The success of CTV's elite police unit drama Flashpoint has whet the American appetite for co-productions with Canadian partners, according to screenwriter and producer Tassie Cameron.
Like Flashpoint, CTV's co-production with CBS, Cameron's latest project Copper has been picked up by a U.S. network, in this case ABC. The upcoming drama follows a handful of rookie cops just starting out.
"Everybody down there is keen to expand their horizons and look into producing shows with Canadian networks because it's way more affordable for them.…They've just figured this out," Cameron said in an interview on Q, CBC Radio's cultural affairs show.
While shows like Due South and Degrassi: The Next Generation have been crossover hits, "Flashpoint's the first time where the two networks have gotten together and joined forces creatively," Cameron said.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Geena Davis makes independent film debut at Tribeca
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Oscar winning actress Geena Davis made her independent film debut at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival and said the indie industry is more likely to provide more interesting roles for "older women" like herself.
Davis, 53, who has been acting in Hollywood for more than 25 years, plays a snarky mother -- struggling with the disintegration of her family and marriage after a car accident -- in the dark comedy "Accidents Happen."
"I'm not exempt from the phenomenon that happens to all actresses that age, where there's just fewer things out there," Davis told Reuters in an interview. "It becomes more and more difficult to find great parts."
Davis, who won an Academy Award for 1988's "The Accidental Tourist," has always acted in major studio productions.
Davis, 53, who has been acting in Hollywood for more than 25 years, plays a snarky mother -- struggling with the disintegration of her family and marriage after a car accident -- in the dark comedy "Accidents Happen."
"I'm not exempt from the phenomenon that happens to all actresses that age, where there's just fewer things out there," Davis told Reuters in an interview. "It becomes more and more difficult to find great parts."
Davis, who won an Academy Award for 1988's "The Accidental Tourist," has always acted in major studio productions.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Mary-Kate Olsen excited to be Tribeca juror
NEW YORK – Mary-Kate Olsen is taking her duties as a juror at the Tribeca Film Festival as seriously as an A-student getting ready for the first day of school.
"I wish there was a class. It is a huge honor to be a part of it and I was asked to be a part of it," said the notoriously media-shy actress as she spoke of her juror duties at Chanel's annual dinner for the film festival.
"I have been watching the movies and just started. I don't really know what we do or what is going to happen yet. I am just seeing how the week starts," she said. "I just got my pamphlet this morning. I have already watched all of the shorts. This is fun."
The annual festival, based in downtown Manhattan, was founded by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal. Both attended Thursday's dinner, along with fellow Tribeca jurors Adrian Brody and Debra Messing, as well as Academy Award-nominees Viola Davis and Melissa Leo, and Kerry Washington and Bradley Cooper.
"I wish there was a class. It is a huge honor to be a part of it and I was asked to be a part of it," said the notoriously media-shy actress as she spoke of her juror duties at Chanel's annual dinner for the film festival.
"I have been watching the movies and just started. I don't really know what we do or what is going to happen yet. I am just seeing how the week starts," she said. "I just got my pamphlet this morning. I have already watched all of the shorts. This is fun."
The annual festival, based in downtown Manhattan, was founded by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal. Both attended Thursday's dinner, along with fellow Tribeca jurors Adrian Brody and Debra Messing, as well as Academy Award-nominees Viola Davis and Melissa Leo, and Kerry Washington and Bradley Cooper.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Ex-Illinois gov. still hopes for a part in TV show
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Disgraced former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich said on Friday he was disappointed at being barred from taking part in a TV reality show that drops celebrities in a jungle but still hoped to help promote it.
Blagojevich, who was kicked out of office and indicted for corruption, was invited to participate in "I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" -- a reality show in which 10 C-list celebrities are taken to a Costa Rican jungle and told to survive. It begins airing on the NBC network in June.
But last week a federal judge denied Blagojevich's request to travel out of the country, citing the seriousness of the charges and the possibility of flight risk.
"Of course I am disappointed, but I am going to abide by the judge's decision," the former governor said at a Los Angeles news conference to publicize the show.
"At least, if I can't participate, I can help promote it. At this point I am looking for a new line of work. This is a chance to make a living and support my little girls," he said.
Blagojevich, who was kicked out of office and indicted for corruption, was invited to participate in "I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" -- a reality show in which 10 C-list celebrities are taken to a Costa Rican jungle and told to survive. It begins airing on the NBC network in June.
But last week a federal judge denied Blagojevich's request to travel out of the country, citing the seriousness of the charges and the possibility of flight risk.
"Of course I am disappointed, but I am going to abide by the judge's decision," the former governor said at a Los Angeles news conference to publicize the show.
