Monday, August 29, 2011

Hollywood Docket: 'Superman' Producer Jon Peters Purchased To Pay For $3.3 Mil in Sexual Harassment Trial

Vince Bucci/Getty Images Former hairstylist switched movie studio executive switched producer Jon Peters (Superman) has lost a sexual harassment claim introduced with a former assistant and it has been purchased with a jury to pay for $822,000 in lost pay plus $2.5 million in punitive damages to his accuser. Shelly Morita alleged in her own five-year-old suit that throughout the building of Superman Returns, Peters had experienced her mattress uninvited and fondled her. Jurors heard testimony how Peters withheld a $25,000 Christmas bonus until she signed a discretion agreement and just how producer of these films as Batman, Rain Guy, and Wild Wild West exerted his influence in Hollywood to maintain her from working after she quit. Peters apparently will seek an appeal. In other entertainment legal news: Bing is wishing to utilize a recent judge's decision in regards to the liability ofMP3tunes to its advantage. In the mega-fight with Viacom over alleged copyright violation online, Google has directed the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal's focus on the current MP3tunes decision, where the music locker service was discovered to be mostly protected through the DMCA's safe harbor provisions. Jay-Z and Kanye are facing law suit for allegedly not clearing an example on the new album, Watch the Throne. The possibility suit originates from R&B singer Syl Manley, who based on your blog publish, is really a "veteran of copyright violation cases...[who] has been doing perfectly for themself clearing samples from his fertile catalog." An archive executive who prosecuted singer Johnny Gill for defaming her on Twitter with claims of the unauthorized leak has settled. Based on some pot statement, the record label it's still delivering Gill's new album. The U.S. Justice Department has signed off on the plan through the Producers Guild of America to approve producers. The program would be to distinguish individuals who give a full-range of services using the initials "p.g.a." in comparison to bankers, lawyers, yet others who just get generic on-screen producer credits. The program will limit the marketplace for working producers, and that's why it had been essential for the DOJ to supply a viewpoint this wasn't an antitrust breach. The estate of famous jazz trumpeter Miles Davis is suinga Manhattan jazz club known as Miles' Coffee shop for infringing his allegedly trademarked name. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner

Tax Change Threatens Hollywood Production in British Columbia

TORONTO - Another eastwards shift of Hollywood film and TV production in Canada is expected after British Columbia voted in a referendum to phase out its harmonized sales tax (HST).our editor recommendsCanada's tax credit rate won't go southCanada tax credits: strings attached Foreign producers can now recover the former 8% provincial sales tax (PST) as part of the HST. But a majority of British Columbians voted to scrap the controversial HST, of which such productions as TV series Fringe and Matt Damon film Elysium have taken advantage, and return to the former PST, which is not recoverable by foreign producers shooting locally. The HST, coupled with provincial and federal tax credits, allowed Hollywood producers that shoot in Canada to enjoy significant cost savings, even with the high loonie compared to the American dollar. British Columbia phasing out the HST over the next 18 months is now expected to benefit Ontario, which is keeping its HST. Hollywood North in recent years has been largely centered on British Columbia and Ontario, with tax policy helping to determine where the major studios shoot north of the border. U.S. foreign location shooting rebounded in Ontario last year after the province introduced an all-spend 25 percent film tax credit. That followed the British Columbia provincial government responding by raising the value its foreign film tax credit, but keeping the incentive based on labor costs only. British Columbia managed to retain much of its Hollywood production activity due to its proximity to Los Angeles, but that appeal for the major studios may partially subside after the province turfs its HST in 18 months. Related Topics International

