SAG extends exec director's deal thru 2015

David White, the top exec at the Screen Actors Guild for the past three years, is signed to remain in that post until at least 2015 -- whether or not SAG merges with the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists.A SAG spokesperson confirmed Wednesday that its national board had voted earlier this year to extend White's contract as national exec director by three years. The guild had not disclosed previously the extension and did not reveal salary terms.SAG leaders are in the midst of hammering out a merger plan with AFTRA and have not yet decided on the role that White -- and his AFTRA counterpart Kim Roberts Hedgpeth -- would play in a combined union. Reps of the performer unions have scheduled eight days of meetings starting Jan. 7 to sort out details of a possible final proposal that's scheduled to be submitted to the national boards at the end of January. Other details of the merger proposal haven't been revealed yet including the name of the new union, constitution, financing, entry requirements and dues. But it appears White's likely to play some kind of leadership role in a merger, given that he's managed to forge a solid relationship with the guild's national board, in contrast to his immediate predecessors.White was tapped as interim national exec director in early 2009 when the national board's self-styled moderates ousted Doug Allen amid frustration over Allen's failure to reach a deal with the majors on a primetime-feature master contract. Allen, a longtime exec with the National Football League Players Assn., had been tapped for the SAG post in the wake of the 2005 ouster of Greg Hessinger by the SAG board, when the self-styled progressives of the Membership First coalition came to power. In October 2009, the SAG moderates removed White's interim tag and gave him a two-year deal as he closed agreements on a half a dozen contracts and operated in a low-key manner that contrasted sharply with Allen's brash approach. White's initial contract, which ran through February 2012, elevated him into the chief negotiator post; he headed the SAG bargaining team for seven weeks in the fall of 2010, leading to a three-year successor deal on the feature-primetime contract.In his nine months as interim SAG chief, White oversaw cuts of about 35 staff slots as a result of a budgetary deficit. Since then, in addition to pushing for merger, he's also moved to heighten SAG's commitment to upgrading its technology. White served as the guild's general counsel from 2002-06 before becoming managing principal of Los Angeles-based Entertainment Strategies Group. He was a labor and employment attorney at O'Melveny & Myers before joining SAG in 2002.According to SAG's filing of its LM-2 form with the U.S. Dept. of Labor, White was paid a salary of $452,877 plus disbursements of $21,060 during SAG's fiscal year ended April 30. Roberts Hedgpeth, who's topped AFTRA since 2005, was paid $375,560 for the same period. Jay Roth, who's headed the Directors Guild of America since 1995, has the top exec salary at $736,430 in the DGA's filing for 2010. David Young, who's headed the WGA West since 2005, was paid $461,730 for the fiscal year ended March 31; Lowell Peterson, WGA East topper since 2008, received $253,834 in the most recent fiscal year.As for the possible SAG-AFTRA merger, the unions have been hush-hush but using the word "productive" to describe the four rounds of formal discussions by the AFTRA and SAG Group for One Union. Proponents have argued that a combined union would be more powerful and remove jurisdictional overlaps; opponents contend that the new union should be for actors only, but SAG voters have been backing pro-merger candidates overwhelmingly in recent elections.Should the proposal be approved by the national boards, members would be asked to OK the merger as early as this spring in a contest that would require 60% of those voting in each union to approve. SAG currently has about 120,000 members while AFTRA has about 70,000, with about 45,000 performers belonging to both unions.SAG members defeated merger proposals in 1999 and 2003. Merger was supported by 58% of those voting in the 2003 contest, when the combined union was to be called the Alliance of Intl. Media Artists. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

