Roastmaster General Shaun Ross Lands New Show on Comedy Central

After giving her husband the boot, Jackie needs some help from her buddies within the 4th season of Showtime's hit drama Nurse Jackie - which is what she'll get in line with the key art for that series coming back Sunday, April 8 at 9/8c. This year, Jackie (Edie Falco) will ultimately confront her addiction, but she'll be further examined by... Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Bobby CannavaleEdie FalcoJoel GreyRosie PerezGreen DayCarmelo AnthonyBillie Joe ArmstrongNurse Jackie

Whitaker may demand 'The Butler'

WhitakerForest Whitaker and David Oyelowo have been in discussions to star in Lee Daniels' "The Butler," with Whitaker playing the title role and Oyelowo as his boy. In line with the Washington Publish report by Wil Haygood, story follows Eugene Allen, the butler who offered in the Whitened House under eight presidents from 1952 to 1986. As formerly reported, The famous host oprah Winfrey is within early foretells play Allen's wife. Daniels is helming his longtime passion project from the script he composed with Danny Strong. Denzel Washington was initially mounted on star with The new sony disbursing, however the gears never meshed and Washington and The new sony fell off. Pamela Williams will produce through Laura Ziskin Productions together with Hilary Shor. Financing still needs to be arranged, so no deals are positioned with no distributor is within place -- but sources the money ought to be determined shortly having a intend to begin shooting this summer time. The casting plan is comparable to Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln subsequently" pic, having a large number of supporting gamers representing famous figures while Whitaker, Oyelow and Winfrey make the most screentime. Whitaker has remained very busy recently, with several films already wrapped and waiting for release including Lionsgate's "Last Stand" and "Pawn." Oyelowo has additionally stored working hard since his breakout role in Fox's "Rise from the Planet from the Apes," getting roles in Paramount's "One Shot" and "Lincoln subsequently." He seemed to be lately featured in Fox's "Red-colored Tails" and could be seen next in Daniels' "The Paperboy." Whitaker is repped by WME and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Oyelowo is repped by ICM, Inphenate and Hamilton Hoddell. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

'Wicked' Flies on top in the Box Office, 'Mormon' Holds Steady

Duncan Stewart, director of casting at National Artists Management Company, talks about opening every submission and what he desires to see in the headshot. casting Duncan Stewart headshot NY city open distribution Duncan Steward, director of casting, talks about what he wants from an actress in the general meeting, mainly truth, likability, and inadequate ego. advice casting Duncan Stewart NY city tips Duncan Stewart, director of casting, talks about what he needs from an audition and customary mistakes stars make. advice auditions casting Duncan Stewart NY city Alaine Alldaffer reduces the particular role from the casting direcor. Alaine Alldaffer casting casting director Grey Gardens play stage theater Casting director Alaine Alldaffer talks about casting "Saved" and many types of misconceptions about just as one actor in NY City. Alaine Alldaffer casting director New you are able to city theatre play saved NY casting director Bernie Telsey describes what stars need to know before walking into an audition. (Part a few) Bernie Telsey casting director We spoken with casting director Mark Teschner about concentrating on cleaning cleaning soap operas. (Part 1 of three) General Hospital Mark Teschner cleaning cleaning soap opera NY casting director Bernie Telsey describes the best way to bust your tail audition. (Part 2 of two) Bernie Telsey casting director We spoken with casting director Mark Teschner about concentrating on cleaning cleaning soap operas. Just have beautiful people apply? (Part 2 of three) General Hospital Mark Teshner cleaning cleaning soap opera We spoken with casting director Mark Teschner about who audition to clean cleaning soap operas. (Part 3 of three) General Hospital Mark Teschner cleaning cleaning soap opera Videos for your Back Stage News & Features section.

