Michael Ian Black Comes Clean About His House Predators Addiction

Fox's rain-postponed coverage from the Daytona 500 drove lower amounts for many shows Monday evening, but NBC still offers quite a bit to sing about.Despite drops both in viewership and also the grown ups 18-to-49 demo, The Voice (14.8 million audiences, 5.4) was the very best show from the evening, while Smash ended its two-week skid by rising to six.9 million along with a 2.4 (up 6 and 4 %). Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com 2 . 5 MenThe BachelorHow I Met Your MotherGossip GirlCastleDaytona 500Hawaii Five-0Mike & MollyThe VoiceSmashHart of Dixie2 Broke Women

Can Battleship Strengthen Rihanna's Image, Publish-Chris Brown?

A completely new batch of Battleship stills show singer-switched-actress Beyonce in Navy gear manning various combat machinery since the resident weapons specialist in Taylor Kitsch's crew. But tend to her feature debut in Peter Berg's summer season blockbuster combat the critique she's getting from returning, no less than properly, with Chris Brown? The stills (below, via Universal and Digital Spy) hit the internet inside a conspicuous time for Beyonce, who was simply assaulted last season in those days-boyfriend Brown. Carrying out a three-year split, throughout which period Brown was sentenced to domestic violence counseling and community service and bought to step away from Beyonce by constraint order, the two labored with on some tunes released now. According to producer The-Dream, who oversaw the "Birthday Cake" remix featuring Brown, the move was Rihanna's idea. "The actual factor is actually to forgive," he referred to to Billboard Magazine. "And ... you must have confidence in people." Some celebrity-audiences proceed and take reunion as not just a specialist expression of forgiveness. "This content couldn't are actually clearer all over the world,In . produces Hollywood Life's Bonnie Bigger. "We're a couple of again and that we say it inside the most effective way that we believe how -- through our music." That seems like a bit of the stretch, but no matter the connection, many fans who supported Beyonce as she came back in the general public fallout in the 2009 incident are naturally upset the 24-year-old would unite on any front along with her former attacker. Enter Battleship. At least a year following a assault, Beyonce was cast as Petty Officer Raikes in Universal's naval actioner. She'd been looking to destroy into film already, telling MTV in 2008 they was searching "seriously" into making her acting debut. Battleship, then, provided a good chance as Raikes, Beyonce reaches play a effective, serious-minded character involved directly to use it sequences whom she's known to as "one of the males" -- rather than the film's eye chocolate, as embodied in Brooklyn Decker as Kitsch's love interest. That character quality alone may have been a good enough reason to destroy in to a side career in acting with Battleship, it allows Beyonce to project an image of strength and resilience to her fans. Within the helm from the gunboat or transporting assault rifles, she's observed in times of control and dominance, the would-be executor of violence (against aliens, in this particular situation) as opposed to a victim. Clearly, that isn't saying Battleship will erase the feel of Beyonce, battered and bruised, out of your collective recollections. It certainly shouldn't, whatsoever. Which is under a pointed personal statement that, say, a G.I. Jane or possibly a Brave One-styled vigilante pic might be it's a subtle move that at the same time assists in easing first-time actor Beyonce to the movies in the supporting role with elevated seasoned stars around to accomplish the heavy-lifting. Conspicuous since it is that new Beyonce-holding-guns images were released to the world round the same time period as her Chris Brown collaborations (joining a few more that have been formerly released by Universal), it shows an effort to guard her image within the backlash that any Brown-related association invites. But Battleship has not been seen, and Beyonce, that has not directly addressed the Brown collaborations, may but nonetheless restore or further alienate her following inside the days later on.

AFTRA ratifies internet code

People from the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have ratiified a 3-year successor agreement towards the union's network code master contract.Deal covers work outdoors primetime series for that four major television broadcast systems (ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox) along with other producers. Of individuals voting, 96 percent endorsed the offer.AFTRA introduced the ratification Wednesday evening. Union stated it had accomplished its primary objective within this settlement: singlePercent rise in employer contributions towards the AFTRA Health & Retirement Funds upon ratification, that will bring the entire H&R contribution rate to 16.5%.The 3-year agreement will run retroactively from November. 16, 2011, through November. 15, 2014.Deal mirrors increases in recent discussions for master contracts through the Screen Stars Guild, the Company directors Guild of America and also the Authors Guild of America.AFTRA stated other highlights include: Elevated wages by 6% within the term from the agreement (2% every year) for many groups Increase minimum hazard purchase ballroom dancers from $80 to $100 daily, and from $100 to $125 per program The $37.50 overtime rate for performers is going to be compensated beginning in the seventh rather than the ninth hour Boost the minimum workday for stand-inches who focus on primetime variety and award shows, which will raise the minimum daily rate by 20% to 67%Discussions started on November. 7.AFTRA and SAG people are now being requested to OK a merger with ballots heading out in a few days.Present programs included in this contract include: "Hello America," "The Vista,Inch "The Cost Is Appropriate,Inch "The Youthful and also the Restless," "Saturday Evening Live," "Risk," "Dwts,Inch "Late Show with David Letterman," "The Voice," "Amazing Race," "Deal or No Deal," "The Tonight Show" and "The American Idol Show.Inch Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

