Topher Grace's 85-Minute Star Wars Prequel Fan Edit Pwns, Too Bad You Can't See It

Thanks to the magic of DVD and editing software, Star Wars fans have had their way with George Lucas's space saga for years now, re-editing bits and parts of the films into fan cuts to celebrate their favorite parts of the franchise (and fix its most cringeworthy bits). So why should famous fanboys be any different? Like, say, Topher Grace, who this week hosted a one-time only screening of his Star Wars: Episode III.5: The Editor Strikes Back, edited down from the prequels into an 85-minute cut that leaves most of the snoozey old space politics (and Jar Jar Binks' screen time) on the cutting-room floor. To the blogs! Slashfilm's Peter Sciretta was one of a handful of bloggers invited to see Grace's film, which is unlikely to ever be seen on the interwebs or in public, so you'll have to take his word for it. A few snippets from his recap: It should be noted that the Star Wars prequel trilogy is almost 7 hours in total length, and the shortest film (Episode 1) is more than 51 minutes longer than Graces fan cut. What this means is a lot of footage ended up on the editing room floor, and a lot of creative choices were made in the editing process. And the result? Topher Graces Star Wars film is probably the best possible edit of the Star Wars prequels given the footage released and available. What's most shocking is that with only 85 minutes of footage, Topher was able to completely tell the main narrative of Anakin Skywalkers road from Jedi to the Sith. While I know the missing pieces and could even fill in the blanks in my head as the film raced past, none of those points were really needed. What's better is that the character motivations are even more clear and identifiable, a real character arc not bogged down by podraces, galactic senates, Jar Jar Binks, politics or most of the needless parts of the Star Wars prequels. It not only clarifies the story, but makes the film a lot more action-packed. Grace (wisely?) did away with Jake Lloyd's Anakin Skywalker, clone drama, Boba Fett, and Trade Federation blah blah blah, and focused on the Anakin-Padme love story, which still apparently suffers from the clunky dialogue and delivery. Sciretta signed off with his seal of approval, as did eyewitness reports from Collider and First Showing, but they all admit it's difficult to see the cut objectively without virgin eyes. Now, is there any difference between Grace's edit and a fan edit made by some not-famous Joe Schmoe Star Wars fanboy with an editing yen? I don't see why there would be, unless those years on That '70s Show gave Grace some special insight into the storytelling mindset of Lucas in his prime. As far as hobbies go this is a pretty wonderfully nerdy one to have, although according to reports, Grace has his sights set on re-editing Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind next. If it's Phantom Menace, be my guest. But if it ain't broke... Topher Grace Edited The Star Wars Prequels Into One 85-Minute Movie and We Saw It [Slashfilm]

'Gossip Girl' would go to China via WB

Warner Bros. is searching to grow its achieve in China into TV production having a deal to evolve "Gossip Girl" for Mandarin-lingo auds.Deal is really a first around the smallscreen side for that studio, that has been enhancing its worldwide TV production activity on several fronts recently. Pact for "Gossip Girl" adaptation was orchestrated by China's H&R Century TV and Mei Tian Mei Yu with L.A.-based Metan Development Group and Warner Bros. Intl. Television Production, headed by senior veep Andrew Zein. "Gossip Girl" professional producers Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz will consult around the production.The untitled series will center around a clutch of collegiates at Shanghai Intl. U. and, like "Gossip Girl," it'll incorporate the tell-all tales recorded with a blog composed by among the key figures.There's no TV outlet for that show yet, however the partners are focusing on a November debut. Prominent Chinese actress Yang Mi is placed for any recurring role.H&R prexy Zhong Junyan known as the partnership an attempt to "forge a brand new type of drama series in China."Metan Development Group was founded in '09 by industry veterinarians including Marty Pompadur and E! co-founder Ray Namer to build up content for worldwide marketplaces.Warner Bros.' recent efforts to develop its worldwide TV footprint include its purchase of U.K. production giant Shed Media along with a partnership inked earlier this year to developed formats with Japan's TV Asahi. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

