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Most Talked About Variety Stories

'Hunger Games' to be released in China

variety.com — Imax and Lionsgate have announced that Lionsgate's "The Hunger Games" will be released in China in 67 Imax digital theaters in June. The studio had announced May 5 that it had been cleared by the Chinese government to release the film in China in both dubbed and subtitled prints by China Film Group Corp.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
'Hunger Games' release in China to include 67 Imax theaters http://t.co/7iRn7fam

McGurk to speak at AFCI locations show

variety.com — The Assn. of Film Commissioners International has tapped Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. CEO and chairman Chris McGurk as its keynote speaker for its June 15-16 locations show at the Los Angeles Convention Center.. Film News from the entertainment source: Variety. McGurk to speak at AFCI locations show.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
McGurk to speak at AFCI locations show: Film News: Speakers include Huntsberry, Chaffin, DuVernay http://t.co/SSYjFNAY

XLrator tracks down Bigfoot pic

variety.com — XLrator Media has found Bigfoot, acquiring North American rights to the horror/thriller "The Lost Coast Tapes" with plans for a fall release. Deal was announced Thursday at Cannes. Continental Media also sold the rights on "The Lost Coast Tapes" to G2 Pictures/Koch Media in a multi-territory European deal and to New Select in Japan.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
XLrator tracks down Bigfoot pic: EXCLUSIVE: 'Lost Coast Tapes' sells to G2/Koch, New Select http://t.co/IHJktLKa

L.A. Asian Pacific fest bestows prizes

weblogs.variety.com — "Two Shadows," directed by Greg Cahill, won the audience award for feature-length narrative at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. Michael Collins' "Give Up Tomorrow" earned the audience prize for documentary film at the fest, which wrapped May 20 and presented by Visual Communications.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
L.A. Asian Pacific film festival bestows prizes http://t.co/KTptGuCY

Radio pioneer Harold Jackson dies

variety.com — New York radio pioneer Harold Jackson, the first African-American voice on network radio, died Wednesday of an undisclosed illness. He was in his late 90s. Jackson began his career in Washington, D.C., as the first African-American play-by-play sports announcer.
Tony McEwing Anchor, Fox LA @Tonysuniverse
Radio pioneer Harold Jackson dies: TV News: Broadcaster was first African-American voice on network radio http://t.co/G1k5sN3m

Auds whoop, holler at 'Holy Motors' screening

variety.com — The press screenings at the Cannes Film Festival typically end with a round of polite applause, scattered boos, or a schizoid mix of both; far rarer are the sounds of actual whooping and hollering. . Cannes News from the entertainment source: Variety. Auds whoop, holler at 'Holy Motors' screening.
Roger Ebert Film Critic, Chicago Sun-Times @ebertchicago
"Holy Motors" at Cannes: "Whoops, hollers, rapturous applause." http://t.co/VhrmAVUA

Renewals pump syndication pipeline

variety.com — The 2011-12 season saw a dramatic improvement in the number of renewals for freshman scripted series made by the Big Four vs. the previous season, which could refresh a syndication pipeline in need of fresh content.. TV News from the entertainment source: Variety. Renewals pump syndication pipeline.
Andrew Wallenstein TV Editor, Variety @awallenstein
How the 2011-12 season saved TV's syndication pipeline http://t.co/QaARFpdP via @Variety

Science cabler nabs 'Fringe' reruns

variety.com — Fox series "Fringe" has been sold into syndication to an unlikely buyer: Discovery-owned cabler Science. And a second, even more unusual buyer may be coming to the party. Discovery confirmed that the off-network deal was completed Wednesday. Pact is non-exclusive, which will allow Warner Bros.'
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
Great Variety EXCLU: Science cabler nabs 'Fringe' reruns. Amazon also said to be a contender for SVOD rights. http://t.co/3vA36aFT #fringe

Science cabler nabs 'Fringe' reruns

variety.com — Fox series "Fringe" has been sold into syndication to an unlikely buyer: Discovery-owned cabler Science. And a second, even more unusual buyer may be coming to the party. Discovery confirmed that the off-network deal was completed Wednesday. Pact is non-exclusive, which will allow Warner Bros.'
Andrew Wallenstein TV Editor, Variety @awallenstein
Breaking: #FRINGE has been sold into syndication! Unlikely buyer: @ScienceChannel http://t.co/niWU1WOn @fringetv

Buyers make the rounds at L.A. Screenings

variety.com — As worldwide TV buyers parade from one studio to another this week as part of the shopping spree known as the L.A. Screenings, the hunt for the next great global hit remains a mystery.. TV News from the entertainment source: Variety. Buyers make the rounds at L.A. Screenings.
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
Buyers make the rounds at LA Screenings. Among hot dramas/comedies that have global shoppers intrigued are … http://t.co/0KNFCAov

