Weekend Box Office: 'Puss in Boots' Sets Halloween Record

These 'Boots' were designed for walking -- all around the box office competition. 'Shrek' spinoff 'Puss in Boots' easily won the weekend, not just outpacing two other new wide releases with a wide margin, but additionally setting an archive for that greatest Halloween weekend opening ever. The fencing feline voiced by Antonio Banderas purred his method to an believed $34 million opening. Which was a great deal under expected, because of the recognition from the 'Shrek' franchise, the fanbase the smoothness gained in three previous payments, a lift from three dimensional taxes and decent reviews and word-of-mouth. But a global Series whose clinching seventh game was performed on Friday evening along with a East snow storm on Saturday put a wet blanket on forecasts that were within the $40 to $44 million range. Still, if Sunday's estimate holds, 'Puss' will beat the Halloween weekend record of $33.six million set through the debut of 'Saw III' 5 years ago. By opening sooner than initially scheduled (the DreamWorks Animation film was slotted for November. 4 before upgrading 1 week), 'Puss' might have worked a fatal blow to last week's champion, 'Paranormal Activity 3,' which lost a hefty 65 % of their business in the second weekend. The horror prequel ended up to second place by having an believed $18.5 million -- about $two million a lot more than 'Paranormal Activity 2' gained in the second weekend, however with a significantly greater depreciation (65 % to 59 percent). Such as the previous two payments, the film is generating love-it-or-hate-it response from moviegoers. In 2 weekends, it's scared up $81.3 million. Opening in third place was 'In Time' by having an believed $12. million. That isn't far below the $13 million approximately that commentators predicted for that Justin Timberlake/Amanda Seyfried sci-fi thriller. Despite only so-so reviews, distributor twentieth century Fox should be pleased the film did better still overseas, generating $14.5 million. In the third week, 'Footloose' walked lower one rung to 4th place. Losing nearly 1 / 2 of last week's business, the dance remake walked served by an believed $5.4 million, for any total to date of $38.4 million. Just behind 'Footloose' was 'The Rum Diary,' opening in fifth place by having an believed $5. million. Johnny Depp's labor-of-love comedy, with different semi-autobiographical tale that uncle Hunter S. Thompson left unregistered for pretty much 4 decades, was likely to open around $6 or $7 million, using its literary eccentricity trumping Depp's usual box office appeal. Having a per-screen average of $2,205 on just 2,272 screens, 'Rum' is not prone to have sturdy legs. Using its release plan scaly to just 265 screens, the speculative period drama 'Anonymous' opened up outdoors the very best 10 and gained an believed $1. million. This is a modest $3,774 per screen jury continues to be on if the Shakespeare-did not-write-Shakespeare drama can drum up strong interest once it opens wider. A film which should possess a more powerful wide-release future is lengthy-distance romance 'Like Crazy,' which first showed on just four screens but gained an enormous $30,000 on each, to have an believed total of $120,000. Another large box office story a few days ago also happened from sight from the domestic top ten. It had been the worldwide opening of 'The Adventures of Tintin.' We will not begin to see the much-anticipated Steven Spielberg motion-capture saga until Christmas, but overseas, it acquired an believed $55.8 million in 19 nations. When it drops lower our chimney on 12 ,. 21, it'll be an enormous worldwide hit. 'Puss in Boots' - Trailer No. 3 The entire top ten: 1. 'Puss in Boots,' $34. million (3,952 screens), era 2. 'Paranormal Activity 3,' $18.5 million (3,329), $81.3 million total 3. 'In Time,' $12. million (3,122), era 4. 'Footloose,' $5.4 million (3,224) $38.4 million 5. 'The Rum Diary,' $5. million (2,272), era 6. 'Real Steel,' $4.7 million (2,914), $73.9 million 7. 'The Three Musketeers,' $3.5 million (3,017), $14.8 million 8. 'The Ides of March,' $2.7 million (1,572), $33.5 million 9. 'Moneyball,' $2.4 million (1,631), $67.4 million 10. 'Courageous,' $1.8 million (1,134) $27.six million [Photos: DreamWorks Animation, twentieth century Fox, FilmDistrict] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook Follow Gary Susman on Twitter: @garysusman RELATED

Robert De Niro and John Travolta Will Team For 'Killing Season'

Robert De Niro is like the Martin Scorsese of actors; dude's attached to star in pretty much every project coming out of Hollywood in the next three years. Already set to make appearances in 'Red Lights,' 'The Wedding,' 'Silver Linings Playbook' and 'The Comedian,' De Niro has affixed himself to 'Killing Season' opposite John Travolta. Directed by the inimitable Mark Steven Johnson ('Daredevil,' 'Ghost Rider'), 'Season' focuses on a reclusive military veteran (De Niro), whose idyllic life of seclusion is interrupted when a European tourist (Travolta; presumably with a hilarious accent) arrives from the veteran's past. (Deadline has the press release for 'Killing Season,' which seems to include some fairly significant spoilers.) Nu Image/Millennium Films and Corsan Pictures will produce. "We're excited to be co-financing and co-producing this film with Corsan, and to be working again with Robert De Niro and John Travolta," said Nu Image/Millennium head Avi Lerner. "We've never seen these two great actors on screen together before, and we're excited to see what comes of the combination." De Niro and Travolta are currently working with Millennium on 'The Wedding' and 'The Expendables 2,' respectively. [via Deadline] [Photos: Getty/WireImage] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Iron Guy 3 Joins Movie And TV Production Exodus To New You are able to

