Ryan Gosling's 'Logan's Run' Remake Enlists New Film writer (Exclusive)

Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesRyan Gosling The lengthy-planned remake of Logan's Run gets a brand new film writer. Andrew Baldwin originates aboard to tackle the brand new Warner Bros. version from the classic sci-fi tale for director Nicolas Winding Refn, star Ryan Gosling and producers Joel Silver and Akiva Goldsman. PHOTOS: Ryan Gosling's Career in Pictures Logan's Run, occur a utopian, publish-apocolyptic society by which people should be offer dying once they achieve age 30 (21 within the 1967 novel by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Manley), would be a hit in 1976 starring Michael You are able to. The remake has been around development for over a decade with filmmakers as diverse as Bryan Singer (X-Males), James McTiegue (V for Vendetta) and Carl Erik Rinsch (the approaching 47 Ronin) all developing different assumes the fabric. Refn and Gosling, riding high in critical reaction to the atmospheric thriller Drive, came aboard the project captured. Alex Garland (4 weeks Later) shipped a script, and can Beall (Gangster Squad) authored cure but was not available to create the script. Baldwin lately setup the time Yakuza script The Outsider at Warner Bros. with Art and John Linson's Linson Entertainment creating. Before that, he authored Red-colored Asphalt for Wanted director Timur Bekmembatov at Lionsgate, after breaking to the scene together with his Black List script Free Airline is Dead. Baldwin is repped by CAA and Anonymous Content. Email: Borys.Package@thr.com, Matthew.Belloni@thr.com Ryan Gosling Logan's Run Drive Nicolas Winding Refn

Galleries fret over online crack in cable window

The majors happen to be worrying for any very long time about flat domestic box office and rapidly declining DVD sales, there is however a more recent section of large concern: the gold coin in the lucrative fundamental cable window. Elevated online exposure for film product -- via Netflix, iTunes, Vudu and also the proprietary site of premium cablers, for example Cinemax Go -- might lead to fundamental nets like Forex, TNT, Comedy Central yet others to scale back on purchases. And vast amounts of money is on the line.Time Warner corporate chief Jeffrey Bewkes states his conglom's TNT and The best spinner's would reduce purchases of some theatricals, though features would still remain a pressure. "The large movie packages, particularly really costly, giant movies, really are a little less strong since they're getting seen a lot of places," Bewkes told a Sept. 22 investor conference. He added that the organization will fine-tune the way it acquires films, focusing more about "certain evergreen game titles and genres which are basically within the sweet place."Even such mildly discouraging words have rarely been heard within the 2 decades that theatricals grew to become ever-growing cornerstones within the agendas of numerous fundamental systems. Bewkes' surveys are really important because his clients are both a buyer and seller of movies. For that congloms' studio arms, revenue from cable has lengthy been important to their financial aspects -- with premium subscription services and ad-supported fundamental channels both playing a significant role. Every film that's a part of a pay cable output deal creates a pile of money within the first premium window. Even though affiliate payouts might be reduced for any film's later, fundamental cable window, fundamental cable systems really save money overall dollars for film product compared to the premium nets, because you will find so much more fundamental channels because of so many more slots to program. Plus, fundamental cable airs the entire gamut of movies, varying from recent high-budget blockbusters completely