From Slumdog To Salmon Fishing To Hunger Games: Oscar-Winning Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy Holds A Hot Hand

When CBS Films paid a reported $5 million for distribution rights to Salmon Fishing In The Yemen after its successful world premiere last September at the Toronto Film Festival, the initial thought according to insiders was to try and release it in time for the 2011 awards season. The move that wouldhave madesense considering the Oscar pedigree of its director — three-time nominee Lasse Hallstrom (The Cider House Rules, Chocolat, My Life As A Dog) –and its Oscar winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy, whose own three nominations for The Full Monty, Slumdog Millionaire (for which he and the filmwon) and 127 Hours were also Best Picture nominees. The Academy-friendly nature of Salmon Fishing could have put CBS Films in the race for the first time, or at the very least a contender for Golden Globes in the Comedy or Musical categories. But looking at the crowded landscape, the distributor decided instead to tweak the film a bit (it runs four minutes less than the 111-minute version reviewed out of Toronto)and hold it forthis month, startingwitha limited engagement tomorrow. That makes it instead an early candidate for the 2012 contest if it does well enough to be remembered — a difficult feat for March releases. The film, in which Ewan McGregor plays an uptight fisheries expert enlisted by Emily Blunt to make a Middle Eastern Sheik’s (Egyptian star Amr Waked) dream come trueof creating a lake for salmon fishing in the middle of the desert, is part political satire, part romance and not an easy adaptation for Beaufoy who Iinterviewedafter a screening this week during his quick visit to L.A.But he is used to tackling unusual projects and turning them into surprising crowd pleasers. “It was quite a challenging adaptation. I had to do a lot of structural work,” he says of the book which then 59 year old first-time novelist Paul Torday wrote in a style consisting of Emails, letters and memos rather than traditional prose. “I fell in love with the tone of the book. It has a very unusual mixture of satire, which normally has a hard edge, and romance.Usually those two things are like fire and water. They kind of put each other out. But it reminded me of Local Hero (Bill Forstyth’s 1983 film starring Burt Lancaster which has become something of a cult classic gem), one of my favorite films ever. It had this strange, slightly whimsical eccentricity about it and the book reminded me of that. If I could re-create some of that oddness I would be successful.” No stranger to doing successful adaptations Beaufoy says his mantra is keeping the people,tone, spirit and heart of a book the same but putting everything else up for grabs. Hedescribes the process of turning book-into-film sometimes as “bruising”. He met Torday before they started and got his blessing but did not engage with him after that point. “I think you are doing a disservice to a novel just by transposing it wholesale on to the screen because it doesn’t work. They are completely different beasts. It was the same for Slumdog Millionaire . It was a very free adaptation of the book, Q&A. . It’s kind of likebrother and sister , different but the same,” he says. Beaufoy also was happy to be able to present a portrait of the Middle East we never see in films today, not the one where they are trying to blow each other up. “We geta verymono-dimensional view of the Middle East at the moment and I thought this was the opposite side. We see a side of tolerance and respect and just trying to be respectful of other countries and human beings, ” he says. Humanity struggling against the odds is atheme, accidental or otherwise, that seems to run through much of his work from Full Monty to Slumdog to 127 Hours to Salmon Fishing. He says it is not something he deliberately seeks out but somehow is just drawn to subconsciously. “I have a huge admiration for the ability of people to go ‘I don’t care if it can’t happen. I don’t care if you say it’s impossible. I am gonna do it anyway’. I think it’s an amazing part of human nature. It feeds into faith and belief in human beings to not only do the improbable but almost the impossible. The human spirit is lifted and you go, ‘ I feel better today’ and I love that… I try to make the films as authentic as possible, they don’t fit into a genre or attract the biggest movie stars. However odd they are stories about real people somehow or at least the events and emotions in them that I hope are something people recognize,” he says. As someone whose scripts are not easy to characterize , is he worried that the rather unusual title will be a turnoff to potential Americanmoviegoers, even if it was the title of a popular British novel? “Everyone hated the title The Full Monty until they saw the film did really well and then loved the title. And similarly with Slumdog Millionaire everyone was focus-grouping it , trying to find a different title and seeing if anyone understood it. It didn’t really matter. I hope this title will be all right. I just felt it fit with the eccentricity of the film,” he says although the whole idea of the theme of fishing was a little oft-putting at first. “Before I started I thought fishing was kind of a stupid sport. It never really attracted me… They have all this gear and they stand there and do nothing. But I thought I better go fly fishing because that’s what the book is sort of about and I need to understand where this strange meditative sense comes from in the Sheik and his fishing. I was absolutely hopeless at it but I could completely see how it becomes incredibly addictive and incredibly calming. I understood that this is a metaphor for peace and calm and harmony and tolerance and sort of being at one with nature,”he says. Beaufoy says the experience of the movie now even has him taking his kids fly fishing with him, that is when he has a break between projects which is rare since his Slumdog Oscar win. Currently he is working on a stage adaptation of this first film, The Full Monty (not to be confused with the Broadway musical version) and says it will premiere next year in Sheffield, England where the film was set. He also has turned in the first draft of Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games even though the first film isn’t released until later this month. Although he didn’t write that one, he has obviouslyseen it and praises it as very smart, telling me”it has a Lord Of The Flies sensibility to it” . In this case he couldn’t stick to his idea that the screenplay could be a totally different “beast” since there is such a rabid fan base with definite expectations but he is pleased with the way it is turning out.