Winter lull for Broadway

'The Route to Mecca'Broadway experienced its worst week because the first week of 2012, with overall Rialto box office collapsing a lot more than $3.4 million and attendance lower by nearly 25,000, despite adding two new previewing productions.Unhealthy B.O. mojo was spread pretty evenly one of the 27 shows around the boards, with only hit "It of Mormon" ($1,493,754 -Up 2% and setting another house record in the Eugene O'Neill) and merely-shuttered "The direction to Mecca" ($250,244 -- a 14% uptick in the final week) growing their haul over a week ago. One of the toughest hit were the lately recast revival of "How to achieve Business Without Really Trying" ($530,319), and tourist magnets "The Phantom from the Opera" ($621,644) and "Mary Poppins" ($627,330), which were lower a lot more than 30% against a week ago. One-guy show "Shatner's World: We Simply Reside In It" did not inspire the ultimate week hurry that rose to satisfy "The direction to Mecca," because the famous actor and Priceline spokesmodel ended his three-week Broadway run having a $295,534 take (although for just six performances), lower 6%, though which was still enough to conquer out "Godspell" ($279,527, lower 22%). If there's a silver lining for legiters within this week's amounts, it is incorporated in the performance from the previewing productions. The Philip Seymour Hoffman-toplined revival of Arthur Miller's "Dying of the Salesperson" ($661,262 in seven perfs) cracked the very best 10 list in front of its March 15 opening and experienced minimal decline in comparison to a week ago, lower only 4%. Tuners "Once" ($525,050) and "Jesus Celebrity" ($370,699 for four perfs) also opened up strong, playing to almost full houses. Overall Broadway cume was $16,890,525, a rise of just about $two million against the same time frame this past year, when 26 shows were running. Attendance was at 192,998, or 75.7% capacity. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

The Rivers Paul Blackthorne Joins Arrow, Jamey Sheridan Set To Play Arrows Dad

EXCLUSIVE: The River‘s Paul Blackthorne has been tapped for a co-starring role in the CW drama pilot Arrow, a modern retelling of the story of DC Comics character Green Arrow. It stars Stephen Amell as the vigilante superhero who fights crime using archery, martial arts and technology under his secret identity as Oliver Queen, a wealthy playboy and billionaire industrialist-turned-outspoken politician in Star City. Blackthorne, repped by SDB Partners, Seven Summits & Optimism Entertainment, will play Det. Quentin Lance, the father of Oliver’s love interest Laurel (Katie Cassidy), a gruff, determined city detective who believes true justice can only come from law and order. He’s charged with bringing the vigilante known as The Arrow to justice.Because of his casting being in second position to ABC’s The River, Blackthorne is formally billed as a guest star in the Arrow pilot. Also tapped as a guest star (and probably recurring) in Arrow is Law & Order: Criminal Intent alum Jamey Sheridan, who will playRobert Queen, Oliver’s father.Susanna Thompson plays Olivers mother, Moira Queen. David Nutter is directing the pilot, written/executive produced by Andrew Kreisberg, Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim. Blackthorne is the first actor from ABC’s midseason drama The River to book a pilot. The horror drama, which premiered last month, has had rough sledding connecting with viewers and its odds for returning next season are slim. Sheridan has been recurring on Showtime’s Homeland.

ITV launches 'Selfridge' skein

LONDON -- U.K. terrestrial web ITV is wishing another Edwardian drama can repeat the prosperity of "Downton Abbey" because it introduced a tenPercent development in revenue at its production arm as financial recent results for 2011 were released. The brand new 10-parter, "Mr Selfridge," scripted by Andrew Davies, informs the storyline from the U.S. entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, the founding father of high-finish London mall Selfridge's. Targeted in the global TV market, "Mr Selfridge" will bow at next month's Mip TV sales mart. Maria Kyriacou, controlling director, ITV Galleries global entertainment, stated: " 'Mr Selfridge' is really a large ambitious drama with obvious worldwide appeal we are confident it will likely be a target for tv stations searching to take a position at the start of elaborate, high volume scripted content." You will find no casting particulars at the moment. With luck, the show is a large earner for ITV, whose main point here has unsuccessful to profit from "Downton Abbey" because as the web commissioned the show, it's created by NBC Universal-possessed Circus. However, ITV Boss Adam Crozier praised the perf of ITV Galleries because he outlined the hike "in non-advertising revenues of 93 million" ($148 million) as obvious proof of progress in rebalancing the web's business and how it can diversity revenue streams. Total revenues at ITV Galleries increased 10% to 612 million ($976 million), driven by worldwide production, including 111 new commissions this year, 66 within the U.K. and 45 worldwide. The ITV-brought co-manufacture of "Titanic" continues to be offered to 86 nations. Overall ITV reported a 14% rise in pre-tax profits to 327 million ($521 million) this year. Crozier stated that "over timeInch ITV might consider growing its production activities by looking into making purchases. However the focus was on organic growth and that he eliminated any curiosity about purchasing Endemol. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

