Stuntman Dies on the Set of 'The Expendables 2'

A difficult week for Sylvester Stallone just got much worse: Deadline reports that a stuntman on the Bulgaria set of 'The Expendables 2' has died after an action scene gone awry; another stuntman is in critical condition. The accident reportedly happened after 7 p.m. local time on Thursday night and involved the second unit team; Stallone and director Simon West were shooting two-and-a-half hours away in the Bulgarian village Bansko. The stunt occurred at the Bulgarian reservoir Ognyanovo. Local police are investigating the incident. "It is with great regret that we confirm this unfortunate accident," 'Expendables 2' production company Nu Image/Millennium Films said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the families and those on the production affected by this tragedy. The filmmakers are working closely with the authorities in responding to and investigating this accident." Stallone came under fire earlier this week when a lawsuit was filed in NY claiming he stole the idea for the first 'Expendables' from another screenwriter. The action star was also recently cast in 'The Tomb.' 'The Expendables 2,' with Stallone, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Jason Statham, Jet Li and Liam Hemsworth, is still set to arrive in theaters next summer. [via Deadline] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Schweiger to star in killer pic

SchweigerBERLIN -- German star Til Schweiger requires a relaxation from his trademark screwball comedies and achieving deadly serious for his next pic, an action thriller of a professional hitman.Schweiger is writing, pointing and creating "The Protector," that needs to date acquired Euros600,000 ($850,434) within the German Federal Film Fund (FFA).The multi-hyphenate will produce via his Berlin-based Barefoot Films. Paul Maurice is co-writing the script.Schweiger's last film, "Kokowaah," of a skirt-chasing after after author whose existence is switched upside lower each time a youthful girl appears on his doorstep, acquired some $43 million within the German box office this year, which causes it to be most likely the very best domestic pic of year together with a significant hit for Warner Bros. Contact Erection dysfunction Meza at staff@variety.com

Rising Star: Grimms David Giuntoli

First Released: October 28, 2011 11:37 AM EDT Credit: Getty Premium La, Calif. -- Caption AccessHollywood.com Rising Star: Grimms David GiuntoliGrimm, the very best new show on NBC this Fall, finally makes its lengthy-looked forward to debut on Friday evening at 9 PM, and also the benefit of the cop drama-with-a-twist offers quite a bit related to AccessHollywood.coms latest Rising Star, David Giuntoli. As Nick Burckhardt, Davids breakout role within the newcomer series finds him playing a detective, who also is surely a descendant from the siblings Grimm the German brothers and sisters who composed 100s of magical stories in early 1800s. Only within this fascinating drama, individuals tales about large bad baby wolves were more truth than fiction, with only Grimm descendants capable of seeing the animals within their true form. This can be a cop show and it is small twist is the fact that my perpetrators can now frequently be monsters, David described to gain access to, on the telephone from Tigard, Ore. where hes shot eight episodes already. Its subtle, however it produces an entire weight into it. Its type of beautiful in the simplicity. The shows premise might be simple, however the role of series hero Nick is really a complex one because the youthful detective balances his new existence and capabilities, that they uses to obtain the criminals, in other words, unhealthy animals. The reluctant hero is definitely fun to experience. I recieve to possess different lives, David described. I've Monroe (performed by Silas Weir Mitchell). Hes type of my confidante/counselor/subterranean officer partner after which Hank (performed by Russell Hornsby) were detectives together and [the girlfriend] Juliette (Bitsie Tulloch), who he needs to now have a complete lie from. Its incredibly fun. Its an aspiration role, and also the St. Louis, Mo. actor has his insufficient sports prowess like a grade- schooler to credit for leading him toward a existence while watching camera. Despite the fact that chiseled jaw, individuals swoon-worthy blue-gray eyes and the passion for adventure (he went towards the south Off-shore on MTVs Road Rules), Davids beginning saw him searching just a little under leading guy-perfect. I had been like three ft shorter [than I'm now], until I had been a sophomore in senior high school, however i had exactly the same sized mind along with a-- which i do now, David, whose 5 11 chuckled. I had been an uncomfortable little fellow. There have been occasions I'd sit out entire grade school basketball games where theyd put everyone in. I believe that type of lead me to in senior high school, I began leaning just a little toward acting, he added. His Road Rules stint assisted purchase college where he ongoing acting and permitted David to dodge the shirt and tie corporate ladder. It provided freedom to not need to get into finance immediately, that was what my type of professional trajectory was at that time, he described. After he finished the traveling, David began booking small guest roles on shows like With No Trace, Greys Anatomy and Jennifer Love Hewitts Ghost Whisperer, and enhanced his acting chops. Younger crowd got a phone call for that Superman, reboot, reading through for that role that eventually visited British actor, Henry Cavill. It had been a very awesome experience to get at go audition of these large hero roles like Superman, David stated. And theyre consequently cagey concerning the script, they frequently give back sides which have nothing related to the script itself and youre type of left to guess what is happening. So it's usually type of an enjoyable process. Superman might not have happened, but last year, in December, Davids agent sent him the script for Grimm. Not lengthy after, the director and also the producers introduced him in and that he rapidly locked lower the role. David accepted its nerve-wracking hes transporting the brand new Friday evening show, and hes put huge weight on his shoulders it works out well. However with the campaign under way, hes already seeing some early returns. I went to breakfast and among our guest stars, who Im buddies with at home. And Im like, Wow, individuals are searching at me. What's wrong with my face, Amanda? Shes like, No, they recognize you. David recounted of his first brush with Grimm fame. My neighbors just began approaching in my experience, like, You explained you had been an actress, you didnt let me know you had been Mr. Grimm! Its charming and awesome, I truly do appreciate that some of it. Grimm premieres on Friday, October 28 at 9 ET/PT on NBC. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Voice Names Christina Milian As New Social Media Correspondent

