The The American Idol Show Show Taps Tommy Hilfiger as Image Consultant

Jeffrey Ross Comedy Central has bought a completely new series calledThe Burn, starring comedian Jeffrey Ross, the network introduced Wednesday.You almost certainly know Ross since the callous leader of Comedy Central's infamous celebrity roasts, nevertheless the so-referred to as Roastmaster General keeps growing his scope. Inside the weekly show, that's set to premiere this summer season, Ross will need on (and many most likely annihilate) the week's hot subjects and current occasions using fellow comics. See the relaxation of current day news"Thanks Comedy Central," Ross mentioned in the statement. "My mission is apparent. To tear the earth a completely new a--hole one crack at any time. I am unable to wait to acquire started."The network also introduced the pick-from two other original series: Review with Forrest MacNeil, a starring Eastbound & Down's Andrew Daly, and Nathan To Suit Your Needs, starring author-comedian, Nathan Fielder. Both half-hour comedies are slated to premiere in 2013.

Carrie-Anne Moss Joins Ralph Lamb Pilot

EXCLUSIVE: CBS’ untitled Ralph Lamb drama pilot continues to assemble an all-star cast. The Matrix star Carrie-Anne Moss is set as the female lead opposite Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis in the project written by Goodfellas writer Nicholas Pileggi and Greg Walker and directed by James Mangold. Set in the 1960s, the drama chronicles the true story of Ralph Lamb (Quaid) rodeo cowboy turned longtime Sheriff of Las Vegas – and Johnny Savino (Chiklis), a Chicago mob fixer whose entrepreneurial vision for transforming Las Vegas collides with the law-and-order mandate of Sheriff Lamb. Moss will play A.D.A. Katherine O’Connell, the daughter of a local rancher who grew up a neighbor to the Lambs and is now cutting her teeth in the D.A.’s office. Pileggi, Mangold, Walker, Cathy Konrad and Arthur Sarkissian are executive producing the CBS TV Studios-produced pilot, with Quaid and Chiklis co-executive producing. Moss, who recently recurred on the final season of NBC’s Chuck, will next be seen in the features Knife Fight and Silent Hill: Revelation 3D. She is with WME, Hodgson Management and attorney Robert Lange.

Cinedigm And New Video Take Privileges To Sundance Champion The Invisible War

(La, CA, March 5, 2012) Cinedigm Entertainment Group, a division of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. (NASDAQ: CIDM) and entertainment distributor New Video have collectively acquired United States distribution privileges towards the Invisible War, champion from the 2012 Sundance Film Festivals U.S. Documentary Audience Award. Theatrical distribution rollout will commence this summer time and continue through the fall. The Invisible War marks the very first acquisition underneath the lately introduced partnership between Cinedigm and New Video to get and distribute independent films theatrically in The United States and across on-demand and digital platforms and DVD/Blu-ray. An psychologically effective investigative documentary, The Invisible War discloses the profound personal and social effects from the rape epidemic within the U.S. military. Directed by Oscar and Emmy Award-nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick (This Film Is Not Ranked, Twist of Belief) and created by Emmy Award-nominated Amy Ziering (Outrage, Derrida), The Invisible War is really a groundbreaking documentary that explores alarming details about Americas shameful secret: today, a lady soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan is more prone to be raped with a fellow soldier than wiped out by enemy fire. The amount of assaults within the last decade alone is thought to stay in the 100s of 1000's (based on the Fiscal Year 2010 Annual Set of Sexual Assault within the Military released through the Department of Defense).

INgrooves acquires Fontana Distribution

In a move signaling the continuing shift from physical to digital sales in the music biz, San Francisco-based digital distributor INgrooves has acquired Universal Music Group's indie distribution arm Fontana Distribution. Terms of the deal, which had been widely rumored within the industry in recent weeks, were not disclosed. San Francisco-based INgrooves has handled digital distribution of Fontana's product since 2008, employing its proprietary ONE Digital software platform. UMG holds a minority equity stake in INgrooves. The new entity, dubbed INgrooves Fontana, will move to a new facility in Los Angeles. It will be headed by INgrooves prexy Dave Zierler and Fontana prexy Ron Spaulding, and will continue to employ Fontana's sales force. Combined staff numbers around 120. INgrooves CEO Robb McDaniels said in a statement, "Through this acquisition, we are now able to offer the independent music communitya fully integrated physical and digital distribution marketing solution in North America." McDaniels added, "By combining INgrooves and Fontana, we will be able to extend this philosophy into a comprehensive distribution operation that provides our collective client base with a larger sales force, more marketing resources and a one-stop global retail network that maximizes opportunities in this dynamic, challenging environment." The combined INgrooves Fontana roster of distributed labels includes Nettwerk, Vagrant, Fat Possum, Dangerbird, Six Degrees, VP, Dualtone, ESL, Rap-A-Lot and Downtown. In November, rapper Mac Miller's Rostrum Records album "Blue Slide Park," which was handled jointly by INgrooves and Fontana, debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. chart. While the majors enthusiastically embraced distribution of third-party indie labels during the '90s and '00s, the melding of Fontana, which was founded by UMG in 2004, with its digital distributor indicates ongoing adjustment in the industry as online sales grow and the brick-and-mortar retail base for CD sales continues to shrink. The other major label groups have increasingly stepped back from indie distribution in recent years. Warner Music Group folded its two indie distributors, Alternative Distribution Alliance and Ryko Distribution, into one entity largely employing WEA's sales force, while EMI Music's Caroline Distribution was absorbed by the firm's main distribution arm. Sony Music Entertainment continues to operate an indie division, RED Distribution. INgrooves' acquisition of Fontana also trims a significant asset from UMG's holdings. The company's $1.9 billion bid for EMI's label assets is currently being weighed by U.S. and European regulators, and it is widely believed that large divestitures would be required if the deal is to be consummated. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Back Stage 2012 Garland Award Winners

