Comics poised for noise inside the hoodies

Launched in 2008, SXSW Comedy adds humor for the confabs film, music and interactive options, hosting the Doug Loves Movies podcast, above, together with other laff-inducing occasions. five years ago, Scott Aukerman, host in the comedy podcast and IFC show "Comedy Bang Bang," travelled to Austin to complete in a single unsanctioned show throughout SXSW. He'd no badge to find out live concerts or participate the majority of the sections.Contrast by utilizing today: Now within the fifth installment, SXSW Comedy will host a thrilling, eight-day selection for the reason that 60 comics, most national headliners, look in many intimate podcast tracks and special mid-day occasions. Possibly the finest show is really a tape of "WTF With Marc Maron.""We have every peer leader from film, the net and music around,Inch states Charlie Sotelo, an SXSW vet now dedicated to programming the fest's Comedy selection. "It's the audience comics desire to achieve. And comedy is certainly a business another males desire to achieve."Sotelo what food was for the reason that first rogue show in 2007, which he approached Aukerman after about curating an amount of standup occasions throughout the music activity part of the next year's fest. The quantity of shows ongoing to build up, developing a large leap a year ago when Sotelo introduced live podcasts to SXSW's Film and Interactive agendas.Sotelo notes that even though podcast tracks focus much more about established talent, the following four days, throughout the music activity fest, offer an chance to burglary a few beginners.Among people is Cameron Esposito, a Chicago-based comic making her first trek lower south. She sees SXSW being an chance to develop her number of fans in a really deliberate way."It is really an opportunity to do before my exact demographic: those who are stylish too as with-the-know, people with 'haircuts' and flannel," she states. "I am hoping the hoodie-wearing marketplace is there."Return to primary page >> Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

CBS repeats impress

Fox had mixed results using its first evening of the four-comedy Tuesday block, edging in front of the competition around the evening among teenagers. Still, a evening of repeat dramas had CBS competitive in 18-49 as the internet won easily in the core groups.Based on preliminary national estimations from Nielsen, Fox rested ''Glee'' to create a two-hour comedy block, faring best not surprisingly at 9 p.m. with ''New Girl'' (3./8 in 18-49, 6. million audiences overall), that was low but pretty good given its soft lead-in from ''I Hate My Teenage Daughter'' (1.6/4 in 18-49, 3.8 million audiences overall), an initial-year half-hour that broadcast on four Wednesdays at the end of fall. Best news for that internet needed to function as the time-period premiere of ''Raising Hope'' at 8 (2.1/6 in 18-49, 4.8 million audiences overall), which did comparable as it absolutely was at 9:30 p.m. following ''New Girl.'' And shutting the block was ''Breaking In'' (1.7/4 in 18-49, 3.six million audiences overall), the Christian Slater reveal that broadcast seven occasions in spring of this past year it went third one of the tv stations in 18-49, retaining 57% of their 18-49 lead-in from ''New Girl'' and outperforming its final original episode last May (1.3/3 in 18-49).CBS impressed, tying Fox for that 18-49 lead within their common hrs and simply topping the evening among grown ups 25-54 and total audiences. Within the opening hour, ''NCIS'' (2.4/7 in grown ups 18-49, 14.4 million audiences overall) won its timeslot by having an 18-49 score which was greater than basically two firstrun hrs on ABC, NBC and Fox a week ago. It had been then ''NCIS: Los Angeles'' (1.9/5 in 18-49, 11.9 million audiences overall) and ''Unforgettable'' (1.4/4 in 18-49, 8.two million audiences overall), each of which brought their periods of time in 25-54.At NBC, ''The Greatest Loser'' hit a minimal (1.9/5 in 18-49, 5.7 million audiences overall), although the network disrupted its selection in multiple metropolitan areas for coverage of Super Tuesday, plus some stations broadcast the load-loss competition from 9 to 11 it's expected that ''Loser'' should improve a tick or two within the excellent. Also murky was the performance from the NBC News special ''Decision 2012,'' which broadcast at 10 p.m. in much of the nation but at 8 p.m. in the western world.Mastening numbers broadcast a repeat ''Last Guy Standing'' (1.4/4 in 18-49, 5.5 million audiences overall), then ''Cougar Town'' (1.5/4 in 18-49, 4.4 million audiences overall), that was consistent with Fox's ''Teenage Daughter'' in 18-49 at 8:30. Drama ''The River'' appears to possess found its core audience (1.5/4 in 18-49, 4.two million audiences overall), holding steady versus. a week ago, and also the evening wrapped having a repeat ''Body of Proof'' (.9/2 in 18-49, 4.7 million audiences overall). For that evening, ABC needed to be satisfied with a fifth-place finish one of the tv stations in 18-49, falling a tick lacking 4th-place Univision.At CW, ''90210'' came back using its first original episode inside a month (.7/2 in 18-49, 1.3 million audiences overall), then ''Ringer'' (.5/one in 18-49, 1.two million audiences overall), which published its best women 18-34 score (.8/2) since late November.Preliminary 18-49 earnings for that evening: Fox, 2.1/6 CBS, 1.9/5 NBC, 1.6/4 Univision, 1.4/4 ABC, 1.3/4 CW, .6/2.As a whole audiences: CBS, 11.5 million NBC, 4.9 million ABC, 4.six million Fox, 4.5 million Univision, 3.3 million CW, 1.3 million. Contact Ron Kissell at ron.kissell@variety.com

