Amanda Tapping Seeks Sanctuary for Kids

In the spirit of the Syfy series Sanctuary in which she stars, actress Amanda Tapping (Stargate SG-1,Stargate Atlantis) has helped to found a non-profit organization aimed at giving children a better life.
The organization, called Sanctuary for Kids, was started by Tapping, Sanctuary creator and writer Damian Kindler and Jill Bodie. The idea was borne out of their collective desire to use the public profile ofSanctuary and the active fan base of the show to make a difference.
"We all feel very lucky and honoured to be able to do jobs we love with people we love in this industry," said Tapping. "Jill, Damian and I all felt a very strong desire and real responsibility to do something with the reach and audience we have through Sanctuary and the sci-fi community. We didn't want to waste the influence that the series has, or the meaningful connections we personally have made with so many people around the world."
Tapping plays Dr. Helen Magnus in Sanctuary, which airs on Friday nights on Syfy in the United States and SPACE in Canada. Magnus runs the titular establishment to provide shelter and medical treatment for 'abnormals.' These mutant creatures stay in hiding or live out in the open but keep their differences a secret out of fear of persecution.
Sanctuary started life in 2007 as a series of 15-minute Webisodes and is currently in its second television season. Tapping and Kindler are also executive producers on the show. Using it as a platform for a a good cause is something that Kindler hopes will start a trend in Hollywood.
"Ultimately, we want to set an example and make charitable giving and outreach a standard practice in the television and entertainment industry," he said. "We all feel that it would be irresponsible to ignore that influence."
Sanctuary for Kids will host three auctions throughout the year selling "priceless" items as well as meet and greet opportunities with Sanctuary actors and producers. The first auction is taking place now until November 22, 2009. On offer are such items as a behind the scenes set tour and lunch with Amanda Tapping, a personal Skype chat with Amanda Tapping, Damian Kindler and director and fellow executive producer Martin Wood, a well known prop used in the series (the "Sonic Stunner"), and an opportunity to name a new character in the show.
"This is an initiative that is based on relationships and working as a community at large," said Jill Bodie, Director of Sanctuary for Kids. "It's about doing something very real and tangible for children and youth who desperately need protection. Sci-fi fans are so connected and loyal. We will be relying on their connectivity and passion to help spread the word about the work we are doing."
Sanctuary for Kids has chosen the Nepal Orphans Home and Watari's TTIP (Transitioning to Independence Program) and TIPPY (Transitioning to Independence Program for Parenting Youth) Programs to launch the foundation. The Nepal Orphans Home (www.nepalorphanshome.org) attends to the welfare of children in Nepal who are orphaned, abandoned or not supported by their parents. Watari's Programs (www.watari.org) work with the homeless youth population in Vancouver to help stabilize single, pregnant and parenting youth in safe, affordable housing and encourages commitment to their treatment plans.

Falling Loonie May Re-Attract U.S. Productions to Canada

With the value of the CDN dollar falling through the floor in recent days (75 cents USD as of this writing), and a number of U.S. states reevaluating their filmincentive programs, American financed film productions are expected to begin eyeballing Canada as the preeminent shooting destination once again.
"You put the Canadian dollar together with the tax credits we've already got and we're completely back in the game," said Ken Ferguson of Toronto Film Studios, owners of the new mega studio FilmPort, withBoondock Saints 2 and an untitled George Romero film, both starting in Toronto.
Meanwhile, a Michigan Senate committee has begun discussion of capping its tax credit at US$50-million, Rhode Island capped its incentives at US$15-million per year and Florida slashed the budget of its governor's film office by 80%.
US taxpayer anger has grown at incentives in Massachusetts and Louisiana after high-profile events revealed their cost, with a Massachusetts report revealing that in two years the state missed out on US$120-million in taxes thanks to its credit program, while a Brad Pitt feature shooting in Louisiana cost that state US$27-million.
Industry sources say the state of New York, which bolstered its tax credit in April, has already begun reviewing whether to scale it back."Some of the extraordinary tax credits that are offered in some states, I think, are entirely unsustainable," said Ferguson."So it's not surprising that under some duress they'll have to cap those or throttle them back considerably."The hope is that those "who do production elsewhere might look to Vancouver and other parts of Canada with renewed interest," said Harvey Kahn, president of Vancouver's Front Street Pictures.

‘Stargate’ Roars at Canada’s Leo Awards

With so much fuss being made about J.J. Abrams Star Trek reboot, it's easy to forget that there is another successful franchise out there with Star… in the title. That would be Stargate, which is due for its own sort of makeover later this year with the premiere of Stargate Universe. This is no sign that the concept is struggling, though. Indeed, the slew of awards that Stargateproductions won at the recent Leo Awards in Vancouver, British Columbia (the home base of CinemaSpy) shows that it continues to be admired.
The LEO Awards are presented by the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Foundation of B.C.. They were established in 1998 to celebrate excellence in film and television productions that are made in the province. Stargate series and movies are largely filmed in Vancouver. At this years Celebration and Gala Ceremonies for the Leos, which took place on May 8 and 9, two productions - Stargate Continuum and Stargate Atlantis – won 12 awards between them. Moreover, Robert Cooper and Brad Wright, co-creators and executive producers of the three television series that make up the Stargate franchise, received one of the 2009 Leo Awards for Outstanding Achievement.
Stargate Atlantis, which ended its run after five seasons earlier this year, dominated the Dramatic Series category, winning nine of the 17 awards presented, including Best Dramatic Series. In the Feature Length Drama category, Stargate Continuum won three awards, one of which went to actor Michael Shanks for his performance as Stargate SG-1 series regular, Daniel Jackson. Shanks won Best Lead Performance by a Male.
Stargate alumni were also rewarded for their work on the series Sanctuary, which won four Leo awards. Those included Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series for Amanda Tapping, one of the stars of Stargate Continuum. Tapping plays Samantha Carter in the Stargate franchise and has appeared in Stargate Atlantis and was also a regular on Stargate SG-1. Stargate Continnum is a feature length spin-off from the latter and is reviewed on CinemaSpy here.
The full list of winners in the Feature Length Drama and Dramatic Series categories are given below. A list of winners in all categories can be found on the Leo Awards website.
FEATURE LENGTH DRAMA
Best Feature Length Drama
Fifty Dead Men Walking – Shawn Williamson, Stephen Hegyes, Peter La Terriere, Kari Skogland, Guy Collins, Stephen Margolis, Michael Ryan, Nicole Carmen-Davis, Karyn Edwards, Elsie Choi, Kyle Lundberg (Producers)
Best Direction in a Feature Length Drama
Anne Wheeler – Living Out Loud
Best Screenwriting in a Feature Length Drama
Brad Wright – Stargate Continuum
Best Cinematography in a Feature Length Drama
Attila Szalay – Iron Road
Best Picture Editing in a Feature Length Drama
Fred Thorsen – Stone of Destiny
Best Overall Sound in a Feature Length Drama
Paul Sharpe, Iain Pattison, Graeme Hughes – Stargate Continuum
Best Sound Editing in a Feature Length Drama
John Taylor, Chester Bialowas, Jeff Jackman,Ken Biehl, Rick Senechal – Joy Ride 2
Best Musical Score in a Feature Length Drama
Ben Mink – Fifty Dead Men Walking
Best Production Design in a Feature Length Drama
Linda Del Rosario – Iron Road
Best Costume Design in a Feature Length Drama
Maya Mani – Iron Road
Best Make-Up in a Feature Length Drama
Joanne Kinchella – Iron Road
Best Visual Effects in a Feature Length Drama
Steve Hodgson, Adam Stern, Richard Patterson, Doug Campbell, Terry Hutcheson – Impact
Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Feature Length Drama
Chang Tseng – Dim Sum Funeral
Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Feature Length Drama
Lauren Lee Smith – Helen
Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Feature Length Drama
Michael Shanks – Stargate Continuum
Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Feature Length Drama
Babz Chula – Mothers & Daughters
DRAMATIC SERIES
Best Dramatic Series
Stargate Atlantis – Joseph Mallozzi, Paul Mullie, Brad Wright, Robert Cooper, Carl Binder, Martin Gero, Alan McCullough, John Smith (Producers)
Best Direction in a Dramatic Series
Robert Cooper
Stargate Atlantis – Vegas
Best Screenwriting in a Dramatic Series
Alan McCullough
Stargate Atlantis – The Queen
Best Cinematography in a Dramatic Series
Michael Blundell
Stargate Atlantis – Vegas
Best Picture Editing in a Dramatic Series
Mike Banas
Stargate Atlantis – Vegas
Best Overall Sound in a Dramatic Series
Kelly Cole, Patrick Ramsay, Bill Mellow, Joe Watts, Hugo De Le Cerda, Kevin Belen
Stargate Atlantis – Enemy at the Gate
Best Sound Editing in a Dramatic Series
Steve Smith, Matthew Wilson, Kirby Jinnah, Jay Cheetham, Jason Mauza
Stargate Atlantis – Enemy at the Gate
Best Production Design in a Dramatic Series
James Philpott
Smallville - Quest
Best Costume Design in a Dramatic Series
Valerie Halverson
Stargate Atlantis – The Queen
Best Make-Up in a Dramatic Series
Todd Masters, Nicholas Podbrey, Sarah Pickersgill, Harlow MacFarlane
Sanctuary – Warriors
Best Visual Effects in a Dramatic Series
Mark Savela, Shannon Gurney, Kodie MacKenzie, Viv Jim, Dan Weir
Stargate Atlantis – First Contact
Best Guest Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series
Ryan Robbins
Sanctuary - Edward
Best Guest Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series
Gabrielle Rose
Sanctuary - Edward
Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series
Benjamin Arthur
Less Than Kind – Top of the Class
Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series
Eve Harlow
The Guard – Boom
Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series
Tyler Labine
Reaper - Coming to Grips
Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series
Amanda Tapping
Sanctuary - Requiem

