Large-budget 'Carter' unleashed at box office

Disney's fantasy tentpole 'John Carter' is monitoring to accomplish $25 million-$Thirty Dollars million stateside.After couple of years of scrutiny from bizzers, fans as well as the media, Disney's "John Carter" hits plexes worldwide Friday, which is apparent to a lot of B.O. experts -- in addition to for the folks in Burbank -- the uphill journey to profitability with this particular film particularly will probably be measured inside the extended haul rather than temporary.Image launches a couple of days ago in every single major overseas market except China and japan. That ambitious push is defined right into a Stateside bow gathering 3,749 locations, which 2,614 are 3d and 289 Imax.Despite the fact that box office is only one little bit of the profitability cake, it's a key piece. It's also an important take into account creating the selling, sequels and spinoffs that are some the studio's mantra, additionally to ancillaries for instance TV rights.Clearly, Disney offers a great deal riding on "Carter" as being a theatrical hit. A few days ago, monitoring for your large-budget tentpole suggested a $25 million-$Thirty Dollars million domestic bow, even though Disney involved with a bit of final-stretch redirection within the marketing (it ramped within the concentrate on the film's action elements) people predictions haven't changed much, even if some monitoring services are predicting an extremely greater upside for "Carter."Bizzers on an outing still question "Carter's" possible ways to be an "event" -- an essential hurdle given what Disney spent to produce and market the film. The studio states the film's production costs were $250 million, by getting one more nine-figure worldwide marketing spend.Even if the film does deliver on predictions from the high-finish $Thirty Dollars million opening, Universal's holdover "The Lorax," which surprised a week ago getting a $70 million bow, stands a fighting chance of beating "Carter" for Stateside boasting rights within the box office.Takings for "Lorax" could drop some 40% through Sunday versus. its opening frame, putting the toon at between $35 million and $40 million within the second weekend. Pic had cumed just shy of $80 million in your area by Wednesday.You'll find other openers in this region: Open Road's 2011 Sundance chiller "Quiet House," starring Elizabeth Olsen, and Eddie Murphy comedy "A Thousand Words," the ultimate DreamWorks film to endure Vital, are monitoring inside the high-single amounts.The niche B.O., meanwhile, offers a great deal to supply, including Kerbside Attractions' dramedy "Pals With Kids," which bows today at 374 locations, and CBS Films' "Seafood Fishing inside the Yemen," at 18.While "Carter" has fought being four-quadrant draw, the pic has maintained a great grip on its male core. "Carter," which was first introduced in 1912 by Tarzan creator Edgar Grain Burroughs, includes a strong male fanbase both above and below age 25. Most teens, however, is probably not familiar with the first property, though Disney hopes to draw in them together with tentpole-sized action and 3d.InchPetersonInch marks the live-action feature debut for "Wall-E" helmer Andrew Stanton and toplines Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins, neither who've formerly shouldered a substantial tentpole.Pic's 3d count has roughly 600 more locations than 3d "Alice's adventures in wonderland" bowed with this time around for this year. Consider then, the format has observed considerable deflation. "Carter" would beat standard getting a 3 dimensional take north of 50%.The weekend's demo derby needs to be evenly split."Lorax," which a week ago acquired 52% of the opening from 3d, should still hold sway with families, while "A Thousand Words" will most likely do best with grownups and Black auds. Expect R-rated "Quiet House" to skew mostly toward women -- conventional most scare photos -- as well as over-25 filmgoers. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

'Extra' host launches social TV venture

Menounos She might be most widely known as host of syndie newsmag "Extra," but Maria Menounos continues to be silently creating a different type of brand since the entertainment world.Menounos may be the sole backer of AfterBuzz TV, a web-based network formally starting Monday. The web site is continuing to grow enough in beta mode over its first 10 several weeks to draw in new close ties with Microsoft internet search engine Bing and movies online specialist Akamai.Afterbuzz rides the coattails close to 40 of TV's most widely used primetime series online as rapidly as 10-fifteen minutes after each episode's original airdate having a live webcast transmitting from the La HQ for fans to dissect the things they just viewed. The venture utilizes a roster of hosts who moderate discussions which include fans who are able to get in touch with or weigh in from chat rooms in addition to visitors from each side from the camera around the shows being talked about.This past year, Afterbuzz held an active screening from the "Breaking Bad" season finale with stars in the series with you including Aaron Paul, who became a member of Menounos for any publish-episode conversation. But it is audio podcasts of Afterbuzz implies that have demonstrated even accepted the live webinars, which might be expected because of the significant part of audiences who might be watching their most favorite shows days later via VOD or Digital recording device.The series which are typically the most popular draws on Afterbuzz -- USA's "WWE Raw," MTV's "Jersey Shoreline" and FX's "American Horror Story" rank as top points of interest -- can yield between 250,000-500,000 downloads on iTunes."I do believe strongly in digital media being the near future,Inch stated Menounos who runs AfterBuzz with Keven Undergaro, someone in her own production company. "Like a passionate TV fan, it was something I simply needed to do."Menounos also hopes to provide Afterbuzz a lift like a cast member around the approaching season of ABC's "Dwts.Inch It will likely be the very first series her company may have a correspondent based within the production and she or he intends to do Afterbuzz periods after each "Dancing" episode using the periodic contribution of fellow castmates (should she remain on the series lengthy enough).While she adds towards the periodic program, most AfterBuzz programming is located by 100s of various TV fans attracted in the scores of stars, comics along with other industry types residing in La.Msn can come on like a sponsor prior to additional integrations between your two qualities. Another is by using movies online specialist Akamai takes over hosting responsibilities for audio and video versions of AfterBuzz programming.Whether streaming live or installing later, all Afterbuzz programs have the freedom to eat. And also the consumption is originating from around the globe because of the recognition of U.S. Tv show in overseas marketplaces. Next on Afterbuzz agenda may be the launch of the application to take advantage of the growing number of its audience watching and listening from wireless products. The venture has extended to covering movies right after their release.Afterbuzz is staking out territory that an increasing number of Television channels are beginning to create themselves. MTV, Bravo, AMC and Lifetime are some of the nets recently who've given existing hits their very own companion implies that air immediately after. The venture also finds itself increasing like a cottage industry of social-TV online companies attempt to grab share of the market from the conversation surrounding hit TV programming. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Adam Sandler Makes Well-Deserved Record-Setting 11 Razzie Nominations

