Friday, September 30, 2011

Lopez dances to Tiger Beat

LopezJennifer Lopez is turning to Tiger Beat to earn her stripes in the digital arena.The "American Idol" judge's shingle, Nuyorican Prods., is venturing beyond TV and film for the first time to partner with the classic magazine brand on an original online series. "Tiger Beat Entertainment" will bow next year on AOL and its recently relaunched teen-targeted hub, Cambio."Tiger" is a entertainment newsmagazine for tweens that will focus on young-skewing celebrities and more with the wholesome tone readers have come to expect from the Tiger Beat brand since the 1960s."Jennifer and I wanted to create something for kids that wouldn't be salacious," said Simon Fields, who oversees Nuyorican with Lopez. "Digital is an exciting new field with fantastic opportunities for the right property."Believe Entertainment Group will function as the studio behind "Tiger," financing the project as well as working with AOL on distribution and ad sales. The NY-based firm has built up a track record of bringing top talent to the digital space, including LeBron James, Seth MacFarlane and an upcoming project with DJ Tiesto, called "In the Booth."Dan Goodman, co-founder of Believe, hopes to leverage the combined brand strength of Lopez and Tiger Beat, which continues to operate as a pinup-populated magazine under the control of Laufer Media, a family business led by Scott Laufer, the son of the brand's creator."We want to take some of the sensibility they've established in the space and take it to a digital platform," said Goodman, who runs Believe with co-founder Bill Masterson.AOL recently relaunched Cambio as a destination for young Internet users with upcoming programming on the way from Mark Burnett Prods. and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution.The production will look to leverage Lopez's robust online following, which totals over 9 millions fans between Facebook and Twitter alone.Lopez will take an active role in developing "Tiger," which could extend to an occasional role on screen but not as host. She and Fields have plenty more projects brewing including an ABC drama with "Ugly Betty" executive producer Silvio Horta and an unscripted music-competition "Q'Viva."Lopez and Nuyorican Prods. are repped by UTA and Hirsch Wallerstein. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Cheers & Jeers: Up All Night Live?

Up All Night, Will Forte Cheers to Up All Night for proving that more SNL vets are ready for primetime. Want more Cheers & Jeers? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine. Much like 30 Rock has provided a sitcom home for Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan - not to mention record-breaking host Alec Baldwin - Lorne Michaels' latest NBC gem is putting Maya Rudolph in the spotlight as hilariously self-involved daytime talk-show host Ava. (Any resemblance to Oprah Winfrey is purely intentional.) This week's uproarious episode brought in two more SNL alums: Will Forte as the cool daddy-o who introduced Will Arnett's Chris to the concept of dressing sexy for your wife (love the Bjorn Borg underwear!) and Lonely Islander Jorma Taccone as B-Ro, Ava's b-boy ex-boyfriend. Don't be surprised if their duet video goes viral. Now if Up All Night would just write a guest role for Jay Pharoah - Lord knows SNL isn't keeping him busy. What did you think of Up All Night? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

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'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' Trailer: Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock Star (Video)

Warner Bros. The Stephen Daldry-directed drama Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is already garnering Academy buzz, with The Hollywood Reporter's official awards blogger Scott Feinberg projecting it as a Best Picture frontrunner. FEINBERG FORECAST: Christopher Plummer, Glenn Close, Brad Pitt, Viola Davis, Leonardo DiCaprio in Hunt for First Oscars In his feature film debut, 13-year-old Jeopardy winner Thomas Horn stars as a young boy who loses his father in the Sept. 11th attacks. Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks play his doting parents. STORY: 13-Year-Old Jeopardy Winner Cast in 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close' Following the sudden death of his father, Horn's character scours NY City to find a lock that fits one mysterious key that his dad left behind. Viola Davis, John Goodman and James Gandolfini also star in the project, which will have a limited opening on Dec. 25, followed by a Jan. 20 national release. The film is an adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer's 2005 novel of the same name. Watch the trailer below. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

