Major Spoiler: Desperate Housewives Trial Reveals Who's Dying on Sunday!

Laurie Holden and Jeffrey DeMunn [Warning: This story contains major spoilers about AMC's The Walking Dead and the comic book series that inspired it. Read at your own risk.] The Walking Dead has continually shocked fans and comic readers alike as the AMC series continues to deviate from Robert Kirkman's source material. Last week's surprising death was a perfect example. After spending two seasons as the group's moral compass, Dale (Jeffrey DeMunn) met his demise far earlier than his comic book counterpart. Because of this, the long-awaited and surprising relationship between Dale and Andrea (Laurie Holden) formed in the comics will never see the light of day on the hit TV series. TVGuide.com caught up with Holden to get her take on the big death and how the group will grieve moving forward. Plus: It's all Carl's fault, right? 3 reasons we're bummed by The Walking Dead's latest death How did you feel about Dale's death? Holden: It was heartbreaking. I didn't know it was coming until a script was delivered to my trailer and I was leafing through it and came to that scene and literally I had the reaction like it was real, like someone I really loved died. I burst into tears and ran out of my trailer and went to my various coworkers and said, "Have you read this? Is this true? Is this true?" I was pretty bereft, I have to admit, for many reasons. To begin with, I love Jeff DeMunn and I enjoyed every moment of working with him. I've done two other movies with him and the third time's a charm. I feel so blessed to have had that experience. But also, I love the Dale-Andrea dynamic and I felt like we had so much more story to explore together and it was cut a bit short. Were you surprised about his death since Andrea and Dale eventually got into a relationship in the comics? Holden: Yeah, because that was always the plan, but it's no secret that the television show does veer off from the graphic novel and it was a creative decision that [executive producers] Glen Mazzara and Robert Kirkman came up with and stood behind. It made sense in terms of story and how we're moving forward. Last year you mentioned that you were excited for the Dale-Andrea relationship and said that the show was going to honor the comics in that regard. At the time, did you think they were going down that path? Holden: Absolutely. Absolutely. This tough thing about our show is that we have to remind ourselves it is a zombie apocalypse, that the rules change, that any character can go at any time and sometimes there are going to be deviations from the source material. This just happened to be the one character I never expected it to happen to. Did AMC's website spoil a major event on The Walking Dead this season? Given all the death as of late, how worried are you about Andrea's fate? Holden: To be honest, I'm not worried. If you read the latest issue of the graphic novel, she's alive and strong. I feel confident that Andrea's going to be around for a while. With the group still divided in terms of Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Shane (Jon Bernthal), will Andrea side with Shane? Holden: I think she always has, to be honest. Like she said in one of the episodes, it's just his presentation that lacks a little something to be desired. She admires Shane, but isn't exactly fond of the way he's gone about doing things. But the world has changed and he's made some pretty smart moves. Does she think Shane is good or bad for the group? Holden: She thinks he's a great guy, but you have to understand that she's not privy to a lot of his personal conversations with other people. She's not privy to what happened between him and Dale. She's not really aware of the fighting between Rick and Shane. Those are isolated incidences. All Andrea knows is that he's been a really cool cat that really mentored her and showed her how to protect herself and shoot a gun, and sometimes he gets a bit hot headed and she's looking at him like, "Hey, you need to kind of get it together." But other than that I think that she still really believes in him. The Walking Dead Boss: Lori has become Lady Macbeth How does the group handle the death of Dale? Holden: Obviously the death of Dale is very hard on Andrea as it is on Glen (Steven Yeun) more than anybody else in the group. There's a lot of guilt and a lot of regret. She wasn't particularly easy on him for quite some time and Andrea wasn't in a very good head space. When Dale passes, every move that Andrea makes from that point forward is about honoring Dale, and that means being a leader, having a stronger moral compass, being compassionate and really lending her hand more so than she would have before. I remember distinctly for the rest of the season, every single thing that I did before every scene, I thought, "Andrea, you must honor Dale." And if there was ever a caption to describe Andrea's head space, that's it. How will Carl (Chandler Riggs) handle Dale's death since he is partially at fault? Holden: Bless his little heart. There's so much hate for that character right now, and I keep reminding everybody on Twitter that he's just a child. He made a mistake. He's a baby. Give him some slack. The guilt and remorse that that poor child is going to carry, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. So I hope people can understand that he is 12 and forgive him because I don't think that he's going to be able to forgive himself. The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC.

