Porn distrib New Frontier gets takeover bid

Boulder, Colo.-based New Frontier Media, a top adult entertainment distrib, said it's received an unsolicited takeover offer from investment firm Longkloof Limited, which has offered to acquire outstanding shares for $1.35 each. The board said it has formed a committee to evaluate the offer from Longkloof, which is based in the Channel Islands and owns 15% of New Frontier already. New Frontier, which is almost a penny stock, saw its shares spike nearly 16% to $1.31 on Friday. In an open letter to New Frontier, Longkloof said the company has refused to engage in constructive dialogue despite numerous attempts "over the past few weeks to engage in meaningful discussions with your regarding our interest in acquiring" the business. It chided the board for what it called a "dismal record" that saw the stock sink from more than $9 five years ago. New Frontier's assets include the Erotic Network, a pay-per-view service with six channels and Penthouse TV, which it distributes. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

TV, commercials, features fuel L.A. shoots

With commercial shooting soaring, offlot production in Los Angeles has jumped back to normal levels -- even with TV pilot season starting later than usual. Weekly overall production rose 27% from the same week last year to 647 days, according to figures provided Tuesday by the FilmL.A. permitting agency. The figure was up 24% from the previous week. TV shoots edged up seven days to 333 days but only 25 days went to pilots. FilmL.A. spokesman Todd Lindgren has indicated that many producers are planning a mid-March start. The most active offlot TV shoot was "The Office" with 21 days. Other shows shot locally include "Desperate Housewives," "Private Practice," "Ringer," "The Client List," "American Ninja Warriors 4," "Follow Skyler/Kamikaze Comedy" and "New Girl." Features shot up to 90 days from the laggardly pace of 52 days a year ago. That's still well below last year's highs of of over 200 days per week. Films being shot include "40s Is the New Dead," "Brahmin Bulls," "Coffee Town," "Delirium," "Not Safe for Work," "Ted" and "Whole Banana." Commercials totaled 224 days, led by a Volkswagen shoot. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Finding vino

John and Nancy Lasseter frequently their family members winery when hes not making movies. Pixar founder John Lasseter is interested in proclaiming that wine-making is Nancy Lasseter's movie. More youthful crowd likes to joke he is doing his normal work to invest in his wife's normal work. But it's apparent that Lasseter Family Winery is close to all of their hearts. The Lasseters started making wine in the past -- using Tommy Smothers' neighboring winery at first -- by 2002 had bought 95 acres in Glen Ellen, a great Sonoma County wine region. The winery continued to be largely individually distinct until last November, when the Lasseters opened up up a tasting room for the public by appointment. Nancy Lasseter started her career at Apple, however her focus is on grapes, concentrating on the branding and marketing for your winery. Both Nancy and John work carefully with wine maker Julia Iantosca to find the best combination of grapes its 4 wines, which are all French-style blends with monikers that reflect the couple's adoration for Gallic culture. "We bounce ideas off each other, which he gives input on design for labels,Inch mentioned Nancy Lasseter. Once they were thrilled when "Up" was selected to start the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, Nancy was as excited by having an excuse to visit Bandol, the place that produces the crisp roses that Cannes festgoers frequently fall crazily for each other. They reduce 29 bottles from France and attempted these to discover an ideal blend for own dry, light Enjoue rose. Finally month's Oscar-week Lasseter Family Winery dinner at Patina, some animation buffs traveled miles for that chance to test all sorts and give consideration towards the Lasseters discuss their desire for wine-making. Because the winery formerly provided some Pixar-designed bottles to auction for charitable organization, since Pixar is an element of Disney, the Lasseters frequently understate the Pixar connection. No cartoon figures show on labels, and Nancy hopes the tasting room fishing fishing lures serious wine customers, not looky-loos. There's however one inevitable indication in the connection: The Marie E. narrow-gauge railway once possessed by John Lasseter's mentor Ollie Johnston, among Wally Disney's legendary Nine Old Males, winds using the vineyard which is commemorated round the label in the Chemin p Fer Rhone blend. Lasseter wines are produced from grapes grown organically round the estate from types including Malbec, Cabernet wine wine Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache. A small amount will rapidly be released from the fifth wine, L'Ame du Sage, created from 100-year-old Zinfandel vines. Lasseter vino is provided at Patina restaurants like the flagship Disney Hall location, at producer Gale Ann Hurd's Vertical Wine Bar and may be purchased at Studio City's Flask Fine Wines. Contact Pat Saperstein at pat.saperstein@variety.com

