CBS, Fox top Thursday ratings

Taking advantage of a stronger lead-in and no original ''Grey's Anatomy'' competition, CBS rookie drama ''Person of Interest'' hit a high Thursday to help the net earn a demo tie with Fox. Meanwhile, NBC's ''Awake'' fell off in its second week, but is still above-average for the net in the timeslot.According to preliminary national estimates from Nielsen, CBS opened the night an across-the-board winner with ''The Big Bang Theory'' (5.1 rating/15 share in adults 18-49, 15.2 million viewers overall), down a bit vs. its last original episode but still ahead of Fox's ''American Idol'' by 1 share in 18-49 and 25-54 and by 3 shares in 18-34. A ''Big Bang'' repeat did very well at 8:30 (second-place 4.0/11 in 18-49, 12.9 million viewers overall), helping ''Person of Interest'' establish highs at 9 (3.4/9 in 18-49, 15.8 million viewers overall), up 10% from its most recent original episode. And closing out the night, ''The Mentalist'' was an easy winner among the broadcast networks in all categories (2.8/8 in 18-49, 13.8 million viewers overall) and figures to be neck-and-neck with MTV's ''Jersey Shore'' for the lead among adults 18-49.For the night, CBS tied Fox for the lead among adults 18-49 (3.6/10), with the Eye pulling ahead in 25-54 and total viewers. (Note that CBS had some small-market preemptions for basketball, which could affect its final numbers for the night.)At Fox, ''American Idol'' (4.8/15 in 18-49, 17.0 million viewers overall) was down from last week's two-hour episode but stood as the night's No. 1 show in women 18-49 and total viewers; its second half-hour beat the ''Big Bang'' repeat by 3 shares in 18-49. It was followed by rookie drama ''The Finder'' (2.3/6 in 18-49, 7.3 million viewers overall), which was up vs. its last episode, placing second in the 9 o'clock hour.At NBC, ''30 Rock'' continues to struggle kicking off the night (1.4/4 in 18-49, 3.5 million viewers overall) but ''Parks and Recreation'' jumped 12% week to week at 8:30 p.m. (1.9/5 in 18-49, 3.8 million viewers overall) with its best scores since mid-January. In the 9 o'clock hour, ''The Office'' (2.6/7 in 18-49, 5.0 million viewers overall) and ''Up All Night'' (1.7/4 in 18-49, 3.5 million viewers overall) were each up a tick week to week, with the former easily leading its timeslot among adults 18-34 (2.8/9). And at 10, dual-reality drama ''Awake'' (1.6/4 in 18-49, 4.3 million viewers overall) ran second among the broadcast networks, falling 20% from its OK bow of last week when it didn't face an original ''Mentalist.'' Despite the decline, the demo rating is still the second best for a regular NBC drama in the hour (behind last week) since the series opener of ''Prime Suspect'' in September. ABC aired repeats of Thursday regulars ''Wipeout'' (1.3/4 in 18-49, 4.6 million viewers overall) and ''Grey's Anatomy'' (1.4/4 in 18-49, 4.1 million viewers overall), followed by an encore of new Sunday series ''GCB'' (1.3/4 in 18-49, 3.8 million viewers overall). The net bows Ashley Judd drama ''Missing'' in Thursday's 8 o'clock hour next week.CW went with repeats of ''The Vampire Diaries'' (0.4/1 in 18-49, 1.2 million viewers overall) and Friday drama ''Supernatural'' (0.3/1 in 18-49, 0.9 million viewers overall) at a special time.Preliminary 18-49 averages for the night: CBS and Fox, 3.6/10; NBC, 1.8/5; ABC and Univision, 1.4/4; CW, 0.4/1.In total viewers: CBS, 14.5 million; Fox, 12.1 million; ABC, 4.2 million; NBC, 4.0 million; Univision, 3.5 million; CW, 1.0 million. Contact Rick Kissell at rick.kissell@variety.com

Apples New iPad Seen As A Small Step Forward For Digital Infotainment

We may have to wait for Apple to unveil its much-rumored and allegedly revolutionary television set, or even the next iteration of the iPhone,in order to see how the tech giant hopes to rock the infotainment world. That’s because, at first glance, Hollywood execs and analysts say that the new iPad is virtually a non-event: It says more aboutApple’s desire to protect its share of tablet sales from rivals including Amazon and Samsung — or upcoming devices built around Microsoft’s new Windows 8 operating system — than it does about any plan to shake up media. “There’s nothing game-changing” about it, says one Hollywood exec. To be sure, people say that iPad’s new HD screen and 4G broadband should improve the video-watching experience for consumers.The enhancements also will help iPad to remain the supplemental device of choice. “It will accelerate the development of the dual screen world, and the end of the set-top box” as pay TV providers try to shift TV control capabilities to tablets, says independent analyst Chris Dixon.But the updated tablet is still dinged as being too costly, andhaving too little memory, to qualify as a stand-alone entertainment device for a mass audience. What’s more, studios aren’t just looking at technology. Their biggest concerns with Apple involve the licensing terms it wants for their movies and TV shows. “The content owners are balking at the money Apple is asking for,” says IMS Research senior analyst Paul Erickson.Still, he and others note that it’s usually a mistake to look at the tech company’s announcements in isolation. “There’s always a larger scheme afoot when you’re talking about Apple,” Erickson says. Speaking of larger schemes, Netflix said today in a blog post that starting today owners of Apple TV boxes can sign up and pay for the streaming video service through Apple’s iTunes Store. The announcement comes as Netflix engages in talks with cable operators — who are wary about Apple’s media ambitions — about becoming a service on their platforms.

