Martin Freeman Will Go Saving Santa

In a new 'toonAn elf helps to save Santa's reputation when something goes badly wrong at the North Pole... No, we haven't been watching ace Aardman comedy Arthur Christmas in a desperate attempt to recreate the festive season. That's the plot for Saving Santa, a new 'toon set to feature the voices of Martin Freeman, Noel Clarke, Joan Collins and Tim Curry.While you might wonder why someone else wants to tackle a Christmas cartoon so soon after Aardman's effort, that doesn't seem to be bothering the team from Adulthood / Shank producers Gateway Films, which is using the new movie to launch its animated output.Freeman will be playing a clumsy elf who has to rescue Santa's HQ when its location is discovered by a nasty villain. Ricky Roxburgh has written the script and Leon Joosen is directing.The voice cast also boasts the likes of Pam Ferris, Craig Fairbass and Chris Barrie, and Gateway is now looking for a studio partner to take on the world distribution rights. There's no word on when it'll be ready for release.

'Harry Potter' as well as the Oscars: Why The Boy Wizard Got Snubbed

Today, Harry Potter fans everywhere must be ready for some pretty large disappointment. Hopes that "Deathly Hallows Part 2" might earn Oscars glory crashed and burned today while using nominations announcement. It was not just the fans that interceded for just about any large evening on Oscar evening. Warner Bros. developed a large push for award consideration utilizing their ubiquitous "Consider" ad campaign. Many held out expect a Best Picture nomination and perhaps recognition, finally, for Alan Rickman and Severus Snape. Alas, "Deathly Hallows - Part 2" did not increase the risk for cut, despite a somewhat extended report on nine Best Picture nominees, one underneath the utmost. But were the honours dreams just fan delusions that got out of control? Each time a movie makes several billion dollars world-wide, you have to take notice. Each time a movie makes most likely probably the most unanimous praise of year from experts, you have to take notice. Despite both of these enormous factors, "Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" acquired only three nominations, all in technical groups. The snub unveils the supreme resistance in the Academy, and a pair of highly superficial and trivial factors introduced to Harry's disappointing morning. First, for Academy voters, the "Harry Potter" films come under a few Oscar's least favorite genres: the children film and fantasy. You'll find notable exceptions for each, however. This season, "Hugo," a "children's film" acquired most likely probably the most nominations connected having a movie, but without its auteur director behind the digital camera, we'd have observed a very different outcome. And despite its fantasy setting, "The Master in the Rings" acquired Best Picture nominations for each installment, however dark and epic tone within the get-go built them into more Oscar-friendly. Next, "Deathly Hallows - Part 2" was the eighth film in the series as well as the partner of just one complete story. Superficial things like amounts carrying out a title might make the primary difference and spell disappointment for most likely probably the most qualified film. In the event you take away the context and focus on the particular merits in the film, you'd possess a hard time fighting the movie like "Avatar," one getting a similar scale and box office haul, deserved excellent that "Deathly Hallows" didn't get. The Academy's oversight might have been more understandable had the nominee pool been more effective this year. Aside from "The Tree of Existence," this year's Best Picture competitors in the most dependable and several Oscar-friendly section of nominees in recent memory. A nomination for "Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" may have defied Academy stereotypes and shook up a race that's going to leave many audiences snoring. Perhaps you have think "Harry Potter" deserved more Oscar attention? Inform us inside the comments below and also on Twitter!