Pilot Season: Jordana Spiro Lands Lead in Fox Surgical Drama

Lindsay Lohan is decided to prove she's become her existence back in line. Before she hosts Saturday Evening Live now, she sitting lower with Present day Matt Lauer, and spoke candidly about attempting to show everybody she will be reliable again. "I believe that needs time to work," Lohan stated throughout a job interview which will air on Thursday's show. "Because... Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Saturday Evening LiveTodayElizabeth TaylorLindsay Lohan

Berlusconi beats corruption charges

MILAN -- Silvio Berlusconi's corruption trial ended Saturday having a court ruling the statute of restrictions had go out, handing the previous premier another victory inside a lengthy string of judicial challenges.Berlusconi, who walked lower as premier in November because the sovereign debt crisis flared, was charged with having to pay an english lawyer, David Mills, $600,000 to lie throughout two the nineteen nineties tests to defend the politician and the Fininvest holding company from charges associated with offshore companies Mills assisted setup.The billionaire media mogul wasn't within the Milan court docket once the chief judge, Francesca Vitale, read the verdict after 2 1/2 hrs of deliberations, but his lawyer Niccolo Ghedini stated he'd informed him briefly on the phone.Ghedini stated the defense had wished for a complete acquittal, departing open the potential of an appeal. In Italia, each side can appeal court choices."We'd have preferred the judge had ruled that no crime have been committed," Ghedini told Sky TG 24. "This is actually the first result, and never an trivial one."District attorney Fabio P Pasquale told reporters "it's useless to comment."5-year-lengthy trial would be a race from the statute of restrictions, which in fact had able to escape Berlusconi decisions in other tests associated with his media business because the the nineteen nineties.Prosecutors had transformed the timing from the alleged crime from the time Mills required the are in position to once the money transformed hands, adding 2 yrs towards the clock. And defense lawyer Ghedini, a lawmaker, assisted draft legislation that gave the sitting premier immunity, drawing fire he was using Parliament to defend themself. What the law states was watered lower in the court as unconstitutional.The trial seemed to be slowed down by legal delays through the defense, and Berlusconi's responsibilities as premier. The defense, for his or her part, complained the court seriously limited the amount of witnesses because the statute of restrictions increased imminent.The verdict did little to alter awareness about Berlusconi by supporters and detractors alike, and unleashed a furor about Italy's statute of restrictions law. In Italia, unlike other European nations, the time continues ticking despite the trial starts, giving accused another tool to conquer a conviction.Sky TG 24 reported that 140,000 tests were ended this past year due to the statute of restrictions, which they mostly affect corruption cases, which frequently don't emerged for a long time afterwards."Once more, the statute of restrictions has saved Berlusconi from his responsibility," opposition politician Antonio di Pietro stated.Berlusconi allies defended the previous premier. "A guilty verdict against an innocent was prevented," Fabrizio Cicchitto, Berlusconi's party whip within the lower house, told Sky TG 24.Berlusconi, 75, walked lower as premier in November after neglecting to develop convincing reforms to assist Italia exit in the sovereign debt crisis. He'd no immediate response to your decision, but he released an argument Friday railing against magistrates for that "many tests" against him and stating that he does not remember getting met Mills."Mills was one of several lawyers abroad that from time to time labored for that Fininvest group. I do not recall ever getting met him," Berlusconi stated for the reason that statement.He added that Mills had received the $600,000 from an Italian arms dealer for many legal work coupled with composed the storyline the money have been a present from the Fininvest worker, who had since died, to prevent having to pay a 50 % tax on earnings.Mills conviction and 4 1/two year sentence on corruption for accepting the bribe was tossed on appeal due to the statute of restrictions. The lawyer claimed by satellite in Berlusconi's trial he had fabricated the storyline to prevent British taxes.By prosecutors' information, the statute of restrictions on Berlusconi's situation must have expired between May and This summer. A legal court did not agree, however their reasoning will not be noted for 3 months. The prosecutors' time period will not have permitted for that two amounts of appeal needed to finalize any verdict.Berlusconi's legal worries aren't over. Three cases are pending in Milan, together with a trial charges he compensated an underage Moroccan teen to have sexual intercourse with him, then used his influence to hide it. Both he and also the youthful lady have refused the costs.The control of using his influence to hide a criminal offense could bring one more penalty that will bar Berlusconi from again seeking public office, but that will only occur if your guilty verdict is confirmed around the final appeal.Berlusconi has faced a large number of tests in Milan, mostly for his business dealings. He's either been found innocent or seen the costs expire underneath the statute of restrictions. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Brittany Snow Cast In 1600 Penn Frontier & Next Caller Increase Casts