Champion aren't just to make sure that the individuals who win of tonight's Film Independent Spirit Honours major props visit Adam Sandler with an outstanding showing in current day Razzie nominations announcement, which found the Jack & Jill/Go From It star damaging the previous record for a lot of personal Razzie nominations acquired every year. (Sandler won 11 nominations, while Jack & Jill itself acquired 12.) Eddie Murphy, guess you're free for your Year of Norbit. Start to see the full report on fairly apparent nominees competing for Golden Raspberry (dis)honors following a the jump by leaving your predictions below. WORST PICTURE Bucky Larson: Born to become Star Jack & Jill New Years Eve Transformers: Dark in the Moon Twilight: Breaking Beginning Part 1 WORST ACTOR Russell Brand, Arthur Nicolas Cage, Drive Angry 3-D/Season in the Witch/Trespass Rachelle Lefervre, Abduction/The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Pt. 1 Adam Sandler, Jack & Jill/Go From It Nick Swardson, Bucky Larson: Born to become Star WORST ACTRESS Martin Lawrence, Large Mommas: Like Father Like Boy Sarah Palin, Undefeated Nicole Kidman, I've No Clue How She'll ItOrNew Years Eve Adam Sandler, Jack & Jill Billy Burke, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Pt. 1 WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR Patrick Dempsey, Transformers: Dark in the Moon James Franco, Your Highness Ken Jeong, Large Mommas 3, Hangover Part 2, Transformers: Dark in the Moon, Zookeeper Al Pacino, Jack & Jill Nick Swardson, Jack & Jill/Go From It WORST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Katie Holmes, Jack & Jill Brandon T. Jackson, Large Mommas 3 Nicole Kidman, Go From It David Spade, Jack & Jill Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Transformers: Dark in the Moon WORST ENSEMBLE Bucky Larson: Born to become Star Jack & Jill New Years Eve Transformers: Dark in the Moon Breaking DawnThe Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Pt. 1 WORST DIRECTOR Michael Bay, Transformers: Dark in the Moon Tom Brady, Bucky Larson: Born to become Star Bill Condon, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Pt. 1 Dennis Dugan, Jack & Jill/Go From It Garry Marshall, New Years Eve WORST PREQUEL, REMAKE, RIP-OFF or Follow-up Arthur Bucky Larson: Born to become Star The Hangover 2 Jack & Jill The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Pt. 1 WORST SCREEN COUPLE Nicolas Cage and anybody Shia LaBeouf and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Transformers: Dark in the Moon Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston/Brooklyn Decker, Go From It Adam Sandler and Holmes, Pacino, or themselves in Jack & Jill Billy Burke and RPattz or Rachelle Lefervre, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Pt. 1 WORST Script Bucky Larson: Born to become Star Jack & Jill New Years Eve Transformers: Dark in the Moon The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Pt. 1 The Razzies will probably be introduced on April 1. More details here.

