Universal Getting Fun With Ouija Again

Michael Bay's Platinum Dune team is backLast year, Universal stood a large, budget-driven spasm and made an appearance to jettison virtually every film it absolutely was developing under its deal with games giant Hasbro that wasn't referred to as Battleship. Among the casualties will be a undertake spooky spirit conjuring lark Ouija overseen by Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes company with Micrograms installed on direct. Nevertheless it has risen within the development grave due to Paranormal Activity.How so? Well, Paranormal producerJason Blum, which has developed a status for themselves developing low-budget problems and thrillers, is becoming connected using the Ouija film after joining up tabs on Platinum Dunes' Bay, Kaira Bigger and Andrew Form. According to Deadline, the concept remains seriously retooled in the blockbuster budget with a thrifty $5 million. The completely new cost be a huge hit to Universal (that have been threatened getting a problem once the movie wasn't made in the certain deadline anyway) which is back on.It isn't known whether Micrograms remains involved at all (we'd guess the various companies will would prefer to go the Project X/ Chronicle route and rehearse a brand new, cheaper person to call the shots) or which has written the completely new script. We attempted asking people questions regarding work Ouija board, but all we have got was blood stream running lower the walls together with a fireplace demon inside the loo. You understand: the normal, each day occurrence at Empire Towers...

Suit versus. SAG merger seeks trial, damages

With ballots starting to hit members' mail boxes, competitors from the SAG-AFTRA merger have amended their suit against SAG to request for any jury trial and financial damages. Move comes per week following the four-count civil complaint was filed in La. Litigants allege the Screen Stars Guild and it is leaders are trying to merge using the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists "without performing the required research." SAG has labeled the suit "a obvious attempt for circumventing the desire from the membership" and "a pr stunt" and it has gone to live in write it off.Plaintiffs' attorney David Casselman of Wasserman, Comden, Casselman & Esensten told Variety that SAG is investing a lot more than $2.5 million around the merger. Ballots are now being mailed to 120,000 SAG people and 70,000 AFTRA people, offering the combo as giving entertainers more negotiating clout. To become approved, the merger must receive a minimum of 60% from the votes from each union.The suit is targeted at stopping SAG from counting the votes on March 30. The amended complaint alleges the litigants had asked for a delay in investing until SAG satisfied its very own fiduciary rules."The person accused deliberately and knowingly declined to follow the SAG constitutional needs, board resolutions as well as their fiduciary obligations towards the people," the complaint stated. "They ought to certainly be obligated to pay SAG for those funds consumed, whether by staff or otherwise, for time and money connected with this particular unnecessary and improper merger effort."The suit, filed by a lot more than 60 SAG people including Martin Sheen and Erectile dysfunction Harris, also suggests that SAG is breaking its very own rules by not performing an extensive analysis of mixing the SAG and AFTRA pension and health plans -- that are operated individually in the unions and overseen by union-industry boards. The unions' review of the feasibility study, that contains opinions of seven lawyers with experience of the area, noted that hundreds of multi-employer pensions have merged in the last twenty five years which there's no legal obstacle to merging the SAG and AFTRA pension and health plans.Monday's filings through the competitors incorporated a declaration by Alex H. Brucker, a lawyer with 30 years of expertise in worker pension and health plans, that blasted SAG for saying that merging the unions and also the plans would "only benefit" participants which "merger is the easiest method to safeguard our benefits.""These aren't supportable claims of fact," Brucker stated.Merger backers contend that mixing SAG and AFTRA can make it simpler to mix the plans like a foundation solving the issue that entertainers face for making contributions towards the separate plans after which not meeting the income qualifications. Brucker stated in the declaration the question of merging SAG and AFTRA is "indistinguishable" in the question of merging the plans and should not be looked at individually."I believe, according to my consideration of the problem, that the plan merger boosts complex issues, could create serious problems and conflicts and could cause lack of benefits for SAG and AFTRA people," Brucker stated. "The actual effect on plan benefits (or needed member and co-sponsor contributions) can't be correctly evaluated with no ERISA (Worker Retirement Earnings Security Act) Impact Report."SAG people switched lower merger plans in 1999 and 2003 while AFTRA people supported both combinations.Casselman also filed a declaration by Patrick Byrnes, leader of Actuarial Consultants, who stated that the present SAG type of pension is "relatively more potent and much more advantageous" to SAG people, compared to existing AFTRA plan. "In most cases, according to my experience, it's not easy to merge an agenda with greater benefits along with a plan with lower benefits and (without additional funding) create a joint plan supplying the same as the greater benefit formula for those participants," Byrnes stated. Younger crowd stated that with no study to find out the way the pension plans could be merged, there is no method to predict the actual outcome. "But, in my opinion, chances are the mixture of the present SAG and AFTRA plans will either require additional funding or SAG benefits would need to be reduced," Byrnes added. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Cast Joins Busted Knuckle Thriller Killing Angels

Chris Hayes (The Whispering Dead), Gabriela Dias (Tomorrows Finish), and Scott Campbell (Brokeback Mountain) have signed on as stars and producers for director Daniel Rantas’ thriller Killing Angels that's set to start shooting this summer time in La, Prague and Germany. Busted Knuckle Productions founder Hunter G. Williams authored the script for that thriller, whichhas aspects of drama and it is occur the seedy underworld from the sex trade.It focuses on children who're used until a brand new rogue military group takes justice to their own hands. L.A.-based Busted Knuckle concentrates on thriller/horror films with 14 game titles mounted on its label up to now.