Swank, Blethyn in HBO telepic

variety.com — Hillary Swank and Brenda Blethyn have signed on to star in telepic ''Mary and Martha'' for HBO. Phillip Noyce (''Salt'') will direct a script written by Richard Curtis (''The Girl in the Cafe''). The film comes from HBO Films, the BBC, NBC Universal and Working Title Television.
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
VARIETY EXCLU: Hillary Swank and Brenda Blethyn have signed on to star in TV movie 'Mary and Martha' for HBO. http://t.co/UZCpRsAm
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
Exclusive: Hillary Swank and Brenda Blethyn have signed on to star in telepic ''Mary and Martha'' for HBO. http://t.co/gmm6uAAl

Animal Planet 'Mermaids' Dive Deep for Nonsense

weblogs.variety.com — Animal Planet's "Mermaids: The Body Found" is complete BS, a full helping of salty poppycock dressed up as science. And I actually mean that in the most complimentary way.
Brian Lowry Columnist, Variety @blowryontv
Animal Planet's special "Mermaids: The Body Found" is salty poppycock. And I mean that in the nicest of ways: http://t.co/8T4NiGAp

New Line buys pitch about famed Miami club owner

variety.com — New Line has acquired an untitled pitch from Atlas Entertainment and is developing a script based on the life of famed Miami nightclub owner Chris Paciello. Emmy-winning scribe Adam Mazer is penning the original screenplay for producers Charles Roven, William Green and Richard Suckle for Atlas. The company's Andy Horwitz will co-produce.
Stuart Oldham Online News Editor, Variety @s_oldham
New Line and "The Dark Knight Rises" producer developing film about famed Miami nightclub owner Chris Paciello http://t.co/EqTevO1q

Variety Live at Cannes

variety.com — Variety Live at Cannes
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
Monterey nabs "Innocents" http://t.co/cthQNGEf

'Freaky Deaky' nabbed by eOne

variety.com — Entertainment One has acquired North American rights to director Charlie Matthau's "Freaky Deaky." The company made the announcement Wednesday at Cannes. Matthau also penned the screenplay, which is based on Elmore Leonard's 1988 novel of the same name. The film stars Crispin Glover, Billy Burke, Michael Jai White, Christian Slater, Andy Dick, Breanne Racano and Sabina Gadecki.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
eOne nabs "Freaky Deaky" http://t.co/3PZmClLE

Showtime campaigns with free weekend in June

weblogs.variety.com — The centerpiece of Showtime's Emmy campaign efforts will be its "Best in Sho" weekend from June 15-17, when it offers free marathons of its original scripted programming in collaboration with Time Warner Cable (in New York and Los Angeles) and DirecTV.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
Sorry - corrected link ... Showtime campaigns with free weekend in June http://t.co/ZjYfMiEI

Showtime campaigns with free weekend in June

weblogs.variety.com — The centerpiece of Showtime's Emmy campaign efforts will be its "Best in Sho" weekend from June 15-17, when it offers free marathons of its original scripted programming in collaboration with Time Warner Cable (in New York and Los Angeles) and DirecTV.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
Showtime campaigns with free weekend in June http://t.co/IjAQacPW

Waugh in talks to direct 'Need for Speed'

variety.com — Hot off the success of his debut feature "Act of Valor," helmer Scott Waugh is in negotiations to direct DreamWorks' "Need For Speed.". Film News from the entertainment source: Variety. Waugh in talks to direct 'Need for Speed'.
Josh Dickey Film Editor, Variety @Variety_JLD
XCLU (w/link): The Bandito Bros.' Scott Waugh in talks to direct NEED FOR SPEED at Dreamworks: http://t.co/hOr9yDsZ

Review by Justin Chang

variety.com — 'On the Road' An IFC Films and Sundance Selects (in U.S.) release of an MK2 and American Zoetrope presentation of a Jerry Leider Co. production, in association with Vanguard Films, Film 4, in co-production with France 2 Cinema, with the participation of France Televisions, Canal Plus and Cine Plus, in co-production with MK2 and Videofilmes.
Josh Dickey Film Editor, Variety @Variety_JLD
ON THE ROAD review via @JustinCChang: pulses w/ youthful energy but feels overly calculated in bid for spontaneity: http://t.co/yFlaRGSg