Cabaret Clubs Are Opening and Closing Around New York City

If anyone has a right to sing a torch song over this month's announcement that cabaret performance at the Oak Room of Manhattan's legendary Algonquin Hotel has ended, it's Andrea Marcovicci. The singer has performed there every autumn for the past 25 years. "It's a loss so profound that it feels like I've had a box full of family photographs burn up in a fire," she said.Gary Budge, the general manager of the history-laden West 44th Street hotelpart of the Marriott Autograph Collection brandrevealed that when innovations currently under way at the Algonquin are completed, part of the Oak Room area will have been taken to enlarge the hotel's Blue Bar. The remainder will be "repurposed" as a breakfast space for Marriott Reward Elite travelers. The announcement has provoked sorrow and activism in the city's cabaret community and beyond. Lyricist Enid Futterman and writer Vicki Stivala started an online petition aimed to convince Marriott management to change its mind. Signers include entertainer Carol Burnett, actor Tom Conti, film director Peter Bogdanovich, and songwriters Marilyn and Alan Bergman.One of the more pressing questions following the announcement concerned the fate of performers who have long called the Oak Room their artistic home base in NY. In addition to Marcovicci, the list includes Steve Ross, KT Sullivan, Karen Akers, and Jack Jones. Lesley Alexanderjournalist, music producer, and director of operations for Marcovicci's record label, Andreasong Recordingsbelieves that none of these performers will be left out in the cold. "Talent always rises," Alexander said, suggesting that some Oak Room performers would likely find a new roof at one of the city's remaining high-end cabaret spaces: the Caf Carlyle and Feinstein's at Loews Regency. John Iachetti, who books talent for Feinstein's, said that Jones is set to perform at the club in June.Deeper concerns about the overall health of the city's cabaret scene were sparked by Budge's remark that "even with terrific talent, [the Oak Room] had declining audiences." Most insiders, however, don't believe cabaret is dying. Alexander said that in the 1980s, when a number of clubs shuttered, she researched the longtime history of nightclub performance in NY. She found that interest in cabaret waxes and wanes. She believes that any reduction in audiences these days is tied to the nation's prolonged economic downturn, not to a dwindling interest in intimate, live performance.Some in the city's cabaret community believe that the Oak Room's stringent devotion to a traditional "Great American Songbook" repertoire may have limited the kinds of customers it attracted. Writer James Gavin ("Intimate Nights") first visited the club in 1985, about four years after cabaret promoter Donald Smith revitalized the dormant room. Gavin returned approximately 100 times over the years. He appreciates that it nourished the talent of younger performers and said he will miss the venue. But he noted, "The staid model of cabaret that developed in the '80sthat of formal, sexless presentations of standards, long on manners and short on fun, and geared toward a well-to-do, older crowdis pretty much over." Alexander said the Oak Room had included some more-contemporary styles of music. But she said it was a tricky proposition to "expand your audience without diluting your brand." The Oak Room's brand, she said, has always been linked to elegance and sophistication, "and you're not going to get intelligence singing, 'Ooh, baby, baby.' " Beck Lee, publicist for the Metropolitan Room on West 22nd Street in Manhattan, said that "supply" is no problem in NY's cabaret market. There are plenty of established and aspiring performers. But, he said, he wonders sometimes about "demand." Lee stressed the importance of "stirring things up artistically" to attract new and varied audiences. He cited the Metropolitan Room's sold-out run of Barb Jungr's show last fall, which featured Bob Dylan songs; the show will return for a three-week encore engagement in the spring.Thomas Honeck, booking manager and general manager for the West Village's Duplex club, said, "People don't just 'come to the cabaret,' as the song says. They generally come to see specific performers, so there will always be an audience for that."Shortly after the news of the Oak Room's closing came the announcement that a new club, 54 Below, will open beneath the Studio 54 theater on West 54th Street. The 160-seat space is designed to bring more performers from musical theater to the cabaret world. Patti LuPone will headline when 54 Below opens in June.No one seems to be suggesting that 54 Below's presence will compensate for the disappearance of the Oak Room. Marcovicci said she's not sure the Marriott "higher-ups" fathom the historical and cultural loss their planned repurposing signifies. She is channeling her grief into the petition effort, hoping somehow to keep the music playing at the Algonquin. "But I'm speaking as an artist," she added, "and sometimes artists cry in the wind." By Mark Dundas Wood February 22, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT Stephen Sorokoff If anyone has a right to sing a torch song over this month's announcement that cabaret performance at the Oak Room of Manhattan's legendary Algonquin Hotel has ended, it's Andrea Marcovicci. The singer has performed there every autumn for the past 25 years. "It's a loss so profound that it feels like I've had a box full of family photographs burn up in a fire," she said.Gary Budge, the general manager of the history-laden West 44th Street hotelpart of the Marriott Autograph Collection brandrevealed that when innovations currently under way at the Algonquin are completed, part of the Oak Room area will have been taken to enlarge the hotel's Blue Bar. The remainder will be "repurposed" as a breakfast space for Marriott Reward Elite travelers. The announcement has provoked sorrow and activism in the city's cabaret community and beyond. Lyricist Enid Futterman and writer Vicki Stivala started an online petition aimed to convince Marriott management to change its mind. Signers include entertainer Carol Burnett, actor Tom Conti, film director Peter Bogdanovich, and songwriters Marilyn and Alan Bergman.One of the more pressing questions following the announcement concerned the fate of performers who have long called the Oak Room their artistic home base in NY. In addition to Marcovicci, the list includes Steve Ross, KT Sullivan, Karen Akers, and Jack Jones. Lesley Alexanderjournalist, music producer, and director of operations for Marcovicci's record label, Andreasong Recordingsbelieves that none of these performers will be left out in the cold. "Talent always rises," Alexander said, suggesting that some Oak Room performers would likely find a new roof at one of the city's remaining high-end cabaret spaces: the Caf Carlyle and Feinstein's at Loews Regency. John Iachetti, who books talent for Feinstein's, said that Jones is set to perform at the club in June.Deeper concerns about the overall health of the city's cabaret scene were sparked by Budge's remark that "even with terrific talent, [the Oak Room] had declining audiences." Most insiders, however, don't believe cabaret is dying. Alexander said that in the 1980s, when a number of clubs shuttered, she researched the longtime history of nightclub performance in NY. She found that interest in cabaret waxes and wanes. She believes that any reduction in audiences these days is tied to the nation's prolonged economic downturn, not to a dwindling interest in intimate, live performance.Some in the city's cabaret community believe that the Oak Room's stringent devotion to a traditional "Great American Songbook" repertoire may have limited the kinds of customers it attracted. Writer James Gavin ("Intimate Nights") first visited the club in 1985, about four years after cabaret promoter Donald Smith revitalized the dormant room. Gavin returned approximately 100 times over the years. He appreciates that it nourished the talent of younger performers and said he will miss the venue. But he noted, "The staid model of cabaret that developed in the '80sthat of formal, sexless presentations of standards, long on manners and short on fun, and geared toward a well-to-do, older crowdis pretty much over." Alexander said the Oak Room had included some more-contemporary styles of music. But she said it was a tricky proposition to "expand your audience without diluting your brand." The Oak Room's brand, she said, has always been linked to elegance and sophistication, "and you're not going to get intelligence singing, 'Ooh, baby, baby.' " Beck Lee, publicist for the Metropolitan Room on West 22nd Street in Manhattan, said that "supply" is no problem in NY's cabaret market. There are plenty of established and aspiring performers. But, he said, he wonders sometimes about "demand." Lee stressed the importance of "stirring things up artistically" to attract new and varied audiences. He cited the Metropolitan Room's sold-out run of Barb Jungr's show last fall, which featured Bob Dylan songs; the show will return for a three-week encore engagement in the spring.Thomas Honeck, booking manager and general manager for the West Village's Duplex club, said, "People don't just 'come to the cabaret,' as the song says. They generally come to see specific performers, so there will always be an audience for that."Shortly after the news of the Oak Room's closing came the announcement that a new club, 54 Below, will open beneath the Studio 54 theater on West 54th Street. The 160-seat space is designed to bring more performers from musical theater to the cabaret world. Patti LuPone will headline when 54 Below opens in June.No one seems to be suggesting that 54 Below's presence will compensate for the disappearance of the Oak Room. Marcovicci said she's not sure the Marriott "higher-ups" fathom the historical and cultural loss their planned repurposing signifies. She is channeling her grief into the petition effort, hoping somehow to keep the music playing at the Algonquin. "But I'm speaking as an artist," she added, "and sometimes artists cry in the wind."

