Solutions to Nothing

A Kerbside Points of interest discharge of a chilly Iron Pictures presentation an Ambush Entertainment production. Created by Amanda Marshall, Sim Sarna. Executive producer, Matthew Leutwyler. Directed, edited by Matthew Leutwyler. Script, Leutwyler, Gillian Vigman.With: Julie Benz, Dane Prepare, Greg Germann, Zack Gilford, Kali Hawk, Elizabeth Mitchell, Erik Palladino, Barbara Hershey, Miranda Bailey, Vincent Ventresca, Mark Kelly, Tony Denison, Aja Volkman.Following a run of genre films and disappointing lit adaptation "The River Why," author-director Matthew Leutwyler applies to some thing personal with "Solutions to Nothing." Stitching together a quilt of tales including disparate Angelenos within the mode of "Magnolia" and "Short Cuts" and myriad other crisscrossers, this somber drama is well crafted and watchable but lacks the distinctive story content, style and standout performances being greater than a serviceable reboot of familiar ideas. With comedian Dane Prepare toplining and moderate critical support likely, prospects are mild for 12 ,. 2 launch in 12 U.S. metropolitan areas. Home-format potential looks more upbeat. The different strands circle round the highly promoted visit a lately disappeared 10-year-old suburban girl. Mother and father asked a suspicious neighbor (Greg Germann), though audiences will also be brought to question in regards to a creepy schoolteacher (Mark Kelly) who obsesses within the situation whenever he isn't playing fantasy games online. Likewise living alone within the teacher's apartment building is really a cop-in-training (Erik Palladino) coping with their own hidden issues. Prepare plays a counselor who's getting an affair having a wild-child music performer (Aja Volkman, from band Nico Vega) while glumly pulling out from his wife (Elizabeth Mitchell), who frantically wants a young child. He's further soured through the inadequacy of his mother (Barbara Hershey), who still demands his father will return following a decade's abandonment. Meanwhile, among his clients, a TV author (Kali Hawk), embarks on the tentative romance having a seem specialist (Zach Gilford) while fighting the internalized racism she's developed from constantly being the lone African-American in her own fortunate professional and social situations. In the opposite finish from the spectrum, a unemployed retrieved alcoholic (Miranda Bailey) fights for custody of the children of the brother (Vincent Ventresca) who's braindead from any sort of accident she was involved with. Hatched throughout a time of soul-searching the director experienced following a divorce, these figures in crisis maintain interest on the fairly lengthy but well-paced narrative haul. Low-key tenor is sacrificed for 2 climaxes that feel a tad conventional, one a violent conclusion towards the kidnapping mystery, another a triumph-of-human-spirit episode including a marathon. Cast encompassing a number of Leutwyler's regular collaborators is solid, though in reality no principal figures is especially absorbing, supportive or three-dimensional. Pic's episodic character, range of issues, and merely-modest impact will have best around the smallscreen, where its insufficient originality will not appear so conspicuous. Packaging is professional, although the worked up handheld lensing applied by d.p. David Robert Johnson feels inapt of these intimate dramatics.Camera (color, HD-to-35mm), David Robert Johnson music, Craig Richey music supervisor, Michael Becker production designer, Joe Lemmon set decorator, Jennifer Lemmon costume designer, Keri Cruz seem, Eugene Thompson re-recording mixer, Jeremy Grody assistant director, Nick Touhey casting, Michael Testa, Serta Shaner. Examined on DVD, Bay Area, November. 26, 2011. MPAA Rating: R. Running time: 124 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Microsoft Eyes Entry Into Scripted Television

It looks like software giant Microsoft is looking to get into the scripted TV business. I hear that the company has hired a headhunter to search for an experienced executive to serve as a head of scripted. Microsoft has dabbled into original series before. Several years ago, the company’s music and entertainment service Zune partnered with MEAN Magazine to produceCinemash, a digital comedy series that took on classic scenes from popular movies. Microsoft recently has been exploring the scripted TV territory for its video-game console XBox. After a decade of growing pains, original content has finally become the new frontier for big Internet companies, though none has gone as far as to produce high-end series for online distribution, and Prospect Park’s failed attempt to do it with canceled soaps One Life To Live and All My Children proves just how economically challenging that is. Netflix is betting heavily on scripted series through straight acquisitions of drama House Of Cards and comedies Orange Is The New Black and Arrested Development. And Google’s YouTube recently announced the launch of as many as 100 channels with premium original content.

