Scorsese talks tech at DGA

Martin Scorsese believes "Hugo," a 3D film about the 1920s, is a precursor -- one that shows his fellow directors need to adjust to the 21st Century technologies as soon as possible.'3D is not a gimmick," Scorsese asserted as Saturday's Directors Guild of America panel for DGA nominees for the guild's feature award. "It's the way we see life. Use it.''Scorsese told the capacity crowd of more than 400 at the DGA headquarters that his enthusiasm for 3D went back to his youth -- even before such films as Alfred Hitchcock's "Dial M for Murder." 'I'm a 3D fanatic," he added. "It goes back to the Viewmaster."Asked by moderator Jeremy Kagan what advice he'd give to young directors, Scorsese first turned to humor and said that if a director needs a dog to kiss an actor's face, sardine oil does the trick. The director, who's won DGA awards for "The Departed" and "Boardwalk Empire," then turned serious and emphasized that directors to stay current with how films can be shot and exhibited. "Keep an open mind about new technology because that's where this is going," he urged.The panel also featured Michel Hazanavicius of "The Artist," Alexandere Payne of "The Descendants" and David Fincher of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." Woody Allen, nommed for "Midnight in Paris" was a no-show and DGA prez Taylor Hackford evoked a big laugh when introduced the panel at the start of the event. "Woody Allen can't be with us because he can't go out in public," Hackford said.The quartet dissected the intricacies of their films, addressing such issues as dealing with actors, story structure and the agonies of editing. Hazanavicius stressed the challenges of getting the story right in order to make a silent film -- such as a key scene in which actor Jean Dujardin admires Berenice Bejo."If it had sound, the scene would not be as effective," he added. "The less I do as a director, the more people get involved -- that's how silent films worked. I have to tell the story in the most efficient way possible." Hazanivicius asserted that the story itself required that he make a silent film. "'There were no bad guys," he noted. "The antagonist in the story is sound." Payne sought to give credit to his longtime editor Kevin Tent, who was nommed for an editing Oscar on "The Descendants." "He's helpless without me and I'm helpless without him," he added.Payne stressed the importance of having Hawaiian handscapes play a major role in his film. "I wanted to get feeling of life in the islands because the overwhelming sense of nature makes you feel puny -- in a good way," he added.He also admitted that the key beach sunrise scene, in which George Clooney's character finds Matthew Lillard running, was a happy accident. "The gods smiled on me that day," he added.Fincher credited star Rooney Mara with meeting the challenge of a demanding role, noting that she learned how to skateboard, motorcycle and smoke for the Lisbeth Salander part -- to say nothing of acting in a pair of rape scenes. "I work to find a way that they can unleash themselves," he added. Scorsese recalled that his key breakthrough with longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker came after the fourth test screening on "Hugo."''We cut out most of the exposition because we realized we didn't need it," Scorsese said. "We locked ourselves away for four weeks because we knew what we needed to do."Hazanavicius underlined Scorsese's point that the editing process is stressful. "The first cut is horrible," he added. "In France, we call it the monster." Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

DC Comics, WB team for charity

DC Comics and parent Warner Bros. announced on Monday a multimillion-dollar, two-year campaign to fight hunger in the Horn of Africa using images of iconic superheroes and promoted across all Time Warner divisions.Justice League characters Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg will be featured outlined in silhouette against the African continent in the "We Can Be Heroes" campaign. The muscle of Warner Bros., Turner Broadcasting, Time Inc. and HBO will partner in "generating millions of consumer impressions and creating crucially needed awareness of this crisis worldwide," the companies said. They will work with three key humanitarian groups as partners. Over the next two years Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps will equally share a corporate donation of at least $2 million comprised of cash donations, employee matching funds and consumer matching funds."Warner Bros. has a long history of corporate philanthropy and outreach, and this campaign proudly continues that tradition," said Warner Bros. chairman-CEO Barry Meyer. "We are a global company, and this is a global issue. By marshalling our expertise in consumer and fan engagement and creating global awareness, we hope we're able to inspire others to join us in becoming 'heroes' and make a difference." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