'GMA' narrows 'Today' lead in ayem race

Buoyed by post-Oscar coverage and a "Dancing With the Stars" reveal, "Good Morning America" shrunk the margin between itself and first place "Today" to the lowest level in five years. For the week of Feb. 27, "GMA" averaged 5.36 million viewers while NBC's ayem goliath "Today" drew 5.52 million. That represented the smallest margin between the two programs since 2007. In the 25-54 demo, which is most important to the newsies, "GMA" drew 1.8 million while "Today" drew 2.1 million -- the lowest between the two in four years. "Today" has beaten both ABC and CBS' ayem programs for the last 16 years, but the lead has been decreasing of late. The ratings data was released on the same day a report surfaced that Matt Lauer, whose Peacock deal ends toward the end of the year, was reportedly set to sign a multiyear pact that would pay him $25 million a year. NBC denied the report and said there has been no current ongoing negotiations. Lauer has been a steadying force on "Today," which is a four-hour weekday staple for NBC. Lauer became a permanent anchor in 1994 and, along with co-anchor Katie Couric, helped establish "Today" as a ratings powerhouse and the most profitable show on the network. Katz Television Group VP Bill Carroll said NBC needs to offer Lauer the right package -- a combination of money and possible new program opportunities -- to convince him to stay and make sure there is continuity at "Today," especially since the program has recently undergone personnel changes. "Folks can get tired of that particular (early morning) grind, but assuming he has the enthusiasm and wants to stay, they have to find a way to make that happen," Carroll said. Ryan Seacrest, who joined the NBCUniversal family following the Comcast merger, was floated as a possible "Today" anchor if Lauer leaves his post. Lauer could depart "Today" for a syndicated talkshow program -- following in the footsteps of Couric, whose new skein "Katie" begins this September -- but ayem success doesn't necessarily translate to daytime. "Unless you're talking about a network-originated program, such as 'The View' or 'The Talk,' syndication is a whole other game," Carroll said. "You have to get the best time periods and best stations in every market and then hope you're not going against established perennial programs." Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Tribeca Film Festival Reveals Non-Competition Selections

