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?