5 Favorite Billy Very Performances

5 Favorite Billy Very Performances By Christy Lemire Feb 24, 2012 Photo by AP Photo/Matt Sayles La (AP) Billy Very has returned Sunday as host from the Oscars, an obligation he's held eight occasions before. By now, the 63-year-old comedian is really a professional only at that a trusted, familiar choice who's beloved and respected by his peers.And he's accomplished that status within this business through his many indelible comic roles. Listed here are five of his best. "When Harry Met Sally ..." (1989): Easily THE performance of Crystal's career. Everybody involved here's in the height of his or her forces: Meg Ryan, director Take advantage of Reiner, author Nora Ephron (who gained an Oscar nomination on her script). It's a retro romantic comedy vibe having a directness that causes it to be a contemporary classic a Woodsy Allen rip-off, yes, however with a charm its own. Very reaches his snappy, sarcastic best but he's a sweetness, too, because the neurotic Harry, who keeps having Ryan's high-put up Sally because they find it difficult to navigate the complex dating scene of Manhattan. They're, obviously, intended for one another, and Very would be a remarkably convincing romantic lead. This movie could be cast totally in a different way today. It might star Channing Tatum or Ryan Reynolds, someone great-searching. Maybe Seth Rogen. Maybe. "Monsters Corporation." (2001): Guy, this movie helped me cry. I am talking about, it's among the finest Pixar films, and Very includes a wonderful interplay with John Goodman as a few monsters who unintentionally befriend just a little girl they are designed to scare. However it requires a heart-wrenching turn, which emotional impact originates from both writing and also the performances. Very gives his voice to Mike Wazowski, a eco-friendly, one-eyed ball who appears like a hyperactive lime with spindly legs and arms. His high-pitched, whiny shtick offers the perfect contrast for Goodman's wealthy, gravelly vocal tones, and that he brings great energy for this fast-speaking, adorable little dude. "The Princess Bride" (1987): Among the finest comedies of time, obviously, along with a sentimental favorite of mine becoming an adult. Reiner's story book includes a strong ensemble cast filled with great, memorable performances. Which includes Crystal's as Miracle Max, the disgruntled former worker from the evil Prince Humperdinck who produces an enchanting pill which brings the swashbuckling hero Westley to existence. Because he's only mostly dead, the thing is. Very referred to the smoothness, together with his exaggerated nose and ears and wild, grey hair, as searching like a mix of former NY Yankees manager Casey Stengel and the grandmother. He and Carol Kane possess a lively, old-school banter like a bickering but loving couple, like something from a Borscht Belt comedy routine, even though he's only in a single scene, it is a standout. "Throw Momma In the Train" (1987): I usually respected the very fact that everybody involved here has got the decency to spot that they are stealing from "Other people on the Train," which is my personal favorite Hitchcock film. This isn't an homage, this really is outright thievery, but it is sincere, with a comic book twist. In Danny DeVito's pointing debut, he and Very co-star as two men with nothing in keeping however the wish to have someone wiped out, so that they accept swap killings to prevent suspicion. Very, who plays an author, can serve as the frustrated straight guy among bigger-than-existence figures an abusive ogre of the mother, a skittish momma's boy. And each author can connect with the anxiety of searching in a blank page (or screen) and the inability to work through the words "The evening was ...." "Cleaning soap" (1977-81): OK. Making this a little of the cheat since it is a television performance. However the role am groundbreaking, Very am good inside it and also the show am culturally significant, I'd to incorporate it. Within this night time parody of daytime cleaning soap operas, Very performed Jodie Dallas, an freely gay character functioning as a significant you'll need network television, a rarity at that time. His inclusion came critique both from religious conservatives too as gays, who thought the smoothness perpetuated some negative stereotypes. Really, he was one of the most grounded and low-key figures inside a show filled with eccentrics and melodramatic weirdoes. It had been an earlier indicator of excellent achievements in the future.Copyright laws 2012 Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 5 Favorite Billy Very Performances By Christy Lemire Feb 24, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT AP Photo/Matt Sayles La (AP) Billy Very has returned Sunday as host from the Oscars, an obligation he's held eight occasions before. Right now, the 63-year-old comedian is really a professional only at that a trusted, familiar choice who's beloved and respected by his peers.And he's accomplished that status within this business through his many indelible comic roles. Listed here are five of his best. "When Harry Met Sally ..." (1989): Easily THE performance of Crystal's career. Everybody involved here's in the height of their forces: Meg Ryan, director Take advantage of Reiner, author Nora Ephron (who gained an Oscar nomination on her script). It's a retro romantic comedy vibe having a directness that causes it to be a contemporary classic a Woodsy Allen rip-off, yes, however with a charm its own. Very reaches his snappy, sarcastic best but he's a sweetness, too, because the neurotic Harry, who keeps having Ryan's high-put up Sally because they find it difficult to navigate the complex dating scene of Manhattan. They're, obviously, intended for one another, and Very would be a remarkably convincing romantic lead. This movie could be cast totally in a different way today. It might star Channing Tatum or Ryan Reynolds, someone great-searching. Maybe Seth Rogen. Maybe. "Monsters Corporation." (2001): Guy, this movie helped me cry. I am talking about, it's among the finest Pixar films, and Very includes a wonderful interplay with John Goodman as a few monsters who unintentionally befriend just a little girl they are designed to scare. However it requires a heart-wrenching turn, which emotional impact originates from both writing and also the performances. Very gives his voice to Mike Wazowski, a eco-friendly, one-eyed ball who appears like a hyperactive lime with spindly legs and arms. His high-pitched, whiny shtick offers the perfect contrast for Goodman's wealthy, gravelly vocal tones, and that he brings great energy for this fast-speaking, adorable little dude. "The Princess Bride" (1987): Among the finest comedies ever, obviously, along with a sentimental favorite of mine becoming an adult. Reiner's story book includes a strong ensemble cast filled with great, memorable performances. Which includes Crystal's as Miracle Max, the disgruntled former worker from the evil Prince Humperdinck who produces an enchanting pill which brings the swashbuckling hero Westley to existence. Because he's only mostly dead, the thing is. Very referred to the smoothness, together with his exaggerated nose and ears and wild, grey hair, as searching like a mix of former NY Yankees manager Casey Stengel and the grandmother. He and Carol Kane possess a lively, old-school banter like a bickering but loving couple, like something from a Borscht Belt comedy routine, even though he's only in a single scene, it is a standout. "Throw Momma In the Train" (1987): I usually respected the truth that everybody involved here has got the decency to spot that they are stealing from "Other people on the Train," which is my personal favorite Hitchcock film. This isn't an homage, this really is outright thievery, but it is sincere, with a comic book twist. In Danny DeVito's pointing debut, he and Very co-star as two men without a penny in keeping however the wish to have someone wiped out, so that they accept swap killings to prevent suspicion. Very, who plays a writer, can serve as the frustrated straight guy among bigger-than-existence figures an abusive ogre of the mother, a skittish momma's boy. And each author can connect with the anxiety of searching in a blank page (or screen) and the inability to work through what "The evening was ...." "Cleaning soap" (1977-81): OK. Making this a little of the cheat since it is a tv performance. However the role am groundbreaking, Very am good inside it and also the show am culturally significant, I needed to include it. Within this night time parody of daytime cleaning soap operas, Very performed Jodie Dallas, an freely gay character functioning like a major you'll need network television, a rarity at that time. His inclusion came critique both from religious conservatives in addition to gays, who thought the smoothness perpetuated some negative stereotypes. Really, he was one of the most grounded and low-key figures inside a show filled with eccentrics and melodramatic weirdoes. It had been an earlier indicator of excellent achievements in the future.Copyright laws 2012 Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Dear God, The Ces Grossman Movie Is Real -- which is 'Heartfelt'