“The gossips are true,” a brand new You are able to TV station introduced when the governor travelled for the hometown movie studio to destroy what is the news the 2009 week. “Tony Stark as well as the third installment in the Iron Guy movie franchise will fly into Wilmington.” Good news for brand new You are able to maybe along with the La movie and TV community it felt as being a punch inside the stomach. Due to the problem’s generous 25% production credit, New You are able to’s EUE/Screen Gems Art galleries sealed the sale. Manhattan Beach-based Marvel Art galleries considered making the next movie in La like the initial few, nevertheless the 25% credit shown too much to address. California features a 25% credit which excludes large budget studio productions. Marvel also considered Michigan and New Mexico but New You are able to won out because of how large the power together with the tax credit. “We strongly attacked this little bit of business,” mentioned EUE/Screen Gems Co-Owner and COO Chris Cooney. “We talked about hard, plus it paid out off.” EVP Bill Vassar mentioned that furthermore to Screen Gems’ 10 appear stages the location features a large local crew base with experience handling five productions at the same time. Iron Guy 3 is predicted to work about $80 million into the local economy. “This is a good day for brand new You are able to,” Gov. Bev Perdue boasted. Much less well suited for La, though. “Five-hundred-fifty jobs, the relaxation from the sub-jobs, the expansion jobs, that’s exactly what it’s all likely to us here in your town.” Furthermore to Iron Guy 3, Perdue reported Hunger Games and a lot of other movies and TV work presently and recently throughout New You are able to. “The film tax credit developed a real difference.” Too complicate things, at any time when many other states, not just New You are able to, are strongly pursuing location shoots, California’s tax credit program was extended for just twelve several weeks because the Legislature didn’t think the financially strapped condition are able to afford initially recommended five-year version. L.A. wasn’t really the only city that got this kind of news recently. NBC Sports introduced it had been departing of the longtime home at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan about 35 miles on Stamford, Conn., to take full advantage of tax incentives. Connecticut offers tax credits from 10% around 30% with different production’s budget. Iron Guy 3, which New You are able to government bodies say will be the condition’s finest production yet, is predicted to create shop in Wilmington for approximately 10 several days beginning following a first of year.

'In Living Color' Returning to Fox, Keenen Ivory Wayans Creating

Fox is positioned to rebootIn Living Color. Host Keenen Ivory Wayanswill produce two half-hour special deals based on his classic sketch comedy series in early the 19 nineties, which aided launch the careers that belongs to them family additionally to people of Jamie Foxx, David Alan Grier andJim Carrey, among others. The revival continues to be billed just like a contemporary undertake the hit sketch comedy demonstrate that may have a brand new cast of fresh, youthful talent additionally to musical performances by special site visitors. The network will air the pairing this spring, using careful analysis order the show to series for next fall or mid-season. What is the news comes mere several days after Fox attempted to produce a geniune sketch comedy series,Inside the Flow with Affion Crockett. The short-were living, half-hour series situated byAffion Crockettand executive produced byJamie Foxx. The special deals will probably be produced by Ivory Way Productions in colaboration with last century Fox TV spin off Fox 21, also called the business behind Homeland, Breakout Nobleman and Sons of Anarchy. Related Subjects Keenen Ivory Wayans TV Development

What to anticipate From Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol's Wild IMAX Action Sequences [Plus: Watch the brand new Trailer]

This 12 ,. 16, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol premieres in IMAX 5 days prior to its general release. Why exactly? Most likely to encourage fans from the Tom Cruise franchise to determine the image within the large format director Kaira Bird intended when he shot half an hour-price of the 4th Ethan Search film in IMAX. To convince journalists the large format is definitely worth greater ticket prices, funding release date along with a little early buzz, Vital tested about twenty minutes price of wild action sequences in the Rave 18 theater in La a week ago. Ahead, the stomach-flipping particulars (and incredibly mild spoilers). Producer Bryan Burk (Lost, Star Trek) introduced the footage by explaining that “there’s nothing Tom loves a lot more than making these movies. […] He gives 110 percent that is daunting because I truly, on my small best day, give 5 %. He loves doing stunts and being part of it. Literally, each and every shot the thing is is Tom Cruise. You will find no stuntmen involved. He did possess a stuntman who'd get out there and test wires and things. [The stuntman] generally is courageous — aside from one fear which is levels. Fortunately for that relaxation people, Tom didn’t have that.” With this disclaimer, Burk put towards the first sequence which starts inside a jeep as Tom Cruise’s IMF agent Ethan Search and the team (composed of Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton and, delivering the comic relief, Simon Pegg) speed towards Dubai. “They are actually on ghost protocol meaning the whole agency is shut lower — it doesn't exist,” described Burk in advance. The foursome heads towards the greatest building on the planet, the Burj Khalifa to “to stop a conference between a couple who shouldn't be meeting.” Once setup inside — with Patton’s character surveying the right floor in disguise — Renner, Cruise and Pegg’s figures work out how they'll infiltrate an impenetrable suite high above them. Your best option they've, it appears, is perfect for Search to scale your building with hi-tech “sticky mitts” that may support his weight and adhere themself towards the building. The only issue? They, being such new technology, from time to time malfunction — once the film’s hero is almost one half mile above ground. The whole sequence is shot in dizzying IMAX with sweeping creating shots showing a attractive city — and so the insanely high building that Cruise increases. One particularly stomach-churning shot pans in the building before flipping within the tower — searching lower — and keeps going. Another impressive shot runs lower along side it from the building, giving audiences the sense that they're riding a ride. Without giving an excessive amount of away, the strain-filled sequence — throughout which Ethan Hawke’s existence reaches risk multiple occasions — finishes using the perfect comedy button from Simon Pegg. The levity was, as Burk described, something which wasn't area of the Jason Bourne franchise in advance but something which director Bird felt enthusiastic about infusing in to the 4th installment. The 2nd sequence proven would be a high-pace chase scene that happens throughout a sandstorm. Audience people cannot see anything except sand granules whipping their way and Tom Cruise, who's instructed to chase a baddie utilizing a Gps navigation tracker device only since he cannot see a lot more than six inches before him. Oh, and i adore that thing about this chase happens in automobiles racing at high speeds? The scene finishes because the sand storm does — the haze and sand fall away and Cruise remains looking at his target because he speeds away. So yes, if you are planning to create a visit to the local IMAX theater this holidays, maybe consider Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol. Tom Cruise only risked his existence to provide you with these dying-repel movie thrills. Watch the brand new trailer, thanks to Yahoo: Follow Julie Burns on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Healthy Hollywood: Wellness Wednesday Salma Hayeks Healing Gift!