Avengers Assemble: The Avengers gets new title and official poster

[brightcove]1213024251001[/brightcove]Avengers Assemble! No, not the popular catchphrase first bellowed by Thor but usually uttered by Captain America in Marvel's ace comic-book series, but the brand-new title of Joss Whedon's Avengers movie, which is now due to hit UK cinemas on April 26.Yep, you'll be queuing around the block for MarvelAvengers Assemblein the UK this Spring (it's a UK exclusive title), so make sure you ask for the right movie at your local Odeon.Though, to be fair, they'll probably still take your ticket for The Avengers.It's a brave move to change the title of your biggest tentpole flick mere weeks before it's due to hit cinemas in one of your biggest territories, but we love MarvelAvengers Assemble.It captures the giddy joy we'll get when we finally see these superheroes together on the big screen for the first time.And, whilst we haven't seen the script, we're fairly sure we'll get another entry for one of our 'Movies Where Someone Says The Title Of The Movie In The Movie' lists.As for the new MarvelAvengers Assemble poster, you can see that below. And, much like the new title, it makes us feel very happy indeed.Just think, in a couple of months we'll get to see the film we dreamed about as kids - all of our favorite Marvel characters, on the big screen. At once.And just in case that's not enough Avengers action for you, here's a handful of trailers to help get you even more excited for the big event.[brightcove]970162484001[/brightcove][brightcove]970185336001[/brightcove][brightcove]970148531001[/brightcove][brightcove]970162511001[/brightcove]

Viacom Boss Philippe Dauman Preaches Cost Containment Gospel For Vital

“You’ll never see us risk $300M on a single movie, or $200M — $100M may be the limit,” Viacom Boss Philippe Dauman mentioned today inside an appearance within the Deutsche Bank Media & Telecom Conference.That is relevant to Vital’s new animation unit, which will to create SpongeBob SquarePants movie in the finish of 2014. The studio only has about 40 people simultaneously, and may delegate the handiwork. The movies wil be “under a $100M cost point, many of them way under.” With developments in cartoon, a substandard film can “still look good on-screen.” On other matters, Dauman did not have new explanations for your dramatic decline in Nickelodeon’s ratings — they has mentioned may reflect glitches in Nielsen’s measurement rather than kids’ indifference for the programming. “We don’t appreciate it, but we’ll deal iwth it and will also improve,” according to him. Meanwhile the cable systems business looks strong: In advertising “the tone is improving” with auto, food, and beverage companies trading greater than they'd. Furthermore, traders can “count on” Viacom’s capacity to barter no less than high single digit percentage rise in the expense channels collect from pay TV companies. But Dauman didn’t have the symptoms of exactly the same emergency in regards to the industry’s new TV Everywhere streaming initiatives that Boss Rob Bewkes displayed inside an earlier presentation today. Dauman states it may need as extended as three years to unveil as companies learn to manage technical and marketing demands.

Time Warner, Monosodium glutamate Systems settle dispute

Gotham was jubilant Friday as Time Warner Cable and Monosodium glutamate Systems composed -- even if they didn't hug -- willing and able to pipe the Knicks and celebrity Jeremy Lin in to the houses of numerous million NYers. "Hallelujah. I'm happy. Just like a longtime Knicks fan, it's terrible if you go back home and would like to watch a game title title and you also can't. I written letter for the governor today," NY attorney Norman Siegel told Variety. He moved a night time meal engagement up two several hours to look for the Knicks undertake the completely new Orleans Hornets at 8 pm. Time Warner Cable confirmed "a verbal agreement" for carriage of Monosodium glutamate channels effective immediately and "expressed appreciation for your concern and encouragement provided by Governor Andrew Cuomo, additionally to NY Condition Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Basketball Commissioner David Stern." Government government bodies, who've been key in pushing the two sides for the table, were more eloquent. "Now, countless more NYers will have a way to visit Linsane inside the privacy that goes for them living room. I'm searching toward watching the return of Carmelo for your Knicks and Henrik Lundqvist in goal for your Rangers," mentioned NY City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. Monosodium glutamate may also be where you can the NHL's Devils, Islanders and Sabres. But it's the Knicks who had the city fuming as point guard Lin increased to become national phenomenon among covered up curiosity about basketball following a season was postponed having a lockout prior to the finish of December. "I applaud both Mr. Dolan and Mr. Britt in addition to their companies. I thank these to be mindful towards the needs of NYers," mentioned Governor Cuomo, mentioning to Madison Square Garden's executive chairman Charles Dolan and Time Warner Boss Glenn Britt. "The implication is always that once together with some time these companies require to government," Siegel mentioned, to ensure that they made a decision to hold their noses and shake hands. The Two were fighting over simply how much the cable operator would pay Monosodium glutamate for rights to air games carrying out a contract expiration on 12 ,. 31. Time Warner rejected to cover the 54% rate hike it mentioned Monosodium glutamate requested. Monosodium glutamate referred to as that figure "a gross distortion" but never revealed several. All games were attracted beginning your evening. Since the craze elevated, Time Warner Cable was reduced to sponsoring contests to fly local Knicks fans to games and hosting viewing parties in apartment complexes. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Transfers bring along casts