Stone: Acquired acclaim at successive Sundances

'Compliance'Adam StoneRole model: Stone thinks about Tim Orr like a mentor and Ron Fricke's "Baraka" because the finest movie available.Digital camera and film preferred: "With 'Take Shelter,' we did not wish to shoot digital because i was shooting a great deal outdoors," he states. On "Compliance's" 12-day shoot, however, an electronic Arriflex D-21 have been effective.Preferred tool: "I take my 5D SLR (camera) everywhere for reference stills specifically for evening work or work that's super-dark."Representation:Mortimer Johnson, a production facil he runs with fellow NCSA alum Richard Wright.When individuals refer to the lyrical, Terrence Malick-like feel of director David Gordon Green's early career, they are usually considering the contributions of second unit d.p. Adam Stone."I acquired super-lucky to obtain tied along with David early," recalls Stone, who attended the New York School from the Arts at the perfect moment: Eco-friendly would be a year in front of him, Craig Zobel is at exactly the same class, and Shaun Nichols was 2 yrs behind. The 3 continued to possess compelling pointing careers, depending on Stone's unique eye.But Eco-friendly started things off. If this came time for you to shoot his first feature, "George Washington," Stone recalls, "David essentially stated, 'Go out and discover me awesome stuff.' Individuals were virtually the only real parameters."So, while Eco-friendly and d.p. Tim Orr centered on the scripted moments, Stone visited a nearby trash dump and collected atmospheric touches: a dying lizard, a 3-legged dog. "I love to get embedded in the region we are shooting," states Stone, who led similar pictures, including stunning time-lapse footage, to Green's next feature, "All of the Real Women."A couple of years later, if this came time for the following director to step-up, Nichols requested Stone to shoot "Shotgun Tales.""There is no budget," the lensman recalls. "It had been literally a ten-person crew, with Jeff's parents doing craft services. We didn't develop our negative for any twelve month. It sitting kept in storage until Shaun had enough money to have it going."Then Zobel's turn came, and Stone decided to shoot "Great Realm of Seem," then "Compliance" (which triggered a stir at Sundance recently) and Nichols' next two photos, "Take Shelter" and "Dirt."On "Take Shelter," Stone learned how you can capture footage that may later be enhanced with visual effects."I believe it is simply an all natural progression from film to film," Stone describes. "Should you take a look at 'Shotgun Tales,' your camera is rather moored. With 'Take Shelter,' we'd much more dolly work. In 'Mud,' your camera never really sits still. The locations were either super-remote or tiny and cramped, therefore the Steadicam was the only real factor that may enter there."Trailer: "Take Shelter"Go back to 10 Cinematographers to look at Contact Peter Debruge at peter.debruge@variety.com

'Graystone' builds up sales

Madrid-based 6 Sales has licensed Sean Stone's directorial feature debut, supernatural horror pic "Graystone," to the U.K. (Revolver) and Japan (Fine Films). Beyond these key territories, the ghost story has closed Mexico (Cien Films), India (WEG India Pictures), Turkey (Medyavizyon) and Peru (Eurofilms). A U.S. deal with XLrator Media has been announced. Talks are on with Canuck distribs in Berlin. Inspired by true events, "Graystone" turns on a young trio of filmmakers exploring an abandoned asylum that is believed to be haunted. Cast includes Sean Stone, his father, helmer Oliver Stone, and Alexander Wraith. Pic is produced by Giulia Prenna at Mind the Gap Prods. and Headlong Entertainment's Kaila York. In a separate move, Marina Fuentes' 6 Sales has inked Japanese (Doma) and Latin American (Swen) rights to Spaniard helmer-scribe Mateo Gil's Western "Blackthorn." With these deals, "Blackthorn" is basically sold out, Fuentes said. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Indomina takes N. American rights on 'Luv'

Indomina has clicked on up U . s . States rights for dramatic thriller "LUV," which preemed competing at Sundance taken. Pic, that's helmed by Sheldon Candis and put together by Candis and Justin Wilson, follows the story from the timid, 11-years of age orphan who wants a far greater existence and reveres his street-hustling uncle just like a father figure he did not have. As his uncle's old information on crime returns to haunt him, the arrival-of-age tale sees the boy soon start to doubt his hero and ultimately have to determine which route to take his existence. Pic toplines Common, Michael Rainey Junior., Dennis Haysbert, Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Meagan Good, Lonette McKee and Michael Kenneth Williams. Indomina has tentatively set an fall theatrical release, a broadcast preem on Wager, which has acquired television rights exclusive inside the U.S., Canada, somewhere sunny and warm and certain ancillary rights on other platforms. Jason Michael Berman, W. Michael Jenson, Gordon Bijelonic, Datari Turner, Joel Newton, James R. Rosenthal, Common and Derek Dudley produce. Thomas B. Forefront, Michael Finley, Dwayne Robinson, Sandra R. Berman, Mark G. Mathis, Steven Saxton and Mary Vernieu professional produce. Deals were talked about by Cinetic Media and ICM regarding the filmmakers. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Modern Family Taps Craig Corbin to experience Cam's Father

Craig Corbin, Eric Stonestreet Here's dad! Craig Corbin continues to be cast as Cam's father within an approaching episode of contemporary Family, TVGuide.com has confirmed. Corbin will have Merle Tucker, who's just the opposite of Cam's excessively touchy-feely mother (Celia Weston). Merle is referred to like a solid, masculine, Midwestern, gruff guy. Eric Stonstreet first tweeted a photograph of Corbin while dining continue reading Thursday. Browse the relaxation of present day news The 71-year-old actor, whose TV credits include Dallas, One Tree Hill and also the Closer, can look throughout May sweeps. Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9/8c.

Maya Rudolph to Host 'Saturday Evening Live'

Former "Saturday Evening Live" regular Maya Rudolph is going to Studio 8H, this time around around to host.Presently starring on NBC comedy "Up With The Evening," Rudolph will lead the Feb. 18 episode with musical guest Sleigh Sensors. This marks her first-time hosting the live late-evening sketch comedy show since she left in 2007.The Brooklyn-based duo Sleigh Sensors could make their network TV debut on "SNL." Their new album, "Reign of Terror," is positioned for release Feb. 21. They came to the scene with 2010's "Treats."Rudolph was last noticed in the Universal large-screen comedy "Bridesmaids," which acquired two Academy Award nominations. She follows inside the actions of "SNL" alum Jimmy Fallon, who returned to his old stomping grounds in December as host."SNL" is produced in colaboration with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels. Hosting a couple of days ago the first time is "New Girl" star Zooey Deschanel with musical guest Bon Iver. The Hollywood Reporter

