Jane Schimel dies at 72

Jane Schimel, one of the primary female assistant director/unit production managers in NY, who done greater than 1,500 ads throughout the time of the five-decade career and will be a former DGA national board V . p ., died November. 24 of cancer in NY. She was 72.In the statement Monday, Company company directors Guild of America leader Taylor Hackford mentioned: "We are deeply saddened to know today in the passing of former DGA national board v . p . Jane Schimel. Jane offered within the finest levels of guild leadership known as the DGA's first female national v . p .. Jane will be a passionate defender in the rights of assistant company company directors and UPMs."Just like a director she done ads for brands different from Saks Fifth Avenue to Hamburger King and McDonalds.She appeared to become associated with philanthropic activity within the White-colored House through the Manley administration.Schimel grew to become part of the DGA in 1964 and offered round the DGA's Eastern AD/UPM Council for pretty much four decades from 1966, with multiple terms as chair. She offered round the national board of company company directors in a number of leadership posts more than 20 years, plus a term as national V . p . from 1993-95.Schimel was honored while using DGA's Frank Capra Achievement Award, that's presented upon assistant company company directors or unit production managers in recognition of career achievement on the market and repair for the guild.She's managed to get by her husband, Arthur Koenig. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Netflix Analyst Upgrades Stock Rating From 'Negative' to 'Neutral'

Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesCharlize Theron This article first appeared in the Dec. 2 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. The Gotham Awards, presented by the Independent Filmmaker Project and determined by small committees of journalists, seek to honor the year's best indie films and filmmakers. The Hollywood Reporter caught up with four indie stalwarts who are receiving award tributes at this year's ceremony. Fox Filmed Entertainment co-chairman and CEO Tom Rothman, who is receiving the Industry Tribute, began his film career in NY as a producer, went on to head Samuel Goldwyn during the heyday of independent film and founded Fox Searchlight in 1994. This year's Career Tribute recipients are actor Gary Oldman, who has appeared in more than 40 films and stars in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy; A Dangerous Method writer-director David Cronenberg; and Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron, who stars as a troubled author in Jason Reitman's Young Adult. PHOTOS: THR's Actress Roundtable 2011 CHARLIZE THERON On the nature of art: "I don't think art is black and white or has a beginning or an end. It's a constant discovery process. It's an evolution of new things -- in the case of an actor, the human condition -- that inspire you and make you obsessive and haunt you and excite you." On becoming an actor at 19 after a knee injury sidelined a career in ballet: "I was mourning something I thought I had lost completely. I had to reevaluate why I loved dance so much in order to find something that could substitute it. It took me really looking at it and understanding that it was the storytelling. It was taking on a character in storytelling, and [acting] was a natural." On what she won't do on film: "It's not about what you won't do. For me, it's more about, "Is this the story that I want to explore for the next year of my life?" THR's Actress Roundtable: Six A-Listers Sound Off on Bad Reviews, Nudity and Playing Hitler TOM ROTHMAN On the directors he worked with during the 1980s and early 1990s: "There were so many seminal films: Jim Jarmusch's Down by Law, Ang Lee's first film, The Wedding Banquet, Spike Lee's School Daze, Norman Rene's Longtime Companion -- the first commercial movie about AIDS -- David Lynch's 1990 Wild at Heart, Anthony Minghella's Truly, Madly Deeply and Henry V, directed by Kenneth Branagh." On what his Gotham Award means to him: "It feels like a homecoming, but in another sense, it feels like my career has been a continuation of those days. I've continued to work with many of the directors I met then, such as Ang, who is making Life of Pi for Fox 2000. I've been fortunate in my time at Fox in that the studio overall makes a very eclectic set of movies. And while specialized companies have come and gone, Searchlight has continued passionate support from myself and fellow chairman-CEO Jim Gianopulos." THR's Writer Roundtable: 6 Top Scribes Talk Standing Up to Clint Eastwood, Dealing with Rewrites and Being Fired by Your Wife GARY OLDMAN On following in Alec Guinness' footsteps playing George Smiley in Focus Features' Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: "One was very much in the shadow of Guinness, because it's such an iconic role. Initially, I was a little nervous about it. You're walking along the same path, in many cases, you're saying the same words. But it's different because Guinness was nearly 70 when he played the role, and I'm younger [he's 53]. There are aspects of the character that speak to me as well. At the end of the day, I approached it much the same way as an actor would with any classical role like Hamlet or King Lear." On what's next: "I'm not sure what I'm going to be doing next, but that's part of the terror and excitement of the work. You can chase things and steer a career to a degree, but you don't get offered everything, so you are at the mercy of the industry and the imagination of the people who cast you. At my kids' schools, they were more impressed that I did the voice for Viktor Reznov in the Call of Duty videogames than that I played Sirius Black [in the Harry Potter movies]. None of it has been really planned." THR's Directors Roundtable: How to Fire People, Who to Steal From, and Amy Pascal's Secret Advice DAVID CRONENBERG On the motivations behind the stories he tells: "I have no real agenda. I don't have anything that I'm using film to promote. The basic function is to explore what it means to be human: "What is the human condition? What is the nature of life? How do we live?" On the possibility of "going Hollywood": "I haven't really tried to avoid it. I've often joked and said, "I've been trying to sell out for years, but nobody's buying!" I did try to do The Matarese Circle with Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington at MGM, but MGM went belly-up for a while. The only in-house studio movie I ever really did was A History of Violence with New Line. I've tried, and in each case, it's not happened for all kinds of reasons." PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Behind the Scenes of THR's Actress Roundtable 2011 Gotham Awards Charlize Theron David Cronenberg Fox Filmed Entertainment Gary Oldman A Dangerous Method Young Adult Tom Rothman Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Jennifer Hudson Jams Split Gossips