'Bill And Ted 3': That Which You Know Up To Now

by Fallon Prinzivalli There are many buzz circulating across the lengthy looked forward to third installment of "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure," presently recognized to as "Bill And Ted 3." Involving the tweets, articles, videos and gossips, who is able to keep the news straight? This is why we've come up with a time of the products everyone knows up to now. All fact, no fiction. You'll totally enjoy it, dudes! September 20, 2010: Keanu Reeves pitches a "Bill & Ted" follow-up directed by Werner Herzog, suggesting that co-star Alex Winter and authors Chris Matheson and Erection dysfunction Solomon may also be aboard. September 23, 2010: Alex Winter certifies "Bill And Ted 3" inside an interview over Twitter saying, "The cat's in the bag, and the truth is, yeah, we have finally stumbled upon a indisputable fact that people think is rather great." Winter spoke exclusively with MTV News in regards to the idea and mentioned the film would focus on what Bill and Ted are actually around inside the 20+ years since their last appearance. Perfect! April 4, 2011: Reeves unveils the script for "Bill And Ted 3" is just days from completion. More youthful crowd taunted the plot, proclaiming that it ties together with the ending of "Bogus Journey" as well as the males are enthusiastic about writing "the song that saved the earth.In . April 20, 2011: News from the impending Wyld Stallyns reunion can get fans psyched. Consequently, a "Bill And Ted 3" Facebook page and website are launched. Signal air guitar! April 25, 2011: Winter tweets the "Bill And Ted 3" script is at his hands. The tweet reads: "@alxwinter '@antmaurizio: Bill and Ted 3, under 6 days away and counting? Movie is gonna kick some ass. ' > Got the script. Now to determine...In . April 2011-February 2012: We could only attribute the season extended gap for the bodacious writing in the script. Excellence requires a while, dudes. March 2, 2012: The Independent asks Reeves in regards to the script which he replies, "Yeah, there is available a script. We're trying to put together it. It's a good script too." March 4, 2012: Alex Winter tweets his concurrence with Reeves and so they just have the eco-friendly light to move forward. He written, "-Script done? Check. We love to it? Check. Eco-friendly light? Concentrating on it!" Party on! Reveal everything you consider the "Bill and Ted" timeline inside the comments and also on Twitter!

Ethan Peck To Star In CW Pilot Selection

EXCLUSIVE: The CW drawn on the offspring of acting royalty to experience the prince in the advanced drama pilot The Choice. Ethan Peck (full title Ethan Gregory Peck), the grand son of Oscar champion Gregory Peck, is placed to star opposite Aimee Teegarden within the project, which attracts parallels towards the Hunger Games. In line with the approaching number of books by Kiera Cass, The Choice is referred to being an epic romance set 300 years later on. Compiled by Elizabeth Craft & Sarah Fain and directed by Mark Piznarski, it focuses on America Singer (Teegarden), an undesirable youthful lady who's selected by lottery to sign up inside a competition to marry Prince Maxon (Peck) and be the following full of the war-torn nation in a crossroads. Maxon comes with an unusual run-along with potential bride America and it is impressed and attracted to her honesty and moxie. The CW has good reputation for casting on its shows youthful stars who're the descendants of movie symbols. Steven R. McQueen, the grand son of Steve McQueen, plays Elena’s (Nina Dobrev) brother on hit Vampire Journals. Peck’s credits include feature Over Time, a normal role on ABC Family’s 10 A Few Things I Hate In Regards To You as well as an arc around the CW’s Gossip Girl. He's with ICM.