More titles slated for the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival were revealed Thursday. The 11th-annual event unveiled films screening in its Spotlight and genre-centered Cinemania section as well as Special Screenings and its Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival lineup. Spotlight includes 34 films, 22 narratives and 12 documentaries, with 19 films having their world premieres. Seven narratives make up the international group of Tribeca’s Cinemania titles. Earlier this week, the festival released its competition slate. The 2012 festival is April 18-29 in NY. Here are the latest titles: SPOTLIGHT 2 Days in NY, directed and written by Julie Delpy. (France) NY Premiere, Narrative. This deliriously witty follow-up to 2 Days in Paris finds Marion (writer/director Julie Delpy) living a comfortable life in NY with her latest hipster boyfriend, Mingus (Chris Rock, brilliantly playing it straight), and their two young kids from prior relationships. A riotous comedy of cultural errors ensues when Marions totally unhinged, gleefully unfiltered family arrives from Paris to meet Mingus for the first time. In English, French with subtitles. A Magnolia Pictures release. Any Day Now, directed by Travis Fine, written by Travis Fine and George Arthur Bloom. (USA) World Premiere, Narrative. In the late 1970s, when a mentally handicapped teenager is abandoned, a gay couple takes him in and becomes the family hes never had. But once the unconventional living arrangement is discovered by authorities, the men must fight a biased legal system to adopt the child they have come to love as their own. Alan Cumming and Garret Dillahunt star in TFF alum Travis Fines (The Space Between) touching and occasionally incendiary drama. As Luck Would Have It (La Chispa de la Vida), directed by Alex de la Iglesia, written by Randy Feldman. (Spain) North American Premiere, Narrative. The economy has kept Roberto (Jos Mota) out of work for a long time. When a freak accident puts him at the center of a media frenzy, the enterprising ad exec hires a snaky agent to help him cash in on his life-or-death situation. Its up to Robertos adoring wife (the vivacious Salma Hayek) to convince him hes worth more alive than dead. Cult director Alex de la Iglesia takes a fresh new step, combining a darkly comic satire with an emotional drama of a familys love. In Spanish with subtitles. BAM150, directed by Michael Sldek (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. Go behind the scenes like never before at BAM, the nation’s oldest performing arts center. Featuring footage of recent BAM performances, interviews with groundbreaking artists like Laurie Anderson and Robert Wilson, and the fascinating history of the creative home to such greats as Pina Bausch, Peter Brook, and Merce Cunningham, TFF alum Michael Sldek’s (Con Artist) doc shows that BAM’s 150 years were not always easy, but are a testament to the power and stamina of the institution that launched Brooklyn as a cultural mecca. A Better Life (Une Vie Meilleure), directed by Cdric Kahn, written by Cdric Kahn and Catherine Paill. (France, Canada) U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Passionately in love from the moment they meet, idealistic chef Yann and single mother Nadia share big dreams for their future. Life gets complicated when they impulsively buy a secluded restaurant in the woods and take on risky loans, testing the strength of their relationship. Fiercely gritty in its romanticism, this is a story of the lengths one will go for the chance at a better life. In French, English with subtitles. Bookers Place: A Mississippi Story, directed by Raymond De Felitta. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. While filming a documentary on racism in Mississippi in 1965, Frank De Felitta forever changed the life of an African-American waiter and his family. More than 40 years later, Franks son Raymond (director of City Island) returns to the site of his fathers film to examine the repercussions of their fateful encounter. This intensely personal film about the struggle to understand ones parents is also a heartbreaking portrait of the legacy of intolerance. Broke, directed by Billy Corben. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. More money, more problems. Sucked into bad investments, stalked by freeloaders, saddled with medical issues, and naturally prone to showing off, most pro athletes end up broke within a few years of retirement. Drawing surprisingly vulnerable confessions from retired stars like Marvin Miller, Jamal Mashburn, Bernie Kosar, and Andre Rison, this fascinating documentary digs into the psychology of men whose competitive nature carries them to victory on the field and ruin off it. Cheerful Weather for the Wedding, directed by Donald Rice, written by Donald Rice and Mary Henely Magill. (UK) World Premiere, Narrative. On the morning of her wedding, Dolly (Felicity Jones) is hiding out and dreaming of the idyllic summer before, helped along by a jug of rum. Her scatterbrained mother (Elizabeth McGovern) has perfected all the arrangements, but even she cant prepare everyone for the arrival of Dollys unpredictable best friend, Joseph (Luke Treadaway). Lighthearted humor and a steamy romance add the perfect touch to a dysfunctional wedding whose key players seem anything but cheerful. Chicken With Plums (Poulet Aux Prunes), directed and written by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud. (France, Germany, Belgium) U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Nasser Ali Khan (Mathieu Amalric) is the most celebrated violin player in 1950s Tehran, but his heart is broken. His true love is long lost, his marriage is passionless, and now his most precious instrument has met its demise. Convinced life without music is intolerable, he resigns to bed and loses himself in reveries from his youth. The Oscar-nominated directors of Persepolis make magic again with a stylish fairy tale full of humor, whimsy, and melancholy. In French with subtitles. A Sony Pictures Classics release. Deadfall, directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky, written by Zach Dean. (USA) World Premiere, Narrative. In the wintry countryside near Canada, a smooth-talking heist man and his femme fatale sister are on the run with a bag full of cash. With a deadly blizzard swirling around them, they split up to make a desperate dash for the border, but a twist of fate puts them on a collision course with a troubled ex-con and his family. Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde, Sissy Spacek, and Kris Kristofferson highlight the ace cast in this icy thriller. A Magnolia Pictures release. Dont Stop Believin: Everymans Journey, directed by Ramona Diaz. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. It sounds like a dream: A charismatic Filipino singer from the slums of Manila posts videos of his cover band to YouTube, and soon hes fronting an iconic rock band. Sounds crazy, but its the real-life rock-and-roll fairy tale that Arnel Pineda is living as the new lead singer of Journey. The pressures on Pineda as this rockin doc follows Journeys dizzying world tourcan a man who has already overcome so many obstacles deal with the demands of his newfound fame? In English, Tagalog with subtitles. Elles, directed by Malgoska Szumowska, written by Tine Byrckel and Malgoska Szumowska. (France, Poland, Germany) U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Juliette Binoche, exquisite and involved as always, stars in this sophisticated, sexually charged drama as Anne, a journalist getting in too deep with the research for her article on college students working as prostitutes. As the surprising stories of her two candid subjects stir up Annes image of femininity, she wonders if life with her workaholic husband and two spacey sons is all that different from her subjects lives. A Kino Lorber release. vocateur: The Morton Downey Jr. Movie, directed by Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller, and Jeremy Newberger, written by Daniel A. Miller. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. Long before the days of Jersey Shore or Glenn Beck, there was one man who gleefully gave those on the fringes of the society a national mouthpiece. Witness Morton Downey Jr.s meteoric rise and fall as the original shock television emcee, and check your sense of decorum at the door. Here we learn about the man behind the mouth, and how the pursuit of fame and fortune over the airwaves can ultimately destroy your soul. Free Samples, directed by Jay Gammill, written by Jim Beggarly. (USA) World Premiere, Narrative. Jillian is having a bad day. Shes got a raging hangover, shes starting to think dropping out of Stanford Law to become an artist wasnt the best career move, and things are weird with her faraway fianc. Can spending the day parked in an ice cream truck doling out samplesand a good dose of sassto oddball Angelenos shake her out of her quarter-life crisis? Jess Weixler, Jesse Eisenberg, and Jason Ritter star in this quirky comedy. The Giant Mechanical Man, directed and written by Lee Kirk. (USA) World Premiere, Narrative. Thirtysomethings Janice (Jenna Fischer) and Tim (Chris Messina) havent quite learned how to navigate adulthood. Tim is a street performer whose unique talents as a living statue dont exactly pay the bills. Janice is out of work and under pressure by her sister (Malin Akerman) to date an egotistical self-help guru (Topher Grace). In this charming comedic romance, these two strangers help each other to realize that it only takes one person to make you feel important. A Tribeca Film release. Headshot (Fon Tok Kuen Fah), directed and written by Pen-ek Ratanaruang. (Thailand, France) U.S. Premiere, Narrative. A return to the crime genre for celebrated Thai auteur Pen-ek Ratanaruang (6ixtynin9, Last Life in the Universe), Headshot is a noir-laced thriller centered on Tul, a hit man who is shot in the head and wakes up to find that he sees everything upside down. Working backwards (and often upside down) to tell a brooding and convoluted tale of underworld double dealings, this is an unexpected and artful take on the action thriller from a genre master. In Thai with subtitles. A Kino Lorber release. Hysteria, directed by Tanya Wexler, written by Jonah Lisa Dyer and Stephen Dyer. (USA, UK, Luxembourg, France) U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Set in 19th-century London at the peak of Victorian prudishness, this racy romantic comedy tells the surprising story of the birth of the electro-mechanical vibrator. A progressive young doctor (Hugh Dancy, Adam) has his hands full relieving the citys affluent society women of their melancholy, until an accidental discovery electrifies their lives foreverand sends sparks flying between him and a feminist rabble-rouser (Maggie Gyllenhaal). A Sony Pictures Classics release. Keep the Lights On, directed by Ira Sachs, written by Ira Sachs and Mauricio Zacharias. (USA) NY Premiere, Narrative. For Erik and Paul, what begins as a meaningless late-night hookup evolves into a serious, committed relationship. Acclaimed director Ira Sachs offers an honest, unflinching portrait of a relationship that is by equal measure loving and destructive. Uncompromising in its depiction of drug addiction and the sacrifices we make for the ones we love, Sachs film is a heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful look at the way love changes over time. Knuckleball!, directed by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, written by Christine Schomer, Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. This classic sports story recounts the trials and triumphs of two of the best known knuckleball pitchers currently playing in the MLB: Tim Wakefield, a Red Sox veteran struggling to clinch his 200th career win, and R.A. Dickey, an up-and-comer with the Mets looking to make a name for himself. This energetic documentary from the directors of Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work deconstructs the controversial and erratic knuckleball style. Let Fury Have the Hour, directed and written by Antonino DAmbrosio. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. A generation of artists used their creativity as a response to the reactionary politics that came to define our culture in the 1980s. This dynamic and exhilarating documentary brings together more than 50 big-name musicians, writers, artists, and thinkers to trace a momentous social history from the cynical heyday of Reagan and Thatcher to todayand impart a message of hope. Featuring Chuck D, John Sayles, Eve Ensler, Tom Morello, Lewis Black, and many others. Lola Versus, directed by Daryl Wein, written by Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones. (USA) World Premiere, Narrative. Greta Gerwig stars as Lola, a NYer who gets dumped by her fianc mere weeks before their wedding. With the help of her close friends Henry (Hamish Linklater) and Alice (Zoe Lister-Jones), Lola embarks on a series of unexpected encounters in an attempt to find her place in the world as a single woman approaching 30. Daryl Wein (Breaking Upwards) infuses this story of the post-breakup spiral with humor and authenticity. A Fox Searchlight Pictures release. Mansome, directed by Morgan Spurlock, written by Jeremy Chilnick and Morgan Spurlock. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. In the age of manscaping, metrosexuals, and grooming products galorewhat does it mean to be a man? Oscar nominee Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) and executive producers Ben Silverman, Will Arnett, and Jason Bateman present a delightfully entertaining doc featuring candid interviews from Arnett, Bateman, Paul Rudd, Zach Galifianakis, and everyday people weighing in on everything from the obsession with facial hair to body dysmorphic disorder. One Nation Under Dog, directed by Jenny Carchman, Ellen Goosenberg Kent and Amanda Micheli. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. This heartfelt documentary explores peoples conflicted relationships with dogs and inspires us to rethink how we treat them. From a man who spends a fortune to defend his dogs in court, to a woman who cant turn away a stray, to pet loss support groups to rescuers who take on difficult-to-place dogs and save them from death row, this is a film about love, loss, betrayal, and hope. The Playroom, directed by Julia Dyer, written by Gretchen Dyer. (USA) World Premiere, Narrative. In 1970s suburbia, Maggie and her younger siblings spend the night telling each other stories in the attic. Downstairs, as their parents entertain guests over the course of a gin-soaked evening, truths are unearthed and betrayals come to light. With standout performances from John Hawkes, Molly Parker, and a cast of talented young actors, Julia Dyers second feature is an honest and challenging look at the reality behind the faade of a seemingly perfect American family. Poliss (Polisse), directed by Mawenn, written by Mawenn and Emmanuelle Bercot. (France) U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Confronting abusive parents, child molesters, traumatized kids, and oversexed teens is all part of the daily grind for the motley band of cops in the Juvenile Protection Unit, but so is chatting about their relationships at lunch and laughing uncontrollably. Grounded in documentary research and naturalistic performances, this unforgettable film from TFF alum Mawenn (All About Actresses) explores the solidarity that helps hardened vice cops face the worst of society every day. In French, Italian, Romanian, Arabic with subtitles. An IFC Films release. The Russian Winter, directed by Petter Ringbom. (Russia) World Premiere, Documentary. Brooklyn-born John Fort was a Grammy-nominated musician in The Fugees at 21 and a federal prison inmate at 26. When his prison sentence was remarkably commuted in 2008, Fort was given a second chance to share his talents with the world. Chronicling his concert tour across Russia, this inspirational documentary takes us on Forts personal journeyone thats as much about having his voice heard as having his music heard. In English, Russian with subtitles. Searching for Sugar Man, directed and written by Malik Bendjelloul. (Sweden, UK) NY Premiere, Documentary. Rodriguez was the greatest 70s rock icon who never was. Despite critical praise, his albums bombed in the U.S., and he faded into obscurity among rumors of a gruesome death. But when a bootleg copy of his antiestablishment rock made its way to apartheid South Africa, he was an instant hit. Years later, two intrepid fans investigate whatever happened to the mysterious rocker, setting off a wild chain of events that has to be seen to be believed. A Sony Pictures Classics release. Side by Side, directed and written by Chris Kenneally. (USA) North American Premiere, Documentary. Over the past two decades, digital technology has created a groundbreaking evolution in cinema, challenging film as the standard format for motion pictures. Through interviews with masters like Danny Boyle, James Cameron, David Fincher, George Lucas, David Lynch, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, Steven Soderbergh, Lars Von Trier, and many more, producer Keanu Reeves takes us on a tour of the past and future of the moviemaking process in this in-depth documentary. A Tribeca Film release. Struck By Lightning, directed by Brian Dannelly, written by Chris Colfer. (USA) World Premiere, Narrative. Even being killed by a bolt of lightning wont keep Carson Phillips quiet. A hyper-ambitious and outspoken high school senior in a small-minded town, Carson (Glees Chris Colfer) narrates his own funeral and the last few weeks of his life through a series of sarcastic flashbacks in this upbeat and energetic comedy from Saved! director Brian Dannelly. With Allison Janney, Dermot Mulroney, and Drives Christina Hendricks. Take This Waltz, directed and written by Sarah Polley. (Canada) U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Margot (Michelle Williams) and Lou (Seth Rogen) are happily married. Their life is thrown out of order when Margot falls for another man and is forced to choose between the comfort of the familiar and the excitement of the unknown. Writer-director Sarah Polleys follow-up to her acclaimed film Away From Here is a quirky, uncommonly heartfelt look at the evolving nature of love and the difficulty of sustaining a relationship over time. A Magnolia Pictures release. Trishna, directed and written by Michael