Cherie Priest's Novel 'Boneshaker' Headed for Big Screen

Cross Creek Pictures and Exclusive Media Group are teaming on a film adaptation of Cherie Priest's period zombie novel Boneshaker. John Hilary Shepherd (Nurse Jackie) has been set to write the screenplay. Priest's book, the first in a planned series, falls within the steampunk genre of science fiction, whereby a sci-fi or fantasy story is set during the Victorian era. PHOTOS: 10 Biggest Book-to-Film Adaptations of Last 25 Years Boneshaker -- published in 2009 by Tor Books and nominated for a 2010 Hugo Award for best novel -- is set in an alternate version of 1880s Seattle. The city has been walled in and a toxic gas has transformed many of of the remaining residents nto "Rotters," otherwise known as zombies. A young widow searching for her teenage son must deal with the Seattle underworld, airship pirates and heavily armed refugees. The second novel in Priest's series, Dreadnought, was published in 2010, while the third, Ganymede, hit bookstores in late September. The fourth novel, Inexplicables, will hit bookstands next year. Exclusive and Cross Creek have teamed on several high-profile projects, including on George Clooney's The Ides of March, the upcoming The Women in Black, which CBS Films will open on Feb. 3, and Ron Howard's Formula 1 film Rush. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 10 Biggest Book-to-Big Screen Adaptations of the Last 25 Years Related Topics

Paradise (Paradeisos)

A Strada Films release of a Pan Entertainment production, in association with Greek Film Center, Ert Hellenic Broadcasting Corp., Guanaco, Homemade Films production. (International sales: Pan Entertainment, Athens.) Produced by Maria Drandaki. Executive producer, Constantinos Moriatis. Directed, written by Panagiotis Fafoutis.With: Natassa Zaga, Mihalis Fotopoulos, Olia Lazaridou, Erricos Litsis, Christos Loulis, Constantinos Avarikiotis, Maria Skoula, Andreas Konstantinou, Lila Baklesi, Vaggelis Alexandris, Thanassis Vlavianos, Liza Neohoriti.Romance and confetti are in the air in "Paradise," the second feature from Greek scribe-helmer Panagiotis Fafoutis ("The Heir"). Set against the madness of the carnival in Patras (a celebration to rival the more famous ones in Venice and Rio), pic traces the interconnected stories of two couples and two one-sided obsessions. Colorful floats and costumes and pumping music are a constant, even as the first hour's solid crosscutting gives way to a more muddled and protracted second half that quickly diminishes the pic's emotional resonance. Local cinemas, mainstream-oriented fests and satcasters are the likeliest takers. The four stories are connected to a Paradise-themed carnival float in the Patras parade, which occurs on the last day before Eastern Orthodox lent. Pic is set during the intense few days of preparations and parties that precede the parade, as well as the eye-catching spectacle itself ("Production value!" as the budding filmmaker protag of "Super 8" would say). London-based Marianna (Natassa Zaga) has returned to surprise her b.f., the party-loving DJ of the float, Mihalis (Mihalis Fotopoulos). Both have secrets: Uber-busy Mihalis hasn't quite quit using drugs, while Marianna, who bought a one-way ticket, quickly realizes that coming back for good unannounced was perhaps not such a great idea. Eugenia (Maria Skoula), who helps out with the Paradise costumes, has started an affair with the handsome but slightly younger float organizer, Antonis (Andreas Konstantinou). She's afraid to tell her rebellious teen daughter (Lila Baklesi), who -- in one of the pic's most contrived developments -- has the hots for Antonis, too. A gay cook (Constantinos Avarikiotis) is secretly in love with his handsome straight boss, Socrates (Christos Loulis), while the middle-aged float driver, Ilias (Erricos Litsis), still pines for his ex-wife (Olia Lazaridou), a singer who's scheduled to perform at various parties. Scribe-helmer Fafoutis (whose first name is occasionally transliterated as Panayotis) handsomely sets up the four stories and, together with editor Panos Voutsaras, agilely cuts among them as they build momentum. The large cast of characters and their quandaries are quickly and vividly sketched. But about an hour in, it becomes clear that the loosely connected yarns aren't all going at the same speed or even building toward one big crescendo. The storylines of Eugenia and Socrates are too dependent on their big reveals and peter out shortly after. And the impact of the tragedies of Ilias and Mihalis could have been amplified if Fafoutis had drawn clearer parallels between the young guy unable to appreciate what he's got and the old man realizing too late what he used to have. Acting is solid across the board, and other tech credits are strong. D.p. Yorgos Papandrikopoulos' lighting of interiors is especially noteworthy, though some of the outdoor crowd scenes on the (overcast) day of the parade were clearly shot with inferior equipment. Ioanna Tsami's costume designs are excellent and also a source of unexpected humor, such as in a shot where a nurse has to tend to a partygoer dressed as the same.Camera (color), Yorgos Papandrikopoulos; editor, Panos Voutsaras; music, George Pallikaris; production designer, Pinelopi Valti; costume designer, Ioanna Tsami; sound (Dolby Digital), Dimitris Kanellopoulos; Aris Louziotis, Panos Voutsaras. Reviewed at Thessaloniki Film Festival (Greek Films), Nov. 8, 2011. Running time: 108 MIN. Contact Boyd van Hoeij at news@variety.com

