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.