Once again, Universal Studios Hollywood will be inviting aspiring filmmakers to take part in their annual “Halloween Horror Nights” short film competition. The short films will be judged by a panel of industry insiders (Eli Roth, Daily Variety senior writer Marc Graser, and “Halloween Horror Nights” Creative Director John Murdy), with the winning film premiering on Chiller and posted on Syfy.com.
The winner will also receive a cash prize of $1,000 and a trip for two to “Halloween Horror Nights’” opening night “Eyegore Awards” at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Contest entries will be accepted from June 27 through August 1, 2011. Prospective filmmakers can submit short films from 90 seconds to three minutes in length on DVD (two copies of each film must be submitted). Films will be judged based on storytelling skill, originality and scare factor. The top 10 horror shorts, as determined by the panel, will be posted online at HalloweenHorrorNights.com from August 22 to September 9, 2011 for public voting. The winning film will be announced on September 12, 2011.
Eyegore Award recipient and horror filmmaker Eli Roth (Cabin Fever) said: “As a producer, I’m always looking for new talent, and happy to help a first-time director get their big break. New blood, so to speak, is vital for the continuation and growth of our beloved genre, and programs like this one can help deserving people get noticed. I am excited to see the competing films, and whoever makes me lose the most sleep will win.”
“As a studio known for bringing the horror film genre to life, it’s a thrill to help Universal Studios identify the next generation of filmmakers that will scare audiences. I can’t wait to see who steps forward with their creepy visions this year,” said Marc Graser.
John Murdy, Creative Director, Universal Studios Hollywood, added: “Just as ’Halloween Horror Nights’ interprets horror filmmakers’ visions into living horror movies for the most ardent fans, our film competition provides a platform for future horror film directors to showcase their work to an audience of influential entertainment industry professionals.”
Actor and funny guy Kevin Hart had the task of hosting the BET Awards ’11 held on June 26th, and he kept the show moving right along. Chris Brown was the big winner, taking home awards for the 2011 Best Male R&B Artist, Video of the Year, and Best Collaboration, as well as the Coca-Cola Viewer’s Choice Award.
Brown performed a medley of “She Ain’t You,” “Look at Me Now,” and “Paper Scissor Rock” on the show and joined Busta Rhymes and Big Sean for two other performances. Justin Bieber also took to the stage and flirted with Nicki Minaj. “I’m all grown up now,” said Bieber. “I turn 18 next year so…what’s up?”
Per BET: Legendary songstress and diva extraordinaire Patti LaBelle was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and her tribute was a performance unlike anything ever seen before. Beginning with a special introduction from another musical icon, Gladys Knight, Cee Lo Green took to the stage in a throwback Patti LaBelle costume performing “Somebody Loves You Baby,” while Marsha Ambrosius jazzed up the room with her spot-on rendition of “If Only You Knew,” before the great Shirley Caesar took the crowd – and Patti LaBelle – to tears singing “You Are My Friend.”
But it was Patti herself that brought the house down, performing two of her greatest hits, “Love, Need and Want You” and “Lady Marmalade.” Steve Harvey uplifted the audience in his acceptance speech for his Humanitarian Award.
The cast of the Five Heartbeats movie surprised the audience with a reunited performance with R&B crooners After 7 with the famous hit, “Nights Like This,” for the 20-year anniversary of the film. The beautiful Kerry Washington graced the stage for BET’s Shine A Light moment to honor individuals who make the world a better place for young people.
Celebrating the 10-year Anniversary of her first album, Songs In A Minor, Alicia Keys graced the BET AWARDS ’11 stage for a medley of her hits with Bruno Mars and Rick Ross as well as for the world premiere her latest song, “Typewriter.”
