Tyro Brit distribs find margins

Crabtree distributed Jesse Eisenberg starrer 'Holy Rollers,' above, in the U.K., while G2 released Toronto buzz title 'Super,' below, in Blighty. London-- It's crowded, competitive and expensive -- but that's not stopping small players from entering the U.K. film distribution market.Established distribs such as Entertainment Film Distributors, Lionsgate U.K., StudioCanal's Brit arm Optimum Releasing, Momentum Pictures, EOne and Icon, all vying for similar commercial product, have helped drive up acquisition prices, while P&A in Blighty remains high.Yet a slew of new distribution outfits, such as Crabtree Films (launched in September 2010), G2 Pictures (September 2008) and Kaleidoscope Film Distribution (August 2010) have seen success with U.K. auds despite the continuing worldwide economic crisis, thanks to theatrical digital distribution, cheaper online marketing models (such as Facebook), Web-based services like Lovefilm and iTunes (and soon to be Netflix). And a down-but-not-out DVD market added to low overhead costs mean that small fry have a chance to compete, and snap up potential commercial titles for five figure sums. According to Mark Batey, chief executive of Film Distributors' Assn., the top 12 distribs in the U.K. account for 96% of the theatrical market. "That's been pretty consistent over the last decade or so," he says. "But that still leaves the other 4%, and these days it's 4% of 1 billion ($1.6 billion) of theatrical gross." So there's $65 million still on the table, and dozens of companies competing for it.There are nearly 100 distributors in the U.K. market, a number that has grown by one-third since 2007, and the number of films released has also risen, to about 600 per year."The U.K. is a very expensive market," Batey says. "But it's a very open market. Distribution has become more sophisticated and even more competitive, but digital has had a transformative impact into the way films are marketed and publicized. Four or five years ago, social media didn't exist, and now social media is a must for every film campaign."Crabtree released Jesse Eisenberg starrer "Holy Rollers" theatrically in Blighty in July, grossing just $117,000 -- but that covered its minimum guarantee.G2 nabbed rights to one of last year's Toronto buzz titles "Super," toplining Rainn Wilson and Ellen Page, which took $28,400, while Kaleidoscope distributed BBC Earth's "One Life," narrated by Daniel Craig, which minted a very modest $22,500 theatrically.Spencer Pollard, CEO at Kaleidoscope, which focuses on commercial genre films, says there's enough product out there for everyone."I think the U.K. is a very competitive market, but there has been a lot of product that is marketable and salable for the U.K.," he says. Kaleidoscope is owned and financed by Pollard. So far it has released more than 30 pics in the U.K. to various levels of success. The outfit has acquired films such as "Little Ashes," toplining pre-"Twilight" Robert Pattinson, "Michael Flatley: Lord of the Dance 3D" and is set to release Melissa George starrer "A Lonely Place to Die" in September on 250 prints, its biggest theatrical release to date.Pollard acknowledges that it was tough coming into markets as a new buyer. "You're restricted by the amount of staff you've got and your budget," he says, adding that with each AFM or Cannes he goes to, his success at picking up films has improved because he is now a known quantity with a positive track record. Crabtree topper Nick McCaffrey, whose Nottingham-based outfit has a staff of two, says the competitive U.K. distribution market wasn't a concern when he was starting out.A former employee at film website BritFilms TV, McCaffrey says he entered the distribution arena out of passion and a recognition of a what he saw as a gap in the marketplace."I knew a lot of people who were coming to me with pictures that couldn't get released," he says. "And some of them had commercial viability."The first pic Crabtree distributed was low-budget thriller "Crying With Laughter," which had a limited theatrical release on 40 screens. This was followed by another genre pic, "Ten Dead Men," which sold 20,000 units on DVD."There's only two of us who work here, so if we can put a few units out there, we don't need the films to be as big a hit," he says. "We just need to connect with the right type of audience."For "Holy Rollers," McCaffrey pitched the producers on his vision of a focused marketing campaign, which sealed the distribution deal. "Our pitch was that we weren't working on anything else theatrically for that entire quarter so we were able to give it the attention we felt it deserved."Crabtree recently picked up London-set, low-budget comedy "How to Stop Being a Loser," toplining Simon Philips, Gemma Atkinson and Richard E. Grant, which it is planning to release later this year.And it signed a deal with one of the bigger guys -- EOne is taking over the company's digital business, which involves getting the company's pics onto iTunes and other digital platforms."A few years from now, I'd like us to get involved in the actual creation of films and work with people right from the start," says McCaffrey, echoing an idea that many indie distributors in the U.K. are tapping into. "But for now our goals are more short term -- can we get through this year and can we get to the point where we're breaking even and our catalog is covering us?"Notes Blair: "Even in a time of austerity you can't stop the entrepreneurial flair." Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

