ABC orders drama quartet

ABC added four dramas towards the pilot slate, like the latest from "Desperate Regular folksInch creator Marc Cherry. Cherry's "Devious Service personnel," among three pick-ups from ABC Art galleries, is certainly an adaptation from the Mexican format dedicated to four amibitious Beverly Slopes service personnel. Sabrina Wind may even professional produce. Also coming initially from from ABC Art galleries are "Zero Hour," which Lorenzo DiBonaventura and Serta McDermott will professional produce with author Paul Scheuring ("Prison Break"), and "Penoza," composed by Melissa Rosenberg ("Twilight," "Dexter") with Endemol Art galleries, Alon Aranya and Howard Klein professional creating. 'Zero" notifies the story from the natural skeptic who'll get roped in to a massive conspiracy, while "Penoza" changes a Nederlander format round the widow from the assassinated criminal who's drawn into his role inside a crime syndicate. The primary one outsider pick for ABC on Tuesday was "Gotham," written and professional produced by Michael Eco-friendly ("Nobleman") along with his manager Erwin Stoff through last century Fox Television. "Gotham" concentrates on a girl cop who discovers a formerly unseen magical world within NY City. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Ascot Elite grabs 'Marilyn'

BERLIN -- German-Swiss distrib Ascot Elite has picked up all German-speaking territory rights to Simon Curtis' "My Week With Marilyn." The group's Munich-based distrib arm Ascot Elite Filmverleih will release The Weinstein Co. title, which won Oscar noms for Michelle Williams' starring role as Marilyn Monroe and Kenneth Branagh's perf as Laurence Olivier, in April. Ascot Elite's release slate in Germany includes David Wnendt's critically acclaimed neo-Nazi drama "Kriegerin" (Combat Girls); Jeff Nichols' Cannes award-winner "Take Shelter," starring Michael Shannon ("Man of Steel"), which hits local screens in March, and Ken Scott's Canadian box-office hit "Starbuck," which opens this summer. Ascot Elite recently picked up a slew of high-profile titles for Swiss release, including Ron Howard's Formula One drama "Rush"; Derek Cianfrance's "The Place Beyond the Pines," starring Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper; and Allen Hughes' "Broken City." The distrib also nabbed Swiss rights to Louis Leterrier's "Now You See Me," Steve McQueen's "Twelve Years a Slave," and the Wachowski brothers and Tom Tykwer's "Cloud Atlas." Ascot Elite Switzerland enjoyed one its strongest years in 2011, achieving a 13.6% market share in the country. Contact Ed Meza at staff@variety.com