Back Stage 2012 Garland Award Winners March 1, 2012 Photo by Craig Schwartz "Bring It On: The Musical" In 1998, Back Stage for the first time honored Southern Californias best theater actors, directors, writers, and designers. Fourteen years later, the Los Angelesarea theater scene is the nations most prolificand Back Stage continues its tradition of singling out the best of the best. Among the 15th annual Garland Award winners are artists who are well-known to theatergoers across the country and others who have just begun to make their mark on Southland stages. Back Stage is proud to present the full list of Garland recipients here and to introduce our readers to one winner who epitomizes everything thats great about the world of 99-Seat theater in L.A.: actor-playwright John Pollono, whose play Small Engine Repair has earned three Garlands.This years recipients were chosen by our devoted L.A. theater criticsJeff Favre, Hoyt Hilsman, Travis Michael Holder, Amy Lyons, Eric Marchese, Dink ONeal, David C. Nichols, Neal Weaver, and Jennie Webb. The selection process was overseen by Les Spindle, Back Stage Editorial Associate, L.A. Theater.Back Stage congratulates the winners and looks forward to continuing the tradition of celebrating all the important work that takes place night after night in one of the worlds greatest theater towns.PRODUCTIONThe Cripple of Inishmaan," Center Theatre Group and Druid and Atlantic Theater Company at the Kirk Douglas TheatreGod of Carnage," Center Theatre Group, Robert Fox, David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, Stuart Thompson, Scott Rudin, Jon B. Platt, the Weinstein Company, and the Shubert Organization at the Ahmanson TheatreJerry Springer: The Opera," The Chance TheaterSmall Engine Repair," Rogue Machine at Theatre/TheaterPLAYWRITING (world premiere or Southern California premiere)Tom Jacobson, "House of the Rising Son," Ensemble Studio TheatreLos Angeles at the Atwater Village Theatre John Pollono, "Small Engine Repair," Rogue Machine at Theatre/TheaterADAPTATIONJeff Whitty, "Bring It On: The Musical," Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreMUSICAL SCORE (world premiere or Southern California premiere)Amanda Green (lyrics),Tom Kitt (music), and Lin-Manuel Miranda (music and lyrics), Bring It On: The Musical," Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreStewart Lee (lyrics) and Richard Thomas(music and lyrics), Jerry Springer: The Opera," The Chance TheaterDavid Lindsay-Abaire (lyrics) and Jeannine Tesori (music), Shrek the Musical," DreamWorks Theatricals, Neal Street Productions, and Broadway/LA at the Pantages Theatre DIRECTIONTrevor Biship, Jerry Springer: The Opera," The Chance TheaterSean Branney, The Crucible," Theatre Banshee at The BansheeGates McFadden, House of Gold," Ensemble Studio TheatreLos Angeles at the Atwater Village Theatre Michael Michetti, House of the Rising Son," Ensemble Studio TheatreLos Angeles at the Atwater Village Theatre Matthew Warchus, God of Carnage," Center Theatre Group, Robert Fox, David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, Stuart Thompson, Scott Rudin, Jon B. Platt, the Weinstein Company, and the Shubert Organization at the Ahmanson TheatrePERFORMANCE IN A PLAYPatrick J. Adams, 9 Circles," Alicia Adams and Jessica Hanna, Bootleg TheatreSam Anderson, Blackbird," Rogue Machine at Theatre/TheaterGigi Bermingham, Hermetically Sealed," Katselas Theatre Company at the Skylight TheatreSandy Martin, A House Not Meant to Stand," Fountain TheatreJacqueline Wright, House of Gold," Ensemble Studio TheatreLos Angeles at the Atwater Village Theatre PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICALLesli Margherita, Kiss Me, Kate," Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud PlayhouseSahr Ngaujah, Fela! Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreLisa OHare, Cabaret," Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud PlayhouseRyann Redmond, Bring It On: The Musical," Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreENSEMBLEGod of Carnage," Cast: Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini, and Marcia Gay Harden; Center Theatre Group, Robert Fox, David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, Stuart Thompson, Scott Rudin, Jon B. Platt, the Weinstein Company, and the Shubert Organization at the Ahmanson TheatreSmall Engine Repair," Cast: Jon Bernthal, Josh Helman, John Pollono, and Michael Redfield; Rogue Machine at Theatre/Theater SOLO PERFORMANCECharlayne Woodard, The Night Watcher," Center Theatre Group at the Kirk Douglas TheatreCHOREOGRAPHYMolly Alvarez, A Christmas Westside Story," Troubadour Theater Company at the Falcon TheatreAndy Blankenbuehler, Bring It On: The Musical," Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreMarcia Milgrom Dodge, Cabaret," Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud PlayhouseBill T. Jones, Fela! Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreMUSICAL DIRECTIONChristy Crowl, Cabaret," Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud PlayhouseEric Heinly, A Christmas Westside Story," Troubadour Theater Company at the Falcon TheatreDavid O, The Cradle Will Rock," Blank Theatre Company at the Stella Adler TheatreDave Pepin, Bring It On: The Musical," Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreMike Wilkins, Jerry Springer: The Opera," The Chance TheaterSCENIC DESIGNBrian Sidney Bembridge, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity," Geffen PlayhouseMichael Ganio, A Raisin in the Sun," Ebony Repertory Theatre at the Nate Holden Performing Arts CenterJim McLaughlin, A House Not Meant to Stand," Fountain TheatreLIGHTING DESIGNPaule Constable, Les Misrables," Cameron Mackintosh and Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson Theatre Jared A. Sayeg, Cabaret," Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud PlayhouseCOSTUME DESIGNKate Bergh, Cabaret," Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud PlayhouseSOUND DESIGNMikhail Fiksel, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity," Geffen PlayhouseCasey Long, Jerry Springer: The Opera," The Chance Theater Back