Oscar Chat: Understand This Years Best Animated Feature Nominees

When the Academy introduced its nominations lately to find the best Animated Feature, two waves of surprise washed over Oscar audiences: Not only was Pixar overlooked inside the cold the first time within the history, but furthermore two lesser-known films from abroad made the cut inside the category: the noir-y French entry The Kitty in Paris as well as the The the spanish language language-language jazz-romance Chico and Rita. The organization company directors of people films, along with Kung Fu Panda 2 helmer Jennifer Yuh Nelson, among handful of female company company directors nominated this year, spoken with Movieline in regards to the recognition within the Academy, technologies for instance 3-D and motion capture, in addition to their Oscar evening excitement. So understand three in the filmmakers within the animation community who might have to go home getting a trophy on Sunday: For Just About Any Cat in Paris we have Alain Gagnol, who co-directed with Jean-Loup Felicioli, too for Chico and Rita we have Fernando Trueba, who directed along with Tono Errando and Javier Mariscal. (Fellow nominees Chris Burns [Puss in Boots] and Gore Verbinski [Rango] were not available to participate.) Animation nominees appear to offer the most fun within the Academy awards. Exactly what are you searching toward most on Oscar Sunday? GAGNOL: Really, Hollywood might be the the complete opposite of my world, so situations are amazing, incredible, and funny. Nevertheless the most impressive part is always to see, within the achieve of my hands, numerous the most popular company company directors. Scorsese and Spielberg gaveme the need to make movies. They provided the strength to produce my dreams be realized. NELSON: I'm searching toward a lot of people-watching. Along with a weight seriously awesome date while using husband. TRUEBA: Well, being nominated was already a sizable prize for people. I didn't be familiar with animation nominees were supposed to offer the most fun? How will you experience the most effective Picture category being extended to nine films but getting animation ignore? GAGNOL: For a lot of people, animated films aren't genuine cinema. However don't thinkthat might be the issue here. I have to admit thatwithoutyoung children, most grownups won't watch animated movies. Theyare concerned these films won't have anything on their own account, and they're going to be bored. I furthermore think that because of there being no such factor just like a human face in animated cinema, seeing the heavens and stars in live-action films are veryfascinating for your audience, and so they may not think they have people celebrity images for connecting with. NELSON: In my opinion the films nominated are very deserving, that the amount spices or herbs or herbal treatments up. I must see animated films widen in the realm limited to family entertainment and become merely a technique utilized in most ranges of cinema. Once that happens, It may have up regularly in many groups. TRUEBA: I didn't appreciate it. In my opinion [more nominations] can be a wrong decision, and I am unsure anyone who favors it using this method. In my opinion the key prize has lost plenty of his charm. It's almost impossible to know these. Too, lots of. It is better [with] five. Can you start to see the Academys recent rule about motion-capture films so that they can stress traditional hands-attracted animation? GAGNOL: Personal computers are very useful they have a tendency tobe everywhere. But they are perfect, as well as the limits of existence aren't an problem on their own account. Therefore, sometimes people appear tohave beenforgotten on the way. Hands-attracted animation is definately not perfect but we could possess the sensitivityof theanimator. However don'tthink that onekind of animation is way better thanthe otherone. Ultimately, the key thingis the story you need to tell. Personal computers continue being not able to create tales. NELSON: The movies selected show a range of techniques, not just hands-attracted. Three appear to become CG, so its nice to find out that such different films were recognized. But computer or else, these films were created frame-by-frame by artists. Some mo-cap is actually heavily labored by artists that could too be full animation. Whereas other people are very automated. The question then becomes among artistry. TRUEBA: Maybe, animation has today a number of techniques and approaches. And it is sometimes complicated to dictate the recommendations how you can this kind of complex area. But maybe something carried out. Several live-action and animated films nominated this year, including top nominee Hugo, were released in 3-D. Within your view, does 3-D help or hurt a films probability of taking home an Oscar? GAGNOL: I'm not a real great fan of three-D movies. For me personally, it doesn't bring anything interesting to cinema.A correctly-composed picture can offer all the feelings needed with a tale. Each time a movieis good, you will find the sensation to participate it. NELSON: 3-D can be a movie tool you should use or roughed up. Used well, it is a true enhancement in the film. I love seeing the restrictions being pressed how we could simulate an immersive experience. Like multichannel surround sound, immersive picture can certainly have you feeling the film much more. However it must be accomplished well. TRUEBA: I really hate 3-D. This stuff are invented every decade and before lengthy, people lose interest from this. Personally 3-D makes movies lose their character. It's just for children and individuals which go every so often to movies. Real moviegoers do not require 3-D. And personally I am unable to see 3-D. I'm strabic!!! You might might help some moviegoers in finishing their ballots: Who'll win to find the best Animated Online video? GAGNOL: I am sorry I am unable to answer that question because I have not had the opportunity to take a look at these films. NELSON: Oh please, I would be used with a couple of of those people sooner or later. I am not going them mad at me. TRUEBA: La Luna. Who's connected you to definitely certainly the ceremony? GAGNOL: Much like me coming initially from from France, In my opinion my jet lag will probably be with me at night all along. NELSON: My sweet husband will probably be with me at night, making certain I don't trip throughout my heels. Also, since DWA has two films nominated, you will notice a posse of great people including Melissa Cobb producer of KFP2, and Raymond Zibach, the gifted production designer. TRUEBA: My friend and co-director of Chico and Rita, Javier Mariscal, and my partner and producer, Cristina. How are things following this film? What projects will be in the entire shebang? GAGNOL: I am concentrating on a completely new feature film. It's also a thriller for children though yet another fantasy aspect. I have already done the script formore than couple of years, and Jean-Loup has attracted the initial pictures. The knowledge occur in NY. Oneof the fantastic advantagesof making animated movies, as company company directors, is thatwe goes everywhere out of your drawing table. NELSON: I'm developing something, nonetheless its a secret at this time. TRUEBA: I merely finished a completely new movie, The Artist as well as the Model, my first movie in French, featuring Jean Rochefort, Aida Folch and Claudia Cardinale. MORE 2012 OSCAR ROUNDTABLES AND CHATS Best Cinematography Best Costume Design Best Documentary Feature Best Foreign-Language Feature

New Avengers Still Emerges Online

Strutting the pages of Empire...Empire customers may have already seen this completely new Avengers still obviously, and a tease for individuals individuals still searching forward to get a duplicate tomorrow, here is a picture of Cap', The Black Widow and Hawkeye strutting for the camera to enable you to get all excited.Giving us a significantly clearer take a look at Captain America's new, modernised outfit - particularly his more rounded mind gear - additionally, it informs us much more about the way the team will in the end seperate to kick extra Loki ass.So have a look in the snap above and let's read your comments. Perhaps you have barely handle the thrill?Still eager to see more Ruffalo's Hulk?Perhaps you have exercised who another criminals within the film is going to be?Tell us within the comment box below.Elsewhere within the new problem, there is a interview using the guy behind Marvel's super hero supergroup, Joss Whedon themself, where he discloses much more about how on the planet he will accomplish such the monumentally struggle of creating sure it isn't another Iron Guy /CaptainAmerica / Thor /Hulk movie.The Avengers has gone out on April 27, and Empire's new blockbuster special is on shelves tomorrow, Feb 22.