L.A. Reid Regrets Letting Rhianna Escape

La, Calif. -- Hes signed pop celebs Usher, Pink, Attacking Youthful Boys and Beyonce, but music mogul as well as the X Factor judge L.A. Reid states theres one monstrous artist he regrets letting slip using the cracks. This artist found my office she carried out piano, she'd on white-colored go-go boots like, completely around here, leg high boots she sitting lower only at that piano, she carried out and he or she sang, L.A. told Access Hollywoods Take advantage of Robinson within a completely new interview in La on Tuesday. When she ended, I mentioned, You are an incredible artist, an authentic star, and you will change music, which i signed her. Her title was Rhianna. Then, a few several days later, I obtained her demos, also it might be a piece happening, which i had been obtaining a poor day. Im recommending, I used to be obtaining a poor day, he ongoing. Which I mentioned, You know what happens? I really dont appreciate it. Allow her to possess her freedom, allow her to visit find her career. It absolutely was the worst factor Ive ever done. Even though former Island Def Jam Group chairman still regrets his decision to produce the We singer, the invention from the then-unknown Canadian teen aided to cushion the blow. I felt bad, however swear for you personally, as being a month later Attacking Youthful Boys came and redeemed me, so, you understand, I managed to get everything, L.A. told Take advantage of, of completing the then-14-year-old Baby singer right after delivering Rhianna packing. But Im a little jealous, because the Twitter following, for example, the finest ones are Bieber and Rhianna, therefore i may have felt like the king around the world! Rather I felt like half the king. Catch L.A. to use it, as well as Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, round the X Factor Wednesdays and Thursdays on FOX. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved.These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Focus Features Professional Peter Kujawski Takes Purchases Professional Veep Publish at Universal

Universal Pictures co-chairman Donna Langley hired Peter Kujawski towards the publish of EVP Worldwide Purchases. Kujawski is presently EVP Worldwide Sales for that Universal-possessed niche film label Focus Features. The Universal features team got a election of confidence when chairman Adam Fogelson was handed an earlier re-up, and Langley can also be settling to increase her term using the studio. Kujawski is billed with centralizing and streamlining Universal’s purchases and to enhance distribution possibilities. He’ll are accountable to Langley and become located in La. He isn’t changing anybody directly, but does get a few of the slack left when Christian Grass left the studio in This summer. Kujawski will even work carefully with Universal Pictures Leader of Worldwide David Kosse. “Peter’s huge experience selling niche films gives him a distinctive perspective around the global marketplace and undeniably qualifies him to guide our purchases efforts,” Langley stated. At Focus, Kujawski has offered such films as Volver, House of Flying Daggers and Curse from the Golden Flower, Eternal Sunshine from the Spotless Mind, Burn After Reading through, Lost in Translation, The Continual Garden enthusiast, Eastern Promises and Brokeback Mountain. Recent sales range from the Joe Wright-directed Hanna, Tom Tykwer and Andy and Lana Wachowski’s Cloud Atlas and also the Roger Michell-directed Hyde Park around the Hudson. Kujawski continues to be with Focus since 2002, and before he labored with Focus Boss James Schamus at Good Machine before that company was made available to Universal when Schamus came aboard.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

TV Ratings: 'Modern Family' Premiere Up 18%; Fox's 'X Factor' Drives Night's Win in Key Demo