Oscar nominations: The Artist leads the way

The nominations for the 2012 Academy Awards have been announced, with The Artist leading the way with five nominations in major categories, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor.The announcement wasn't peppered with shocks, although there were one or two surprises along the way, with Gary Oldman receiving a surprise nomination for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, but Michael Fassbender missing out for Shame.Drive was one of the highest profile films to be passed over (gettnig just one nod for Sound Editing), whilst Tintin was overlooked in the Animated Film category. Meanwhile, Melissa McCarthy garnered a rare supporting actress nod for a comedy performer, having been recognised for her sterling work in Bridesmaids.Hugo got the most nominations overall (11), with The Artist following closely behind (10). Transformers: Dark Of The Moon and The Tree Of Life are neck and neck with three each.Take a look at the list below for full details of who has got the nod for the key awards at the 84th Academy Awards ceremony on 26 February...Best PictureWar HorseThe ArtistMoneyballThe DescendantsThe Tree of LifeMidnight in ParisThe HelpHugoExtremely Loud & Incredibly CloseBest ActressGlenn Close (Albert Nobbs)Rooney Mara (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo)Viola Davis (The Help)Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)Michelle Williams (My Week With Marilyn)Best ActorDemian Behir (A Better Life)George Clooney (The Descendants)Jean Dujardin (The Artist)Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)Brad Pitt (Moneyball)Supporting ActressBérénice Bejo (The Artist)Jessica Chastain (The Help)Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids)Janet McTeer (Albert Nobbs)Octavia Spencer (The Help)Supporting ActorKenneth Branagh (My Week With Marilyn)Jonah Hill (Moneyball)Nick Nolte (Warrior)Christopher Plummer (Beginners)Max Von Sydow (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close)Best DirectorWoody Allen (Midnight In Paris)Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist)Alexander Payne (The Descendants)Martin Scorcese (Hugo)Terence Malick (The Tree Of Life)Best Original ScreenplayThe ArtistBridesmaidsMidnight in ParisMargin CallA SeparationBest Adapted ScreenplayThe DescendantsHugoThe Ides of MarchThe Girl With the Dragon TattooTinker Tailor Soldier SpyBest Foreign FeatureBullheadFootnoteIn DarknessMonsier LazharIn SeparationBest Animated FeatureA Cat in ParisChico & RitaKung Fu Panda 2Puss in BootsRangoArt DirectionThe ArtistHarry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2HugoMidnight In ParisWar HorseCinematographyThe ArtistThe Girl With The Dragon TattooHugoThe Tree Of LifeWar HorseCostume DesignAnonymousThe ArtistHugoJane EyreW.E.Documentary FeatureHell And Back AgainIf A Tree Falls: A Story Of The Earth Liberation FrontParadise Lost 3: PurgatoryPinaUndefeatedDocumentary Short SubjectThe Barber Of Birmingham: Foot Soldier Of The Civil Rights MovementGod Is The Bigger ElvisIncident In New BaghdadSaving FaceThe Tsumani And The Cherry BlossomFilm EditingThe ArtistThe DescendantsThe Girl with the Dragon TattooHugoMoneyballMake UpAlbert NobbsHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2The Iron LadyMusic (Original Score)The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The UnicornThe ArtistHugoTinker Tailor Soldier SpyWar HorseMusic (Original Song)The Muppets - 'Man Or Muppet'Rio - 'Real In Rio'Short Film (Animated)Dimanche / SundayThe Fantastic Flying Books Of Mr Morris LessmoreLa LunaA Morning StrollWild LifeShort Film (Live Action)PentecostRajuThe ShoreTime FreakTuba AtlanticSound EditingDriveThe Girl With The Dragon TattooHugoTransformers: Dark Of The MoonWar HorseSound MixingThe Girl With The Dragon TattooHugo MoneyballTransformers: Dark Of The MoonWar Horse

Tracy Morgan Collapses At 2012 Sundance Film Festival Repetition Declines Actor Was Consuming

First Launched: The month of the month of january 23, 2012 11:11 AM EST Credit: Getty Images PARK CITY, Utah -- Caption Tracy Morgan attends Creative Coalitions 2012 Spotlight Initiative Gala Honours Dinner within the Supper Club by Stella Artois through the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah around the month of the month of january 22, 2012Tracy Morgans trip to the Sundance Film Festival needed a turn for your worse on Sunday when the actor was rushed with a hospital in Park City, Utah. Following a feel and look at Creative Coalition Spotlight Honours where he received an award, the 30 Rock star flattened and was escorted in the building, in line with the Hollywood Reporter. The heavens repetition told Access Hollywood that problems came into being for Morgan from a mixture of exhaustion and altitude. He's along with his girlfriend which is grateful for the Park City Clinic for care, Morgans repetition mentioned in the statement. Any reviews of Tracy consuming alcohol are 100% false. The actor, which has diabetes combined having a kidney transplant in December 2010, was honored while using Spotlight Initiative Award on Sunday. His film, Predisposed, is screening within the annual film festival. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements may not be launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'30 Rock' Episode Mocks Its Own Star's Gay Dilemma