Winterbottom. (UK) U.S. Premiere, Narrative. Again proving his endless versatility in his fifth film at Tribeca, prolific director Michael Winterbottom (The Road to Guantanamo, last years The Trip) adapts Thomas Hardys classic Victorian melodrama Tess of the dUrbervilles to all the beauty and blight of contemporary India, where the budding love between a peasant woman and the son of a wealthy Englishman is strained by old prejudices and class divides. The radiant Freida Pinto stars. In English, Hindi with subtitles. An IFC Films release. Whole Lotta Sole, directed by Terry George, written by Terry George and Thomas Gallagher. (UK) World Premiere, Narrative. In a rowdy little corner of Belfast, hapless young father Jimbo tries to protect his family from the gangster hes in debt to by robbing the local fish market which turns out to be a front for the same gangster! On the run, Jimbo holes up in a local antique shop run by a long-lost man from his past. A colorful cast of character actors and a strong turn from Brendan Fraser light up this madcap Irish crime comedy from Terry George (Hotel Rwanda). Xingu, directed by Cao Hamburger, written by Helena Soarez, Cao Hamburger, and Anna Muylaert. (Brazil) North American Premiere, Narrative. Brazil, 1943. Three brothers on an expedition into the feral center of the country encounter a village of Xingu Indians. Allured by the rich indigenous culture, the brothers take a bold stand against corrupt national forces and make protecting the Xingu their lives work. With wild, breathtaking visuals and atmospheric music, TFF alum Cao Hamburger conveys a distinct vision of Brazil while finding a universally resonant message in his protagonists revolutionary vision. In Portuguese with subtitles. Your Sisters Sister, directed and written by Lynn Shelton. (USA) NY Premiere, Narrative. Jack (Mark Duplass) hasnt recovered from his brothers death. His best friendand late brothers exIris (Emily Blunt) sends him to her familys isolated cabin for some quiet reflection, but complications, rivalries, and surprising revelations arise when both Iris and her heartbroken sister Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt) end up at the cabin as well. Lynn Sheltons long awaited follow-up to Humpday heralds a graceful maturation of the reliably against-the-grain filmmaker. An IFC Films release. CINEMANIA Eddie The Sleepwalking Cannibal, directed and written by Boris Rodriguez. (Canada, Denmark) North American Premiere, Narrative. Onetime art star Lars Olafssen is all washed up. Unable to paint without inspiration, he accepts a teaching stint at a small-time art school in podunk Koda Lake, Canada, and along with it the guardianship of the offbeat towns neighborhood weirdo, Eddie. As their unlikely friendship evolves, Lars uncovers a dark and violent secret about Eddies nocturnal impulses, and finds himself torn between his duty to his friend and his duty to his art. Graceland, directed and written by Ron Morales. (Philippines, USA) World Premiere, Narrative. Family man Marlon Villar is the longtime chauffeur of prominent politician Manuel Chango. While he and his daughter accompany his boss preteen daughter home, Marlon is ambushed and the wrong girl is kidnapped. Suddenly the unassuming driver is propelled into a horrifying downward spiral and, as events in his life unravel, Marlon, Chango, and their families become entangled in a game of deceit and betrayal that will leave no one innocent. In Tagalog with subtitles. Jackpot (Arme Riddere), directed by Magnus Martens, written by Jo Nesb. (Norway) International Premiere, Narrative. Terrified, bloodied, and gripping a shotgun, Oscar Svendsen wakes up in what used to be a respectable strip joint, surrounded by eight corpses and with a gun pointed at him by a detective with the National Criminal Investigation Service. Naturally, Oscar is taken into custody, and during his interrogation a bloody and darkly comic story of betrayal, murder, and lottery winnings emergesbut is this the whole story? In Norwegian with subtitles. Rat King, directed and written by Petri Kotwica. (Finland) International Premiere, Narrative. Eighteen-year-old Juri spends his days absorbed in his computer gaming world, to the exclusion of school, friends, and ultimately his exasperated girlfriend. When his internet ally Niki turns up at his door fearing for his life because of a mysterious new online game, Juri eagerly follows him down the rabbit hole. In this taut, violent thriller, the lines between reality and the game blur as Juri and Niki are drawn into its increasingly morbid world. In Finnish with subtitles. Replicas, directed by Jeremy Regimbal, written by Josh Close. (Canada) World Premiere, Narrative. Following the tragic death of their young daughter, the Hughes family decide to escape to their upscale vacation home in the woods. But their attempt to get some quality time together is violently interrupted when a neighboring family with a hidden agenda drops by for dinner. First-time director Jeremy Regimbal builds tension to a calculated and ultimately brutal crescendo in this home invasion thriller. Starring Selma Blair, Joshua Close, James DArcy, and Rachel Miner. Revenge for Jolly!, directed by Chadd Harbold, written by Brian Petsos. (USA) World Premiere, Narrative. Harry (Brian Petsos) will stop at nothing to avenge the death of his beloved dog, Jolly. He and his demented cousin Cecil (Oscar Isaac) follow a series of clues in a frenzied attempt to track down the dogs murderer, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Elijah Wood, Kristen Wiig, Adam Brody, Ryan Phillippe, Gillian Jacobs, Bobby Moynihan, Kevin Corrigan, David Rasche, Amy Siemetz, and Garret Dillahunt all stand between Harry and revenge for Jolly. Sleepless Night (Nuit Blanche), directed by Frederic Jardin, written by Frederic Jardin and Nicolas Saada. (France, Belgium, Luxembourg) NY Premiere, Narrative. Vincent is a dedicated police officer, or so it seems. After he steals a massive bag of cocaine, his young son winds up being held for ransom by the mob boss it belongs to. When Vincent travels to the outskirts of Paris to trade the drugs for his son, he gets caught in an intense cat-and-mouse game that quickly spirals out of control. This night might not only be the longest of his lifeit could be the last. A Tribeca Film release. SPECIAL SCREENINGS Joe Papp in Five Acts, directed by Tracie Holder and Karen Thorsen. (USA) World Premiere. In Joe Papps eyes, art is for everyone, not just a privileged few. This is the story of this indomitable, street-wise champion of the arts who brought more theater to more people than any other producer in history. Co-produced with American Masters and featuring Meryl Streep, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Kevin Kline, James Earl Jones, and more, this documentary lets Papps great accomplishments and tumultuous personal history be revealed by the artists he helped createand sometimes tried to destroy. Queen: Days Of Our Lives, directed by Matt OCasey. (UK) Documentary. Relive the triumphant legacy of Queen in this comprehensive documentary of the bands career from the late 1960s to today. Packed full of rare archival footage of the band hashing out their signature overdub sound in the recording studio, mind-blowing live performances, and Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacons candid reflections on their career and the last days of Freddie Mercury, Queen: Days Of Our Lives is any fans dream. The Zen of Bennett, conceived, created, and produced by Danny Bennett, produced by Jennifer Lebeau, directed by Unjoo Moon. (USA) World Premiere. At 85, not only does Tony Bennett still have the smoothest pipes in the music business, hes got the kind of philosophy that has made him one of the most beloved and respected performers of the last six decades. Made with as much class and refinement as Tony himself, this is an insiders look at the icon as he records his latest duets collection with stars like Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin, andbittersweetlyAmy Winehouse. 2012 Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival GALA: Benji, directed by Coodie and Chike. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. In 1984, 17-year-old Ben Wilson was a symbol of everything promising about Chicago: a sweet-natured youngster from the citys fabled South Side, and Americas top high school basketball prospect. His senseless murder on the day before his senior season devastated the city of Chicago and sent ripples of anguish nationwide. A stirring portrait of a phenom admired both on the court and off, Benji tells the story of a legend who mightve been. The following Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival titles have been announced in their respective sections as part of the 2012 TFF film program: Broke, directed by Billy Corben. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. Knuckleball!, directed by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, written by Christine Schomer, Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. On The Mat, directed and written by Fredric Golding. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. Town of Runners, directed by Jerry Rothwell. (UK) World Premiere, Documentary.

