Alcon teams with Creative Coalition

Alcon Entertainment has formed a strategic partnership with the Creative Coalition under the latter's Spotlight Initiative banner. The alliance calls for the Creative Coalition to coordinate cause-related marketing components into promotional campaigns for Alcon's film slate including the upcoming "Speedboys" project. "Today, our citizenry demands socially conscious activism from the products and companies that it supports, and entertainment is no exception," said Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk. "Alcon Entertainment understands the power, inspiration and influence of film on issues that serve the common good." Alcon set up "Speedboys" last fall. It's about math teacher Simon Hauger, who guided troubled Philadelphia high schoolers to win a competition to build an alternative-fuel vehicle. Alcon's slate features projects aimed at the family demo such as "The Blind Side," "Dolphin Tale" and "Joyful Noise." Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

NATO Threatens Weinstein Co With NC-17 Rating For Bully

The fight over Bully continues, with the National Association of Theatre Owners now making its own threats. News came out last week that the MPAA upheld its R-rating for The Weinstein Company’s Tribeca 2011 doc about school bullying and since then the Weinstein Co has considered releasing the doc unrated and even to boycott the MPAA altogether, a move could have implications for its future releases.If TWC indeed goes ahead with releasing the film unrated, NATO said today in a letter to Weinstein boss Harvey Weinstein that it will urge members to consider the Lee Hirsch-directed film an NC-17 movie. In the letter (see below), NATO president and CEO John Fithian said he would “have no choice but to encourage my theater owner members to treat unrated movies from The Weinstein Company in the same manner as they treat unrated movies from anyone else. In most cases, that means enforcement as though the movies were rated NC-17 — where no one under the age of 18 can be admitted even with accompanying parents or guardians.” TWC said Tuesday in a statement its sole purpose for releasing the film is “educating children and highlighting how bullying has become a national crisis.” It added that Weinstein principals Harvey and his brother Bob were father to four children and see this as a “personal matter and one deserving its due respect from the MPAA and NATO.” Meanwhile, a Michigan high school student began petitionurging the MPAA to give Bully a PG-13, which would make it more accessible to middle school and high school students. As of Tuesday afternoon, it had 94,000 signatures. Here’s the NATO letter to Harvey Weinstein: Dear Harvey, The National Association of Theatre Owners partners with the MPAA in the rules and operations of the Classification and Ratings Administration. Exhibition representatives participated yesterday in the appeal of Bully. As you know, the appeals board voted to uphold the ratings boards decision that the prevalence of harsh language in Bully warranted an R rating. In response, you released a statement criticizing the decision, and threatening to remove your companys movies from the ratings process. As the father of a nine-year-old child, I am personally grateful that TWC has addressed the important issue of bullying in such a powerful documentary. The filmmaker and especially the brave young people who participated in this project deserve our attention and respect. Nonetheless, I believe that your public response to the decision of the appeals board is unwise. Surveys of Americas parents reflect their very strong concern with the use of harsh language in movies. The vast majority of parents surveyed have indicated that the type of language used in Bully should receive an automatic R rating. You ask us to ignore the preferences of Americas parents and our own ratings rules because of the merit of this movie. Yet were the MPAA and NATO to waive the ratings rules whenever we believed that a particular movie had merit, or was somehow more important than other movies, we would no longer be neutral parties applying consistent standards, but rather censors of content based on personal mores. You recently released the award-winning movie Kings Speech and must know the language rules very well. You should not have been surprised at the rating for Bully. I have nothing but tremendous respect for you and the work of TWC. Our industry is so much the better for your involvement. But if you decide to withdraw your support and participation in the rating system, and begin to release movies without ratings, I will have no choice but to encourage my theater owner members to treat unrated movies from The Weinstein Company in the same manner as they treat unrated movies from anyone else. In most cases, that means enforcement as though the movies were rated NC-17 where no one under the age of 18 can be admitted even with accompanying parents or guardians. Thank you for your consideration of these thoughts. And the best of luck to you on Sunday. Sincerely yours, John Fithian President & CEO NATO