"At least, if I can't participate, I can help promote it. At this point I am looking for a new line of work. This is a chance to make a living and support my little girls," he said.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Beyonce thriller "Obsessed" leads new releases
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – The final weekend of the spring box office season boasts four new pictures in wide release.
As for picking a winner, lots of luck. But it does seem certain "17 Again" will relinquish the box office crown, with an expected second-weekend tally of $12 million or so for the Zac Efron comedy. It's considered likely that at least one or more of the new pictures will register a bit more than that.
But which one will finish first? That's much less clear.
The Sony thriller "Obsessed" looks capable of attracting at least mid-teen millions through Sunday, though its ultimate haul hinges greatly on how it draws outside of core urban demos. The cast includes Beyonce Knowles ("Dreamgirls"), Idris Elba ("28 Weeks Later") and Ali Larter ("Resident Evil: Extinction").
"It has a very solid cast, and Beyonce has an all-audience appeal," Sony domestic distribution president Rory Bruer said.
As for picking a winner, lots of luck. But it does seem certain "17 Again" will relinquish the box office crown, with an expected second-weekend tally of $12 million or so for the Zac Efron comedy. It's considered likely that at least one or more of the new pictures will register a bit more than that.
But which one will finish first? That's much less clear.
The Sony thriller "Obsessed" looks capable of attracting at least mid-teen millions through Sunday, though its ultimate haul hinges greatly on how it draws outside of core urban demos. The cast includes Beyonce Knowles ("Dreamgirls"), Idris Elba ("28 Weeks Later") and Ali Larter ("Resident Evil: Extinction").
"It has a very solid cast, and Beyonce has an all-audience appeal," Sony domestic distribution president Rory Bruer said.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Hong Kong, Taiwanese media call for boycott of Jackie Chan films
Action star Jackie Chan is getting a lot of blowback for remarks he made against democratic freedoms, with calls in Taiwan and Hong Kong for a boycott of his films.
"I'm not sure if it's good to have freedom or not," Chan told an audience of businesspeople in the Chinese province of Hainan on the weekend.
"I'm gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled. If we're not being controlled, we'll just do what we want," the star of hits such as Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon and The Forbidden Kingdom stated.
He continued to say the freedoms in Hong Kong and Taiwan made those societies "chaotic."
The observations were carried widely in the media in both regions but not mainland China. Politicians in Hong Kong and Taiwan reacted immediately, blasting the 55-year-old actor for insulting the Chinese people.
"I'm not sure if it's good to have freedom or not," Chan told an audience of businesspeople in the Chinese province of Hainan on the weekend.
"I'm gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled. If we're not being controlled, we'll just do what we want," the star of hits such as Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon and The Forbidden Kingdom stated.
He continued to say the freedoms in Hong Kong and Taiwan made those societies "chaotic."
The observations were carried widely in the media in both regions but not mainland China. Politicians in Hong Kong and Taiwan reacted immediately, blasting the 55-year-old actor for insulting the Chinese people.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Cowell says he'd jump ship if "Idol" sinks
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell says he will leave the most popular show on television if it ever slips from the top spot in the ratings.
"The idea that for the next five years, I'd be doing exactly what I've been doing for the past five years ... the thought is just too depressing," Cowell said in a recent interview in his trailer, awaiting a taping of "Idol" at CBS Television City. "I'd go nuts, bored out of my mind. You have to evolve, you have to change. I like the challenge of launching something new."
With Cowell's deal with Fox expiring at the end of next season, that something new could be a U.S. version of his U.K. singing competition series "The X Factor." Any doubts about Cowell's role in the success of "Idol" disappeared when he launched "Factor" three years ago. The similarly formatted show became a massive hit that has since supplanted "American Idol" predecessor "Pop Idol."
The "Factor" success was worrisome enough for Fox to forbid Cowell from launching the show in the U.S. while he's under his current "Idol" deal. But all that could soon change. Between the continuing popularity of "Idol" and Cowell's ownership of "Factor," he's armed with both a carrot and a stick.
"The idea that for the next five years, I'd be doing exactly what I've been doing for the past five years ... the thought is just too depressing," Cowell said in a recent interview in his trailer, awaiting a taping of "Idol" at CBS Television City. "I'd go nuts, bored out of my mind. You have to evolve, you have to change. I like the challenge of launching something new."
With Cowell's deal with Fox expiring at the end of next season, that something new could be a U.S. version of his U.K. singing competition series "The X Factor." Any doubts about Cowell's role in the success of "Idol" disappeared when he launched "Factor" three years ago. The similarly formatted show became a massive hit that has since supplanted "American Idol" predecessor "Pop Idol."
