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Joan Rivers Brought Up on Charges by the Writers Guild East

Roger Friedman
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Joan Rivers Brought Up on Charges by the Writers Guild East

Wow. Joan Rivers, who’s always been very pro-union and a writers’ advocate, is being brought up on charges by the Writers Guild East. We will try and get a response from Joan ASAP.

Here’s what they say:

New York– The Council of the Writers Guild of America, East voted July 3rd to send charges filed against Joan Rivers, a lifetime member of WGAE, to a hearing before a three-person trial board.

The charges allege that Rivers violated the union’s rules by writing and by performing showrunner duties for the E! Network show Fashion Police. Writers Guild members have been on strike against Fashion Police since April 17, 2013. The writers on that show are paid a fraction of industry-standard compensation and receive no health or pension benefits.

The WGAE’s governing body determined that, if the charges against Rivers are proven to be accurate, then they would constitute a violation of the union’s rules; accordingly, pursuant to the WGAE’s constitution and by-laws, the Council referred the charges to a trial board. A trial board of three WGAE members will be appointed shortly. Rivers will be given the opportunity to present her case directly to the trial board, which will also hear evidence, including from the striking writers.

“We are distressed by reports that Joan Rivers, who worked so hard to create an illustrious career, turned her back on other writers who are still building careers of their own,”  said Michael Winship, WGAE President. “The question of whether she has, in fact, violated our working rules will be decided by the trial board.  We cannot pre-judge the outcome, but we can say that it is a very serious matter when a member is accused of writing and showrunning on a non-covered show, and continuing to do so after the other writers have decided to go on strike for reasonable pay and benefits.”

“Pacific Rim”: Financier Leaves Warner Bros. As Studio Braces For Next Big Possible Flop

Roger Friedman
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“Pacific Rim”: Financier Leaves Warner Bros. As Studio Braces For Next Big Possible Flop

“After Earth.” “White House Down.” “The Lone Ranger.” “The Internship.” It hasn’t been a great summer in the US for big studio tentpole movies. Four flops right there. And now a fifth may be on the way. Despite good reviews and a high (85%) rating from critics on RottenTomatoes.com, “Pacific Rim” is not looking so good for the box office this weekend.

Tracking hasn’t been so good, confined mostly to fan boys who want to see Guillermo del Toro’s new endeavor. The sci- fi sort of neo- “Iron Man” flick has no stars per se in its cast, just affable Charlie Hunnam from TV’s “Sons of Anarchy.”

On top of that, Legendary Pictures, run by Thomas Tull, a major financier for Warner Bros. with Batman and Superman movies, is leaving for Universal Pictures ASAP. Legendary has had hits and big misses, like the recent “Jack the Giant Slayer.” “Pacific Rim” could be a parting stink bomb for Warner’s.

Tull specializes in roll of the dice, $200 million movies. They either hit home runs, or blow up like a skyscraper demolition. “Pacific Rim,” of course, could surprise everyone a la “World War Z.” That movie had bad buzz, turned out to be very good, and became a huge success. But I’ve been hearing that audiences are not so keen on “Pacific Rim,” despite the reviews. And it doesn’t have Brad Pitt, or his tireless campaigning.

Stay tuned…

Wendi Murdoch Going Ahead with “Lang Lang” Movie, Starts Casting

Roger Friedman
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Wendi Murdoch Going Ahead with “Lang Lang” Movie, Starts Casting

EXCLUSIVE Wendi Deng’s divorce from Rupert Murdoch is only recent, if it’s even finalized. But she has not gone into hiding. Deng, who seems to be keeping the name Wendi Murdoch, is going ahead with plans to produce a movie about the great Chinese pianist Lang Lang. A casting call has gone out for “Journey of a Thousand Miles,” a filmed based on the book written by Lang Lang with David Ritz. Murdoch is listed as coproducer with Florence Sloan who also co-produced “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” with Wendi, and is married to former MGM chief and businessman Harry E. Sloan. The movie’s director is a first timer– Chinese actor Mo Zhang. No script is available yet, but its author is ID’d as Xiaozhu Wang.

Here’s who they’re looking for so far: [LANG LANG] Chinese male, 16 to 23 years-old to play 17. Appealing, outgoing and friendly. Not quite a boy but not yet a man, he still has a sweetness to him. Must be fluent in Mandarin. No prior acting experience required. Some piano playing ability preferred…LEAD

STORY LINE: Based upon the real life story of the Chinese piano virtuoso Lang Lang, this tender dramatic story
centers around 17 year-old Lang Lang as he struggles to overcome seemingly overwhelming obstacles on his
journey to greatness – leaving his home and adjusting to a new life in America, the constant struggle to be the
best, defying his father who had been his greatest supporter, and the heartbreak of finding and potentially losing his first love…

 

Cate Blanchett Could Be Woody Allen’s First Best Actress Since Diane Keaton in “Annie Hall”

Roger Friedman
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Cate Blanchett Could Be Woody Allen’s First Best Actress Since Diane Keaton in “Annie Hall”

At last: we saw Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine” tonight in a screening room so full at Sony that an overflow room had to be booked at Dolby down the street. It’s a little early for a real indepth review since “Blue Jasmine” doesn’t open until July 26th. Still, I will tell you that Cate Blanchett is a cinch for a Best Actress nomination. She could win the whole enchilada, too. She’d be Woody’s first Best Actress since Diane Keaton in 1978’s “Annie Hall.”