The Broadway transfer of play "Peter and the Starcatcher" has confirmed a cast that includes original stars Adam Chanler-Berat and Celia Keenan-Bolger, joining a fellow vet of the show, "Smash" star Christian Borle, in the upcoming staging. Also locked in for a Rialto stint are the majority of the original stars of London hit "One Man, Two Guvnors," with thesps including Oliver Chris and Jemima Rooper joining topliner James Corden in the farce. Chanler-Berat reprises his role as the boy who never grew up in the "Peter Pan" prequel, while Keenan-Bolger is back as Peter's love interest, the titular Starcatcher. Also onboard for the Broadway version are returning thesps Carson Elrod, Greg Hildreth and Arnie Burton, among others. Cast originated their roles in a well-received run at NY Theater Workshop last year. For "One Man," the majority of the original London cast will head to Gotham, including Tom Edden, Martyn Ellis, Trevor Laird, Claire Lams, Fred Ridgeway, Daniel Rigby and Suzie Toase. That production began life at London's National Theater prior to a move to the West End. "Peter" kicks off previews March 28 ahead of an April 15 opening, while "One Man" begins previews April 6 prior to an April 18 opening at the Music Box. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

'In the Heights' Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda Touts Hospital Exchange Program

A hospital provides artists using the chance to rehearse their craft in exchange for treatment. The Lincoln subsequently subsequently Medical and Mental Health Center inside the Bronx introduced within the month of the month of january the launch from the initiative that allows artists of disciplines to complete creative services to obtain health care. The program, Lincoln subsequently subsequently Art Exchange, was produced to handle the growing volume of freelance and independent artists who don't put on the funds to become listed on medical insurance plans. "Our goal is always to achieve people who might not need health care, especially people that have inadequate medical insurance or none whatsoever," mentioned Colette M. Barrow, program coordinator for Lincoln subsequently subsequently Art Exchange.Being recognized for the program, qualified artistsanyone generating money through creative means, including stars, artists, ballroom ballroom dancers, poets, and writersmust undergo a screening method that involves the interview portion. Barrow referred to what which will entail: "When people enter my office, we discuss their background, their own discipline, as well as the encounters they have been in their craft."Throughout the interview artists frequently show Barrow good good examples from the creative services, just like a video from the monologue from an actress or paintings online from the painter. Barrow appreciated finding a partner who was simply a crochet artist and introduced in good examples of her work. "The interview process is often the time will be able to understand people and consider ways we could depend in it inside the hospital," she mentioned.If recognized inside the program, artists will be a part of various activities, for instance undertaking at special events for your hospital, reading through right through to patients, and creating paintings, that may boost the hospital atmosphere for your staff and patients. For every hour of creative activity, the artist makes 40 "health credits" (just like $40) toward treatment. When enough credits are collected, artists may receive a variety of hospital services, for instance laboratory tests, medical and surgical remedies, oral cleanliness, and medicines. Tony champion Lin-Manuel Miranda, among others, has made the decision to partner while using Bronx hospital and promote its program. Miranda's father was the prior mind in the board of NY City Health insurance Hospitals Corporation, which Lincoln subsequently subsequently Hospital can be a part. Barrow mentioned Miranda was "willing to register in this particular project" because of his family's relationship with HHC and also the efforts to help artists in need of funds.Within an itemized statement Miranda mentioned, "It becomes an exciting, potentially win-win venture for NY City Health insurance Hospitals Corporation as well as the artistic community. If you have been without being insured artists in NY City, also to be capable of lead their creativity and abilities at Lincoln subsequently subsequently Hospital while at the same time getting utilization of healthcare, is ingenious."The Bronx health center might be the 2nd HHC facility to implement a designer exchange program and alone in Bronx County. The initiative was introduced at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn in 2005. Barrow mentioned, "It's developed over time, and so they really notice as a thing that has affected the art community in Brooklyn. After we progress inside the program, we'll make changes as necessary.Inch Lincoln subsequently subsequently Hospital is carrying out a same model for your program that was established at Woodhull. There is no limit to the quantity of people recognized for the program, but the quantity of participation for each approved artist varies. Barrow mentioned, "For instance, I have one person who's considering coming once every seven days and becoming a ongoing contribution on his part. I have another person who want to concentrate on one project at any time.In . Barrow as well as the artist discuss methods to make use of the agendas in the artist as well as the hospital, so each side benefit. Barrow mentioned, "We wish to look at this occur at other HHC hospitals. Some are talking about this and so are inside the planning stages, and then we anticipate seeing others carry out the same."To find out more, call (855) 546-2787 or visit internet.new you are able to city.gov/hhc/lincolnartexchange.