Revenge Exclusive: Scoop on TV's Most sexy Mystery

Unhealthy news: Erica, who were built with a child with Private Practice's Cooper, includes a terminal brain tumor. What's promising: Amelia Shepherd and her your government Derek will reunite to try and save her.Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) will visit Grey's Anatomy's Dallas Sophistication throughout a unique ... Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com A.J. LangerPatrick DempseyEric DaneGrey's AnatomyCaterina ScorsonePaul AdelsteinPrivate PracticeGriffin Gluck

Japan ad shop partners with TV Asahi, Fremantle

Tokyo, japan, japan -- Dentsu, Japan's greatest ad shop, is joining up while using TV Asahi network and Fremantle to co-push variety programs together with other content, according to Japanese press reviews. Using Dentsu and Fremantle's sales channels, they plan to sell the shows in Europe, U . s . States and Asia. The Three partners will divide the revenues. The shows will first be broadcast on tv Asahi, but produced using overseas auds in your thoughts, from script to theme song. Dentsu is seeking new revenue streams abroad given limited prospects for expansion in your house. Inside the October to December quarter, however, regular profits acquired 4% to $225 million as TV ad with recovery of demand within the March 11 disaster and rise in orders in the U . s . States subsid adding. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Summit int'l chief David Garrett to exit

A month after Summit merged with Lionsgate, Summit co-founder and president of international David Garrett is preparing to ankle the company, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.Reasons behind Garrett's resignation were not immediately clear, but observers told Variety that the exec became emotional when speaking of the merger last week while attending the Berlin Film Festival. It's unclear when Garrett will formally depart the company.Word of Garrett's move comes as Lionsgate begins the integration of Summit staffers into its film operations, spurring movement among execs from both sides. Last week, Summit's Erik Feig was named production prexy of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, while the former occupant of that post, Alli Shearmur, is expected to segue to a producing deal.Garrett, Patrick Wachsberger and Bob Hayward officially launched Summit in 1993 as a production, distribution and sales operation. The company's profile grew in recent years as it scored with the "Twilight" franchise and fielded a best-picture Oscar winner with "The Hurt Locker." As recently as this past week, sources indicated that Summit's and Lionsgate's sales operations will continue as is for the rest of 2012, with both operations -- Summit's headed by Garrett and Lionsgate's by Helen Lee Kim -- reporting to Patrick Wachsberger.(Diana Lodderhose contributed to this article.) Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

Greg Grande on Jefferson Sage

Released: Involves an finish., Feb. 3, 2012, 4:00am PTBy Grande'Bridesmaids'Greg Grande on Jefferson Sage, production designer, "Bridesmaids" and "New Girl"Anybody who's seen "Bridesmaids" will not ever neglect the production type of Jefferson Sage's tacky Brazilian Churra-Chi restaurant in the seedy neighborhood where Annie (Kristen Wiig) takes her fellow bridesmaids for just about any "steak" lunch. It's the jumping-off point where Sage has subtly created a perfect palette and takes us around the visual journey into an anything-goes world, immediately juxtaposed in the chic, cream-on-white-colored, bridal-gown studio where everything literally erupts.Sage's design and color sensibility along with his spontaneity also lead the means by which after we zigzag from Annie's stress apartment for the Parisian-designed bridal shower in the Tudor revival mansion, full of French cafe round the terrace, pavilion tents for that reason, a miniature Eiffel Tower together with a seven-ft chocolate fountain. All this facilitates the climax of "Bridesmaids" -- which Sage, working with director Paul Feig and producer Judd Apatow, have changed the landscape in the American female comedy.Shifting for the smallscreen, Sage produces a place awesome enough to hold the type of style-setter Zooey Deschanel in Fox's "New Girl": an empty loft with textured walls, uncovered brick, metallic loading door and giant home home windows in the spacious living space where Deschanel and her three male roomies curler skate within the huge wood floor, hang within the entrance and bounce in the walls.The appearance sense is outlined with bold color options spread on entrance doors and walls, which hints in the loft's industrial past and us visually involved. Then there's probably the most discussed bathroom on network TV -- a urinal alongside lockers and a pair of commercial sinks -Making us appreciate Sage's innovative style. He seems to possess every opportunity to create cohabitation in the sexes look stylish and current.Greg Grande's credits include "Cougar Town," "Switched at Birth" and "Jane by Design."ADG Honours 2012Tightening the definitionDesigners on designProduction designers and art company company directors discuss the ADG-nominated work from the peersJohn Muto on Dante Ferretti Greg Grande on Jefferson Sage Norm Newberry on Stuart Craig John Sabato on Patti Podesta Ken Averill on Christopher Glass John Shaffner on Steve Bass Dork Blass on Mark Worthington John Iacovelli on James Yarnell Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