Woody has had plenty of Best Supporting Actresses, from Dianne Wiest (two wins– “Hannah and Her Sisters” and “Bullets Over Broadway”) to Mira Sorvino (“Mighty Aphrodite”), to Penelope Cruz (Vicki Cristina Barcelona”). “Midnight in Paris,” Woody’s biggest movie ever, had no acting nominations but did have a Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay.

“Blue Jasmine” is a sad story with many laughs, an updating of “A Streetcar Named Desire” with l’affaire Madoff. Blanchett, Sally Hawkins, and Bobby Cannavale are just about as superb as any trio could be, with several integral roles beautifully filled out by Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard, Tammy Blanchard, and Andrew Dice Clay, of all people, who comports himself nicely.

The idea is Ruth Madoff as Blanche DuBois unraveling before our eyes. Blanchett is simply stunning. And it’s nice for her because “Blue Jasmine” is contemporary. Blanchett won her Supporting Oscar for playing Katharine Hepburn in “The Aviator.” She’s known for playing Queen Elizabeth I. She’s well versed in Blanche DuBois, having played her in Australia and then at BAM under the direction of Liv Ullmann. I was lucky to see that production. Blanchett is her generation’s Streep and Fonda. She is basically infallible. “Blue Jasmine” takes her to a whole new level.

Best Actress is shaping up as a tough category for 2014: Kidman, Dench, Streep, Roberts, Watts, Winfrey are all in the mix. But Blanchett will be the one to beat, I think.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck Leaves “The View”: Told You Last March It Would Happen

Roger Friedman
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Elisabeth Hasselbeck Leaves “The View”: Told You Last March It Would Happen

As I wrote on March 8th and again on the 11th of this year, Elisabeth Hasselbeck is out at “The View.” She’s joining “Fox and F(r)iends,” the idiotic but highly rated cable show on Fox News with Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade. Fox is ousting Gretchen Carlson, herself no rocket scientist, to put in the ultra conservative Hasselbeck. She won’t be missed on “The View” where her daffy comments and non-sequitirs were great fodder.

That means that “The View” is losing Hasselbeck and Joy Behar in one swoop, with Barbara Walters a year away from forced retirement. Brooke Shields and Jenny McCarthy are the top candidates to replace the departing members of the cast. I told you back in March that Hasselbeck was out, and that ABC had given her time to find a new job or make a plausible excuse for her exit. So it turns out she took someone else’s job.  There’s no honor among thieves, as they say.

“Fox and Friends” is a show that literally plays the lowest common denominator. The people on it rarely make sense, often contradict themselves, and are blissfully ignorant of facts. Hasselbeck will fit right in. Good night. And good luck. “The View” goes on hiatus at the end of July, is dark for August and returns after Labor Day with many changes.

http://www.showbiz411.com/2013/03/08/exclusive-brooke-shields-likely-to-join-the-view-now-that-joy-elizabeth-are-leaving

Update: Randy Travis Gets Non Invasive Heart Pump, Not Surgery So Far

Roger Friedman
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Update: Randy Travis Gets Non Invasive Heart Pump, Not Surgery So Far
Randy Travis’s publicist says the following:
Contrary to reports, Randy Travis has not undergone heart surgery.  Travis is being treated for viral cardiomyopathy.  Travis was admitted into a Texas hospital on Sunday and underwent placement of an IMPELLA peripheral left ventricular assist device for stabilization prior to transferring hospitals.   

The Grammy winner remains in critical condition.

From the web: The Impella device functions similarly to a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a mechanical pump-type device that is surgically implanted in the left ventricle of the heart. (The LVAD helps maintain the pumping ability of a heart that can’t effectively work on its own, for example, in cases of heart failure.) The Impella device is a tiny pump that is inserted with a catheter through the groin rather than being surgically implanted. It can be used temporarily to help patients tolerate procedures such as angioplasty by relieving the heart’s pumping function and providing the time needed to perform life-saving procedures.

“We are very thankful to the fans for their love and support during this time,” says Randy Travis.

Cards and well wishes can be sent to:
Randy Travis
266 Blanks Road
Tioga, Texas 76271

Randy Travis is best known for “I Told You So,” “Three Wooden Crosses,” “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Diggin’ Up Bones,” and “Deeper Than the Holler”.

