'Dark Dark night Rises' Trailer Records, New Photos Arrive

We understood the very first theatrical trailer for Christopher Nolan's Batman finale will be a huge hit, although not 12.5 million huge! Within the week following the trailer's massive debut, anticipation continues to be high for "The Dark Dark night Increases." New top quality stills and restored curiosity about an unused clip from "The Dark Dark night" only added fuel towards the rising fire. Listed here are the week's greatest Batman's tales to date. "Dark Dark night Increases" Trailer Tops "Avengers" Within the 24 hrs that adopted balance anticipated discharge of the very first full-length "Dark Dark night Increases" trailer, over 12.5 million people viewed it either around the iTunes Movie Trailer site or with the iTunes Trailers iOS applications. The discharge from Warner Bros. ensured to say the Batman's preview first showed to more powerful amounts than "The Avengers" trailer, beating it by a lot more than 2 million sights. New "Dark Dark night Increases" Stills Get to Top Quality We'd seen the pictures already when Empire featured them within their large "Increases" problem, however we obtain to savor them in a much clearer, hi-res quality. Particulars that did not pull through within the scans, such as the more knowledge about Bane's costume and problem, stick out within the new versions. We are also treated for an epic shot from the guy behind everything, Christopher Nolan, repping the format he loves a lot, IMAX. Joker Rides public transit in Unused "Dark Dark night" Footage The alternate take from the Joker from the chartered bus because it drives from the overflowing hospital has existed for a long time. But now Kevin Cruz tweeted it to his scores of fans, and also the clip made the models once again. It can make you question the other unused footage is available from the performance people can't appear to consume enough of. Inform us that which you thought of history week's "Dark Dark night Increases" news within the comments below as well as on Twitter!

Jen Aniston, Kaira Pitt Breakup: The (Alleged) Sperm Donor Story

Remember when Jennifer Aniston and Kaira Pitt were heading out? It appears just like a lifetime ago. However, just whenever you think it is impossible to locate anything new or newsworthy concerning the former famous couple, a strange, tabloid-y nugget of information will get dropped in the sky. Inside a piece in the NY Occasions Magazine, author Maureen Lower talks about the late agent Sue Mengers and also the odd suggestion she gave Aniston. Mengers, who died from pneumonia earlier this October, symbolized a few of the greatest stars on the planet a number of other A-listers she considered buddies, including Jen. So, after Pitt left Aniston for Julia Roberts, Dowd states that Mengers told the 'Friends' star something totally bizarre. "After Kaira Pitt left Jennifer Aniston for Julia Roberts, Mengers explained that they advised her beloved Jen to request Kaira for his sperm." Wow ... yea, let us just think that Aniston never was in a position to follow-through on that suggestion. For Kaira, he's fresh off a Golden Globe nomination for 'Moneyball.' Positive thing he and Angelina avoid this kind of news. [via NYTimes Magazine] [Photo: Getty Images] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Saban, Lionsgate in Celestial deal

Lionsgate presently has a foothold in China since it's Tiger Gate Entertainment is joining forces with Celestial Pictures to produce Celestial Tiger Entertainment. Saban Capital, Lionsgate's partner within the Asian TV distribution venture Tiger Gate, will inject a "substantial" but unspecified amount into growing the organization, and it'll function as the majority owner within the investment stated people near to the deal. The brand new company will concentrate on top quality pay TV, article marketing and distribution across Asia. It pairs Tiger Gate's systems in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and also the Philippines with Celestial's channels in China. Lionsgate released Tiger Gate in 2008 and introduced Saban Capital, an investment vehicle for billionaire Haim Saban, into the organization this year. Particularly, the selection includes Tiger Gate's KIX, an action entertainment funnel KIX HD and Thrill, a horror and suspense movie internet. Celestial adds Celestial Movies, a 24-hour funnel charged because the most broadly distribbed Chinese movie network Celestial Classic Movies, a Chinese fighting techinques, drama, comedy and action internet and Celestial Movies when needed. Saban, which is opening a workplace in Hong Kong the coming year, continues to be ramping up its presence in the area. It is a majority owner in Taomee, a online children's entertainment company in China, and it has committed to Indonesian media company MNC. Celestial Pictures is really a unit of Astro, a media holding company that is the owner of the main satellite television platform in Malaysia, the Shaw Siblings film library -- the earth's biggest library of Chinese films -- and distributes movie channels globally. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Vital names Crawley prexy of int'l marketing

Crawley Vital Pictures has drawn on veteran Disney marketing professional Nic Crawley because the leader of worldwide marketing. Componen introduced Monday that Crawley -- who left his publish as senior Vice president of worldwide marketing in the Mouse House a week ago -- will start work on the studio immediately. "We're able to 't be more happy about Nic joining we,Inch stated Paramount's Chief Marketing Officer Josh Greenstein. "Nic has incredible passion, talent, and experience. His depth of understanding from the worldwide marketplace is a great resource for the diverse slate of films continuing to move forward.InchCrawley will are accountable to Greenstein and will also be based at studio headquarters in La. Vital noted within the announcement that marketing and purchasers functions presently carried out in your area in areas worldwide continued to be unchanged.Greenstein and Crawley works carefully with another former Disney professional, Anthony Marcoly, who had been named at the end of October as leader of Vital Worldwide. Marcoly, who ankled as leader of Wally Disney Pictures Intl. in The month of january 2010, changed Andrew Cripps, that has elected to not stick with the studio. Par's release slate includes "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol" and "The Adventures of Tintin," which opens Wednesday, and "The Demon Inside" on Jan. 6. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