to films which have finished their first-cycle telecasts -- so-known as library or catalog game titles -- which appear much less frequently on premium services. Based on SNL Kagan, fundamental cable channels within the U.S. will fork over a lot more than $2.8 billion certification theatricals this year, in comparison using the just-under $2 billion spent by premium pay channels for theatricals.Many of the movie investing is targeted inside a dozen fundamental channels for example Forex, Syfy, The best spinner's, Turner Classic Movies and Comedy Central. These heavy customers of movies are important to the financial aspects from the fundamental window. (Theatrical slots have even made an appearance on fundamental systems for example Animal Planet and also the Weather Funnel recently, but individuals devoted movie nights did not stick.) Addressing Bewkes' statement, Deana Myers, senior analyst at SNL Kagan Research, states, "If a person major purchasing fundamental cable network states it will not acquire as numerous films, that will have an effect. Prices can come lower for those who have less purchasers available on the market. It is dependent if other systems part of to purchase films."Based on one way of thinking, however theatricals will not suffer much reduction in fundamental cable, as their star energy make them simple to advertise and repeat. Within the multichannel cable dial, large stars and glossy production values prompt America's nomadic funnel viewers to pause. Better still -- and possibly flying when confronted with the thought of online viewing devaluing a movie -- familiarity features its own cache."Fundamental cable systems deliver reliable rankings by means of quality brand-centric content that individuals like to watch again and again," states Ken Werner, leader of Warner Bros. domestic television distribution. "It's like investing time by having an old friend."Even though it may be contended that theatricals progressively take a back chair because of original cable series gobbling up cycles and program budgets, first-run cable series remain an costly proposition, particularly if they flop. However, movies are often licensed after their theatrical premiere, when they're known amounts, with foreseeable prices associated with box office, and tend to be less expensive than original fare and supply high-quality fodder to fill cablers' huge 24-hour agendas.Jim Packer, Lionsgate leader of worldwide TV and digital distribution, adds another positive: "Films not just rate well, and definitely will provide each network having a marketing vehicle for his or her originals." Still, if online viewing negatively impacts rankings for any film on cable, the end result could hit fundamental cablers harder compared to premium shops, simply because of their different business models. The very best-grossing theatricals command comparable cost from premium pay shops like Cinemax and Starz because they do from fundamental, which nowadays is about $25 million per title. But fundamental cablers are partially ad-supported, -- instead of the ad-free, subscription premium systems -- meaning any decrease in rankings would result in a similar decrease in revenue.And fundamental cablers buy films in a different way the premium channels do. Premium nets lock in most the flicks of the major studio for multiple years in output deals, carrying out to many films sight unseen. But fundamental systems generally purchase only a few at any given time, making their deals only after films achieve the theatrical window as well as their box office is famous. Possibly some fundamental cablers may wish to consider online viewing trends for specific movies too. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Google Announces YouTubes New Original Channels Including Deadlines Parent Company

