Seth Rogen developing spy comedy at Disney

RogenSeth Rogen is joining "The B Team," coming on as a producer on Disney's spy comedy with an eye towards starring.Disney had no comment about the project, currently in the development stage. Project's centered on a top secret agent being kidnapped, leaving his tech support team and researchers to rescue him.Disney set up the project three years ago at Charles Segars' Sparkler Entertainment after buying a pitch from the scripting team of Derek Guiley and David Schneiderman (Variety, July 11, 2008). Segars was tapped as the producer with Ilan Breil, manager of the scribes, exec producing.Rogen produced and starred in Summit's "50/50," which was nommed for a Spirit Award as best feature and a Golden Globe in the comedy/musical category. He's exec produced several movies that he starred in -- "The Green Hornet," "Superbad," "Pineapple Express," "Knocked Up" and "Funny People."Rogen will be seen next in Paramount's mother-son road-trip comedy "My Mother's Curse" opposite Barbra Streisand. He's exec producing "Curse."Segars received "story by" credit on "National Treasure" and exec produced that pic and its sequel.Rogen is repped by UTA and Principal. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Megaupload's Viral Music Video Is Back on YouTube as Dispute Raises New Issues

Prashant Gupta / FX FX and Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter have prevailed in a lawsuit filed by an ex-Hell's Angel biker who claimed the idea for the hit drama series was stolen.our editor recommends'Glee,' 'Sons of Anarchy' Added to Amazon Prime Instant Video Streaming Service'Sons of Anarchy' Creator Kurt Sutter on Season 4's Bold Finale and Season 5 PlansFurious 'Sons of Anarchy' Creator Tells DirecTV Viewers 'You're Getting F---ed Over'; Reveals Banned Script Chuck Zito sued FX for $5 million in June 2010 claiming he had developed a show called Nomads (later The Wild Angels) and had agents at ICM set up a pitch meeting in 2004 with FX chief John Landgraf, during which Zito says he discussed ideas for a show about a motorcycle club. FX passed on the project but later developed Sutter's Sons, which ICM packaged and which recently concluded its 4th season as a big hit for the network. "FX was obligated to pay Zito the reasonable value of his ideas, hire him to work on the series and afford him screen credit as creator," the lawsuit alleged. "Defendants breached an implied-in-fact contract with defendant." VIDEO: 'Sons of Anarchy': Ron Perlman Says Season 4 Was a Challenge At the time, Sutter took to his twitter account to blast the lawsuit, saying: "HAVING THE F***ING IDEA IS NOT THE SHOW. THERE HAVE BEEN DOZENS OF OUTLAW MOTORCYCLE TV DRAMAS PITCHED IN THE LAST TEN YEARS. NONE OF THEM HAS MADE IT TO SERIES, EXCEPT SOA. BECAUSE THEY SUCKED." STORY: 'Sons of Anarchy' Creator Kurt Sutter on Season 4's Bold Finale and Season 5 Plans Today a Los Angeles Superior Court judge agreed, ruling on summary judgment that Sons was independently created and Zito doesn't have a case. The judge relied on declarations submitted by Sutter, Landgraf and talent agent Matt Solo (now with WME), among others, showing Sutter's development process and the fact that Sons was pitched to several networks, including HBO and AMC, before arriving at FX, which bought the project in a bidding war. The judge saw no reason for the case to continue past the summary judgment phase. We've reached out to Zito's attorneys for comment. FX is represented by Scott Edelman at LA's Gibson Dunn firm and Rick Stone at Jenner & Block. Email: Matthew.Belloni@thr.com Twitter: @THRMattBelloni PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Sons of Anarchy' Red Carpet Premiere

Martin Scorsese on 'Hugo'