8 Reasons Why 'My Week With Marilyn' Can Be Considered a Musical or Comedy

One of the more head-scratching moments of the Golden Globe nominations on Thursday morning that didn't include Sofia Vergara butchering Martin Scorsese's name? The fact that 'My Week With Marilyn' -- an ostensible drama about Marilyn Monroe's clandestine maybe-affair with a third assistant director on the set of 'The Prince and the Showgirl' -- was nominated in the Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy category. How could this happen? Ahead, eight reasons why you could consider 'Marilyn' a musical or comedy should you be so inclined to do so. 1. Michelle Williams sings -- twice! You couldn't really call 'My Week With Marilyn' a musical with a straight face -- even 'The Muppets,' with its unending supply of songs doesn't actually seem to really qualify as a musical -- but Michelle Williams does sing two songs in the film, including 'Heat Wave' during the opening credits. That counts!? 2. Kenneth Branagh is really funny! Not to say that Kenneth Branagh is comic relief in 'My Week With Marilyn,' but he kinda is? As a foul-mouthed and exasperated Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir Kenny (we're tight) lands many a punchline. There are laughs in this film -- which certainly allows it to be placed alongside 'The Artist' and '50/50' on the Best Feature Musical or Comedy list. 3. Michelle Williams smiles a lot! True story: despite playing the bummed out Marilyn Monroe for much of the film, Williams gets to flash her movie-star smile on more than one occasion; this is like the anti-'Blue Valentine'! 4. Eddie Redmayne smiles even more! As Colin Clark, rising star Eddie Redmayne affects a look of constant bemused glee on his expressive face. You would too if you were acting opposite a skinny-dipping Michelle Williams-as-Marilyn Monroe. 5. Toby Jones and Dominic Cooper have hilarious accents! What is going on with these two? As Monroe's American publicist and producer/ex-lover, respectively, Jones and Cooper sound like teamsters circa 1952. They coulda been contenders, ya galoot! 6. The Katy Perry 'My Week With Marilyn' video It's not in the movie, but that weird mash-up of 'Marilyn' and 'The One That Got Away' is both musical and comedy. Unintentional, perhaps, but still: funny! 7. 'The Prince and the Showgirl' The film within the film in 'My Week With Marilyn,' the much-discussed 'The Prince and the Showgirl,' was a comedy. By extension, doesn't that mean 'My Week With Marilyn' is a comedy? (Not really, but for the purposes of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, absolutely!) 8. Because Harvey Weinstein probably wanted 'My Week With Marilyn' to be a musical/comedy Whatever happens at the Oscars between Williams, Meryl Streep and Viola Davis, one thing is clear: on Jan. 15, it's likely that both Streep (for her work in 'The Iron Lady') and Williams will take home Golden Globes for The Weinstein Company. Who is gonna beat Williams in her Best Actress category? Certainly not Kate Winslet or Jodie Foster or Kristen Wiig or Charlize Theron, the bona fides of their performances aside. It's a two-for-one Weinstein night! If only the Academy Awards worked this way too. [Photo: TWC] 2012 Golden Globe Nominees Best Actor in a DramaBest Actor in a DramaBest Actor in a DramaBest Actor in a DramaBest Actor in a DramaBest Actress in a DramaBest Actress in a DramaBest Actress in a DramaBest Actress in a DramaBest Actress in a DramaBest Actor in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actor in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actor in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actor in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actor in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actress in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actress in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actress in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actress in a Comedy/MusicalBest Actress in a Comedy/MusicalBest Supporting ActorBest Supporting ActorBest Supporting Actor'A Dangerous Method'Best Supporting ActorBest Supporting ActressBest Supporting ActressBest Supporting ActressBest Supporting ActressBest Supporting ActressBest DirectorBest DirectorBest DirectorBest DirectorBest Director See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Steven Spielberg's Longtime Below-the-Line Collaborators Talk About the Legendary Director, Making 'War Horse' (Exclusive Video)

Several days ago, I had the privilege of moderating a Q&A in NY with seven incredibly talented people whose names and faces are not known to the general public, but whose contributions were essential to the making of many of our most cherished films over the past few decades -- including and especially those directed by Steven Spielberg, with whom all have closely collaborated on numerous cinematic ventures, most recently during the making of the epic Oscar contender War Horse.our editor recommends'The Artist,' 'War Horse' Among Contenders Nominated for Satellite Awards'War Horse': The Making of Steven Spielberg's WWI Epic'War Horse': Newest Trailer Heavy on Orchestration, Heartstring Pulling (Video) PHOTOS: Steven Spielberg on Set They were ... producer Kathleen Kennedy, who has produced or executive produced the vast majority of Spielberg's films since her first, E.T. (1982), and who has produced a grand total of six films that received best picture Oscar nominations: E.T., The Color Purple (1985), The Sixth Sense (1999), Seabiscuit (2003), Munich (2005), and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) production designer Rick Carter, who has worked on eight films that Spielberg has directed dating back to Empire of the Sun (1987), and who has twice been nominated for the best art direction Oscar, for Forrest Gump (1994) and Avatar (2010) -- he won for the latter first assistant director Adam Somner, who has served in that capacity on Spielberg's last five films, as well as Gladiator (2000), Black Hawk Down (2001), Seabiscuit (2003), There Will Be Blood (2007), and many other memorable films costume designer Joanna Johnston, who has worked on five Spielberg films since 1989, as well as Forrest Gump (1994), The Sixth Sense (1999), Cast Away (2000), and many other memorable films makeup artist Lois Burwell, who has worked on four films that Spielberg has directed dating back to Saving Private Ryan (1998), and who has twice been nominated for the best makeup Oscar, for Braveheart (1995) and Saving Private Ryan -- she won for the former cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, who has shot all of the films that Spielberg has directed dating back to Schindler's List (1993), and who has twice won the best cinematography Oscar, for Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan (1998) -- he was also nominated but did not win for Amistad (1997) and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) film editor Michael Kahn, who has worked on virtually all of Spielberg's films dating back to Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), and who has garnered seven best film editing Oscar nominations, winning for three, all Spielberg films -- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Schindler's List (1993), and Saving Private Ryan (1998) I hope that you'll check out our conversation, through which I learned a great deal about each of these artists, Spielberg, and the making of many of the films on which they have collaborated, especially War Horse. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The Making of Steven Spielberg's 'War Horse' Steven Spielberg War Horse

