In the News
Dateline: January 17, 2008
Scarlett Johansson to Visit Troops on USO Tour to Persian Gulf
Award-winning actress Scarlett Johansson will soon travel to the Persian Gulf to visit service members as part of a USO/Army Morale Welfare Recreation entertainment tour. Johansson will tour the region for five days, visit numerous military installations, greet fans, sign autographs and interact with members of the U.S. armed forces.
Taking time out of her busy film schedule to travel with the USO, Johansson receives countless letters from service members. Determined to do more than simply reply to those letters, she will soon meet and shake hands with men and women in uniform. Johansson will also relay America's admiration and appreciation to troops serving abroad.
"This USO tour to the Gulf region truly means a lot," says Johansson. "I've wanted to go over and visit for some time, and now my moment has arrived. It's one thing to reply to a letter or extend your thanks to service members in a speech, but it's another thing to visit them and spend time with those that do so much for us back home."
With more than a decade of work under her belt, the four-time Golden Globe nominee is heralded as one of Hollywood's most talented young actresses. A native of New York, Johansson received a "Best Actress" Award for her role in Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation." Adding to her list of film credits are "The Nanny Diaries," "The Prestige," "The Black Dahlia," and "The Island," among many others. Having made her acting debut at the age of eight, she has worked alongside actors like Bill Murray, Colin Firth, Woody Allen, Sean Connery, Lawrence Fishburn, among others. Coming up, Johansson will star in "The Other Boleyn Girl" with Natalie Portman, "He's Just Not That Into You" and "The Spirit."
Dateline: January 11, 2008
Katie Holmes to Appear on the Late Show with David Letterman!
Actress Katie Holmes visits the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, Monday, Jan. l4 (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Her last appearance on the CBS late night broadcast was June 9, 2005. Her new film, "Mad Money," hits theaters Friday, Jan. 18.
Dateline: January 10, 2008
Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies' 'The Spiderwick Chronicles' Ups National Release Date to February 14, 2008
Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies announced today that the family adventure "The Spiderwick Chronicles" has moved its release to February 14, 2008.
From the beloved best-selling series of books comes "The Spiderwick Chronicles," a fantasy adventure for the child in all of us. Peculiar things start to happen the moment the Grace family (Jared, his twin brother Simon, sister Mallory and their mom) leave New York and move into the secluded old house owned by their great, great uncle Arthur Spiderwick. Unable to explain the strange disappearances and accidents that seem to be happening on a daily basis, the family blames Jared. When he, Simon and Mallory investigate what's really going on, they uncover the fantastic truth of the Spiderwick estate and of the creatures that inhabit it.
Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies Present A Kennedy/Marshall And A Mark Canton Production A Mark Waters Film "The Spiderwick Chronicles" starring Freddie Highmore, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte with Joan Plowright and David Strathairn and the voices of Seth Rogen and Martin Short. The film is directed by Mark Waters from a screenplay by Karey Kirkpatrick and David Berenbaum and John Sayles, based on the books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. The film is produced by Mark Canton, Larry Franco, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Karey Kirkpatrick. The executive producers are Julia Pistor, Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black. The director of photography is Caleb Deschanel, ASC. The production designer is James Bissell. The editor is Michael Kahn, A.C.E. The costumes are designed by Joanna Johnston. The music is by James Horner. The special visual effects are by Industrial Light & Magic. The visual effects are by Tippett Studio.
Dateline: January 3, 2008
Photo Provided by: New Line Cinemas
New Line Cinema's 'Hairspray' Returns to LA and NY Theaters for Special One Week Return Engagement January 4-10
John Travolta To Appear At January 4th Screenings In Los Angeles For Q&A
Film Tops $200 Million Worldwide At Box Office
New Line Cinema is re-releasing its hit musical comedy "Hairspray" for a special one-week return engagement on January 4-10 exclusively at the Laemmle's Sunset-5 theater in Los Angeles and at the Landmark's Sunshine Cinema theater in New York.
To kickoff the re-release of the film, "Hairspray" star John Travolta will participate in Q & A's with the audience at the Jan. 4th Los Angeles screenings. The screenings also mark the 30-year anniversary of Travolta's first musical performance in "Saturday Night Fever", for which he earned an Oscar nomination in 1978.
"Hairspray", which has grossed more than $200 million at the worldwide box office -- making it the third highest grossing musical of all time -- has earned numerous accolades this awards season including: Three Golden Globe nominations (Best Picture, Best Actress for Nikki Blonsky, and Best Supporting Actor for John Travolta); a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance By A Cast In A Motion Picture; five Broadcast Film Critics Association nominations (Best Acting Ensemble, Best Comedy Movie, Best Family Film, Best Young Actress for Nikki Blonsky, and Best Song for "Come So Far"); three wins at the Hollywood Film Festival (Producers of the Year for Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, Best Ensemble, and Best Supporting Actor for John Travolta); and two wins from the Palm Springs Film Festival (Best Ensemble and Rising Star for Nikki Blonsky).
Featuring new and original material based on John Waters' 1988 cult classic about star-struck teenagers on a local Baltimore dance show, "Hairspray" features a remarkable collection of talent including John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, Allison Janney, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, director and choreographer Adam Shankman ("Bringing Down The House"), and producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron ("Chicago"). The new screenplay for "Hairspray" was written by Leslie Dixon ("Freaky Friday, Outrageous Fortune").
