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.

Madison to guest on 'Once Upon a Time'

Madison "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" star Bailee Madison has booked a guest role as a young Snow White on ABC's "Once Upon a Time."Episode, which will be titled "Stable Boy," has not set an airdate yet.Madison landed the lead in "Dark" after her "Brothers" co-star Natalie Portman recommended the 12-year-old actress to producer Guillermo del Toro. Thesp, who most recently starred alongside Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston in "Just Go With It," will soon be seen playing Billy Crystal's granddaughter in Andy Fickman's family comedy "Parental Guidance," which 20th Century Fox releases this fall.Madison is repped by Coast to Coast Talent Group. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

Sony, Moritz pursue Uziel actioner

Sony has set up an action-comedy at Neal H. Moritz' Original Films, snapping up an untitled pitch from "Kitchen Sink" scribe Oren Uziel. Plot details are under wraps other than being described as "Die Hard" meets "Home Alone." Ori Marmur will oversee the project for Original while Lauren Abrahams will oversee for the studio. Moritz is a producer on Sony's upcoming "21 Jump Street," New Line's "Jack the Giant Killer" and Universal's "R.I.P.D." It's the second project that Uziel has set up at Sony following his spec sale of the alien-invasion comedy "Kitchen Sink," set up with Matt Tolmach. Uziel also is writing New Line's reboot of "Mortal Kombat" with Kevin Tancharoen after the duo collaborated on web series "Mortal Kombat: Rebirth" and penned the adaptation of Cat Patrick's "Forgotten," set up with Josh Schwartz' Fake Empire for Paramount with Hailee Steinfeld attached. Uziel is repped by WME and Circle of Confusion. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Exclusive First Look: Stephen Colletti and Chelsea Kane Get Hot and Heavy on One Tree Hill

Stephen Colletti and Chelsea Kane It didn't take long for One Tree Hill's Chase to get steamy with someone new. In our first-look photo, Chelsea Kane begins her multiple episode arc as Tara, the new girl getting extremely cozy with recently single Chase (Stephen Colletti). One Tree Hill's Lisa Goldstein: Millie struggles to confront Mouth about his weight gain In addition to having an on-screen romance, Colletti and the former Dancing with the Stars competitor are dating in real life. Colletti told TVGuide.com he loved welcoming her into the Tree Hill world, adding, "The character was fun for her and something people aren't used to seeing from her." One Tree Hill's James Lafferty: Nathan actually needs Dan in his life this season But Tara won't have a warm welcome into the group as she's the owner of the just-opened rival restaurant across from Karen's Café. "There are some fun little escapades that Haley and Brooke go on trying to do right by the name of Karen's Café," Bethany Joy Galleoti, who plays Haley, told TVGuide.com. "She stirs some stuff up," Colletti added. Kane's arc begins airing on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 8/7c on The CW.

Five Ways The SAGs Predicted The Oscars

A great deal switches into predicting and ultimately identifying Oscar nominations that it's not easy to find out which award shows to consider and which to disregard. This week's Oscar nominations, however, shown that particular award show particularly can be very useful in predicting a couple of from the Academy's more surprising picks. The Screen Stars Guild Honours introduced their nominations days just before the Academy's and shown their picks should not be overlooked throughout award season. SAG both honored and averted the majority of the same performances the Academy shocked and snubbed this year's week. Here's our breakdown. Demián Bichir The "A Far Greater Existence" actor had continued to be just outdoors the award conversation for almost all the growing season, producing some recognition with critics' circles, but never snagging a sizable jerk. That changed while using SAG honours, which gave Bichir recognition the Academy echoed days later. Michael Fassbender Most likely probably the most daring roles in film this year didn't yield award returns for the guy who bared everything, Michael Fassbender. He may have acquired a Golden Globe nomination for his role just like a sex addict in "Shame," but Fassbender didn't repeat for your Screen Stars Guild and was ultimately ignore within the Oscars. It really proves that nudity doesn't imply honours. Jonah Hill Once the Golden Globes nominate a sizable star, it's rarely a warranty the Academy Award nomination follows. While Hill will be a more likely jerk than Bichir was just before the Oscar nominations, he was definately not a lock. The SAG nomination certainly aided bolster his chances, then when the Academy's jerk came days later, it absolutely was a more compact quantity of the surprise. Albert Brooks Throughout award season, Brooks made a well known fact in the campaign to acquire him a nomination for his villainous role in "Drive." He joked freely and sometimes about his nominations and wins, however, if he missed on the SAG nomination, the laughing stopped, as well as the conversation changed. The Academy snub now came as basically a mildly surprising disappointment. Melissa McCarthy The "Bridesmaids" breakout experienced numerous pros and cons throughout her campaign for just about any nomination. The thrill across the role as well as the film's recognition skyrocketed McCarthy to the conversation, but a snub within the Golden Globes made some doubt the Academy would recognize a comedy role. Fortunately for McCarthy, she rode the wave in the SAG nomination and switched it into her ticket to Oscar evening. Reveal everything you think about the SAGs inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