On the Set Farewell to Chuck, Part 1: Jet Planes and A Jeffster! Swan Song

Chuck, Scott Krinsky and Vik Sahay Chuck's two-hour series finale wraps up the fan-favorite spy show with plenty of action, snazzy outfits, heartwarming moments and a song. "The finale is very much haunted by seasons past. This is an episode that's not only a finale for Season 5, but also five seasons of television," series co-creator Chris Fedak told reporters on the final set visit in December. "So we're going to be bringing back a lot of things that it wouldn't be an episode unless we saw Yvonne [Strahovski] in the cat suit, also wearing an evening gown dancing the tango." From Chuck to Nikita: TV's sexiest crime fighters Fedak promised the finale (Friday, 8/7c, NBC) will be "epic" and feel and look like a movie. "We're a little over budget," he confessed. "It's a long episode, it's a big episode and we go to a lot of different places. We blew up most of the Universal backlot a few days ago with helicopters and stuff like that. "The opening scene of the finale we have one of the deepest into the matrix callbacks of the show," Fedak added. "Mark Pellegrino [is] in the opening scene, reprising very quickly a bad guy role from one of our previous seasons. In consideration that he's a Fulcrum agent, we touch upon 'What's going on with Fulcrum and The Ring these days?' So the episode begins on a private jet, and ... we actually did a special skydiving unit based on what happens on board the jet." December's set visit took place at an auditorium on a Southern California university campus, which doubles as a concert hall. In another nod to cinema, part of the episode will take place at a pivotal concert - a Jeffster! concert. "This is our Act 4 set piece," said Fedak. "This is very much an ode to The Man Who Knew Too Much, which is a sequence that takes place in the Albert Hall and when someone's going to be killed when the cymbals crash. This is the Chuck version of that." Director Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 film also features another musical moment when star Doris Day loudly sings the Oscar-winning song "Que Sera Sera." Although that song won't be featured on Chuck, Fedak said, "There's a different ear-splitting experience that's going to happen here." Chuck creators share some of their favorite episodes Jeffster! band members Jeff (Scott Krinsky) and Lester (Vik Sahay ) will instead tackle a familiar 1980s pop song that reporters were cautioned not to reveal. "I never know what they're going to come up with, but then it always seems to make sense," Krinsky commented. "I think they always sort of have a way of finding some great, iconic pop song. I think this one works." As the band's frontman responsible for the vocals, Sahay had a more passionate response to the challenging song choice. "I really feel like the criteria must be 'What's the most difficult song for Vik to sing? That's how we'll choose our music!'" he said. "I mean, it's an insane song. It's so difficult! But I think it's kind of a beautiful, bizarre, apt choice, and in all honesty, I've gotten to a place where I relish the challenge. I'm like, 'Okay, bring me the mountains; let me try to climb these things.' The scariest part was when I'd go to work on it. The musicians are like, 'Oh God,' like they are terrified of the song, so that's not fun. But it worked out OK." Since last week's episode, Jeff and Lester have finally been let in on Chuck's double life as a spy and were even enlisted to help save Alex (Mekenna Melvin). It's possible that they're helping out once again through their concert, but where's the rest of the real spy team when all of this is going down? And how is Sarah (Strahovski) going to overcome her memory loss and new order to kill her husband? Check out Part 2 of our farewell to Chuck on Tuesday to see what's in store for Sarah and Chuck (Zachary Levi). Chuck's two-hour finale airs Friday at 8/7c on NBC.

Tuner traffic gone with travelers

Broadway's The month of the month of january slide ongoing in Week 33 (Jan. 9-15), with particularly dramatic drops among the tuners most only a couple of tourist biz. But whilst travelers went home, playgoers switched to take full advantage of a less-crowded Occasions Square atmosphere and winter ticket deals.Numerous non-musicals saw a sales uptick, while using finest increase reported at "The Mountaintop" ($636,651), the Martin Luther King Junior. tale that likely also accomplished good results within the MLK holiday weekend. "Relatively Speaking" ($359,460), "Stick Fly" ($303,386) and "Chinglish" ($222,233) were among people to log gains.Numerous tuners, meanwhile, saw their B.O. fall, with "Mary Poppins" ($790,802) losing greater than $250,000 and "The Phantom in the Opera" ($779,751) and "Chicago" ($481,836) lower by greater than $100,000 each.Among musicals, one of the sturdiest showings in the frame what food is at "Porgy and Bess" ($853,017), despite the fact that a couple of days incorporated the production's heavily comped opening evening additionally with a press previews.Despite the fact that modified version in the Gershwin musical has stirred debate among purists, and acquired reviews that have been all over the map, sales up to now have proven solid, particularly for just about any production opening at that time in the annual winter slump.Meanwhile, both "Follies" ($878,826) and "Around the Apparent Day You Will See Forever" ($627,972) rose, with momentum likely provided through the imminent closing of each and every.The possible lack of recently shuttered tuners "Billy Elliot" and "Lysistrata Manley" brought for the Broadway cume's overall decline, as did a hefty drop at "War Equine" ($613,711), because of a lower performance week only at that show.Total Rialto sales slid around $3 million to $20.9 million for your 29 shows round the boards. Attendance deflated by around 20,000 to 229,469, or 81% in the Street's overall capacity.The 20 musicals made $17,359,006 for 83.1% in the Broadway total, with attendance of 182,538 plus an average paid out admission of $95.10.The nine plays made $3,542,340 for 16.9% in the Broadway total, with attendance of 46,931 plus an average paid out admission of $75.48. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Haywire fight clip online