I'm ready to give on-the-edge film author Michael Bacall the benefit of the doubt based on what I've been sent of him up to now, from Scott Pilgrim versus. the earth (they co-written) for the Todd Phillips-produced teen party comedy Project X and 21 Jump Street (because both versions he's scripting and story credits on), the 2nd that is producing remarkably glowing reactions within the blogoscenti. However might need to draw some type of line within the Tropic Thunder spin-off starring an appearance body fat, hairy Tom Cruise as slimy Hollywood professional Ces Grossman, which apparently is not just really, seriously an issue but is, as Bacall describes, "a significant sincere story." "I written it for R because we'd precedent with Tropic Thunder," he told Collider recently, promising a script unhampered by PG-13 restrictions. "Its really a significant sincere story. I'd plenty of conferences with Mr. Cruise and Mr. Stiller plus it was crazy, it absolutely was a lot of fun. In my opinion we emerged having a couple of really fun stuff to offer you a consider who the guy is, so Im hopeful that thatll get all set to go soon. Cruise, he confesses, may be pretty busy with non-Ces Grossman gigs for just about any good while, it is therefore hard to say if the informative think about the guy who won 8 Oscars, acquired 400 million dollars within the box office, and saved Tugg Speedman's career will hit theaters. I am unable to imagine some thing tiring than watching Cruise yell and dance to Flo Rida is bigger of the element film. Project X, meanwhile, captures the youth side from the dick-obsessed male culture if by getting an excessive amount of sleaze, and 21 Jump Street is producing most likely probably the most solid advance buzz I've heard shortly where much spoken about studio fodder is anxious. So possibly there's hope yet? However, Bacall is not only a scribe, he's an actress because they most recently came out in Inglorious Basterds, his appearance round the infamously terrible Marky Mark as well as the Funky Bunch: Make My Video Sega game really makes me like him, despite the fact that it proves that doesn't all high concept projects built around macho gyrating personas are wonderful ideas. Film author Michael Bacall Gives Update on Ces Grossman Movie States Its A Significant Sincere Story plus it Was Written being Rated R [Collider]

Grammys: Who Would you like to Win?