NY (AP) NBC comedy "30 Rock" often finds laughs in real-life events in the show business world it inhabits.But Thursday's edition targeted one of its own cast members, Tracy Morgan, who found himself in real-life hot water last June after making anti-gay remarks during a stand-up appearance in Nashville, Tenn.On the "30 Rock" episode, Tracy Jordan, the character Morgan plays, sparked a protest after making a couple of ridiculous gay-oriented jokes at a club date.A contrite Jordan mistakenly apologizes to the makers of Glad bags, rather than to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, known as GLAAD.Jordan's boss, played by series star Tina Fey, is forced to apologize for him."He's not capable of hate," she assures the media. "He's just an idiot who doesn't know what he's saying."In real life, Tracy Morgan publicly apologized to his fans and the gay and lesbian community for what he called "my choice of words." He denied being a hateful person and acknowledged that "even in a comedy club" what he said went too far "and was not funny in any context." During his rant, Morgan had said in part that if his son were gay, he would "pull out a knife and stab" him.Fey, who is also the creator and an executive producer of "30 Rock," issued a statement at the time declaring "I hope for his sake that Tracy's apology will be accepted as sincere by his gay and lesbian co-workers at '30 Rock.'"Mirroring that real-life statement on Thursday's episode, Fey's character, Liz Lemon, chides Jordan by saying, "Do you know how many of your hardworking and dedicated co-workers are gay?"Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Tracy Morgan PHOTO CREDIT Michael Loccisano/Getty Images NY (AP) NBC comedy "30 Rock" often finds laughs in real-life events in the show business world it inhabits.But Thursday's edition targeted one of its own cast members, Tracy Morgan, who found himself in real-life hot water last June after making anti-gay remarks during a stand-up appearance in Nashville, Tenn.On the "30 Rock" episode, Tracy Jordan, the character Morgan plays, sparked a protest after making a couple of ridiculous gay-oriented jokes at a club date.A contrite Jordan mistakenly apologizes to the makers of Glad bags, rather than to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, known as GLAAD.Jordan's boss, played by series star Tina Fey, is forced to apologize for him."He's not capable of hate," she assures the media. "He's just an idiot who doesn't know what he's saying."In real life, Tracy Morgan publicly apologized to his fans and the gay and lesbian community for what he called "my choice of words." He denied being a hateful person and acknowledged that "even in a comedy club" what he said went too far "and was not funny in any context." During his rant, Morgan had said in part that if his son were gay, he would "pull out a knife and stab" him.Fey, who is also the creator and an executive producer of "30 Rock," issued a statement at the time declaring "I hope for his sake that Tracy's apology will be accepted as sincere by his gay and lesbian co-workers at '30 Rock.'"Mirroring that real-life statement on Thursday's episode, Fey's character, Liz Lemon, chides Jordan by saying, "Do you know how many of your hardworking and dedicated co-workers are gay?"Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Katheryn Winnick Joins The Black Marks

Starring with Kurt Russell...Siblings and schemes including money: doesn't have one learned the training of the Simple Plan or Prior To The Demon Knows You are Dead? This stuff never finish well. Clearly Matt Dillon and Kurt Russell were not aware, as they are playing brothers and sisters hatching a gimmick within the Black Marks. And today actress Katheryn Winnick has made the decision to become listed on the enjoyment.Jonathan Sobol is pointing the indie crime comedy according to his script. The plot follows Crunch Calhoun (Russell), a minimal-rent motorcycle daredevil and partially cool art crook who concurs to return in to the criminal existence for, you suspected it, one further large score. His brother Nicky (Dillon) convinces him that it'll solve almost all their problems plus they rope in another schmuck (Jay Baruchel) to help. However when everything goes remarkably well, the heist results in another, more risky plan that Nicky has dreamed up and also the siblings discover that they are each working to their personal agendas.Winnick has signed onto play a Ukrainian showgirl who is actually Crunch's girlfriend and quite a few of his support system. Without doubt she'll will also get pulled in to the crime... She was last observed in Love Along With Other Drugs and it has lately shot A Glimpse Within The Mind Of Charles Swan III alongside Charlie Sheen.

Gossip Girl "Finish from the Affair" Postmortem: Burning Questions Clarified!