TLA acquires 'Elliot Loves'

variety.com — TLA Releasing has acquired worldwide rights for director/writer Terracino's comedy-drama "Elliot Loves." TLA made the announcement Wednesday at Cannes. The film is produced by Terracino and Elizabeth Gardner with Juan Caceres and Marisa Viola co-producing.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
TLA acquires 'Elliot Loves': Cannes News: Company nabs worldwide rights to comedy-drama http://t.co/Ventl9sp

Ratner, CJ Entertainment team on 'Golden Age'

variety.com — Brett Ratner's Rat Entertainment and Korea-based CJ Entertainment are teaming up to develop "The Golden Age" -- an East-meets-West buddy action adventure franchise with the first film to be called "The Golden Age: The Lost Treasure of Zheng He." . Cannes News from the entertainment source: Variety.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
Exclusive -- Ratner, CJ Entertainment team on 'Golden Age' http://t.co/6Sh1cKNP

Checking in on Cannes

weblogs.variety.com — critics Justin Chang and Peter Debruge have offered some so-far thoughts on the films of this year's Cannes Film Festival.
Christy Grosz Awards Editor, Variety @varietyawards
Checking in on Cannes with Variety critics @askdebruge and @JustinCChang http://t.co/3vng84A9

- Review by Brian Lowry

variety.com — Michael Cassidy, Danny Masterson and James Lesure in "Men at Work" Filmed in Los Angeles by Monkey Shoe and Fanfare in association with Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers, Breckin Meyer, Jamie Tarses, Julia Franz, Michael Davidoff, Bill Rosenthal; co-executive producer, Annette Sahakian Davis; director, Mark Cendrowski; writer, Meyer.
Brian Lowry Columnist, Variety @blowryontv
TBS' new sitcom "Men at Work" delivers one sex joke after another. Not that it's terrible; it's just overkill: http://t.co/kNByapqP

Wrenn joins Arclight

variety.com — Arclight Films has added distribution exec Michael Wrenn to its roster. Wrenn will be based out of the company's Sydney office. His areas of expertise include sales and acquisitions, executive producing, production, development and distribution. He recently established Curious Films Australia with an advertising production company of the same name and has been head of distribution for Alliance/Momentum.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
Wrenn joins Arclight http://t.co/sfoF4wil

TV eases way for gay acceptance

variety.com — While TV's influence is sometimes exaggerated by cultural scolds, it's hard to debate the medium's role in gradually facilitating greater acceptance of gays and lesbians -- so much so that Vice President Joe Biden gave "Will and Grace" an honorable mention for shifting attitudes.. Brian Lowry from the entertainment source: Variety.
Brian Lowry Columnist, Variety @blowryontv
Tale of the cape: It's a long way from Christopher Reeve playing gay in "Deathtrap" to Brandon Routh in "Partners." http://t.co/IR9ds0Qk

IFC nabs N. American rights to 'Sightseers'

variety.com — IFC Films has acquired all North American rights to Ben Wheatley's dark comedy "Sightseers," starring Alice Lowe and Steve Oram. The deal was announced Wednesday at Cannes, prior to the film's premiere in the Directors Fortnight section.
Stuart Oldham Online News Editor, Variety @s_oldham
RT @Variety IFC acquires Ben Wheatley's "Sightseers" http://t.co/TioZ2UQM
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
IFC takes North American rights on "Sightseers" http://t.co/eWu1yyZs

Lionsgate, Studiocanal extend pact

variety.com — Lionsgate and Studiocanal have extended and expanded their partnership with a longterm renewal of the agreement -- including a new pact to distribute "Catching Fire," the next installment of "The Hunger Games" franchise in German-speaking territories.. International News from the entertainment source: Variety. Lionsgate, Studiocanal extend pact.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
Breaking -- Lionsgate, Studiocanal extend pact: Film News: Deal includes 'Catching Fire' in German territories http://t.co/qcMWDLyC

'Gotham' pilot gets L.A. Screenings push

variety.com — Twentieth Century Fox TV has taken the unusual step of screening a pilot to international buyers in town for the L.A. Screenings that hasn't yet been picked up by a network. Studio is screening "Gotham," creator Michael Green's supernatural drama about a division of the NYPD that looks into crimes that have a magical twist.
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
20th Century Fox screening 'Gotham' pilot at LA Screenings for buyers, even though ABC has passed. Highly unusual. http://t.co/fIepaGpQ
Andrew Wallenstein TV Editor, Variety @awallenstein
RT @Variety_StuartL 20th TV takes unusual step of offering 'Gotham' pilot at LA Screenings, though ABC passed on show http://t.co/WMVN1TJ1
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
20th Century Fox takes unusual step of offering 'Gotham' pilot at LA Screenings, even though ABC passed on show. http://t.co/fIepaGpQ

eOne, RKO pact on 'Late Quartet' in U.S.