Willow Smith Dyes Her Hair Neon Green

Paul Blackthorne Paul Blackthorne is venturing from ABC's The River to CBS' CSI. The actor has been cast as a charismatic college professor who teaches a class on the nature of celebrities, Entertainment Weekly reports. His character, Tom, will become the focus of an investigation when one of his protégés ends up dead. Pilot Season: Get the scoop! Blackthorne currently stars on The River as TV producer Clark Quietly. He was recently cast in The CW's Arrow pilot, a modern retelling of DC hero Green Arrow's legendary adventures, where he'll play a detective and father of Laurel (Katie Cassidy), the love interest of the Green Arrow's alter-ego Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell).

Glee Postmortem: Max Adler on Karofsky's Dark Moment and Message of Hope

Max Adler Closeted jock Dork Karofsky might have arrived at his pitch-dark hour on Tuesday's episode of Glee, but actor Max Adler felt it had been necessary while he states "it possesses a message of hope." [SPOILERS! The next interview consists of references to major occasions from Tuesday's Glee episode, "Going.Inch While New Directions worried concerning how to take lower the Dalton Academy Warblers at Regionals, Karofsky (Adler) faced a far more personal crisis that place the whole senior high school experience into perspective. Tuesday's episode marked the culmination of his journey because the student who once terrorized McKinley's glee club, battled to simply accept his sexuality after which moved to Thurston High to complete out his senior high school career in relative anonymity. After being seen speaking to freely gay Kurt (Chris Colfer) on Valentine's, however, Karofsky's new schoolmates started to call him up homophobic slurs and cyberbullied him, eventually pushing him to try suicide. Fall 2012 TV Scorecard: Which shows are coming back? Which are not? "The director from the episode, Kaira Buecker, and that i had some very lengthy and heavy discusses the entire situation," Adler informs TVGuide.com. "How to deal with everything delicately but as honestly with just as much integrity as you possibly can. I understand many people needed to happen to be curious why this comedy show made the decision to tackle it. But my interpretation from it was, you will find the comedy and tragedy masks [the Greek symbols for theater]. You cannot have just all optimism and comedy and hopes without showing sleep issues from the struggle: the anxieties and also the fears to be in senior high school and never really knowing what you are or where your future will go." Fortunately, Karofsky is discovered over time and put in the hospital. His survival produced a dialogue with a student body but additionally between your feuding New Directions and Warblers - the usually underhanded Sebastian (Grant Gustin), who had once insulted Karofsky's tries to flirt, were built with a change of heart. Take a look at our interview with Adler about Karofsky's virginity, feelings towards Kurt and dream love interest: Why would you like to cause me to feel cry? I can not imagine anybody could watch what Karofsky was dealing with and never be moved.Max Adler: I am glad which i could move you. I am flattered. That actually means a great deal. We put some work into that, so I am glad it discovered. It's what we should all shoot for. Did you know associated with a behind-the-moments writers' discussions about getting Karofsky really flourish in his make an effort to kill themself?Adler: I believe initially that may have been the program. I am not 100 % sure, but I'm sure which was certainly spoken about and talked about. Not to mention it could have been equally strong of the message. However I love this outcome better. Thankfully his father finds him and it is all OK. It is a lengthy road back, I believe, towards the happiness and also the hope that people would really want for him, however i think now he's on that road. Honestly, It supplies a message of aspire to reveal that he is doing have people like Kurt to achieve to him and show him that there might be happiness later on. VIDEO: Watch a clip for Glee star Chris Colfer's comedy Struck by Lightning How maybe it was dealing with your onscreen father again?Adler: Daniel Roebuck is among the best men. His call time on that day involved five, but i was running a little behind, so that they pressed it. He did not jump on the set until about 11 during the night, and all sorts of he needed to do is that certain scene... He did not understand how serious and just how dark we would go. But he really came onto the set from his trailer, and that he viewed the final couple of takes of me climbing on this chair and searching at this beam for the reason that closet. And that he emerged in my experience later on with tears in the eyes saying, "OK, now we all know what we have to do." And that he just came and introduced it, and that i felt his tears fall on my small face. It had been just a remarkably satisfying scene to shoot with him. I was so glad to determine Karofsky again, first at Scams and so the Valentine's episode. We were not certain he'd return this year. Had you been concerned too?Adler: I had been in NY for brand new Year's, and also the first couple times of The month of january I acquired the phone call stating that I'd be returning of these couple episodes. However I did not understand what the storyline line was. I'd no clue where they would go. I am really glad the authors were so brave and thus honest about Dork Karofsky's narrative, because I being an actor so that as an individual am just type of intrigued through the human experience. I have been intrigued with Karofsky's inner struggles. I never really saw him as flipping on the cent and merely being happy overnight. I figured there would need to be some type of a very cheap or perhaps a breaking indicate get him to change to understand that there's light and hope on the other