EMI: Access/Warner Music Pulls From Auction

Within an apparent bet on brinkmanship, Len Blavatnik's Access Industries has drawn from the auction for EMI's recorded music operation, sources confirmed to Billboard.biz, although the organization was stated to become the leading-runner within the putting in a bid. This news was initially reported within the Financial Occasions on Sunday (October 30).our editor recommendsLen Blavatnik's Warner Music Closing in on EMI's Artists Division (Report)EMI: With Bids Low, Company Views Whether to part ways or Postpone SaleWarner Group Names Former MGM Vice Chair Stephen Cooper Boss Sources the two sides couldn't agree with a valuation, despite the fact that the Access bid was stated to stay in the plethora of $1.5 billion-$1.6 billion, far beyond what industry associates and Wall Street experts predicted the EMI recorded music operation will bring when Citigroup first required over the organization from Terra Firma in Feb. Access acquired Warner Group captured. STORY:Warner Music Bought by Len Blavatnik's Access Industries in $3.3 Billion Deal Apparently, Citigroup was ready to have an even greater offer, however with the Universal Group's withdrawal in the auction a week ago, along with a third bidder, Ron Perelman's MacAndrews & Forbes stated to possess made a deal below those of Access, it seems the financial firm might have overplayed its hands. However, when the Universal Group's withdrawal in the auction was just a settling maneuver, then Access Industries might have just given UMG a wide open area to land EMI, if it's prepared to meet Citigroup's cost. OPINION:Among Lay offs, Is Warner Bros. Records Abandoning Rock Music? Obviously, the WMG withdrawl can also be a settling ploy, which could all presage another round of discussions with both UMG and WMG in the auction, which may make Citigroup the canniest player of. Time will inform. Meanwhile, situations are going better for Citigroup within the other bit of the auction, where BMG Privileges Management and The new sony Corp. are competing to purchase EMI Music Posting, with putting in a bid around $1.8 billion, sources say. If Citigroup decides to retain charge of the recorded music operation whether it can't get its cost, does it proceed using the purchase from the posting division? Most likely -- but as occasions so far have proven, there is nothing certain within this auction. Related Subjects Warner Group EMI

Is SiriusXM Trying To Stop Making Royalty Payments To Musicians?

That’s theexplosive claim that the American Federation of Television and Radio Artistsand the American Federation of Musiciansare making today based on the satellite radio company’s efforts tocut deals with independent record labels giving them 100% of the royalty payments. Such an arrangement would breakwith the traditional practice of funneling 45% of royalties to SoundExchange — a clearinghouse authorized by Congress to handle artists’ payments– with 5% going to the unions (typically to pay session musicians), and the remaining half going to record labels. This move is blatantly anti-artist and anti-musician,” says AFTRA National Executive Director Kim Roberts Hedgpeth. “The statutory license established by Congress and the system administered by SoundExchange ensures transparency, efficiency, accountability and most important direct, non-recoupable payment to artists of their fair share of royalties for SiriusXMs use of their music. SiriusXM didn’t immediately respond to a request to provide its views in the dispute.

Its Official: CBS Gives Full-Season Orders To Person Of Great Interest And Memorable

CBS Gets near Back Orders For Person Of Great Interest And Memorable Almost per week after word first appeared that CBS was making pickup calls towards the producers of freshmen Person Of Great Interest and Memorable, the network makes the entire-season orders to both series official. The 2 join breakout comedy 2 Broke Women, that also includes a full-season order, while there's not sure the decently ranked new Friday medical drama A Gifted Guy. Memorable rankings performance continues to be largely on componen using the series it changed, The Great Wife, which moved to Sundays. Still, with typically 14. million audiences, the crime procedural starring Poppy Montgomery and Dylan Walsh ranks because the most viewed newcomer drama this year. In grown ups 18-49, Memorable earnings a 3./3. It's up 3% both in audiences and 18-49 in the Good Wife‘s amounts within the hour last fall. Creator Erectile dysfunction Redlich, Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman are executive creating for CBS TV Galleries and The new sony Pictures TV. Person of great interest, which stars Jim Caviezel and Michael Emerson, ranks like a very close second to Memorable within the ratings on most viewed new drama series this year with 13.97 million audiences. Its 18-49 average is really a 3.3/8. The mystery drama from Jonathan Nolan, J.J. Abrams and Warner Bros. TV inherited our prime-profile Thursday 9 PM slot from veteran CSI and it is presently running lower 11% in 18-49 and 9% as a whole audiences versus. CSI‘s performance within the hour last fall. Bryan Burk and Greg Plageman will also be executive creating.

The Standouts Of Gaddafi Dying Coverage: Jon Stewart, Hillary Clinton & Matthew Perry

FRIDAY NOON UPDATE: Regrettably,Rentrak is not able to download any grosses so far today, so there'll not beany estimations according to noon earnings. FRIDAY 8:45 AM: This really is 30% greater thanthe follow up Paranormal Activity 2 whichearned $6.3M from 1,800 locations. It sets anew franchise better of $8 million in night time business from 2,200 U.S. locationsovernight for Paranormal Activity 3. is 30%. Worldwide, Paranormal Activity 3 opened up in France Wednesday and saw $521K opening gross that was +45% greater than PA2, Australia Thursday which saw $516K or +14% in front of PA2, and nearly every foreign territory todaybesides The United States.Russia’s $550K opening gross was 45% greater than PA2. Vital is lowballing the threequel to gross a minimum of $35M in domestic box office. But PA2 made $40.6M its 2010 pre-Halloween weekend, then competitor Saw three dimensional first showed the next Friday. PA3 doesn't have such rival this time around around. So Hollywood is expecting much more money. Nevertheless, PA3 cost only $5M, making the reduced-budget high-grossing franchise the gift that continues giving, like a studio professional informs me. (PA1 did $108M/$85M foreign, while PA2 did $85M within the U.S. and $93M foreign.) Paranormal Activity 3s strong monitoring is showing wannasee not only with youthful males but additionally with older moviegoers, therefore the bloodless thriller should break Hollywoods 3-month-lengthy box office slump a few days ago. Not since Foxs Rise From The Planet From The Apes ($54.8M) on August fifth has there been a large grossing domestic opener beyond $30.1M (Disneys Lion King three dimensional). To function up global grosses, Vital participated in 20 round-the-world fan premieres in 8 nations having a contest in line with the most Twitter activity. The winning metropolitan areas incorporated Melbourne, Tel Aviv, London, Sao Paulo, NY, and Hollywoods Arclight, where 1000's of fans switched out for gourmet food trucks and franchise star Katie Featherston.