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Sunday, August 28, 2011

Politics of affection

A Democrat and Republican be seduced by one another in Politics of affection. A Codeblack Entertainment/Warner Bros. Digital Distribution/Flickbag discharge of a Codeblack Entertainment presentation in colaboration with Davic Holdings of the Nuclear Mango production in colaboration with Split Image Pictures. Created by Govino Menon, Vikram Singh Lamba, William Sees Keenan. Executive producer, Rakesh Rathore. Directed by William Dear. Script, Gary Goldstein.With: John Whitened, Mallika Sherawat, Loretta Devine, Gerry Bednob, Ruby Dee.Despite its distinctive setting from the backdrop from the 2008 presidential campaign, "Politics of affectionInch is really a paltry romantic comedy undercut with a script that barely boosts some lighter moments and undistinguished direction by William Dear ("Harry and also the Hendersons"). We are a lengthy way from Capra within this rickety tale of the mixed-race Obama supporter falling deeply in love with a black John McCain coordinator, encircled by lots of hooting, hollering and mugging. Limited theatrical window will quickly close, with any potential gold coin obtained in VOD and DVD. Coming back the place to find Florida, Aretha (Mallika Sherawat) witnesses her African-American mother, Shirlee (Loretta Devine), separating from her Indian father, Vijay (Gerry Bednob), and relocating with Aretha's grandmother (Ruby Dee, who differentiates herself one of the stars by showing that less is much more). Attempting to help at Dad's restaurant, Aretha is attracted towards the neighboring Obama campaign office, filled with crazy types that, if given serious attention, would beg the question of the way the Illinois senator ever won. Handsome Kyle (John Whitened) may work with McCain, but he woos Aretha until he wins her over, with a few absurd complications on the way.Digital camera (color, DV), Bryan Greenberg editor, Edgar Burcksen music, Levels Group music administrators, Dylan Berry, Mike Belnick production designer, Take advantage of Howeth costume designer, Francine Jamison-Tanchuck. Examined at Laemmle Music Hall, Beverly Hillsides, August. 26, 2011. Running time: 88 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Today on indieWIRE: Taboo Films That Offend, 'Circumstance,' del Toro & Chastain Interviews

Today on indieWIRE, we share the particulars on 'Paradise Lost,' Part II from the Guillermo del Toro interview, TOH!'s interview with chameleon Jessica Chastain, festival updates and a glance at taboo films which will offend you (or at best spoil your lunch) ... Critical Consensus: 'Circumstance' may be the Pick each week: 'Circumstance' -- which won the crowd award in the Sundance Film Festival -- can also be the pick each week, based on the folks questioned on criticWIRE. Meirelles' '360' to spread out London Film Festival What's Going To Close?: Fernando Meirelles' '360' would be the opening evening film in the 55th BFI London Film Festival, which is the final underneath the stewardship of artistic director Sandra Hebron. Cinemax Is Prepared for any 4th 'Paradise Lost' Movie, however the Company directors Is Probably Not: Cinemax is ready to greenlight a 4th documentary within the 'Paradise Lost' saga. Jackson states he's still funding an analysis in to the real causes behind the killings. However, 'Paradise Lost' company directors Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky say they are not prepared to invest in shooting another doc concerning the West Memphis Three. Recut 'Paradise Lost 3' and Oliver Stone's U.S. History Doc Put into New You are able to Film Festival: The brand new ending to Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky's 'Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory' may have its world premiere in the approaching 49th New You are able to Film Festival. So Taboo: Four Approaching Films That Advertise to Offend: Lots of provocative and disturbing films go through the festival circuit. But of individuals that actually tug at social taboos, it is a choose couple of making it to theaters. Guillermo del Toro, Part II: "The most crucial component of filmmaking is the freedom.": In Monday's first installment of indieWIRE's two-part interview with Guillermo del Toro, the director spoken concerning the evolution of storytelling, explaining his interests in game titles and transmedia. Chameleon Jessica Chastain Talks 'Tree of Existence,' 'The Help,' 'The Debt,' 'Coriolanus': Anne Thompson interviews increasing star and her loaded slate of films. 'Tucker & Dale,' the Hillbilly Horror Buddy Comedy You Won't Ever Understood You Desired: ThePlaylist reviews 'Tucker & Dale Versus. Evil,' Eli Craig's directorial debut. Women Lose Ground as TV Authors: Women on Hollywood's undertake the present stage of ladies in TV land.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Ben Affleck Eyes Warner Bros Line Of Sight

While Ben Affleck is busy directing and starring in Argo, the director of The Town is looking at future projects at Warner Bros. He’s attached to direct and star in Line of Sight, an action film set up at Silver Pictures about an elite commando squad on a secret mission. F. Scott Frazer wrote the script. Affleck will produce as well.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Kaira Pitt Puts Malibu Home available on the market for $13.75 Million