New ‘Blade Runner’ Webisodes Coming

As part of a remarkably ambitious expansion plan, the UK's Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire has applied for a new 100-acre film set representing streets in New York, Paris and Venice, according to theBBC.
Pinewood Shepperton has submitted the application to South Buckinghamshire District Council for Project Pinewood.
The £200m plans would include up to 1,500 homes—a mix of apartments, town and detached houses, a school, theatre, cinema and sports facilities.
Pinewood became famous in the 1950s and 1960s for the 'Bond' and 'Carry On films'.
Recent films coming from the studio include Bond's Quantum of Solace, Brideshead Revisited and The Dark Knight.
"Project Pinewood is the most innovative and forward looking strategic initiative in the UK screen and related industries," said the studio, "designed to achieve economic efficiencies in filming and reduction in carbon emissions."
The development would feature backdrops, including a Venetian canal, a Roman amphitheatre, a Tudor marketplace for period dramas and street scenes from downtown New York, French Quarter New Orleans, and a Chicago suburb. Pinewood said the project would offer directors and production designers a range of streetscapes reproducing the architectural style and atmosphere of the original locations abroad.
The studios said every aspect of the plans would take into account the importance of sustainability, from greener building design to the provision of alternative transport choices.
"Production companies will be able to reduce costs by not having to travel abroad and therefore reduce carbon emissions," it said.

Tinseltown Determined to Plug Leaks

It's a job for Captain Obvious: understanding that if you're a Hollywood thesp that you shouldn't reveal info about a project on which you're working…especially if you've signed a contract, most of which have non-disclosure agreements. That means you don't tell your friends, your grandma…even fido. And you certainly don't tell the media. And guess what? Yes, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube now count as the media (you're welcome, Marshal Mclullen fans).
Still, it seems some Hollywood types haven't figured it out yet. According to The Hollywood Reporter's THR, Esq. page, a growing number of studio deals are containing new language aimed specifically at curbing usage of social-media outlets by actors, execs and other creatives.
According to the report, plugging leaks of disparaging or confidential information about productions on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube is the goal.
So what brought this all to a head? In part, s small crisis over at FOX a couple of weeks back when Hart Hanson, executive producer for the Fox series Bones, tweeted, "First time in Bones history we are shut down from production. Damn swine flu!" It was a joke, but was misconstrued when another news items arrived reporting that the series star, David Boreanaz also had the flu. Turns out he only had a mild case of the regular flu.
Oops.
Then there was American Idol judge Paula Abdul's dramatic resignation from the show this year on Twitter.
Professional.
All of this is a bit capricious, of course. Hollywood is not averse to using the social networking media as a means to release information virally about forthcoming projects…and they're OK with celebs doing the same—provided it's been sanctioned. What it's really about is control…and studios want to maintain it. Not that you can really blame them.
It seems the bottom line here is this: if you've signed a non-disclosure contract, that means you don'tdisclose info anywhere, and that including Facetube.

Concept Art for Marvel’s $1B Dubai Theme Park

Now that Disney has absorbed Marvel into its giant maw, a proposed Marvel superhero theme park for Dubai may not be as safe a bet as planners had originally hoped. Back in 2007, United Arab Emirate-based Al Ahli Group and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. announced a partnership that would bring Marvel's full roster of Super Heroes — including 'Spider-Man', 'Iron Man', 'The X-Men', 'Incredible Hulk', 'The Fantastic Four' and 'Silver Surfer' — to Dubai for a major new theme park destination being developed by AAG.
Scheduled to open in 2011, the $1B theme park has faced some delays and is now being slated to open in 2012, assuming, of course, that Marvel's new parent company, Disney, doesn't balk at the investment, given that the Dubai economy has slowed in 2009…along with the rest of the world economy.
When the project was announced the press release said that "New technology and unparalleled visitor experiences will be the hallmark of the theme park creating a new standard for theme parks around the world."
Meanwhile, concept art for the park, which will feature rides and sections based on 'Spider-Man', 'Iron Man', 'The Hulk' and 'X-Men' has arrived online, and shows rollercoasters, a Spidey freefall ride and 3-D theaters.
As if one needed another reason to visit Dubai, which is fast becoming a playground mecca for big, unique ideas.
You can check out a few of the concept images below which depict various possible attractions, and click on over to DisneyAndMore for the rest.