Erectile dysfunction Westwick and Leighton Meester [WARNING: The next story consists of major spoilers in the midseason premiere of Gossip Girl, "The Finish from the Affair." Read at the own risk.] Monday's episode of Gossip Girl was fittingly entitled "The Finish from the Affair" - therefore if you are acquainted with the Graham Greene novel or even the Julianne Moore-Rob Fiennes film adaptation, you may have suspected what would occur to Chuck and Blair publish-vehicle accident. Confronted with the potential of losing Chuck, Blair designed a cope with God: Save Chuck and she'll steer clear. Soon after, she's told he's emerged from his coma. "Whenever we begin a season, we discuss the things that work have inspired us as authors. This season, there is The Gifted Mr. Ripley and also the Finish from the Affair," Gossip Girl executive producer Josh Safran told TVGuide.com. "We understood would tell this story." Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester: I would like the Blair and Serta relationship to experience out Now, it's doubtful Blair will come across her maker (a la Affair), but Monday's episode leaves us with several burning questions regarding what's to befall our new Upper East Siders. Safran, of course, did his better to answer tease: OK, Blair's found God - ok now what? "It is a surprising thought, but it seems sensible that they has belief," Safran states of Blair's, ahem, Hail Mary play for Chuck's existence. He noted that of all of the figures on Gossip Girl, she's the one that continues to be uncovered to religion, via her mother's marriage to Cyrus if little else. And God will not you need to be creating a cameo, either. "When her belief is examined, it requires her to a different place. She's been through this terrible factor, losing this child, feeling for the reason that moment she needed to create a cope with God ... We felt it was a brand new place to visit on her, one which will require her somewhere we have never been using the character." Reasoning aside, Blair's made her choice. Does which means that Chuck is condemned to fall back to his playboy ways? "All of the growth he's made is certainly likely to be examined," Safran states. "Is he going to slide back? He'll be battling." Michelle Trachtenberg coming back to Gossip Girl We have seen jealousy enhance a negative side to Louis. Must we expect it back in the near future? When the royal wedding does not happen, it will not be because Louis has another freak-out session. The paranoid prince is finished. "He and Blair maybe lost their way, but he feels as though they've it back," Safran states. "He's starting the marriage thinking that. He's certainly not the jealous, suspicious Louis he was." Who's to get Nate? Here's one suspect you are able to eliminate: Nate's former boss and lover Diana Payne. Safran states that although Elizabeth Hurley is going to be in this other half of year, "Diana performed no part in leading to the accident intended for Nate." Who might be following the Spectator's new editor-in-chief, and why? "Nate's got opponents, but he does not quite know who they really are yet," Safran states. "The solution hits nearer to home than Nate would really like.Inch Gossip Girl has apparently aligned herself with Nate - shall we be going doing? Well ... Safran does not refuse. "I can not answer if we'll ever see her, but she's a large area of the story now," he states. "Diana desired to take her lower, and today Serena is after her." Gossip Girl Josh Safran: Blair has selected her guy Talking about ... Serena's to making googly eyes at Serta - can there be hope to allow them to rekindle that relationship, whilst he's pining for Blair? Safran states the series' 100th episode (turning around Blair's big day and airing on Monday, Jan. 30) consists of some solutions. "Just like the authors looked back at what's happened during the last 99 episodes, we thought, maybe so should our figures. Serena is going to be returning and returning to her history, and also you know, the thing is things a bit more clearly with hindsight being 20/20," Safran states. "Their story is going to return, but maybe in a different way because while Serena is searching back, Serta may be searching forward." Serta pointed out that he's already following up Inside having a second book. Shall we be likely to hear any longer about this? You best accept is as true. "His second book will probably be very integral towards the other half of year,Inch Safran states. "If his first book ruffled a couple of down, that one will ruffle much more.Inch You pointed out The Gifted Mr. Ripley is area of the framework for that season. Must we then assume we've not seen all of the Ivy, who we last saw high-tailing it from the hospital thinking she'd triggered the vehicle wreck? Ivy is going to be back - especially since Lily and Rufus have unconsciously happened upon the actual Charlie Rhodes. "Which was the development of the actual Charlie - and it is not the final you will see of her," Safran states. "She is going to be amazed to locate herself drawn in to the drama." What is your opinion may happen on Blair's large big day? Who should Serta be around? Leave your ideas within the comments below and let us discuss!