Katy Perry Does Beyonce desire to make some room within the Grammy record books for Adele? The British pop star could win six honours in the Grammys, which may match Beyonce's record for many wins with a female artist in a single evening. Can Adele go six-for-six? Or might she be derailed by Bruno Mars or Katy Perry, who's on her behalf eighth nomination but has yet to win?Take a look at all of the Grammys red-colored carpet fashionSound off below together with your forecasts for that large evening!

New Snow White-colored As Well As The Huntsman Pic

You've chainmailIf your mid-day requires a blazing battleground together with a tooled-up Billy Burke to amplifier up, we bring glad tidings. This new still from Snow White-colored As Well As The Huntsman, recently turned up with the medium of Twitter, has both. We understood that Stewart's Snow White-colored is not any wallflower - this might be the initial princess to titled towards the Expendables 2 - but here's more proof that she'll be kicking substantially more ass than her on-screen rival, Lily Collins.Utilizing their particular trailers in everyone domain, it's pretty apparent that you will find serious daylight between Universal's new undertake the Grimm Brothers and sisters mythic and Tarsem Singh's frothier confection, Mirror Mirror. Making sense. Once we invent an entirely imaginary fantasy spectrum with Stardust as well as the Princess Bride at one finish and also the almighty In The Rings within the other, there's a lot of room for.Bob Hemsworth and Charlize Theron are Stewart's hunky ally and narcissistic enemy correspondingly. Sneezy, Dopey, Happy, Difficult, Hairy Palms as well as the relaxation in the gang are most most likely just off screen. Or else.Compacted snow White-colored As Well As The Huntsman is going on June 1, 2012. Check out more meanwhile.

'Bourne Legacy' Teaser Trailer: Never Just One

There was never just one you just didn't know that the other one was played by Jeremy Renner! Well, now you do, especially with the release of the first teaser trailer for "The Bourne Legacy." Renner makes his entry into the spy drama franchise following the exit of long time lead Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass, but Jason Bourne he is not: this is Aaron Cross, a new breed of amnesiac assassin who has his own share of grudges to make right. As is the norm for the "Bourne" franchise, the first "Legacy" trailer is shrouded in mystery. It's not until more than halfway through the teaser that we first see Aaron Cross in action, bearded at points, assembling sniper rifles at others. The scowling voice of Edward Norton promises that "Jason Bourne was just the tip of the iceberg," while other agents declare that they've never seen evaluations like the ones they've seen in Cross. It's a far cry from where the man started, it seems: at the beginning of the teaser, Cross comes across as a battered and broken man willing to do anything he can to turn his life around. Turn his life around he hasbut for better or for worse? Either way pretty cool teaser. For a movie that I was not at all sure about before today, I am suddenly looking forward to "Bourne Legacy" a whole lot more. "The Bourne Legacy" stars Renner, Norton, Rachel Weisz, Joan Allen and Albert Finney. It storms into theaters on August 3, 2012. What did you think of the first "Bourne Legacy" trailer? Do you think Renner has what it takes to succeed Damon in the franchise? Let us know in the comments section and hit us up on Twitter!

Disney changes 'Whisperer' for Telecinco

MADRID -- Disney The nation gets into Spain's competitive primetime TV market joining with Mediaset Espana to create a local adaptation of CBS series "Ghost Whisperer." Titled "El Don p Alba," "Whisperer's" first worldwide redo originates from The month of the month of january in the united states and may air on Mediaset Espana's core funnel Telecinco. The the spanish language language actress Patricia Montero ("Years of age soy Bea") plays Alba, inside the leading role carried out by Jennifer Love Hewitt inside the original show. With "El Don p Alba" Disney ups the ante on local TV production, marking the initial fiction project directly created through the studio in the united states for just about any general entertainment funnel. On "Alba," Disney The nation also teams with Disney Media Systems South Usa, whose professionals Fernando Barbosa and Leonardo Aranguibel share professional production credits alongside Spain's Marta Ezpeleta. Disney Media Systems South Usa has its own six-years of age know-how reversioning for your region U.S. skeins for instance "Desperate Regular folks,Inch "Grey's Anatomy" or "The Golden Women." This Season, Disney approved The the spanish language language TV production company Very Forest to develop the "Golden Women" format for pubcaster TVE. Now, "El Don p Alba" remains commissioned directly by Mediaset Espana. "Whisperer," an ABC Art galleries original format, remains modified to local auds tastes in length -- The the spanish language language TV primetime episodes extend around 70 minutes -- and content, a sources mentioned. The the spanish language language film and tv helmer Belen Macias ("My Prison Yard," "The WomanInch) directs the series. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Sutton Promote-Introduced Pilot From 'Gilmore Girls' Creator Can get Series Order