Stage 2012 Garland Award Winners March 1, 2012 "Bring It On: The Musical" PHOTO CREDIT Craig Schwartz In 1998, Back Stage for the first time honored Southern Californias best theater actors, directors, writers, and designers. Fourteen years later, the Los Angelesarea theater scene is the nations most prolificand Back Stage continues its tradition of singling out the best of the best. Among the 15th annual Garland Award winners are artists who are well-known to theatergoers across the country and others who have just begun to make their mark on Southland stages. Back Stage is proud to present the full list of Garland recipients here and to introduce our readers to one winner who epitomizes everything thats great about the world of 99-Seat theater in L.A.: actor-playwright John Pollono, whose play Small Engine Repair has earned three Garlands.This years recipients were chosen by our devoted L.A. theater criticsJeff Favre, Hoyt Hilsman, Travis Michael Holder, Amy Lyons, Eric Marchese, Dink ONeal, David C. Nichols, Neal Weaver, and Jennie Webb. The selection process was overseen by Les Spindle, Back Stage Editorial Associate, L.A. Theater.Back Stage congratulates the winners and looks forward to continuing the tradition of celebrating all the important work that takes place night after night in one of the worlds greatest theater towns.PRODUCTIONThe Cripple of Inishmaan," Center Theatre Group and Druid and Atlantic Theater Company at the Kirk Douglas TheatreGod of Carnage," Center Theatre Group, Robert Fox, David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, Stuart Thompson, Scott Rudin, Jon B. Platt, the Weinstein Company, and the Shubert Organization at the Ahmanson TheatreJerry Springer: The Opera," The Chance TheaterSmall Engine Repair," Rogue Machine at Theatre/TheaterPLAYWRITING (world premiere or Southern California premiere)Tom Jacobson, "House of the Rising Son," Ensemble Studio TheatreLos Angeles at the Atwater Village Theatre John Pollono, "Small Engine Repair," Rogue Machine at Theatre/TheaterADAPTATIONJeff Whitty, "Bring It On: The Musical," Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreMUSICAL SCORE (world premiere or Southern California premiere)Amanda Green (lyrics),Tom Kitt (music), and Lin-Manuel Miranda (music and lyrics), Bring It On: The Musical," Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreStewart Lee (lyrics) and Richard Thomas(music and lyrics), Jerry Springer: The Opera," The Chance TheaterDavid Lindsay-Abaire (lyrics) and Jeannine Tesori (music), Shrek the Musical," DreamWorks Theatricals, Neal Street Productions, and Broadway/LA at the Pantages Theatre DIRECTIONTrevor Biship, Jerry Springer: The Opera," The Chance TheaterSean Branney, The Crucible," Theatre Banshee at The BansheeGates McFadden, House of Gold," Ensemble Studio TheatreLos Angeles at the Atwater Village Theatre Michael Michetti, House of the Rising Son," Ensemble Studio TheatreLos Angeles at the Atwater Village Theatre Matthew Warchus, God of Carnage," Center Theatre Group, Robert Fox, David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, Stuart Thompson, Scott Rudin, Jon B. Platt, the Weinstein Company, and the Shubert Organization at the Ahmanson TheatrePERFORMANCE IN A PLAYPatrick J. Adams, 9 Circles," Alicia Adams and Jessica Hanna, Bootleg TheatreSam Anderson, Blackbird," Rogue Machine at Theatre/TheaterGigi Bermingham, Hermetically Sealed," Katselas Theatre Company at the Skylight TheatreSandy Martin, A House Not Meant to Stand," Fountain TheatreJacqueline Wright, House of Gold," Ensemble Studio TheatreLos Angeles at the Atwater Village Theatre PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICALLesli Margherita, Kiss Me, Kate," Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud PlayhouseSahr Ngaujah, Fela! Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreLisa OHare, Cabaret," Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud PlayhouseRyann Redmond, Bring It On: The Musical," Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreENSEMBLEGod of Carnage," Cast: Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini, and Marcia Gay Harden; Center Theatre Group, Robert Fox, David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, Stuart Thompson, Scott Rudin, Jon B. Platt, the Weinstein Company, and the Shubert Organization at the Ahmanson TheatreSmall Engine Repair," Cast: Jon Bernthal, Josh Helman, John Pollono, and Michael Redfield; Rogue Machine at Theatre/Theater SOLO PERFORMANCECharlayne Woodard, The Night Watcher," Center Theatre Group at the Kirk Douglas TheatreCHOREOGRAPHYMolly Alvarez, A Christmas Westside Story," Troubadour Theater Company at the Falcon TheatreAndy Blankenbuehler, Bring It On: The Musical," Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreMarcia Milgrom Dodge, Cabaret," Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud PlayhouseBill T. Jones, Fela! Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreMUSICAL DIRECTIONChristy Crowl, Cabaret," Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud PlayhouseEric Heinly, A Christmas Westside Story," Troubadour Theater Company at the Falcon TheatreDavid O, The Cradle Will Rock," Blank Theatre Company at the Stella Adler TheatreDave Pepin, Bring It On: The Musical," Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson TheatreMike Wilkins, Jerry Springer: The Opera," The Chance TheaterSCENIC DESIGNBrian Sidney Bembridge, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity," Geffen PlayhouseMichael Ganio, A Raisin in the Sun," Ebony Repertory Theatre at the Nate Holden Performing Arts CenterJim McLaughlin, A House Not Meant to Stand," Fountain TheatreLIGHTING DESIGNPaule Constable, Les Misrables," Cameron Mackintosh and Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson Theatre Jared A. Sayeg, Cabaret," Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud PlayhouseCOSTUME DESIGNKate Bergh, Cabaret," Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud PlayhouseSOUND DESIGNMikhail Fiksel, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity," Geffen PlayhouseCasey Long, Jerry Springer: The Opera," The Chance Theater