First Published: October 26, 2011 3:10 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images NY., N.Y. -- Caption Salma Hayek attends the Puss In Boots NY screening at The Hearst Tower on October 24, 2011Have a friend in need of a pick-me-up? Forget flowers, chocolate or cupcakes - so 2010 instead tell them you care with the gift of health yummy organic juices. Salma Hayek and her juicing guru, Eric Helms, (together they created the wildly popular juice detox - Cooler Cleanse), are now offering the immune-boosting Healing Cooler. Its a six-pack of fresh-pressed juices to send to a friend - loved one or even yourself! Choose from three categories Immunity, Strength, or Recovery or design your own cooler. These pressed juices are a true gourmet treat they put a smile on anyones face, reveals Salma. Doctors, healers and nutritionists have plenty to say about the preventive and healing powers of fresh pressed juices, reveals Healing Cooler co-founder Helms. Whether used as daily supplements to support a healthy lifestyle or in times of illness to aid recovery, the easy-to-absorb nutrients in juices give them super-food status, adds Helms. Plus, Healthy Hollywood tried and tested the juices and they are truly delicious. I am still craving the Pear Mint and Apple Lemon Ginger. Remember, the Healing Cooler isnt meant to be used as a juice fast. Instead drink them as an addition to your daily diet. You could drink two juices a day in addition to healthy meals for a great boost of vitamins. We suggest eating fresh salads (made with ingredients such as avocados, black beans, sunflower seeds, lemon juice, carrots, bell peppers, and other raw veggies), fresh fruits, lean organic protein (such as fish or hormone-free chicken), and whole grains, reveals Eric. So, why not give the gift of health so 2011! Healthy Hollywood will drink to that. Check out the Healing Cooler at www.healingcooler.com Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Walking Dead Will get Season 3 Pick-Up

First Released: October 25, 2011 3:27 PM EDT Credit: AMC Caption Andrew Lincoln subsequently as Ron Grimes on AMCs breakout show about making it through inside a zombie plagued world, The Walking Dead La, Calif. -- Sheriff Ron Grimes is returning for any third season to provide quick justice to individuals flesh-loving zombies around the Walking Dead. AMC confirmed on Tuesday they greenlit Season 3 from the survivalists-meet-zombies drama, according to Robert Kirkmans comic series, and starring Brit Andrew Lincoln subsequently. Today we're very happy to announce the dead shall live once we happily renew The Walking Dead for any third season on AMC and, globally, with this terrific partners at Fox Worldwide Channels, AMC Leader Charlie Collier stated inside a statement. We're grateful for everyones contribution before and behind your camera once we keep The Walking Dead a distinctive television experience. And, we're so proud because it is constantly on the set viewership records all over the world. The Walking Dead is a major hit for AMC in the second season, which just broadcast its second episode on Sunday. The shows season premiere earlier this year came in over 11 million audiences. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

ROLL CALL: Are Scarlett Johansson & Joseph Gordon-Levitt An Item?

First Published: October 20, 2011 1:15 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images Caption Scarlett Johansson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are seen at Spike TVs 4th Annual Guys Choice Awards in Los Angeles on June 5, 2010LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Your Daily Dispatch of Celebrity Shenanigans A New Man For ScarJo?: New couple alert or just rumors? The latest celebrity pairing in the midst of an are they or arent they? is Scarlett Johansson, 26, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 30. Us Weekly reported that the pair was caught kissing last month in NY City. But over at Celebuzz, the night of the lip lock is being shot down. Joseph wasnt even in NYC the night that Us Weekly is reporting they were spotted together, a rep for the actor told the site. The duos couple status appears to be up in the air for now, but Roll Call is completely behind these two as a couple. Good Riddance!: After more fights than we can count, Jersey Shores resident couple, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and Sammi Giancola, have split again. We are not together, Ronnie told Us Weekly on Tuesday. Does this mean a Deena/Ronnie smoosh isnt too far off? RiRis New Video: In case you missed it, now we see what all the fuss from the Irish farmer was about while Rihanna was shooting her new racy video for We Found Love. The singer and British boxer/model Dudley OShaughnessy let it all out in the video that is filled with sex, drugs and pop music. Check out the We Found Love video, HERE! A Lohan Shot, No Mug: In some Lohan news that doesnt involve authorities taking the photo, Lindsays young sister, Ali, has made her magazine cover debut on Fault magazines winter 2010 cover. Check it out, HERE! -By Jesse Spero Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Bingham Ray Named Executive Director in the San Francisco Bay Area Film Society