variety.com — eOne has set a co-distribution agreement in the U.S. with RKO Pictures for drama "A Late Quartet" with plans for a fall release. Deal was announced Wednesday at Cannes and covers all media rights for the U.S. excluding VOD and DVD. Pic is Yaron Zilberman's narrative film debut and stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
eOne, RKO pact on 'Late Quartet' in U.S.: Distrib'n deal excludes VOD, DVD http://t.co/KtsKX8Mm

In a Perfect World, 'Glee' Would Have Graduated

weblogs.variety.com — TV can be a cruel master. In a perfect world, "Glee" would be over. We've followed these characters through high school. They won nationals (finally) last week, and spent Tuesday night dealing with graduation and contemplating what they'll do next. OK, so there were plenty of clunky moments along the way.
Brian Lowry Columnist, Variety @blowryontv
Whatever comes next, I bet people will look back and say "Glee" would have been better if it had graduated in 2012: http://t.co/XXFHo1DL

Hollywood snaps up hot ebook titles

variety.com — With the "50 Shades of Grey" series hitting 10 million sales this week, ebooks are emerging as a sexy new source of material for Hollywood. The majors are keeping a close eye on digital bestseller lists and showing a willingness to pay traditional book-rights fees for digital titles -- provided they come with built-in brand awareness..
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
Hollywood snaps up hot ebook titles - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety: http://t.co/GKFD5mN9

'Gotham' pilot gets L.A. Screenings push

variety.com — Twentieth Century Fox TV has taken the unusual step of screening a pilot to international buyers in town for the L.A. Screenings that hasn't yet been picked up by a network. Studio is screening "Gotham," creator Michael Green's supernatural drama about a division of the NYPD that looks into crimes that have a magical twist.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
Unordered 'Gotham' pilot gets L.A. Screenings push http://t.co/HoBfnKeX

Save 'Awake' campaign faces long odds, to say the least

weblogs.variety.com — The latest edition of the struggling ongoing series "Save Our Show" takes us to fans of NBC's "Awake," who have set up the Save 'Awake' website, Facebook page and Twitter hashtag, not to mention putting together the above video.
Matthew Gilbert TV Critic, Boston Globe @MatthewGilbert
The Save #Awake campaign begins... http://t.co/mXkdSECc
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
Save 'Awake' campaign faces long odds, to say the least http://t.co/3KkYayrH #saveawake

Lucy Awards honor cinematographer Haellmigk

weblogs.variety.com — Cinematographer Anette Haellmigk will be this year's recipient of the Kodak Vision Award at the Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards. "We are honored to recognize Anette alongside Women in Film at this prestigious event," said Kim Snyder of Kodak.
Christy Grosz Awards Editor, Variety @varietyawards
Lucy Awards honor cinematographer Haellmigk http://t.co/q0DIrAZl
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
Lucy Awards honor cinematographer Haellmigk http://t.co/r1bhEwF1

Disney sets Green for wolf adventure pic

variety.com — By Marc Graser Disney has set tyro helmer Dave Green to make his directorial debut on an untitled wolf adventure that Andrew Panay will produce. Studio isn't letting the logline loose, but hopes to start production sometime this fall.
Josh Dickey Film Editor, Variety @Variety_JLD
Cut off one Disney pic, another takes its place: XCLU: Diz sets rookie helmer for wolf-adventure: http://t.co/14b42wDG (via @marcgraser)

Spheeris to helm 'High School'

variety.com — Penelope Spheeris will direct the teen comedy "High School Sweethearts." The pic will be produced by Sara Risher, former New Line production exec, and Stephanie Austin ("Shanghai Knights") through their Chickflicks shingle, and siblings Grant Tilley and Parker Tilley through their CreativeWorks Entertainment banner.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
Exclusive -- Spheeris to helm "High School" http://t.co/yOOHdi6w

Layton, Michelinie eye 'Shambler' adaptation

variety.com — Writers Bob Layton and David Michelinie are working on "Shambler," a bigscreen adaptation of their comicbook. Touted as an action-horror-comedy, "Shambler" centers on a scientist who creates a serum that reanimates dead tissue. He's murdered but reanimated by associates as a mummy encased in black-and-yellow crime scene tape.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
Layton, Michelinie eye 'Shambler' adaptation: EXCLUSIVE: Duo work on bigscreen version of comic http://t.co/45ciuJIf

Submarine launches fund and label

variety.com — Submarine Entertainment and Dakota Group are launching Torpedo Pictures, a fund and label to develop, finance, produce, and distribute a slate of low-budget, high-concept films in the sci-fi, horror and thriller genres. Deal was announced Tuesday at Cannes by David Koh, Dan Braun and Josh Braun of Submarine Entertainment along with Stanley Buchthal of Dakota Group.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
Submarine, Dakota launch Torpedo as a genre label http://t.co/2FqyiIbR