The Voice Rules! (But Here Are 6 Things That Could Make It Even Better)

The Voice A year ago, no one, not even the powers that be at NBC, expected The Voice to pose a real threat to American Idol. Simon Cowell had taken his talents to The X Factor and between the two shows, Fox would out-yell and outspend any and all other music competitions. But then The Voice and its big red swivel chairs and its panel of feisty, funny judges surprised everyone. Rather than repurposing the Idol formula, The Voice gave America a much-needed break from painful auditions, "dawgs," "songs that inspire" week, and judges critiques that ranged from "you really made it your own" to "that was beautiful, perfect." The show also beat X Factor to the punch in having judges act as mentors to the contestants, and in lining up a group of contestants of all ages and races and - most importantly - singing styles. The Voice Season 2 scoop: More blind audition rounds, bigger teams, savvier contestants And so, The Voice not only became NBC's 2011 sleeper hit, it also reinvigorated a format that Idol in 10 seasons had made tired. So what now? Executive producer Mark Burnett has already announced slight tweaks for Season 2: each coach will have a team of 12 (up from last year's 8), and both the initial blind audition rounds and the head-to-head battle rounds will be extended. The show has also hired new social media correspondent Christina Milian, who replaces Alison Haislip. Auditions were filmed last summer, and the battle rounds have been taped, but that doesn't mean there isn't time to consider some constructive feedback! Our hopes and wishes for Season 2: We've seen the dancers - and we don't need them. At first, they were shiny and new. Now, after also watching legions of them stomp around contestants on both The Voice and The X Factor, they're just distracting and remind us too much of a Vegas night club (not a compliment). Besides, no one sounds good trying to sing and booty shake at the same time. The Voice: No more nice judges and details on the new advisers Really? More than four weeks of battle rounds? Love the neon boxing ring. Love the duets. The problem with the battle rounds is that the contestants who appear in that first week go MIA for the next several weeks - and then it's good luck to viewers who can remember them after all that time. We are, after all, talking about starting with 48 acts this season. Footage has been filmed, but maybe we do more than four battles per hour-long episode? Can we hear less about the tweeting? Stop taking away valuable minutes from showing us how the coaches mold their singers just to prove that the show is interactive. What show isn't these days? And because The X Factor allowed people to tweet their votes, Twitter-capable shows are a lot less impressive now. Do viewers really care that @SheltonFan98 thinks one of his contestants did a rockin' job? If you're going to keep the social media lounge around, and we assume you will, make it a real part of the show. Maybe let viewers vote on song choice, or pick better fan questions for the contestants and coaches to answer? Adam and Carson should no longer share a wardrobe. Or, at the very least, they can't share the same stylist. Our suggestion? Carson, go ahead and keep doing the T-shirt-black leather jacket combo you like so well. Adam, you don't need to wear a jacket ever. The Voice names Christina Milian as new social media correspondent No more second chances. Last season, producers were forced to let several rejected hopefuls sing again when the show ran out of potential contestants during the blind auditions. This strikes us as unfair. If a singer can't push the coaches' buttons the first time - see what we did there? - then do they really have a shot at winning? Adam should have taken Casey her first time. We realize that the blind auditions have been shot, but we're optimistic that the show's popularity last season made this a non-issue the second time around. Cool it with the come-ons, Christina. Unlike those other overly supportive female judges, Christina has never been afraid to speak her mind, even if it means cutting off the other coaches. And that's A-OK with us, but could you please stop trying to pick up every young thing that hits the stage? X-Tina, we know you like to flaunt what you've got, but let's let grandpa Steven over at Idol enjoy the title of TV's sleaziest singing judge. What are your hopes and dreams for the new season of The Voice? Tell us in the comments below and check out a preview from the premiere, which airs Sunday after the Super Bowl on NBC:

AFTRA Board of Directors Approves SAG-AFTRA Merger Package

The AFTRA board of directors Saturday approved a proposed merger with SAG, triggering a membership vote that could unite the unions by the end of March into a single union, to be called SAG-AFTRA. The move was expected and came a day after SAGs board passed a similar motion.The proposal, which includes a Merger Agreement and Constitution, was approved 94% to 6%.We now have the opportunity to finally stand united through one union to secure more union work and better benefits for our members, and for the generations of entertainment and media professionals who follow us, said AFTRA president Roberta Reardon."This is a terrific outcome, said SAG president Ken Howard. He added, I believe our members will decisively approve this merger.The AFTRA percentage is even higher than the SAG vote, which was by 87.1% to 12.9%. Votes on the SAG board are weighted. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that there were approximately 8 or 9 votes against merger out of the 71 member board. Unexpectedly, one of the No votes was from a NY board member.Howard will make a high profile announcement regarding the balloting during the nationally televised SAG Awards on Sunday. According to a SAG statement yesterday, the proposal will be sent to the two unions membership for a vote on or about February 27, with a ballot return and tabulation deadline of March 30.The SAG materials will include an opposition statement, even though merger opponents did not achieve the necessary 25% threshold that would have mandated one. However, merger proponents proposed including such a statement anyway.It takes a 60% affirmative vote within each union in order to pass a merger referendum. AFTRA met those thresholds during attempts in 1998 and 2003, but SAG did not. The Hollywood Reporter

