BBC America developing two new series

BBC America is developing two new series with Blighty shingle Clerkenwell Films, with BBC Worldwide distributing.Sci-fi drama ''Wired'' comes from Steven Volk (''Afterlife'') and takes place in a universe similar to ours except that it is occupied by synthetic replicas of humans. Themes of the series include man's relationship with technology and how that affects society values and morals.''The Dead Beat,'' from John Jackson (''Being Human''), is a buddy cop drama in which one of the officers is dead. ''We couldn't be more excited to be developing these British projects with Clerkenwell , our first originals in the sci-fi genre,'' BBC America g.m. Perry Simon said. ''Supernatural Saturday has become a popular fixture on BBC America's schedule, and both these highly creative ideas add a new dimension to our programming.''BBC America signed a non-exclusive development deal with Clerkenwell in September.''There's a great energy behind this partnership,'' Clerkenwell CEO Murray Ferguson said, ''The prospect of reaching a global audience is exciting.'' Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Oscars 2012: Favorite Speeches, Shocks And Moments

Another year, another Oscars down. Plenty of predictable outcomes, yes, but some happy surprises in the mix as well, including an almost-streak for Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" and a few well-placed penis jokes from the "Bridesmaids" crew. MTV News' Eric Ditzian, Josh Wigler and Amy Wilkinson had plenty to say about what worked and what didn't at this year's Academy Awards -- check out their reactions in the video below.

WME Signs TV Chef Michael Chiarello

Michael Chiarello, a chef, entrepreneur and TV personality, has signed with WME. He was at CAA. Chiarello, the owner of the popular Bottega restaurant in the Napa Valley where he also has a vineyard and owns the NapaStyle catalog business, hosts Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello, a daily show on the Food Network that has earned him an Emmy Award. Chiarello also finished second on Bravos inaugural Top Chef Masters and has appeared as a judge on Top Chef and Top Chef Masters. He recently was part of Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef.

BREAKING: SAG Anti-Merger Members File Lawsuit Against Screen Actors Guild

BREAKING… EXCLUSIVE: (Click here for .pdf of lawsuit) A number of Screen Actors Guild members filed a lawsuit today asking the court for a preliminary and permanent injunction to stop SAG from calling for a vote on the proposed SAG-AFTRA merger.The suit claims that the SAG Board has breached its fiduciary duties to conduct an actuarial impact study detailing the effects of the proposed merger on SAG membership pension and health benefits. The complaint was filedin U.S. District Court, Central District of California. The members filing suit are: Martin Sheen, Edward Asner, Ed Harris, Valerie Harper, Clancy Brown, James Remar, George Coe, Diane Ladd, Lainie Kazan, Nichelle Nichols, Renee Aubry, Jane Austin, Erick Avari, Steve Barr, Sara Barrett, Terrance Beason, Michael Bell, Warren Berlinger, Joe Bologna, Ralph Brennen, Alexandra Castro, Jude Ciccolella, Cynthia Lea Clark, David Clennon, Joe DAngerio, Patricia DArbanville, Dick Gautier, Dorothy Goulah, Marty Grey, Sumi Haru, Angel Harper, Basil Hoffman, David Huddleston, Anne-Marie Johnson, David Jolliffe, Kerrie Keane, Peter Kwong, Kurt Lott, Barbara Luna, Eric Lutes, Stephen Mach, Michael McConnohie, Peter Antico, Susan McNabb, Phyllis Timbes, Marguerite Moreau, Traci Murray, Nicole Mandich, Larry Newman, Barbara Niven, Kathleen Nolan, Jack Ong, Peggy Lane ORourke, Leslie Parrish, Scott Pierce, Robin Riker, Stephanie Rose, Alan Rosenberg, Alan Ruck, Wendy Schaal, Tascha Schaal, Nancy Sinatra, Cynthia Steele, Renee Taylor, Malachi Throne, Beverly Todd, Jessica Wright, Momo Yashimo. They are suing theScreen Actors Guild,SAG Executive Director David White,SAG President Ken Howard, Amy Aquino,Ned Vaughn,Mike Hodge,David Hartley-Margolin and others. We have spent almost two months negotiating with SAG in an effort to get them to present the truth regarding this merger plan. Member are entitled to full disclosure, not half truths and misleading and unsupported promisesthe plaintiffs’ attorneyDavid B. Casselman of the Los Angeles law firm Wasserman, Comden, Casselman & Esensten, LLP said in a statement today. They have done nothing of substance to support their claims that the proposed merger will protect SAG member benefits. The average SAG member makes less than $10,000 per year. They need to know that all necessary due diligence was done to protect them.” MORE Since Sept. 15, 1981, the SAG Constitution has recognized that careful study of any SAG-AFTRA merger plan would be necessary to satisfy the requirements of law and the protection of all eligible members against the loss of benefits, presently or in the future (Appendix 1). The SAG board voted on Jan. 28, 2012 to approve the proposed merger plan and to submit it to a vote of the membership. On Jan. 29, 2012, the presidents of SAG and AFTRA announced on national television at the SAG Awards that the historic step of merger was about to be realized. We believe the defendants made this announcement in order to thoroughly saturate the media with pro-merger propaganda, avoiding any balancing information which would allow SAG members to intelligently evaluate the issues prior to voting, says Casselman. If an uninformed membership approves this merger, and then we all learn that it will have crippling, negative effects, it will be too late for anything to be done to return SAG or its current pension and health plans back to their current status, says Casselman.