Christina Milian Christina Milian assists since the new social media correspondent in the Voice when the singing competition returns next season, NBC introduced Wednesday. The Grammy-nominated singer-actress, 30, replaces G4's Alison Haislip. NBC boss: The Voice returns publish-Super Bowl "Christina's extensive musical background common recognition make her a perfect selection for the role of Social Media Correspondent round the Voice," NBC's Leader of Alternative and Late Evening Programming, Paul Telegdy, mentioned in the statement. "Her experience just like a singer provides you with an amount of comfort towards the artists after they speak with her in regards to the intricacies in the competition. She's a greatly valuable addition after we prepare for another spectacular season." Milian is much better recognized for hit singles for instance "AM to PM" and "Dip It Low," additionally to films including Love Don't Set you back an issue, Be Awesome as well as the 2010 ABC Family movie Christmas Cupid. However, she got her come from the entertainment business being a reporter on Disney Channel's Movie Audiences throughout her teen years. The Voice's four coaches subscribe to Season 2 The completely new season in the Voice premieres on Sunday, Feb. 5 directly carrying out a Super Bowl. Are you currently presently excited to find out Milian tweet it around the completely new season in the Voice? Will you miss Haislip?

Steven Tyler Put in the hospital After Fall in Hotel Bathroom (Report)

Steven Tyler lost a couple of his teeth and sustained cuts near his eyebrow and mouth Tuesday after falling in the hotel bathroom in Paraguay, the nation's biggest newspaper reported.our editor recommendsFirst 'American Idol' Season 11 Promo Airs Throughout World Series (Video)'American Idol' Season 10 Premiere: A Star Is Re-Born in Steven TylerBook Review: Steven Tylers Autobiography Shapes Up to become a Fun RideCarrie Underwood, Steven Tyler Sing 'Walk This Way' (Video) Tyler, charge singer of Aerosmith along with a judge on Fox's The American Idol Show, was treated in a hospital prior to being launched, the newspaper ABC reported, per Reuters. PHOTOS: An 'American Idol' to 'X Factor' Timeline A family member of among the newspaper's employees apparently saw Tyler, 63, being introduced in to the hospital er, where he spent three hrs receiving treatment. A guy who recognized themself as Gustavo Perez, a bellboy in the Bourbon hotel near Asuncion, told local radio that Tyler ended up when he was bathing and "were built with a nasty fall." PHOTOS: 'American Idol Live' Tour in Pictures Hospital authorities haven't yet comment. Tyler is within Asuncion, the main city of Paraguay, to do in a rock festival, however the concert has apparently been postponed by eventually. The rocker is also preparing for that eleventh season of yankee Idol -- his second as judge -- which debuts Jan. 22. Related Subjects The American Idol Show Steven Tyler

Paranormal Activity 3 Scares Up Finest Horror Opening Ever At $54M Ending Hollywood B.O. Slump Three Musketeers 3d And Johnny British Reborn Weak

