Tim Burton's 'Frankenweenie' Will get An Initial Trailer

The claymation remake of 1 of Tim Burton's first films, "Frankenweenie," opened its initial trailer today. In line with the original video clip through the visionary filmmaker, "Frankenweenie" follows a boy named—what else—Victor Frankenstein. When Victor manages to lose his closest friend, his dog Sparky, he decides to meet his namesake and reanimate his lost friend. Naturally, after Victor works in getting uncle back in the grave, the townspeople do not take kindly towards the bolt-necked, sewn-up dog. Browse the trailer following the jump! The claymation-ified "Frankenweenie" assumes the feel of Burton's previous work on the planet of stop-motion, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "The Corpse Bride," but additionally carefully resembles the black-and-whitened look from the 1984 classic, starring Daniel Stern and Shelley Duvall. The pictures also borrow heavily in the nineteen thirties Universal horror movies that Burton has always respected. The brand new undertake "Frankenweenie" features voice work from Burton alums for example Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short and Martin Landau. It's refreshing to determine Burton returning to the storyline that assisted begin a reputation for themself. An era of youngsters was raised watching "Frankenweenie" every Halloween around the Disney funnel, therefore the remake functions as a great chance to create that story to existence for any new number of kids. Plus, anytime people underneath the age for 25 are uncovered to some black-and-whitened film, it is a positive thing. Exactly what do you think about the very first trailer for "Frankenweenie"? Tell us within the comments below as well as on Twitter!

ASCAP expo announces visitors

Carrying out privileges org ASCAP has revealed the very first batch of visitors because of its seventh annual I Create Music expo, set to span 72 hours in April. The expo will feature masterclasses from the kind of Carly Simon, Peter Frampton and film scorer Mark Isham sections featuring the Smeezingtons, Deana Carter and ASCAP prexy Paul Williams and performances from Eagles vet Don Felder, Brett James and Jonny Lang. The confab will occur from April 19-21 in the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

REVIEW: The Forgiveness of Blood Will Make You Care About Albanian Blood Feuds Really

Maybe youre the kind of person who wakes up in the morning and says, What can I learn today about the psychological effects of blood feuds in contemporary Albania? But I doubt it. Who even thinks about these things, or cares about them? The strange miracle of Joshua Marstons modest, well-constructed drama The Forgiveness of Blood - which really is about blood feuds in contemporary Albania - is that once youve watched it, you might find that you actually do care. Its the kind of movie that makes the world feel like a smaller place, suggesting that the similarities connecting us across continents and cultures are more resonant than the things that divide us. The Forgiveness of Blood is set in northern Albania - it was also filmed there, using local, nonprofessional actors. Eighteen-year-old Nik (Tristan Halilaj) is a senior in high school, with his eye on the prettiest classmate and ambitions to open his own Internet caf. But one day his father, Mark (Refet Abazi), becomes involved in a land dispute: Mark makes a living for himself and his family by delivering bread to local homes and businesses - his mode of transport is a horse-drawn cart - and he habitually takes a shortcut across land that used to belong to his grandfather. The current owners take umbrage, and an altercation breaks out in which one of them is stabbed to death; implicated in the murder, Mark immediately goes into hiding. But according to codes of law that have been in place for centuries, the aggrieved family is entitled to take the life of a male from the aggressors family. Nik is forced into a kind of house arrest, along with his younger brother and two sisters. But because the female members of the household arent in danger, Niks younger sister, Rudina (Sindi Laej), must leave school and temporarily take over her fathers business, just to keep the family afloat. This is a vivid, tough little story that enfolds lots of dramatic subthreads: Nik and Rudina live, as most of us do, in a world of cell phones and satellite TV, yet they find themselves bound by antiquated rules of conduct. Nik is just learning his way around the adult world - he preens in front of the mirror, Tony Manero-style, hoping to look good for the girl hes set his sights on - only to be imprisoned at home, as if grounded by an especially strict parent. Its a particularly painful kind of cultural emasculation, and he lashes out. And Rudina, a bright girl who seems to enjoy school (its hinted that she may have a future outside this rather restrictive community), suddenly has to play the role of the male breadwinner. Shed rather go shoe-shopping with her friends, of course, but the point is that her very sex both protects her and makes her life harder: Her life is of lesser value under the arcane rules governing the blood feud, which means that when the males in her family are compromised, she has to step up to the plate and act like a man. She seems to have the worst of both worlds. Marstons gift as a filmmaker - he also co-wrote the script with Albanian screenwriter Andamion Murataj - is that he makes us care about these characters without forcing us to eat the knobby, dirt-encrusted root vegetables of cross-cultural awareness. You know what Im talking about: The world of independent filmmaking is full of movies designed to congratulate well-informed, literate liberals on how well-informed and literate they are - we watch as peasants and otherwise compromised people, who live in countries outside North America (or even the poorer communities within it), suffer through their daily lives. Then were allowed to pat ourselves on the back for allowing our eyes to be opened to their plight. Marston doesnt play that game here, and he didnt play it in his first feature, Maria Full of Grace, either: That picture told the story of a young Colombian woman who becomes a drug mule to raise money for her family. The picture could have been a pile-up of the most tense horrors imaginable, but Marston has the rare gift of knowing when to ease up on the clutch: He focuses on individuals, on their faces and their feelings, sometimes at the expense of your garden-variety dramatic buildup. His movies have their own kind of narrative intensity, but theyre not thrillers masquerading as human-interest stories. With Marston, the interest is all human. Thats especially true in The Forgiveness of Blood. In the movies early moments, when I saw that horse-drawn bread cart rambling across a scrubby-yet-beautiful semi-rural landscape, I groaned. Was this going to be one of those good-for-you movies thats pure punishment to watch? The picture does have its unnerving moments, points at which you find yourself inside the head of a particular character and youre not sure you want to be there. But Marston doesnt overreach dramatically. Mostly, he simply trusts the faces of his actors: Halilajs Nik has a gawky-charming teen-scarecrow look - hes all long limbs and awkward pauses, particularly when hes in the presence of that pretty classmate. And even though Rudina isnt really the movies main character, as Laej plays her, shes its quiet, somber soul. Rudina observes the proceedings around her with resigned exasperation: Just when her life should be moving forward, its being pulled backward through hundreds of years of tradition. That tension is gentle but potent, and its what keeps The Forgiveness of Blood coursing along. By the end, youll care more about Albanian blood feuds than you ever thought you could. Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

