New TV place for that Hunger Games

The Hunger Games has launched a brand new TV place in front of the film's release in the finish from the month. A few of the footage displayed continues to be seen before, but you will find enough new clips inside to pique our interest.For instance, we have seen a bit more of the exchange between Katniss and her sister Primrose, where the more youthful girl beseeches her brother or sister to, "just attempt to win."Plus there is a scene with Lenny Kravitz's stylist Cinna, who encourages Katniss prior to the contest starts. "I am not permitted to wager," he starts, "but when I possibly could, I'd wager you.InchHave a look in the new place below... Exciting stuff, particularly that brief peek at a chase sequence by which Katniss is faced with a massive burning branch. A lot of the particular action has continued to be remarkably under systems, meaning regardless of the proliferation of trailers and teaser games, there's still plenty you may anticipate in front of the film's great unveiling.The Hunger Games opens within the United kingdom on 23 March 2012. We are able to hardly wait...

At 'Home' at the DGA

hollywood The Directors Guild Theater has seen many sights in its history but at Paramount Vantage's "Jeff, Who Lives at Home" preem March 7 guests saw something new: Hooters waitresses. As part of a tie-in, the famous servers were seen at the pic's afterparty serving the film's stars, Jason Segel and Ed Helms, as well as the film's writers and directors, Jay and Mark Duplass. Jay Duplass also noted how he and his brother came up with the idea of linking their little dramedy to M. Night Shyalaman's sci-fi thriller "Signs." "Since fate has so much to do with our film, we loved the idea that not only is our main character a fan of the film but that he also applies it to his own life almost everyday," Jay Duplass said. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

FX Renews Justified for Fourth Season

Timothy Olyphant Justified has been renewed for a 13-episode fourth season, FX announced Tuesday. "Justified is one of television's best series and this season has reinforced that excellence," Nick Grad, FX's programming head, said in a statement. "[Creator] Graham Yost and his writing team continue to deliver compelling material and richly drawn characters brought to life by the brilliance of Timothy Olyphant and our terrific ensemble cast. Their work is validated by universal acclaim, awards, and ratings that have grown every year. We look forward to many more seasons to come." The drama, based on the Elmore Leonard short story Fire in the Hole, has been averaging 4.3 million viewers - an 8 percent increase from last year - for its third season, which will wrap on April 10. Are you excited for more Justified?

Basketball Ratings Go Lin-sane!

Charlie Sheen's return to television is imminent - his sitcom, Anger Management, will premiere at 9/8c on Thursday, June 28, Foreign exchange introduced Tuesday. Adding towards the thrillOrinsanity, comedian Russell Brand's talk show, Oddly Advantageous, will debut the identical evening at 11/10c. Discover More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Charlie SheenSelma BlairShawnee SmithRussell BrandLouieWilfred

Start Searching: Happy Being Gives Hanks

Katy Perry Katy Perry will jail - but it's only for her guest role just like a prison guard on Raising Hope.The 27-year-old pop-star can to research the Fox comedy's March 6 episode, the network introduced Wednesday.Katy Perry and Russell Brand finalize divorce"[Cast member] Shannon Woodward described that her friend Katy was considering carrying out a chapter which i figured, 'Why not? Let's do your friend Katy a large favor,AInch mentioned executive producer Greg Garcia in the statement. "Then she showed up and did an incredible job. She was amusing. Now people say that Katy is yet another singer. I really hope her appearance around the program helps her get her singing career started. It's a tough business."Inside the episode, Sabrina (Woodward) finds herself beneath the careful eye of Rikki (Perry), after being jailed throughout an Occupy Natesville protest. Rikki does all things in her energy to produce Sabrina's stay an unsatisfied one - until she realizes the two are actually old pals.Russell Brand files for divorce from Katy PerryPerry married comedian Russell Brand in October 2010, nevertheless the two completed their divorce captured.Growing Hope moves towards the new timeslot on Tuesday, March 6 at 8/7c on Fox.

Alcon acquires Oren Peli's 'Chernobyl Diaries'