ABC In a night of tough competition, Fox won Wednesday in the key demo with a 4.4 rating. It was closely followed by ABC, with a 4.1, and then CBS with a 3.5. STORY: Simon Cowell's 'The X Factor' Premieres Lower Than 'American Idol' Still, Modern Family beat X Factor in the key 18-49 demo. Modern Family rated a 6.0, while X Factor rated a 4.4. CBS' Criminal Minds was close, with a 4.1 rating. PHOTOS: Fall TV's 12 Most Anticipated Shows The two-hour series premiere of Simon Cowell's X Factor gave Fox its highest-rated Wednesday night of premiere week in 13 years (since Party of Five) among adults 18-49. It was up 52 percent from the same night last year, in which Fox aired the two-hour premiere of Hell's Kitchen. STORY: Simon Cowell's 'The X Factor' Premieres Lower Than 'American Idol' On ABC, The Middle rated a 3.0, up 11 percent from its premiere last fall and a series high. Modern Family rated a 6.0, up 18 percent from its premiere last fall - and ABC's top-rated season premiere in six years. Revenge rated a 3.4, up 127 percent from the premiere of The Whole Truth in 2012. PHOTOS: Fall TV Death Pool: Which Shows WIll Be Axed First? On CBS, Survivor: South Pacific rated a 3.1, down 9 percent from last fall and tying its lowest-rated original ever. Criminal Minds rated a 4.1, up 2 percent from last fall, but its lowest-rated premiere ever. Still, it topped X Factor in total viewers, with 14 million vs. 12.5 million. CSI -- featuring Ted Danson's debut -- rated a 3.1, down 9 percent from its Thursday premiere on Sept. 23, 2010. PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes: THR's 'X Factor' Cover Shoot Over on NBC, which rated a 1.8 overall, the second episode of Christina Applegate's Up All Night rated a 2.3, down 38 percent from its premiere last week. Hank Azaria's Free Agents also tumbled from its premiere, rating a 1.3, down 38 percent. Harry's Law rated a 1.2. Law & Order: SVU rated a 2.3, down 28 percent from its premiere least fall, and its lowest-rated season premiere ever. Univision is nipping at NBC's heels with a 1.7 rating. The CW rated a 0.6, tying with Telemundo. Below, networks ranked by demo with shows' demos and total viewers: FOX - 4.4, 12.5 million viewers · X Factor (P): 4.4, 12.4 million viewers ABC - 4.1, 11.4 million viewers · The Middle (P): 3.0, 9.6 million viewers · Modern Family (P): 6.0, 14.3 million viewers · Revenge (P): 3.4, 10.1 million viewers CBS - 3.5, 12.3 million viewers · Survivor: South Pacific: 3.1, 10.4 million viewers · Criminal Minds (P): 4.1, 14.1 million viewers · CSI (P): 3.1, 12.6 million viewers NBC - 1.8, 6.6 million viewers · Up All Night: 2.3, 6 million viewers · Free Agents: 1.3, 3.9 million viewers · Harry's Law (P): 1.2, 7.3 million viewers · Law & Order: SVU (P): 2.3, 7.6 million viewers CW - 0.6, 1.3 million viewers · H&R (P): 0.4, 1.1 million viewers · America's Next Top Model (P): 0.7, 1.6 million viewers TV Ratings Modern Family The X Factor

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Watch Rupert Grint and Emma Watson Film Their Kiss in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Bonus Feature

Here’s a treat for all of you out there who squealed in your seats when Ron and Hermione engaged in their passionate first kiss in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2. After the jump, watch as director David Yates explains how adorably nervous Emma Watson and Rupert Grint were when their big smooching scene came up, then behold, the sight of two young actors — “they’re like brother and sister,” says Yates — jumping into action, face-first. “Emma’s very smart… she decided if she was going to avoid 27 takes, she was going to get it right the first time.” Because that Rupert Grint totally has cooties and stuff, right Emma? Somewhere out there, Ron fangirls are cursing Watson for taking her sweet, sweet job for granted. Head to Yahoo! to watch it again (and again) in HD. The bonus feature appears on the Nov. 11 Blu-ray release. Blu-ray Clip: Both Very Nervous [Yahoo!]