Brittany Snow continues to be cast in NBC’s single-camera comedy pilot 1600 Penn, in regards to a dysfunctional first family. Created by Jason Winer, Jon Lovett and Josh Gad, the pilot is directed by Winer. Snow, repped by ICM and Brillstein Entertainment, will have Becca, the overachieving and perfectionist oldest daughter from the Leader who assisted raise her brothers and sisters. She joins Gad, who's plays Skip, her gregarious and clumsy older brother. 20th TV is creating. Clancy Brown andMustafa Shakir happen to be put into NBCs drama pilot The Frontier, which involves an organization that heads West from Missouri over the uncharted country within the 1840s. Around the The new sony TV-created show, Brown, repped by ICM and Pop Art, will have Jack Ramsay/Lamazee Shakir plays Rossignol. Pleasure Osmanski continues to be cast in NBCs comedy pilot Next Caller Please. The Lionsgate/Universal TV project, compiled by Stephen Falk, focuses on Colorado public radio personality Stella Hoobler (Collette Wolfe), who's thrilled when shes employed to co-host an invisible show for Orbit Satellite Radio in NY City until she meets her co-host, Cam Doherty, an abrasive, hard-consuming, sexist loose cannon. Osmanski, repped by TalentWorks and Bohemia Group, will have producer who recruits Stella.

Oscars 2012: Why 'Take Shelter' Deserved A Best Picture Jerk

Nine films are nominated to find the best Picture within the Academy awards this year, pleading the question: who deserved a tenth perfect that list? "Oscars 2012: 10 Place" solutions that question, since the MTV Movies team highlights numerous 2011's finest films and argues why they deserved a jerk since the tenth Best Picture nominee. Heres one of the large things personally once i contemplate my top films connected having a given year what will probably stay with me? Exactly what is a movie that will put on my subconscious and then try to remain in some fashion? Whether it's a comedy Ill return to inside a very long time (ahem, Fletch) or possibly an exact and near perfect execution of genre staple (Im searching for you Unforgiven and Aliens and Manhattan). After which it theres the products that simply haunts you. You don't always require it entering your opinions and dreams and bad dreams or nightmares but there it's proof of how potent and provocative it's. Take Shelter can be a movie. Initially when i first first seen it at least a year ago if the opened up within the Sundance Film Festival. Around as it is the film Ive probably thought probably the most. Recalling some Malick together with a dose of dare I believe that Kubrick even (Curtis descent into madness absolutely gives mind The Shining personally), author/director Rob Nichols showcases a awesome and confident direction throughout. After which it there is a performances. Jessica Chastains awesome year remains well recorded by divine intention famous but this is basically the forgotten performance inside the bunch and thats unfortunate because its sublime. However, within the finish throughout your day, Take Shelter goes for the great Michael Shannon. Usually banished to supporting a bigger title, Shannon supplies a veritable master class for the reason that one. Sometimes manic and delusional (or possibly is he?), at others sadly feeble and desperate, his portrait of Curtis can be a full one. Hes not just a boogeyman or someone off his rocker that might be marginalized. Hes, like a lot of us, trying anxiously to hold it together, dealing with the baggage hes been labored, and often overcome with the demands on his shoulders. Take Shelter can be a film of those occasions, yes. When the Mayan apocalypse comes, skip Roland Emmerichs oeuvre and visit that certain. Nevertheless it can survive beyond 2012. And thats what helps it be special and yet overlooked by Oscar. The MTV Movies team gets the 2012 Oscars covered! Stay with us for all that you should know just before the honours show, and also on Sunday, February 26, tune into MTV.com at 5:30 p.m. ET for that three-hour red-colored-colored-carpet live stream and updates round the night's large individuals who win.

"Jambo, Watoto! (Hello, Children!)"