hand. I had been really glad that people could show this message on national TV. Have you create any kind of backstory of what is been happening with him beyond just playing football at Thurston Senior High School?Adler: I believe exactly the same factor because the this past year at McKinley, that is essentially I believe he's been type of lounging low. Like he stated in Scams, "I am just trying to possess a normal senior year, and play football, and also have no gossips." It's like he was putting on a metaphoric gorilla suit he was constantly guarded coupled with that air of bravado, and confidence, and was attempting to squeeze into to some mold whenever possible and never show any sensitivity, not show any weakness, because you are afraid that will give something for free. And So I believe that he kind of stepped onto eggshells at this time, after which once the character Nick (Aaron Hill) sees him at Breadstix It all type of comes crashes lower and turns into a really frightening reality for him. But Karofsky also found themself a gay hangout at Scams...Adler: I believe which was just Karofsky looking for themself and also have some type of a communication, and experience something. I'd always performed Karofsky like a virgin. I seem like he never really were built with a girlfriend, never really did anything sexual, and thus for me personally it had been dependent on him getting a reference to somebody -- maybe it's a girl or perhaps a guy, simply to become your genuine self. Which was the primary struggle, and that i seem like Scams, the Valentine's grams and every one of that, is simply some type of a means to attempt to express themself and free themself from themself. When that fails, I believe this is when he turns towards the desperation of not getting anymore questions or otherwise knowing what to do or how to proceed. So the only method he understood to on-site visit for help and express themself was suicide. However I don't believe he considered the aftereffects or the way it can impact the instructors, his father, his parents, his buddies. That did not enter his mind space. What is your opinion Karofsky's feelings are towards Kurt? Could it be basically romance or perhaps is there some thing?Adler: Dave's never been sexual, ever. In my experience it certainly is been that connection. I believe Kurt has always type of been that beacon of hope and guidance for Karofsky due to what he stated within the Sugar Shack, how he's so proud, and comfy, and at ease with who he's... The bond that holds them together and what draws Karofsky to Kurt is -- an example I figured of is holding a rope, attempting to hang from a high cliff. If I am just hanging on with a thread, Kurt's the man holding the very best and never letting me go. There have been many calls produced from Karofsky to Kurt attempting to talk things out, which last type of apply for hope, but Kurt had overlooked his calls. I believe that's as he forget about the rope... If only one part of the locker room would have defended him or walked up or taken him under his wing, everything could've been different. Had among the instructors at McKinley like Coach Beiste (Us dot Johnson) or Mr. Schuster (Matthew Morrison) recognized something and really talked about it, that could've saved him. It's a method to type of reflect later on on all of the indicators and show society that we have to speak up and help people that aren't comfortable being themselves. Talking about trying, I understand you probably did an "It Will get Better" video. What's your ongoing participation using the Trevor Project?Adler: Yeah. Every time they have occasions in LA, I'll get out there and support them and talk to folks which come towards the occasions, and consult with everybody. I additionally connect to another non profit organizations which i use such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association because my mother and my grandmother both experienced from that, and they have passed, and that is really near to my heart. I am also dealing with City Arts, that is in the newbie in LA, which boosts money also it helps underprivileged kids around LA, such things as after-school programs for drama and photography and music and dance, and type of takes them from the street. Rather than engaging in trouble they are indicating themselves with the arts. So between each of individuals non profit organizations I talk to numerous people. They have associated with the smoothness, plus they share these incredible tales and messages. People all across the globe have explained about how exactly Karofsky and also the narrative make their lives better, and they have had the opportunity to type of think about themselves and accept themselves more or emerge happily for their buddies and family, simply because they see exactly what a struggle this is often for an individual. Exactly what do you hope is within Karofsky's future?Adler: Within the episode there is a really beautiful scene within the hospital, and Kurt states, "Picture your existence in ten years.Inch It is a whole beautiful flashforward of Karofsky in a fancy suit which effective office. He's a sports agent and that he has this great-searching partner, and they've this beautiful boy, and he's taking him to his first football game. I believe it isn't relating to this job, which success, and also the money. It is concerning the connection or being able to be genuine, and the true self, around someone who loves him for your, and accepts him, and values him. I believe that's his happiness. Fast-forward another season or two and let us assume Karofsky is prepared for love. What are the dream guest stars you want to have as his passion interest?Adler: Ryan Gosling. He's my guy-crush. Therefore if I am likely to be getting rapport and kissing any guy, you can sign Ryan Gosling up. I believe he's the very best actor of anybody. What have you think about Karofsky's story?