Pilot Season: Justified's Margo Martindale Lands Roles in Two Different Pilots

Leonard Nimoy, Jim Parsons Trekkers, set your DVRs for late March. Leonard Nimoy, who originated the role of eminently logical Vulcan Spock in the Star Trek franchise, will guest-star in the March 29 episode of CBS' The Big Bang Theory, TVLine reports. Big Bang Theory scoop: Raj's future bride? As a proper self-respecting geek, Sheldon (Jim Parsons) worships Nimoy for playing the science officer, but he won't be meeting the actor in the flesh. Instead, Spock will speak to Sheldon in a dream sequence. Nimoy has been limiting his onscreen appearances lately except for a cameo on J.J. Abrams' big-screen Star Trek reboot and playing William Bell on Fox's Fringe.

VIDEO: Hollywood Casting Directors are 'obSETHed' in Web Series

Seth Coltan knows how to lose friends and alienate people. At least, he lost agents and alienated casting directors in his first few years auditioning in Los Angeles, when he thought being pushy, dishonest, and offensive were the best ways to get noticed.The actor says he eventually realized he "was doing everything wrong" as an intern for casting directors Nan Dutton and Scott David. He quickly learned about proper audition etiquette, the value of professionalism, and the importance of the relationships between casting directors, actors, and agents."Casting directors and actors really are on the same team," Coltan says. "Casting directors are rooting for the actors."Now more experienced and self-aware, Coltan can find humor in the often awkward and uncomfortable situations he got himself into as a young actor. He has turned his horrible audition mistakes into funny sketches for "obSETHed," a web series he created. He even recruited casting directors like Mark Teschner, Michael Donovan, Geralyn Flood, Krisha Bullock, Nancy Nayor, and more to guest star as themselves."I knew nothing about the industry when I first arrived in L.A.," Coltan says, "but every morning I would jump out of bedor the blow-up pool raft on the floor I was sleeping onso excited for the day. To me, the possibilities were endless. I could be discovered anywhere at any time. I really believed my dreams were about to come true. As far away from reality as I was back in those days, they were the best times of my life."Watch some episodes of "obSETHed" below, with commentary from the casting directors.Mark Teschner, CSA in "Generally Hospitable": Teschner is the casting director for ABC's "General Hospital," for which he has won multiple Emmy and Artios Awards. He says that he participated in this video because it was "hard to say no" to such a creative and unique idea. "It was an example of an actor creating an opportunity, and I really respect that," he says.Teschner adds that it was not a challenge to play himself on camera: "I mean, who better? Talk about type casting! As for the scene itself, I was better prepared than Seth. I basically carried him on my back. Please tell him I said so."Geralyn Flood, CSA in "Flood Gates": "I am not very comfortable being in front of the camera," admits Flood, the casting director for Nickelodeon's "Big Time Rush" and the Disney Channel series "Good Luck Charlie." "But I realized it would be an excellent and relatively safe way to learn what it's like to be on the other side of the camera, and so I said yes, with great fear."It was an incredible challenge for me and I have even more respect for actors and what they do," she adds. "It's not just being honest and real in the moment. There were all these technical aspects that actors do that they make look effortless that I had to figure out. I had to remember where I put my hand take after take, and make sure I matched it in each take, while still trying to be spontaneous and present. My shoot was only an hour or two, but I was exhausted by the end. And I was being me!"Krisha Bullock, CSA in "Heart & Soul": "I think the most important thing all actors can learn is to have humor and not take themselves too seriously," Bullock says. "Love what you do, have fun, and laugh a lot."Bullock has been the casting director for many Nickelodeon television series, including "iCarly," "Victorious," "Drake & Josh," and "All That." Have any of her real-life audition experiences matched the scenarios in "obSETHed"? "I once had a young actor vomit at a network callback, all over the conference room floor," she recalls. "He came back in the room 20 minutes later and booked the part."Tamara-Lee Notcutt, CSA in "Olde English": "I initially wanted to be an actor," Notcutt says, "until I realized that I was a control freak and didn't like the fact that I had zero control over whether or not I booked the job. In my career now, I get to have a little fun acting with actors in the room and seeing what they can do, with none of the pressure on me."Notcutt began her casting career as an assistant in London, and has since been part of the team at Randi Hiller Casting in Los Angeles as both a casting associate and casting director. She says the acting lessons in "obSETHed" are very simple: "Don't do what Seth does."Coltan plans to shoot more videos for the series, and also hopes to develop a TV series around the character. Watch more 'obSETHed' episodes online at obsethed.net.