"Jambo, Watoto! (Hello, Children!)" Feb 22, 2012 Photo by Lawrence Wallin La Mirada Theatre for that Carrying out Arts is constantly on the show its fascination with kids of any age through its Programs for Youthful Audiences series. This endeavor is built to expose children to a mixture of national and worldwide touring functions. On February. 26, kids can attend "Jambo, Watoto!," an homage towards the cultures of Africa featuring tales and tempos from many regions performed on alarms, djembe, and djoon djoon drums. Tales range from the Akamba tale "Brother Sun, Brother Moon and also the Pretty Girl," the Donso story "The Hunterman and also the Crocodile," and "The Lion's Whiskers" from Ethiopia. The 60-minute play is suggested for age range 4 or more. 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. one and three:30 p.m. $8$12. world wide web.lamiradatheatre.com, (562) 944-9801, or (714) 994-6310. "Jambo, Watoto! (Hello, Children!)" Feb 22, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT Lawrence Wallin La Mirada Theatre for that Carrying out Arts is constantly on the show its fascination with kids of any age through its Programs for Youthful Audiences series. This endeavor is built to expose children to a mixture of national and worldwide touring functions. On February. 26, kids can attend "Jambo, Watoto!," an homage towards the cultures of Africa featuring tales and tempos from many regions performed on alarms, djembe, and djoon djoon drums. Tales range from the Akamba tale "Brother Sun, Brother Moon and also the Pretty Girl," the Donso story "The Hunterman and also the Crocodile," and "The Lion's Whiskers" from Ethiopia. The 60-minute play is suggested for age range 4 or more. 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. one and three:30 p.m. $8$12. world wide web.lamiradatheatre.com, (562) 944-9801, or (714) 994-6310.

Clients Designers Guild Honours: Dragon Tattoo, W.E., Harry Potter, Glee, Boardwalk Empire, Downton Abbey

La, CA Feb 21, 2012 The those who win from the 14th Annual Costume Designers Guild Honours were introduced tonight in the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The big event was located by actress, Jane Lynch. The Guild passed out competitive honours for costume design excellence in seven groups including films, television and advertisements: EXCELLENCE IN CONTEMPORARY FILM The Lady using the Dragon Tattoo Trish Summerville EXCELLENCE IN PERIOD FILM W.E. Arianne Phillips EXCELLENCE IN FANTASY FILM Harry Potter and also the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Jany Temime OUTSTANDING CONTEMPORARY TELEVISION SERIES Glee Lou Eyrich & Jennifer Eve OUTSTANDING PERIOD/FANTASY TELEVISION SERIES Boardwalk Empire John A. Dunn, Lisa Padovani OUTSTANDING Designed For TELEVISION MOVIE OR Small SERIES Downton Abbey Susannah Buxton EXCELLENCE IN COMMERCIAL COSTUME DESIGN Swiffer: Country Grime Cowgirl Roseanne Fiedler Additionally, four honorary honours were presented in the Honours Gala: This season, the Guild honored gifted screen and stage actress Kate Beckinsale using the LACOSTE SPOTLIGHT AWARD. Beckinsale was given the award by Columbus Short, her costar within the film Whiteout. Famous costume designer Marlene Stewart was honored with this particular years DISARONNO CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN FILM AWARD. A montage highlighting her remarkable career was created by model and actress, Amber Valletta. Two-time Emmy Award nominated costume designer, Lou Eyrich was honored with this particular years CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN TELEVISION AWARD. Ryan Murphy, co-creator and executive producer of Glee, presented her using the Award. The DISTINGUISHED COLLABORATOR AWARD was given to Emmy award-winning costume designer, Deborah Hopper, and four-time Oscar champion, Clint Eastwood, who've worked with on a lot more than 22 films during the last two decades. A montage featuring such significantly acclaimed films as Flags in our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima, Mystic River, Billion Dollar Baby, Changeling, Gran Torino, Invictus and many lately, J. Edgar was created by actress, Marcia Gay Harden. Actor Ken Watanabe (who labored using the duo on Letters from Iwo Jima) surprised the 2 as he arrived on the scene from backstage to provide all of them with the statuettes. In recognition of the centennial anniversary, Western Costume was given a unique SERVICE AWARD reflecting the organization’s a century of professional contributions in the quiet era to the current, along with its continuous support from the Costume Designers Guild.