First Released: November 21, 2011 5:06 PM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Jennifer Hudson steps out in the 2011 American Music Honours held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Reside in La on November 20, 2011 Despite tabloid reviews of the split between Jennifer Hudson and fiance David Otunga, the singer told Access Hollywood their wedding continues to be on. Would got married, Jennifer told Access guest correspondent Tim Vincent at Sundays American Music Honours I understand they stated we'd split up. Were never split up, the 30-year-old singer stated of David, 31, who shes been engaged to since September 2008. The Oscar champion stated distance is the reason for their wedding being placed on hold. Remained as here, but were very busy people. Hes always on the highway, Im always on the highway, she described. We're together, we simply get it done in your own home in Chicago. Thats our meeting place. When Jennifer does walk lower the aisle, it will likely be in her own home town. Our wedding is going to be in your own home in Chicago, with family, she stated. For the current wave of celebrity splits, Jennifer stated she gets every relationship takes work famous pair or otherwise. In the finish during the day, counseled me human and everybody has their relationship issues and our human issues. I believe due to celebrity, its more magnified. Were people, too, she told Tim. Counseled me people and theyre just dealing with people things, its just magnified. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Your building of 'My Week With Marilyn'

The season 2008 was frought with turmoil for Michelle Williams. Heath Ledger, her estranged husband, died from the accidental overdose within the month of the month of january, departing her a grief-stricken single mother. Although fresh from an Oscar for "Brokeback Mountain," her career reaches limbo -- her passion project, "Blue Valentine," had yet to materialize, and he or she considered departing acting altogether."I wasn't certain that acting was where personally,In . she states. "Or possibly I used to be useful or loved a few things i was doing any more.InchIt absolutely was also around that time that Williams first read Adrian Hodges' script for just about any Marilyn Monroe project, that she'd been wooed by director Simon Curtis. She was attracted for the story, which offered an introduction to a few days in the actress' existence through the 19 fifties, but worried they wasn't quite ready for your commitment. "I finished the ultimate page, put it alongside my bed mattress combined with already committed throughout my very own mind to making this movie," states Williams. "Nevertheless the terror occur."Curtis, a skilled British TV and stage director who had previously been concentrating on his first feature-pointing assignment more than five years, travelled to NY and met with Williams in their Brooklyn home. "He came bearing gifts: books, postcards and little lure, little enticements, to playing Marilyn," she recalls.Although she'd a powerful offer for your lead, Williams told Curtis she preferred to audition to make certain she was appropriate for that part. She was unsure if she could do justice for this type of legendary character -- especially one who'd meant a great deal to her while maturing in Montana she'd stood a poster of Monroe on her behalf account mattress room wall they looked every single evening. She also worried about the feasibility of altering her look. "There has been certain unbridgeable gaps," she states ."I possibly could not re-arrange my face and the entire body to look like hers."While she spent the next six several days working over research, Curtis and also the team continued to be hopeful. "We saved coming back to her," states producer David Parfitt. "She'd refuse. Then we'd disappear for any little and select she reaches take action. We'd have another go. Then her agent and manager got behind it. She was tough to persuade."Throughout this time around around, Derek Cianfrance's 10-year journey to produce "Blue Valentine" finally materialized, and Williams shot her difficult role -- an Oscar nomination would result -- becoming an unhappy wife opposite Ryan Gosling. She states the shoot socialized like a kind of therapy. "It got me into existence and reminded me, got me into myself," she states.At comparable time, Harvey Weinstein, whose company had acquired "Valentine," fell deeply deeply in love with Williams' talent. "Harvey mentioned, 'I wish to be more connected with this particular girl,' " states Parfitt. "And then we mentioned, 'Well, we've this other film.' Which he mentioned, 'I require it.A "The idea for just about any movie in what happened in 1956 when Monroe, America's finest celebrity, travelled to London to produce the film "The Prince as well as the Showgirl" with Lawrence Olivier, the U.K.'s finest actor, began around 2003 after Curtis read two books with the late Colin Clark: "The Prince, the Showgirl and Me" and "My Week With Marilyn." Through the following six years, Curtis grew to become part of forces with Parfitt to acquire development funds within the BBC as well as the U.K. Film Council, then anxiously anxiously waited 18 several days while Parfitt talked about the rights with Clark's estate and six several days more for Hodges' script.Finally, noisy . 2010, Williams committed, and after $ten million in funding from Weinstein, it absolutely was an attempt. "Personally, the important thing discovery -- the costly -- might be the broadly recognized picture of Marilyn Monroe will be a character that Norma Jeane carried out," states Williams. "Unless of course obviously you study her and understand her just a little a lot better than the generally recognized view, you can miss who she was underneath that. Marilyn will be a part she carried out." Getting Monroe's complicated duality to existence was Williams' finest goal.For Curtis, using the authenticity of your energy and set was crucial. This process began with shooting at London's Pinewood Art galleries round the very stages where Olivier had directed and starred with Monroe. Curtis added additional locations at Parkside House, where Olivier had continued to be at Clark's home within the Eaton school, which Clark attended and, due to an unequalled deal, to shoot before Windsor Castle for just about any handful of several hours early one Saturday.But there's another element, adds Curtis. "It came from from the line inside the Clark journals that was, 'This can be a mythic, but nevertheless, the simple truth is.A It's a true story that we seriously considered magical too,Inch according to him.Producing miracle around the $ten million budget is difficult -- nor, as Weinstein told Parfitt, is gathering "the most effective British and worldwide cast." So Curtis, Parfitt and Weinstein attracted on pals and industry connections to accomplish the blanks. Curtis convinced Judi Dench to see Dame Sybil Thorndike, whom she'd known. Parfitt used a holiday to L.A. regarding BAFTA to fulfill with Kenneth Branagh, his former business partner, and employed him to see Olivier. Weinstein then introduced in Emma Watson for your role in the youthful costume designer, Lucy.Williams, meanwhile, ongoing her intense research into Monroe. In May 2010, she travelled to London for conferences with makeup artist Jenny Shircore."We spent each day just waiting while watching mirror," states Williams. "I was not trying to reconfigure my face. I had been trying to include, you understand, the curvature in the lip, a watch lining. It began a extended process."It absolutely was type in initial phases that Williams, much shorter and lighter, not look just like Monroe rather, she preferred to funnel her essence. Williams acquired somewhat weight to approximate Monroe's signature