Dateline: December 18, 2007
Academy Award(R)-Winner Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema Join With MGM to Produce 'The Hobbit,' Eagerly-Anticipated Fantasy Adventure Epic
NEW LINE AND MGM TO CO-PRODUCE AND SHARE WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS
PETER JACKSON AND FRAN WALSH TO EXECUTIVE PRODUCE TWO FILMS BASED ON 'THE HOBBIT'
Academy Award(R)-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson; Harry Sloan, Chairman and CEO, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (NYSE:MGM) ; Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs of New Line Cinema have jointly announced today that they have entered into the following series of agreements:
-- MGM and New Line will co-finance and co-distribute two films, "The
Hobbit" and a sequel to "The Hobbit." New Line will distribute in
North America and MGM will distribute internationally.
-- Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as Executive Producers of two
films based on "The Hobbit." New Line will manage the production of
the films, which will be shot simultaneously.
-- Peter Jackson and New Line have settled all litigation relating to the
"Lord of the Rings" (LOTR) Trilogy.
Said Peter Jackson, "I'm very pleased that we've been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line. 'The Lord of the Rings' is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world. We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth. I also want to thank Harry Sloan and our new friends at MGM for helping us find the common ground necessary to continue that journey."
"Peter Jackson has proven himself as the filmmaker who can bring the extraordinary imagination of Tolkien to life and we full heartedly agree with the fans worldwide who know he should be making 'The Hobbit,'" said Sloan, MGM's Chairman and CEO. "Now that we are all in agreement on 'The Hobbit,' we can focus on assembling the production team that will capture this phenomenal tale on film."
Bob Shaye, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO comments, "We are very pleased we have been able to resolve our differences, and that Peter and Fran will be actively and creatively involved with 'The Hobbit' movies. We know they will bring the same passion, care and talent to these films that they so ably accomplished with 'The Lord of the Rings' Trilogy."
"Peter is a visionary filmmaker, and he broke new ground with 'The Lord of the Rings,'" notes Michael Lynne, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO. "We're delighted he's back for 'The Hobbit' films and that the Tolkien saga will continue with his imprint. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Harry Sloan, who has been instrumental in helping us reach our new accord."
The two "Hobbit" films -- "The Hobbit" and its sequel -- are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, with pre-production beginning as soon as possible. Principal photography is tentatively set for a 2009 start, with the intention of "The Hobbit" release slated for 2010 and its sequel the following year, in 2011.
The Oscar(R)-winning, critically-acclaimed LOTR Trilogy grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box-office. In 2003, "Return of the King" swept the Academy Awards(R), winning all of the eleven categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture -- the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The Trilogy's production was also unprecedented at the time.
For more information about "The Hobbit" films, please visit http://www.thehobbitblog.com/.
Dateline: September 20, 2007
Brad Pitt to Star in 'Fighter'
Brad Pitt is poised to star opposite Mark Wahlberg in "The Fighter," the Paramount Pictures drama about boxer Irish Mickey Ward and his unlikely path to become world lightweight champion.
Pitt is in discussions to play Dicky Eklund, Mickey's half-brother and a talented fighter who once went the distance with Sugar Ray Leonard in a title fight but then turned to crime and landed in prison. Then he turned his life around and helped his underperforming brother find the spark for a remarkable run that led to the world title.
Scott Silver is working on the latest draft of the script, and the film will be directed by Darren Aronofsky.
Dateline: August 18, 2007
Young Actress Gets a Lift, Literally and Spiritually from Dolphins while filming 'EYE OF THE DOLPHIN'
Carly Schroeder (Gracie) found that swimming with the dolphins during the filming of award-winning "EYE OF THE DOLPHIN" (in theaters August 24th) was an amazing cross-species experience.
In "EYE OF THE DOLPHIN", actress Carly Schroeder (Gracie) plays a troubled teen whose circumstances force her to move to the Bahamas where her father is a dolphin researcher. During filming, she is pulled through crystal clear tropical waters by dolphins and she'll never be the same for it, "Dolphins have a kind of spiritual presence - it's incredible how they affect you. Their energy, the power they give off is so uplifting. It's in the noises they make, their body language, how they react to you, how they love being pet, and how silly and playful they act."
Each dolphin is distinct, "Kayla, the big mama, is protective. Bryland, -- the baby boy squirts the camera to get attention. Salvador, a real kisser -- bobs up and touches you on the lips."
This experience raised questions for Schroeder, "We don't seem to understand them very well, but they seem to sense what we may be feeling. It's hard for us to comprehend what they're thinking, but the dolphins have it down, even if we don't."
Schroeder is no stranger to physically demanding roles. In Prey she played a tourist attacked by lions and in Gracie she played a teen soccer star, preparing by training for six months with professional soccer players. "With EYE OF THE DOLPHIN the producers thought they would need a stunt double for the scenes with dolphins in the open ocean. Schroeder quickly proved she could handle the task. She says, "The dolphins know when you're out of air and need to get back to the surface, almost before you do -- they guide you back up."