Monday, September 19, 2011

'Game Of Thrones' At The Emmys: Producers Tease Season Two

"Game of Thrones" star Peter Dinklage, just like a true Lannister, walked away from the 2011 Emmy Awards with a big victory under his belt in the Best Supporting Actor category. It was the only major win for the HBO series at this year's show, but those of you who've read the books already know that we haven't seen anything yet in other words, if you enjoyed the first season, the next season of "Thrones" is sure to deliver countless sleepless nights and an equal number of future Emmys. "Thrones" is currently shooting its second season, taking its cues from the second novel in author George R.R. Martin's series, "A Clash of Kings." As the title implies, the next time viewers are invited to breathe in the wintery winds of Westeros, there will be many kings, many clashes, and many, many shocks and surprises. "Everybody is in danger," co-showrunner David Benioff told MTV News on the red carpet of the Emmys last night (September 18). "It's one of the things we loved about the books, and it's true of the series as well: any of the characters, no matter how important, can die in any episode. And it's not a very special episode of 'Game of Thrones,' it's just that that's how life is in this world." Viewers got their first taste of that stunning death-is-life philosophy in the second to last episode of "Thrones'" first season no spoilers here, you either know what I'm talking about or you don't and the surprises won't end there, certainly not when there's war in the mix. "This season is kind of the drive to war for all of these different warring factions that have been building up," said Benioff's co-showrunner, D.B. Weiss. "They start to move against each other and come to blows with each other." "A Song of Ice and Fire" purists can take heart in the knowledge that Benioff and Weiss have no intentions of straying too far away from Martin's source material, though they maintain that they'll deviate from the story's path if necessary. "We can do what we want, there's no contract saying we have to be faithful to the books," said Benioff. "We happen to love the books, the characters in our show are quite faithful to the characters [in the books], and George R.R. Martin is a wonderful plotter so we don't want to screw anything up if we don't have to. That said, we're going to have to deviate from time to time." Is that good news for fans of Jason Momoa? His character, the impossibly badass Khal Drogo, died quite unexpectedly in the first season, but Momoa himself has insisted that he'll make a "Thrones" comeback. "Jason's got a big mouth, but we'll see. We'll see what happens," Benioff offered. Tell us what you think in the comments section and on Twitter!

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Netflix to spin off DVD-by-mail biz

Netflix intends to separate its streaming and rental-by-mail companies into separate divisions within the coming days. The organization hopes the brand new division, named Qwikster, can help it stabilize its customer base and revive its share prices. To assist revive consumer interest, the organization intends to add videogames to its rental options too. Also within the note, Boss and co-founder Reed Hastings acknowledged the overwhelming negative feedback to recent cost changes at the organization, saying, "I screwed up. I owe everybody a reason.Inch The publish was probably the most obvious public acknowledgement by the organization it mishandled the current decision to split up subscription costs because of its streaming and DVD rental service, effectively raising the rates for those who activated to both by 60%. Many people felt we didn't have respect and humbleness in the manner we introduced the separation of DVD and streaming, and also the cost changes," Hastings stated. "Which was definitely not our intent, and that i offer my sincere apology. When Netflix is changing quickly, I have to be extra-communicative. This is actually the key factor I acquired wrong. In hindsight, I slid into arrogance based on past success.'' Clients will quickly must see Qwikster.com to include Dvd disks for their queue. The relaunched service will even add videogames to its inventory, a move many experts happen to be advocating. The organization intends to offer game titles for that Xbox 360 360, Ps 3 and Wii. People happen to be requesting videogames for several years, now that DVD by mail features its own team, we're finally setting it up done," Hastings stated. The Netflix and Qwikster sites won't be integrated, developing new hurdles for clients. Altering charge card information, for instance, will need customers to log onto each site individually making the alterations. The websites will apparently also not share recommendation information for rental fees made following the separation, that could significantly affect recommended films. Andy Rendich, that has brought the DVD division for 4 years (along with a person in it within the last 12), is going to be Qwikster's Boss. The choice to split the organization, states Hastings, came following the realization the divisions had different cost structures and marketing needs. It is also designed to allow Netflix to enhance its streaming service, the business's large wager for future years, and something facing elevated competition from Amazon . com and Walmart, among others. Netflix shares fell 26% over 2 days a week ago after the organization decreased its third-quarter customer estimations by a million. Shares are lower 12% to date this season. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Peter Dinklage Confesses He Was Shocked By His Bet On Thrones Emmy Win