Nick Offerman On For Diablo Cody's Pic

He's joining Russell Logo design and also the restWhen he is not busy to become the epitome of small-town awesome as Ron effing Swanson here telly comedy Parks & Entertainment, Nick Offerman adds his considerable comedy and general acting chops to movies. Now he's signed onto Diablo Cody's still-untitled directorial debut.The film, which was once (and may yet be) referred to as Lamb Of God, finds Footloose's Julianne Hough as Lamb, a devoutly religious youthful lady who suffers terrible burns in the plane crash. The distressing experience causes her to renounce her belief by leaving her parents in Washington, D.C. for Vegas, where she looks to re-invent herself by supplying straight into sin.But it's there they meets pals for instance bartenders William (Russell Brand) and craps dealer Loray (Octavia Spencer, who might be titled Oscar champion Octavia Spencer once the weekend is finished) who help her realize that there might just be some middle ground.There's not sure on who Offerman may have, and you will place your bets now whether he goes full 'tache or 'tache-less. He's joining a cast including Carol Hunter and Phil Austin.Cody is creating to shoot the film shortly. Offerman will next be viewed in 21 Jump Street (out here 16 March) and Casa P Mi Padre alongside Will Ferrell, which has yet to lasso a Uk release date.

Mad Men Season 5 First Look: Don Draper Is Back!

Mad Men, Jon Hamm It's been far too long since Don Draper has been on our television screens. Good thing he'll be back by Sunday, March 25. AMC expands Walking Dead's Season 3, announces return dates for Mad Men, The Killing Mad Men hasn't aired new episodes since October 2010, due in part to lengthy negotiations for Seasons 5 and 6 between series creator Matthew Weiner and AMC. So it's a shame that AMC didn't offer up any new footage in the just-released teaser trailer. It's great to know that style, debauchery and other hallmarks of the antihero are back, but, well, what's actually happening this season remains to be seen. Check out the teaser below: Mad Men Season 5 debuts with a two-hour premiere on Sunday, March 25 at 9/8c on AMC.

Winfrey tweet upsets Nielsen

WinfreyThe massive influence The famous host the famous host oprah Winfrey sways wasn't appreciated by Nielsen Sunday evening. The prior daytime full and current topper of cabler OWN used her Twitter account to request Nielsen box-top entrepreneurs to check out the 9 p.m. telecast of "Oprah's Next Chapter." "Every 1 who is able to please usehold especially if - have a very Neilsen box," was shipped to million of fans. That, however, calculates towards the breach of Nielsen policy, and Winfrey soon sent an apology: "I removed the tweet within the request of Nielsen. I desired no harm and apologize for your reference." Because the ratings for "Oprah's Next Chapter" won't be accessible until Tuesday, Nielsen introduced they'd put an asterisk close to the final total and indicate there may have been prejudice in how people amounts were accomplished. Winfrey sent the tweet from her accommodation in Georgia, where she's on spot for the arrival OWN skein "Love Town USA." Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Blade Runner producer denies Harrison Ford return

Well, this one didn't last long, did it? Just one day after the rumour mill clanked into gear to suggest Harrison Ford was in talks to star in the forthcoming Blade Runner sequel, producer Andrew Kosove has come out and publically denied that any such meeting has taken place."It is absolutely patently false that there has been any discussion about Harrison Ford being in Blade Runner," says Kosove. "To be clear, what we are trying to do with Ridley now is go through the painstaking process of trying to break the back of the story, figure out the direction we're going to take the movie and find a writer to work on it. The casting of the movie could not be further from our minds at this moment."That would certainly fit in with the reports we had heard in the past, with Ford himself having distanced himself from the project. "I wouldn't feel bad if I were not invited to the party," he said last year, "because I would understand they would want fresh blood to be spilled."Meanwhile, Kosove went on to compare the Blade Runner sequel to Ridley Scott's Prometheus, in terms of how the film will relate to the original."What Ridley does in Prometheus is a good template for what we're trying to do," says Kosove. "He created something that has some association to the original Alien, but lives on its own as a standalone movie."But one thing we do know is that Ford won't be appearing? "In advance of knowing what we're going to do, I supposed you could say yes, he could," conceded Kosove, "but I think it is quite unlikely." Hmm, that's cleared that up then...

Shaffner to lead Art Directors Council

Shaffner Production designer John Shaffner has been elected to a three-year term as chair of the Art Directors Council.He replaces Thomas A. Walsh, who continues as president of the Art Directors Guild. The ADG operates as Local 800 of the Intl. Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and has four craft councils included the Art Directors Council.Shaffner was formerly vice chair of the ADC, a post now filled by Corey Kaplan. Jack Fisk was also elected to the council.Shaffner recently completed four years as chairman and CEO of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and works as production designer on "Two and a Half Men," "The Big Bang Theory" and "Mike and Molly." Fisk was production designer on Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life" and on Malick's next film, as yet untitled.New members recently elected to the other craft councils include Ben Nowicki of the Scenic, Title & Graphic Artists Council and James Hewitt of the Set Designers and Model Makers Council. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Up Through The Night Sneak Look: Will Arnett and Dean Winters Face Off