Martin Scorsese on 'Hugo'Although Martin Scorsese is renowned for pushing due dates when editing his films, the agenda for his first three dimensional feature, "Hugo," appeared exceedingly extended even through the veteran helmer's standards. When he spoken with Variety at the begining of November, he was still being trying out a couple of moments in "Hugo," and that he marveled at the length of time complicated moments needed to render."I did not understand what that meant until a couple of several weeks ago," he states. "In some instances shots may take, with respect to the complexity, 85 to 89 days to render. We began editing this picture in the center of The month of january. I've not seen anything I've not seen anybody. I do not know where I'm.InchIn dealing with his first family film, Scorsese did not always plan to turn John Selznick's highlighted novel "The Adventures of Hugo Cabret" right into a three dimensional film. It had not been until his 12-year-old daughter and her buddies started presuming the film could be in three dimensional he began testing techniques with cinemato-grapher Robert Richardson."I simply occur to like three dimensional a good deal,Inch Scorsese states. "I recall among the great encounters I'd growing up seeing movies was the very first wave of three dimensional: Warner Bros.' 'House of Wax.' Transpire here ended up being to use depth as narrative since most people thorough."The film ultimately works out to become a love letter towards the miracle of movies, a notion that Scorsese states is secondary to his initial aim of analyzing the energy of storytelling."Whether it was (about) a designer or perhaps a author, I'm not sure basically might have had exactly the same instinct to create the image,Inch the director states. "However it wasn't due to that. I like the thought the story resolves itself with the invention of cinema."EYE Around The Academy awards: THE DIRECTOR Helmers hot to globe trotWoody Allen Stephen Daldry David Fincher Michel Hazanavicius Terrence Malick Bennett Burns Alexander Payne Jason Reitman Martin Scorsese Steven SpielbergIn this mixture Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com

Where Alec Baldwin Was Before He Boarded His American Airlines Flight (Video)

Paramount's Young Adult stars Charlize Theron as a not-so-grown-up grown up, Mavis, who writes YA novels. Soon after her divorce, she returns to her hometown on a desperate mission to rekindle a romance with her high school boyfriend Buddy Slade (Patrick Wilson), who is now a married man.our editor recommendsYoung Adult: Film ReviewNew Movie Reviews: 'New Year's Eve,' 'Young Adult,' Madonna's 'W.E.' Hitting Theaters Charlize Theron on Playing a 'Bitch' in 'Young Adult' (Video)THR's Awards Season Roundtable Series 2011: The Actresses Mavis also runs into Matt Freehauf (Patton Oswalt), a former high school classmate who was bullied back in the days of high school. PHOTOS: 'Young Adult' Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals The Paramount film reunites Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody, who were behind the smart comedy Juno. While the main character in that film was wise beyond her teen years, their current protagonist is in desperate need of gaining a few mental years to match her age. Critics received the film mostly positively, especially praising the work of Theron as Mavis and Oswalt as Matt. Many wrote that while the film is hard to watch with its blunt and often harsh humor, it's well worth seeing. "On a scene-by-scene basis, Young Adult entirely engages with its smart exchanges between characters who are well equipped with rough edges and raw nerves," wrote The Hollywood Reporter's Todd McCarthy. FILM REVIEW: Young Adult McCarthy went on to praise the performances of Theron and Oswalt, but added that the plot has a very short arc. "The result is an impression of vibrant character sketches rather than of full-bodied drama with depth and complexity, of two characters, specifically, who could easily warrant far more extensive treatment, so acutely and specifically drawn are they," wrote McCarthy. "Shorter than a bad blind date and as sour as a vinegar Popsicle, Young Adult shrouds its brilliant, brave and breathtakingly cynical heart in the superficial blandness of commercial comedy," wrote The NY Times' A.O. Scott. "Theron and Oswalt turn out to be a terrific odd couple," wrote Betsy Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times. "Not easy because Cody's screenplay calls for, and Reitman demands, that they both reveal a great deal, and a great deal of what they reveal is exceedingly ugly." "There is a brashness of style that both Cody and Reitman embody - almost demanding that we not only laugh at, but like the unlikable side of the human condition. That sort of bravado is fine if you've got the goods to back it up. In the cutting edginess of Theron and Oswalt, they definitely do," added Sharkey. VIDEO: THR's Awards Season Roundtable Series 2011 With The Actresses "Reitman and Cody have made a big studio prestige picture that provides a realistic look at the darkest impulses of an unlikable character," wrote The Atlantic's Robert Levin. "It trades in discomfort and unease, not catharsis. That's an achievement worthy of admiration, if you can endure it," wrote Levin. "By turns amusing and annoying, Young Adult could be the flip side, plus the sequel, of Juno, another film written by Diablo Cody and directed by Jason Reitman," wrote Richard Corliss of Time. "In a thorny role, Theron is splendid; she instinctively reveals everything Mavis doesn't know about herself and offers an intimate peek into a wayward soul," added Corliss. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 'Young Adult' Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals Related Topics Charlize Theron Diablo Cody Jason Reitman Young Adult

