Saturday, August 27, 2011

Zoe Saldana Enters Supernatural 'Dominion'

Is Zoe Saldana going to be one of those talented actresses who gets roles that are below her level until her once budding career is wasted away in one genre film after another? These may seem like harsh words, but after Saldana's great turn in 'Avatar,' we were looking for her to get much more challenging roles. Instead, she's been under-used in 'The Losers,' 'Takers' and this weekend's 'Colombiana' ('Colombiana' has been drubbed by the critics -- getting a 33 percent rating at Rotten Tomatoes, but the reviewers love the actress). So pardon us if we don't applaud the news (via The Hollywood Reporter) that Saldana has set up the supernatural thriller 'Dominion' -- about a woman (Saldana) who is half-human, half-angel -- at Paramount. Saldana will also produce. Right now the project is in pitch form from Dean McCreary and Chester Hastings (the duo behind the unreleased 'Fanboy'), so it will be awhile before it sees the light of day. In the meantime, Saldana will most likely be gearing up for 'Star Trek 2' and then the first 'Avatar' sequel in 2014. In between we hope she's offered -- and takes -- some strong dramatic rolls so she can show off her chops in addition to her action moves and body (see Summer's Sexiest Women: Zoe Saldana of 'Colombiana').

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Castle Scoop: The Killing Star to Come Between Castle and Beckett?

Nathan Fillion, Kristin Lehman Think Castle only has eyes for Beckett? Think again.Castle has just booked The Killing's Kristin Lehman as the latest obstacle between the would-be lovers, TVGuide.com has learned. Fall Preview: Get scoop on all your favorite returning showsLehman plays Martina Kaye, a sexy art insurance investigator who joins Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Beckett (Stana Katic) on a murder investigation that involves the theft of a valuable sculpture.As we previously reported, when Martina meets Castle, the attraction is instant, which no doubt will make for an awkward working relationship with Beckett. But Caskett 'shippers shouldn't worry too much: We hear this particular vixen also hides a surprising secret from the team.Exclusive: Castle gets a Mr. Freeze in William Atherton Lehman was most recently seen on AMC's The Killing as Gwen, the campaign manager (and lover) of City Councilman Darren Richmond (Billy Campbell). Her other credits include roles on Felicity, Judging Amy, Human Targetand Fox's short-lived Drive, on which Fillion also starred.Castle returns Monday, Sept. 19 at 10/9c on ABC.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Louis C.K. assumes broadcast stalwarts

David Crane & Jeffrey Klarik"Episodes" ShowtimeEpisode: "Episode Seven"Highlight: The growing season finale's bittersweet climax has Sean and Beverly Lincoln's marriage break apart in the exact moment their broadcast sitcom "Pucks" will get acquired for any full season, forcing results together and stay in La.Why they may win: This new comedy includes a familiar face in Crane, who never quite got his due for penning "Buddies."Not: Like a lot of Showtime's comedies, "Episodes" is thin on actual laughs and, though lighter than its kin, possibly overweight for that category.Louis C.K."Louie"FXEpisode: "Poker/Divorce"Highlight: The episode cold-opens having a poker game that's consequently both grave and raucous as Louis C.K. and the comedian buddies discuss using a certain homosexual pejorative in standup programs.Why he may win: Positive critical and fan reception make "Louie" a powerful underdog candidate.Not: Laughs, though good, are few in number, and also the disjointed narrative style may rub voters the wrong manner.David Levitan & Jeffrey Richman"Modern Family" ABCEpisode: "Caught in the process"Highlight: After Cam and Mitchell spill strawberry juice about the $50,000 rug of trendy restaurant owner Amelia (guest star Rachael Harris), they blame the accident on Amelia's toddler boy -- that has a strawberry allergy. They fess as much as the deed just like she's poised they are driving an EpiPen into her boy.Why they may win:Levitan walked away using the Emmy this past year and did not lack for quality this time around around.Not: Competish from racier nets Forex and Showtime might lead to an upset this season.Greg Daniels"WorkInch NBCEpisode: "Goodbye, Michael"Highlight: In the final moments onscreen, after Michael will take off his microphone (and asks your camera crew to "tell him if the ever airs"), his final, heart-rending exchange with Pam remains largely towards the audience's imagination.Why he may win: Steve Carell's "Office" exit hit difficult on both laughs and heart, that could resonate with voters.Not: An unsettling tag stored the episode, a normally could-be finale, from delivering the closure fans and audiences needed.Matt Hubbard"30 Rock" NBCEpisode: "Reaganing"Highlight: Inside a characteristically irreverent cameo, Kelsey Grammer plays themself moonlighting like a grifter to assist Jenna and Kenneth enact a "lengthy disadvantage" against Carvel frozen treats a la "The Sting."Why he may win: Both Hubbard and "30 Rock" possess a history as Academy darlings.Not: In upsetting "30 Rock's" momentum this past year, "Modern Family" might have dethroned the NBC sitcom permanently. A Evening within the Writers' Room: ComedyROAD Towards The EMMYS: THE Author Showrunners don't run from non-writing dutiesDrama Comedy Movies & Miniseries Nonfiction Variety, music or comedy series Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Friday, August 12, 2011

Ron Perlman Would Like To Reunite With George R. R. Martin For Bet On Thrones Role