Deadline had to wait for the official announcement because of the NDA signed by our parent company PMC. We areone of the firstmajor channels that will be launching in late January. It will be called PMC Entertainment and is alone in the entertainment breaking news category. It will make useof content fromDeadline.com, HollywoodLife.com, TVLine.com, and Movieline.com.. Here’s the news: More great content creators coming to YouTube Wonderful things happen when cool technology meets great entertainment. Cable television expanded our viewing possibilities from just a handful of channels to hundreds, and brought us some of the most defining media experiences of the last few decades– think MTV, ESPN and CNN. Today, the web is bringing us entertainment from an even wider range of talented producers, and many of the defining channels of the next generation are being born, and watched, on YouTube. Today were announcing that even more talented creators and original entertainment will soon join YouTubes existing channel lineup, including channels created by well-known personalities and content producers from the TV, film, music, news, and sports fields, as well as some of the most innovative up-and-coming media companies in the world and some of YouTubes own existing partners. These channels will have something for everyone, whether youre a mom, a comedy fan, a sports nut, a music lover or a pop-culture maven. Our goal with this channels expansion, along with the grants and educational programs weve launched in the past year, is to bring an even broader range of entertainment to YouTube, giving you more reasons to keep coming back again and again. And for advertisers, these channels will represent a new way to engage and reach their global consumers. The first of these new original channels will appear on YouTube starting next month and continuing over the next year. Theyll be available to you on any internet-connected device, anywhere in the world, with all the interactivity and social features of YouTube built right in. For a sneak peak, check out the list of partners and channels below. We’ll have more information very soon. Robert Kyncl, Global Head of Content Partnerships, recently watched Halloween Light Show 2011. Partner, channel name Alchemy Networks, Alchemy Networks Alli Sports, Alli Sports Bedrocket Media Ventures, Official Comedy Bedrocket Media Ventures and Full Picture Productions, Look TV Bedrocket Media Ventures & Wasserman Media Group, Network A BermanBraun, theLOGE BermanBraun & Rodale Inc., Vigor BermanBraun & Rodale Inc., Taste Big Frame, BAM Black Box TV, Black Box TV (Anthony E. Zuiker, Tony E. Valenzuela, and Collective Digital Studio) Bleacher Report, Bleacher Report Brady Haran, DeepSkyVideos Brady Haran, numberphile CafeMom, CafeMom Studios Chopra Media/Generate, The Chopra Well Clevver Media, ClevverStyle Clevver Media, ClevverNews Clevver Media, ClevverTeVe Comedy Shaq Network, The Comedy Shaq Network Cooking Up a Story, Food Farmer Earth DanceOn, DanceOn DECA, KinCommunity Demand Media, eHow Home Demand Media, LIVESTRONG Demand Media, eHow Pets & Animals Digital Broadcasting Group (DBG), Spaces East of Center Productions LLC, YOMYOMF Electus, Pop Culture Channel (name TBD) Electus NuevOn, Latin Channel Electus, Food Channel (name TBD) Emil Rensing International, Auto Channel (name TBD) EQAL, u look haute! Everyday Health, Inc., Everyday Health TV EYEBOOGIE, POP SPOT FAWN by Michelle Phan Fine Brothers Productions, MyMusic Frederator Networks, Channel Frederator’s Cartoon Hangover FremantleMedia Channel, Pets & Animal (name TBD) Hearst Magazines, Fashion & Beauty Channel (name TBD) Hearst Magazines, Car and Driver Television Iconic, Life and Times IconicTV, 123UnoDosTres IconicTV, myISH IGN Entertainment / Shine Group, START Intelligent Television, Intelligent Channel Jon M. Chu, Dance Channel (name TBD) Katalyst, Thrash Lab Knights of Good Productions, Geek & Sundry (with Felicia Day) Lionsgate, Lionsgate Fitness Channel Machinima, Machinima Magical Elves and InStyle magazine, Little Black Dress Maker Studios, The Maker Music Network Maker Studios, The Moms’ View Maker Studios, Tutele Meredith Corporation and Meredith Video Studios, Digs ModernMom, ModernMom Channel Mondo Media, New Animators monotransistor, werevertumorro My Damn Channel, My Damn Channel: Live New Nation Networks, New Nation Networks Pharrell Williams, i am OTHER Philip Defranco, Sourcefed Pitchfork, Pitchfork TV PMC, PMC Entertainment News Radical Media, Education Channel (name TBD) Red Bull Media House North America, Red Bull Roadside Entertainment/BAC, The NOC SB Nation, SB Nation Seedwell, American Hipster Slate, Slate News Channel Smart Girls at the Party, Smart Girls at the Party Smosh/Alloy Digital, Smosh Animation Soccer United Marketing & Bedrocket, KickTV SoulPancake Productions, SoulPancake Source Interlink Media, Motor Trend Steve Spangler Science, The Spangler Effect TakePart, TakePart TV TED Conferences, TEDEducation The Bowery Presents, The Bowery Presents The Nerdist Channel, The Nerdist Channel The Onion, Onion Broadcasting Company The Wall Street Journal, The Wall Street Journal The Young Turks, Town Square Thomson Reuters, Reuters.com Tony Hawk’s production company, 900 Films, Inc., RIDE Channel Uncommon Content Partners, The Conversation Channel Uncommon Content Partners, Taste & Access Varsity Pictures, Awesomeness VICE, VICE VICE, Noisey Vlogbrothers, CrashCourse Vlogbrothers, SciShow Vuguru & POW! Entertainment, Stan Lee’s World of Heroes Walter Latham Digital, Walter Latham’s “Kings of Comedy” WWE, WWE Fan Nation Young Hollywood, Young Hollywood Network