SUNDAY AM, sixth UPDATE: Hollywood’s frightening 3 several days ofslumping U . s . States box office is formally over — correctly enough at the outset of Halloweek. In factParanormal Activity 3 (which cost only $5M) recorded thebiggest horror openingof ever as well as the finest October debut this weekendnot modified for inflation or ticket prices, according to Vital.Its worldwide cume is becoming $80M. For several years,art galleries have required to spend progressively more to obtain their large franchises aloft.Not the Paranormal Activity series, andin this economic climate thats be considered a very attractive model for your art galleries. 1. Vital’s Paranormal Activity 3 as predicted is setting a franchise best in what rival art galleries need to have to say is $54M for your weekend after opening to $26.2M Friday and $18.2 Saturday in 3,321 theaters. So kudos to Oren Peli and Jason Blum who returned to produce the small-budget large-secret feature. True, audiences gave it basically a ‘C+’ CinemaScore. Then againhow many horror films are very-examined enough to obtain 80% fresh on Rotten Tomato vegetables with raves from Time Magazine and Entertainment Weekly? “Our usual crowd of older teens and 20 year olds were grew to become an associate of having a large increase in folks inside their 30s and 40s where the great reviews really aided,” an important professional described Sunday morning. Clearly, there's a -30% drop from Friday to Saturday. (PA2 dropped -35%.) That’s because PA3 needed in $8M midnights from 2,200 U.S. locations overnight Thursday which was +30% greater in comparison to follow-up Paranormal Activity 2 which acquired $6.3M from 1,800 locations. Pre-release, Vital was lowballing the threequel to gross no less than $35M in domestic box office. But PA2 made $40.6M its 2010 pre-Halloween weekend, then competitor Saw 3d first demonstrated the following Friday. PA3 does not have such rival this time around around around. So Hollywood understood it could make a lot more money. PA3 is a game title title-changer since the history inside the U.S. for many franchises is the follow-up opens bigger than the initial nevertheless the threequelopens slightly under the second.Paranormal Activity 3s strong monitoring for the days shown wannasee not just with youthful males but furthermore with older moviegoers. Exit polls shown that moviegoers were 46% male versus 54% female, 53%under age 25 versus 47% over age 25. So no surprisethis bloodless thriller broke Hollywoods 3-month-extended box office slump a couple of days ago. Not since Foxs Rise In The Planet In The Apes ($54.8M) on August fifth has there been a sizable grossing domestic opener beyond $30.1M (Disneys Lion King 3d). PA3 cost only $5M, making the lower-budget high-grossing franchise the gift that continues giving, just like a studio professional notifies me. (PA1 did $108M/$85M foreign, while PA2 did $85M inside the U.S. and $93M foreign.) From the the web marketing strategy for your first Paranormal Activity: evening time tests inside a few college metropolitan areas, build individual to individual over a few days, then progressively open it up up nationwide. Nowthe 3rd inside the franchise will receive a large release within the get-go. “We always market this franchise in a really specific way- we make an effort to remain consistent with the fanbase,” An Important professional notifies me. “We don’t betray the conceit the footage is real, which we rely on core fans to spread the word by doing playful stunts and enabling these to notice first.” Vital layed out itsThursday midnightopening in many its media.A clip launched with Rise In The Planet In The Apes on August fifth –just 2months before release, that's kinda late.The Tv campaign composed of lots of cable and extremely little network together with the finest section of onlineof any movie Vital has everhandled.”We spend half of the items other wide releases spend in P&A and try to let fan buzz propel release,” an important professional boasted. However, I have to laugh at whatAriel Schulman, who directed with Henry Joost,mentioned about how precisely these were because of the PA3 gig.Oh, to own been a fly round the wall of the studio meeting:”Catfish stood a lot associated with it. Vital were large fans which we've been around the radar. Once we first asked while using leader of significant, he really mentioned, In the event you tell me at this time around that Catfish is fake, you will find the task. Which we simply went real quiet. After which it I mentioned, Im sorry, I cant explain how. Because it was real.In my opinion he figured when we are in a position to create that authenticity considerably, you have to could repeat the process with this particular. Ultimately, we convinced them of exactly that. Catfish is completely real, however think there exists a knack for identifying the authentic moments work from home video, plus it plays as being a narrative.” Worldwide, Paranormal Activity 3 acquired$26M overseas from some 50 nations.Cumes were in position from PA2 frequently posting double-digit increases. Uk opened up track of $5.7M,Australia $3.2M, Russia $2.9M,France $2.8M, and Mexico $2M. Germany, Japan and 6 the areas remain to start. To work up global grosses, Vital participated in the global stunt: the initial-ever worldwide tweet-to-see-it-first contest.There has been 20 round-the-world fan premieres in 8 nations carrying out a contest good most Twitter activity. From 250 urban centers, the individuals who win incorporated Melbourne, Tel Aviv, London, Sao Paulo, NY, and Hollywoods Arclight, where thousands of fans switched out for gourmet food trucks and franchise star Katie Featherston. 