Alcon Entertainment has acquired United States and worldwide release privileges in Germany, The country and Japan for Oren Peli's horror-thriller "Chernobyl Journals." The film is going to be launched by Warner Bros. via Alcon's output deal on Memorial Day weekend this season. "Chernobyl" is created by Peli and John Witten ("Dark City") and directed by Kaira Parker. It had been funded and offered worldwide by FilmNation Entertainment. Alcon co-cake toppers Andrew Kosove and Broderick Manley are professional producers. Production happened in September and October in Eastern Europe. An authentic story by Peli, "Chernobyl Journals" is occur the town of Prypiat that when located the employees from the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. Story follows several buddies who, while travelling in Europe, end up stranded within the abandoned city simply to uncover that they're not by yourself. Dork Fierson, Alcon's SVP of economic Matters, introduced the film into Alcon. The offer was discussed by Alcon CFO Scott Parish, Scott Edel of Loeb & Loeb and Nancy Bruington of O'Melveny & Myers with respect to Alcon by Alison Cohen, Linda Lichter and Micah Eco-friendly with respect to Oren Peli and FilmNation. Peli authored and directed "Paranormal Activity" and it is the creator of ABC's "The Forest,Inch a paranormal jungle adventure which opened a week ago having a two-part debut. Parker offered because the visual effects supervisor on 2010's "Allow Me To In" and makes his directorial debut with this particular project. Peli is repped by CAA. Parker is repped by Paradigm. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Full House seals deals at Berlin

Following its global outlook, Paris-based Full House's first productions, "7 Days in Havana" and "11 Flowers," have started to rack up worldwide sales as well. Repped by Wild Bunch, and produced by Spain's Morena Films, Full House and Havana Club Intl., omnibus feature "Havana" has pre-sold to 35-plus territories. These include Italy (BIM Distribuzione), U.K. (Soda Pictures), Japan (Comstock) and CIS (CP Digital). Rezo releases "Havana" in France, while Golem has the pic in Spain; both aim to open before summer, Domehri said. NY's First Run Features has acquired theatrical and DVD/VOD rights to the Films Distribution-sold coming-of-age tale "11 Flowers" from China's Wang Xiaoshuai ("Chongking Blues"), the first official France-China co-production. U.S. release is skedded for around late 2012. Australia's Palace Films, Benelux's Imagine, Israel's New Cinema and Austria's Thim Film are additional buyers. Haut et Court handles French distribution. Full House was founded in 2009 by Didar Domehri, a former Films Distribution sales head; Laurent Baudens, formerly of Wild Bunch; and Gael Nouaille, who's still at Wild Bunch. The trio have knowledge of the international market, plus talent and production connections few young shingles can match. "The challenge is to secure financing. With a good script and director, and a bit of creativity, it is usually possible," said Baudens. A challenge often yields distinctive results. On "7 Days in Havana," a multi-part fictional portait of contempo Cuba, Morena and Full House had to service and cashflow the needs in Cuba of seven directors from different countries: Benicio del Toro, Pablo Trapero, Juan Carlos Tabio, Laurent Cantet, Elia Suleiman, Gaspar Noe and Julio Medem. Full House is ready to to roll on the 13 million-15 million ($17 million-$20 million) Third Reich vampire pic "I Am Legion," from a Richard Stanley script. Nacho Cerda ("Abandoned") directs. "Legion" is now out to A list European and American actors, Domehri said. Pierre Spengler's U.K. shingle Clubdeal will co-produce "Legion" with Full House and Spain's Apaches ("Intruders," "The Impossible"). Luxembourg's Red Lion ("Dust") is co-producing Full House's first French production, crime thriller "La Confrerie des larmes," from Jean Baptiste Andrea ("Dead End," "The Big Nothing"). It is skedded to roll in September, said Domehri. "Confrerie's" Luxembourg financing and co-production deal was put through in association with Paris-based consultancy Backup Films. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Nominees for best animated film