Emmy Rossum to participate 'Beautiful Creatures'

Rossum"Shameless" star Emmy Rossum is at final discussions to participate the cast of Warner Bros. and Alcon Entertainment's supernatural love story "Beautiful Creatures."Richard LaGravenese will direct using their own adaptation in the first novel in Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's popular quantity of books, the three that have been launched by Little Brown Books.Occur the South, story follows two star-joined teenage fanatics -- a close boy together with unknown new girl -- who uncover dark secrets regarding families, their background their town.Jack O'Connell and Alice Englert are likely to star alongside Viola Davis and Emma Thompson. Rossum may have Ridley, Englert's cousin who increased to become dark witch on her behalf account 16th birthday, which switched the two women into competitors.Erwin Stoff is creating with Alcon cake cake toppers Broderick Manley and Andrew Kosove. Pic starts shooting later in New Orleans.Rossum's past feature credits include "Mystic River," "The Following Day Of Tomorrow," "The Phantom in the Opera" and "Poseidon." She presently stars on Showtime's hit series "Shameless." Thesp is repped by ICM as well as the Schiff Company. Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com

REVIEW: Italian Comedy The Salt of Existence Proves You Simply Never Overcome It Anything

When the teenage hedonists of Project X need to see what is available on their behalf in 4 decades - but it normally won't - they may take a look at Italian author-director-actor Gianni Di Gregorios wise and none-too-sweet little comedy The Salt of Existence, where a 60-ant retired person residing in Trastevere all of a sudden knows that not really a single lady - not his reasonably affectionate but matter-of-fact wife, nor his sexy youthful nearby neighbor, nor any one of his various old flames and acquaintances has an interest in sleeping with him. It is also, to my understanding, the only real movie concerning the love lives of sexagenarians that shuts using the Pixies Here Comes Your Guy. This can be a movie thatll play great using the blue-haired crowd, but I suspect touches like this goes within the heads from the oldsters. The overarching, bittersweet vibe from the Salt of Existence is you never, find yourself getting regarding this - regardless of the hell it's. The Salt of Existence may be the follow-as much as Di Gregorios surprise 2010 small-hit Mid-August Lunch, by which some version from the character we meet here - a man at the end of-middle age named Gianni, performed by Di Gregorio themself - needs into service cooking and otherwise waiting on his passive-strongly demanding 90-something mother (performed, with grand dame comic authority, by Valeria p Franciscis) and her equally wrinkly, chattery woman pals. Mid-August Lunch was Di Gregorios directorial debut. (Younger crowd authored the script for that 2008 drama Gomorrah.) And when it had been the kind of movie to for you to take your mother - along with your grandmother as well as your great-grandmother - it had been also evidence that even safe, nice little movies, done correctly, might have a little from the serpents bite inside them. Di Gregorio includes a light touch, but he doesn't go for that saccharine. Even if he stoops to creating a The blue pill joke - because he does within the Salt of Existence - he cant resist tipping it on its ear. And that he will not overplay as soon as - he ricochets off down another path even before you realize it. Within The Salt of Existence, Gianni - once more performed by Di Gregorio, that has the environment of the lovelorn basset hound - cant help realizing that his salt-and-pepper-haired pals appear to become dallying with beautiful more youthful women. Nearly half-heartedly, he decides he may try it themself: His wife (Elisabetta Piccolomini), who appears to wish him around simply to make Ikea runs, most likely wouldnt care. And the daughter (performed by Di Gregorios daughter, Teresa) has her very own sex life to bother with her ex-boyfriend (Michelangelo Ciminale) continues to be hanging out the household apartment, and, apparently from deficiencies in anything easier to do, becomes Giannis friend and partner in crime. Among fielding calls from his mother (p Franciscis, once more), who summons him to her home for important