'Werewolves' prowls Germany, Japan

Japan's Shochiku and Germany's Senator have developed all Japanese and German privileges correspondingly to Juan Martinez Moreno's "Lobos p arga" (Bet on Werewolves), created by Spain's Telespan 2000 and Vaca Films.Vertice Sales started discussions in the American Film Market, where Spain's Vertice 360 began sales.The Senator deal was completed in the European Film Market, stated Vertice Sales controlling director Gonzalo Sagardia.A genre spoof starring Spain's Gorka Otxoa and Carlos Areces, "Werewolves" activates a aspirant author who returns towards the remote The spanish language village where he was created looking for inspiration. The village, however, suffers an unusual curse."Werewolves" world-preemed at October's Sitges Festival."This is an adventure and fantasy picture with shocks, but focusing on family audiences," Sagardia described."Werewolves" has additionally been licensed to Indonesia and Malaysia via Visicom and also the Middle East's Gulf Films."Werewolves" can also be close to closing the U.S. and East Europe having a prominent pay TV outlet. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Auditions for Toronto Debut of 'Honeymoon in Vegas' Musical Announced

The new Broadway-bound musical "Honeymoon in Vegas" will debut in Toronto as part of Mirvish Productions' 2012-13 season, and auditions for the world premiere production have just been announced.Tony Danza ("Taxi," "Who's the Boss?") will star as a Vegas wiseguy in the show, which is based on the 1992 movie of the same name starring Nicolas Cage, Sarah Jessica Parker, and James Caan. The musical tells the story of a reluctant groom whose bride-to-be is courted by Tommy (Danza). T.R. Knight and Mary Faber played the lead couple, opposite Danza, in a backer's audition last fall in NY City.The Toronto production is expected to open in November and close in late January, before the musical moves to Broadway in the spring of 2013. The musical features music and lyrics by Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown ("Parade") and a book by Andrew Bergman, who wrote and directed the film. Danza has appeared on Broadway in the Mel Brooks' musical "The Producers" and in the 1997 production of "A View from the Bridge."Casting directors Jim Carnahan and Stephen Kopel will hold Equity principal auditions on Thursday, February 23 and Friday, February 24 in NY City. For more information and audition details, view the full casting notice on BackStage.com. (Subscription required.)Carnahan's recent Broadway casting credits include "The Mountaintop," "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," "Jerusalem," and "Anything Goes."

Worthy successors

WeinerSwansonFrot-CoutazGaitanMatthew WeinerCreator, "Mad Males"I used to be a senior in secondary school when (Brandon Tartikoff) situated "Saturday Evening Live," which i recall thinking, "Who's this executive?" I loved how funny and self-deprecating he was. It was not until I obtained into television that we recognized he was responsible for everything I loved to check out. You really got the feeling someone reaches charge nobody preferred to entertain people and help creative people pull that off. In addition to, incidentally, the particular Tartikoff moment just maturing in the authors room, and hearing every executive compared to him -- and sometimes not within an positive way -- I recognized he'd be a different sort of person.I have a look at his legacy, which i realize that he's like the guy who runs Baskin Robbins. "Let's produce a new flavor this month. You'll find a variety of people and so they like a variety of frozen goodies.Inch I don't think anybody else thinks by doing this.Dennis SwansonPresident of station methods, FoxI will be a gm in Chicago, then when I used to be hunting for a alternative for your a.m. show there, I saw an audition for that famous host the famous host oprah Winfrey. I'm thinking to myself around the Fun over Labor Day weekend in 1983, "Oh my gosh goodness, I am unable to be this lucky. This lady is regarded as the unique, dynamic and greatest I've come across.In . The key personally wound up being to obtain her under contract.I understood how good she was because I used to be present watching the audition, however still needed to be approved. And there's a considerable divide in Chicago in those days racially. You understood that there has been risks, however it would be a calculated risk. You think to yourself, "They offers quite a bit ability, it's worthwhile.InchFernando GaitanVP of production and content, Colombia's RCN TV and creator, "Ugly Betty"I have always being associated with complex projects. I told the story in the Colombian coffee trade in telenovela format, as well as the protagonist was an impotent guy who fell deeply deeply in love with an espresso collector lady who accustomed to maneuver the country, and basically came out through the harvest, and who had the key factor to his sexuality.But where I certainly risked things are at "Years of age soy Betty la fea" ("Ugly Betty"). I desired to see the story of beauty using the eyes from the ugly lady, but to make it happen, it absolutely was necessary to break the initial amendment from the "telenovela" which states: The protagonist from the "telenovela" ought to be beautiful, unquestionably beautiful, and really should be beloved by males additionally to, especially, by women.From that moment on, I understood at thinking throughout my very own tales. In case your story makes its way, it traps you, it allures you from the paper itself, whether or not this produces the interior strength inside the visitors, whether or not this produces the inevitable appetite up for the finish, you need to wager about it.Cecile Frot-CoutazCEO, FremantleMedia North AmericaVery immediately after I turned up in La and started working in the market, I started hearing references to (Tartikoff's) title since the defacto standard in many creative matters. He loved what he did, had fun carrying it out and needed people round the ride along with him, from his staff within the network, the producers he engaged as well as the talent.His legacy stands just like a indication that nothing great is accomplished if you do not try taking some large changes. Be it while using recasting of "The The American Idol Show Show,Inch the evolution of "America's Got Talent," the relaunching of "Family Feud," the ongoing acquisition of "The Price is appropriateInch or perhaps the launch of "X Factor," I have to believe that I have taken a web page or two from his rulebook, taken some risks in route and tried to address the inevitable demands to compromise.NATPE 2012Congloms chase large footprint Syndie concerns grow as daytime yakkers compare Distribs, stations guard firstrun syndie shows from web Worthy successors What's going to market Comedies hit syndie paydirt -- for the moment Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