Steve McQueen talks Shame Oscar snub

Shame will probably be most likely probably the most high-profile absentees as next weekend's Oscar ceremony, getting initially been suggested for several nominations in high-profile groups. Director Steve McQueen has spoken out in regards to the decision, and states it's lower to America's clumsiness round the subject of sex."In The United States too terrified of sex," states McQueen. "This is why [Michael Fassbender] wasn't nominated. In the event you think about the best actor list you're saying, 'Michael Fassbender is is this is not on that list?'"It certainly strikes us just like a bizarre omission, but McQueen signifies he's perfectly very happy to permit the Academy start it. "It's kind of crazy, but that's what it is,In . according to him. "It is really an American award, permit them to get it.InchFor Fassbender, McQueen isn't but praise for your Irish star. "He's a once in the generation actor," according to him. "He's an actress who is able to transform and transcend, and you also really believe him. This is actually the kind of guy he's.InchWhen asked for whether they will be cooperating again afterwards, McQueen appeared equally positive."It's all about the script," he describes. "If Michael's the very best person for your character so when he likes the script. A Few Things I like about our relationship could it be is not tied, it is not a relationship. It's friendship which is done from respect of each and every other bands talents and each other bands adoration for film."[brightcove]1223737739001[/brightcove]

'Caesar Must Die' wins Golden Bear

'Caesar Must Die' Berlin -- Renowned Italian filmmaking siblings Paolo and Vittorio Taviani won the Berlinale's Golden Bear on Saturday for their black and white drama "Caesar Must Die."The semi-documentary pic centers on inmates of the Rebibbia maximum security prison in Rome who stage Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar."The Taviani brothers said the film was neither a documentary film nor a feature film, but rather something new, and a real look at prisoners serving life sentences.The fest's international jury spread prizes far and wide, with the Silver Bear Jury Grand Prix going to Bence Fliegauf's Hungarian pic "Just the Wind," which offers a stark look at racially motivated violence. German helmer Christian Petzold picked up the Silver Bear for best director for his East German drama "Barbara," about an East German doctor who is harshly reprimanded for wanting to leave the GDR.Rachel Mwanza took the actress Silver Bear for "War Witch," about a girl soldier trying to survive in an African civil war. The Silver Bear for best actor went to Mikkel Boe Folsgaard for Nikolaj Arcel's "A Royal Affair," which also picked up the Silver Bear for Best Script for Arcel and Rasmus Heisterberg.Cinematographer Lutz Reitemeier won the Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Achievement for his work in Wang Quan'an's Chinese drama "White Deer Plain."Miguel Gomes' Portuguese black and white drama "Tabu" nabbed the Alfred Bauer Prize, which is awarded to works of "particular innovation.""I don't quite understand winning a prize for innovation because I set out to make an old-fashioned film," quipped Gomes as he accepted the award.The jury awarded a Special Mention Silver Bear to Ursula Meier's Swiss drama "Sister," about a poor boy who steals from wealthy tourists at Swiss ski resort in order to survive.Boudewijn Koole's Dutch Generation Kplus screener "Kauwboy," about a young boy who adopts a motherless baby bird, won the Best First Feature Award. Emin Alper's "Beyond the Hill," a Turkish-Greek drama that unspooled in Forum, took First Feature Special Mention.Complete list of winners:Golden Bear for Best Film'Caesar Must Die,' by Paolo and Vittorio TavianiSilver Bear, The Jury Grand Prix'Just the Wind,' by Bence FliegaufSilver Bear, Best DirectorChristian Petzold for 'Barbara'Silver Bear, Best ActressRachel Mwanza for 'War Witch'Silver Bear, Best ActorMikkel Boe Folsgaard for 'A Royal Affair'Silver Bear, Outstanding Artistic AchievementLutz Reitemeier, cinematographer, for 'White Deer Plain'Silver Bear, Best ScriptNikolaj Arcel and Rasmus Heisterberg for 'A Royal Affair'Alfred Bauer Prize'Tabu,' by Miguel GomesSpecial Prize Silver Bear'Sister,' by Ursula Meier Best First Feature Award'Kauwboy,' by Boudewijn Koole Best First Feature Award Special Mention'Beyond the Hill,' by Emin Alper International Short Films Golden Bear 'Rafa,' by Joao Salaviza Silver Bear 'The Great Rabbit,' by Atsushi Wada Special Mention 'Licuri Surf,' by Guile MartinsGeneration Kplus Crystal Bear for Best Film 'Arcadia,' by Olivia Silver Special Mention 'Just Pretended to Hear,' by Kaori Imaizumi Crystal Bear for Best Short Film 'Julian,' by Matthew Moore Special Mention 'Bino,' by Billie Pleffer Generation 14plus Crystal Bear for Best Film 'Night of Silence,' by Reis Celik Special Mention 'The Crown Jewels,' by Ella Lemhagen Crystal Bear for Best Short Film 'Meathead,' by Sam Holst Special Mention '663114,' by Isamu Hirabayashi International Jury Generation Kplus Grand Prix Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk for Best Film 'Kauwboy,' by Boudewijn Koole Special Mention 'Gattu,' by Rajan Khosa Teddy Awards Best Feature Film 'Keep the Lights On,' by Ira Sachs Best Documentary Film 'Call Me Kuchu,' by Malika Zouhali-Worrall, Katherine Fairfax Wright Best Short Film 'Loxoro,' by Claudia Llosa Teddy Jury Award 'Jaures,' by Vincent Dieutre Made in Germany -- Perskpektive Fellowship Annekatrin Hendel for 'Disco' Dialogue en Perspektive 'This Ain't California,' by Marten Persiel Contact Ed Meza at ed.meza@mannaa.de