CBS Not Ongoing To Proceed with Quean Pilot

Nick Carter Backstreet's back okay! They aren't always coming back, but Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter will probably be guest-starring inside an approaching episode of 90210, according to Entertainment Weekly. Pilot Season: Have the scoop! Carter may have themselves inside the May 8 episode, through which he appears with a bachelorette party thrown by Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord). She invites the boy band star because the bride has received a crush on him since the band's golden days. The singer formerly guest-starred on 8 Simple Rules, American Dreams and starred inside the E! reality show House of Carters.

Open Road Makes $two million, $20 Million P&An Offer For David Ayers Finish Of Watch

BREAKING: Open Road is closing an offer for U.S. distribution privileges to Finish Of Watch, the David Ayer-directed cop drama that stars Mike Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena and Anna Kendrick. I’m told that Open Road will release the film later this season. They’ve devoted to a 2000-screen run, having a minimum guarantee just north of $two million along with a $20 million P&Dedication. It's less than as substantial commitment as Open Road made if this acquired The Gray for $8 million having a $25 million P&Dedication, but it's substantial, and evidence that after Tom Ortenberg sees a movie he is able to market, he goes after it tough. The Gray has to date made $50 million domestic. Ayer, who authored Training Day and authored and directed the cop dramas Harsh Occasions and Street Nobleman, started this film like a “found footage” type drama about two LAPD partners and close friends. The storyline ended up being to find out in the standpoint of surveillance cameras and also the camera installed on the leading of each and every patrol vehicle. That developed into much more of a conventional narrative, but many of the standpoint still originates from cameras that provide the film an initial person feel. “David includes a unique voice like a filmmaker, he creates with authenticity and shows real figures in the roads where he was raised,” stated John Lesher, who created through his Le Grisbi banner. “He moves you, however the film is extremely accessible with these small cameras fabricated and fitted on figures along with other places, it produces a 360-degree atmosphere, enjoy it was shot through the cops themselves and it has transformed the grammar of filmmaking somewhat. Mike and Mike trained five several weeks to become cops also it shows.” Lesher stated they made the decision to re-produce a festival atmosphere by showing the film inside a employed screening, which happened last evening in the Arclight. They'd several distribution options but were impressed by Open Road’s aggressiveness and distribution plans. “We wanted marketers to determine it by having an audience also it banded-room only,” he stated. “The film is gripping but there's also lots of humor. It is best than the usual screening within an empty room with four professionals I’ve experienced individuals. It’s another experience watching with real moviegoers and purchasers responded.” Ayer created with Lesher through his Crave Films banner, together with Exclusive Media’s Nigel Sinclair and Matt Jackson. The film was funded by Emmett/Furla Films and Exclusive Media. Gyllenhaal is professional producer together with Guy East, Tobin Armbrust, Randall Emmett, Adam Kassan, Chrisann Verges, Stepan Martirosyan and Remington Chase. CAA brokered the offer and arranged financing around the film.

Katy Perry to Guest-Star on Raising Hope

David Boreanaz Could David Boreanaz land a job around the exclusive British drama Downton Abbey by simply requesting one? Fans will need to wait and find out, however the Bones star thinks he'd create a great suitor for Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery), and he's come to Twitter to request Julian Fellowes, the show's author and executive producer, if he concurs. "Let me be that American cowboy who shakes some misconception at Downton Abbey. I am open for any visit Mr Fellowes. #ITV @masterpiecepbs," the actor tweeted yesterday.Golden Globes Video: Downton Abbey creator calls show's success bewilderingOn the final episode from the British series' second season (SPOILER ALERT!), the household decides to transmit Lady Mary to go to family in the usa to hold back out an imminent scandal. "Look for a cowboy in the centre West and produce him to shake us up a little," her father, the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), informs her.Do you want to see Boreanaz romance Lady Mary? Or has she already suffered enough scandal? (Pamuk!)

Trainers accept to be the primary attraction

Bob HarperDolvett QuinceHere's how it's want to be Bob Harper, which has trained a lot of people to get rid of thousands of pounds on "The Finest Loser": He's just had "the most difficult workout ever" and can be "round the couch dying," but fans in the show still approach him, body odor and many types of.InchI have been flowing sweat on the floor, and people were asking for autographs," he chuckles.As being a celebrity remains something from the learning curve for Harper, that's been while using show since 2005. Nowadays he works alongside relative newcomer Dolvett Quince, who grew to become part of the series a year ago, within the twelfth cycle (altering longtime trainer Jillian Michaels), and have the result of whipping their team's participants fit.It's not easy. States Quince, who runs the body Artist Fitness Studio in Atlanta: "You first of all have to convince them they've an problem. They have to accept there's an issue. There really are parallels to addiction programs (relating to this show). I've always mentioned you have to exercise your brain first, as well as your body. There's excess body fat inside the brain than there will be on our physiques.InchThe the fact is, outdoors a health club trainers don't have much remedies for which continues around the program, a harsh reality Harper knows to just accept.InchYou ought to know we're shooting a tv show, so they have to hit every one of these beats, which we carry out the best we could with this particular,In . according to him. "People will always be asking me, 'I have to visit what (the participants) are consuming more, what their daily existence is.' Our show has become like info-reality."Both trainers have observed an uptick inside their recognizability factor one of the filthy (or otherwise-dieted) public. Both mention being approached randomly for photos and, more rarely, tips. Harper's empire has extended into books and Digital video disks, which he's cranked up their very own weight-loss program. Quince, meanwhile, remains beginning his celebrity climb, concentrating on the sunday paper deal and thinking about growing his art galleries to La, where he produces "Loser."To date, according to him, there's one distinct help to moving for an advaced status: "It's easier to acquire a restaurant reservation in La.InchIn the own way, "Finest Loser" remains as existence-changing due to its trainers since it is due to its participants. Harper, whose regular training jobs once incorporated bulking up stars for movie roles, states "Loser" aided him "realize my true calling."Helping stars try looking in certain manner for just about any certain role, it's rewarding, there's however something somewhat shallow relating to this,In . according to him. "Once I started coping with people who have been trying to achieve control of their lives, everything is more efficient in my opinion now. I don't think if this involves what stars If only to make use of, not when you'll find a few who are required my help in Nebraska."'The Finest Loser' 200th EpisodeSeries an excellent fit for NBC, overweight public 'Loser' brand breaks new horizons Trainers accept to be the primary attraction Sweeney takes host gig to heart Past participants spread this content Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Keeping score for 'Simpsons'

Simpsons veteran Alf Clausen has composed probably the most original scores for any primetime series, with 483. "The Simpsons" hits a milestone Sunday using its 500th episode, however it has additionally silently handled to interrupt another record on the way: probably the most original musical scores ever composed for any primetime series."Gunsmoke" went 635 episodes, but under another of these were obtained with original music "Law & Order," like "Gunsmoke," also went for 25 years, but that demonstrate ended after 456 episodes.Alf Clausen has written 483 of individuals 500 scores, beginning using the show's first Halloween episode in October 1990. He's won two Emmys and received another 21 nominations for his "Simpsons" tunes and scores. "It truly is challenging. Sometimes hard to not repeat myself," Clausen stated.The general "Simpsons" statistics, as totalled by music editor Chris Ledesma (that has been in "The Simpsons" from the beginning), are equally impressive: nearly 15,000 individual bits of music and most 28,000 "takes" or tracks within the show's 23 seasons.And each episode, unlike most series nowadays, has featured an orchestra around 35 gamers. Vince Trombetta, leader of Local 47 from the American Federation of Music artists, came by Clausen's recording session February. 3 in Glendale to provide him having a plaque for his "exceptional work in the last 22 years."Clausen credited "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening for insisting on real music artists, not synthesized scores, right from the start. Clausen, whose other credits include "Moonlighting" and also the sitcom "Alf" ("no relation," he quips), stated he'll stick with "The Simpsons" to the finish."I've made the decision to ride this stage in to the sunset," he stated. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Wanderlust Red-colored-colored Band Trailer Online