Up Through The Night The Brinkley's are going to welcome another new accessory for their household about this week's episode of Up Through The Night. Dean Winters (30 Rock, Save Me) guest stars as Chris' (Will Arnett) older brother, also it does not take lengthy for his or her edge against your competitors to be released, much towards the dismay of Reagan (Christina Applegate), who's going to get baby Amy recognized to some exclusive preschool. Read this exclusive clip and catch this week's new episode on Thursday at 9:30/8:30c on NBC. Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Crime spinoffs aren't needing to pay

The crime drama, especially as produced by CBS, was primetime television's most bankable drama format for approximately 10 years -- but that seems being changing. Sure, skeins like "NCIS" and "Criminal Minds" still succeed for your Eye, nevertheless the internet hasn't seen quite the identical success yesteryear couple of years with "Blue Bloods" or "Person of curiosity,In . crime suggests that needed the genre in slightly different directions. Elsewhere, NBC's copshow "Prime Suspect" was rejected right from the start inside the fall, and ABC's "Body of Proof" remains a modest artist within the second season. But possibly the most effective indicator from the trend is always that throughout the final 12 several days, spinoffs of three venerable crime shows -- "Law and Order," "Bones" and "Criminal Minds" -- have not successful to click with auds. Sure, "Bones" offshoot "The Finder" just bowed lately, nevertheless the early returns were not encouraging. Fox used "Bones" to funnel audiences into "The Finder" if the opened up on Jan. 12, nevertheless the newbie settled for just about any 1.7 rating (in contrast getting a couple.4 due to its lead-in). Too as with its second week, despite a sizable lead-in from "The The American Idol Show ShowInch (5.7 rating), "Finder" elevated to merely a few.2 -- still fourth within the Thursday timeslot. NBC tried to breathe existence to the diminishing "Law and Order" franchise with "Law and Order: L.A.," nevertheless the show's reboot last April opened up up getting a thud (1.5) which is run ingloriously ended with burnoff episodes within this summer time. It absolutely was the next "L&O" spinoff inside the U.S., only "SVU" remains round the air ("U.K." continues in Blighty). At CBS, "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior," fronted by Forest Whitaker, shipped significantly in the ancestor, which preceded it on Wednesdays. Auds up-to-date looking for the premiere (3.3 rating), nevertheless the show dropped with a 2.4 the following week and was hanging out a few if the wrapped its 13-episode run. It was not surprising to look for the nets order more spinoffs inside the wake of CBS' success with "NCIS" and "NCIS: La,Inch while using latter going strong within the third year. But that particular may be the final we'll see work with a while. Contact Ron Kissell at ron.kissell@variety.com

Fran Drescher Claims She Was Kidnapped By Aliens

Fran Drescher Fran Drescher thinks she was kidnapped by aliens. No, really.Inside an interview while using Huffington Publish, the Nannyand Happily Divorcedstar mentioned she and her ex-husband Peter Marc Jacobson both stood a close encounter after they were teens.Keck's Exclusives! Start searching: Nanny reunion on Happily Divorced"Peter which i both saw [aliens] before we understood each other, doing the identical factor, driving on the road with this particular fathers," Drescher mentioned. "I had been in junior high. A few years later, we met, which we recognized that individuals had the identical experience. In my opinion that in some manner i was made to satisfy. The two of us have this scar. It's the identical scar round the identical place."Jacobson claims Drescher's scar develops from a drill bit or possibly is triggered by burning herself with tepid to warm water. But Drescher won't have your vision switched.See the relaxation of current day news"That's exactly what the aliens designed us to think about,In . she mentioned. "But, this is when the nick is."Who knows? Maybe this finally describes Drescher's one-of-a-kind laugh?