A 'Tinker's' murmer

Helmer Tomas Alfredson started the 12 ,. 7 preem of Focus Features' "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy" within the Arclight by singing a Swedish version of "Happy Birthday" to producer Robyn Slovo. After you have a warm round of applause, Alfredson told everybody else he wanted they'd understand his film, based on John le Carre's dense espionage novel. The afterparty within the Chateau Marmont found stars Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong getting together with well-wishers. Alfredon mused in regards to the pic's protag, George Smiley, being "so complicated with an actor to accomplish, because Smiley doesn't speak for 16 or 17 minutes in the beginning, and ultimately, he boosts his voice slightly." On certain takes, Oldman's Smiley would be a little missing-keyed. "Tomas would request me to go to somewhat bigger sometimes, because a few things i was doing am small it had not been registering," appreciated the thesp. "He'd request me to look into Colin and I'd say, 'I did,' and he'd say, 'Can you transform it into a small bit bigger because we did less than notice.A With the finish, we communicated telepathically." n Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com

Harrison Ford Offered Role in Jackie Robinson Biopic '42'

Could Harrison Ford be adding "baseball general manager" to his long list of credits? According to Deadline, Ford is being considered for the role of Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey in the Jackie Robinson biopic, '42.' Rickey is credited with helping bring Robinson to the Dodgers in 1947, effectively breaking baseball's color barrier. Robert Redford was originally attached to the role a decade ago, when the film was in its initial planning stages. This past October, the part was offered to Jack Nicholson. However, with the Ford news, it's safe to assume that Jack turned it down. Brian Helgeland, who wrote the screenplays for 'Mystic River' and 'L.A. Confidential,' is attached to direct the film. Harrison Ford was recently rumored to star in the adaptation of 'Ender's Game.' [via Deadline] [Photo: FilmMagic] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Sharon Stone, Juno Temple Join 'Lovelace'

Attention art galleries: are you currently presently hunting for a great deal celebrity? How about Billy Burke or Rachelle Lefervre in addition to -- yes -- The Actor-kaira Pitt or Meryl Streep? While these names aren't usually associated with while using word "cheap," they're, due to Forbes' Best Stars for your Buck countdown. To compile this list, Forbes added up movie stars's salaries utilizing their last three non-animated films, then in contrast using the entire operating earnings all of people movies. It seems sensible simply how much the studio makes permanently dollar the actor can get paid out. So, who's the finest bargain? Billy Burke sits inside the top place, along with her films producing $55.83 for every dollar she's paid out. (Thanks, 'Twilight' franchise.) Hathaway As Catwoman reaches No. 2 -- mainly because of her role inside the enormous box office hit, 'Alice in Wonderland' -- along with her films calculating $45.67 for each dollar. At No. 3 is Stewart's 'Twilight' co-star, Rachelle Lefervre, getting a $39.43 average. Without Any. 4 would go to Daniel Radcliffe, getting a $34.24. The entire list, which features The Actor-kaira Pitt and Meryl Streep, might be read here. Time to use people checkbooks Hollywood! [via Forbes and THR] [Photo: GF/bauergriffinonline.com] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

The Smile from the Leader ((Il sorriso del capo))