Dateline: August 10, 2007
Jessica Alba Joins Mike Myers in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment's 'The Love Guru' Due in Theaters June 20, 2008
Romany Malco and Verne Troyer Also Added to Cast of Comedy That Begins Shooting This September in Toronto
Paramount Pictures, which has scheduled Mike Myers' new comedy "The Love Guru" -- his first original character since Austin Powers -- in a prime summer tentpole position on June 20, 2008, has announced major casting for the film, which begins production in September in Toronto, Canada.
Joining Myers, who plays Pitka, the "Love Guru," will be Jessica Alba, who was most recently seen in the blockbuster action sequel "The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" and will star in the romantic comedy "Good Luck Chuck" with Dane Cook and the thriller "The Eye" for Cruise-Wagner Productions.
Other additions to the cast include Romany Malco, who starred in Will Ferrell's hit comedy "Blades of Glory" and Judd Apatow's smash "The 40-Year-Old Virgin", and Verne (the immortal Mini-Me) Troyer.
The Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment presentation of a Nomoneyfun Films production is directed by Marco Schnabel, who served as second unit director on "Austin Powers in Goldmember" and "Meet the Parents." The screenwriters are Myers and Graham Gordy. The producers are Myers and Michael De Luca ("Ghost Rider"). Donald J. Lee, Jr. ("World Trade Center"), Roger Birnbaum and Gary Barber are the executive producers.
In the comedy, "The Love Guru" (MIKE MYERS), Pitka is an American who was left at the gates of an ashram in India as a child and raised by gurus. He moves back to the U.S. to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality, specializing in settling intimacy issues between couples. His unorthodox methods are put to the test when he must settle a rift between major league star hockey player Darren Roanoke (ROMANY MALCO) and his estranged wife. After the split, Roanoke's wife starts dating the star member of a rival team, out of revenge, sending her husband into a major professional skid -- to the horror of the team's owner Jane Bullard (JESSICA ALBA) and Coach Cherkov (VERNE TROYER). Pitka must return the couple to marital nirvana and get Roanoke back on his game so the team can break the 40-year-old "Bullard Curse" and win the championship.
Dateline: July 27, 2007
Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon to Star in New Line Cinema Comedy 'Four Christmases'
Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon are in final negotiations to star in New Line Cinema's upcoming comedy "Four Christmases", it was announced today by New Line Production President Toby Emmerich.
In the film, Vaughn and Witherspoon will play a couple who struggle to visit all four of their divorced parents' homes on Christmas day.
"Four Christmases" is based on a screenplay by Matt Allen and Caleb Wilson. It is being produced by Spyglass Entertainment's Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum and Jon Glickman. Vaughn and Witherspoon will also produce.
Project will be overseen for New Line by Emmerich and production executives Mark Kaufman and Michael Disco.
Vaughn and Witherspoon have both worked on recent New Line projects, with Vaughn starring in the 2005 hit comedy "Wedding Crashers" and Witherspoon starring in the upcoming thriller "Rendition", which is scheduled for an October 19th release.
Vaughn will next be seen in the holiday comedy "Fred Claus" and the 2008 Picturehouse release Vince Vaughn's "Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days and 30 Nights - Hollywood to the Heartland." He has also starred in "The Break-Up", "Mr. & Mrs. Smith", "Be Cool", "Dodgeball", "Starsky and Hutch", "Old School", "Made" and "Swingers."
Witherspoon, who won the Academy Award in 2005 for the musical bio-pic, "Walk the Line", has also starred in "Legally Blonde I & II", "Sweet Home Alabama", "Election" and the New Line comedy, "Pleasantville."
Paramount Pictures/ Dreamworks Pictures/ Nickelodeon Movies Unveil Exclusive Footage and Major Casting Announcements at Comic-Con International
J.J. Abrams Announces Two Mr. Spocks for New 'Star Trek' Film: Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy
Steven Spielberg Reveals Return of Karen Allen For Fourth 'Indiana Jones' Film
First Footage of 'Iron Man' Shown by Director John Favreau
World Premiere Trailers For 'Beowulf' and 'Drillbit Taylor'
The halls of the San Diego Convention Center were abuzz with the news that came pouring out of the panel today hosted by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies. Exclusive footage and major casting announcements included:
Director/Producer J.J. Abrams revealed his first casting for the "Star
Trek" adventure: Zachary Quinto (Sylar on "Heroes") will step into the
ears of the young Mr. Spock and veteran Leonard Nimoy will return to the
role he made famous. Both Quinto and Nimoy made surprise appearances and
were greeted with wild applause. Abrams, producers Damon Lindelof and
Bryan Burk and writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman answered questions
from the audience. The new "Star Trek" film will be released on Christmas
Day in 2008.
Appearing live via satellite from the set of the new "Indiana Jones"
adventure, director Steven Spielberg and three of his cast members
Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf and Ray Winstone discussed the film, and
Spielberg revealed that Karen Allen, the co-star of "Raiders of the Lost
Ark," will be returning for the fourth installment, which debuts over the
Memorial Day weekend 2008.
In another surprise, director Jon Favreau shared world premiere footage
from his upcoming "Iron Man" starring Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard,
Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow. The action/adventure based on the Marvel
Comic launches the summer season on May 2, 2008.
Paramount Pictures, Shangri-La Entertainment and Warner Bros. hosted the
world premiere trailers, the first, for Robert Zemeckis' epic adventure
"Beowulf," due for release November 16, 2007, which was introduced by the
film's writers Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary. Later in the day, there were
invitation-only screenings of select 3-D footage for "Beowulf."