curves, nevertheless it just made her face puffy, so rather Williams and Shircore used padding to accomplish her sides and rear finish.Like Williams, costumer Jill Taylor did intense research, finding photos in the building from the film inside an archive. "Michelle can be a a lot more compact lady," states Taylor, "therefore i really needed to pay attention to acquiring the proportions right." They have to find clothes for 3 Marilyns: the glamorous, sexy actress the level of smoothness of Elsie that Monroe plays inside the movie within the movie as well as the real-existence Monroe, who used simple, personalized clothes, frequently in earth tones.Taylor's finest challenge was they could only make one reproduction from the white-colored gown Monroe had worn inside the movie, which Williams needed to use for just about any quarter in the eight-week shoot. "I used to be nearly wetting myself each day for 12 days straight," recalls Taylor. "If something happened in it, there's few other dress."Also, because of his postproduction schedule on "Thor" london, Branagh turned up only a couple of days before production started. This left short amount of time for Taylor to match the custom military uniforms Branagh needed for Olivier's role since the prince. Taylor found the primary one Olivier used, but because of Branagh's broad shoulders, she required to locate an identical uniform in the costume house. She did, however, use braiding in the original, adding medals she made.For Williams, the movie's hardest scene was the one that needed no costume whatsoever: Monroe chimes with Clark (Eddie Redmayne) around the lark and is applicable to some nude frolic in the water. The setting is summer time season, nevertheless it actually was late fall."We worried for the days ahead of time since it might be freezing cold in October," states cinematographer Ben Smithard. "It absolutely was an entire nightmare."When Parfitt saw a relaxation inside the British weather, they rushed for the location, where they have to do more 30 shots in four several hours. "It absolutely was pretty frightening," states Smithard. "We fitted the benefit in the water to ensure that they may get inside and out and wouldn't drown."But there's almost no time to create lighting for each shot, to ensure that they did a lot of the shoot in sunlight, constantly worrying that they're losing their illumination."It absolutely was a horribly untidy freezing hurry," states Williams, "plus it was stated to become a stylish summer season day. Sometimes half of acting is neglecting sun and rain.InchThe safe practices supervisor told Curtis the heavens could just be inside the icy water for 70 seconds at any time. Tents and oxygen tanks was by. "I'm a director who admires stars," states Curtis, "but I have not respected stars a great deal as people two beginning that water."Williams can't remember ever being that cold. "I'm pretty hearty I'm from Montana. But that particular I merely couldn't get over this. I possibly could not get my blood stream warm. I used to be frozen for the core."Sooner or later, her teeth were chattering, to ensure that they'd Williams bite around the clean cloth. "I believed I'd break a tooth," she recalls.Alternative activities weren't as funny. Just like a low-budget project, they saved being knocked in the stages at Pinewood, which was also desired in the type of the newest "Pirates in the Caribbean" film, "Hugo," "War Equine" and "Captain America." At various occasions, they gone after Shepperton, Twickenham and Ealing art galleries.With the production, Williams fretted in regards to the large production amounts she required to do as Monroe. "Discuss jumping off a higher high cliff and finding your wings along the way lower," she states. "I have not done anything such as this. I'm not a real singer or possibly a dancer, however discovered a genuine fascination with both."The big opening number can be a version of "Warmth Wave," one more is founded on "That Old Black Miracle," both choreographed by Kathleen Marshall and Denise Faye."She practiced each day for six days," states Parfitt. "She'd somewhat dance to accomplish, which was apparently simple. She'd start your entire day carrying it out just like a warm-up exercise for Marilyn's movement."They anxiously anxiously waited to accomplish the expansion amounts near to the finish in the shoot to supply Williams more hours to arrange.InchThe truly amazing factor about singing and dancing can it be allows you to stay in our,Inch states Williams. "You do too plenty of items to anticipate or judge or even the stuff this is the dying in the creative process."Curtis thinks the casting made the film work, especially getting Williams and Branagh inside the central roles. "There's very little stars in the world who could accomplish people figures," states Curtis. "That was the finest challenge, which personally i think lucky I not only got people two stars, nonetheless they were both exactly the age groups their figures were in 1956."Williams loves they could celebrate Monroe. "This isn't a biopic," she states. "Marilyn is only a character in somebody else's story. We didn't have a very duty to see her entire existence, and for that reason our film is not an emergency. It is a mythic be realized, a confection. I didn't realize how funny it absolutely was until When i first seen it by getting a crowd.InchWilliams sees "Week With Marilyn," like "Blue Valentine," as "another board that road" towards the craft she loves. "I'll keep walking in the straight line and not detouring," she states. "The whole factor felt as being a giant growth spurt personally becoming an actor."Just like a movie with handful of visual effects, makeup was among "Marilyn's" most critical visual tools.Every day began with Michelle Williams and Kenneth Branagh trading three or four several hours while using film's makeup artists. While Branagh was fitted getting a prosthetic face to achieve Olivier's square jaw and cleft face, he used a headset and required directly into Olivier give a dramatic reading through through in the Bible. "The parting in the hair was razor sharp," states Branagh, "as well as the color must be perfect and brilliant. Olivier had type of musically built arched eye eyebrows. Everything must be minimalist, but needed a lot of your time and effort.InchWilliams, meanwhile, spent several hours with makeup designer Jenny Shircore, who placed the actress' hairpiece every single day creating both her face and the entire body. "What Jenny does is art," states Williams. "But art is not the identical. Each day was slightly different, in the minuscule way. We're both slightly obsessive."Still, there has been days the particulars evaded them. So getting a Sharpie pen, Williams written round the makeup mirror: "mole, teeth, tattoo" to assist help remind them of Monroe's famous beauty mark to put the dental appliance over Williams' crooked lower teeth also to hide the actress' small tattoo from the heart on her behalf account wrist. "Within the finish in the shoot, I embroidered somewhat cloth for Jenny," states Williams. "It mentioned, 'Mole, teeth, tattoo.' " The Hollywood Reporter

SNL Ties Season Filled With Grownups 18-49

SNL Auditions Regis Philbin Substitutes Last evening’s Saturday Evening Live situated by Jason Segel with musical guest Florence + The Unit, averaged a 4.6/11 in metered-market houses together with a couple.8/12 in grownups 18-49 in Citizens Meters. The late-evening sketch show was up a tenth in measures from the other day’s telecast situated by Emma Stone with Coldplay. In 18-49, SNL mached its best result this season (tied while using March. 12 edition situated by Charlie Day with Maroon 5). Here's Segel’s monologue, through which he was grew to become part of by his co-stars within the Muppets movie:

Hot Trailer: Madonnas W.E.