Jakub Gierszal: Finds fame in 'Room'

Jakub GierszalSoon to graduate from the National Theater Academy of his native Krakow, 23-year-old Jakub Gierszal made his screen debut in 2008, in Jacek Borcuch's "All That I Love," and followed it a year later with a supporting role in Andrzej Kondratiuk's "One Million Dollars."But it was his first lead role, as the rich, sexually conflicted Dominik in Jan Komasa's "Suicide Room" (which preemed in Panorama at last year's Berlinale) that propelled him to international attention.Since that breakthrough, he's toplined in Piotr Mularuk's "Yuma" (in post), and is working on "Lasting Moments" for Borcuch, opposite Spanish thesps Angela Molina and Juanjo Ballesta."I like watching old movies and the veterans of filmmaking," Gierszal says. "And I really look up to personalities who are known today as 'classics' -- people like Marlon Brando, James Dean, Robert De Niro. But the strongest influence on me personally was one of my teachers at the drama school I attended in Krakow, because of the unique ability he had to name the exact psychological process going on while I was onstage." As befits his somewhat peripatetic upbringing -- he spent part of his childhood in Hamburg, and lives between Krakow and Berlin -- he is fascinated by travel, and the opportunity for artistic collaboration it affords: "For me, it's very important to get together. To work with sympathetic people, to gather together to stop reality for a moment and try to create something that might be interesting, astonishing, touching or whatever."Without the people I've met, I wouldn't be the guy that I am today. The wider the range of your footsteps, the more you get to learn. That's why I'd really appreciate the opportunity to work outside my home country."Return to the Berlin Preview >> Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Sundance: Searchlight taming 'Beasts'

EXCLUSIVE: Fox Searchlight is in active talks to acquire Ben Zeitlin's ''Beasts of the Southern Wild,'' emerging from a swarm of suitors who've been circling the Sundance hit.No deal is in place, and sources caution that other buyers are still in the mix. But multiple people familiar with the negotiations say Searchlight is intent on bagging its quarry, the tale of a six-year-old girl (Quvenzhan Wallis) who lives in a southern Delta community at the edge of the world.WME Global is selling domestic rights to the pic, which has seen a flood of interest come in since its debut at the Eccles Theatre on Friday. Though the unusual pic has its detractors, the reception from critics and bloggers has been glowingly positive.Sony Pictures Classics, Focus Features and The Weinstein Co. had all been circling the film, which Zeitlin co-wrote with Lucy Alibar.Fox Searchlight was an active buyer at last year's Sundance, where they purchased high-profile acquisition titles such as ''Another Earth'' and ''Martha Marcy May Marlene.'' Sources believe that the distrib is likely to close on ''Beasts'' soon.Zeitlin, who two weeks ago was named one of Variety's 10 directors to watch, is currently without representation, though there's likely to be an agency feeding frenzy after the festival for the young director who created the film via Sundance Labs.''Beasts of the Southern Wild'' will screen on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at various locations. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