La, Calif. -- Ron Perlman has his hands busy using the Forex drama Sons of Anarchy, but he wouldnt mind getting back by having an old Hollywood friend George R. R. Martin and nabbing a job in HBOs Bet on Thrones. Id love to stay in Bet on Thrones, Ron told Access Hollywood on Thursday evening in La in the premiere of his latest film, Conan the Barbarian, which stars GOT Season 1 veteran Jason Momoa. Perlman really includes a major reference to the guy behind Bet on Thrones author Martin who additionally to writing the An Audio Lesson of Ice and Fire series, authored for just one of Perlmans early dramas. George R. R. Martin, who authored all of the books and modified the initial [Bet on Thrones] pilot script for that screen, authored for Beauty and also the Animal, Perman stated, mentioning to his former show with Linda Hamilton. Time passes long ago with George R. R. I cant believe how over the top he's. He wont return some of my calls any longer, Perlman stated in jest. Its really disgusting what Hollywood can perform to some guy. While Perman wouldnt mind a job in GOT, his former Beauty and also the Animal castmate, Roy Dotrice, who performed his father Jacob Wells within the series, which began airing within the late eighties, just became a member of the Cinemax drama for season 2. As formerly reported on AccessHollywood.com, Dotrice will have Hallyne, the pyromancer, who'll become an connect of sorts with Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) within the anc new role because the Nobleman Hands. Dotrice was really cast as Grand Maester Pycelle in Season one of the series, but apparently withdrew because of health problems, based on winter-is-coming.internet. Roy is among the finest stars I've ever had the privilege of dealing with, and Im thrilled to possess him back about the series, Martin stated in the blog. Conan the Barbarian hits theaters on August 19. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Ben Stiller's Red Hour Digital Pooling Talent For 'Fake Trailers' Parody

EXCLUSIVE: Ben Stiller's Red Hour Digital has started work on The Fake Trailer Project, a digital project inspired by Stiller's own fake trailers that were shown in short doses in the comedy Tropic Thunder. The new project, essentially a series of at least 12 short trailer parodies, will be distributed online via a partner to be named shortly. The plan is to bring together top actors and filmmakers across all genres to take part. Stiller will produce with Stuart Cornfeld and Mike Rosenstein through Red Hour Digital, with longtime Red Hour collaborator Robert Cohen exec producing and directing some of the shorts. Among the actors and directors who'll contribute content are Stiller's Tropic Thunder co-writer Justin Theroux, Night at the Museum scribes Tom Lennon & Ben Garant, and Clueless helmer Amy Heckerling. Beyond Tropic Thunder, the fake trailer has provided comic currency in films like Grindhouse (where the Danny Trejo phony trailer Machete was turned into a feature). My personal favorite trailer parody was one Jerry Seinfeld came up with years ago to promote his documentary Comedian, which featured actual trailer voice-over announcer Hal Douglas. Here was one of the fake trailers used in Tropic Thunder, featuring Robert Downey Jr as Kirk Lazarus: Here's the one from Comedian:

Monday, August 8, 2011

David Bohrman Named President of Current TV

David Bohrman has been named president of Current TV, effective immediately.our editor recommendsAl Gore Slams News Corp, Accuses It of Forcing Sky Italia to Drop Current TV for Hiring OlbermannCurrent TV Announces New Shows Not Featuring Keith Olbermann The CNN, ABC and NBC vet will oversee the network's new programming division. Bohrman was instrumental in CNN's election coverage - conceiving John King's "magic wall" and various social media initiatives. He'll lead election coverage at Current, which has been a priority for the network since bringingKeith Olbermann onboard. Bohrman will work closely with Olbermann as well as network co-founders Joel Hyatt and former Vice President Al Gore. He'll relocate from Washington, D.C. and will be based in New York - where Olbermann's Countdown shoots - as well as Current corporate headquarters in San Francisco. VIDEO: Keith Olbermann's Famous Feuds "Current's mission has always been to shine a light on important issues, to spark debate and to speak truth to power. Earlier this year, we advanced this mission when we brought Keith Olbermann to Current and clearly stated our intent to be a truly independent, conflict-free, progressive voice in the news and political commentary arena," Gore said in a statement. "David Bohrman passionately shares our vision. He has innovation in his DNA, and he has the unique qualifications and relationships to take Current to a whole new level in programming and production. I very much admire David's excellent work, his integrity, his drive and his consistent track record of innovation. He will be a tremendous leader for Current, and Joel and I are proud to have David join us in this exciting venture." STORY: Keith Olbermann Breaks Silence On MSNBC Exit; Could Earn $100M at Current TV For the past decade, Bohrman was CNN's senior vice president of programming and Washington, D.C. bureau chief. And in May of this year, he became CNN's senior vp and chief innovation officer. "Re-defining media in a world of consolidation requires some game-changing measures," says Hyatt. "Having Keith Olbermann join Current was a game-changer. When we sought world-class leadership in the programming, production and digital areas, David Bohrman's name came up time and again. Al and I believe that society needs, and audiences want, programming that delivers more than sound bites. People want an explanation, they want context, they want understanding. And they want tools that will get them engaged in making a difference about issues they care about. David is highly skilled in bringing information and clear-eyed analysis on important matters to multiple screens. And no one can touch David when it comes to developing innovative ways to tap the zeitgeist and get audiences immersed and involved." "There has been a profound change in the media landscape in terms of what's being covered, how it's being covered and how audiences want to consume it," adds Bohrman. "Those of us inside the media business have a responsibility to anticipate what viewers want and need, and we must constantly reinvent the medium. Today more than ever, I think audiences demand intelligent discourse instead of shouting. They want a way to be part of the discourse instead of being passive outsiders. I have been watching what Al and Joel and Keith have been doing at Current, and I believe that Current has a real opportunity to be a truly vital medium for a new breed of savvy, intelligent viewers. I'm extremely energized and inspired by this opportunity to work with them to establish Current as a significant and influential voice in the news and political commentary arena." Related Topics Hirings-firings