Tech News

Starting next month, Sony Pictures will host a series of workshops on digital workflows supporting Sony's new F65 CineAlta digital motion picture camera. The sessions will be conducted at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City on Stage 7 and will feature a functioning, end-to-end production and post production system. "The F65 has generated a lot of enthusiasm among directors and cinematographers impressed by its outstanding image quality and performance, which, some say, rivals 35mm film," said Gary Martin, prexy of production administration at Sony Pictures Entertainment. "Our intent is to help filmmakers get the most from this exceptional new camera." * * * Production and post house ShootersNYC has moved into new digs in Gotham's Flatiron District. The new space includes three editing suites, a graphics/animation suite and enough production space to handle a growing number of projects. Studio's growth spurt last year also saw the addition editors, Anthony Marinelli and David Smalheiser. * * * San Rafael-based stage rentals and vfx company 32TEN Studios signed three initial subtenant companies that will relocate to its space: RipplFX, Jessen Productions and GB-Films. 32TEN CEO Tim Partridge said: "Our goal is to add a sense of revitalization to the long-standing film production community located in Marin County, Calif." Studio is working on three upcoming features. * * * Character effects shingle Masterfx has announced its collaboration with Twisted Twins Productions to create the character designs and produce the prosthetic and makeup special effects for the original indie horror film "American Mary." The deal comes on the heels of the just-released DVD of "Dead Hooker in a Trunk," the debut film from Twisted Twins. The DVD release is from IFC Films and MPI Media. Contact Peter Caranicas at peter.caranicas@variety.com

'Lone Ranger' contributes to cast

Disney finds four more thesps to complete the cast of their Gore Verbinski-helmed actioner "The Lone Ranger."Matt O'Leary and Harry Treadaway will have people of Butch Cavendish's gang, and W. Earl Brown and Leon Rippy also have became a member of the cast. O'Leary most lately wrapped Ron Rosenthal's "Drones" and stars in Matthew Lillard's directorial debut "Body fat Kid Rules the planetInch and Megan Griffith's "Eden," the second two that will preem at South by Southwest.Brown presently seems in HBO's "Luck," while Treadaway made an appearance in Gil Kenan's 2008 fantasy "Town of Ember." Rippy co-stars in Fox's "Alcatraz."Thesps join stars The Actor-brad Pitt and Armie Hammer within the pic, composed by scribes Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, and Justin Haythe.Film is presently lensing and skedded for release on May 31, 2013.(Marc Graser led for this report.) Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

Charter deficits narrow to $67 mil

Charter Communications, with new Boss Tom Rutledge in the helm, stated internet deficits simplified last quarter to $67 million from $70 million last year.Income in the St. Louis-based company possessed by Paul Allen nosed as much as $1.83 billion within the quarter ended 12 ,. 31 from $1.79 billion on greater Internet, telephone and commercial sales."This is an essential year for Charter and our clients, and I am excited to take part in it," Rutledge stated. A very regarded as cable professional, he shocked the as he bolted from his longtime perch at NY operator Cablevision at the end of December to maneuver to Charter.Charter's total subscriber base increased 8,700 within the 4th quarter, in comparison to some lack of 35,700 around-ago quarter. Residential Internet clients increased 67,700, a lot more than double the amount of last year.Video clip deficits of 45,000 were lower from 62,000 around-ago quarter. But Charter added less telephone customers of computer had the prior year.Rental released another release for fast-growing commercial services division Charter Business, where revenue leaped 20% for full-year 2011 to $583 million. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Janney Sits For Friday Evening Dinner

Tony Shalhoub and in the tableSomewhere inside the mid-Atlantic, round the offshore floor, there's a waste pile of comedy ideas that did less than increase the risk for transition within the Uk as well as the US. The job of transforming British comedy for American audiences is fraught with failure, with every Office countered by ten Couplings. But that doesn't stop systems from trying, now Allison Janney and Tony Shalhoub are situated for your pilot of Friday Evening Dinner.The Funnel 4 original is really a hit the following, featuring Tamsin Greig, Paul Ritter, Simon Bird, Tom Rosenthal and Mark Heap since the bickering Goodman family (in addition to their creepy/strange dog-having neighbour Jim) who spend every Friday evening over the dining area table, which never quite visits plan.Created by Robert Popper, the show was broadcast across water-feature on BBC America, now NBC desires to give a US version an effort, with Janney and Shalhoub overpowering from Greig and Ritter since the parents. There's expect that certain, as Greg Daniels, among the primary lights behind the network's undertake Work, is controlling the pilot, which has Office regular director Ken Kwapis installed on direct. Daniels also provides experience around the type of The Simpsons and King In The Hill.By at this time around, it's just an plane pilot, but we're intrigued to look for the way the typically British-style humour might be converted. Fortunately, Popper may also be involved, and that means you know it's in good hands this finish. Still, we question if he's been in touch with Steven Moffat to hear how badly it might all finish...