tasks like slapping the television to be able to improve reception, Gianni makes attempts with assorted more youthful cuties (almost all of them, incidentally, voluptuous in ways that you simply rarely see in American movies). He starts together with his moms caretaker, Kristina (Kristina Cepraga), an attractive blonde goddess who eagerly informs him in regards to a dream by which he performed a substantial role - as her grandfather. He then moves onto a classic acquaintance, Gabriella (performed by mezzosoprano Gabriella Sborgi), who professes curiosity about him simply to ignore him as he turns up, flowers with you, at her house while shes busy practicing. Old-flame Valeria (Valeria Cavalli) is thrilled to determine him, but falls asleep around the couch before their date can ignite. Which vivacious next-door-neighbor, Aylin (Aylin Prandi), adores him but less than for the reason that way - she's deeply appreciative of how he's always preventing by just to walk her Saint Bernard, Riccardo. Di Gregorio (who also authored the script) provides a regular scenario without a doubt. Nevertheless its what he is doing by using it, and exactly how he tosses in casual but significant sophistication notes, that helps to make the difference. Di Gregorio - who appears to become transporting the entire weight of unrequited sexual interest within the cartoonishly heavy bags under his eyes - is an expert in self-deprecation, particularly when it involves machismo. (Which is Italian machismo were speaking about - not for that average person.) When Gianni dons a brand new suit and struts past his pals - they sit outdoors within their tracksuits, speaking about football and ladies, possibly for the reason that order - one of these remarks, He or she must possess a date! simply to have another retort, Hes most likely seeing a christening. He is doing, actually, possess a date, however the suit does not help him much. Giannis lack of ability to obtain anything began is not only a running gag - it is the pictures backbone, although Di Gregorio keeps the experience and also the jokes lissome and fluid, instead of securing them right into a rigid formula. As actor, director and author, he approaches the thought of ever-present longing using the suppleness of the dancer. At first glance, The Salt of Existence may appear just like a movie made only for old folks. The secret is it really is one of the youth that stays along with you, even if your aging is spending so much time to convince you otherwise. Follow Stephanie Zacharek on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Tim Burton's 'Frankenweenie' Can get A Preliminary Trailer

The claymation remake of just one of Tim Burton's first films, "Frankenweenie," opened up its initial trailer today. Using the original online video with the visionary filmmaker, "Frankenweenie" follows a boy named—what else—Victor Frankenstein. When Victor handles to get rid of his nearest friend, his dog Sparky, he decides to satisfy his namesake and reanimate his lost friend. Naturally, after Victor works to get uncle in the grave, the townspeople don't take kindly for the bolt-necked, stitched-up dog. See the trailer following a jump! The claymation-ified "Frankenweenie" assumes the design of Burton's previous work in the world of stop-motion, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "The Corpse Bride," but furthermore carefully resembles the black-and-white-colored look in the 1984 classic, starring Daniel Stern and Shelley Duvall. The images also borrow heavily within the 19 thirties Universal horror movies that Burton has always respected. The completely new undertake "Frankenweenie" features voice work from Burton alums for instance Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short and Martin Landau. It's refreshing to find out Burton coming back towards the story that aided start a status for themselves. A period of babies was elevated watching "Frankenweenie" every Halloween round the Disney funnel, and so the remake functions like a great opportunity to create that story to existence for just about any new quantity of kids. Plus, anytime people beneath the age for 25 are uncovered with a black-and-white-colored film, it's an optimistic factor. What can you consider the initial trailer for "Frankenweenie"? Inform us inside the comments below and also on Twitter!