The "Factor" success was worrisome enough for Fox to forbid Cowell from launching the show in the U.S. while he's under his current "Idol" deal. But all that could soon change. Between the continuing popularity of "Idol" and Cowell's ownership of "Factor," he's armed with both a carrot and a stick.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
NY Times dominates 2009 Pulitzer Prize contest
NEW YORK (Reuters) – The New York Times dominated the Pulitzer Prizes announced on Monday, winning five of the coveted awards for investigative, breaking news and international reporting, feature photography and criticism.
The Las Vegas Sun won the most prestigious Public Service Prize for reporting on the high death rate among construction workers on the Las Vegas strip, according to the board of the Pulitzer Prizes in Journalism, Letters, Drama and Music.
The strength of the prize winners' work shows the power and significance of print journalism, said Sig Gissler, administrator of the Pulitzers.
Newspapers are suffering badly in the recession, with massive job losses, elimination of sections and cancellation of home delivery. A few have ceased publication, slashed salaries and filed for bankruptcy.
The Las Vegas Sun won the most prestigious Public Service Prize for reporting on the high death rate among construction workers on the Las Vegas strip, according to the board of the Pulitzer Prizes in Journalism, Letters, Drama and Music.
The strength of the prize winners' work shows the power and significance of print journalism, said Sig Gissler, administrator of the Pulitzers.
Newspapers are suffering badly in the recession, with massive job losses, elimination of sections and cancellation of home delivery. A few have ceased publication, slashed salaries and filed for bankruptcy.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Madonna suffers bruising after fall from horse
Pop star Madonna was thrown from her horse and suffered minor injuries after the animal was startled by photographers.
Paparazzi had "jumped out of the bushes" on Saturday as the 50-year-old performer was horseback riding in the exclusive Hamptons area of Long Island, N.Y., Madonna's spokeswoman said.
A statement from publicist Liz Rosenberg said the singer went to hospital, suffering bruises, and was released.
Madonna continues to be under observation by doctors.
Madonna, the singer behind mega-hits such as Like a Virgin, Material Girl, and Hang Up, was visiting friends on the eastern end of Long Island — regarded as a playground of the rich and famous.
Paparazzi had "jumped out of the bushes" on Saturday as the 50-year-old performer was horseback riding in the exclusive Hamptons area of Long Island, N.Y., Madonna's spokeswoman said.
A statement from publicist Liz Rosenberg said the singer went to hospital, suffering bruises, and was released.
Madonna continues to be under observation by doctors.
Madonna, the singer behind mega-hits such as Like a Virgin, Material Girl, and Hang Up, was visiting friends on the eastern end of Long Island — regarded as a playground of the rich and famous.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
India Satyam has 10 percent extra staff says chairman: report
MUMBAI (Reuters) – India's fraud-hit Satyam Computer Services Ltd may have up to 10 percent excess staff, a local newspaper reported on Saturday, quoting the head of the company's government-appointed board.
Kiran Karnik told the Economic Times that 3,000 to 5,000 staff were in excess, over and above the normal 'bench' maintained at outsourcing firms.
The 'bench' refers to staff not working on any projects and is normally 10 percent of the total workforce that is usually maintained for readiness to take on new projects.
Satyam Computer was taken over by mid-sized outsourcer Tech Mahindra Ltd this week after it bid the highest for a controlling stake in the company.
Three months ago, Satyam's founder and chairman shocked investors by saying profits had been overstated for years, putting in doubt the survival of a company once ranked as India's fourth-largest software services exporter.
Kiran Karnik told the Economic Times that 3,000 to 5,000 staff were in excess, over and above the normal 'bench' maintained at outsourcing firms.
The 'bench' refers to staff not working on any projects and is normally 10 percent of the total workforce that is usually maintained for readiness to take on new projects.
Satyam Computer was taken over by mid-sized outsourcer Tech Mahindra Ltd this week after it bid the highest for a controlling stake in the company.
Three months ago, Satyam's founder and chairman shocked investors by saying profits had been overstated for years, putting in doubt the survival of a company once ranked as India's fourth-largest software services exporter.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Drew Barrymore "terrified" of "Grey Gardens" role
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – She comes from a famous Hollywood family, began acting as a kid and has worked with many top directors, but Drew Barrymore was never as terrified of a role as she was for her latest part in "Grey Gardens."
The television movie, which debuts on HBO on Saturday, stars the 34-year-old Barrymore as Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale, the eccentric cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who lived a reclusive life of wealth and extreme poverty before her death in 2002.