Ghost Driver: Spirit Of Vengeance will receive a French poster

[brightcove]1340608734001[/brightcove]Ghost Driver: Spirit Of Vengeance has acquired itself a French poster, plus it showcases the movie's dual selling points: Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze and also the flame-skulled alter ego.Facially, Cage is searching more grizzled and badass this time around around round (frankly, careful analysis reboot his hairdo was possibly the best creative decision made round the follow-up).There's a pleasingly moody vibe for the poster, while using Ghost Driver presented fairly subtly, trying out minimal poster space.Have a look entirely below:Ghost Driver: Spirit Of Vengeance opens on 17 February 2012.

Animal Planet plans Monster Week

'River Monsters'Animal Planet is developing its own version of Discovery Channel's Shark Week with a programming stunt dubbed Monster Week to be unveiled at the Television Critics Assn. press tour today. Programs to be featured include a special "Croc-Zilla," new segs of "Finding Bigfoot," the season finale of "River Monsters" and a two-hour CGI-enhanced special called "Mermaids: The Body Found" at the end of the eight-day event. Monster Week is set for the second quarter: a firm date has yet to be set since it's not clear when the season finale of "River Monsters," the week's biggest peg, will air. Hosting the programming will be Jeremy Wade, the British "extreme angler" who hooks Satanic-looking freshwater critters on the globetrotting "River Monsters" and shows them off for the viewers' benefit. Animal Planet has extended its reach to theoretical animals in the recent past with "Finding Bigfoot," so the "Mermaids" special is in good company. The Discovery Communications cabler says the special includes first-hand accounts from a team of scientists who claim to have found a sea creature related to human beings. Aside from "Finding Bigfoot" and "River Monsters," other series rolling out new episodes during Monster Week are "Call of the Wildman" and "Gator Boys." Animal Planet will also air reruns of "River Monsters" with new footage. Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com

Boss of Endemol's Southern Star quits

SYDNEY -- TV production company Southern Star's topper Rory Callaghan has ankled in the move that has surprised the area industry.Callaghan mentioned he'd remain in Australia, too as with TV, but wouldn't reveal his new employer.He mentioned he was "abandoning a company getting an extraordinary make for 2012," including "Government,Inch the area version of "Deal or No Deal" and drama "Adolescence Blues," using the Kathy Lette's novel.Callaghan grew to become part of Southern Star in 2006 and was upped to Boss this past year when content giant Endemol bought the expansion company.Martha Brass, Endemol's controlling director of worldwide methods, mentioned, "Callaghan has nurtured an excellent team who've set Southern Star around the right course for an additional year among Australia's top-ranking producers. We are very grateful for your contribution he's made and desire him every success money for hard times.In . Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

