Sneak Peek "X-Men: First Class"

Sneak Peek your first look at the 'mutant' cast of "X-Men: First Class".

The upcoming feature, directed by Matthew Vaughn ("Kick-Ass") is the fifth film in the 20th Century Fox/Marvel Entertainment "X-Men" feature film series and a prequel to the first three movies:

"...'X-Men First Class' charts the epic beginning of the 'X-Men' saga and reveals a secret history of famous global events. Before mutants had revealed themselves to the world and before 'Charles Xavier' and 'Erik Lensherr' took the names 'Professor X' and 'Magneto', they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time.

"Not archenemies, they were instead at first the closest of friends, working together with other 'Mutants' (some familiar, some new), to stop 'Armageddon'. In the process, a grave rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto's 'Brotherhood' and Professor X's X-Men..."

Adapting Marvel Comics "Uncanny X-Men" characters by writer Stan Lee and illustrator Jack Kirby, the $120 million budgeted feature, set during the 1960's, stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, January Jones, Rose Byrne, Nicholas Hoult, Jennifer Lawrence, Oliver Platt, Zoë Kravitz and Caleb Landry Jones.

Produced by Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, Gregory Goodman and Tarquin Pack from a screenplay by Jane Goldman, Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz and Jamie Moss (based on a story by Bryan Singer), "X-Men: First Class" is due for release June 3, 2011.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek a "GQ" video of actress January Jones, to see why she was cast as the Marvel Comics mutant 'Emma Frost'...

FCC Approves Comcast/NBC Universal Deal

According to reports, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has finally approved the $30 billion merger of Comcast and NBC Universal, expected to close following US Department of Justice approval, January 28.

The agreement gives Comcast a controlling 51 percent stake in the company, with General Electric retaining 49 percent.

Although the original deal was first announced December 2009, the FCC took one year to approve it, with Comcast having to agree to an additional 1,000 hours per year of news programming for NBC and Telemundo.

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Toronto Gets Under MTV's "Skins"

"Skins" is the Toronto-lensed, US adaptation of the UK teen drama "Skins", that debuted January 17, 2011 on MTV in the US and on Movie Central and The Movie Network in Canada.

The original series was created by father-and-son television writers Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain for Company Pictures, premiering on E4, a UK television channel, January 25, 2007.

As with the UK series, the US version features a cast of amateur actors and young writers.

The show started filming February 2010 in Toronto, following Sneak Peek's open casting call November 2009.

Premise of "Skins" follows a group of teenagers, going through High School. The controversial plot line explores issues including dysfunctional families, promiscuous sex, mental illness, sexual orientation identity, substance abuse and death.

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McIntyre Makes The Cut For "Spartacus"

According to Starz, LLC, President and CEO Chris Albrecht, Australian film/TV actor Liam McIntyre has been cast in the title role in the second season of "Spartacus".

McIntyre takes over the role of the 'Thracian' warrior sold into slavery in the Roman Republic city of 'Capua' – where he rises to become the champion of the city – before leading the slave revolt that ended Season 1. The part was played in the first season of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" by Andy Whitfield, who left the series, due to health issues.

"Since no one can really replace Andy, we realized that we should instead find an actor who can truly lead 'Spartacus' forward," said Albrecht.

McIntyre previously appeared in the Australian TV series "Neighbours", as well as the HBO mini-series "The Pacific."

Production on "Spartacus" is slated to resume Spring 2011.

"Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," is the six-part prequel that tells the story of the 'House of Batiatus' gladiator school, and the intricate personal, sexual and political maneuverings in 'Capua' five years before "Blood and Sand".

The new mini-series debuts Friday, Jan. 21 on Starz.

Added to the cast are Jaime Murray as social climber 'Gaia', Marisa Ramirez as the slave 'Melitta' and Jeffrey Thomas as 'Titus', the father of 'Batiatus'.

They join returning cast members John Hannah as 'Quintus Batiatus', Lucy Lawless as 'Lucretia', Peter Mensah as 'Oenomaus', (before he becomes gladiator trainer 'Doctore') and Manu Bennett as 'Crixus'.

"...As the prequel begins, 'Quintus Batiatus' is the acting 'Lanista' while his father 'Titus' is on an extended visit to Sicilia.

"But Batiatus isn’t satisfied with just the thought of taking over the Ludus one day; he aspires to political power and prestige in 'Capua' and perhaps beyond.

"In the class-conscious world of ancient Rome, the 'House of Batiatus' must first earn the respect of both politicians and socialites before being granted the right for its gladiators to fight in the much-revered championship bouts called the 'Primus'.

"Batiatus must not only survive the harsh politics of Capua, but also compel his hedonistic fighter, 'Gannicus', to embrace being a champion gladiator who will bring esteem and respect to the House of Batiatus..."

"Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" is produced by Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Joshua Donen and Steven S. DeKnight.

Season One of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" was the highest rated show for the 18-49 demographic among all cable networks for the 12 Fridays on which it aired, based on coverage rating.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena"...

"Veronica: Spy Girls- Back In Action" - May 4

Archie Comics' "Veronica" #206, "Spy Girls- Back In Action" will be available May 4, 2011, written/illustrated by Dan Parent:

"...Part 1 of a two part spy crossover, finds pranks and bad behavior running wild in 'Riverdale', as agents 'Betty' and 'Veronica' soon discover the problems could be caused by coded messages hidden on the popular kids show 'Funtime USA'. And the main culprit looks to be a lovable clown named 'Klutzy'..."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Archies"...