Casting Company directors Looking For 3 Fox Aircraft pilots

Casting Company directors Looking For 3 Fox Aircraft pilots By Daniel Lehman Feb 9, 2012 Photo by ABC "Modern Family" Three new Fox TV aircraft pilots have developed casting company directors, Back Stage confirmed.Alyson Silverberg will cast "El Jefe," a comedy pilot in regards to a 30-year-old guy who finally will get started from his father and step-mother's house and moves along with his family's cleaning lady. Michael Patrick Jann ("Reno 911!") will direct the pilot, that was produced by Moses Port and David Guarascio ("Aliens In The UsaInch). Silverberg has formerly cast Television shows for example "Greek," "The Way I Met Your Mother," "The O.C.," and "Dawson's Creek."Megan Branman and Dylann Brander are casting "Rebounding," a single-camera comedy pilot that focuses on a guy who's recuperating in the dying of his fiance, with the aid of the idiots at his pick-up the game of basketball. The show is inspired through the real-existence encounters of co-creator Joe Port, who developed the pilot with Joe Wiseman and "Modern Family" co-creator Steve Levitan. Jason Winer, who directed the pilot for "Modern Family," will direct.Together, Branman and Brander have cast "Hawthorne," "Law & Order: L.A.," "The Cleanser,Inch and several other television projects.Finally, Debi Manwiller of Pagano/Manwiller Casting will cast an hour-lengthy medical drama pilot from "Drop Dead Diva" creator Josh Berman and producer Take advantage of Wright. The untitled projects is all about a female physician who makes extra cash employed by the mob in Chicago. Michael Dinner will direct the pilot, which shoots in March. Manwiller has cast TV series including "Charlie's Angels," "Franklin & Party," "24," and "Chicago Hope." Casting Company directors Looking For 3 Fox Aircraft pilots By Daniel Lehman Feb 9, 2012 "Modern Family" PHOTO CREDIT ABC Three new Fox TV aircraft pilots have developed casting company directors, Back Stage confirmed.Alyson Silverberg will cast "El Jefe," a comedy pilot in regards to a 30-year-old guy who finally will get started from his father and step-mother's house and moves along with his family's cleaning lady. Michael Patrick Jann ("Reno 911!") will direct the pilot, that was produced by Moses Port and David Guarascio ("Aliens In The UsaInch). Silverberg has formerly cast Television shows for example "Greek," "The Way I Met Your Mother," "The O.C.," and "Dawson's Creek."Megan Branman and Dylann Brander are casting "Rebounding," just one-camera comedy pilot that focuses on a guy who's recuperating in the dying of his fiance, with the aid of the idiots at his pick-up the game of basketball. The show is inspired through the real-existence encounters of co-creator Joe Port, who developed the pilot with Joe Wiseman and "Modern Family" co-creator Steve Levitan. Jason Winer, who directed the pilot for "Modern Family," will direct.Together, Branman and Brander have cast "Hawthorne," "Law & Order: L.A.," "The Cleanser,Inch and several other television projects.Finally, Debi Manwiller of Pagano/Manwiller Casting will cast an hour or so-lengthy medical drama pilot from "Drop Dead Diva" creator Josh Berman and producer Take advantage of Wright. The untitled projects is all about a lady physician who makes extra cash employed by the mob in Chicago. Michael Dinner will direct the pilot, which shoots in March. Manwiller has cast TV series including "Charlie's Angels," "Franklin & Party," "24," and "Chicago Hope."

Pilgrim ramps up professional ranks

GouldPiligianCraig Piligian's reality shingle Pilgrim Galleries is ramping up its professional ranks having a slew of employs and promotions. The ultra-busy Pilgrim, which produces for example series as "Dirty Jobs" and "American Chopper" on Discovery, too "Top Shot" and also the approaching "Full Metal Jousting" for History, has hired three VP's to boost its original programming and development teams. Nicholas Caprio joins Pilgrim as Vice president of original programming. He arrives from Gay Rosenthal Prods., where he offered as professional Vice president from the shingle and assisted oversee such skeins as "Behind the background musicInch for VH1 and TLC's "Little People, Large World." Coming in the U.K.-based shingle Optomen, Take advantage of Hill would be the new Vice president of development for unscripted. Around the scripted side, Janet Burns will join like a Vice president. Formerly, she labored at Disney Funnel and ABC Family. Coming aboard is Jon Unger as manager of development. He formerly labored at ABC in current programming, and alternative and special offers department. Being marketed at Pilgrim is seven-year vet Johnny Gould, who'll certainly be senior Vice president of original programming and development. He'll still oversee both approaching and current unscripted series. Also being upped as managers in development are Jamie Fleischman and Mike Shelton. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Robinson Peete to host KCET series

Holly Robinson Peete will host a new documentary series that will launch on independent pubcaster KCET in March. In four halfhour episodes beginning March 7, "Your Turn to Care" will look at the challenge of taking care of aging relatives. Peete ("The Talk") will share her own experience of caring for her father, who had Parkinson's disease. KCET is also premiering weekly two-hour series "Classic Cool Theater" March 10, the initial product of its content deal with Eyetronics Media & Studios. The program will feature old-time cartoons, newsreels, musical shorts and feature films, starting with "Meet John Doe." Also returning is "L.A. Tonight with Roy Firestone," with five consecutive halfhour specials airing March 12-17 featuring interviews by the onetime ESPN "Up Close" host with such figures in sports and entertainment as Andre Agassi and Burt Bacharach. KCET is also airing British detective series "George Gently" beginning March 11. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Louis C.K.'s Advice for Making it through the Pilot Process