Shame's Late Night Lovers Pile on David Denby

When it rains it pours. Ask David Denby, the embattled, embargo-flouting NYer critic who, over the course of one week, has drawn the wrath of both Scott Rudin and Shame’s unsung co-stars Calamity Chang and DeeDee Luxe — a.k.a. Late Night Lover #1 and #2. Tough crowd! Best known as veteran performers on the NYC burlesque scene, the ladies had already taken Twitter swings at Denby’s NYer colleague (and Shame hater) Anthony Lane a couple weeks ago. This morning, a few days after Denby blogged his own disapproval of the McQueen, the duo returned to their respective Twitter pages for their latest arousing tag-team effort. It all went something like this: .bbpBox{background:url(http://a0.twimg.com/profile_background_images/55790865/Twitter_BG_Final_final.jpg) #9AE4E8;padding:20px;}Denby on “Shame”: The film “is borderline absurd, and I’m amazed that so many people seem to be taking it seriously” http://t.co/yaYOfRDASat Dec 10 22:50:04 via HootSuiteThe NYerNewYorker .bbpBox{background:url(http://a1.twimg.com/profile_background_images/274936185/wallpaper2.jpg) #F2A973;padding:20px;}He’s even grouchier! Lol @DeeDeeLuxe @NewYorker http://t.co/2gLmdc4FMon Dec 12 17:43:19 via Twitter for iPhoneCalamity ChangCalamityChang .bbpBox{background:url(http://a1.twimg.com/images/themes/theme11/bg.gif) #FF6699;padding:20px;}@CalamityChang @NewYorker More like hes working out his own religious issues than critiquing the film. Seems he had a cathartic journey…Tue Dec 13 09:36:32 via webDeeDee LuxeDeeDeeLuxe .bbpBox{background:url(http://a1.twimg.com/images/themes/theme11/bg.gif) #FF6699;padding:20px;}@CalamityChang Hilariously dramatic-Fasbndr lies naked spread-eagled on his bed, nailed to his cross. Brandon Sullivan screws for your sins.Tue Dec 13 10:14:22 via webDeeDee LuxeDeeDeeLuxe Amazing! I cannot wait to see what fallout comes of Denby’s inevitable “We Bought the Zoo, or whatever it’s called” takedown. Does Crystal the Monkey tweet? Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Terrific pix, period

Sketch of the inner sanctum at Britain's intelligence service in 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.'Costumes from 'Anonymous.'Costumes from 'Anonymous.'Madonna's 'W.E.' meticulously re-created the garments worn by Britains high society in the '30s and '40s.Oscar loves period dramas, especially if they're set across the pond, and this year Blighty rules the waves again with four films that together span some 400 years of glorious (and less-than-glorious) English history -- "Anonymous," "W.E.," "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and "The Iron Lady."Four teams of artists met the challenge of using art direction, costumes and makeup to depict the various eras, and three of the four directors of these films aren't even British: Roland Emmerich, a German, tackled Shakespeare in "Anonymous"; Michigan-born Madonna examined Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson; and Swede Tomas Alfredson re-created Cold War England. Only "Iron Lady" helmer Phyllida Lloyd is a Brit.There's little left of 16th century London, so after extensive research in museums, "Anonymous" production designer Sebastian Krawinkel and his team decided to design and build everything at Babelsberg studios outside Berlin, including the Globe and Rose theaters and "a London street with 14 houses and a muddy road on the backlot, which gave us a lot of control."Costume designer Lisy Christl made 300 costumes for the film. Like Krawinkel, she visited museums, archives and galleries, and talked to historians. When she returned to Babelsberg and began designing, "it was a bit like a puzzle, as I'd take a color from one source, and maybe a sleeve from another, and build something from the different elements." Her biggest hurdle: re-creating the rich embroidery of the Elizabethan era. "You can't do it today, so our workshops in London and Berlin came up with this faux-embroidery, which worked well."For "Spy" production designer Maria Djurkovic, family roots offered a window into the murky world of espionage. "I'm British-born but my mother is Czech, my father half-Russian, half-Montenegrin, so I have very powerful memories of childhood holidays behind the Iron Curtain," she says. To re-create the world of the Cold War, "Tomas and I looked at photographs, visited Churchill's War Rooms and made our own version of '70s mess and clutter." It also helped that she inherited an extensive library of period books and magazines from her grandmother.Her greatest resource was access to "Spy" author David Cornwall (who wrote as John le Carre). He gave detailed descriptions of the practical workings of MI6. "At night all desk drawers were left empty, glass sheets used to write on so that no imprints were left," she says. As for the use of sound-proofing foam in the conference room, "it was a bold visual of my own conceit," she admits, "but made logical sense for the most secret heart of MI6, and the idea got David's full support."To research the glamorous life of the duke and duchess, "W.E." costume designer Arianne Phillips immersed herself in the '30s and '40s, reading "as much as I could about the British monarchy and London society, as well as the haute couture world of Paris," she says. She also studied film clips, visited museums and sought out collectors of vintage clothing and jewelry. "Sotheby's helped us liaise with some of the private owners of pieces famously sold at the auction," she adds, "and talking to Sotheby's employees was extremely helpful for the 1997 story line."After the research, Phillips focused on sourcing vintage fabrics, trims and notions. "It's very important to understand the feel and touch of the real fabric from the time," she says. "Often we're limited to using contemporary fabrics since the vintage ones don't always stand the test of time. We were lucky to be able to see and examine some of the real garments owned by the duke and duchess."Jenny Shircore, makeup and hair on "W.E.," did research by looking at documentaries and contemporary magazines. To get the authentic 1940s look, she had the actors' hair "barbered into the short-back-and-sides style of the day. A light dressing such as Brylcreem was then worked into the hair. It was then parted into a high side or middle break and combed into a neat, controlled ultra-groomed finish."The men were clean-shaven, and Shircore "occasionally applied a moustache or two in the style of Ronald Coleman to accentuate the '40s look." The ladies' make-up was, "a flat powdered look," she says. "Hair was always dressed close to the head, keeping a neat head shape, and either softly curled or shaped into crisp waves along the hairline."Although "The Iron Lady" is set in the more recent past, it still presented challenges for production designer Simon Elliott. "We were blessed with the fact that there's so much archive footage of Margaret Thatcher during her time in office, but as the scope of the film took us from the 1940s through to the 1990s -- with some of the decades only with us for a couple of scenes, it was essential that the audience very quickly have a sense of period," he says.Shooting in central London locations became, "a logistical problem of permission, road closure, and the sheer scale of set dressing," adds Elliott. For one scene illustrating the stranglehold of the unions during a rubbish strike in the '70s, "the only solution was a huge overnight dress with enormous amounts of artificial refuse delivered though the night for a dawn shoot."Eye on the Oscars: Art Direction, Costume Design & Makeup:Terrific pix, period | Paris' palette competes with L.A. duotone | Makeup magic turns Streep to Thatcher | Older crafts rise to the challenge of 3D Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Box Office Report: 'New Year's Eve,' 'The Sitter' Lead Another Soft Weekend