Former Bachelorette Couple Ali & Roberto Call It Quits

First Published: November 21, 2011 2:33 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez attend the Reality Rocks Expo Fan Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on April 9, 2011 in Los AngelesLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The wedding is officially off for Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez. Just weeks after announcing they were putting nuptial plans on hold, the former Bachelorette couple has called it quits, a rep for Ali & Roberto has confirmed to Access Hollywood. Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez have ended their relationship, the rep told Access on Monday. As they go through this difficult time, we ask that you respect the couples privacy. It was in August that the former Bachelorette first revealed their road to the altar had been put on hold, putting the blame for the detour on an injury to her leg. We had a date set, and that date has now passed, Ali told People at the time, citing surgery the month prior on her leg. The decision to postpone [the wedding] was very difficult. I definitely shed some tears. In October, the wedding was once again postponed, with Ali again saying the couple was still together despite plans for the big day being shelved. Were still engaged; were still living together, the 27-year-old, who appeared on Season 6 of the hit ABC series, told People. We just dont feel the need to walk down the aisle right now. At this point were not planning a wedding, the reality star continued. Does that mean were fighting? No. Does that mean were miserable? Absolutely not! Were happy where we are. When we have things figured out, well let you know. Now, a few weeks later, the couple has confirmed they have split. Unfortunately for Ali, while she no longer has a groom-to-be, there is one thing shes stuck with a bit longer her last name. Are you dropping the Fedotowsky? Billy Bush asked Ali on Access Hollywood Live in September 2010 about changing her name post-marriage. Are you kidding me?!? she laughed. Ive been waiting my whole life to drop the Fedotowsky. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Natalie Wood 'Ear Witness' States She Was Threatened 72 Hours Following The Actress Died

Individuals with understanding of occasions all around the dying of actress Natalie Wood continually come forward.our editor recommendsThe Natalie Wood MysteryNatalie Wood's Dying: 10 Developments Throughout Week one of the Reinvestigation Natalie Wood Biopic: Should Michelle Williams, Emma Watson, Carey Mulligan or Emma Stone Take part in the Icon? (Poll)Robert Wagner Blamed Self For Natalie Wood's Dying in MemoirNatalie Wood Mystery: File Delivered to Sheriff Revealed Telling Clues (PDF Document)Related Subjects•Natalie Wood Marilyn Wayne, that has been named an "ear witness," was on the boat 50 ft from the Beauty the evening the actress, who had been aboard with husband Robert Wagner and co-star Christopher Walken, drowned. PHOTOS: Best Pictures of Natalie Wood Wayne, who suggests she heard Wood cry out for help soon after 11 p.m. the evening she died (and it has agreed to undergo a polygraph test to validate her story), never was questioned by government bodies throughout their 1981 analysis, based on thePDF copy of recent claims provided to the L.A. County Sheriff's office. PHOTOS: 12 of Hollywood's Most Mysterious Deaths "A ladies voice, crying for the aid of drowning awakened [businessman John Payne] and that he awakened me," Wayne stated in her own statement. "'Help me, someone help me, I am drowning' we heard frequently. Alarmed, I known as to my boy, who also heard the cries, and looked athis new digital watch: it had been just moments after 11:00 P.M." STORY: Natalie Wood's Dying: 10 Developments Throughout Week one of the Reinvestigation Wayne states they known as the harbor patrol (who didn't answer) after determining it had been too harmful to leap in to the water themselves. Not lengthy after, she heard a "guy's voiceslurred, as well as in irritated tone, say something towards the effect of, "Oh, hang on,we are visiting enable you to get," and never lengthy after, the cries for help gone away, but we heard the cries for up to fifteen minutes.Inch VIDEO: 5 of Natalie Wood's Most Memorable Roles Outdoors of the boat closeness the evening from the actress' dying, Wayne also were built with a much deeper link with Wagner. She was being employed as a stockbroker in an L.A. firm the actor was employing. In her own statement she also states have obtained a threatening note days after Wood's dying. VIDEO: Natalie Wood's Boat Captain Confesses to Laying, States Robert Wagner 'Responsible' on her Dying "I'd a "client box'" created for clients to decrease off their messages via a slot right in front. The boxes were opened up within the back, labeled by broker title on each finish. 72 hours after Natalie died, I discovered a scribbled message on the torn sheet of paper during my box that read, 'If you value your existence, keep quiet by what you realize.' I immediately suspected it had been associated with Natalie Wood's dying because that's all anybody have been speaking about. I had been disturbed as well as told a lawyer concerning the threat." PDF DOWNLOAD: Read Dennis Davern and Marti Rulli's Sheriff's Department File Wagner has released their own statement because the Sheriff's Department introduced the re-opening from the situation. And, November. 18, The Hollywood Reporter solely reported Walken has hired an attorney to represent him considering the brand new analysis. Related Subjects Christopher Walken Natalie Wood Robert Wagner