Louis C.K.'s Advice for Making it through the Pilot Process By Daniel Lehman Feb 2, 2012 Photo by Katy Winn/Getty Images Louis C.K. Louis C.K. makes television his way. A minimum of, which has been his model for achievement in 2 seasons of his acclaimed Forex comedy series, "Louie."The comedian includes a relatively small budget to create, write, direct, cast, edit, and star within the show. But in return for taking less cash, you will find no questions requested. He doesn't receive notes in the network, with no script or casting approval from Forex is needed. The so-known as "Louis C.K. Deal" gives him complete creative treatments for his eponymous show, making them the envy of his comedy and tv peers.However C.K. is creating an untitled comedy pilot for CBS, about "an ensemble of youthful those who are attempting to achieve their creative dreams during these tough financial occasions," based on " The Hollywood Reporter." C.K. and Spike Feresten, who labored together as authors for that "The Late Show With David Letterman" in the the nineteen nineties, will co-write and executive make the pilot.Can C.K. adjust to operate inside the restrictions of network television again? Especially at CBS, where show runner Chuck Lorre ("2 . 5 Males," "The Large Bang Theory") allegedly rules the schedule with traditional three-camera laugh-monitored sitcoms?The 2009 week, comedy website Third Beat discovered C.K.'s candid account of what must be done to market a show to some network, from pitch to pilot to series. C.K. authored the piece for Usenet in 2006, while focusing on the short-resided "Lucky Louie" for Cinemax.C.K. card inserts parenthetical asides explaining how Cinemax made the process much simpler than CBS, from dealing with the studio and network professionals to writing, casting, and shooting the pilot. Overall, C.K. turns what seem like demanding and demeaning encounters into an interesting and amusing glimpse in to the facts of focusing on network TV.Browse the following excerpts about casting an airplane pilot from C.K.'s publish below. (Or browse the complete publish here.):"You need to do these things as every pilot in the town does them concurrently: Look for a studio to shoot in. Cast your pilot. Look for a director. Return to focus on the script because since it's being shot individuals have lots of notes that they held back before, if this only agreed to be a fantasy"So you are attempting for the greatest stars, director and author in the planet simultaneously that everybody else around is attempting. Okay, so casting. First you need to employ a casting director. There are a couple of high quality ones and everyone wants them. You need to meet with many different individuals who let you know ideas of who they may cast inside your show. Should you click with someone you hire them (if you're able to) and begin casting. The thing is 1000's of horrible stars and listen to your pilot script read again and again and again and again again. At the same time frame, offers are heading out to very large named stars, none which you believe fit the various components whatsoever, but you're told they'll help your show jump on the environment At some point you are told that the pilot will star Brendan Frazier [sic] and Jody Promote. At the final minute both of them pass and also you finish track of Kirk Cameron and Shelly Biglachnataps. How a casting works is you make usually three top chioces for each part within the show. At this point you take these folks towards the studio plus they determine if that like your options. When they do, you are taking individuals three folks how to network. They sign what's known as an evaluation deal, meaning they create their acting deal prior to the network even sees them. So you've to negotiate an offer with three stars per part, despite the fact that just one of these is going to be hired. Therefore the three stars (per part) visit the network and audition for L'ensemble des Moonves or whomever. He/she/they select one person and you're simply cast. Or (in most cases) they do not like them and you've got to begin once again and today time is fucking drained and each good actor has already been on the show"The network and studio come watching the stars browse the script. They provide the authors notes. Sometimes the notes are staggering like 'We have no idea when the primary reason for the storyline is really so good or funny.' And you've got to insanely re-invent everything. This really is most likely not really a tv show now. Only the worst week of the existence. Sometimes cast people get fired following the table read, and you have eventually to cast a component that required a month to cast before..."Now, you believe creating a pilot is difficult, try doing the work twelve occasions in six several weeks." For additional concerning the pilot casting process, read " Helpful tips for the Casting Process, From First Read to Meeting the Network Executives" on BackStage.com. Louis C.K.'s Advice for Making it through the Pilot Process By Daniel Lehman Feb 2, 2012 Louis C.K. PHOTO CREDIT Katy Winn/Getty Images Louis C.K. makes television his way. A minimum of, which has been his model for achievement in 2 seasons of his acclaimed Forex comedy series, "Louie."The comedian includes a relatively small budget to create, write, direct, cast, edit, and star within the show. But in return for taking less cash, you will find no questions requested. He doesn't receive notes in the network, with no script or casting approval from Forex is needed. The so-known as "Louis C.K. Deal" gives him complete creative treatments for his eponymous show, making them the envy of his comedy and tv peers.However C.K. is creating an untitled comedy pilot for CBS, about "an ensemble of youthful those who are attempting to achieve their creative dreams during these tough financial occasions," based on "The Hollywood Reporter." C.K. and Spike Feresten, who labored together as authors for that "The Late Show With David Letterman" within the the nineteen nineties, will co-write and executive make the pilot.Can C.K. adjust to operate inside the restrictions of network television again? Especially at CBS, where show runner Chuck Lorre ("2 . 5 Males," "The Large Bang Theory") allegedly rules the schedule with traditional three-camera laugh-monitored sitcoms?The 2009 week, comedy website Third Beat discovered C.K.'s candid account of what must be done to market a show to some network, from pitch to pilot to series. C.K. authored the piece for Usenet in 2006, while focusing on rapid-resided "Lucky Louie" for Cinemax.C.K. card inserts parenthetical asides explaining how Cinemax made the procedure much simpler than CBS, from dealing with the studio and network professionals to writing, casting, and shooting the pilot. Overall, C.K. turns what seem like demanding and demeaning encounters into an interesting and amusing glimpse in to the facts of focusing on network TV.Browse the following excerpts about casting an airplane pilot from C.K.'s publish below. (Or browse the complete publish here.):"You need to do these things as every pilot within the city does them concurrently: Look for a studio to shoot in. Cast your pilot. Look for a director. Return to focus on the script because since it's being shot individuals have lots of notes they held back before, if this only agreed to be a fantasy"So you are attempting for the greatest stars, director and author on the planet simultaneously that everybody else around is attempting. Okay, so casting. First you need to employ a casting director. You will find merely a couple of high quality ones and everyone wants them. You need to meet with many different individuals who let you know ideas of who they may cast inside your show. Should you click with someone you hire them (if you're able to) and begin casting. The thing is 1000's of horrible stars and listen to your pilot script read again and again and again and again again. Simultaneously, offers are heading out to very large named stars, none which you believe fit the various components whatsoever, but you're told they'll help your show jump on the environment At some point you are told that the pilot will star Brendan Frazier [sic] and Jody Promote. In the last second both of them pass and also you finish track of Kirk Cameron and Shelly Biglachnataps. How a casting works is you make usually three top chioces for each part within the show. At this point you take these folks towards the studio plus they determine if that like your options. When they do, you are taking individuals three folks how to network. They sign what's known as an evaluation deal, meaning they create their acting deal prior to the network even sees them. So you've to barter an offer with three stars per part, despite the fact that only one of these is going to be hired. Therefore the three stars (per part) visit the network and audition for L'ensemble des Moonves or whomever. He/she/they select one person and you're simply cast. Or (in most cases) they do not like them and you've got to begin once again and today time is fucking drained and each good actor has already been on the show"The network and studio come watching the stars browse the script. They provide the authors notes. Sometimes the notes are staggering like 'We have no idea when the primary reason for the storyline is actually so good or funny.' And you've got to insanely re-invent everything. This really is most likely not really a tv show now. Only the worst week of the existence. Sometimes cast people get fired following the table read, and you have eventually to cast a component that required a month to cast before..."Now, you believe creating a pilot is difficult, try doing the work twelve occasions in six several weeks." For additional concerning the pilot casting process, read "Helpful tips for the Casting Process, From First Read to Meeting the Network Executives" on BackStage.com.

