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The Hunger Games is a 2012 American science fiction steps video aimed simply by Gary the gadget guy Ross, using the new of the identical brand simply by Suzanne Collins. Your video appeared to be created by Nina Jacobson and also Jon Kilik, that has a screenplay simply by Ross, Collins, and also Billy Ray. That superstars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woodsy Harrelson, Elizabeth Banking institutions, and also Donald Sutherland. The storyline occurs inside a dystopian post-apocalyptic upcoming in the state connected with Panem, featuring its a new prosperous town, named the Capitol, between 14 significantly less well-off areas. When treatment to get a past rise up from the federal government, the actual Capitol caused the Hunger Games-a televised once-a-year occurrence where one particular boy and another gal by every single 14 areas are usually selected inside a sweepstakes when "tributes" and are generally needed to fight to the actual death in an arena until finally there is one particular left over victor. When the central figure Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) listens to your ex more youthful sister's brand called as the female honor with regards to district, the lady volunteers to consider your ex placed in buy to avoid wasting your ex by being forced to take part. Accompanied by your ex district's man honor Peeta Mellark (Hutcherson), Katniss vacations to your Capitol to learn pertaining to the Hunger Games within the assistance connected with original victor Haymitch Abernathy (Harrelson). Your video was published about Drive Twenty one, 2012, with People from france as well as other nations around the world and also throughout the world about Drive 1, 2012, in traditional playhouses and also digital IMAX playhouses. Before put out, the actual video set the actual record with the next greatest beginning few days common box place of work profits of a typical film ($152.Five million) with Canada and america behind Harry Potter as well as Deathly Hallows -- Piece A couple of ($169 million) plus the Dim Knight ($158 million) called the largest common box place of work very first to get a non-sequel. It's the primary video considering that The movie avatar to in first place with the common box place of work pertaining to a number of straight vacations. The Hunger Games appeared to be recommended simply by a lot of authorities, who recognized it is themes or templates and also emails, and Lawrence's functionality when Katniss. Just like the new, the actual video has attracted critique due to its characteristics with functions, including the Nippon new War Royale and it is video version, together with the American quick account "The Lottery". It really is known, on the other hand, that Collins' new and also screenplay have got major distinctions simply by applying causes of creativity including the fable connected with Theseus, Roman gladiatorial games, truth television, as well as Irak War. the hunger games audiobook download has become the main topic of various understanding, including allusions in order to feminist, governmental, and also strict allegory. The country connected with Panem, shaped from the post-apocalyptic Canada and america, has a prosperous Capitol and also 14 worse adjoining areas. As a treatment to get a past rise up from the Capitol with the areas, one particular boy and another gal between 14 and also Eighteen by every single district are usually selected simply by a once a year sweepstakes (known as the "Reaping") to participate with the Hunger Games. Your players (or maybe "tributes") connected with the Hunger Games will have to fight in an arena handled with the Capitol until finally just one is always living; the actual victor can be paid with acclaim and also money. Katniss Everdeen, a new 16-year-old gal by Region 14, volunteers with the 74th once-a-year Hunger Games, to take the place of your ex more youthful brother Primrose, merely selected with the sweepstakes. Peeta Mellark, a new baker's kid who as soon as afforded Katniss breads if your ex loved ones appeared to be famished, can be selected. Katniss and also Peeta are usually come to the actual Capitol, where by the drunk guru, original Games victor Haymitch Abernathy, tells those to enjoy and also study the abilities with the some other tributes, particularly the "Careers", who have been properly trained by entry into the world in order to participate in the Games. During a pre-Games interview with Television set individuality Caesar Flickerman, Peeta all of the sudden uncovers the love pertaining to Katniss. She actually is in the beginning outraged, assuming that it is scheme to get viewers help, when "sponsors" may give in-Games items connected with foods, remedies, and also tools. Your Games begin with one half of the actual tributes wiped out to the primary time, although Katniss utilizes your ex well-practiced finest and also open-air expertise to survive. Peeta varieties an uneasy coalition together with the Jobs, including Cato, Clove, Sight, and also Glimmer, along with his or her keeping track of support many people corner Katniss in the woodlands. Katniss grows a new alliance with Region 10 honor Repent as soon as the young child highlights a new tracker jacker nesting, which usually Katniss drops to the Jobs, harming Glimmer. Repent cares about it pertaining to Katniss when the lady recuperates by tracker jacker poisoning, even so the alliance concludes if Repent can be fatally damaged simply by Sight, with whom Katniss eliminates in their defense. Katniss continues with Repent when the lady is disapated, in that case develops roses through your ex body like a manifestation of respect. When this can be televised, the item leads to a new huge range with Region 10. Using Katniss and also Peeta offered to anyone when "star-crossed lovers" -- as well as Gamemakers seeking to stay away from inciting additional riots -- a rule alter can be declared halfway from the Games, praoclaiming that a couple of tributes through the identical district may get the actual Games like a set. With hearing this kind of, Katniss seeks Peeta and also finds them, damaged simply by Cato that has a blade. When Katniss nurse practitioners Peeta to wellness, the lady gifts she is when motivated by them to get viewers benefit and also support. When the lady efforts to get back remedies pertaining to Peeta, Clove attacks your ex. Thresh would seem and also eliminates Clove, sparing Katniss with storage connected with Repent. "Foxface" is disapated by having nightlock fruits taken by Peeta, who did not know these were remarkably toxic. Some sort of package connected with terrible hound-like critters are released, harming Thresh and also forcing Katniss and also Peeta for the Cornucopia, where by many people confront Cato. After the brutal fight, Katniss shoots out Cato through an arrow to avoid wasting Peeta's life. Cato tumbles to your critters, and also Katniss shoots out them in order to spare them a protracted death. Using Peeta and also Katniss obviously triumphant in concert, the actual Gamemakers all of a sudden turn back the principle alter allowing for a couple of victors, environment these people approximately the multiple the other to your death. Alternatively, Katniss takes a cache connected with nightlock fruits and also fingers 1 / 2 in order to Peeta. Understanding that the destruction would certainly deprive anyone of a typical victor, the actual Gamemakers swiftly publicize them both when victors with the 74th Hunger Games. While they are usually handled to some hero's welcome in the Capitol, Katniss can be aware simply by Haymitch that they has now turned into a governmental attacker immediately after this sort of consumer defiance connected with your ex society's authoritarian commanders. When Katniss and also Peeta return to Region 14, President Snow considers how to handle the actual shared victors as well as emotions connected with rise up that they will currently have empowered.