Lopez, Anthony to Univision

An unscripted series from "The The American Idol Show ShowInch creator Simon Bigger, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony has showed up Univision becasue it is first U.S. outlet since the show lines up partners due to its planned global launch early next season.The partners continue being searching for a domestic British-lingo home."Q'Viva! The ChosenInch may even air on Televisa in Mexico and Caracol TV in Colombia. The series, which showcases Latin music and culture, is predicted to sign around 21 different broadcast partners. A couple of from the 21 nations including people in South and north Usa will probably be first for just about any synchronised airdate forecasted for your first quarter of next season. "Q'Viva!" may also get a Portuguese-language version.Endemol may also be attached just like a production and distribution partner to Fuller's XIX Entertainment. The fate of "Q'Viva!" made an appearance in mind within this summer time when Lopez and Anthony separate carrying out a seven-year marriage, but are both prone to show on air for your series, which will continue shooting at locations around the globe with the month of the month of january.Jamie King may also be an professional producer and director of "Q'Viva!" more youthful crowd appears on camera. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Moviefone Open Thread: Why Should not You Be Going to the films?

"I'm really concerned about how soft the situation is,In . a panicked and not named longtime studio executive told Nikki Finke in regards to the depressed box office amounts that have hit Hollywood in the last two several days. "I'm seated searching at grosses and i'm concerned for your industry. What's worrying me is when are people hardcore movie fans at this time around?Inch Probably still seeing movies, really. The higher question for you is: where's everyone else? Why should not you be going to the films? Despite what many experts felt might be a simple path to nearly $20 million, the well-received remake of 'Footloose' acquired just $16 million in the last weekend -- putting it in runner-up position behind 'Real Steel,' that may not break $100 million in your area despite expense. Really, the ultimate film to earn greater than $100 million laminator tl901 office was released completely in August: 'The Help' cracked the barrier, meaning Hollywood hasn't seen a triple-digit grosser in over two several days. Which is always to say: things may be better. Probably the movies. As Finke herself written, "I've been verifying how youthful males - that was formerly Hollywood's audience - are actually forget about consistently (and indiscriminately) going to the films since August. [...] I have faith that Hollywood should expect the worst after they to create succession of mostly dreadful photos. This weekend's total gross won't edge much over $80M - the whopping -35% from a year ago when 'Jackass 3D' opened up as much as $50M. (I realize what you're thinking: That are the jackasses now?) This is not an excellent situation for your art galleries to remain in as moviegoing gets into the all-important holidays." It is not, but what Finke and her not named studio source don't mention is the seven films inside the top-ten in the box office a couple of days ago have fresh ratings on Rotten Tomato vegetables, with 'Moneyball,' '50/50,' 'The Ides of March,' 'Dolphin Tale' and 'The Lion King 3D' over eighty percent. Definately not "mostly dreadful." In addition, the weekly depreciations of those films are actually scant: really the only films to dip greater than forty percent in the last weekend were 'Real Steel' (lower just 40.one percent, proof of how the Hugh Jackman-introduced film is getting fun with families) and 'The Lion King 3D' (lower just 41.one percent despite losing 300 screens). Adult audiences have discovered 'The Ides of March,' 'Moneyball' and '50/50,' which will are actually expected since grownups aren't vulnerable to embark on opening weekend to find out a movie. In this situation, the flicks work great! (See also: 'Contagion' and 'Drive,' because both versions had effective runs.) An enormous disappointment like 'Warrior' was one of the better-examined movies of year. Quality, a minimum of, doesn't seem to get to be the problem. So, where's the disconnect? Why have youthful audiences apparently up-to-date out? Consider the programming. As prominent blogger David Belgium written, "If you want to suggest in one movie that really works well with this audience since 'Rise in the Planet in the Apes,' be my guest. The thing that was this, the finest, most consistent audience made to visit? Couldn't sell them '30 Minutes or Less.' Okay, what else ya got? Retreads. 'Conan,' 'Final Destination 5,' 'Fright Night'... an unexpected-thriller-sell remake from the movie nobody under 40 knows in 'Straw Dogs' (which might did better offered just like a thinking man's thriller). Did anybody really expect bigger amounts for just about any cancer dramedy ['50/50']... even worth keeping? [Jason] Statham's amounts are about right [for 'Killer Elite'], given a completely new distributor. $25m on 'ABduction' can be a miracle well as over $30m on 'Drive' can be a completely hit. As noted earlier, 'Real Steel' went youthful and been effective because goal." What of 'Real Steel'? With $108 million worldwide already, and rollouts in foreign areas later on -- plus no family films in the marketplace until March. 28 when 'Puss in Boots' arrives -- the film should easily crest above $200 million worldwide before it shuffles in the theater. Virtually no flop, while not always the type of eye-popping number which get people excited. Undertaking a summer season where even garbage like 'Green Lantern' made over $50 million throughout its opening weekend, anything under stratospheric bank can be a failure. Which, contrary, is fall's downfall: there is not an episode cultural phenomenon. That could change on Friday with 'Paranormal Activity 3' the second film inside the franchise opened up up above $40 million, and 'PA3' is monitoring striking about $35 million. Or even it won't. Maybe the film marketplace is at the outset of a slump. You might aren't going to the films since you will not be interested in the films. If that is the problem, Hollywood likely has one particular question: when can you anticipate going to the films again? Have advertising online, dear Moviefone site visitors. Should be genuine await! [Photo: Getty Images] 31 Top reasons to Buy a Movie Ticket October You will discover 31 reasons that October may be Rocktober laminator tl901 office. They are. Rock 'Em Sock 'Em RobotsGeorge Clooney gives Ryan Gosling his Michael Clayton moment with 'Ides of March'We'll finally understand what this signifies for your Human Centipede to go to "full sequence"A sum have happened if Butch Cassidy managed to get? Uncover when Mike Shepard kicks ass being an adult Cassidy in 'Blackthorn'President Bartlett round the Large ScreenHarvey Weinstein Can get 'Dirty'Yet another Jessica Chastain performanceIt's been two-and-a-half decades since Peggy Sue attended her 25-year secondary school reunion after which it travled in time to secondary school in 'Peg'The Large Year' may be your brand-new 'City Slickers'Opportunity to complain noisally relating to your lately discovered great passion for the first 'Footloose'/'The Factor'You achieve sneak Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins for your screening of 'The Factor'Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman developed a home invasion thriller with Joel SchumacherThere's a completely new Pedro Almodovar movie being launched!The 'Catfish' company company directors' eerie, "bloody Mary" inserted-undertake 'Paranormal Activity 3'You can strain on Mike Adams Octoberfest and attend a screening of 'The Three Musketeers'The now-annual chance to obtain scared having a VHS tapePTA developed a 'Three Musketeers' MovieAfter three full years of remaining from the subject, you'll finally be capable of speak semi-smartly in regards to the financial crisisYour start searching at 2011 It-Girl -- and possible Best Actress nominee -- Elizabeth OlsenChance to find out permanently if Kevin Cruz has talentRemind yourself heavyweight boxing is still available while using Klitschko brothers and sisters documentary referred to as, er, 'Klitschko'Regret not applying Puppeteer 101 attending school while using Sesame Street documentary, 'Being Elmo'Arguing the question "Who written Shakespeare's plays?" has not been a great deal funTo uncover once the trailer for 'The Double' really did spoil the entire movieJustin Timberlake's tries to go all action star here in 'In Time'Another chance to look at The Actor-kaira Pitt embody Hunter S. ThompsonYour start searching at 2011's other It-Girl -- and possibly Best Actress nominee -- Felicity JonesSee just what the relaxation around the world already lovesA lot of horror movie revival tests within the countryDude, Hershey's Air Delight!It's the flicks! See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