CBS tops Thursday in demos

CBS comedy smash ''The Large Bang Theory'' was by far primetime's top-ranked program on Thursday, running the internet to some demo victory over Fox, which saw declines for ''The X Factor.'' With ABC's ''Grey's Anatomy'' around the sidelines, Fox's ''Bones'' and CBS' ''Person of Interest'' were the night's top dramas in demos. Based on preliminary national estimations, the very first CBS Thursday victory of year in grown ups 18-49 was paced with a large showing by ''The Large Bang Theory'' (5.2/15 in 18-49, 14.8 million audiences overall), that was up nearly 20% in the same evening this past year, along with a winning perf at 8:30 p.m. by ''Rules of Engagement'' (3.6/10 in 18-49, 11. million audiences overall), which itself worked out 20% much better than ''Bleep My Father Says'' within the timeslot last year. The comedies were then dramas ''Person of Interest'' (2.6/7 in 18-49, 11.six million audiences overall) and ''The Mentalist'' (2.5/7 in 18-49, 12.a million audiences overall), both lower about 15% from last year's 9-11 p.m. dramas (''CSI'' and ''Mentalist'') still, ''Person'' was no. 1 drama from the evening in grown ups 25-54 (3.7/8). At Fox, ''The X Factor'' was around the low side (3./8 in 18-49, 9.5 million audiences overall), placing second within the 8 o'clock hour and jumping dramatically in the other half-hour (3.4 versus. 2.7). The internet then gone to live in the 18-49 lead at 9 o'clock with ''Bones'' (2.8/7 in 18-49, 8.8 million audiences overall), which required benefit of ''Grey's Anatomy's'' absence to develop week to week and lead all dramas for that evening in 18-49. ABC assisted its cause by airing a Katie Couric ''20/20'' special on Regis Philbin (1.5/4 in 18-49, 8. million audiences overall), which carried out about 35% much better than last week's episode of ''Charlie's Angels'' within the timeslot. The special was then a 2-hour episode of ''Private Practice'' (2.5/7 in 18-49, 7.two million audiences overall), that was lower from the hourlong earnings of a week ago but nonetheless edged out ''The Mentalist'' because the top-ranked 10 p.m. broadcast series in 18-49. At NBC, ''Community'' (1.6/5 in 18-49, 3.six million audiences overall) and ''Parks and Recreation'' (2./5 in 18-49, 3.7 million audiences overall) were up week to week, finishing in front of ABC's ''20/20'' special in demos. These were then ''The Office'' (2.9/7 in 18-49, 4.a million audiences overall), that was consistent with a week ago and brought its half-hour in 18-49, and ''Whitney'' (1.9/5 in 18-49, 4.a million audiences overall), lower a few ticks week to week. Also lower was outgoing 10 p.m. drama ''Prime Suspect'' (1.1/3 in 18-49, 4.4 million audiences overall). CW rested dramas ''The Vampire Diaries'' and ''The Secret Circle,'' and opted for theatrical ''Beneath the Blue'' (.8/2 in 18-49, 2.six million audiences overall). Amounts for that pic, which stars Paul Wesley of ''Vampire Journals,'' are susceptible to revision because the affiliate-based preliminaries include preemptions in Colorado and NY for National football league action. Preliminary 18-49 earnings for that evening: CBS, 3.2/8 Fox, 2.9/8 ABC, 2.2/6 NBC, 1.8/5 Univision, 1.6/4 CW, .8/2. As a whole audiences: CBS, 12.two million Fox, 9.a million ABC, 7.5 million NBC, 4.3 million Univision, 3.7 million CW, 2.six million. Contact Ron Kissell at ron.kissell@variety.com

Exclusive: Dominic Cooper Explains How He Pulled Double Duty in The Devil's Double

Need a break from fluffy features depicting vampire weddings, cross-dressing Adam Sandler and dancing penguins? Look no further than The Devil’s Double, Lee Tamahori’s biographical drama about sadistic psychopath Uday Hussein (son of Saddam) and his body double, both played by Dominic Cooper. Ahead, the film’s star discusses the difficulty of playing two characters in one fast-paced production. The Devil’s Double, based on the biography of the same name by Latif Yahia, is available on DVD and Blu-ray November 22.