Showing the Weinstein Company’s first official trailer for Madonna’s W.E. She directed and co-written with Alek Keshisian the drama in regards to the historic romance between Wallis Simpson and Britain’s Prince Edward that's connected getting a modern day love story. It stars Abbie Cornish, Richard Coyle, James D’Arcy, Oscar Isaac, Annabelle Wallis and Andrea Riseborough. W.E. opens December 9 in NY and La.

Start Searching: Grimm Takes Chemistry to New Levels

David Giuntoli Grimm not only shows about magical tales, but chemistry, too! This Friday's episode is filled with the results of real chemistry each time a Ziegevolk, an awesome creature who's capable of seduce women with pheromones, continues the rampage. To follow the Ziegevolk lower, Nick (David Giuntoli) will enlist Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell) to acquire a whiff in the suspect. Look at this start searching at Grimm's special model of chemistry: Grimm airs Fridays at 9/8c on NBC.

Activision: 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3' Sets Five-Day Sales Record

our editor recommendsActivision: 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3' The Very First Day Sales Achieve Record $400 Million within the U . s . States, U.K. Activision Blizzard, Take-Two Publish Strong Amounts (Video) NY - Gaming giant Activision Blizzard mentioned Thursday that Cod: Modern Warfare 3has "shattered theatrical box office, book and gaming sales records" for five-day worldwide sell-through in dollars, crossing the $775 million mark. That beat the business's own previous record of $650 million set this past year by Cod: Black Procedures. Activision had recorded $550 million couple of years ago for Cod: Mw2. The business reported Charttrack and retail customer sell-through data. "With $775 million of sales of Cod: Modern Warfare 3in its first five days, Call of Dutyhas end up being the first entertainment property ever to produce five-day launch records for 3 consecutive years across all kinds of entertainment," mentioned Activision Blizzard Boss Robert Kotick. Existence-to-date retail sales for your Call of Dutyfranchise have exceeded $6 billion worldwide, which causes it to be "most likely probably the most valuable entertainment characteristics in the world,In . he mentioned. Related Subjects Activision Blizzard

Bioshock Movie Finally Sunk

Game adaptation no more afootA few years ago there is large talk of the movie according to Bioshock, the number of crazy art-deco steampunk underwater photographers from Irrational Games and Take-Two. Colossal budgets were, er, allocated, and Gore Verbinski was mounted on direct. But nothing happened, and Irrational honcho Ken Levine now states that there are "no more a burning desire" to obtain Bioshock made.Bioshock was really one of the most intriguing prospects for the overall game-to-film journey, given its possibility of amazing design, and it is strangely Ayn Rand-like anti-utopian ideas. But concerns within the immense costs (stated to become north of $160m) were elevated throughout Verbsinki's tenure, and that he bowed out if this appeared the film might shoot outdoors the united states to economize.Verbinski did, however, remain aboard as producer, and there is talk of Juan Carlos Fresnadillo overtaking behind the cameras until a run of other potential Fresnadillo films appeared to point he was no more interested.The relaxation was silence, even though as lately as last May Levine was saying the Bioshock film was "still within the conversation", lucrative confesses the speaking has essentially stopped. "We've got not far from setting it up made," he states. "We'd an offer [at Universal] along with a director, but we do not need to have it made just with regard to setting it up made."When the film would eventually happen, Levine stresses that, "It is reached be something which will both provide the fans something they want, and introduce individuals who have no idea Bioshock to something that's in line with the overall game. It needs to be considered a good representation."So no motion picture Large Daddys or Little Siblings, Pipe Mania, Vita-Chambers or drowned Xanadus for the moment, but a minimum of it appears the abandonment is lower to qc. Levine includes a past like a film writer, therefore it is not possible that Bioshock will resurface like a movie later on. And meanwhile, Bioshock Infinite has gone out the coming year.

Casting Standout: 'The Artist'