 

Watch Will Smith’s 12 Year Old Daughter in New “Summer Fling” Video

Roger Friedman
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Watch Will Smith’s 12 Year Old Daughter in New “Summer Fling” Video

Willow Smith, daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett, is 12 years old. Her new video is called “Summer Fling.” It features Willow hanging out an upscale swimming hole with kids at least 16 or 17 and up. She seems to be romantically involved– in the video– with a guy who looks twice her age.

Willow, sister of “After Earth” flopped star Jaden, finishes the video by looking as suggestively as she can at the camera. What the heck is going on here? Willow was homeschooled, then sent to her parents’ New Village Academy. Now the school, as I reported, has closed.

And this is what she learned there: how to cavort with near adults in appropriately on film. Jaden is shown in the group, looking weirder and scarier than he did in “After Earth.” Altogether, this is not an endorsement for the Smiths as great parents, frankly.

Would you let your 12 year old daughter sing this song and act in this video? Let me know. Maybe it’s a different world for the Fresh Prince of Bel Air’s family.

Sting Will Celebrate Birthday with 10 Shows at the Public Theater

Roger Friedman
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Sting Will Celebrate Birthday with 10 Shows at the Public Theater

I’m happy to report the official announcement of something I knew a while ago: Sting is moving into the Public Theater for two weeks beginning September 25th. He’ll celebrate his 62nd birthday there, on October 2nd. Sting will be playing old songs, obviously, but also testing out some new ones from his upcoming Broadway show, “The Last Ship.” An album of the same name will be coming out on September 24th.

I was lucky enough to see a workshop of “The Last Ship” in early May, and the songs were spectacular. Oskar Eustis of the Public was sitting right behind me, so I knew something was up– and here it is. Sting’s engagement runs from September 25th to October 9th.

There are 10 performances in all, in the 260 seat Anspacher Theater. All the proceeds will go to the Public, which is typical of philanthropic, menschy Sting. Maybe he’ll bring some of the performers from the workshop; they were really wonderful. And everyone will get to hear the composer’s first new music in several years. I can tell you, from what I heard, no one will be disappointed.

Elton John: Appendicitis Causes European Tour Cancellation

Roger Friedman
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Elton John: Appendicitis Causes European Tour Cancellation

UPDATE: Sir Elton emailed us: “I still have the appendix.Have done nine concerts and our Summer Ball with a burst Appendix.I am SO lucky.”

Earlier: Poor Elton John! He really is eternally youthful. He still has his appendix! But now he has appendicitis, and so his European tour has been cancelled, as well as a big date in Hyde Park in London. Anyone who knows Sir Elton knows that he loves to do shows, and hates to miss one. But what can he do? After a round of antibiotics, those appendix must come out. Luckily he has the National Health, and all of it will be free. So we wish him a speedy recovery. And he will get to spend time with his two little boys and partner David Furnish, so it’s not a loss. PS The Elton John AIDS Foundation received its 8th in a row 4 star rating from Charity Navigator today. Congrats! In Sir Elton’s honor, make a donation today www.ejaf.org

Hey Warner Bros.: Forget “The Butler”– What About “Little Man of Steel”?

Roger Friedman
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Warner Bros. tells CBS This Morning today that The Weinstein Company is guilty of “breathtaking hypocrisy” in the battle over “The Butler” title.

But really: Warner Bros. has bigger title woes than their “The Butler,” 1916 short film so insignificant that they don’t even list it in their own archives.

How about “Little Man of Steel”? Larry Ziegelman’s short film is listed on the IMDB and is playing the festival circuit. In the short, Lois and Clark go condom shopping. Ziegelman– a freelance art director and filmmaker– tells me he even put the short on the web for free a week before “Man of Steel” opened he got 12,000 hits. He also says he made his film before he even knew the title of the current Superman film. Here’s the trailer:

“Little Man of Steel” Trailer from Larry Ziegelman on Vimeo.

Warner Bros. has also lived on “The Dark Knight” for the last decade. But there are several films called “The Dark Night.” And the big studio has gotten away with it. Where’s the shock, horror, outrage?

I do think corporate giant has gone too far. They say they are protecting a 1916 short film called “The Butler.” Well, that film, directed by Edwin McKim, basically doesn’t exist. Though it’s listed in the Internet Movie Database, “The Butler” is unavailable in any format of any kind. Forget VHS or DVD– McKim’s “Butler” isn’t anywhere in the archives of the Paley Center, for example. And it’s not listed anywhere in Warner Bros’ extensive archives. Indeed, search the Warner Archives for “Butler” and you’ll only find Rhett, from “Gone with the Wind.”

It’s time to give this up. Warner Bros. is fueling a fight they can’t win. And in the process, “The Butler” is getting millions of dollars of free publicity. Any minute now The Weinstein Company will announce a White House premiere for the first week of August. Is Warners going to stop a movie with that title from playing here? I doubt it.

 

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