Bingham Ray, a skilled in the indie film scene, remains named executive director in the San Francisco Bay Area Film Society.our editor recommendsGraham Leggat, Former Executive Director in the San Francisco Bay Area Film Society, Dies at 51 Coping with the completely new role November. 7, he works Graham Leggat, who died August. 25 after an 18-month fight with cancer. Leggat, who had previously been the organization's executive director since 2005, walked reduced the task in June because of health issues. Ray, who began his career just like a manager and programmer in the Bleeker Street Cinema three decades ago, cofounded October Films in 1991 and offered becasue it is co-leader until its purchase to USA Systems in 1999. He subsequently went United states . Artists becasue it is leader from 2001 to 2004. In 2007, he grew to become an associate of Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, where he spent three years, first as leader of Kimmel Distribution after which it as leader of creative matters. Most recently, he's offered just like a programming consultant for your Film Society of Lincoln subsequently subsequently Center, executive consultant to SnagFilms and adjunct professor at NY University's Tisch School in the Arts. "Handful of veteran industry professionals tend to be highly regarded as as, have bigger experience or possibly a much better good reputation for success in many regions of the film world than Bingham. Along with his extensive background just like a major studio executive, founding father of October Films, adjunct professor at NYU and consultant to many film towns, festivals and corporations, Bingham is a perfect and timely fit to carry on Graham's legacy and develop the inspiration within our year-round exhibition, education and filmmaker services programs," Pat McBaine, SFFS board leader mentioned. "This opportunity defines the old saying 'too good actually was' personally,In . Ray mentioned. "Being requested in your thoughts one of the world's finest, most exclusive film towns, inside the world's finest urban centers, is beyond amazing. Walking in behind Graham Leggat can be a challenging task. He elevated the San Francisco Bay Area Film Society which is great festival to world-class levels and set together an incredibly gifted staff, which derive from a progressive, passionate and involved board of company company directors. I'm thrilled to remain in such great company and welcome the down sides later on in this exciting new personal and professional chapter." Furthermore to controlling year-round programming, the SFFS presentes the annual San Francisco Bay Area Worldwide Film Festival, which will next occur April 19 to May 3, 2012. Related Subjects

How To Become A Gentleman Drawn From Saturdays After One Airing

After 2 low-ranked airings in the high-profile Thursday 8:30 PM slot, rookie comedy How To become a Gentleman was consigned to Saturdays a week ago. But after one outing in the new Saturday berth, the comedy continues to be drawn after that too. Within the fast excellent, the initial Gentleman came 2.4 million audiences at 8:30 PM, shedding from the lead-in, a 2 . 5 Males repeat (3.six million).

Selena Gomez Granted Constraint Order

Selena Gomez Selena Gomez remains granted a short constraint order against a man who police mentioned threatened the Masters of magic of Waverly Place star, The Connected Press reviews.Per a purchase, which was granted Thursday in Burbank, Calif., Thomas Brodnicki must stay 100 yards from Gomez and her workplace until a November. 4 hearing, throughout the order may be extended for three years.Have a look at photos of Selena GomezAccording for the filings, mental health employees informed condition police after Brodnicki, 46, threatened to harm or kill Gomez, 19. Gomez mentioned in the sworn declaration they is at "extreme fear" of Brodnicki.

Fashion Hits and Misses within the Clinton Foundation's Decade of Difference Fundraiser event

A sum you place onto satisfy former POTUS Bill Clinton within the Clinton Foundation's Decade of Difference Fundraiser event? Maybe you'd get a appropriate and politically correct classic LBD like Julie Benz and Mira Sorvino. But we wager you wouldn't placed on what some stars did. We spotted a few clothes which happen to be saved for Halloween parties on March. 31.

Alec Baldwin Setting up Post-'30 Rock' Life

NY (AP) Alec Baldwin is preparing for life after "30 Rock," working with NY public radio on an interview show that will be available via podcast starting Oct. 24.The first interview posted will be with actor Michael Douglas, who talks about watching "Glee" with his young daughter. Other interviews to follow will be with Republican campaign strategist Ed Rollins, reality-show celebrity Kris Kardashian Jenner, comic Chris Rock, actress Kathleen Turner, author Erica Jong and veteran talk-show host Dick Cavett, station WNYC said Thursday.Baldwin said that he's been exploring other things to do, knowing that his small-screen life as crazed corporate executive Jack Donaghy is heading toward its end.Baldwin has won Emmys for his comic portrayal of a TV network boss. He said he likes to use his spare time to satisfy the need to do other things.His mixture of guests on the radio show will take in several fields, although he leans toward fellow entertainers. Baldwin said he's particularly interested in talking with show-biz veterans about the directions their careers have taken and how they keep the juices flowing.He's an admitted "public radio junkie" who has filled in on the air for NY's WNYC and also helped with fund drives. After his on-air work as a substitute host for Kurt Andersen, both Baldwin and WNYC were interested in doing something more, said Dean Cappello, senior vice president for programming at NY public radio."Alec is one of our hometown guys," he said.New interviews will be available about once a week. Cappello said he expects they will eventually be made into an on-air radio show, but those plans aren't set yet.Baldwin said his "30 Rock" contract ends after the upcoming sixth season on NBC, which will begin with Donaghy "in agony" because his wife is being held captive in North Korea. There's a possibility the show might be extended another year, but he said he's not sure whether he wants to do it."I might," he said. "I wouldn't want to prevent them from having another year, because they're all my friends and they've been good to me. Maybe I would do a piece of the year. But I really do want to move on to other things."His "30 Rock" work has led to movie offers he wants to explore. Baldwin, 53, has also talked about getting into politics someday, but that would require a transformation that would take time."I have to finish what I'm doing now and separate these two parts of my life," he said. "I haven't really formalized that. It's like the difference between going to Jon Stewart and Jim Lehrer. The jokes have to stop, everything has to be on the record."No one appreciates the run he's been on better than Baldwin."The life I have now is not going to get any better," he said. "I have a great job. Everybody thinks I'm funny. I'm fooling everybody. They think I'm talented. I'm pulling the wool over everybody's eyes and they're paying me for it. It's thrilling."Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Maya Rudolph: My Up All Night Character Is Not Based On Oprah

First Published: October 12, 2011 4:51 PM EDT Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Maya Rudolph stops by Access Hollywood Live on October 12, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Comedy genius and Up All Night star Maya Rudolph might have poked fun at Oprah during her days on Saturday Night Live, but the actress says her current role on her new NBC comedy is not based on the media mogul. Maya stopped by Access Hollywood Live on Wednesday, where she explained that her Ava character, an eccentric daytime talk show host, is not paying homage to the Queen of OWN. People always think Im doing Oprah, I guess because I did Oprah on the show, Maya said of Ava, who in the shows most recent episode blows off reading a book on the economic crisis to cut loose in Las Vegas at a foam party. You definitely have to have [gumption] to be a talk show host. I dont think I could personally pull it off being myself, she continued. Im sort of infusing Ava with this regalness that I think is fun to play. Maya also had high praise for recent SNL host and longtime friend Melissa McCarthy. I used to be at the Groundlings with Melissa, Ive known the secret of Melissa McCarthy for a long time, she said of the Emmy winner. You saw on SNL, she should be a cast member for sure. Shes one of the funniest people I have ever known and worked with. Up All Night, which also stars Christina Applegate and Will Arnett, airs Wednesdays at 8 PM on NBC. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Memphis Beat Creators Sell Drama To NBC, Jamie Tarses Sets Up Two More Comedies