"A Cat in Paris"Why it'll win: Directed by Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli, this charming French mystery thriller starring a light-fingered cat, a little girl and the photogenic back alleys and rooftops of Paris is the other surprise wildcard in the nominations. Aimed squarely at kids, the 2D toon tells the story of 7-year-old Zoe who discovers that her cat is moonlighting as the real thing -- a cat burglar who helps a local thief steal from the rich. And its Oscar chances got a boost thanks to its Annie and European Film Award noms.Maybe not: Although the animation is pretty and the jazzy score effective, the very short feature (a mere 65 minutes) ultimately feels a little lightweight for adults. And two cat-centric films may be one too many for Oscar voters -- especially fans of "Tintin"'s Snowy who's already been kicked off the podium by a lizard and a panda."Chico & Rita"Why it'll win: In a year that's snubbed some very high-profile projects -- including "Cars 2" (making it the first Pixar film to not be nommed since the category was created 10 years ago), "The Adventures of Tintin," "Rio," "Arthur Christmas" and "Happy Feet 2," the Spanish film "Chico & Rita" is one of two little pics that could to make the cut. And it's easy to see why the winner of the European Film Award beat out some of the big boys. Co-directed by Fernando Trueba (whose "Belle Epoque" took the 1993 foreign-lingo prize), designer Javier Mariscal and Tono Errando, the small-budget ($13 million) but ambitious film for adults tells an epic story of love, passion and heartbreak set in the jazz worlds of Cuba, NY, Paris and Vegas across several decades, and is the only nom starring people rather than animals.Maybe not: While it showcases classic hand-drawn 2D animation, and also features infectious music (and animated cameos) by such jazz greats as Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Cole Porter, Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Tito Puente and Chano Pozo, it may be too retro for its own good."Kung Fu Panda 2"Why it'll win: The sole sequel among the bunch, the boisterous CG comedy has a lot going for it: a stellar, international voice-over cast that includes Angelina Jolie, current Oscar nom Gary Oldman and Jack Black, and its lively storyline, colorful animation and celebration of Chinese culture and art helped make it a critical and global hit (it pulled in over $653 million, of which $500 million was international). It was also the first DreamWorks Animation feature directed by a woman -- Jennifer Yuh Nelson, who graduated from such projects as "Madagascar" and "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron." And that may resonate with many voters.Maybe not: Harder-hearted voters may resent the occasionally heavy-handed, self-help book approach to abandonment issues, repressed memories and the power of tears to heal."Puss in Boots"Why it'll win: Directed by "Shrek 3's" Chris Miller with an appropriately light and charming touch, executive produced by Guillermo del Toro, and produced by DreamWorks Animation, the CG 3D family-friendly feline feature, which once again stars Antonio Banderas (in his eighth performance as Puss), did surprisingly well, both critically and at the box office. Set in a golden, romanticized version of old Spain, the visually captivating prequel to the "Shrek" films racked up nearly half a billion dollars worldwide and was nominated for animated film by such bellwethers as the Globes, the Annie Awards, the PGA and the BFCA. And strong voice-over work from Puss sidekicks Salma Hayek as Kitty Softpaws and Zach Galifianakis as Humpty Dumpty, as well as Bill Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris as the murderous villains Jack and Jill, adds to its luster.Maybe not: Voters may feel the tabby tale is just too fluffy. And in an era of outsourcing-backlash, the fact that "Puss in Boots" was partly animated in India may not sit well."Rango"Why it'll win: With "The Adventures of Tintin" out of the running, the first animation film for both "Pirates of the Caribbean" veteran Gore Verbinski and industry VFX powerhouse ILM looks stronger than ever. Paramount pic scored universally glowing reviews (an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes) and charmed auds to the tune of over $242 million worldwide, making it the 18th highest-grossing film of the year. And its victory at the BFCA awards -- a reliable predictor of Oscar gold, along with a rack of crix wins can only help its chances. Aesthetically, it also marks a distinct change of pace from the usual toon offerings. Instead of cute, warm and fuzzy characters and corny jokes, this subversive Western starred a delusional bug-eyed chameleon antihero and went for offbeat humor, quirky sight-gags and a photo-real scuffed look that intentionally blurred the line between animation and live action.Maybe not: Despite critical kudos and impressive BO, its lizardy hero, unconventional attitude and funky outside-the-box visual approach may be a bit too much for play-it-safe Oscar voters.EYE ON THE OSCARS: BEST PICTURE NOMINEESBest Picture | Director | Animated Film | Documentary | Foreign Language Film Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

'Cold Light Of Day' Trailer: Henry Cavill Advances, Bruce Willis Will get Compensated

Despite the way the trailer for "The Cold Light of Day" begins, the film is not really about Bruce Willis and Henry Cavill like a encouraging father-boy team, who have a nice family trip, yachting all over the world and getting a traditional time. Works out that dad is at the CIA, and that he did not tell his family, including his boy, until it had been past too far. Browse the "Cold Light of Day" trailer following the jump! "The Cold Light of Day" follows Cavill's character because he fights his way through The country to repair the mess his father left for him and also to save his family using their captors. A clip provides a awesome take a look at Cavill's action chops inside a pre-"Guy of Steel" movie. You will find a scene of him jumping building to building. It's less than jumping tall structures in one bound, but 2013 is really a lengthy ways away. Also, has other people observed that Bruce Willis appears to possess a clause in most his contracts that states that he'll focus on a movie for just one day with no more? SPOILERS, I suppose, however it appears like Willis will bite the dust soon after revealing his tips for Cavill. Finish SPOILERS. That's not necessarily a bad arrangement at all. What have you think about a clip for "The Cold Light of Day"? Are you currently aboard for Cavill's next pre-Superman action movie? Tell us that which you think about a clip within the comments section below as well as on Twitter!

