Daily Variety back issues from February 2006:
Oscar's western union: a major identity crisis.
Feb 01, 2006; ... Execs at the major studios must be experiencing mixed emotions. Their niche arms did great. Universal's Focus was a star with "Brokeback Mountain," Sony Pictures Classics scored with loads of "Capote" noms and Warner Independent is glowing thanks to the perf of "Good Night, and ...
Oscar's western union: big day for 'Brokeback,' Clooney, somber films.(Oscar nominations)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Racism, homophobia, terrorism, government prying and media glory-hogs--what's not to like? Voters of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences have nominated five small, sober dramas for best picture at the 78th annual Academy Awards, with Focus Features' "Brokeback ...
'Flight' lands A&E record.(A and E Home Video gets high ratings for "Flight 93")
Feb 01, 2006; ... A&E scored the largest aud in its 22-year history--5.9 million viewers--for Monday's premiere of the 9/11 telepic "Flight 93." Two-hour movie posted A&E highs in the key demos of adults 25-54 (2.9 million), 18-49 (2.7 million), and 18-34 (1 million). The events of ...
Roadshow on a bank roll.(Village Roadshow Pictures Group increases financing )
Feb 01, 2006; ... Village Roadshow Pictures Group has increased its financing facility from $900 million to $1.4 billion, aiming to significantly increase the number of films it turns out with longtime partner Warner Bros. and other studios. As part of its ramp-up, VRPG also announced it's ...
God's messengers didn't smite 'Daniel'.(National Broadcasting Company Inc. to drop 'The Book of Daniel')
Feb 01, 2006; ... EVERY PICTURE tells a story, and every TV series cancellation sends a message. At least, that's what the folks at the Traditional Values Coalition would have you believe, gloating over NBC's decision to drop its low-rated drama "The Book of Daniel" about an Episcopal priest and ...
It's time again for pinkslips.(Time Inc., Time Warner Inc. announces layoffs and bonuses)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Less than two months after a round of exec-level cuts, Time Inc. has made a round of mid-level layoffs on both the business and editorial sides of the company. Country's largest mag publisher has laid off 66 employees, about 25 of them from editorial. Meanwhile, ...
Pair of thrillers catch Mideast heat wave.(De Line Pictures partners with Ridley Scott to produce the sequel)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Ridley Scott, producer Donald De Line and novelist David Ignatius are teaming on a pair of thrillers set in the Middle East. Warner Bros. has acquired "Penetration," a spy novel by Ignatius about a CIA operative's attempt to track a high-ranking terrorist in Jordan. Adaptation ...
Muppets 'power' up: 'Crystal' sequel gels with animator.(Genndy Tartakovsky to direct the sequel for 'Power of the Dark Crystal' for Jim Henson Co.)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... The Jim Henson Co. has set Genndy Tartakovsky to direct "Power of the Dark Crystal," sequel to 1982 fantasy film "The Dark Crystal." Tartakovsky, who created the animated series hits "Samurai Jack," "Dexter's Laboratory" and "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," will involve his ...
Short seeks more 'Fame'.(LEGIT BITS)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Broadway becomes him, too: "Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me" is set to open at a yet-to-be-determined Shubert theater Aug. 10. Conceived by Short and the "Hairspray" composer-lyricist team Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the musical mock-autobiography isn't a solo show. An ...
Duo ring in 'New Years'.(Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. signs deal with Hyde Park Entertainment for 'New Years Steve')(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Twentieth Century Fox has preemptively bought the spec script "New Years Steve" by tyros Josh Herman and Adam Schwartz for Fox-based Hyde Park Entertainment. Project marks the second pic put in development under Hyde Park's new five-year co-financing production deal with Fox. ...
Warner punches library card for new DVDs.(Warner Home Video's Digital videodisks)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Warner Home Video will dust off more than 200 catalog titles for debut on DVD this year, with some to bow on next-generation high-def discs simultaneously. The DVD newbies run the gamut from vintage Astaire and Rogers danceathons to Busby Berkeley pics, "Knute Rockne All ...
Spike hones 'Blade' with 13-hour deal.(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Spike TV is sinking its teeth into a small-screen adaptation of "Blade," greenlighting 13 hours of the vampire drama from New Line TV. "Batman Begins" scribe David Goyer, who also wrote the "Blade" trilogy, will exec produce alongside showrunner David Simkins, Marvel ...
Fox locks 'Arrested' scribe.(Twentieth Century Fox Television taps Abraham Higginbotham )(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Former "Arrested Development" scribe Abraham Higginbotham is returning to the 20th Century Fox TV fold. Higginbotham, now a producer on "Will & Grace," has inked a seven-figure, multiyear overall deal to develop and produce series programming for 20th. Pact kicks in this June, ...