Last Chance! Submit Your Hunger Games Haiku to Win Tickets to the Premiere

Hunger Games fans, here's your chance to be among the first to see Lionsgate's highly anticipated YA novel adaptation -- Movieline is giving away a pair of tickets to the Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games, starring Jennifer Lawrence as teen warrior Katniss Everdeen, based on the novels by Suzanne Collins. To decide our winner, we're holding a Cornucopia of words: A Hunger Games Haiku contest! Channel your inner mockingjay and get to composing in the comments below. [UPDATE: Only one day left to enter, so get your entry in now!] To celebrate the 50-day countdown to the Hunger Games nationwide release on March 23 (Twitter hashtag #HUNGERGAMES50), Movieline's Hunger Games Haiku contest will close February 22 at 5pm PT/8pm ET, so make sure to enter with your best, most inspired Hunger Games-themed haiku. Winners will be announced on February 29. [Browse Movieline's Hunger Games cast gallery here] In order to be eligible, entries must follow these guidelines: - Haiku entries must follow the 5-7-5 syllable format (otherwise that ain't a haiku, duh). - Entries must be original writings. Write it in Katniss's voice! As an ode to the series! Compose a ditty about pretty baker's sons! Run wild with it! - Entrants must be 18 years of age and must be able to attend the premiere in Los Angeles at the Nokia Live on March 12, 2012. - Entrants must register with their email address in order to be contacted if selected. - Only one entry per person. Now remember, candidates: Entries will be judged by Movieline's editors so put your best haiku forward! Elegance, wit, and razor-sharp concision are key, along with a healthy dose of Hunger Games knowledge. Wow us, and as always -- may the odds be ever in your favor. For more information on the Hunger Games movie and premiere info, head to Facebook. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

OSCARS: Michael Douglas To Present

Beverly Hills, CA Two-time Academy Award winner Michael Douglas will present at the 84th Academy Awards ceremony, telecast producers Brian Grazer and Don Mischer announced today. Douglas won an Oscar for his lead performance in “Wall Street” (1987) and a Best Picture award as a producer of “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975).

Walking Dead Bosses on Lori's Vehicle Crash, the Infamous Whisper and Rick's Leadership Abilities

The Actual Average women from the O.C. Who would have thought The Actual Average women of Orange County's Gretchen and Tamra would be buddies? Over the past three seasons from the Bravo series, the castmates happen to be each and every other peoples throats. From Tamra probing into Gretchen after which-fiancé Jeff's relationship, to Gretchen's famous "evil eye" comment, the ladies have barely been not opponents. When Season 7 accumulates, which will finally change. "I had been beyond shocked [we reconciled], but simultaneously I truly went in to the season knowing I needed to maneuver past it," Gretchen informs TVGuide.com. However with Gretchen and Tamra cool down, the drama gets hotter with Vicki. (Just watch the finish of the clip.) Watch the job interview below for additional on their own approaching showdown and what set Gretchen within the edge. The Actual Average women of Oc airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.

Scribes feel piracy's bite

Christopher Keyser has faced one large disappointment inside the first five several days of his tenure since the 30th leader in the Authors Guild of America West -- last month's stalling of Hollywood anti-piracy legislation on Capitol Hill."Piracy's a very real problem for anyone because it takes money in our pockets," he notes. "Sadly, the lost control of what happen to be a very populist message if the increased being a little more about censorship."It's unusual for your guild to discover itself round the opposition from the censorship debate, but because piracy can be a bread-and-butter problem to individuals, Keyser mentioned it's apparent the will have to collect yourself but continue combating copyright-infringing activity. Since the guild prepares to recognition numerous its leading lights at Sunday's Authors Guild Honours, Keyser states he's really alert to how tough economic occasions required a toll on individuals who aren't marquee names. "It's difficulties for individuals middle-class people," according to him. "The particular problem for people is the best way to deal with what remains a very difficult economic period." For the reason, he showed up in this area intended for the Occupy Wall Street movement at the beginning of his tenure -- throughout the initial week of October -- and pledged the WGA West would remain vocal on issues that impact authors and get out right to people in politics via its political action committee. Keyser states the board's already relaxing the work for discussions while using Alliance of motion Picture & Television Producers around the successor deal to the current master contract, which expires in May 2014. He was part of the board through the final discussions cycle when the guild quietly showed up in an offer noisy . 2011 -- a obvious, crisp contrast for the previous round of discussions, which featured a hundred-day strike in 2007-08. WGA East leader Michael Winship, who's within the third term, claims the outreach to individuals is well showed up. "When you're planning for just about any settling cycle, you need to know relating to your constituents' concerns -- for instance parity in cable while using broadcast systems and late pay," Winship states. Keyser's not going any kind of conjecture regarding how a discussions might go after they start, watching that the end result is to produce settling points of interest consequently of "consistent communication" while using membership. Both Keyser and Winship remain positive for growing guild jurisdiction. The WGA East has acquired some accomplishments in organizing non-fiction cable tv at Atlas, Lion, ITV and Optimem. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Ratings: CSI Rises on a Night of Lows