2. DreamWorks/Disney’sReal Steal reeled in $3M Friday and $4.9M Saturday from three,412 theaters at first ofits 3rd week in release.There's another nice family matinee bounce on Saturday settting upa$10.9M weekend (-33% drop from yesterday) and $67M cume.And so the pic moved into second place ahead ofFootloose. But DreamWorks can’t get exactly what it needed relating to this film: a $125M domestic hit. 3. Carrying out a disappointing start last weekend, the Footloose reboot gets strong one-week hold for $3.4M Friday and $4.5m Saturday driven by individual to individual which is ‘A’ CinemaScore. Footloose is trying to find an thought $10.5M for your weekend (-33% from yesterday) getting a $30M cume by Monday. 4. Summit Entertainment is disseminating newcomerThree Musketeers 3d funded and produced by Constantin Film. Starring Milla Jovovich and Orlando Blossom, pic already opened up up in the areas around the world with ananemic worldwide cume so far of $48.2M.A complete of 23 additional foreign areas opened up up the 2009 weekend, to produce the whole to 40 presently in releaseincluding The U . s . States.But what must function as 113th rendition from the pathetically carried out-out premise couldn’t produce a box office dent despite (or because of, according to your POV) Paul W.S. Anderson pointing. It opened up track of only $2.9M Friday and $3.6M Saturday in 3,017 theaters for just about any weak $8.8M weekend. That’s well below Summit’s pre-release estimate of low teens. I’m told free air travel Coast didn’t endure despite audiences creating a ‘B’ CinemaScore. The film was monitoring most effective with older male moviegoers also to achieve them Summit focused the media purchase male-oriented programming getting an emphasis on sports.Constantinheld aworldwide press junket london carried out with set-up shots for media shops as you're watching Tower located in london, which stars inside the film.Orlando Blossom (he’s still acting?) was restricted to U . s . States talk show looks. There alsowas an offer tie-together with leading TV maker Viszio. Possibly most likely probably the most interesting marketing ploy was initially demonstrated on Friday byMilla Jovovich herself when she tookto Twitter tobitchslap Summitover the promotion for 3 Musketeers 3d. Jovovich texted the film wasnt marketed just like a fun family film which Summit is looking at their laurels because of the Twilight franchise and making without fitting her film. A good example:3 musketeers opens in the usa 2night! You think ppl know abt the film? Request your pals! Can they know its a pleasurable family film?…Summit hve taken 3 Musketeers, a grt family adventure film, beneath the rug in the usa. Shame inside it. SHAME You SUMMIT. I asked for Summit last evening exactly what it considered Milla’s accusations, plus an executive mentioned the actress happen to be up in Canada shooting the next Resident Evil installment”and probably didn’t start to see the campaign. She doesn’t know very well what she’s talking about which we don’t know where she’s coming initially from from.” However, Jovovich is married to three Musketeers 3d directorAnderson, so that it’s difficult to imagine she's completely not aware to how Summit marketed the film. Nevertheless, Summit pointsto awareness inside the 80s just like a sure sign the film was marketed adequately.”Wouldn’t you think she'd call us first relevant for this? It’s frustrating. it’s not the best way to behave. If she's an problem then showed up in the studio and discuss it.”Milla was tweetingon her flight to Japan whereThree Musketeers 3d is debuting at theTokyo Worldwide Film Festival. I question if Summit willcancel her vehicle pickup and strand her within the airport terminal terminal for mouthing off. 5. The brand new the new sony Pictures’ adult political thriller from George Clooney,Ides Of March, holds well again for $1.5M Fridayand $2.4M Saturday from 2,042 theaters at the outset of its 3rd week in release together with a weekend around $5.1M (-28%)for just about any $29M cume. 6. Alcon Entertainment/Warner Bros’ Dolphin Tale 3d stays afloatfor $1.2M Friday and $2.1M Saturday from 2,858 theaters at the outset of its fifth week in release plus an thought $4.7M weekend rising to sixth place for any $65M cume. 7. The brand new the new sony Pictures’ Moneyball comes with an execllent hold for $1.3M Friday and 41.9M Saturday from 2,353 theaters at the outset of its fifth week in release anda $4.4M weekend with $64M cume. 8. Universal’s low-budgetJohnny British Reborn (1,551 theaters) opened up up just $1.1M for Friday and $1.4m Saturday despite audiences creating a ‘B’ CinemaScore. That transformed into some poor $4M opening for your weekend.Butthe studio opened up up thisWorking Title picinternationally back on September 16th as well as the foreign gross has reflected star Rowan Atkinsons enormous recognition overseas. A couple of days ago, the film is poised to attain $100 million within the worldwide box office. It opened up up No. one out of most of the 43 worldwide areas where it's been released and, with 20 worldwide areas yet to start, its well visiting grossing $200 million or maybe more worldwide. The film opens in 6 more worldwide areas a couple of days ago, including France. Does the U.S. marketing plan really matter? Nah… 9. Not necessarily Halloweek might help Universal’s horror holdoverThe Factor prequel which went lower-59% from yesterday for $1M Friday and $1.3M Saturday from 2,995 theaters together with a $3.1M weekend for $14M cume. 10. Summit’s 50/50 dramedyhangs inside the Top for $927K Friday and $1.3M Saturday from 1,932 theaters at the outset of its4th week in release together with a $2.9M weekend with only under $29M cume by Monday. FRIDAY NOON UPDATE: Sadly,Rentrak can't download any grosses to date today, so there will not beany estimations based on noon earnings.