Producer Judd Apatow and director Steven Brill sent a taped greeting to
introduce the first-ever viewing of the trailer for the Owen Wilson comedy
"Drillbit Taylor," which opens nationally on March 21, 2008.
Other highlights of the afternoon panel included appearances by "Hot Rod"
director Akiva Schaffer and actors Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone, who
jointly introduced a clip from the film that is due for release August 3,
2007. Neil Gaiman also presented a clip from the film version of his
graphic novel "Stardust," which opens August 10, 2007. The film was
screened at Comic-Con Thursday evening. A trailer from the upcoming "The
Spiderwick Chronicles" was followed by a Q&A with the film's director Mark
Waters, Oscar(R)-winning special effects whiz Phil Tippett and Tony
DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, authors of the "Spiderwick" book series. "The
Spiderwick Chronicles" opens February 15, 2008. And the first poster art
was revealed for Tim Burton's "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet
Street" starring Johnny Depp. "Sweeney Todd" opens December 21, 2007 in
exclusive runs and nationally on January 11, 2008.
Dateline: July 18, 2007
UNIVERSAL PICTURES CHALLENGES MOVIEGOERS IN 'THE ULTIMATE SEARCH FOR BOURNE WITH GOOGLE'
Online Game and Sweepstakes Put Movie Fans in the Driver's Seat On Road to Opening Day of The Bourne Ultimatum
Universal Pictures, in collaboration with Google, today announced "The Ultimate Search for Bourne with Google," an online game inspired by Universal's Bourne action series ("The Bourne Identity," "The Bourne Supremacy" and the most recent film in the series, "The Bourne Ultimatum"). Players will assume the persona of a former CIA operative as they track rogue agent Jason Bourne across three continents. The game, which launches Monday, July 16, simultaneously in seven countries, allows participants to answer clues that will bring them one step closer to uncovering Bourne's identity, in the weeks leading to the opening of "The Bourne Ultimatum" on August 3.
Using Google(TM) tools including Search, Maps, Images, Translate and YouTube(TM), players will track Bourne online, in the hopes that what he knows will prove helpful in their own quests. With new clues and active game play provided to site visitors each weekday -- 15 in total -- the game concludes on the film's opening day. Along the way, registered users will have the chance to win amazing prizes, including the grand prize: a 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2, designed to the specifications of the car seen in the film, as well as a four-city trip to international destinations featured in the movie and $25,000.
"This is a great opportunity for us to bring the power of Google search products to help players across the globe hunt for Bourne online," said Dylan Casey, Google product manager. "We're always looking for creative and engaging ways to connect people with the information they're seeking, and this collaboration is a terrific example of that."
Participation is free, and contestants can sign up to play at http://www.google.com/bourne. Throughout the game, players will gain access to exclusive clips from "The Bourne Ultimatum" and will have the chance to win world-class prizes.
Four lucky winners will receive a trip of their choice to Tangier, Paris, London, New York City or Madrid. Each active day of the game, one player will receive a $1,000 MasterCard gift card and 10 players will receive the three-disc "Bourne Files" DVD collection. Additionally, players who complete each day's task will be offered the option to catch Bourne using a game "surveillance camera" they will be able to place on a Google(TM) map. Those who successfully sight Jason Bourne 25 times or more during the course of the game will be entered into the "Sightings Sweepstakes." From this pool, 10 lucky winners will be awarded the new Apple iPhone.
"Jason Bourne's story is an action thriller appealing to a broad audience," said Doug Neil, senior vice president, digital marketing, Universal Pictures. "Fans are eagerly anticipating the opening of 'The Bourne Ultimatum,' and this game provides an entertaining way to stoke that enthusiasm and show fans what it would be like to live in Bourne's world."
"The Ultimate Search for Bourne with Google" is open to residents of the United States and Canada (except Quebec), 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Additional details and official rules are available at http://www.google.com/bourne.
A variation of the game is open to residents of Australia, New Zealand, Germany, the United Kingdom and France.
About "The Bourne Ultimatum"
Matt Damon returns as the trained assassin Jason Bourne for the latest showdown in "The Bourne Ultimatum." In the follow-up to 2002's "The Bourne Identity" and 2004's "The Bourne Supremacy" -- the smash hits that have earned over $500 million at the global box office -- acclaimed director Paul Greengrass (United 93, The Bourne Supremacy) joins returning cast members Julia Stiles and Joan Allen and new additions David Strathairn, Scott Glenn, Paddy Considine, Edgar Ramirez and Albert Finney.
All he wanted was to disappear. Instead, Jason Bourne is now hunted by the people who made him what he is. Having lost his memory and the one person he loved, he is undeterred by the barrage of bullets and a new generation of highly-trained killers. Bourne has only one objective: to go back to the beginning and find out who he was.
Now, in the new chapter of this espionage series, Bourne will hunt down his past in order to find a future. He must travel from Moscow, Paris, Madrid and London to Tangier and New York City as he continues his quest to find the real Jason Bourne -- all the while trying to outmaneuver the scores of cops, federal officers and Interpol agents with him in their crosshairs.