Turn on, stay updated, drop trou?The ultimate time we'd a promo for Heroines maestros David Wain and Ken Marino's comedy Wanderlust, it absolutely was the conventional old theatrical version in November. Well, while using movie striking today in the usa (and March 2 the following), the red-colored-colored band trailer has turned up, getting promising, sexual references and Paul's Joe Lo Truglio inside the altogether. Provided there's nobody from the sensitive character inside the room, or that watching might be won't allow you to get fired from your job, go nuts, muddy funsters.Wanderlust finds Manhattan couple George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston) losing their existence savings getting a poor investment concurrently George's job implodes). Facing living (and) alongside his boorish brother Ron (Marino), the pair rather decides to check a detailed commune that delivers free love, free room and board and many types of the smoothness you'll be able to handle.But while things initially appear blissful, they soon see their worldviews and relationship challenged with the various kooky figures that inhabit the land known to as Elysium...Once the standard trailer turned up, we wondered what potty-mouthed delights may appear in the red-colored-colored band version, and also you know. The cast comes complete with Wain and Marino's regular cohorts, including Malin Akerman, Kerri Kenney-Silver and Justin Theroux, together with a sprinkling of latest faces (Lauren Ambrose, Alan Alda and Jordan Peele). As well as in the looks from the, they've all introduced the funny.As stated, Wanderlust walks in on March 2.

2013 SAG Honours to become held on Jan. 27

The Screen Stars Guild Honours has selected Jan. 27 because of its 2013 events. The big event is going to be held at its usual venue, the La Shrine Exposition Focus on a Sunday. Screen Stars Guild Honours Committee Chair JoBeth Williams made the announcement Thursday. The 2011 18th annual Honours occured on Jan. 29 -- additionally a Sunday. Next year's show is going to be simulcast survive TNT and The best spinner's. The 2011 simulcast was up 3% this season, having a total audience in excess of 5.two million audiences. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Young ankles as Taormina fest topper

ROME -- U.S. film critic Deborah Young has ankled as artistic director of Italy's Taormina Film Festival. During her five years at Taormina's helm Young boosted the respected Sicily-based fest's profile, making it a summer showcase for movies from the Mediterranean basin, while also upping its Hollywood star-power wattage with guests such as Robert De Niro, Jessica Lange and Oliver Stone. Young is stepping down due to differences with the fest's board, prompted by budget cuts at the Sicilian shindig, which is among Italy's oldest film events. Dates have not been announced for Taormina's 58th edition. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

Alcatraz's Parminder Nagra Files for Divorce

Parminder Nagra Parminder Nagra is seeking to end her marriage of three years. The Alcatraz star has filed for divorce from husband James Stenson, citing "irreconcilable differences," TMZ reports. Dissecting Alcatraz's Mysteries: Why Is Tommy Madsen so important? Nagra, 36, dated Stenson, a photographer, for seven years before they tied the knot in a ceremony attended by the actress' former ER co-stars. Maura Tierney officiated, while John Stamos (on drums) and Scott Grimes performed at the reception. The couple have a 2-year-old son named Kai together.

Lifetime Sets Military Partners Sixth Season Premiere

Military Partners Prepare to talk to your old pals Claudia Pleasure, Denise, Roxy, Pamela and Roland again. Lifetime introduced Wednesday the sixth season of the hit drama Military Partners will return on Sunday, March 4 at 9/8c, in line with the Hollywood Reporter. Susan Lucci lands first publish-The Kids role on Military Partners In November, the network bought yet another 10 cases of the drama, that literally brings the summer season total to 23 episodes. Inside the approaching season, The Kids vet Susan Lucci will star as Audrey, the wife from the outdated Brigadier General. The premiere may even work as charge-towards the docuseries Coming back Home at 10/9c, which follows the household family reunions that U.S. military service individuals have utilizing their families.

Myriad handles international on 'Nobody'

Myriad Pictures will handle international rights to Ry Russo-Young's "Nobody Walks," which screened in competition at Sundance. Myriad will screen the film for international buyers next week at the European Film Market in Berlin. Magnolia acquired U.S. rights to "Nobody Walks" during Sundance. The film stars John Krasinski, Olivia Thirlby, Rosemarie DeWitt, Dylan McDermott and Justin Kirk. Pic's produced by Jonathan Schwartz and Andrea Sperling, of Super Crispy Entertainment, who were honored at Sundance with a special jury prize for independent film producing for "Smashed" and "Nobody Walks." Pic explores a married couple's commitment to themselves and their family when an art student rents and moves into their back house. Script was co-written by Russo-Young and Lena Dunham. Deal was negotiated by D'Amico for Myriad, and Schwartz and Lawrence Kopeikin for the producers. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

ABC orders Judy Greer's 'Judy'

Judy Greer has returned at ABC, toplining comedy pilot "American Judy." ABC Galleries Project involves a cosmpolitan lady who marries and turns into a seafood from water within the and surrounding suburbs juggling the requirements of stepchildren, her mother-in-law and her husband's ex who is actually the city sheriff. Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont composed the pilot and can professional produce with Greer and David Gardner. Greer is really a sitcom staple who toplined the ABC comedy "Miss Led" in 2008. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

Heidi Klum & Seal Confirm Separation

First Published: January 23, 2012 10:08 AM EST Credit: Getty Premium Caption Heidi Klum and Seal arrive at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles on September 18, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- After almost seven years of marriage, Heidi Klum and Seal have confirmed they are splitting. While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate, the couple said in a statement. We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart. This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition, the statement continued. We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our childrens sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy. The supermodel/Project Runway host, 38, and the Kiss From A Rose crooner, 48, tied the knot in May 2005 and are known for renewing their vows in extravagant ceremonies each year. The couple have three biological children together Henry, 6, Johan, 5 and 2-year-old Lou. Heidi has a 7-year-old daughter, Leni, from a previous relationship, whom Seal adopted. AH Nation Poll: Surprised by the couples split? VOTE HERE! Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