ABC orders 'Nashville,' 'Americana' aircraft pilots

ABC purchased a set of drama aircraft pilots Friday from screenwriters trying their hands at TV cleaning soap operas. Callie Khouri, who had been an Oscar for the best original script in 1992 for "Thelma & Louise," is joining with documentary filmmaker R.J. Cutler ("The September Problem") on "Nashville,' a household cleaning soap set from the backdrop from the Nashville music scene that follows one star at her peak and something increasing. Cutler will direct the pilot. Steve Buchanan of Gaylord Entertainment will even executive produce with Khouri and Cutler. This pickup is contingent on closing the co-production deal between ABC Galleries and Lionsgate. Additionally, Michael Seitzman ("North Country") is writing and executive creating "Americana," a cleaning soap set around popular designer and the family and business, with Mark Gordon and Nicholas Pepper of Mark Gordon Co. and ABC Galleries. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Greenburg: No slowing down lower sports TV boom

Ross Greenburg Productions Founder Ross Greenburg talks onstage at Varietys 2012 Sports Entertainment Production Summit.Spike TV Sports and Multi-Platform Programming Senior V . P . Jon Slusser, Fox Sports V . p . of Area Methods Michael Davies, Basketball Digital Director of Technical Methods Chris Brown, Cameron-Pace Group Boss and Co-Chairman Vince Pace and 10 Fold EntSince he will be a kid maturing in NY consuming people "the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat" moments, Ross Greenburg is really a sports glutton. Too as with his words, the sports TV biz is "approaching." The prior Cinemax Sports topper, now an unbiased producer, wax poetic in regards to the current condition of public sports in delivering the keynote speech at Wednesday's Sports Entertainment Production Summit within the Luxe Sunset. "Nowhere else will you see 58 million people appear to check out a football game," he mentioned in case, backed by Sports Video Group and Variety, mentioning to Sunday's NFC championship broadcast. "Everybody loves their teams in addition to their sports. What you're seeing its lid being blown off, and distribution is everywhere." Greenburg, which has moved onto multiple projects but has clearly soured on boxing, his former bread and butter, mentioned the sports behemoth just develop, mainly because of live programming. "What lots of people on television are starting to recognize,In . he mentioned, "is you have to be there live. You can't have the same satisfaction watching it well your Digital video recorder. Entrepreneurs know that you'll be there live. Entrepreneurs realize that you won't be fast-delivering through ads." Everything comes lower to storytelling, Greenburg stressed. Which he advised people in the market seeking recommendations for programming: "Whether or not this tugs in the centre, chances are it'll tug within the public's." In earlier sections, Jon Slusser of Spike TV foreshadowed Greenburg's sights on live sports through the "Beyond the Ball: The Convergence of Sporting Occasions and Entertainment" discussion, proclaiming that people inside the 18-34 demo like live occasions, "and live is important for social media.Inch He stressed the positive relationship, for instance, between Twitter activity and ratings. On one panel, Vince Pace in the Cameron-Pace Group discussed 3d in sports programming and mentioned any time seeing new technology through the new the new sony while others, the proliferation of glasses-free 3d is not remote. "It's incredible in my opinion that people are on course,Inch he mentioned, while watching furthermore that 3d encounters with glasses are becoming convenient and viewer-friendly too. Through the "Sports Reality: Where Sports Takes a Lesson from Entertainment" gathering, Scott Messick of Mess Media mentioned the requirement of "DGA-level company company directors" the simple truth is programming. "You will need a large amount of pointing the simple truth is,In . he mentioned. "There is a nuance to shooting." Tim Duffy of Spike TV added that "sports sports athletes die two occasions," the initial moment the conclusion from the playing careers, and the majority are keen to remain inside the limelight. He told the story of meeting Ron Artest (now Metta World Peace) inside a vegan restaurant to talk about a possible sports-based reality show. Nevertheless the Lakers' forward mentioned he didn't wish to be described just like a theif. Found the final outcome Duffy in regards to the project: "Pass. Not everybody warrants being on tv.In . Fox Sports Media Group offered a distinctive tribute for the late Doug Sellars, a longtime executive who died in December at half a century old. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

New 'Dark Shadows' Still Gives A Close-Up Look At Johnny Depp

With every new awesome image revealed of Johnny Depp in "Dark Shadows," we feel more and more guilty about reacting negatively in our first look at his make-up in the upcoming Tim Burton film. A new shot of Depp as vampire Barnabas Collins shows him looking a bit more kid-friendly than we came to think of the character in the cult TV series, but we're still digging the look. Up until now, the images we've seen from the film have seemed to imply that Burton was taking a darker route, but could it be that "Dark Shadows" will have kid-friendly components as well? We'll just have to wait for the first trailer to get a better sense of what the movie has in store. When MTV News caught up with Chloe Moretz at the People's Choice Awards, she argued that "Dark Shadows" would play to both younger and older crowds because of the way it brings together Burton-lovers and fans of the old TV show. "I think also it's open to the older group that actually saw the TV show back in the 1970s," she said. "And also the new group that love Tim Burton, and they love supernatural movies and TV shows." Moretz added, "I think it's a really revolutionary movie." "Dark Shadows" stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller, Bella Heathcote, Moretz and Gulliver McGrath. It's due in theaters on May 11. What did you think of this latest still? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