REVIEW: The Forgiveness of Bloodstream Could Make You Worry About Albanian Bloodstream Feuds Really

Maybe youre the type of individual who awakens each morning and states, So what can I learn today concerning the mental results of bloodstream feuds in contemporary Albania? However I doubt it. Who even considers this stuff, or likes you them? The strange miracle of Joshua Marstons modest, well-built drama The Forgiveness of Bloodstream - which is really about bloodstream feuds in contemporary Albania - is the fact that once youve viewed it, you will probably find that you simply really do care. It is the type of movie which makes the planet seem like a more compact place, recommending the commonalities hooking up us across continents and cultures tend to be more resonant than things that divide us. The Forgiveness of Bloodstream is occur northern Albania - it had been also shot there, using local, nonprofessional stars. 18-year-old Nik (Tristan Halilaj) is really a senior in senior high school, together with his eye around the lovliest classmate and ambitions to spread out their own Internet caf. Only one day his father, Mark (Refet Abazi), becomes involved with a land dispute: Mark constitutes a living for themself and the family by delivering bread to local houses and companies - his mode of transport is really a equine-attracted trolley - and that he habitually requires a shortcut across land that accustomed to fit in with his grandfather. The present proprietors take umbrage, as well as an altercation breaks in which one of these is stabbed to dying suggested as a factor within the murder, Mark immediately adopts hiding. But based on codes of law which have been in position for hundreds of years, the aggrieved household is titled to accept existence of the male in the aggressors family. Nik needs right into a type of house arrest, together with his more youthful brother and 2 siblings. But since the female people from the household arent at risk, Niks more youthful sister, Rudina (Sindi Laej), must leave school and temporarily dominate her fathers business, simply to keep your family afloat. This can be a vivid, tough little story that enfolds plenty of dramatic subthreads: Nik and Rudina live, as many of us do, in an enormous amount of mobile phones and satellite television, yet they end up bound by old rules of conduct. Nik is simply learning his way round the adult world - he preens while watching mirror, Tony Manero-style, wishing to look great for that girl hes set his sights on - simply to be jailed in your own home, as though grounded by a particularly strict parent. Its an especially painful type of cultural emasculation, and that he lashes out. And Rudina, a vibrant girl who appears to savor school (its suggested that they could have a future outdoors this rather limited community), all of a sudden needs to act as a mans breadwinner. Shed rather go shoe-shopping together with her buddies, obviously, but the thing is that her very sex both safeguards her and makes her existence harder: Her existence is of lesser value underneath the arcane rules regulating the bloodstream feud, meaning once the males in her own family are jeopardized, she needs to step-up towards the plate and behave like a guy. She appears to achieve the worst of both mobile phone industry's. Marstons gift like a filmmaker - younger crowd co-authored the script with Albanian film writer Andamion Murataj - is the fact that he causes us to be worry about these figures without forcing us to consume the knobby, grime-encrusted root veggies of mix-cultural awareness. Guess what happens Im speaking about: The field of independent filmmaking is filled with movies made to congratulate well-informed, literate liberals how well-informed and literate they're - we watch as peasants and otherwise jeopardized people, who reside in nations outdoors The United States (or perhaps the lesser towns there), endure their lives. Then were permitted to pat ourselves around the back for permitting our eyes to become opened up for their plight. Marston does not play that game here, and that he didnt listen to it in the first feature, Maria Filled with Sophistication, either: That picture told the storyline of the youthful Colombian lady who turns into a drug mule to boost money on her family. The image might have been a pile-up of the very tense disasters imaginable, but Marston has got the rare gift of knowing when you should ease on the clutch: He concentrates on people, on their own faces as well as their feelings, sometimes at the fee for a garden-variety dramatic buildup. His movies their very own type of narrative intensity, but theyre not thrillers masquerading as human-interest tales. With Marston, the eye is human. Thats particularly true within the Forgiveness of Bloodstream. Within the movies early moments, after i saw that equine-attracted bread trolley rambling across a scrubby-yet-beautiful semi-rural landscape, I groaned. Was this likely to be certainly one of individuals good-for-you movies thats pure punishment to look at? The image comes with its unnerving moments, points where you are within the mind of the particular character and you aren't sure you need to be there. But Marston does not overreach significantly. Mostly, he simply trusts faces of his stars: Halilajs Nik includes a gawky-charming teen-scarecrow look - hes all lengthy braches and awkward breaks, specially when hes in the existence of that pretty classmate. And despite the fact that Rudina is not truly the movies primary character, as Laej plays her, shes its quiet, somber soul. Rudina observes the proceedings round her with resigned exasperation: Just when her existence ought to be continuing to move forward, its being drawn backward through 100s of many years of tradition. That tension is gentle but potent, and it is what keeps The Forgiveness of Bloodstream coursing along. Through the finish, youll care much more about Albanian bloodstream feuds than you thought you can. Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

REVIEW: Paul Rudd Assists In Keeping Sweet, Affable Wanderlust on the right track