N.Y. Philharmonic rides 'Carousel'

BaldwinGilbertA manufacture of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1945 musical "Slide carousel" is probably the choices on tap included in the 2012-13 season in the NY Philharmonic.The mainly music-centric selection in the Philharmonic includes an interdisciplinary staging of ballet "Petrushka" in the creative team behind the Philharmonic's 2010 buzz-magnet version of opera "Le Grand Macabre." Alec Baldwin, meanwhile, is placed to come back because the host from the company's regular radio broadcast, "The NY Philharmonic Now.InchThe "Slide carousel" production, set to air on national TV included in the skein "Live From Lincoln subsequently Center," reunites helmer James Brennan and conductor Take advantage of Fisher, the duo also behind the Philharmonic's 2007 staging of "My Fair Lady" toplined by Kelsey Grammer and Kelli O'Hara. No cast has yet been introduced for "Slide carousel," which will get a fast run in the Philharmonic February. 27-March 2, 2013.The brand new version of Stravinsky's "Petrushka" originates from director and designer Doug Fitch and troupe Titans are Small, inside a staging that includes animation, video forecasts, puppetry and dance. Show, paired on the double-bill having a performance of Stravinsky's "The Fairy's Hug," runs June 27-29, 2013.Brought by music director Alan Gilbert, the Philharmonic begins its 2012-13 season in September with a number of concerts featuring work by Stravinsky, Kurtag and Mozart. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Science greenlights 'Oddities' spinoff

Science is moving towards the West Coast using its "Oddities" franchise. The Invention cabler has greenlit spinoff "Oddities: Bay Area,Inch in which the action will center at eccentric-goods store Loved to Dying. Shop hosts 1000's of obscure products, and also the skein will concentrate on both wares in the shops and also the clients who are available in and study. Skein is created by Brent Montgomery's Leftfield Pictures. Original "Oddities" is a hit for that internet within the 25-54 demo, and last week's two telecasts came a combined series-record 743,000 audiences. New back-to-back episodes air at 9 p.m. Saturdays. " 'Oddities' opened up Science to some huge subculture of audiences who desire the odd and unusual," stated Science topper Darlene Adler Myer. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

D. Thomas Burns dies at 86

D. Thomas Burns, who, in the capacity as leader from the CBS Television Stations Division within the seventies assisted launch "The Muppet Show," died of cardiac arrest on Thursday, February. 9, in Cohasset, Mass. He was 86. Throughout the seventies, local stations searched for syndicated programming to fill the access hour beginning at 7 p.m. since the Primetime Access Rule limited network programming to 3 hrs from 7-11 p.m. Burns saw potential in Jim Henson's puppet variety show and introduced the idea to CBS chairman William Paley. CBS backed "The Muppet Show," that was offered in distribution, running from 1976-81. Burns began in broadcasting being an assistant research director at ABC Tv and radio and held positions at CBS, Harrington Righter & Parsons and ABC in the past from the television industry. After becoming gm of WLS-TV in Chicago from 1963-66, Burns rejoined CBS in 1967 as Vice president of broadcasting for that NY Yankees once the network possessed they. In 1968, he was named Vice president and assistant towards the leader, CBS Broadcast Group. Burns grew to become the leader from the CBS Television Stations Division in 1970. He was Vice president of technical assets in the CBS Broadcast Group from 1977-79 and Vice president of recent endeavors from 1979-85. David Thomas Burns was created in Chicago. Throughout World war 2, he offered like a navigator bombardier within the U.S. Military Air Forces like a second lieutenant. Burns receiving his undergraduate degree from Loyola U. in Chicago in 1950 and did publish-graduate work on the U. of Chicago. He received a Physician of Humane Letters in Communications from St. John's U. in 1974. He offered around the board of company directors of organizations such as the Worldwide Radio & Television Society, the Advertising Council and also the Television Bureau. Younger crowd offered around the board of advisors to St. John's U. Communications School. Burns is made it by his wife, Miriam three sons and 2 kids and numerous grandchildren. A funeral mass is going to be celebrated on Thursday, February. 16 at 11 a.m. in St. Anthony Chapel, Cohasset, Mass. To have an online guestbook, visit Mcnamara-sparrell.com Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Tracy Lilienfield and Shaun Meshel Form New Casting Office