Pilot Season: Vampire Diaries' Taylor Kinney Joins Dick Wolf's Chicago Fire

Under two days after Fox introduced that this is the ultimate season of House, Peter Jacobson has signed onto recur on Showtime's Ray Donovan pilot, Deadline reviews. House pulls the plug after eight seasons Ray Donovan stars Liev Schreiber as Los Angeles' best professional troubleshooter who are able to make anybody anyone's problems disappear, except individuals of their own family. Jacobson... Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com HouseElliott GouldLiev SchreiberPaula MalcomsonCriminal MindsSouthlandAnn BidermanJon VoightPeter JacobsonGrey's AnatomyMark Gordon

The Artist, Meryl Streep Triumph at British Film Awards

The Artist The Artist topped the 64th Annual British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, taking home four trophies. The silent film earned awards for Best Picture, Best Actor for Jean Dujardin, and Best Director and Best Original Screenplay both for Michel Hazanavicius. Hugo, The Artist lead Oscar nominations Meryl Streep received Best Actress honors in the homeland of the woman she portrayed in The Iron Lady. (Streep apparently lost her shoe on the way up to the podium, but presenter Colin Firth slipped it back on.) The Help's Octavia Spencer took home Best Supporting Actress, and Christopher Plummer was named Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Beginners. Click here for a full list of winners.

Niceflx opens 'Window'

Sweden's NiceflxPictures is creating a feature version of Jonas Jonasson's "The Centenarian Who Rose The Window and Disappeared," that has already pre-offered to Concorde for Germany and Austria. The offer was discussed by Joni Sighvatsson for Niceflx by Thomas Augsberger of Eden Rock Media for Concorde's parent Tele Muenchen Group. The comedy, professional created by Sighvatsson, is going to be helmed and modified by Felix Herngren, whose previous credits include "Almost Every Other Week" and television series "Solsidan." The 12 million ($15.8 million) pic is funded by Swedish equity money, Swedish tv stations and tax credits. It begins shooting in Sweden and eastern Europe in December. Swedish novel follows a guy who remembers his 100th birthday by climbing the window of his retirement the place to find attempt per month-lengthy trip through Sweden. His escape is complicated by challenge with law enforcement along with a local gang that wants its suitcase back, that they stole. It has offered a lot more than a million copies in Sweden and it is No. one in the German book charts, getting offered a lot more than 500,000 copies in under four several weeks. It's been acquired in 32 areas and it is skedded to become released in Blighty and also the U.S. in June. Competition for film privileges towards the book was high before Niceflx guaranteed them this past year, with sources showing that Working Title was competing for British-language privileges. Niceflx and and Sighvatsson happen to be shopping the project to choose foreign purchasers in the Berlinale and intend to fasten a telemarketer to look the pic. A significant U.S. studio is stated to become circling the project. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

RepresentAsian: The Changing Face of New York Theater

RepresentAsian: The Changing Face of NY Theater February 8, 2012 David Henry Hwang Fordham University and the Asian American Performers Action Coalition will present "RepresentAsian: The Changing Face of New York Theater" on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. The evening will feature an industry roundtable, moderated by playwright David Henry Hwang ("Chinglish"), that will be composed of theatrical artistic directors, productions, directors, playwrights, casting directors, and agents. The goal is to have a dialogue about the representation of minority actors on NY stages. The event is open to the public. Pope Auditorium, W. 60th Street and Columbus Avenue, Manhattan. To RSVP, email aapacrsvp@gmail.com. Seating is limited. RepresentAsian: The Changing Face of NY Theater February 8, 2012 David Henry Hwang Fordham University and the Asian American Performers Action Coalition will present "RepresentAsian: The Changing Face of NY Theater" on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. The evening will feature an industry roundtable, moderated by playwright David Henry Hwang ("Chinglish"), that will be composed of theatrical artistic directors, productions, directors, playwrights, casting directors, and agents. The goal is to have a dialogue about the representation of minority actors on NY stages. The event is open to the public. Pope Auditorium, W. 60th Street and Columbus Avenue, Manhattan. To RSVP, email aapacrsvp@gmail.com. Seating is limited.

Justin Extended makes his 'Case' as scribe-producer

LongWoodDinklageJustin Extended will get behind the digital camera, writing and creating the indie "A Scenario individualsInch and starring themselves, Evan Rachel Wood and Peter Dinklage.Kat Coiro is aboard to direct with Keir O'Donnell and Long's youthful brother, Christian, joining him on writing duties. O'Donnell and Busy Phillips may also be aboard to co-star.Story involves a young author who tries to impress a lady he meets online by getting an embellished profile, but finds themselves in the real mess when she falls for him which he must continue the act.O'Donnell may even join Justin Extended just like a producer alongside Carol Wiersma, Logan Levy, and Jessie Kennedy. Cassian Elwes, Frank Levy, Brintton Sanderford, Brice Sanderford, Christian Extended, Jessica Neuman and Robert Barnum are professional creating.L&L is financing the look with Red-colored-colored Granite selling worldwide rights and achieving professional producers.Film is lensing in NY.Extended was most recently Fox's "Alvin as well as the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" and Wood was most recently noticed in Sony's "The Ides of March"Dinklage just wrapped production round the second season of HBO's "Wager on Thrones," which bows on April 1.Extended is repped by CAA and Paul Youthful. Wood may also be repped by CAA. Dinklage is repped by Insight and Arcieri & Affiliate marketers.Phillips is repped by ICM and O'Donnell is repped by UTA and Tom Parziale. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Isabella Ragonese: 'Door' opened doors

