WGAW taps Verrone for Morgan Cox kudo

Former Authors Guild of America West leader Patric Verrone -- best referred to as public face from the guild throughout the authors strike -- continues to be drawn on to get the WGA West's Morgan Cox Award in recognition and services information towards the guild. Verrone is going to be honored in the Authors Guild Awards' West Coast ceremony on February. 19 in the Hollywood Palladium. "Patric Verrone has devoted a lot of his professional existence operating for this guild and also to its people," stated WGA West leader Christopher Keyser. "He's the embodiment of all of the characteristics the Morgan Cox Award remembers called the unanimous selection of the 2011 committee. Because he has honored us, it's our great pleasure to recognition him now." Verrone became a member of the WGA later and done "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," "The Simpsons" and "Futurama." He's most widely known for becoming WGA West leader for 2 terms (2005-09) and leading the WGA with the 100-day authors strike of winter 2007-08. Verrone was initially chosen towards the WGA West board in 1999 after which offered two terms as secretary-treasurer in 2005. Keyser defeated Verrone last be seduced by the presidency. Verrone's been nommed for nine Emmys and won for "Futurama" in 2002 and 2011 as well as for "Muppets Tonight!" in 1998. He received the WGA West's Animation Writing Award in 2002 for lifetime achievement in animation writing. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

SAG Top Moments: The Scorsese-est Consuming Game

Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Melissa McCarthy Our roundup of the extremely memorable moments in the SAG honours: 1. Scorsese-est Consuming Game: In showing a highlight utilizing their nominated film Bridesmaids, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Melissa McCarthy discuss devising a consuming game while making the film. "You must have a glass or two every time, which i am talking about every time, you hear the word Scorsese," states Rudolph. McCarthy adds: "You'd be surprised how often that appears in casual conversation because people similar to to throw that factor around." After explaining the film, Wiig states: "You think thatScorsese saw our movie?" They're going to chuck the ball title around willy-nilly, with Rudolph mixing in "prosecco." 2. Scorsese-est Consuming Game, Part II: Steve Buscemi begins his acceptance speech in addition to TV Actor for Boardwalk Empire by saying because of his executive producer - Martin Scorsese. "You'll be able to possess a drink," according to him. More youthful crowd apologizes for - obligatory spoiler alert for your Digital video recorder happy - killing off Michael Pitt's character: "To all or any the Michael Pitt fans available, I realize, I am sorry. Stop yelling at me all the time.Inch (Part III in the consuming game comes when Buscemi talks for your show's winning ensemble.) See all the SAG Honours red-colored-colored carpet arrivals 3. Youngest Bleep!-ing Standup: The Present Family cast allows its child stars to think about for the mic for Best Ensemble in the Comedy Series win. Despite the fact that Rico Rodriguez and Ariel Winter deliver gracious thank yous, Nolan Gould is (scripted) cheekiness, shouting about child stars undergoing treatment like animals. Screen mother Julie Bowen attempts to censor him when he will curse but he handles to produce his sometime ago for the podium to wrap it up nicely nicely: "Thanks for the unions to make certain we're properly given... and hang into our pens each evening by sunset!" 4. Best Shout-Towards the Have-Nots: In accepting the Supporting Film Actress award to accompany her Golden Globe for your Help, a tearful Octavia Spencer nixes agent-saying because of (whew!) and rather values the black women in the Jim Crow South. "I have to admit it absolutely was a genuine privilege to supply voice to numerous ladies who handled to obtain possible will be able to stand here tonight," she states, adding: "By adoring me, you recognition them." After offering a shout-out for your legendary civil rights activist Medger Evers, she concludes: "I'm prone to dedicate this for the downtrodden, the underserved, the underprivileged, the overtaxed, whether psychologically, physically or financially." 5. Squealiest Sixpeat: Alec Baldwin wins his sixth straight statuette for his concentrate on 30 Rock and squeals frequently, "Oh my gosh God, oh my gosh God, oh my gosh God, oh my gosh God, oh my gosh God ..." OK, then you are prepared to become he is not so jaded - so he lauds Tina Fey's writing, they states, is what wins him the award. Have a look whatsoever from the SAG Honours fashion hits and misses 6. Spunkiest Tribute: Dick Van Dyke begins the loving tribute to his sitcom co-star Mary Tyler Moore's Lifetime Achievement award by tracing her extended career in comedy, concluding "She really managed to get ultimately." In their acceptance speech, Moore recounts how she required to consider another title while registering for your Screen Stars Guild since they already had six Mary Moore's on record. So, inspired by her father George Tyler Moore, she registered her full title. "I written it lower round the form... SAG was happy, my father was happy, and tonight... I too am happy ultimately. Thanks.Inch 7. Best Acting Advice: Tina Fey offers up Kathie Lee Gifford's sage words for the actor seeking success: "If drag queens thank you, you'll have a lengthy career in the world. They do know phony, and so they know real." 8. Most Shocked Champion (No, Really!): Betty White-colored is surprised to win her second consecutive SAG as Supporting TV Actress for warm in Cleveland - and signifies the presenters is most likely not literate. "I don't think they could read. In my opinion they provided an awful mistake." Again she stroked the aficionado statuette as she did a year ago. This time around around, though, she didn't linger as extended over his body. 9. The Next Best Step to Betty White-colored: And you know what happens our planet's earliest profession is... Christopher Plummer, who wins his first SAG for his supporting performance in Beginners, cracks: "I merely can't let guess what happens fun I've had joining our planet's second-earliest profession." What were your chosen moments? Stay updated Monday at 8/7c for Screen Stars Guild Fashion Wrap on tv Guide Network.