In 'Reel Crime/Real Story,' ID Goes Back to Movies

weblogs.variety.com — Investigation Discovery has stumbled onto a pretty savvy formula for helping its audience -- most of whom clearly learn pretty much everything they know from TV and movies, just like the rest of us -- process its shows: Explicityly or subconsciously connect its new series to popular movies.
Brian Lowry Columnist, Variety @blowryontv
Investigation Discovery's "Reel Crime/Real Story" adopts a clever strategy: Seen the movie? Then watch this TV show: http://t.co/qWy7HIvT

Follett miniseries heads to Reelz

variety.com — "World Without End," an eight-hour miniseries adapted from the Ken Follett novel, is headed for ReelzChannel with a fall premiere targeted. Budgeted at $46 million, the project stars Cynthia Nixon, Miranda Richardson, Ben Chaplin, Peter Firth and Charlotte Riley and reteams producers Tandem Communications and Ridley/Tony Scott shingle Scott Free Films, who worked together on"The Pillars of the Earth," another adaptation of a Follett work.
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
RT @Variety_TV: Follett miniseries heads to Reelz: TV News: 'World Without End' targeted for fall http://t.co/CEGk0KkO

'Hatfields' premiere caps 29-year journey for producer

weblogs.variety.com — History Channel's "Hatfields and McCoys," the six-hour project that will try to make a late break into the Emmy movies and miniseries race with its Memorial Day premiere, depicts the three-decade feud between the two famous families. According to exec producer Leslie Greif, it took almost exactly that length of time to make.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
RT @varietyawards: 'Hatfields' premiere caps 29-year journey for producer http://t.co/pSUwhPd5

'The Surrogate' renamed: 'Six Sessions'

variety.com — Fox Searchlight has changed the name of Sundance hit "The Surrogate" to "Six Sessions" and dated the pic for Oct. 26.. Film News from the entertainment source: Variety. 'The Surrogate' renamed: 'Six Sessions'.
Josh Dickey Film Editor, Variety @Variety_JLD
XCLU: Searchlight changes name of Sundance hit THE SURRGOATE to SIX SESSIONS, dates it 10/26: http://t.co/pffjQAwo (via @Variety_StewartS)

Mark Burnett hires HBO veteran

variety.com — Mark Burnett has tapped former HBO programming exec Anne Thomopoulos to spearhead his foray into scripted TV. The reality TV veteran, who has six unscripted series set for the recently announced broadcast 2012-13 primetime schedule, is branching out as part of his joint venture with Hearst Corp., One Three Media.
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
RT @Variety: Mark Burnett hires HBO veteran: TV News: Thomopoulos tapped to drive scripted expansion http://t.co/M1yFb6X8

Eugene Polley, inventor of TV remote, dies

variety.com — Eugene Polley, the inventor of the first wireless TV remote control, died of natural causes Sunday at a suburban Chicago hospital. He was 96.. TV News from the entertainment source: Variety. Eugene Polley, inventor of TV remote, dies.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
Eugene Polley, inventor of TV remote, dies - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - Variety: http://t.co/PDao6Ilq

Netflix ups pair to programming posts

variety.com — Netflix has promoted two of its own for key positions leading its domestic programming efforts while opening a search for someone to lead its acquisitions in Latin America. Cindy Holland will oversee original series for Netflix, which has made that a key component of its business having already launched one, "Lilyhammer," with four more to come next year.
Andrew Wallenstein TV Editor, Variety @awallenstein
Netflix ups pair to programming posts http://t.co/k3DHc6H2

NATPE taps Rod Perth as CEO

variety.com — TV biz vet Rod Perth has been tapped as prexy and CEO of NATPE.. TV News from the entertainment source: Variety. NATPE taps Rod Perth as CEO.
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
TV vet Rod Perth replaces Rick Feldman as head of NATPE. http://t.co/IGlfpXJJ

Ashes to ashes, 'House' to 'House'

weblogs.variety.com — Though it won't tarnish the show's place as the top medical drama to premiere since "ER," the season finale of Fox's "House" didn't do justice to the show. Until it reached the moving montage to Warren Zevon's "Keep Me in Your Heart" in the final minutes, the finale moved at a tedious place with platitude-filled discourse, and little of the crackle that gave "House" and Hugh Laurie such life over eight years.
Christy Grosz Awards Editor, Variety @varietyawards
Ashes to ashes, 'House' to 'House' http://t.co/Rf9QTdBE