More shows = more panic

Remember swag bags? That former staple of legit parties has largely evaporated since the fiscal crunch, but the Brooklyn Academy of Music kept the tradition alive, handing bags out to guests at the Jan. 18 gala perf of Kevin Spacey starrer "Richard III." Pretty posh for a nonprofit, but then, the org is celebrating its 150th anniversary, as well as the final production of its successful trans-Atlantic co-producing endeavor, the Bridge Project. The gala wasn't the only thing the arts org has spent money on: Arriving patrons had walked by nearby construction that will yield a third performance space for BAM to program. BAM leadership, including exec producer Joe Melillo, got an excited gleam in their eyes when they described the additional, exciting work they hoped to bring to the venue. In the eyes of BAM staffers, however, the talk of 14 additional shows on the org's fall slate yielded a gleam that looked more like panic. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Mobile phones, iPad hikes BBC viewing

LONDON -- The BBC's online domestic catch-up service, the iPlayer, is progressively getting used by Britons who own wise Televisions, mobile phones and pills. In December this type of iPlayer usage spiked 1,000% to seven million program demands on connected Televisions in comparison to the year before, per the BBC. Cell phones and pills recorded 13 million and ten million demands correspondingly, year-on-year increases of 163% and 596%. Nonetheless, two-thirds of demands for iPlayer-shipped shows were made on computer systems throughout 2011. Daniel Danker, BBC Future Media's gm, programs and when needed, stated: "While 2011 would be a amazing year for BBC iPlayer overall, the actual story was development of iPlayer on Televisions, cell phones and pills, outpacing PC growth many occasions over. "Getting established itself like a must-have application for smartphone customers and also the gold-standard for TV on the run, we have seen huge possibility of BBC iPlayer around the family room occur 2012...as audiences switch onto the advantages of connected TV." Overall, the BBC stated the catch-up service hit record-breaking amounts this past year, with 1.94 billion Radio and tv program demands across all platforms. Increased apparently by Britons giving wise-phones and pills as Christmas presents, the iPlayer registered its best-ever week within the publish-festive period. From 12 ,. 26 to Jan. 2, 29.7 million demands for Television shows were made. Usage peaked Jan. 2 having a record 5.4 million demands. "Sherlock," starring Benedict Cumberbatch, was probably the most-viewed show, with 623,000 audiences -- the greatest quantity of demands for just about any one program in one day because the service bowed on Xmas Day 2007. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Fandom fodder for film-flam

Additionally to attacks on popular culture, vidgames, 'life was imple' cartoons and just about all fond childhood reminiscences, the masterminds behind "Robot Chicken" also take are designed for Hollywood. Even Oscar-winning classics aren't safe from the experience-figure mockery.'Toy Story 4' "One Travelled Within the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Toy Story" Only Robot Chicken can make an unholy merger from the 1975 best pic champion and Pixar's Oscar-winning franchise. Andy comes back home from college with a brand new girlfriend, traumatizing the toys together with his new playmate and compromising Buzz along the way. Woodsy and Buzz's final moments parody "One Travelled Within the Cuckoo's Nest" because the toy cowboy does the only real factor he is able to to help ease his friend's discomfort.'Smurfatar'"Avatar" James Cameron's blue-tinted opus would be a mainstay on "Robot Chicken" after its release. "Smurfatar" follows Gargamel's attempts to adjust to village existence one of the Smurfs after breaking through the whitened-hat culture from the three-apple-high clan inside a Smurf body.'Tastes Like Rotten Smurfberries' "Saving Private Ryan" The Smurfs seem off against their less-popular, hard-to-merchandise cousins, the Snorks, inside a parody that utilizes "Saving Private Ryan" fight moments (along with a little "Braveheart" tossed in permanently measure).'Million Dollar Direct TV Baby'"Billion Dollar Baby" Inside a lampoon from the DirecTV advertisements by which stars break both character and also the 4th wall to shill straight to ad viewers, the ultimate scene from the 2004 Oscar champion has Maggie Fitzgerald using her final moments to market the feevee's new package sans tongue.'The Surrealer Life' & 'Gandalf Game Show'"The The almighty from the Rings" trilogy Ron Jeremy, Corey Feldman, MC Hammer along with other household people of "The Surreal Existence" receive the job to eliminate the main one Ring. Feldman pulls a Gollum within the final moments, heading down using the ring and asking audiences to keep in mind him only from part one of "The Lost Boys." In "Gandalf Game Show," Gandalf the Gray includes a difficult time using the clues on "The $10,000 Pyramid."'Cut Me, Mick'"Rocky" The 1976 Oscar champion turns gory as Mick's front row skill having a edge requires a turn for that gross.'At the Movies' "Driving Miss Daisy" The 1989 Oscar champion will get a follow up with Jason Statham's "The Transporter" playing negligence Hoke, who must turn to high-speed aerial maneuvers to obtain his employer towards the Piggly-Wiggly.'At the Movies' "Schindler's List"In "Schindler's Pissed," Liam Neeson returns towards the role like a machine-gun yielding action hero who's "making a listing, checking it two times, gonna discover who's Nazi or nice."'Robot Chicken' 100th EpisodeA beak in to the future Team reps rapid rise of nerd processors Fandom fodder for film-flam Initial production hurdles were absolutely nothing to cluck at Contact Erin Maxwell at erin.maxwell@variety.com