Listen to the "Black Swan" Soundtrack

Listen to the "Black Swan" soundtrack, from the Fox Searchlight feature directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Golden Globe winner Natalie Portman, with Vincent Cassel, and Mila Kunis.

"Black Swan: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" marks the fifth consecutive collaboration between Aronofsky and English composer Clint Mansell. Mansell attempted to score the film based on Tchaikovsky's ballet, but with 'radical' changes to the music. Because of the use of Tchaikovsky's music, the score was deemed ineligible to be entered into the 2010 Academy Awards for Best Original Score.

"Black Swan" revolves around a ballet production of "Swan Lake" by a prestigious New York City company, requiring a ballerina to play both the innocent 'White Swan' and the sensual 'Black Swan'. One dancer, 'Nina' (Portman), is a perfect fit for the White Swan, while 'Lily' (Kunis) has a personality that matches the Black Swan. When the two compete for the parts, Nina finds a dark side to herself.

Aronofsky conceived the premise by connecting his viewings of an actual production of "Swan Lake" with an unrealized screenplay about understudies and the notion of being haunted by a double, similar to the folklore surrounding 'doppelgängers'. He also considers "Black Swan" a companion piece to his 2008 film "The Wrestler", with both films involving demanding performances for different kinds of art.

Click the images to enlarge and listen to the "Black Swan"...

"Golden Globes" - 2011 Winners List

BEST PICTURE – DRAMA
"The Social Network"

BEST PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY
"The Kids Are All Right"

BEST DIRECTOR
David Fincher, "The Social Network"

BEST ACTOR - DRAMA
Colin Firth, "The King’s Speech"

BEST ACTRESS - DRAMA
Natalie Portman, "Black Swan"

BEST ACTOR - MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Paul Giamatti, "Barney’s Version"

BEST ACTRESS - MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Annette Bening, "The Kids Are All Right"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale, "The Fighter"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Melissa Leo, "The Fighter"

BEST ANIMATED FILM
"Toy Story 3"

BEST SCREENPLAY
Aaron Sorkin, "The Social Network"

BEST FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM
"In a Better World"

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, "The Social Network"

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"You Haven't Seen the Last of Me" from "Burlesque"

TELEVISION, DRAMA
"Boardwalk Empire" (HBO)

ACTRESS, DRAMA
Katey Sagal, "Sons Of Anarchy"

ACTOR, DRAMA
Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"

BEST COMEDY OR MUSICAL
"Glee" (FOX)

ACTRESS, COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Laura Linney, "The Big C"

ACTOR, COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE
"Carlos" (Sundance Channel)

ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE
Claire Danes, "Temple Grandin"

IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE
Al Pacino, "You Don't Know Jack"

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE, TV
Jane Lynch, "Glee"

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE, TV
Chris Colfer, "Glee"

Katie Holmes: "The Kennedys"

Sneak Peek the February 2011 issue of "Elle" Magazine, showcasing actress Katie Holmes, for a campaign promoting the History Channel's, (now-canceled) 8-part TV mini-series, "The Kennedys".

Filmed in Toronto last summer, the show stars Holmes as First Lady 'Jackie Kennedy'.

After History Channel and Showtime passed on the completed project, due to 'questionable depictions' of the Democrat party, "The Kennedys" may now debut on DirecTV, who are interested in buying the show.

DirecTV previously picked up "Friday Night Lights" and "Damages", both on the brink of cancelation. The direct broadcast satellite service based in El Segundo, California, transmits digital satellite television/audio to households in the US, with over 18 million subscribers.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "The Kennedys"...

FX Stretches Their "Powers"

The FX Network's upcoming adaptation of "Powers", based on the comic book series by Brian Michael Bendis, continues in script development, with FX president John Landgraf confirming he is "...really excited about what's going on with 'Powers'..."

"Powers" is the creator-owned police procedural comic book series written by Bendis and illustrated by Michael Avon Oeming, published by Image Comics 2000 to 2004. Subsequent volumes, starting in 2004, have been published by Marvel Comics as a part of their Icon publishing imprint.


Set in a world where superpowers are relatively common but not mundane, "Powers" follows the lives of homicide police detectives 'Christian Walker' and 'Deena Pilgrim', devoted to cases that involve people with super 'powers'.

Walker used to be costumed superhero 'Diamond', but became a cop after he lost his abilities. Though stripped of his powers, he still retains his contacts within the superhero community.

"It's really hard I think to adapt a graphic novel into a successful television show," said Landgraf. "I realize they did it with 'The Walking Dead', at least in the first six episodes they had on the air, but there have been very few wholly successful adaptations".

'Powers' is a really different kind of show than 'The Walking Dead'...We're now on our third writer. It's Chic Eglee who worked on 'The Shield''..."

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Canadian Film & TV Production Shows Growth

According to the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA), the Canadian film and television production industry showed growth from 2008/09 to 2009/10, with an overall increase in production volume from $4.8 billion to $4.9 billion.

Total numbers for independent television production had an overall one per cent rise in activity in the industry.

The report also reveals that Canadian theatrical production and foreign location & service production regained momentum in 2009-2010.

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Gellar Runs With "Ringer"

Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar ("Buffy The Vampire Slayer") will return to broadcast series TV with the CBS dramatic pilot "Ringer", from ABC Studios, CBS TV Studios and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

Written on spec by writer-producers Eric Charmelo & Nicole Snyder ("Supernatural"), "Ringer" follows a 'troubled' young woman (Gellar) who, while on the run from the underworld, hides out by inhabiting the life of her wealthy twin sister, until she learns that her twin also has a bounty on her head.

Executive producers of "Ringer" are Peter Traugott, Gellar, Charmelo and Snyder.

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