NBC has bought one-hour drama pitch The Meadows from husband & wife Memphis Beat creators Liz Garcia and Joshua Harto, while Jamie Tarses’ Sony TV-based company has sold 2 more comedy pitches, Teresa Strasser’s Mother Teresa to ABC and an untitled David Lampson/Andrew Leeds project to Fox. Described as a complex, high stakes, character-driven drama that takes place both in the 1960s and the present, The Meadows will be executive produced by Scott Stuber and his development executive Quan Phung through Universal Television where Stuber Pictures has an overall deal. It follows 2 parallel storylines: In the 60s, Lucia ‘Lucy’ Cortes, a Mexican-American woman who’s fled an abusive marriage with her 12 year-old son Tommy, starts her life over in Las Vegas. In present day, Tommy is a powerful, enigmatic casino owner poised to become the King of Vegas. The show chronicles how the outsider from the wrong side of the tracks was able to rise to the top and explores the dark mystery that threatens to take it all away from him. Garcia and Harto, repped by CAA and Madhouse Entertainment, are the creators/executive producers of TNT Memphis Beat, which is on the bubble after completing its second season. Additionally, Garcia is writing the feature French Women Don’t Eat Fat for Hillary Swank to produce for Alcon Entertainment. ABC’s single-camera Mother Teresa will be written by Teresa Strasser based on her book Exploiting My Baby: Because It’s Exploiting Me. It centers on a working mom whose slightly estranged, hippy mother comes back to live with them to take care of the new baby. The Lampson/Leeds comedy at Fox is about a larger-than-life family man who constantly finds himself overly involved in the lives of those around him to help them reach their full potential.

Mikey Welsh, Former Weezer Bassist, Dies at 40

Mikey Welsh, the former bassist for Weezer, has died. He was 40 years old.our editor recommendsConcert Review: Weezer Revisits Its Classic 'Pinkerton,' 'Blue Album'Related Topics•Obituaries The news came via an October 8 message posted by his family on Twitter and Facebook, which read, "We are deeply saddened to announce that Mikey Welsh passed away unexpectedly today. He will forever be remembered as an amazing father, artist, and friend. May he rest in peace." Welsh joined Weezer following original bassist Matt Sharp's exit in 1998. He played on the band's 2001 album, known colloquially as "The Green Album," and can be heard on such hits as "Island in the Sun" and "Hash Pipe." That same year, the Boston-based musician, who was also a touring bassist for Juliana Hatfield, suffered a mental breakdown and later attempted suicide. "Basically, a lifetime of doing drugs and being undiagnosed as having disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder finally caught up with me when I was 30 years old," Welsh said in a 2007 interview. "At the beginning of a 3-month European tour with Weezer, I started slowly falling apart." Welsh then dedicated himself to his love of another art, painting. He lived in Burlington, Vermont, where he worked on large-scale figures and abstracts. The cause of death has yet to be determined. Weezer reacted to news of his passing on the band's official Twitter, writing, "We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the awful news, our friend and fellow weez rocker @mikeywelsh71 has passed away. We love u Mikey." Welsh published a series of cryptic tweets in the weeks leading up to his death. He wrote on Sept. 26: "dreamt i died in chicago next weekend (heart attack in my sleep). need to write my will today." On Oct. 4, Welsh wrote that he arrived in Chicago. In a curious coincidence, web site Kick Axe Music points out that Weezer is scheduled to headline the city's Riot Fest on Sunday. Read more about Welsh and see some of his artwork on his blog. Related Topics Weezer

