Investigation Discovery’s putting a new twist on traditional true-crime storytelling with Redrum debuting on January 15, 2013 at 10pm. Each episode will start at the scene of the crime and then work backward in time to reveal the killer, revealing their motive and the truth behind what really drove them to murder.
Announcing the upcoming premiere, president and general manager of Investigation Discovery Henry Schleiff stated: “As a destination for people who crave crime and mystery programming, we are always searching for innovative ways to tell our stories and keep our audience captivated. Redrum brings a unique angle and to me, there’s nothing ‘better for change’ than literally, flipping the script.”
The Details:
Redrum illustrates how a murder investigation never starts at the beginning, but when a body is found. It’s up to the investigators to piece together the story, tracing the series of intersecting, and often complex events and relationships that unfolded to arrive at the root of the crime. Viewers follow the backward tale of murder from the false motives and mistaken witnesses to conversations taken completely out of context until the truth finally comes out at the very end.
With interviews from friends and family close to the victims, and sometimes even the killer themselves, this chilling and haunting series uses a combination of traditional elements of true crime programming by integrating first-person interviews along with stylized recreations.
Leonardo DiCaprio as Calvin Candie in 'Django Unchained' - Photo Credit: Andrew Cooper, SMPSP / The Weinstein CompanyThe Santa Barbara Film Festival will be awarding Oscar nominee Leonardo DiCaprio the America Riviera Award during this year’s festival. The Award, which will be presented to DiCaprio on February 1st, was “established to recognize an artist who has had a strong influence on American Cinema.”
“We are thrilled to be honoring Leonardo DiCaprio with the American Riviera Award, in a year where he has shown us another layer of his immeasurable talent” stated Executive Director Roger Durling. “His performance in Django Unchained reaffirms that he is the most relevant actor of this generation.”
Past winners of the award include Martin Scorsese (2012), Annette Bening (2011), Sandra Bullock (2010), Mickey Rourke (2009), Tommy Lee Jones (2008), Forrest Whitaker (2007), Philip Seymour Hoffman (2006), Kevin Bacon (2005) and Diane Lane (2004).
In addition to his work in front of the camera and as a producer, DiCaprio is active in environmental charities. He funded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation with an emphasis on environmental issues and is a member of the boards of the World Wildlife Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council and International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Starring: Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen [full cast list under the ‘Cast’ tab]
Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen lead the cast of NBC’s one-hour horror thriller Hannibal premiering on April 4, 2013. The new drama is based on Thomas Harris’ bestselling novels.
Hugh Dancy stars as Will Graham, Mads Mikkelsen is Dr Hannibal Lecter, Caroline Dhavernas is Dr Alana Bloom, and Laurence Fishburne is Agent Jack Crawford. Gillian Anderson plays Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier, Tao Okamoto is Chiyoh, Scott Thompson is Jimmy Price, and Aaron Abrams is Brian Zeller.
The Synopsis: One of the most fascinating literary characters comes to life on television for the first time: psychiatrist-turned-serial-killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter. In this drama from Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies, Heroes), based on the characters from Thomas Harris’ classic novels, we see where this incredible story began.
Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) is a gifted criminal profiler who is on the hunt for a serial killer with the FBI. Graham’s unique way of thinking gives him the astonishing ability to empathize with anyone – even psychopaths. He seems to know what makes them tick. But when the mind of the twisted killer he’s pursuing is too complicated for even Will to comprehend, he enlists the help of Dr. Lecter, one of the premier psychiatric minds in the country. Armed with the uncanny expertise of the brilliant doctor, Will and Hannibal (known as a serial killer only to the audience) form a brilliant partnership and it seems there’s no villain they can’t catch. If Will only knew…
Nine scientific and technical achievements will receive Academy Awards at the Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation on Saturday, February 9, 2013. These awards aren’t telecast and they don’t necessarily represent achievements that occurred in 2012. Instead, the awards are given out to honor achievements that “demonstrate a proven record of contributing significant value to the process of making motion pictures.”
The Scientific and Technical Achievement Award Award Winners:
Technical Achievement Award (Academy Certificate)
– To J.P. Lewis, Matt Cordner and Nickson Fong for the invention and publication of the Pose Space Deformation technique. Pose Space Deformation (PSD) introduced the use of novel sparse data interpolation techniques to the task of shape interpolation. The controllability and ease of achieving artistic intent have led to PSD being a foundational technique in the creation of computer–generated characters.
– To Lawrence Kesteloot, Drew Olbrich and Daniel Wexler for the creation of the Light system for computer graphics lighting at PDI/DreamWorks. Virtually unchanged from its original incarnation over 15 years ago, Light is still in continuous use due to its emphasis on interactive responsiveness, final–quality interactive render preview, scalable architecture and powerful user–configurable spreadsheet interface.