Garry Marshall's star-packed ensemble pic New Year's Eve finished Friday with a tepid $5.1 million, diminishing chances that the movie will open to $20 million. Instead, the movie is looking a $15 million debut.our editor recommendsBox Office Report: 'New Year's Eve' Ringing in the Holiday EarlyBox Office Preview: 'New Year's Eve,' 'The Sitter' Open in Advance of Holiday CrushNew Movie Reviews: 'New Year's Eve,' 'Young Adult,' Madonna's 'W.E.' Hitting Theaters 'Young Adult': What the Critics Are Saying The Warner Bros. and New Line film still came in No. 1 for the day, followed by 20th Century Fox's new R-rated comedy The Sitter with $3.7 million. Headlining Jonah Hill in his first starring role, Sitter is eyeing a $10 million weekend. PHOTOS: 'New Year's Eve' Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals New Year's Eve and The Sitter are leading another soft weekend at the domestic box office, which could be down from last year by as much as 8 percent. Heading into the weekend, New Year's Eve had been projected to gross $20 million or higher in its debut. While that's far less than the $72 million bow of Marshall's Valentine's Day over the four-day Valentine's Day/President's Day weekend in 2010, Warner Bros. expects the film to have an especially strong multiple and play through New Year's Day since it's the only holiday romantic comedy. New Year's Eve, which cost $26 million to make, includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl, Lea Michele, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Hilary Swank and Seth Meyers. PHOTOS: 'Young Adult' Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals New Year's Eve received a B+ CinemaScore, while The Sitter, which cost under $25 million to make, received a C+. The two new films knocked The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn--Part 1 from its top perch after ruling the box office for three weekends. On Friday, Breaking Dawn placed No. 3, grossing $2.5 million for a domestic cume of $259.3. Disney's The Muppets came in No. 4, grossing an estimated $1.7 million for a North American cume of $60.4 million. Martin Scorsese's Hugo placed No. 5 as it expanded into a total of 2,600 theaters, grossing $1.6 million for a total $28.9 million. Paramount is distributing the film. Sony's holiday day film Arthur Christmas enjoyed a stellar hold, falling only 13 percent on Friday to $1.4 million for a cume of $28.3 million. Fox Searchlight's The Descendants followed with $1.3 million as it upped its theater count to 876 for cume of $20.6 million. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Biggest Box Office Bombs Related Topics Box Office New Year's Eve The Sitter