Casting Standout: 'The Artist' By Sarah Kuhn November 15, 2011 Photo by The Weinstein Company On paper, "The Artist" sounds like a risky proposition: a black-and-white silent movie starring two French actors who are virtually unknown in the United States. When casting director Heidi Levitt described the idea to her family, they were less than impressed. "They were like, 'Really?' Rolling their eyes," Levitt recalls with a chuckle. "But I thought, 'Isn't this cool?' Ironically, I feel like this is the movie I've done most recently that I think is really going to open in big theaters. I was thrilled with what it was. It was totally different from anything I had seen."When Levitt signed on, the two central rolescharismatic silent-film actor George Valentin and idealistic wannabe starlet Peppy Millerwere already filled. Filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius penned the script with French stars Jean Dujardin (who won the best actor award at this year's Cannes Film Festival for his turn in "The Artist") and Brnice Bejo in mind; he'd worked with both actors previously and is married to Bejo. "He wrote it for themit's a love letter, in some sense," Levitt says.Levitt's primary focus, then, was casting the multitude of Hollywood players who surround George and Peppy as they fall in and out of stardom. "There was a feeling that we were unearthing characters, because the film wasn't so dependent on stars," the CD recalls. "And when we cast these other lead characters, I'm so pleased that we didn't go the route of 'Here's the Hollywood name just showing up as the studio head.' We went with fantastic, well-known actors, but they were the actor's actor."Levitt and the filmmakers made wish lists of people they thought could truly embody the various roles, actors who had to be able to convey a fully rounded character in a short period via the silent-film medium. "With this movie," she says, "the supporting characters are only in it for a little bit, so you want to find people who you feel are going to pop."She was also looking for actors with a period-appropriate aestheticlike Penelope Ann Miller, who plays George's icy wife. "You had to imagine actors who could be in that period look, and there's this older-soul quality to her," says Levitt. "She had such enthusiasm when we first met, and then when she auditioned for it, it was really about exploring what her character is in that time frame, and she completely embodied it."Levitt's initial lists also included such high-profile names as John Goodman, who portrays a blustery, cigar-chomping studio head, and James Cromwell, who plays George's loyal driver-assistant. Both actors were sent the script, connected to it immediately, and jumped on board. "Actors responded yea or nay very quickly," says Levitt. "I feel like ultimately everyone fell in love with the idea of doing a silent film, but there's a risk in it: Is it going to come out campy? I think we kept things incredibly real. They all came in and just jumped into it with such gusto."In addition to Goodman, Cromwell, and other well-knowns such as Malcolm McDowell (as an expressive cohort of Peppy's), Levitt also cast some of her favorite character actorsincluding Beth Grant, "Borat" sidekick Ken Davitian, and Missi Pylein bit roles.Pyle, in particular, leaves a lasting impression as the studio head's diva of a girlfriend. "I'm a fan," Levitt says. "She has this incredible presence. She's someone who has such amazing comedic timing, and also has this sassy kind of presence that you knew was going to read. 'Studio head's girlfriend'you expect the young blonde or whatever. We went a bit against the grain. She's not the demure starlet. She's a dame."Levitt was also thrilled to cast Bitsie Tulloch, now starring on NBC's "Grimm," as an actor who stars opposite George in one of the film's many movies-within-the-movie. "I've been aware of her for a while," Levitt says. "I had always admired her and cast her before in smaller roles. She's always been someone where I've been waiting to see what was going to happen with her. It was an interesting opportunity to cast somebody who isn't a movie star yet but has a star quality."Ultimately, Levitt's goal was to put this kind of care and detailed thought into every single bit of the film. "It was a casting dream putting together this amazing quilt," she says. "People who see the movie appreciate that with every little part, it was really about painting the right picture and creating the right characters."Casting Director: Heidi LevittDirector: Michel HazanaviciusWriter: Michel HazanaviciusStarring: Jean Dujardin, Brnice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, Malcolm McDowell, Missi PyleThe Pitch: A silent-movie star (Dujardin) and a plucky young dancer (Bejo) find their fates inextricably linked during the advent of "talkies" in 1920s Hollywood. Casting Standout: 'The Artist' By Sarah Kuhn November 15, 2011 PHOTO CREDIT The Weinstein Company On paper, "The Artist" sounds like a risky proposition: a black-and-white silent movie starring two French actors who are virtually unknown in the United States. When casting director Heidi Levitt described the idea to her family, they were less than impressed. "They were like, 'Really?' Rolling their eyes," Levitt recalls with a chuckle. "But I thought, 'Isn't this cool?' Ironically, I feel like this is the movie I've done most recently that I think is really going to open in big theaters. I was thrilled with what it was. It was totally different from anything I had seen."When Levitt signed on, the two central rolescharismatic silent-film actor George Valentin and idealistic wannabe starlet Peppy Millerwere already filled. Filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius penned the script with French stars Jean Dujardin (who won the best actor award at this year's Cannes Film Festival for his turn in "The Artist") and Brnice Bejo in mind; he'd worked with both actors previously and is married to Bejo. "He wrote it for themit's a love letter, in some sense," Levitt says.Levitt's primary focus, then, was casting the multitude of Hollywood players who surround George and Peppy as they fall in and out of stardom. "There was a feeling that we were unearthing characters, because the film wasn't so dependent on stars," the CD recalls. "And when we cast these other lead characters, I'm so pleased that we didn't go the route of 'Here's the Hollywood name just showing up as the studio head.' We went with fantastic, well-known actors, but they were the actor's actor."Levitt and the filmmakers made wish lists of people they thought could truly embody the various roles, actors who had to be able to convey a fully rounded character in a short period via the silent-film medium. "With this movie," she says, "the supporting characters are only in it for a little bit, so you want to find people who you feel are going to pop."She was also looking for actors with a period-appropriate aestheticlike Penelope Ann Miller, who plays George's icy wife. "You had to imagine actors who could be in that period look, and there's this older-soul quality to her," says Levitt. "She had such enthusiasm when we first met, and then when she auditioned for it, it was really about exploring what her character is in that time frame, and she completely embodied it."Levitt's initial lists also included such high-profile names as John Goodman, who portrays a blustery, cigar-chomping studio head, and James Cromwell, who plays George's loyal driver-assistant. Both actors were sent the script, connected to it immediately, and jumped on board. "Actors responded yea or nay very quickly," says Levitt. "I feel like ultimately everyone fell in love with the idea of doing a silent film, but there's a risk in it: Is it going to come out campy? I think we kept things incredibly real. They all came in and just jumped into it with such gusto."In addition to Goodman, Cromwell, and other well-knowns such as Malcolm McDowell (as an expressive cohort of Peppy's), Levitt also cast some of her favorite character actorsincluding Beth Grant, "Borat" sidekick Ken Davitian, and Missi Pylein bit roles.Pyle, in particular, leaves a lasting impression as the studio head's diva of a girlfriend. "I'm a fan," Levitt says. "She has this incredible presence. She's someone who has such amazing comedic timing, and also has this sassy kind of presence that you knew was going to read. 'Studio head's girlfriend'you expect the young blonde or whatever. We went a bit against the grain. She's not the demure starlet. She's a dame."Levitt was also thrilled to cast Bitsie Tulloch, now starring on NBC's "Grimm," as an actor who stars opposite George in one of the film's many movies-within-the-movie. "I've been aware of her for a while," Levitt says. "I had always admired her and cast her before in smaller roles. She's always been someone where I've been waiting to see what was going to happen with her. It was an interesting opportunity to cast somebody who isn't a movie star yet but has a star quality."Ultimately, Levitt's goal was to put this kind of care and detailed thought into every single bit of the film. "It was a casting dream putting together this amazing quilt," she says. "People who see the movie appreciate that with every little part, it was really about painting the right picture and creating the right characters."Casting Director: Heidi Levitt Director: Michel HazanaviciusWriter: Michel HazanaviciusStarring: Jean Dujardin, Brnice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, Malcolm McDowell, Missi PyleThe Pitch: A silent-movie star (Dujardin) and a plucky young dancer (Bejo) find their fates inextricably linked during the advent of "talkies" in 1920s Hollywood.