To take on the role, Barrymore, who made her name as the child in "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" in 1982, had to age herself with makeup and costumes from a college-age ingenue to an elderly woman, and she had to master the accent of upper-crust New York society. She says she had to campaign for the role, which only added to the stress when it came time to perform.
"This had a challenge in every freakin' corner, it was terrifying," Barrymore told Reuters. "But I just fell in love with her, who she was and who she became."
The television movie, which debuts on HBO on Saturday, stars the 34-year-old Barrymore as Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale, the eccentric cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who lived a reclusive life of wealth and extreme poverty before her death in 2002.
To take on the role, Barrymore, who made her name as the child in "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" in 1982, had to age herself with makeup and costumes from a college-age ingenue to an elderly woman, and she had to master the accent of upper-crust New York society. She says she had to campaign for the role, which only added to the stress when it came time to perform.
"This had a challenge in every freakin' corner, it was terrifying," Barrymore told Reuters. "But I just fell in love with her, who she was and who she became."
Friday, April 17, 2009
Jewison laments the loss of art in U.S. film
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – When award-winning director Norman Jewison, whose hits range from "In the Heat of the Night" to "Moonstruck," talks about Hollywood today, he does so with a fondness for an industry he sees as an integral part of the world.
But there is one ingredient Jewison says is now missing from U.S.-made motion pictures, which was not always the case. He says the art in filmmaking is mostly gone even in some of the so-called "independent" films from studio divisions.
"Art missing -- a lot of it," he told Reuters recently. "When you look back 15 years at any type of awards that are given, you will find that there are very few major Hollywood films honored. I don't know how to change that."
Jewison, who will be honored on Friday by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Canadian Film Center he founded and nonprofit organization Film Independent, linked the drop-off
But there is one ingredient Jewison says is now missing from U.S.-made motion pictures, which was not always the case. He says the art in filmmaking is mostly gone even in some of the so-called "independent" films from studio divisions.
"Art missing -- a lot of it," he told Reuters recently. "When you look back 15 years at any type of awards that are given, you will find that there are very few major Hollywood films honored. I don't know how to change that."
Jewison, who will be honored on Friday by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Canadian Film Center he founded and nonprofit organization Film Independent, linked the drop-off
Thursday, April 16, 2009
"American Idol" judges spare finalist Matt Giraud
NEW YORK (Reuters) – The four "American Idol" judges used their one-time-only veto power on Wednesday to spare Matt Giraud from being sent home after the hit talent show's fans cast the fewest votes for his performance of "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?"
"Matt, it's good news," Simon Cowell told the singer, who broke down in tears after the judges' unanimous decision allowed him to stay in the competition at least one more week. The audience, which had chanted "Save, save, save!" cheered wildly.
Giraud first had to perform the Bryan Adams song from the film "Don Juan DeMarco" one more time, and Cowell said Giraud had actually done better on Tuesday. He began by saying, "I don't really see that you have really any chance of winning" as the other judges voiced disagreement.
Cowell also told the other finalists, who surrounded Giraud in an emotional group embrace, "I wouldn't be so quick to congratulate him," because the save meant two singers will be sent home next week and the veto had been used.
"Matt, it's good news," Simon Cowell told the singer, who broke down in tears after the judges' unanimous decision allowed him to stay in the competition at least one more week. The audience, which had chanted "Save, save, save!" cheered wildly.
Giraud first had to perform the Bryan Adams song from the film "Don Juan DeMarco" one more time, and Cowell said Giraud had actually done better on Tuesday. He began by saying, "I don't really see that you have really any chance of winning" as the other judges voiced disagreement.
Cowell also told the other finalists, who surrounded Giraud in an emotional group embrace, "I wouldn't be so quick to congratulate him," because the save meant two singers will be sent home next week and the veto had been used.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
News Corp will share news across its properties
NEW YORK (Reuters) – News Corp said on Tuesday that it has formed a new unit to share journalism across all its properties, including The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, Fox News and The Times of London.
Rupert Murdoch's international media conglomerate said that John Moody, executive vice president of news editorial at Fox News, will run the unit and report to Murdoch.
Michael Clemente, who joined Fox this year after 27 years at Walt Disney Co's ABC News, will report to Fox Chief Executive Roger Ailes.
News Corp did not offer examples of how the news-sharing unit will operate.
Moody will work with news chiefs at News Corp's properties to improve News Corp's newsgathering efficiency and find ways to cut costs, News Corp said in a statement. Moody said it was too early to provide examples of how this will work.