'Prometheus' Trailer's 'Alien' Mystery Is Intentional, States Damon Lindelof

The "Prometheus" trailer didn't exactly apparent within the question of whether it's certainly an "Alien" prequel no direct sightings in the Xenomorph, no, nevertheless the Space Jockey is very clearly involved as well as the "Alien"-esque arrival in the "Prometheus" logo design design practically oozes acidity for blood stream. That ongoing confusion won't disappear soon according to film author Damon Lindelof, who spoken concerning the "Prometheus" trailer's effective sense of mystery in the new interview while using La Occasions. One part of me type of desires to be concentrating on something whereI know, Case what this can be without needing to be secretive or mysterious however think that while using genesis from the a couple of years back when Ridley introduced he preferred to create an Alien prequel thats where this began and whereits designed to is conversation: Isit or perhaps is not it [an 'Alien' prequel]? But this little sort ofdance that have been doing basically existed right before anybody seeing anything. Since people are seeing stuff In my opinion the material kind of talks alone.In . From Lindelof's perspective, you will notice the "Prometheus" trailer both becoming an "Alien" prequel to ensure that as a unique wholly original story. "If you're looking advertising online using the prism of I wish it to be [a prequel], youll notice the way a word Prometheus appears [with techniques that resembles the 'Alien' classic logo design design] or think about the production design and how the whole factor feels," he mentioned. "If you're looking advertising online within the perspective of wanting to ensure that it's some factor original, In my opinion a clip accomplishes that when you're pretty awesome to individuals who've never even seen Alien. Its achieving that which you set to complete,Inch he added in the trailer's secretive character. "If perhaps that individuals didnt have to be so mysterious relating to this but mystery might be an optimistic factor as extended as you've the items to aid it. In this particular situation, when the movie arrives, most likely probably the most visionary filmmakers inside the good status for cinema will probably be putting his cards available and Im just kind of standing behind him with my arms folded. Reveal everything you consider the "Prometheus" trailer inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

Report: Britney Warrior spears Is Engaged

Britney Warrior spears and Jason Trawick Britney Warrior spears is engaged, based on Us Weekly. Playboy reviews the singer's former agent Jason Trawick suggested Thursday evening throughout his 40th birthday dinner. Friday morning Warrior spears tweeted, "OMG. Last evening Jason surprised me using the one gift I have been awaiting. Can't wait to inform you! SO SO SO excited!!!!" VIDEO Exclusive: Watch a clip from Britney Spears' Femme Fatale Tour Warrior spears, 30, first met Trawick in 2006 when he grew to become her agent. They started dating last year. Warrior spears, who dated Justin Timberlake for 3 years, was formerly married to Kevin Federline, with whom she's two sons, Sean, 6, and Jayden, 5.

Christian Bale Involved In Car Chase and Police Skirmish in China

While in China to promote his historical drama The Flowers of War — also known as the most expensive Chinese film ever made — Christian Bale embarked on an eight-hour drive with a CNN news crew to visit Chen Guangcheng, a civil rights activist who has been under house arrest for the past year. Only instead of a polite meet-and-greet, Bale and the news team were manhandled by security guards outside Guangcheng’s home before being chased for 30 minutes. Didn’t the Chinese authorities know they were dealing with Batman? Bale had reached out to the CNN news crew after following the cable channel’s coverage of Guangcheng, a blind Chinese lawyer and women’s rights activist who has been confined to his home since late 2010, when he was released from prison following a four-year sentence. Guangcheng had been charged with damaging property and disrupting traffic in a protest. When Bale and CNN’s international news crew arrived at Guangcheng’s home on Thursday, a group of security guards blocked the actor from the house before physically pushing him off the premise. “I’m not being brave doing this,” Bale told the camera crew as they sped away from Guangcheng’s home, authorities in tow. “The local people who are standing up to the authorities and insisting on going to visit Chen and his family and getting beaten up for it and my understanding is getting detained for it, I want to support what they’re doing.” The Flowers of War, which chronicles the 1937 Nanking Massacre, arrives in limited release Dec. 21. Christian Bale Fights Chinese Guards, Chen Guangcheng Meeting Denied (VIDEO) [HuffPo]

CBS transfers 'Boss' to Friday

CBS is countering ABC's decision to cancel "Extreme Transformation: Home Edition" by getting coming back unscripted series "Undercover Boss" towards the Friday 8 p.m. time slot. After three airdates on Sunday at 8 p.m. beginning Jan. 15, before moving to Friday on February. 17. 2 days later, the twentieth cycle of "Amazing Race" will require within the publish-"an hourInch time slot. "Boss" will bump rookie drama "A Gifted Guy," that will change to 9 p.m. and displace "CSI: NY" for the reason that time slot until March 30 if this returns towards the schedule and "Gifted" requires a relaxation. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