What sort of Lie Reunited Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin

NY (AP) It absolutely was an audacious lie that really reunited Mandy Patinkin and Patti LuPone.Nine in the past, a theater in Richardson, Texas, was christening a completely new undertaking arts complex plus an overeager booker made a decision to see somewhat mind game to secure a perfect opening evening act the two Tony Award individuals who win from "Evita.""They referred to as my people and mentioned, 'We have Patti.' Plus they referred to as Patti's people and mentioned, 'We have Mandy,'" states Patinkin. "They didn't have each one of these people. Which i was pals."The pitch was this: Each artist would proceed and take stage and sing for approximately half-hour after which it perform something together and prevent hunting. That didn't attract Patinkin "I personally don't like these kind of nights," according to him which he would screw it up off until he started getting fun by using it within the mind.What about instead of among people typical benefit nights, Patinkin and LuPone joined to see their journey using familiar and unfamiliar material that was both spoken and sang? Let us say they completed a thing that could change and grow simply because they did?Patinkin, who turns 59 later this month, went lower to determine with LuPone within the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where she was starring in "Noises Off" on Broadway. They jeered in regards to the Texas offer she appeared to become prone to screw it up off which he earned his pitch."Proceed, toy," she told him after.Almost 10 years later the resulting show "A Evening Time With Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin" makes NY, making its Broadway debut within the Barrymore Theatre for 63 performances beginning November. 21.The duo sing plenty of tunes from John Kander and Fred Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, Irving Berlin, and Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Grain, yanking heavily from such shows as "South Off-shoreline," ''Merrily We Roll Along" and "Slide slide carousel." Between tunes, Patinkin and LuPone tell tales."The ligament is our life-style. We chose material spoken and sang that follows this journey. A variety of it is just costly entertainment because that's part of our life-style, too," according to him throughout the interview within the handsome Manhattan apartment. "The areas will also be areas of our life-style that are musically and lyrically echoed."The Two met in 1978 throughout rehearsals in La for "Evita," he cast as Che and he or she as Avoi Peron. Both were very eco-friendly and scared. Patinkin recalls eventually knocking on her behalf account dressing room, walking in and adopting his co-star for strength."We held each other which we spoken to each other which we developed a quiet pact with no words that we'd always remember about each other for your relaxation within our lives. I had been there for each other," according to him.InchEvita" would are a millionaire, producing Tonys for Patinkin and LuPone. Though they didn't interact again to date, they attended one another peoples wedding events and cooed over one another peoples children. When the offer from Texas came, they leaped in the chance to reunite in the two-person show."We are there for each other like I have rarely acquainted with any stage of my existence. It's like walking on steel girders after i am along with her it's safe and dangerous all concurrently,Inch according to him.InchI attempt searching in her own eyes, at different places inside the show, in quiet moments when nothing's happening, and i am over time 30-some years," he adds. "I am that 25-year-some guy. She looks the identical in my opinion. It's as being a time machine. She just whips me over time. That is miracle in my opinion.InchTalking time machines, Patinkin states he's searching toward going to a revival of "Evita" this spring starring Ough Martin as Che and Argentine actress Elena Roger in their Broadway debut as Avoi Peron. "I am unable to wait to find out it," according to him.Inside time after "Evita," Patinkin increased to become star in "Sunday neighborhood With George" and along with his various solo concert shows "Dress Casual," ''Celebrating Sondheim" and "Mamaloshen." He's also launched seven solo albums.Pianist Paul Ford, Patinkin's frequent accompanist, who certainly exist for Patinkin's concerts with LuPone, states he first met Patinkin 23 in the past after they did "Sunday neighborhood With George" together. Ford remains impressed by his friend's capacity to consider on his foot."He is regarded as the amazing improviser," states Ford, who adds the very best occasions he's ever suffered playing the piano have been getting stage with Patinkin. "He's very versatile on his foot and quick, which he just grabs an audience.InchPatinkin won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Dr. Jeffrey Geiger in "Chicago Hope," and contains starred in films for instance "Yentl" and "Ragtime." He may constantly be known to as Inigo Montoya, the swashbuckling swordsman inside the "The Princess Bride." According to him people still stop him all the time and ask for him to convey his famous line: "Hello. I am Inigo Montoya. You destroyed my father. Prepare to die."Taken he starred inside the Anne Frank play "Compulsion" within the Public Theatre and basically finished shooting the initial season of Showtime's terrorism drama "Homeland." But his heart is at music."In the event you described, 'Mandy, you have to select one factor. You have to select from film, and tv and recording and plays and concerts make a choice. You'll be able to only do one.' I'd select the concerts," according to him. "It's the freest form. It is the best.InchPatinkin celebrated his 33rd anniversary this summer season with actress and author Kathryn Grody and they have two grown sons, Isaac and Gideon. Gideon, a music artist within the own right, has began making stage to sing along with his father.Following a Broadway run, the concerts known informally as Patti-Mandy continues tour visit Might, Mo., from Jan. 17-22 California, Fla., on Feb. 14 1000 Trees, Calif., from March 20-25 Stevens Point, Wis., on March 29 and Richardson, Texas, where everything began, on Sept. 15.Patinkin is searching toward getting away . there, his eyes lighting when he talks about the pleasure in the road. According to him he loves touring, meeting people and keeping on the run. It might be demanding for a number of, while not Patinkin."I buy so relaxed within the airport terminal terminal. Nobody rushes me. I don't forget my computer inside the little bin. I thoroughly. I speak with the TSA males," according to him, laughing. "I like getting patted lower. You can't pat me lower enough."Copyright 2011 Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Poongsan