UPI snares 'Oldboy,' 'Last Vegas'

variety.com — Joe Drake's new financing, production and sales outfit Good Universe has descended upon its first Cannes with a bang as the company has locked multi-territory deals with Universal Pictures Intl. for its two titles "Oldboy" and "Last Vegas.". Cannes News from the entertainment source: Variety. UPI snares 'Oldboy,' 'Last Vegas'.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
Exclusive -- UPI snags multiple markets on "Old Boy," "Last Vegas" http://t.co/jrf3FdSd

Tom Cruise attached to MGM's 'Magnificent Seven'

variety.com — As MGM prepares to start production on "RoboCop" and "Carrie" later this year, the studio has begun developing yet another remake, this time of John Sturges' classic 1960 Western "The Magnificent Seven" with Tom Cruise attached to star.. EXCLUSIVE from the entertainment source: Variety. Tom Cruise attached to MGM's 'Magnificent Seven'.
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
Nope. In the film. As star. @Bluegrassbabe3: @Variety_StuartL @TheInSneider "Attached" as in producing I hope. http://t.co/vm1FqXTI
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
RT @OldHossRadbourn: My purpose is clear: I am going to rise from the dead to prevent this from happening http://t.co/m3DDGcX7 @TheInSneider
Chris Krewson Editor, Variety.com, Variety @ckrewson
Cool story - MGM's going to remake the Magnificent Seven. With Tom Cruise. http://t.co/zrNcIlwE
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
Variety EXCLU via @TheInSneider: Tom Cruise attached to MGM's remake of 'The Magnificent Seven.' http://t.co/vm1ATnKy
Stuart Oldham Online News Editor, Variety @s_oldham
Tom Cruise attached to star in MGM's remake of classic Western "The Magnificent Seven" http://t.co/RkgeYpYc
Show 1 more tweet from Jon Weisman

Splendid picks up 'Scavengers'

variety.com — California Pictures has sold distribution rights for German-speaking territories and Benelux to sci-fi action thriller "Scavengers" to Splendid Film. Camelot Distribution Group made the deal at Cannes, where the film's trailer was unveiled. "Scavengers," currently in final post-production, stars Sean Patrick Flanery, Jeremy London and Roark Critchlow.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
Splendid picks up 'Scavengers' at Cannes http://t.co/UhMzS8Bf

Anchor Bay nabs 'Officer Down,' 'Pawn'

variety.com — "Officer Down" and "Pawn" have scored multiple territory sales with Anchor Bay Films taking all English-speaking territories for both actioners. Red Sea Media is handling international sales for both and has completed sales in Cannes on the two titles to Polar Star (Latin America), Globo TV (Brazil), Dutch FilmWorks, (Benelux), Eagle Films (Middle East), IPA (Thailand), Prorom (Romania) and Horizon Intl.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
Anchor Bay takes US on "Officer Down" and "Pawn" http://t.co/5TAufJql

Sony Pictures Classics says yes to 'No'

variety.com — Sony Pictures Classics has acquired North American rights to Pablo Larrain's "No," which screened in Cannes' Directors' Fortnight. Deal was announced Tuesday in Cannes by Sony Classics. The Chilean-set political drama is financed by Participant Media in association with Funny Balloons and Fabula.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
Sony Pictures Classics says yes to 'No'... http://t.co/NIHE7k3W

Glitch spikes Fox Sports commercials

variety.com — Broadcasts on several Fox Sports regional channels nationwide during primetime Monday aired without commercials because of technical problems. A Fox Sports spokesman said that there were ''significant technical problems at our master control facility in Houston.'' The glitches inhibited Fox Sports from running such items as commercials and ticker scores.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
Glitch spikes Fox Sports commercials http://t.co/RHW5oqmn

'Breaking Bad' returns July 15

variety.com — AMC has set July 15 for the premiere of the first half of the last season of "Breaking Bad."The 16-episode season will play in two parts, with the final eight episodes beginning in summer 2013.. TV News from the entertainment source: Variety. 'Breaking Bad' returns July 15.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
AMC sets Breaking Bad premiere for 7/15. As previously announced, 16-episode final season will be broken in two parts http://t.co/9PXef9KD
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
'Breaking Bad' returns July 15 and second season of 'Hell on Wheels' starts Aug. 12. http://t.co/ZuE4WrIw

Tom Cruise attached to MGM's 'Magnificent Seven'

variety.com — As MGM prepares to start production on "RoboCop" and "Carrie" later this year, the studio is going back to the vault again to develop a remake of John Sturges' 1960 Western "The Magnificent Seven" with Tom Cruise attached to star.. EXCLUSIVE from the entertainment source: Variety. Tom Cruise attached to MGM's 'Magnificent Seven'.
Karen Krizanovich Freelance Journalist and Film Reviewer @Krizanovich
RT @shadowandact: A remake of "The Magnificent Seven" (itself a remake of "Seven Samurai") with Tom Cruise starring... http://t.co/1NnzANxn