Disney Releases Official Specs for Fantastic ‘Fantasia’ BD

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has official announced the full specs for its upcoming Blu-ray and DVD release of Fantasia. The former, which dates from 1940, has become one of Disney's most admired classics. If the quality of remastering for a hi-def release is anything like that of Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, animation fans are in for a visual and auditory treat.
The Blu-ray edition of The Fantasia and Fantasia 2000: 2-Movie Collection Special Edition will be a 4-disc release that includes both the original film and its turn-of-the-millennium follow-up. Like the original, Fantasia 2000 is a lively mix of classical music and animated imagery. The 'cast' includes a host of famous names, including Steve Martin, Bette Midler, James Earl Jones, Penn and Teller, Angela Lansbury, Itzhak Perlman and Quincy Jones.
Among the special features on the Blu-ray will be the Academy Award® nominated short Destino. Started in 1946 as a collaboration between Walt Disney and the painter Salvador Dali, Destino was not completed until 2003 when Roy E. Disney took on the project. The story of this classic short is told in a documentary included on the BD release titled 'Dali & Disney: A Date With Destino.'
The Fantasia and Fantasia 2000: 2-Movie Collection Special Edition will also be available as a 2-Disc DVD. Both editions will be released on November 30.
For the full specs, read the official announcement below:
BURBANK, Calif., September 2010 — Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 — the magical, animated musical masterpiece and the contemporary classic inspired by it — debut in highly anticipated Blu-ray High Definition and DVD 2-Movie Collection Special Editions on November 30. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is opening the Disney vault to be able to present these two films that broke the boundaries of imagination in the highest quality possible.
The Fantasia and Fantasia 2000: 2-Movie Collection Special Edition will be available in a 4-disc Blu-ray Combo Pack ($45.99 SRP) and a 2-Disc DVD ($39.99 SRP) for a very limited time only. The Blu-ray transformation of Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 will reveal the magic, music and majesty of both films as never before experienced, with state-of-the-art picture restoration of the original Fantasia and pristine 7.1 Digital Theater System Hi-Def Surround Sound. The Blu-ray combo pack is a tremendous value featuring, in addition to the two films in two different formats, a wealth of bonus features.
Among those Blu-ray special features is the highly requested Academy Award® nominated short Destino. Available for the first time ever on Blu-ray, the seven minute film is the result of a unique collaboration between Walt Disney and Salvador Dali begun in 1946, but put on hold due to studio financial concerns. In 2003, Roy E. Disney worked with a team of modern day animators to complete the film as a tribute to Walt’s pioneering artistic vision. Accompanying the highly anticipated short is an all-new feature length documentary entitled “Dali & Disney: A Date With Destino,” which explores the origins of the relationship between Disney and Dali, their collaboration on Destino, and ultimately how the film came to fruition so many years after its inception.
Fantasia, an unprecedented and magnificent feast of music and animated images, was initially released by the Studio in 1940 as a “road show” release. The following year, at the 14th Annual Academy Awards, Fantasia earned two Special Awards. The first was given to Walt Disney and associates for their outstanding contribution to the advancement of the use of sound in motion pictures, being the first commercial film released in multi-channel sound using a process called Fantasound, and the second to conductor Leopold Stokowski and his associates “for…unique achievement in the creation of a new form of visualized music…thereby widening the scope of the motion picture as entertainment and as an art form.”
Considered avant-garde during its time, Fantasia has gone on to become one of the most popular movies of all time and today is considered a classic. In 1990, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Featuring the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Stokowski, this groundbreaking film, which consists of animation set to eight musical pieces, is narrated by Deems Taylor and includes an appearance by Mickey Mouse (voiced by Disney himself).
Equally impressive is Fantasia 2000, the awe-inspiring extravaganza of sight and sound, executive produced by the late Roy E. Disney. Featuring an array of celebrity hosts including Steve Martin, Bette Midler, James Earl Jones, Penn and Teller, Angela Lansbury, Itzhak Perlman and Quincy Jones, the film, like its predecessor, expertly visualizes classical music compositions with various forms of animation and live-action introductions. Fantasia 2000 is primarily performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and conducted by James Levine.
Synopsis: The dreams and visions of Walt Disney come to life in Fantasia, which blends music and film magic into an exhilarating movie-going experience. Unforgettable images are brought to life by some of the world’s best music, and highlighted by the comedy of Mickey Mouse as a troublemaking sorcerer’s apprentice, along with the beauty of winged fairies and cascading snowflakes, the majesty of Noah’s ark and even plump hippos performing ballet in tutus.
Motivated by his uncle’s foresight, Roy Disney continued the magic with Fantasia 2000 which begins where its predecessor left off. There are seven completely new segments, and viewers watch a bustling Depression-era metropolis in the style of Al Hirschfeld’s famous cartoons, a flock of flamingos with slapstick yo-yo talents, an ark full of animals gathered by Donald Duck as Noah’s first mate, and musical life breathed into a family of flying humpback whales.
Fantasia DVD Bonus Features:
New Audio Commentary with Disney historian Brian Sibley
Disney Family Museum (running time: approx. 5 minutes) – Walt’s daughter Diane Disney-Miller takes viewers on a tour of the new Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, California featuring a very large exhibit on Fantasia and most importantly, the Schultheis notebook with long lost Fantasia production notes found in more recent years in the walls of a convent.
Fantasia Blu-ray Bonus Features:
Everything on the DVD plus:
Disney View – This viewing mode maximizes the Blu-ray viewing experience with a 16 x 9 aspect ratio. Original artwork created by a Disney artist, in a style that complements the beauty of the film.
The Shultheis Notebook: A Disney Treasure (running time: approx. 14 minutes) –An in depth look at the recently discovered Schultheis Notebook. The detailed log was created by Herman Schultheis, an effects man on Fantasia, and intricately breaks down the film from a technical view. Many of the special effects used in Fantasia were a mystery to modern day animato
rs until this notebook was recovered.
Interactive Art Gallery and Screensavers – Viewers can explore the artwork of Fantasia as never before, in HD resolution with unique Blu-ray interactivity and programming.
Audio Commentaries from Fantasia Legacy Collection
With executive producer Roy E. Disney, conductor James Levine, animation historian John Canemaker, and Scott McQueen, manager of film restoration.
Audio commentary with interviews and story note recreations by Walt Disney, hosted by John Canemaker.
Fantasia 2000 DVD Bonus Features:
Musicana – Walt’s Inspiration for a Sequel (running time: approx. 10 minutes) – This documentary reveals rarely-seen art created for Musicana, a late 1970’s project intended as a Fantasia sequel with a focus on exploring other cultures via their greatest musical compositions. Viewers are offered a look at the origins of pieces that were started by Walt, such as “The Emperor and the Nightingale” which was then taken over by a very young John Lasseter. Ultimately, Musicana was stopped to begin production on “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” but the memories of this piece still live on with the animators who conceived it.
Fantasia 2000 Blu-ray Bonus Features:
Everything on the DVD plus:
Dali & Disney: A Date With Destino (running time: 82 minutes) – This feature length documentary explores the collaborative relationship between Walt Disney and Salvador Dali, revealing how and why the Destino short came to fruition under the lead of Roy E. Disney in 2003 so many years after its inception in 1946.
Destino (running time: approx. 7 minutes) – The legacy of Walt Disney and Salvador Dali lives on in this highly anticipated short film.
Disney’s Virtual Vault — BD-Live Feature
Original DVD Bonus Features from Legacy Collection
Audio Commentaries from Fantasia Legacy Collection (total running time: 84 minutes)
With executive producer Roy E. Disney, conductor James Levine, and producer Don Ernst.
Audio commentary with the directors and art directors for each segment
To read about The Black Cauldron re-release, click over to the next page.
Disney is also releasing a 25th Anniversary Edition of its often forgotten animated feature The Black Cauldron. This one is only coming to DVD, though, and with a less extensive set of extra features.
The Black Cauldron: 25th Anniversary Special Edition offers a new digital transfer with a small number of original bonus features. These include a never-before-released deleted scene and a game. These are in addition to the special features included on past releases.
In case you are one of the many people that The Black Cauldron has passed by, here are the official details:
The Black Cauldron, Walt Disney Pictures’ 25th animated feature-length film, celebrates its 25th anniversary with a Special Edition DVD release September 14 from Walt Disney Home Entertainment. Based on Lloyd Alexander’s Chronicles of Prydain books, this mystical, action-packed adventure debuts just in time for Halloween. The film tells the story of Taran, an apprentice pig keeper with dreams of becoming a great warrior, who embarks on a quest to find a magical and powerful Black Cauldron before the evil tyrant Horned King can possess it for his own diabolical purposes. Fantastical characters like the oracular pig Hen Wen, the willful princess Eilonwy, and the droll but annoying Gurgi face witches, elves, magic swords and other obstacles. As they journey through these thrilling escapades, Taran begins to learn the true meaning of what it is to be a hero.
New Bonus Features Include:
Deleted Scene—The Fairfolk: Viewers join Taran, Fflewddur Fflam, Gurgi and Princess Eilonwy as they travel into the depths of the earth and meet the Fairfolk.
The Witches’ Challenge Game—In order to defeat the dark powers of the Horned King, players must gain possession the magical sword from the Witches of Morva by solving their riddles.
Plus Classic DVD Bonus Features:
Still Frame Gallery—A compilation of behind-the-scenes artwork and photos.
Quest For the Black Cauldron—A trivia game in which players compete against the evil Horned King in a race to reach the Black Cauldron first.
Trick Or Treat—Classic Donald Duck cartoon from 1952.
The Black Cauldron: 25th Anniversary Special Edition will be released on September 14.