News Corp, which owns many other properties including the MySpace online social network, book publisher HarperCollins and satellite television provider Sky Italia, has been trying to cut costs as an economic recession crimps ad spending.
Rupert Murdoch's international media conglomerate said that John Moody, executive vice president of news editorial at Fox News, will run the unit and report to Murdoch.
Michael Clemente, who joined Fox this year after 27 years at Walt Disney Co's ABC News, will report to Fox Chief Executive Roger Ailes.
News Corp did not offer examples of how the news-sharing unit will operate.
Moody will work with news chiefs at News Corp's properties to improve News Corp's newsgathering efficiency and find ways to cut costs, News Corp said in a statement. Moody said it was too early to provide examples of how this will work.
News Corp, which owns many other properties including the MySpace online social network, book publisher HarperCollins and satellite television provider Sky Italia, has been trying to cut costs as an economic recession crimps ad spending.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Caine says career will fade away like old soldier
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Michael Caine has been acting for more than 50 years and has no plans to retire. Instead the British army veteran says his career will simply "fade away" like an old soldier.
Caine, 76, says he now only takes roles he just can't refuse and that apart from two completed movies and being contracted to reprise his role as the butler in the third Batman movie, he does not yet have another film lined up.
"It's the old Mafia thing, you make me an offer I can't refuse. And it's nothing to do with the money anymore, it's to do with the script," Caine told Reuters in an interview for his latest film "Is Anybody There?". It opens on Friday in U.S. theaters.
"If a script doesn't turn up that I can't refuse, then I'm retired," he said. "There's no fanfare or announcement in the newspapers, I've just gone. I used to be a soldier and as they say 'old soldiers don't die they just fade away.'"
Caine, 76, says he now only takes roles he just can't refuse and that apart from two completed movies and being contracted to reprise his role as the butler in the third Batman movie, he does not yet have another film lined up.
"It's the old Mafia thing, you make me an offer I can't refuse. And it's nothing to do with the money anymore, it's to do with the script," Caine told Reuters in an interview for his latest film "Is Anybody There?". It opens on Friday in U.S. theaters.
"If a script doesn't turn up that I can't refuse, then I'm retired," he said. "There's no fanfare or announcement in the newspapers, I've just gone. I used to be a soldier and as they say 'old soldiers don't die they just fade away.'"
Monday, April 13, 2009
"Hannah Montana" rocks North American box office
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – OMG! OMG!
Sixteen-year-old actress Miley Cyrus became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood on Sunday as her first nonconcert movie topped the North American box office, earning twice as much as Disney had forecast.
Walt Disney Co's "Hannah Montana: The Movie" sold $34 million worth of tickets at the three-day Easter weekend, as fans of the perky starlet rushed to see the first big-screen adaptation of her hit Disney Channel TV series.
Cyrus returned the favor, turning up with her father and co-star, Billy Ray Cyrus, at theaters in Utah and Tennessee and blogging about her wild weekend on Twitter.
"omgomg! my fans rock! the movie is doing great you guys! omg AND its all cause of you!!!! I LOVE U ALL! IF YOU HAVENT SEEN IT YET CHECK IT!," she wrote, using the "omg" acronym as shorthand for "Oh, my God."
As in her TV show, Cyrus plays a regular schoolgirl by day and a pop star by night. But her father (Billy Ray Cyrus) decides she needs to get back to her small-town roots, so takes her on a surprise trip to her old Tennessee home where love and other complications ensue.
Sixteen-year-old actress Miley Cyrus became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood on Sunday as her first nonconcert movie topped the North American box office, earning twice as much as Disney had forecast.
Walt Disney Co's "Hannah Montana: The Movie" sold $34 million worth of tickets at the three-day Easter weekend, as fans of the perky starlet rushed to see the first big-screen adaptation of her hit Disney Channel TV series.
Cyrus returned the favor, turning up with her father and co-star, Billy Ray Cyrus, at theaters in Utah and Tennessee and blogging about her wild weekend on Twitter.
"omgomg! my fans rock! the movie is doing great you guys! omg AND its all cause of you!!!! I LOVE U ALL! IF YOU HAVENT SEEN IT YET CHECK IT!," she wrote, using the "omg" acronym as shorthand for "Oh, my God."
As in her TV show, Cyrus plays a regular schoolgirl by day and a pop star by night. But her father (Billy Ray Cyrus) decides she needs to get back to her small-town roots, so takes her on a surprise trip to her old Tennessee home where love and other complications ensue.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Racers too "Fast" for Hannah Montana at box office
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Miley Cyrus and her fabulous alter ago, Hannah Montana, likely will be no match for hot-rod racers and cartoon aliens at movie theaters across North America this Easter holiday weekend.