PHOTO GALLERY: Occasions From Week of February 13

Duncan Stewart, director of casting at National Artists Management Company, discusses opening every submission and what he really wants to see inside a headshot. casting Duncan Stewart headshot NY city open distribution Duncan Steward, director of casting, discusses what he wants from an actress inside a general meeting, mainly truth, likability, and insufficient ego. advice casting Duncan Stewart NY city tips Duncan Stewart, director of casting, discusses what he needs from an audition and customary mistakes stars make. advice auditions casting Duncan Stewart NY city Alaine Alldaffer stops working the actual role of the casting direcor. Alaine Alldaffer casting casting director Gray Gardens play stage theater Casting director Alaine Alldaffer discusses casting "Saved" and all sorts of myths about becoming an actor in NY City. Alaine Alldaffer casting director New york city theatre play saved NY casting director Bernie Telsey describes what stars have to know before walking into an audition. (Part a couple of) Bernie Telsey casting director We spoken with casting director Mark Teschner about focusing on cleaning soap operas. (Part 1 of three) General Hospital Mark Teschner cleaning soap opera NY casting director Bernie Telsey describes how you can give your very best audition. (Part 2 of two) Bernie Telsey casting director We spoken with casting director Mark Teschner about focusing on cleaning soap operas. Only need beautiful people apply? (Part 2 of three) General Hospital Mark Teshner cleaning soap opera We spoken with casting director Mark Teschner about who audition for cleaning soap operas. (Part 3 of three) General Hospital Mark Teschner cleaning soap opera Videos for that Back Stage News & Features section.

A Lot for the Billy Bob/Angelina Relationship Parable

Ahem! Billy Bob Thornton really wants to obvious something up: "I'd never create a movie about my closest friend, either, or other ex of mine, or something like that. That isn't my bag. I do not mind subjecting myself, but I am definitely not gonna create a movie about another person. [...] If she found me, or any one of my buddies found me, and stated, 'I would really like that you should write a movie about these encounters Ive had,' i quickly would take into account that. But no - we dont know how that happened." Alas. [Vulture]

Pilot Season: Lost's Terry O'Quinn Moves Into ABC's 666 Park Avenue

Terry O'Quinn Terry O'Quinn is sought after. The previous Lost star, who's been recurring on Hawaii Five- this year, has arrived an online insurance lead role in ABC's supernatural pilot 666 Park Avenue, TVGuide.com has confirmed. Deadline first reported this news. Terry O'Quinn joins TNT's Falling Skies in Season 2 In the producers from the Vampire Journals, The Key Circle and Gossip Girl, the project is dependant on Gabrielle Pierce's book series a good innocent Midwestern couple who get the interview as resident managers of the Upper East Side apartment building in NY. O'Quinn will have who owns your building, in which the citizens have made handles the Demon to obtain their desires satisfied. David Wilcox is aboard to evolve it and executive-produce, alongside Leslie Morgenstein and Gina Girolamo. O'Quinn will even come in a 2-episode arc of TNT's Falling Skies, which premieres its second season this summer time.

Fran Drescher Claims She Was Kidnapped By Aliens

Fran Drescher Fran Drescher thinks she was kidnapped by aliens. No, really.Within an interview using the Huffington Publish, the Nannyand Happily Divorcedstar stated she and her ex-husband Peter Marc Jacobson both were built with a close encounter once they were teens.Keck's Exclusives! Start looking: Nanny reunion on Happily Divorced"Peter and that i both saw [aliens] before we understood one another, doing exactly the same factor, driving on the highway with this fathers," Drescher stated. "I was in junior high. A couple of years later, we met, and that we recognized that people had exactly the same experience. I believe that in some way i was designed to satisfy. Both of us have this scar. It is the identical scar around the identical place."Jacobson claims Drescher's scar comes from a drill bit or perhaps is caused by burning herself with warm water. But Drescher will not have your eyes turned.Browse the relaxation of present day news"That is what the aliens designed us to consider,Inch she stated. "However ,, this is where the nick is."You never know? Maybe this finally describes Drescher's one-of-a-kind laugh?