‘Fringe’s’ Anna Torv Goes Topless

Here at CinemaSpy, yours truly has always admired Anna Torv's approach to her Fringe character of Agent Olivia Dunham. The actress has imbued her FBI alter-ego with a mix of steely determination, curiosity and sensitivity…and always managed to balance the three believably.
And while Torv is an attractive woman even with the uniform, a new photo shoot by Esquire magazine reveals a side of the Australian actress that might just leave a few of you breathless.
You too, guys.
Here's how Esquire describes Torv, referring to her as one of the women they love:
The sunny-haired star of Fox's Fringe—who looks a lot more comfortable without that bulky FBI uniform—finally reveals what she thinks you need to know about life, love, Vegemite, and women. Specifically, her.
Fringe wrapped up last week, but the Vancouver-filmed series returns April 1. Meanwhile, enjoy a couple of revealing photos below, then click on over to Esquire for the full set.

George Lucas Apparently Believes the World Will End in 2012

Right. So out of left field we learn today that George Lucas allegedly — and we do say allegedly here because you'll have to carefully consider the source on this — believes that the world will end in 2012…along with the Mayans, half a dozen cults, and anyone else who's dropped acid whilst reading Nostradamus.
Actor Seth Rogen told the Toronto Star that he recently met his filmmaking idol, and after about 25 minutes found himself incredibly confused. No, not because Lucas tried to explain why he's interested in making another Star Wars trilogy, but because he's certain the world will soon end.
You heard us correctly.
Rogen was meeting with Lucas (and Steven Spielberg) to discuss a new movie project when the Star Wars creator apparently dropped the personal belief bombshell.
“George Lucas sits down and seriously proceeds to talk for around 25 minutes about how he thinks the world is gonna end in the year 2012, like, for real. He thinks it," Rogen told the Star. “He’s going on about the tectonic plates and all the time Spielberg is, like, rolling his eyes, like, ’My nerdy friend won’t shut up, I’m sorry.'"
At first Rogen thought Lucas was joking but soon realized he wasn't. He claims he asked Lucas if the filmmaker had built a spaceship and if Rogen could have a seat on it.
“He claimed he didn’t have a spaceship, but there’s no doubt there’s a Millennium Falcon in a garage somewhere with a pilot just waiting to go… It’s gonna be him and Steven Spielberg and I’ll be blown up like the rest of us,” Rogen said.
Surreal experience, or masterful leg pulling…? You be the judge.
On the other hand, perhaps the truly surreal thing here is that Rogen was actually in a meeting with George Lucas and Steven Spielberg about a movie.
We just have one question before you ponder: If Lucas really believes that the world will end next year, then why is he planning more Indiana Jones and Star Wars movies…to say nothing of all the other film and television projects he has in development?
OK…maybe he's not CERTAIN certain.

Is Tarnish Dulling Oscar’s Lustre?