'The Hangover II' Producers Are Getting Sued (Again)

Have you ever wanted to sue a movie producer? If so, consider going after the folks behind 'The Hangover II' -- though you might need to take a number. According to The Hollywood Reporter, California resident Michael Alan Rubin is suing the filmmakers because he claims they ripped off his life story, which makes this the third 'Hangover'-related lawsuit in the past four months. As THR states, "According Rubin's federal lawsuit, filed last week in Calfornia, he married a Japanese woman named Tamayo in 2007 in Japan. Together, the couple honeymooned in Thailand and India where differences started arising over Rubin's financial condition. During the honeymoon trip, Tamayo refused to share a hotel room with the luckless plaintiff ... Rubin is suing for copyright infringement, misappropriation of his publicity rights, and defamation" Well, OK. That does sound similar to the plot of 'Hangover II,' but it doesn't necessarily mean director Todd Phillips and his co-writers the film ripped off Rubin. (They just ripped off the first 'Hangover'; zing!) Since June, 'The Hangover II' has become Hollywood's legal punching bag. The first lawsuit popped up before release when a man sued for copyright infringement due to the face tattoo Ed Helms sports in the film. Three months later, a stunt man sued for damages after he suffered brain injuries while shooting a scene. The face tattoo case was eventually settled out of court; the second lawsuit is still pending. 'The Hangover Part II' was also involved in a Utah case where a screening of the film violated the state's liquor laws. [via THR] Moviefone's Summer Movie Awards Summer 2011 is coming to close, and we thought we'd wrap things up by choosing the best (and in some cases, the worst) the movies had to offer. Breakout Star, Male: Chris Evans, 'Captain America'Breakout Star, Female: Jessica Chastain, 'The Help,' 'The Tree of Life,' 'The Debt'Best New Kid Actor: Joel Courtney, 'Super 8'Best R-Rated Comedy: 'Bridesmaids'Worst R-Rated Comedy: 'The Change-Up'Biggest Star-Power Fizzle: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, 'Larry Crowne'Best Superhero Movie: 'X-Men: First Class'Worst Superhero Movie: Anything With the Word 'Green' in the TitleBest Villain, Female: Bryce Dallas Howard, 'The Help'Best Villain, Male: Kevin Bacon, 'X-Men: First Class'Best Unattached Booty-Call Buddies: Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, 'Friends With Benefits'Best Marketing Decision: Keeping James Franco Out of the 'Planet of the Apes' CampaignWorst Marketing Decision: Opening 'Winnie the Pooh' Against 'Harry Potter'Worst Logic Violations: 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon'Best Alien Invasion Movie: 'Attack the Block'Worst Alien Invasion Movie: 'Cowboys & Aliens'Best Swearing: Molly Weasley in 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2'Most Unexpected Delight: 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'Biggest Disappointment: 'The Hangover Part II'Most Likely to Survive Summer and Make It All the Way to Oscar Night: Viola Davis, 'The Help'Best Talking Animal: The Dog in 'Beginners'Worst Talking Animal (But in a Good Movie): Paw-Paw, 'The Future'Best Animal, Period: Caesar, 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'Worst Talking-Animal Movie: 'Zookeeper'Best Spielberg Impersonation: J.J. Abrams, 'Super 8'Best Woody Allen Impersonation: Owen Wilson, 'Midnight in Paris'Worst Imitation of a Brad PItt Summer Blockbuster: 'The Tree of Life'Best Franchise Finale: 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2'Best Comeback: Mel Gibson in 'The Beaver'Worst Comeback: Mel Gibson in 'The Beaver'Movie We Can Barely Even Remember Got Released: 'Bad Teacher,' 'Mr. Popper's Penguins,' 'Priest,' 'Monte Carlo,' 'Last Night'Best Use of 3D: 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon'Worst Use of 3D: 'Spy Kids: All the Time in the World'Best Movie of the Summer: 'Attack the Block' See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