APA adds 4 Gotham agents.(Agency for the Performing Arts appoints Mike Berkowitz, Avi Gilbert, Christine Barkley and Fred Hansen)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... The Agency for the Performing Arts has tapped a quartet of agents--Mike Berkowitz, Avi Gilbert, Christine Barkley and Fred Hansen--to bolster its newly opened New York office. Berkowitz, recently at Relevant Entertainment, specializes in comedy and has developed tour packages ...
FTC won't oppose Adelphia buyout.(Federal Trade Commission, Time Warner Cable to acquire Comcast Corp., Adelphia Communications Corp.)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... The Federal Trade Commission concluded that Time Warner Cable and Comcast's proposed acquisition of bankrupt caner Adelphia will not be anti-competitive and has therefore closed its seven-month investigation into the pending deal. Writing for the 3-2 majority, agency chairman ...
'Idol' sweeps demos: Fox's hit shoots up 15%.("American Idol")
Feb 01, 2006; ... It was almost too easy for Fox last week, as the revitalized net rode more huge "American Idol" ratings to a sweep of the key demo categories. Viewers ate up three more hours of "Idol" auditions on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the megahit up 15% vs. last season for its best-ever ...
Emmerich's 'B.C.' in Warner's future.(Roland Emmerich's '10,000 B.C.')(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Warner Bros. Pictures has picked up Roland Emmerich's big-budget "10,000 B.C." out of quick turnaround from Sony. Aggressive move gives Warners its first chance to work with Emmerich--and a 2007 summer tentpole. Emmerich is set to begin shooting the prehistoric adventure in late ...
NBC U hikes exec quartet.(NBC Universal Inc. appoints Liz Fischer, Hilary Smith, Chris Steib and Courtney Davis)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... NBC Universal promoted four execs in its corporate communications department, including Liz Fischer and Hilary Smith, both named VP of corporate communications. Chris Steib was named manager of executive communications and Courtney Davis was named manager or executive projects. ...
MPAA reels in pair for L.A.(Motion Picture Association of America appoints Lisa M. Pierozzi, Michael Robinson )(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... The Motion Picture Assn. of America has filled two top positions in its Los Angeles office. Lisa M. Pierozzi is the org's new chief financial officer as well as exec VP of finance and administration; she starts on Feb. 6. New director of domestic antipiracy ops Michael Robinson ...
Showbiz stocks.(entertainment industry)(Illustration)
Feb 01, 2006 ... <Pre> Showbiz Stocks Thursday, February 2, 2006 YTD NameTkr PE Last Chg%Chg AccessITAIX ...13.15 -.60 +26.7 AcmeCm ACME ... 3.65 -.03+2.8 Actvsn ATVI 51...
Nielsen ratings report.(television programs)(Illustration)
Feb 01, 2006 ... <Pre> TOP 25 SHOWS IN 18-49 1.American Idol--Tue. (Fox) 15.1/35 2.American Idol--Wed. (Fox) 13.0/32 3.CSI (CBS)8.3/20 3.Grey's Anatomy (ABC) 8.3/20 5.Lost (ABC) 8.0/18 6. ...
Cargo.(Movie Review)
Feb 01, 2006; ... (Spain-U.K.- Sweden) A Trauma and Wild Bunch presentation of a Morena Films and Slate Films production, co-produced by Hepp Film, Film i Vast, Oberon Cinematografica and Vaca Films, in association with Matador Pictures and Regent Capital. (International sales: Wild Bunch, ...
In the Pit.(Movie Review)
Feb 01, 2006; ... (EN EL HOYO) (Docu-Mexico) A La Media Luna Producciones production. Producer, Juan Carlos Rulfo. Executive producer, Eugenia Montiel, Directed by Juan Carlos Rulfo. Camera (New Art Lab color, DV), Ralfo; editor, Valentina Leduc; music, Leo Heiblum; sound, Natalia ...
Madeinusa.(Movie Review)
Feb 01, 2006; ... (Peru-Spain) A Nirvana release (in Spain) of an Oberon Cinematografica/Wanda Vision/Vela Producciones. (International sales: The Match Factory, Munich.) Produced by Jose Maria Morales, Antonio Chavarrias, Claudia Llosa. Directed, written by Claudia Llosa. Camera ...
Wassup Rockers.(Movie Review)
Feb 01, 2006; ... A First Look Pictures release of a Henry Winterstern presentation of a Glass Key production. Produced by Larry Clark, Kevin Turen, Henry Winterstern. Executive producers, Patrick Meehan, Sharon Stone. Co-producer, Richard Shore. Directed, written by Larry Clark. Story, Clark, ...