'The Hobbit' to Premiere in Nz

SYDNEY --Peter Jackson's hometown of Wellington, Nz will host the earth première in the Hobbit: An Unforeseen Journey, in November. 2012, the director mentioned on location at Hobbiton, Friday.our editor recommends'The Hobbit' Films Get Game game titles and Release Dates'The Hobbit:' Jackson Releases Official Dwarves Photo Speaking following a five days of shooting within the set, Jackson told NZ media that Warner Bros.made a decision Wellington would host the premiere after being "amazed" with the world premiere in the Return in the King in 2003. "Nobody I don't think inside the worldwide industry could quite believe how a country got behind that moment," Jackson mentioned, "but everyone involved is extremely honestly keen to permit Nz hold the premiere in the first Hobbit movie." The initial of those two Hobbit movies is going to be released worldwide on 12 ,. 13, 2012, while using second, The Hobbit: There And Again searching for release in 12 ,., 2013. How big both of these films means shooting continues in well into 2012. 110 occasions of studio shooting are actually completed, with another 7 days of location shoots around Nz, adopted in 2012 by another five several days of studio shooting. Substantial breaks between people blocks are enabling key cast individuals to complete other projects and offers the expansion time to concentrate on publish-production and digital effects. Hobbiton at Matamata on New Zealand's North Island is the positioning of the hobbit village inside the Our god In The Rings films and may still operate just like a tourist park once the Hobbit crew depart. Related Subjects Worldwide Asia The Hobbit Jackson

Allen Gregory

'Allen Gregory'Produced by JHF, a J. Paul-A. Mogel-D. Goodman Bit of Business and Chernin Entertainment in colaboration with twentieth century Fox Television. Executive producers, David A. Goodman, Jonah Hill, Jarrad Paul, Andrew Mogel, Peter Chernin, Katherine Pope supervisory producer, Mark McJimsey co-producers, Michael Colton, John Aboud director, Bernard Derriman authors, Hill, Mogel, Paul animation executive producers, Joel Kuwahara, Scott Greenberg, McJimsey animation producer, Andi Raab editors, Roger Hinze, Mark Seymour music, Joshua Sitron casting, Julie Ashton-Barson. 30 MIN. Voice cast:Allen Gregory P Longpre - Jonah Hill Richard P Longpre - French Stewart Patrick Vanderweel - Cristina Pucelli Jeremy P Longpre - Nat Faxon Stewart Rossmyre - Will Forte Julie Neung - Pleasure OsmanskiUnlike lots of animated shows, "Allen Gregory" includes a logical reason behind using the medium: Creating a series around an insanely precocious and pretentious 7-year-old boy wouldn't simply be hard to cast, but simply think of the production limits that will impose. So co-creator Jonah Hill voices the title character -- a youngster with two gay fathers, an adopted Cambodian sister he deeply resents along with a preference for Pinot Grigio with lunch. Deeply absurd only fitfully funny, "Allen" will most likely be loved with a small group, although not especially loved by many people. Allen is introduced in a lavish party tossed by his father Richard (French Stewart), throughout which pop berates partner Jeremy (Nat Faxon) and concurrently remembers Allen because the world's youngest Tony champion. The bespectacled tyke, consequently, expresses gratitude "to everybody here whose dreams are fueled by my accomplishments." Ah, there is however trouble in paradise. So far home-trained by Jeremy, the apparently well-heeled Richard needs his much-maligned partner to reenter the labor force, for reasons he will not specify. This turn of occasions forces Allen to go to school, not to mention, the spoiled boy is definitely an awkward easily fit in his new surroundings -- telling the teacher he's fine together with her, provided she knows her authority does not exceed his. "Allen Gregory" is unquestionably strange, along with a little dangerous in the mixture of sexual quite happy with a young child protagonist within an animated format. Sure, "The Simpsons" will get away with murder, but it is still surprising to determine another-grader presented to be infatuated together with his sixtysomething teacher, and also the eager-to-please school board advocating her to indulge individuals dreams. (Don't look now, however your boycott campaign in the Parents Television Council is doubtless already within the mail.) Mostly, though, like many a prodigy, "Allen Gregory's" over-the-top figures don't promise to age perfectly. This is a shame, really, because the show includes a awesome look and really the possibility to become about something in working with the way a pretentious egghead attempts to easily fit in. As constituted, "Allen" offers audiences little foundation to latch onto, apart from the fleeting diversion of hearing Hill playing a young child who talks as an NPR morning host. Practically speaking, being sandwiched between two established series must provide this newcomer sampling. Furthermore, additionally to designers Hill, Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel, the show has "Family Man's" David A. Goodman to supervise its ongoing education and counts former News Corp. chief operating officer Peter Chernin among its brain trust. Still, if "Allen Gregory's" pilot is definitely an accurate preview of what's in the future, this gifted tot's graduation from primetime might come earlier than some of his many fathers would welcome. Contact John Lowry at john.lowry@variety.com