Walt Disney Pictures' "Hannah Montana: The Movie," the first nonconcert feature starring the 16-year-old starlet, is expected to open at No. 3 across the United States and Canada, behind reigning champ "Fast & Furious" and former No. 1 "Monsters vs. Aliens," according to studio projections.
Box office watchers think another new release, the Seth Rogen comedy "Observe and Report," will take the No. 4 spot.
Disney hopes "Hannah Montana" will perform in the same range as 2003's "The Lizzie McGuire Movie," another big-screen vehicle for a Disney Channel star, in that case Hilary Duff. "Lizzie" opened to $17.3 million in 2003, and ended its domestic run with $42.7 million.
Walt Disney Pictures' "Hannah Montana: The Movie," the first nonconcert feature starring the 16-year-old starlet, is expected to open at No. 3 across the United States and Canada, behind reigning champ "Fast & Furious" and former No. 1 "Monsters vs. Aliens," according to studio projections.
Box office watchers think another new release, the Seth Rogen comedy "Observe and Report," will take the No. 4 spot.
Disney hopes "Hannah Montana" will perform in the same range as 2003's "The Lizzie McGuire Movie," another big-screen vehicle for a Disney Channel star, in that case Hilary Duff. "Lizzie" opened to $17.3 million in 2003, and ended its domestic run with $42.7 million.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Just a Minute With: Miley Cyrus on Hannah Montana
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Miley Cyrus, the 16-year-old singing and acting sensation, makes her debut in her first staring role in a major feature film when "Hannah Montana: The Movie" opens in U.S. theaters on Friday.
In 2006, Cyrus landed the lead role on the Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana," a sitcom about a teenage girl named Miley Stewart, who has a secret identity as rock star Hannah Montana. Since then, Cyrus has become a teenage television star.
Cyrus has sold more than 7 million albums and her concert film, "Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour 3-D," raked in $65 million at U.S. box offices.
In the new movie she makes a trip home to Tennessee after fame and fortune have gone to her head.
In 2006, Cyrus landed the lead role on the Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana," a sitcom about a teenage girl named Miley Stewart, who has a secret identity as rock star Hannah Montana. Since then, Cyrus has become a teenage television star.
Cyrus has sold more than 7 million albums and her concert film, "Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour 3-D," raked in $65 million at U.S. box offices.
In the new movie she makes a trip home to Tennessee after fame and fortune have gone to her head.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
"Idol" down to seven after MacIntyre elimination
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Scott MacIntyre was sent packing from "American Idol" on Wednesday after his poorly received performance of "The Search Is Over," leaving seven finalists in the hit talent show's competition.
The 23-year-old man from Scottsdale, Arizona, who is legally blind, was eliminated after four judges split on whether to use their once-per-season veto power to keep him in the running.
"This is really tough," Simon Cowell, one of the judges, said at the end of the live broadcast before finally declaring: "Someone's got to make a decision here, and I'm going to say it's the end of the competition. Sorry."
Cowell called the choice of the song by the rock group Survivor boring and even horrible.
MacIntyre was on the brink of elimination in recent weeks.
"You've been an inspiration to the entire world," said Paula Abdul, another judge.
The 23-year-old man from Scottsdale, Arizona, who is legally blind, was eliminated after four judges split on whether to use their once-per-season veto power to keep him in the running.
"This is really tough," Simon Cowell, one of the judges, said at the end of the live broadcast before finally declaring: "Someone's got to make a decision here, and I'm going to say it's the end of the competition. Sorry."
Cowell called the choice of the song by the rock group Survivor boring and even horrible.
MacIntyre was on the brink of elimination in recent weeks.
"You've been an inspiration to the entire world," said Paula Abdul, another judge.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
$70 Harris sketch goes on the block
A largely unseen oil sketch by Group of Seven founder Lawren Harris, purchased more than a half-century ago for $70, is up for auction next month in Toronto, where it could fetch as much as $175,000 – and quite likely considerably more.
Just 30.5-by-38 centimetres, the sketch depicts a mass of snow-covered peaks and a meandering glacier above Emerald Lake in British Columbia's Yoho National Park. Painted on board in the mid-1920s, Mts: Emarald [sic] Lake was consigned late last year to Sotheby's/Ritchies for its May 25 sale.
While the resale market for important Canadian art has softened in this economy, interest in works by the country's so-called “blue-chip” artists – Harris, Emily Carr, Tom Thomson and the other artists in the original Group of Seven – remains high.