Richard Gere On 'Arbitrage': 'All Adrenaline, Cocaine Rush'

You might think Arbitrage is a staid affair, one more film about financial shenanigans in a long line of them each one about men with expensive suits and bankrupt morals, about buying low and selling high, about the money, money, money. Well, it is about all those things. But as Richard Gere put it to MTV News before the movies premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, its also about the cocaine rush of success. Hes not kidding. Gere plays Robert Miller, a billionaire hedge fund manager who seemingly has the perfect life, the perfect family, even the perfect mistress. That is, until he turns 60 and the fact that hes been running a massively fraudulent empire is about to be exposed. If this all sounds a bit familiar, thats no mistake. You just need to know Bernie Madoff and Teddy Kennedy, Gere said. That's all you need to know. He's never had any failures, he added. It's all success. It's all adrenaline, cocaine rush of success. If you say so, Mr. Gere. Which leads us to wonder, did the actor go method for the role, engaging in some of these drug-fueled escapades to portray Miller? "My whole life has been that, so it's very easy for me [to play], he cracked. I didn't have to think about that! Did we mention that Richard Gere is awesome? While were at it, well also mention that Arbitrage premiered on a snowy Saturday in Park City, UT to positive reviews and suggestions that the film has strong commercial potential. For Gere, whos making his maiden Sundance voyage, its almost as if, in the mountains of Utah, hes never had a failure. The 2012 Sundance Film Festival is officially under way, and the MTV Movies team is on the ground reporting on the hottest stars and the movies everyone will be talking about in the year to come. Keep it locked with MTV Movies for everything there is to know about Sundance.

Keck's Exclusives: New Girl's New Valentine

New Girl Because of its first Valentine's episode, Fox's New Girl gets a hot-blooded addition thanks to True Blood's Ryan Kwanten (also known as Jason Stackhouse). Within the Feb 14 episode, Zooey Deschanel's Jess goes cruising in a bar looking for a feeling-free one-evening stand and encounters Ryan's Oliver. "I save her from choking on the cherry," teases Ryan, who states Zooey welcomed him on set with open arms. "But he loves speaking about food and works out to become probably the most boring men she's ever dated."For their own V-Day history, Ryan informs me, "I have been single for such a long time that Valentine's appears like yet another day." Altogether now: Awww....The nights is going to be far steamier for Mr. Kwanten this summer time when True Bloodstream returns because of its fifth insane season. "I am already back shooting," he states. "Jason is certainly treading into uncharted areas with Jessica. At least, his one-track mind is centered on love." Would not it be unfortunate if his ex-flame - Reverend Newlin's wife, Sarah - would come back in Bon Temps and mess everything up?Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Bill Paxton On Titanic In 3-D: Its Really Amazing

First Launched: The month of the month of january 6, 2012 4:35 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Bill Paxton On Titanic 3-D Going to Theaters: Its Really Amazing La, Calif. -- James Camerons epic Titanic is positioned revisit theaters in April 6 this time around around in 3-D to commemorate the 100th anniversary in the tragic accident and Bill Paxton states hes all for your films re-release. In my opinion its great, Bill, who starred as treasure hunter Brock Lovett inside the 97 blockbuster told Access Hollywood within the Haywire premiere in La on Thursday. I spoken to [James] Cameron a few nights ago [and] he mentioned they'd examined 10 mins from this at some symposium in Amsterdam which he mentioned it absolutely was really amazing to find out it. While Bill hasnt themselves seen in the 3-D version yet, he revealed hes seen the specific remains in the finish in the Atlantic Ocean multiple occasions. Ive been lower for the wreck four occasions, he told Access. Ive seen it legitimate. Despite the fact that it's been 15 years since Titanic initially hit theaters, Bill thinks the film is really a box office success once again. Theres another generation who's likely to uncover it as well as everybodys prone to visit it in 3-D, he mentioned. For Bills latest project, Haywire, the actor has high wants the Steven Soderbergh-helmed action thriller, which stars Martial artist Gina Carano. I obtained to see her father which was kind of awesome, he told Access of coping with newcomer Gina. There are lots of great action female stars, truly they have to cut them up to be appear like theyre really tough. This lady Steven Soderbergh enables the digital camera relax and enables the digital camera do its factor and shes a designer. Haywire hits theaters around the month of the month of january 20. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Maestro for Fellini, 'Godfather' gets centennial treatment

'The Godfather: Part II'Concerts around the world are marking the start of the centennial year for Nino Rota, the Italian composer whose music for "Romeo and Juliet," "The Godfather" and numerous Federico Fellini films made him famous.Rota (1911-1979) would have turned 100 on Dec. 3, and orchestras from Norway to Malaysia are scheduling tributes, performing everything from the whimsical "La Dolce Vita" and the wacky march from "8 1/2" to his poignant score for "Romeo and Juliet" and the Sicilian-inspired music for "The Godfather," whose "Part II" score won him his only Oscar."Nino Rota was a romantic, a 19th-century composer transplanted by destiny into the 20th century," says Franco Sciannameo, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who has written two books about Rota's music. "He was suited to the cinema because he had incredible facility with the short form, the three-minute piece."He did 16 films with director Fellini, including "La Strada," "La Dolce Vita," "8 1/2," "Juliet of the Spirits" and "Amarcord," and his lighthearted tunes -- often like circus marches -- relate directly to Fellini's notion of "life as circus" and his obsession with clowns, says Sciannameo. Rota's 150 films also included collaborations with King Vidor ("War and Peace") and Luchino Visconti ("The Leopard").The original "Godfather" score caused a brief scandal in 1972 when it was revealed that its love theme actually originated in a 1958 Italian film; Rota's Oscar nomination was withdrawn. But that kind of self-borrowing wasn't unusual."Rota never threw anything away," Sciannameo says. "The same music floats from films to operas, ballet to concert works."Return to MUSIC FOR SCREENS: WINTER 2012 Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Rock 'n' roll pearls from Oyster drummer