'The Three Musketeers 3D' Was a Joke on 'The Simpsons' Twelve Years Ago

Far be it from us to look down on anyone who is really excited for 'The Three Musketeers 3D,' but -- judging from the trailer -- it appears safe to assume that this is one of those "turn your brain off" movies. To wit: underwater assassins, hand-cranked fire cannons and explosions, explosions, explosions! It's been a few years since we've read Alexandre Dumas' swashbuckling adventure, but we're pretty sure it didn't feature roof-top sword-fu. What really makes this new version of 'The Three Musketeers' so laughable, though, is the fact that we've all seen this shameless smorgasbord of illogical and inaccurate action movie cliches before -- when it was a hilarious joke on 'The Simpsons' over ten years ago. The episode in question is 'E-I-E-I-(Annoyed Grunt)' from season 11 in 1999. There isn't much reference to Zorro, Muskteers, or ninjas beyond this opening gag, but it seems to boil down the ludicrousness of Paul W.S. Anderson's French 3D fight buffet into a tight 90 seconds. If it turns out that Orlando Bloom has a rap somewhere in the movie, then the 'Simpsons' writers might have a case for a plagiarism lawsuit. [Photo: Summit Entertainment/Fox] RELATED 31 Reasons to Buy a Movie Ticket October There are 31 reasons that October may be Rocktober at the box office. Here they are. Rock 'Em Sock 'Em RobotsGeorge Clooney gives Ryan Gosling his Michael Clayton moment with 'Ides of March'We'll finally know what it means for the Human Centipede to go "full sequence"What would have happened if Butch Cassidy survived? Find out when Sam Shepard kicks ass as a grown up Cassidy in 'Blackthorn'President Bartlett on the Big ScreenHarvey Weinstein Gets 'Dirty'Yet another Jessica Chastain performanceIt's been 25 years since Peggy Sue attended her 25-year high school reunion and then travled back in time to high school in 'Peg'The Big Year' could be your new 'City Slickers'Opportunity to complain loudly about your newly discovered undying love for the original 'Footloose'/'The Thing'You get to sneak Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins into your screening of 'The Thing'Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman made a home invasion thriller with Joel SchumacherThere's a new Pedro Almodovar movie coming out!The 'Catfish' directors' eerie, "bloody Mary" infused-take on 'Paranormal Activity 3'You can load up on Sam Adams Octoberfest and attend a screening of 'The Three Musketeers'The now-annual chance to get scared by a VHS tapePTA made a 'Three Musketeers' MovieAfter three full years of avoiding the subject, you'll finally be able to speak semi-intelligently about the financial crisisYour first look at 2011 It-Girl -- and possible Best Actress nominee -- Elizabeth OlsenChance to decide once and for all if Kevin Smith has talentRemind yourself heavyweight boxing still exists with the Klitschko brothers documentary called, er, 'Klitschko'Regret not taking Puppeteer 101 in college with the Sesame Street documentary, 'Being Elmo'Arguing the question "Who wrote Shakespeare's plays?" has never been so much funTo find out if the trailer for 'The Double' really did spoil the entire movieJustin Timberlake's tries to go all action star on us in 'In Time'Another chance to watch Johnny Depp embody Hunter S. ThompsonYour first look at 2011's other It-Girl -- and possibly Best Actress nominee -- Felicity JonesSee what the rest of the world already lovesA boatload of horror movie revival screenings across the countryDude, Hershey's Air Delight!It's the movies! See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

The Rum Diary: Film Review

Considering the fact that it's been in stock for 2 many never put their hands up around the festival circuit, the whiff of trouble has hung within the Rum Diary for a while, so there's relief in finding the film isn't so bad in the end. Robinson authored and directed probably the most memorable records within the annals of alcoholic cinema, Withnail & I, along with a certain affinity could be felt. But what's sorely missing this is actually the raffishness and disrespect from the 1987 British film, in addition to some concomitant spark in Depp's performance that will hint in the wild guy, and talent, in the future.our editor recommendsJohnny Depps 'The Rum Diary' New Poster Revealed (Photo)FilmDistrict release a The Actor-brad Pitt Starrer 'Rum Diary' PHOTOS: Stills From 'The Rum Diary' Thompson authored The Rum Diary, his second attempt for a novel, in early sixties, after getting spent annually approximately trying, with little success, to become a newspaper reporter in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Depp, therefore the story goes, found the unregistered manuscript within the author's Colorado home between the the nineteen nineties, advised him to finally publish it and began plotting a movie version. Heavily autobiographical, it dwells around the depredations of newsmen inside a world that today is nostalgically regarded as as both seedy and glamorous. PHOTOS: The Actor-brad Pitt's Most Memorable Career Moments So youthful does Depp keep looking it never appears odd he's playing a journalist at the outset of his career. Unlike Thompson themself, who had been barely past 20 during the time of his Caribbean sojourn, his imaginary alter ego Paul Kemp readily finds a situation using the ragtag rag The San Juan Star, where high alcoholic intake is really a job requirement requested about his consuming habits, Kemp replies, "I guess in the upper finish of social," which is a good example for bedraggled editor Lotterman (Richard Jenkins). Taken under wing by 40ish staff digital photographer Sala (Michael Rispoli), an engagingly mangy sort who right now appears too acclimated towards the tropics to ever leave, Kemp attempts to behave themself, despite meeting the bewitchingly sexy Chenault (Amber Heard), the sexy girlfriend of Yank entrepreneur Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart). Very easily, the businessman fishing lures the susceptible scribe into his web, using the covert intent that favorable coverage within the Star can help him and body fat cat government-connected designers accomplish a genuine estate scam providing them with exclusive building privileges inside a fortunate part of paradise. PHOTOS: Inside 'Pirates from the Caribbean' Kemp is alert enough to get the indicators as well as continues the wagon for some time to restore his balance. But Sanderson gains top of the hands by bailing him from jail and also the myriad advantages of going along, including cash, a gratis red-colored Corvettes, luxurious vacation locations and, decisively, the ongoing presence of Chenault, prove an excessive amount of. The storyline thus emerges like a contest between your seductions of corruption and summoning the strength to complete the best factor. Because of the source, it's not whatsoever surprising that the road to moral clearness is supplied with a raving lunatic, Moberg (a great Giovanni Ribisi), a 1-time Star staffer too much gone on booze and drugs to work but whose reckless advance with the doorways of perception positions him like a precocious forerunner from the counterculture in the future. VIDEO: 'The Rum Diary' Trailer: The Actor-brad Pitt Drinks His Way Through Puerto Rico Regardless of this link between recognized/current and illicit/future types of mood enhancement, along with the "bad influence" theme similar to Withnail, The Rum Diary remains a comparatively mild diversion, not whatsoever uncomfortable but neither compelling nor convulsive. This stems in significant measure in the diffident character of Depp's character hiding behind dark shades most of the time and affecting a hipster stance while remaining relatively careful and noncommittal, Kemp doesn't inspire strong engagement. Oddly enough, there's a dose of Jack Sparrow within the portrayal, although with no strange makeup and accoutrements, for the reason that Kemp kind of bumbles into situations inside a faux-innocent way, without particular focus or intent, and in some way muddles through. With no allure and quirkiness that Depp provides, Kemp will be a pretty innocuous fellow, especially compared to a number of individuals surrounding him. An excellent character actor heretofore without the advantage of a determining role, Rispoli performs exceptionally well like a garrulous lensman who's most likely gifted but appears determined to another-rate existence because of idleness and significant character defects. Although his phony hairpiece is performed for laughs, Jenkins' frazzled editor might viably happen to be more pitched toward outright comedy to supply the film with increased tonal variety. Conceptually, Chenault is really a stock fantasy character, a teasingly not available object of desire made to mesmerize. Many quite a youthful actress might have filled this requirement, but Heard charges the conventional-problem role with moments of something extra, a fleeting feeling of abandon, unscripted wildness, inchoate yearning that couldn't happen to be planned but emerged inside a fortuitous fusion of glance, turn from the mind, youthful glow, lighting and camera position. Stunningly beautiful, Heard produces small broken hearts with this girl who's both free and trapped, among character's elite but possibly condemned. As very couple of American films happen to be shot there, locations representing San Juan and environs one half-century ago are superbly fresh and evocative. The eclectic soundtrack also adds towards the smartly nostalgic feel. Opens: March. 28 (Film District) Production: GK Films, Infinitum Nihil, Film Engine Cast: The Actor-brad Pitt, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Rispoli, Amber Heard, Richard Jenkins, Giovanni Ribisi, Amaury Nolasco, Marshall Bell, Bill Smitrovich Director: Bruce Robinson Film writer: Bruce Robinson, in line with the novel by Hunter S. Thompson Producers: The Actor-brad Pitt, Christi Dembrowski, Anthony Rhulen, Robert Kravis, Graham King Executive producers: Patrick McCormick, Tim Headington Director of photography: Dariusz Wolski Production designer: Chris Seagers Costume designer: Colleen Atwood Editor: Carol Littleton R rating, 2 hours Amber Heard Giovanni Ribisi The Actor-brad Pitt Worldwide Aaron Eckhart The Rum Diary