City Opera Lockout Leaves Upcoming Season Questionable

City Opera Lockout Leaves Upcoming Season Questionable By Frank Nestor January 9, 2012 NY City Opera declared a lockout for today's opening rehearsal of the season after contact negotiations with its unions deteriorated over the weekend. The order leaves the fate of City Opera's first production of the season, "La Traviata," and its upcoming truncated season, uncertain. Over the last three weeks, a federal mediator has been working with City Opera's management and its unionsAGMA, which represents the chorus, singers, stage managers, and directors, and American Federation of Musicians Local 802, representing the orchestra and conductorsin an attempt to resolve an ongoing labor dispute.Last May, City Opera announced it could not afford to remain at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater. The company has reportedly cut its budget from $31 million to $13 million, and decreased its number of productions this season to only four. In an effort to reduce costs, City Opera wishes to do away with salaries for chorus and orchestra members and pay only for individual rehearsals and performances. The unions argue that the opera's proposal would eliminate dozens of jobs and result in pay reductions of 90 percent, even though in recent years workers have already taken large salary cuts. "As we have said countless times, we have to transition to the model that most opera companies usepaying people only for the work that they do," said George Steel, City Opera's general manager and artistic director, in a statement. Negotiations broke down on Jan. 7, when the unions refused accept the latest offer from management. Gail Kruvand, assistant principal bass and the chair of Local 802's City Opera negotiating committee, said in a statement: "We made a good-faith effort to say that, yes, we are willing to sacrificeDuring the mediation process that ended unsuccessfully, we offered further economic concessions. Steel's intransigence in rejecting our many constructive proposals is the death knell for one of NY's cultural treasures." On Sunday, City Opera cancelled rehearsal and issued a lockout, because the company believed it would have risked paying workers for rehearsals, only to have union members strike the opening night. "La Traviata" is scheduled to commence its run on Feb. 12 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. City Opera Lockout Leaves Upcoming Season Questionable By Frank Nestor January 9, 2012 NY City Opera declared a lockout for today's opening rehearsal of the season after contact negotiations with its unions deteriorated over the weekend. The order leaves the fate of City Opera's first production of the season, "La Traviata," and its upcoming truncated season, uncertain. Over the last three weeks, a federal mediator has been working with City Opera's management and its unionsAGMA, which represents the chorus, singers, stage managers, and directors, and American Federation of Musicians Local 802, representing the orchestra and conductorsin an attempt to resolve an ongoing labor dispute.Last May, City Opera announced it could not afford to remain at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater. The company has reportedly cut its budget from $31 million to $13 million, and decreased its number of productions this season to only four. In an effort to reduce costs, City Opera wishes to do away with salaries for chorus and orchestra members and pay only for individual rehearsals and performances. The unions argue that the opera's proposal would eliminate dozens of jobs and result in pay reductions of 90 percent, even though in recent years workers have already taken large salary cuts. "As we have said countless times, we have to transition to the model that most opera companies usepaying people only for the work that they do," said George Steel, City Opera's general manager and artistic director, in a statement. Negotiations broke down on Jan. 7, when the unions refused accept the latest offer from management. Gail Kruvand, assistant principal bass and the chair of Local 802's City Opera negotiating committee, said in a statement: "We made a good-faith effort to say that, yes, we are willing to sacrificeDuring the mediation process that ended unsuccessfully, we offered further economic concessions. Steel's intransigence in rejecting our many constructive proposals is the death knell for one of NY's cultural treasures." On Sunday, City Opera cancelled rehearsal and issued a lockout, because the company believed it would have risked paying workers for rehearsals, only to have union members strike the opening night. "La Traviata" is scheduled to commence its run on Feb. 12 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Microsoft makes its final CES keynote speech

When Microsoft introduced expects to prevent giving the keynote speech within the Electronic Products Show, the business implied the primary reason was since it didn't have a great say. Plus it certainly backed that up Monday evening.Sometimes entertaining, sometimes baffling and often just a little dry, Microsoft's final appearance at CES was more notable because of the finality installed on it than was mentioned on stage.Boss Steve Ballmer abandoned his typical master of occasions way of an even more casual interview format with Americanidol host Ryan Seacrest steering the conversation, though never deviating too definately not the script.Rather than offering brand-new inspections the long run, the business rather mostly recapped recent bulletins, such as the relieve Home home windows Phone 7 as well as the inclusion of Bing voice explore the Xbox 360 360 360. The keynote furthermore an extremely in-depth think about the interface for Home home windows 8, that is in 2012.There has been a few minor new bulletins, like some new house home windows Phones - like the HTC Titan 2, which will boast a 16 Mb camera - and the introduction of Sesame Street TV round the Xbox 360 360 360, which will offer free interactive instances of the very popular children's program since the console looks to enhance its attract families.Microsoft will not host a booth or deliver a keynote at next year's show and also the organization has implied that it's absence may well be a extended one, but Electronic Products Association Boss Gary Shapiro tried to understate people impressions, saying onstage "I'd be shocked in case your Microsoft leader does not return to the keynote stage over the following few years.InchMore youthful crowd offered due to the business for becoming the show's kickoff in the last 14 years."Microsoft needed some risk here early which both of us accomplished good results,Inch mentioned Shapiro. "But around our human inclination is always to safeguard things because they are, we realize that change might be the only real constant, and then we made the decision to pause. I offer gratitude and goodwill towards Microsoft."Ballmer was grateful for that type words, but offered no sign the organization was arranging a return after its absence next season.InchMany thank you for any great partnership," he told Shapiro. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