Kaira Pitt has listed his Malibu beach estate for $13.75 million.our editor recommendsAngelina Jolie, Kaira Pitt 'Are Like Criminals,' States Matt DamonBrad Pitt to create Drama 'Twelve Years a Slave' With Steve McQueen Pointing Some,088 sq . ft . mid-century modern house sits about the Encinal Bluffs facing the Gulf Of Mexico and Point Mugu Condition Park, reviews Real estate agent.com. Pitt, who's a highly-known architectural aficionado, already acquired Planning and Seaside approval for the next story to be included to the only level four bed room and four bath home, created by Malibu-based architect Christopher Sorensen. STORY: Top Ten Entertainment Business Property Deals of the season The gated beach-front property, sits on 1.26 acres and it has stair use of a personal cove and Malibu beach. There's additionally a heated pool, private tennis court and room for 3-vehicle parking. Pitt lately renovated the house, also it now features a stainless-steel kitchen, bamboo floors and glass walls facing the sea. PHOTOS: Kaira Pitt's Most Memorable Movies The actor, who's presently filming World War Z in Glasgow, Scotland, and partner Julia Roberts together with their six children, presently get their home base at French estate Chateau Miraval. Related Subjects Julia Roberts Kaira Pitt Moneyball

Australia's 'Red Dog' has B.O. bite

Josh Lucas stars in the real-life story, 'Red Dog.'In its third week at the Australian B.O., Roadshow Films' real-life story "Red Dog" has cumed $8 million locally, making it 2011's highest-grossing Australian pic."Red Dog," based on Louis De Bernieres' bestselling tome about a loyal dog searching the Australian outback for its owner, opened Aug. 4 to $1.8 million -- this year's biggest bow for a local pic in Oz -- then grew 4% in its second outing to claim $1.87 million.This past weekend in Oz, "Red Dog," with $2.3 million, beat out debuts of "Cowboys and Aliens" ($2.1 million) and "Conan the Barbarian" ($660,000), but lost to "Friends with Benefits" ($2.6 million)."Red Dog" is directed by Kriv Stenders from a script by Daniel Taplitz. Pic stars Josh Lucas ("The Lincoln Lawyer") and Rachel Taylor (TV's "Charlie's Angels").Essential Entertainment is handling international sales and domestic, along with International Creative Management. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

Friday, August 19, 2011

Gualtiero Jacopetti, Forefather of the Mondo Film, Passes Away at 91

Along with fellow documentarians Paolo Cavara and Franco Prosperi, Italian filmmaker Gualtiero Jacopetti helped to birth the exploitation cinema genre known as the mondo film, which took off following the success of their 1962 shockumentary classic Mondo Cane. Jacopetti, aged 92, died this week in Rome; his most provocative films include Africa Addio and Addio zio Tom (Goodbye, Uncle Tom), the latter of which happens to earn a nod in a certain upcoming Ryan Gosling automotive thriller opening next month. That would be Nicolas Winding Refn’s virtuoso crime thriller-romance Drive, which features a soundtrack full of electronic tracks that’s already earned geek love. Standing out in contrast among those italo-disco gems used in Refn’s film is the operatic love theme from Jacopetti and Prosperi’s controversial 1971 film Goodbye Uncle Tom, about a documentary crew that goes back in time to document the American slavery system. “Oh My Love,” by Riz Ortolani, is sung by Katyna Ranieri. Watch the opening scene below. Gualtiero Jacopetti, Maker of ‘Mondo Cane,’ Dies at 91 [NYT]

Monday, August 15, 2011

Julianne Moore Eyes HBO Period Drama 'Dope'

Jason Merritt/Getty ImagesJulianne Moore HBO is getting back into business with its Mildred Pierce team for a period drama based on the novel Dope. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Oscar nominee Julianne Moore is circling the project, which takes place in 1950 in New York and revolves around a woman who returns to society as a private eye after rehabilitating herself on a farm from a heroin addiction. Mildred Pierce executive producer/director Todd Haynes would direct the project, with Mildred executive producers John Wells and Christine Vachon also on board in the same capacity. Author Sara Gran adapted her book and penned the script for the project, which is in development. For Moore, the project would reunited her with the cable network: She's set to play Sarah Palin in the upcoming telepic Game Change. Mildred Pierce, starring Kate Winslett, topped the list of Emmy nominations this year, collecting 21 noms, including for best movie/miniseries. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit Julianne Moore HBO