Cara Loften...Got the Part

Cara Loften...Got the Part Role: Celebrindal, an elf queen in 'Frigg's Oath,' a nonunion short film By Jesse Landberg December 10, 2011 When a role is described as "legendary," the word is often being used figuratively. Unless, of course, that role happens to be in a production steeped in Norse mythologysuch as "Frigg's Oath," a short film in which Cara Loften plays the elf queen Celebrindal."It's my dream to play strong, courageous, even mythical female characters, which is exactly what this film offered," explains an enthusiastic Loften. "I've always loved that big, boisterous character-acting vein, though given my look, I'm not often cast in that area."Loften, who is currently nonunion, submitted herself for the film's title role and was called in to audition shortly thereafter. Despite glowing feedback from the producers, who praised her non-native British accent in particular, she couldn't escape the feeling that she was slightly too young for the matriarchal Frigg. When it came down to a choice between her and one other actor for the role, Loften's suspicions were confirmed. This was not the end of her quest, however, but the start of a different journey."She was supposed to be playing a goddess who was a mother, so her age didn't really work out in the end, but we ended up casting her anyway because we loved her so much," says the film's writer-director, Alia Victor. Loften "is definitely one of those people who can command a lens, so we wrote a role just for her. It was a no-brainer; we just had to get her in the film somehow.""They asked, 'How would you feel if we wrote you your own role?' " says Loften. That character was Celebrindala name that's apparently an elvish approximation of Loften's own. "I was psyched, of course, because I'd wanted to be a part of the project anyway. I don't see how anyone could not want to be a part of it. You're creating your own mold for this character."Her elaborate costume of moss and feathers and intricate tribal face paintwhich will be digitally enhanced in postproductioncould not mask her commitment to the original creation entrusted to her. "Even when the camera was not on her, when we were just setting up or resting in between takes, she was so in character and so commanding," says Victor. "Only when she wrapped her scene did she snap out of it."Since moving to NY City, Loften has trained with Teatro Punto and SITI Company and has been fortunate to find consistent film work since graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2010. Nonetheless, she was surprised to learn that many of the dramatic settings for a nine-kingdom epic like "Frigg's Oath" could be found in the five boroughs. Says Loften, "Who knew there were catacombs in Harlem?"Has Back Stage helped you get cast in the past year? We'd love to tell your story. Be in the weekly column by emailing casting@backstage.com for NY or bswcasting@backstage.com for Los Angeles with "I Got the Part" in the subject line. Cara Loften...Got the Part Role: Celebrindal, an elf queen in 'Frigg's Oath,' a nonunion short film By Jesse Landberg December 10, 2011 When a role is described as "legendary," the word is often being used figuratively. Unless, of course, that role happens to be in a production steeped in Norse mythologysuch as "Frigg's Oath," a short film in which Cara Loften plays the elf queen Celebrindal."It's my dream to play strong, courageous, even mythical female characters, which is exactly what this film offered," explains an enthusiastic Loften. "I've always loved that big, boisterous character-acting vein, though given my look, I'm not often cast in that area."Loften, who is currently nonunion, submitted herself for the film's title role and was called in to audition shortly thereafter. Despite glowing feedback from the producers, who praised her non-native British accent in particular, she couldn't escape the feeling that she was slightly too young for the matriarchal Frigg. When it came down to a choice between her and one other actor for the role, Loften's suspicions were confirmed. This was not the end of her quest, however, but the start of a different journey."She was supposed to be playing a goddess who was a mother, so her age didn't really work out in the end, but we ended up casting her anyway because we loved her so much," says the film's writer-director, Alia Victor. Loften "is definitely one of those people who can command a lens, so we wrote a role just for her. It was a no-brainer; we just had to get her in the film somehow.""They asked, 'How would you feel if we wrote you your own role?' " says Loften. That character was Celebrindala name that's apparently an elvish approximation of Loften's own. "I was psyched, of course, because I'd wanted to be a part of the project anyway. I don't see how anyone could not want to be a part of it. You're creating your own mold for this character."Her elaborate costume of moss and feathers and intricate tribal face paintwhich will be digitally enhanced in postproductioncould not mask her commitment to the original creation entrusted to her. "Even when the camera was not on her, when we were just setting up or resting in between takes, she was so in character and so commanding," says Victor. "Only when she wrapped her scene did she snap out of it."Since moving to NY City, Loften has trained with Teatro Punto and SITI Company and has been fortunate to find consistent film work since graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2010. Nonetheless, she was surprised to learn that many of the dramatic settings for a nine-kingdom epic like "Frigg's Oath" could be found in the five boroughs. Says Loften, "Who knew there were catacombs in Harlem?"Has Back Stage helped you get cast in the past year? We'd love to tell your story. Be in the weekly column by emailing casting@backstage.com for NY or bswcasting@backstage.com for Los Angeles with "I Got the Part" in the subject line.

Scott Rudin on 'Extremely Noisy and very Close' Waiting Game: 'It's a movie, Not just a Earthworm round the Finish from the Hook'

For Scott Rudin quote aficionados , this can be a banner five days. The brusque super producer began a couple of days by raging NYer film critic David Denby inside an email for damaging the 'Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' embargo. "The needs of playboy cannot trump your word," Rudin written inside an email. "The fact the review is great is immaterial, after i suspect you understand. You've very badly damaged the film that way, which i could not in good conscience invite you to definitely view another movie of mine again." Burn! But it is not only Denby who'll get wrath-y emails from Rudin -- it's the NY Occasions too. With an article about 'Extremely Noisy and very Close' -- the completely new Tom Hanks/Sandra Bullock film that Rudin produced, as well as the last remaining major Academy awards contender to screen for experts and tastemakers this year -- Rudin was asked for about his latest bit of "Oscar bait." "You are able to write what you look for, after i don't especially care," Rudin written inside an email to reporter Brooks Barnes. "It's a movie, not just a earthworm round the finish from the hook." Double burn! You just know Denby is reading through through this at this time around and sniggering to themselves. Whether 'Extremely Noisy and very Close' capitalizes on its positioning becoming an Oscar film is probably of minimal consequence to Rudin. Producer -- who won a Best Picture Oscar in 2007 for 'No Country for Old Men' -- also produced these 'Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' and 'Moneyball,' two other high-profile Academy Award competitors. 'Extremely Noisy and very Close' hits theaters in limited release later this month. [via NYT] [Photo: Warner Bros.] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Five Good Reasons To See 'Young Adult'