Howard Stern Talks 'America's Got Talent': 'I'd Much Better In comparison to Hoff'

NY - Howard Stern is not presently settling with NBC's America's Got Talent to switch Piers Morgan just like a judge, the shock jock told the NY Publish's Page Six.our editor recommendsHoward Stern Pleads 'No Comment' on 'America's Got Talent' Talks (Video)PTC to NBC: Don't Hire Howard Stern for 'America's Got Talent' PHOTOS: Howard Stern With time "In my opinion I'd much better in comparison to Hoff [David Hasselhoff], but who knows?,Inch the paper reported him as saying as of this week's NY premiere in the Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning - Part 1. "However, there's absolutely nothing to report relating to this.In . Added Stern: "No an individual's described anything. I heard they need me for the job . . . I'm honored they'd consider me." STORY: PTC to NBC: Don't Hire Howard Stern for 'America's Got Talent' Asked for if he'd be capable of steer clear of the cursing and edgy comments, they is famous for, around the broadcast show, Stern mentioned: "Listen, I'm not insane. Essentially were around the network tv series, I wouldn't curse." He added: "I've been in David Letterman. I don't just curse as being a raving lunatic. You broadcast for whatever is appropriate.Inch VIDEO: Howard Stern on Jerry Sandusky: 'They Should Cut His B---- Off' The Oldsters Television Council (PTC) now advised NBC not to "abandon and offend its family audience" by using Stern. The Sirius XM Radio star also reiterated that he's interested in the NBC show. "America's Got Talent is a good show," he told the Publish. "I like watching the show, I've checked out it immediately.In . Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects Howard Stern NBC Sirius XM Radio PTC America's Got Talent

Rock Center Gets Big Story, Ratings Boost

Rock Center with Brian Williams The newest show with the smallest audience in the Monday-at-10/9c time slot made the biggest news - and got a ratings boost. In its third week on the air, Rock Center with Brian Williams scored its first big "get" as Bob Costas interviewed former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky about the child sexual abuse allegations against him, attracting 4.49 million viewers and posting a 1.3 rating among 18-to-49-year-olds - a 30 percent increase in the demo. It also marked the newsmagazine's biggest viewership yet, though that bar is low with audiences of 3.51 million and 4.13 million in its first two weeks. In Rock Center interview, Jerry Sandusky denies sex abuse charges Still, Nielsen overnight figures show that it remained a distant third to a special edition of ABC's 20/20 - which itself scored a scoop with Diane Sawyer interviewing Rep. Gabrielle Giffords - and CBS' Hawaii Five-0; those shows attracted audiences of 13.35 million (2.8 demo rating) and 11.47 million (3.3), respectively. Read our Dancing with the Stars recap Dancing with the Stars averaged 18.50 million and 3.34 demo rating over two hours starting at 8/7c on ABC. Over the same span, NBC's The Sing-Off pulled in 4.75 million (1.5). Fox's tandem of Terra Nova and House lured 7.06 million viewers (2.3 demo rating) and 6.66 million (2.5, respectively, while on The CW, Gossip Girl drew 1.24 million (0.6) and Hart of Dixie 1.58 million (0.6). Check out the rest of the day's news on TVGuide.com As for the CBS comedy block, it helped the network to an overall ratings victory: How I Met Your Mother (10.38 million/4.5 demo rating); 2 Broke Girls (11.68 million/4.8, highest demo since the series premiere); Two and a Half Men (14.59 million/5.3, the night's demo high); and Mike & Molly (12.23 million/4.4).