People on the move

Market7, a provider of web-based software for collaboration around creative content, added Craig Heiting as VP and general manager for media and entertainment. A television industry veteran, Heiting is charged with expanding the adoption of Market7 by studios, networks and independent producers. ***Josh C. Kline is leaving Deluxe Digital Distribution, where he handled strategic business development, to become head of online services for script software shingle Final Draft.***Technicolor has added Kristy Scanlan as VP, business development for Technicolor Digital Productions' Animation group, reporting to Robert Winthrop, head of animation. Scanlan is responsible for growing the company's animation production services, developing business strategies, and coordinating marketing initiatives. Among her initial priorities is to oversee the strategic expansion of Technicolor's animation services business for video game and advertising clients. Prior to joining Technicolor, Scanlan was head of production for Threshold Entertainment, where she produced computer-generated animated feature-length films and oversaw creative development of all live-action and animated projects. Contact Peter Caranicas at peter.caranicas@variety.com

'Star Trek 2' Set Photos Show Benedict Cumberbatch Fighting Spock

"Star Wars 2" is shrouded in secrecy. We do not come with an official title, we do not be aware of plot, and that we have no idea who Benedict Cumberbatch is playing though all signs indicate a villain, especially considering a brand new set photo that's just showed up at our door step. Within this start looking at director J.J. Abrams' presently shooting "Star WarsInch follow up, we have seen quite clearly that Zachary Quinto's coming back Spock and also the newcomer performed by Cumberbatch are greatly not buddies. The 2 are kept in fight on the top of what is being referred to as "an area Barge set." Throughout the fight as well as in the photo you can observe here, Spock does his better to stop his foe using his famous Vulcan Dying Grip, however the move fails Cumberbatch's character has the capacity to overpower check your grip and restore top of the submit his struggle from the Star Fleet officer. Oddly enough, Spock isn't the just one putting on a Star Fleet uniform. Cumberbatch's unknown character is viewed putting on a black version from the uniform under his silver heavyweight coat. An indication this guy would be a friend before he would be a foe? In another shot in the epic fight, Zoe Saldana joins your dream once more as Uhura. She's utilizing a phaser in order to save Spock from Cumberbatch's villain, though whether she'll be effective is really a different story altogether. Because of Eric Ford with On Location News for that awesome new photos! Exactly what do you think about the very first "Star WarsInch set photos? Who do you consider Cumberbatch is playing? Inform us within the comments section or hit us on Twitter!

Steve McQueen talks Shame Oscar snub

Shame is going to be probably the most high-profile absentees as next weekend's Oscar ceremony, getting initially been recommended for a number of nominations in high-profile groups. Director Steve McQueen has spoken out concerning the decision, and states it's lower to America's clumsiness around the topic of sex."In The Usa they are too frightened of sex," states McQueen. "This is exactly why [Michael Fassbender] wasn't nominated. Should you consider the best actor list you are saying, 'Michael Fassbender is this is not on that list?'"It certainly strikes us like a bizarre omission, but McQueen indicates he's perfectly pleased to allow the Academy start it. "It's type of crazy, but that is how it's,Inch he states. "This is an American award, allow them to have it."For Fassbender, McQueen is not but praise for that Irish star. "He's a once inside a generation actor," he states. "He's an actress who are able to transform and transcend, and also you really believe him. This is the type of guy he's.InchWhen requested as to whether they'll be working together again later on, McQueen seemed equally positive."It is all about the script," he describes. "If Michael's the best person for that character and when he likes the script. Things I like about our relationship is it isn't tied, it isn't a married relationship. It's friendship and it is done from respect of every other peoples talents and every other peoples passion for film."[brightcove]1223737739001[/brightcove]