SAG-AFTRA Merger Plan Finalized

A formal plan to merge the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has finally been drafted, but members of both performers unions will have to wait a while longer before they can read it. SAG and AFTRA announced early Monday morning that the Group for One Unionthe so-called G1, a joint panel of leaders from the two unionshas agreed upon a merger package that will be presented to and voted on by SAGs national board of directors at its Jan. 27 meeting and AFTRAs national board at its Jan. 28-29 meeting. The unions intend to withhold details of the package until after the board meetings.Monday morning marked the beginning of a marathon meeting for the G1 that began on Jan. 7. The intention of the nine-day session was to finalize the merger proposal, which must be approved by the unions respective national boards before it is sent to members for ratification. The last attempt to merge the unions failed in 2003, when SAG fell just short of the 60-percent approval from membership needed for the process to move forward. Should the plan garner the approval of the boards, it may find itself subject to a very public unveiling. SAG President Ken Howard has stated in the past that he would like to announce the proposal at this years SAG Awards ceremony, which takes place Jan. 29 and will be broadcast on national television.Momentum toward another attempt to merge SAG and AFTRA began building in 2009, when Howard was elected SAG president, replacing the combative and controversial Alan Rosenberg. Both Howard and AFTRA President Roberta Reardon had advocated publicly for a merger. The two began openly working on a merger in July, 2010, when they formed a joint forum intended to gather feedback from union members and leaders. A merger proposal is not expected to address one of the central concerns raised by membersthat of merging the two unions pension and health plans. The plans are separate entities controlled jointly by the unions and employers, and technically are not required to take any action based on the unions merger decisions. A course of action for combining the plans is expected to emerge in the long term, but likely not until well after members have voted on whether to combine the two unions. By Daniel Holloway January 16, 2012 A formal plan to merge the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has finally been drafted, but members of both performers unions will have to wait a while longer before they can read it. SAG and AFTRA announced early Monday morning that the Group for One Unionthe so-called G1, a joint panel of leaders from the two unionshas agreed upon a merger package that will be presented to and voted on by SAGs national board of directors at its Jan. 27 meeting and AFTRAs national board at its Jan. 28-29 meeting. The unions intend to withhold details of the package until after the board meetings.Monday morning marked the beginning of a marathon meeting for the G1 that began on Jan. 7. The intention of the nine-day session was to finalize the merger proposal, which must be approved by the unions respective national boards before it is sent to members for ratification. The last attempt to merge the unions failed in 2003, when SAG fell just short of the 60-percent approval from membership needed for the process to move forward. Should the plan garner the approval of the boards, it may find itself subject to a very public unveiling. SAG President Ken Howard has stated in the past that he would like to announce the proposal at this years SAG Awards ceremony, which takes place Jan. 29 and will be broadcast on national television.Momentum toward another attempt to merge SAG and AFTRA began building in 2009, when Howard was elected SAG president, replacing the combative and controversial Alan Rosenberg. Both Howard and AFTRA President Roberta Reardon had advocated publicly for a merger. The two began openly working on a merger in July, 2010, when they formed a joint forum intended to gather feedback from union members and leaders. A merger proposal is not expected to address one of the central concerns raised by membersthat of merging the two unions pension and health plans. The plans are separate entities controlled jointly by the unions and employers, and technically are not required to take any action based on the unions merger decisions. A course of action for combining the plans is expected to emerge in the long term, but likely not until well after members have voted on whether to combine the two unions.