As Mavis Gary lounges in her own Hello Cat T-shirt, swigging a couple-liter of Diet Coke in the morning as the Kardashians drone without anyone's knowledge, it's obvious the title "Youthful Adult" (out today in limited release) refers not just in Mavis' occupation like a teen-lit author, but towards the protagonist herself, whom at age 30-something, hasn't quite developed. And she or he does not apologize for this. The Diablo Cody-composed, Jason Reitman-directed comedy follows Mavis as she returns the place to find Mercury, Minnesota, to regain her high-school sweetheart Buddy Slade (performed by Patrick Wilson), who's now married having a baby. But, again, Mavis does not care an excessive amount of about this. The film is really a amusing (and sometimes cringe-inducing) tale of perpetual adolescence that you simply will not wish to miss. Listed here are five good reasons to see "Youthful Adult." Charlize Theron Is Courageous It requires a particular self-confidence to portray a personality with the couple of redeeming characteristics, and Theron has it in spades. Actually, director Jason Reitman told Theron she was the only real actress he imagined within the role. "[It's] so nice, but additionally a little of the back-handed compliment," Theron lately joked to MTV News. Sorry, Charlize. We could not accept Jason more. Patton Oswalt: Leading Guy Sure, Patrick Wilson fills the stereotypical heartthrob role here, but it is Oswalt who nearly steals the show together with his nerdy Matt Freehauf, a higher school classmate of Mavis', who's now handicapped after being the victim of the hate crime. (The jocks thought he was gay...but he isn't.) Mavis and Matt's unlikely friendship is among the couple of soft spots in "Youthful Adult," and it is rapport you oddly can't help but root for. Diablo Cody Lite The Oscar-winning scribe of "Juno" includes a penchant for cool sight gags (hamburger phone, anybody?) and catchphrase-friendly dialogue ("Honest to blog!"), but Cody is pleasantly restrained in "Youthful Adult," not permitting quippy lines to upstage the storyline. (Though kudos for your "textual chemistry" pun, Diablo...) The Ending Without ruining the movie's conclusion, we'll just say things aren't ended having a large red-colored bow—something Theron stated helps make the story more in keeping with existence. "I sometimes watch movies online, and that i give them a call 'movie people,'" she stated. "I'm not sure these those who have massive facts and turn their lives around." Neither will we. Oddly, You May Just Relate As wretched as Mavis could be, you will naturally commiserate having a small-town woman done (kind of) good, who returns the place to find find very little has transformed. If you have gone back for any senior high school reunion, guess what happens we are speaking about. Would you intend on seeing "Youthful Adult"? Inform us within the comments as well as on Twitter!