90210 Alum Dina Meyer Returns for the Local zip code

Dina Meyer Beverly Slopes, 90210 alum Dina Meyer is returning to her old stomping grounds. Meyer, who referred to Lucinda Nicholson round the original series, may have a completely new character round the 90210 reboot, TVGuide.com has confirmed. The 42-year-old actress may have your brain agent at Liam's modeling agency who requires a desire to have him. She's large dreams for Liam (Matt Lanter), even if they don't match their very own. TVLine.com first reported what is the news. See the relaxation of current day news Since her occasions of bedding Brandon Walsh, Meyer has starred in Starship Military and Saw. Her TV credits include Castle, Puppy puppy nip/Tuck as well as the Mentalist.

Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1 Sneak Peek

Another year, another shameless plug for Twilight fan traffic. Below is a sneak peek behind the scenes of the Edward-Bella wedding in Summit Entertainment’sThe Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part I which releases November 18th.There’s endless promotion of the 2nd-to-last movie in this ridiculously lucrative vampires and werewolves franchise, including a concert tour and stars meet-and-greet. The soundtrack will be released on November 8th with the new single “It Will Rain” by Grammy Award-winning Bruno Mars. I personally am curious to see how badly director Bill Condon effed up this Part 1 filmed back-to-back with Part 2: the buzz is that this film is chaotic at best: Meanwhile,Summitis kicking off a nationwide Red Carpet event and concert tour for the movie. Fans can see stars including Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone, and Ashley Greene, as well as attendperformances ofseveral bands featured in the latest film.The soundtrack includes Christina Perri, Aqualung, Lucy Schwartz, and Sleeping at Last. The eventschedule is: November 7, 2011: Atlanta, GA – The Buckhead Theatre. Cast Attending: Ashley Greene, Nikki Reed, Peter Facinelli and Jackson Rathbone Performance By: Christina Perri November 8, 2011: Chicago, IL – House of Blues Cast Attending: Ashley Greene, Nikki Reed, Peter Facinelli, Jackson Rathbone, Kellan Lutz and Elizabeth Reaser Performance By: Christina Perri November 9, 2011: Dallas, TX – The Palladium Ballroom at Gilley’s Dallas Cast Attending: Ashley Greene, Nikki Reed, Peter Facinelli and Jackson Rathbone Performance By: Christina Perri November 10, 2011: San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore Cast Attending: Ashley Greene, Nikki Reed, Peter Facinelli and Jackson Rathbone Performances By: Aqualung, Lucy Schwartz and Sleeping atLast November 11, 2011: Salt Lake City, UT – The Rail Event Center Cast Attending: Ashley Greene, Nikki Reed, Peter Facinelli and Jackson Rathbone Performances By: Aqualung, Lucy Schwartz and Sleeping at Last

Disney Junior taps Mandy Moore for series

Mandy Moore will voice charge character in Disney Junior animated series "Oki's Oasis," which has gone into production getting a 2013 premiere specific. "Oki's" will join the Disney Junior selection yearly following a programming block spins taken off Disney Funnel being its own separate cable funnel, altering SoapNet. Moore ("Twisted") may have the kitty who's the sheriff in the most friendly town within the civilized world. Each episode will feature two 11-minute tales and a pair of original tunes. " 'Oki's Oasis' uses the legend in the Old West to impart social capabilities and practicing youthful kids about like a good friend and neighbor, reinforcing what parents are actually teaching their kids in your house about forgiveness, honesty and talking about," Disney Junior Worldwide senior veep of original programming and g.m. Nancy Kanter mentioned. Professional producer Denis Morella created "Oki's" with co-professional producer George Evelyn. Carol Huckins aided develop the show which is professional creating. Wildbrain Entertainment is creating. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Ben Stiller Brings Back Zoolander, Faces Off in V-Neck Battle on Saturday Night Live