CW greenlights three drama aircraft aircraft pilots

CW is reducing to business on its pilot orders, giving formal greenlights to three dramas wealthy in concepts and-profile auspices: the D.C. Comics' adaptation "Arrow," "The Barbara Journals" together with a procedural undertake "Beauty as well as the Animal." "Arrow," known to love a contempo retelling in the Eco-friendly Arrow character, arises from Greg Berlanti's busy Warner Bros. TV-based shingle. He's co-writing along with his frequent collaborator Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg. Although Eco-friendly Arrow (also called billionaire activist Oliver Full) will be a semi-regular character on "Smallville," this rendition might have no direct link to that version of Eco-friendly Arrow. Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage are shepherding Warner Bros. TV's "Barbara Journals," composed by former "Sex as well as the City" scribe Amy Harris. The project is founded on Candace Bushnell's book about Barbara Bradshaw's secondary school years inside the eighties. Schwartz and Savage are professional creating through their WBTV-based Fake Empire banner, along with Harris and Fake Empire's Len Goldstein. CBS TV Studios' "Animal" is loosely using the CBS drama within the late eighties. It's known to love a contemporary-day romancer "getting a procedural twist." Jennifer Levin ("Without any Trace")and Sherri Cooper ("Brothers and sisters and Brothers and sisters") composed the pilot and professional produce with Paul Witt, C. Anthony Thomas, Ron Koslow and Bill Haber. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

Magicians of Waverly Place's Mike T. Austin Books Law & Order: SVU Guest Place

Mike T. Austin Magicians of Waverly Place star Mike T. Austin can look with an approaching episode of Law & Order: Special Sufferers Unit, TVGuide.com has learned. Law & Order: SVU Video: Fisher Stevens channels arrogant director for guest role Within the episode entitled "Home Invasions," Austin will have Take advantage of Fisher, the boyfriend of the girl whose household is extremely killed. Exclusive: Miranda Lambert to create acting debut on Law & Order: SVU Austin, who are able to presently be observed in the film New Year's Eve, will next play Huck Finn in Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

Acad finalizes new doc rules

After several days of speculation, the new rules for the documentary feature, animated short film and live-action short film categories for the 85th Academy Awards were announced Thursday by the Board of Governors.The most significant changes expand members' opportunities to view contending films, enabling more members to participate in the Academy's voting processes in the Documentary Feature, Animated Short Film and Live Action Short Film categories.In the Documentary Feature category, the entire Documentary Branch will now receive all eligible titles beginning in the first round of voting. To facilitate this change, filmmakers must submit 200 DVDs, an increase from the 30 that had been required in previous years. In the final round of voting in this category, members must still see all the nominated films, but the viewing of films on digital or DVD screeners will now be an option for satisfying this requirement.A documentary feature film's eligibility will continue to depend on completing seven-day qualifying runs in both NY and Los Angeles that are advertised in at least one major newspaper, as specified by Academy rules, in each city. For the 85th Academy Awards, however, a review by a movie critic in The NY Times and/or the Los Angeles Times will also be required.In the animated short film and live-action short film categories, members will still have to see all the nominated films before casting their final ballots, but viewing the films on screeners will now be an option for satisfying this requirement. Films that are shown during their theatrical run in a non-standard format, such as IMAX, will have to be submitted to the Academy in a standard theatrical aspect ratio and in a format currently accepted for Academy exhibition to remain eligible. Producers may provide additional screenings of their films in non-standard formats, but members' attendance at such screenings will not be required for voting purposes.Other rules changes for the documentary and short films categories include normal date changes and minor "housekeeping" changes.Rules are reviewed annually by individual branch and category committees. The Awards Rules Committee then reviews all proposed changes before presenting its recommendations to the Board of Governors for approval. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com

Will Paul Rudd Play Leslie Knope's Opponent on Parks and Rec?

Paul Rudd Leslie Knope is a strong contender for City Council, there is however one guy who might be brave enough to oppose her. Paul Rudd is apparently joining the race for Pawnee City Council on Parks and Entertainment, based on Vulture. A resource informs the website that Rudd shot his moments sometime this past year and can come in a minumum of one approaching episode from the NBC comedy. Exclusive: Parks and Entertainment books a comedy icon Formerly, speculation encircled Kathryn Hahn (Free Agents) for that role, but she'll rather play an agent to 1 of Leslie's rivals. Comedy great Carl Reiner will even guest-star among Pawnee's most effective elders. Rudd is principally noted for his large-screen credits for example Heroines and that i Adore You, Guy. On Television, he performed the recurring character Mike Hannigan on Buddies and guest-starred on Veronica Mars. Do you consider Rudd will make a great opponent for Leslie?

New york city Mayor: Female friends Hug Much Better Than Gagas

First Released: The month of january 4, 2012 8:40 AM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Rhianna and NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg share a hug because they celebrate the start of the brand new year at New Years Eve 2012 in Occasions Square in NY City on The month of january 1, 2012NY, N.Y. -- NY City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants the planet to understand that although he may have shared a brand new Years hug with Rhianna it had been nothing in comparison using the one he got later from his longtime girlfriend. The 69-year-old politician and also the youthful pop star locked lips soon after leading a Occasions Square crowd inside a final-minute countdown to night time. They provided a significant pair: He is at a classic-fashioned American-flag sweater she'd her eyes hidden behind a sparkly mask. When requested concerning the hug Tuesday, Bloomberg stated hed be remiss if he didnt the best hug from the evening came next, from girlfriend Diana Taylor. Bloomberg also known as Gaga a youthful lady, observing shes comparable age as his daughter Georgina, whos in her own late 20s. Copyright 2012 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Pietrini joins Sheppard Mullin

Jill Pietrini, a trademark litigator getting a customer list inside the music, film and fashion industries, has grew to become part of Sheppard Mullin just like a partner inside the firm's intellectual property practice group. Pietrini's clients include Summit Entertainment, Fifty-Six Hope Road Music, Gwen Stefani, Cafe Press, Metallica, Will Cruz and Gerawan Farming. She joins the firm from Manatt, where she was chair in the firm's intellectual property and intellectual property suit practice group. Pietrini is dependent in Sheppard Mullin's Century City office. Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com