Daily Variety back issues from June 2007:
H'w'd reaches into pockets for Hillary.(Hillary Clinton campaigns in Hollywood)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Hillary Clinton drew a mix of politicos and paparazzi in a series of events through Hollywood circles, showing continuing strength in the entertainment industry for her campaign even as Barack Obama competes aggressively for support. Her event at the home of Brett Ratner was the ...
Ad ratings roil sales talks.(Nielsen Media Research launches commercial ratings)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Nielsen Media Research introduced its long-promised commercial ratings system on Thursday, adding another wrinkle to the already chaotic upfront sales negotiations between advertisers and the networks. The system provides the average rating of all commercials within a show, ...
Wild about Harry: U, WB conjure 'Potter' theme park.(Universal Studios Inc., Warner Bros., "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter")
Jun 01, 2007; ... Universal and Warner Bros. are conjuring a massive Harry Potter attraction to debut before the last installment of J.K. Rowling's monster lit franchise hits the bigscreen. "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is skedded to open at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park in ...
B.O.'s pregnant pause.
Jun 01, 2007; ... Hollywood is easing up on the pyrotechnics after a May for the ages, offering a trio of openers with R ratings, modest theater counts and expectations to match. Universal's "Knocked Up" is the most prominent entry. Reteaming helmer Judd Apatow with "40-Year-Old Virgin" co-star ...
Miller makes growth move.
Jun 01, 2007; ... Manager-producer Jimmy Miller has restructured the Miller Co., naming Julie Darmody president of the management division and hiring Michael Aguilar as president of production. The company, a division of the Mosaic Media Group, restructures almost a year after Miller quietly ...
Still employed?(Only at Variety.com)
Jun 01, 2007 ... New NBC U exec Ben Silverman has extended the net's option on ...
Old Vic's 'Mother' lode.("All About My Mother")(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... A stage adaptation of Pedro Almodovar's 1999 pic "All About My Mother" headlines Kevin Spacey's fourth season as artistic director of London's Old Vic. Spacey himself will return to the stage in a revival of David Mamet's "Speed-the-Plow." "All About My Mother," ...
In step for summer: Fox is frisky with 'Dance'.("So You Think You Can Dance")(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... If Wednesday's ratings results are any indication, it's going to be another challenging summer for scripted dramas on the broadcast nets. ABC's "Traveler" and CW's "Hidden Palms" both opened sluggishly on a night that saw auds flock to Fox's returning hit "So You Think You Can ...
Pic shuffles for Lohan.(Lindsay Lohan)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Lindsay Lohan has asked to remain in the indie project "Poor Things" despite having entered rehab. "Poor Things" producers Shirley MacLaine and Rob Hickman are revamping the shooting schedule to accommodate the thesp's wishes. "In the spirit of helping Lindsay Lohan ...
Coen on short path to Off Broadway.(Ethan Coen)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Writer-director Ethan Coen, whose latest film "No Country for Old Men" premiered in Cannes, will make his Off Broadway debut at the Atlantic Theater Company next season in a lineup that includes British playwright Jez Butterworth and Conor McPherson. Atlantic artistic director ...
CW counting 'Eight Days'.(The CW Television Network, "Eight Days a Week")(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... The CW is adding to its midseason roster, picking up the Sean Hayes-produced laffer "Eight Days a Week." Pop singer Christina Milian and Mario Lopez star in the comedy, which revolves around four Gothamites in their 20s who work for some of the city's most powerful people ....
Gravy days for Stew tuner.(LEGIT BITS)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Favorable critical nods and healthy audiences have prompted the Public Theater to extend the run of composer-performer Stew's rock musical, "Passing Strange," by four weeks. Written by Stew and Heidi Rodewald and created in collaboration with director ...
Weinsteins to work with Witt.(The Weinstein Co. appoints Renee Witt)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... The Weinstein Co. has tapped Renee Witt senior VP of production. Witt, who will be based in Gotham, will work closely with Harvey Weinstein, co-prexy of production Michael Cole, writers and filmmakers on the development of a variety of film projects for TWC. ...
Tatum O'Neal.(Tenpercenteries)(contracts with APA)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Tatum O'Neal ("Rescue Me") has inked with APA. Thesp's recent credits include MyNetworkTV's "Wicked, ...