It absolutely was all rock 'n' roll without any bull Monday evening within the preem of Magnolia's "Roadie" within the Angelika. The film follows a roadie who returns where you can Queens after being fired with the Blue Oyster Cult. According to Albert Bouchard, original drummer for your Cult, the pic is accurate. He ongoing to regale partygoers within the Parkside Lounge with real tales of sacrilege and scatology within the road. Within the afterparty, site visitors were also treated with a musical performance with the film's director and authors, Michael and Gerald Cuesta, and original tunes by Jill Hennessy, who stars inside the pic with Bobby Cannavale and Ron Eldard. :- Alexa Harrison Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

AFTRA, Networks Reach New Three Year Deal

THR.com photo editor Chris Godley was shot by a gunman in Hollywood on Friday morning, but was only grazed by a bullet and not seriously injured in an incident that was captured on video by witnessesand widely circulated on the Internet.our editor recommendsGunman Opens Fire Near Hollywood's ArcLight Theater (Video) A gunman randomly opened fire at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles on Friday morning at about 10:15 a.m. The man was shot and killed by police, who may have been working on a nearby film set. The shooter reportedly fired nine to 12 shots and after running out of bullets, he allegedly pulled out a knife while shouting, "Kill me" and "I want to be killed," the Associated Press has reported. The identity of the gunman has been withheld by authorities. The shooting occurred while Godley, 27, a Hollywood Reporterstaffer since October 2010, was driving into work from his North Hollywood home.Godley's right leg was grazed by a bullet in the incident. Godley said that while he waited at a red light at the intersection of Sunset and Vine, he noticed two men who were ducking behind objects, but he didn't make much of it because they appeared to be joking around. As he entered the intersection -- driving south on Vine -- the gunman fired a shot into a red Honda Civic, shattering a window. At first, Godley thought he was stumbling upon a movie crew that was filming in the area and had neglected to cordon off the intersection. However, Godley said it quickly became apparent that the situation was dire. VIDEO: Gunman Opens Fire Near Hollywood's ArcLight Theater "I processed the information very quickly. I hit my gas pedal and sped through the intersection as fast as I could," Godley said Friday evening. "I knew he was going to take a shot at me. He took a shot and it went through my driver side door, grazed my leg, bounced off of my iPad and went into my passenger side door. It did not come out the other side of the door, so the bullet is in my door." "If he had aimed a little bit better I could just be gone right now. I am still processing all of that. I think it has yet to really set in. -- THR.com photo editor Chris Godley Footage of the incident shows Godley's black 2003 Toyota Tacoma speeding through the intersection as the gunman, clad in jeans and a white undershirt, fires a shot only a few feet from the driver-side window of the pickup truck. Godley said he did not get a good look at the shooter. Another man, driving a Mercedes-Benz, was shot in the jaw and was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. "If he had aimed a little bit better I could just be gone right now," said Godley. "I am still processing all of that. I think it has yet to really set in." After making it past the shooter, Godley continued down Vine to De Longpre Avenue, where he turned right and parked his car. After checking to make sure he wasn't seriously injured, Godley dialed 911. He later returned to the scene, where he spent several hours being interviewed by investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department, who retained his car for examination. Later, at a nearby police station, he was examined by paramedics. Godley said that he remains puzzled by the men who appeared to be having fun as they ducked away from the gunman's attack. "That seemed odd to me at the time and it seems odd to me now." He has not watched footage of the incident. "I think I am going to watch it but not tonight," Godley said. Resting at home on Friday night, Godley said he is still processing the incident. "I'm still pretty numb to the situation right now," he said. "I had a little bit of an awakening in the shower when I really looked at my leg and really kind of processed how close the bullet came to doing a lot more damage than it did." Watch the video below: View more videos at: http://nbclosangeles.com. Email: Daniel.Miller@THR.com Twitter: @DanielNMiller PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Lights, Camera, Accident! 20 Hollywood Stunts Gone Wrong Related Topics