Last November, as the recession took hold, Sotheby's/Ritchies sold another little-known Harris sketch, a 1930 Arctic landscape with the same dimensions as the Emerald Lake picture, for almost $2.1-million, reportedly to Toronto collector David Thomson. This was four times its presale high-end estimate.
Just 30.5-by-38 centimetres, the sketch depicts a mass of snow-covered peaks and a meandering glacier above Emerald Lake in British Columbia's Yoho National Park. Painted on board in the mid-1920s, Mts: Emarald [sic] Lake was consigned late last year to Sotheby's/Ritchies for its May 25 sale.
While the resale market for important Canadian art has softened in this economy, interest in works by the country's so-called “blue-chip” artists – Harris, Emily Carr, Tom Thomson and the other artists in the original Group of Seven – remains high.
Last November, as the recession took hold, Sotheby's/Ritchies sold another little-known Harris sketch, a 1930 Arctic landscape with the same dimensions as the Emerald Lake picture, for almost $2.1-million, reportedly to Toronto collector David Thomson. This was four times its presale high-end estimate.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Chris Brown pleads not guilty in Rihanna abuse case
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – R&B star Chris Brown pleaded not guilty in a Los Angeles court on Monday to charges stemming from an alleged attack on his girlfriend, pop singer Rihanna.
Brown, 19, entered the pleas during his arraignment in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Rihanna's attorney, Donald Etra, told reporters after the hearing that Rihanna hoped a plea bargain could be struck but that she would testify against Brown if required. Brown and his attorney Mark Geragos did not speak to reporters.
Judge Patricia Schnegg set an April 29 status hearing for Brown.
Los Angeles prosecutors have said Brown attacked Rihanna, 21, during a roadside dispute in his rented Lamborghini last February. A photo of Rihanna's bruised and battered face was leaked onto the Internet.
Brown later issued a statement saying he was "sorry and saddened" about the incident, and was seeking counseling.
Brown, 19, entered the pleas during his arraignment in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Rihanna's attorney, Donald Etra, told reporters after the hearing that Rihanna hoped a plea bargain could be struck but that she would testify against Brown if required. Brown and his attorney Mark Geragos did not speak to reporters.
Judge Patricia Schnegg set an April 29 status hearing for Brown.
Los Angeles prosecutors have said Brown attacked Rihanna, 21, during a roadside dispute in his rented Lamborghini last February. A photo of Rihanna's bruised and battered face was leaked onto the Internet.
Brown later issued a statement saying he was "sorry and saddened" about the incident, and was seeking counseling.
Monday, April 06, 2009
"Fast & Furious" speeds to No. 1 worldwide
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – "Fast & Furious," the fourth film in Universal Pictures' hot-rodding franchise, raced to the top spot at the worldwide box office as movie fans with a need for speed snapped up an estimated $102.6 million worth of tickets, the studio said on Sunday.
In the United States and Canada, the picture earned $72.5 million during its first three days, smashing "Monsters vs. Aliens'" week-old record for the best opening of the year.
The film already has earned more than the previous installment, 2006's "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift," which opened with $24 million and ended up making $62.5 million.
While Universal knew the sagging series was destined for a spectacular boost, its forecasts pointed to an opening in the $50 million range. The highly anticipated reunion of Vin Diesel and Paul Walker -- the stars of the 2001 original -- cost about $85 million to make, the studio said.
In the United States and Canada, the picture earned $72.5 million during its first three days, smashing "Monsters vs. Aliens'" week-old record for the best opening of the year.
The film already has earned more than the previous installment, 2006's "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift," which opened with $24 million and ended up making $62.5 million.
While Universal knew the sagging series was destined for a spectacular boost, its forecasts pointed to an opening in the $50 million range. The highly anticipated reunion of Vin Diesel and Paul Walker -- the stars of the 2001 original -- cost about $85 million to make, the studio said.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
McCartney and Starr reunite for meditation
NEW YORK (Reuters) – The surviving Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, performed together on Saturday to raise money to help kids learn a meditation technique the 1960s icons practiced at the height of their fame.
McCartney was joined onstage by Starr for a rousing rendition of "With a Little Help From My Friends" at Radio City Music Hall at the Change Begins Within concert for the David Lynch Foundation, which promotes Transcendental Meditation.
The Beatles helped popularize Transcendental Meditation -- described as a simple mental technique to combat stress -- in 1967 when they sought spiritual guidance from an Indian guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
"It started for us when we met the Maharishi in India and it's going to get bigger and bigger and rule the world," McCartney said after playing his post-Beatles hit "Jet."
McCartney's set topped an evening that included performances by Starr, Sheryl Crow, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, Ben Harper and others.