La, Calif. -- Peter Dinklage acquired his first Emmy for his role as Tyrion Lannister in HBOs Bet on Thrones, even though he discovered charming and polished while giving his acceptance speech, the actor was not ready right before his title was known as. Theres some great stars available online for who could simply have easily been holding this, Peter told Access Hollywood backstage in the honours ceremony, mentioning to his competition on Sunday evening. Peter stated he didn't be prepared to win whatsoever. Certainly not me, he stated when requested who he likely to win. Esteem issues. In the speech, Peter delighted everyone else because he recognized GOT producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, their own pregnant wife, Erica Schmidt, and someone home, but none of them of his words were planned. He told Access he didnt make a speech. No, God no. I didn't remember by way of thanking my manager. I had been saying thanks to my dog sitter before my manager, he stated. Its a blur when you are getting available online for. Its many people. The actor has only some time to celebrate before he heads back overseas to carry on production on Season 2 from the series. Its an enjoyable experience to visit work. Were shooting the 2nd season at this time, he stated. I gotta return to Belfast [on] Tuesday, so, yeah, its fun, an enjoyable experience. As well as on an associated note, Peter opened up his acceptance speech by remarking about following Martin Scorsese, who acquired a Best Pointing jerk right before Peters category was introduced. Backstage, Access cameras caught the 2 because they met, both congratulating one another heartily. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Exclusive: Chuck Lorre on Keeping 2 . 5 Males Alive and Casting Ashton