Casting company directors Tracy Lilienfield and Shaun Meshel have created a new partnership, Back Stage has confirmed.Both Lilienfield and Meshel are longtime TV casting company directors with multiple credits for their names.A number of Lilienfield's newer credits range from the CBS comedies "$#*! My Father States" and "The Brand New Adventures of Old Christine" and The best spinner's comedy "My Boys." She also cast NBC's lengthy-running sitcom "Will & Sophistication."Meshel, formerly joined with Robin Lippin, cast the CW dramas "Existence Unpredicted," which went for 2 seasons, and "The Gorgeous Existence," which went for 2 episodes. He's also cast several telefilms.Meshel and Lilienfield are presently casting the CW drama pilot "Dakota." By Pete Keeley Feb 10, 2012 "My Boys" PHOTO CREDIT The best spinner's Casting company directors Tracy Lilienfield and Shaun Meshel have created a brand new partnership, Back Stage has confirmed.Both Lilienfield and Meshel are longtime TV casting company directors with multiple credits for their names.A number of Lilienfield's newer credits range from the CBS comedies "$#*! My Father States" and "The Brand New Adventures of Old Christine" and The best spinner's comedy "My Boys." She also cast NBC's lengthy-running sitcom "Will & Sophistication."Meshel, formerly joined with Robin Lippin, cast the CW dramas "Existence Unpredicted," which went for 2 seasons, and "The Gorgeous Existence," which went for 2 episodes. He's also cast several telefilms.Meshel and Lilienfield are presently casting the CW drama pilot "Dakota."

Courteney Cox: I have Not Had Sex Since Splitting From David Arquette

Courteney Cox It's been nearly 18 several days since Courteney Cox and David Arquette split, nevertheless the Cougar Town star states she's still not ready so far yet - and he or she hasn't had sex with anybody since her separation."I'm not really ready," Cox mentioned Wednesday round the Howard Stern Show. "I'm not ready. I'm not to imply I'm not ready to experience a make-out session, I'm not ready to - I am unsure. I'm not lounging. ... I haven't stood a guy since David."Courteney Cox on separation from David Arquette: "This is not like we're getting divorced"Cox, 47, states she's "built with one guy" since her October 2010 split from Arquette and contains "sexual feelings," but she doesn't act inside it with another guy. "There [are] ways to handle that," she mentioned.The prior couple, that are parents to 7-year-old daughter Coco, have ongoing to become friendly - so friendly that Arquette has advised her to move on. (The actor is presently dating Christina McLarty, Joe Francis' ex-wife.) "He even states in my opinion, 'Courteney, you are prepared to get available,'" Cox mentioned. "He's at ease with whoever that could be with."That even includes her Cougar Town co-star Josh Hopkins. The Two are actually rumored to become product inside the this past year, but Cox states that they're just excellent pals. "Well, I'm deeply deeply in love with him ... It's real existence or around the program?Inch she joked. "I'm deeply deeply in love with him, as well as on this program I'm deeply deeply in love with him - no. In solid existence we've traveled together. We travel perfectly together." David Arquette to guest-star on Cougar Town finaleShe added: "We made a decision, once we ever were rising to now, which we won't ... I buy too personal, and so i am just prone to hang on a minute.InchWhen Cox has the capacity to are more than pals getting a man, she hopes to satisfy her show's title."I used to be married to someone for a number of, a very long time, somebody who was seven years youthful than me," she mentioned. "It's my job to considered myself lucky to be capable of pull in the youthful guy. I still like youthful males."

The Gray Tracks Lower US Box Office Win

One Your Money Can Buy in secondAmerica can unwind. Its lengthy national nightmare period by which Liam Neeson unsuccessful to punch anybody or anything has ended for the time being. Yes, The Gray, which finds Neeson and several other oil rig employees making it through an aura crach in harsh Alaskan backwoods simply to face lower a pack of hungry, search-happy baby wolves, stalked to the top US box office a few days ago, generating $20 million.Last week's champion, Underworld: Awakening, still held strong, seeing off other new rivals to consider second place and $12.5 million. Katherine Heigl's latest, Jesse Evanovich adaptation One Your Money Can Buy, needed to be quite happy with third despite a powerful Friday showing, making $11.7 million. George Lucas' Red-colored Tails was 4th with $10.4 million and new arrival Guy On The Ledge would be a little less than everybody had wished, using the thriller starting in fifth with $8.3 million.Stephen Daldry's 9/11-affected drama Very Noisy & Incredibly Close leaped a few places, likely assisted if you take a Best Picture Oscar nomination, and gained $7.a million. That place it in front of fellow Best Picture nom The Descendants, which required $6.5 million after adding 1,441 movie theaters and jumping in the charts from 16. At eighth we discover Contraband that also made $6.5 million, while Beauty And Also The Beast's three dimensional re-release was ninth with $5.3 million. Rounding the top ten isHaywire, which made $4 million.Hitting baby wolves and run within the snowy charts, mind to Box Office Mojo.

Sucherman Speaking to develops in L.A.

Stuart Sucherman's speaking to and executive search firm has extended its La office and hired Angela Novel reader, a skilled professional and former senior V . p . for Talent Purchases at Fox Entertainment Group. ''This is certainly a remarkably interesting a while and also the planet is changing in an exceedingly rapid pace,'' Sucherman told Variety. ''The question for you is, do you have the very best folks the very best job?'' since the media biz evolves more difficult every day and corporations are constantly seek advice and professionals that are creative and digitally savvy. Sucherman Speaking to, just a little eclectic shop with decades-extended associations with leading media and entertainment companies, also mentioned chief operating officer Erik Sorenson, who grew to become part of this season, has become an equity partner. Novel reader started late a year ago situated in La with Matthew Wagner, who heads free air travel Coast operation additionally to SGC Industry Intelligence, a completely new business offshoot ''to bring thorough industry analyses towards the clients using private, highly-placed contacts within the media and entertainment landscape,'' the business mentioned. It is now offering five employees in La and 15 in NY. Clients include divisions of NBC Universal, Wally Disney and Viacom, America online as well as the NY Mets. It's placed professionals at ABC, AandE, CNN, CNBC, Comedy Central, Endemol, Food Network, Fuse, Fox, Game Show Network, MTV, NBC, Nickelodeon, Showtime, Sundance, Telemundo, Tennis Funnel, VH1, the NY Mets as well as the NY Jets. Sucherman will be a friend of broadcast legend Fred Friendly, and contains labored for your Columbia School of Journalisml, WNET/ 13 NY, CBS News to ensure that being an attorney for your FCC. Sorenson leader of MSNBC from 1998 to 2004, was professional producer of ''CBS This Morning'' and ''The CBS Evening News with Serta Rather.'' He's won greater than 20 Emmys together with a Peabody. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Netflix, Dogwoof ink Blighty deal