McCartney was joined onstage by Starr for a rousing rendition of "With a Little Help From My Friends" at Radio City Music Hall at the Change Begins Within concert for the David Lynch Foundation, which promotes Transcendental Meditation.
The Beatles helped popularize Transcendental Meditation -- described as a simple mental technique to combat stress -- in 1967 when they sought spiritual guidance from an Indian guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
"It started for us when we met the Maharishi in India and it's going to get bigger and bigger and rule the world," McCartney said after playing his post-Beatles hit "Jet."
McCartney's set topped an evening that included performances by Starr, Sheryl Crow, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, Ben Harper and others.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Madonna loses adoption bid
LILONGWE (Reuters) – Madonna will not be allowed to adopt a second child from Malawi, a 4-year-old girl named Mercy James, the African country's High Court ruled on Friday.
The ruling will please campaigners who say authorities have given the pop star special treatment. Malawi's government, which came under fire after Madonna adopted a 13-month-old Malawian boy, had said on Thursday it would support a second adoption.
Court registrar Ken Manda told reporters the American singer's bid to adopt Mercy had been rejected because she was not a resident of Malawi.
An AIDS epidemic in the impoverished southern African country has orphaned more than one million children and Madonna has set up a charity for Malawian children.
The ruling will please campaigners who say authorities have given the pop star special treatment. Malawi's government, which came under fire after Madonna adopted a 13-month-old Malawian boy, had said on Thursday it would support a second adoption.
Court registrar Ken Manda told reporters the American singer's bid to adopt Mercy had been rejected because she was not a resident of Malawi.
An AIDS epidemic in the impoverished southern African country has orphaned more than one million children and Madonna has set up a charity for Malawian children.
Friday, April 03, 2009
True-crime drama puts science first
Science marches on far too quickly on the CSI shows.
Whether in Vegas, Miami or New York, the most successful franchise in TV history has reduced modern forensic science to the simplicity of a home pregnancy test. In many cases, the well-attired lab heroes make two or three astounding forensic discoveries before the first commercial break.
Not so on earth, where a guy like David Caruso would be chasing coffee for the real cops. The long, hard slog of police work is better represented in any episode of Forensic Factor (tonight, Discovery at 10 p.m.). For real cops, a murder case is not an adventure, it's a job.
“Real investigations take time,” says Forensic Factor producer Sally Karan. “The storytelling on those shows requires instant gratification, but in reality most forensic experts have to wade through huge amounts of information; sometimes they send stuff to the lab and it takes three months to come back. Some cases can take years to solve.”
Whether in Vegas, Miami or New York, the most successful franchise in TV history has reduced modern forensic science to the simplicity of a home pregnancy test. In many cases, the well-attired lab heroes make two or three astounding forensic discoveries before the first commercial break.
Not so on earth, where a guy like David Caruso would be chasing coffee for the real cops. The long, hard slog of police work is better represented in any episode of Forensic Factor (tonight, Discovery at 10 p.m.). For real cops, a murder case is not an adventure, it's a job.
“Real investigations take time,” says Forensic Factor producer Sally Karan. “The storytelling on those shows requires instant gratification, but in reality most forensic experts have to wade through huge amounts of information; sometimes they send stuff to the lab and it takes three months to come back. Some cases can take years to solve.”
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Another "Idol" elimination narrows field to eight
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Megan Joy, the tattooed blonde singer from Utah, was given the boot by "American Idol" fans on Wednesday after she failed to impress them, or the judges, with her rendition of "Turn Your Lights Down Low" during the show's popular downloads-themed week.
Joy, 22, from Sandy, had been spared even a bottom-three finish last week despite the judges' unanimous, blistering comments about her performance, which Simon Cowell called horrible. This week they opted not to use their once-per-season veto power over the fan voting to keep her in the competition.
"This is your swan song, enjoy it," Cowell, who had called the performance boring, indulgent and monotonous, told Joy. He added they did not even need to hear her sing once more before deciding whether to keep her.
Joy seemed consigned to her fate, saying "It's OK" after host Ryan Seacrest revealed her fate.
Joy, 22, from Sandy, had been spared even a bottom-three finish last week despite the judges' unanimous, blistering comments about her performance, which Simon Cowell called horrible. This week they opted not to use their once-per-season veto power over the fan voting to keep her in the competition.
"This is your swan song, enjoy it," Cowell, who had called the performance boring, indulgent and monotonous, told Joy. He added they did not even need to hear her sing once more before deciding whether to keep her.
Joy seemed consigned to her fate, saying "It's OK" after host Ryan Seacrest revealed her fate.
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