XBox Live expands TV tie-ins

The recent update to XBox Live has added Microsofts Bing search service and an upgrade to Kinect, the consoles voice- and gesture-control device. When the latest version of XBox Live is unveiled Sunday, the free update will serve as a reminder of both how far the Microsoft service has come and how much further it still has to go.The online entertainment storefront for the XBox 360 gaming console has been offering TV and movies for five years, giving Microsoft a long head start into what has become one of the most competitive environments in media: so-called "over-the-top" devices delivering videos as a potential alternative to incumbents like cable and satellite.XBox Live may be making its greatest strides yet between the addition of Microsoft's Bing search service and upgrade of Kinect, the voice and gesture-control device that renders the console's own controller irrelevant to entertainment consumption. Moreover, XBox Live is making a sixfold increase in blue-chip content partners that will include Comcast and interactive versions of channels the nation's largest cable operator doesn't have. But the fact Microsoft has made a deal with Comcast to begin with is a telling indication that matching the offerings of MSOs isn't easy. The U.S. portion of the 35 million XBox Live subs worldwide are watching over an hour of video per day in addition to the gaming they consume on the service for $60 per month. Regardless, the buzz on cord-cutting solutions tends to get dominated by entries from tech giants like Google TV and Apple TV or smaller specialized players like Roku and Boxee.Yet XBox 360 and Sony's Playstation 3 have proven that consoles ceased to be strictly for gaming years ago. A study issued last month by Strategy Analytics found that 65 percent of Xbox 360 owners under the age of 25 watch more movies and TV shows through the console than on computers.More than a few of the strategies shaking up the multichannel landscape today got their start on XBox Live. Two years before TV Everywhere reared its head, it was offering authenticated cable access abroad to MSOs like France's Canal Plus. XBox 360 was also the first device to provide an app capable of connecting TVs with Netflix, which remains the console's most popular video attraction. XBox Live was the first service that enabled renting high-definition movies on the Internet."A million tech years ago, that was innovative," said Ross Honey, GM of entertainment and advertising at XBox Live. "Today your toaster can do that."The biggest innovation to the new update is its range of navigation options. Kinect, a sensor that listens to voice commands, has been better integrated into XBox Live and tied to Bing. In addition, Windows wireless devices can run an app that turn the phone into a remote control.All that functionality may be necessary given the sheer increase in content coming to XBox Live viewers will dig through. Many of the 48 programming partners coming in the U.S. and overseas were first announced in October, including HBO Go, BBC iPlayer, Bravo, Syfy, TMZ and "Today" show. New additions to that roster include MLB.tv and Vudu.At first blush, the lineup seems a giant step toward realizing the speculation that Microsoft was looking to be a "virtual MSO," packaging the same channels that cablers and satcasters provide. But none of the networks in the current XBox Live lineup are a replication of the live 24/7 channels offered by MSOs; they are either broadband products like HBO Go or meager VOD samplings such as what Bravo provides.Two key ways Microsoft looks to close the quality gap with the MSOs this go-round is by offering subscribers to both Comcast and Verizon-owned FiOs TV authenticated access over XBox, which essentially turns the console into a set-top box. But even in those instances, subs aren't getting the full experience they get from their cable or telco providers. FiOs TV users can only watch a pre-selected bouquet of 26 channels that include HBO, MTV and CNN but not the complete lineup. And Comcast doesn't offer access to its live channels at all, opting instead to provide access to its broadband VOD platform Xfinity.The second key way Microsoft is striving to differentiate itself from MSOs is its gradual build-up of channels with special features. Last year, it launched the effort with an ESPN-branded channel that turned college football telecasts into interactive extravaganzas for viewers to interact socially and play games with friends using XBox. UFC will get a similar treatment with the new update, rolling up content from its pay-per-view events, UFC.com and exclusive material.But even there MSOs stay a step ahead given the UFC offering won't include all MMA league's fights that will be featured on a range of News Corp.-owned linear channels including Fox and FX.There are still other fronts where Microsoft can look to make advances in programming, but aren't getting significant improvements in this update. The Zune marketplace, an iTunes-like storefront for ordering movies and TV shows a la carte, returns with little enhancement. And Microsoft hasn't experimented with its own original programming for XBox in several years, though Honey indicated the company hasn't ruled that out for the future. Previous efforts included an exclusive licensing of the webisode sensation "The Guild" and an interactive adaptation of the Endemol unscripted format "1 vs. 100."Looking back years from now on the over-the-top race, all the content growth coming to XBox Live with this update will likely be overshadowed by improvements made to Kinect. It may be the most crucial feature given the hype has already begun that Apple will introduce its own Internet-connected TV set next year complete with Siri, the voice-recognition feature currently wowing buyers of the iPhone 4S. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

AT&T: FCC Report Critical Of T-Mobile Deal Is One-Sided And Cherry-Picks Facts

Yourarelysee a company that does as much business with federal regulators as AT&T doesattack them as ferociously as the phone giant did today. AT&T is livid over a staff study that concluded its$39B wireless phone acquisition of T-Mobile would be anti-competitive and result in lost jobs. The report, released yesterday,”is so obviously one-sided that any fair-minded person reading it is left with the clear impression that it is an advocacy piece, and not a considered analysis,” AT&T Senior Executive Vice President of External & Legislative Affairs Jim Cicconi said in a blog post. He adds that the report “cherry-picks facts to support its views, and ignores facts that dont,” and “treats its own speculationsas if they were fact.” Calling the staff effort”not the fair and objective analysis to which any party is entitled,”Cicconi also blasted the FCC for releasing the document.AT&T withdrew its merger application at the agency after the FCC moved to block it,although the phone company hasn’t formally abandoned the effort to acquire T-Mobile. By making the report public, he says,the FCC showed that “this was intended more for advocacy and to impact public perceptions. And neither is a proper basis for action by a regulatory agency.” Consumer groups, which opposed the AT&T deal, rushed to the FCC’s defense. Media Access Project Policy Director Andrew Jay Schwartzman called the report “thoroughly documented.” He adds that AT&T”takes advantage of the fact that some of the most damaging findings in the report are from confidential documents which AT&T has refused to make public.” And Consumers Union Policy Counsel ParulDesai says AT&Ts claims that it was treated unfairly “are simply unfounded and an attempt to distract from the truth that this merger means higher prices and fewer choices for consumers.