LONDON -- Specialty distrib Dogwoof is the latest company to partner with Netflix in Blighty. The deal will see a raft of the distrib's docus, such as "Bobby Fischer Against the World," "Gasland," "Page One: Inside the NY Times," "Burma VJ," "Mugabe and the White African" and "The Age of Stupid," become available on the VOD service in the territory. Dogwoof founder Andy Whittaker and Netflix's chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, negotiated the deal. "Dogwoof and Netflix is a great fit," said Whittaker. "Two companies looking to the future and changing the game for film and audiences. It's great to see Netflix come to the U.K. and shake up the landscape." Netflix recently inked a deal with FremantleMedia Enterprises, which will bring 115 hours of content, such as shows like "Men Behaving Badly" and "The Naked Civil Servant" to the service. Netflix already has secured a raft of deals with content providers, including exclusive deals with distribs Lionsgate U.K. and Alliance Pictures' Brit arm Momentum Pictures. The service, which competes with Amazon-owned Lovefilm in the U.K., officially launched in Blighty on Jan. 9. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

VIDEO: The Big Bang Theory's Simon Helberg Guest Stars on Kick Buttowski

Suburban Daredevil Has Kick Buttowski finally met his match - in a number of young children? In this particular week's episode in the Disney XD cartoon Kick Buttowski - Suburban Daredevil, the courageous adrenaline junkie assumes the apparently simple assignment to become a bodyguard for classmate Ronaldo (voiced with the Large Bang Theory's Simon Helberg). When Ronaldo really wants to select a whirl round the playground ride known to as "the Wiggler," Kick must face off against a pack of precocious youthful children who will not share.All this because Kick remains named Ronaldo's understudy inside the school output of Romeo and Juliet. And Kick does indeed not wish to be drafted into service, so he has run out of his method to make sure Ronaldo might take happens - even if what this means is involved with a rugrat rumble.The episode, "Energy Play," airs Saturday at 11am/10c on Disney XD. Look at this exclusive clip: Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

The Bachelor Episode Recap: Week 3

The ladies reach San Francisco Bay Area where Ben meets tabs on his sister Julia to see her in regards to a couple of from the girls that have separated itself. He mentions, Lindzi, Courtney - with whom he thinks his sis would hit it well - Kacie B. which Jennifer may be the finest kisser up to now. Apparently, he and also the sister are close.Chris Harrison reaches the resort to see the women you will notice a business date together with a 2 on-on-one dates. "When you're getting time with Ben, take full advantage of it," he urges. The initial card visits Emily and so they trigger to climb atop the Bay Bridge. Emily is afraid, consequently, simply because they prepare to ascend 535 foot. It starts off easy, but since the climb can get steeper, Emily begins to worry. To calm her fears, Ben decides really the only factor they can do is hug her. They finally ensure it is. (There's not a way Ben wouldn't leave her with a rose next, right?)The Two have a very romantic dinner and discuss Ben's Bachelorette experience. Emily shares her abysmal dating encounters for instance her foray into online dating that brought to some collection-tabs on her older brother. Their date also hits a significantly much deeper level when Ben grabs the rose and notifies Emily that his father loved his mother as they thought she was smarter than he was. He adds, "In my opinion you're probably smarter than me which i usually make an effort to meet my father's anticipation as well as the guy he was." The Two hug and drink some champagne as fireworks appear without anyone's understanding.The time is right for your group date, which fits to Blakeley, Jaclyn, Kacie B, Erika, Samantha, Jamie, Monica, Rachel, Nicki, Elyse and Casey S, they're going skiing. In San Francisco Bay Area? In summer season? The Bachelor helps it be happen. The ladies positioned on their utmost bikinis and skis and mind lower the hill. A lot of the women are missing inside the skiing department - so with numerous butts in mid-air, Ben is experiencing his day.Ben, wearing his best vest, steals Rachel away through the evening part of the date. They bond over being laid-back and he or she takes Harrison's advice by yanking him looking for a hug. Kacie B. grabs him next to make sure that they could possess a while to reunite. They walk submit hands as Kacie notifies him how hard it's to find out him while using other women.Within the hotel, Brittney can get the next date, but she's under thrilled she states her heart's not within it and decides she's going home. Kudos for Brit to tell the truth. She finds Ben on his date and enables him know. He notifies another women after which it hands the rose to Rachel.Lindzi can get the choice one-on-one date and so they walk and trolly across the city, eating some frozen goodies and going out. They result in City Hall where the lights turn on and Matt Nathanson starts playing. They dance, hug after which it visit dinner. Ben immediately asks her why she's single. Lindzi talks about being crazily for one another and achieving separate with utilizing a text that sounds too wild actually was. But alas, she's handled to maneuver on and eager for love as well as the two produce a toast to poking fun at themselves. Not surprising here, Lindzi can get the rose and so they finish the date after a little piano-playing.The very next day, Harrison will receive a telephone call in the "mysterious" lady who feels they features a mention of the Ben and desires to determine where it'll lead. Shawntel, from Brad's season, wants her chance with Ben before he probably will get engaged. She meets Chris within the hotel and visits get gussied up before returning take her best shot. Within the rose ceremony, meanwhile, Courtney is developing a stir and problem the ladies round her. Clearly, Ben does not have clue and she's on her behalf account best behavior before her.Shawntel arrives and walks right past the women, that are very confused, and finds a shocked Ben. The women are searching them lower simply because they awkwardly chat and Shawntel notifies him that simply because they have spoke a few occasions, she must determine whether some factor will there be. She demands a rose and offers him time to contemplate it. Shawntel then describes her situation for the in addition to they aren't setting it up. Most think she's full of it as well as the relaxation just rip on her behalf account. Courtney states it is not what she registered for, consider when are twists not a component of the Bachelor? "We don't reuse Brad's Rubbish trash." Jaclyn adds.Chris procedures in and announces it is time for your rose ceremony. Ben states he's more comfortable with his decision before giving the roses to Courtney (who hesitates and calls out Shawntel), Kacie B, Elyse, Jamie, Jennifer, Kasey S, Blakeley, Monica, Nicki, Samantha and ... Ben visits say a few words, but Erika passes out. She eventually can get better and Ben hands out his final rose to nobody. So Shawntel, Erika and Jaclyn 're going home.Whoever else consider this week's episode? Did Shawntel ought to be shot lower? show less