SnagFilms shuts new round of financing

SnagFilms has closed a brand new seven-figure financing round targeted at speeding up its growth. The organization introduced Monday that current traders participated, including SnagFilms founder and chairman Ted Leonsis, Steve and Jean Case's Situation Foundation Endeavors, the John S. and James L. Dark night Foundation, New Enterprise Affiliates (NEA) and Comcast Interactive Capital (CIC). It is also attracted investment from Terry Semel (who also joins the board) and David Fialkow, co-founder and controlling director of General Catalyst Partners. SnagFilms stated it's arranged its first debt facility with Plastic Valley Bank and it has $7 million in available equity and debt financing. "The brand new funding will be utilised by SnagFilms to increase a library of high-quality independent films that now amounts a lot more than 3,000 game titles and includes imaginary films additionally to documentaries continue its technology development to supply films across all digital platforms and products and market its films in most channels," the organization stated. SnagFilms stated it's now on a lot more than 100 products, including 95% of pills, and it has distribution with Comcast and FiOS video-on-demand with digital pay-on-demand platforms iTunes, Hulu, Amazon . com and YouTube Movies. It will quickly launch on DirecTV and digital streaming companies Vudu, Samsung Media Hub and Xbox 360 Live. Former Warner Bros. and Yahoo topper Semel stated, "Movie galleries do not have a monopoly on great tales, yet small distribution companies find it difficult to assemble the footprint essential to achieve a scale audience. SnagFilms has that base -- the required contracts and associations to distribute 1000's of great tales, using the capital needed to guide its area." Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

'Sugar Guy,' 'Imposter' add sales

LONDON -- London-based sales outfit Protagonist Pictures loved a strong Sundance this season, finishing a raft of worldwide sales on "Trying to find Sugar Guy" and "The Imposter." "Trying to find Sugar Guy," a docu concerning the obscure legendary rock icon Rodriguez, was clicked up by ARP for Gaul, additionally to formerly introduced deals for U.S. (The new sony Pictures Classics), Blighty (Studiocanal) and Oz (Madman). Protagonist co-repped the pic with Josh Braun's Submarine. Bart Layton's "The Imposter," a docu in regards to a Frenchman who convinces a grieving Texas family that he's their missing teenage boy, seemed to be scooped up by Diaphana for Gaul and Madman for Oz and Nz. As formerly reported on Friday, Revolver Ing. and Picturehouse Ing. became a member of forces to get U.K. privileges towards the docu. United States privileges around the pic are now being handled by Submarine and CAA, who're being debated with U.S. purchasers. "Trying to find Sugar Guy" is created by Simon Chinn and professional created by John Battsek. "The Imposter" was created by Dimitri Doganis. Film4 professional created. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Frank Cooper dies at 99

Talent agent Frank Cooper, who discovered Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shoreline, put the first quizshow on radio and will be a pioneer in TV packaging, died of natural causes on Jan. 19, four several days missing his 100th birthday, in Encino, Calif. The Sept. 11, 1943, problem of Billboard asserted the 'forgotten man' inside the "large Sinatra-Dorsey-MCA-GAC deal is Frank Cooper, who's essentially the swooner's personal manager. Cooper is credited because the first guy to find out large money options in Sinatra and tossed his first theater dates which started the astounding success story." Cooper launched the Frank Cooper Affiliate marketers Agency in 1945. More youthful crowd represented sports icon Joe DiMaggio and acquired gigs for heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis offered "Strike It Wealthy" to CBS, thus acquiring the very first quizshow round the radio increased being a pacesetter in television development and packaging while using first dramatic series, "Guy Against Crime," which starred Take advantage of Bellamy and began airing on CBS in 1949 labored carefully with Erection dysfunction Sullivan was mixed up in growth and development of "Dirty Harry" with author Dale Wasserman, put "Guy of la Mancha" towards the Broadway stage and represented author-producer Jesse Polson, author Leslie Waller, additionally to Clifford Irving's books and movies. Cooper was produced in Harlem. At 10, after losing his father, Cooper required to seek attempt to help his family. He knocked on entrance doors at the office structures until he won employment since the messenger to Ernest Schenck, one of the founders of last century Fox. Soon after that, Cooper increased being the non-public stenographer to William Paley. By 19 he was being William Morris' secretary within the William Morris Agency soon he was a realtor themselves. Eventually, to assist his career, he gone after La. Cooper will be a substantial donor to organizations like the Cleveland Clinic, the U.S. Olympic Committee as well as the Jewish Federation. His contributions also aided render the Skirball Cultural Center in La possible. Cooper is managed to get by his wife of nearly 75 years, Sylvia, a specialist artist two sons, Rob and Martin daughter Pamela, a theatrical talent manager and Broadway producer six grandchildren along with a trio of-grandchildren. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Mary J. Blige To Pen Song For Sundance Documentary