Additional highlights of the 14 performances include Trey Songz sexy, shirt-ripping rendition of “Making Love Faces” and “Unusual,” and was later joined by Kelly Rowland to perform her smash hit, “Motivation,” Donnie McClurkin, Deitrick Haddon and Mary Mary uplifted the audience with their rendition of the gospel hit, “Thank You Lord,” in tribute to the late Walter Hawkins; Mary J. Blige, Anita Baker, DJ Khaled, and Jadakiss kicked off the show with a monumental mix of hits “All Night Long,” “Joy,” “Happy,” Dreams,” “Real Love,” “Rapture,” and “Over Til It’s Over”; Jill Scott performed a soulful rendition of “Rolling Hills” with actor and DJ Idris Elba; DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Drake and Lil’ Wayne amped the crowd performing “I’m the One”; and Beyonce closed the show singing “Best Thing I Never Had” and “End of Time” via live telecast from Britain’s Glastonbury Festival.
This year’s In Memoriam tribute celebrated the lives of Cali Swag District member M-Bone, Clarence Clemons, Teena Marie, Gil Scott Heron and Nate Dogg with performances and appearances by Doug E. Fresh and Cali Swag District, Queen Latifah, Ledisi, Scott Mayo, Snoop Dogg, and Warren G.
In continuing the good that BET’s S.O.S.: Saving Ourselves initiative has made over the years,the BET AWARDS ’11 contained a special moment to show support for the victims of the tornadoes in the Southeast through a special message from Rev. Al Sharpton.
BET AWARDS ’11 Winners:
— Best Female R&B Artist: Rihanna
— Best Male R&B Artist: Chris Brown
— Best Group: Diddy-Dirty Money
— Best Gospel Artist: Mary Mary
— Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj
— Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kanye West
— Best New Artist: Wiz Khalifa
— Best Collaboration: Chris Brown f/ Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes “Look At Me Now”
— Video of the Year: Chris Brown f/ Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes “Look At Me Now”
— Video Director of the Year: Chris Robinson
— Best Actress: Taraji P. Henson
— Best Actor: Idris Elba
— Young Stars Award: Jaden Smith and Willow Smith
— Best Movie: For Colored Girls
— Subway Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams
— Subway Sportsman of the Year: Michael Vick
— Centric Award: Marsha Ambrosius “Far Away”
— Best International Act: 2Face Idibia (Nigeria) and D’Banj (Nigeria)
— Coca-Cola Viewer’s Choice Award: Chris Brown f/ Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes – “Look at me Now”
— Humanitarian Award: Steve Harvey
— Lifetime Achievement Award: Patti LaBelle
Monty Python members at work on ‘A Liar’s Autobiography’ (Photo: Business Wire/EPIX)
Being a huge Monty Python fan (Life of Brian is still on my top 10 favorite movies list), the news that EPIX is in production on a film based on the late Graham Chapman’s memoir, A Liar’s Autobiography, was met with a short but passionate cheer. Filming on the animated 3D movie is currently taking place with EPIX aiming for a Spring of 2012 release in 2D and 3D on EPIX, EpixHD.com, and theatrically in the UK.
The EPIX original will feature recordings Chapman made of his book in 1982. Premiering under the newly introduced EPIX Pictures banner, the film reunites members of the Monty Python troupe.
“This innovative and modern take on Chapman’s comic genius is an exciting event, and EPIX is thrilled to premiere A Liar’s Autobiography in the United States,” stated EPIX President and CEO Mark Greenberg.
“I had no idea until recently that Graham Chapman is in fact dead — I thought he was just being lazy,” said Monty Python’s Terry Jones. “However, I am now delighted to find myself working with him again on this exciting project.”
The feature is being produced and directed with that trademark Python humor by Bill Jones, Ben Timlett and Jeff Simpson of London-based Bill and Ben Productions, responsible for Who Killed Nancy, Rebel Truce – The History of the Clash, Chemical Wedding, Monty Python Almost the Truth: the Lawyers Cut.
“We’ve been working closely with the Chapman estate and the Pythons to make sure we get this exactly right,” said co-director Jeff Simpson. “Graham would be delighted that his work is being re-imagined in glorious 3D. He always loved wearing silly glasses.”
Executive producers Mark Sandell of Trinity (UK) and Meyer Shwarzstein of Brainstorm Media will distribute the animated feature in the United Kingdom and the United States, respectively.