New image from Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

A new production still has emerged from Tim Burton's next project Dark Shadows, with Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer looking more than a little macabre.The film tells the story of an ancient vampire (Depp) who attempts to reconnect with his descendants after spending the previous 200 years in a tomb. Michelle Pfeiffer plays one of said relatives, and from the looks of the image above, the family reunion is running less than smoothly.And according to Burton, the prevailing theme of the film is one of weirdness. "It's got such a strange vibe," said the director to MTV. "And it's not something that a lot of people necessarily know. You're trying to do a weird soap opera... Some of the cast knew about it. Some didn't, but they were all game for it - getting into the weird spirit of what Dark Shadows was." "It has a weird sense of heightened melodrama... It was hard to put into words the tone it was. It had a weird seriousness, but it was funny in a way that wasn't really funny. We just had to feel our way through it to find the tone."So we can say it's weird then. Meanwhile, Burton is also toying with the idea of returning to another Gothic classic in the form of another Beetlejuice film."I love that character," enthuses Burton, "and Michael [Keaton] is so great in it. I always think about how great and fun that character was, so I just said to Seth [Grahame-Smith], 'If you have some idea about it, go for it, and then I'll look at it freshly.' In the past, I tried some things, but that was way back when. He seemed really excited about it."Dark Shadows opens in the UK on 11 May 2012.

Universal Art galleries To Bring Back Classics

Jaws and E.T. in centenary celebrationsWith Universal Art galleries praising a sizable old centenary this year - it's a century old on April 30 - the studio has delved into its illustrious library and trapped a clutch of classics to bring back and re-release. You'll find 13 arranged, like the Wild wild birds, Schindler's List, All Quiet Round The Western Front, Jaws and Dracula. Universal may also be praising with numerous special events, a totally new logo design design (the static version isbelow the animated version will accompany the release in the Lorax in March) together with an organized extravaganza of theme park miracle. Am i alone in wanting this involves the park's animatronic Jurassic Park T-Rex putting on a celebration hat and approaching some balloon animals?This list of films to obtain the restoration treatment includes anti-war classic All Quiet round the Western Front, Hitchcock's The Wild wild birds, Abbot and Costello's Buck Privates, 1931's Dracula with Bela Lugosi, the The the spanish language language language version of the release, Frankenstein, Jaws, From Africa, Doris Day starrer Pillow Talk, Bride of Frankenstein as well as the Sting. Plenty there to acquire your teeth into.Gregor Peck's Oscar-winning undergo Kill A Mockingbird can get the party started this month, while using film developing Blu-ray before its 50th anniversary.Look out, too, for E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. The legendary space animal is thirty years old this year which is getting his personal Blu-ray re-release, additionally to, hopefully, an enormous bag of Reese's Pieces.

Acad authors get wrong 'J. Edgar' script

Warner Bros. has informed people in the authors branch in the Academy of motion Picture Arts & Sciences it's sent the wrong version in the "J. Edgar" script by Dustin Lance Black. In the missive sent Friday, the studio mentioned it had improperly sent the continuity draft -- not put together by Black -- for the 163 individuals who had requested the shooting script. It apologized and attached Black's shooting script. "Which in this particular continuity draft wasn't put together by Mr. Black and was meant just like a reference tool for publish-production only," this content mentioned. "Please discard it." The authors branch comprises 8Percent in the Academy's voting individuals with 376 from 5,783. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

'Farewell My Queen' Starring Diane Kruger to start Berlin Festival

Perfume, Germany "Farewell My Full," some time drama from director Benoit Jacquot ("The Untouchable") starring Diane Kruger as Marie Antoinette, will open the 62nd Berlin Worldwide Film Festival on Feb. 9. The film, an adaptation of Chantal Thomas' prize-winning novel of the title, is occur the very first occasions of french revolution as people begin to revolt in the court of King Louis the XVI. The film co-stars Jum Seydoux ("Evening amount of time in Paris") and Virginie Ledoyen ("Military of Crime").In the rarity with an opening evening film, "Farewell My Full" may even run competing for Berlin's Gold and silver Bears. The Hollywood Reporter