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Another Talent Scam Conviction in La

Los Angelesarea talent manager Patrick W. O'Brien pleaded no contest Tuesday on two counts of breaking the California Condition Labor Code and was sentenced to 3 years' probation and 3 months in jail. He seemed to be purchased to pay for an overall total of $6,000 to several three sufferers of the bait-and-switch talent scam he operated.In April, the La City Attorney's Office pressed charges against O'Brien after being approached by an Arizona mother who stated O'Brien had decided to represent her 15-year-old actor boy. After moving her family to California and buying a $3,000 headshot and acting class package from O'Brien, mom grew to become believing that she was victim of the scam. When O'Brien declined to refund the lady her money, she filed a complaint using the City Attorney's Office. Two more sufferers later came aboard the situation after charges were pressed.The plea dealwhich also bars O'Brien from operating any talent representation services and creating or developing any onscreen entertainmentis almost just like one arrived at a week ago with scam artist Nicholas Roses. O'Brien is just one of four talent managers punished this season by Los Angeles Deputy City Attorney Mark Lambert underneath the 2009 Krekorian Talent Scam Prevention Act. By Daniel Holloway August 3, 2011 Los Angelesarea talent manager Patrick W. O'Brien pleaded no contest Tuesday on two counts of breaking the California Condition Labor Code and was sentenced to 3 years' probation and 3 months in jail. He seemed to be purchased to pay for an overall total of $6,000 to several three sufferers of the bait-and-switch talent scam he operated.In April, the La City Attorney's Office pressed charges against O'Brien after being approached by an Arizona mother who stated O'Brien had decided to represent her 15-year-old actor boy. After moving her family to California and buying a $3,000 headshot and acting class package from O'Brien, mom grew to become believing that she was victim of the scam. When O'Brien declined to refund the lady her money, she filed a complaint using the City Attorney's Office. Two more sufferers later came aboard the situation after charges were pressed.The plea dealwhich also bars O'Brien from operating any talent representation services and creating or developing any onscreen entertainmentis almost just like one arrived at a week ago with scam artist Nicholas Roses. O'Brien is just one of four talent managers punished this season by La Deputy City Attorney Mark Lambert underneath the 2009 Krekorian Talent Scam Prevention Act.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

SAG probes non-union ads

The Screen Actors Guild is asking members for information about non-union casting calls for commercials -- and promising that it will keep the information anonymous. In a posting on its website Friday, SAG said it's seeking to learn more about non-union casting calls for commercials in order to better serve and represent the members. "If you have any recent knowledge of non-union casting calls, please take a few minutes to fill out this brief survey with whatever information about the casting call that you wish to provide," it said. "All information provided is completely anonymous and will be used to help us better understand the non-union work space and create more work opportunities for our members." Ray Rodriguez, national exec director of contracts, told Variety that the idea originated with the guild's Spanish-language task force, given that such commercials are more of an issue for Spanish-language performers. "We're trying to develop as much insight as we can," Rodriguez said. "The fact is that member earnings are up for commercials. It's not in response to any kind of spike in non-union work." Rodriguez also said there's no agreed-upon metric for measuring non-union work and added that the survey will probably remain on the SAG website for six months. SAG covers about $800 million in commercials earnings from its members, based on pension and health contributions from employers. Rodriguez said the survey's unrelated to a recent move by leaders of SAG and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists to ask the ad industry for a one-year extension of the current commercials pact, which would move the expiration back to March 31, 2013. SAG and AFTRA struck for six months against the ad industry in 2000. The guild subsequently disciplined 187 non-union thesps for crossing picket lines during the strike -- 133 membership bans ranging from six months to 4 1/2 years, along with 54 bans for the maximum five years. SAG also fined Elizabeth Hurley and Tiger Woods $100,000 each for performing in non-union spots during the strike. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com