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