Thomas Dekker.(Tenpercenteries)(contract)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Thomas Dekker ("Heroes") has signed with ICM. Thesp stars in "The Sarah Conner Chronicles," which Fox ...
Adam Belanoff.(Tenpercenteries)(contract)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Television writer Adam Belanoff has inked with Endeavor. He co-exec produces TNT's "The Closer" and ...
Darin Henry.(Tenpercenteries)(contract)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... WMA has signed producer Darin Henry. Hey was previously co-producer on "Grosse Pointe" supervising producer on "The ...
Aardman to get a boost from Joost.(Aardman Animations)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Aardman Animations, the U.K. studio behind "Wallace & Gromit" and CBS' upcoming "Creature Comforts," has become the latest high-profile content owner to launch its own branded channel on new Internet TV service Joost. The web, which joins offerings from the likes of Viacom, ...
Millennium muscles up.(Millennium Films)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... On the heels of the breakout success of Warner's "300," Avi Lerner's Millennium Films is delving into the live-action sword-and-sandals genre, developing a Hercules feature. Lerner and Millennium's Boaz Davidson, Danny Dimbort and Trevor Short are producing. Prexy of production ...
Laying down 'Law': potential candidate Thompson exits show.(Fred Thompson leaving "Law and order" show to persue political career)
Jun 01, 2007; ... In the surest sign yet that he will jump into the presidential race, actor and former senator Fred Thompson is taking the initial first steps toward forming a fired-raising apparatus. But another indicator came Wednesday when he officially informed "Law & Order" creator Dick ...
'Nelson' duo back to school for Miramax.(Miramax Films)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Miramax Films and producer Scott Rudin have locked the "Half Nelson" team of Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden to adapt the Marisha Pessl novel "Special Topics in Calamity Physics." Fleck will direct the film; Boden will exec produce. The novel is about a teen who, after ...
WB hurries up 'Harry'.(Warner Bros., "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix")(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Harry Potter will be back two days earlier than scheduled as Warner Bros. has moved the U.S. opening of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" from July 13 to July 11. The shift places the debut of the fifth Potter pic on a Wednesday. "We think that it gives the hardcore ...
Peace Arch pockets 'Ace'.(Peace Arch Entertainment Group Inc., "Ace of Hearts")(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Producer-distributor Peace Arch Entertainment, the company behind Showtime limited series "The Tudors," is partnering with Reader's Digest and Fox Home Entertainment to make "Ace of Hearts," a movie based on a story published by Reader's Digest about a policeman and his crime-fighting dog ....
YouTube polishes Apple.(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... All those videos of cats playing the piano and Mentos-powered Diet Coke geysers will soon be available on your television. YouTube has brokered a deal with Apple that will see the online video service's entire catalog uptoaded onto the Apple TV set-top box beginning next month, ...
Fate's Imagination.(Theater review)
Jun 01, 2007; ... (Players Theater; 199 seats; $65 top) A Gotham Stage Company presentation of a play in one act by Randall David Cook. Directed by Hayley Finn. Sets, Robin Vest; costumes, Erin Elizabeth Murphy; lighting, Lucas Benjamin Krech; original music and sound, Robert Kaplowitz; ...
Gracie.(Movie review)
Jun 01, 2007; ... A Picturehouse release of an Ursa Major Films production in association with Elevation Filmworks. Produced by Andrew Shue, Lemore Syvan, Elisabeth Shue, Davis Guggenheim. Executive producers, Dustin Cohn, Tom Fox, Cindy Alston, Mead Welles, Jeff Arnold. Co-producers, John Shue, Ken ...
Write & Wrong.(Movie review)
Jun 01, 2007; ... (Movie; Lifetime, Sun. June 3, 8 p.m.) Filmed in Vancouver by Jaffe/Braunstein Films. Executive producers, Kirstie Alley, Michael Jaffe, Howard Braunstein, Richard C. Fischoff; producer, Ted Bauman; director, Graeme Clifford; writer, George Beckerman; camera, Tony Westman; ...
Nightingale.(Theater review)
Jun 01, 2007; ... (Hartford Stage; 489 seats; $57 top) A Hartford Stage presentation of a play in one act written and performed by Lynn Redgrave. Directed by Joseph Hardy. Sets, Tobin Ost; costumes, Alejo Vietti; lighting, Rui Rita, Jeff Nellis; original music and sound, John Gromada; production ...
