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