Isabella RagoneseJuggling careers as a playwright and actress, 30-year-old Palermo native Isabella Ragonese worked in theater before making her film debut in 2006 in Emanuele Crialese's "Golden Door."But it was her lead performance in Paolo Virzi's 2008 comedy-drama "Her Whole Life Ahead" -- as a college grad forced to work a series of increasingly demeaning jobs -- that provided her breakthrough, earning her the Premio Guglielmo Biraghi and a Nastro d'Argento nomination, a prize she would go onto win in 2010 for her perfs in "One Life, Maybe Two" and "Our Life."2011 saw her take the lead role in Giorgia Cecere's "The First Assignment," and she can soon be seen in Silvio Muccino's "Another World" and Massimo Venier's "Il giorno in piu." But she remains active in theater, with two of her own plays produced in 2011."Theater was my first love and it's a constant form of inspiration, because it's a place where I can experiment. Plus, there's the immediate rapport with an audience. And those elements are things that I carry with me onto the bigscreen. And even though my experience as a playwright has been minor, it's also been very important for me, because I strongly believe an actor has to be an author for himself also."But cinema is fascinating to me -- it's new and mysterious, and I want to take it further. It's a young love, but if you ask me, now, which one I love the most, it's hard to answer. If I have any ambition, as an actress, it's to live them both, while always being myself."Return to the Berlin Preview >> Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Spielberg: Empire of the stunner