Sound minds

Whether as mixers, editors or designers, these pros helped shape the soundscapes of some of the season's Oscar contenders.Anna Behlmer"Thor," "Super 8" and "Puss in Boots" mixer has "It" factorSound mixer Anna Behlmer has worked with premier helmers including Michael Mann and Steven Spielberg. In 2011 alone the 10-time Oscar nominee's work could be heard in "Thor," "Super 8" and "Puss in Boots." And she really wishes she could tell you that she always wanted a career in sound.Behlmer came in contact with sound work when her then boyfriend and now husband, Curt, was working as a sound engineer. While visiting him at work, someone suggested she get a union card and start working in sound, so she jumped in and never looked back.Since then, Behlmer has worked at notable sound houses like Todd-AO and at Fox's sound department. Soon she'll start work at the new Technicolor facility on the Paramount lot. She's also had a longtime collaboration with fellow sound mixer Andy Nelson, with whom she shares Oscar nominations. But she sees legendary Richard Portman as an a pivotal figure in her early career."I don't know if there was a moment when I knew I could be a good mixer," says Behlmer. "But Richard Portman, who had worked on 'The Godfather' and 'Deer Hunter,' taught me a lot about mixing and he said to me one day, 'I've trained a lot of people and you know when someone has it and when they don't. And you've got it.' "Craig BerkleyQuirky noises in favorite films inspire "Tree of Life" sound designerCraig Berkey favors the sorts of small, quirky and singular sounds he heard in his favorite films, long before he'd ever worked as a sound editor or mixer. "In 'Barton Fink' there's this sound of a bell that you hear through the entire hotel when the main character is trying to get someone's attention," says Berkey. "I remember thinking at the time how great that was because it set the mood and showed you something new about the character."These days Berkey is a regular on Coen brothers projects. He was their sound designer and sound re-recording mixer on "A Serious Man" and "True Grit," the latter of which brought him Oscar noms in both sound editing and mixing.Berkey's sound sensibilities have also made him a frequent collaborator of Terrence Malick on such projects as "The New World" and "The Tree of Life." He is now beginning work on Malick's latest film."Doing a film with Terry (Malick) is great because he really wants you to be honest with him and tell him what you think, even when you don't like something," says Berkey. "The hard part comes when he asks you to come up with a sound that signifies consciousness."Karen Baker LandersHearing-impaired father taught editor the importance of soundAs the daughter of a man with severe hearing loss, Karen Baker Landers was keenly aware of the power of sound. "My dad loved the sound of a thunderstorm," recalls Landers. "He loved all the crackles, wind noises and the sound of the rain. So shortly before he died, when he had almost completely lost his hearing, I gave him a recording of a storm that he would listen to over and over again on his headphones."Landers, who took home an Oscar along with longtime collaborator Per Hallberg for sound editing 2007's "The Bourne Ultimatum," was given a tape recorder to play with as a child. She instantly loved capturing all the sounds around her and being able to play them back. Now a supervising sound editor with Soundelux in Hollywood, Landers has worked on films as diverse as "Ray" and "The Proposal." In 2011 year her work could be heard in "Green Lantern" and "I Am Number Four."However, there's one type of film she'd still love to do."I'm dying to do a horror film like 'The Sixth Sense' because you really get to play with the way sound can get an audience ready for a big scare and then scare them even more when something happens," laughs Landers.Tom MyersThree-time Oscar nominee thrives at Skywalker SoundTom Myers knew he'd landed someplace special when he started work at Skywalker Sound. "There was just this attitude here of sharing ideas and giving feedback on each other's work," says Myers, a three-time Oscar nominee. "You can walk down the hall and you have the legends of sound like Gary Rydstrom and Randy Thom right there if you want an opinion on something."Myers, whose work can be heard in 2011's "Cars 2" as well as past Pixar hits "Toy Story 3," and "Up," went to film school thinking he'd become an editor. During his studies he realized the huge impact sound had on the overall outcome of a film. He was hooked.Upon arriving at Skywalker, Myers soon learned that it wasn't about using sounds that were a precise reproduction of the noises made by whatever was on screen at the time. It was more important to use sounds that made dramatic sense, regardless of their actual origin."On 'Cars 2' and 'Cars' at first there was this idea of using the sound made by the exact make and model of car that was in the scene at first," says Myers. "But it wasn't quite working and we ended up adding other sounds that felt right for the story instead."Eye on the Oscars: VFX, Sound & EditingLong pics spur sly tricks | Oscar lacks home for 'designers' | Sound minds | Bakeoff buzz: Heart trumps hardware | Shorter vfx reels demand new strategy | 'Bridesmaids' editors took long view Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Game on for that new the new sony handheld Vita