Hollywood’s biggest night of the year has come and gone, and it seems many could care less. Last night’s 83rd Annual Academy Awards show wasn’t as dreadful as many critics have charged, but it wasn’t lustrous, either — not the way it has been in decades past — leading many to wonder if the ceremony is: a) losing its relevance; b) compromised by the down economy; c) an indicator of the changing state of both the film and broadcast industry.
The turn of the 21st century has seen the celebrated awards show take a hit. Changes over the past decade seem to have aversely affected the program, including shifting the broadcast from Monday at 9pm to Sunday at 8:30pm in 1999. During the TV writers strike in 2008, just over 32M viewers watched the Oscars, the least viewed ever.
This year the Academy Awards show fell to an 11.7 adults 18-49 rating, down 12% vs. last year’s 13.3 adults 18-49 rating. The average viewership fell to 37.6M viewers, down 9% below last year.
Last night’s ceremony felt more mechanical than usual. Folks showed up and did what they were supposed to do, but with little passion or fanfare. Despite hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway’s combination of dry humor and goggle-eyed ardor, respectively, the two seemed largely unsuited for hosting duties. Burdened with banal scripted material, the pair managed to inject the show with energy, but little majesty or self-effacing levity.
The two hosts had been recruited to attract a younger viewing audience…you know, the same audience that felt slighted when the ‘In Memoriam’ segment of the awards show failed to honor Corey Haim, the Lost Boys actor who died of pneumonia complications last year at age 38.
Of course, it wasn’t exactly a banner year for mainstream nominations, either, so it’s hard to level blame at either the Academy or ABC. The King’s Speech, which took best picture, director and actor awards, is a great film, but of little interest to the throngs of sub-30 year-old audiences primarily targeted these days. True Grit was good, but overrated. And Black Swan, a personal favorite of yours truly, is powerful, but far too darkly esoteric for mainstream audiences (despite Natalie Portman’s deserved and poignant best actress win).
Are the Academy Awards falling victim to a perfect storm of economic restraints, shifting audience tastes and a changing industry? Let us know what you think below. Meanwhile, the complete list of Oscar nominations and winners follows…
BEST PICTURE:
The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company), Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers
Black Swan (Fox Searchlight Pictures), Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver and Scott Franklin, Producers
The Fighter (Paramount Pictures), David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Mark Wahlberg, Producers
Inception (Warner Bros. Pictures), Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan, Producers
The Kids Are All Right (Focus Features), Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray, Producers
127 Hours (Fox Searchlight Pictures), Christian Colson, Danny Boyle and John Smithson, Producers
The Social Network (Columbia Pictures), Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
Toy Story 3 (Disney•Pixar), Darla K. Anderson, Producer
True Grit (Paramount Pictures), Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
Winter’s Bone (Roadside Attractions), Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Producers
DIRECTING:
Tom Hooper - The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company)
Darren Aronofsky – Black Swan (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
David O. Russell – The Fighter (Paramount Pictures)
David Fincher – The Social Network (Columbia Pictures)
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen – True Grit (Paramount Pictures)
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE:
Colin Firth – The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company)
Javier Bardem – Biutiful (Roadside Attractions)
Jeff Bridges – True Grit (Paramount Pictures)
Jesse Eisenberg – The Social Network (Columbia Pictures)
James Franco – 127 Hours (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE:
Natalie Portman – Black Swan (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Annette Bening – The Kids Are All Right (Focus Features)
Nicole Kidman – Rabbit Hole (Lionsgate)
Jennifer Lawrence – Winter’s Bone (Roadside Attractions)
Michelle Williams – Blue Valentine (The Weinstein Company)
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE:
Christian Bale – The Fighter (Paramount Pictures)
John Hawkes – Winter’s Bone (Roadside Attractions)
Jeremy Renner – The Town (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Mark Ruffalo – The Kids Are All Right (Focus Features)
Geoffrey Rush – The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company)
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE:
Melissa Leo – The Fighter (Paramount Pictures)
Amy Adams – The Fighter (Paramount Pictures)
Helena Bonham Carter – The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company)
Hailee Steinfeld – True Grit (Paramount Pictures)
Jacki Weaver – Animal Kingdom (Sony Pictures Classics)
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:
The Social Network (Columbia Pictures), Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
127 Hours (Fox Searchlight Pictures), Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
Toy Story 3 (Disney•Pixar), Screenplay by Michael Arndt; Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
True Grit (Paramount Pictures), Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
Winter’s Bone (Roadside Attractions), Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:
The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company), Screenplay by David Seidler
Another Year (Sony Pictures Classics), Written by Mike Leigh
The Fighter (Paramount Pictures), Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson; Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
Inception (Warner Bros. Pictures), Written by Christopher Nolan
The Kids Are All Right (Focus Features), Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM:
In a Better World (Sony Pictures Classics), Denmark
Biutiful (Roadside Attractions), Mexico
Dogtooth (Kino International), Greece
Incendies (Sony Pictures Classics), Canada
Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi) (Cohen Media Group), Algeria
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM:
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Toy Story 3 (Disney•Pixar), Lee Unkrich
How to Train Your Dragon (DreamWorks Animation), Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
The Illusionist (Sony Pictures Classics), Sylvain Chomet
ART DIRECTION:
Alice in Wonderland (Walt Disney Pictures), Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O’Hara
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (Warner Bros. Pictures), Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
Inception (Warner Bros. Pictures), Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company), Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr
True Grit (Paramount Pictures), Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Inception (Warner Bros. Pictures), Wally Pfister
Black Swan (Fox Searchlight Pictures), Matthew Libatique
The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company), Danny Cohen
The Social Network (Columbia Pictures), Jeff Cronenweth
True Grit (Paramount Pictures), Roger Deakins
COSTUME DESIGN:
Alice in Wonderland (Walt Disney Pictures), Colleen Atwood
I Am Love (Magnolia Pictures), Antonella Cannarozzi
The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company), Jenny Beavan
The Tempest (Touchstone Pictures), Sandy Powell
True Grit (Paramount Pictures), Mary Zophres
FILM EDITING:
The Social Network (Columbia Pictures), Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter
Black Swan (Fox Searchlight Pictures), Andrew Weisblum
The Fighter (Paramount Pictures), Pamela Martin
The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company), Tariq Anwar
127 Hours (Fox Searchlight Pictures), Jon Harris
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:
Inside Job (Sony Pictures Classics), Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
Exit Through the Gift Shop (Producers Distribution Agency, Banksy and Jaimie D’Cruz
Gasland (Rooftop Films), Josh Fox and Trish Adlesic
Restrepo (National Geographic Entertainment), Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger
Waste Land (Arthouse Films), Lucy Walker and Angus Aynsley
MAKEUP:
The Wolfman (Universal Pictures), Rick Baker and Dave Elsey
Barney’s Version (Sony Pictures Classics), Adrien Morot
The Way Back (Newmarket Films), Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
ORIGINAL SCORE:
The Social Network (Columbia Pictures), Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
How to Train Your Dragon (DreamWorks Animation), John Powell
Inception (Warner Bros. Pictures), Hans Zimmer
The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company), Alexandre Desplat
127 Hours (Fox Searchlight Pictures), A.R. Rahman
ORIGINAL SONG:
“We Belong Together” from Toy Story 3 (Disney•Pixar), Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
“Coming Home” from Country Strong (Screen Gems), Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey
“I See the Light” from Tangled (Walt Disney Pictures), Music by Alan Menken Lyric by Glenn Slater
“If I Rise” from 127 Hours (Fox Searchlight Pictures), Music by A.R. Rahman Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong
SOUND MIXING:
Inception (Warner Bros. Pictures), Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick
The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company), Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley
Salt (Columbia Pictures), Jeffrey J. Haboush, Greg P. Russell, Scott Millan and William Sarokin
The Social Network (Columbia Pictures), Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick and Mark Weingarten
True Grit (Paramount Pictures), Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland
SOUND EDITING:
Inception (Warner Bros. Pictures), Richard King
Toy Story 3 (Disney•Pixar), Tom Myers and Michael Silvers
TRON: Legacy (Walt Disney Pictures), Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague
True Grit (Paramount Pictures), Skip Lievsay and Craig Berkey
Unstoppable (20th Century Fox), Mark P. Stoeckinger
VISUAL EFFECTS:
Inception (Warner Bros. Pictures), Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb
Alice in Wonderland (Walt Disney Pictures), Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (Warner Bros. Pictures), Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
Hereafter (Warner Bros. Pictures), Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojanski and Joe Farrell
Iron Man 2 (Paramount Pictures, Marvel Studios), Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick
DOCUMENTARY SHORT:
Strangers No More, Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon
Killing in the Name, Jed Rothstein
Poster Girl, Sara Nesson and Mitchell W. Block
Sun Come Up, Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger
The Warriors of Qiugang, Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon
ANIMATED SHORT FILM:
The Lost Thing, Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann
Day & Night, Teddy Newton
The Gruffalo, Jakob Schuh and Max Lang
Let’s Pollute, Geefwee Boedoe
Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary), Bastien Dubois
LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM:
God of Love, Luke Matheny
The Confession, Tanel Toom
The Crush, Michael Creagh
Na Wewe, Ivan Goldschmidt
Wish 143, Ian Barnes and Samantha Waite

NOLLYWOOD CELEBS & THEIR BETTER HALVES!

1. Desmond Elliot and his wife Vickie;(above) the two met as high school sweethearts and have been inseperable ever since. Vickie who is a banker keeps Desmond grounded and focused; well with family of four (two sets of twins) and a large retinue of dogs, who wouldnt? Big ups to both of them!
Nollywood celebrities; we have loved them, cried with them, signed autographs and hugged them but do we know their better halves? Those silent, patient souls that stand silently aside as their other half recieve so much adulation and praise. They put up with alot; the frantic adoration of fans who sometimes ignore them like their not there. Then those love scenes in the movies! Ooh lala! How do they cope? The stories, the lies, the rumours! Would you want to be in their shoes? Do you honestly think you have what it takes to be the strong silent one behind a successful actor or actress? Many really can't deal with it but for those who do, I duff my hat! Ladies and gentlemen, here's presenting the spouses of some of our more popular Nollywood actors!
2. Omotola and Matthew Jalade-Ekeinde;The couple just celebrated their 15th year anniversary! Wow! No small feat in Nollyweird! Matthew met Omo T in her teens and recognizing a good thing, married her almost immediately. The union has produced four lovely children and they continue to wax strong despite the pressures of fame and public scrutiny.
3. Ramsey and Emilia Nouah; Heart throb, beef cake, loverboy, martinee idol... whatever you want to call him, Ramsey is a director's dream; able to interprete any role you give to him if he is tasked enough. Forget that directors like to box him into the 'loverboy mode'. Ramsey is also a devoted father and husband to Emilia who he has been married to for several years and they have three children.
4. Ini Edo and Philip Ehiagwina; Nollywood sweetheart, Ini Edo has been the object of alot people's fantasies but sorry, she got snapped up a couple of years ago by American based business man, Philip Ehiagwina! lol! He's the man that goes home to that sugar! hahaha! Chocholate brown and perfectly built, Ini continues to woo her fans with her flawless acting. Shedding several pounds, she now sports a svelte, sleek look making her look even more fantastic.
6. Omoni & Nnamdi Oboli; Lovely couple Omoni and Nnamdi continue to be the couple to emulate. Sweet and cute looking together, they met earlier on in life when Omoni just started acting in Nollywood. A long hiatus from the industry and a stint in the U.K produced, three lovely boys. Undeterred by the strapping of motherhood and long absence from the industry, Omoni determinedly forged ahead and has become one of most sought after actresses in Nollywood.
7. Daniel and Doris Ademinokan; Lovely couple Daniel and Doris continue to woo fans where ever they go! He is a handsome director and she is a lovely actress and together they make magic together. Though they both startted in the Yoruba film industry, they sometimes cross over into the English movie genre. Daniel and Doris sometimes work together, and he has to direct her sometime as a love interest opposite an actor!! How does he handle that?! hahaha! The two have a lovely son together and continue to make great movies together!
Van and Adjoa Vicker: Ghanaian actor and heartthrob, Van Vicker might have legions of fans all over the world but he remains very much in love with his wife Adjoa! The lovely couple live in Ghana with their three children