Taiwan's Foreign-Language Oscar Hopeful: Wei Te-sheng

Taiwanese author/director Wei Te-sheng is at NY now for any screening of his film Players from the Rainbow: Seediq Bale at Manhattan's Museum of contemporary Art in celebration of Fortissimo Films' 20th anniversary. The experience drama about Taiwan aboriginals as well as their combat Japanese colonial forces within the nineteen thirties is Taiwan's greatest-ever production and it is expect the foreign-language Oscar race. THR NY bureau chief Georg Szalai spoken towards the director, utilizing a translator, concerning the film, its insufficient obvious-cut heroes and villains and the sights on Hollywood.our editor recommendsWarriors from the Rainbow: Seediq Bale: Venice Film ReviewOptimum Takes all U.K. Privileges to Venice Competition Title 'Warriors from the Rainbow'Taiwan Director Becomes the 'Apple' of Hong Kong Summer time Fest's Eye The Hollywood Reporter (THR): Your film is visiting The United States in Feb. What's your hope and goal for this here? Wei Te-sheng: We actually hope this movie relating to this special aboriginal culture can definitely possess a presence within the American market. But we all know that it's type of a hardship on the American audience to possess a sense of this movie in the beginning. We first wish to achieve Chinese and Taiwanese People in america. Beginning after that, hopefully word can spread. THR: The British saying for that film states that the guy can sacrifice his body, "but he or she must win their own soul." How universal do you consider the styles from the film are? Wei Te-sheng: The theme of aboriginal people standing to some repressive government is one thing globally felt. What's special concerning the film though is the fact that there's no definite theif and good guy. There's always a good side in criminals along with a negative side in good people. We often tell the storyline of the perfect hero. There's no struggle. But we would like audiences to actually have the [figures'] struggle within this historic event and consider the things they would do within their situation. THR: Its Northern Border American version of the film is all about 2 . 5 hrs lengthy. The initial was launched in 2 parts and it is considerably longer. How would be the versions different? And it is possible to impact on the version proven in the Venice Film Festival? Wei Te-sheng: The initial version is four . 5 hrs. The version that people demonstrated in Venice seemed to be two hrs and half an hour. But because of time restrictions, we simply got everything however the primary story in those days. It had been an item of haste. Within this version, we thought things through completely. It's a new cut. We thought we ought to present fighting and human feelings in two and half proportions as with the initial version. We got certain parts explaining hunting traditions along with other parts concerning the culture. They assist the crowd comprehend the culture more, but don't really advance the storyline. THR: Your film is Taiwan's Oscar hope within the foreign-language film race. How exciting is the fact that for you personally? Any ideas in your chances? Wei Te-sheng: Obviously, we wish it to happen greatly. This really is this type of great recognition. We actually want to introduce this completely different hero epic to American audiences rather than [films with] an ideal hero. THR: Is the fact that method of showing heroes an individual choice or it is possible to tradition in Taiwan to feature under perfect protagonists? Wei Te-sheng: It is indeed my personal factor. I haven't seen it much in the past Taiwanese films. I simply believe that to provide an ideal hero is type of absurd. Every one has their dark sides. THR: I heard the film were built with a $25 million budget, was funded by using bank financial loans, money out of your previous film along with other financing and it has done well in Taiwan. How has it performed, and it has it made its method to other japan yet? Wei Te-sheng: To date, the film only has been distributed in Taiwan. On November. 17, it will likely be launched in Hong Kong. This area home business office continues to be assisted by waves of selling. From the beginning of production there's been news concerning the film. The audiences were and therefore are feeling curious and often didn't think that this project would succeed. So, everything have been developed. Audience expectation have been developed. I believe that's why we now have had good box office - 100 million New Taiwanese Dollars, or top 20 on the planet weekend box office, when part one was launched on Sept. 9. THR: How made it happen do in comparison to Hollywood movies which were in Taiwanese theaters in those days? Wei Te-sheng: We initially beat Hugh Jackman's Real Steel. The 2nd week, these were first, and that we were second. THR: Any audience reaction you've particularly loved? Wei Te-sheng: The prosperity of this movie brings about the pride within our aboriginal people. It's a beautiful scene once they put on their traditional clothes to visit the films. THR: There's lots of fighting within the film. Any curiosity about creating a Hollywood action movie? Wei Te-sheng: I was raised in and learned in Taiwan. Basically was to create a movie in Hollywood, I'd feel dislocated. And That I don't think I'm particularly proficient at making movies purely for bringing in the crowd. I'm able to make movies in Taiwan that may be globally recognized. However I don't seem like I possibly could create a movie in Hollywood towards the same effect. THR: Maybe you have visited Hollywood? Wei Te-sheng: John Woo has explained a great deal. And also the more he's explained, the greater afraid Personally i think. Hollywood is really a structured system. You will find a lot of rules, also it's as being a factory. I believe I'd enjoy less creative freedom, because all of the story telling is performed through the author or stars. The director is simply a functional a part of a project. I believe I wouldn't adapt well, nor will i think the machine would accept me. THR: You pointed out John Woo who had been a co-producer in your film. How lengthy perhaps you have known him for and what's your relation? Wei Te-sheng: I met John Woo in 2008 in Taipei in the ceremony for that Golden Equine film award. I desired his advice for creating this type of large-scale movie but for the action moments, that we hadn't done before. He didn't immediately promise me anything, but explained a great deal about worldwide cooperation in addition to a lot about how exactly to set up action moments. THR: What's the next project? Wei Te-sheng: I know concerning the story I'll make, however i don't go into any detail, including who I'll use on that. It it's still a drama, but on the more compact scale, because I would like some relaxation. It it's still Taiwan-related, but it will likely be larger-based, because I wish to involve more ethnic groups, including people from other countries. THR: When are you going to start? Wei Te-sheng: I believe after June. I must take a rest, however i think basically was on holiday for any week, I'd stress. THR: Have you got any heroines among filmmakers? Wei Te-sheng: James Cameron. It's not too I always like his movies, however i appreciate his spirit of creating something totally new and try to finding. And that he is really persistent for making his dream become a reality. THR: Did you know Billy Very may be the new host for that Academy awards? Wei Te-sheng: No. We love them much more about who the award would go to. Related Subjects Academy awards Players from the Rainbow Honours Season Preview