Harrison Ford Not In Predicts Star In 'Blade Runner'

Fans in the sci-fi classic "Edge Runner" may have become their hopes up in the last weekend after Twitch reported that Harrison Ford, the star in the original, reaches early predicts return for director Ridley Scott's follow-up. Sadly, Twitch's scoop didn't pass the Voight-Kampff test. Deadline is becoming verifying that Alcon, the business creating Scott's recommended return to replicants, has completely declined any gossips surrounding discussions with Ford. Calling the rumor "patently false," Alcon co-mind Andrew Kosove reiterated what happen to be formerly pointed out in regards to the film, stating "What Ridley does in 'Prometheus' is a superb template that were trying to complete. He created something having a association for the original Alien, but lives alone just like a standalone movie." Alcon stands by their original intention to produce the next "Edge Runner" movie just like a "total reinvention" in the series, and keep connections for the original film. Most needed this being an expression that Ford wouldn't return, and Kosove formerly mentioned as much, explaining "In no way am i going to speak for Ridley Scott however when you are asking me will this movie have anything associated with Harrison Ford, the answer then is no." For whether Kosove thought Ford could, theoretically, return, he left it open to development. "Just before being aware of what would do, I supposed you are able to say yes, he could," Kosove mentioned. "But it's most unlikely.Inch It's presently unclear when Scott will direct his return to "Edge Runner." Recent reviews have known as Cormac McCarthy's "The Counselor" just like a likely next project. How do you feel if Harrison Ford did not appear over the following "Edge Runner" film? Inform us inside the comments below and also on Twitter!