Instinctive to open in L.A.

Germany's Instinctive Film is launching a North American division, based in Los Angeles.The Berlin-based finance, development and production outfit has teamed up with film investors Tony and Cathy Rollo, owners of Winnipeg Insurance Brokers, for its expansion plan.Producer Cole Payne will oversee the operation and focus on producing and financing pics as well as expand Instinctive's production.The company is launching Instinctive Management to nurture emerging thesps, scribes and helmers, headed by Jeremy Loethen, formerly of Raw Talent."It's been a rollercoaster year for us," said Instinctive CEO Darryn Welch. "We have been busy working to diversify the company and its activities to adapt to the ever-changing climates in the industry. Our plan is to have greater management over sales, marketing and distribution for the films we develop and produce."The Rollos will work alongside Welch in an advisory capacity. They financed Instinctive and Preferred Content's psychological thriller "The Divide," helmed by Xavier Gens, on which their son, Nate, was a producer. Anchor Bay paid low seven figures for U.S. rights at SXSW fest in March.Welch recently co-exec produced "Retreat," toplining Jamie Bell, Cillian Murphy and Thandie Newton.Instinctive is in post on helmer Eron Sheean's scientific thriller "Errors of the Human Body" plus Nick Jaffe and Jack Rath's adventurer docu "Between Home." It is casting romantic drama "Posthumous," which will be co-produced with Flying Box Prods. and is skedded to lense in March in Berlin. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Expanded 'X Factor' bumps 'New Girl'

Fox is expanding "The X Factor" to two hours on three different nights in October, putting "New Girl" on the bench until November. The network is slotting an additional 30 minutes for the unscripted series on Oct. 12, 13 and 18 because it was pleased with footage from the upcoming round in which judges visit contestants' homes, according to a network spokeswoman. New episodes of "Girl" had been scheduled for Oct. 12 and 18, but will now be tabled to make room for the two-hour "Factor." The first date had "Girl" running Wednesday instead of its usual Tuesday 9:30 p.m. because post-season MLB baseball will air instead. "Girl" was alread pre-empted on Oct. 25 because of a special two-and-a-half-hour edition of "Factor." A "Girl" repeat was also previously scheduled for Oct. 13. Now "Girl" finds itself taking an unexpected three-week break after an initial three-week run that proved successful enough to earn a full-season order. "Girl" built on its "Glee" lead-in all three weeks, averaging 9.4 million viewers and a 4.6 rating/11 share among viewers 18-49. But Fox is confident "Girl" performed strongly enough to continue in November where it left off and be better set up for an uninterrupted run through the rest of the fall. "Factor" has also been a solid addition for Fox, averaging 12.1 million and 4.1/11. It has beat all comers in the 18-49 demo all six nights it has aired to date. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Talkback: Who Should Play Lady Gaga in Her Lifetime Biopic?

In case you haven’t heard, Lifetime is stepping out of its comfort zone of original cancer movies, royal couple dramatizations and New Adventures of Old Christine reruns to develop a Lady Gaga biopic called Fame Monster: The Lady Gaga Story. In celebration of this news, Movieline asks its readers to find their best casting (meat) hats and choose the best actress to portray Stefani Germanotta in her cable close-up! First, a few more details that will help you make an informed casting decision: Lady Gaga will have no involvement in the project if it is greenlit. The Lady Gaga Story will be based on Maureen Callahan’s 2010 biography Poker Face: The Rise And Rise Of Lady Gaga with Ilene Kahn Power (Gia, Who Is Clark Rockefeller?) executive producing. According to Deadline, the project will chronicle the life of Germanotta, who started her musical career as a singer-songwriter rocker/performance artist and later was transformed into pop mega star Lady Gaga. Movieline HQ has tossed around a few names including Kreayshawn — the MTV Video Music Award-nominated Bay area rapper/artist/filmmaker who bares a striking resemblance to Gaga and might be attainable for the channel. What are your suggestions? Ready, set, cast! · Lifetime Eyes Lady Gaga Biopic [Deadline]