'Jaws''Super 8''War Horse'When Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" landed ashore in the summer of '75, it marked a sea change. Not only did it give birth to the modern blockbuster, but the impact of Spielberg -- this year's Producers Guild of America's David O. Selznick honoree for lifetime achievement -- was immediate, and his influence on movies and moviemakers continues unabated."That was my first Spielberg experience," says J.J. Abrams, who recalls the "Jaws" effect on his boyhood. "That movie left an enormous impact. Not long ago, I was putting my son to bed, and I gave him this lacquered wooden plaque that I had made as a grade school project. I had made mine with the 'Jaws' poster. That's how big that movie is for me.""Jaws" was not the first film to breach the $100 million milestone stateside (that would be "The Godfather"), but with a 1975 tally of $260 million -- more than $1 billion today adjusted for inflation -- it established a new benchmark, and earned more than twice of any film released that year.The net effect on Abrams can be seen in the filmmaker's "Super 8," which is, as he terms it, an "unabashed" tribute to both Spielberg and specifically to "E.T.," another Spielbergian Saturday-matinee movie whose importance has allowed it to also be perceived as a more serious, Saturday-night movie. It's this ability to take the tropes of matinee entertainments and pitch them into high relief, with a cinematic brio and audacity to present images, effects and events on screen that have never before been done, that perhaps most distinguishes Spielberg's work as a producer and director.Without films like "Jaws," "E.T.," "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Jurassic Park," it would be hard to imagine films like "Avatar," "Transformers," "The Lord of the Rings" and "Pirates of the Caribbean." It's as if Spielberg established the template to allow filmmakers like James Cameron and Peter Jackson, with whom he collaborated on "The Adventures of Tintin," to shoot for the moon.Even if Oscar best pic winner "Schindler's List" (1993) cast Spielberg in a more serious light, the gravity and weight of that Holocaust drama was counterbalanced by "Jurassic Park," released the same year. "Jurassic" raised the bar on CGI and grossed $47 million its opening weekend, going on to earn an unheard of $900,000-plus worldwide. To date, Speilberg's movies, whether he produced, exec produced or directed, have earned nearly $8.5 billion in North America alone.Abrams himself finds the best, briefest term for Spielberg's talent: "He's a showman. That means whether he's the director or he's in a producing capacity like he was with me on 'Super 8,' he's conscious of delivering a movie that combines emotions, interesting characters and ideas, but also more than anything entertains and is a crowd-pleaser. And he's certainly the greatest influence on me for that reason."My favorite movies," Abrams adds, "are B movies done A. So it may be easy to recall the shark attacks in 'Jaws,' but what makes that movie great are all the strong scenes between the characters, the sheriff (played by Roy Scheider), Robert Shaw's fantastic scenes on the boat."Another movie that Spielberg executive-produced last summer, the Jon Favreau-directed "Cowboys & Aliens," also happily flies in Spielberg's space in its good-natured combo of the western and sci-fi genres -- even though, surprising as it is, Spielberg has never himself made a western."He was my mentor," says Favreau, "and the main reason I took on the project was that Steven was producing, allowing me an incredible opportunity to work side-by-side with him, and learn. We come from really different backgrounds -- me from improv and comedy, him from cinema -- and I wanted to just take in his ideas, and even the way he went about his work."However, Spielberg doesn't view his role as producer through the lens of a mentor, but as a facilitator."I do believe my purpose when I'm producing is to give the full weight of my support to the director I've hired," he says. "I can be effective at getting the director what he wants, once the director knows what he wants, and that sometimes doesn't happen until the day of shooting."Since "making a movie is the most fluid art form in the world," Spielberg says, "things work and things fail 10 times a day. I can help a director by hiring experienced personnel (production managers, assistant directors, location managers) who will work with me to organize a production with enough contingencies in case of foul weather or an illness or mechanical breakdowns, that the director never has to worry about plotting those solutions. A good producer knows how to put out fires long before the director ever smells the smoke. It's also important for me to help get everybody out of (his) way, including myself."Favreau, like Abrams, says Spielberg the producer is ever-attentive and brimming with ideas and enthusiasm when he's in the room with you. During the phases when both directors were making their movies, Spielberg was either preparing or directing both "War Horse" and "Tintin," making it all the more remarkable that they echo each others' view that Spielberg worked with them "as if he had nothing else to do but this," says Favreau."As a gift, he gave me an iPad loaded up with classic Westerns," the actor-director adds, "so it was like a film school working with him. He screened 'The Searchers' for us, since the main storyline in 'Cowboys & Aliens' borrows from the quest plot in that film, and he did a running commentary as we watched it.""Steven is very optimistic," says Abrams. "He's someone who's able to see the best version of whatever project he's working on. He's got enormous ambition of things to be at their best, but what I found is that while he has a constant ability to imagine moments in scenes and maybe make them better, he also has the ability and sense to never mandate those suggestions. He'll let you consider his ideas, and take them, alter them or not. It's like when you were a kid and ordered the bottomless chocolate milk. He's like this bottomless idea factory."Favreau and Abrams both observe that Spielberg the producer never cites Spielberg the director, but instead mentions previous Hollywood masters and models -- his idols, just like Spielberg is their idol."He doesn't bring up his movies when we talk," Favreau notes, "but he'll bring up John Ford all the time, or guys like Billy Wilder. I think he's inherited Ford's DNA."Abrams stresses that Spielberg would "try to emphasize that, even though I was making a movie that drew directly from his own movies, with scenes and characters that totally parallel those in 'E.T.,' that he didn't come up with this stuff in the first place, but was drawing on others."While helmers who have worked with Spielberg can hardly stop talking about his collaborative tendencies, Spielberg himself says there are distinct limits to this: "There's plenty of room for collaboration, but no room for more than one chef in the kitchen."PGA NOMINATIONS:"The ArtistThomas LangmannPedigree*: Cesar nom for "Mesrine: Public Enemy #1" and "Mesrine: Killer Instinct" (2008)2011 Best pic awards, noms to date: Alliance of Women Film Journalists; Boston Society of Film Critics; Detroit Film Critics; European Film Award nom; Golden Globe (musical/comedy); Independent Spirit Awards nom; Indiana Film Critics; Las Vegas Film Critics Society; NY Film Critics Circle; NY Film Critics Online; San Diego Film Critics; Screen Actors Guild nom (ensemble cast); St. Louis Film Critics; Vancouver Film Critics Circle; Washington, D.C., Area Film Critics Assn."BridesmaidsJudd Apatow, Barry Mendel and Clayton TownsendPedigree: Mendel Oscar-nominated for "Munich" (2005) and "The Sixth Sense" (1999), as well as a BAFTA nom ("Sixth Sense"); 2011 Best pic awards, noms to date: Broadcast Film Critics Assn. nom (Comedy Movie); Golden Globes nom (comedy/musical); Screen Actors Guild nom (ensemble cast)"The Descendants"Jim Burke, Alexander Payne and Jim TaylorPedigree: N/A2011 Best pic awards, noms to date: Broadcast Film Critics Assn. nom; Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics; Golden Globe (drama); Houston Film Critics Society; Kansas City Film Critics; Los Angeles Film Critics; Satellite Awards; Screen Actors Guild nom (ensemble cast); Southeastern Film Critics"The Girl With the Dragon TattooCean Chaffin and Scott RudinPedigree: Three Oscar noms and one win ("No Country for Old Men," 2007), and three PGA noms and one win ("No Country") for Rudin; two Oscar noms and two PGA noms for Chaffin. 2011 Best pic awards, noms to date: N/A"The HelpMichael Barnathan, Chris Columbus and Brunson GreenPedigree: N/A2011 Best pic awards, noms to date: Golden Globes nom; Screen Actors Guild nom (ensemble cast)"HugoGraham King and Martin ScorsesePedigree: Three Cesar noms and a PGA nom for Scorsese; two Oscar noms and one win ("The Departed, 2006)" and two PGA noms and a win ("The Aviator," 2004) for King. 2011 Best pic awards, noms to date: Austin Film Critics; Golden Globes nom; National Board of Review"The Ides of MarchGeorge Clooney, Grant Heslov and Brian OliverPedigree: Heslov Oscar-nominated and PGA-nominated for "Good Night, and Good Luck" (2005); Oliver Oscar-nominated and PGA-nominated for "Black Swan" (2010)2011 Best pic awards, noms to date: Golden Globes nom"Midnight in ParisLetty Aronson and Stephen TenenbaumPedigree: N/A2011 Best pic awards, noms to date: Golden Globes nom; Screen Actors Guild nom (ensemble cast)"MoneyballMichael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz and Brad PittPedigree: De Luca Oscar-nominated and PGA-nominated for "The Social Network" (2010); Horovitz won the PGA award for "Grey Gardens" (2009)2011 Best pic awards, noms to date: Golden Globes nom"War HorseKathleen Kennedy and Steven Spielberg Pedigree: Kennedy has six Oscar noms, three noms and a lifetime acheivement award (2008) from the PGA, and four BAFTA noms; Spielberg has five Oscar noms and one win ("Shindler's List," 1993), five Cesar awards and one honorary award; and three noms, six wins and a lifetime achievement award from the PGA. 2011 Best pic awards, noms to date: Golden Globes nom; AFI Award* Refers only to best pic awards and noms from the Academy, PGA, HFPA, BAFTA and CesarsPGA AWARDSSpielberg: Empire of the stunner | Long-gestating 'Lincoln' driven by performances | Guild draws line on producer credit Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Hulu orders first scripted original skein