Exclusive: The Vampire Journals Casts Another Gilbert

Lindsey Garrett There's another Gilbert visiting Mystic Falls. Newcomer Lindsey R. Garrett continues to be cast around the Vampire Journals as Samantha Gilbert, TVGuide.com has learned solely. The Vampire Diaries' Michael Trevino: Bill Forbes will (attempt to) break Tyler's sire bond Samantha, in her own 20s, is referred to as a little of the gossip, try not to expect her to mix pathways with Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) in the near future. She'll appear only throughout flashbacks within the episode entitled "1912," airing in the finish of Feb, among the town's founding family people who interacts with both Salvatore siblings. Additional confirming by Natalie Abrams

Charlie Sheen Talks Ladies Onscreen & Off

First Published: January 24, 2012 4:14 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Charlie Sheen appears on Access Hollywood Live on January 24, 2012 MIAMI, Fla. -- Charlie Sheen is set to make his return to the small screen in the upcoming Anger Management on FX, but which female actress is in the lead to play opposite the headline-maker? [Selma Blair] is a strong frontrunner. Shes a very special lady and is as pretty as the day is long and has never really had the opportunity to do something where she can shine, because off camera shes hilarious, Charlie told Billy Bush on Tuesdays Access Hollywood Live, which aired live from a poolside at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. I think [shes] one of the prettiest women in Hollywood. As for his former real life leading lady, Denise Richards, who he recently vacationed with in Mexico, the actor said he was overjoyed to reconnect with his children daughters Sam, 7, and Lola, 6 and his and ex-wife. It was fabulous. It was one of those trips that reestablished what should have been in place a long time ago. But things happen when theyre supposed to, Charlie continued. I came home with like a whole new family. The trip even made the actor ponder why their marriage went south. Shes really fabulous, best mom in the world, he said of Denise who he affectionately referred to as a stone cold hammer. Im like, Why did I leave her? Oh right, she left me! Currently, Charlie doesnt have a serious relationship with anyone special. I dont have a girlfriend, no, but Im having a good time, he explained. His good times include owning up to his past mishaps and shenanigans. Listen to this crap! Did this really happen? Its so silly. It was an odyssey of, What was that? Charlie said as Billy read the actor a few of his now infamous phrases like, Winning, and Tiger Blood. I dont think that can happen again, but I own that whole experience. It was really kind of an elaborate lesson to remind me to basically stick to what you know. Adding, I insist on enjoying every moment these days. Anger Management premieres on FX in June. For more with Charlie and Billy from Miami including details on what he calls the curse of Two and a Half Men CLICK HERE! Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Noms set for KidsPickFlicks awards

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," "The Muppets," "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules," "Mr. Popper's Penguins" and "Rio" are the five PICK movie nominees for the 6th Annual KidsPickFlicks.com awards. Winners will be announced Feb. 20. KidsPicksFlicks offers children ages 7 to 17 a place to read and write reviews. The site was founded in 2004 by Cole McNamara at the age of 9. With the KidsPickFlicks.com awards, kids vote for their favorite films and young stars online. "Diary" star Zachary Gordon also received a nom for PICK actor, and Madeline Carroll of "Penguins" was nominated in the actress category. "Super 8" picked up two acting noms, for Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning, while "Dolphin Tale" was recognized for thesps Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff. "Hugo" stars Asa Butterfield and Chloe Moretz are both in the running for the actor and actress categories. Also in the mix are Dakota Goyo for "Real Steel" and Jordana Beatty for "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer." In the ICK movie category, in which kids choose the pics that disappointed them, the nominees are "Green Lantern," "Hugo," "Monte Carlo," "Red Riding Hood" and "Three Musketeers." The young theps nominated for Scene Stealer are Jonah Bobo ("Crazy Stupid Love), Colin Ford ("We Bought a Zoo"), Kerris Dorsey ("Moneyball"), Bailee Madison ("Just Go With It") and Boo Boo Stewart ("The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn"). Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Sillerman back with social-TV venture

SillermanThe guy who went the organization that is the owner of "The American Idol ShowInch has returned to consider another crack in the entertainment business.Robert F.X. Sillerman, former Boss of CKX Entertainment, went public Wednesday with launch plans for that first product to become launched under his oddly named new company, Function(x). The venture is getting into the nascent social-TV space with a brand new application, named Viggle, that rewards audiences for watching television having a loyalty program similar to the type air carriers have used for a long time.Just what Sillerman been on mind with Function(x) continues to be shrouded in mystery since he clicked up an inactive company, Gateway Industries, nearly last year and re-named it without having to say much beyond an intent to obtain into the media business.Sillerman already designed a reputation for themself at CKX, which possessed production company 19 Entertainment, the firm behind "Idol" and also the certification privileges to dead celebs including Elvis and Muhammad Ali. Before beginning CKX in 2005, Sillerman bought and offered major holdings within the radio and concert companies.But Sillerman remained sitting on the sidelines at CKX determination futile bid to retain charge of the organization. He was changed as Boss of CKX, that was offered this past year to several traders brought by Appollo Global Management.Now Sillerman has returned with Viggle, likely the very first of the number of services that'll be situated in the intersection of media and technology. Viggle is an additional check-operating similar to GetGlue and Miso however with a twist: Rather than badges and peel off stickers, its point system means larger gifts from companies including Hamburger King, Fandango and Hulu Plus.Customers may also take part in a variety of extra content including quizzes and polls that prove their engagement inside a program, which is useful to marketers. But Function(x) has not revealed whether it has registered any entrepreneurs or TV-network partners yet.While Viggle is going to be targeted first in the TV world, in success it'll likely expand with other media. It will likely be introduced being an iOs application inside a couple of days before moving out an Android counterpart later around. Viggle works with 100 channels at launch. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Gay Marriage Play '8' Goes National Throughout 2012