Amy Sherman-Palladino has all the right moves for ABC Family."The Hollywood Reporter" has confirmed the youth-skewing cable network is ongoing to maneuver forward getting a drama pilot within the "Gilmore Women" creator occur the area of dance.Titled "Bunheads," Sutton Promote stars inside the project as Michelle, a Las vegas showgirl who marries a man impulsively and moves to his sleepy seaside town where she eventually ends up working alongside her new mother-in-law at her dance school.ABC Family bought the drama pilot in September, with Sherman-Palladino watching the project hits close to home. "I spent 2 decades of my existence with my hair in the bun. I used to be stated to become a dancer," she mentioned in those days. "My mother will be a dancer. Her finest heartbreak was once i got on 'Roseanne.' So, while scripting this will not ever equal playing Rumpelteazer in the bus and truck tour of 'Cats,' it'll let me to tip my hat with a really special in time my existence.""Bunheads" was among four projects -- two dramas and a pair of comedies -- bought to aircraft aircraft pilots. The network the other day acquired comedy "Baby Father," half-hour from "The Nine Lives of Chloe King" executive producer Serta Berendsen which is about Ben, a twentysomething who becomes a parent overnight after his ex-girlfriend leaves their daughter on his doorstep. Chelsea Kane and Tahj Mowry star.An effective announcement is predicted to vary from network inside a couple of days concerning the fate in the remaining aircraft aircraft pilots, "Intercept" and "Village People.""Bunheads" and "Baby Father" join other scripted fare round the network including "Secret Existence in the American Teen," "Pretty Little Liars," "Switched at Birth," "The Lounging Game," "Ensure It Is Or Break It" and "Jane By Design." The Hollywood Reporter

Kinnear, Connelly in talks for 'Writers'

ConnellyKinnearGreg Kinnear and Jennifer Connelly are in negotiations to star in "Writers," which will mark the feature helming debut of writer-director Josh Boone.Judy Cairo of Informant Media will produce "Writers," which is described as a funny and touching tale of a fractured family trying to rediscover one another over the course of a tumultuous year. Story explores the complicated relationships between a successful novelist (Kinnear), his ex-wife (Connelly), collegiate daughter and teenage son."Josh Boone has drawn a complex tapestry of rich and layered characters who break our hearts and make us laugh out loud at the same time," said Cairo.Informant's Michael A. Simpson and Eric Brenner will exec produce with Myles Nestel and Lisa Wilson of The Solution Entertainment Group, which will handle international sales. CAA is handling U.S. rights to "Writers," which is being produced in association with MICA Entertainment.Production is skedded to start in Wilmington, North Carolina in March.Kinnear, who recently wrapped production on Craig Zisk's "The English Teacher," will next stars in the indie pic "Thin Ice," which co-stars Alan Arkin and Billy Crudup. Thesp recently received Emmy and SAG noms for his performance as John F. Kennedy in "The Kennedys."Connelly will soon be seen opposite Ed Harris in Dustin Lance Black's directorial debut "What's Wrong With Virginia," which will be released this spring.Informant's upcoming releases include the Maggie Gyllenhaal-Hugh Dancy period comedy "Hysteria," which Sony Pictures Classics will release May 18, as well as the Aaron Eckhart-starrer "The Expatriate."CAA reps Boone, Kinnear and Connelly, who is managed by The Schiff Company. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

Electus nabs rights to Spike TV trio

Electus has acquired international distrib rights for three Spike TV series in time for TV industry confab NATPE: "Flip Men," "American Digger" and "Car Lot Cowboy," all unscripted skeins ariing on the guy-centric cabler (Electus also produces freshman skein "Cowboy")."Flip Men" has been airing on the net since Oct. of last year; "Digger" and "Cowboy" are set for March and April, respectively.The international offerings rep exactly the kinds of pitches that NATPE's move to Miami is tailored to facilitate. With several American cablers basing their international offices in Miami, cablers have been coming to the conference since last year in search of deals that expand into territories in South America, Central America, and Mexico. Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com