Top Moments: Virgins' Horrifying First Hug and Mother's Large Twist

Virgin Journals Our top moments every week: 15. Worst Christmas Surprise: Andy is simply asking for trouble round the Office when he invites his new girlfriend for the Party at Dunder Mifflin where, just just in case you did not remember, his ex-girlfriend still works. And you know what happens he'll enter the stocking? Trouble. Round the advice from the equally broken-hearted Robert California, Erin can get wasted within the party and eventually ends up in the close hug (and possibly more?) with Robert, much to Andy's chagrin. Precisely what had you been expecting, Nard Dog? 14. Worst Break-Taking Moment: After not sleeping with anybody aside from her boyfriend Spencer in than six years, Jess is of course worried that they'll 't be adventurous enough in bed on her behalf new guy, Paul (the equally adorkable Justin Extended), on New Girl. Sadly, Jess ranges from adventurous (see: bondage-like lingerie) to disturbing in five seconds flat when she lightly chokes Paul because they are making out. Remember, Jess, you can't have intercourse with him if he's dead. This isn't Clerks. 13. Saddest Blindsiding: Annie finally decides to determine the romantic waters with Auggie on Covert Matters, taking his hands and telling him that he's alone sherrrd like to speak with after coming back from Stockholm. The usually intuitive Auggie, however, totally misreads her and, after giving her his Corvettes, drops a bombshell: He'll Eritrea to pursue rapport with Parker. Annie's heartbreak is compounded because Auggie, being blind, can't see her teary, crumpleface reaction. "I am in a position to literally hear you smiling," he notifies her. 12. Best Gift: Simply what does Leslie Knope love most? The Parks Department, Pawnee and sweets. (Possibly you've seen simply how much whipped cream she puts on her behalf account waffles?) So her Parks and Entertainment team pulls together to acquire her two perfect gifts: a re-growth and development of the Parks Department made entirely of chocolate plus an offer to use her campaign for City Council. Works this suggest Leslie Knope 2012 lollipops will be in our future? 11. Sealed getting an accident Award: Chuck and Blair fans, rejoice! Blair - finally - helps to make the decision we understood she'd and chooses to obtain together with Chuck on Gossip Girl. Bad the paparazzi get wind that Blair is departing her prince inside the dust and chase her limo in to a road block much like Blair and Chuck share a romantic hug. The finish result? A fiery crash plus an unknown fate for Chuck. It might be worse - Blair may have selected Serta. 10. Worst Temper Episode: Don't awake your pet! Sleeping beauty Kim Kardashian movies on sister Khloe when she wakes her around say goodbye on Kourtney and Kim Take NY. "[You're a dumb, little, evil f---ing troll. You've not a clue simply how much Personally, i can't stand you. You're disgusting," Kim texts Khloe. "[Kim thinks that] I'm spiteful, I'm jealous of her existence," Khloe states. "It's crazy they thinks by doing this, but furthermore sad." Reveal relating to this - specially when Kim unveils the primary of her frustration: Khloe isn't encouraging of her relationship with and marriage to Kris Humphries. Uh, well, she wasn't wrong. Team Khloe! 9. Oh, Mother Award: After Sophistication briefly will get lost (also called "that time Sophistication got baptized without telling anybody and butt-known as her mother 12 occasions") round the Good Wife, Alicia involves hard realization that they'll forget about juggle like a good lawyer, an excellent single mother together with a great girlfriend. Sadly, there's only title she'll have the ability to shed, so Alicia breaks tabs on Will, telling him "I am unable to,In . as tears stream lower her face. Will anxiously anxiously waited 15 years to acquire left such as this? 8. Best New Mystery: On Homeland, everything seems to go to according to Barbara and Saul's plan to take lower Master when Al Zahrani helps orchestrate a celebration in the public square. A man fitting Walker's description arrives, but Carrie's instincts immediately remind her something's wrong. It calculates that Master has truly employed a destitute lookalike to deliver within the place and before Barbara are capable of doing anything relating to this, Master remotely detonates a blast inside the man's brief-situation. Barbara is hurt, but she's bigger sea food to fry: There's a mole inside the CIA. Who's it? 7. Finest Disappointment: After improving its fourth season with a breaking point, Sons of Anarchy has gone out after some from the whimper. Like Hamlet, which Sons creator Kurt Sutter has reported becoming an inspiration, the show forces prince Jax to request: "To kill or else to kill Clay?," the man who wiped out Jax's father and bought popular on Jax's fiancée. Ultimately, the mix from the deus ex machina - Romeo is coping with the CIA! - as well as the Irish Kings' disinclination to handle SAMCRO without Clay forces Jax to keep the old guy around a while longer. Or as Hamlet might say, "Being... ongoing?" 6. Worst Drunken Hookup: Keep in mind that certain time attending school once your mother found visit and he or she embarrassed you before your pals? That's nothing in contrast regarding the Boardwalk Empire's Jimmy Darmody experienced. Grieving following a murder of his wife Angela, Jimmy flashes-towards the roots from the relationship at Princeton. But even throughout people fledgling occasions of puppy love, Jimmy's mother literally came involving the couple. While likely to Jimmy, Gillian can get so drunk she'll barely stand. When Jimmy helps her undress, Gillian kisses her boy and, due to their very own intoxication, it doesn't hang on a minute. No real surprise the indegent boy discontinued to battle inside the war! 5. Dying Becomes Her Award: Poor Crimson! First, Tate tries to pressure a suicide pact on her behalf account on American Horror Story. Then, when sherrrd like no part of that, he decides it is really an optimal time to demonstrate to her (also to us) that Crimson is actually dead. Yup, she OD'd on people pills she needed on friday, and Tate has squirreled away her decaying corpse - that's disgustingly teeming with flies - inside the basement. Between this and Tate impregnating her mother, maybe Violet's best dead? 4. Most Chilling Follow-up: When Bree finds out from Chuck the analysis into Alejandro's disappearance is becoming formally showed up on Desperate Regular folks, she will get she's nobody to exhibit to, so she rents a monotonous motel room where she contemplates suicide. She sits alone inside a table getting a bottle of alcohol together with a gun, and out of the blue features a vision of Mary Alice sitting across from her. She notifies Mary Alice they is actually unhappy and asks if she's happy after undertaking suicide. "I'm not unhappy," Mary Alice states cryptically before vaporizing, departing Bree to produce her choice. Avoid them, Bree! There's still over half the best season left to go to. 3. Large Women, Don't Cry Award: The X Factor has already established several dramatic eliminations (see: Astro's face-offered by Simon Cowell), nevertheless it was way worse when 13-year-old Rachel Crow can get the boot. She falls for the floor sobbing and screams "Mother," for cripe's No less than Rachel's reaction is a lot more age-appropriate in comparison to evaluate Nicole Scherzinger, who takes happens also sobbing, and can be so troubled they states nothing when Steve Manley shoves the microphone in their face. Is always that a cry for Rachel or possibly a cry for attention, Nicole? We really can't differentiate any more. 2. Best Bait and Switch: So Robin wasn't pregnant ultimately the way i Met Your Mother. (Why didn't she you need to conceiving a child test again?) Really, she finds out they cannot conceive, she notifies her supposed future children, Ted-style. Wait, what? Though Robin has not wanted children, she becomes overcome with sadness within the option being removed, leading you to definitely certainly believe that she must've adopted people kids, right? Not really a chance! The kids are a figment of her imagination, and he or she never increased to become parent. Can it be an affordable stunt? Possibly. But it's additionally a precise portrayal of her infertility: She's not losing children she handles to get rid of the idea, the concept - the vision - of those. 1. Most Terrifying Hug: Most of us have seen the infamous and unbearably awkward first hug from Virgin Journals at this time, but what none everyone was ready for might be the ceaseless lip-lock/jaw workout between Ryan and Shanna at their wedding. "The hug was, um, difficult to explain," Ryan's mother offers charitably. Other have known into it variously as "as being a mama bird feeding her chick," "nursing-like," and "chew-y." Let's just hope that practicing to attain perfection with this particular charming youthful couple. What were your top moments?

Best Movie Robot Of 2011: Vote For Your Favorite

With the end of the year rapidly approaching, the MTV Movies team is here to ask the hard questions. Which movie had the best ensemble cast of 2011, for one? How about the greatest sex scene of the year? Or perhaps the most important question of all: who was the best movie robot of 2011? It's a bizarre question, sure, but a fair one to ask: there were a ton of 'bots at the box office this year, some more menacing than others. From the courageous Optimus Prime to the useless '80s Robot, here are your picks for the year's best cinematic robot. Cast your vote after the jump! Optimus Prime, "Transformers: Dark Of The Moon" In "Dark of the Moon," the fearless leader of the Autobots did what fearless leaders of the Autobots do best: kicked extreme amounts of ass, took a whole lot of names, and ripped his arch-enemy's head and spinal cord clean out "Predator" style. Yeah, Prime's kind of a badass. Wafflebot, "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas" "I LOVE YOU KUMAR." Never has a robot said such heartwarming words then promptly pissed away all warm and fuzzy feelings with a quick shot of scalding hot maple syrup to the junk. Regardless of the ice on our nads, we love you too, Wafflebot. Atom, "Real Steel" Anyone who can outbadass Wolverine is obviously doing something right. Atom of "Real Steel" wins points not just for awesome combat and attitude, but also for relaying the classic underdog story that'll be told time and time again to all generations of aspiring robot boxers to come. '80s Robot, "The Muppets" Look, nobody likes '80s Robot, not in today's Apple-heavy digital age. But how can you not love the idea of Kermit traveling around with an absurdly out of date piece of walking machinery? He's 2011's WALL*E as far as we're concerned -- just a whole lot less likeable. The Automaton, "Hugo" The beautiful "Hugo" hinges upon the existence of a mysterious automaton that our titular hero is trying to repair and understand. The automaton doesn't get a ton of action, but when it does, it's an absolute wonder to behold. Check out our other year-end polls: » Best Movie Ensemble » Best Sex Scene