First Released: The month of january 21, 2012 10:42 AM EST Credit: FilmMagic PARK CITY, Utah -- Caption Mary J Blige attends the tenth Annual Gotham Magazine gala at Capitale on October 14, 2010 in NY CityMary J. Blige is lending her support and her voice to some documentary showing in the Sundance Film Festival about sexual assault within the U.S. military. Blige attended the Friday world premiere from the Invisible War. Producer Amy Ziering states the multiple Grammy champion would write an authentic song for that film following the Sundance festival. Bliges song, Need Someone, plays within the closing credits from the film. Written and directed by Kirby Dick, The Invisible War examines the trauma experienced by male and female sufferers of rape as a result of their military co-workers and also the difficulty they've in defending their attackers. Sen. Barbara Boxer of California,U.S. Repetition. Jackie Speier, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and U.S. Repetition. Mike Turner of Ohio also attended the premiere. Copyright 2012 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sundance Brings Out A-Listers And Indies

Twenty years have passed since the January 17, 1992 release of "Juice," director Ernest Dickerson's crime thriller about four inner-city youths caught up in the dangers of the streets. "Juice" featured a few names you may or may not have heard ofSamuel L. Jackson, Queen Latifah and Tupac Shakur, just to name a fewand we're celebrating the film's 20th anniversary today on RapFix Live with special guests and "Juice" veterans Khalil Kain and Naughty By Nature. Check it all out in the video below.

Watch Live Q&A With Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill on Monday at 1:15 PST/4:15 EST

Watch Live Q&A With Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill on Monday at 1:15 PST/4:15 EST The month of the month of january 13, 2012 Photo through the new the new sony Pictures Please join Back Stage as well as the SAG Foundation for just about any special live Q&A with "Moneyball's" Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill on Monday, The month of the month of january 16 at 1:15 p.m. PST/4:15 EST. Both stars acquired SAG Award and Golden Globe nominations for be employed in the film."Moneyball," starring Kaira Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman and directed by Bennett Burns, might be the real story of Concord A's manager Billy Beane. The script is actually Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. The story is put together by Stan Chervin, as well as the film is founded on it by Michael Lewis. The producers are Michael P Luca, Rachael Horovitz, and Kaira Pitt. Watch Live Q&A With Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill on Monday at 1:15 PST/4:15 EST The month of the month of january 13, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT The brand new the new sony Pictures Please join Back Stage as well as the SAG Foundation for just about any special live Q&A with "Moneyball's" Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill on Monday, The month of the month of january 16 at 1:15 p.m. PST/4:15 EST. Both stars acquired SAG Award and Golden Globe nominations for be employed in the film."Moneyball," starring Kaira Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman and directed by Bennett Burns, might be the real story of Concord A's manager Billy Beane. The script is actually Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. The story is put together by Stan Chervin, as well as the film is founded on it by Michael Lewis. The producers are Michael P Luca, Rachael Horovitz, and Kaira Pitt.

Exclusive 'Woman In Black' Clip Forces You To Yell In The Screen

Serta, awaken! Look behind you! Just make an effort to watch this exclusive clip with Daniel Radcliffe from "The Woman in Black" and not yell within the screen. The completely new Victorian ghost story follows Radcliffe's character Arthur Kipps, a young lawyer and widower which has a penchant for shedding off and away to sleep while horrifying ghosts approach him from behind. Your pet knows something expires. Hell, the stuffed monkey can't look. Awaken! Awaken! "The Woman in Black" did numerous its approaching from behind in the last round of MTV Movie Brawl 2012. The horror movie overtook Kristen Stewart's "Snow White-colored as well as the Huntman," yanking in the upset for the delight of Radcliffe fans everywhere. It'll face some stiff competition over the following round, though, if the faces off against "The Hobbit." "The Woman in Black" opens on February 3rd. Whoever else consider the "Lady in Black" clip? Inform us inside the comments below and also on Twitter!