The Dictator can get a preliminary trailer

The initial trailer for Sacha Baron Cohen vehicle The Dictator makes its way online, which is almost certain to offend as much people since it amuses!The film sees Baron Cohen star since the tyrant from the imaginary dictatorship who makes his approach to the standard US from the on official condition business. See the official trailer below... Getting been slightly disappointed with a couple of from the early moments (Lady crushes brick along with her boob? Meh...), a clip soon steps up a gear when our affable despot makes his way Stateside.John C Reilly helps themselves to probably the most politically sensitive jokes available (also one of the funniest), although Megan Fox's cameo is pure gold! "What's this, a ruby?" she asks after selling a quick session in mattress. "Is always that an account? What am i held, a Kardashian?" Zing!The Dictator can get to Uk screens on 18 May 2012. Meanwhile, you can examine the most recent poster below...

Keanu Reeves Rides Subway, Gives Elderly Lady His Seat

Meet the new Ryan Gosling. In the past few days, a video of Keanu Reeves riding the subway has been making the rounds -- and it's not just because Reeves is on the crowded train alone. (Cue: Sad Keanu meme.) The clip, which was originally posted to YouTube in August, shows the 'Matrix' star giving up his seat for an elderly lady. That's right: movie star and pretend kung-fu extraordinaire Keanu Reeves takes the subway and looks out for the little people. Also, does everyone else on the train not realize there's an A-list actor sitting there, or are people just playing cool? You can see for yourself in the video below. Reeves is set to appear in the fantasy film, '47 Ronin,' out Nov. 21, 2012. [via Gothamist] [Photo: YouTube] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Pols narrow language in Piracy Act

Cruz Schmidt Before a house Judiciary Committee election on Thursday, committee chairman Lamar Cruz (R-Texas) revealed numerous changes to recommended antipiracy legislation that goal to appease pros who the balance is written too broadly and could stifle innovation.The modifications for the Stop Online Piracy Act, revealed Monday, narrow the saying rogue websites dedicated to infringing activities. Furthermore, it can make apparent that provisions would apply only to foreign sites -- an effort to help ease concerns the brand new law would create liabilities for Websites companies and pressure those to police domestic sites.Numerous changes are meant to address concerns the legislation would hinder the architecture from the web, since it would require that foreign sites be blocked by preventing them from fixing compared to that Website.Inside the new text in the bill, Internet companies forget about might be required to redirect clients after they make an effort to access a rogue site, nonetheless they still will have to make a move to prevent clients from being able to view an illegal site. The completely new text also requires an "inter-agency expert" to examine any impact it's on DNS. The modifications also remove essential through which copyright holders would first have to serve a notice to payment processors and ad systems before doing it in courts to pressure those to stop support of rogue sites. Experts had charged the supply would essentially signify suspect sites may be stop without getting a chance to defend themselves in the courtroom.The legislation, as being a companion bill inside the Senate, is specific at curbing rogue websites overseas by enabling the Justice Dept. to get court orders to pressure payment processors, ad systems, search engines like google like google and ISPs to reduce off support, whether by crippling links or preventing searches from fixing to specific domain title. Smith's changes remove a specific deadline of five days for organizations to behave against rogue sites, altering it with language they ought to act "as expeditiously as you can.InchHowever the alterations continue being unlikely to appease everyone, particularly Google, one of the chief rivals in the legislation.That was apparent as Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt spoke to reporters after giving a previous address within the Economic Club of Washington on Monday, charging the legislation would equal to "criminalizing links." Google together with other Internet firms have belittled the financial obligations as supplying all of them with new liability to police the net, and they have been grew to become an associate of by a few public interest groups that have elevated freedom of expression concerns.Supporters' "goal is reasonable, as well as the mechanism is terrible," Schmidt mentioned after his speech, according to Bloomberg News. "By criminalizing links, what these bills do is they pressure you to definitely certainly take content from the web. In that way, it is a type of censorship."Michael O'Leary, senior professional V . p . for global policy and exterior matters within the MPAA, referred to as Schmidt's comment a "new weapon in (Google's) toolbox of hyperbole.""There's broad recognition that companies online ecosystem have a very serious responsibility to pay attention to criminal activity," O'Leary mentioned. "This type of rhetoric only works like a distraction which i really hope is not a stalling tactic."He added: "Schmidt's pleading while using audience to thrill stop stealing may be bolstered by Google taking concrete steps to handle growing problem of rogue websites."Once the legislation passes the house Judiciary Committee, as industry reps expect, the next thing is a floor election. With Congress wrangling over many other conditions just before the vacation recess, like the extention from the payroll tax cut, you'll find doubts that it's going to occur with the finish of year. The Senate version also provides yet making it for the floor, and one of the bill's chief rivals, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), has vowed a filibuster.Nevertheless, both sides inside the debate inside the legislation are taking part inside a flurry of lobbying just before the home Judiciary election. Demand Progress mentioned 70 reps of tech companies and advocacy groups held a technique session in the last weekend and possess launched a deal referred to as "Censor Everything" week, using the goal of driving "more constituent contacts to Congress than we've noticed in years," inside the words of Demand Progress executive director David Segal.On Tuesday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an important supporter in the legislation, is holding an expo of counterfeit merchandise referred to as "Rogue Website Roulette," being inside a Capitol Hill meeting room. Cruz is scheduled to handle the large event, along with other union and industry supporters. Also on Tuesday, MPAA chairman Chris Dodd will address copyright robbery inside an appearance before progressive think tank the center for American Progress. Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com