Breillat to helm 'Abus de Faiblesse'

PARIS -- Radical Gallic helmer Catherine Breillat is set to helm "Abus de Faiblesse," an autobiographical drama based on her book depicting her destructive relationship with conman Christophe Rocancourt. Pic turns on Maud, a filmmaker suffering from hemiplegia, who gets manipulated by Vilko, an attractive thief she wants to cast in her next movie. Isabelle Huppert will play opposite French rapper-turned-thesp Kool Shen in "Faiblesse," which is expected to lense in Paris during the second half of the year. Breillat's follow-up to "Bluebeard" -- released Stateside by Strand Releasing -- "Faiblesse" is produced by Paris-based shingle Flash Films and co-produced by Arte France Cinema, the film production arm of the French-German broadcaster. Arte France Cinema has also boarded Argentine helmer Pablo Trapero's "Elephante Blanco" (working title) and Chinese filmmaker Lou Ye's "Mystery." Produced by French outfit Les Films du Lendemain, "Mystery" is a thriller following a Chinese middle-class woman who discovers her husband's double life. Hao Lei ("Summer Palace") and Qin Hao ("Spring Fever") star. Currently shooting in Wuhan, "Mystery" marks Ye's official comeback in China. Since directing "Summer Palace" in 2006, Ye, a controversial and critically acclaimed helmer, has been banned from making films in China. His last film "Love and Bruises" played at Cannes. A drama toplining Ricardo Darin, Martina Gusman and Jeremie Renier, "Elephant" centers on two priests struggling to better social conditions in a drug-infested slum 'burb in Buenos Aires. As reported in Variety (Dec. 2, 2011), the $4 million "Elephant" is Trapero's biggest-budgeted pic so far. It's produced by Spain's Morena Films, Trapero's Matanza Cine and Patagonik, and co-produced by France's Full House. Pic is shooting on location in Buenos Aires. John Hopewell contributed to this report. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