Distinguished ladies of entertainment

Some of them are talent managers, producers and still others play indispensable roles as scriptwriters . Others like Kate Henshaw-Nuttal who regularly deliver good tidings from Promised and Rita Dominic indisputably have built reputation for themselves as brand ambassadors. In this report, Samuel Olatunji explores what makes them tick.
Mildred Okwo
Very few will recognize her in public, but her work speaks volumes. She’s a talent manager par excellence and a wonderful producer and director. She manages Rita Dominic, Kate Henshaw, Jim Iyke and Mike Ezuronye . A recent movie she produced didn’t say less. Genevieve Nnaji, who played the lead role in the movie, said she’s never had it so good. Why Mildred has not released the AMAA rated movie is best known to her.
Peace Anyiam Osigwe
She’s been “a godmother” of sorts for movie makers. She came up with the idea of the AMAA a while ago and it’s been Africa’s Oscars . She’s also a reputable producer and as a matter of fact she produced The GRA Women, a soap now running in Nigeria and Ghana.
Amaka Igwe
Her fans call her “the queen of the soaps” but Amaka does more than that. In recent times she’s been organizing workshops for aspiring filmmakers. Amaka is among the brains behind Checkmate, Fortunes and many other soaps of note .
Joy Ilibeno
Joy is the toast of movie lovers. She’s Head of Operations at Pan African Movies, West Africa. Now that Joy is distributing African movies in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, Joy is the arrowhead of movie producers who know their onions.
Emem Isong
In a male-dominated Nollywood , Emem Isong has carved a niche for herself and paved the way for aspiring female movie producers. From Games Women Play to Reloaded, Emem has left non in Nollywood in doubt that she still has a lot up her sleeves. She is reputed to have given Stella Damasus her first lead role, an opportunity which surely was instrumental in placing considerably ahead her peers. Nse Ikpe Etim also benefited immensely from Stella’s repertoire.
Vivian Ejike
Vivian Ejike is a banker-turned movie maker. Amongst her works are Silent Scandal, Private Storm and When the Heart Lies. She has a reputation of improving with very movie she produces which means she’s quite creative and dynamic . One of Vivian’s creative energy is Chelsea Eze who featured in one of her movies and now gradually carving a niche for herself in Nollywood

Star Actor, Desmond Elliot Completes Twin Duplex in Lekki!

This is a period of great tidings for entertainers in this part of the world.
Barely days after news hit town that top rate D.J, Jimmy Jatt –
real names Oluwaforijimi Amu- just moved into a Ten Million Naira per annum residence, gist of another heart warming development has started making the rounds.
Popular actor, Desmond Elliot just completed his personal house.
The property is described as a Twin Duplex.
And according to an insider it is located inside high brow area Lekki Lagos.
Though it is yet to be confirmed whether the notable make believe expert has moved into the newly completed building – sources claimed that he has taken a couple of very close knit friends to the site.
Those that have seen the handsome actor intimate friends of the development described him as a 'personification of prideful achievement’
Desmond Elliot, father of twins is one of the movie industries most celebrated actor- and a budding singer.

Michael Jackson Seemed Healthy, Strong During Concert Rehearsals

Two days before he died, Michael Jackson appeared strong during one of the final rehearsals for his highly anticipated comeback concerts, a promoter told jurors Wednesday as the involuntary manslaughter trial of the pop superstar's physician entered its second day.
Paul Gongaware, an executive for AEG Live, said Jackson appeared engaged and energetic during the session.
Prosecutors called Gongaware to show the importance of Jackson's comeback concerts and in an apparent attempt to show that both the singer and his physician were deeply engaged in preparations for the show before Jackson died on June 25, 2009.
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Gongaware also testified that he saw Dr. Conrad Murray at one of Jackson's rehearsals after people affiliated with the planned concerts complained that the singer had been missing some of the sessions.
Prosecutors wrapped up their direct questioning of Gongaware before defense attorney Ed Chernoff briefly questioned the executive.
Under the cross-examination, Gongaware acknowledged the concert giant is being sued by Jackson's mother for negligent supervision of defendant Murray when he worked with Jackson.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jackson's death.
Prosecutors allege Murray caused Jackson's death by providing him with a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives without the proper lifesaving equipment or skills.
Another AEG employee, attorney Kathy Jorrie, testified about drafting a contract for Murray to work as Jackson's personal physician.
At one point in negotiations, Murray requested his contract be modified to allow him to hire another physician in case he was tired or unavailable while Jackson was performing in London, she testified.
"He wanted to make sure that there was somebody else available to be of assistance," Jarrie said.
Prosecutors also planned to call one of Jackson's bodyguards and his personal assistant, who Murray frantically called after he found the singer unconscious.
In opening statements Tuesday, Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said Murray delayed summoning emergency crews and lied to doctors and medics when he failed to reveal he had been giving Jackson the medications to try to help the entertainer sleep.
Chernoff claimed Jackson gave himself a fatal dose of medication in a desperate attempt to get some sleep.
He said Murray had been trying to wean Jackson off propofol, but the entertainer kept requesting it on the day he died.
"Michael Jackson started begging," Chernoff said. "When Michael Jackson told Dr. Murray, `I have to sleep. They will cancel my performance,' he meant it."
He told jurors that Jackson swallowed enough of the sedative lorazepam to put six people to sleep before ingesting propofol. The combination, which Chernoff called a "perfect storm" of medications, killed Jackson so quickly that he didn't even have chance to close his eyes.
Prosecutors rejected Murray's version and told jurors the Houston-based cardiologist also had a tremendous stake in Jackson appearing in the concerts.
The doctor had initially asked to be paid $5 million a year for working with Jackson, but Gongaware said he immediately rejected the proposal. Instead, Murray accepted an offer to become Jackson's doctor for $150,000 a month -- a sum he was never paid because his contract hadn't been signed before Jackson's death.
If convicted, Murray could face up to four years in prison and have to relinquish his medical license.

Top Celebrities Storm Silverbird Galleria For "Mirror Boy" Premiere

Beyond the premiere of 'Mirror Boy', the movie profiled internationally as the future of Nollywood, Silverbird Galleria will on Friday, August 5, 2011 become another stars arcade as the line up of stars and celebrities expected at the event is almost endless.
With increasing buzz and expectation as count down begins to the 'Mirror Boy' premiere, the producer of the movie Obi Emelonye and publicist Prestige Platform has stepped out to say the success of the movie will surpass all its earlier successes in UK and Ghana.
Their boast is obviously not baseless as 'Mirror Boy' though yet to hit the cinemas, was nominated for 12 ZAFFA awards in the following categories; best film, best film editing, best story, best sound editing, best child performance male, best screenplay, best cinematography, best producer, best director, best supporting actress (Gam Fatima Jabi), best lead actress (Genevieve Nnaji) and best actor (Osita Iheme).
'Mirror Boy' was the first African movie ever to be premiered at the Empire Leicester Square in London, UK; it survived at the British cinemas for weeks, coming up among the top five in the first week and top twelve in the second week. It had a mind-blowing effect on the Ghanaian cinemas thereby making it the highest selling Nollywood movie of all time in Ghana. At the 2011 AMAA award, 'Mirror Boy' won the Best Young Actor Award and was nominated for the Best Film and Best Supp Actor. 'Mirror Boy' was nominated for Best Film and Best pan African Actor at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2011 and for her role in 'Mirror Boy', Genevieve Nnaji won the award for The Best Breakthrough Performance at the Monaco Films Awards.
Written, produced & directed by Obi Emelonye, an award winning UK based Nigerian film maker, 'Mirror Boy' is an enthralling journey as seen through the eyes of a London- born 12 year old African boy, Tijani. After a London street fight on 13th of June, in which a local boy is hurt, Tijan's mother decides to take him back their roots, to Gambia. On their arrival in Banjul, Tijan encounters a strange apparition, a boy smiling at him in a mirror and vanishing. Seeing the same boy in a crowded street market the next day sets in motion a chain of events, with Tijan finding himself lost. While Tijan's panic-stricken mother struggles to find her son, Tijan is left alone in the company of the enigmatic Mirror Boy, seemingly only visible to him. A cathartic climax helps TIJANI to unravel the mystery of the MIRROR BOY. It also provides him with a rather mystical explanation for the way his life has cascaded from the 13th of June towards this inter-twined fate with a father he has never met.