Alec Baldwin's American Airlines Debacle Prompts Survey

CNN Late last week, a surprising music video was released that featured many superstar recording acts and other celebrities endorsing Megaupload, a video-hosting website that is near the top of the enemy's list for many in the entertainment industry.The video soon was removed from YouTube after a takedown notice was sent, prompting Megaupload to sue Universal Music for copyright misrepresentation.our editor recommendsMegaupload Says It Will Sue Universal Music Over Removal of Controversial VideoWill.i.am Joins 'The Voice' U.K. as CoachKim Kardashian Heads to Haiti for Charity We've confirmed that UMG did flag the "Megaupload Mega Song" for copyright abuse. But the label wasn't the only entity to complain to YouTube. Turns out that some of the stars of the video were unhappy about having their likenesses and performances used by the company in the music video. One of those artists,Will.I.Am, also sent YouTube a takedown request. PHOTOS: Crazy Cases! 18 of Hollywood's Outrageous Entertainment Lawsuits Did Megaupload splice together the endorsements of various stars, including Sean "Diddy" Combs and Kim Kardashian, without their knowledge? Hmmm... On Friday, the removal of the "Megaupload Mega Song" quickly became a trending topic on Twitter. Megaupload, a Hong Kong-based entity that recently was a target of an anti-piracy advertisement by the entertainment lobby, took the opportunity to play victim. "Let us be clear: Nothing in our song or the video belongs to Universal Music Group. We have signed agreements with all artists endorsing Megaupload," Megaupload CEO David Robb told TorrentFreak. ""Regrettably, we are being attacked and labeled as a 'rogue operator' by organizations like the RIAA and the MPAA." Universal has confirmed for us that a takedown request was made over an unauthorized performance of one of its artists,GinWigmore. But we've also learned that Ken Hertz, attorney for Will.I.Am, also filed a takedown request last week with YouTube. What's going on here? Hertz says that like many of the artists who appear in the video, his client had never consented tothe "Megaupload Mega Song." UMG echoes that sentiment. "This is an on-going dispute that surfaced several weeks ago with respect to the unauthorized use of a performance from one of our artists," a UMG spokesperson tells us. "We heard from a number of our other artists and their representatives who told us they've never consented to being portrayed in this video." But Megaupload attorney Ira Rothken, who filed a lawsuit against UMG today,says Will.i.am and other artists did consent to their use: "UMG didn't do proper due diligence before sending the takedown notice....And each of the other artists, including Will.i.am signed a broad written agreement allowing the use of their likeness and their statements in the context of the video." E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 54th Annual Grammy Nominees: Kanye West, Adele, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Katy Perry Kim Kardashian Sean 'Diddy' Combs Will.i.am

Dramatic X Factor Elimination, But Which Judge Got Booed?