Farhadi: A Persian poet in pictures

Iranian helmer Asghar Farhadi is Variety's Middle East Filmmaker of the YearWithout a doubt, this is helmer-scribe Asghar Farhadi's year. In February, his fifth feature "A Separation," became the first Iranian film to nab Berlin's Golden Bear. A clear favorite of the Berlinale jury, the pic also claimed acting kudos for the male and female ensemble cast, which included Farhadi's teen daughter Sarina. Meanwhile, back in Tehran, the drama collected a record seven prizes at the Fajr Film Festival.Although the Iranian titles acclaimed at foreign fests have not always been popular in the domestic market or in arthouse distribution offshore, "Separation" bucks the trend. Since spring, the film has gone from strength to strength, approaching a million admissions in France and turning into a major hit at home, selling distribution rights in every territory and accumulating prestigious honors. Forthcoming Stateside via Sony Classics, it is the Islamic Republic's candidate for the foreign-language film Oscar.Farhadi, who is to receive Variety's Middle East Filmmaker of the Year award at Abu Dhabi, is the perfect choice, says Variety international director Alberto Lopez. " 'A Separation' is a shining testament to transcending borders and the power of cinema. Asghar Farhadi has created a universal and unforgettable story that lingers long in the memory."In telling the story of a secular middle-class family in the midst of upheaval that winds up in conflict with a poor religious family, the 39-year-old Farhadi shines a light on the complexities and contradictions of contempo Iranian society while incorporating issues of gender, class, justice, personal honor and wounded pride. Like Alfred Hitchcock, he takes advantage of situational suspense to ratchet up tension from scene to scene as new details emerge that change the tale's moral perspective and shift viewers' sympathies.More importantly, in anatomizing his faceoff between modern beliefs and traditional practices Farhadi never passes judgment on any of his characters; instead, he allows the intricate twists and turns of the plot to call their positions into question.He notes, "If you give an answer to your viewers, your film will simply finish in the movie theater. But when you pose questions, your film actually begins after people watch it it continues inside the viewer."Farhadi also played with ambiguity instead of imposing answers in his earlier works, particularly in "About Elly" (2009). Those familiar with his previous films will also recognize how their themes are cleverly combined and reworked in "Separation": the look at Islamic justice and forgiveness from "Beautiful City" (2004), the fraught middle-class marriage from "Fireworks Wednesday" (2006) and the difference in social mores across the class divide from "About Elly."Farhadi is one of the rare filmmakers able to realistically depict the urban middle and lower classes and elicit dramatic tension from their discordances. He relies on in-depth character development, precise casting, extensive rehearsals and perceptive thesping to achieve credible characters whose actions are always comprehensible and whose scripted dialogue comes across as real-speak.Since his feature debut "Dancing in the Dust" (2003), Farhadi has gradually gathered a strong team of technicians around him, but "A Separation" marks his first collaboration with lenser Mahmud Kalari, Iran's finest cinematographer. Together, they make the film as rich formally as it is on every other level. The use of interior space is particularly remarkable, with the central visual motif of open and closed doors integral to the plot. Sound, too, becomes crucial as Farhadi plays throughout with what is heard and not seen.Farhadi's psychologically complex and dramatically engrossing films are far more accessible than the highly symbolic works of some of his compatriots. They are also more meaningful than the sentimental, children-on-a-quest tales from Iran that found Western arthouse favor in the late 1990s.At a time in which harsh censorship has derailed the careers of so many Iranian artists, one can only hope that Farhadi's clear-eyed look at his own culture will continue to be treasured at home as well as abroad.He's cognizant of the fine line he treads. After his Berlin win, he was asked to speak about the situation in Iran. His reply: "I can either say what you want me to say and the result would be that I get into trouble and can't make films anymore. Or I can say as much as I'm allowed to and continue making films. I prefer making films. I'm not a hero, I'm a filmmaker."FEST TRAVELER: ABU DHABIAbu Dhabi blends talents | Circle Conference victim of its own success | A Persian poet in pictures Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Director of 'Judge Dredd' Remake Reportedly Gets Fired

It's rare that a director gets fired from a production after filming wraps, but according to the LA Times that's just what happened to 'Dredd' director Pete Travis. Per the Times, creative disagreements between producers and executives reached a boiling point recently, causing Travis's ouster. Writer-producer Alex Garland ('28 Days Later') is now taking over post-production tasks and may even seek a co-directing credit for all the work he has put in over the course of the movie. If you're still trying to figure out why a remake was even considered for Sylvester Stallone's cheesy futuristic cop drama 'Judge Dredd,' this news certainly doesn't offer any answers. [via LA Times] [Photo: Chelsea Lauren/WireImage.com] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

'Ides Of March' Star Ryan Gosling Won't 'Fracture' In Current day Sick Day Stash

Contact them "cult classics." "Guilty pleasures." "Comfort movies." Everybody includes a mental rolodex of movies that is probably not terribly popular but, for whatever reason, they resonate really special way. You might first seen it within the right moment. You might just see gold where everyone else sees feces. No matter the problem, fundamental necessities special faves that you just keep saved away for sick days. They are a couple of of ours. Ryan Gosling will complete his film hat trick a couple of days ago while using political drama "The Ides of March," playing a hungry press secretary round the campaign trail with George Clooney's serious presidential candidate, Mike Morris. The film, good Love Willimon play "Farragut North," will get the kind of approval rating a worldwide leader would kill for, before you decide to slap decrease your $10 and strain on the Junior Mints, It is advisable to have a look at another of Gosling's intrigues, 2007's "Fracture." Really, I'd call the underrated crime drama a companion little bit of sorts to "Ides of March." I'm speaking about, following a occasions of "Fracture," I really could totally see Gosling's Willy Beachum eschewing the district attorney's office meant for a political position supporting a man he thinks could affect the country. However I am getting before myself. After I alluded to, "Fracture" follows Gosling as hot-shot deputy da Beachum, who's been designated getting a apparently open-and-shut situation: the prosecution of Ted Crawford (Anthony Hopkins), who recognized to shooting his wife. Nevertheless the attempted murder situation (predictably) doesn't go as planned. For starters, the arresting officer ("Twilight"'s Billy Burke) was getting an affair while using victim and assaulted Crawford upon arrest. For the next, Crawford's gun does not match the murder weapon. Safeguarding themselves, Crawford increases against cocksure Beachum which is found innocent. It might be feasible for Beachum to disregard this failure (among very handful of), considering he's been attracted on for just about any classy position inside a corporate lawyer. But much like a detective who's flagged a scenario during the time of his retirement, Beachum can't shake Crawford's win in the courtroom. In many twists and turns (which i won't reveal because they'd hands the satisfying finale), Beachum finally realizes Crawford hasn't committed a perfect crime and sets about ensnaring his finest antagonist. Getting a darkly playful cat-and-mouse setup and a lot of imaginative lawyering, "Fracture" might be the kind of feature that "Law and Order" fans will consume getting a spoon. To make certain, it's less than on componen with the most popular Anthony Hopkins thriller, "The Silence in the Lamb," but it's not just a stretch to call Gosling and Hopkins the 2nd-day Starling and Lecter. Their chemistry is just so great. Reveal relating to your Sick Day Stash picks inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

Social Energy Ratings: Glee Makes People Cry!