Keck's Exclusives: Start Looking at Becki Newton how I Met Your Mother

Becki Newton, Neil Patrick Harris Beginning Feb 13, former Ugly Betty star Becki Newton brings her sexy sass to The Way I Met Your Mother - and shove it in Barney's face (for that relaxation of the season and likely in to the next). "My character will show a genuine challenge to Neil Patrick Harris and provide him a run for his money," teases Becki of her character, Quinn. "She type of has Barney determined before he even begins speaking."Quite simply, shall we be to visualize Quinn is really as promiscuous as Barney? "Possibly, yes," she states. "And it is a lot fun! For Barney, it will likely be like searching within the mirror. He isn't accustomed to someone speaking his language, and it is going to rock his world."Works out Becki cast herself within the role after ending up in the show's producers. "She sitting lower and stated, 'Barney requires a love interest and that i ought to be that girl,'" discloses professional producer Craig Thomas. "She desired to seriously like a formidable pressure to complicate his world." Complications involve several secrets that Quinn is keeping. "The ultimate thirty seconds of her first episode, inside a scene with no in our cast, will disclose who she is really. She's essentially a puppet master playing Barney." Expect Ted to decrease a Quinn-related explosive device on love-struck Barney a couple of episodes later.While Becki's meshing together with her new TV family, she has not forgotten her Betty roots. She and her boy lately met up with Ana Ortiz, Ashley Jensen as well as their babies. States Becki, "Everyone knows one another very well it felt oddly normal to possess our children around.InchSign up to TV Guide Magazine now!

Fringe Scoop: Joshua Jackson Teases David Robert Jones' Return and Olivia's Fate

Joshua Jackson Walternate is a good guy in this timeline, Broyles is working with the biggest bad of them all, and Olivia has to die. These are just a few of the new monkeywrenches Fringe threw at us in its midseason return last week, which saw Peter cross over to the alternate universe in hopes of enlisting Walternate's help in rebuilding the machine. Can Peter really trust the man who nearly destroyed his universe in his timeline? We turned to Fringe star Joshua Jackson to get the scoop: Fringe's Joshua Jackson: Peter throws a Hail Mary pass by contacting Walternate Can Peter really trust Walternate (John Noble)? Jackson: I would say fully trusting Walternate would be a bad choice. His motivations in this universe are totally different, because their war in the original universe was born out of his righteous anger over his son being kidnapped. So that's not really where he's coming from now. At the same time, he's still an extremely smart, calculating man who really has his own agenda. It just so happens that Peter fits into his agenda and they're working together as such to satisfy both of their agendas. But I think if Walternate really needed something and really had to sell Peter down the river to get it, I think he probably would. The Observer told Olivia (Anna Torv) that she must die. Does that mean she must die for Peter to get back to his timeline? Jackson: I feel like they're just ridiculously ambiguous. Because the answer to that riddle is, of course, Olivia must die in every timeline because everybody has to die. I know that it plays out in future episodes and it becomes quite heavily a part of two episodes that we just actually finished shooting. But never take anything that they say at face value. Will Peter try to save this Olivia? Jackson: Peter will always try to save Olivia. I mean, whether or not it's his Olivia, per say, or whether it's his timeline, there's no way that he could turn his back on her if she were in jeopardy. The end of last season was the highest romantic gesture that you could ever have made. He chose to end his existence so that the people that he loved could survive. I think given that that's now a part of who he is, I don't think there's any way that he would be able to turn his back on this Olivia or any other Olivia for that matter. Exclusive: Michael Massee tapped as Fringe's best bad guy It turns out other-universe Broyles (Lance Reddick) is working with big bad villain David Robert Jones (Jared Harris). How will both universes deal with that? Jackson: Actually it goes even deeper. There's a whole other layer of bad that's about to be revealed. We've taken a lot of criticism this year for the sort of reset and the new timeline, but it has allowed us to do some really interesting things. One of them is changing the alliances of the characters that we know, and while their core Peter/Walter/Olivia dynamic is different, but not that different, all the alliances around them have completely changed. You are going to have this really new version of a character that you've come to know and respect in one direction, and you blow that character up and you take him in a completely other direction. Of course, it has repercussions inside the story. Fringe airs Fridays at 9/8c on Fox.

Elton Johns Husband David Furnish States No Feud With Madonna

First Launched: The month of the month of january 20, 2012 9:14 AM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Elton John and David Furnish cope with towards the 69th Annual Golden Globe Honours locked in the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Slopes, Calif. around the month of the month of january 15, 2012Elton Johns husband, David Furnish, is backing off his previous comments slamming Madonnas Golden Globes win a week ago to find the best Original Song. Wow! Just what a tempest in the teapot. My comments in regards to the Golden Globes are actually blown solution of proportion, David written on his Facebook on Thursday. My desire for our film Gnomeo & Juliet and belief in Eltons song really experienced my emotional juices going, he ongoing, mentioning to Elton and Bernie Taupins song Hello Hello. After Madonna scooped the planet on Sunday for Masterpiece from her directorial debut in W.E. David, according to E! News, hit his Facebook posting, Madonna. Best song???? [expletive] off!!! a publish that appears to own been removed. More youthful crowd apparently condemned her acceptance speech, writing it had been embarrassing within the narcissism. But Thursday, he recommended his tune had changed. I must admit for your record that I'm sure Madonna is a good artist, which Elton and when only her good luck for next days premiere in the film W.E. he written. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Golden Globe Nominees Ready for Gervais' Wrath