"The Bourne Ultimatum" was shot in Morocco, Spain, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Web site: http://www.google.com/bourne
Dateline: April 12, 2007
UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND STUBER/PARENT PRODUCTIONS BEGIN PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE COMEDY 'THE BETTER MAN,' STARRING AN ALL-STAR CAST LED BY MARTIN LAWRENCE AND DIRECTED BY MALCOLM D. LEE
Margaret Avery, Joy Bryant, Louis C.K., Michael Clarke Duncan, Mike Epps, Mo'Nique, Nicole Ari Parker, Cedric the Entertainer and James Earl Jones Join Lawrence in Film
Principal photography has begun on Universal Pictures and Stuber/Parent Productions' latest film, "The Better Man." The comedy unites James Earl Jones and Martin Lawrence to play a father and son who share the screen with an all-star ensemble of actors from three generations. Malcolm D. Lee, who has previously brought "The Best Man," "Undercover Brother" and "Roll Bounce" to the screen, directs from a screenplay he wrote.
In the film, Martin Lawrence stars as talk-show sensation Dr. RJ Stevens, who has shirked his simple Southern past and the awkward boy he used to be to dispense "you can do it" advice to millions of adoring fans. With a reality-series star on his arm and loads of cash in his pocket, there's nothing he feels he hasn't achieved.
Set against the backdrop of the deep south of today, "The Better Man" will shoot on locations in Louisiana including Shreveport, Minden and Bossier City. Joining Lawrence and Jones in the film are Margaret Avery as RJ's mother, Mama Jenkins; Joy Bryant as RJ's fiancee, Bianca; Louis C.K. as his producer, Marty; Michael Clarke Duncan as his big brother, Otis; Mike Epps as his sly cousin, Reggie; Mo'Nique as his smart-mouth sister, Betty; Nicole Ari Parker as his childhood crush, Lucinda; and Cedric the Entertainer as RJ's childhood rival, Clyde.
When his parents request that he come home for their 50th wedding anniversary, RJ packs up his 10-year-old son and spoiled princess of a fiancee and heads back to his sleepy, Southern hometown. Ready to impress his down home kin with how much he's changed, RJ will prove he's not the walking disaster they used to pick on. At least, that's the plan ...
But as his crazy, lovable family reminds RJ of the kid he once was and the big-ego'd adult he has become, this superstar will take a hard look at the life he is living. Roscoe Junior might've felt teased, second best and laughed at as a child, but the love from home could be turning Dr. RJ into "The Better Man."
Scott Stuber ("The Break-Up," "You, Me and Dupree"), Mary Parent ("Big Brothers," "You, Me and Dupree") and Charles Castaldi serve as the film's producers. Greg Gardiner ("She's the Man," "Herbie Fully Loaded") is the film's cinematographer; Bill Elliott ("Epic Movie," "Roll Bounce") serves as the production designer. "The Better Man's" editor is George Bowers ("The Preacher's Wife," "A League of Their Own"). The costume designer is Danielle Hollowell ("Undercover Brother," "The Best Man"). The comedy is executive- produced by Timothy M. Bourne ("ATL," "Mr. 3000") and Lee.
Academy Award Nominated Director Rob Marshall and The Weinstein Company to Take on 'Nine'
Rob Marshall and Harvey Weinstein Re-Team For The First Time Since 'CHICAGO,' the winner of Six Academy Awards including Best Picture
Feature Film to be based on the 1982 Tony Award Winning Best Musical
Academy Award nominated director Rob Marshall ("MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA," "CHICAGO") and The Weinstein Company are joining forces to bring the classic Broadway show "NINE" to the big screen. This marks the first time that Rob Marshall and Harvey Weinstein have collaborated since reviving the Hollywood musical with "CHICAGO," winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. "NINE" will be directed by Rob Marshall with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, composer and lyricist for the original 1982 Broadway production that won the Tony Award for Best Musical, and was written by Arthur Kopit. Marshall and John DeLuca ("MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA," "CHICAGO") will choreograph. A writer will be announced shortly. The joint announcement was made today by Rob Marshall and Bob and Harvey Weinstein, co-chairmen of The Weinstein Company.
LUCAMAR Productions partners DeLuca and Marshall will be on board as part of the producing team. The Weinstein Company acquired the rights to produce "NINE" from Arthur Kopit and Maury Yeston who will each serve as co-executive producer.
"NINE" was initially adapted by Mario Fratti with the book written for the stage by Arthur Kopit. Throughout its successful runs on Broadway, "NINE" has attracted such legendary talent as Raul Julia, Antonio Banderas, Chita Rivera and Liliane Montevecchi."
Inspired by Fellini's personal, painful, and beautiful film '8 1/2,'" Marshall said, "'NINE' is a sumptuous and emotional work that translates naturally to the film musical genre because of its seamless relationship between fantasy and reality." He added, "Finding another musical to bring to the screen has been quite a journey and I am thrilled that it's 'NINE.' Harvey and I are looking forward to working together again, and I am excited to be taking on this challenging and provocative piece."
Harvey Weinstein stated, "Rob and I have been looking for another musical to make together ever since 'CHICAGO' and I nearly fell over with excitement when he first suggested 'NINE.' It's a brilliant and timeless masterpiece, and no one can stage sexier or more dynamic numbers than Rob Marshall. Teaming up with him and the tremendous cast he's putting together, will be something we've never experienced before. After the truly sensational job he did with 'CHICAGO,' I cannot think of a better filmmaker to bring this daring story to the big screen."