Icahn thins Lionsgate stake

The Carl Icahn era at Lionsgate is drawing with a quiet finish, while using billionaire investor reducing his holding close to 1%. Icahn offered a block of nearly 3 million shares Wednesday, an informed source mentioned. The other day Lionsgate completed its offering of 19.2 million shares of his stock at $7 a share, that have cut his stake to 3.1%. Lionsgate and Icahn did not have comment about Wednesday's purchase. The stock, which was up 4 to $7.05 in mid-session Thursday, has created an average daily quantity of 589,000 shares throughout yesteryear three several days. The offering completed an August. 30 settlement with Icahn and also the boy Brett Icahn. The Icahns and small-major had introduced that they're ending three years of fighting inside an agreement to promote the Icahn's 33% stake within the organization at $7 a share via numerous deals gathering about $309 million. The settlement known for Lionsgate to buy back 11 million shares from Icahn at $7 a share too for Lionsgate director Mark H. Rachesky to purchase yet another 11 million shares from Icahn at $7 per share. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Been there, redoing that

After a 2005 bigscreen outing starring Will Ferrell and Nicole Kidman, "Bewitched" may return to TV with a series from the film's producers. The 2009 indie film "The Joneses" is being developed as a TV series prospect by the team behind the CW's "Life Unexpected." ABC's "Charlie's Angels" and NBC's "The Playboy Club" are casting long shadows over the drama scripts stacking up at the broadcast nets for the 2012-13 season. Those quickly canceled series may be prompting second thoughts among development execs who purchased plenty of pitches based on high-profile intellectual property, like "Angels," or re-creating a bygone era, like "Playboy." Scripts based on so-called pre-sold titles are coming from everywhere, including the bigscreen, from recent Lionsgate fare like "The Lincoln Lawyer" to older audience favorites like "Romancing the Stone"; comicbooks (The Incredible Hulk); classic books ("Jekyll and Hyde"); and more contemporarytomes such as "The Carrie Diaries," an adaptation of which could revive a younger version of "Sex and the City's" Carrie Bradshaw on the CW. Period pieces are still in fashion, particularly Westerns; each of the Big Four nets has at least one such script in development. But other potential projects could bring TV back several centuries if one of three different dramas about pirates gets a greenlight. A more recent but no less flamboyant era may be resurrected if NBC OKs a Jerry Bruckheimer TV script set in the world of pro wrestling during the 1980s. While drama development for the 2012-13 season is filled with the usual array of detectives, doctors and district attorneys, it's not difficult to see why adaptations and period pieces would be seductive. Series like CBS' "Hawaii 5-0" have proved that a reboot brings built-in awareness that drives sampling. And a little dive into history wasn't such a bad thing for AMC, which put itself on the map with the Emmy-friendly pop-culture phenomenon "Mad Men." The remake boom is far more prevalent in drama than comedy, though there are a few on the half-hour side. CBS has brought in producers of the Nicole Kidman-Will Ferrell feature "Bewitched" to try to restore Samantha Stephens to her former TV glory. With the movie world already chockablock with sequels, perhaps it's fitting that TV dramas are banking on films as the biz drifts in the same creative direction. In addition to "Lincoln Lawyer," bought by ABC, and "Romancing the Stone," which 20th Century Fox TV and Shawn Levy's production banner, 21 Laps, are developing for NBC, films as recent as this year's Jake Gyllenhaal thriller "Source Code" could end up as fodder for CBS, courtesy of ABC Studios and Mark Gordon Co. Gordon, whose ABC Studios-based banner is fielding a slew of projects this season, believes the movie will get him only so far with viewers. "I don't think people will overwhelmingly tune in because of the title," he said. "A brand is helpful, but I'd take a good show with no brand over a brand that lacks good storytelling anytime." Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment has teamed with Sony Pictures TV to adapt his 2005 hit "Hitch" at Fox. Cinematic success isn't even necessary to get in the door at ABC, as "Gilmore Girls" creator Amy Sherman-Palladino is teaming with the Weinstein Co. and Ryan Seacrest Prods. to adapt 2007's "The Nanny Diaries." The unheralded 2009 indie "The Joneses" will get a second chance from the producing team behind CW series "Life Unexpected." The biggest curveball on the film front may come from NBC, which is eyeing a new spin on the 1967 cult classic "Valley of the Dolls," from "Precious" helmer Lee Daniels and Chernin Entertainment. The movie previously inspired short-lived attempts at TV revivals in 1981 and 1994. Katherine Pope, prexy of TV at Chernin Entertainment, admits that