The brand new the new sony isn't ready to give around the mobile gaming biz at this time around.Keen for just about any popular handheld version of the Ps 3 videogame console, The brand new the new sony revs up an advertising blitz today within the Electronic Products Show, in Las vegas, due to its Vita coming at U.S. retailers on Feb. 22. The handheld gaming device replaces the PSP, which didn't gain popularity with clients round the new the new sony had wanted seven in the past, and already bowed in Japan in December. Timing is an problem for Vita's success, however.The Vita, listed from $249 to $299, has come about as more clients are adopting cheaper options comparable to their cell phones and pills to see affordable games for instance "Angry Wild wild birds," "Words With Pals" and "The Sim cards Social." Consequently, experts question if there's still a business for just about any devoted gaming device when other cell phone models are packing bigger screens online and cell service.The brand new the new sony isn't frustrated. It's offered nearly 80 million PSPs and PSP Go items since late 2004. And Producers remains doing brisk business having its DS-kind of handhelds, which first demonstrated the identical year."The mobile companies are ripe for just about any new gaming chance," mentioned John Koller, director of hardware marketing for that new the new sony Computer Entertainment America. "We view it the most effective handheld gaming device ever launched."The brand new the new sony is obviously copying its claims. The business is predicted to pony up its greatest marketing campaign for your Vita since beginning the Ps 3 and PSP.Which is adopting CES to produce a large splash for your product through demos within the The brand new the new sony booth, where it has around 30 Vitas to see with."CES is definitely an very critical platform for people,In . Koller told Variety throughout occur Buenos Aires, Argentina, to film a commercial for Vita's approaching campaign. "The possibility it presents to talk about while using media but furthermore experts and key partners is unmatched." The brand new the new sony used CES to showcase the PSP in 2005. The brand new the new sony will need the hype. Throughout its first week of sales in Japan, the Vita moved 320,000 models, 72,000 models in week two and 42,648 models inside the third, although experts aren't disappointed with this result. Nintendo's 3DS offered 370,000 models within the first week, losing to 210,000 within the second. It's since moved greater than 4 million models in Japan, carrying out a cost cut from $250 to $170 inside the U.S. Mobile is important to PlayStation's future just like a brand, thinking about that it is core gamers spend 80% of your time outdoors the home inside the U.S., Koller mentioned. "We come across mobile and handheld gaming as considerably important overall, but within Ps it's uber important. We must have a very forum to hold onto supply Ps content where they are going.InchThere is unquestionably plenty of ground for that new the new sony to produce up. With the finish of 2011, nearly 58% of portable games inside the U.S. were carried out on mobile items that actually work on Google's Android or Apple's iOS platform, according to research firm Flurry Statistics. Nintendo's DS line possessed 36% in the market, while using PSP testing out a corner at 6%, lower from 9% this season and 11% this past year.Around the revenue basis, an thought $3.3 billion was allotted to portable games this season, according to Flurry, with Producers producing $1.2 billion and cell phones consuming $1.9 billion. This can be a switch from $1.9 billion this past year for Producers and $500 million for Google and Apple that same year.In creating the Vita, The brand new the new sony associated with a familiar format -- it resembles the PSP but includes a better screen and graphics, along with other capabilities."We asked for ourselves, 'How can we create content that's connected with Ps that is not a tablet?'" Koller mentioned.Although naysayers inside the games biz worry the new the new sony is outpricing itself while using Vita which is games, SCEA features a certain consumer in your thoughts. It sights the Vita just like a "premium product" that falls within the handheld gaming and mobile investment investment portfolios. 