"NINE" is a sultry and enchanting musical that follows the life of world famous film director Guido Contini as he prepares his latest picture and balances the numerous women in his life including his wife, a producer, a mistress, a film star, and his deceased mother. The original 1982 Broadway production of "NINE," nominated for twelve Tony Awards and winning five, including Best Musical, was directed by Tommy Tune, choreographed by Thommie Walsh, starred Raul Julia with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and book by Arthur Kopit. In 2003, the Broadway revival of "NINE," starring Antonio Banderas, received eight Tony Award nominations and won two, including Best Revival of a Musical.
Michael Cole, co-president of production, and Kelly Carmichael, svp of production for The Weinstein Company, will oversee the production on behalf of TWC.
Dateline: April 11, 2007
PRODUCTION BEGINS IN LOS ANGELES ON WARNER BROS. PICTURES' AND VILLAGE ROADSHOW PICTURES' "GET SMART"
Filming has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures' and Village Roadshow Pictures' comedy "Get Smart," starring Steve Carell ("The 40-Year-Old Virgin") and Anne Hathaway ("The Devil Wears Prada"). The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Inspired by characters from the classic television series "Get Smart," the film stars Carell as secret agent Maxwell Smart; Hathaway as his partner, Agent 99; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson ("Gridiron Gang") as Agent 23; Terence Stamp ("The Limey") as Siegfried, a key KAOS operative; and Academy Award winner Alan Arkin ("Little Miss Sunshine") as the Chief of CONTROL. The film also stars Ken Davitian ("Borat") as Shtarker; Masi Oka (TV's "Heroes") as Bruce; Nate Torrence (TV's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") as Lloyd; David Koechner ("Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy") as Agent Larabee; and Terry Crews (TV's "Everybody Hates Chris") as Agent 91.
The film is directed by Peter Segal ("The Longest Yard," "Tommy Boy") from a screenplay by Tom J. Astle & Matt Ember ("Failure to Launch"). Andrew Lazar ("Space Cowboys"), Charles Roven ("Batman Begins") and Alex Gartner ("The Upside of Anger") are producing, with Michael Ewing ("50 First Dates"), Dana Goldberg ("Happy Feet"), Peter Segal, Jimmy Miller ("Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby"), Steve Carell, Brent O'Connor ("We Are Marshall") and Bruce Berman ("Happy Feet") serving as executive producers.
Joining the director behind the scenes are Academy Award-winning director of photography Dean Semler ("Dances with Wolves"), production designer Wynn Thomas ("A Beautiful Mind"), Oscar-nominated editor Richard Pearson ("United 93"), Academy Award-winning costume designer Deborah Scott ("Titanic") and Academy Award-winning special effects supervisor Michael Lantieri ("Jurassic Park").
Filming began in Los Angeles on March 21, 2007, and will continue in and around Los Angeles, with future location filming taking place in Washington, D.C. and Montreal.
"Get Smart" is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, of a Mosaic Media Group / Mad Chance / Callahan Filmworks production. The film will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
Dateline: March 23, 2007
DANIEL RADCLIFFE, RUPERT GRINT AND EMMA WATSON TO REPRISE ROLES IN THE FINAL TWO INSTALLMENTS OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES' "HARRY POTTER" FILM FRANCHISE
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson will reprise the roles they have made their own: teen wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively, in Warner Bros. Pictures' "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," the final two motion picture adaptations of J.K. Rowling's best-selling book series. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.
In making the announcement, Robinov said, "When Daniel, Rupert and Emma were first cast as Harry, Ron and Hermione, we knew they were not only talented, but had a very special chemistry. Through the years, and in each of the 'Harry Potter' films, we have watched them grow into extraordinary young adults, as well as remarkable actors. It would be inconceivable to imagine anyone else in the roles with which they have become so identified, so we are thrilled and proud that Daniel, Rupert and Emma have chosen to complete the arc of their characters in the final two films."
Both "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" are being produced by David Heyman, who has produced all of the Harry Potter films to date and was instrumental in bringing the franchise to the screen, beginning with the first blockbuster, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." David Barron, who served as an executive producer on "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and is a producer on the upcoming "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," will also be producing the final two installments of the franchise.
Producer David Heyman said, "One of the highlights of this journey has been to witness Dan, Rupert and Emma blossom from children into young adults. They have emerged as consummate professionals who are dedicated to honing their craft and striving for excellence. And yet, throughout, they have retained their enthusiasm and spirit, and they remain, to this day, the same wonderful, kind and generous individuals I met all those years ago."
Daniel Radcliffe remarked, "Playing the role of Harry Potter has been an immense privilege, and I look forward to completing the series. I feel a huge sense of loyalty to the character of Harry and the fans who have supported these films over the years. During filming, I have learnt so much, made lots of friends and met people who have changed my life. I am indebted to J K Rowling, Warner Bros. and David Heyman for giving me this fantastic opportunity."
Emma Watson stated, "I could never let Hermione go--she is my hero! I love her too much and love what playing her has meant to me. I am excited and honoured to be finishing what I started and playing her in all seven of the films."