Ben Stiller, Bill Hader Ben Stiller hosted Saturday Night Live for the second time, but the return appearance of the writer-actor (and brief SNL featured player) was overshadowed by the return of one of his most famous characters - model Derek Zoolander. In a perfect match, Zoolander appeared alongside "Weekend Update" correspondent Stefon (Bill Hader) to promote his upcoming Halloween party in the middle of the Hudson River. He was dumb as ever ("am I on the news?"), but instead of "blue steel," Zoolander showed up off his "cold coffee" look and instead of The Derek Zoolander Foundation For Kids Who Can't Read Good and Want To Learn To Do Other Stuff Good Too, all proceeds from his Halloween party will benefit The Derek Zoolander Foundation for Fat Kids Who Are Fat But Not in a Cute Way Like That Fat Kid on Modern Family: Watch more videos from Saturday Night Live Exuding a Zoolander-esque confidence, Stiller also played a man engaged in a V-neck battle that went a little (read: a lot) too deep: It was no Tom Cruise, but Stiller did his best Bruce Springsteen impersonation for a fake commercial selling The Boss' best stories between songs (for instance, "that time we all got bandanas"). He nailed Springsteen's trademark grunts and found a suitable Lil Stevie in Fred Armisen: Sadly, Stiller's set included no surprise appearance from former SNL cast member, Stiller's Tower Heist co-star Eddie Murphy. But at least we know his Zoolander impression is up-to-snuff for that upcoming sequel. What was your favorite sketch of the night?

ROLL CALL: Hollywood Joins Occupy Wall Street Protests

First Published: October 7, 2011 1:53 PM EDT Credit: Getty Premium LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Penn Badgley attends Coach Mens Summer Party On The High Line at The High Line in NY City on June 28, 2011Your Daily Dispatch of Celebrity Shenanigans Celebrity Sit-In: NYs Occupy Wall Street protests got a little more star power this week with the appearance of a Gossip guy. Penn Badgley was spotted multiple times in Lower Manhattan this week joining the movement against corporate greed, The Huffington Post reported. The actor was seen with a sign, saying, Bring Back The Glass Stengell Act!! No To Corporate Greed! Penn wasnt the only star to take a stand in the protests. The Avengers star Mark Ruffalo, director Michael Moore and former couple Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins (who showed up on different days) were a few of the other celebs who have also been seen protesting. Check out Penn in action, HERE! New Couple Alert!: Looks like vampires like the taste of spiders! The Twilight Sagas Ashley Greene is reportedly dating Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark star Reeve Carney. Ashley has always had a crush on Reeve and he finally was into it, a source told Us Weekly. According to another source, the actress who was previously linked to Joe Jonas has been after the high-flying Broadway star for some time. Ashley has been pining after Reeve for a long time. Shes super close with Reeves family and loves spending time with Paris, his sister, when theyre both in L.A. Here Comes The Bridal Consultant: We cant think of anyone better to deal with bridezillas than Kelly Ripa! The Live! with Regis and Kelly co-host plays bridal consultant on tonights premiere of TLCs Say Yes to the Dress. Check out a preview of Kelly who thinks the Kleinfeld Bridal gig was possibly the hardest job on the planet HERE! Kim Does Cher: Just days after Cher had some choice words for the Kardashian clan on Twitter, Kim stepped out on Thursday channeling her best 70s Cher look. So, who does Cher better Kim or Cher herself? See the look HERE! -By Jesse Spero Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

David Cronenbergs The Fly follow-up has the capacity to go

David Cronenberg has written a follow-up for the Fly which is waiting for Fox to find out whether they wish to ensure it is.Pressed about whispers from the Fly remake inside a recent Dangerous Method junket, Cronenberg mentioned."The Fly is not exactly a remake, it's type of a follow-up, kinda."Yeah, that was an issue. I've written a script of the, and I am unsure in the event that will truly happen, but that has associated with Fox."We're unsure so what can stop Fox trying to greenlight a follow-up for the Fly written and possibly directed by Cronenberg. Possibly they're really installed on Chris Walas' The Fly II.Or even they were so traumatised with the bit while using dog because film that any script marked 'The Fly II' goes into the bin.Either in situation, it is really an exciting prospect. We presently live in a worldwide where Ridley Scott is installed on a prequel to Alien together with a follow-up to Edge Runner, and David Cronenberg is searching in a Fly 2 script.That's pretty strange if you contemplate it.