A Day Trip With Bachelor Ben Flajnik

The Bachelor Revenge is really a dish best offered having a nice Pinot Noir. Last season around the Bachelorette, wine maker Ben Flajnik was hit as he was left on national TV after shedding lower on a single knee and suggesting to dental student Ashley Hebert. Now he's back on ABC's reality dating franchise to spend some lengthy stems and misery of their own. We met track of the 29-year-old Bay Area and Sonoma County resident at NYC's City Vineyard to clink glasses and swap tales about his times of wine and roses. TV Guide Magazine: What is a guy like you'll need a show such as this for?Flajnik: I have dated women, but nearly all my associations were within year lengthy. My sister thought maybe I'd be great for [The Bachelorette], so she did the internet application. TV Guide Magazine: Whenever you suggested to Ashley throughout last season's finale, had you been sure it had been a house run?Flajnik: Clearly, because Used to do it. However I realise why she could not let me know everything - this is the title of the overall game. It sucks, but that is some of it. TV Guide Magazine: Have you have bookings about coming back?Flajnik: I wasn't spooked through the Ashley factor. I figured being the Bachelor could be an event. TV Guide Magazine: That which was in your casting wish list for that ladies?Flajnik: I needed several professional women. TV Guide Magazine: As with hookers?Flajnik: Yes, working professionals. [Laughs] No... ladies who were cultured and worldly coupled with nice legs. I am a leg guy. Which was among the hopes... TV Guide Magazine: And had you been impressed?Flajnik: I had been surprised. Clearly, you do not know much about the subject. But so far as looks, it had been a ten. TV Guide Magazine: How'd you cope with their infighting? Courtney the model, particularly, ruffled lots of down...Flajnik: I had been very conscious of what happening - not only with Courtney, however with everybody. I'd sit them lower, I'd request them. Because trust me, a lady in several twelve, 24 women, will probably be completely different around that group compared to what they are beside me. Naturally. TV Guide Magazine: A lot of tears and fits in a single dating pool... May be the deck stacked with crazies or what?Flajnik: It's difficult to give them a call crazies. Everybody is sort of sane, however when you get tossed into this factor, you receive overcome. Clearly some really are a little crazier than the others. TV Guide Magazine: Have you get input in to the date activities?Flajnik: I recommended locations, things you can do. There is lots more flying this year. Ashley did not like levels and helis and small planes, but we introduced Them all back. I believe there have been, like, nine helis and 29 planes in three several weeks. It had been a great deal. TV Guide Magazine: All of you spent a lot of the time traveling...Flajnik: I truly desired to do South Guatemala - which was type of things i wished for and asked for. We visited Puerto Rico, Belize, Panama... TV Guide Magazine: Make many "Not-Belize-able" jokes in Belize, I really hope?Flajnik: Yeah. "Not-Belize-able"... "It is recommended to Belize it"... that type of stuff. But this is not on camera! TV Guide Magazine: Did the exotic locales and romantic stunts heighten your emotions for that women?Flajnik: It did not affect me that much, honestly. Maybe I have been just a little spoiled. It's awesome stuff, but I have done a variety of it before, so nothing made me seem like, "Oh, my God, I really like this individual.Inch TV Guide Magazine: Then what accelerates the courtship a lot?Flajnik: It is because you are urged - you are there for any reason. You are there to discuss your emotions, cope with this. They are things that you'd cover on the extended time period in almost any normal relationship. TV Guide Magazine: So Bachelor time is kinda like dog years?Flajnik: Yeah, exactly. I recognize that the engagement here's completely different than the usual marriage. It is a commitment, and that is what it really will stay until the next phase. It is a leap of belief that we must take - larger than people eat the real life. TV Guide Magazine: When you are on the one-on-one date, how can you concentrate using the cameras inside your face?Flajnik: When you are really within the moment, you do not give consideration towards the cameras. Whatsoever. The dates that do not go very well? Yeah, you understand you will find cameras around and you are creating a Television show. TV Guide Magazine: Exist ever moments that should be reshot?Flajnik: Whether it's a sweet, sincere moment, no. If there is a huge technical error - such as the limo pulls up and her dress is hiked up - yeah, she'll hop in. TV Guide Magazine: Have you and host Chris Harrison ever spend time?Flajnik: We'd venture out out and about and also have dinners. He was my cousin. We grew to become real close. He's similar to a counselor. There have been moments where I battled and that he was like, "I am glad to help you battling, since it is a hard decision. It should not be considered a cakewalk, you realize?Inch TV Guide Magazine: Since you are a wine maker, does your lover have to be an oenophile, too?Flajnik: They don't have to know a great deal about wine they simply need to have the ability to handle their alcohol, because I actually do it as a living and I am in the general public a great deal. Basically finish track of some lush who's asleep in the bar while I am flowing my wines, it does not bode well for me personally or my brand. TV Guide Magazine: Did you're able to weigh in on wines for that show?Flajnik: Used to do, really. The development planners understood I wasn't likely to be consuming, you realize, Boone's Farm. I am not really a wine snob, but simply put me in, like, a $20 cost point and I am happy. We did drink some Château Mouton Rothschild, that we later got screamed at for buying. $1,000 bottles aren't usually on ABC's tab. TV Guide Magazine: Now you be aware of results of all of this, are you currently happy that you simply returned for Round 2?Flajnik: I am happy I made the decision being the Bachelor. It had been cathartic. Unlike others who had been within this role, I did not walk in around the first evening and say, "My spouse is within this room." I stated, "I'm not sure if my wife's within this room. But I am likely to be honest, I am likely to be open, and I am likely to try." The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8/7c on ABC. Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Vin Diesel Suits As 'Riddick' In New Set Photo