Aircraft aircraft pilots Very AFTRA for 4th Year back to back

Once again, TV aircraft aircraft pilots are increasingly being very produced under AFTRA jurisdiction, with this particular union covering no less than 80% from the season's broadcast network aircraft aircraft pilots, research by "The Hollywood Reporter" has determined.That continues a pattern that began in the finish of 2008 and early 2009, when SAG was dealing with no contract and operating under an administration that threatened a strike. Although SAG's leadership has changed ever since then, the recognition continues, even though AFTRA's minimums are 3.5% more than SAG's. The 2011 pilot figures were a 180 degree switch in the earlier year's, when SAG had of a 90% share.Pilot figures certainly are a harbinger of series pick-ups: lately, AFTRA's share of aircraft aircraft pilots that visited series appeared as if its percentage share of aircraft aircraft pilots themselves.The AFTRA figures certainly are a slight dip within the amounts lately, which have been 87% (2011), 98% (2010) and between 87%-94% (2009). (Versions inside the 2009 figure be a consequence of versions in calculation techniques.)The modification in work benefits AFTRA by growing the quantity of people and total membership dues, and growing employer contributions for the union's health insurance retirement funds. SAG is however disadvantaged.AFTRA people also relish the union's greater minimums. The union which is H&R fund make the most of that too, since union working dues and employer H&R contributions depend on member earnings. The 3.5% differential began when AFTRA showed up at agreement around the contract while using art galleries in May 2008, but SAG not successful to get this done until of a year later.However, stars who be employed in both film and television can suffer consequently in the migration of TV attempt to AFTRA. An allegedly growing volume of them uncover that utilizing their earnings split between two unions, they don't achieve being qualified earnings levels in both union. Meaning they is probably not qualified for any medical insurance or perhaps a credit towards vesting their pensions.Supporters and rivals of SAG/AFTRA merger draw different conclusions within the pilot figures. Supporters indicate the split earnings problem just like a reason to merge, since which will eliminate the issue, presuming the two unions' medical health insurance andOror pension plans also merge. Supporters within SAG also reason why merger is the best way to stop losing SAG television work.Merger rivals insist the modification can be a deliberate campaign by producers to weaken SAG because of whatever they call the guild's more effective settling stance against management. Rivals accuse AFTRA of colluding while using producers in this particular effort. The claims seem to become created by inference: rivals are not appearing ever to own freely produced any emails or memos from producers or AFTRA which will support their argument.Key merger rivals were the leaders of SAG in 2008 and early 2009 plus it was their decision to address a deal while using art galleries that introduced for the flight of aircraft aircraft pilots to AFTRA. Which will seem to put the first responsibility with this particular change squarely by themselves shoulders. However, it's unclear why AFTRA's share of pilot production has continued to be at such high levels three years after control of SAG moved for the professional-merger faction.The THR analysis is founded on figures provided through the unions at THR's request, along with an study of complete complete breakdowns released on Breakdown Services' Breakdown Express Database, together with an airplane pilot monitoring list produced by veteran agent Christopher Barrett, leader of Metropolitan Talent Agency, and also the staff.The Three groups of figures created slightly spun sentences, but all shown AFTRA having a minimum of 80% of network broadcast aircraft aircraft pilots: THR's summary of complete complete breakdowns launched by Sunday for ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox and NBC projects found 51 AFTRA aircraft aircraft pilots and 12 SAG, or 81% AFTRA and 19% SAG.Complete complete breakdowns are notices from casting company company directors requesting agents to submit talent for several roles, which are known to by age and characteristics. The information in the breakdown usually includes the appropriate union, network, production company, format, show description (log line) and so forth.Furthermore for the 63 aircraft aircraft pilots taken care of for (51+12), you'll find also 2 aircraft aircraft pilots showing that choice of union was not been determined. All of the aircraft aircraft pilots are live action, except an untitled Demetri Martin animated show for Fox, which indicated nothing about union status. A few of the aircraft aircraft pilots are actually bought to series.You'll find about 88 aircraft aircraft pilots being cast or produced this season (based on MTA monitoring compounded with press reviews in the last a couple of days), and for that reason you'll find no Breakdown Services complete complete breakdowns for approximately 22 aircraft aircraft pilots.Why the missing complete complete breakdowns? MTA's Barrett told THR that some producers and casting company company directors cast their aircraft aircraft pilots by delivering complete complete breakdowns right to a particular report on agencies, instead of the wider distribution showed up at by Breakdown Services. Furthermore, some aircraft aircraft pilots may have not yet problem complete complete breakdowns, or may yet choose Breakdown Services if specific circulation did not effectively cast all roles.The network by network figures are: ABC 11 AFTRA, 4 SAG, 1 tbd, 10 no complete complete breakdowns, for no more than 25 aircraft aircraft pilots CBS 9 AFTRA, 2 SAG, 1 tbd, 4 no complete complete breakdowns, 16 total The CW 4 AFTRA, 1 SAG, 2 no complete complete breakdowns, 7 total Fox 8 AFTRA, 1 SAG, 5 no complete complete breakdowns, 1 unspecified, 15 total NBC 19 AFTRA, 4 SAG, 1 no breakdown, 24 total and total figures 51 AFTRA, 12 SAG, 2 tbd, 22 no complete complete breakdowns, 1 unspecified, 88 grand total. AFTRA figures by Thursday indicated 80% AFTRA and 20% SAG. This required it's origin from 24 bought aircraft aircraft pilots as confirmed AFTRA and 6 SAG, from 68 confirmed aircraft aircraft pilots bought. AFTRA did not have information on 38 aircraft aircraft pilots that have been bought.For that primary distinction between 68 aircraft aircraft pilots bought and 86 aircraft aircraft pilots being produced i.e., 18 aircraft aircraft pilots Barrett referred to that casting company company directors may problem complete complete breakdowns before a network has acquired the pilot. A few of people aircraft aircraft pilots will fall through, i.e., not get a network order. For instance, one of the NBC-designated aircraft aircraft pilots is on hold, according to MTA's monitoring. SAG figures by Friday shown 9 SAG aircraft aircraft pilots bought, from no more than 68 bought. SAG was lacking figures on the amount of bought aircraft aircraft pilots were AFTRA. However, if all of the remainder were AFTRA, the finish result would indicate 87% AFTRA and 13% SAG.Although pilot several weeks are centered with the five broadcast systems, you'll find some 38 fundamental cable and pay TV (premium cable) projects being cast too. Of individuals, 10 are AFTRA and 4 SAG, or 71% AFTRA and 19% SAG. You'll find also two aircraft aircraft pilots being produced for completely new media: Netflix's "House of Cards" starring Kevin Spacey, that's under AFTRA jurisdiction, and Machinima.com's "Rapid Eye Movement," beneath the SAG new media agreement. The Netflix pilot is an element from the series order of 26 episodes, that Netflix effectively bid about $100 million last March. The show is produced by Media Rights Capital.Inside an unusual move, two half-hour multi-camera fundamental cable aircraft aircraft pilots "Anger Management" (a Lionsgate pilot being produced for Foreign exchange) plus an untitled Cedric the Artist project (Hazy Mills for TV Land) they're under SAG jurisdiction. That format has typically been an AFTRA staple.Furthermore, two half-hour network aircraft aircraft pilots of unknown format (single versus. multi camera) go SAG too: "Partners" (Warner Bros. TV for CBS) and "Prodigy/Bully" (John Wells and Warner Bros. TV for Fox). The Hollywood Reporter