Rupert Grint offered, "Ron Weasley has become a big part of my life and not just because we've both got ginger hair! I've been so proud to play him and loved every second of being part of this world. I'm really looking forward to filming the last two films and being back with my 'Weasley family' and, of course, to seeing my good friends Emma and Dan. Thank you to everyone for being so supportive over the years; we couldn't have done it without you."
Warner Bros. Pictures' fifth film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," is slated for release in the U.S. on July 13, 2007.
EMILE HIRSCH TAKES THE LEAD IN WARNER BROS. PICTURES' AND VILLAGE ROADSHOW PICTURES' "SPEED RACER"
Emile Hirsch has been set to star in the title role of Warner Bros. Pictures' and Village Roadshow Pictures' new actioner "Speed Racer," under the direction of the Wachowski brothers. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Robinov stated, "Emile Hirsch is one of today's fastest-rising young stars, which makes him the perfect choice to take the wheel of Speed's Mach 5. He continues to showcase his talents in a variety of challenging roles and we are thrilled to have him in the title role of 'Speed Racer.'"
Emile Hirsch most recently earned critical acclaim as the charismatic Johnny Truelove in the real-life crime drama "Alpha Dog," and as skateboarding vanguard Jay Adams in "Lords of Dogtown." He next stars as Christopher McCandless in "Into the Wild," Sean Penn's screen adaptation of Jon Krakauer's bestseller, which is set for release this September. His additional film credits include "Imaginary Heroes," "The Girl Next Door," "The Mudge Boy," "The Emperor's Club," and "The Dangerous Life of Altar Boys," in which he made his feature film debut.
Slated for release on May 9, 2008, "Speed Racer" is being written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski, and produced by Joel Silver under his Silver Pictures banner. The film not only marks a reunion for the Wachowski brothers and Silver, who previously worked together on the "Matrix" movies and "V For Vendetta," but is the brothers' first writing/directing collaboration since the "Matrix" movies.
Based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida, the live-action "Speed Racer" will follow the adventures of the young race car driver Speed in his quest for glory on and off the track in his thundering Mach 5. The film will feature other characters that fans of the show will remember, including Speed's family and his mysterious arch-rival, Racer X. The new high-octane actioner will combine the kind of revolutionary visual effects and cutting-edge storytelling that have become the benchmarks of the Wachowski brothers' films, bringing "Speed Racer" into the 21st century.
"Speed Racer" is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, of a Silver Pictures Production.
Dateline: March 14, 2007
Nickelodeon Unveils Star-Studded Lineup to Celebrate 20th Anniversary Milestone Kids' Choice Awards, Saturday, March 31
Beyonce, Jessica Alba, Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Queen Latifah, Mike Myers, Jamie Lynn Spears, Hilary Duff, George Lopez, Jon Heder, Chris Evans, Ice Cube, Drake Bell, Emma Roberts, Jesse McCartney, Nelly, Ciara, Tom Kenny, Zac Efron, Bindi Irwin, Shia LaBeouf, Hayden Panetierre, Masi Oka, Ty Pennington, Tyler James Williams, Nat Wolff, Alex Wolff, Devon Werkheiser, Lil' JJ, Chris Brown and Ryan Sheckler Will Join Host Justin Timberlake in Live Telecast
Nickelodeon's 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards has set a glittering, super-sized constellation of Hollywood's hottest stars to join host/nominee/two-time Best Burp winner Justin Timberlake for the live milestone telecast Saturday, March 31 (8 p.m. ET; tape delay PT) from UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. Beyonce, Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Queen Latifah, Mike Myers, Zac Efron, Bindi Irwin, Hilary Duff, Jessica Alba, Jamie Lynn Spears, George Lopez, Jon Heder, Chris Evans, Drake Bell, Emma Roberts, Jesse McCartney, Nelly, Ciara, Shia LaBeouf, Hayden Panetierre, Ice Cube, Masi Oka, Ty Pennington, Tyler James Williams, Devon Werkheiser, Lil' JJ, Nat Wolff, Alex Wolff, Chris Brown, Tom Kenny and Ryan Sheckler will amp up the wattage at the event often hailed as an Oscars for kids, as they participate in the record-breaking kudos/mess-fest.
"Kids' Choice is a fantastic mix of mega-stars and mega-mess, and our 20th anniversary show will be the biggest, loudest, messiest, star-filled spectacle in two decades," said Marjorie Cohn, Executive Vice President, Development and Original Programming. "This is the event where Hollywood celebrities come to play and this year if you want to be seen, you gotta go green because we'll be breaking the slime barrier."
In her first-ever KCA performance, Grammy Award-winning superstar Gwen Stefani and popular singer-songwriter Akon will ignite the kid crowd with the hit title song from Stefani's new album "The Sweet Escape."
Kids' Choice veteran/2007 nominee Timberlake, who'll grab the reins as a first-time host, will set the stage for Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice traditions including the Wannabe Award, an honor bestowed on a celebrity role model who kids most "want to be." Past recipients (chronologically 2001-06) are: Tom Cruise, Janet Jackson, Will Smith, Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah and Chris Rock.
Throughout the show the slime will flow -- who knows where, when and on whom -- and true to tradition an astonished star will get the goo. Sloshing through history, past star slimees include: Jack Black, Robin Williams, Johnny Depp, Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey, James Earl Jones, Rosie O'Donnell, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Will Ferrell and Ben Stiller. The sixth annual burp contest will offer a terrific new twist, featuring kids and stars, and take the noise level to a new high. Past Burp Award winners include: Cameron Diaz, Jessica Alba and Steve Irwin (shared honor), Justin Timberlake (two-time winner) and Hugh Jackman.