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's... Vin Diesel round the number of "Riddick"? When we're just very happy to realize that the film is busy filming, we're just a little confused by Diesel's superhero style get-up. May be the vengeance-seeking gear in Riddick's part of the world? We're not able to wait to uncover. The appearance comes because of Diesel's Facebook page, where he thanked his fans for giving him the chance to produce a new "Riddick" movie. "Grateful for your opportunity to create miracle," he written. There is plenty of activity recently planning the arrival film. "Battlestar Galactica" actress Katee Sackhoff grew to become part of the expansion since the female lead, Dahl, a Nordic mercenary designated with hunting lower Riddick. Furthermore, Jordi Molla is playing the movie's villain, a man named Santana bent on killing Riddick. Karl Urban will reprise his role because the almighty Vaako. David Twohy returns to direct his third Riddick film. He helmed the last two records, "Pitch Black" and "The Tales of Riddick." The film does not possess a collection release date yet. Here's the condition synopsis for your movie: "Fooled by their very own kind and left for accurate a desolate planet, Riddick (Diesel) fights for survival against alien potential potential predators and reaches become more effective and dangerous than previously. Soon bounty potential predators from with the world descend on Riddick simply to uncover themselves pawns within the greater arrange for revenge. Along with his competitors wherever he wants them, Riddick sets loose a vicious attack of vengeance before returning to his home planet of Furya to be able to save it from destruction." What can you consider this new picture of Diesel as Riddick? Reveal inside the comments section below or on Twitter.

Kenny G. & Wife Split

First Launched: The month of the month of january 20, 2012 11:12 AM EST Credit: Getty Premium Caption Kenny G and Lyndie Benson attend natural Assets Defense Local government bodies Ocean Initiative Benefit Situated By Chanel in Malibu, Calif. on June 4, 2011 La, Calif. -- After 20 years together, sax player Kenny G. and Balynda Lyndie Benson-Gorelick are splitting. According to People, the background music artists wife declared separation in La Superior Court around the month of the month of january 9. Benson-Gorelick reported irreconcilable versions as the real reason for the split which is asking for full physical custody of the children from the kids of the main one minor child, Noah, 14. The happy couple also provides a grown-up child, Max. According to Us Weekly, the saxophone player looks like it's worth around $50 million and contains high-energy lawyer Laura Wasser on his side, while Benson-Gorelick has hired attorney Gary Fishbein. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

BBC Worldwide inks PBS deals

Posted: Tue., Jan. 17, 2012, 11:11am PTBy JON WEISMAN BBC Worldwide has completed the sale of more than 260 hours of programming to PBS stations in the U.S., highlighted by the docu series "History of Science." The deals were initiated at the annual BBC Showcase Syndication event October in New Orleans. In addition to "History of Science," PBS affiliates will also air such programs as "Pleasure and Pain," "The Queen's Palaces," "New Tricks," and "Space Shuttle: A Horizon Guide." Other BBC Worldwide titles licensed for first and second windows by PBS affiliates include "Himalaya with Michael Palin," "Wild Indonesia" and "Hannibal and Krakatoa: The Last Days." "BBC Showcase events give our sales team invaluable face time with clients," BBC Worldwide Americans sales and co-productions exec veep Matt Forde said, "and ultimately get a better grasp of what they're looking for. This allows us to pinpoint the content that's the best for their audience." The BBC stages showcases in Brighton, England and Rio de Janeiro, while BBC Worldwide has also held them in China twice, including last year. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Golden Globes Seen By Almost 17 Million Viewers