remakes can be something of a double-edged sword. "You can't alienate the audience who loved the original, but you can't stay so strictly within it that you don't create something new," Pope said. "It's a deceptively difficult thing to do, which is why you hear more about the failures than the successes." Other potential series may not trade on a particular title but seek to put a new spin on an enduring legend. There's plenty of loglines out there with the phrases "modern-day retelling" and "loosely based" thanks to numerous attempts to dust off and update icons from Frankenstein to Sherlock Holmes. "Jekyll and Hide" has inspired more than a few series reinventions, as has "Beauty and the Beast," which could pop up on CW, or in a far grittier version for ABC. Sometimes it's not as simple as capitalizing on the built-in awareness of familiar titles and concepts. In the case of congloms that retain the rights to specific IP, launching a TV show can be the leading edge of a cross-platform extravaganza ringing cash registers everywhere from toy stores to theme parks. NBC, for instance, wouldn't just reap ad revenue if the Bryan Fuller reboot of "The Munsters" ends up a hit on its primetime schedule; the property's place in the Universal Pictures library could guarantee a multipronged money machine. That logic was key to Disney's purchase of Marvel Entertainment last year. No wonder ABC Entertainment chief Paul Lee has made a priority out of getting some Marvel IP on his development slate, which could yield a series version of comicbook heroes the Hulk or Jessica Jones. CW is also keen on leaning on its Warner Bros. sib DC Comics, which will help the net develop its "Deadman" asset for TV. Period pieces can be risky business -- precious few have worked on primetime over the past few decades. Nevertheless, AMC's "Mad Men" has made it an irresistible challenge, as have some successes in a genre that was a specialty of broadcast TV in its early years: the Western. There are at least seven entries walking into studios with their cowboy boots on, ranging from an oater set in 1960s Las Vegas to be produced and directed by "Walk the Line" helmer James Mangold to a Western procedural from Sony and Ron Moore, an exec producer who pulled off one of the unlikelier reboots of all time with Syfy's "Battlestar Galactica." Pirates may be the next Western, judging from interest from ABC, Fox and NBC, which all have variations on that theme in the works (as does cabler FX). Otherwise, period pieces are all over the map, harking back to a Civil War project that "Lost" exec producer Carlton Cuse has at ABC. With "Playboy" gone and "Pan Am" hitting some ratings turbulence, it'll be interesting to see whether the nets still have an appetite to go retro. ABC has at least nine drama scripts in the hopper set in various decades in the past few centuries, including a project set at a 19th century hotel shepherded by "Grey's Anatomy's" Shonda Rhimes. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Jason Statham Addresses 'Transformers' Gossips

Jason Statham's title remains thrown around a good deal formerly 2 days. The other day, gossips began circulating that Statham might join the next two obligations in the "Fast as well as the Furious" series, which might film back-to-back. Now similar talk surrounds another vehicle-related franchise. Variety reported today the following two "Transformers" movies could film back-to-back and star — guess who — Jason Statham. The report comes several days after gossips first surface the British action star usually takes the reigns once the current lead, Shia LaBeouf, left the series. However, if MTV News spoke with Statham finally month's Toronto Worldwide Film Festival, he mentioned to know nothing in regards to the "Transformers" talk. "You understand, I am unsure how people things start. You read them. Someone described relating to this. [But] the net can be a dangerous place," he jeered. "There are many stuff available." Not to imply that Statham might be completely towards a "Transformers" movie: "I've got several things before me, but Michael Bay can be a gifted guy. This 4g apple iphone just developed a billion dollars around the globe, so people like his films. He's a gifted guy." On Monday, reps from Hasbro pointed out that there has been ongoing talks about obtaining the Transformers towards the silver screen for further obligations inside the series. LaBeouf has mentioned on several occasions he wouldn't return for further sequels, departing charge role open. Statham's title remains the primary one tossed around most frequently but no offer has been created. At MTV News, we certainly think that "The Transporter" usually takes inside the "Transformers" series. Our personal John Phares shared their very own ideas concerning how to fit Statham into the series ideas a bit more absurd than these, obviously. Would you like to see Statham dominate for Shia LaBeouf? Inform us inside the comment section below and also on Twitter!