James Van Der Beek Ready To Mock Themselves On ABC Comedy

First Launched: The month of the month of january 10, 2012 2:20 PM EST Credit: ABC La, Calif. -- Caption James Van Der Beek encourages Dont Trust The B In Apartment 23 within the Television Experts Association Winter Session 2012, Pasadena, The month of the month of january 10, 2012James Van Der Beek is playing a publish-Dawsons Creek James Van Der Beek in Fundamental steps Dont Trust the B----- In Apartment 23, which premieres April 11 on ABC. I desired to audition against six other James Van Der Beeks with this particular role. I used to be lucky that four of those were not stars and a pair of of those did not speak British, the actor jeered while he needed part in the panel to market his new show within the Television Experts Association Winter 2012 Session in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday. Inside the half-hour comedy, which stars Krysten Ritter (Gilmore Women, Veronica Mars) since the B (yes, its short for the word), James plays a imaginary version of themselves, who's single and no less than inside the pilot very happy to use his Dawson fame to obtain the ladies. This character is just kind of crazy, he mentioned in the imaginary James. Hes really sweet, but hes narcissistic. Hes got lots of blind spots, it's been really fun to kind of exploit people blind spots and go to date as we are in a position to to the land of absurd, but merely maintain it grounded in some manner. Inside the pilot, you'll find numerous references to James past work (remember his scene with Ali Larter attending college Blues?), nevertheless the real existence actor told the shows producers he was ready to enjoy his past. I mentioned to Natch (Executive Producer Nahnatchka Khan) and David (Hemington, E.P.) in the beginning, Do not be frightened of problem me, opt for what's funniest, he mentioned. When asked for through the panel how extended it needed following a finish of Dawsons Creek being comfortable making fun of his past work, James displayed the identical spontaneity hes displayed recently within the online Funny Or Die clips. In my opinion once the residual money went (laughs), it increased being OK to poker fun in internet marketing, he smiled. Fortunately theyve saved me around extended enough to experience a second coming which is a lot more fun to not take myself so seriously Its fun to own a lot of laughs The particular reason to accomplish this it absolutely was undoubtedly was easily easily the funniest script Id read. The initial episode features a fun reference to the Dawsons penchant for flannels, but James recognized he never pocketed one of the famous clothing items from his youth. I believed my mother might have saved one oddly enough, he mentioned, mentioning he referred to as her up recently to evaluate. She was lacking any flannels. In my opinion theyve all gone the obvious method of Salvation Military at this time around. Although James has the capacity to play a parody version of themselves on tv, using his real title has brought for an apology to his child. Every every occasionally I return where you can my daughter and say, Sorry [for] what Im doing for the family title, kiddo, he mentioned. Dont Trust The B---- In Apartment 23, premieres April 11 at 9:30 EST/PST on ABC. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Garrett Hedlund tunes up Coen Bros.' next pic

HedlundWith production on "Akira" pushing, Garrett Hedlund finds in time his schedule to leap into another music movie. The "Country Strong" and "Tron: Legacy" star is at discussions to participate the cast in the Coen Brothers' "Inside Llewyn Davis" starring Oscar Isaac. Pic also stars Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake and John Goodman. Using the sixties Greenwich Village folk music scene, the story follows the title character, who's loosely based on Dork Van Ronk. The folk singer was pals with Bob Dylan together with other famous artists. Hedlund's role wasn't immediately apparent, but he's proven in "Country Strong" he gets the chops for just about any singing part. Scott Rudin is creating with StudioCanal is positioned to co-finance the film, which is made from no domestic distribution partner. Robert Graf ("True Grit") is professional creating and production is skedded for early next season in Gotham. Hedlund have been considering taking a role, but organizing with "Akira" forced him to feed. Since "Akira" is pushing back production even though it waits for just about any script polish, Hedlund could seriously board. Hedlund, repped by WME and Brillstein Entertainment, also provides Walter Salles "Around the highwayInch approaching. Even though beat pic retains no distribution, it's prone to hit the festival scene later this year. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

The Exorcist 2 Adds Nazneen Contractor

She'll be Noel Clarke's wifeWith shooting getting on-going, Qq Abrams as well as the The Exorcist team have clearly shoved the warp speed lever forward on casting, since the report on names put in the follow-up develops every week. The newest person to leap aboard? Canadian actress Nazneen Contractor.She's been registered to see Noel Clarke's wife inside the movie, though by yet, the juicy nuances of techniques their figures contact the crew in the Enterprise has yet to slip out. Empire's Guy In LA is to this day developing a fiendish mind-probing device to uncover what Simon Pegg knows.Clarke, clearly, was introduced the other day alongside Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch, which has acquired the main villain role. Other recent additions include Peter Weller and Alice Eve.Contractor is most likely most broadly known on her behalf stint as Kayla Hassan on 24, though she's also put their hands up in projects for instance telly comedy Rules Of Engagement.