I Started As Musician -Dakore Egbuson

Dakore Egbuson, versatile actress, was recently in Kenya where she spoke about how she started. Excerpts:
What was your childhood like?
I was born in Lagos on 14 October, 1978. My childhood was sheltered, blissful and exciting. I was quite popular, outgoing and highly artistic. Altogether, we were 10 children.
I’ve been privileged to attend some of the best schools in Nigeria. I attended prestigious primary and high schools and then I went on to study Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.
Did you always want to be an actress?
Actually, I knew I had a passion for the performing arts, specifically music, but it must have been God’s will that I would become an actor and I have no regrets. It was a talent I discovered later in life.
The desire was there from childhood. I studied music and took up the flute and became very good at it. Being on stage performing was very natural and I wasn’t shy either. I am very fortunate I had wonderfully indulgent parents and teachers.
How many films have you been featured in? Any favourite?
I started out professionally on television, then movies in 1998, so, it’s been 12 years. I’ve been in about 60 movies. Picking a favourite is difficult, so I’ll pick a few — Silent tears, Emotional crack, Caught in the middle.
What does your daily schedule entail?
No day is ever the same but every morning, I say my prayers, have some green tea and I get set for the day.
These days, I mostly have photo shoots, meetings, interviews. I also make time to catch up with family and friends in between, so it gets pretty hectic, but it’s mostly fun.
Any album you have released so far?
I released a single about two years ago to let people have an idea of where I’m coming from musically. I started out on television in Nigeria hosting sports and music programmes; I briefly worked with BEN TV, London. Right now, I’m working on my talk show -The Dakore Show.
I modelled on and off earlier in my career, more as a side gig and then recently became brand ambassador for Amstel Malta, which is a big deal and has been very fulfilling.
Has your life changed since you became famous?
It’s been a roller coaster ride, but I wouldn’t trade the entire experience for anything. I’m grateful for the immense love and support I constantly get from my fans. In other ways as well I haven’t changed who I am essentially.
How many movies do you get to shoot yearly?
When I was very active, maybe 15 on average per year but for now I’m holding out for that one great masterpiece, so watch out for me.
What are some of the challenges you face as an actress on a daily basis?
There are so many challenges as with everything else in life. From the loss of anonymity, technical difficulties, competition within the industry itself, piracy, stress of shooting in such a short space of time and even funding.
What are some of the highlights of your career?
I’d say being able to positively affect a wide spectrum of people through my performances. I’ve been honoured to receive a lot of memorable awards.
One that stood out was given to me and a few of my colleagues in Hollywood by the African Times publication and winning Best African Actress at The Brazilian Film Festival in New York for Before the Sunrise. On home soil, the City People Award for Best Actress was another feather in my cap.
Are you seeing anyone?
I am happily married. I got married in January this year to Olumide Akande.
Do you face the challenge of piracy in Nollywood?
We have serious issues with piracy and our government is trying to deal with it bearing in mind that this is now a global issue.
So, how much do you get paid per film?
Depending on the situation, it can range from $1,000 (N150,000) to $20,000 (N3 million) or even more.
How do you give back to the society?
I am an ambassador/spokesperson for Oxfam America/ Amnesty International in the campaign for the control of arms; I support various orphanages, cervical and breast cancer awareness to mention a few. I find it so fulfilling to support these causes.
How do you relax when you are not working?
I love to escape by travelling, being at the beach, listening to music and chilling with loved ones.
Which actors do you look up to the most, in the filming industry?
In Nigeria, I admire Olu and Joke Jacobs. Internationally, Angela Bassett, Angelina Jolie and Kevin Spacey.

Support Disaster Relief Efforts in Japan and Non-Nuclear Groups Worldwide

LOS ANGELES, June 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Jason Mraz, The Doobie Brothers, Tom Morello, John Hall, Kitaro, Jonathan Wilson, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and special guests are coming together for a special benefit event on Sunday, August 7, atShoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA. Proceeds from the concert will be distributed to Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE) to support Japan disaster relief efforts, and organizations worldwide working to promote safe, alternative, non-nuclear energy. The presenting sponsor VantagePoint Capital Partners(www.vpcp.com) is the leading global investor in energy innovation and efficiency. The show will begin at3 PM. Children 10 and under admitted free on the lawn with an adult ticket. Tickets go on sale Monday,June 27 at 10AM at Livenation.com, Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Reserved seats are $99.50, $50.00 and $35.00 and general admission lawn tickets are $19.50, plus applicable charges. Special Gold and Silver circle seats are available through the Guacamole Fund (www.guacfund.org).
“The disaster in Fukushima is not only a disaster for Japan. It is a global disaster. We come together now across cultural boundaries, political and generational boundaries, to call for changes in the way we use energy, and in the ways we conduct the search for solutions to the problems facing humanity,” saysJackson Browne. “We join with the people of Japan, and people everywhere who believe in a non-nuclear future.”
“From solar power plants and next-generation wind turbines to energy-efficient LED lighting and electric vehicles, we see technology innovations solving our most important energy needs,” says Alan Salzman, Managing Partner of VantagePoint Capital Partners, a global leader in funding the transformative energy companies of the 21st century. “We join with the many artists involved in this concert to raise funds for the Japan disaster relief efforts and call for sensible and clean energy solutions.”
It was shortly after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered multiple meltdowns at theFukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan that the decision was made to coordinate a benefit. Shoreline Amphitheatre was chosen because of its close proximity to the Pacific Rim, Northern California’s history and deep association with Japan—and because nuclear reactors on the California coast store spent fuel rods in the same manner as at Fukushima. The concert date falls between the anniversaries of atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (August 9, 1945).
“The MUSE concert will not only be a great show, it will hopefully entice the public to become better informed of the tremendous dangers of nuclear power,” says Graham Nash. ”We have to keep real and true information flowing so that people can act on it.”
“We’re so lucky to have been able to bring back some of the original MUSE team to collaborate with some new and younger artists for MUSE 2, so that we can immediately help with the Japan relief effort and raise funds and awareness for the no nukes issue,” says Bonnie Raitt. ”I’m excited to be a part of this important and truly collaborative effort. It’s going to be a very special, one of a kind event.”
Pat Simmons, of The Doobie Brothers, who performed at the original MUSE shows adds, “We are so proud to be reuniting with so many of our talented friends, who share our concern for the safety, and sustainable future of our fragile planet. Current events have brought us to a turning point in our human existence. It’s time to consider alternatives to the present course of energy production that have been forced upon us by an aggressive corporate power structure. We join together to generate funds to help our Japanese friends, as they recover from the devastation that they have had to endure, due to man’s careless use of nuclear energy, and nature’s unpredictability. Through these efforts we also hope to raise public awareness of the challenges we are faced with, and the important responsibilities we share in moving us towards a safer, nuclear free future.”
The concert stage will be powered by an integrated system of clean, alternative energy sources, using solar, biodiesel, and wind technologies. The energy-saving GRNLite LED lighting rig for the show has been donated by Bandit Lites, and Schubert Systems has donated the sound rig. In addition, Shoreline is the largest Green certified concert venue in the United States and is a founding member of the Green Music Group. One goal is that the concert will inspire musicians in other areas to organize shows that both employ and promote safe energy alternatives, and that raise funds for disaster relief efforts and for groups—local, regional, national, and international alike—advocating non-nuclear programs and initiatives.
“As Japan struggles to subdue meltdowns at Fukushima, and Ft. Calhoun Nuclear in Nebraskastruggles to keep its reactor and spent fuel above the Missouri’s floodwaters, we once again face a crucial choice,” says John Hall (who, in addition to being a musician, was aU.S. Representative from New York, 2007-2011). ”Will we, as a country, invest in clean, renewable sources of energy, or will we continue to use taxpayer dollars to indemnify and subsidize the dirty, deadly old technologies that are making our planet unlivable?”
“Even though the news cycle has moved on from the Fukushima disaster, this is another massive world energy disaster from which there will be long-term effects,” addsJason Mraz. “I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing show that will not only help those in Japan, but that will also call attention to the urgent need to embrace safe, clean energy alternatives.”
Japanese musician and multi-instrumentalist, Kitaro, joined the bill as a way to give thanks “for all of the support for Japan from the world, and to all of the Japanese, who are helping each other.” He adds, ”It is time to consider the change to alternative clean energy instead of nuclear power.”