Demi Moore's 'Lovelace' Alternative, 'Hangover 3' Cast Gears Up

The boys might be in town for any new installment of "The Hangover," although not prior to them getting some ginormous income for that movie. Meanwhile, Chloe Sevingy might be getting Demi Moore's lately-vacated place in "Lovelace," Russell Brand is headed to family-friendly territory and Paul Giamatti is prepared for many Shakespearean tragedy. It's The month of january 26, and you are tuning directly into present day casting call. "The Hangover 3" Is Incorporated In The Works Great news for fans of "The Hangover" franchise: The Hollywood Reporter has found that Warner Bros is searching to create a new chapter within the series which will ditch the attempted-and-true "forgotten-debauchery" formula. Apparently leading males Bradley Cooper, Erectile dysfunction Helms and Zach Galifianakis will be in discussions for that project for some time, but happen to be ready looking to get $15 million an item for that film. THR thinks the leads will probably have it, which the film will begin shooting within the summer time for any Memorial Day 2013 release. Chloe Sevigny Joins "Lovelace" Chloe Sevigny may be the latest star in the future aboard "Lovelace," the Amanda Seyfried-starring Linda Lovelace biopic. Based on the Hollywood Reporter, she'll be playing "a feminist journalist on freelance assignment for any men's magazine to discover who the actual Linda Lovelace is." Hmm, that sounds a great deal such as the description for Demi Moore's Gloria Steinmen role. Can it be that Sevigny has changed Moore within the movie? We'll need to watch for the official confirmation to discover. Russell Brand Might Be "The Hauntrepeneur" Variety is confirming that Russell Brand is mounted on star within the approaching family-friendly comedy "The Hauntrepeneur" for Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes production company. He'd play a peculiar guy hired to assist a household adapt to their new town by creating on their behalf a haunted house filled with "oddball figures." The film has been referred to as "Charlie and also the Chocolate Factory" meets "Beetlejuice." The studio was without any discuss the casting, therefore it is not entirely official quite yet. Paul Giamatti Joins "Romeo And Juliet" Paul Giamatti is getting together two unrequited enthusiasts within the approaching Carlo Carlei-directed movie, "Romeo and Juliet." He'll play Friar Lawrence, based on Variety. The film stars Hailee Steinfeld as Juliet and Douglas Booth as Romeo, with Erectile dysfunction Westwick and Kodi Smit-McPhee playing their cousins Tybalt and Benvolio, correspondingly. The film has been recommended as "Romeo and Juliet" for that "Twilight" generation. It begins shooting in Italia this month. "WorkInch Spin-Off Might Star Dwight Schrute? Could Dwight Schrute be headed from "WorkInch towards the beet farm? Deadline is confirming that NBC is preparing a "WorkInch spin-off starring Rainn Wilson that will follow his character's existence as manager from the Schrute Farms B&B. The network is thinking about airing the show as soon as midseason 2013, however it wouldn't act as an alternative for Wilson's role in "Work.Inch Rather, he'd star both in shows as "WorkInch makes its way into its ninth season. The Deadline story doesn't suggest that Wilson could leave "WorkInch permanently immediately. Inform us your ideas on present day Casting Get in touch with your comments ought to section below or on Twitter!

Exclusive 'The Raid' Clip Could Make You Tired Just Watching It

If you have heard anything about "The Raid," you've most likely heard all of the right things. Whenever the Indonesian fighting techinques film has tested, including Night time Madness in the Toronto Worldwide Film Festival, it's left rave reviews in the wake. There's an exclusive clip from "The Raid" known as "Four-On-One," and it is known as that for a simple reason. Now fitted with a brand new score, thanks to Linkin Parks' Mike Shinoda, "The Raid" is poised to consider Sundance by storm. Within the film, a top-notch team of police makes its way into a rundown apartment building to be able to split up the safe house hiding a number of area's worst crooks. After word from the raid prematurely reaches the criminals, the cops remain stranded inside a building full of murders with no choice but to battle their way to avoid it. By fight their way to avoid it, we mean fight four men with machetes, and that is just the start from it. Make sure to look into the red-colored band trailer, which we featured soon after "The Raid" had its TIFF premiere. As you may guess in the clip above, a clip doesn't be put off by some awesome violence, so it may be best to hang about until in the evening to look at it. "The Raid" is placed for all of us release on March 23. What have you think about the clip from "The Raid"? Tell us within the comments below as well as on Twitter!

Imagine Entertainment cuts staffers

John Grazer and Ron Howard's Imagine Entertainment has let go five employees, including top production professional Jeremy Steckler.Cuts come just 2 days after Imagine reupped its cope with Universal through 2016 -- although the formerly exclusive pact was transformed to some first-look deal.Imagine prexy Michael Rosenberg stated the lay offs convey more related to the altering economic landscape in the industry and fewer related to the brand new deal. He added that although Steckler was an element of the lay offs, his contract was up over a couple of several weeks and both sides had made the decision to not extend it. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

British Singer Bryan Ferry, 66, Weds Son's Ex-Girlfriend, 29

Bryan Ferry and Amanda Sheppard Future family get-togethers might be a little awkward for your Perry family. British pop singer Bryan Ferry, 66, has married 29-year-old Amanda Shepperd, who once dated his boy, Isaac, The Uk Daily Mail reviews. 5 fun particulars about Lost star Doug Hutchison and also the 16-year-old wife The May-December couple walked lower the aisle round the beach within the Amanyara resort round the Turks and Caicos Islands the other day. "I used to be worried that my sons would think it just a little, well, uncool," Ferry told the Mail. "Nonetheless they think I am rather supercool!' Ferry, recognized for singing with Roxy Music, features a history with ladies several decades his junior. After splitting from his first wife, Lucy Helmore, he dated dancer Katie Turner, who was simply 35 years youthful than him in those days. "The interesting factor is -- and I'd rather not the incorrect factor just just in case I buy into issue with my girlfriend -- you will not ever really meet people your individual age who aren't married," Ferry told the Mail On Sunday's Live magazine a year ago. See the relaxation of current day news "I'm very fortunate that we be employed in music, where you stand in touch with different age brackets, either everyone else or people at your job. It can help,Inch he ongoing. "Clearly I'm not ageist!" Ferry has four sons with Helmore. Isaac, 26, is grew to become part of by Otis, 29, Tara, 21, and Merlin, 20.

