Discovery greenlights 'Invented'

LONDON -- Discovery Systems Worldwide has greenlit exactly what it claims is its most ambitious and several pricey show so far. "The Way In Which We Invented the earth,In . being produced by shingle Nutopia, can be a 5-hour docu that aims to produce a completely new template for your cable web's "globalized" strategy. Show remains commissioned by Discovery's London-based mind of production Julian Bellamy and may deploy the thing that was known to as "film CGI" and "dramatization" to exhibit most likely probably the most legendary inventions in the present day. Subjects being covered include cell phones and black box flight recorders, plus such improbable future inventions as energy-saving transparent plants and guns that only fire once the person together have observed their fingerprints checked. "The Way In Which We Invented the planetInch will probably be personalized for four worldwide regions with local tales and experts. Due to bow on DNI inside the partner of 2012, Bellamy mentioned the series was "epic in scale, idea and budget, while at the same time retaining local flavor." Bellamy added: "It's a good way to kick-start our drive into more original productions that are worldwide ideas that feed Discovery Channel's global footprint."The executive producers are Sarah Davies for DNI and Christine Weber for Discovery Funnel U.S.Nutopia, run by former Discovery topper Jane Root, made the Emmy-top ranked "America: The Story peopleInch for History. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Asmaa

$ 1 Film presentation of the New Century, Film Clinic production. (Worldwide sales: Pacha Pictures, Paris.) Created by Mohamed Hefzy. Directed, compiled by Amr Salama.With: Hend Sabry, Maged El Kedwany, Hany Adel, Ahmed Kamal, Sayed Ragab, Botros Ghali, Fatma Adel.Though Helps may appear old-hat with a, it is good to don't forget that it remains a hot-button subject, and not simply among so-known as third world countries. Amr Salama's sophomore feature, "Asmaa," is pitched like a brave story for that Arab world, but no such reductionism is needed with this fact-based tale of the Aids-positive lady who went public using the disease on the chatshow. Salama has created a solid problem pic, featuring strong perfs along with a superbly emotional finale, that ought to do robust biz both at home and may need current curiosity about Egypt abroad. Greater than a film in regards to a disease, "Asmaa" is really a demand empowerment that ultimately works being an accessible pic for general auds instead of jaded fest types. As a result, it isn't above using fancy mix-cutting and a little of melodramatic frippery to deepen the protag's character and highlight her emotional trajectory, although it creates real energy in moments marked with a rawer clearness. An immediate succession of edits creates a feeling of emergency within the existence of Asmaa (Hend Sabry), a 45-year-old widow coping with father Hosni (Sayed Ragab) and teen daughter Habiba (Fatma Adel). While being wheeled set for gall bladder surgery, she's counseled to help keep mother about some good info, but in the last second she discloses she's Aids-positive, and doctors won't operate. Throughout a support-group meeting, she's contacted with a TV producer who informs her that showing up on the talkshow guarantees national attention and also the sympathy of ethical doctors prepared to perform the easy yet critical procedure. However the host, Mohsen (Maged El Kedwany), does not want another anonymous presence and demands she reveal her face. This becomes Asmaa's real struggle: Go public, despite the fact that Habiba does not know, or remain fearful and at risk of dying from the curable condition which has nothing related to Helps. One factor is for certain: She will not reveal how she contracted herpes. In the beginning, Asmaa is uncertain and timid, scraping together a full time income being an airport terminal janitor and focusing way too much energy on keeping things hidden (she's asymptomatic). It had not been always such as this: In flashbacks to her native village, she's open and independent, winning the admiration of Mosaad (Hany Adel). They are married, but her strong-willed character causes friction within their conservative town, as well as an ensuing tragedy drives her to Cairo, where she's going to keep her scarf-covered mind lower. Helmer Salama (whose playfully ironic segment "The Politician" is really a memorable area of the Venice-preemed docu "Tahrir 2011") moves backwards and forwards over time to complete Asmaa's character and background, underscoring the way in which lack of knowledge breeds fear. Moments within the village have an amount of soapy artificiality that could not interact with Western audiences, however the realism from the present-day packs a difficult punch for those, because of the inevitable swell of support for any pleasant character standing for herself the lady the pic is dependant on wasn't so lucky. "Asmaa" is really a gift for star Sabry, who fully inhabits the contradictions of the lady whose path from passionate and independent youthful bride to tense, cowed widow is marked by satisfying moments of fire. She's also given an opportunity to prove her perfect comic timing, revealing a side all-too-rarely used recently outdoors TV. El Kedwany ("Cairo 678") again proves he's a talent almost from another time, when character stars exuded complexity making devoted auds smile with each screen appearance. Toward the emotional buildup towards the will-she-or-will not-she climax, the editing has difficulty choosing the best rhythm, undercutting the strain with a lot of moments in the past until, just when things appear too extended, Salama finds the best balance and rides it for any superbly affecting payback. Color tones are carefully adjusted to differentiate between time frames, having a golden light suffusing village moments contrasting by having an icier blue in Cairo. Salama acquired the Abu Dhabi fest's Arab helmer award, while El Kedwany required home the actor prize.Camera (color, 16mm-to-35mm), Ahmad Gabr editor, Amr Salah production designer, Hend Haider costume designer, Monia Fath El Bab seem (Dolby Digital), Ahmad Adnan, Gomaa Abdel-Latif line producer, Ahmed Badawy connect producer, Bushra Rozza. Examined at Abu Dhabi Film Festival (competing), March. 17, 2011. (Also working in london Film Festival -- World Cinema.) Running time: 96 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Melanie Griffith in Talks to Star in Lifetime Pilot, 'American Housewife'

Lifetime is continuing its push into noisy programming with bold-faced talent.our editor recommends'Puss in Boots' Premiere Red Carpet ArrivalsAntonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith Holding Obama Fundraiser at Their Home The female-skewing cable network has ordered a pilot for a drama tentatively titled American Housewife, about a well-to-do housewife that begins hearing voices. PHOTOS: 'Puss in Boots' Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals The project, which will be produced by Fox TV Studios, is being set up as a star vehicle for Melanie Griffith, who is in negotiations to act and executive produce. Her actor husband Antonio Banderas is in talks to serve as an executive producer on the project, which he created with fellow EP and pilot scribe Erik Jendresen (Band of Brothers). STORY: Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith Holding Obama Fundraiser at Their Home Ray Ricard is also in talks to executive produce the project alongside Griffiths, Banderas and Jendresen, with Eclipses' David Slade to direct the pilot. Banderas is repped by CAA; Griffiths and Slade are repped by WME. Related Topics Antonio Banderas Melanie Griffith Lifetime TV Development

Elizabeth Olsen Horror Film 'Silent House' Opening March 9

Open Road Films and Liddell Entertainment have set March 9 as the national release date for the horror thriller Silent House, starring Elizabeth Olsen. The March date could build on the awards attention that Olsen is attracting for her performance in Fox Searchlight's Martha Marcy May Marlene, for which she has earned a Gotham Award nomination as breakthrough actor of the year. PHOTOS: Hollywood's New Leading Ladies In the movie, directed by the Open Water filmmaking team of Chris Kentis and Laura Lau, Olsen plays a young woman trapped in her family's secluded lakeside home. "Lizzie is phenomenal. She committed herself completely to the role and unusual challenges of our production. She's so talented and has such great instincts, she amazed us with how little she needed and how much she gave," Lau and Kentis said. PHOTOS: Elizabeth Olsen, Jessica Chastain Pose for THR Produced by Agnes Mentre ofTazora Films, the film is an Elle Driver presentation, with Adeline Fontan Tessaur, Eva Diederix, George Paaswel and Silverwood Films' Lynette Howell, serving as executive producers. Lau's screenplay was based on the Uruguayan film La Casa Muda, written by Oscar Estevez. Related Topics Martha Marcy May Marlene Elizabeth Olsen

Michael Bay Denies Latest 'Transformers' Rumors

Those reports of upcoming back-to-back "Transformers" sequels with Michael Bay back at the helm with Jason Statham riding shotgun? Sounds like there is less than meets the eye on this one. Statham himself claimed ignorance regarding the "Transformers" rumors in an interview with MTV News, and now Bay is distancing himself from the Autobots and Decepticons as well. Taking to his own Shoot For The Edit forum (via Collider), Bay said that he's not currently in talks with Paramount about making new "Transformers" movies, focusing on his long-discussed crime thriller "Pain and Gain" instead. "I am currently not talking to Paramount on T4 and T5 despite reports," wrote Bay. "I'm looking at a lot of possibilities coming my way right now weighing options. Most likely going to be doing the low budget Pain and Gain, a true story crime thriller. It's a very quick shoot and quite funny. Also just finishing the 3 disc set of the Transformer trilogy." I'm sure we'll be hearing something official about more "Transformers" movies sooner rather than later, but given their recent comments, I wouldn't bet the bank on Bay or Statham being involved. Let's file this one in the rumor drawer for now. As for "Pain and Gain," Bay spoke with us earlier this year about the project, and said that it's likely next on his to do list. "I'm still going to do it," Bay told us at the Moscow premiere of "Transformers." "I'm going to do it next." What do you think of Bay's latest "Transformers" update? Tell us in the comments section or hit us up on Twitter!

'The Descendants' Website Introduces the King Family

Fox Searchlight Pictures Fox Searchlight's drama The Descendants is about family.our editor recommendsGeorge Clooney: Career in PicturesToronto Film Festival: 13 Films to understand So, to provide audiences a much better consider the King family, Fox Searchlight has released an interactive website that digs much deeper to their family tree. PHOTOS: George Clooney: Career in Pictures The Descendants centers about Matt King (George Clooney), a land baron who tries to develop a better relationship together with his kids after his wife falls right into a coma. Alexander Payne's drama tested in the Toronto Film festival, and it is rapidly gathering honours buzz. TELLURIDE FILM REVIEW: The Descendants The interactive site has videos of each one of the family people as well as their descendants. Set against an attractive Hawaii backdrop (because the film relies there), audiences can meet Matt King's forefathers, including Hawaiian royalty. Go to the site here. George Clooney The Descendants

Harry Potter Wins Big at Scream Awards

Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 won big at the Spike TV Scream Awards, taking home six trophies including The Ultimate Scream. Daniel Radcliffe appeared on a pre-recorded tribute to the film's final installment telling the audience: "I've had the most incredible 10 years of my life on Harry Potter ... It's been the year of the longest goodbye in the world and it is a very very sad thing, but we just had the most amazing, amazing time. So, thank you so much for this." Radcliffe won Best Fantasy Actor and the film also won Best ScreamPlay, Best F/X and Holy Sh!T Scene of the Year. Check out more of today's news Another highlight of Saturday night's show was the surprise appearance by George Lucas, who went on stage when Darth Vader won the Ultimate Villain Award. "Thank you for honoring Darth Vader tonight. And just wait till you see him on the big screen in 3-D next February," he said, promoting the trilogy's upcoming 3-D release. The sixth annual Spike TV Scream Awards will air Tuesday at 9/8c. See the full list of winners here.

Who'll Replace Robert Iger as Disney's Boss?

This story first came out inside the March. 21 problem in the Hollywood Reporter.our editor recommends9 Finest Paid out Entertainment CEOsThe Philanthropy Problem: The Industry's Guards in the Atmosphere, Arts and EducationWalt Disney Stretches Robert Iger's Contract Through June 2016 Before Disney introduced that Robert Iger, current Boss and very soon-to-be chairman, will probably be departing in June 2016, many within the Miracle Kingdom assumed that veteran executive Thomas Staggs was the designated favorite to be successful him. However, many high-level experts outdoors the business aren't entirely thinking that Staggs might be the man for the job. PHOTOS: Hollywood Reporter's Philanthropy Problem: The Photographs Disney introduced March. 7 that Iger, 60, will convince add the chairman's title in March. Then, in 2015, he'll step lower as Boss, remaining as chairman through June 2016. Outgoing chairman John Pepper mentioned the move was produced to make certain "a level transition to a different generation of leadership." Which most most likely means Staggs, 49, that's been chairman of Wally Disney Parks and Resorts because the month of the month of january 2010. Before that, he'd offered as CFO since 1998, playing employment in Disney's purchases of Capital Urban centersOrMastening numbers, Pixar and Marvel Entertainment. In an unpredicted move nearly couple of years ago, Iger shuffled his executive deck through getting Staggs exchange places with Jay Rasulo, who had previously been running the theme parks since 2002. The go to give Staggs more connection with the business's methods cemented the perception he was charge candidate inside the succession derby as Rasulo was downgraded to dark equine. "I really don't know cure it might be aside from Tom," states one Disney veteran. "The board knows him. He presents nearly additionally to Bob." COMMENT: Does Disney's 9/11 Video Hint at Bob Iger's Political Aspirations? Wall Street analyst Harold Vogel states Staggs, that's been with Disney since 1990, can be a strong professional getting a depth of understanding, calling him a "expected, capable" choice. BTIG analyst Richard Greenfield verifies. "Staggs could possibly get the jerk, and traders will enjoy it," according to him. But a substantial media investor familiar with Staggs and Disney disagrees. "For me personally, he's not just a Boss," according to him. "He's a chief financial officer who they've now given line responsibility to. I don't picture Tom sitting while using premier of China or possibly a Jobs. I merely don't understand that he's that kind of gravitas." A higher executive at another media company calls Staggs "a great citizen" but states "his personality doesn't fill the region.In . STORY: Wally Disney Stretches Robert Iger's Contract Through June 2016 Clearly, Staggs required to try not to outshine his boss if he preferred to stay as front-runner. Which he'll have plenty of time to build up inside the public perception. Something from the mystery to numerous is why Disney is telegraphing Iger's future up to now in advance. "Are they all announcing today what Bob Iger does four years from now?" asks an foe at another studio. "He looks great. You'd have no idea he was 60." Though he'll just be 65 when he leaves Disney, one connect states Iger has mentioned he feels he'll come in the job extended enough in those days. And, they notes, the timetable could supply him with time to "increase to a different phase" -- whatever that may be. Related Subjects Robert Iger Disney Funnel

'Rentaghost' In the Dead, Ben Stiller Set to Star

Seems like Ben Stiller remains cast just like a dead guy. According to Variety, Fox just acquired the rights to 'Rentaghost,' a common British comedy show within the late '70s, with Stiller attached since the lead. (Warner Bros. initially had rights for the series, with Russell Brand set to star.) The actor will reunite with authors Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant, they behind typically the most popular 'Night within the Museum' franchise. 'Rentaghost,' which went from 1976-84, notifies the story in the recently deceased Fred Mumford, who starts a powerful to help rent ghosts out for a number of tasks. Stiller is seen next in Brett Ratner's Wall Street revenge flick, 'Tower Heist,' on November. 4. [via Variety] [Photo: FilmMagic] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Lifetime To Remake Steel Magnolias With All-Black Cast

EXCLUSIVE: The 1989 film Steel Magnolias is getting a contemporary remake with an all-black cast. Lifetime is developing an original movie based on the hit feature, which will be produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron and Sony Pictures TV, where the duo’s Storyline Entertainment has an exclusive deal for event long-form programming. Kenny Leon, who directed Storyline/SPT’s previous collaboration, the 2008 ABC movie A Raisin In The Sun, is attached to direct the new Steel Magnolias, which, like the movie, will be set in Louisiana and explore the bond among a group of women in the present day. Both Lifetime’s Steel Magnolias and ABC’s A Raisin In The Sun are based on properties that span a famous play and a feature. But while the Emmy-nominated Raisin In the Sun was based on Lorraine Hansberry’s play (whose 2004 Broadway revival Leon directed),Steel Magnolias, penned by Sally Robinson (Iron Jawed Angels), is an adaptation of the screenplay for the movie, which was written by Robert Harling based on his play. The feature boasted an all-star cast of Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Darryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts. The goal of the TV movie’s producers is to assemble a similarly high-wattage cast of black actresses. The film, said to be a passion project of Lifetime president Nancy Dubuc and EVP Programming Robert Sharenow, has not been greenlighted but is on a fast track, with some preliminary work on casting choices for the leads expected to begin soon. In addition to A Raisin In The Sun, which starred Sean Combs, Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald and Sanaa Lathan, Leon also directed the stage productions of Fences starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, and most recently The Mountaintop with Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett. Zadan and Meron are executive producing the midseason NBC series Smash and Lifetime’s Drop Dead Diva, which was recently renewed for a fourth season. Additionally, the duo is producing Paramount’s Footloose remake that opens next week and the Broadway production of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying starring Daniel Radcliffe, who will be succeeded next year by Glee‘s Darren Criss and Nick Jonas. Steel Magnolias is not the first classic American literary property to be given an African-American makeover: L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz spawned the musical The Wiz, while Debbie Allen directed a Broadway production of Tennessee Williams’ Cat On A Hot Tin Roof with an all-black cast. (Leon had been attached to that project at one point.)

Rosie Returns To TV Talk On Oprahs Network

First Published: October 7, 2011 9:06 AM EDT Credit: OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network CHICAGO, Ill. -- Caption Rosie ODonnell in a promotional photo for her Oprah Winfrey Network Show The Rosie Show It took Oprah Winfrey to lure Rosie ODonnell back to TV talk. Nearly a decade after she left her successful daily daytime show to take care of her children, ODonnells The Rosie Show premieres Monday on the Oprah Winfrey Network. ODonnell made the decision after Winfrey visited her home for what became a four-hour meeting. I said I would want to carry the torch of what she had done so well, ODonnell said in an interview as she sat in her office at Harpo Studios in Chicago, pictures of pets and children on the shelves behind her desk. ODonnell tapes in the same space where Winfrey taped The Oprah Winfrey Show before it ended in May after 25 years. They chatted about ODonnells life and why she wanted to go back to television, ODonnell said. At the end she said, Lets do this. I said, Lets do this. I feel sort of a responsibility to reach for her standard of excellence, ODonnell said about Winfrey. The two women have lots in common: Both have had self-named magazines; both say they would be teachers if they werent in entertainment; both shared the Daytime Emmy for Best Talk show Host in 1998; and now both will share the same cable network and audience. It seems a good fit for ODonnell, a 49-year-old mother of four whose show-starting monologues joke about menopause, weight gain and depression. She promises longer, in-depth chats with a single celebrity after little or no preinterviewing by her staff for the hourlong show. We have to evolve it in a way thats authentic, said ODonnell, who is friends with mega-celebrities such as Madonna and Tom Cruise. She said her endearing, fanlike curiosity about the famous has changedover the years. At almost 50 my interest in celebrity is how it affects our culture, she said. ODonnell will take questions from the audience. There may be a musical guest and each show has a game show segment, ODonnells heart still broken after losing The Price Is Right hosting job to Drew Carey. At the end of every show were having our own Price Is Right, ODonnell tells her studio audience during a taping before a large lighted game called Flash-O-Matic descends from the rafters. The show has signature Rosie-style charm. She walks around the set during commercial breaks to chat with her audience. There are giveaways and a colorful burst of confetti to finish everything off. Winfrey has been lending her celebrity to promote ODonnell. The pair appears together in preview spots and Internet videos, and ODonnell joined Winfrey on the cover of O magazine. Its the talk-show queens efforts to bolster her struggling namesake station. ODonnell calls OWNs January debut a soft launch and said she considers this Mondays premieres of The Rosie Show followed by Winfreys Oprahs Lifeclass the networks hard launch. ODonnell is on at 7 p.m. EDT leading into Winfreys prime-time program at 8 p.m. EDT. Oprahs Lifeclass will have Winfrey share her feelings about old segments from The Oprah Winfrey Show. There is a certain amount of pressure to build OWNs audience, said Bill Carroll, a television syndication expert with Katz Television Group in NY. Rosie has to come on and be a little wiser, a little older, but certainly has to be the upbeat Rosie because shes on Oprahs network, Carroll said. It needs to be fun and it needs to be some celebrity and it needs to be empowering. If you can put those together then youll have a show that attracts the Oprah/Rosie audience. Many viewers more recent memories of ODonnell arent from her 1990s show, but from dust-ups with other celebrities. She argued with Tom Selleck about gun control and Donald Trump about Miss USA. When ODonnell was on The View in 2007 she and Elisabeth Hasselbeck had a confrontation about the Iraq war. Thats not what shes going for this time around, ODonnell said. Its not a political show, ODonnell said. Its not an antagonistic show. I do have a strong political voice and in some ways that will come out but thats not the entree. Winfrey has called ODonnell a great competitor turned partner and friend. The new sign outside Harpo Studios reads: The Rosie Show and the former home of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Im not a boss, Winfrey said when the sign was unveiled last month. Were partners. We collaborate on everything. You dont tell Rosie what to do. ODonnell talks about Winfrey with a sense of awe, saying shes watched Winfrey for half of her life. I believe in her, ODonnell said. I believe in who she is. I believe in her message and I have for 25 years. Winfrey only offered two pieces of advice, ODonnell said: to be herself and not to resist anything. Luckily my age is on my side for this, ODonnell said. I think I have a much better understanding of who I am, what Im doing and why. A native NYer, ODonnell has made a home for herself on Chicagos North Side and has been sampling the citys culture. Shes tried Chicago-style pizza and taken a tour of the Grant Park area around Buckingham Fountain. She calls Chicago epically beautiful, although shes worried about the winters. I feel like Im getting ready for the frozen tundra, she said. (Copyright 2011 by Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed) Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'The Walking Dead' Coming Solely to Netflix Under Multi-Year Streaming Deal

NY - Netflix and cable systems operator AMC Systems on Friday revealed a multi-year certification agreement which will bring content from AMC along with other channels to Netflix's streaming service. The offer covers prior seasons of AMC's original series The Walking Dead, which is available solely to Netflix people within the U.S. and Canada. Season one of the Walking Dead is going to be available by Friday. AMC formerly struck streaming deals because of its other hit shows Mad Males and Breaking Bad with Netflix. Underneath the new arrangement, additional seasons from the Walking Dead and certain future AMC and Sundance Funnel programming is going to be streaming instantly to Netflix people just just before the premiere of subsequent seasons, the businesses stated. Netflix has additionally licensed non-exclusive privileges within the U.S. to choose scripted and unscripted AMC Systems shows, which may also be provided right before the next season debut. Including series from AMC, IFC, Sundance Funnel and that we tv, for example Portlandia, The Progressively Poor Choices of Todd Margaret, Braxton Family Values, My Fair Wedding, Bridezillas, All At Risk with Joe Zee and Women Who Choose Boys Who Choose Boys. The businesses didn't disclose financial particulars from the arrangement. "Netflix has already been the streaming home of Mad Males and Breaking Bad within the U.S. and Latin America," stated Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer. "AMC's programming sensibilities have struck a chord with this people along with the overall viewing public." AMC Systems leader and Boss Josh Sapan stated: "This agreement props up cable "ecosystem" by looking into making our content open to Netflix nearly annually following a linear premiere, it brings our content to some wider audience, also it provides additional revenue to aid manufacture of new shows." Showing up Friday in a NY conference organized by CTAM, the Cable & Telecomnunications Associationfor Marketing, Sapan further stressed how careful AMC Systems continues to be about digital distribution deals. He stated the organization was "most likely more deliberate and reduced to maneuver than the others.Inch Calling the Netflix deal terms "a smart approach," he outlined that his team did talk to TV marketers to obtain a sense of the way a deal would review together. Overall, Sapan stated the Netflix arrangement produces a "digital distribution window" that enables AMC Systems to obtain additional revenue from Netflix, whilst safeguarding the firm's relationship with pay TV companies. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects AMC The Walking Dead Netflix

Sean Penn Visits Post-Gadhafi Libya

First Published: October 5, 2011 9:38 AM EDT Credit: Getty Images TRIPOLI, Libya -- Caption Sean Penn attends the Tribeca Film Festival after-party for Love Hate Love in NY City, on April 26, 2011 Actor-activist Sean Penn says he admires Libyans for their courage in overthrowing Moammar Gadhafi. Penn spoke during a visit to Tripoli on Wednesday. He declined to comment on details about what he plans to do in the Libyan capital. But he told Associated Press Television News that he admires the courage to say we want freedom. Its an extraordinary thing. Standing outside a hotel, Penn also expressed confidence in Libyas efforts to make a transition to democracy. He says that an enormous price has been paid but I think that there is no question that they can follow it through. The 51-year-old actor also has visited Egypt. He toured Cairos Tahrir Square on Friday. (Copyright 2011 by Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Tone Loc Pleads No Contest To Weapons, Domestic Violence Charges

First Released: October 4, 2011 3:30 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images BURBANK, Calif. -- Caption Tone Loc works throughout MTVs Celebrity Rap Celebrity contest at Culver Galleries in Culver City, Calif., on October 4, 2007 La County prosecutors say rapper Tone Loc has pleaded no contest to assault weapon possession and domestic violence charges stemming from an arrest captured. The rapper, whose real title is Anthony Cruz, joined the plea Monday inside a Burbank, Calif. courthouse. Cruz pleaded no contest to 1 count all of having an assault weapon and corporal injuries to some spouse. Superior Court Judge Patrick Hegarty sentenced Cruz to 1 day in city jail, 3 years of probation, thirty days community service and 52 days of anger management counseling. Noted for the hits Wild Factor and Funky Cold Medina, Cruz was arrested on June 18. Throughout the analysis, government bodies discovered that Cruz was owning an non listed gun, that was not utilized in the domestic assault. (Copyright 2011 by Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Fox takes tentpole strategy to TV

'The Walking Dead'Dylan McDermott stars in 'American Horror Story.'Fox Intl. Channels is about to launch another worldwide zombie attack.News Corp.'s international channels unit is pushing ahead with its efforts to target high-profile U.S. series for launch in a uniform pattern nearly day-and-date with the show's domestic bow. The effort worked like gangbusters for Fox Intl. Channels last fall with the bow of AMC's "The Walking Dead," and FIC is prepping the same game plan for the premiere of FX's "American Horror Story" this week as well as for the soph-season bow of "Walking Dead" later this month.FIC's gamble on "Walking Dead" -- premiering it across the vast expanse of entertainment channels it operates in 163 countries within a week of the show's AMC debut -- promises to forge a new international sales model for high-wattage shows with strong worldwide appeal. Execs took their cue from the changing dynamics of international film distribution, especially for tentpole titles."We find the movies that perform the best (internationally) are the movies marketed in the most consistent way around the world," says FIC prexy-CEO Hernan Lopez. "We asked ourselves if this theory applies to television, and we think it does."FIC is one of News Corp.'s fastest-growing divisions with nearly 250 channels spanning Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.After a decade of launching channels at a furious pace under the leadership of David Haslingden, prexy and chief operating officer of Fox Networks Group, the division has seen its revenue skyrocket from about $100 million in 2002 to $1.8 billion in News Corp.'s fiscal year 2011 (which ended June 30). FIC is now tasked with meeting an ambitious target of hitting $1 billion in operating income by FY15; it delivered about half of that in FY11.All of showbiz's majors have invested in international channels. But Fox is a clear leader among Hollywood studios, with channels devoted to entertainment and factual (aka unscripted) as well as sports, news, kidvid and lifestyle fare.News Corp. had Fox-branded international channels prior to 2002, but the big push started when Haslingden and his team saw that there was a land grab for channel space as cable and satellite platforms were sprouting up in key territories.Fox has poured resources into establishing local infrastructure and exec teams in various countries -- its staff roster has swelled to 2,500, many of them focused on local production. Lopez, who has been with Fox for 14 years, starting in his native Argentina, has yet to visit all 57 offices since he was upped to division prexy in February.Most of FIC's initial channel launches revolved around National Geographic, because the brand was so strong and the programming traveled so well. A few years ago, FIC brass realized they needed to do more with their entertainment channels."Instead of doing piecemeal deals market by market, we (decided to) dedicate a portion of our budget to buy rights on a global or multiterritory basis," Lopez says. "We did it in order to control and predict the output for key series."FIC scooped up international TV and homevid rights to the AMC-produced series before a frame was shot last year. "Walking Dead" was a perfect fit because it had a saleable premise -- zombies speak the universal language -- and marquee names in producers Gale Anne Hurd and Frank Darabont. AMC also had no international distrib operation of its own.FIC not only programs "Walking Dead" across its channel base (which in total reaches 915 million subscribers), but also controls sales of the show in non-FIC markets, as well as overseas homevid. It doesn't have as much flexibility with "Horror Story," as its corporate sibling, 20th Century Fox TV, already has some pre-existing output deals.As FIC begins its second decade, its biggest challenge will be balancing aud demand for local fare with must-see imports. Lopez credits Haslingden with building a strong foundation.FIC is "a company that has a lot of stability -- all of us know each other and have essentially built the company from the ground up," Lopez says. "In order to grow we need to continue to be able to attract more talent, to buy better content, to create more content and expand into other things." Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

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Yahoo, ABC News enter online news pact

Yahoo! Monday introduced an extensive alliance with ABC News, starting with GoodMorningAmerica.com on Yahoo! and three new movie first series with ABC anchors and correspondents. The newsmakers series debuts with George Stephanopolous meeting with Leader Obama in the Whitened House Monday mid-day, that will stream survive Yahoo! and ABCNews.com. ''Yahoo! is devoted to building the wealthiest group of premium and personalized content encounters for the customers,'' stated Ross Levinsohn, professional Vice president of Americas at Yahoo! inside a statement in front of a morning press conference scheduled in the company's Occasions Square offices in Gotham. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Systems patients to date

Two days in to the fall season, no new TV series has become the dreaded quick hook, however the tv stations continue to be facing some tough choices. Virtually every internet has a minumum of one new or coming back series that will need a sked a big change. While there is no flameout similar to what Fox experienced last season with drama "Lone Star," trigger fingers may start getting scratchy now. The nets have to date been patient as all have launches within the coming days which will let them know much more about where they stand, as well as the extra understanding of viewer behavior from live plus-7 Digital recording device rankings. Only at that early juncture, CBS and Fox have been in the pole positions, ABC is middling however with a couple of vibrant spots, while NBC and CW have faced rocky begins. Fox appears in place not to make any fixes to the fall selection. While "The X Factor" and "Terra Nova" haven't quite matched up the hype preceding their launches, they're still well in front of year-ago timeslot newcomers and only lead or stay competitive along with other timeslot records. "New Girl" carried out strongly enough in the first couple of days to generate the season's first back-nine order. It is a task made even more impressive since it's lead-in, "Glee," has softened -- still a great artist but lower dramatically versus. this past year. CBS can also be riding high, topping Fox among grown ups 25-54 for that first week of year. But unlike Fox, the attention might have timeslots troubled enough to want repair. The Thursday premiere of recent comedy "How to become a Gentleman" would be a disappointment, losing 45% of their 18-49 lead-in "The Large Bang Theory" and lower 18% in the second episode of "$#*! My Father States" from the prior year. CBS might be the only real network having a obvious alternative possibility because of the arranging of veteran utility player "Rules of Engagement" sitting alone on Saturday, a evening in which the network could easily choose to simply do what almost every other tv stations does and opt for wall-to-wall rebroadcasts. And contains Take advantage of Schneider's midseason half-hour browsing the wings. A fast fix appears not as likely for CBS' Thursday 9 p.m. drama "Person of great interest,Inch that has deflated by premiering 9% below previous timeslot inhabitant "CSI" and shedding one more 13% in week 2 if this had "Gentleman" since it's lead-in the very first time. But up to the attention was around the drama thinking about its strong showing in preseason testing groups, there's little indication the network will close the lid on, although it also offers a midseason drama option around the bench with cop drama "The Two-2." ABC includes a more pressing problem on Thursday at 8 p.m. with "Charlie's Angels," which opened up OK within the demo (2.1), but required a virtually 30% tumble in the second week (1.5). The network is not going to give on the drama as, surprisingly, its second week was still being much better than last year's "My Generation." Elsewhere around the schedule, the Alphabet finds better traction for brand new series, with "Revenge" and "Suburgatory" searching very good in early stages Wednesdays, and Sunday drama "Pan Am" opening well. The autumn has not been as kind to NBC, which went in to the season with Peacock brass making obvious the turnaround from the 4th-place network might take many years -- a well known fact strengthened by its struggles to date. New comedies "Up Through The Night" and "Whitney" have attracted respectable rankings by NBC's reduced standards. But Monday 10 p.m. drama "The Playboy Club" and Wednesday 8:30 p.m. comedy "Free Agents" are barely around the Nielsen radar. Though each of individuals shows began soft and also have dropped further, NBC has not made any moves yet toward cancellation. In order to assure the creative community that NBC is really a producer-friendly atmosphere, NBC Entertainment chief Bob Greenblatt allow it to be known prior to the season began he wasn't inclined to provide shows a fast hook. But something might have to give. "Playboy Club" is not prone to budge considering the fact that NBC has signaled it'll reboot Mondays within the midseason using the pairing of "The Voice" and "Smash." Starting new things, from the restarted version of unscripted veteran "Fear Factor" towards the new John Williams-brought newsmagazine "Rock Center," could be pointless when the net's likely to obvious the decks come The month of january. "Agents" may be the season's first goner if it is audience is constantly on the shrink. The Peacock could certainly double-pump "Evening" to fill the slot or give a repeat of Thursday rookie "Whitney." In the long run, NBC could revert towards the comedy six-pack on Thursday it attempted last season, a definite possibility should 10 p.m. newcomer drama "Prime Suspect" still struggle. NBC could beat a retreat from the make an effort to open another comedy block on Wednesday and migrate "Evening" together with "30 Rock," that is set to come back early the coming year. The network may even choose to mix things on Thursday by inserting "Rock" in approximately 8-9 p.m. because of the gentleness of "Community" and "Parks and Entertainment" season up to now. The CW continues to be hit as hard as NBC, with every coming back series besides "Vampire Journals" seeing across-the-board declines and none of their new series breaking out. Its sorest place is unscripted series "Hater," that has tanked within the Wednesday leadoff slot. The internet might meet the increasing demand having a rerun of the frosh show (think "Ringer" or "Hart of Dixie") that may enjoy the additional sampling chance. Or CW could press its "One Tree Hill" warhorse into service whether it decides to erase "H8R." But new network leader Mark Pedowitz makes backing the schedule year-round important, meaning he might not need to spend programs destined for midseason or summer time. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com