Ticketmaster E-Mailing Clients About Credits They'll Receive included in Class-Action Settlement

Ticketmaster is incorporated in the procedure for delivering e-mails to clients concerning the credits they'll be receiving included in a suggested class action lawsuit settlement.our editor recommendsTicketmaster to Problem Refunds to Clients Who Bought Tickets Over Last 12 YearsAEG Assumes Ticketmaster With New ServiceTicketmaster to Implement Dynamic Prices System Clients who bought tickets through Ticketmaster between March. 21, 1999, and March. 19, 2011, are titled towards the credits included in a suit filed in 2003 that alleged the organization overcharged them. STORY:Ticketmaster to Problem Refunds to Clients Who Bought Tickets Over Last 12 Years Two males had prosecuted in La over costs these were billed for buying tickets to Wilco and Bruce Springsteen concerts, alleging the organization are making money off dubious "processing costs" which UPS' cost for expedited delivery of tickets isn't truthful. The settlement, which received preliminary approval from the judge in October, can give clients a $1.50 credit on as much as 17 tickets they bought that they'll experience future purchases. It will likewise credit customers who received tickets via UPS up $5 for approximately 17 transactions. The money is scheduled to become completed in May. The credits include several limitations: Clients are only able to use two credits at any given time and can't utilize them for occasions scheduled at venues possessed by concert giant AEG Live. Clients who have been billed the costs will also receive messages following the money is completed with particulars regarding how to redeem the credits. Related Subjects Ticketmaster

Tom Cruise Is Guest of Honor at All-Star Bollywood Party in Mumbai

NBC After months of dealing with the fallout from attending a birthday celebration for Chechnyan dictator Ramzan Kadyrov in October, Hilary Swank says she's learned a valuable lesson -- should pay more attention to where she's going.our editor recommendsNew Details Emerge After Hilary Swank Fired By Her Publicity FirmHilary Swank Donating Fees From Chechen Leader's Birthday Party to CharityHilary Swank Apologizes for Attending Chechen Leader's Birthday PartyHilary Swank, Jean-Claude Van Damme Slammed for Attending Birthday of Chechen Leader She said on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno Friday, "I should know where I'm going. I actually didn't know Chechnya was separate from Russia. Now I know all of that but I had no idea." Jean-Claude Van Damme and Seal also attended the soiree but it was Swank that came under fire from human rights groups for taking part in the event for a man who has been linked to torture, murder and human-rights abuses. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Memorable Mea Culpas Swank donated the fee received for her appearance to charity. She told Jay Leno that the experience also had a positive outcome, "I donated all the money. There's always a silver lining on things and I've learned a lot about the incredible things that people are now doing, like I said, with Human Rights Watch, I'm working closely with them." Publicity firm 42 West dropped the Million Dollar Baby and Conviction star as a client because she had declined to accept responsibility for the ill-advised trip. She instead fired her manager of eight years, Jason Weinberg, and axed two members of her team at CAA, Amie Yavor and Josh Lieberman, for their role in booking the appearance. Hilary Swank Seal Jay Leno The Tonight Show Jean-Claude Van Damme

Past Seasons Of Community Will Now Be Available On Hulu

So far, only the five most recent episodes of the Sony TV-produced Community were available on the NBCUniversal-backed Hulu streaming service. Starting today, all three seasons of the quirky new comedy will be available on the subscription-based Hulu Plus. The move comes just as NBC grounded Community for midseason (the series is expected to return in late spring), so fans of the show will be able to catch up with old episodes during the hiatus.

Tracey Gold on Hollywood's Weight Obsession, 'Nasty' Online Critics and Whether She Keeps in Touch With Leonardo DiCaprio

NY - Colony Capital, the private equity owner of the Miramax library, is in preliminary talks to acquire a stake in Summit Entertainment, the studio behind the Twilight series, Bloomberg News reported, citing people with knowledge of the situation.our editor recommendsMiramax sold to Ronald Tutor, Colony CapitalMiramax Plans $142 Million Dividend Payment to OwnersLionsgate, Summit Re-Start Merger TalksRelated Topics•Twilight PHOTOS: 'Twilight': Behind the Scenes of the Saga's First Film Colony, led by Tom Barrack, could buy a Summit stake currently owned by hedge fund Rizvi Traverse Management and others, it said. The companies, however, are also discussing a possible combination of Summit and Miramax that could leave Summit management in charge, according to Bloomberg. Lionsgate has also held talks about acquiring Summit. A spokeswoman for Colony told Bloomberg that the company doesn't comment on speculation or rumor. A spokeswoman for Summit declined to comment. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1' Black Carpet Premiere Arrivals PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Twilight': Behind the Scenes of the Saga's First Film Related Topics Lionsgate Miramax Films Twilight Summit Entertainment