After re-entering the competition following her Last Chance Kitchen victory and earning a spot in the final four, Beverly Kim's second Top Chef stint came to a quick end when she lost all three rounds in the Olympics-inspired tasks. "I was eliminated twice! How many people can say that? I think it was easier to watch this time, but it was still very heartbreaking for me," she tells TVGuide.com. "I really did want to win and I definitely wanted to go all the way. I wasn't ready to go so early the first time. I think this time was OK. I hoped for more, but given the circumstances, I gave my best. I'm really glad that I made it far enough to show my cooking, so now people can see who I am." But the Chicago-based chef couldn't show off her culinary style completely in the challenges that were more Top Athlete than Top Chef. Does she think the challenges were unfair? And does she hold any grudges toward Sarah, Lindsay and Heather? Find out below. Read More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Tom ColicchioTop ChefPadma LakshmiBeverly KimEdward LeeHeather TerhuneLindsay AutryNyesha ArringtonSarah Grueneberg

Pilot Season: Autumn Reeser Joins ABC's Last Resort

Autumn Reeser Autumn Reeser, who co-starred on ABC's No Ordinary Family last season, will return to the network in Shawn Ryan's drama pilot Last Resort, Deadline reports.Pilot Season: Andre Braugher lands lead in Shawn Ryan's Last ResortThe project follows a U.S. nuclear submarine crew led by Capt. Marcus Chaplin (Andre Braugher), who defies orders to fire nuclear missiles. As a result, they set up a camp on an island that is home to a NATO listening station.Reeser will play Kylie, a lobbyist for her family's weapons manufacturing company."Just booked an amazing role in @ShawnRyanTV's pilot 'Last Resort'... so excited!! :) :) :)" Reeser tweeted Thursday night.Pilot Season: Daisy Betts cast in ABC's Last ResortEarlier this week, Daisy Betts (Harry's Law) was also cast in the pilot as Grace Shepard, the gutsy newbie to the submarine crew who is a family friend of Chaplin's.

Senator raises coin to boost production

Senator Entertainment, which inked an exclusive output deal with Relativity Media in December, is looking to raise more than 10 million ($13.3 million) via a share increase later this year to prepare for a significant boost in investments.In addition to its slate of upcoming Hollywood titles, the Berlin-based company is also maintaining a focus on German and European productions.Senator is partnering with producer Christoph Mueller on an adaptation of Hermann Hesse's medieval tale "Narcissus and Goldmund."Senator CEO Helge Sasse said the film will be a big-budgeted, English-language international production with a British-American cast.Senator has yet to announce a director for the project, although industry insiders are betting on Florian Gallenberger, director of the 2009 historical Nanking drama "John Rabe," taking the reigns.Gallenberger has previously expressed keen interest in adapting the novel, which is set against turbulent historical events and follows the lives of two friends whose lives take very different paths as one becomes a wanderer and artist, the other a scholarly and controlled monk.Local and European productions make up one of two main pillars at Senator, the other being U.S. content -- the company is celebrating the success of French comedy "Intouchables," which has grossed a jaw-dropping $33 million, making it the most successful Gallic pic ever in Germany. Last year, "King's Speech" took in more than $22 million, becoming one of the most successful releases in Germany in 2011.Sasse also has high expectations for Daniel Cohen's upcoming "Comme un chef" (The Chef), starring Jean Reno, which unspools in Berlin's Culinary Cinema sidebar.Looking forward, Senator is planning to spend considerably more as part of the Relativity deal, which will increase its releases from 20 to about 30 pics a year."About half of our films come from the U.S. and they are very successful," said Sasse. "We wanted to have a more predictable situation and greater product security."The Relativity agreement will give Senator German rights to such films as "Safe Haven," "Hunter Killer" and "Afterburn."The upcoming capital increase follows another $13.3 million the company raised last year through a bond issue.Senator's other U.S. titles include Curtis Hanson's surfer pic "Of Men and Mavericks," starring Gerard Butler; "Our Idiot Brother," "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D," "W.E." and "2 Days in NY," which Senator co-produced. Contact Ed Meza at ed.meza@mannaa.de