NY (AP) For everyone who missed the star-studded, one-evening-only Broadway debut in the gay marriage play "8'' or can't achieve La this spring to find out George Clooney lead a West Coast version, there's hope: The play is going to a theater in your town.The only real real not so great no Clooney.The professional-gay marriage American Foundation for Equal Rights and partner Broadway Impact are sponsoring a lot of productions of Dustin Lance Black's play starring local stars nationwide this election year. It will likely be proven in states where marriage battles loom, including Maine, Maryland, Nh and New York.Adam Umhoefer, the foundation's project director, mentioned the glitzy Broadway show and approaching California counterpart help fund obtaining the play mounted elsewhere. "People large tent-pole shows bring target the play to make sure that every one of these other groups within the country could work by themselves productions," he mentioned.The play is principally culled within the transcripts in the 2010 federal court fight that labored while using authenticity of Proposition 8, the ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriage in California.Black's play was completed on Broadway just like a one-time benefit reading through through in September starring Morgan Freeman, Ellen Barkin, Anthony Edwards, Bradley Whitford, John Lithgow, Cheyenne Jackson, Christine Lahti and Make the most of Reiner, who's developing a film based on the trial. The Broadway event elevated greater than $millions of and Clooney will lead their very own starry version in La on March 3.The trial is important to gay activists because former U.S. Solicitor General Theodore Olson and attorney David Boies who represented opposing sides inside the disputed 2000 presidential election positioned on a strongly apparent argument meant for same-sex marriage. It absolutely was recorded but Prop. 8 backers have up to now been effective to find the U.S. Top Court to shut broadcast in the landmark situation.That's spurred AFER and Broadway Impact to acquire "8'' out to the nation. Once they insist the play is fair to rivals, "8'' clearly champions same-sex unions mostly because people who support gay marriage marshaled most likely the very best arguments at trial. The judge inside the situation around the sides with gay rights activists and ruled Prop. 8 unconstitutional, nevertheless the decision remains be a huge hit.Following a Broadway reading through through, an assessment version was produced within the College of Michigan at Ann Arbor in November, which featured a combination of alumni and students introduced by Michigan graduate and Tony Award-champion Gavin Creel. The question everyone wanted clarified was: Would the play work without large stars or established stars?"The answer was very yes," mentioned Umhoefer, who traveled to Michigan to look for the performance. "It labored. It carried out. It convinced us it didn't need John Lithgow on the internet for to produce this play have impact."A couple of from the first productions this year are available in Nh, where gay-rights activists are fighting an attempt to repeal the state's gay-marriage law. "8'' will probably be completed within the College of Nh in Durham, N.H., on Feb. 7 after which it 72 hrs later within the Structure Theatre in Manchester, N.H."In places where there's specific action being taken where marriage equality is going to be recognized or apt to be prohibited legally, or even, inside the situation of Nh, repealed that's a focus and where you need to ensure this play is been sent,Inch mentioned Umhoefer.Greater than 40 bloodstream pressure dimensions are scheduled from now until November in than 17 states up to now. It'll be produced by schools for instance Stanford College in California, Towson College in Maryland as well as the College of Toledo in Ohio to theater companies for instance the Uptown Players in Dallas as well as the American Repertory Theatre outdoors Boston. It will be incorporated inside the Williamstown Theatre Festival as well as Shakespeare Festival."We preferred to possess more flexibility and respond to different occasions that are happening at different places and be capable of take action all year round,In . mentioned Ben Pelteson of Broadway Impact. Many productions includes talkback discussions.The play could possibly get two showings at PlayMakers Repertory Company, the theater-in-residence within the College of recent You are able to at Chapel Hill. The foremost is likely to be April 9 as well as the second will probably be May 8, the round-the-clock voters because condition election decide if you should amend the problem metabolism to stop same-sex marriage."We have seen this becoming an opportunity to begin and on the conversation with this particular community and our students," mentioned A. McKay Coble, the university's chair in the Department of Dramatic Art, who states she suspects it could trigger some debate on campus. "My job is always to unsettle settled minds."The cast includes professional stars, graduate and undergraduate students, company people in addition to city government bodies like the mayor. The school hopes both sides inside the debate will have a very place while dining. "It's very required for us to become be eclectic," mentioned Serta VanHoozer, one of the three producers.Rivals of gay marriage have largely overlooked the play meant for fighting their battles in the courtroom. Maggie Gallagher, co-founding father from the nation's Organization for Marriage, written inside an email for the Connected Press they has "not really a problemInch while using rollout and requested whether it has much impact."It's not only a play and normal audiences will uncover it kind of dull," written Gallagher, who attended the Broadway reading through through and seen herself referred to on stage by Jayne Houdyshell. "It won't affect any court cases."Reps from AFER and Broadway Impact will endeavour to visit the shows but additionally have sent each producer packets of material on precisely how to stage "8." One apparent aid won't be accessible: Videos recording in the Broadway production up to now is not released since you will find lots of legal hurdles.Without or by using it, the Intiman Theatre in Dallas intends to use "8'' in June as supporters of gay marriage in Washington push to acquire gay marriage using the legislature this year.Ricky Russell, artistic director in the Intman, states that "8'' is "a rigorous, textured, timely, stomach-punch from the play" that "enhances the best questions and personalizes the driving forces on each side from the important debate."Even though the Intiman is fighting financially to start its entrance doors this season, Russell stands by putting on the potentially questionable play. "I am hoping the marriage helps spark discussion, promote productive debate making support with this particular important movement," according to him.Copyright laws 2012 Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. By Mark Kennedy The month of the month of january 17, 2012 "8" at school of Michigan Ann Arbor PHOTO CREDIT American Foundation for Equal Rights/Keith Tolman NY (AP) For everyone who missed the star-studded, one-evening-only Broadway debut in the gay marriage play "8'' or can't achieve La this spring to find out George Clooney lead a West Coast version, there's hope: The play is going to a theater in your town.The only real real not so great no Clooney.The professional-gay marriage American Foundation for Equal Rights and partner Broadway Impact are sponsoring a lot of productions of Dustin Lance Black's play starring local stars nationwide this election year. It will likely be proven in states where marriage battles loom, including Maine, Maryland, Nh and New You are able to.Adam Umhoefer, the foundation's project director, mentioned the glitzy Broadway show and approaching California counterpart help fund acquiring the play mounted elsewhere. "People large tent-pole shows bring target the play to make sure that every one of these other groups nationwide could work by themselves productions," he mentioned.The play is principally culled within the transcripts in the 2010 federal court fight that labored while using authenticity of Proposition 8, the ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriage in California.Black's play was completed on Broadway just like a one-time benefit reading through through in September starring Morgan Freeman, Ellen Barkin, Anthony Edwards, Bradley Whitford, John Lithgow, Cheyenne Jackson, Christine Lahti and Make the most of Reiner, who's developing a film using the trial. The Broadway event elevated greater than $millions of and Clooney will lead their very own starry version in La on March 3.The trial is important to gay activists because former U.S. Solicitor General Theodore Olson and attorney David Boies who represented opposing sides inside the disputed 2000 presidential election positioned on a strongly apparent argument meant for same-sex marriage. It absolutely was recorded but Prop. 8 backers have up to now been effective to find the U.S. Top Court to shut broadcast in the landmark situation.That's spurred AFER and Broadway Impact to acquire "8'' out to the nation. Once they insist the play is fair to rivals, "8'' clearly champions same-sex unions mostly because people who support gay marriage marshaled most likely the very best arguments at trial. The judge inside the situation around the sides with gay rights activists and ruled Prop. 8 unconstitutional, nevertheless the decision remains be a huge hit.Following a Broadway reading through through, an assessment version was produced within the College of Michigan at Ann Arbor in November, which featured a combination of alumni and students introduced by Michigan graduate and Tony Award-champion Gavin Creel. The question everyone wanted clarified was: Would the play work without large stars or established stars?"The answer was very yes," mentioned Umhoefer, who traveled to Michigan to look for the performance. "It labored. It carried out. It convinced us it didn't need John Lithgow on the internet for to produce this play have impact."A couple of from the first productions this year are available in Nh, where gay-rights activists are fighting an attempt to repeal the state's gay-marriage law. "8'' will probably be completed within the College of Nh in Durham, N.H., on Feb. 7 after which it 72 hrs later within the Structure Theatre in Manchester, N.H."In places where there's specific action being taken where marriage equality is going to be recognized or apt to be prohibited legally, or even, inside the situation of Nh, repealed that's a focus and where you need to ensure this play is been sent,Inch mentioned Umhoefer.Greater than 40 bloodstream pressure dimensions are scheduled from now until November in than 17 states up to now. It'll be produced by schools for instance Stanford College in California, Towson College in Maryland as well as the College of Toledo in Ohio to theater the likes of the Uptown Players in Dallas as well as the American Repertory Theatre outdoors Boston. It will be incorporated inside the Williamstown Theatre Festival as well as Shakespeare Festival."We preferred to possess more flexibility and respond to different occasions that are happening at different places and be capable of take action all year round,In . mentioned Ben Pelteson of Broadway Impact. Many productions includes talkback discussions.The play could possibly get two showings at PlayMakers Repertory Company, the theater-in-residence within the College of recent You are able to at Chapel Hill. The foremost is likely to be April 9 as well as the second will probably be May 8, within 24 hrs voters because condition election decide if you should amend the problem metabolism to stop same-sex marriage."We have seen this becoming an opportunity to begin and on the conversation with this particular community and our students," mentioned A. McKay Coble, the university's chair in the Department of Dramatic Art, who states she suspects it could trigger some debate on campus. "My job is always to unsettle settled minds."The cast includes professional stars, graduate and undergraduate students, company people in addition to city government bodies like the mayor. The school hopes both sides inside the debate could have a location while dining. "It's very required for us to become be eclectic," mentioned Serta VanHoozer, one of the three producers.Rivals of gay marriage have largely overlooked the play meant for fighting their battles in the courtroom. Maggie Gallagher, co-founding father from the nation's Organization for Marriage, written inside an email for the Connected Press they has "not really a problemInch while using rollout and requested whether it has much impact."It's not only a play and normal audiences will uncover it kind of dull," written Gallagher, who attended the Broadway reading through through and seen herself referred to on stage by Jayne Houdyshell. "It won't affect any court cases."Reps from AFER and Broadway Impact will endeavour to visit the shows but additionally have sent each producer packets of material how easier to stage "8." One apparent aid won't be accessible: Videos recording in the Broadway production up to now is not released since you will find lots of legal hurdles.Without or by using it, the Intiman Theatre in Dallas intends to use "8'' in June as supporters of gay marriage in Washington push to acquire gay marriage using the legislature this year.Ricky Russell, artistic director in the Intman, states that "8'' is "a rigorous, textured, timely, stomach-punch from the play" that "enhances the best questions and personalizes the driving forces on both sides from the important debate."Even though the Intiman is fighting financially to start its entrance doors this season, Russell stands by putting on the potentially questionable play. "I am hoping the marriage helps spark discussion, promote productive debate making support with this particular important movement," according to him.Copyright laws 2012 Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Ough Gervais talks Golden Globes performance