First Published: January 16, 2012 1:53 PM EST Credit: Getty Images NY, N.Y. -- Caption Ricky Gervais is seen onstage during the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom in Beverly Hills, Calif. on January 15, 2012The Nielsen Co. says Sundays Golden Globes ceremony was seen by 16.8 million TV viewers. It beat all network competition in its time period but dipped slightly from last years audience for the film and TV awards show. According to time zone-adjusted Nielsen fast national figures released Monday, the Globes finished within 1 percent of the 17 million viewers who tuned in to the 2011 broadcast. Carried by NBC from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time, the program aired live in every time zone. Some western markets also carried an encore telecast immediately following the live coverage. British comedian-actor Ricky Gervais returned for his third go as host, lampooning many of the nominees, presenters and even the sponsoring Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Keck's Exclusives: Knots Landing Vet Seeks Revenge

Revenge Among my faves - William Devane, who arises from the hometown of Albany, NY - gets a couple of from the sophisticated sleaze he displayed as wealthy Knots Landing playboy Gregory Sumner to ABC's Revenge. Round the February 8 episode, William debuts as Edward Grayson, the dad of Victoria's estranged husband, Conrad. "Edward's the guy who never visited school but founded a great company and switched it to his boy," states William, who's signed on for three or four episodes up to now. "He's been semi-outdated in the industry and dwelling in Manhattan, however while using marital confusion [between Victoria and Conrad], he's coming back to find out what is happening.InchEd holds a distinctive devote his heart for his ice-cold daughter-in-law. "In my opinion I'm a small bit closer to Victoria than I am to my boy," William states of his character. Since are generally single, might Edward produce a play for his son's lady inside a family soiree? "Well, she's a great dancer."Fans should enjoy watching William get physical again. Greater than 20 years after his infamous strip croquet scene with Nicollette Sheridan's Paige on Knots Landing, according to him Knots audiences still routinely help help remind him relating to this. "Nicollette's still fun to get along with. We like our horses, but people croquet days have left!InchSign as much as TV Guide Magazine now!

CES: LG reveals smartphone with HD video

The union in the smartphone and HD video needed center stage at Monday morning's LG presser at CES. The Korean electronics maker spent lots of its 45 minutes unveiling their latest high-finish smartphone, the Spectrum, a 4G LTE model getting a 4.5-inch screen with 720p HD video together with a 16:9 aspect ratio for watching widescreen content. LG is promising more enhanced color precision for your Spectrum, which continues purchase Jan. 19. You'll cough up $199.99 getting a 2-year Verizon contract. LG is coping with ESPN round the debut in the Spectrum, since the phone will bow with exclusive rights for the ESPN HD application for streaming high-def video. The marketing campaign for your Spectrum will particularly pursue sports fans. LG's top-of-the-line cell phones may even feature an opportunity to run two versions of Android at the same time, so employees employing their personal smartphone for work can maintain privacy by themselves personal data while companies can enforce security rules. Round the TV front, LG revealed several advanced models, plus a 55-inch OLED flatscreen, that they're offering since the world's greatest OLED. TV is simply 4 millimeters thick, and weighs in at in at roughly 16.5 pounds. Company is constantly push 3d TV hard, too. Their 3d TV line is getting bigger screens, with display size of 55 inches, 60 inches, 72 inches and 84 inches, while using three greatest models getting an "ultra-definition" display: 3480 x 2160 pixels, not not even close to 4K. The entire line might have enhanced 2D-to-3d real-time conversion, with new options for depth control and "3d appear zooming." Customers are also offering its 1 millimeter bezel and 28 millimeter thickness due to its 3d Televisions. Tim Alessi, director of home electronics for LG USA, mentioned that although LG met some skepticism if the skipped active-glasses 3d tech and moved immediately to passive 3d, it's already showed up at 30% business, passing The brand new the new sony (by November) which is taking are equipped for Samsung because market. About 50% of LG's TV items will feature smart TV and Cinema 3d, he mentioned. LG may also be marketing glasses-free 3d shows for laptops and computer monitors, however, these are particularly for single-user viewing. Google TV may also be entering the LG line. Company's chief technology officer, Scott Ahn, released handful of particulars but mentioned, "We feel this could from the first step toward a effective future working relationship with Google." Other high-tech features suggested by LG are the first-in-the-industry utilization of Intel's WiDi wireless display technology a completely new LG-designed chipset (with multi-core CPU/GPU) to boost 3d image quality, efficiency featuring on its premium Televisions and voice and gestural connects on its Miracle Remote. The gestural connects will rely on the 3 dimensional camera incorporated within the remote. Company also spent some time on its home home home appliances, including new smart fridges getting a "food manager" and "health manager" built-in. Touchscreen tech round the door enables clients enter food purchases (or scan a supermarket receipt getting a smartphone). Your fridge will suggest quality quality recipes based on food purchases. Feature also allows clients to look for the products within the refrigerator remotely, while you shop. Contact David S. Cohen at david.cohen@variety.com