Hulu has bought its first scripted original series. 13 cases of the half-hour dramedy "Battleground" will premiere on Feb. 13, the streaming service introduced at its first-ever TCA session Sunday. Hulu may also be acquiring an unscripted series produced by Richard Linklater and refreshing its first original unscripted series order, "Every Day inside the Existence," from Morgan Spurlock. "Battleground," which Fox Broadcasting Co. developed a year ago before losing the project, is certainly an internal think about a imaginary political campaign from JD Walsh, Hagai Shaham and Marc Webb ("The Astounding Spiderman"). Hulu's entry into scripted might be the most recent evidence of intensifying competition among digital energy players scrambling for audiences and entrepreneurs. "Battleground" happens the heels of one other portal giant, Yahoo, doing same just the other day, while using Tom Hanks-produced animated series "Electric City," though that project is short-form episodes. Netflix has bought 4 or 5 full-length scripted series within the this past year, plus a revival in the Fox comedy "Arrested Development." Due to the growing commoditization of catalog content like movies and tv shows, these companies are trading much more about either exclusive or original fare that could differentiate within the pack. "You ought to get content that fans don't similar to, but love," mentioned Andy Forssell, senior V . p . of content at Hulu. While Yahoo is relationship entrepreneurs and Netflix is tempting clients, Hulu does a bit of both given its business features a ft in the free, ad-supported realm via Hulu.com as well as the monthly sub game via Hulu Plus. All Hulu's original series are available on facets of its business. The first series orders are merely the newest instance of how Hulu has looked for to broaden its content options beyond next-day utilization of primetime series from tv producers possessed by its parent companies News Corp., Disney and NBCUniversal, which reconsidered selling the partnership late a year ago. With next-day utilization of Fox programming on Hulu pressed to eight days for audiences that do not placed on Hulu Plus or can't authenticate via monthly monthly subscriptions to participating multichannel companies--and ABC prone to follow--Hulu have to get new techniques they are driving value for the free a part of its website. Furthermore to making original series like "Battleground," Hulu has furthermore done handles different amounts of exclusivity for series as varied since the British cult hit "Misfits to NBC's "Community". Netflix has furthermore done same, acquiring up series including AMC's "Mad Males" and "The Walking Dead." But getting a geniune scripted series which has not elsewhere yet is the greatest tool to be bold with either entrepreneurs or audiences. Nonetheless, it's unlikely the cost of "Battleground" is on componen while using low seven-figure bill most half-several hours ring on television. While Forssell--who declined to specify your hard earned money--mentioned Hulu does not have limits in place which it could purchase programming, he added, "you want to help to keep costs low.In . Part of the way that's done is ideal for Hulu to strike handles producers that have terms that are tricky to locate inside the TV business, for instance not applying possession in the program. Forssell wouldn't discuss deal specifics for your new programming. Hulu has switched to former Fox Searchlight professional Charlotte now now Koh to develop original series, and her background is in line with a cutting-edge mandate Forssell recognized just like a guiding principle for that organization. "Why has creativity and excitement of indie TV never manifested itself in primetime TV?" mentioned Forssell. "A lot of it is really because it's structurally simpler associated with a closed-ended movie, but we're searching at the way you take advantage of the ecosystem to produce that kind of creativity?" New cases of "Battleground" will run every Tuesday beginning Feb. 14, with back episodes available throughout its run. Indie vet Linklater ("Before Sunrise") is delivering six cases of "Current,Inch through which Timothy "Speed" Levitch, who was simply featured in acclaimed doc "The Cruise," gives around locations nationwide. Spurlock's "Day," which opened up on Hulu in August, will probably be back with new episodes featuring stars including Marc Maron and Joel McHale. Forssell could not specify the amount of streams "Day" created given Hulu does not disclose series' individual performances. Both "Day" and "Speed" will bow inside the first half of year. The other day, Hulu revealed 2011 results that shown growth on fronts. Hulu revenues elevated 60% yearly to $420 million while its sub base showed up at 1.5 million. In the blog publish announcing his company's results, Boss Jason Kilar pledged to take a position $500 million on content in 2012. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Hunger Games Star Josh Hutcherson Talks Kissing Jennifer Lawrence