A Next Entertainment World presentation of a Kim Ki-duk Film production. (International sales: Finecut, Seoul.) Produced by Kim Ki-duk, Jeon Youn-chan. Directed by Juhn Jai-hong. Screenplay, Kim Ki-duk.With: Yun Gye-sang, Kim Gyu-ri, Kim Jong-su, Han Gi-jung, Choi Mu-seong, Yu Ha-bok, Kim Yun-tae, Bae Yong-geun, Kim Jeong-seok, Jo Jae-ryeong, Lee Nak-jun, Kim Yeong-hun, Jin Seon-gyu, Son Yeong-sun, Kim Jae-rok, Yu Sun-cheol.Kim Ki-duk must have had fun writing "Poongsan," an action-romancer about a South Korean guy whose ability to smuggle people and objects out of North Korea gets him tangled up with the secret service. Helmed by Kim's former assistant director Juhn Jai-hong (whose debut, "Beautiful," preemed at Berlin in 2008), the pic plays like an enjoyable Cold War-themed TV pilot featuring a mute protag of uncertain political persuasion whose physical endurance puts him in the near-superhero category. Budget constraints are apparent, furthering the sense of a smallscreen caper; fests and ancillary should get some traction. Poongsan is the name of a cigarette brand from North Korea and the nickname of a mysterious smuggler (Yun Gye-sang) hired to get people and things across the Demilitarized Zone from North to South. When he's caught by secret-service agents from the South, they decide to test his claim of getting from Pyongyang safely across the border in three hours. His mission: to bring back In-oak (Kim Gyu-ri), the g.f. of a recent high-level defector (Kim Jong-su) who won't fully cooperate with intelligence until she's at his side. The journey is fraught with conflict, but unsurprisingly by the time they've had their adventure -- under three hours -- her old b.f. isn't looking as appealing, following Poongsan's impressive display of brawn and wherewithal. The former lover, an arrogant, manipulative type, senses something's changed in her and colludes with South Korean intelligence (not so intelligent) to have the guy tortured on suspicion of being a North Korean agent. However, Poongsan's talents are needed, and the DMZ gets crossed more times than the Ventura freeway, resulting in kidnappings, torture and a little duplicity. The sides aren't so easy to distinguish, and it gets confusing trying to figure out who's doing what to whom and why, but through it all, our man Poongsan retains his mute appeal even under extreme duress (though he does scream out in pain). Given that this is a Kim Ki-duk-scripted pic, the action scenes are leavened with humor, and there's a certain early 1980s charm in seeing the subtitled exclamations of "You commie bastards!" The middle unquestionably sags a bit, but the energy level of the last quarter barrels forward toward an enjoyable climax. Yun's charisma and physicality provide a pleasingly ambiguous anchor to the ensuing chaos; it's easy to imagine him as the star of a TV series based on the Poongsan character. Production values reflect the tight finances, making use of noir-like tricks such as limited space and plenty of black shadow around the edges. Digital lensing looks cold and hard on the bigscreen.Camera (color, HD), Lee Jeong-in; editor, Shin Cheol; music, Park In-yeong; production designer, Lee Jong-geon; costume designer, Shin Ji-yeong; sound (Dolby Digital), Lee Seung-yeop, Kim Sang-woon. Reviewed at Rome Film Festival (competing), Oct. 30, 2011. Running time: 121 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Kim Kardashian Has Not Received Death Threats on The Set of 'The Marriage Counselor'

On Friday, reports surfaced claiming that security for Kim Kardashian was beefed up on the set of Tyler Perry's new film The Marriage Counselor after the reality star received death and kidnapping threats.our editor recommendsKim Kardashian's Husband Kris Humphries Hires Divorce LawyerKim Kardashian Quickie Marriage Mocked on CMAs (Video)Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries' Divorce Dominates 'Kourtney and Kim Take NY' (Video)Kim Kardashian Lands Role in Tyler Perrys 'Marriage Counselor' But, a rep for Kardashian tells The Hollywood Reporter that "there is no truth to her getting death and kidnapping threats." PHOTOS: Inside Kardashian Inc. Kardashian, who started filming her part for the movie Nov. 9 in Atlanta, GA, has had a rough few weeks. The Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Kourtney & Kim Take NY star filed for divorce from husband of 72 days Kris Humphries Oct. 31. Almost immediately the legitimacy of the union and Kardashian's motives for marrying the NBA star were questioned.Humphries hired his own divorce lawyer Nov. 11. PHOTOS: 19 of Hollywood's All-Time Shortest Marriages And, the backlash hasn't stopped there. Perry's loyal fan base have been writing in to his website to express their displeasure with the casting, which sees Kardashian playing Ava, the best friend of the film's protagonist (played by Friday Night Lights actress Jurnee Smollett). STORY: 10 Signs Kim Kardashian's Marriage Was One Big Hoax All Along "Personally, I am sick to death of her being glorified for nothing more than having sex on camera," wrote one. Adding, "She doesn't need the money and she certainly doesn't need any more attention. And, although I still support you, I won't be contributing one dime to anything with K. Kardashian in it." Additionally 'blacktresses' were upset with the casting, Holly Robinson Peete kidded the day Kardashian started filming, saying, "We can always count on Tyler Perry to give a 'blacktress' a job," she joked. "So, all across the world 'blacktresses' are upset." AUDIO: Kim Kardashian's Ex-Publicist Believes She Staged Her Wedding But, apparently none of the negativity has affected the burgeoning actress' on-set demeanor. A studio source tellsTHR"Kim has been nothing but low-key and agreeable on the set," adding that they haven't heard anything about threats to the actress' safety. Related Topics Kim Kardashian Tyler Perry Keeping Up With the Kardashians Kourtney & Kim Take NY