Treasure Island.(Theater review)
Jun 01, 2007; ... (Alley Theater, Houston; 824 seats; $63 top) An Alley Theater presentation of a play in two acts by Ken Ludwig, based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. Directed by Gregory Boyd. Sets, Eugene Lee; costumes, Constance Hoffman; lighting, Clifton Taylor; original music and ...
Get a life.(concerts, ballets and plays, etc.)(Calendar)
Jun 01, 2007 ... FRI 1 Isaac Mizrahi and his band, the Ben Waltzer Quintet, chat, take questions and sing, Joe's Pub. $25, 7:30 p.m. Ajkun Ballet Theater makes its Manhattan debut for Symphony Space, Peter Jay Sharp Theater. $23, 8 p.m. Through Saturday. SAT 2 ...
Filming in the future.(Film Production Chart)
Jun 01, 2007 ... PRODUCTION CHART KEY Abbreviations: EXP, Executive producer; PROD-Producer; COP-Co-producer; DIR-Director; AD-First assistant director; 2DIR-Second-unit director; SCR-Screenwriter; DP-Cinematographer; ED-Editor; PD-Production designer, ART-Art director; SET-Set decorator, ...
Filming in the U.S.(Film Production Chart)
Jun 01, 2007 ... BEAT THE CLOCK PROD, Jee Tornatore, Frank Russo, Brian Cohen, Katherine Hawkes; DIR, Tomatore; SCR, Hawkes. Beat the Clock. 4/2, Ohio, Philadelphia. THE BETTER MAN Martin Lawrence, Margaret Avery, Joy Bryant, Michael Clarke Duncan, Mike Epps, Mo'Nique, ...
Pushy questions ... Adrian Grenier, whose personal documentary, "Shot in the Dark," bows Sunday on HBO.(Interview)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007 ... Last book I bought: "White Noise," by Don DeLillo Book I'm reading: "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking," by Allen Carr Three books that mean a lot to me: "Heart of Darkness," by Joseph Conrad "Mediated," by Thomas de Zengotita "Lolita," by Vladimir Nabokov ...
Finally, a full house at Almas: after no film noms in 2006, awards org returns with three.(MOVIES)
Jun 01, 2007; ... The Alma Awards, which began in 1995 as the Bravo Awards, may not have the cachet or name recognition of the NAACP Image or GLAAD Awards, but their purpose is just as important: to celebrate the achievements and concerns of a minority group in the media, in this case American Latinos. ...
'Lopez' out, 'Cane' in: TV's Latino presence loses one, gains another and keeps its 'Betty'.(TELEVISION)
Jun 01, 2007; ... For anyone tracking the Latino presence on television, May was a zero-sum month. First, ABC canceled long-running sitcom "George Lopez," prompting its titular star to complain, "TV just became really, really white again." Then, not a week later, CBS announced the fall debut of "Cane," an ...
Filming outside the U.S.(Film Production Chart)
Jun 01, 2007 ... AMERICAN SECRETS Gen. Smedley D. Butler, Jules Archer, John Loftus, Charles Higham, Max Wallace, Chris Simpson, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Russ Bellant, Kurt Goldstein, Peter Gingold, Piotr Setkiewicz, Jarek Mensfelt, Vern Friedlander, Elfriede Bruning, Andrew Gumbel, John JV Cook, ...
Filming in Gotham.(Film Production Chart)
Jun 01, 2007 ... ** BARHOPPERS PROD, John B. Norberto, Arzillor Raihan; SCR, Norberto; COS, Jennifer Anderson. New World Media Prods. (385 83rd St., Brooklyn, NY 11209, 718-844-0568) 6/1, New York City. I WANNA BE ON EXP, Judge Leslie Crocker Snyder; PROD, Vincent Presti ....
From the Army Archerd archive.
Jun 01, 2007; ... JAN. 12, 1967 GOOD MORNING: How about this for a bargain basement? Sammy Davis Jr., guesting in "I Dream of Jeannie" on Columbia's Stage 14, was setting such high wah-wah marks on the sound meter, it prevented "The Monkees" lensing--in the studio located below the stage. So, ...