[brightcove]1396288507001[/brightcove]The folk behind Steven Soderbergh's actioner Haywire understand how to pique your curiosity about the film.How so? By tantalisingly delivering a clip from probably the best scene within the movie, by which Gina Carano and Michael Fassbender treat one another like punchbags inside a trendy accommodation.Unique operations badass Mallory Kane (Carano) is on the mission in Dublin, before she understands that Paul (Fassbender) may be there to double-mix her. Fisticuffs ensue.Don't allow the glamourous eveningwear fool you, these men mean business, also it appears like just one person will probably leave behind the ruck...Browse the clip above.Haywire opens within the United kingdom now.

Millennium finds 'Heaven'

Millennium Entertainment has acquired United States privileges towards the romantic dramedy "Some Paradise," starring Kate Hudson together with Kathy Bates, Whoopi Goldberg, Gael Garcia Bernal, Lucy Punch, Romany Malco, Rosemarie DeWitt, Steven Weber and Treat Williams. Millennium Boss Bill Lee introduced the offer Tuesday. "Paradise" will launch on VOD on April 3 then a platform theatrical release on May 4, with ancillary to follow along with on June 12. The Brand New Orleans-set film, directed by Nicole Kassell ("The Woodsman") from the script by Gren Wells, concerns an irreverent youthful lady (Hudson) who suddenly falls deeply in love with her physician, performed by Garcia Bernal. Millennium's recent purchases include "Rampart," "Bernie" and "Burglar." Vincent Scordino discussed the offer with respect to Millennium Entertainment. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Hollywood Prepares For Golden Globes

First Published: January 13, 2012 2:54 PM EST Credit: AFP Caption Workers prepare the red carpet arrivals area the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards, outside the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California January 14, 2011BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- The stage is set for the Golden Globe Awards, but the tables, not so much. Dozens of dining tables stood stacked against the walls of the Beverly Hilton Hotels International Ballroom, where nominees including George Clooney, Viola Davis and Leonardo DiCaprio will be seated during Sundays ceremony. With two days until the live broadcast, executive producer Barry Adelman and director Louis J. Horvitz are still tweaking the script and the seating chart. Chaos is always a part of it, Adelman said of the last-minute show preparations. Workers bustled around the ballroom Thursday afternoon, putting the finishing touches on the sets sloping chandeliers and installing remote-controlled cameras on stage to offer viewers at home a fresh perspective on the festivities. Seventeen cameras, including the two new robotic ones on stage, will capture the action during the three-hour show. You take one shot and theres like 20 different stars in it, Horvitz said. Jane Fonda, Harrison Ford, Robert Downey, Jr., Salma Hayek, Natalie Portman, Nicole Kidman, Ashton Kutcher, Reese Witherspoon, William H. Macy and Dustin Hoffman are among the more than 150 stars set to attend the ceremony, where the silent film The Artist is the leading nominee. Though the seats arent set, the stage is nearly complete, anchored by swooping lights and clear crystal rods for a look that production designer Brian Stonestreet described as architectural and feminine. Its a very sexy set, and I think this is probably one of the sexiest Golden Globes weve ever had, Adelman said, citing the roster of beautiful stars on the guest list. Ricky Gervais returns for his third stint as host, despite criticism last year that the British comedian went too far. Part of the reason people watch is its unpredictable and anything can happen, and he embodies that like no one else, Adelman said. You dont know what hes going to say next and you dont want to miss it. Also sure to be a highlight Sunday is Sidney Poitier and Helen Mirrens presentation of the Cecil B. DeMille award to Morgan Freeman. Hes worked with almost everybody in the room, Adelman said of the actor, so its going to be a chance for everybody to let loose and just salute him. (Aiding in the letting loose will be the more than 9,000 glasses of Champagne Mot&Chandon expects to serve at the ceremony.) Preparations and rehearsals will continue through Sunday, when the ballroom will be picture perfect (from 17 angles). The excitement of the big day which Horvitz compares to driving a Formula One race, winning a playoff game and winning the Super Bowl is what fuels the hundreds of workers it takes to put on the show. The 69th annual Golden Globe Awards will be broadcast live Sunday on NBC. Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Three new Dark Knight Rises images online