First Released: December 9, 2011 12:19 AM EST Credit: FOX Caption Rachel Crow, Steve Johnson, Marcus Canty around the X Factor, 12 ,. 8, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The X Factor shipped its most emotional and dramatic elimination yet on Thursday evening if this sent among its most high-profile challengers home. (SPOILER this story consists of the outcomes of Thursdays The X Factor.) Inside a dramatic turn of occasions, 13-year-old Rachel Crow was told to go home over Marcus Canty, however it was the way the teens elimination came into being that produced some tense television. The elimination round started with Marcus once more singing Im Heading Down. His performance, however, was overshadowed through the youthful artist, who had Paula Abdul on her behalf ft, screaming Yes! as Rachel sang the Etta James standard, Id Rather Go Blind. Everyone else within the audience was won to Rachels side, as was her mentor, Simon Cowell and Paula, who both chosen to get rid of Marcus. L.A. Reid, however, stuck by his contestant, and chosen to get rid of Rachel. Hesitant to function as the determining election to transmit a contender home, judge Nicole Scherzinger started stuttering and tearing up when X Factor host Steve Johnson requested her decision. Please dont cry, Rachel told Nicole in the stage, getting Steves mic. Its OK, Im good with anything. Not able to become the determining election, Nicole then chosen for Rachel to visit home, tying some misconception two votes each. Im gonna I dont wanna give back home Rachel, I simply dont wanna, so Im the act that Im gonna need to send house is Rachel, Nicole stated, immediately eliciting boos in the crowd. Steve then revealed Rachel had the cheapest quantity of viewer votes following her performance on Wednesday evening, leading to her elimination. Immediately, Rachels eyes increased, she nodded her head, an additional later, the teenager dropped to her knees on stage and started sobbing hysterically. Simon rapidly rushed up to the level and accepted Rachel, because he attempted to provide comforting words because the teen ongoing sobbing. Rachels mother hit happens too, declaring that daughter it had been OK. Finally, Rachel could compose herself, and she or he thanked her fans. I really like you a lot everyone for voting for me personally, she stated. Appreciate giving me this, because without you I'm nothing and that i hope this not my ending I'll go to date, I promise you. Simon too guaranteed excellent achievements from Rachel later on. [I wish to thank everybody whos chosen with this youthful girl, Simon stated. Were destined to be hearing much more about Rachel Crow, I provide you with my word on that. When requested by Steve if she desired to make any comments, Nicole averted after being booed through the crowd. The X Factor returns on Wednesday on FOX. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

MythBusters Launches Destructive Cannonball Into Neighborhood

Mythbusters Science took a dangerous turn Tuesday when the Mythbusters team had an experiment go awry. The Discovery Channel show was testing out a ballistics experiment when their cannon misfired and launched a cannonball into a California neighborhood just east of San Francisco, the Los Angeles Times reports. Study says Democrats prefer comedies; Republicans love reality TV MythBusters frontmen Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman weren't present for the experiment, but colleagues Tory Belleci, Kari Byron and Grant Imahara were there when the cannon was shot from the police firing range in Dublin, Calif., in the presence of an explosives expert. Despite following all safety protocol, the cannonball tore through one home, bounced off another and smashed through the window of a parked car. Check out some of the carnage: Discovery will settle with property owners for the damage.

Ad Forecasters Say TV And Digital Will Benefit Most From 2012 Growth

Three of the most prominent ad-forecasting firms kicked off the UBS Annual Global Media and Communications Conference this morning — as they typically do at this event — by unveiling their updated forecasts for 2012. And they pretty much agree: 2012 will be better than 2011. MagnaGlobal is on the conservative side, projecting3.2% growth in North America, and GroupM is more bullish at 4%. MagnaGlobal EVP Vincent Letang says that the U.S. ad market will benefit from the strongest-ever quadrennial effect with $2.4B hitting the market from political campaigns, and $600M related to the Summer Olympics in London. That’s why GroupM Futures Director Adam Smithwarns that the ad-growth number in 2013 — without the quadrennial effect –”might be harder to look at.”The forecasters agree that television and digital will benefitmost from the growth in ad spending.Butthey warn that pay TVproviders need to watch out: Subscriptions “will go down by 500,000 a year for next five years” partly due to competition from Web video providers such as Netflix, says ZenithOptimedia CEO Steve King, whose company released its forecast last night. Healso saysthat there’sareason to take the forecasts with abig grain of salt. “The factor that none of us have incorporated is a default” by European country.