First Launched: The month of the month of january 12, 2012 11:15 AM EST Credit: Getty Premium Caption Josh Hutcherson reaches the 2012 Peoples Choice Honours at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in La around the month of the month of january 11, 2012LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson was all smiles round the Peoples Choice Honours red-colored-colored carpet when Access Hollywood asked for about kissing co-star Jennifer Lawrence inside the approaching silver screen adaptation from the finest-selling books. It absolutely was good, the 19-year-old actor who plays Peeta Mellark inside the movie mentioned, beaming. Jennifer Lawrence is beautiful, so I'm not prone to complain, he mentioned of his co-star, who plays the flicks lead, Katniss Everdeen. It absolutely was good. Adding, It absolutely was a really fun time shooting. The actor referred to to AccessHollywood.coms Laura Saltman the films team labored tough to shroud the brand new You are able to occur secrecy. They saved a very tight set. They were strict about letting people on / off and so they had black curtains up everywhere, Josh referred to. So, they preferred to maintain it locked lower. Josh also hopes fans in the books are content while using silver screen version of author Suzanne Collins books. Individuals would be the most loyal fans that you can get, its slightly intimidating but thrilling concurrently, he ongoing. Im searching toward it and extremely nervous. Similar to Katniss, many fans in the books are split between Team Peeta or Team Gale Katniss nearest friend and hunting partner Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) but Josh is remarkably an authentic existence part of Team Gale. Me and Liam got along immediately, were good buds, he referred to, saying they might even finish as roommates. We considered it. Its a effective possibility afterwards. The Hunger Games hits theaters on March 23. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

FOX Exec: No Spinoff For Glee, The X Factor To Undergo Changes

First Published: January 8, 2012 4:52 PM EST Credit: FOX / Getty Caption Lea Michele, Steve Jones, Ryan SeacrestLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Kurt Hummel and Rachel Berry wont be the focus of a new show on FOX next season. On Sunday, FOXs President of Entertainment, Kevin Reilly, told reporters at the Television Critics Association Winter Session in Pasadena there will definitely not be a Glee spinoff. We are graduating the characters and whats come out of it is [co-Creator and Executive Producer] Ryan [Murphy] and the guys have come up with a really cool idea. There will not be a Glee spinoff, but those characters will graduate, Reilly told reporters. Its led to a very interesting idea that I think is gonna really give us something cool to dig into next season. While declining to clarify what will happen with so many of the main cast ready to leave the halls of McKinley High, Reilly said the upcoming episodes will create a unique path toward the 2012-2013 Glee season. I like where its gonna really set us up in that spring batch of episodes and where its gonna set us up for next season, he added. No spinoff characters graduating; cool show next year. Beyond talk of Glee, the FOX Entertainment President said X Factor will have some changes when it returns for Season 2, although nothing has yet been decided. When asked about X Factor host Steve Jones, who British tabloids previously reported would not return at the helm next year, Reilly seemed to add fuel to the fire. The hosting gig, the only thing I will say, is, as we know, it is a much harder job than meets the eye, he said. I think everyone has come to realize the value of a Ryan Seacrest. If you dialed the clock back 11 years, Im not sure everybody in this room would have given him all the credit at that time. Those are very hard jobs to do. So whether Steves the guy or not, it comes under the heading of Growth in general. There will be some tweaks to the show, but Ill tell you, Im very happy to have it and its gonna be part of us for a long time. As for Seacrest, who is at the end of his contract with American Idol, Reilly said he doesnt want to see the show end up with Seacrest out. Its very hard to imagine the show without Ryan, the FOX exec said. We certainly want to keep him. Theres no creative discussion there whatsoever. Its a deal issue Its a deal component and its a tough negotiation and one that I think will come to conclusion pretty quickly. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

In Recognition of year in the Dragon: Favorite Movie Dragons

Even if 2012 weren't formally the season in the Dragon (in line with the Chinese zodiac), dragons would declare it their year anyway. Audiences are eating up 'The Girl While using Dragon Tattoo,' mythic dragons rule on TV's 'Once Upon a Time' and 'A Wager on Thrones' and many of us are waiting for our first look at Smaug in Peter Jackson's 'The Hobbit' this Christmas. Seems pretty much as good a period of time every to revisit typically the most popular fire-breathers, from Elliott to Toothless to a lot of not named but nevertheless magnificent (and maleficent) monsters. Typically The Most Popular Movie Dragons Grendel's Mother ('Beowulf')The Tattoo ('The Girl While using Dragon Tattoo')Elliott ('Pete's Dragon')Dragon ('Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows Part 2')Smaug ('The Hobbit')Draco ('Dragonheart')Saphira ('Eragon')Uncle Deadly ('The Muppets')Dragon ('Shrek')Mushu ('Mulan')Maleficent ('Sleeping Beauty')Toothless ('How to teach Your Dragon') See All Moviefone Galleries » [Photo: Cinemax] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Amanda Seyfried joins 'Les Miserables'

Amanda Seyfried is at final discussions to see Cosette in Universal's adaptation of "Ces Miserables."Twitchfilm.com first reported that Seyfried might be joining the cast that already includes Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Hathaway As Catwoman and Eddie Redmayne.Tom Hooper will helm the script by William Nicholson, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schoenberg changes the Victor Hugo novel. Story follows Jean Valjean, carried out by Jackman, the wise protagonist abroad throughout french Revolution. U has slated the film to bow on 12 ,. 7. Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce for Working Title alongside Cameron Mackintosh and Debra Hayward.Seyfried will next be viewed in Summit's "Gone."She's repped by Innovative Artists. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com