The British comedy group Monty Python is best known for their television comedy sketch show Monty Python’s Flying Circus, which first aired on BBC in 1969. The series was created, written, and performed by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. The troupe brought their comedy to the big screen with the feature films And Now for Something Different (1971), Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979), and Monty Python’s the Meaning of Life (1983).
The Los Angeles Film Festival just announced the jury and audience award winners for the 2011 Festival, with Allison Janney and John C. Reilly presenting the awards. The LA Film Festival ran from Thursday, June 16 to Sunday, June 26 in downtown Los Angeles.
The two top juried awards of the Los Angeles Film Festival are the Narrative Award and Documentary Award, each carrying an unrestricted $15,000 cash prize, funded by Film Independent, for the winning film’s director. The awards were established by the Festival to encourage independent filmmakers to pursue their artistic ambitions.
“It was such a rich year in competition films, so our juries had really tough choices to make. The winning films are the cream of a particularly delicious crop, and we’re delighted that they reflect the Festival’s dedication to movies from all over the world,” said Festival Artistic Director David Ansen.
The Narrative Award recognizes the finest narrative film in competition at the Festival and went to Stéphane Lafleur for the North American Premiere of Familiar Ground. The Documentary Award recognizes the finest documentary film in competition at the Festival and went to Beverly Kopf and Bobbie Birleffi for the World Premiere of Wish Me Away.
The award for Best Performance in the Narrative Competition went to Amber Sealey, Kent Osborne, Amanda Street, and Gabriel Diamond for their performances in Amber Sealey’s How to Cheat. Given to an actor or actors from an official selection in the Narrative Competition, this is the eighth year the award has been given at the Festival.
For the first time, the Los Angeles Film Festival awarded an unrestricted $5,000 cash prize to each short film category. The award for Best Narrative Short Film went to Saba Riazi’s The Wind Is Blowing on My Street. The award for Best Documentary Short Film went to Susan Koenen’s I Am a Girl!. Mikey Please’s The Eagleman Stag won the award for Best Animated Short Film.
The Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature went to Attack the Block, directed by Joe Cornish and the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature went to Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest, directed by Michael Rapaport. Asif Kapadia’s Senna won the Audience Award for Best International Feature.
The Audience Award for Best Short Film went to Blind Date, directed by Joe Rosen. Can’t Shake This Feeling, directed by The General Assembly’s Adam Littke, Ryan McNeill, and Adam Willis won the Audience Award for Best Music Video for Grum.
The Narrative Feature Competition jury was comprised of director Lynn Shelton (Humpday, My Effortless Brilliance), Head/Founder of Giant Robot Eric Nakamura, and screenwriter Daniel Waters (Heathers, Batman Returns). The Documentary Feature Competition jury was comprised of Spirit Award-winning director Jeff Malmberg (Marwencol), Executive Director of the International Documentary Association Michael Lumpkin, and Co-editor of Slake magazine Laurie Ochoa. The Shorts Competition jury was comprised of casting director Margery Simkin, film critic Alonso Duralde, and actress Lisa Gay Hamilton.
Now in its seventeenth year, the Festival is recognized as a world-class event, showcasing the best in new American and international cinema and providing the movie-loving public with access to critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent from around the world. As previously announced, the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival will screen over 200 feature films, shorts, and music videos, representing more than 30 countries.
Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig have married in a private ceremony held in front of just four guests. The couple, who worked together on Dream House, exchanged their vows on June 22, 2011 in front of Weisz’ son, Craig’s daughter, and two friends.
Weisz was previously in a long-term relationship with director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) while Craig was with Satsuki Mitchell for years prior to becoming involved with Weisz.
The Dream House Plot: The film tells the story of a successful publisher (Craig) who quits a job in New York City to relocate his wife (Weisz) and two daughters to a quaint New England town. But as they settle into their new life, they discover their perfect home was the murder scene of a mother and her two children. And the entire city believes it was at the hands of the husband who survived.