Chuck Lorre 2 . 5 Males creator and executive producer Chuck Lorre isn't always a shy guy. However when it involves the current occasions surrounding 2 . 5 Males, Lorre has continued to be quiet - so far. Timed to TV Guide Magazine's Fall Preview problem, featuring the very first sit-lower interview with new 2 . 5 Males castmates Ashton Kutcher, Jon Cryer and Angus T. Johnson, Lorre finally decided to discuss why he made the decision to help keep 2 . 5 Males pursuing star Charlie Sheen was fired. He's also honest in acknowledging that Kutcher wasn't his first option for the gig - that they initially imagined inside a entirely unique way. Exclusive: , Jon Cryer and Angus T. Johnson about the New 2 . 5 Males Lorre found themself thrust in the spotlight captured when Sheen, battling with addiction issues, decided to take a rest in the show (which shut lower production). And Sheen was going to return to work, the star went public and started trashing CBS and Males producer Warner Bros. TV. Sheen saved probably the most incendiary vitriol for Lorre, even using terms that lots of interpreted as anti-Semitic against his boss. (Once the studio and network made the decision that Sheen was no more fit to do, the actor ended up being fired.) Lorre made the decision to not openly react to Sheen's taunts, apart from subtly via his production company vanity cards, which run in the finish of his three shows (Males, The Large Bang Theory and Mike & Molly). In a single card, he accepted to growing "thicker skin" after recent occasions. In another, he told a parable of the ocean turtle along with a wolf which was clearly an allegory for his relationship with Sheen. Due to ongoing lawsuit - Sheen has prosecuted Lorre, the studio and network over his firing, that has attended arbitration - Lorre still is not speaking concerning the occasions or even the aftermath of Sheen's implosion. (Associates say Lorre was asked to sign up, or at best attend, Comedy Central's Roast of Charlie Sheen earlier this weekend but he elected to not.) But he's now prepared to discuss the show again. Which includes the employing of Kutcher, that was first recommended by CBS. States Cryer: "When Ashton's title was initially pointed out, Chuck really could not get a grip on working him into this show. He was kind of trying saying, OK what is your opinion? And That I thought, well, this is a different show. I'm not sure how you're doing so either, Chuck." Individuals worries evaporated once Kutcher and Lorre sitting lower to hash out ideas. Before approaching with Walden Schmidt, "we performed with many different very bizarre notions for which the smoothness might be,Inch Kutcher states. "I figured we chosen something, after which discovered it had been totally different from what we should spoken about but equally interesting... There is a deal on that day.Inch Cryer takes note of speaking to Lorre next meeting: "He was elated. He was saying, 'I think I first got it.'" Now, with five episodes within the can, 2 . 5 Males has already been to as being a well-oiled machine. A feeling of freshness, even while Males makes its way into its ninth season, has because of the aging sitcom a brand new coat of fresh paint off and on the set. Studying the motions like they are a brand new show has given everybody associated with the series "a go of adrenaline," states co-creator Lee Aronsohn. Some tips about what Lorre needs to say about his 2 . 5 Males reboot: TV Guide Magazine: What made you choose to keep your show going? Was there ever a place in which you thought 2 . 5 Males may not continue?Lorre: It simply appeared just like a shame not to bare this incredible ensemble, writing staff and crew together. Company, there have been many occasions I figured the show would stumble for an ignoble ending. TV Guide Magazine: An amount have happened had explore arrived a brand new actor through the upfronts?Lorre: I suppose we'd be talking about that ignoble ending. TV Guide Magazine: When Ashton's title first emerged, Jon Cryer pointed out that you simply were a little reluctant. That transformed once you met with Ashton. When and just how did it becomes clear that Ashton will be a great fit?Lorre: I had been completely believing that we needed a forty-something co-star who will be a peer to Jon. After I met Ashton, then returned and viewed his films and TV work, it had been apparent my assumption was wrong. Here would be a guy with great comedy instincts, a lot of experience, and who's totally courageous - using the job proves that. Most of all, he's a large heart which i thought will be a huge resource in developing a character we're able to take care of. TV Guide Magazine:From things i understand, the program for Hugh Grant (who had been initially contacted to do the job) might have virtually stored exactly the same character dynamic that's been in position on the program. However with Ashton, everyone have develop another type of relationship. As Jon Cryer states, the show continues to be somewhat turned: Alan has become a mentor of sorts towards the desperate Walden. How have you develop the smoothness? And discuss placing a new twist on the program.Lorre: I'd seen Ashton play an psychologically wounded character inside a couple of films also it really was effective - a handsome leading guy, with large comedy chops, able to showing his weaknesses. I figured as we could capture that right from the gate we'd be on our method to developing a interesting, three-dimensional character. TV Guide Magazine: Performs this give another shot within the arm towards the show? The number of more years are you able to imagine 2 . 5 Males running?Lorre: It feels prefer of both mobile phone industry's: a highly-developed series along with a completely new one simultaneously. How lengthy? I do not possess a clue. I simply know I really like what we are doing and hope people feel exactly the same way. TV Guide Magazine: Without offering the story, it's obvious everyone "visitInch within the first episode (by which Sheen's character is wiped out off). What else could you say about this, could it be simply about keeping in keeping with the show's status for crazy humor?Lorre: Like I stated, will still be a reveal that veers in to the vaguely unacceptable. If, previously, you loved thinking, "It's surprising they simply did that raunchy joke," you won't be disappointed in 2 . 5 Males 2.. TV Guide Magazine: Has there been a minute yet in which you, Lee and also the other producers was there in awe and celebrated because you handled to drag this off?Lorre: The evening we shot the very first show was electric. The crowd just went crazy. I believe i was all giddy and humbled through the experience. It had been probably the most memorable moments during my career. To see the very first-ever interview using the new 2 . 5 Males cast, together with creator/executive producer Chuck Lorre's first public comments about the show's reboot, get the autumn Preview problem of TV Guide Magazine, on newsstands now. Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Monday, September 12, 2011

BMG acquires publisher Bug Music

Continuing its aggressive acquisition of publishing companies, BMG Rights Management is acquiring L.A.-based Bug Music. Berlin-based firm reportedly has EMI, or its publishing holdings, in its sights. The Bug deal, terms of which were not announced, brings a catalog of more than 250,000 copyrights to BMG. Compositions include such evergreens as "Fever," "What a Wonderful World," "I Walk the Line" and "Under the Boardwalk." Bug reps the estates of Johnny Cash, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Woody Guthrie, Del Shannon and Stevie Ray Vaughn, as well as Pete Townshend, Iggy Pop and Ryan Adams. Roots music and Americana are an especially strong suit. Founded by Dan Bourgoise in 1975, firm was purchased by Spectrum Equity in 2006. It bought the Windswept Music and Trio/Quartet catalogs in 2007. Company has also been involved in joint ventures with Kara DioGuardi and Jamie Foxx. Over the last three years, BMG Rights Management -- a joint venture of Bertelsmann AG and investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts -- has been snapping up publishers at a record pace. Acquisitions have included Chrysalis, Cherry Lane and Evergreen. The company is reportedly in the hunt for EMI, which controls a publishing catalog of 1.3 million songs in its industry-leading pubbery. Citigroup's auction of EMI has proceeded quietly, and it remains unknown if BMG Rights Management has bid on just EMI's publishing side or the entirety of its label and publishing holdings. EMI topper Roger Faxon has urged Citi to sell the company intact. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