Three new stills from The Dark Knight Rises has arrived over at Entertainment Weekly.Bane dominates the new shots, with Batman and Commissioner Gordon also appearing on behalf of the Gotham good guys.If you were hoping the new snaps would reveal crucial plot points, you're out of luck, but they'll do little to quell your excitement for Nolan's Bat-threequel.Tom Hardy's bemuscled übervillian looks as imposing as ever, Batman's spoiling for a scrap, and Gordon appears to be in a spot of bother.Check out the images in full below:The Dark Knight Rises opens on 20 July 2012. Just thinking of that date makes us a little giddy.

Courteney Cox & Christa Miller Talk Secrets Of Cougar Town Season 3 An Engagement & Scrubs Stars

First Published: January 10, 2012 9:57 AM EST Credit: ABC Caption Courteney Cox and Christa Miller in Cougar TownLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Cougar Town will be back for Season 3 at some point in the coming months on ABC, and when it does, big things are on the way for Courteney Coxs Jules and Josh Hopkins Grayson. We get engaged in the first episode, Courteney told AccessHollywood.com during Monday nights Cougar Town pop-up Television Critics Association shindig in Pasadena. And the season will tackle the run up to the wedding. If we make it to the altar, Courteney teased. All the things that come with an engagement and planning a wedding will definitely unnerve the completely flappable real estate agent with a penchant for wine, Jules Cobb. Shes neurotic, but shes game for everything, Courteney told Access. Shes not that smart, but shes nervous about bringing her past baggage into the relationship. But I like it I like that were just dealing with issues head on as opposed to Will they? Wont they? They just went right for it. Having just brought her son, Travis (Dan Byrd), back from an emotional low in the Season 2 finale, which saw him run off to live in Hawaii, Jules is ready to watch her boy succeed, without meddling too much in Season 3. Shes gonna be OK. Its definitely a struggle because she loves her son so much. Shes slightly in love with him. Hes the most important thing in her life, but luckily, hes so grounded and he actually gives her lessons in life all the time, Courteney said. I like that relationship. One relationship the actress is surprised by is how at ease Jules is with the fact that her upcoming fianc Grayson, romped between the sheets with one of her best friends, Lori (Busy Philipps). I cant believe how open Jules is, I would never Courteney would never be ok with that stuff, the actress said. Beyond Jules engagement, the show in Season 3, will feature guest spots from several members of co-creator Bill Lawrences former show, Scrubs. Maybe Zach Braff did a cameo on Cougar Town, Christa Miller (Ellie) teased. Maybe a lot of the Scrubs cast did a cameo on Cougar Town You never know who stops by our show. In fact, Sarah Chalke, Christas former Scrubs co-star, is set to stir the loins of Bobby (Bryan van Holt). Bobby falls in love. Sarah Chalke, she comes in the show, Courteney said, of upcoming plot twists, adding, Travis has an accident on his skateboard and has to wear a helmet for seven episodes Lori falls in love with someone online. Christa said the episodes the gang has filmed so far have gone further with the funny thanks to the cast settling into their roles. I feel like, this is the third season when people really hit their stride. Because you know the character, you can really have fun with it, she said. And this year, the shows have really been making me laugh. And all the show needs to survive when it does come back, is, presumably, better ratings. We need people to watch and tell their friends and just keep the momentum going, Christa said. I think the people that appreciate our show and love our show will keep it going. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Melrose Place 3.? CW Is Purchasing the Canadian Series L.A. Complex

The L.A. Complex It appears such as the CW is preparing a move to La. The network is approaching an offer to purchase the approaching Canadian cleaning soap The L.A. Complex, Deadline reviews. The series follows the lives of countless twentysomethings who reside in exactly the same La apartment complex and then try to allow it to be in Hollywood. The CW orders mystery drama pilot Cult The series, that will premiere around the Canadian music funnel MuchMusic in a few days and can also air on Canadian brother or sister network CTV, sounds a great deal like Melrose Place. The drama initially went from 1992 to 1999 on Fox prior to the CW remade the series last year, however canceled it after 18 low-ranked episodes. The CW is searching to purchase a minimum of the very first six instances of The L.A. Complex, but tend to get as much as 13. The network intends to launch the show this summer time, based on Deadline. The L.A. Complex stars Jonathan Patrick Moore (Neighbours), Cassie Steele (Degrassi), Joe Dinicol (Existence with Derek) and Chelan Simmons (Kyle XY). Watch a preview: Are you going to watch The L.A. Complex?