Watercooler: Top Chef's Lady Business

Beverly Kim, Sarah Grueneberg, Lindsay Autry There's absolutely no way to convey this gently, therefore we are simply gonna put it available: The most effective women relating to this season's Top Chef are dreadful.Whether or not this is not the seeming ineptitude of flaky "Last Chance Kitchen" returnee Bev, it's been the grotesque self-congratulatory attitude of Sarah or perhaps the incessant bitching of Lindsay. Honestly, that little blonde should have been the spitfire to root for, but like her equally unappetizing brothers and sisters-in-chef jackets, she's now another reason this season leaves an undesirable type of our mouths.Last evening, the three of those handled to go into towards the finals, and for that reason there exists a handful of more days to feed their nonsense. So here's wanting Paul smokes these - rather than solely for your just desserts both deserve for creating such culinary contempt. He's furthermore a category act together with a killer prepare...it may be sweet as hell to actually go to a nice guy finish first.What can you consider Chef's ladies? How has this season been to suit your needs?Indication as much as TV Guide Magazine now!

Emmet/Furla helps U load '2 Guns'

BERLIN -- Emmett/Furla Films and Universal Pictures are joining to completely finance the $80 million crime actioner "2 Guns," which sees "Contraband" helmer Baltasar Kormakur reunite with Mark Wahlberg. Mark Damon's Experience Limitless and John O'Shea's The Exchange is shopping the project to purchasers in the European Film Market in Berlin now. Although foreign purchasers happen to be told that Denzel Washington is placed to topline, no deal continues to be inked and also the thesp's participation continues to be up in mid-air. Kormakur is pointing from the script by Blake Masters ("Brotherhood"). Pic, which Uni will release locally at the end of 2013, is definitely an adaptation of Steven Grant's graphic novel "2 Guns," which sees a DEA agent as well as an undercover Naval Intelligence officer who've been assigned with looking into each other but find they've both been setup through the mob - the org the 2 males believe they've been stealing money from - to steal $81 million in the CIA. Marc Platt will produce with Randall Emmett and George Furla. Picture Entertainment's Stepan Martirosyan and Remington Chase, who conserve a film fund with Emmett/Furla, will professional produce. Principle photography around the pic is skedded to start on June 1. Project is going to be shot in Boise State Broncos and Louisiana. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Gary Oldman Driven To Motor City

He'll threaten Dominic CooperAfter becoming shabbily heroic for Mess Tailor Soldier Spy (and scoring a properly-gained Oscar jerk for his work), Gary Oldman gets into the villain business for thriller Motor City.Book Of Eli co-director Albert Hughes is busy establishing the film, that will discover the Devil's Double's Dominic Cooper like a small-time criminal who's presented and sent off and away to the slammer. Launched years later, he swears revenge as well as looks to obtain back the lady he loves (Amber Heard).Regrettably for him, she has to visit facing a shady kingpin (Oldman) that has been adjusting occasions behind the curtain and it has treatments for Heard. It will be something of the reunion for Hughes and also the actor, as Oldman also won the theif gig in Eli.If all goes well, Hughes will start pointing the film, working from the script by Chad St John, in April. It's being backed by Joel Silver's Dark Castle, which introduced the planet last year's annual Liam Neeson punch-fest Unknown.Oldman will feature this season both in John Hillcoat's fantastically cast Wettest County. He'll also return as Commissioner Gordon for that Dark Dark night Increases.

'Where's the Watch?! and Other Tales: A Memoir From Seinfeld's Uncle Leo'