When Will investigates the tragedy, his only lead comes from a neighbor (Watts) who was close to the family that died. As Will and Ann piece together the disturbing puzzle, they discover that the story of the last man to leave Will’s dream house will be just as horrifying to the one who came next.
Background: Adam and Maroon 5 bandmates Jesse Carmichael and Mickey Madden started playing together in junior high. They called themselves Kara’s Flowers before ultimately deciding on Maroon 5. And according to the group’s bio on Maroon5.com, the origin of the name is a secret and “aside from the five of us only Billy Joel knows its provenance (true story).”
Hosting Work: Along with CeeLo Green, Blake Shelton, and Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine is a host of The Voice on NBC.
Collaborators: Levine has collaborated with Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Natasha Bedingfield, Slash and K’naan.
Genres: Alternative Rock, Punk Rock, Funk Rock, Pop Rock
Debut single: With Maroon 5 – “Harder to Breathe” (2002)
Big hits: “This Love,” “She Will be Loved,” “Makes Me Wonder,” “Sunday Morning,” “Sweetest Goodbye”
Albums: Songs About Jane (2002), It Won’t Be Soon Before Long (2007), Hands All Over (2010), Overexposed (2012)
John Cusack stars as Edgar Allen Poe in the thriller The Raven. Directed by James McTeigue, the R-rated drama will open in theaters on April 27, 2012.
In addition to John Cusack, The Raven features Alice Eve as Emily Hamilton, Luke Evans as Detective Emmett Fields, Brendan Gleeson as Captain Hamilton, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen as John Contrell. Jimmy Yuill plays Captain Elderidge, Sam Hazeldine is Ivan, and Michael Shannon plays Dr Morgan.
Official Synopsis: In this gritty thriller, Edgar Allen Poe (John Cusack) joins forces with a young Baltimore detective (Luke Evans) to hunt down a mad serial killer who’s using Poe’s own works as the basis in a string of brutal murders.
When a mother and daughter are found brutally murdered in 19th century Baltimore, Detective Emmett Fields (Luke Evans) makes a startling discovery: the crime resembles a fictional murder described in gory detail in the local newspaper—part of a collection of stories penned by struggling writer and social pariah Edgar Allan Poe. But even as Poe is questioned by police, another grisly murder occurs, also inspired by a popular Poe story.
Realizing a serial killer is on the loose using Poe’s writings as the backdrop for his bloody rampage, Fields enlists the author’s help in stopping the attacks. But when it appears someone close to Poe may become the murderer’s next victim, the stakes become even higher and the inventor of the detective story calls on his own powers of deduction to try to solve the case before it’s too late.
Lionsgate has made it official. After weeks of speculation, the studio confirmed Jennifer Lopez has signed up to star in What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Cameron Diaz is also set to take on the film version of Heidi Murkoff’s bestselling book.
Filming is set to begin this summer, with Lionsgate eyeing a Mother’s Day Weekend 2012 release. According to the studio, “Lopez will play Holly in one of the film’s interlocking stories, a woman who adopts a baby from abroad with her husband after difficulty conceiving.”
Nanny McPhee director Kirk Jones is helming the film from a script by Heather Hach and re-written by Shauna Cross (Whip It). Mike Medavoy, Arnie Messer and David Thwaites are producing, with Doug McKay co-producing. Heidi and Erik Murkoff will executive produce along with their literary manager Alan Nevins of Renaissance Literary & Talent.
The What to Expect When You’re Expecting Plot: “Based on the 16 million copy best-selling book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting is an ensemble romantic-comedy is in the vein of Love Actually and Valentine’s Day. The film is a modern look at love through the eyes of four interconnected couples experiencing the thrills and surprises of having a baby, and ultimately coming to understand the universal truth that no matter what you plan for, life doesn’t always deliver what’s expected.”
Justin Bieber appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman presenting a top 10 list of things we don’t know about the pop star. Of the 10 items listed, only a couple got real laughs, but my personal favorite part is when Letterman asks the Bieber if he has any idea who he [Letterman] is and Bieber answers no. That’s worth sitting through the top 10 list to see.