The title of David Wain's latest directorial effortsuggestsmore direction than its urbanite coupleGeorge (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston) genuinely have. "Wanderlust" signifies feeling a desire to look for new pastures, however when the happy couple finish on the street it's only because they have been forced there, unemployment delivering them rapidly declining from their Manhattan lifestyle like satellites knocked using their orbits. George works within an office andLinda has to date just returned from whim to whim -- her newest not successful venture is really a documentary about penguins with cancer -- and also the two have crawled together the money to purchase what their real-estate agent euphemistically calls a "microloft" in the western world Village. They cannot sell the small apartment, plus they can not afford to help keep it when George manages to lose his job and Cinemax declines Linda's film to be depressing (and never sexy depressing), and they also finish up slinking lower to Atlanta in defeat to remain with George's bullying brother (Ken Marino) and tripping across mattress and breakfast/communeElysium in route. Whenever you try your toughest to create a existence on your own somewhere, simply to abruptly finish track of absolutely nothing to show for this years later, the need to simply drop from the whole race makes much more sense. Wanderlustis an agreeable comedy that peters out midway through, however it presents a credible situation why a couple without any innate hippie impulses would become infatuated with and join existence inside a rural collectiveor, since it's charming leader Seth (Justin Theroux) demands on calling it, an"intentional community." Wain's film, that they authored with Marino, presents a set of dimensional, empathetically attracted figures in George and Linda, a couple who once designed to take some time for more self examination realize the number of issues and unhappinesses they have been burying inside themselves. No other figures are near to as fully recognized, whether or not they be patchouli-wafting free-love advocates or depressed, alcoholic suburban average women, and also the film has a tendency to abruptly downshift whenever its focus moves from George and Linda to another thing, just like a late, perfunctory plotline in whichElysium is threatened by local designers who wish to bulldoze it to be able to develop a casino. It's funny and sweet when it is in regards to a couple trying to puzzle out their place on the planet, and typically broad and too easy when searching for laughs inElysium's day-to-day philosophy. Like a director, Wain has gained his put on the cult comedy pantheon with 2001's Wet Hot American Summer time, which built followers after bellyflopping into theaters over about ten years ago.Wanderlust is much more standard problem than that certain, missing its abrasive elements but additionally seeming unlikely to enhance with repeated viewings. It's initially George's idea to come back toElysium and provide existence there a 2-week try out, but it is Linda nobody takes into it, and also the midsection from the film is episodic striking-or-miss as Linda holds existence like a poncho-putting on flower child and catches Seth'seye while George develops disillusioned with truth circles and discussing everything. A few of the moments -- ahallucinogenictrip onayahuasca tea or proper shows of wine-making nudist Wayne's (Joe Lo Truglio) enormous penis -- are funny, but others, including many withTheroux's bloviating Modern guru whose understanding from the outdoors world drops off following the 1990's, fall flat. Wanderlust's comedy interest inElysium and it is occupants appears to visit as far asGeorge's attachment towards the place. It is good to go to, but it is not lengthy before you need to leave. Wanderlusthas the simplicity of a movie that's getting back people who've labored together before: Besides the existence of aforementionedThe Condition alumsLo Truglio and Marino, additionally, it has Kerri Kenney-Silver as flaky Elysium matriarchKathy and small looks fromMichael Showalter and Michael Ian Black, who form a small Stellareunion with Wain as news anchors whose banter is under TV-appropriate. Rudd andAniston, who co-starred in1998'sThe Object of My Affectionand shared the little screen on Buddies, in addition have a comfortable chemistry, seeming possibly like a couple who love one another but who've nothing you've seen prior needed to subject their relationship to the type of stress test. Rudd's particularly good when playing someone conscious of but not able to treat how from his element he's -- at the time of the hilariously glazed-eyed high, he plays thedidgeridoo and bonds with fellow pot-smoker Rodney (Jordan Peele) and the pregnant girlfriend Almond (Lauren Ambrose), however in the vibrant light of day has trouble coping with his lack of ability to suit in. He's an instrument duel with Seth over who's better at playing "Two Princes," he can't poop when everybody keeps entering the doorless bathroom to speak to him, and he's unsure how to approach outdoors-relationship advances of Avoi (Malin Akerman) -- "Not a way!Inch he responds when she describes her particular bed room skill. It's Rudd who offers the tenuous through-line that holds together this scattered ramble of the film, by recognizing that you have a middle ground betweenhigh-riseliving along with a cooperative farm, which it's where many people finish up.

Loving that Lorax

Erectile dysfunction Helms and Adam Fogelson Producer Jesse Healy and director Chris Renaud Kelly Meyer and Chris Meledandri garden for that American Heart Assn. at "The Lorax" preem. Danny DeVito meets his movie doppelganger. Taylor Quick and Zac Efron chat as Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment present the planet Premiere of "The Lorax" at Universal City Walk in Universal City, CA on Sunday, Feb 19, 2012. (Alex J. Berliner/abimages) Although Danny DeVito voiced the famous Dr. Seuss character, it had been his co-stars who could barely allow it to be into Sunday's preem of "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax."Zac Efron and Taylor Quick walked carpeting, and even while they joined the Amphitheater at Universal City, a conference of fans both youthful and old swarmed them. Obviously, the unspooling from the Universal pic didn't occur until its stars made their belated, grand entrance.Producer Chris Meledandri introduced "The Lorax" and thanked a large internet of people that assisted make it, such as the Universal chairman: "Adam Fogelson's fascination with 'The Lorax' is really a large reason this film got made."

American Reunion will get a brand new trailer

American Reunion has launched a brand new theatrical trailer packed filled with new footage, as Jim, Finch, Stifler and co celebrate their high-school reunion over time-honoured style... through getting wasted and sleazing on women.The brand new trailer introduces a couple of new plot points, such as the arrival from the girl Jim accustomed to babysit for. Naturally, she's turning 18, and will test sex-starved Jim's forces of self-control.Elsewhere, there's more Stifler-centric action, having a welcome suggestion the character has came back towards the obnoxious frat-boy from the first couple of films, as opposed to the gibbering moron from the third.Browse the new trailer below... Nostalgia may be the title of the overall game with that one, and will also be interesting to determine how co-company directors Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg balance the gross-out gags using the stresses and strains of adult existence.It's the most interesting ground the series has covered because the original movie, and it's not only fond reminiscences which have us excited by that one. American Reunion opens within the United kingdom on 2 May 2012.

Judi Dench Identified with Degenerative Eye Condition, States She's Not Going Blind