John Landis Remembers Eddie Murphy As a Jerk

“When I made Trading Places, Eddie was 19 or 20 and bouncing off the wall with talent and was a very happy guy,” John Landis recalled recently about this year’s Academy Award host drop-out. “When I made Coming to America, it was a few years later, Eddie had become an international star and was not as happy. It was awkward on that film because he was kind of a jerk, and we had a real falling out. But still we worked together very well.” [NYT]

Scarlett Johansson to Make Directorial Debut with Truman Capote Adaptation

Variety reports that Scarlett Johansson will soon join the ranks of actresses-turned-directors with Summer Crossing, Truman Capote’s first novella, about a 17-year-old Manhattan socialite who breaks away from her family and has an affair with a working class parking lot attendant in the summer of 1945. The Avengers star had discussed her directorial debut previously this fall, but with backers and The Deer Hunter producer Barry Spikings it seems the project is actually happening. Yes, but will it measure up to Jen Aniston and Demi Moore’s cancer dramas? Gauntlet dropped, ScarJo. [Variety]

Reedus catches 'Sunlight'

Reedus W DillonNorman Reedus is placed to co-star within the indie pic "Sunlight Junior." with Naomi W and Matt Dillon.Laurie Collyer is helming from the script she authored.Pic involves a Florida couple coping with an unpredicted pregnancy while holding minimum wage jobs.Reedus will have Watts' ex-boyfriend.Charlie Corwin, Ariel Elia and Andrea Roa are creating through Alchemedia Films.Pic is slated to enter production in December in Florida.Most widely known for his operate in "The Boondock Saints" photos, Reedus can presently be viewed as Daryl on AMC's "The Walking Dead."He's repped by Buchwald-Fortitude, Industry Entertainment and attorney Karl Austen. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Matt Weiner: Mad Males Visits 2011

Mad Males Creator Matthew Weiner Notifies All (To His Large Sister) It’s been a extended wait between Season 4 and Season 5 of AMC’s Mad Males due to the epic contract discussions between creator Matt Weiner, AMC and Lionsgate TV. But that’s a blip in contrast for the ending Weiner has imagined for your series. He told the site Grantland about his request how a three-time best drama Emmy champion will need its bow: “It found me in the heart of last season. It's my job to felt like it may be the help of human existence. And human existence features a destination. It doesn’t mean Don’s gonna die. A Few Things I’m trying to find, and the way I am hoping to complete the show, is similar to … It’s 2011. Don Draper might be 84 at this time around. If only to depart the show in the place where you own an idea of exactly what it meant and the way it’s connected along with you. … I used to be 35 once i written the Mad Males pilot, 42 once i got making it, which i’ll be 50 if the chimes the atmosphere. To make sure that’s everything you’re gonna get. Am I Going To know precisely what’s gonna happen? No, I don’t. But The most effective to ensure that it's entertaining which i would like people to consider it fondly and not think it brought to some fart.” Weiner also revealed inside the interview that AMC’s first focus groups after Season 1 thought the show didn't have from time to time. “They mentioned, ‘Our focus group told us they feel Pete and Peggy are boring, and so they hate the advertising business parts … the show is boring, the pace is not quick enough, and you also require more moments …,’ ” he mentioned. He added the network lost its leverage to pressure changes when word got out before an essential meeting that AMC had already restored the show.

U.K. stretches film tax credit

LONDON -- Blighty's government has introduced that it'll extend the nation's film tax credit, that provides rebates as high as 25%, before the finish of December 2015. This news came like a welcome announcement from U.K. Pm David Cameron, signalling that Hollywood and worldwide projects would still make use of the important type of support which has attracted studio photos like the "Harry Potter" and Mission Impossible franchises to lense within the territory. "I'm delighted to announce the extension of film tax relief towards the finish of 2015, ensuring countless pounds of support for that British film industry," stated Cameron. "The this past year has seen massive success, fitness center abroad, for lots of U.K. films. I anticipate seeing the U.K. film industry still thrive over in the future, based on the government's film tax relief." Blighty's film tax relief plan encourages sustainable manufacture of culturally British films as well as in 2009/10 provided around 95 million ($151 million) of support towards the Brit pic biz and supported a lot more than $1.6 billion of purchase of 208 photos. Within the territory, productions having a budget of 20 million ($32 million) or less can obtain a 25% tax rebate while photos having a budget greater than that benchmark can claim a rebate of 20%. Recent productions licensed as British underneath the cultural test include "Brighton Rock," "Attack the Block," "Streetdance three dimensional," "Gnomeo & Juliet," "Clash from the Leaders" and also the "Harry Potter" franchise. "The large success of British films in the Academy awards, the Golden Globes and also the BAFTAs this season is obvious recognition in our world-class talent and creativeness," stated film minister Erectile dysfunction Vaizey. "But like a vital creative industry, additionally, it has huge possibility of economic growth." Inside a statement, Josh Berger, leader and controlling director, Warner Bros. U.K., stated: "For nearly 90 years, Warner Bros. continues to be trading in U.K. film production and also the U.K. film industry's outstanding creative talent. Within the this past year alone, we have created six major movies here, launched the ultimate film within the U.K.-created Harry Potter movie series, and committed 100 million to produce our permanent production home, Warner Bros. Galleries Leavesden, that will open in summer time 2012. We welcome the government's expression of support for that U.K. film industry through its renewal from the film tax credit." Pinewood Shepperton chairman Michael Grade pointed out that the extension and security from the tax credit "will deliver certainty for that U.K.'s gifted filmmakers, and can supply the platform for growth, investment and jobs inside a growing segment from the economy." Matthew Justice, topper at Brit shingle Large Talk Productions along with a BFI governor, told Variety the government had shown "an incredible show of belief within the British film industry" by stretching the tax relief. "Let us hope that people can all deliver around the ambition to keep growing the British film industry in in the future and develop what is a vintage year for British film," he stated. The Pm also stated he was "delighted" the BFI could be establishing a brand new $319,000 Lottery-backed film export fund to assist promote Brit photos within the worldwide marketplace and facilitate worldwide sales of home-grown films. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