James McAvoy joins Jessica Chastain in 'Rigby'

variety.com — McAvoy Chastain James McAvoy will star opposite Jessica Chastain in the double-feature film project for Myriad Pictures, ''The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: His'' and ''The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Hers.'' Ned Benson wrote the two scripts and will direct both films. Myriad had announced the two-film project in February prior to the Berlin market with Chastain and Joel Edgerton signed on to star in a love story that explores a New York City couple's relationship during a difficult time in their marriage from the perspectives of the restaurant owner husband and of the wife, who goes back to college.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
James McAvoy joins Jessica Chastain in 'Rigby' for Myriad Pictures' double-feature project... http://t.co/L4kh6IQP

Weinsteins preview 'Django,' 'Master' in Cannes

variety.com — Harvey Weinstein took another turn in the Cannes spotlight Monday night, touting a trio of potential awards season contenders -- Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained," Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master" and David O. Russell's "The Silver Linings Playbook.". Cannes News from the entertainment source: Variety. Weinsteins preview 'Django,' 'Master' in Cannes.
Dave McNary Reporter, Variety @Variety_DMcNary
Harvey Weinstein previews 'Django,' 'Master,' 'Silver Linings Playbook'... http://t.co/BmruX7kv

'Where are they going with this?'

weblogs.variety.com — Just a brief note to discuss a trend I've noticed increasingly on TV the past couple of years: the "Where are they going with this?" phenomenon? Simply put, more and more programs, from serialized dramas to comedies, are introducing storylines or elements that seem so far out there, not to mention unbelievable, that you end up wondering how they're going to find their way home.
Christy Grosz Awards Editor, Variety @varietyawards
The "Where are they going with this?" phenomenon? http://t.co/b3JlcDvT
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
The "Where are they going with this?" phenomenon? http://t.co/eZQTzbI1

Rudin, Sony eye Mottola for 'Marriage Plot'

variety.com — Mottola "Superbad" helmer Greg Mottola is in early talks to pen "The Marriage Plot," based on the novel by Jeffrey Eugenides, for Sony and Scott Rudin Prods. Rudin is set to produce the project. Story focuses on a coming-of-age love triangle in the early 1980s.
Katy DeLuca Features and Yeas & Nays Editor, Washington Examiner @katylucey
Interesting. RT @BookRiot: "Superbad" writer in talks to adapt THE MARRIAGE PLOT for big screen: http://t.co/OSeK78cy (h/t @the_millions)
Anna Maltby Associate Health Editor, Self Magazine @amalt
RT @BookRiot: "Superbad" writer in talks to adapt THE MARRIAGE PLOT for big screen: http://t.co/NkffiNsf (h/t @the_millions)

Peabody honorees bask

weblogs.variety.com — For Variety, Susan Young talked to David Simon, among others, about the significance of the Peabody Awards, which were presented today.
Christy Grosz Awards Editor, Variety @varietyawards
Peabody honorees bask http://t.co/MiFx1KwX

Byrne cast in History's 'Vikings'

variety.com — History has tabbed Gabriel Byrne to star in scripted series "Vikings," set to launch next year.. TV News from the entertainment source: Variety. Byrne cast in History's 'Vikings'.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
History has tabbed Gabriel Byrne to star in scripted series "Vikings," set to launch next year. http://t.co/Md90IQ5m

Variety to host Emmy thesp panels

variety.com — Variety will conduct a series of Emmy-centric interview panels moderated by its TV editors under the Variety Studio banner. Actors and actresses in the lead and supporting categories for comedy and drama will gather May 30-31 at the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood for the interview sessions.
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
Variety Studio's Emmy actor/actress panels to take place May 30-31. Dern, Sutherland, Pare, Goggins among talent. http://t.co/fDJH2pKR

Variety to host Emmy actor-actress panels

weblogs.variety.com — Variety will conduct a series of Emmy-centric interview panels moderated by its TV editors under the Variety Studio banner. Actors and actresses in the lead and supporting categories for comedy and drama will gather May 30-31 at the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood for the interview sessions.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
Variety to host Emmy actor-actress panels http://t.co/eqrkVtfc