– To Steve LaVietes, Brian Hall and Jeremy Selan for the creation of the Katana computer graphics scene management and lighting software at Sony Pictures Imageworks. Katana’s unique design, featuring a deferred evaluation procedural node–graph, provides a highly efficient lighting and rendering workflow. It allows artists to non–destructively edit scenes too complex to fit into computer memory, at scales ranging from a single object up to an entire detailed city.
– To Theodore Kim, Nils Thuerey, Markus Gross and Doug James for the invention, publication and dissemination of Wavelet Turbulence software. This technique allowed for fast, art–directable creation of highly detailed gas simulation, making it easier for the artist to control the appearance these effects in the final image.
Scientific and Engineering Award (Academy Plaque)
– To Simon Clutterbuck, James Jacobs and Dr. Richard Dorling for the development of the Tissue Physically–Based Character Simulation Framework. This framework faithfully and robustly simulates the effects of anatomical structures underlying a character’s skin. The resulting dynamic and secondary motions provide a new level of realism to computer–generated creatures.
– To Dr. Philip McLauchlan, Allan Jaenicke, John–Paul Smith and Ross Shain for the creation of the Mocha planar tracking and rotoscoping software at Imagineer Systems Ltd. Mocha provides robust planar–tracking even when there are no clearly defined points in the image. Its effectiveness, ease of use, and ability to exchange rotoscoping data with other image processing tools have resulted in widespread adoption of the software in the visual effects industry.
– To Joe Murtha, William Frederick and Jim Markland of Anton/Bauer, Inc. for the design and creation of the CINE VCLX Portable Power System. The CINE VCLX provides extended run–times and flexibility, allowing users to power cameras and other supplementary equipment required for production. This high–capacity battery system is also matched to the high–demand, always–on digital cinema cameras.
Academy Award® of Merit (Oscar® Statuette)
– To Cooke Optics Limited for their continuing innovation in the design, development and manufacture of advanced camera lenses that have helped define the look of motion pictures over the last century. Since their first series of motion picture lenses, Cooke Optics has continued to create optical innovations decade after decade. Producing what is commonly referred to as the “Cooke Look,” these lenses have often been the lens of choice for creative cinematographers worldwide.
A&E is ready to take a chance on Rodeo Girls and has given the greenlight to an eight episode season. The network, in a deal with The Weinstein Company, is now in pre-production on the one-hour series which follows women on the pro rodeo circuit.
David McKillop, Executive Vice President of Programming for A&E Network and BIO Channel, announced the deal, stating, “We are thrilled to be working with The Weinstein Company on Rodeo Girls. The women of the competitive barrel racing world are formidable athletes living sensational lives and we are excited for our viewers to go along for the wild ride.”
The Details:
“Rodeo Girls goes behind the scenes and offers a glimpse into the lavish and glamorous world of the women of the pro rodeo circuit. Proving that these competitions are more than just cowboy boots, chaps and spurs, these prominent and privileged rodeo queens are the exception to the rule. Made up of equal parts rhinestones and blue jeans, the ladies of the rodeo work hard, ride fast and play rough. As they travel around the country competing in their sport, these women are fueled by motivation to win, bringing their colorful attitudes with them.
Hailing from backgrounds as diverse as their credit card purchases, these women are in the center of it all and have the big rigs to prove it. Whether coming from million dollar mansions, carpools and inheritances, or working nights to make ends meet, the fierce opponents give it their all as they compete each weekend. All cattiness and drama aside, these tough cowgirls will stop at nothing to fulfill their dreams of being crowned national champion. Of course when everyone is chasing the same goal, there is plenty of backstabbing to go around…not to mention plenty of cowboys!”
Chris O’Dowd, Christopher Guest, and Jim Piddock on the set of ‘Family Tree’ (Photo: Suzanne Tenner/HBO)
Frankie Go Boom! and Bridesmaids star Chris O’Dowd will star in the new HBO comedy series Family Tree from filmmaker Christopher Guest (Best in Show, A Mighty Wind) and Jim Piddock. The new show, written and created by Guest and Piddock, will debut on HBO this spring.
Per the network, Family Tree is a “single-camera, documentary-style” series starring O’Dowd, Tom Bennett, Nina Conti and featuring Carrie Aizley, Bob Balaban, Ed Begley, Jr., Maria Blasucci, Matt Griesser, Christopher Guest, Don Lake, Michael McKean, Lisa Palfrey, Jim Piddock, Kevin Pollak, Amy Seimetz, Meera Syal, Ashley Walters, and Fred Willard.
Guest says he was looking for someone who was both funny and that audiences could relate to when he cast O’Dowd in the lead role. And because the story doesn’t seem to have an end, he opted to make Family Tree a series rather than a feature film. Says Guest: “The first four episodes of the show take place in England, where Tom Chadwick, our hero, lives. I wanted to show him moving around to different areas in his search. The next four shows take place in the United States. It can go anywhere from there.”
The Plot:
Having recently lost his job and his girlfriend, 30-year-old Tom Chadwick has a rather unsure sense of his own identity. But when he inherits a mysterious box of belongings from a great aunt he never met, Tom starts investigating his lineage and uncovers a whole world of unusual stories and characters, acquiring a growing sense of who he and his real family are.