In a unique star-studded pre-show telecast hosted by TEENick's J. Boogie, the Orange Carpet arrivals will interlace programming from 6 to 8 p.m. ET/PT. Celebrity interviewees will climb atop a unique stage - a.k.a. the "Slime Across America" truck, conveniently parked next to the Orange Carpet.
Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards has emerged as one of the biggest events in Hollywood, boasting a massive popular vote and sweeping audience participation. It is the only award show that gives kids the power to vote for their favorites in movies, television, music, sports and much more -- and honors their opinions with a live show filled with the stars they love.
Kids will be able to vote in advance in a total of 16 categories. Surprise awards also will be announced during the show. Voting began online March 5 on Nick.com. A different category is being featured on-air in ME:TV each week. In fact, for the first time, kids can vote on all available Nickelodeon digital platforms including Nick.com, Nicktropolis, TurboNick or text in their votes via cell phones, for the Nominees they think are deserving of Nick's highest honors.
Nicktropolis will offer a brand new virtual Kids' Choice Awards themed world where kids can stroll down the Orange Carpet, check out the KCA Control Room, sneak in Backstage, create their own Kids' Choice branded room and chat about the event in real time while watching the live TurboNick webcast together in viewing parties. TurboNick, Nickelodeon's broadband video service on Nick.com, will serve as the fully interactive home during the awards show, featuring a three-hour live Kids' Choice streaming event including coverage of the Orange Carpet, Backstage, and the Kids' Choice Awards after party, all hosted by ME:TV's Alex and Jordan.
Dateline: January 8
Amanda Bynes Set to Star in the New Comedy 'Sydney White' for Morgan Creek Productions
The Film is Scheduled to Begin Principal Photography in Orlando, Florida on February 12, 2007
Amanda Bynes has landed the starring role in the new Morgan Creek comedy "Sydney White," it was announced today by James G. Robinson, Chairman and CEO of Morgan Creek Productions.
This modern retelling of the classic fairytale follows a beautiful college freshman as she pledges her late mother's once dignified sorority. But after discovering that today's sisterhood is not what it used to be, Sydney finds her new home away from home with seven outcasts. With the help of her socially challenged new friends, Sydney will take on the reigning campus queen to attempt to transform the school's misguided social hierarchy.
The film will be directed by Joe Nussbaum ("American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile," "Sleepover") and is scheduled to begin principal photography on February 12, 2007 in Orlando, Florida. The film also stars Sara Paxton ("Darcy's Wild Life") and Matt Long ("Jack and Bobby"). The screenplay was written by Chad Creasey ("Great Lengths") and will be produced by James G. Robinson. David Robinson and Clifford Werber will also serve as producers with Morgan Creek's Guy McElwaine executive producing. The film will be distributed domestically by Universal Pictures and internationally by Morgan Creek International and Universal Pictures International.
Amanda Bynes recently completed shooting the feature film "Hairspray," opposite John Travolta, Queen Latifah and Michelle Pfieiffer, where she plays Tracey Turnblad's best friend Penny Pingleton. She also starred in the romantic comedy "She's the Man;" the trans-Atlantic comedy "What a Girl Wants," with Colin Firth and Kelly Preston; lent her voice to the animated film "Robots;" and starred with Frankie Muniz and Paul Giamatti in the family comedy "Big Fat Liar." On television, Bynes played the impetuous Holly in the comedy series "What I Like About You," as well as "The Amanda Show," which earned her the Favorite Television Actress honor four years in a row from Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards.
Mario Steps Into First Starring Role Alongside Hilary Swank in 'Freedom Writers,' Out January 5, 2007
R&B Star Preps Third Album Go! for Release in March 2007
R&B sensation Mario steps into his first starring film role in Freedom Writers, the real-life story of teenagers in gang warfare-plagued Los Angeles whose lives are changed through writing. Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank stars as the inspirational teacher who reaches Mario's troubled teen Andre and his classmates. The Paramount Pictures/MTV Films movie premieres January 4, 2007 in Los Angeles and opens January 5, 2007.
Mario's first serious film role is one that is close to his heart. His character's struggle to deal with an incarcerated brother and drug-addicted mother struck a chord with Mario, who dealt with his own mother's drug use for much of his childhood.
"I came from the same mentality as my character in Freedom Writers," Mario explains of his approach to the role of Andre. "Thankfully, like Andre, I was given an opportunity for change and I recognized that. This movie really shows people that regardless of your situation, you have the right to free yourself."
While his character Andre finds an outlet for his frustrations in writing, music is what inspired Mario, who became a star at the young age of 15 when he released his debut album, 2002's Mario. His platinum follow-up Turning Point spawned a #1 single "Let Me Love You" and launched Mario from teen sensation to bona fide R&B star. Now 20 and with his first serious film role under his belt, Mario is prepping his third album, Go!, due out in March 2007. The album will feature songs produced by Pharrell Williams, Akon, Polow Da Don, Scott Storch, and more.
For more info on Freedom Writers, please visit: www.freedomwriters.com
For more info on Mario's Go!, please visit: www.mario2u.com