Sarah Johnson This week's episode of Alcatraz was short on new mysteries, however it did raise a couple of questions. Namely, since the criminals and pads of Alcatraz are coming back to provide day, can they start aging again? The coming back '63 now, Johnny McKee (Adam Rothenberg), poisoned 70 people, mostly simply because they were not nice to him. In our day, he works inside a bar along with a hotel pool to root out bullies making them pay. To find McKee, Rebecca (Sarah Johnson) switched to his former cell neighbor, Jack Sylvane (Jeffrey Pierce), who offered up five words that may be crucial in determining the storyline from the '63s. See which other new mysteries this week's Alcatraz elevated: Taking apart Alcatraz's Mysteries: Show bosses answer burning questions! What's Lucy (Parminder Nagra) fantasizing about? Lucy continues to be inside a coma after being shot by among the '63s, despite Dr. Beauregard's best efforts to bring back her using electroshock therapy. Though she's unresponsive, Beauregard (Leon Rippy) notes that her EKG signifies that they is fantasizing. By what? Apparently some thing interesting than awareness. Why has not Hauser (Mike Neill) told Rebecca and Diego (Jorge Garcia) about his new prison?Rebecca very pointedly requested Hauser the title of Jack Sylvane's new prison home so she could question him about McKee. In the end realize that Hauser is keeping the '63s inside a duplicate Alcatraz within the forest, he's yet to inform his partners. He further demonstrated his apparent distrust of Rebecca as he declined to allow Sylvane divulge an excessive amount of information on her grandfather, Tommy Madsen (David Hoflin). Exactly why is McKee so obsessive about the near future?McKee, a large fan of sci-fi pioneer author Jules Verne, stated the future is simply nearby. Did he have some understanding large was coming for him and also the '63s? So how exactly does Hauser know Chinese?While looking for McKee, the audience searched for out a Chinese-speaking shop owner who may have info on him. Hauser was quick to reply within the man's native tongue, which begs two questions: Where did he discover the language and why? Taking apart Alcatraz's Mysteries: Hauser and Lucy's past revealed What's going to occur to the '63s?Jack Sylvane elevated a great question: What's going to occur to the '63s who happen to be taken? They clearly can not be permitted to reside normal lives, especially since Hauser thinks when these were crooks before, then they are still crooks now. Sylvane retorts, "I have transformed. I do not dream." Did the forces that be make a move to create him not able to dream? If that's the case, why can Lucy still dream? Will the '63s ever age?Half a century have passed by within the blink of the eye for that '63s, which describes why they haven't aged each day since their disappearance in 1963. Since they have came back to provide day, will they start to age? Lucy and Beauregard happen to be dealing with Hauser to have an as-yet-undetermined period of time, yet they do not look very different in the flashbacks. Along with a question many have elevated in connection with this: How come Hauser not look older? If he being 21 in 1963, he'd be 70 years of age now (and credit would go to Mike Neill because he's only 64 and does not look each day 50 plus), same with younger crowd aging gradually by proxy to be around the island soon after the '63s' disappearance? Fun fan theory: "Lucy most likely wasn't listed included in the prison staff due to her work. At E.B's birthday celebration, she stated she was doing something with reminiscences, like a matter or rehab. Because the '63s have the symptoms of some memory issues, I'd reckon that someone has corrupted Lucy's try to achieve some endgame. That's why they merely have selected reminiscences. Either Lucy was thing about this plan, or she discovered about this plus they made her part of it." -bobby-j What burning questions have you got about Alcatraz? And are you attentiveness to discover the solutions? Just in case you skipped our previous Dissections:Week 1: Who're the '63s?Week 2: The number of '63s will work with Hauser? Week 3: Who's Lucy really?Week 4: Exactly why is Tommy Madsen essential?7 days 5: Hauser and Lucy's past revealed Alcatraz airs Mondays at 9/8c on Fox.

Reelz acquires Sarah Palin doc

Reelz Funnel has acquired TV privileges to Stephen Bannon's Sarah Palin documentary "The Undefeated" and can premiere it on March 11, only a next day of Cinemax debuts "Game Change," the variation of the greatest selling book chronicling the Alaska governor's entrance in to the 2008 race. The 2 projects will be described as a study in contrasts: "The Undefeated," which in fact had a theatrical and pay-per-view run this past year, is really a reverential take a look at Palin, from how she required around the good-old-boys club of Alaska politics to her battles from the established media and Beltway establishment as she rose to national prominence. Palin attended the film's premiere last summer time in Iowa. "Game Change" is dependant on the 2008 campaign tome by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, however the Cinemax movie concentrates on the drama surrounding John McCain choice of Palin as his running mate. Although it shows her 2008 convention speech and vice presidential debate as triumphs and her defense of family and special needs children as talents, she's also proven like a mercurial figure means by over her mind, specially when it involves foreign policy. Palin already has denounced the film. Bannon stated that Reelz's showing "is a counterweight" towards the Cinemax film, that they known as a "fictionalized account of the items happened." The manufacturers of "Game Change," director Jay Roach and author Danny Strong, have defended not just the study in the book however their own research. They stated they arrived at to Palin on her input, but she rejected. Stanley E. Hubbard, Boss of Reelz Funnel, stated that Palin "is really a charming figure who burst to the political scene, and whatever your leanings, for those who have any interest or curiosity in politics, telecomutting saves gas or even the Sarah Palin phenomenon, this can be a must-see movie." Reelz Funnel walked in to the political fray this past year if this acquired the miniseries "The Kennedys" from History funnel, which dropped the questionable project when confronted with critique from some historians. It continued to garner 10 Emmy nominations. Bannon, host of KABC's across the country syndicated "Victory Periods," is presently at the office around the documentary "Occupy Unmasked," a conservative counter towards the Occupy Wall Street movement. People U . s . Prods. is creating. Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com

Six boost road grosses

Six from the 10 shows drawn in additional than $a million in Week 37 (February 6-12). Bolstered through the return of "West Side Story," total box office acquired 18.07% within the frame. Throughout its fifth week in Ontario, "The Lion King" was the very best earner, with $1.53 million in sales. Total gross for that week was $10,845,797.APPLETON, WIS. Billion Dollar Quartet (M-first Co) Fox Metropolitan areas PAC ($75 2031 $1,077,440) (2/07-2/12/12).PW, $510,433 in Detroit.LW (first), $698,775. AUSTIN, TEXAS Wicked (M-second Co.) Bass Concert Hall ($79 2,805 $1,451,857) (1/25-2/12/12).PW, $1,410,530.LW (3rd), $1,497,599. CHEYENNE, WYO. Mamma Mia! (M-first Co.) Cheyenne Social Center ($75 1,496 $171,860) (2/11/12).PW, $685,202 in La Crosse, Wis. Lincoln subsequently, Neb. Sioux Falls, S.D.LW (first), $135,866. CLEARWATER, FLA. Memphis (M-first Co.) Ruth Eckerd Hall ($70 2,180 $993,320) (2/7-2/12/12).PW, $1,022,236 in Atlanta.LW (first), 772,046. DES MOINES, IOWA West Side Story (M-first Co.) Social Center ($90 2,723 $1,205,636) (2/7-2/12/12).LW (first), 1,109,957. El PASO, TEXAS Wicked (M-first Co.) The Plaza Theater ($77.50 2,035 $1,196,020) (2/1-2/12/12).PW, $1,060,127.LW (second), $1,313,325. FORT MYERS, FLA. Jersey Boys (M-first Co.) B. B. Mann PAC ($135 1,856 $1,215,544) (1/31-2/19/12).PW, $1,141,982.LW (second), $1,112,499. GREELEY, COLO. Mamma Mia! (M-first Co.) Union Colony Arts Center ($47 1,642 $144,836) (2/12/12).PW, $685,202 in La Crosse, Wis. Lincoln subsequently, Neb. Sioux Falls, S.D.LW (first), $88,860. MANHATTAN, KAN. Mamma Mia! (M-first Co.) McCain Auditorium ($65 1,698 $91,428) (2/6/12).PW, $685,202 in La Crosse, Wis. Lincoln subsequently, Neb. Sioux Falls, S.D.LW (first), $73,976. Ontario The Lion King (M-first Co.) The Orpheum Theater ($97 2,486 $1,536,175) (1/9-2/12/12).PW, $1,486,066.LW (fifth), $1,527,626. Polk, FLA. L'ensemble des Miserables (M-first Co.) Starz Center ($79.50 2,502 $1,040,162) (1/31-2/12/12).PW, $1,035,082.LW (second), $1,307,887. TOLEDO, OHIO Jersey Boys (M-second Co.) Stranahan Theater ($125 2,424 $1,280,020) (2/7-2/26/12).PW, $834,257 in Dayton, Ohio.LW (first), $900,188. WICHITA, KAN. Mamma Mia! (M-first Co.) Century II Hall ($65 2,135 $396,495) (2/7-2/9/12).PW, $685,202 in La Crosse, Wis. Lincoln subsequently, Neb. Sioux Falls, S.D.LW (first), $307,193. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Summit int'l chief David Garrett to exit

Per month after Summit merged with Lionsgate, Summit co-founder and leader of worldwide David Garrett is planning to ankle the organization, based on sources with understanding from the situation.Reasons for Garrett's resignation weren't immediately obvious, but experts told Variety the professional grew to become emotional when talking about the merger a week ago while attending the Berlin Film Festival. It's unclear when Garrett will formally depart the organization.Word of Garrett's move may come as Lionsgate starts the integration of Summit staffers into its film procedures, spurring movement among executives from each side. A week ago, Summit's Erik Feig was named production prexy of Lionsgate Movie Group, as the former occupant of this publish, Alli Shearmur, is anticipated to segue to some creating deal.Garrett, Patrick Wachsberger and Bob Hayward formally released Summit in 1993 like a production, distribution and purchasers operation. The business's profile increased recently because it obtained using the "Twilight" franchise and fielded a best-picture Oscar champion with "The Hurt Locker." As lately because this past week, sources established that Summit's and Lionsgate's sales procedures continues out of the box for that relaxation of 2012, with both procedures -- Summit's headed by Garrett and Lionsgate's by Helen Lee Kim -- confirming to Patrick Wachsberger.(Diana Lodderhose led for this article.) Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace': The Reviews Were In!

"Alien: Episode I" returns to theaters today, in 3d. But enables costly back for just about any handful of moments to May 19th, 1999 your entire day The Phantom Menace was released. For anyone who is a die-hard Alien fan, like I used to be, you'd look at this movie regardless of just what the experts written relating to this. You ached to hear, once again, that familiar yet exciting last century Fox fanfare before reading through with the outlet crawl. You may have camped on the dirty pavement for several hours, days, days even, which means you might be one of the primary to determine it. However when you werent among people fans, you might have anxiously anxiously waited and examined the reviews before determining to look for the Phantom Menace. This can be a sampling from the products youd read. The Story The plot has something connected to a trade embargo being fought against against just a little planet referred to as Naboo, an embargo that calculates to become disguise for just about any planned full-scale invasion. Were never told what this small planet might be worth for the enormous Trade Federation (how you understand, inside the first Alien, just what the baddies will make money from removing digital digital rebel forces), and so the storys fundamental conflict does not have weight. Charles Taylor, Salon.com The Look You'll find new places here--new kinds of places. Consider the underwater urban centers, floating inside their transparent membranes. The Senate chamber, an enormous sphere with senators come up with over the inside walls, and sound system floating on coffee coffee pods inside the center. Together with other areas: the cityscape while using waterfall with a dizzying descent through space. As well as the other urban centers: one city Venetian, with rivers, another searching as being a hothouse version of imperial Rome, together with another that seems to own grown from desert sands. Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Occasions The Gungan Yoda puts in the cameo, nevertheless the film's designated alien is Jar Jar Binks, a rabbit-eared ambulatory lizard whose pidgin British degenerates from pseudo-Caribbean patois to Teletubby gurgle. (Although Jar Jar might be construed as grotesquely Under-developed as well as the sea food faces talk like Fu Manchu, most likely probably the most blatant ethnic stereotype might be the hook-nosed merchant insect who has youthful Anakin.) Jar Jar and also the fellow Gungans suck the oxygen of the many scene their human costars appear naturally asphyxiated. J. Hoberman, The Village Voice The Child Based on that which you see here, it doesn't look like this type of ineffable mystery this kid will finish off a coughing, intergalactic energy-mongering control freak. A slave boy who already styles themselves a Jedi dark evening, Anakin can be a precocious brat -- the kind of kid who, inside our own world, might commandeer a playground and run everybody else in the jungle gym. Once the mental richness in the Alien movies is grounded in Darth Vader's movement interior and exterior the sun's rays, it may be time to make a new myth -- i.e., a completely new franchise. Peter Rainer, NY Magazine The Best Word Nothing could satisfy the hype from the film. Nothing. "Alien, Episode I: The Phantom Menace" can be a movie. It is not the second Coming. It is not the very first Coming, according to your religious stance. It's just a movie. ... Despite the fact that I'm saddened to report that it's deeply problematic film if this involves both narrative and character development, I'm very happy to realize that visually it's a marvel. Paul Clinton, CNN.com "Phantom Menace" spoken about now in Talk Nerdy!