Lionsgate's done deal surprises experts

Lionsgate buys Summit for $412.5 million Wall Street mulls deal's benefits Lionsgate's $412.5 million deal to purchase Summit Entertainment, introduced Friday, showed up having a notable insufficient fireworks. "There is never really much drama within this settlement," noted James Berk, Boss of Summit investor Participant Media. "It truly unfolded inside a pretty orderly fashion. I believe that's type of unique." Once the deal announcement came a couple of minutes following the close of marketplaces Friday mid-day, the main one real surprise to a lot of could be that the transaction wasn't a tentative agreement but an intricate completed transaction -- funded like a utilized buyout that cashes out Summit's traders having a stake around 5% within the increased Lionsgate. Summit's possession -- including top Summit executives, Nala Opportunities and Suhail Rizvi's Rizvi Traverse Management -- have been thinking about early this past year a transfer to TV production in an effort to broaden procedures in the core companies of film production and foreign sales to be able to make use of the success from the "Twilight" franchise. Cake toppers Take advantage of Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger told Variety last Feb the first moves would occur within the following several weeks."I was considering the funds it might took to grow,Inch Berk noted. "Simultaneously, Summit grew to become very attractive like a potential acquisition so these conversations began with multiple parties."Besides making money with an investment from the Summit proprietors, Berk stated, the Lionsgate deal offers the advantages of having the ability to take better benefit of the "Twilight" and "Hunger Games" franchises, lengthy-term stability, money making from the Summit library and also the firepower to compete effectively using the large six galleries."This can be the best deal in the proper time,Inch he added. Berk also needs the offer to profit Participant, that is already midway via a five-year output cope with Summit and searching to increase feature production and transfer to TV production. The eight-year-old company -- centered on areas like the atmosphere, health care, human privileges, institutional responsibility, peace and tolerance -- has backed "Syriana," "Bothersome Truth," "Charlie Wilson's War," "Contagion" and "The Assistance.Inch Berk accepted that he's aware of there being one less buyer in Hollywood. "On one side, it's frustrating to get rid of a person within the feature film market," Berk told Variety following a announcement. "But when the organization executes, there's lots of convenience of its product." Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Heather Locklear Taken To Hospital Following 911 Call

First Published: January 12, 2012 9:52 PM EST Credit: WireImage LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Heather Locklear looking good in LA on March 19, 2010Heather Locklear was taken to a hospital on Thursday after her sister called 911 over a reported medical emergency, KNBC confirmed. Ventura County Sheriffs Department Captain Mike Aranda confirmed to KNBC that at 2:05 PM PST on Thursday, Locklears sister called 911 at the actress home for a medical emergency involving the former Melrose Place star. When the VCSD arrived, paramedics were administering aid to Locklear, the Capt. told KNBC. Locklear was taken to Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center in Thousand Oaks. TMZ claimed unnamed law enforcement sources told the website Locklear mixed prescription drugs and alcohol. Additionally, Radar Online also reported a source told the website that Locklears sister was worried for the actress safety. She was afraid Heather was going to harm herself because of her drinking mixed with medication, the source claimed to Radar. A rep for Locklear wasnt immediately available for comment when contacted by Access Hollywood on Thursday evening. After revealing their engagement last summer, Access confirmed in November that the star and her former Melrose Place co-star Jack Wagner were no longer engaged. As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, in January 2009, Locklear pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving. As a result, her 2008 driving under the influence case was dismissed. As a result of her plea, the actress was required to attend a 12-hour drug education program and was placed on three years probation. In July 2008, Locklear left an Arizona facility where she was receiving treatment for anxiety and depression, People previously reported. The actress, who checked herself into the facility mid June 2008, spent four weeks at the center. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Jim Rome signs with CBS/Showtime