Showbiz stocks: Thursday, May 31, 2007.(Statistical table)
Jun 01, 2007 ... <Pre> Showbiz Stocks Thursday, May 31, 2007 YTD Name Tkr PE Last Chg %Chg AccessIT AIXD ... 7.17+.12-17.8 AcmeCm ACME ... 5.50+.25 +9.6 Actvsn ...
Pirates to pay, eh? Schwarzenegger influences Canuck gov't.(movie piracy)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... All it took was a visit from California's Governator to get the Canadian government moving to squelch the plague of film piracy that in recent years has strained the patience of the U.S. studios. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wrapped a three-day trade mission Thursday in Canada ...
A kick in the kidney.(World News)(ENDEMOL Entertainment Holding N.V.)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... While the storm over Dutch reality program "The Big Donor Show" continued to sPread, Endemol insiders were suggesting that tonight's screening of the program will surprise critics. Officially, Endemol execs are refusing to comment on the 80-minute show, in which contestants will ...
Plural pacts for shingle.(World News)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Plural Entertainment, the production subsid of Spanish media giant Prisa, is teaming with Argentina's Jempsa to create a Buenos Aires-based production house, making upscale, high-end movies and TV targeting especially the Spanish-speaking world, including the U.S. Hispanic market. ...
De Mol divesting Talpa.(World News)(John de Mol)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Two weeks after regaining control of Endemol, John de Mol has sold his 75% stake in Swedish production arm Talpa Scandinavia to founder and CEO Anna Carrfors Brakenhielm. Following the management buyout, the Stockholm-based company will be 100% owned by Brakenhielm and rebranded ...
Figures loom late at TV-Loonland.(GERMANY)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... TV-Loonland has postponed publication of its 2006 figures and this year's first-quarter results due to ongoing restructuring, a company spokesman said. Company also reported the resignation of two supervisory board members. The news triggered a dramatic 27% drop in ...
Par Int'l taps exec VP.(EUROPE)(Don Hunton appointed at Paramount Home Entertainment )(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Paramount Home Entertainment Intl. has tapped Don Hunton to become exec VP and general manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Hunton was previously senior VP for Asia Pacific, U.K. and Ireland. ...
Teaming for streaming.(UNITED KINGDOM)(Warner Music International, Premium TV)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Warner Music Intl. is partnering with Premium TV to make its catalog of musicvideos available free online. The companies believe that the phased launch of destination Web sites will prove popular with consumers, who will be able to search for videos by artist, genre or label ....
Fremantle inks to park DVD in China.(World News)(FremantleMedia Enterprises)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and CAV Warner Entertainment, a joint venture between Warner Home Video and China Audio & Video Publishing House, have inked a DVD deal for series "Prehistoric Park" in China. Pact marks the first time FME programming will be released through a ...
Crix pick legit winners.(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... New Haven's Long Wharf Theater and Goodspeed Opera House led the legit kudos from the Connecticut Critics Circle. Long Wharf took four awards, including the play nod for "Uncle Vanya," while Goodspeed drew three, including musical for "Singin' in the Rain." Touring show honors ...
Vet musical composer Jerry Bock ("Fiddler on the Roof") will world preem "The Princess Who Could Not Be Heard" as the opening event of the 29th Houston Children's Theater Festival.(LEGIT BITS)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Vet musical composer Jerry Bock ("Fiddler on the Roof") will world preem "The Princess Who Could Not Be Heard" as the opening event of the 29th Houston Children's Theater Festival. Bock created the work for the occasion with fest founder ...
Ignoring the exhortation of its title, the after-hours Broadway revue.("Don't Quit Your Night Job" to end)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Ignoring the exhortation of its title, the after-hours Broadway revue. "Don't Quit Your Night Job" will end its run June 4 at the Ha! Comedy Club, less than a month after opening. Designed to resurrect the once-popular Gotham nightclub staple of Rialto performers moonlighting in ...
Adrian Alonso.(Tenpercenteries)(contract)(Featured Artists Agency)(Festa Entertainment)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Adrian Alonso ("Legend of Zorro") has inked with Featured Artists Agency and Festa Entertainment. ...
Ben Bova.(Tenpercenteries)(contract)(Velocity Management)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Sci-fi author Ben Bova has signed with Velocity Management. Velocity will manage Bova's library of more than 100 ...
Nick into SpongeBob suite biz.
Jun 01, 2007; ... Viacom is expanding beyond its core business of movies and cable nets into the hotel industry, announcing Thursday that it will open a series of Nickelodeon-branded hotels around the world. Taking a page from Disney's play book, the kidvid powerhouse will break ground on about ...