Former X Factor Contestants React to Shakeup

Josh Krajcik, Nicole Sherzinger, LeRoy Bell The results are in, and three members of Simon Cowell's The X Factor have been eliminated. Host Steve Jones and judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger will not be returning to the Fox reality competition next fall.News of the ousters first broke on Jan. 30 when Jones Tweeted, "I won't be hosting next season's X Factor, which is a shame, but I can't complain as I've had a great time." A few hours later, Scherzinger's exit was confirmed by Fox, followed by confirmation of Abdul's departure the next day.TV Guide Magazine caught up with two of Scherzinger's Over-30 finalists - LeRoy Bell and runner-up Josh Krajcik - to get their reactions to the eliminations. "I always felt like Nicole's time there wasn't going to be that long, only because she was trying to pursue her own recording career," says Bell. "I figured it might be temporary." In fact, when asked about her future as an X Factor judge in December, Scherzinger told TV Guide Magazine, "I'm an artist and I'm usually the one on stage.""I'm a little shocked," agrees Krajcik. "I'm a little surprised that Paula left. At least with Nicole, I kind of knew that she wanted more time for her music career."Both singers say they did not witness any friction between the former judges and producers firsthand, and even though Scherzinger's priorities may have been with her own career, she still made time for her contestants. "She was around enough to help, but not around for much to hinder," says Krajcik. "There was a good balance with Nicole."Reports speculate that Cowell is searching for a big name to fill the judging vacancies, such as Mariah Carey or Beyonce. Krajcik agrees that a powerhouse artist would be a great addition. "One of the things I love about The X Factor is it's truly about artistry, but it really boils down to vocals. Having somebody with great vocal ability and [the knowledge] of what it takes to be a successful artist would be awesome for future contestants."There's also speculation that Cowell will shake up the format. "I think they ought to revamp it - the mentors and the judges should be different," says Bell. Even as a judge, "the mentor's always going to be on [his or her] contestant's side. It's a conflict of interest."Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

First trailer arrives for Brake

A first trailer has been released for claustrophobic thriller Brake, in which Stephen Dorff's secret service agent awakens to find himself trapped in the trunk of a car, with no means of escape and a timer counting down to God knows what.For the first thirty seconds or so, it looks as if this is going to be a cheap knock-off of Ryan Reynolds' ordeal in Buried, but as the trailer moves forward, it becomes clear that Brake will be taking a slightly different route than Rodrigo Cortes' clever thriller.Take a look at the trailer below... It seems as though Dorff's prison is a little more sophisticated than a simple coffin, with his captors subjecting him to all manner of physical and psychological torture in order to extract the information they're after.It's also worth noting that the trailer appears to show Dorff up and about outside his vehicular prison, so we can assume that at some point, he'll make his escape. Whether or not that's just a part of the terrorists' plan remains to be seen.Directed by Gabe Torres, Brake will open in the US on 23 March 2012. High Fliers are releasing the film in the UK in October. One to avoid if you're claustrophobic...

Keck's Exclusives: Mad Men Smooch

Mad Men Mad Men's notoriously tight-lipped creator, Matthew Weiner, is actually talking about the AMC drama's March 25 two-hour premiere. "It's called 'A Little Kiss,'" Matt reveals. "I like the title to have some kind of synergy with the show so it will pique your interest." Consider us piqued! Assuming that Jon Hamm's Don Draper is one half of the titular kiss (I know that's a big assumption), who might be on the receiving end? Perhaps new fiancée Megan (Jessica Paré)? What about ex Betty (January Jones)? "Who says Megan's even going to be part of Don's life?" says Weiner. "He may be back with Betty. One of my favorite scenes from [last season's finale] was when Betty offered herself to him again. And let's face it - those two look really good together." Unfortunately, when I recently bumped into January, she told me she couldn't recall having shot a single kiss in the new season. Damn, guess we'll just have to watch. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Shannen Doherty Talks Kim Kardashians Split: My Heart Is Out To Her

First Released: The month of january 14, 2012 8:51 PM EST Credit: WEtv La, Calif. -- Caption Shannen Doherty inside a promo shot for Shannen SaysShannen Dohertys marriage to digital photographer Kurt Iswarienko was chronicled for Shannen States, premiering this spring on WEtv, however the former 90210 star states their relationship and marriage do not have anything that is similar to Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries. Hes not abnormally tall, that is great. Hes not going to question my buddies about whether theyre gay or straight and not drop it, Shannen chuckled on Saturday in the Television Experts Association Winter Session when requested how her show Shannen States on WEtv even compares to Kims recent relationship. Shannen, who married Kurt, a digital photographer in October, coupled with her large day recorded for that approaching series, was adamant the couples relationship is fairly solid and absolutely nothing like her past two partnerships (the very first ended up being to Ashley Hamilton from 1993-1994, the 2nd one, to Ron Salomon, in 2002, was annulled just a little more than a year later). Kurt will say weve known one another all of our lives and that we have dated for 3-and-a-half years, therefore it wasnt a quickie marriage. I cant judge what went down in somebody elses marriage. God knows, my a couple of other partnerships werent so excellent plus they were quickie, Shannen stated. My heart is out to her, I understand that, the actress ongoing, mentioning to Kim. I applaud anyone who will get from something if it is no longer working, no matter the terrible jokes and press thats likely to are available in there. Whilst not keen on the truth TV format, Shannen stated she does watch a couple of shows, including Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, starring her former 90210 co-star, Tori Spelling, and her husband, Dean McDermott. Personally, i love Tori & Dean, and I don't such as the reality show forum whatsoever. I, typically, roll my eyes and go, My dear God! Thats so setup Tori & Dean appears very real, she stated. Youre dealing with know them on the personal level and allows be truthful, their children are like, beyond adorable. Shannen States premieres Tuesday, April 3 at 9 PM EST/PST on WEtv. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Ludlum's Sigma Protocol In Line

Ben Hartman might be the brand new Jason Bourne (?)Last we heard, Robert Ludlum's typically doorstop-y thriller The Sigma Protocol was round the steps for achievement for movie development at Universal. The simple truth is, that was within the summer season of 2008 maybe there has been leaves in danger. Today though, comes what is the news that, since the Bourne franchise prepares to return while using Bourne Legacy,The Sigma Protocol has furthermore resurfaced, with veteran Irwin Winkler writing and creating.Launched in 2001, The Sigma Protocol was Ludlum's final novel, which is about Ben Hartman, a young investment banker on holiday in Europe,who discovers the secret organization (made up of top corporate CEOs and nazi war crooks) has extended been adjusting the worldwide economy. Visiting a killing can get him involved inside the conspiracy, which sees him marked for dying and abroad getting a lady FBI agent."It is really an regular guy who'll get taken up in worldwide intrigue, and who teams using this operative who's declared a rogue with the CIA," states Winkler. "Unlike Bourne, who's a skilled assassin, it becomes an innocent guy driving Europe who'll enter way over his mind. And consists of all the great Ludlum intrigue."The ultimate version in the script was by Iron Guy authors Art Marcum and Matt Holloway, nevertheless it sounds as if Winkler will probably be beginning by yourself with this particular version. He's co-writing with Jose Ruisanchez, who started in visual effects but seems to own moved into creating via a while as Winkler's assistant. He doesn't seem to possess almost every other writing credits.Plot-wise, this looks to experience a couple of from the tips of people travelogue 60s caper movies like Charade also to Catch A Crook (that's up for just about any remake). Recent attempts to revive that genre, however (Dark day and night, The Tourist), exercised badly, therefore we have an interest to find out where Sigma Protocol might be heading.Just like a producer, Winkler was behind accomplishments like Rocky, The Gambler and Goodfellas, that have recently resurfaced in a few form (Rocky just like a musical, Gambler just like a remake and Goodfellas just like a TV series). "It's nice to find out this activity on past films, in fact it is nice to own some fresh action," according to him.