Christian Bale may join Oldboy

With filming about the Dark Dark night Increases visiting a near the coast the fall, Christian Bale is looking for his next large project. And in the seem of things, he will not be stuck for options.Variety reviews topping of Bale's listing of options may be the role from the villain in Spike Lee's Oldboy remake. To clarify, this is the chap who locks in the film's hero in hotels for any soul-sapping fifteen years.When the film is anything such as the Korean original, the smoothness is a fiend so on which Bale hasn't performed before, and can alllow for a great change-up from his recent cape-clad heroics.However, you will find lots of options for him to select from. Clint Eastwood's Beyoncé-starring remake of the Star Comes Into The World can also be thought to possess tickled his fancy, out of the box Michael Mann's treasure-search thriller Gold.In addition, Bale continues to be associated with From The Furnace, the most recent film from Crazy Heart's Scott Cooper, and Darren Aronofsky's scriptural epic Noah. Once we pointed out before, Bale is really a guy sought after.One project he will not engage in however is Zack Snyder's The Final Photograph. Bale have been stated to become starring within the Afghanistan-set war thriller, but is no more connected to the project.The following confirmed film on his slate is going to be Terrence Malick's next picture, which presently remains un named.

About The Download: Ximena Sarianas

By Kathy SuarezNEW You are able to, N.Y. -- I recieve lots of Compact disks from record labels, wishing to interest me within an rising act. Most dont move me one of the ways or even the other, however when I sprang Ximena Sarianas self-entitled British debut album into my computer, I instantly loved things i heard. Although she's not broadly recognized within the U.S., Ximena is promoting a pleasant following in her own native Mexico where she's made an appearance in a number of films and launched a significantly acclaimed The spanish language album known as Mediocre in 2008. It requires lots of courage to try to mix to the British market due to the fact success in a single market doesn't necessarily translate to a different, however with her first British album, Ximena takes that leap fearlessly, and what transpires is really a strong British-language album debut thats worth your time and effort. The background music is upbeat and poppy, with hints of techno which are never overpowered by her candid vocals. Tunes like Different, Love Again, and Wrong Miracle are peppy, beat-heavy, and characteristically seem positive even when a few of the styles from the tunes arent. Rio is just one of my personal favorite sounds about the album since the tune sounds just a little mischievous, yet playful and lightweight. The beat is addicting. Echo Park, in my experience, is a touch psychedelic and also the opening a part of the song brought to mind early 90s stylish-hop sounds. Ximena also showcases her more susceptible and soulful affiliate with ballads like Mutual Understanding, where she gives audience the chance to determine inside her soul. Ximena can leave happily out of this album with a sense of accomplishment. Her group of followers will certainly continue their loyalty within this leap, but Im certain spend attract newer and more effective fans on the way. One factor that can't be refused this new artist has musical talent. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The famous host oprah, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg Top World's Most Effective Women List

The earth's top most effective women are composed of the German Chancellor, a U.S. Secretary of Condition along with a Brazilian Leader.our editor recommendsLady Gaga Tops The famous host oprah on 'Forbes' Most Effective ListFewer Women Will Work in Primetime TV But apart from political figures, entertainment figures also made their mark among Forbes' annual listing of the earth's 100 Most Effective Women, together with a "Monster" pop singer, a supermodel, along with a media mogul. German Chancellor Angela Merkel capped the 2010 list, with Secretary of Condition Hillary Rodham Clinton within the No. 2 place, then Brazilian Leader Dilma Rousseff at No. 3. The 100 women out there with each other control $30 trillion and also have a typical chronilogical age of 54. Twenty-nine are CEOs 22 are single 8 are heads of condition 74 are returnees. Indra Nooyi, Leader of PepsiCo required the 4th place, and Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, required the amount 5 place. Rhianna (No. 11) was the youngest resident from the list at age 25. Other entertainment figures incorporated Today anchor Ann Curry (No. 66), singer Beyonce Knowles (No. 18), Julia Roberts (No. 29) and model Gisele Bündchen (No. 60). The famous host oprah Winfrey, who this past year was in the third place, has dropped lower to number 14 this season. Forbes continues to be posting their email list of World's Most Effective Women since 2004. It features women involved with politics, business, media, entertainment and non-profit. Related Subjects Julia Roberts Rhianna The famous host oprah Winfrey Ann Curry