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Saturday, September 10, 2011

No, Matt Damon Will Not Show Up in Jeremy Renner's The Bourne Legacy

“No, I have no idea about any of it. All I know is that it doesn’t preclude Paul [Greengrass] and me from doing another one of ours,” original Bourne series star Matt Damon teased recently when asked if he’d show up to pass the torch to Jeremy Renner in Tony Gilroy’s 2012 sequel The Bourne Legacy. Cheeky as that answer is, Damon was quick to play nice anyhow. “He’s got a whole other thing that they’re doing and I wish them well,” he added, “and Tony [Gilroy’s] really smart. I’m sure they’re going to be great.” So, no hard feelings. Really. [MTV]

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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Summer ticket sales up 1% from 2010

Universals Bridesmaids was among the R-rated comedy hits that help drive up the average price of movie ducats this summer. Summer movie admissions wound up eking out a 1% gain over 2010, according to the National Assn. of Theater Owners, thanks to a final domestic summer B.O. tally of $4.4 billion. Higher 3D ticket prices helped the U.S. box office deliver its highest summer haul ever, yet admissions were still down 5% from 2009, when B.O. hit the previous summertime record of $4.34 billion.Ticket sales in the U.S. reached 546 million vs. 540 million in 2010, based on an average of second ($7.88) and third-quarter ($7.71) average ticket prices. In 2009, box office recorded 577 million admissions, with a second/third-quarter average ticket price of $7.51. That year, however, benefited from an extra weekend (summer B.O. is calculated from the first full weekend in May through Labor Day).The ticket sales tally was nearly flat in part since average domestic ticket prices hit an all-time high during the second quarter at $8.06. That's mostly because of adult-skewing R-rated comedies, led by "The Hangover Part II" and "Bridesmaids," and 3D tentpoles, including "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."But the slight uptick in admissions shows the box office is at least staying the course."There's a constant fluctuation of product and how much time it has in the market," said NATO director of media and research Patrick Corcoran. "Certainly, we would like admissions to grow, but it's a good sign that we can still grow revenues when admissions are stagnant."NATO prexy John Fithian added: "In the midst of 9% unemployment and a continuing weak economy, it is striking that the movie theater industry can continue to grow revenues and admissions."The strength of the summer season has reduced a near 21% year-over-year B.O. deficit at the end of the first quarter to a discrepancy of just 3% below 2010. This year marks the fifth straight summer in which Stateside totals have exceeded $4 billion."In a weak economy or strong, the movie theater remains the first and most affordable choice in out-of-home entertainment," Fithian said. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

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Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Gillian Anderson Ready for any Third 'X Files' Film

SYDNEY --Gillian Anderson is able to reprise her legendary role as Dana Scully inside a third X Files film.our editor recommendsGillian Anderson film on deck for CinequestGillian Anderson gives birth to some boy Speaking following the world premiere in Sydney of Universal's Johnny British Reborn, by which she plays the mind of imaginary MI7 opposite Rowan Atkinson, Anderson stated that there's definite talk of X Files 3. "I really hope it'll happen, there's talk from it,Inch she told Australian breakfast Tv series Sunrise. "I'm not sure who's writing it however i hear there is something happening,Inch she stated. And she or he established that there might be more existence within the franchise, saying she would like to perform a film spoof from the hit Fox TV series. "I have always aspired to perform a spoof from the X Files like a film," she stated. "We spoken about this for any very long time but maybe after three features we're able to reach perform a spoof feature." Related Subjects Worldwide Asia

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