Bizzers think cloud will work, eventually

Richard Whittington, left, Lori MacPherson, John Calkins, Ira Rubenstein, Matt Jacobson, John August and Thomas Gewecke discussed tech and entertainment at Varietys CES summit. The challenge of moving film distribution to the cloud hasn't darkened Hollywood's sunny disposition toward the technology, according to some of the studios' leading execs at CES on Wednesday.The early efforts involved in launching UltraViolet was topic A for those assembled for the "Masters of Film & Technology Breakthroughs" panel at the Variety Entertainment Summit. Ultraviolet has become important because the whole point of the system is to drive ownership of films at a time when rental, which has far lower profit margins, is growing tremendously.Ira Rubenstein, executive VP of digital marketing at 20th Century Fox, noted the iterative nature of even the most successful digital content platforms including iTunes, which has evolved rapidly."For cloud services, we're just seeing the beginning and they're working hard to make it better," Rubenstein said. "And as they make it better, there will be a faster adoption."Even though Disney hasn't thrown its lot in with UltraViolet, the conglom is pursuing its own cloud-based solution via Disney Studio All Access. Lori MacPherson, executive VP of global product management at Walt Disney Studios, emphasized that simplicity is the key to any cloud-based solution's success."The exciting thing for content in the cloud is any consumer who has used an ATM machine should intuitively understand what it is now," she said.Thomas Gewecke, president of digital distribution at Warner Bros., noted that consumer adoption of the cloud changes their relationship with the studios who will be able to better market content to them."We see a future where if you bring DVD collections into clouds and keep a copy of what they buy going forward, you have a situation where you look at a consumer's library and notice they have 'Lord of the Rings' DVDs, and now you can tell them, 'Don't forget 'The Hobbit' is coming out tomorrow,'" he said. "Consumers get targeted messaging."Earlier this week at CES, Rovi Corp announced a new system in coordination with UltraViolet that allows DVD owners to get digital copies of titles they already own on disc.A social media platform like Facebook might not seem like an obvious partner for UltraViolet, but the company's head of market development, Matt Jacobson, said there's a link: "As long as they're frictionless and you're able to deduce what your friends want, new tools make it really powerful for people to find things," he said. John Calkins, exec VP of global digital and commercial innovation at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, also sees cloud-based distribution as the place to supplement movies with enhanced features that allow for deeper engagement. "The viewing experience is changing with these digital two-way connected platforms," he said.But all the innovation going on in film distribution can be something of a double-edged sword, cautioned John August, a screenwriter whose credits include "Big Fish" and "Corpse Bride." "Every time you try to differentiate yourself, you move away from a common standard that my mom can understand," he said. "You want standardization and differentiation at the same time, and those are conflicting forces." Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Crudup Knows Existence At These Speeds

Together with Douglas BoothIt's don't assume all first-time feature film director who scores established thesp Billy Crudup and rising star Douglas Booth for project, however, don't assume all director is Leif Tilden, which has the benefit of Mike Rockwell executive creating his debut, Existence At These Speeds.Existence, which author Marc Novak has modified from Jeremy Jackson's novel, might be the storyline from the teen (Booth) whose existence falls apart somewhat when his nearest friend dies inside an accident. He becomes totally hooked on running (well, it's a lot better than crack) and channels his survivor's guilt to the determination being world-class distance runner.Crudup, who knows a couple of reasons for going like the clappers on-screen after playing Steve Prefontaine in Without Limits, is onto play in the youthful running fanatic's coach and confident.While Crudup is known from his looks for example Almost Famous, Public Competitors and Watchmen, Booth is a lot more from the newcomer, with a couple of roles, including miniseries The Support beams Around The Globe. But he gained really an impact over Christmas this a year ago because he starred inside the Beeb's Great Anticipation. "A script arrives that really allows you to definitely crunches and provide consideration," Booth states in the statement acquired by Variety. "Existence at These Speeds posseses an emotional intensity that really began me inside the guts. I like the job of playing figures forced on existence-changing emotional journeys. To use around the project with Billy Crudup and Mike Rockwell is only a dream be realized.In . Nothing beats he'd complain, though, can it be?Oh yea yea, and obscure film fact alert! Tilden, which has largely been a place manager on sets for that type of Novelty helmet Eye and never Die Alone, has one intriguing claim they can fame: he was inside the suits as Donatello inside the initial few Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movies at the begining of the 19 nineties. Altogether now: T-U-R-T-L-E Energy!