UTA Nears Deal to Move to New Beverly Hills Headquarters (Exclusive)

United Talent Agency is in negotiations to secure a 15-year lease for roughly 135,000 square feet of new headquarters office space at 9336 and 9346 Civic Center Drive in Beverly Hills, according to real estate sources. The deal is expected to close by the end of the month.our editor recommendsWME, UTA Eyeing Same Office Building as Showbiz Real Estate Market Heats UpMichael Ovitz Selling Live Nation Headquarters in Beverly Hills (Exclusive)Google to Open Office in Beverly Hills The value of the lease is not known. It is not clear when UTA would relocate from its existing headquarters at 9560 Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills -- the agency is said to have at least a handful of years remaining on its current lease. UTA declined to comment. PHOTOS:Hollywood's Biggest Real Estate Deals of the Week The Civic Center Drive property, which is owned byNY-based developer Tishman Speyer, is undergoing extensive renovations; it was previously the headquarters ofHilton Hotels. In March, The Hollywood Reporter reported that UTA was in the market for 100,000 square feet and had toured the soon-to-be-completed Red Building at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. The agency currently leases about 99,000 square feet at the Wilshire Boulevard property. The deal would be a coup for the city of Beverly Hills, which has sought to retain both UTA and fellow talent agency WME since CAA and ICM decamped for Century City in the past decade. STORY:WME, UTA Eyeing Same Office Building as Showbiz Real Estate Market Heats Up The move would give UTA significantly more space than it currently has and much more square footage than it was looking for this spring. In August, UTA said it would open a NY office this month. The agency would have a notable neighbor at the Civic Center Drive property: Playboy Enterprises Inc., which said Monday that it had agreed to lease 45,000 square feet there. EXCLUSIVE: Michael Ovitz Selling Live Nation Headquarters in Beverly Hills The property is just east of Beverly Hills City Hall and is located in a formerly industrial section of the city that officialshave been promoting as an entertainment business district. Itis also adjacent to the Live Nation headquarters building at 9348 Civic Center Drive. That property was formerly co-owned by onetime CAA topper Michael Ovitz and partners, who sold to Tishman Speyer for $20 million earlier this year. Tishman Speyer declined to comment. Email: Daniel.Miller@THR.com Twitter: @DanielNMiller Related Topics Real Estate UTA

I, Alex Mix Sparks Producers Suit Over Claims Of Credit By Rivals

Producers of Summit Entertainment’s approaching release I, Alex Mix directed by Make the most of Cohenwith Tyler Perry walking to the role created by Morgan Freeman have prosecuted against other producers who claim they need to receive compensation and screen credit for your movie.Bill Block and Paul Hanson are partners in QED, which produced the project that Summit has acquired for distribution.QED claims inside the suit that prolonged discussions that began in 2008 with producersJan Korbelin and Marina Grasic (who withMark Lindsay have launched Cargo Entertainment)in addition to their company Customer Pictures not successful get to an agreement on Customer’s participation with the development of I, Alex Mix. QED claims it drafted and redrafted multiple memorandums of understanding for Site site visitors’ participation which have been all rejected without any agreement was showed up at or signed. This Past Year QED states it formally informed Site site visitors that previous offers were withdrawn. QED claims that progression of the film proceeded without Site site visitors, who “indeed looked for to own no participation,” in line with the suit. Since principal photography on I, Alex Mix has finished as well as the movie is predicted being released next season, QED claims that website site visitors has resurfaced which is demanding compensation and screen credit, probably when planning for suit that goes for them. QED together with other litigants Suejack Corporation. and JPB Companies are searching for a court ruling inside the situation to eliminate the “cloud” cast over I, Alex Mix by Site site visitors’ claims just before the film is released. For that film, furthermore to Perry since the detective, Lost‘sMatthew Fox plays a serial killer who killings Crosss wife as revenge for Mix thwarting a young attempted murder. Erection dysfunction Burns plays Fox’s partner. Marc Moss written the script and director Cohen which he created a completely new draft that can some different turns in comparison to novel.Furthermore to QED partners Block and Hanson, producers include Leopoldo Gout and Steve Bowen, who spearhead Pattersons film endeavors. The film was packed by WME.