Report finds WGA has distribbed foreign levies

The Writers Guild of America has distributed over $100 million in foreign levies over the past two decades, according to a recently completed report by the KPMG consulting firm spurred by the long-running legal challenge to the guild's handling of such funds. The report, triggered by the 2010 settlement of a class-action suit by William Richert ("Winter Kills"), will be posted on the WGA website within the next few weeks, according to attorneys who participated in a status conference Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. "The report confirms the success of the program, which has distributed $104 million to writers over 20 years," the guild said in a statement after the hearing. "If it wasn't for the efforts of the WGA West, this money would have remained in the hands of the foreign collection societies." Richert's 2005 suit alleged that the Writers Guild of America had not properly handled foreign funds due scribes as compensation for telecasts and other exhibition of writers' works. The settlement required the WGA use its "best efforts" to pay all foreign funds within three years and issue a report by a Big Four accounting firm to review the foreign levies from their inception in the early 1990s. The settlement, signed by Judge Carl West, also required an annual review of the foreign levies program as part of its official annual report to members. Richert attorney Neville Johnson raised concerns during the hearing that the annual report would fall short on details, adding that the foreign levies programs operated by the guilds were kept under wraps for 15 years. "I don't want to see just one number," he added. WGA West general counsel Anthony Segall asserted in response that the annual report will contain a significant level of detail about the program, equivalent to the KPMG report. The WGA West disclosed in its last annual report in July that it was holding $25.4 million "due to members" without breaking out how much of that is from foreign levies. The levies for U.S. creatives began to flow after the U.S. agreement in 1989 to terms of the Berne Convention, which establishes the right of authorship for individuals who create works of art, and are handled by collecting societies. West has also supervised settlements of class-action foreign levies suits that were filed against the Screen Actors Guild by Ken Osmond and the Directors Guild of America by William Webb. Tuesday's hour-long hearing was devoted largely to arguments between Johnson and Daniel Schechter over the adequacy of the DGA's single-page yearly accounting of the program. "They are not complying with the spirit of the settlement agreement," Johnson said. Schechter asserted that Johnson had not raised the issue during the first three years of the settlement and accused Johnson of being inconsistent. "Counsel would like to re-write the terms of the settlement," he added. West said in response that it appears that the two sides are at an impasse and asked Johnson to file a written motion with the court spelling out his objections. He set a March 16 hearing. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Exclusive: Miranda Lambert to produce Acting Debut on Law & Order: SVU

Miranda Lambert New bands spitfire Miranda Lambert could make her acting debut by having an approaching episode of Law & Order: Special Sufferers Unit, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively.Law & Order: SVU scoop: Harry Connick Junior. to see Benson's new love interestLambert, who's married to Blake Shelton, a coach on NBC's hit singing competition The Voice, may have an actress who states are actually sexually assaulted having a reality show producer. Michael McKean (Laverne &Shirley, That Is Spine Tap, Smallville) may have the alleged sleazebag in mind. Thinking about that Lambert's album and song game game titles include Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Oil and "Gunpowder & Lead," he'd better watch his back!News of Lambert's casting comes a following day from the NBC procedural introduced that singer-actor Harry Connick Junior. may have an appreciation interest for Mariska Hargitay's Detective Benson in the four-episode arc. Connick may even are available in Lambert's episode.Convey more scoop inside your favorite shows inside our Winter TV previewLambert, 28, won a Grammy this season and contains received numerous other honours within the New Bands Association as well as the Academy of recent Bands. She first rose to fame on USA's Nashville Star, possible singing competition which she placed third. Her latest album, Four the Record, was released in November 2011.Law & Order: SVU airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC. Lambert's episode is not scheduled.