Hollywood heads to CES

The Client Electronics Show in Las vegas is predicted to draw professionals from virtually all of the art galleries.After trading yesteryear year taken track of the best way to digitally distribute its content, Hollywood is for certain to manage another round of dialogue and dealmaking with the start of the client Electronics Show.What's going to get proven off in Las vegas now won't be residing in Vegas for very extended.Beginning getting a round of back-to-back press conferences from heavyweights like LG, Apple, Panasonic, Ford, Samsung and also the new the new sony, along with Microsoft's final keynote at CES today, the completely new hardware which will be spoken about will finish up in consumers' hands or houses with the finish of year. No less than this is actually the goal for your nearly $200 billion electronic products biz, who's greatest confab runs through Jan. 13. A year ago, clients spent $190 billion on electronics, up 5.6%, according to CES-owner the client Electronics Assn.With every new device comes another platform that Hollywood can exploit in order to generate more digital dollars having its movies, Tv shows and music.Once centered by hardware makers, Hollywood remains making its presence felt over time.Earlier this year, greater than 9,000 in the 150,000 that attend CES registered for your inaugural Entertainment Matters program, that guides people who really operate in entertainment using the frequently overwhelming Las vegas Convention Center show floor, keynotes and panel periods. This Years sophomore year is backed by Variety and Ericsson."We preferred to increase the risk for show simpler to enable them to navigate," mentioned Karen Chupka, senior V . p ., occasions and conferences at CEA, "and explain things they'd really need to see.Inch More from Hollywood are anticipated this year, with professionals from virtually all of the art galleries, systems, videogame entrepreneurs, talent agencies, along with individual producers, company company directors together with other creatives set to think about conferences or speak on sections at CES, while indies like the Weinstein Co. and Miramax can also be considering new techniques to distribute their libraries of films and giant web tv producers like YouTube and Netflix will probably be trying to find content deals.Stars attending now include, Tom Hanks, Will Cruz, helmers Craig Sonnenfeld and makeup vet Ron Baker.For Hollywood, CES starts getting an event tonight within the Wynn Las Vegas' Tryst nightclub, where greater than 1,500 site visitors will attend the kickoff event, produced by Michael Kassan's Medialink. Over time, Kassan's firm has paired up Hollywood with Madison Avenue. At CES he connects both for the tech biz."It's a classic mashup," of reps from the various industries mentioned Kassan, they hopes will encourage discussion in the new distribution models effecting each sector. "It's like the conversation 10 years ago when people discussed Madison and Vine, Plastic Valley and Taiwan," Kassan added. "Beginning the conversation early with Hollywood developed a difference. Beginning the conversation early with Microsoft, Google, Yahoo made the conversation different. Beginning the conversation early with electronics producers helps to make the conversation different.The reason being CES might be the demonstrate that launched the VCR, Compact disk, DVD, Blu-ray, Hd tv, 3d TV, Televisions that connect with the internet together with a slew of non-Apple-made tablet pc systems.After previous years focused heavily on 3d TV, web-connecting up Televisions whose screens are filled with programs like Facebook and Netflix, and tablet pc systems, this years CES is predicted to focus on the Ultrabook -- a skinny laptop without a harddrive and saves or grabs content within the cloud -- with many different hardware makers prone to introduce the system that Apple had lately been selling since the Mac laptop Air. Apple produced the Ultrabook term to acquire hardware makers like Dell, Lenovo and Acer, among others, to make a completely new number of laptop to deal with Apple and make a awesome product due to its chips that art galleries have recognized in order to safely deliver digital HD versions from the films.With television sales slowing down lower, hardware makers will promote a completely new kind of even flatter Televisions, filled with programs, clearly. With prices losing, others will push bigger screens considering sales of people that measure greater than 40-inches are expected to develop 12% this year, experts say. Together with the price of the 50-inch screen falling below $1,000 this year and 60-inchers losing below $2,000, art galleries and participants have an overabundance to worry about if the involves clients selecting to check out more movies in your house. Although, sales of 3d Televisions are soft inside the U.S., 23 million 3d Televisions are expected to ship worldwide this year, exceeding 100 million models to ship by 2015. Consequently, expect tv producers like ESPN and Discovery to market new 3d programming to encourage buying new sets or give people who bought them something to check out.Several tablet makers can also be revealing their latest mobile screens to deal with Apple's iPad, due to the fact shipping in the is expected to greater than triple this year, growing from 17.6 000 0000 this season to 55.2 million this year, according to Juniper Research. It predictions 253 million models to ship worldwide in 2016.Automotive, an growing presence at CES, can also be a sizable draw, with carmakers like Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Audi, Hyundai, and Vehicle hyping their up-to-date in-vehicle entertainment systems, that depend heavily on connections to programs on consumers' cell phones and pills and connections for the cloud to get into data. GM's Cadillac division chose CES to showcase its new Signal infotainment system, instead of the huge U . s . States Intl Auto Show, in Detroit, also now.This Years CES includes a seminar on new techniques movies and tv shows may find yourself playing in cars, which has attracted numerous entertainment professionals."There's without doubt there can be a potential VOD application later on," David Glasser, chief operating officer in the Weinstein Co. told Variety. "I probably scratched my thoughts and mentioned, 'Really?' However guess if kids could easily get VOD at the rear of their vehicle rather than me moving the DVD which get caught on the floor and stepped onto, (In my opinion that's) coming." One company that won't be coming back to CES after this year, will probably be Microsoft -- no less than less charge keynote or among its 2,700 participants. The business adopted Apple's go to use other occasions to market its new products all year round. Apple has walked from industry occasions entirely.To make the announcement to go away after this year, "Our product news key occasions generally don't align while using show's The month of the month of january timing," communications V . p . Frank Shaw written in the company blog.(Rachel Abrams brought with this report). Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

ABC Orders Drama Pilot From Independence Day Director

Roland Emmerich ABC has purchased a drama pilot from Independence Day and 2012 director Roland Emmerich, Variety reviews. The project, ABC's first drama pilot pick-up for that 2012-2013 TV season, happens in NY throughout the presidential race of 2012. Throughout this time around, a youthful astrophysics student discovers his future lies not within the area of science, but approximately paradise and hell. ABC approaching deal to get Kirstie Alley comedy pilot Emmerich authored the script with 2012 film writer Harald Kloser and can direct the pilot. He'll executive-produce with Mark Gordon (Criminal Minds) and Nicholas Pepper. Emmerich co-produced rapid-resided TV alien invasion series The Customer, which went for 13 episodes on Fox in 1997.

Weinstein Co. merging acquisition, prod'n arms

SellersGigliottiLawson The Weinstein Company is merging its acquisition and production departments and bringing in former Unique Pictures production exec Dylan Sellers to head the new combined division.New department, which will coalesce by the end of the month, will include about 10 to 12 employees. No current TWC staff will be let go as part of the merger, according to an insider.Sellers, who served as senior production exec at the Warner Bros.-based Unique, oversaw the company's West coast development and production operations. Formerly a production exec at 20th Century Fox, he moved to producing, most recently on Paramount's "Footloose" as well as WB's "A Cinderella Story."At the same time, acquisitions head Peter Lawson is poised to exit the company when his contract expires at the end of the month. Lawson, who has logged 15 years with TWC, will move to Thunder Road.Production prexy Donna Gigliotti, whose credits include this year's "The Silver Linings Playbook" as well as 2008's "The Reader," is also changing positions, switching to a producing deal with the company.TWC has had a strong focus on both acquisitions and productions. Company released more than a dozen pickups last year and is currently producing "Playbook" and "Django Unchained." A move to merge the production and acquisitions departments does not surprise some observers, who say that the two overlapped at times."It only makes sense for (TWC co-head) Harvey Weinstein to combine these two divisions together," noted one insider. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com