Biz takes tentative steps among large changes

CBS and Warner Bros. inked an offer with Netflix for shows such as the Vampire Journals, above. John F. OByrne in Prime Suspect For showbiz, 2011 is a year of motion in fits and begins, instead of great advances forward, because the industry grapples having a fast-altering, progressively global business landscape.There weren't any major transactions around the scale of, say, Comcast-NBCUniversal (although that union was formally sealed in The month of january) or Disney-Marvel. Time Warner's unrequested $1.4 billion bid for Endemol marks the greatest dollars that the biz's major congloms have put up for grabs (a minimum of openly) to have an acquisition.'Prime' prospect for PeacockDespite the possible lack of blockbuster developments, however, there has been regions of notable activity that may set happens for bigger changes in the future: Home windows, home windows, home windows. In TV and film, the biz continues to be acting just like a menopause lady inside a stuffy room who can't decide whether she would like your window opened up wide, midway or simply a crack.The tug of war between galleries and participants around the problem is representational from the find it difficult to balance the requirements of numerous stakeholders within the theatrical business -- specially the altering habits of more youthful moviegoers. Much more than Universal caving on its arrange for an earlier "Tower Heist" premium VOD window, the larger surprise continues to be the lackluster showing to date in the $30 PVOD window that Warner Bros., Fox and Universal created by helping cover their DirecTV, among much drama with exhibs plus some high-profile creatives.Nobody has launched any amounts, but it is common understanding the galleries happen to be disappointed using the results.Could it be an advertising and marketing problem? Could it be the game titles on offer? Only some time and more researching the market will inform. An upswing of Netflix. The netcaster continues to be a part of just about any conversation concerning the biz's future, but Hollywood still can't quite determine if Netflix is friend or foe.Most within the biz appear to become leaning toward the friend side, though there's been unabashed schadenfreude because the company's high-flying stock has fallen from $300-plus towards the $70-$80 range in recent days.CBS and Warner Bros., the 2 majors which have been most conservative for making their TV skeins available on the web, accepted Netflix because the messiah from the CW in reaching a path-breaking output deal for that net's programming. Netflix can also be viewed as filling a large financial hole for serialized and niche-appeal programs which will never fetch a lot of money within the traditional cable/TV station syndie market (think "Mad Males").However that a lot of have betrothed their wagons with Netflix, the business's fumbles with customer relations and it is $400 million debt/stock offering a week ago have elevated questions regarding whether it's at risk of becoming overextended.n Film-financing follies. As Variety's Rachel Abrams has reported, the climate for film-financing deals has certainly enhanced throughout yesteryear year, however the terms and also the gamers are extremely diverse from these were prior to the economic meltdown. The large banks are tiptoeing in for large studio projects, on the selective basis. And firms like Endgame Entertainment are assisting to meet the increasing demand within the indie sector using its new P&A fund. A large question for indie gamers is whether or not you can make real cash up with a VOD release strategy. There's an positive feeling available is the fact that all it will require is a couple of home runs (by indie standards) to juice the forex market. Worldwide channels finally acquire some attention. They are massive worldwide procedures, the majors' worldwide funnel procedures have for a long time been largely invisible in Hollywood. But that is altering as Fox, The new sony yet others have grown to be more ambitious with programming for his or her groupings of studio-top quality channels. Lightly lower the stream. Your competition among music streaming services walked up a notch this season as The planet pandora went public and Europe's Spotify moved in to the U.S. market.What's interesting is the fact that all of this activity has coincided with a time of consolidation among music posting companies small and big.No showbiz shingle has gone through much more of a high-to-bottom transformation this season compared to NBC broadcast internet. Because the saw dust flies around the repairing of their primetime selection, here's wishing the Peacock will find the assets to stay with "Prime Suspect," its most powerful new drama in a long time. Much praise continues to be bathed around the writing and Maria Bello's performance, and never to become overlooked may be the show's rock-solid supporting cast, moored through the great John F. O'Byrne.Grant Mess has frequently told the storyline of methods at any given time when NBC is at bad shape, he and Brandon Tartikoff made a decision to resume "St. Elsewhere" after its low-ranked first season simply because they understood it had been a great show.Let "Prime Suspect" function as the "St. Elsewhere" with this generation. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