NBC TCA Session Blog: Winter TV Forecast Betty Whitened, Chelsea Handler & Communitys Return

First Released: The month of january 6, 2012 6:24 PM EST Credit: NBC Caption Betty Whitened inside a marketing photo for Betty Whites Off Their RockersLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- NBC is featuring the tv programs set to become listed on the airwaves this winter, and beyond, in the Television Experts Association Winter Session, in Pasadena, and Access Hollywood is incorporated in the ballroom. The heavens from NBCs winter selection, such as the highly-anticipated Smash, along with the Firm, and therefore are You There Chelsea, take happens. Heres our rundown of what is happened to date: Informal Session: Betty Whites Off Their Rockers Make room Ashton Kutcher!: Betty Whitened, 89, takes several seniors and punking the more youthful generation within the comedy hidden camera series, Betty Whites Off Their Rockers, striking NBC later this season. The process of the show is it is the senior citizens pranking the youthful people, rather than theyre poor people ones being cheated, Betty stated at her TCA panel breakfast session. Dont sell them short. Theyre just stylish enough and mean enough to would like to get even. I believe its type of overturn psychology from the poor old senior, Hey, weve got a spontaneity too, warped because it might be. Clips from the show, previewed on Friday for journalists, demonstrated the more youthful generation left slack jawed through the senior antics within this raucous reality show (think plenty of seniors sex comments). Betty also addressed her approaching 90th birthday on The month of january 17, which NBC is shooting a unique with this Sunday evening. I keep attempting to explain, dont produce any credit. I did not do anything whatsoever. It simply happened. I did not accomplish anything it simply emerged on me. But Im fortunate with a healthy body, and for your Im deeply grateful, she stated. Betty Whites 90th Birthday: A Tribute to Americas Golden Girl, featuring Ellen DeGeneres, Morgan Freeman, Tina Fey, Ray Romano, Seth Meyers and Tracy Morgan, airs on The month of january 16. Session No. 1: Executive Session AGT Will Not Be The Howard Stern Circus!: Hes noted for his crazy mouth on his Sirius XM Radio show, but Howard Stern is going to be showing another side on Americas Got Talent next summer time, based on NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt. Apart from his radio persona, hes a really thoughtful, very intelligent person and hes an enormous fan from the show and that he wants to become a great judge, Greenblatt told reporters. I dont think his plan's to usurp the show making it the Howard Stern Circus, he added. In other NBC news, Bob stated he does not expect a significant shakeup using the Today show, despite individuals Ryan Seacrest gossips. I believe all that's premature, Bob stated from the Ryan-to-Today talk. I believe its our hope and belief that Matt [Lauer] will remain on the show past the finish of his contract I believe no. 1 priority is Matt around the Today show, and concurrently, determining how to get Ryan and him in the household. And, talking about the household, Community is within. Bob revealed the show hasnt been canceled whatsoever, and can return within the coming several weeks time slot to become introduced. Session No. 4 Are You Currently There, Chelsea? Ensure That It Stays In The Household: That 70s Shows Laura Prepon assumes the role of Chelsea in funnywoman Chelsea Handlers new comedy for NBC, and Chelsea, plays her sister, re-named Sloane. We needed to change her reputation for legal reasons so my very own family cant sue me, Chelsea stated throughout her area of the press tour. Although her sister is bossy, angry and pregnant within the pilot, the E! late evening host stated her real existence sister is alright with this. Shes thrilled, remarkably, the star stated from the portrayal. Her job as author, evening host, etc., could keep Chelsea in just seven from the 13 episodes, and shes Comfortable with that. Its Lauras show really and ultimately It wound up as being a really fun character, she stated. Id like to be because I'm able to, however i possess some other jobs. Talking about Chelsea Recently, she added, I love my E! show, I love being individually distinct. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Hobbit' Takes 'An Unforeseen Journey' To MTV Movie Brawl 2012!