Los Angeles' 50-Hour Drive-By Theatre Festival

Los Angeles' 50-Hour Drive-By Theatre Festival February 16, 2012 A extended weekend is approaching, due to George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's birthday. What is going to you must do wonderful this additional time? You are able to sleep or debate having a relative about which leader chopped lower the cherry tree. There is however a way to take a position your weekend. Attend Zombie Joe's Underground's 50-Hour Drive-By Theatre Festival. It must be mentioned the wedding is not associated with zombies, tunnels, or gang violence. The festival takes note of its eleventh year by featuring five new small-plays which is written, directed, and mounted by 50 percent days. There will be live, original music by Michael Blomgren. Come see these works at 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 18, 19, and 20. ZJU Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. RSVP at (818) 202-4120. Tickets are $15. Visit internet.ZombieJoes.com. Los Angeles' 50-Hour Drive-By Theatre Festival February 16, 2012 A extended weekend is approaching, due to George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's birthday. What is going to you must do wonderful this more hours? You are able to sleep or debate having a relative about which leader chopped lower the cherry tree. There is however a way to take a position your weekend. Attend Zombie Joe's Underground's 50-Hour Drive-By Theatre Festival. It must be mentioned the wedding isn't associated with zombies, tunnels, or gang violence. The festival takes note of its eleventh year by featuring five new small-plays which will be written, directed, and mounted by 50 percent days. There will be live, original music by Michael Blomgren. Come see these works at 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 18, 19, and 20. ZJU Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. RSVP at (818) 202-4120. Tickets are $15. Visit internet.ZombieJoes.com.

China toon production up 18%

BEIJING -- China is constantly push the domestic toon biz and a year ago produced 435 figures, some 261,224 minutes of animated material, a rise of 18% on the prior year, official data shown. China remains fighting a battle to push homegrown figures over foreign imports, especially manga and U.S. rugrat fare, as well as the country's broadcasting watchdog, the problem Administration of Radio, Film and television (SARFT), thinks that's needing to repay. "The growing production and trade of Chinese-made animation has largely overflowing TV programming whatsoever levels in most cases meets the needs of teens," SARFT mentioned in the circular, which was moved by local media. Research within this summer time a year ago shown that China was our planet's finest toon-maker, yet it's affected with worthy and dull fare that kids don't choose, and contains extended experienced to compete in the Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network options. The us government has responded with major subsidies as well as greater quality. SARFT mentioned that 27% of animated content a year ago is created by national animation bases. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

BERLIN: SPWA shoots for '2 Guns'