Patti Murin: A Back Stage Exclusive

"I loved this role!" Patti Murin squeals with delight. "I knew that everyone would love the show like I loved the show... it's snappy, it's witty, it's current, I mean it's great." The show she's raving about (and just about everybody else is too!) is Broadway's newest hit, Douglas Carter Beane's "Lysistrata Jones" and she proudly plays the title character.A graduate of the Syracuse University theater program, Patti's musical debut was playing Tina the mouse in her 6th grade production of "Cinderella." Although, she might be more familiar to fans for her role in another one of Beane's musicals, "Xanadu."When not performing Patti is always up for a little fantasy football or gossiping about really good/bad reality TV. A Girl after my own heart! She recently got to live out one of her dreams singing the National Anthem at a NY Giants game.Chosen as this week's Actor2Watch, Patti will be featured in a series of articles, fun facts and social media tweets through this week for subscribers of Girl2Watch.com.A2W: What did you love about the Syracuse Theater Program? PM: I think some of the most talented people come out of Syracuse, and I'm not just saying that because I went there. They teach you really how to act and not just 'this is how you act while you do the song', they teach you how to act for real, how to listen and be present in your scene, especially in musicals. I think that's really important. A lot of times you don't buy some performances where you're like, they're just pretending to be somebody.A2W: After you graduated from Syracuse you moved to New York. PM: I moved here right away and I actually did non-Equity Theater for about two years. I didn't get my equity card for two years and kind of on purpose. I didn't want to get it without knowing that I would use it again. A2W: When did you get your equity card? PM: My second cousin works for Shirley Grant Management, and when I graduated he sent me out on some auditions. He would send me for random stuff and one of the auditions was for a reading for a show called "Princesses." It was at the 5th Avenue Theater and I did it for an out of town tryout and it just never went. And then I got a show about twelve 16 year olds and I did another reading of it and we went to the Good Speed and that's where I got my equity card, at the Norma Terrace. A2W: How do you keep yourself in performing shape? PM: A lot of time is spent resting. I've kind of sworn off my social life for the next few months, I work out with my friends for a little while. It's a really challenging show vocally and physically and I've carried shows before and I've been in leading shows before but for two months at a time not for the entire span. So I'm really being good to myself and just kind of let myself relax. A2W: Do you worry about your voice? PM: I don't worry about it because I never had problems with it, but I definitely take care of myself you know. I get a lot of sleep, I try to get at least 8 hours a night, I try for 9 if I can which involves being really strict with myself. It's 10pm it's time to take my contacts out so I can be lying in bed by 10:30pm and I can be sleeping by 11pm. A2W: You must be exhausted. PM: Yeah, it's like that good kind of exhaustion. I mean right now it is. It's that good kind of exhaustion, I am doing something. That's the thing I love about this show. I hate the gym, I really hate the gym. I'm somehow blessed with some kind of metabolism that I don't have to worry about working out too much, but I also don't feel awesome when I'm not active. A2W: But dancing all day is a great workout. PM: And it feels good, even after a week of rehearsals I was like 'oh, there are my abs again, great.' For someone who hates to go to the gym I don't have to go to the gym now. I can work my butt off for 2 hours and 15 minutes every night sometimes twice a day and be okay. A2W: How do you prepare for an audition? PM: I try to memorize as much as possible. Sometimes you have to learn a lot, but I try to learn as much as possible. I'll use my recorder on my phone, and I'll go through the scene but I'll say the other person's line and then leave space for myself. My husband and I will be like 'can you test me on these lines?' I like to look at the breakdown and be like this is what they said they want, you know, if I don't immediately feel like I'm really right for something, then I'll sort of be okay, well I'm going to do this the way I want, even if it goes against something that they say in the breakdown. This is what I'm going to bring to it and do, rather than just try to fit into a box. Especially because I do so much new stuff that it's always about what you're going to bring to it anyway, like who you are.A2W: What is your auditioning philosophy? PM: I've finally gotten to the point where I'm comfortable going into auditions. I really like it, especially for TV and film, because every time I go in I'm learning something because it's so much newer to me than musicals are, and I've also gotten to the point where I know what I do well, I know my strengths. In the last three years I've learned so much. I also think that there's definitely such a thing as over preparing. When I go into an audition and the girl next to me knows what she's going to do when she goes in, that's the fun part for me, it's like testing myself and being open. Patti Murin: A Back Stage Exclusive Actor2Watch presented by Girl2Watch.com By Alison Goodman January 5, 2012 "I loved this role!" Patti Murin squeals with delight. "I knew that everyone would love the show like I loved the show... it's snappy, it's witty, it's current, I mean it's great." The show she's raving about (and just about everybody else is too!) is Broadway's newest hit, Douglas Carter Beane's "Lysistrata Jones" and she proudly plays the title character.A graduate of the Syracuse University theater program, Patti's musical debut was playing Tina the mouse in her 6th grade production of "Cinderella." Although, she might be more familiar to fans for her role in another one of Beane's musicals, "Xanadu."When not performing Patti is always up for a little fantasy football or gossiping about really good/bad reality TV. A Girl after my own heart! She recently got to live out one of her dreams singing the National Anthem at a NY Giants game.Chosen as this week's Actor2Watch, Patti will be featured in a series of articles, fun facts and social media tweets through this week for subscribers of Girl2Watch.com.A2W: What did you love about the Syracuse Theater Program? PM: I think some of the most talented people come out of Syracuse, and I'm not just saying that because I went there. They teach you really how to act and not just 'this is how you act while you do the song', they teach you how to act for real, how to listen and be present in your scene, especially in musicals. I think that's really important. A lot of times you don't buy some performances where you're like, they're just pretending to be somebody.A2W: After you graduated from Syracuse you moved to NY. PM: I moved here right away and I actually did non-Equity Theater for about two years. I didn't get my equity card for two years and kind of on purpose. I didn't want to get it without knowing that I would use it again. A2W: When did you get your equity card? PM: My second cousin works for Shirley Grant Management, and when I graduated he sent me out on some auditions. He would send me for random stuff and one of the auditions was for a reading for a show called "Princesses." It was at the 5th Avenue Theater and I did it for an out of town tryout and it just never went. And then I got a show about twelve 16 year olds and I did another reading of it and we went to the Good Speed and that's where I got my equity card, at the Norma Terrace. A2W: How do you keep yourself in performing shape? PM: A lot of time is spent resting. I've kind of sworn off my social life for the next few months, I work out with my friends for a little while. It's a really challenging show vocally and physically and I've carried shows before and I've been in leading shows before but for two months at a time not for the entire span. So I'm really being good to myself and just kind of let myself relax. A2W: Do you worry about your voice? PM: I don't worry about it because I never had problems with it, but I definitely take care of myself you know. I get a lot of sleep, I try to get at least 8 hours a night, I try for 9 if I can which involves being really strict with myself. It's 10pm it's time to take my contacts out so I can be lying in bed by 10:30pm and I can be sleeping by 11pm. A2W: You must be exhausted. PM: Yeah, it's like that good kind of exhaustion. I mean right now it is. It's that good kind of exhaustion, I am doing something. That's the thing I love about this show. I hate the gym, I really hate the gym. I'm somehow blessed with some kind of metabolism that I don't have to worry about working out too much, but I also don't feel awesome when I'm not active. A2W: But dancing all day is a great workout. PM: And it feels good, even after a week of rehearsals I was like 'oh, there are my abs again, great.' For someone who hates to go to the gym I don't have to go to the gym now. I can work my butt off for 2 hours and 15 minutes every night sometimes twice a day and be okay. A2W: How do you prepare for an audition? PM: I try to memorize as much as possible. Sometimes you have to learn a lot, but I try to learn as much as possible. I'll use my recorder on my phone, and I'll go through the scene but I'll say the other person's line and then leave space for myself. My husband and I will be like 'can you test me on these lines?' I like to look at the breakdown and be like this is what they said they want, you know, if I don't immediately feel like I'm really right for something, then I'll sort of be okay, well I'm going to do this the way I want, even if it goes against something that they say in the breakdown. This is what I'm going to bring to it and do, rather than just try to fit into a box. Especially because I do so much new stuff that it's always about what you're going to bring to it anyway, like who you are.A2W: What is your auditioning philosophy? PM: I've finally gotten to the point where I'm comfortable going into auditions. I really like it, especially for TV and film, because every time I go in I'm learning something because it's so much newer to me than musicals are, and I've also gotten to the point where I know what I do well, I know my strengths. In the last three years I've learned so much. I also think that there's definitely such a thing as over preparing. When I go into an audition and the girl next to me knows what she's going to do when she goes in, that's the fun part for me, it's like testing myself and being open.