Lesher's Le Grisbi ups Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy has been promoted to director of development at John Lesher's Le Grisbi Prods. Murphy, who came to Le Grisbi in 2010 after working as an assistant at UTA, will develop movies as well as service the company's first-look deal for original series at HBO. Le Grisbi is in post-production on David Ayer's "End of Watch," starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena, Anna Kendrick, and America Ferrera. Lesher has set up two projects at Warner Bros.: "Cicero," with David Yates attached to direct and Tom Hardy to star; and "Satori," written by Shane Salerno and Don Winslow for Leonardo DiCaprio to star. He's also producing Guillaume Canet's "Blood Ties." Lesher's projects in development at HBO include "Keys to the City," written by William Monahan; "The Landlord," written by Dan Clowes; "Muscle," written and directed by Derek Cianfrance; and "Hobgoblin," written by Michael Chabon for Darren Aronofsky to direct. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Jennifer Lopez Excited For The Return Of In Living Color; Open To Returning To Show

First Published: January 9, 2012 11:47 AM EST Credit: Getty Images LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Judge Jennifer Lopez speaks onstage during the American Idol panel during the FOX Broadcasting Company portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa, Pasadena, on January 8, 2012Jennifer Lopez would be open to helping her former In Living Color boss, Keenen Ivory Wayans, with the upcoming return of the sketch comedy, set to happen on FOX this spring. Its what? Jennifer said, when AccessHollywood.com asked her if shed want to be a part of the show, which returns with an updated version of the sketch comedy, in two half-hour specials in Spring 2012. Oh my God, I didnt even know! Thats awesome, she told Access on Sunday after the Television Critics Association Winter Session panel for American Idol of In Living Color being revived. I havent heard from [Keenen], but if he called me and wanted me to do something, that would be awesome, Jennifer said. Jennifer said shes remained grateful to Keenen for giving her such a great start and encouragement in her younger days when she was a Fly Girl. I owe Keenan a lot. From the beginning of my career, he always believed in me, he always was constantly putting in my brain, Youre gonna be a star, youre gonna be a star, do you know that? And he was a mentor to me so I wish him the best with that, she added. As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, original creator and executive producer Keenen will host the new episodes. The specials will feature young talent, musical performances and special guests. In Living Color originally aired between 1990 - 1994 on FOX. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson & Steven Tyler Talk The American Idol Show Return

First Released: The month of january 8, 2012 8:41 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Idol judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson speak onstage throughout the The American Idol Show panel throughout the FOX Broadcasting Company area of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour in the Langham Huntington Hotel and Health spa, Pasadena, on The month of january 8, 2012LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Singing reality competitions might be extremely popular, however the folks at The American Idol Show arent concerned about rivaling anybody. This shows a phenomenon. The American Idol Show may be the defacto standard of these things, FOX Leader of Alternative Programming Mike Darnell stated around the The American Idol Show panel throughout the tv Experts Association Winter Session in Pasadena on Sunday. Whenever a reporter raised Simon Cowells newcomer towards the block The X Factor that also features former Idol judge Paula Abdul, current Idol judge Randy Jackson stated his show is standing strong. Simon and Paula are dear buddies of ours I believe that Idol remains the best TV available anywhere, and that we invented this complete game and everyones type of copying it, Randy stated, mentioning to shows such as the X Factor and also the Voice, that have been raised numerous occasions throughout the TCA panel. You want him well. Season 11 of yankee Idol brings the return from the entire Idol knowing panel Randy, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, and also the lone lady from the bunch stated fans can get a lot of same in the group, including her feelings, that have been so prevalent last season within the audition models. It hasnt transformed, remained as exactly the same people. Im still a psychological person Were a bit more comfortable, remained as getting fun, she stated. We've amazing talent to ensure that always causes it to be more exciting. You will find more dresses this year, Ryan Seacrest chimed in, mentioning to his co-stars styles. Steven says behind the curtain, his existence has transformed since showing up on Idol, despite his celebrity rock n roll status. [Last season] it wasnt really recognized in advance [using the rock community], mostly from the own bandmates simply because they didnt understand what happening using the Aerosmith factor in the finish. Nevertheless its introduced more youthful kids to the music anyway, he stated, observing Aerosmith sales this past year were up 260 percent. Furthermore, the rocker stated it has been a hardship on him to now come out in public places. Its like, Really? I cant go anywhere any longer, he stated. Much talk has been manufactured about the way forward for host Ryan, who'll summary his contract with Idol in the finish of year, but he suggested he really wants to stick with the show should contract discussions exercise. I really like this tv program and Ive been some of it for a lot of years, I cant imagine not part of The American Idol Show, Ryan stated. We like Ryan, Mike chimed in. I cant think of the show without him. The panel also was behind Idols Season 10 champion Scotty McCreery, referencing his success to be more than those who win of other talent shows such as the Voices Javier Colon. I believe the only real three artists which are bigger [than Scotty McCreery] are Adele, Beyonce and Gaga, Randy stated. Jennifer is going to be balancing numerous jobs as she resumes her Idol responsibilities this year, including producer focus on Que Viva!, actress and designer, and she or he stated as being a working mother is turning out okay. They're so very little and cute. Its a juggling act, as with every, you realize, single mother, its just balancing everything out and ensuring theyre OK, she stated of her over 3-year-old twins Max and Emme. They are available first They think loved happy and they're, the most crucial factor during my existence. The American Idol Show Season 11 premieres The month of january 18 at 8/7c on FOX. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Josh Lucas Says Scary Jury Duty Experience Helped Lead Him To Sign On For The Firm