BERLIN --- The new sony Pictures Worldwide Purchases is approaching. a multi-territory deal for Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg starrer ''2 Guns.'' The $80 million pic, which Emmett/Furla Films and Universal Pictures are fully financing, is helmed by ''Contraband'' director Baltasar Kormakur. Mark Damon's Experience Limitless and John O'Shea's The Exchange happen to be shopping the project to purchasers in the European Film Market in Berlin now and also the project did not take lengthy to warm up the marketplace because the fest unspooled on Thursday. Kormakur is pointing from the script by Blake Masters (''Brotherhood''). Pic, which Uni will release locally at the end of 2013, is definitely an adaptation of Steven Grant's graphic novel ''2 Guns,'' which sees a DEA agent as well as an undercover Naval Intelligence officer who've been assigned with looking into each other but find they've both been setup through the mob , the org the 2 males believe they've been stealing money from , to steal $81 million in the CIA. The mismatched pair must eventually learn how to trust one another and interact to search towards the fact and survive. Marc Platt will make the pic with Randall Emmett and George Furla. Picture Entertainment's Stepan Martirosyan and Remington Chase, who conserve a film fund with Emmett/Furla, will professional produce. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

BERLIN: Merchants focus on femmes

The Berlin Film Festival starts Thursday, Feb. 9, and runs through Feb. 19.Chick photos, classy crossovers and Gallic comedies look set to operate a vehicle lots of Berlin's biz this season.Maximum Intl. arrives with "Beautiful Creatures," a teen fantasy tale of star-joined love from the boy and girl white-colored witch, using Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia's book series. Alcon finances, Warner Bros. distribs Stateside, Richard LaGravenese ("P.S. I Like You") produces and directs.The world industry appears to own taken good note of "Twilight's" largely femme auds, obtaining a brace of comparable projects to the market. Frequently wealthy in profile or genre elements, they're as much femme as fanboy fare.Kate Hudson toplines Joe Lynch actioner "Everly," from Crime Scene Photos ("Gambit"), provided by Nick Meyer's Sierra/Affinity, with Hudson fending off waves of assassins sent by her mob-boss ex.Exclusive Media will talk up "Can a sound lesson Keep Your Existence?" with ambitious singer Scarlett Johansson finding love together with work with Mark Ruffalo.FilmNation introduces Steven Soderbergh's "Bitter Pill," with Rooney Mara just like a prescription painkiller addict awaiting her husband's jail release.Stuart Ford's IM Global starts human/puppet crime drama "The Happytime Killings," within the Jim Henson Co., with Katherine Heigl in final discussions.Bucking the recognition in femme energy, Experience as well as the Exchange will commence sales on crime actioner "2 Guns," returning Mark Wahlberg and "Contraband" helmer Baltasar Komarkur. Also, Sierra/Affinity will unveil "Wer," a werewolf thriller from "The Demon Inside" producers, and Jason Statham thriller "Warmth." Summit Intl. will debut actioner "The Tomb," starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.Customers can also be looking for crossovers."?'The King's Speech' and 'Black Swan' aren't classic arthouse films but ones by able filmmakers who've moved their subjects in to a more mainstream atmosphere. That's what many of us are trying to find,Inch mentioned Martin Moszkowicz, at Constantin.No less than two Berlin debutantes could fit this mainstream/auteur bill.Period drama "Serena" stars Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper in the film helmed by Oscar-champion Susanne Bier, and produced by 2929, co-funded and provided by StudioCanal.Wild Bunch and producer Alain Attal are fighting to secure key cast just before Berlin on Guillaume Canet's British-language directorial debut "Blood stream Ties," a NY-set sister drama-thriller composed by Canet and James Gray.As "Intouchables" romps past 24.8 million ($28 million) within the German box office, the finest gross ever for just about any French film in Germany, entrepreneurs will spare more than a concept for potential Gallic comedy breakouts.It's not coincidence that Wild Bunch has devoted one whole side of the Martin Gropius-adjacent prefab office with a billboard for Romain Duris-starrer "Populaire," a "Mad Males"-era romantic comedy.Other potential Gallic laffer breakouts: Pathe's "What's in the Title?" and EuropaCorp's "Love Lasts three years,In . both buzzed-about movies at January's Unifrance Paris Rendez-vous.Using "Twilight" vibes into -- hopefully -- "Twilight" results, "Creatures," inside a reported $50 million, is among Berlin's more pricey items."Serena" is within the $25 million-$Thirty Dollars million range. Toplining Frank Grillo, "Intersection," the completely new thriller from Luc Besson's EuropaCorp, weighs in at in at looking for less.InchThe contraction of budgets started not sometime ago: The entire industry required to get much smarter about budgets," mentioned Alison Thompson at Focus Features Intl.Sales agents and distributors' mantra entering Berlin is caution.Nonetheless, "You'll find still filmmakers that have that 'je ne sais quoi' and so are sure to attract a lot of excitement and attention," mentioned Thompson."Customers still look for quality scripts that are commercial tales and well-cast features," mentioned Julie Sultan of W2, that's shopping "The Drummer" and "Attachment." "They need to involve some of people boxes checked with this to become low-risk title."It'll simply take a few hot items within the EFM to consider a couple of from the particular cold from the sub-zero Berlin. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com