6 Tidbits From The Vampire Diaries Midseason Premiere

The Vampire Diaries When The Vampire Diaries returns from hiatus (Thursday, 8/7c, The CW) characters will leave, new ones will be introduced, and one relationship will have a very significant encounter - and that's just in the first episode. Check out six tidbits from "The New Deal": Everyone is on edge: As far as Elena and Co. are concerned, Klaus, who they attempted to kill, will return at any moment ready to strike back and everyone is acting paranoid with every step they take. Someone reverts back to their Season 1 behavior: One character has come a long way from their early attitude but that behavior rears its head yet again. The Vampire Diaries Boss: Elena allows the romantic tension with Damon to come out and play Someone gets slapped: A confrontation between two major characters ends with a good ol' slap across the face. There will be blood: Expect not one, but two bloody, cringe-worthy scenes. Check out new photos from The Vampire Diaries Someone is absent: One of our beloved Mystic Falls residents is absent from the entire episode and that same person's significant other is not very happy with them. More than one sibling betrays another: The heart of the series may be the brotherly (and brotherly/sisterly) bonds, but more than one of those pairs will so something that takes advantage of their trust - even if it's done to protect the other sibling. Make sure to watch this week's Vampire Diaries Bite for a little scoop on one of our favorite couples: Follow @RobynRossTVG for more scoop on The Vampire Diaries.

Russian Avengers trailer reveals new footage

A new trailer for The Avengers has landed online.OK, so it's in Russian, but there's still plenty of superhero goodness to enjoy if you don't mind a bit of Russian dubbing.There's not a whole lot of new footage, though eagle-eyed Avengers obsessives will spot a few little treats littered throughout.Basically, if you're as obsessed with seeing The Avengers as we are, this'll provide a little relief ahead of the four-month wait until the film's release.Check it out below:And, if you're not averse to spoilers, read on...Toy manufacturers have a way of spoiling big superhero movies, with figurines often revealing key characters before the movie marketing does (how many times are we going to see Spider-Man's Lizard in toy-form before we get a glimpse of the real thing?)Well, according to MovieWeb, the HeroClix line of Avengers toys may have given away another of the film's big baddies.According to a press release, Thor and Captain America will be battling Loki and... the Red Skull.The scarlet-visaged Nazi evaporated at the end of Captain America: The First Avenger, so depending on where he ended up, it's quite possible he could be coming back (did he get teleported to Asgard?)Or, is it merely a ploy by the toy company to make it a more fairly matched fight between heroes and villains? Hugo Weaving has never officially been linked to The Avengers, so it's all speculation at the moment.The Avengers opens on 27 April 2012.