A Cinecitta Luce discharge of a Cinecitta Luce production, together with Karta Film. (Worldwide sales: Cinecitta Luce, Rome.) Created by Marco Bechis. Directed by Marco Bechis. Compiled by Bechis, Gigi Riva.With: Riccardo Bechis.Using remarkable clips from Rome's peerless Istituto Luce archive, Marco Bechis constructs a portrait of Italia throughout the Fascist era in "The Smile from the Leader." Basically the final minute includes black-and-whitened footage commissioned by Mussolini to glorify his regime, and Bechis, born of the Italian father in Chile, discloses his personal link with the voice-over limited to the finish. The thought of using Mussolini's propaganda to define the time is strong, but Bechis casts his internet too wide. Intentional parallels with Berlusconi are satisfyingly apposite and can please left-leaning local people totally on TV as well as in ancillary. Coming back to his docu roots, the helmer begins with images from the Duce acclaimed by his adoring subjects after which increases the scope with footage covering numerous components from the time: education, exercise, industry, Ethiopia, journalism. Mussolini wasn't the very first leader to make use of cinema in by doing this (Peter Schamoni's superb "His Majesty Needs Sun" shows how Wilhelm II began the popularity), but he certainly put his stamp on every component of society. Adoring crowds of ladies screaming for his or her leader, and Mussolini's careful charge of the media, offer unvoiced but deliberate evaluations between your Fascist leader and Italy's recent premier. One Mussolini speech, from Turin in 1932, is really a recurring element, showing a less bombastic but nevertheless potent dictator whose populism touched a nerve within the Italian psyche that lots of argue remains even today. Though the threat of Jack Oakie's genius in "The Truly Amazing Dictator" isn't not even close to any Mussolini speech, Bechis guarantees the strongman image is not a resource of dismissive ridicule. Had the helmer focused on this element as opposed to the panoply of Fascist-era society he presents, his message could have been more effective. Voice-over is supplied by Bechis' father, Riccardo, who unflinchingly talks to be swept up within the Duce's vision: "At 18, I had been still a fool.Inch His reasoned reminiscences from the loyal hysteria and exactly how everyone was enraptured by Mussolini's showmanship (he isn't the very first person for connecting fascism with immaturity) make sure the footage is not seen with the distant lens of history. It isn't irrelevant the director themself fled Chile's dictatorship, making them doubly acquainted with the truth, as opposed to the specter, of fascism. From time to time, match edits are extremely facile, as when Mussolini addressing Fiat employees is cut with thunderous factory compressors. Music is culled from contemporary tracks though not in the films the idea is intriguing and enables Bechis with additional control, but he begins off too early with grandiloquent orchestrations, and there is nowhere else to visit after that.Digital camera (B&W/color, DigiBeta), Alvise Tedesco editors, Iacopo Patierno, Bechis seem, Patierno, Roberto Cappannelli. Examined at Turin Film Festival (A Movable Feast), November. 26, 2011. Running time: 74 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Simon Cowell Among Walters Fascinating People

First Launched: December 1, 2011 2:02 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Simon Cowell chats with Access Hollywood afterThe X Factor on October 25, 2011NY, N.Y. -- Barbara Walters has named talent-show magnate Simon Cowell, NY Yankees star Derek Jeter and pop singing sensation Katy Perry as three in the years ten best People. Also available are businessman and tv personality Jesse Trump, the Kardashian reality TV family, plus Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet, the onscreen couple from Fundamental steps comedy hit Modern Family. Others include Pippa Middleton, sister of British royal Kate Middleton, and Amanda Knox, the first sort Dallas exchange student whose four years in custody of the children from the children ended when an Italian court overturned her murder conviction. A ninth title is not been introduced. Most likely Probably The Most Fascinating Person will probably be revealed round the broadcast. The 90-minute special airs on ABC on 12 ,. 14. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Cheers & Jeers: 10 Things I Hate About My Teenage Daughter

I Hate My Teenage Daughter Jeers to I Hate My Teenage Daughter for being so detestable. How do I hate the new Fox sitcom? Let me count the ways...Want more Cheers & Jeers? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine. It wastes Emmy-winner Jaime Pressly (My Name Is Earl) in a dumb-bland role as a single mom who was raised by religious zealots. It wastes Tony-winner Katie Finneran (Promises, Promises) in a degrading role as a single mom who eats pie with her bare hands. It wastes The Wire's electrifying Chad Coleman as Finneran's African-American ex-hubby - and I describe him that way only because he's otherwise nondescript. It wastes Bridesmaids' uproarious Wendi McLendon-Covey as Finneran's high-school mean-girl-turned-principal. On the plus side, it keeps her away from playing David Spade's wife on Rules of Engagement. The titular girls (Kristi Lauren and Aisha Dee) are so abhorrent, it's not even funny; in the pilot, they lock a paraplegic classmate in the bathroom for two hours - which is how long the episode felt. Pressly's character apparently has a crush on her ex-brother-in-law, an uptight lawyer played by Desperate Housewives' Kevin Rahm. Ewww! Even the laugh track doesn't seem to find the show's stale gags amusing. Fox cancelled good shows like Human Target and The Chicago Code to make room for this turkey on their fall schedule. CBS cancelled The New Adventures of Old Christine, freeing up producers Sherry Bilsing and Ellen Kreamer to cocreate this vastly inferior single-mom sitcom. The hardest part of making up this list was limiting it to 10 items. What do you think of I Hate My Teenage Daughter?Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!