Loan helps Paper Mill to pay bills.(Paper Mill Playhouse gets loan from Investors Savings Bank)(Brief article)
Jun 01, 2007; ... Financially troubled New Jersey theater the Paper Mill Playhouse has obtained a lifeline in the form of a $3.5 million loan from Investors Savings Bank. "This is the first step in a long-range plan to revitalize the playhouse and ensure the theater's financial stability" said ...
Weekend box office preview.(Statistical table)
Jun 01, 2007 ... <Pre> RELEASE DATES AND CHANGES As of May 31 Pic New date Old date MAGNOLIA PICTURES Broken English June 22 July Dynamite WarriorJuly 63rd qtr. Cashback * July 20 No End in Sight * ...
Col leaps to 'Year'.("Year One")(Brief article)
Jun 04, 2007; ... Jack Black is starring in "Year One" a comedy Judd Apatow is producing for Columbia. Harold Ramis, who appears in a small role in Apatow's "Knocked Up," will direct and co-produce, and Michael Cera, who stars in "Superbad," another Apatow production for Col, is also attached to ...
B.O. births bouncy baby: 'Knocked Up' delivers $29 million as sequels slide.
Jun 04, 2007; ... "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" easily sailed to No. 1 again but took a big plunge in its second outing, while "Knocked Up" was glowing after a healthy $29.3 million bow for the low-budget comedy. Third installment of Disney's hugely successful franchise grossed ...
Carrey leads prison break.(Jim Carrey)(Brief article)
Jun 04, 2007; ... Jim Carrey will star in "I Love You Phillip Morris," a dark comedy that was written by and will mark the directing debut of Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the writing team behind "Bad Santa." Andrew Lazar and Far Shariat will produce. Carrey will play a conman whose ...
Peacock plugging in program duo.(Katherine Pope joins NBC Universal Television Studio)
Jun 04, 2007; ... Ben Silverman is putting his Peacock programming team in place. NBC'S new entertainment cochair has tapped Katherine Pope to serve as day-to-day head of NBC Universal Television Studio, replacing the exiting Angela Bromstad. On the network side, Teri Weinberg--who has ...
Tull jumping for joysticks.(Thomas Tull's Brash Entertainment raises finance for developing video games)
Jun 04, 2007; ... Hollywood has its first resident videogame publisher. Brash Entertainment, the private equity-backed game publisher co-founded by Legendary Pictures' Thomas Tull, is coming out of stealth mode today with the news it has raised $400 million and will focus exclusively on games ...
Biz booked up at confab.
Jun 04, 2007; ... Rosie O'Donnell was rushed in and out of a scheduled appearance at BookExpo America over the weekend while fellow celebs like Stephen Colbert brought a touch Quills gores of Hollywood glitz to the annual lit gathering. Insiders said O'Donnell decided at the last minute to ...
WMA toying with Hasbro.(William Morris Agency Inc.)
Jun 04, 2007; ... Hasbro is picking up its toys and taking them over to the William Morris Agency. The Pawtucket, R.I.-based company, which has been repped by CAA for the past four years, is switching tenpercenterics just as "Transformers," a movie based on one of its most popular toy lines, is ...
Scribes write themselves bigger part.(Writers Guild of America)(Viewpoint essay)
Jun 04, 2007; ... AS A MEMBER OF THE WRITERS Guild, I received my ominous-looking green "ballot" the other day requesting a "yes" or "no" vote for its "pattern of demands." The Guild is girding for approaching negotiations with the studios and it clearly wants its members to rally around the flag. ...
Quills dip into wide range of lit.(Quill Awards)(Brief article)
Jun 04, 2007; ... The Quill Awards on Saturday revealed the five nominees in each of 18 categories for which prizes arc handed out. Noms in the fiction category are "Brothers," "American Youth," "The Road," "Special Topics in Calamity Physics" and "Jamestown"; "Physics" is set up as a film ...
Redstone funds kid relief.
Jun 04, 2007; ... After meeting a 13-year-old named kyda, Sumner Redstone has turned an entire country of inneed children into one of his most personal causes. Redstone has made a grant of $500,000 to the Cambodian Children's Fund, a nonprofit program that provides a wide range of critical ...