First Published: January 6, 2012 5:23 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Josh Lucas and Juliette Lewis speak onstage during The Firm panel during the NBCUniversal portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour at The Langham Huntington Hotel, Pasadena, January 6, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Josh Lucas, star of NBCs new drama The Firm, revealed that performing his jury duty service in NY City two years ago, on a case which hinged on whether to send a man to prison for life, helped inspire him to take on the role of lawyer and crusader for justice famed John Grisham character Mitch McDeere. I had missed jury duty multiple times because I was on movies. When I went to do The Lincoln Lawyer I went to the courthouse and I said, I would like to do research and incorporate that with my jury duty. They said, No, we dont care, Josh recounted after this Television Critics Association Winter Session panel on Friday for his NBC show, which premieres this Sunday night, explaining the beginnings of how he ended up on the case. The court eventually told Josh to report on November 13, 2010, and the following day, he was sent down to the courtroom of a trial he would eventually be a part of. The second I walked in, I saw this guy recognize me, the defendant. I saw him talk to his lead legal counsel about it so I went immediately to the bailiff and I said, I need to speak to the judge, and the judge said, If we release everyone who came here because they had conflicts of interest like yours, we would not be able to get juries. Weve decided to stop doing that. It doesnt matter if youre famous anymore. Unless we determine youre in danger, thats the only way you can be dismissed, Josh continued. So weirdly, I then got chosen. The case was one the actor didnt want to get into too much detail on, but he hinted it affected him deeply. It was such a severe case that they had to not just shackle him, but they had to hold him down in the courtroom during his testimony, Josh said. I cant tell you much [more] than it was incredibly severe and violent, he added, confirming the case involved the defendants spouse. And the actor was part of the jury that ended up convicting the unnamed man for life. He was involved in multiple crimes before [the one he was on trial for], which we were not actually allowed to know and thats where I fell in love with the legal elements, the actor explained. There was so much that I found out after the fact that would have colored my thoughts. So I thought, this really makes if its done right it makes for very interesting television, if you can do something that isnt just normal procedural, procedural, procedural and thats where I hope this show goes more and more. Six months later, the opportunity came up for The Firm, and Josh signed on. The two-hour season premiere of The Firm premieres on Sunday at 9 PM EST/PST on NBC. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Demi Moore looking for 'Lovelace' cameo

MooreComing off strong reviews on her supporting turns in "Margin Call" and "Another Happy Day," Demi Moore is placed to cameo as feminist activist Gloria Steinem in "Lovelace," that has also added Adam Brody and Eric Roberts to the ensemble cast. Take advantage of Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman are pointing the indie drama, which stars Amanda Seyfried as Linda Boreman, who, as Linda Lovelace, grew to become the earth's first erotic celebrity because of the prosperity of "Deep Throat." Peter Sarsgaard and Sharon Stone co-star alongside Juno Temple, Wes Bentley, Hank Azaria, Bobby Cannavale, Chris Noth, Robert Patrick, Romeo Brown and James Franco, who's exercising his schedule to support a cameo as Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. Steinem founded Ms. Magazine, which released the infamous article "The Actual Linda Lovelace," by which Steinem talked about Linda's relationship together with her abusive pornographer husband Chuck Traynor, who she blamed for creating the myth that Linda "loved to become sexually used and humiliated." When Lovelace introduced her first memoir "Ordeal," she was became a member of in the press conference by Steinem along with other encouraging people from the feminist group Women Against Pornography. Steinem later authored the introduction for Lovelace's 1986 memoir, "From Bondage." Brody will have Linda's "Deep Throat" co-star Harry Reems, while Roberts will have Nat Laurendi, the lie detector expert who given a polygraph test to Linda in the request of her writer. "Lovelace" is really a Millennium Films production that'll be created by Heidi Jo Markel for Eclectic Pictures, Laura Rister and Jason Weinberg for Untitled Entertainment and Jim Youthful for Animus Films. Professional producers include Boaz Davidson, Danny Dimbort, Mark Gill, W. Merritt Manley, Avi Lerner, Trevor Short and John Thompson for Nu Image/Millennium Films. Production around the Andy Bellin-scripted pic is under means by La, and also the film has been created using the co-operation of Lovelace's estate In April, Moore signed an improvement cope with Lifetime Television to professional produce three new series, including "The Conversation," an hour or so-lengthy talk show located by Brit TV personality Amanda p Cadenet which will debut early in the year. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com