'Hunger' score raises composer ire

The American Federation of Musicians, angry that Lionsgate is scoring "The Hunger Games" abroad, will picket a Lionsgate shooting location in downtown L.A. on Thursday.AFM president Ray Hair said Wednesday that "Lionsgate is unfair to professional musicians" and wants to take its case to the public via a picket line at the Palace Theater where "Mad Men," a Lionsgate TV show, is scheduled to shoot.According to Hair, "The Hunger Games" is "an American movie, with American actors and American crews, with a soundtrack that's uniquely American." He said efforts to get Lionsgate to score the film in the U.S. went nowhere.Composer James Newton Howard is reportedly scoring the film in London. Its soundtrack will also include songs produced by T Bone Burnett with singers including Taylor Swift.Lionsgate is not a signatory to the AFM, unlike most major studios whose AFM contracts require that films shot in the U.S. also be scored here. Hair's point is that Lionsgate has labor deals "with actors, directors, writers and film crews, but not with professional musicians."Lionsgate music execs could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Access Hollywood Live: Devin Alexanders Biggest Loser Cookbook Recipes

First Published: January 4, 2012 2:05 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Biggest Loser chef Devin Alexander stopped by Access Hollywood Live to show off some quick & easy kitchen makeover recipes for 2012 from The Biggest Loser Quick & Easy Cookbook.LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Trying to eat healthy for the New Year? Who isnt?!? Biggest Loser chef Devin Alexander stopped by Access Hollywood Live to show off some quick & easy kitchen makeover recipes for 2012 from The Biggest Loser Quick & Easy Cookbook. Chocolate Banana Ice Cream Be sure not to use overly ripe bananas when you make this dessert. While those are great for baked goods like banana breads and muffins, its better to use slightly firm bananas for this recipe (and for smoothies). Also, note that the serving size may vary slightly depending on the size of the bananas you use. If you dont have frozen bananas on hand, cut fresh ripe bananas into 1 pieces, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for at least 1 to 2 hours. Ingredients: 2 medium frozen bananas 1 scoop (17 grams) Biggest Loser All Natural Chocolate Deluxe Protein Supplement, or 50 calories worth of another chocolate protein powder 1 tablespoon all-natural cocoa powder Remove the bananas from the freezer and cut into 1 pieces. Add the bananas, protein powder, and cocoa powder to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a chopping blade. Process until completely smooth, pausing if necessary to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Continue processing for 1 minute longer, or until it is aerated and fluffy (be careful not to overprocess, or it will begin to liquefy). Divide the ice cream evenly among 2 small dessert bowls. Serve immediately. Makes 2 (heaping 1/2-cup) servings Per serving: 145 calories, 5 g protein, 35 g carbohydrates (22 g sugar), <1 g fat, trace saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 8 g fiber, 28 mg sodium ********** Punched-Up Pina Colada Most cocktails contain a lot of calories and empty carbohydrates. Here Ive replaced calorie-dense coconut crme with light coconut milk, and used frozen pineapple chunks and dried egg whites to thicken the drink. The frozen pineapple retains more nutrition than the sugar-sweetened pineapple juice typically used in a pia colada, and the egg whites add about 5 grams of protein. In the end, you save a whopping 307 calories, 13 grams of fat, and 12 grams of saturated fat over a typical same-size pia colada! Ingredients: 1/2 cup light coconut milk 8 ice cubes 3 cups frozen pineapple chunks 2 tablespoons 100 percent dried egg whites (I used Deb-El Just Whites), optional 3 tablespoons light rum 2 pineapple wedges for garnish (optional) To the jar of a blender with an ice crush setting, add the coconut milk, ice cubes, pineapple chunks, egg whites (if desired), and rum. Blend on high just until the mixture is smooth. Divide it between 2 chilled Collins glasses or other tall, thin glasses. Garnish with the