Zoe Saldana and Longtime Fianc Split

Zoe Saldana and Keith Britton Zoe Saldana and her longtime fiancé have split, People repots. Saldana, 33, and entrepreneur Keith Britton, 35, "have amicably separated after 11 years," a repetition for that actress stated inside a statement. "Saldana and Britton remain committed partners as co-founders of favor resource MyFBD.com." Browse the relaxation of present day news The actress, most widely known on her roles in Star Trek and Avatar, and Britton introduced their engagement this year.

"Skills" Returning to One Tree Hill for Final Episode

Antwon Tanner One Tree Hill fans are in for a nice reunion when Antwon "Skills" Taylor returns for the series finale, TVGuide.com has confirmed. The CW Sets Midseason Premieres for One Tree Hill, Return of Vampire Diaries Last we saw Skills, he had come back from Los Angeles to learn best friend Mouth was dating his ex-girlfriend, Lauren. While details about the episode's plot are being kept under wraps (and it's too early to spill secrets from our recent set visit), Skills (Antwon Tanner) joins the growing list of One Tree Hill alums making appearances this season, including Chad Michael Murray, Bevin Prince and Barbara Alyn Woods. One Tree Hill (Finally) Casts Brooke Davis' Dad for Last Season; Another Cast Member Returns! Original cast member James Lafferty, who will recur in the upcoming Season 9, tweeted that the gang was together for their final scene to be filmed on the River Court. Sophia Bush also shared a fun group picture from inside Tric where singer Gavin DeGraw performs in the show's final episode.DeGraw, who sang the original main title song "I Don't Wanna Be," last made a cameo in Season 5. One Tree Hill returns for its ninth and final season on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 8/7c on The CW.

Ashton Kutcher Relinquishes Control of Personal Twitter Account

Ashton Kutcher is taking a cue from his critics, opting to scale back his Twitter use until he can "find a way to properly manage this feed."our editor recommendsAshton Kutcher Called 'Idiot,' 'Ignorant' After Tweeting Joe Paterno's Firing Was 'in Poor Taste''Two and a Half Men's' Ashton Kutcher vs. Charlie Sheen Ratings: Who's #Winning? PHOTOS: Ashton Kutcher's Career Through the Years The Two and a Half Men actor used his Twitter account on Wednesday, Nov. 10 to speak out on the controversial firing of longtime Penn State football coach Joe Paterno. "How do you fire Jo Pa? #insult #noclass as a hawkeye fan I find it in poor taste," Kutcher tweeted. The 84-year-old Paterno, who has had a successful 46-year coaching career, was fired Wednesday amid a child-abuse sex scandal along with President Graham Spanier. The move came in the wake of former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky being charged last weekend with 40 counts of sexual abuse of children. Paterno has been criticized for failing to contact authorities when he was told about possible misconduct by Sandusky nine years ago. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Biggest Fantasy Football Fans "Heard Joe was fired, fully recant previous tweet! Didn't have full story. #admitwhenYoumakemistakes," Kutcher posted about 30 minutes later, deleting his original tweet. "As an advocate in the fight against child sexual exploitation, I could not be more remorseful for all involved in the Penn St. case." The incident comes two months after a 9/11 gaffe, when Kutcher tweeted that it was the "greatest day of the year" because of the start of football season. Prior to that, the actor engaged in a public war with Village Voice after taking issue with a cover story that disputed several facts from his anti-human trafficking campaign. After a slew of critical responses to his most recent error, Kutcher informed fans that he intended to take an indefinite Twitter hiatus. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Twitter Feuds "As of immediately I will stop tweeting until I find a way to properly manage this feed. I feel awful about this error. Won't happen again," he wrote on Wednesday night. The following day, he simply posted a link to a blog post titled "Twitter Management." "While I feel that running this feed myself gives me a closer relationship to my friends and fans I've come to realize that it has grown into more that a fun tool to communicate with people," he wrote. "While I will continue to express myself through @Aplusk I'm going to turn the management of the feed over to my team at Katalyst Media to ensure the quality of it's content." STORY:'New Year's Eve' Poster: Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michele and More Play 'Hollywood Squares' Now topping 8 million followers, Kutcher was once the king of Twitter as the first user to reach the milestone 1 million in 2009. At the time, he rallied for the honor against CNN's account, promising to donate 10,000 mosquito bed nets for World Malaria Day. Kutcher even appeared on Oprah to introduce to talk show maven to the service. Today Lady Gaga holds the top spot of the Twitter hierarchy with more than 15 million followers. She is trailed by Justin Bieber, who boasts over 14 million followers. Related Topics Ashton Kutcher Two and a Half Men Twitter