Day a few MTV Movie Brawl 2012 is here now, plus an already intense competitors are starting to warm up further while using announcement within our Wild Card round -- an opportunity to get five new movies to the tournament's first round. Before we concern yourself with new rivals, let's focus on the movies that are presently brawling it. Current day Movie Brawl preview includes a visit to the Roaring Twenties, an action movie fan's finest fantasy, together with an illusion flick this can be a fantasy fan's finest fantasy. (That's plenty of dreams!) "Django Unchained" Grown from what Quentin Tarantino told us last year is "among my roses," this slavery western marks QT's triumphant return to the multiplex following a Oscar-winning success and $320 million box-office triumph of "Inglourious Basterds." Costarring Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz together with a slew of other notable names, "Django" involves late December, in the thick in the Oscar race. Can Tarantino hit it large again? Gloriously, hopefully. -Eric Ditzian "The Expendables 2" Stallone. Schwarzenegger. Willis. That certain talks alone, folks. -Josh Wigler "Gangster Squad" Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone have joined once again in those days drama. Occur L.A. through the peak in the mob, the film also stars a who's who of Hollywoods A-list including Josh Brolin and Sean Penn. Because the premise certainly has us intrigued, the idea of seeing Gosling don some old-school garb piques our interest almost round the possibility we might see people famous abs again. -Jocelyn Vena Election in MTV Movie Brawl 2012! "Ghost Driver: Spirit of Vengeance" If Nic Cage wasn't crazy enough to suit your needs as Johnny Blaze inside the first "Ghost Driver" movie, the organization company directors behind the "Crank" films are here to help. So when you thought the initial film seriously did not have Ghost Driver urinating fire, I help you for the trailer. -Kevin P. Sullivan "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" Director Jon M. Chu went while using "by helping cover their unhealthy, together with the ninjas" approach to the second large-screen "G.I. Joe." By hanging onto only the good facets of "Rise of Cobra" (see: Zartan inside the White-colored House, no Marlon Wayans) and employing an amazing cast headlined with the Rock, Bruce Willis, Adrianne Palicki plus an military of ninjas, Chu looks to own created the film we "Joe" fans are actually waiting for our whole lives to find out. -JW "Gravity" Director Alfonso Cuarn returns for the sci-fi drama following a criminally underappreciated "Kids of Males" getting a flick that has brainiacs and fanatics of George Clooney dealing with similar shivers of delight. The plot particulars Clooney and Sandra Bullock play astronauts stranded around the space station are almost near the reason behind a film that provides to provide cutting-edge CG tech, wicked character drama and riveting performances from two Oscar individuals who win. -Erection dysfunction Election in Movie Brawl's Wild Card round! "The Fantastic Gatsby" While Bradley Cooper might possibly not have expects to determine Baz Luhrmanns 3-D undertake the classic Fitzgerald novel, we should admit were pretty excited to find out Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan as well as the relaxation in the cast place their spin round the story about love, longing and lust among the upper sounding New You are able to through the occasions of flappers and gin. -Partnership "The Hobbit: An Unforeseen Journey" We're dwelling within the fantasy from the "Master in the Rings" fan. ten years following a first film opened up up, Healing For Healing For Peter Jackson and Ian McKellen are going to Middle Earth for just about any two-film prequel for the Oscar-winning epic. We won't be far behind. -KPS MTV Movie Brawl 2012 Has Began! Return tomorrow for further of MTV's Movie Brawl 2012 rivals! What can you consider the MTV Movie Brawl? Reveal inside the comments and also on Twitter, and then click here to election!