By Len Lesser and Tama Ryder January 4, 2012 The following is an excerpt from Len Lesser and Tama Ryder's book, "Where's the Watch?! and Other Tales; A Memoir From Seinfeld's Uncle Leo." At age 27, I enrolled in the American Theatre Wing, where I was given free classes as an ex-GI. I took everything they offeredacting, directing, speech, even makeup and fencing. The school had a great reputation and boasted some of the biggest names in the field as teachers. In fact, the Tony Awards were named after Antoinette Perry, one of the founders of the American Theatre Wing.I got to take directing classes with Lee Strasbergwho was already a big deal. The only problem is that I found directing classes quite dull, even under the tutelage of someone as renowned as Strasberg. I would fall asleep during his lectures and wake up to find Strasberg standing over me. "Len, get up!" he'd yell. This was rock-solid proof that I didn't want to be a director. If I fell asleep listening to Strasberg, then apparently this was not my life's calling.Years later, I'd remember that class when someone asked me if I ever thought about directing. "Absolutely not," I'd say. "I never thought about anything but acting." I don't think the person asking ever believed me, but they'd never sat in Strasberg's class with me. His classes were at their best when he'd bring in actors and show us scenes. I loved watching these actors, picking up new tips.I eventually made it to the showcase class at the American Theatre Wing, the final graduating class. Lee Marvin was in that class with me, a struggling actor like myself. But he was really good, even then. We all worked hard to please the teacher, Joseph Anthony, himself an actor and director. I'll never forget Joe's piercing eyes or the way he'd bang on a chair while you were doing a scene. It was disconcerting, but made me concentrate all the more.A few weeks after I graduated, I went up to the Theatre Wing offices to rehearse a play I was doing. I sneaked into the room where they kept the records on the students. I thumbed through them, until I came across the folder that said "Leonard Lesser."It had one sentence written across it, signed by Joseph Anthony: "Should become a stage manager." I felt sick.But in the days that followed, I became determined to prove him wrong. I knew I could be a good actor. And I believed others would eventually agree. I upped my level of commitment to the craft by seeking out more classes. The Method was taught in most acting classes back then. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, I could never quite master it. I began to overthink my acting instead of being in the moment. Of course, the technique is really just meant to prepare youit's homeworkand you're supposed to forget it when you walk on stage. But I was never able to do that.A few months after graduating from the American Theatre Wing, I got a call that a big-time agent was willing to see a group of Theatre Wing alums for possible representation. He had seen us perform on our showcase evening. There were six of us in total he wanted to see, including Lee Marvin. He signed Lee. He told the rest of us, "Good luck!" Another rejection. I wasn't so sure I'd ever find an agent. Particularly if they believed I'd be better managing the stage rather than acting on it.But I saw the audition with that agent as a positive step. And even though only Lee got signed, I found it to be an encouraging sign. It meant there was still hope. And, little did I know, this would not be the last time that Lee Marvin would play a role in my life. I vowed to keep going. There seemed to be some powerful but nameless goal ahead. "Where's the Watch?! and Other Tales: A Memoir From Seinfeld's Uncle Leo," published by Staff Picks Press, is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores. Len Lesser was an award-winning actor and a longtime member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His career spanned more than six decades, during which he appeared in hundreds of critically acclaimed stage productions, films, and TV shows, most notably "Seinfeld." Tama Ryder (www.tamaryder.com) is a Harvard-educated writer who grew up without a television. She has written and produced an award-winning documentary about the Fresh Air Fund and most recently worked for former Sen. Bob Kerrey.

The X Factor's Melanie Amaro Signs With L.A. Reid

Melanie Amaro, The X Factor The X Factor's Melanie Amaro has signed a record deal, but not with mentor Simon Cowell. The inaugural winner of Fox's reality singing competition has signed with Epic Records, which is run by another Factor judge, L.A. Reid, Zap2It reports. "I am so excited to start recording my debut album for Epic under the guidance of L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell," the 19-year-old singer said in a statement. "This is a dream come true for me." Check out the rest of today's news Added Reid, "I joined The X Factor to be able to discover undeniable talent such as Melanie. I am pleased that she is now signed to Epic Records because I believe we have only scratched the surface on uncovering her talent and her inevitable journey to super-stardom." Along with the $5 million contract awarded The X Factor champ, Amaro will also star in a Pepsi commercial which will air during the Super Bowl.

Rachel McAdams 'Glamour' Profile Enrages Anti-'Cool' 'L.A. Times' Author

It will not hold the far-reaching social implications in the feud from the./. Club critic Scott Tobias and 'The Blind Side,' but sometimes La Occasions author Amy Kaufman be in the heart of the initial Twitter scuffle of 2012? Doubtful! But that doesn't mean she's interested in the completely new Glamour magazine profile of Rachel McAdams. Written Kaufman, an entertainment author for your Occasions, on Twitter: Could this lede BE WORSE? alsdkfaskldfjasdjklfadjsd. glamour.com/entertainment/... - Amy Kaufman (@AmyKinLA) The month of the month of january 3, 2012 Harsh words ... before you decide to really see the lede. "Rachel McAdams is really awesome. Once I fulfill the 33-year-old actress for tea inside a London hotel, she's wearing a loose sweatshirt, and her hair, in the dozen small buns, makes her look kind of adorably crazy." So awesome, indeed. It'll improve -- provided your concept of "better" can be a first question about mentioned "small buns." Click by way of Glamour to determine the whole profile. [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook