Beals to to create 'Vinyl' jazz pic

"The L Word" star Jennifer Beals is placed to topline and convey "The The almighty of Vinyl," an indie jazz pic which will mark the directorial debut of Dennis Bartok, who authored the script as well as produce with Patrick Cunningham ("Martha Marcy May Marlene"). Story follows the bittersweet existence and comic despair of the lonely fortysomething Angeleno who's obsessive about jazz and hides in the disappointment around the globe inside the good thing about music. He suddenly finds themself exploring the potential of new love by having an discontentedly married publish office manager (Beals) just like he attempts a reconciliation together with his estranged 11-year-old daughter, now coping with his ex-wife and former closest friend. A significant plot point involves the potential of just one making it through recording through the enigmatic "godfather of jazz," New Orleans music performer Buddy Bolden, who inspired Louis Remedy before he died inside a Louisiana mental hospital in 1931. Bartok formerly authored and created Lionsgate's anthology horror film "Trapped Ashes," which tested in the Cannes and Toronto film fests in 2006. Cunningham is originating off a completely independent Spirit Award nomination for creating Fox Searchlight's "Martha Marcy May Marlene" with Chris Maybach and Borderline Films. He lately created Sean Baker's "Celebrity," which premieres at SXSW this month. Beals, who lately starred on Fox's "The Chicago Code," is better noted for starring in "Flashdance," along with the Denzel Washington photos "It of Eli" and "Demon inside a Blue Dress." She's repped by APA, Greenlight Management and Production and Loeb & Loeb. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose Engaged

The famous host oprah Winfrey Our top moments each week: 11. Spell It for all of us Award: On Celebrity Apprentice, the teams have to produce a show for restaurant chain Medieval Occasions, so project manager Lisa Lampanelli taps Victoria Gotti as creative director and asks her to analyze medieval language. Gotti fires up Google and kinds in... "mid-evil." "The freakin' stationery of Medieval Occasions is sitting immediately and also you can't freakin' copy it?!" a flabbergasted Lampanelli states in her own confessional. Hey, Victoria, are you able to spell "fired"? Because that's what you're. 10. Best Working together: Around the final evening from the Voice's blind auditions, Christina Aguilera may be the last coach to fill her team and she or he holds out until she listens to the perfect voice. Sera Hill's rendition of Mary J. Blige's "I am Heading Down" not just will get Aguilera to push her button, it even inspires her to accept stage and duet with Hill around the chorus from the song using the full band in it. Favoritism much? 9. Second-Best Mocking: Did Jennifer Lopez possess a wardrobe malfunction in the Academy awards or did not she? Should you request Steven Tyler, she did. Throughout another round of tedious banter among American Idol's idol judges, Tyler abruptly sneezes and pulls open his shirt to show his left nipple. "Who am I?" he asks. "I do not know things to tell that!" a stunned J. Lo replies. "Which was an Oscar re-enactment," Ryan Seacrest announces for anybody living in the cage. Lopez will get the final word: "There is no nipple!" Nice send-up, Steven, but a minimum of we are sure we had Angie's bare leg. 8. Best New Start: Allow nice-guy Ted to become so literal about "moving forward.Inch With Robin shacking track of Marshall and Lily how I Met Your Mother, Ted tries to determine what related to Robin's old room. He's baffled whenever a meat-smoking room along with a woodworking studio don't pan out, but they know what to do after Robin informs him how unhappy Marshall and Lily take presctiption New York. He texts these to stop by, so when they arrive, they locate an empty apartment and Robin's old room colored blue having a crib along with a note: "The apartment has become yours," Ted creates. "I want a big change and i believe you must as well. This apartment needs newer and more effective existence. So please, make our old home your brand-new home." Now where's Ted off and away to? His house in Westchester? Barney's? Patrice's? 7. Most Surprising Departure: With Peter going to testify on Neal's account on Whitened Collar, Peter discovers that his old mentor in the FBI intends to throw enough charges at Neal to help keep him inside a police anklet for that relaxation of his existence. Peter selects Neal within the FBI and gestures for Neal to hightail it. Cut to some couple of moments later, where Neal - sans anklet - sits on the flight alongside longtime partner-in-crime Mozzie, glancing the window in the existence, and also the bond with Peter, he may never have the ability to have again. Be sure to write! 6. Sweet Dreams Are constructed with These Award: After Dork will get his mobile liquor license on Happy Being and turns his food truck right into a hipster-esque speakeasy, his turpentine-implanted Whore's Bath cocktail causes his pals to have sexual intercourse desires him (superbly obtained by Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street") - everybody, that's, aside from Alex, who has not tried Dave's wares, literally or subconscious. She's on the cleanse, the thing is, but after it finishes, she orders up her ex-fiancé's signature drink and it has her very own erotic fantasy. "Thankfully, it had been only a dream," she states, as she bolts upright in mattress, before visiting a resting Dork laying alongside her. "Oh, boy." We are too heading into Ross-and-Rachel territory with one of these two? And what is the recipe for any Whore's Bath? (Our friend really wants to know.) 5. Most Smart Reporter: Zac Efron stops by Right now to promote his movie The Lorax, try not to think Matt Lauer will allow the whole interview go without discussing the actor's embarrassing red-colored carpet problem. In the film's premiere Sunday, Efron accidentally dropped a condom. "I never really were built with a pocket-checking policy just before going to the red-colored carpet before, however we have fully instated one," a sheepish Efron informs Lauer. Once the Today co-host presses him to become more specific by what happened, he stumbles within the word condom. "Which was very hard that you should say!" Efron teases. "It's better safe than sorry," Lauer replies. Yes, it's, Matt, but it is not easier to neglect to request the all-important follow-up: With whom was he likely to make use of the condom? Newspaper fail. 4. Best Regression Therapy: After Crosby discovers that Adam met having a potential buyer for that Luncheonette without him on Being a parent, he replaces Adam as his best guy and yells at him before their parents, brothers and sisters and Adam's own children. "Billy's a fool, exactly like you, therefore it should exercise perfectly," Adam yells about his alternative before his inner 10-year-old pleads, "Mother, I did not do anything whatsoever! It's all regulated him!" Adam jostles Crosby's beer because he storms out, and Crosby retaliates by draining it on Adam's back. Because the two hit the ground inside a full-on grapple, Adam breaks away and grabs a huge bowl of salsa, that they dumps over his brother's mind because the relaxation from the family squawks continuously. If this sounds like the way the Bravermans plan a marriage, we'd hate to consider exactly what the bachelor party appeared as if. 3. Best Fistfight: After two seasons of creating tension, The Walking Dead's Ron and Shane finally arrived at blows - as well as their knock-lower-drag-out fight is really a doozy. Even though episode starts using the duo peaceably speaking through their issues (Shane's affair with Rick's wife Lori, Shane's questioning of Rick's leadership), things get heated once the pair disagrees about whether or not to get rid of the straggler Ron has introduced in to the group's midst. The bloody, bone-crushing brawl that develops involves a rapid halt once the ruckus wakes a lot of ramblers and forces the males to synergy to be able to survive. As the former partners both ride to Hershel's farm alive, we can not help but believe that a Round 2 is imminent. 2. Fastest Reveal: After several weeks of keeping fans speculating about who lost their existence around the beach, Revenge wastes virtually no time in showing us who shot who: Daniel shot Tyler in self-defense before he was rapidly bumped out by Emily's mysterious sensei, Takeda, who then fired two more bullets right into a barely breathing Tyler. If they'd just demonstrate that Tyler is not really dead - we hate to state it, but we miss the sociopath! 1. Funniest New Shows: Everybody recognizes that The famous host oprah Winfrey's OWN Network is battling, so Due To Jimmy Kimmel has newer and more effective program ideas, that they pitches to her on his show's publish-Academy awards episode. There's The famous host oprah Repos Her Favorite Things ("I recieve a caaaaaar!"), The Jimmy & The famous host oprah Interview (by which they concurrently request questions) and The famous host oprah At Night (Jimmy seduces a bubble bath-taking The famous host oprah). But the most popular is Book Club Fight Club - a brutal, furniture-smashing twist on O.'s famous segment since, as Jimmy states, "reading through is easily the most boring factor on the planet.Inch The very first rule of Book Club Fight Club is: Never question Oprah's understanding of To Kill a Mockingbird - she'll throw lower! Boo Radley! What were your top moments?

Aud demand drives 'Senna' Blu-ray bow

Within the latest sign that marketers are having to pay focus on what audiences say on social networking platforms, ARC Entertainment has decided to release racing documentary "Senna" on Blu-ray, after initially only planning for a DVD version from the film, because of production costs. ARC, behind Martin Sheen starrer "The Way In Which,Inch credited "overwhelming demand from fans" for that Blu-ray after the organization introduced the DVD's March 6 release on Facebook earlier this year. Company stated it had been "inundated" with telephone calls, emails, Twitter and facebook messages. Consequently, the Blu-ray will bow This summer 10, having a recommended retail cost of $27. DVD's price is $23. It typically costs 35% more to create the actual for any Blu-ray that dvds are pressed from than the usual DVD. "Senna," helmed by Asif Kapadia and compiled by Manish Pandey, involves Brazilian F1 driver and three-time world champion Ayrton Senna before his tragic dying at 34. "We're ecstatic to listen to the thrill and anticipation for that film's homevideo release," stated ARC Entertainment's Boss Trevor Drinkwater. "We pride inside us hearing our clients. They need it on Blu-Ray. They first got it!" "Senna," launched within the U.S. last August by Producers Distribution Agency, made a lot more than $8 million worldwide. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

Lifetime orders Bristol Palin reality skein

Lifetime has given a 10-episode order to a reality skein revolving around Bristol Palin, daughter for former GOP vice presidential candidate and Alaska governor Sarah Palin. "Bristol Palin: Life's a Tripp" will focus on her readjustment to life in Alaska as a single mother. Half-hour show from Associated Television Intl. will bow later this year. Lifetime's order comes as the Palin family is set to return to the showbiz spotlight with the March 10 bow of HBO's much anticipated telepic "Game Change," a behind-the-scenes chronicle of the 2008 presidential race toplining Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin. Bristol Palin has been tabloid fodder since it was revealed during the 2008 campaign that she was pregnant at age 17. Since then, she's flirted with a showbiz career. In 2010 she was a contestant on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars." "Bristol Palin" will be exec produced by ATI's David McKenzie, Jim Romanovich and David Martin along with Lifetime's Robert Sharenow, Gena McCarthy and Noah Pollack. Robyn Schnieders will co-executive produce. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

New Wrath In The Leaders trailer arrives

Wrath In The Leaders has released a completely new trailer giving audiences a close look in a couple of from the terrible Leaders Mike Worthington's Perseus will probably be squaring off against, also it must be mentioned they are bigger plus much more fearsome than in the past.The completely new teaser outlines the identical plot points we'd in earlier teaser games (Liam Neeson's Zeus telling Perseus the Leaders have broken free and Take advantage of Fiennes' Hades revelling inside the ensuing mayhem), getting a few added shots in the Leaders to use it.Take a look within the new trailer below, and revel in a whirlwind of CGI bluster... Within the latest footage, we'd condition the flame-bodied Kronos looks most likely probably the most impressive in the Leaders, while using scene through which Perseus rides Pegasus into combat him sure to become standout.The Two-headed Chimera also looks pretty badass, although we're unsure about Perseus' plan to employ a wooden shield to guard themselves against its fiery breath!Wrath In The Leaders opens inside the Uk on 30 March 2012. Winged horses wouldn't stop us away...

CBS wins sluggish Tuesday

7 days after Valentine's activities saved a slice of audiences from watching primetime television, amounts ongoing to become low this Tuesday. Despite declines, ''NCIS'' and ''NCIS: Los Angeles'' saved CBS on top in key demos, nevertheless the net's ''Unforgettable'' is searching shaky.According to preliminary national estimations from Nielsen, CBS opened up in the evening an easy champion with ''NCIS'' (3.8 rating/10 participate grownups 18-49, 19.5 million audiences overall), lower a tick week to week, after which it continued to be on top at 9 o'clock with ''NCIS: Los Angeles'' (2.9/7 in 18-49, 15.9 million audiences overall), which came by about 10% from the other day for just about any season low. As well as the downtrend ongoing at 10 p.m. for CBS with ''Unforgettable'' (1.9/5 in 18-49, 10.6 000 0000 audiences overall), which skidded 17% week to week for just about any series low but nevertheless was the most effective broadcast draw due to its hour in 18-49 and 25-54. Of course, CBS easily taken the night's half-several hours in general audiences.At runner-up Fox, ''Glee'' (2.9/8 in 18-49, 7.4 million audiences overall) was up a tick week to week but ongoing to become low quality having its winter finale. It absolutely was a below-average delivery for ''New Girl'' (3./8 in 18-49, 6.2 million audiences overall) and ''Raising Hope'' (2.1/5 in 18-49, 4.8 million audiences overall), because both versions were in line with the other day. ''New Girl'' was the night's No. 1 program among grownups 18-34 (3.2/9).NBC was up versus. recent days with ''The Finest Loser'' (2.3/6 in 18-49, 6.7 million audiences overall), that have among its best a lot of the present edition, and ''Parenthood'' (1.7/5 in 18-49, 4.9 million audiences overall), which was up a tick week to week.ABC was virtually on componen having its week-ago scores for ''Last Guy Standing'' (2.2/6 in 18-49, 7.5 million audiences overall), ''Cougar Town'' (1.7/4 in 18-49, 4.5 million audiences overall) and ''The River'' (1.7/4 in 18-49, 4.8 million audiences overall). At 10, the web made an appearance to obtain a couple of from the crime drama audience lost by CBS as ''Body of Proof'' (1.4/4 in 18-49, 6.5 million audiences overall) was up in the season low of the other day to accomplish within 1 share in the CBS and NBC dramas in 18-49. For your evening, ABC was really the only Large Four network up versus. the comparable evening of a year ago.At CW, a distinctive repeat of ''Hart of Dixie'' at 8 p.m. (.4/one out of 18-49, 1. million audiences overall) exercised the identical in grownups 18-34 (.4 rating) since the 9 p.m. original of ''Ringer'' (.5/one out of 18-49, 1.4 million audiences overall).Preliminary 18-49 earnings for your evening: CBS, 2.9/8 Fox, 2.8/7 NBC, 2.1/5 ABC, 1.7/4 Univision, 1.4/4 CW, .5/1.In general audiences: CBS, 15.3 million Fox, 6.5 million NBC, 6.millions of ABC, 5.8 million Univision, 3.6 000 0000 CW, 1.3 million. Contact Ron Kissell at ron.kissell@variety.com

Antonio Banderas To Play Pablo Picasso

33 Days tells story of Guernica muralThe last major portayal we can think of was an angry Anthony Hopkins (although more recently there was a brief turn by Marcial Di Fonzo Bo in Midnight In Paris), but it seems Pablo Picasso is about to be given more dashing form in 33 Dias (33 Days), where he'll be played by Antonio Banderas.Where the Hopkins film, James Ivory's Surviving Picasso, covered a broad slice of the artist's life concentrating on the various women he was emotionally involved with, 33 Days' focus will be narrower. This one will only be covering just the inception and creation of Picasso's masterpiece Guernica. The film's angle is that the painting pulled Picasso out of a personal crisis, during the time of his relationship with the French artist Dora Maar.Completed in the summer of 1937, the 25ft painting depicts a violent chaos of people and animals, and was designed to bring attention to the blitzkrieg bombing of the Basque town by Franco-supporting German forces during the Spanish Civil War. It currently lives at the Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid, and is generally considered one of the great masterpieces of the 20th century.33 Days, which is budgeted at 8 million euros, is written and directed by Carlos Saura (The 7th Day, Goya In Bordeaux), with legendary cinematographer Vittorio Storraro (Apocalypse Now) in talks to join the project.The popular perception of Picasso is that he was short and bald, but if you look at pictures of Picasso in the 1930s, Banderas suddenly seems like quite canny casting. There's also the Modern Lovers song, telling us that when Picasso walked down the street, girls could not resist his stare. That alone makes Banderas seem entirely appropriate."He's a character that has pursued me for a long time," says Banderas. "I am from Malaga, and he was born four blocks from where I was born."Shooting on the French and Spanish-language film starts in the summer.

VIDEO: Physical Violence Worsens Serves Ranch Dressing to Courteney Cox Is He Trying Way Too Hard?

Former FlashForward star Christine Forest has reserved a guest role with an approaching episode of Castle, TVGuide.com is familiar with solely.Have more scoop in your favorite shows within our Winter TV previewWoods, who most lately starred around the short-resided NBC sitcom Perfect Couples, will have Leann Peach, an ambitious youthful reporter. Leann lands the storyline a person can have whenever a explosive device chimes in an anti-Wall Street protest rally throughout her live broadcast... Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com CSI: MiamiNCISNathan FillionThe CloserChristine WoodsStana KaticCastleFlashForwardPerfect Couples

Six Sequels Nicolas Cage Must Make Immediately

by Ryan Rigley Bold. Brash. Bees. They are but a couple of of the numerous stuff that spring to mind when comes up the magnificence that's Nicolas Cage, a guy almost too bizarre for words. With "Ghost Driver: Spirit of Vengeance" striking theaters today (Feb 17), audiences across the nation are preparing for an additional installment from the motorcycled madmans high-speed hijinks. Nicolas Cage talks "Ghost Driver" follow up Additionally, Cage themself has expressed the want to make a follow up to "The Wicker Guy" not sometime ago, stating I must go ahead and take Wicker Guy to Japan, except this time around hes a ghost. So, allow me to understand this straight. Nicolas Cage like a ghost in Japan for whatever reason? Yes, please! It appears as if Mr. Cage includes a serious situation of "follow up syndrome" lately. And believe to celebrate compared to our very own dream-listing of Nicolas Cage sequels? "Face/Off 2: Face 2 Face" The face area-stealing psychopath known only as Castor Troy really understands how to push a guys buttons. And That I, for just one, am dying to determine him steal more faces. Whose face, you request? Im thinking Dwayne The Rock Johnsons. Because who better to create a apparently unnecessary follow up worth watching? "Drive More annoyed" Nobody kills an area filled with males although concurrently making love and smoking a cigar like John Milton does. This father from Hell includes a PhD in kicking demon ass. Also, hes already steered clear of Hell once. Why wouldnt he try it again? "Unhealthy Lieutenant: The avenue for call Camden, Nj" Terence McDonagh is really a bad lieutenant. A Very bad lieutenant. Hes pointed guns at old people, raped a woman before her boyfriend, and smoked numerous of crack. While working. For that follow up, hed get reassigned to among the worst places in the united states. I question if you will find any iguanas in Nj... Discover much more about Cage's 'Ghost Rider' follow up in Talk Nerdy! "Disadvantage Air 2: In this areaInch Former Military Ranger, Cameron Poe, stop individuals annoying plane-jacking felons within the first movie. Now hes mind of security aboard the C-123 Jailbird. But things rapidly go wrong as he finds out that Cyrus Herpes continues to be alive! And that he includes a new robot mind! AND hes kidnapped Poes daughter! Gasp! "Vampires of the underworld Hug 2: The Kissening" For individuals individuals which have seen that Youtube video of Nic Cage losing it for five minutes, this is actually the movie where he recites the whole Alphabet for pointless. Peter Loew, pronounced Looh, is really a crazy posting executive that thinks hes a vampire. However in the follow up, he'd be even crazier and recite much more things within their whole for pointless. Like several of Pi. "Raising Arizona 2: Raising Massachusetts" Criminal H.I. McDunnough and the cop wife, Edwina, continue another baby stealing spree after several unsuccessful attempts at getting children that belongs to them. And Robert Massachusetts, Governor of Arizona, so ends up having ten newborns ripe for that picking. (Also, I simply recognized that McDunnough is virtually exactly the same surname as Nic Cages character in Bad Lieutenant." Coincidence? Most likely.) Which Nic Cage sequels would you like to see? Inform us within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

Pilot Season: NBC Orders Hannibal Straight to Series; Also Picks Up Notorious

Bryan Fuller NBC has given a series order to Hannibal, an adaptation of Thomas Harris' novel Red Dragon, from Pushing Daisies' Bryan Fuller. The contemporary thriller will feature classic characters from the novel, including FBI Agent Will Grahagm and his mentor, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, both who are reintroduced at the beginning of their budding relationship. Fuller will write and executive-produce alongside Martha DeLaurentiis. Pilot Season: Get the scoop! In pilot news, NBC has also ordered Notorious, an opulent soap in which a female detective returns undercover to the wealthy family she grew up in - as the maid's daughter - to solve the murder of the notorious heiress who was once her closest friend.Mercy's Liz Heldens wrote the pilot and will executive-produce with Gail Berman, Lloyd Braun and Gene Stein.

90210 Exclusive First Look: Jen's Back and on the Prowl!

Jen (Sara Foster) is back in 90210 and she's on the prowl - for a sugar daddy! In this exclusive first look at next week's episode (Tuesday, Feb. 7, 8/7c, The CW), Naomi's demanding and self-involved sister returns from Paris with son Jacques in tow. However, Jen isn't just back to catch up with her little sister; she's on a mission to find a rich bachelor and enlists Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord) to help her. But - spoiler alert! - tensions flare between the Clark sisters once again when they both have their eyes on the same man. Who do you think will win the guy? Are you excited to see Jen again?

The Secret Circle: Jake Is Back! Will the Other Balcoin Child Be Revealed?

Britt Robertson and Chris Zylka The Secret Circle's witch-turned-witch hunter Jake has finally returned. In the midseason finale, Nick's older brother ran off with the Witch Hunters, who had tried to kill Cassie (Britt Robertson) and her circle. Though Jake (Chris Zylka) was initially working with the hunters to take down the circle, he fell for Cassie. And that means he won't be too happy to see her in the arms of Adam (Thomas Dekker) when he returns. Exclusive: The Secret Circle casts Cassie's mysterious father John Blackwell "Wow, that was fast," Zylka jokes of the pair's lip-lock in last Thursday's episode. "Jake's initial response is anger -- and fighting that anger while trying not to show it too much." The circle has turned against Jake for his complicity in its near-death experience, but Cassie isn't as put out; she still wants answers about her family's history with dark magic. The circle will certainly be hesitant to trust him, but Zylka insists Jake's return to Chance Harbor comes from an innocent place. "He's had such a long journey as a person/witch, and he's finally starting to figure himself out. He wants to be truthful and to be a part of the circle," he says. "When he wants something, he goes after it. No. 1, he's in love with Cassie, and No. 2, he wants to be part of something. Obviously, the Witch Hunters aren't going to be very happy with him." Exclusive: The Secret Circle lands two new bad boys Jake will come back with a few secrets of his own. He knows there is more than one Balcoin child within the circle. The Balcoin lineage, viewers have learned, is marred with dark magic and evil witches. "Jake's smart enough to know that if he goes right into [revealing there's another Balcoin], they're all going to want to be it. Everyone sees what Cassie is capable of, especially Faye. He's going to treat the situation a little more carefully than you'd expect him to." Jake will also offer insight into what happened to the parents of those in the circle nearly two decades ago. "We're going to delve into our parents' situation and try to figure out what really happened 16 years ago and it's a nice ride that everyone goes on. It's an emotional episode for everyone." The Secret Circle airs Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW.

IATSE, Teamsters concentrate on healthcare

With health care costs likely to dominate, Hollywood's below-the-line unions have set March 5 to start with date for contract discussions using the congloms -- under four several weeks prior to the current master contract finishes This summer 31. The very first round of discussions using the Alliance of movement Picture & Television Producers should continue for several days. The unions -- free airline Coast local people from the Intl. Alliance of Theatrical & Stage Employees and native 399 from the Intl. Brotherhood of Teamsters -- are anticipated to barter collectively on health care and retirement issues while holding separate negotiating on the rest of their contracts. Reps for IATSE, the Teamsters and also the AMPTP didn't have discuss the discussions. Both unions have ramped up their activity in order to increase membership awareness around the specifics among rising health care costs with a number of explanatory periods for people, that have incorporated presentations by health care expert and consultant John Garner and David Westcoe, professional administrative director using the Movie Industry Pension and Health Plan. The Teamsters have scheduled a Jan. 22 town- hall meeting in Burbank, based on a note to people now from longtime Local 399 secretary-treasurer Leo Reed. "The price of health care benefits is becoming probably the most important issues facing our people," Reed stated. "Costs of care and insurance policy happen to be rising in an alarming rate during the last decade or even more. Signs are which costs will rise typically 9% to 10% annually for the following 5 years.Inch Reed noted the Movie Industry Pension and Health trust, which supervises the advantages package compensated roughly $500 million in health care costs this past year for actives and retired people. "When the forecasts are accurate, next year's costs just for healthcare increases by roughly $50 million," Reed stated. "The $50 million more annually is simply to remain even. You will find even the elevated pension cost, and also the reduced reserves triggered through the 2008 market crash." Health insurance and pension have typically been one of the top focal points for that unions, alongside salaries and dealing conditions, however the developments underline the uncertainty over healthcare among a battling economy. "Healthcare costs have elevated quicker than anybody could predict," Reed stated within the missive. "From coast to coast, individuals have seen rising costs for medical services, physician visits, tests, prescription medications and hospital care." The Teamsters Local 399 covers about 3,200 motorists in 13 Western states contributing to 1,000 fundamental craft employees, as the IATSE deal covers 15 local people around the West Coast encompassing a lot more than 20,000 people. The 2 unions joined right into a formal alliance in August 2010 -- two days after Teamster Local 399 motorists arrived at an offer using the AMPTP and synched up its contract expiration using the IATSE deal as IATSE leader Matthew Loeb, who changed the retiring Thomas Short in 2008 because the mind of IATSE, has tried to promote closer ties between your two unions. Furthermore, IATSE people are facing stiffened qualifications to entitled to the health plan, that is overeseen by reps from the unions and also the showbiz companies and funded from residuals and ancillary marketplaces. IATSE agreed last year to some hike within the qualifications threshold throughout the ultimate year from the pact needing that people work 400 hrs over six several weeks to qualify, up 33% in the previous 300-hour requirement -- a big change that stirred an uproar among below-the-line employees once the pact went for ratification. Within the 2010 discussions, Teamsters searched for 3% in annual wage hikes however the companies was adamant on the 2% wage gain, that the Teamsters recognized with several sweetening together with exactly the same 1.66% hike in benefits included in the earlier IATSE deal. The Teamster deal set web site for discussions at the end of 2010 and early 2011 using the Screen Stars Guild, the American Federation of Televison & Radio Artists, the Company directors Guild of America and also the Authors Guild of America -- with 2% hikes in minimums and all sorts of using the chief gain becoming an increase of just one.5 per dollar in employer contributions towards the pension and health plans. The Teamsters Local 399 contract is discussed collectively with four other Fundamental Crafts unions: Local 40 from the Intl. Brotherhood of Electrical Employees Local 724 from the Studio Utility Employees Local 755 of Plasterers and Cement Masons and native 78 of Journeymen & Apprentices from the Plumbing & Pipe Fitting Industry. Reed noted in the letter the plans face the twin impact of rising costs and also the aging from the industry's population, resulting in greater utilization of health advantages. "Area of the blame for rising insurance charges is because of increasing costs for health care, pharmaceutical drugs, along with other healthcare expenses," he stated. "A brand new mandate within the federal healthcare overhaul is another element in making insurance more costly, by permitting adult children to stay on their own parents' insurance plans until age 26." Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Auto biz tunes up branding engine

Audi MMIBMW ConnectedDriveToyota EntuneChevrolet MyLinkCadillac CueFord Sync/MyFord TouchBuick IntelliLinkKia UVOWith infotainment systems growing popular, vehicle producers hope branding them could make their cars more desirable the means by which Vehicle promoted OnStar (which faces competish from BMW's BMW Assist, Hyundai's Blue Link, Lexus' Enform and Mercedes' mbrace). Right here are a handful of and whatever they offer:Audi MMIThe German automaker's Multi Media Interface appears around the 5-inch black and red-colored-colored or 7-inch full-color screen, the 2nd which shows all entertainment options, Google Earth navigation (in 3d), Sirius Traffic updates and native sights accessible via buttons around a control dial and pad that reads handwriting. T-Mobile provides Audi Connect's high-speed Wi-Fi web service accessible via mobile items for instance Apple's iPad.BMW ConnectedDriveA advanced version was proven off in "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol," but BMW's infotainment system features all the expected features and connects to the net through BMW Online, a $99 yearly service which has Wiki Local, Wikipedia records on area locations and Yelp restaurant reviews read aloud through text-to-speech functionality. Programs are simply compatible through Apple's apple apple iphone and may soon expand to Android.Toyota EntuneEntune controls media, navigation and cell phones, additionally to programs for instance iHeartRadio, Bing, The earth the planet pandora, OpenTable and MovieTickets.com and info like realtime traffic, weather, sports scores and share values. Offers voice controls. Launched with Prius V.Chevrolet MyLinkSystem connects to phones and will be offering voice instructions to handle media and so on programs because the planet the planet pandora and Stitcher.Cadillac CueThe Linux-based Cadillac Buyer Experience sports an 8-inch Liquid crystal to showcase programs, 3d navigation while offering tactile feedback when scrolling, selecting and swiping, and multi-touch gesturing, similar to a smarphone. It supports two Bluetooth connections and 10 items. Voice controls enable natural language usage. Internet browsing could be acquired when parked. Bows with new XTS and ATS sedans and SRX crossover.Ford Sync/MyFord TouchThe Touch system, made available in Lincoln's luxury cars, will receive a needed update to provide faster response occasions, better voice recognition, compatibility with elevated mobile items, Audible.com's e-books, and clearer phone calls. Fonts are bigger and much easier to determine, because the overall design now's simpler and less cluttered. Navigation includes 3d maps, and photorealistic road signs and knowledge on nearby landmarks.Buick IntelliLinkSimilar to Chevy's MyLink infotainment system, IntelliLink may also be on GMC automobiles concentrating on the same functionality though fancy graphics.Mercedes-Benz ComandMercedes is implementing Siri-like voice controls on Apple's apple apple iphone 4s to energy its Comand system, which will utilize natural language dictation for text texting, emails and web surfing while driving and control programs like Twitter, Facebook, The earth the planet pandora and Google Street View navigation. Handwriting recognition and gesture controls for interior lighting is also inside the works. Kia UVOPowered by Microsoft, the equipment means "Your Voice," and shows around the 4.3-inch screen for hooking up with a phone and media files. Offers voice controls. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

Social networking hogs spotlight at Midem

Several weeks before its famous annual film fest gets control the Palais des Festivales, Cannes plays host to Midem, the worldwide music trade confab that uses a quieter, although cooler and rainier, Croisette.With this particular 46th edition, Jan. 28-31, the trade event is trying to help keep pace having a quickly altering ecosystem with apparently as numerous earnings streams and platforms as you will find artists for everyone them.Midem director Bruno Crolot notes the significance of technology within the music business today: Not just are fans buying more music through digital download sites, they also can interact directly with artists through social networks for example Facebook.In accordance to Midem, six from the top ten Twitter accounts are possessed by music artists. YouTube has additionally been a effective tech tool within the music business, with one-third of YouTube videos being music-driven."Social networking is, for me personally, record companies,Inch states Crolot. "Throughout the 2011 Midem, we are concentrating on the subject of engaging the general public because of technology tools that are used like social networking. Fundamental essentials guidelines to find the direct link between artists and fans."Among its many keynote conferences and industry forums, Midem is going to be hosting Midemlab, an worldwide pitch competition for music business applications and tech online companies.This past year, Midemlab assisted propel the launch of SoundCloud, a web-based music distribution platform. Only at that year's session, 30 online companies will show their items to some jury composed of industry-savvy people for example Groupon, Facebook and The new sony Music Entertainment honchos.Further underscoring the significance of hooking up fans to artists and types, Midem is going to be hosting its first edition from the Midem Festival, a 3-evening concert series available to everyone featuring shows from worldwide artists or more-and-coming talent."The festival is a vital area of the new Midem," Crolot describes. "We've many content conferences and subjects about engaging audiences and getting direct relations between music labels and fans, and between brands and clients. We actually desired to have live music at the middle of the big event.InchCrolot informs Variety that because the music business "experienced during the last ten years, Midem experienced too.Inch But Midem, just like a microcosmic reflection from the music business itself, "has already established a chance to be innovative and make new formats," he notes."Because of rethinking and focusing on, Midem is going to be a lot more highly relevant to its actual and future customer," Crolot adds. "For me personally, it's a great way to possess a rebound and return to growth."Go Back To MUSIC FOR SCREENS: WINTER 2012 Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

In memoriam

Dying mentioned many great musical talents this season their achievements might be heard on numerous compilations, many of them only recently launched.Charlie LouvinAge 83, died Jan. 26Significance: Along with his brother Ira, Louvin completed inside the Louvin Brothers and sisters, last in the great close harmony country duos, who stood a marked impact on rock 'n' roll's Everly Brothers and sisters. Items to hear: Light inside the Attic Records reissued the Louvins' album of traditional ballads "Tragic Tunes of Existence" and gospel set "Satan is Real" a year ago. * * * Gladys HortonAge 66, died Jan. 26Significance: Horton was the first lead singer for your Marvelettes, to start the fantastic Motown Records girl groups, whose "Please Mr. Mail company" increased being the label's first No. 1 pop hit in 1961. Items to hear: "Forever More: The Whole Motown Albums Vol. 2," Stylish-O Select's 2011 multi-disc set, collects the Marvelettes' later tracks, including Horton's last while using group. * * * Hazel DickensAge 75, died April 22Significance: A trailblazing female bluegrass singer, Dickens fronted a prominent duo with Alice Gerrard her music was featured in Barbara Kopple's Oscar-winning documentary "Harlan County U.S.A." Items to hear: Dickens' classic 1980 collection "Hard Striking Tunes For Hard Hit People" was reissued by Rounder Records, her extended-time label, this past year. * * * Clarence ClemonsAge 69, died June 18Significance: The "Large Guy" of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, Clemons was the saxophone voice as well as the star's onstage foil because great rock 'n' roll unit. Items to hear: Clemons' epic solo on "Jungleland," from 1975's "Born to use,In . is a perfect beginning point. Hopefully a memorial collection focusing on his E Street sax work is within the offing. * * * Manuel GalbanAge 80, died This summer time 27Significance: Among Cuba's most inventive guitarists, Galban starred with '60s doo-wop group Los Zafiros, after which recorded and along with with Ry Cooder's Buena Vista Social Club. Items to hear: "Mambo Sinuendo," Galban's all-instrumental 2003 range of duets with Cooder, won a Grammy Award. * * * Jerry Ragovoy Age 76, died This summer time 13Significance: Just like a Significance: songwriter, producer and (with Loma Records) label professional, Ragovoy was an important estimate '60s R&B who helmed classic tracks by Garnet Mimms, Lorraine Ellison, Howard Tate and much more. Items to hear: The 2008 Ace Records compilation "The Jerry Ragovoy Story: Time is In My Side" pulls together the majority of the hits. * * * Amy Winehouse Age 27, died This summer time 23Significance: Possibly the best neo-soul singer-songwriter of her generation, Winehouse collected five Grammys -- including best new artist and record and song of year -- on her behalf album "To Black" in 2008. Items to hear: "Lioness: Hidden Treasures," some unreleased material by Winehouse, increased to become high five hit in the finish of 2011. * * * Frank FosterAge 82, died This summer time 26Significance: Multi-instrumentalist Promote will be a linchpin of Count Basie's '50s large bands as author and arranger he ongoing to pen charts for that type of Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan. Items to hear: Basie's 1955 album "April in Paris," featuring Promote and also the composition "Shiny Tights," received an extended 2009 reissue in Europe. * * * Marshall GrantAge 83, died August. 7Significance: With guitarist Luther Perkins, bassist Grant backed Johnny Cash just like a charter part of the Tennessee Two. He carried out with Cash and labored as his road manager until 1980. Items to hear: Some stellar performances with Cash -- plus a 1970 appearance within the White-colored House -- might be heard on Columbia/Legacy's two-Compact disk 2011 set "Bootleg Vol. III: Live Around the globe.In . * * * Jerry LeiberAge 78, died August. 22Significance: Among rock 'n' roll's most critical songwriters and producers, Stone Hall of Fame inductee Leiber crafted hits for Elvis, the Coasters, the Drifters while others with partner Mike Stoller. Items to hear: Ace Records in England has questioned Leiber & Stoller's accomplishments in many three smartly curated single-disc compilations. * * * Sylvia RobinsonAge 75, died Sept. 29Significance: After success just like a singer with "Love is Strange" and "Pillow Talk," Robinson went Sugar Hill Records, the initial important rap label. Items to hear: Rhino Records' 1997 boxed set "The Sugar Hill Records Story." * * * Paul MotianAge 80, died November. 22Significance: An important player with pianists Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett before fronting their very own groups, Motian freed within the drums utilizing their time-keeping, rhythm-section moorings being exactly the same compositional pressure and lead player. Items to hear: The classic trio recording with Evans on Riverside, for instance "Moonbeams" and "Sunday within the Village Vanguard," or perhaps the Impulse releases with Jarrett. * * * Hubert Sumlin Age 80, died 12 ,. 4Significance: Guitarist Sumlin backed blues singer Howlin' Wolf on his classic tracks for Chess Records. Items to hear: Stylish-O Select's 2011 release "Smokestack Lightning: The Whole Chess Masters 1951-1960."Return to MUSIC FOR SCREENS: WINTER 2012 Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com