Avoi Amurri Signs With Paradigm (Exclusive)

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Avoi Amurri has signed with Paradigm for representation in many areas. The actress, most broadly known on her behalf recurring role just like a student/stripper on Showtime's Californication, might be the daughter of Susan Sarandon and Italian director Franco Amurri. Her film credits include NY, I Like You (2009),Middle of Nowhere(2008),Working Out of Charlie Banks(2007) and Saved! (2004). She'll appear opposite Adam Sandler, James Caan and her mother in Columbia Pictures' approaching Personally, I Can't Stand You, Father, that is released in June 2012. Amurri has furthermore came out on CBS's Generate An Earnings Met Your Mother and may appear Fox's New Girl. She's also represented by management company One Talent Management and law firmLichter Grossman Nichols Adler & Feldman Corporation. Email: Daniel.Burns@THR.com Twitter: @DanielNMiller Avoi Amurri Paradigm Californication

Ne-Yo Is a Father Again

Ne-Yo Ne-Yo and his girlfriend Monyetta Shaw welcomed their second child on Monday, People reports. The baby's gender and name have yet to be released. "[Fatherhood] has been a ride, but I'm loving every minute of it," he told the magazine in September. Ne-Yo becomes a father for the first time The R&B singer-songwriter, born Shaffer Chimere Smith, and his girlfriend already have another child together. Shaw gave birth to Madilyn Grace Smith last November, though she was originally due in January.

Ex-Weezer Bassist Mikey Welsh Dies In Chicago

First Launched: October 9, 2011 10:47 AM EDT Credit: FilmMagic Caption Pat Wilson, John Bell, Mikey Welsh and Rivers Cuomo of Weezer in June, 2001CHICAGO, Ill. -- Former Weezer bass player Mikey Welsh, who also found success within the second career becoming an artist, died in the Chicago accommodation, police mentioned Sunday. Chicago speaker Laura Kubiak mentioned Welsh was supposed to check out in the Raffaello Hotel at 1 p.m. Saturday. When he didnt, hotel staff visited his room, became a member of it and situated him unconscious and not breathing, Kubiak mentioned. The Prepare County Medical Researchers Office mentioned autopsy results will probably be available Sunday mid-day. Kubiak mentioned theres nothing to indicate foul play. Welsh, 40, of Burlington, Vt., completed with Weezer from 1998 to 2001, departing after getting experienced a nervous breakdown, in line with the bands website. He eventually established themselves in the second career just like a painter. Im taking a break from music, he told MetroWest Daily News in 2002. I really wish to reinvent myself and go forward, which i couldnt become more happy painting. Music remains an essential part of my existence, however truly have you don't need to really participate in it. Weezer released an email on its website, saying Welshs time while using band was vital, essential, wild, and amazing. A unique talent, a deeply loving friend and father, together with an excellent artist is completed, but we can not forget him, this rock band mentioned. Welsh planned to visit Weezers Sunday performance at Riot Fest in Chicago. im excited to look for the boys, spend some time and enjoy yourself, he written on his Facebook page captured. (Copyright 2011 by Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed) Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

RCA folds Jive, Arista, J

The brand new the new sony Music Entertainment's RCA Records unit is clearing its decks using removing its Jive, Arista and J Records imprints. Company mentioned in the statement, "To be able to refresh RCA Records, all label imprints (J Records, Arista Records and Jive) is going to be beneath the legendary RCA Records label." The expunged imprints all carry some historic baggage. Jive was helmed for virtually 20 years by Craig Weiss, who ankled SME taken being chairman-Boss at Universal Music Group's Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Motown models. Jive - purchased from Clive Calder by SME's onetime partner BMG for $2.7 billion in 2002 -- remains where you can such major functions as N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, Britney Warrior warrior spears and Justin Timberlake. Arista was founded in 1975 within the ashes of Bell Records by former CBS Records topper Clive Davis it developed Whitney Houston in to a major celebrity. After Davis was dethroned at Arista in 2000, he founded J Records, which launched Alicia Keys' multiplatinum career. RCA's brief statement did not address Davis' ongoing role at SME. The veteran professional, who turns 80 next season, is chief creative officer at SME in 2008, Weiss needed his role as chairman-Boss from the products wound up being referred to as BMG Label Group. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Shawn Stockmans Sing-Off Blog: Bringing The Best Of The Best Forward