Steve Jobs dies at 56

Steve Jobs, pictured here in 1979Steve Jobs with U2 in 2004.Apple CEO Steve Jobs holds up the new iPhone that was introduced at Macworld on January 9, 2007 in San Francisco.Apple co-founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1977.Apples tablet iPad was introduced in January 2010. The iMac set new visions for home computers form and functionality. Steve Jobs unveils the mini iPod at Macworld in 2004. Steven Jobs, who died Wednesday at age 56 after a long struggle with cancer, may have had the greatest impact on everyday lives in general, and showbiz in particular, of any technologist since Thomas Edison -- and his impact on showbiz dwarfs even Edison's. Launching the personal computer revolution at Apple, he transformed the way people work and communicate -- and the way entertainment is created and consumed.By nurturing Pixar, he fostered an equally profound revolution in how movies are made. As President Obama observed Wednesday, "There may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented."He was a prickly genius who followed no star but his own, and the world followed him. Disney chief creative officer John Lasseter, who worked closely with him from the time Jobs bought Pixar, recently told Variety Jobs taught him to trust his vision. "Steve Jobs is probably my biggest mentor when it comes to that. He doesn't do focus testing. He believes so deeply in an idea, that this is great, 'If I would like it, therefore everyone else would like it.' "Hollywood did not always agree with Jobs -- there were tiffs over the pricing of music and other offerings in the iTunes store and over the fact that Apple rendered iTunes content unplayable on non-Apple devices. But at a time when huge numbers of consumers were illegally downloading music and other content from P2P file-sharing sites, the series of devices Apple introduced under Jobs -- the iPod in conjunction with the iTunes Music Store, the iPhone and the iPad -- made the legal (and therefore, for showbiz, at least potentially profitable) consumption of digital content possible and popular, weaning some consumers of the piracy habit. Just days before Jobs' death, former MPAA president Bob Pisano called on the movie industry to find its own iTunes, i.e., a "simple, convenient and fun" way to buy digital copies of movies and TV shows.Jobs gained fame as one of the "two Steves" -- Steve Wozniak was the other -- who co-founded Apple Computer in a garage in 1976, making computers. Pixar purchaseHe lost control of the company in 1985 and saw his reputation and personal fortune dwindle over the next decade. But during that time he acquired from George Lucas' Industrial Light & Magic, at a bargain price, a small computer-graphics unit that was quickly remonickered Pixar. Jobs put his own cash into the money-losing company and saw it deliver the 1995 blockbuster "Toy Story" and make him a billionaire.In time, Disney bought Pixar, and Jobs became the Mouse House's largest shareholder, with holdings dwarfing those of any other individual, and a member of its board. By then, he was a well-established entertainment executive, having returned to Apple and led it to market domination in a new arena: music. Under Jobs, Apple introduced the first popular system for legal music downloading: the combination of iTunes software, the iTunes Music Store and the iPod music player. The iPod, dismissed by critics at its introduction for being too expensive, too quirky and too tied to Apple's software, became an iconic entertainment product and transformed Apple into a key player in electronic distribution, including TV shows and movies. Personally, Jobs was one of the corporate world's most effective pitchmen. His appearances at trade events, especially the Macworld tradeshow in San Francisco, always clad in his trademark black mock-turtleneck shirt, were among any year's most anticipated tech events. Apple fans would hang on every word, waiting for the famous "One more thing" at the end, which often signaled some astonishing new product, like the iMac or iPod. He was famous for his ability to persuade -- or bully -- people into doing the impossible, or at least convince them that the impossible was possible. Those who worked closely with him often described an abrasive, arrogant and occasionally petty leader who did not brook disagreement. Companies or people that ran afoul of him were often "Steved" -- fired on the spot. Personal computing pioneerBut for better or worse, Jobs' commitment to high-quality, cutting-edge products made him indispensable for the companies he ran. His career resurrection after his first flameout with Apple was, as the unauthorized biography "iCon" put it, "The greatest second act in the history of business." Born in San Francisco and given up for adoption, Jobs was raised in the Northern California area that would eventually be called Silicon Valley. He entered Reed College after high school but soon left. After traveling in India, he teamed with Wozniak to make and sell small, pre-assembled computers, something no company had ever tried before. The success of their Apple II created the personal computer industry almost from scratch, but the market came to be dominated by the cloneable IBM PC design and Microsoft's operating system. Apple responded in 1984 with the Macintosh, the first personal computer to successfully mass-market a graphical interface.Even the launch of Macintosh had a hint of Jobs' future. Ridley Scott helmed a "1984"-themed commercial touting the launch of the Mac, and the commercial became one of the legendary spots in TV history. Jobs was forced out of Apple in 1985.Just the next year, George Lucas -- needing cash for his divorce settlement -- sold the nascent Pixar to Jobs for just $10 million. Pixar was a money pit at first, though its RenderMan software became the first and most popular computer animation software. Jobs' funds and patience were running low, but when Pixar's "Tin Toy" won the animated short Oscar, he negotiated Pixar's first feature deal, for "Toy Story." When Pixar took its stock public days later, Jobs became a billionaire."Toy Story" was the first in a three-picture deal with Disney and the beginning of an unprecedented run of hits from Pixar.Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 and began a rapid turnaround. The company's products quickly came to reflect Jobs' personal tastes. He loathed buttons on handheld devices, and the result was the sleek, uncluttered interface of the iPod, iPhone and iPad.Apple's success with iTunes and the iPod made it a major player in entertainment, but record labels chafed at Apple's insistence on a flat 99 for every song. ITunes helped reduce but did not end illegal downloads, so it didn't put vast sums in labels' coffers. The primary beneficiary, went the complaints, was not artists or labels but Apple itself. With Jobs in charge of Pixar and Michael Eisner running Disney, negotiations over a renewal of Pixar's distribution deal with the Mouse became contentious. Disney retained sequel rights to several Pixar titles, including the "Toy Story" franchise, and began developing its own "Toy Story 3" without Pixar involved. Meanwhile, in a notorious 2004 investor call, Jobs mocked Disney's toons, singling out "Lion King 1" as "embarrassing." An impasse in the negotiations seemed unavoidable. Jobs wouldn't sell Pixar for cash, and Disney wouldn't pay what Jobs was asking. The merger became possible when Eisner left and Robert Iger took over, and the financial solution, it turned out, was for Disney essentially to pay Pixar to take over its own animation efforts. Disney paid $7.4 billion in 2006 to merge with Pixar. Jobs acquired a 7% stake in Disney and a seat on the board but gave up his posts as Pixar chairman and CEO, and Pixar execs Ed Catmull and John Lasseter took charge of the Disney animation slate. Jobs pulled another techno-shocker in 2007, unveiling the Apple iPhone. With its smooth touchscreen face and media-centric design, neither of which had been anticipated by tech-watchers, the iPhone proved a game-changer for the cellular phone/PDA business, just as the iPod had been for the music business. The iPhone led to Jobs' last revolutionary product: the iPad. While not the first tablet computer, it was the first to catch the public