MPA partners with China Intl. Copyright Expo

BEIJING -- Emerging filmmakers within the Asia Off-shoreline region will gather in Beijing the next month for just about any film workshop presented with the Film Assn. as well as the China Intl. Copyright Expo. The workshop aims make use of a master class on a number of contemporary subjects on filmmaking, marketing, distribution and co-production options between China as well as the worldwide community. Furthermore, it offers an opportunity for filmmakers to develop their careers, build systems and collaborate on projects. The workshop has arranged some luminaries to handle the problems, from China and overseas, including China Film Group topper Han Sanping Xing Xing Digital Corp prexy Wang Lifeng, Bona Film Worldwide chief Yu Dong, Tang Lijun, m.d. in the Shanghai Film Festival Zhang Xun, prexy in the China Film Co-Production Corp. and founder and chairman of Huayi Brothers and sisters Wang Zhongjun. Also taking part is Le-Vision Pictures Boss Zhang Zhao, Australian helmer and scribe Alister Grierson, Tropfest founder John Polson multihyphenate Pauline Chan as well as the author of "The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide," Harris E. Tulchin. Others addressing the workshop are the co-founding father of Cinecom and Little Difference Features, and chair of Columbia University's Film School Ira Deutchman United states . Talent Agency agent and producer Bec Cruz producer Sid Ganis Jon Kuyper, mind of physical production for Warner Bros. the screenwriting teacher David Freeman Lora Chen, who's principal consultant at China Media Speaking to together with an instructor at Beijing Film Academy and scriptwriter-switched-helmer and fasten professor within the Beijing Film Academy, Xue Xiaolu, who won the workshop's pitching competish in 2006. "Our film master class can be a tremendous opportunity to connect to worldwide film professionals -- to discuss current trends, volunteer new ideas and be a part of constructive debate. China is certainly a thrilling frontier for filmmakers, together with a modern day stage for bold and enterprising visions," mentioned Mike Ellis, m.d. and prexy of Asia Off-shoreline MPA. The filmmakers taking part were selected by their local cities through various film-related competitions and exercises completed with a couple of from the region's leading film professionals and institutions. The workshop happens 12 ,. 1 through 3. CICE is certainly an worldwide copyright industry forum and trade event in China, held yearly since 2008. In 2012, the Expo will probably be dedicated to the promotion and protection of content. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

First Photo From Skyfall Set: James Bond Needs a Janitor

As noted here last week, James Bond has officially joined the Twitter era with the @007 handle. Which is to say: James Bond marketing has officially joined the Twitter era, with the first picture from the first day of filming — the actual first take, ZOMGGG — published this morning. And it’s kind of filthy. I don’t have a copy of the Skyfall script hanging around, but apparently scene 45 involves all the tense action thrills we associate with a dirty bathroom. Cease all speculation as to Javier Bardem’s villain; clearly the enemy is grime. Also: I’d overlooked cinematography great Roger Deakins’s involvement before now. Very exciting! Anyway, this happened. Alternate scenarios welcome below. [via @007]