Brooke Mueller Wont Have Court Appearance Shot

First Released: The month of january 7, 2012 5:46 PM EST Credit: Getty Premium ASPEN, Colo. -- Caption Brooke Mueller attends the On The Run Beauty Event in the Gavert Atelier on May 9, 2009 in Beverly Hillsides, California.Lawyers for Charlie Sheens ex-wife have won to keep a high profile-news website from airing her appearance inside a Colorado court docket on drug and assault charges. The Aspen Occasions reviews that the Pitkin County judge has refused a request from TMZ to air the Jan. 23 proceeding for Brooke Mueller. District Judge Gail Nichols stated the live court docket feed would unnecessarily detract in the solemnity, decorum and dignity from the court. TMZ petitioned a legal court recently to gain access to Muellers first court appearance, where she's to response to a criminal offence control of having cocaine with intent to distribute along with a misdemeanor assault offense. Aspen police arrested the 34-year-old on 12 ,. 3 following a lady reported being attacked in a nightclub. Sheen and Mueller divorced this past year. Copyright 2012 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

First picture of Jemaine Clement that face men In Black III

A completely new on-set image remains launched inside the Nz Herald, giving us our start searching at Jemaine Clement that face men In Black 3, and boy does he look hairy!Sporting an enormous grey beard, some Aviator shades together with a black bandana, Clement looks every inch the badass biker. The fact he's searching in a large motorbike helps for the reason that too...Clement may have Yaz, the villain in the piece who attempts to kill Agent K (Tommy Lee Manley) formerly, compelling Agent J (Will Cruz) to start a period of time-travelling save mission.According to Clement, his character is, "creepy but charming." He ongoing to explain that, "I am an alien with prosthetics which i look hideous. But it's funny, there are many action."Exactly how he evaluates to Vincent D'Onofrio's grotesque parasite remains to look, but no less than the Flight In The Conchords star will most likely bring some laughs to proceedings. Males In Black III opens inside the Uk on 25 May 2012.

Yahoo taps Thompson as Boss

Yahoo has named Scott Thompson, prexy of eBay's PayPal division, becasue it is new Boss, the fourth one inch under five years for your fighting Company online. Yahoo, which introduced its choice Wednesday, remains without any permanent Boss since early September. It fired Carol Bartz after losing persistence along with her attempts to alter the organization throughout her 2 1/24 several weeks at the office. Tim Morse, Yahoo's chief financial officer, remains interim Boss since Bartz's ouster. Thompson has offered as prexy of PayPal, eBay's online payment service, because the month of the month of january 2008. He formerly offered as PayPal's senior V . p . and chief technology officer. Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Yahoo mentioned Thompson's job starts on Jan. 9. Morse will return to his CFO publish. Yahoo chairman Roy Bostock mentioned Thompson's good reputation for creating on existing assets "to enhance innovation and drive growth" is "precisely the formula we would like at Yahoo." It'll be a sizable task. Yahoo remains losing ground inside the fast-growing Advertising on the internet target Google and Facebook for any very long time. Mainly due to this, its stock cost has not assigned $20 in the last three years. Yahoo's board remains searching in a potential acquisition of or an element of the organization since Bartz's ouster last fall. You'll find several potential suitors, including China's Alibaba Group, that might connect with private equity finance traders in the joint bid. Bartz, too, was hired to help turn Yahoo around but she'd no learning Advertising on the internet -- Yahoo's primary revenue source. This immediately elevated doubts about her qualifications. Yahoo shares fell 30 cents, or 1.9%, to $15.98 in morning purchasing and selling. Shares of eBay, meanwhile, dropped $1.14, or 3.6%, to $30.20. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com