Ted Haggard to appear on wife swap television show

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (AP) — Former megachurch pastor Ted Haggard and Hollywood actor Gary Busey are trading partners for a week for an upcoming edition of ABC-TV's "Celebrity Wife Swap."
Haggard's wife Gayle will temporarily move in with Busey. It was unclear if the actor's longtime girlfriend would be the one to stay with Haggard under the arrangement.
Haggard's New Life Church in Colorado Springs had about 14,000 followers when he resigned in 2006 after a man said Haggard paid him for sex for more than three years. The reality show isn't about infidelity, but about wives experiencing daily life in another wife's home.
The Denver Post says the network and the production company confirmed the program plans.

The end of the world: R.E.M. calling it quits

NEW YORK (AP) — R.I.P. to R.E.M.
The alternative rock group that shook up the music world with its experimental, edgy sound and then earned multiplatinum success and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced on its website Wednesday that it has "decided to call it a day as a band."
"A wise man once said — 'the skill in attending a party is knowing when it's time to leave.' We built something extraordinary together. We did this thing. And now we're going to walk away from it," frontman Michael Stipe said in a statement on the website.
"I hope our fans realize this wasn't an easy decision; but all things must end, and we wanted to do it right, to do it our way."
The Grammy-winning group, now composed of Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck and bassist Mike Mills, released its debut album "Murmur" in 1983; at the time it was a quartet, with drummer Bill Berry. He left the group in 1997, two years after he suffered symptoms of an aneurysm onstage.
The group got its start in Athens, Ga., coming out of the region's flourishing indie-rock scene. The band was credited for helping launch college radio with songs such as "Radio Free Europe."
Later, the mainstream caught on, and R.E.M. became chart-topping rockers, selling millions of albums with hits like "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)," ''Losing My Religion" and "Everybody Hurts."
Stipe, the band's chief songwriter, crafted songs that were atypical of the standard rock fare. "Man on the Moon" was about the late comic Andy Kaufman. "Losing My Religion" was not about religion at all, but about trying to relay the feelings of a crush.
The band's videos also became staples on MTV in the 1990s, including the eye-catching "Losing My Religion" and the stark "Everybody Hurts," which had Stipe walking through a highway traffic jam.
R.E.M. became one of the more forceful voices of 1990s rock, and came along around the same time as another rock quartet — U2. But whereas U2 managed to maintain (and even increase) its popularity over the years, R.E.M. stumbled commercially in recent years, and their hits dwindled.
The band continued to create music that resonated with critics and their core group of fans; the group's last album, "Collapse into Now," was released in March and a greatest hits retrospective is in the works.
But Mills said the band was running out of ideas.
"During our last tour, and while making 'Collapse Into Now' and putting together this greatest hits retrospective, we started asking ourselves, 'What next?'" he said. "Working through our music and memories from over three decades was a hell of a journey. We realized that these songs seemed to draw a natural line under the last 31 years of our working together."
Buck said the band parts as "great friends" and thanked fans for their support.
"One of the things that was always so great about being in R.E.M. was the fact that the records and the songs we wrote meant as much to our fans as they did to us," said Buck. "It was, and still is, important to us to do right by you. Being a part of your lives has been an unbelievable gift. Thank you."
Warner Bros. Records chairman and producer Rob Cavallo said, "To call R.E.M. one of the greatest bands in contemporary music is an understatement. They leave behind a body of work whose breadth, honesty, creativity and power has not only inspired millions of fans around the world, but also has influenced — and will continue to influence — generations of songwriters and performers for years to come."
Warner Bros. is releasing the greatest hits retrospective in November.

NBC wins last ratings week before the new season

NEW YORK (AP) — Sunday night football and the climax of "America's Got Talent" led NBC to victory in the week before the fall television season's official start.
The most-watched prime-time shows on two broadcast networks last week were football games: the Sunday night NFL matchup between Philadelphia and Atlanta on NBC, and Saturday's college game pitting Florida State and Oklahoma on ABC, the Nielsen Co. said Tuesday. The NFL game was the week's most popular program by far.
There were a couple of attempts to get a jump on the new fall season. NBC showed its new sitcom "Up All Night" after the season finale of "America's Got Talent" and was rewarded with a heavy sampling of nearly 11 million viewers. The comedy "Free Agents" was less successful 30 minutes later with 6.1 million viewers, Nielsen said.
Beauty pageants no longer have much interest among audiences. The 5.3 million who saw the Miss Universe contest on NBC ranked below a rerun of "America's Funniest Home Videos" on ABC.
For the week, NBC averaged 8.2 million viewers (5.2 rating, 9 share), CBS had 7.1 million (4.6, 8), ABC had 5.9 million (3.8, 6), Fox had 4.8 million (3.1, 5), the CW had 1.9 million (1.3, 2) and ION Television had 1.2 million (0.8, 1).
Among the Spanish-language networks, Univision led with a 3.7 million average (2.0 rating, 3 share), Telemundo had 1.1 million (0.6, 1), TeleFutura had 410,000 (0.2, 0), Azteca had 200,000 and Estrella 170,000 (both 0.1, 0).
NBC's "Nightly News" topped the evening newscasts with an average of 8.2 million viewers (5.5, 11). ABC's "World News" was second with 7.2 million (4.9, 10) and the "CBS Evening News" had 5.7 million viewers (3.9, 8).
A ratings point represents 1,147,000 households, or 1 percent of the nation's estimated 114.7 million TV homes. The share is the percentage of in-use televisions tuned to a given show.
For the week of Sept. 12-18, the top 10 shows, their networks and viewerships: 1. NFL Football: Philadelphia at Atlanta, NBC, 23.42 million; "Sunday Night NFL Pre-Kick," NBC, 18.3 million; "America's Got Talent" (Wednesday), NBC, 14.37 million; "America's Got Talent" (Tuesday), NBC, 13.67 million. "Football Night in America, Part Three," NBC, 13.39 million; "60 Minutes," CBS, 12.48 million; "Emmy Awards," Fox, 12.44 million; "Up All Night," NBC, 10.95 million; "Survivor: South Pacific," CBS, 10.74 million; "NCIS," CBS, 10.26 million.
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ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co. CBS is owned by CBS Corp. CW is a joint venture of Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corp. Fox and My Network TV are units of News Corp. NBC and Telemundo are owned by Comcast Corp. ION Television is owned by ION Media Networks. TeleFutura is a division of Univision. Azteca America is a wholly owned subsidiary of TV Azteca S.A. de C.V.