ESPNs Jim Rome Is Burning host is leaving the sports cabler. Sports yakker Jim Rome has signed a multiyear deal with CBS that will showcase him on Showtime and CBS Sports Network as well as the Eye itself. Rome will contribute interviews and features to CBS Sports' broadcast coverage of the NFL, college basketball, U.S. Open tennis and other events, while also hosting a new sports and entertainment series on Showtime set to debut in the fall."I don't think there's anybody else that could have afforded me this opportunity," Rome told Variety. "I'm really fired up."The radio mainstay, who will continue to host nationally syndicated "The Jim Rome Show" on 244 stations, will also front "Rome," a half-hour program weekdays on cabler CBS Sports Network, and contribute to CBSSports.com. "We are looking for really high-profile, highly recognizable programming for the CBS Sports Network and obviously for Showtime and CBS Sports also," CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said. "He's got more than 2 million radio listeners every day, 600,000 followers on Twitter to be able to bring that fanbase to CBS is a win-win for everybody." ESPN's "Jim Rome Is Burning" signs off Jan. 27. Rome's CBS debut will come March 31 during college basketball's Final Four, with "Rome" premiering April 3 on CBS Sports Network. Though a wider audience will see Rome on the CBS broadcast side, fulfilling a decades-old ambition of Rome's to work for one of the major networks, his biggest impact will probably be in cable. Showtime entertainment prexy David Nevins said that the show, from Dick Clark Prods., is in initial stages of discussion but has "grand ambitions," including an intersection of sports and popular culture. Mark Shapiro, a longtime Rome pal and CEO of DCP's parent company, is exec producing."We've been in expansion mode on Showtime Sports," Nevins said, "but we haven't had the defining personality. And I felt like our scripted shows, our dramas and our comedies, are defined with particularly interesting personalities, but we've been looking to try to find that defining personality (in sports), and I think we've got a shot.I want this to be a mainstay show for us. It's potentially different from the way we do our series, which are a burst of 10 weeks in a row." CBS Sports Network, meanwhile, remains under the sports TV radar, but the aim is for Rome to be a gamechanger. "We've got to figure out ways to attract an audience and build a brand without investing hundreds of millions of dollars," McManus said. "This is an efficient and intelligent way to do that." Said Rome: "That's one of the reasons they brought me in. I've got to find away to get people to tune in to that network every single day."McManus said the weekday show will have similar elements as "Burning," but that the partners will "try to make it uniquely a CBS Sports Network program" and not a knockoff. "I am an enormous fan of ESPN broadcasts," McManus said, "but I think it's up to us to make a different program that has his signature on it." Rome is represented by CAA and attorney David Feldman of Bloom Hergott. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Actress unveils identity in IMDB suit

A girl suing IMDB for listing her age has recognized herself, carrying out a federal judge ruled the problem could not move ahead unless of course obviously she revealed her identity. Huang Hoang amended her $millions of suit in the site to include her title, a move that came the support in the Screen Stars Guild. "Ms. Hoang has proven great courage in walking forward on and on after her claims despite efforts to discourage her by demanding she be freely recognized," SAG mentioned in the statement. "thousands of stars have observed their careers hurt with the unauthorized publication from the birthdates by IMDB against their wishes. Screen Stars Guild which is people are a symbol of efforts to curtail this invasion of privacy implemented to enhance a business balance sheet." Her situation, filed in October beneath the title Jane Doe, indicates that by listing age groups without consent, IMDB damages careers as artists face dwindling options after their 30s, and also the options of casting company company directors losing them from consideration. She's found support in their situation from SAG and AFTRA. IMDB which is parent, Amazon . com . com, are trying to get the situation overlooked, fighting that Hoang has "no legal privacy fascination with her date of birth,Inch as you possibly can acquired in public areas records. Although Hoang has mentioned that IMDB acquired the birthdate from information she gave on their behalf when registering to IMDBPro, the web site mentioned she gave her consent incorporated within the customer agreement. Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com

Matt Damon Pulls Out of Directorial Debut, May Still Star: Report

"Script issues" are supposedly to blame for Matt Damon's decision not to direct his first film, although he's reportedly still game to star in the film, according to Vulture. Damon's decision to forego directing duties on the untitled movie -- which is the brainchild of John Krasinski and Dave Eggers -- is all the stranger since Damon co-wrote the script with Eggers (of McSweeney's fame). Perhaps Damon didn't want to wear three hats in the film, in which he'd play a salesman whose arrival in a small town changes his life. (And, presumably, vice versa, given the way these things usually play out.) Krasinski and Frances McDormand were also set to star, although the fate of the project seems up in the air. The obvious suggestion: Get Oscar-sharing buddy Ben Affleck to direct. [via Vulture] [Photo: AP] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

New Stills In The Impossible

Naomi Watt faces the Boxing Day tsunamiThe Impossible, Juan Antonio Bayona's dramatisation from the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, might be nearly annually from your screens, but, knowing by these new stills, the The spanish language director's latest has already been materializing with an impressive scale.In line with the true-existence story of the The spanish language family swept up in case, The Impossible follows the fate of the vacationing family whose Thai hotel is directly within the path from the colossal tidal wave. Mother Naomi W, father Ewan McGregor as well as their three boys (newcomer Tom Holland included in this) are separated and should endure the wave's terrible aftermath with the hope to be reunited. Here, W and Holland survey the carnage publish-tsunami.Initially, Bayona's latest does not seem to share DNA together with his last film, 2007's cracking haunted house flick The Orphanage. Wrong, states the director, who's focusing again on grief and struggling with a household unit. "It's pretty much exactly the same,Inch he informs Empire. "It comes down to the way you cope with discomfort, the way you overcome dying, what's family."Presently in publish-production, The Impossible does not possess a release date yet, but there's an earlier The spanish language trailer at Twitch.