AFM: Myriad Nabs Foreign On Freeloaders

Thursday, November 3, 2011, Santa Monica Myriad Pictures has acquired all rights outdoors The U . s . States for the comedy Freeloaders, directed by Serta Rosen (Dead Men Curve). The film features a stellar ensemble cast including Jane Seymour (Your Family Tree, Wedding Crashers), Dork Foley (The Kids Inside The Hall), Olivia Munn (Date Evening, Iron Guy 2) and Clifton Collins, Junior. (Star Trek, Mindhunters). Myriad is selling the finished film within the American Film Market. The story follows several slackers that are living totally free in the rock star’s mansion. They uncover their valued lifestyle is threatened when the music artist decides to promote his pad. The script was put together by Rosen and Dork Gibbs. Creating for Broken Lizard are extended-time lizard collaborator and producer Richard Perello and Julia Dray, beneath the five-member filmmaking comedy groups shingle. Broken Lizard Industries is much better recognized for the comedy game game titles Super Military, Beerfest, Club Dread as well as the Slammin Seafood. Freeloaders was brought to Broken Lizard in the beginning of development to produce and help have the project started. Also creating are Thomas Gardner and Gregory P. Cimino II , and Adam Duritz, within the band Counting Crows. Matthew Pritzker is executive creating along with his production company, Turbo Streak Entertainment. Once we see the script for Freeloaders, we hopped in the chance to assist shepherd the filmmakers through, mentioned Jay Chandrasekhar of Broken Lizard. Getting visited some pretty wild parties inside our lives we understood this might produce a very funny movie. We have been large fans in the Broken Lizard comedies for some time, mentioned Myriad Boss Kirk DAmico. We are delighted being coping with the producers to produce this comedy with large laughs for the worldwide marketplace.

Starz Announces Premiere Date For Spartacus: Vengeance

First Launched: November 3, 2011 3:44 PM EDT Credit: Starz Entertainment La, Calif. -- Caption The poster for Spartacus: VengeanceGladiator-fanatics unite! Starz has states their popular Spartacus franchise will return around the month of the month of january 27. Spartacus: Vengeance, with new series star Liam McIntyre, will premiere at 10 PM ET/PT. The drama builds up only a few days following a gladiators of the house of Batiatus destroyed their master and ongoing the run, delivering Capua into uproar. This season is predicted to find out Spartacus and also the former fellow gladiator slaves begin the formations from the military. Liam needed inside the role of Spartacus, while using blessing of original series star Andy Whitfield, who died in September carrying out a fight with cancer. Spartacus: Vengeance also stars Lucy Lawless as Lucretia, the wife in the slain Batiatus, Manu Bennett as Crixus and Dustin Clare as Gannicus. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Madoff TV Interviews Spur Great Ratings, Lousy Book Sales

A flurry of Bernie Madoff-related publicity tied to the release of two new books involving Madoff family members delivered high ratings for ABC's20/20and CBS' 60 Minutes, but failed to entice viewers to buy the books.our editor recommends'60 Minutes': Ponzi Scheme Perpetrator Bernie Madoff and Wife Attempted SuicideBernie Madoff Defends $60 Billion Ponzi Scheme to ABC News' Barbara Walters (Video) Truth and Consequences: Life Inside the Madoff Family by Laurie Sandell and written with the cooperation of the convicted Wall Street Ponzi-schemer's son Mark sits at No. 65 on the Barnes & Noble online sales rankings and No. 76 on Amazon. The End of Normal: A Wife's Anguish, A Widow's New Life by Stephanie Mack Madoff resides at No. 102 on Amazon but is at No. 58 on Barnes & Noble. VIDEO: Bernie Madoff's Son, Wife Open Up to '60 Minutes' ABC aired the first Madoff family member interview on October 21, when Mack, the widow of Bernie's son, Andrew, appeared on 20/20. The show scored its best ratings since February 2010, with 7.6 million viewers overall and a 2.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic. The End of Normal, published by Blue Rider Press,hit bookstores on October 20. Neither Madoff Mack nor Blue Rider commented on the size of Ms. Madoff Mack's advance. ABC tried to build on being the first to air a Madoff family member interview by having Barbara Walters report on a two-hour jailhouse interview with Bernie Madoff himself onWorld News with Diane SawyerandNightline. Since prison rules forbid filming interviews, the story consisted solely of Walters reporting what Madoff said. 60 Minutesaired interviews with Ruth, Bernie's wife, and Mark Madoff promotingTruth and Consequenceson October 30. That broadcast was watched by 18.5 million viewers, the show's largest audience in almost a year and its best performance in the 25-54 demographic in nearly three years. Truth and Consequences, published by Little Brown,went on sale on October 31. STORY: Bernie Madoff's Future Daughter-in-Law Only Person to Profit From New Book (Report) Though neither mother nor son has a financial stake in the success ofTruth and Consequences, Sandell wrote the book with Mark's cooperation. Some reports have said that Mark's fiancé Catherine Hooper, who brought Sandell into the project, is getting a share of the book's profits. Neither publisher Little Brown, Sandell, nor Hooper has commented on any financial arrangement, including the amount of the publisher's advance. Ruth agreed to an interview in the hopes of repairing her fractured relationship with Mark. Ruth Madoff followed the60 Minutesinterview with an exclusive print interview with journalist Diana Henrique's inThe NY Times. That story appeared online the night of October 30 and in print on October 31. The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust, Henriques' April 2011 book on the Madoff scandal, languishes far down on Amazon and Barnes & Noble's sales charts. Related Topics