First Published: October 4, 2011 7:34 PM EDT Credit: NBC Caption Shawn Stockman on NBCs The Sing-OffLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Lets face it. A cappella isnt considered mainstream not because it doesnt sound good, but the level of difficulty in the average joe executing sounds that wont inherit them boos and jeers. Theres no I in team, and a cappella requires a cohesive, vocally sound human being band. Which means you have to know who sounds good enough and who doesnt to be a part of the team! For many who have tried to assemble such a group, may have found themselves running into roadblocks, and opted out to do the sang-thang alone. But how many times have we seen some local loco step on stage to sing a solo and sound like straight stir-fried crap? How many professionals you hear do the same thing? Weve all been witnesses to both scenarios, yet music is still very much a subjective art! What sounds good to some may not sound good to others! Not so much with a cappella, and certainly not with the contestants on The Sing-Off! We dont go through the syndication of a grueling audition process. The acts you see on the show have already been auditioned and picked based on their already-honed skill. So what you are seeing is the best of the best for that season! But if a viewer gets upset because a group they liked didnt make it to the next round, it may not have been because they werent good, but in comparison to everyone else, they just didnt measure up! But well save that topic for next weeks blog. Lets just highlight ALL of the singers! Its so hard to impress, let alone, keep the studio and television audiences attention consistently every week a group makes it on the show. To display diversity, style and harmonic range, all while staying on key, is not a simple feat! These groups have a regiment that rivals most professional singers! From all of them learning the opening numbers, vocals with choreography included. They then have to perfect their own individual performances this week, including not one, but TWO songs, each from different eras of music. I must stress that the groups have no band to back them, they ARE the band! So if their horn section is having some throat issues due to the fatigue from constant rehearsals or lack of sleep from some of the groups still having to commit time to their college studies, it could mean the difference of another week on the show or a ticket back home! I personally get emotionally involved with all the acts because I know first-hand how difficult their job is and, well, theyre just damn INCREDIBLE! Just know that these kids on this show work harder than ANY vocal competition Ive seen on television. Their voices are the fireworks, AND the bright lights all wrapped into one! But youve seen some of the groups who, from last weeks performances seemed to be a shoe-in for the finals, make a couple of missteps in their arrangements that left me and the judges not as impressed as we hoped. Other performances brought another great groups hopes to an end! It goes to show that NO ONE is safe from elimination! Its narrowing down fast, and next week is definitely going to be a hot one! This weeks style put together by Sharhonda Stockman was a maroon sweater with grey letterman type stripes on the arm designed by my good friends at JED clothing company. The shirt is by John Nordstrom and the tie by Burberry. The custom black diamond timepiece with matching black diamond earrings compliments of my jeweler Harry Glinberg! Holla next week people! - SHAWN Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Ty Pennington Jumps Aboard The Revolution for ABC Daytime

Ty Pennington Ty Pennington will have great results alongside Project Runway's Tim Gunn on ABC's approaching daytime show The Revolution, the network introduced Monday. The longtime host of ABC's Extreme Transformation: Home Edition also joins fitness and diet expert Harley Pasternak around the daily program about health insurance and lifestyle changes. Particularly, The Revolution aims to assist audiences within the regions of family, fashion, home design, personal finance, food, jobs and overall well-being. Can The Revolution work exactly the same miracle? Browse the most dramatic celebrity weight reduction "Ty's passionate and deep link with everybody he helps makes him an ideal option to join The Revolution," Disney/ABC television group's leader of daytime, John Frons, stated inside a statement. "The power he brings with him is a superb complement to the formerly named hosts, Tim Gunn and Harley Pasternak. Our goal would be to include inspiring and informative motivators once we build The Revolution team and attempt to evolve our selection with the kind of lifestyle programming that daytime audiences are curious about seeing." The Revolution is created by 3Ball Productions, exactly the same company behind The Greatest Loser and Extreme Transformation: Weight Reduction Edition. The show will replace departing cleaning soap One Existence to reside on ABC's daytime schedule and it is set to premiere in The month of january 2012. Are you going to stay tuned for that Revolution?