…came in the form of a dance number. Yes, a dance number. American Horror Story: Asylum returned for the second half of season two on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 with an episode that included one of the most surprising scenes yet. After getting shock treatment at the hands of the devil, Sister Jude Martin/Judy (played by the amazing Jessica Lange) broke out in song, leading the mental patients in a dance number to the tune of “The Name Game.”
HBO Films has landed Oscar winner Julia Roberts and Mark Ruffalo (most recently seen hulking out in The Avengers) for the dramatic movie The Normal Heart. Filming’s expected to take place later this year on the project, which has Ryan Murphy (Glee) on board to direct. Larry Kramer adapted his own Tony Award-winning play for the screen.
nnouncing the project, HBO programming president Michael Lombardo stated: “We are so proud to be involved with this monumental project. Ryan has assembled an extraordinary cast to bring Larry Kramer’s landmark theatrical achievement to the screen for the first time, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring this important film to HBO.”
The Plot: The Normal Heart tells the story of the onset of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City in the early 1980s, taking an unflinching look at the nation’s sexual politics as gay activists and their allies in the medical community fought to expose the truth about the burgeoning epidemic to a city in denial.
Roberts plays Dr. Emma Brookner, the paraplegic physician who treats several of the earliest victims of the disease. Ruffalo portrays Ned Weeks, who witnesses first-hand the mysterious disease that has begun to claim the lives of many in his gay community and starts to seek answers. Matt Bomer (Magic Mike) plays Felix Turner, a reporter who becomes Ned’s lover.
HBO’s premiering the five-part miniseries Parade’s End starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rebecca Hall, and Adelaide Clemens on February 26, 2013 at 9pm. The series is based on Ford Madox Ford’s novels and was directed by Susanna White (Generation Kill) and adapted by Sir Tom Stoppard.
The miniseries also stars Roger Allam, Anne-Marie Duff, Rupert Everett, Stephen Graham, Janet McTeer, and Miranda Richardson.
Says screenwriter Stoppard about the challenge of adapting Ford: “I came to read Parade’s End when [executive producer Damien Timmer] suggested it, and I had a strong instinct that it would appeal to me, which it very much did. I consider myself unfaithfully faithful in relation to my adaptation of Ford’s books. On one hand, it is faithful to the conception of character, time and place, and on the other hand, the novels are not structured to accommodate a television series. So you have to manipulate the elements you have.
Although the war in the background is a huge factor in the story and it changed society irredeemably, Parade’s End is not a First World War story. It’s the story of a man caught between two women who he has loved and loves. They’re very different from each other, and he’s a unique, most unusual gentleman. With a project like Parade’s End, perhaps the greatest challenge for a writer is to find that balance between the personal and the public.”
The Plot:
Married to Sylvia (Rebecca Hall), a callous socialite who has given birth to a child that may not be his, English aristocrat Christopher Tietjens (Benedict Cumberbatch) becomes entranced by Valentine Wannop (Adelaide Clemens), a fearless young woman who unexpectedly turns his world upside down. As warbreaks out across Europe, Christopher, compelled by an outmoded code of conduct, feels obligated to remain loyal to his wife as he leaves a heartbroken Valentine to fight in France.
Christopher struggles to adapt to his new life as an army officer. When he returns to England briefly, suffering from shell shock, he is alarmed to discover himself the target of vicious rumors. Rejected by his father and brother, alienated from Sylvia, with only Valentine to support him, he attempts to hold on to sanity and meaning as the old world order collapses amidst tremendous upheaval.
Through Christopher’s experiences, Parade’s End captures the devastation of war and the end of Edwardian ideals, and bridges the gap between feudal England and the dawn of modernism.
“Even on a good day Arthur Harris is in a bad mood.”
The Weinstein Company’s put out this first look at Unfinished Song from director Paul Andrew Williams. TWC hasn’t set a firm 2013 release date yet, however I’m guessing this might be one they hold for release until closer to awards season.
The Plot:
A wonderfully, heart-warming story of a loving marriage between grumpy pensioner Arthur (Terence Stamp) and the ever-cheerful Marion (Vanessa Redgrave). Cantankerous but doting husband Arthur does not share his wife Marion’s passion for performing. While she is happy to sing her heart out with the unconventional local choir, Arthur would prefer to hide himself away and complain about how embarrassing it all is. But when heartbreak strikes, Arthur is forced to re-think his outlook on life. With the steady perseverance of choir director Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton), Arthur begins to find a way to come out of his shell and in the process forms a touching relationship with Elizabeth as well as a desire to build bridges with his estranged son James (Christopher Eccleston).
A&E is ready to take a chance on Rodeo Girls and has given the greenlight to an eight episode season. The network, in a deal with The Weinstein Company, is now in pre-production on the one-hour series which follows women on the pro rodeo circuit.
HBO’s premiering the five-part miniseries Parade’s End starring 