Glee "Asian F," Tuesday's emotional ride of the episode of Glee, certainly got people speaking - and consequently, it's really no. one in Wednesday's Social Energy Ratings. The consensus? It made people literally be sad. "Last evening I had been a crying mess. Anybody who has been around a drama club or perhaps a glee club knows the feelings Mercedes has," states TVGuide.com commenter Giovanni Moretti. "When Will sang to Emma, which was it, throughout, the whole box of Puffs vanished.Inch Fans were also glad to determine Mike Chang and Brittany Pierce take center stage. "It's strange to consider that in Season 1 Brittany and Mike were just window dressing," states TVGuide.com commenter bobby-j. "Louise [Morris] and Harry [Shum] have proven that they'll dance, act, and sing. It had been nice seeing them benefiting from good screen time."Other hot subjects: Wednesday's premiere of yankee Horror Story, the potential finish from the Simpsons' 23-season run and also the cancellation from the Playboy Club. User @nevrothwen tweeted: "Am I the only person who really loved Playboy Club?" Answer: Yes. (Sorry.)Return anytime to determine the most recent Social Energy Ratings, that are up-to-date instantly through the week.

ROLL CALL: Will Kristen Wiig Leave Saturday Evening Live?

First Released: October 5, 2011 1:57 PM EDT Credit: NBC Caption Elton John and Kristen Wiig perform on Saturday Evening Survive April 2, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Your Everyday Dispatch of Celebrity Shenanigans Wiigs SNL Days Designated?: Is Bridesmaids star Kristen Wiig departing NBCs Saturday Evening Live in the finish of the season? Based on a Showbiz411 source, the actress is thinking about exiting the most popular series after seven seasons and three Emmy nominations. Forget about Target Lady, Penelope, Two A-Holes, game show great Mindy Graycin and Dooneese?!?! Say it aint so, Kristen! Melissa McCarthy Will get Standing O!: Talking about SNL best, last days stellar host, Melissa McCarthy and husband Ben Falcone received a standing ovation from patrons now when she stopped by Mortons Steakhouse in Burbank, Calif., People reported. The Emmy champion apparently smiled and chuckled in the taking a shower of attention after which purchased a Cajun ribeye steak together with her husband. Newly-weds Alert!: Blake and Leo may be on the one-way train to Splitsville, USA, but Blakes ex and current Gossip Girl co-star, Penn Badgley, seems to at the time of the new romance. The actor was spotted staking a stroll with Zoe Kravitz in NY City on Tuesday. Based on Us Weekly, the happy couple shared a hug before parting ways. Browse the reported newly-weds, HERE! Another Guy Of Steel!: Kellan Lutz was spotted revealing his ripped body (and equally ripped armor) inside a new pic for that approaching Immortals, that also stars the particular Guy of Steel, Henry Cavill. Take a look at Kellan like a Greek Warrior, HERE! -By Jesse Spero Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Fox Threatens End of 'Simpsons' if Voice Actors Don't Accept 45% Pay Cut

NEW YORK - The latest pay dispute between News Corp.'s Fox and the six principle voice actors on "The Simpsons" may bring an end to the hit show in the spring, the "Daily Beast" reported.20th Century Fox Television executives are looking for a 45 percent salary cut, according to the report. If the cast doesn't accept the reduction, the animated series, currently in its 23rd season, will come to an end in the spring, the studios executives have threatened, the "Daily Beast" said.Pay issues are nothing new for the evergreen Sunday night show. Executives at 20th Century Fox have in the past sometimes suggested that they could replace current cast members with other voice actors if pay disputes don't get resolved.A Fox studio spokesman had no comment late Monday night, the "Daily Beast" said.The top voice actors on the animated hit show get $400,000 per episode under their current deal.Fox network entertainment president Kevin Reilly recently told "The Hollywood Reporter" that the company is looking at options for the "Simpsons" after talk of a possible "Simpsons" network emerged."We're having conversations with [executive producer] Jim Brooks trying to figure out what the next chapter looks like," he said. "I certainly don't want it to be on my watch where we have to make that change." The Hollywood Reporter

X-Men: First Class Full Movie

'Immortals' Mondays: Henry Cavill Strikes Fear In This Exclusive Photo

"Immortals" Mondays continue now! After stating to provide a distinctive consider first the "Immortals: Gods and Heroes" graphic novel plus a full chapter excerpt the other day, we're back today getting a start searching at leading guy Henry Cavill inside the thick in the mythological action. In this exclusive still from Tarsem Singh's latest picture of epic proportions is Theseus (Cavill), only peasant who's elevated to mythic levels when Zeus (Luke Evans) and also the pantheon of Gods choose him to safeguard their number in the Leaders, introduced by Hyperion (Mickey Rourke). Within the possession might be the Epirius Bow, popular weapon manufactured with the god of war Ares (Daniel Sharman) Robin Hood, eat your heart out! Reveal everything you consider the completely new "Immortals" photo inside the comments section and also on Twitter, and remain updated inside a couple of days for further "Immortals" Mondays action!