Despite some writers suggesting Ough Gervais' latest performance within the Golden Globes was tame in comparison to his recent activities, we actually found his more fun, confident delivery a welcome change from last year's wince-inducing debate-fest.NBC bigwig Paul Telegdy appeared to become impressed. "In my opinion he acquired," agreed the best choice of alternative and late evening programming. "It is really an incredibly bold and brave factor to battle a hosting job and obtain it accomplished for 3 consecutive years while facing such amount of scrutiny. He showed up in this area, he was themselves, he'd an enjoyable experience which he was backed with the finest stars.""We'd welcome him back," ongoing Telegdy." He's a gentleman together with a scholar, I used to be greatly amazed by him just like a host and possess totally loved coping with him. I'm furthermore an excellent believer the only real word that should be unspoken inside the entertainment customers are 'never'."However, Ough themselves sounds less thinking about a fourth outing, even though he known towards the 2012 ceremony as his favourite in the three."Thank fuck that's over," he told Deadline. "I'd a lot of fun really. It absolutely was unquestionably the very best in the three hosting stints. I've told my agent not to let me be convinced to make it happen again though. It's as being a parachute jump. You'll be able to only appreciate it searching back if you understand you didn't die plus it was quite an amazing step to complete.InchInchEveryone else were great this year too," ongoing Gervais. "In my opinion they finally worked out that my gags only made an appearance rude and nasty but were really a smaller amount frightening whatsoever. Or they were just drunker. Either in situation, it absolutely was fun however i am glad to convey I'm away and off to NY to unwind out just a little. Ahhhhhh. And relax."