Ryan, Schwimmer in 'Detroit'

variety.com — Amy Ryan and David Schwimmer will topline the Off Broadway bow of Lisa D'Amour's play "Detroit." Ryan's stage credits include the 2005 Broadway revival of "A Streetcar Named Desire" and the West End staging of "The Distance From Here." Schwimmer last appeared on the Gotham boards in the 2006 Rialto production of "The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial."
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
Amy Ryan, David Schwimmer in 'Detroit': Actors join Off Broadway production. http://t.co/MPG6Xx4k

A&E promotes Guy Slattery

variety.com — A&amp;E Network has upped Guy Slattery to exec VP of marketing.. TV News from the entertainment source: Variety. A&amp;E promotes Guy Slattery.
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
RT @Variety: A&E promotes Guy Slattery: TV News: Marketer lifted to exec VP http://t.co/sIgqHDFK

Michael Rosenbaum dies at 64

variety.com — Michael Rosenbaum, an award-winning CBS News producer who served as Tel Aviv bureau chief during the first Palestinian uprising against Israel, died Thursday in New York of a brain tumor. He was 64.. TV News from the entertainment source: Variety. Michael Rosenbaum dies at 64.
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
RT @Variety_TV: Michael Rosenbaum dies at 64: TV News: Was CBS News' Tel Aviv bureau chief in early '90s http://t.co/pA3LcEkn

Kevin Gill dies at 54

variety.com — Director and producer Kevin Gill, a key figure in the early days of MTV, died on May 2 in Venice, Calif. He was 54. His television career began at the nascent cable network in early 1983, where he directed the original VJs and their rock star guests in the MTV studio.
Stuart Levine Writer, Variety @Variety_StuartL
RT @Variety_TV: Kevin Gill dies at 54: TV News: Director, producer worked at MTV, Disney http://t.co/y0zVo9BR

DirecTV to premiere 'Hit and Miss' July 11

variety.com — DirecTV's newest original drama for its Audience Network, Chloe Sevigny starrer "Hit and Miss," will premiere July 11. The drama, about a transgender woman who is a contract killer, will launch immediately after the premiere of the fifth and final season of "Damages." It has a six-episode order for its inaugural season.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
DirecTV to premiere "Hit and Miss" w/Chloe Sevigny as transgender hit person on July 11 http://t.co/w0KFqbQQ

'Office' adds two more EPs

variety.com — "The Office" is bolstering its exec producer ranks as the NBC comedy preps for its ninth season. "Girls" and "Sarah Silverman Program" alum Dan Sterling has signed on as an exec producer, and longtime series writer-producer Brent Forrester has been upped to exec producer.. TV News from the entertainment source: Variety.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
RT @Variety: 'Office' adds two more EPs: Dan Sterling, Brent Forrester elevated as show preps for season 9 http://t.co/lNqLdodu

Reelz to air creative arts Emmys

variety.com — ReelzChannel has signed on to broadcast the creative arts portion of the primetime Emmy awards for the second year in a row. Spike Jones, Jr. will also return to produce the kudocast, which will be taped Sept. 15 for air in a two-hour slot Sept. 22, the night before the Emmy main event.
Christy Grosz Awards Editor, Variety @varietyawards
ReelzChannel to broadcast the creative arts portion of the primetime Emmy awards for the second year in a row. http://t.co/egbV4ng2

'Jesse Stone' Exposes TV's Age-Old Problem

weblogs.variety.com — CBS drew an estimated 12.7 million viewers Sunday with its latest Jesse Stone movie, starring Tom Selleck, which on its face ought to be cause for cartwheels. Drill a little deeper, though, and the movie's geriatric skew -- with adults over 50 accounting for the vast majority of its audience -- underscores the problem the major networks are wrestling with as their profiles keep getting older.
Brian Lowry Columnist, Variety @blowryontv
The geriatric skew of the latest "Jesse Stone" movie exposes what for TV has literally become an age-old problem. http://t.co/E2viu2OQ

'Where are they going with this?'

weblogs.variety.com — Just a brief note to discuss a trend I've noticed increasingly on TV the past couple of years: the "Where are they going with this?" phenomenon? Simply put, more and more programs, from serialized dramas to comedies, are introducing storylines or elements that seem so far out there, not to mention unbelievable, that you end up wondering how they're going to find their way home.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
Seconded: http://t.co/FoBVsAtI @mattzollerseitz

CBS pacts with ESPN on hoops

variety.com — CBS Sports has sublet a portion of ESPN's rights to a number of college basketball games in a multiyear agreement that begins this fall.. TV News from the entertainment source: Variety. CBS pacts with ESPN on hoops.
Jon Weisman Baseball Blogger, LA Times @dodgerthoughts
CBS Sports has sublet a portion of ESPN's rights to a number of college basketball games in a multiyear agreement. http://t.co/AAVNGlDD