Paul Feig Exits Bridget Johnson 3 Universal Searching For Brit Director For The month of january Start

EXCLUSIVE: Universal Pictures and dealing Title Films will require a brand new director for Bridget Johnson 3, and that i hear they need a Brit. Paul Feig has withdrawn after developing the newest draft from the script using the intention to direct. I’m told that each side agreed it didn’t exercise which maybe case a essential British comedy that requires an english sensibility. They'll set a director soon because they are still slated to begin production in The month of january, with Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant all wanting to return. Feig has enough to help keep him busy at Universal, where he just directed the sleeper hit Bridesmaids. He’s got two projects there including an untitled comedy he’s conntacting direct for producer Judd Apatow, with the expectation that Jon Hamm will have a man enthusiastic about a lady who’ll be performed by Melissa McCarthy. That certainly puts a lot of the Bridesmaids team together, and it'll need to do before studio understands a method to get going on the Bridesmaids follow up after the first made $286 million worldwide on the $32 million budget. Hamm was lately cited stating that Kristen Wiig, who starred in and co-authored the initial, wasn’t prone to return. I’ve been hearing exactly the same factor for some time, however the studio is hopeful that everything has transformed for how long she was initially requested, once the film only agreed to be being a phenomenon also it was all a little overwhelming. She’s now doing her final season of Saturday Evening Live, also it wouldn’t function as the worst factor on the planet to begin the following stage of her career using the second installment of the franchise that individuals really need to see. Wiig authored the script with Annie Mumolo, and to date they haven’t even develop a follow up idea. Obviously, Universal practical knowledge ongoing hit movies once the original stars don’t return: That happened using the Fast And Also The Furious when Vin Diesel rejected to come back for that second film. The franchise did fine anyway, and that he’s back now. When the studio could possibly get back Wiig and also the cast which includes McCarthy (who's showing herself a proficient physical comic actress most lately with last weekend’s insanely funny SNL hosting stint), the follow up makes an excessive amount of sense to not take place in some form.

New era, new rules

Targeted marketing has helped Fox promote catalog franchises including 'X-Men: First Class.' For audiences the many way to view movies -- via game consoles, smartphones, Internet, television -- is a boon but for marketers, it's been a few years of rewriting the rules of engagement."We've actually seen growth in this downturn economy on VOD and EST, hitting new levels on VOD and EST," says Aubrey Freeborn, senior VP of marketing and product management for worldwide VOD and electronic sell-through at 20th Century Fox. Freeborn is a panelist at Variety's Film Marketing Summit, addressing the topic Marketing Across Windows: Theatrical, VOD, Home Entertainment.Freeborn says one advance that has affected the industry for the better is day-and-date availability; it has helped VOD growth because of the new releases and the content is fresher.She adds another reason for the upswing is new improvements in navigation -- it is easier to discover and search for content and it is also easier to see what is new and available.However, Fox is not waiting around to see what the next new invention may be, they, like other Hollywood majors, are being proactive in searching out new ways to market."We have worked closely with the cable companies and other studios to create an industrywide marketing effort under the 'Movies on Demand' brand that has quickly become the most comprehensive and successful campaign to date for VOD. We've only scratched the surface on the growth opportunities," Freeborn says.Fox has also made other improvements in looking to get the attention of consumers in the digital download arena, by adding behind-the-scenes material and other special content that consumers came to expect on a DVD onto digital files."We can work together with our theatrical colleagues to promote theatrical releases with special content, while at the same time promoting the catalog, such as 'X-Men: First Class' and the 'X-Men' franchise," Freeborn says.Through targeted marketing, Fox has found out a few surprising (and helpful) things as well."VOD used to be very male and teen -- it's broadened and now the primary consumer is age 35-44 for women in the traditional VOD outlets. Another interesting thing is that the demos from the platforms vary, based on whether it's Xbox, Comcast, etc. Our marketing approach is targeted as much as possible based on the demo of the platform," says Freeborn.FILM MARKETING SUMMIT 2011:New era, new rules | The hard sell | Levy's job is a dream that works Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com