'Young Adult,' 'I, Anna' to unspool in Berlinale Special

BERLIN -- Jason Reitman's "Young Adult" and Barnaby Southcombe's "I, Anna" are among the latest international pics selected for this year's Berlin Film Festival. "Young Adult," with Charlize Theron and Patton Oswalt, and "I, Anna," a noir thriller starring Charlotte Rampling, Gabriel Byrne and Hayley Atwell that got a major boost at the fest's Co-production Market in 2010, will screen as part of the Berlinale Special sidebar. Also unspooling in the section is Doris Doerrie's "Bliss," a love story based on a short story by bestselling author and Berlin defense attorney Ferdinand von Schirach that follows a young prostitute and her punk boyfriend on the run. The Berlinale Special is showcasing 18 features and documentaries, including U.S. entries "Side by Side," by Chris Kenneally, and Alison Klayman's "Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry." Also showing are Bassam Mortada's Egyptian doc "Reporting A Revolution"; Dutch helmer Klaartje Quirijns' "Anton Corbijn Inside Out"; and Alvaro Longoria's Spanish doc "Sons of the Clouds, the Last Colony." To celebrate the 60th anniversary of French film journal Positif, the Berlinale Special will also present Volker Schloendorff's 1975 drama "Coup de grace" and all 15 hourlong episodes of Mark Cousins' documentary "The Story of Film: An Odyssey." The sidebar will also unspool Ulrike Schamoni's docu "Farewell to the Frogs" in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Oberhausen Manifesto that ushered in a new era in German film. Additional screeners include a restored version of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's 1943 British drama "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp." As part of Berlinale Retrospective, the Berlinale Special will also unspool a newly restored version of Sergei Eisenstein's 1928 Soviet classic "October," accompanied by the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra performing the original score by Edmund Meisel. This year's Retrospective, dubbed The Red Dream Factory, looks at early Soviet socialist cinema. Meanwhile, the Berlinale's Co-production Market will showcase 39 projects including three from the Rotterdam-Berlinale Express initiative with Rotterdam's CineMart and 11 from the Berlinale's Talent Campus program. The producers and directors of the projects, which range in budget between $1.25 million and $9 million, will meet with some 450 potential co-production and financing partners. The Berlin Film Festival runs Feb. 9-19. Contact Ed Meza at staff@variety.com

Three new Dark Dark night Increases images online

Three new stills in the Dark Dark night Increases has showed up at Entertainment Weekly.Bane rules the brand new shots, with Batman and Commissioner Gordon also showing up with respect to the Gotham good men.Should you be wishing the brand new button snaps would reveal crucial plot points, you are at a complete loss, but they'll do little to quell your excitement for Nolan's Softball bat-threequel.Tom Hardy's bemuscled übervillian appears to be imposing as always, Batman's ruining for any scrap, and Gordon seems to stay in a place of bother.Browse the images entirely below:The Dark Dark night Increases opens on 20 This summer 2012. Just considering that date causes us to be just a little giddy.

'The Devil Inside' Clip: A Look Inside the School of Exorcism (VIDEO)

Performing an exorcism is, not surprisingly, nasty business. You have to shout prayers and throw holy water and pray the satanic being will return to the awful place it came from. However, as you can see from this clip of 'The Devil Inside,' that's not stopping some priests (or, actors who are playing priests) from attempting to learn about them. On the contrary, in this exclusive look at the film, which opens nationwide this Friday, we watch a group taking courses at the Vatican School for Exorcism in Rome. In the crowd is Isabella Rossi (Fernanda Andrade), whose mother, Maria, has been possessed for two decades. Isabella is hoping to find help for her mom, who's currently housed in a psychiatric hospital. As you can see from video, Maria is in pretty rough shape. Good luck to whoever tries to tame that demon! 'The Devil Inside' hits theaters this Friday. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

MGM enlists Broadway helmer for 'Heck'

Timbers"Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" helmer Alex Timbers is within final discussions to create his feature directorial debut with MGM's "Heck," according to Random House's best-selling children's book series by Dale E. Basye."Dante's Inferno"-esque story follows a boy and the older sister who die inside a freak accident and therefore are delivered to Heck, a reform school for children within the afterlife where instructors include Richard Nixon and Lizzie Borden. The duo intend to escape with the aid of a roadmap-carrying friend.First entry within the four-book series is entitled "Heck: In Which The Bad Kids Go," while followups in regards to the different circles of Heck are entitled "Rapacia," "Blimpo" and "Fibble." Having a fifth book due this spring, MGM may go through that Basye's series has franchise potential.Karen Rosenfelt is creating the pic, which is overseen by MGM prexy Jonathan Glickman and production Vice president Cassidy Lange. "Saturday Evening Live" scribe David Iserson composed the initial draft from the script, which is rewritten by Chris Weitz.Because the Tony-nominated author and director from the acclaimed Broadway rock musical "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" (which assisted launch the film career of Benjamin Master, star of Fox's "Abraham Lincoln subsequently: Vampire Hunter), Timbers has proven themself among the top theater company directors on the planet. Younger crowd directed Paul Reubens on Broadway in "The Pee Wee Herman Show." Timbers will next direct "Rocky: The Musical" for producer Sylvester Stallone. That demonstrate will premiere in Germany at the end of 2012.Around the feature side, Timbers has offered a pitch according to an authentic comedy idea to MRC and it is mounted on write and direct the project. He's repped by WME, Quality Media Co. and attorney Dork Feldman. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

Keck's Exclusives: First Look: Roots Reunion on OWN

Roots Reunion For the first time ever, Oprah Winfrey conducts an interview inside her lavish Montecito, California, estate in celebration of the 35th anniversary of Roots, the 1977 Emmy-winning ABC miniseries that exposed the horrors of slavery and triumphs of its survivors. "Over the years the cast has dwindled," shares Cicely Tyson, who appears in the OWN special (premiering Monday, Jan. 16) alongside costars Leslie Uggams, LeVar Burton, John Amos, Louis Gossett Jr. and Ben Vereen. "But I was grateful that many of us are still here to account for this spectacular event. What Oprah is doing should be commended because Roots meant so much to people all over the world." Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!