LOS ANGELES (AP) When Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais took sharp swipes at Mel Gibson, Bruce Willis, Robert Downey, Jr. and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association at last year's ceremony, some criticized the comedian for going too far.Downey described the vibe as "hugely mean-spirited, with mildly sinister undertones."With Gervais back for his third turn as Globes host on Sunday, nominees are already preparing themselves for the British funnyman's pointed jabs."I'll probably get the piss taken out of me, but it's fine with me," said Elton John, nominated for his song from "Gnomeo & Juliet." ''I'm British. I can take it."Johnny Galecki, who is up for his first Golden Globe for his work on TV's "The Big Bang Theory," said that when he got word he was nominated, "one of my first five thoughts was, 'Oh Christ, Gervais is going to make fun of me.'"But the actor isn't really worried."I'll be flattered by it," said the 5-foot-5-inch Galecki. "I'm looking forward to it. I hope he doesn't just zero in on the height. That's just easy pickings."Damian Lewis, nominated for his work on the TV series "Homeland," said he might also be an easy target for Gervais."If he's got a thing about redheads, I'm a sitting duck," Lewis said."Glee" and "American Horror Story" executive producer Ryan Murphy is excited about Gervais' return and the spice he brings to the three-hour telecast."It's always good with the shows to have an unpredictable element to them, and he certainly is that," Murphy said. "He's very funny and very smart and I think he will make nominees even more nervous than they already are, which is kind of funny."Seth Rogen, who produced and starred in best picture nominee "50/50," is also looking forward to Gervais' return. He even went online to check out what the comedian said last year."It was the first time in a long time I'd gone on YouTube and watched something an awards show said," Rogen said.Supporting actor nominee Christopher Plummer said he appreciates Gervais' irreverence."I think finally everybody's come to that same conclusion: That that's him, he doesn't mean it, but he's very funny," Plummer said.Jean Dujardin, nominated for his starring role in the silent film "The Artist" (which is also up for best picture and is the night's leading nominee with six bids), said it would be an honor if Gervais even mentioned him.But there's a caveat, the actor said: "If he mocks me, he has to do it silently, without any words."The 69th annual Golden Globe Awards will be presented Sunday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and broadcast live on NBC.Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. By Sandy Cohen January 11, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT NBC/Paul Drinkwater LOS ANGELES (AP) When Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais took sharp swipes at Mel Gibson, Bruce Willis, Robert Downey, Jr. and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association at last year's ceremony, some criticized the comedian for going too far.Downey described the vibe as "hugely mean-spirited, with mildly sinister undertones."With Gervais back for his third turn as Globes host on Sunday, nominees are already preparing themselves for the British funnyman's pointed jabs."I'll probably get the piss taken out of me, but it's fine with me," said Elton John, nominated for his song from "Gnomeo & Juliet." ''I'm British. I can take it."Johnny Galecki, who is up for his first Golden Globe for his work on TV's "The Big Bang Theory," said that when he got word he was nominated, "one of my first five thoughts was, 'Oh Christ, Gervais is going to make fun of me.'"But the actor isn't really worried."I'll be flattered by it," said the 5-foot-5-inch Galecki. "I'm looking forward to it. I hope he doesn't just zero in on the height. That's just easy pickings."Damian Lewis, nominated for his work on the TV series "Homeland," said he might also be an easy target for Gervais."If he's got a thing about redheads, I'm a sitting duck," Lewis said."Glee" and "American Horror Story" executive producer Ryan Murphy is excited about Gervais' return and the spice he brings to the three-hour telecast."It's always good with the shows to have an unpredictable element to them, and he certainly is that," Murphy said. "He's very funny and very smart and I think he will make nominees even more nervous than they already are, which is kind of funny."Seth Rogen, who produced and starred in best picture nominee "50/50," is also looking forward to Gervais' return. He even went online to check out what the comedian said last year."It was the first time in a long time I'd gone on YouTube and watched something an awards show said," Rogen said.Supporting actor nominee Christopher Plummer said he appreciates Gervais' irreverence."I think finally everybody's come to that same conclusion: That that's him, he doesn't mean it, but he's very funny," Plummer said.Jean Dujardin, nominated for his starring role in the silent film "The Artist" (which is also up for best picture and is the night's leading nominee with six bids), said it would be an honor if Gervais even mentioned him.But there's a caveat, the actor said: "If he mocks me, he has to do it silently, without any words."The 69th annual Golden Globe Awards will be presented Sunday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and broadcast live on NBC.Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Syfy adds three VPs

"Face Off" Syfy has brought on three unscripted programming execs at the VP level to oversee its slate of reality series, including the new makeup/prosthetics competish show "Face Off." Robyn Lattaker-Johnson, Wayne Sampson and Colin Whelan are the NBCUniversal cabler's new veeps, alternative programming, reporting to senior VP Tim Krubsack. Tori Socha and Andrew Whitney join the net as directors of alternative programming. Lattaker-Johnson, Sampson and Whelan will be in charge of Syfy series including "Ghost Hunters," "Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files," "Haunted Collector," "Paranormal Witness," "Hollywood Treasure," and upcoming skeins "Monster Man," "Dream Machines" and "Total Blackout." The crew will also be in charge of developing new unscripted shows for the net. The three have varied backgrounds in the same industry: Lattaker-Johnson worked as an indie producer after a stint at BET; Sampson comes to the cabler from Dick Clark Prods.; and Whelan comes from TLC. Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com