imagination, and became the fastest-selling consumer electronics device in history.Changed the worldJobs often talked about wanting to change the world, and change it he did. So forceful was his vision that he altered entertainment in ways so basic they are almost invisible. The devices with which Apple thrived -- iPod, iPhone, iPad -- empowered individuals in new ways, not least to have entertainment at hand anywhere, anytime. But they also made entertainment a mostly solitary experience. Only with the iPad, a more social device than Apple's earlier hits, did that begin to change. But Jobs' health was beginning to fail even as his companies were achieving their greatest success yet. He was treated for pancreatic cancer in 2004.He seemed to recover but looked gaunt in public appearances in 2007 and 2008, sparking rumors about a recurrence of cancer and even rumors of his death. He announced late in 2008 that he had a hormonal imbalance that was causing him to lose weight, and on Jan. 14, 2009, he took a medical leave of absence from Apple. It was later revealed that he underwent a liver transplant during his leave. He remained gaunt, however, and took another health-related leave of absence in late 2010, amid rumors his cancer had returned and he was near death.Those who worked closely with him often described an abrasive, arrogant and occasionally petty leader who did not brook disagreement. Companies or people that ran afoul of him were often "Steved" -- fired on the spot. Jobs abruptly resigned as CEO of Apple on Aug. 24, 2011, and was elected chairman of the board. He recommended Tim Cook as his successor; Cook had already been serving as Apple CEO since January, when Jobs took a third medical leave from the company, though he still made most of the major decisions at Apple. Jobs' death was announced just a day after Cook unveiled the company's latest products, including the iPhone 4s, as part of his first presentation as CEO. Hailed as 'true visionary'Tributes to Jobs came from a wide range of luminaries. President Obama said "Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: He changed the way each of us sees the world." Disney president and CEO Robert Iger called Jobs "a great friend as well as a trusted adviser," adding, "His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined."Cary Sherman, chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America called Jobs "a larger-than-life personality" and added, "He was a true visionary who forever transformed how fans access and enjoy music."Sen. Chris Dodd, CEO-chairman of the MPAA, said "He was a pioneer, and helped all of us better understand how technologists and creators can work together to enrich and enliven our shared world. If anyone ever wonders whether one person can make a difference, the answer is Steve Jobs."Jobs disliked publicity about his personal relationships, which could be difficult, but he was known to have found his birth parents and biological sister, the novelist Mona Simpson. He is survived by his wife, Laurene Powell; a son; and three daughters.* * * Celebrities took to Twitter -- many on Apple devices -- to share their thoughts about Steve Jobs' death Wednesday. A sampling of posts:"Steve lived the California Dream every day of his life and he changed the world and inspired all of us. (hash)ThankYouSteve" -- Arnold Schwarzenegger."My heart weeps for all who worked with Steve and who loved him, especially my friend Laurene and their children." -- Maria Shriver."We will miss you, Steve Jobs. Sent lovingly from my iPhone." -- Jane Lynch."For those of us lucky enough to get to work with Steve, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely." -- Bill Gates."Had the pleasure of working for him and knowing him. He was our Edison. R.I.P. Steve Jobs." -- actor-writer-director Albert Brooks."Rest in Peace, Steve Jobs. Kinda can't believe he's gone. Carrying a little part of him in my pocket every day." -- actress Martha Plimpton."Rest in peace, Steve Jobs. Your genius will live on for generations to come..." -- actor Neil Patrick Harris."Rest in peace, Steve Jobs. You've changed forever the world you leave behind." -- Katie Couric."We lost a man of true vision today. Condolences to the whole Apple family." -- actor-director Jon Favreau."Such a sad day, I can trace my apple memories to the IIC when i was a kid. RIP." -- singer Josh Groban."You guys I'm sad about Steve Jobs too but SteveJobs2 comes out in like a month." -- actor Eli Roth."(hash)RIP (hash)SteveJobs, thank you for revolutionizing the way we listen to music. Your vision will not be forgotten." -- The Grammys (Recording Academy)."Damn. RIP STEVE JOBS. Thanx for all the stuff you gave us. Life is Short. Live it up." -- rocker Benji Madden."So sad to hear about Steve Jobs. He was a genius and one of the most innovative people on earth. He changed the world in so many ways. RIP." -- Paris Hilton."The world lost a true visionary today. Think different." -- Kevin Spacey."Thank you, Steve Jobs, for all of the fun and amazing ways you made our lives better....Sent from my iPhone." -- Jimmy Fallon."My heart goes out for the family of Steve Jobs. What an inspiration he was to us all and a creative visionary for the world! You will be missed." -- Eva Longoria."We have all surfed on the wake of Steve Jobs ship. Now we must learn to sail, but we will never forget our skipper." -- Ashton Kutcher."I can't even describe how devastated I am by the news of the great Steve Jobs passing. He was truly one of the most prolific artists and forward thinking people the world has ever known. My prayers and heart goes out to his family and those lucky enough to have known him." -- Mila Jovovich."Again and again Steve Jobs introduced us to a thing we could not have not imagined. (hash)loss." -- Mia Farrow."Where is the excitement gonna come from. We won't see another you in this lifetime. Thank you for everything Steve! :o(" -- Ricky Martin."As word passes thru the crowd of Steve Jobs' passing, it is not lost on anyone that his inventions helped make movements like this possible." -- Michael Moore."RIP Steve Jobs.....what an innovator. This world will miss him." -- LeAnn Rimes."100 million iphones don't lie. What an amazing man...HE is the apple of all of our i's. We have an i everything and its all so amazing." -- Billy Bush."Sad news. RIP Steve Jobs." -- Ralph Macchio."For all of the human qualities that inspired the virtual. (hash)ripstevejobs." -- Sandra Bernhard.* * * 'Insanely great' innovations Steve Jobs' revolutionary vision encompassed a wide swath of the show business landscape. Here's a chronology of the major milestones: 1976: Jobs and Steve Wozniak form Apple Computer in Cupertino, Calif. 1986: Jobs buys the Graphics Group from Lucasfilm for $10 million. Later renames it Pixar Animation Studios. 1995: Pix ar releases its first feature film, "Toy Story." Pixar's 12 pics have earned more than $6.3 billion. 1998: Apple rolls out the iMac. Its sleek form would become a template for later Apple gadgets. 2000: Jobs becomes CEO of Apple, splitting his time between the computer maker and Pixar. 2001: Apple launches the iPod, spurring a phenomenon in mobile entertainment. 2001: Apple launches iTunes, which revives music sales and provides a new platform for studios to distribute their TV shows, movies and later games. 2001: Pixar's RenderMan, used to create digital f/x for "Titanic," the "Star Wars" prequels, "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, becomes first software package to win an Oscar at 73rd Scientific and Technical Academy Awards. 2004: After negotiations with Michael Eisner fail, Jobs threatens to leave Disney once its distribution deal there expires. 2006: Disney buys Pixar for $7.4 billion, making Jobs the Mouse House's biggest single shareholder. 2006: Disney becomes first studio to sell TV shows and movies through iTunes. 2007: Apple launches the iPhone, a mobile phone version of the iPod. 2008: Apple launches the App store which now offers more than 500,000 apps, birthing blockbusters like "Angry Birds." 2010: Apple launches the iPad tablet, making mobile entertainment even more ubiquitous with its larger screen. Nearly 30 million have sold. 2011: Jobs resigns as CEO of Apple but remains chairman. Contact David S. Cohen at david.cohen@variety.com