Women spring ahead in TV biz

al-JarmanTEL AVIV -- For women who live been making inroads in each and every area of the entertainment business, therefore it only is sensible that in the centre East, lengthy noted for its patriarchies, another type of Arab Spring continues to be silently blooming for any couple of years in conference rooms and also at the business level. And like all good inclusive wave, its forward momentum has broached all in the path, Arab and Israeli, getting its success towards the shores of Hollywood.Sarah al-Jarman is youthful, Muslim and busting stereotypes. Inside a region around the globe where only 26% of women are utilized, Jarman, 27, may be the director of Dubai One, an exciting-British-language entertainment funnel underneath the auspices of Dubai Media Corporation. (DMI) which has a wide following among expats and native Arabs alike."There is always this taboo the media area was technical, therefore it wasn't where for Emirati women, especially becasue it is a conservative society," Jarman states. "Beginning at DMI, there have been merely a couple of people, however they supported the women in the same manner because they did the males."Jarman found Dubai One fresh from school and labored her in place the ranks. She was programming and purchases manager, acting funnel manager, after which funnel manager before her promotion to director. The hallmark of her work -- as well as Dubai One -- is a mixture of secular and religious programming the funnel created an British-language Ramadan special known as "Understanding Islam." Jarman assisted orchestrate "Studio One," a life styles program and "Emirates 24/7," a regular business show.Dubai is really a host to superlatives. Within this opulent desert city, in which the world's highest building and also the only seven-star hotel shimmer among other highrises within the blistering warmth, records practically beg to become damaged. So it's fitting that here, Jarman along with other ambitious, hijab-putting on women are earning names on their own within the uber-new office complexes of Dubai Media City, a tax-free zone that's run through the Dubai government and hosts a lot more than 1,300 companies.Indeed, global TV giant FremantleMedia Businesses just setup shop in Dubai, headed by Middle East Vice president Anahita Kheder. Among Jarman's mentors was Najla al-Awadhi , who had been Boss of channels at DMI for over a decade before she left the organization to consider a parliamentary appointment. Al-Awadhi's resume particulars a number of damaged obstacles: first lady inside a Gulf country to popularity amounts of a condition-run media group first lady within the good reputation for the U . s . Arab Emirates for everyone in parliament youngest UAE parliamentary member. Awadhi ankled parliament in 2007 to found her very own working as a consultant firm. She creates a monthly column for Gulf News, the UAE's leading British-language newspaper. Both Awadhi and Jarman think that the onus for women's privileges lies with females. States Jarman: "When it comes to exactly what the government is supplying, when it comes to exactly what the country is supplying, it's open for anybody. I believe (equality gaps) originate from women themselves being perhaps a little reluctant, and thinking two times when it comes to what's traditional and what's not." Over the Arabian Peninsula is Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a cosmopolitan port city noted for its diversity and tolerance. It's here that Danya Alhamrani and Dania Nassief (both pronounce their names "Don-yah") founded Eggdancer Prods., a completely independent film and tv company, in 2006.In 2008, on the lark, Alhamrani put on take part in Anthony Bourdain's "No Bookings" fan-driven special, and was selected to function as a local guide. Bourdain and the crew travelled to Jeddah, with Nassief juggling the logistics, Eggdancer was credited like a area producer around the episode.Eggdancer produces documentaries, sitcoms and religious programming, including an Imax film concerning the Haj -- the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca -- in addition to cooking show "Khushu Almatbakh" (Enter your kitchen) a documentary on youthful people, "Kalam Kabeer" (Large Talk) that has high-school and college-age males and ladies explaining their lives along with a doc on the youthful Saudi Arabia nurse, "My Story." Alharmani and Nassief were the very first Saudi women to become granted a permit to operate their very own business with no male business partner -- a considerable task inside a nation by which women are forbidden they are driving or come in public with no male chaperone. King Abdullah granted women the authority to election and run for office on Sept. 26 -- but that right won't get into effect for an additional 4 years.Alharmani and Nassief are childhood buddies who have been both educated abroad, Alharmani in North Park and Nassief in Southhampton, U.K., before coming back to Saudi Arabia. Alharmani handles the creative facets of the organization, and Nassief, that has a diploma in information systems, handles the company finish. They're happy with the things they for Saudi women, they are saying, but they are more concerned their work speak by itself.InchMost Westerners know of the Middle East with the news, plus they know what are you doing politically, but they do not know concerning the culture. They do not know the interior story," Nassief states. It's as much as the Saudis to alter that, Alharmani states. "It isn't that individuals are holding onto their stereotypes -- they have never seen other things."For women who live been making inroads in Middle East media for quite a while, however the Arab Spring -- which, among other effects, introduced Arab media shops for example Al Jazeera into Western living spaces more frequently -- pressed individuals changes towards the forefront. "The Arab Spring has shattered a variety of misconceptions and stereotypes held in the western world about people in the centre East," states Deepa Kumar, connect professor of Media Studies and Middle East Studies at Rutgers U. In Israel, where for women who live loved greater gender equality, some female media professionals have discovered success in Hollywood by pushing a cultural mutual understanding.10 years ago, 34-year-old Israeli actress and producer Noa Tishby, a family group title in her own homeland, left Tel Aviv to allow it to be in La. A couple of years later, when she offered Cinemax the privileges to "In Treatment" ("B'Tipul"), probably the most effective dramas in Israeli history, she understood she'd come across something, mentioning that Israel and also the U.S. share remarkably similar cultures.While "In Treatment" never obtained large rankings for that pay cabler, it had been a vital success. The show, starring Gabriel Byrne, won acting Emmys for Dianne Wiest and Glynn Turman along with a Golden Globe for Byrne in the three seasons. Tishby has since released her very own production company, Noa's Arc, and offered two more Israeli formats to Cinemax. A large number of Israeli programs are increasingly being looked to U.S. systems, a phenomenon that Tishby does not hesitate to consider credit for."Innovation in Israel is overall. Entertainment is simply another facet of it," she states. "I am thrilled to possess essentially began this industry."Over the Eco-friendly Line from Tishby's home town of Ramat Aviv, Israel, in the western world Bank capital of scotland - Ramallah, Samar Stephan, a producer and filmmaker, has spent yesteryear decade employed in TV. She began like a satellite coordinator and desk producer for Link productions before moving to Reuters TV like a freelance worker. This Year, with Pina TV Prods., she produced a real possibility series, "Sleep deprived in Gaza and Jerusalem," that recorded the great, bad and ugly of Palestinian women's lives under occupation."As the show does not walk out its method to be political, it remains heavily so, because existence within foreign military occupation is naturally and unavoidably political," Omar Baddar authored around the Huffington Publish website after viewing the series, that is on YouTube. Stephan states that in her own years employed in TV within the Palestinian areas, she's seen increasingly more women go into the ranks. But what's also notable, she states, is the fact that women are completing the technical side from the business, too.InchWe currently see camerawomen within the area standing alongside with males," she states. "After a while we see more equality in pay."The Arab Spring, Stephan states, has trained both genders to locate their voice. "Only the will to alter things as they are, and become ardent about this, is definitely an strengthening concept for males and ladies,Inch she states. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com