5-inch OLED touchscreen features HD resolution that's more colorful and in comparison to PSP and senses motion and allows for augmented reality action, because the items includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and optional third generation. The Vita drops PSP's UMD dvd disks for costly memory stays, or perhaps the Ps Vita card, to see movies and store information. Top game game titles to create, and listed between $40-$50, initially include "ModNation Racers: Journey," "Uncharted: Golden Abyss," "Reality Fighter," "Military Corps of Hell," WipeOut 2048," " Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational" "Michael Jackson: The Understanding,Inch "Plants versus. Zombies," "Ultimate Marvel versus. Capcom 3" and "FIFA Soccer." That kind of capacity includes a greater cost."The Vita, in several ways, can be a Ps 3 in the bank,In . Koller mentioned. "It'll be most likely the very best cell phone in the marketplace for an additional few years which will have a way to stream movies, music and photos by having an HD screen." AT&T is delivering the Wi-Fi and third generation convenience, through which The brand new the new sony desires to eventually offer high-finish, graphically wealthy games -- the kind that are familiar to PS3 entrepreneurs.It learned that lowering the price of their PSP too soon decreased the normal ages of its typical user."The PSP consumer was somebody that aged lower very quickly" to have an average ages of 12-14 within two-and-a-half years, Koller mentioned.While using Vita, SCEA is concentrating on Ps 3's core consumer of males inside their mid-20s with many different discretionary earnings and so are typically early adopters, rabid for completely new technology."Reaching them relating to this device where they may spend their funds is vital,In . Koller.Like Vita will make use of the growing pot of digital dollars the gaming marketplace is progressively adopting. When attending a baseball game, for example, the Vita will unlock jerseys left for fans at various arenas. Programs may even enable clients to consider treasure tracks inside a city or venue, although some will disclose other players in the area in addition to their capabilities.The Vita "was produced just like a social medium but it'll be used by doing this,Inch Koller mentioned.The PSP wasn't. The brand new the new sony is careful not to replicate what went down while using PSP, which wound up being named "Ps Personal" because clients "weren't reaching anybody," Koller mentioned.Naturally, the Vita may even incorporate video services like Netflix and Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and Skype. But programs will probably be tweaked to match with Sony's push for social interaction. "Vita is built to be completely the choice,In . he added. "We're not considering throwing something that's already inside your phone onto Vita. We wish programs being unique to Vita. If you proceed and take Vita out in the world it affects your gaming and what you are getting fun with and fascinating with."Either in situation, that social element is predicted being a lot of Vita's marketing campaign and message being launched of CES and also the focus of the conferences with designers, application makers together with other content partners through the show."We don't always can satisfy wonderful them and fly around the globe,In . Koller mentioned. "CES provides that chance."Game on for VitaSony wants a bigger little bit of Nintendo's handheld gaming biz since it tries to launch a mobile version of the Ps 3 console with Vita.Producers DS149 million models offered since November 2004Nintendo DS Lite93.4 million models offered since March 2006 The brand new the new sony PSP71.4 million models offered from December 2004-September 2011Nintendo DSi25.6 000 0000 models offered since November 2008Nintendo DS XL11.millions of models offered since November 2009Nintendo 3DS8 million models offered since February 2011 Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com