The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang.(Movie Review)
Feb 01, 2006; ... A Jeremy Coon and Trigger Street production in association with Trigger Street Independent and (Crazy Dreams Entertainment. Produced by Jeremy Coon. Adam Kassen, Mark Kassen, Randy Holleschau, Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti. Co-producer, Craig Anderson. Directed, written by Tina ...
Femme pair log 'E-Girl'.(Alliance Filmworks plan on 'E-Gift' penned by Carrie Fisher, Heather Robinson)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Carrie Fisher and scribe Heather Robinson, who penned the original treatment for Universal's "The Perfect Man," are writing "E-Gift" for Gregory Zanfardino's Alliance Filmworks. Semiautobiographical story is based on Robinson's transition from Internet geek to Hollywood ...
New Line puts wind beneath 'Wings' pic.('Paper Wings' to produce by New Line Cinema Corp.)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... New Line's riding with "Paper Wings," snapping up Les Bohem's spec set in the worlds of rodeo and country music and setting it up with newly minted producer Marty Bowen. Story centers on a young rodeo champion struggling between his career and his romance with an up-and-coming ...
Madrid's in spotlight at new confab.(Madrid de Cine to be held )(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Madrid will host a new event, Madrid de Cine, or the Spanish Film Screenings, to promote export sales on local productions and to tubthump the capital as a shooting locale. Event will run June 18-20 and replaces the Lanzarote Winter Spanish Film Screenings, which held its sixth and final ...
Micro pix hot in microwave.(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... LONDON -- Film London has joined forces with the BBC to launch a micro-budget film production scheme dubbed Microwave. It will award 75,000 [pounds sterling] ($133,000) apiece to 10 features from London-based production companies. Org has lined up a heavyweight roster ...
Gallic pix get leg up: Cochman handed Unifrance promo gig.(John Cochman)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... As StudioCanal's long-serving deputy head of international sales, American John Cochman has done much to enhance the exposure of French pics in the U.S. He'll be doing even more when he becomes head of Unifrance's New York bureau in April. Move isn't official yet, ...
Gaumont gets 'Cashback'.(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Gaumont looks set to get its money's worth out of "Cashback." Gallic major took worldwide rights to the edgy Brit feature-length comedy helmed by Sean Ellis, and also pacted to finance the first-time director's next feature. Then on Tuesday, the short film the movie was built ...
Czech exec in hot water.(Vladimir Zelezny sued for smuggling paintings, custom fees and taxes evasion)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Vladimir Zelezny, the TV exec who cost the Czech Republic $500 million in reparations to U.S.-backed Central European Media Enterprises after he stole control of its Nova TV station in the mid-1990s, is back in court. This time he's charged with smuggling paintings into the ...
Fans flood Hong Kong Disneyland.(Hong Kong Disneyland Management Ltd.)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Hong Kong Disneyland locked its doors two days running after selling out over the Chinese New Year holiday. Park reached its 30,000-visitor capacity on Monday and Tuesdaythanks to a combination of good weather and an influx of mainland Chinese tourists, many of whom are ...
MoonScooo touts Taffy.(World News)(Taffy Entertainment)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... Four months after taking a 51% stake in L.A.-based animation studio Mike Young Prods. (MYP), French kidvid outfit MoonScoop is bringing together distribution and licensing under the Taffy Entertainment banner. Taffy will have more than 2,400 half-hours of animation, including ...
Noms stir dreams, screams.(Oscar Nominations)
Feb 01, 2006; ... For "Brokeback Mountain" helmer Ang Lee, the news of eight nominations for the picture sent him into a state of relief. "I was anxious because I did not want anyone to be left out," he explained. "Everyone worked in harmony as a chorus. Nobody stands out." Lee also ...
Sound guys know how to mix it up.(Oscar Nominations)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... MEMO TO: SOUND MIXERS I've only met a few of you during my various tours duty in the movie business, but I've always found you a very good-spirited bunch of people. In fact, I wish you'd put me on your screening list. Mixing a film takes patience, if not forbearance ....
Oscar buzz payoff: smaller contenders widening release.(Oscar Nominations)
Feb 01, 2006; ... With the Academy favoring so many small pics in its nominations--four of the best picture contenders cost less than $14 million to produce--more pics this year have the opportunity to capitalize on Oscar buzz at the box office, and make already successful pics even more profitable. ...
Acad's playing a new tune.(Oscar Nominations)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006; ... HOLLYWOOD -- And the award for most confusing new rules goes to ... the song category. Academy holds a "bake-off" (though it doesn't like to call it that) in which 40 or so songs are shown in three-minute clips. Everyone in the music branch is invited, though not everyone shows ...