pineapple wedges, if desired, and serve immediately with straws and/or drink umbrellas. Makes 2 servings Per serving (with egg whites): 219 calories, 6 g protein, 33 g carbohydrates (23 g sugar), 4 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 83 mg sodium Per serving (without egg whites): 204 calories, 1 g protein, 33 g carbohydrates (23 g sugar), 4 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 8 mg sodium ********** South of the Border Loaded Sweet Potato When Im cooking for myself, I prepare this potato with medium salsa, and it has a nice kick. Feel free to use mild or hot, as many of the contestants do. When it comes to topping the potato with salsa, start out with 1/3 cup of fresh salsa and drain the liquid from it. It will likely only be about 1/4 cup (maybe a bit more) in the end. Note that the toppings wont fit inside the potato--they will spill out over the top, making it even more decadent to eat! Ingredients: 1 (8-ounce) sweet potato 4 ounces extra-lean ground turkey 3/4 teaspoon all-natural salt-free fajita or Southwest seasoning Olive oil spray (propellant free) 1/3 cup fresh salsa, drained 2 tablespoons jarred all-natural roasted green salsa 2 tablespoons fat-free Greek yogurt Using a fork, poke the potato 5 times on all sides and place it in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. Cover the dish loosely with a paper towel. Microwave it on high for 3 minutes. Carefully flip the potato (it will be very hot) and continue microwaving for 2 to 4 minutes longer, or until cooked and tender. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the turkey and seasoning. Place a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, lightly mist it with the olive oil spray. Cook the turkey for 3 to 4 minutes, or until no longer pink, breaking it into bite-size chunks as you do. Cut an opening in the potato that stretches 1 from each end of the potato and deep enough to open the potato completely without cutting it in half. Put it in a medium shallow bowl. Stuff the potato with the fresh salsa, then the turkey, then the green salsa. Top it with the yogurt. Serve immediately. Makes 1 serving Per serving: 342 calories, 35 g protein, 47 g carbohydrates (13 g sugar), 2 g fat, trace saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 8 g fiber, 304 mg sodium (All recipes courtesy Devin Alexander) Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Malaysia preps for new Pinewood studio

With Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios due to open in a year, the new director general of Malaysia's film development org Finas is already planning to transform the Southeast Asian nation into a destination for filmmakers worldwide, aiming to bring in $1 billion a year and create some 10,000 jobs by 2020. Key to Mohd Naguib Razak's plans, the studio is being developed as part of a strategic agreement between the U.K.'s Pinewood studios and the Malaysian government's investment holding arm, Khazanah Nasional Berhad. The complex will have 100,000 square feet of filming stages and 24,000 square feet of TV studios, offices, workshops and post facilities. "Pinewood Studios will be a game-changer," Razak said. "We need to make sure all the infrastructure is in place." Among other tools at Razak's disposal are co-production pacts with other countries in south-east Asia, as well as further afield. "The government gives me a mandate to see where our ecosystem needs adjustment or recalibration," said Razak, a documentary- maker and producer who started at Finas in September. "In Malaysia we have had economic transformation; now there is recognition that content can bring the nation forward." Malaysia has no co-production agreements as yet, but Razak said talks are at an advanced stage with Screen Australia, and he hoped a deal would be announced early this year. Finas is also in continued discussions with the Media Development Authority in Singapore, Razak said, adding that he is talking with the U.K. and France about making Malaysia a one-stop center for foreign producers. Incentives are being discussed. "We have such diversity, but we need to play catch-up on incentives," Ruzak said. "They should be in place by 2013." Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com