Canadian company has global goal

Kim McCraw and Luc Dery's Microscope has created 'Monsieur Lazhar' and 'Incendies.'Small-but-happening Montreal production company Microscope may be the poster child for that new wave of Quebecois cinema that's making waves beyond the Canadian province's edges. The shingle has managed to get onto the Oscar foreign-language short-list 2 yrs consecutively, for Denis Villeneuve's "Incendies" this past year with Philippe Falardeau's "Monsieur Lazhar" this season. Both films have offered all over the world, in addition to getting nabbed numerous fest honors: Both, for instance, won the crowd award in the Rotterdam Film Festival. Since Luc Dery and Kim McCraw founded Microscope ten years ago, the 2 have focused solely on wise, high-finish photos made to attract interest outdoors Canada. At that time, their approach could not happen to be higher productivity of step using the Quebec film biz, that was mostly thinking about producing photos that clicked on with local auds, but rarely made a lot of an impact elsewhere. "I do not think we have done one film to date that people thought would only interest the Canadian market," Dery states. "Lots of films (in Quebec) are created for that French-Canadian market, (but) we believe, "?'Will it interest British Canada?' And when it will, it could interest other areas all over the world.Inch Villeneuve and Falardeau aren't the only real Quebec filmmakers attaining worldwide profile. Xavier Dolan, whose greatest-budget pic up to now, "Laurence Anyways," is anticpated to be shipped this spring, is another rising star and Jean-Marc Vallee is on roll following his 2011 Vanessa Paradis-starring Canada-France co-production "Coffee shop p Flore." "Incendies" and "Monsieur Lazhar" do not have much in keeping, aside from their Oscar nominations: "Incendies" is really a disturbing drama about family ties and sectarian conflict within an un named country in the centre East "Monsieur Lazhar" is really a gentle piece a good Algerian refugee who gets control a grade-school class in Montreal following the previous teacher had committed suicide. Microscope's approaching photos are simply as diverse. They include another Middle East-set story "Inch'Allah," author-director Anais Barbeau-Lavalette's consider a female French-Canadian physician focusing on free airline Bank. Shot in Jordan, like "Incendies" this past year, it's presently in publish. Meanwhile, lensing is placed to start within days on "Whitewash," Microscope's first British-language project. The feature debut from advertisements helmer Emanuel Hoss-Desmarais, it is a snow-covered Coen siblings-esque black comedy in regards to a guy who kills a guy while driving his pavement snow plow after which hides out in the center of nowhere. Dery, who's been a fixture around the Montreal film scene for much of history 2 decades, states the Microscope filmmaking philosophy is fairly straightforward. "It comes down to tales we've not heard or seen from individuals with original voices," Dery states. "And those that are nice. We love to creating films and being happy doing the work. Therefore if we are getting a shitty time having a difficult director, we don't wish to get it done.Inch Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

SyFy Buys Action Sci-Fi Drama Spec

Author Brett Conrad (Sons Of Anarchy, Covert Matters) has offered the spec sci-fi action drama The Dover Agenda to SyFy, with Craig Josephson (Bones) aboard to executive produce and FremantleMedia to create. The Dover Agenda, that is presently being modified to some 90-minute pilot, the format utilized by Syfy, is really a thriller in regards to a youthful guy who's employed bya future version of himselfto work with a secret branch of Military Intelligence concentrating in parapsychology and future tech. The character of fate is necessary because the youthful guy gradually starts to understand he didn't turn view he thought he'd. Conrad is repped by UTA and Magnet Management.

eOne continues trading spree

Entertainment One ongoing a buying spree as of this year's European Film Market, getting upset up a raft of multi-territory rights for photos including "A Well Known Guy," "Bitter Pill" and "Love Punch." Since the market found some close, the distrib introduced it had acquired U.K. and Canadian rights for Jim Mickle's "We are That Which You Are," Steven Soderbergh's Rooney Mara starrer "Bitter Pill" (Daily Variety, Feb. 13), and Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington starrer "2 Guns," being helmed by Baltasar Kormakur, therefore it bought for $10.6 000 0000. eOne also acquired U.K., Canadian and Australian rights to Paul Andrew Williams' "Miss You Already" and Joel Hopkins' "Love Punch," starring Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan. For Canada and Benelux, it nabbed Philip Seymour Hoffman starrer "A Well Known Guy," from FilmNation Entertainment, even though it needed U.K., Canadian and Benelux rights for helmer Steven Sheil's Cinemax Asia film "Dead Mine," which was being looked by Celluloid Bad dreams or nightmares. Additional pick-ups for Canada include director John Stockwell's "Codename Geronimo," Catherine Hardwicke's "Plush," Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper starrer "Serena," J.C. Chandor-helmed "All Sheds,Inch Brit crime actioner "The Sweeney" and "Authors," starring Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Connelly. In Oz, eOne needed rights for Julian Fellowes' scripted "Crooked House" and Katherine Heigl adult puppet feature "Happytime Killings." U . s . States pick-ups include "Demon Seed," "Iron Sky," "ReleaseInch and "Osombie." Too as with Benelux it needed "Last Exorcism 2," starring Ashley Bell, which was being looked by Studiocanal. Finally, distrib acquired U.K. rights for helmer Rodrigo Garca's Glenn Close and Mia Wasikowska starrer "Albert Nobbs." Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Mega Buzz: Grey's Career Change, NCIS' No-Go Romance and a New Vampire Gal

Ellen Pompeo, Michael Weatherly, Ian Somerhalder Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questionsto mega_scoop@tvguide.com. Will Meredith ever go back to neuro on Grey's Anatomy? - Jenny NATALIE: Meredith will finally make her way back to neuro in an upcoming episode, but don't expect it to be a permanent stop, according to Ellen Pompeo. After Derek practically begs her to return to his service, Meredith ends up leaving shortly therafter when a serious mistake puts Lexie in the line of fire. Like a good big sis, Meredith takes the fall. Any good Tiva moments coming up on NCIS? - MelissaADAM: If it's Tiva tension you're after, don't miss next week's episode, which features Tony's ex-fiancée Wendy (guest star Perrey Reeves, aka Entourage's Mrs. Ari). "There's a whole lot of lip-locking," Michael Weatherly teases. "I think Ziva understands there's a real threat." But even though Weatherly thinks something is brewing between Tony and Ziva, he doesn't believe they will ever be a couple. "Who knows? Maybe they secretly try a kiss just to see what it might be like," he says. "But putting them together? I don't think it is a good idea for our show." Very excited that Smallville's Cassidy Freeman will be on The Vampire Diaries! Any scoop on her character? - Jones NATALIE: "Expect her to be pretty badass," Freeman tells us. We'll meet her character, Sage, in the "1912" episode where she'll find herself in some, ahem, compromising positions. There have been all those "naked Damon" teases... Thanks for the interview with Jesse Spencer about this week's awesome House. Any more scoop? - PatrickADAM: While next week's episode is all about Chase's (begrudging) return to the hospital, executive producer Greg Yaitanes warns that you shouldn't take your eyes off Odette Annable's Dr. Adams, who takes Chase's injury very hard. "While everybody was sort of let off the hook [for the accident], that does not absolve her of what she feels," Yaitanes says. "I feel that she is the most victimized by what happened. She let her guard down and someone got hurt, and she inevitably feels responsible." Cougar Town returns next week! Spoilers, please! ­- Amy NATALIE: Let's look ahead to when Bobby meets Angie (Sarah Chalke). Jules acts as Cyrano for Bobby to create the all-time perfect date. In true Cougar Town fashion, it goes horribly awry. How bad is it? It's a cornucopia of marine life disasters. Clam chowder is spilled, a romantic walk on the beach turns into an episode of CSI: Dead Manatees, and then - indulge the metaphor -- someone's got crabs... I hear JJ has a big episode coming up on Criminal Minds? True?- DebbieADAM: Yup. For the first time, JJ will spar with an unsub. But JJ's combat skills won't be the only new info you'll get about her. "You'll find out that she has an interesting - I guess that's the right word - relationship with one of the other team members," A.J. Cook tells us. "It's kind of eye-opening. I'm curious to see what the fans think." You heard the woman! Get to guessing in the comments! Any hints on the Desperate Housewives death? - Shari NATALIE: We can reveal that the murder weapon is a gun, and if we tell you anything else, Marc Cherry will use that gun on us. In possibly related news, someone from Wisteria Lane may miss the deceased's funeral since he or she will be in handcuffs by the end of that episode. You said a while back that we'd be seeing Fin's son again on SVU. Is that still happening? - KristyADAM: Indeed it is, and he'll be bringing a fiancé with him! "Fin's son is engaged, now that legalization [of same-sex marriages] has come to NY," executive producer Warren Leight tells us. "We see Munch meeting the fiancé and they're trying to figure out how to tell Fin. I like the idea of Munch as the rabbi." And how will Fin feel about this development? "He's been supportive verbally, but we'll see how comfortable [he] really is," Leight says. Where's the scoop on Drop Dead Diva? - Mel NATALIE: Jane's new guardian angel is the polar opposite of Fred. With an oversized sense of entitlement and a bottomless bank account, Luke's hedonistic ways are perfectly suited to Los Angeles. To put it bluntly: Yes, he works for God, but he'd also probably do just fine working for the guy downstairs.Anything good coming up with Calleigh and Delko on CSI: Miami? - MonicaADAM: You bet! When Calleigh's plan to adopt Randy North's kids hits a snag in the final phase - the adoption agency isn't keen on turning the kids over to a single parent whose life is in danger so often - it will be Delko who comes to her rescue. Look for him to verbalize just how much he cares for Calleigh as he vows to the agency that Calleigh will not be alone in raising these children. What's coming up on Happy Endings? - Leonard NATALIE: A proposal! Since Jane and Brad are already married, you can eliminate them from the running. We'll just say this: It's going to be ah-mah-zing! Southland has been great so far this season. Any other spoilers? - AustinADAM: Cooper will get a taste of his former job as a training officer when he gets stuck in a car with a nervous, fresh-out-of-the-academy rookie reporting for his first day of duty. Meanwhile, I'm hearing Cooper's old trainee Ben will be spending some time on a police shrink's couch after an officer-involved shooting. Our question: Is he the triggerman or the target? Natalie's Mega Rave: While the rest of us mourn the loss of All My Children, Susan Lucci is making light of it. Appearing on Hot in Cleveland, Lucci played a downtrodden ex-soap star who has no idea how to live in the real world (aka as herself). In fact, she can't remember if she's actually Lucci or Erica Kane. Forget AMC, sign her up for HiC! Adam's Mini Rant: I spoke too soon: Last week's American Idol auditions were terrible. Your move, The Voice. Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows?E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.comor drop us a line atTwitter.com/TVGuide(Additional reporting by Joyce Eng, Robyn Ross and Kate Stanhope)

American Idol's Randy Jackson on Swooning, Stern Steven and just how Season 11 Is Much More Intense

The American Idol Show While The American Idol Show has not transformed its format considerably because of its eleventh season, you will find some surprises available. On the call earlier this year, judge Randy Jackson sidestepped questions regarding the brand new performance challenges, but taunted that everything is going to be harder this season - to the stage that medics were even contacted to deal with fainting people who audition within the Hollywood models, which begin Thursday (8/7c, Fox). Is a sign that Idol has switched in the warmth? American Idol's Randy Jackson: Mariah Carey could be an "amazing" X Factor judge Let us have a look at Jackson's (from time to time vague) hints of the items might be available for that competition: Hollywood models send hopefuls swooning (literally). "We'd people fainting and fainting. It had been crazy," Jackson stated. "More than ever before, it had been type of strange. It simply shows the concentration of what's happening. This Hollywood Week was the most difficult I believe we have ever endured around the kids. What's interesting about this time around is I'd look at the kids waiting to obtain as much as sing... [and they'd fully stand up for every other artist. It had been like, 'Wow, they are great.A You need to see lots of talent that goes before you decide to, so when you are a slave to together with your nerves inside a bunch and you are seeing great voice after great voice after talent after talent, I believe you actually start questioning yourself." The Judges' Save might get a tweak. "One thing we have been throwing around coupled with ideas about is the fact that judges' save factor," he stated. "Last season, we managed to save Casey, also it was the best time since it was the best person to achieve that with, however i certainly wish we'd another a couple of because It did not serve the relaxation from the team well." Familiar faces have came back, restored and enhanced. "Each year, should you watch the auditions carefully, we are saying, 'You're not ready yet. Perhaps you should return.' You know what? This season, many of them returned," Jackson stated having a laugh. "They really took in to us plus they returned. They have become better or grown... I believe the only edge they have is the fact that they have had the experience before... maybe that can help using the nerves a bit.Inch The American Idol Show jams its music show competition, discloses new performance challenges Howard is not the only real "Stern" judge. "It's Steven [Tyler] and Jennifer [Lopez]'s second year. I believe they are being a bit more stern, not harder - stern," Jackson stated. "They are a bit more confident with it, but they are getting a great time, we are all getting an excellent time. You will see some change for the reason that inside them... It might surprise you." The Dawg might have learned new catch phrases. "Things I do and what I only say always changes because we grow and evolve a bit,Inch he stated. "I might not be saying this season, 'Are you inside it to win it?' [laughs] I believe that a person's been upon the market. Which was last season, guy. It is so last season! You need to feel it in mid-air, seriously!Inch The American Idol Show airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on Fox. How's it going liking Season 11 to date? Do you consider your competition is harder?

Elizabeth Banks Joins Frank Or Francis

Charlie Kaufman's latestCharlie Kaufman's been putting together a properly eclectic cast for his latest writing / pointing effort, the musical satire on HollywoodFrank Or Francis. And today he's kept in one extra title: Elizabeth Banks.Francis' primary plot strand finds Frank (Steve Carell), an intellectual director kept in a fight of wills with Francis (Jack Black), a web-based blogger stereotype who still lives together with his parents and takes glee in attacking Frank's movies.Recent Empire webchat victimparticipant Nicolas Cage will star being an actor famous for starring in large, high concept films (seem familiar?), while Kevin Kline can look in 2 roles one, the earth's top-grossing director and the other because the man's brother, a typically Kaufman style character who becomes an animatronic mind. Because why don't you?Banking institutions, meanwhile, is signing onto play a properly-regarded as actress whose career is basically comprised of formulaic comedy tanks. She's also getting cheating with Carell. In their career, Banks will next be observed in Guy On The Ledge (due here Feb 3) after which within the a little anticipated first Hunger Games film, that is on March 23.

Who's Co-Hosting Live! With Kelly's All-Women Week?

Kristin Chenoweth, Cat Deeley Barbara, Cat and Kristin join Kim as approaching co-hosts on Live! With Kelly. (State that three occasions fast.) Starting off a few days of female co-hosts may be the formerly introduced Kardashian, who definitely are became a member of by visitors Lucy Lawless and Glee's Kevin McHale on Monday, Jan. 23. Kim Kardashian to guest co-host Live! With Kelly On Tuesday, Mary J. Blige will sit within the co-host chair with visitors Cynthia Nixon and also the Bachelor's Chris Harrison. Broadway star Kristin Chenowith follows on Wednesday, with visitors Alan Cumming (The Great Wife) and Emmy Rossum.(Shameless). Live! With Kelly announces new fill-in co-hosts Which Means You Think You Are Able To Dance host Cat Deeley will require the co-host chair on Thursday with guest Nick Jonas. A few days involves a detailed on Friday with Dwts judge Barbara Ann Inaba, who definitely are became a member of by comedian Chelsea Handler. Which co-host are you currently most searching toward?