Oscar oddities.(Oscar Nominations)(Brief Article)
Feb 01, 2006 ... The noms provided some notable facts. * George Clooney is a triple nominee--the first person to ever be nominated as director and actor for separate films in the same year, and also scored as co-writen * Other multiple nominees include Paul Haggis, Grant Heslov, Diana ...
Topical typical this year.(Oscar Nominations)
Feb 01, 2006; ... For years, Hollywood has avoided hot-button topics, but this year, Oscar pushed all of those buttons. Steven Spielberg, a double nominee for "Munich," said, "This is a wakeup call to all studios: We need to stop worrying only about making the No. 1 film for the July 4 weekend ...
Oscar nominations.
Feb 01, 2006 ... Picture "Brokeback Mountain"--Diana Ossana, James Schamus, producers; a River Road Entertainment production (Focus) "Capote"--Caroline Baron, William Vince, Michael Ohoven, producers; an A-Line Pictures/Cooper's Town/Infinity Media production (UA/Sony Pictures ...
'Grind' gets going with double vision.(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... In a move of marketing magic, Harvey and Bob Weinstein sliced Quentin Tarantino's three-hour "Kill Bill" into two pics, but now their bid to create two pics in one, via the Tarantino-Robert Rodriguez collaboration "Grind House," is taking shape. The Weinstein Co.'s highly ...
Par-D'works deal sealed.(Paramount Pictures Corp. to acquire DreamWorks L.L.C.)
Feb 02, 2006; ... Paramount has made it official, completing its $1.6 billion acquisition of DreamWorks for cash and assumption of debt. Now comes the tough part--integrating the operations of Par and DreamWorks, with pinkslips issued on Wednesday to 50 DreamWorks employees and 25 from Par. ...
Conglom crusade: Parsons hits back at raider's ploy.
Feb 02, 2006; ... Time Warner chairman-CEO Richard Parsons insisted Wednesday that "no one can run these businesses better than the current management is running them." He implied corporate raider Carl Icahn's push to split TW up is a reckless strategy to turn a quick buck. "We have considered, ...
Next 'Narnia' shapes up.(Walt Disney Pictures and Television signs Andrew Adamson to direct the 'Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian')
Feb 02, 2006; ... Andrew Adamson has signed to direct "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," the sequel to the Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media holiday hit "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." The sequel was made official Wednesday by Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook and Walden ...
Peacock has Webbed feat.(Net-based reality programming)
Feb 02, 2006; ... NBC is jumping into the world of Net-based reality programming, pacting with Tommy Mottola and the producers of "Thc Biggest Loser" for an "American Idol"-like music competition skein. Project, dubbed "StarTomorrow," reps the first time one of the major TV broadcast nets has ...
Night shift for 'GMA' duo.(ABC News Inc., Charlie Gibson, Diane Sawyer )
Feb 02, 2006; ... ABC "Good Morning America" co-hosts Charlie Gibson and Diane Sawyer will fill in for the injured Bob Woodruff on an interim basis, allowing "World News Tonight" to stick with its dual-anchor strategy in his absence. Gibson and Sawyer will rotate as co-anchors for Elizabeth ...
'Fearless' scares up distrib: Li pic to get Rogue rollout.(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... "Fearless," which is being billed as Jet Li's final martial-arts pic, has found a U.S. distrib in Focus Features genre banner Rogue Pictures. Pickup comes just as "Fearless" posts boffo B.O. numbers across various Asian territories, besting openings of "Hero," "House of Flying ...
Lifetime books telepics.(Peter Guber, Stephanie Germain are teaming on television movie)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... Lifetime, Peter Guber and Stephanie Germain are teaming on a series of original movies based on the bestselling books of romance novelist Nora Roberts. The women's network plans to roll out four telepics over the course of next year: "Blue Smoke," "Carolina Moon," "Montana ...
Third time charms Il Divo.
Feb 02, 2006; ... The third album from Il Divo, the pop-opera group created by "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell, debuted at No. 1 on the album sales chart as five rookies entered the top 10. "Ancora" (Syco/Columbia) sold 156,000 copies in the week ended Sunday, according to Nielsen SoundScan ....
WB taps PR maven sr. VP.(Scott Rowe promoted at Warner Bros.)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... Longtime Warner Bros. Entertainment exec Scott Rowe has been upped to senior VP of corporate communications, solidifying his role as Susan Fleishman's No. 2. Rowe previously served as VP of corporate communications, a post to which he was promoted in 1999. Prior to that, he ...