Matt Damon Cancels His Planned Directorial Debut

Despite much excitement over the opportunity to direct a film, Matt Damon has decided to pass off directing responsibilities for the upcoming untitled flick he co-wrote with John Krasinski. Meanwhile, Bret McKenzie teases his "The Hobbit" cameo, Kevin Smith updates fans on "Hit Somebody" and Emma Stone finds a "Little White Corvette." Today is January 5, and you're tuning into today's daily news round up. Matt Damon Passes On Directing His Directorial Debut This is a bit of a bummer. Vulture is reporting that Matt Damon is no longer planning on directing the film that was going to be his directorial debut, though he is still planning on starring in it. According to sources close to the project, Damon is pulling back because of "script issues," which is a bit weird because he and John Krasinski co-wrote the script off an idea Krasinski and David Eggers came up with. Whatever the cause, Vulture says the film likely isn't dead in the water because of all the big-name talent still attached to it. Bret McKenzie Talks "The Hobbit" Cameo "The Hobbit" includes a number of exciting appearances by big name actors, but one of the funniest and most random additions to the cast has got to "Flight of the Concords" star Bret McKenzie. The New Zealand-born actor was an extra in "Fellowship of the Ring" and scored one line in "Return of the King," and the fan response to his inclusion was so great (pre-"Flight") that director Peter Jackson made sure he cast McKenzie in "The Hobbit" as well. McKenzie dished to ComingSoon.net that he'll play a character named Lindir who is a friend of Elrond's and has a few lines in Elvish. When asked if this is the same character as the one fans dubbed "Figwit" from the "Lord of the Rings" films, McKenzie said no. "You'll probably see, I've got slightly different ears," he said with a laugh. "That's how I differentiate my elf characters. The big difference for this character is that he's in 3D. He's a character that's a lot more three dimensional." "Avatar" Second-Unit Director To Take On Tornados Steven Quale, the second-unit director on "Avatar" and "Titanic," is in final negotiations with New Line to direct an upcoming found-footage film documenting a hurricane called "Category Six." Vulture has the exclusive, saying that Quale's involvement likely means the film will be shot in 3D because he was responsible for "much of the envelope-pushing 3D in 'Avatar.'" Quale recently made his directorial debut with New Line with the film "Final Destination 5." Kevin Smith Tweets "Hit Somebody" Updates Kevin Smith took to his Twitter this morning to post some new news about his upcoming -- and final -- film, "Hit Somebody." Apparently he's squashed his plans to split the story into two films, and is just going to make one long flick to go out with a bang. His guess is that it will probably clock in at 150 total running time, including credits. Smith is working on a second script for the project right now, and said he's expecting to get the film in front of the camera in June with a planned premiere at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Emma Stone Cruises To "Little White Corvette" Deadline is reporting that Emma Stone is on board to star in the upcoming movie "Little White Corvette," which was just acquired by GK Films for $1 million. She'll likely be playing the character of the older sister in the film. "Little White Corvette" follows two siblings who travel to Miami to try to sell the million-dollar stash of '70s cocaine they found in the trunk of their late father's car, according to Deadline. Shooting will begin in the late summer. Tell us your thoughts on today's Dailies in the comments section below or on Twitter!