbara Film Festival

The Help's Viola Davis will be hailed as Outstanding Performer of the Year at the Santa Barbara Film Festival at a tribute to be held Jan. 27.our editor recommends'The Help's' Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer to Present at THR's Women in Entertainment BreakfastViola Davis Adopts a Baby Girl Davis plays Aibileen Clark, an African-American maid in the drama, written and directed by Tate Taylor, set in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960s. "It's hard to imagine another performance this year that pierces your heart the way Viola does as Aibileen," SBIFF executive director Roger Durling said. Davis, who will also be seen in the upcoming Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, is already an Oscar nominee for her supporting performance in 2008's Doubt. The festival itself runs from Jan. 26 to Feb. 5. Santa Barbara International Film Festival Viola Davis The Help