'Dancing With the Stars': Third Contestant Eliminated

Adam Taylor/ABC Despite having the lowest judges' scores on Monday night's episode of Dancing With the Stars, Chaz Bono is safe once again. Instead, Kristin Cavallari and her professional partner Mark Ballas were eliminated from ABC's dancing competition Tuesday night. PHOTOS: 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 13: Rehearsals The duo went into the results show tied for third place with 24 points for their rumba. But apparently the viewer votes -- which are combined with judges' scores to determine who gets sent home -- weren't enough to keep her around for another week. PHOTOS: 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 13 Cast Official Photos Cavallari expressed surprise at the news, with some audience members even booing at the announcement. Also in the bottom three were Carson Kressley, who was declared "safe" first, and Hope Solo. On Monday, Bono's mother, Cher, tweeted that she would be in the audience next week if her son wasn't eliminated. "God hope Chaz hangs on till next week so I can come sit in the Audience & Watch," she wrote. TV REVIEW: 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 13 Premiere Cavallari follows on the heels of previously eliminated contestants Ron Artest(aka Metta World Peace) and Elisabetta Canalis. In addition to Kressley, Solo and Bono, the remaining contestants are Ricki Lake, J.R. Martinez, Chynna Phillips, Rob Kardashian, David Arquette and Nancy Grace. Gail Speight contributed to this report. RELATED: 'Dancing With the Stars' Contestant Rob Kardashian Didn't Know Who Fred Astaire Was 'Dancing With the Stars' Premiere: 5 Memorable Moments VIDEO: 'Dancing With the Stars'' Elisabetta Canalis 'Not Very Happy' to Get Voted Off ABC Chaz Bono David Arquette Elisabetta Canalis Kristin Cavallari Dancing with the Stars Dancing with the Stars the Results Show Nancy Grace

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Rio de Janeiro: Cinema with a reach

'Matraga -- The Hour and Turn''The Silver Cliff'The music fans who flocked to the Rock in Rio megaconcert may want to stick around for the 13th edition of Latin America's largest fest, the Rio de Janeiro Intl. Film Festival.Fest unspools a few days after the music event ends, Oct. 6-18, in new waterfront headquarters in the port area, which is being completely renovated for the 2016 Summer Olympics.The fest's highlight, once again, is its international component, as about 200 world film industry professionals are due to attend, and the massive participation of Rio residents.This year, the fest will further extend its reach in Rio. According to fest co-general director Ilda Santiago, the number of commercial circuit screens fully dedicated to the fest's programming will increase to 30 from 25 last year. The number of tents and outdoor screening venues, mostly in blue-collar neighborhoods, will range from 10 to 15, up from eight last year. She estimates that all together, screenings will bring in more than 250,000 admissions, including paid and free tickets."The tents and outdoor screenings in public squares and other venues are an attempt to reach the people who live far from the festival's core," Santiago says. "We mainly screen Brazilian films at these locations."For Cariocas, as Rio residents are known, the fest is the opportunity to watch about 400 pics, including some of the recent highlights of top international fests, such as Steven Soderbergh's "Contagion," Todd Solondz's "Dark Horse," Pedro Almodovar's "The Skin I Live In," Aki Kaurismaki's "Le Havre," Paolo Sorrentino's "This Must Be the Place" and Jeff Nichols' "Take Shelter."Gus Van Sant and Bruce Beresford will attend to present "Restless" and "Peace, Love & Misunderstanding," while actor Matthew Modine will present eight of his shorts. Thesp Willem Dafoe and producer Frank Marshall will also be in Rio.This year's focus country, Italy, is repped by 20 films, and a retrospective of horror pics of helmer Dario Argento.The fest will also feature a special screening of Israeli pics and retrospectives of helmers Bela Tarr from Hungary and Patricio Guzman of Chile.Premiere Brasil, the competition of local pics for the Redentor kudos, will feature a number of world premieres, such as Odilon Rocha's "Prime Time Soap," Beto Brant and Renato Ciasca's "I'd Receive the Worst News From Your Beautiful Lips," Tadeu Jungle's "Tomorrow Never Again," Petrus Cariry's "Mother and Daughter" and Vinicius Coimbra's "Matraga -- The Hour and Turn." It will also include the Brazilian premiere of Karim Ainouz's "The Silver Cliff," as well as Helvecio Marins Jr. and Clarissa Campolina's "Swirl," Julia Murat's "Jotuomba" and Eduardo Nunes' "Southwest.""Premiere Brasil is the big international window for Brazilian features, as the screenings gather our guests from the international film community," Santiago says.HIGHLIGHTSOct. 7: A day of panels focused on opportunities for co-productions and production service shingles around the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. With the world's attention on the Cup, the entertainment industry in Brazil is gearing up to not only do business with foreign production companies and producers, but also to showcase what local talent can do after the footballers and fans leave.Oct. 8: Day launches with a panel dissecting what's working at the booming local B.O. right now: comedies.Oct. 9: Filmmaker and TV presenter Marcelo Tas gives a keynote on creativity and opportunities in the digital era, followed by a panel on the reaching the TV audience with Tas, producer Luiz Vale and actor Andre de Biase.Oct. 10:Facebook exec Jon Fougner delivers a keynote on how business can find opportunities in social media. There's also a seminar on piracy and IP.Oct. 11: American Day features four panels that will tackle questions related to opportunities in Brazil and Latin America.Other seminars and talks during the festival center on business ops between Europe and Latin America, and a focus on Canadian co-production. VOD, location shooting, the digital revolution and the future of the Brazilian market are all on the table in various sessions, which sport international array of participants including Steve Golin (CEO, Anonymous Content), Julia Wrigley (Film Channel topper, Channel 4), Juan Gordon (Morena Films), Andreas Eicher (Cine Plus Filmproduktion), Adrian Wootton (CEO, Film London), Olivier-Rene Veillon (exec director, Ile de France Film Commission), Joseph Chianese (senior VP, Entertainment Partners) and Steve Solot (president, Rio Film Commission).RELATED LINKS: World Cup can boost local shingles Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

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