'Planet of Snails' tops IDFA honours

''Planet of Snails,'' South Korean helmer Seung-Jun Yi's feature docu concerning the daily existence and passion for a hard of hearing and blind guy, has won the VPRO IDFA award for the best feature in the 24th annual Worldwide Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), it had been introduced in a ceremony Friday evening. IDFA's top prize has a ?12,500 (U.S.$16,546) cash prize. ''Snails,'' which received its worldwide preem here, is created by CreativEast. Paris-based CATandDocs is handling world sales. IDFA's five-person feature competish jury also gave its special award to Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi's world-preeming ''5 Damaged Cameras,'' a portrait of the Palestinian village fighting off encroaching Jewish pay outs over many years. Pic also nabbed IDFA's aud award and $6,619 cash. The earth's biggest docu fest and mart, which opened up November. 16 with ''The Ambassador'' from helmer Mads Brugger (''The Red-colored Chapel'') and concludes Sunday, saw an archive public aud of the believed 200,000+, up from 2010's count of 180,000. Other IDFA competish those who win include Jorge Gaggero's ''Montenegro'' (best mid-length docu), Xun Yu's 'The Disappearing Spring Light (best first film) and Jessica Gorter's ''900 Days'' (best Nederlander docu). Micha X. Peled's feature ''Bitter Seed products,'' concerning the plight of Indian cotton maqui berry farmers and also the third inside a trilogy about globalization, won best Eco-friendly Screen (environment) docu along with the Oxfam Global Justice award. Last week ''Last Days Here,'' from Phillie's Don Argott and Demian Fenton, won best music documentary. Pic was tested in IDFA PLAY, the fest's first music docu sidebar. IDFA presented 340 film and trans-media docus to public and industry auds this season. The outlet weekend was mostly about preems and parties, but a posse from ''Focus Forward''-the innovation-designed number of three-minute paperwork released last September by video writer Cinelan together with General electric-required happens to announce it's added seven filmmakers to the roster. On Monday IDFA moved into full-on biz mode with the beginning of the 3-day Forum. The prestige worldwide co-financing event has modified recently to mirror changes on the market (less home windows, tight budgets), the emergence of third-sector funders and new methods for telling and viewing non-fiction tales. The 2010 slate incorporated 57 projects (features, series, trans-media) searching for funding partners or future purchasers as a whole-tables and individual meets. This season IDFA reviews 2,670 local and worldwide visitors (producers, purchasers, filmmakers etc.) , the increase from 2010's headcount of two,477. A lot more than 200 U.S. visitors attended IDFA 2011. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Bruce Rosenblum Reveals His Plans for the TV Academy

One big idea on the mind of the new chairman and CEO of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences,Bruce Rosenblum, is to hold a television industry "summits," modeled after those put on in the 1990s by the last top TV executive to lead the group.Rosenblum, who is a member of the office of the president at Warner Bros. and oversees all TV at the busiest studio in Hollywood, is the first high-level studio executive to head the TV Academy since Richard Frank, who was president of Disney TV during his tenure.In 1994, Frank was the vision behind a summit that the organization calls "one of the most notable events in the Television Academy's history," a daylong conference at Royce Hall on the UCLA campus, titled "Information Superhighway Summit."Then-VIce PresidentAl Goreprovided the keynote address, and participants included the chairman of the FCC, Bill Gates of Microsoft, John Malone (then head of the largest cable company), Brian Roberts (now of Comcast, which now owns control of NBC Universal), DreamWorks Jeffrey Katzenberg, Disney heads Michael Eisner and Robert Iger; and others."I hope we can put together a summit similar to what Rich Frank did during his tenure that I think elevated the visibility of the academy," Rosenblum told "The Hollywood Reporter" in an interview shortly after his election Wednesday night. "We're at a wonderful moment in time when technology is so dramatically influencing our business in a positive way that we can bring together a lot of the influential people in the industries to talk about where technology is taking our business."What Rosenblum does not want is to play the political games that have dogged the academy in the past or to dwell only on the Primetime Emmy Awards while ignoring everything else the group does."If you look at the results of the election tonight, I think you will see a group of new officers who are expressing a desire to work past the politics of old," said Rosenblum. "I think we have a unified desire to bring new voices to the table and move the academy forward, not to retain the status quo. If the new group of officers can be successful at that agenda I think you'll see a diminishment of the politics of old."Rosenblum wants to improve the diversity of the group, address piracy concerns and bolster the work done by the Academy Foundation, in part by bringing this new attitude into play."A lot of the focus of the academy is traditionally around the Primetime Emmy Awards," Rosenblum said. "Yet the academy provides a lot more functions though out the year that are not as well known. I think we can elevate the brand of the academy, elevate the awareness of the academy and certainly elevate the stature of the academy through things like professional development, and creating opportunity for there to be more relevance for the members other than just getting to vote for the Emmys. We can push forward a diversity initiative within the peer groups and governors. I think the philanthropic work of the foundation is terrific and the Academy can generate more revenue through digital opportunities or sponsorships. All of that will benefit the great work of the philanthropic foundation."Before his election, there were some concerns expressed about whether "peer" members among the academy -- mostly crafts people -- would be able to deal honestly with Rosenblum because of his executive power."I don't make those hiring decisions," Rosenblum said. "Having met with almost every one of the governors personally before the election, I think the results speak for themselves. There was a comfort level that myself and others elected to positions tonight will bring a renewed vigor and hopefully excitement to the Academy."Rosenblum also responded to those who are concerned that as one of the members of management he might not side with rank-and-file members on key issues."The chair position is one of leadership but it's not one of making decisions," said Rosenblum. "The decisions at the academy are made by the Board of Governors along with the executive committee. It's a consensus building role. It's a collaboration-building role and what I'm hopeful [for] is that I and the others elected tonight can bring to the academy just that -- consensus building and finding ways to add value to what the Academy can do for the members of all the peer groups."Still, it seems like there will be inevitable conflicts of interest. Rosenblum has said he wants to help boost local production and help create jobs, but what happens when it is in the interest of his studio to go to a state or country that offers greater tax and other incentives? Isn't that a potential conflict?"First of all, the academy needs to be careful because it is not a lobbying organization," responded Rosenblum. "But to the extent that the academy can provide guidance to both the city and state on creating appropriate incentives to retain production locally, that will benefit all of the members of the Academy based in Los Angeles. This is not a situation of conflict. It is one of supporting the Academy in doing what is in the best interest of the membership of the academy."Rosenblum said it is too early to discuss what leadership he might provide on the direction of the Emmys. He doesn't even officially start his term until January. For now, he wants to bring everyone together. To that end, he talked both before and after the election with producer Nancy Bradley Wiard, who ran against him in the race for the chairman's position."She was very gracious," said Rosenblum. "She congratulated me. She wished me the best and I expressed to her that I hope she remains actively involved in the academy because she provides a lot of value, a lot of institutional knowledge, and she's someone I hope I can turn to and so I encouraged her to remain involved."And why is Rosenblum involved? He has a busy job, a family and now a voluntary positionthat doesn't pay anything but can take up a lot of time and carry with it huge responsibility, includingpressure and scrutiny from the academy members, the media and the public."I know it sounds clich, but we all are very fortunate to work in this industry," replied Rosenblum. "As I said in my speech tonight (to the Governors and executive committee prior to the vote), I think we're in a golden age of television. I think the caliber of the products being produced and the quality of the people working in our Industry has never been better. So this was an opportunity to give back and to get actively involved in an organization that I think can represent our industry to an even greater extent than it already does." The Hollywood Reporter