Eddie Murphy Exits as Oscar Host

Eddie Murphy has walked lower as host from the 84th Oscars telecast. The move comes a next day of show producer Brett Ratner left.Academy of movement Picture Arts and Sciences Leader Tom Sherak stated Wednesday inside a statement, "I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and that we all wish him well."Said Murphy, "First of all I wish to state that I understand fully and support each party's decision regarding a big change of producers with this year's Oscars ceremony. I had been truly searching toward being an element of the reveal that our production team and authors were just beginning to build up, but I am certain the brand new production team and host is going to do a similarly congrats.InchMuch more particulars to follow along with. The Hollywood Reporter

Carson fund to profit U of Nebraska students

And here's Johnny's scholarship The John W. Carson Foundation, named for that "Tonight Show" host and U of Nebraska alum, has gifted $a million towards the U of Nebraska Foundation to produce the Johnny Carson Chance Scholarship Fund. Gold coin aims to aid students who graduated from the Nebraska senior high school and therefore are presently signed up for UN's Hixson-Lied College of proper and Carrying out Arts. Preference will be presented to students within the School of Theater and Film, that was re-named for Carson after his dying in 2005. In 2004, Carson themself contributed a lot more than $5 million to aid film and theater programs in the college, and also to renovate and expand the Temple Building that houses Hixson-Lied's theater program. Carson's estate gave one more $5 million in 2005, following a TV icon's dying. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Puss In Boots Holds Off Tower Heist At Box Office

First Launched: November 6, 2011 2:51 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas cope with towards the premiere of Dreamworks Animations Puss In Boots within the Regency Westwood Theatre on October 23, 2011 in Westwood, California.La, Calif. -- Puss in Boots pounced on Tower Heist and Harold & Kumar laminator tl901 office. The DreamWorks 3-D animated film, compiled by Vital Pictures, acquired $33 million within the second weekend, according to studio estimations Sunday. The PG-rated film concentrating on the swashbuckling feline voiced by Antonio Banderas within the Shrek series remarkably toppled the weekends two new releases, getting its total haul to $75 million. Universals PG-13 revenge romp Tower Heist starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy snapped up $25.1million inside the No. 2 place, because the Warner Bros. R-rated follow-up A Very Harold & Kumar 3d Christmas with John Cho and Kal Penn unwrapped $13 million at No. 3. Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com, mentioned family films take time and effort to outshine. Within the re-release this year's fall in the Lion King to Dolphin Tale now Puss in Boots, it seems the household audience might be the main one you'll be able to really depend on at this time around, mentioned Dergarabedian. In my opinion the cavalry is unquestionably along the way though. We now have Immortals and also the other Twilight approaching, additionally to a few large releases in December. Anne Globe, mind of worldwide marketing and consumer products at DreamWorks, mentioned careful analysis progress the opening of Puss in Boots to the other day is really a reason the film experienced merely a 3-percent drop, the smallest ever for just about any non-holiday film, while watching 10-percent dip for Twister throughout its second weekend of release in 1996. Being No. 1 again is really amazing, mentioned Globe. Its really an unmatched hold driven by our two-weekend release strategy, which was pretty unequalled alone. Might the astounding individual to individual has provided us tremendous momentum into November, the better play period with an event-level movie like Puss in Boots. Another animated film centered outdoors from the U . s . States. The Adventures of Tintin, that's being distributed overseas through the new the new sony Pictures and Vital Pictures, scooped up $40.8 million since it elevated from 19 to 45 worldwide areas. The 3-D film, directed by Steven Spielberg and modified within the Belgian comic series, opens 12 ,. 21 within the united states . States. The 20th Century Fox science-fiction thriller With Time starring Justin Timberlake fell to No. 5 in U.S. after opening at No. 3 the other day. With Time clocked better amounts overseas, producing $16.6 000 0000 in 53 areas for just about any second-place finish behind The Adventures of Tintin, while Puss in Boots scratched out third place with $15 million in five worldwide areas. ___ Thought ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Where available, latest worldwide amounts may also be incorporated. Final domestic figures will probably be released Monday. 1. Puss in Boots, $33 million. ($15 million worldwide.) 2. Tower Heist, $25.millions of. ($9.5 million worldwide.) 3. A Very Harold & Kumar 3d Christmas, $13 million. 4. Paranormal Activity 3, $8.5 million. ($14.millions of worldwide.) 5. With Time, $7.7 million. ($16.6 000 0000 worldwide.) 6. Footloose, $4.5 million. 7. Real Steel, $3.4 million. ($10.7 million worldwide.) 8. The Rum Diary, $2.9 million. 9. The Ides of March, $2 million. 10. Moneyball, $1.9 million. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Maya acquires 'Disaster,' 'Ass Backwards'

Maya Entertainment Group has acquired the international rights to a pair of comedies -- ''It's A Disaster'' and ''Ass Backwards.'' Company is selling both projects at the American Film Market. ''It's a Disaster,'' from writer/director Todd Berger, stars Julia Stiles, David Cross and America Ferrera. Story centers on four couples who meet for Sunday brunch find themselves stranded in a house together as the world may be about to end -- with the couples not letting the potential end of the world get in the way of the relationship issues they all need to work out. ''It's A Disaster'' is the second film for Vacationeer Productions, headed by Kevin M. Brennan and Jeff Grace.''Ass Backwards'' is directed by Chris Nelson and stars Alicia Silverstone, Jon Cryer, Vincent D'Onofrio, Casey Wilson and June Diane Raphael. Story centers on two best friends living the so called ''high life'' in NY when they run into their former pageant nemesis and embark on a cross country road trip back to their hometown to attempt to win a pageant that eluded them as children. ''Ass Backwards'' was produced by Heather Rae and Molly Conners. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com