Millennium gets Gersh agent Gatta.(Joe Gatta joins Millennium Films)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... Lit agent Joe Gatta has ankled the Gersh Agency to serve as exec VP-head of Avi Lerner's Millennium Films, filling a post unoccupied since the departure of Brad Jenkel two years ago. Although Jenkel's title was prexy, Gatta will largely serve the same function that Jenkel did, ...
CNN nabs Eye anchor.(Cable News Network appoints John Roberts)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... John Roberts, once considered the most likely heir to Dan Rather and one of the network's most recognizable correspondents, is jumping from CBS to CNN. Roberts had the inside track to replace the outgoing Rather as anchor of "CBS Evening News," but his career prospects dimmed ...
Abigail Breslin.(to act in "Mostly Martha" )(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... Abigail Breslin ("Little Miss Sunshine") has booked a role alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones in Warner Bros.' "Mostly Martha." Thesp will ...
Rosamund Pike ("Pride & Prejudice"), and Embeth Davidtz ("Junebug"), have been added to the cast.(New Line Cinema Corp. )(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... Rosamund Pike ("Pride & Prejudice"), right, and Embeth Davidtz ("Junebug"), far right, have been added to the cast of New Line's "Fracture." ...
Intrepid hooks CFO, development veep.(Jonathan Fischer, Katherine Brown appointed at Intrepid Pictures)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... In its first major staffing move, Trevor Macy and Marc Evans' newly formed Intrepid Pictures has named former Universal exec Jonathan Fischer as chief financial officer and Katherine Brown as VP of development. Intrepid, which has a first-look, nonexclusive pact with U and its ...
'Fate' tempts pair: Moore, McAvoy set for turn in 'Twist'.(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... Mandy Moore and James McAvoy are in final talks to star in thriller "Twist of Fate" for Mark Damon's production and financing company Foresight Unlimited. Jennifer Elster ("Particles of Truth") is set to direct. Story, from a screenplay by Wendy Piss ("The Winner"), revolves ...
Springer gives up ProSieben bid.(Axel Springer Verlag AG, ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... Germany's biggest broadcasting group may be going back on the block. Facing an increasingly thorny struggle to buy ProSiebenSat 1, Axel Springer on Wednesday threw in the towel and withdrew its bid. Company said it had come to a mutual agreement with the Haim ...
WGA honors 'Enron' scribe.(Writers Guild of America awards Alex Gibney )(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... The Writers Guild of America has named Alex Gibney as winner of its documentary writing award for "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room." Kudo was presented Wednesday night by James Woods in ceremonies at the Hollywood Roosevelt. "Enron," which has been nommed for an ...
Lifetime still on Dish menu.(EchoStar Communications Corp. reach an agreement with Lifetime Cable Network)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2006; ... HOLLYWOOD -- Lifetime and EchoStar have resolved their monthlong dispute, reaching a multiyear carriage agreement. Both Lifetime and sister channel Lifetime Movie Network have been restored to the Dish lineup. EchoStar had yanked both nets, alleging Lifetime was demanding a ...
Showbiz stocks: Wednesday, February 1, 2006.(entertainment industry)(Illustration)
Feb 02, 2006 ... <Pre> Showbiz Stocks Wednesday, February 1, 2006 YTD NameTkr PE Last Chg%Chg AccessITAIX ...13.45+.30 +29.6 AcmeCm ACME ... 3.65+2.8 Actvsn ATVI 5114.20 ...
The Tenants.(Movie Review)
Feb 02, 2006; ... A Millennium Films presentation of a Tau Production S.A. de C.V production in association with Randall Emmett/George Furla Films for Equity Pictures Medienfonds GmbH & Co. KG III. Produced by Chris Bongirne, Heidi Jo Markel, Lati Grobman, Holly Wiersma, Randall Emmett, George Furla ....
Small Town Gay Bar.(Movie Review)
Feb 02, 2006; ... (Docu) A View Askew, First Light production. Produced by Andre Canaparo, Sarah Gibson. Executive producer, Kevin Smith. Co-producers, Matt Gissing, Jill Canaparo. Directed, written by Malcolm Ingram. Camera (color, HD), Jonathon Cliff'; editors, Graeme Ball, Scott ...
Lewis Taylor.(Concert Review)
Feb 02, 2006; ... (Bowery Ballroom; 500 capacity; $15) Presented inhouse. Band: Lewis Taylor, Lee Pomeroy, Ash Soan, John Crawford. Reviewed Jan. 26, 2006. On paper, Lewis Taylor's musical formula looks like a surefire recipe for disaster. But when the reclusive Brit combines his ...