Call of Duty: MW3 Rakes In $775M In 5 Days

Activision’s first-person shooter multiplayer game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has grossed more than $775 million in its first five days of sales, the company reported Wednesday. In just its first day on the market, Activision sold more than 6.5 million units in North America and the United Kingdom for an estimated sell-through rate of more than $400 million. Activision claimed the new edition in its debut — for about $650 a pop — has surpassed the openings of all movies, books and videogames.It even surpassed last years release of Call of Duty: Black Ops, which grossed $650 million, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which sold $550 million. Activision Blizzards CEO Bobby Kotick boasted to AllThingsD that theCall of Duty franchise is one of the most valuable entertainment properties worldwide, having exceeded $6 billion in lifetime revenue.

'The Muppets': Where's Elmo?

This story originally appeared in the Nov. 25 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.our editor recommends'The Muppets' Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals'The Muppets' at D23: Jason Segel Talks About Their Comedic Influence (Video) Fans of Elmo might be let down to learn that the character does not appear in Disney's Nov. 23 reboot The Muppets. PHOTOS: 'The Muppets' Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals Among the disappointed is star and co-writer Jason Segel, who was rebuffed in ironic fashion. "I wrote a scene where we were trying to get Elmo to be the celebrity host of The Muppet Show, anda team of lawyers tells us no," Segel said Nov. 9 on Ryan Seacrest's radio show. "[Then] that's what actually happened -- a team of lawyers told us Elmo wasn't available." VIDEO: The Muppets' Jason Segel On Future of the Film Franchise Disney bought the Muppets from the Jim Henson estate in 2004, but Sesame Street characters remain with the Children's Television Workshop. Crossovers have occurred, but studio attorneys apparently decided against Elmo. Joked Seacrest, "Can you imagine going to law school, and that's what you're defending?" Disney declined comment. Related Topics Jason Segel The Muppets

Keck's Exclusives: David Copperfield Levitates into Wizards of Waverly Place

Jennifer Stone, David Copperfield, Selena Gomez Friday night on the Disney Channel, The Wizards of Waverly Place will get a visit from arguably the most famous wizard alive today. Master magician David Copperfield, who rarely appears on television outside of his own spectacular specials, will guest star as himself on the tween comedy. And as this photo reveals, David will be swept off his feet by the show's young stars."I get zapped there when Harper [Jennifer Stone, left] becomes Cinderella and magical things take place," previews the magic man by phone from his Copperfield Bay resort in the Bahamas. "I get to do some close-up magic right before their eyes, but something goes a bit wrong."Like any true magician worth his weight in bunny rabbits, David won't reveal his secrets, but insists what is seen in this photo "is not a camera trick. If you had been there live it would have looked the same way. I gave Selena Gomez [at right in the photo] a lesson and she definitely passed the Copperfield school of magic!"Before he appeared on set to shoot his scene, David practiced the illusion at his live show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. And by the time it came to shoot, "it worked perfectly on the first take!"David says he couldn't resist the opportunity when Disney extended an invitation. "I used to watch the Mickey Mouse Club when I was a little kid and was in love with Annette [Funicello], so I thought this would be fun to do." Plus, he'd also seen the series because he tries his best to "keep in touch with all things magical."The magic begins Friday at 8/7c on the Disney Channel. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Don't cry on the account, B'way

Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin at Sardi's The celebs of "A Evening Time With Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin" insist the spring's Broadway revival of "Evita," starring Ough Martin, "isn't to completeInch utilizing their show, set to start Monday within the Ethel Barrymore Theater."Not whatsoever," Mandy Patinkin mentioned at Tuesday's press junket in Sardi's restaurant. It's only coincidence he and Patti LuPone's last game on Broadway reaches "Evita" in 1979.Roles like Avoi Peron and Che Guevara don't arrive often. But that's not the question, LuPone was adament.InchIt is not whether you will notice an excellent role, it's 'will I buy hired again!' It definitely is the question," she mentioned. "I don't think there's an actress unless of course obviously it's Meryl Streep or Bobby P Niro who not worry that they're going to ever work again. It's part of the territory. You question if you're vital enough to acquire hired again. And consists of nothing associated with age."