Glee's Chord Overstreet Is Going Back to School on The Middle

Chord Overstreet Chord Overstreet may not be returning to Glee's McKinley High next season, but he won't be skipping class altogether. The actor-musician will guest-star as a newbie Orson Elementary school teacher to young Brick Heck (Atticus Shaffer) on the Wednesday, Sept. 28 episode of ABC's The Middle, TVGuide.com has confirmed. Ralph Wilkerson (Overstreet) is enthusiastic, energetic but perhaps a little too forward-thinking for the elder Hecks' tastes. What's on your Watchlist? Create one and add your favorites, like Glee On Tuesday, The Middle star Patricia Heaton tweeted, "For all you @GLEEonFOX fans, @chordoverstreet is playing Brick's 4th grade teacher this year on #TheMiddle!" Heaton plays Brick's beleaguered mother Frankie. Overstreet played the recurring character Sam "Trouty Mouth" Evans on Glee's second season. At Comic-Con, it was announced that he decided to leave the show to pursue other opportunities. The Middle returns with a one-hour season premiere on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 8/7c.

Survivor Winner Richard Hatch Claims He's Destitute

Richard Hatch Survivor winner Richard Hatch is claiming he's destitute and needs a court-appointed lawyer to help him appeal a nine-month sentence he received for failing to re-file his 2000 and 2011 taxes returns, The Associated Press reports. U.S. Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond has recommended that Hatch be denied free legal counsel, citing that Hatch's appeal is not "taken in good faith." The first Survivor winner, who previously spent three years in prison after failing to pay taxes on the $1 million he won on the CBS reality series, denies the judge's claims. Richard Hatch ordered back to prison - again In the court filing, Hatch also claims the IRS has not informed him how much money he owes on his Survivor winnings, and says he may have new evidence indicating that the taxes are should be paid to Malaysia, where the first season took place, instead of the U.S. Hatch, who's currently in a West Virginia prison, is expected to be released in December.

The Light

A Trost Moving Pictures production and presentation in colaboration with Narrative Television Network and Future Image Films. Created by Jason Stafford. Executive producers, Jim Stovall, Tracy J. Trost. Directed, compiled by Tracy J. Trost, in line with the novel by Jim Stovall.With: Jason London, Meredith Salenger, L. Scott Caldwell, Sarah Brown, Cameron Ten Napel, Muse Watson, Louis Gossett Junior., Steve Forbes.There is a heaping helping of inspiring uplift to see relatives auds to sample in "The Light," an innocuous feel-good indie in regards to a deeply depressed guy saved with a mystical spirit. Theatrical prospects are dim, for a restricted regional release -- pic can be obtained via VOD -- though almost always there is the opportunity that the unabashedly wholesome trifle similar to this could strike a responsive chord with individuals who feel too rarely offered by mainstream Hollywood fare. Homevid and niche-cable prospects are substantially better, so long as the producers can effectively direct their marketing toward exactly the same audiences attracted to belief-based fare. That same target aud responded well to "The Best Gift," a 2007 release that, like "The Light," was modified from the popular novel by Jim Stovall. To be certain, the sooner pic soft-pedaled its religious elements -- discussions of belief and God were fleeting, almost subliminal -- and "Light" comes off as much more secular. But author-director Tracy J. Trost aims for virtually exactly the same kind of heart-yanking sentimentality present with dramas by which figures get their hopes clarified and hearts lifted. Early moments illustrate author Stanley Walters (Jason London) like a guy in dire will need a shot at redemption. 2 yrs after helplessly seeing the accidental dying of his youthful boy, he remains so consumed by guilt and grief he barely can contact his wife, Lisa (Meredith Salenger), a smaller amount develop a book that he's been compensated a substantial advance. Stanley does not start to leave his funk until Lisa luckily makes having an old oil light. By rubbing it, she like magic summons Charles Montgomery III (Louis Gossett Junior.), a courtly, spiffily outfitted stranger who demands he's "a messenger," not really a genie - -- but nonetheless purports to fulfill three wishes for that anxious Lisa and skeptical Stanley. (It ought to be noted that Charles plainly refrains from revealing -- and Stanley and Lisa strangely neglect to request -- just whose "messenger" he's.) Because it works out, there's hardly any miracle active in the resolution of the plot which involves a beneficent next-door neighbor (L. Scott Caldwell) who cares for promote children along with a feisty orphan girl (Cameron Ten Napel) who needs loving parents along with a savvy baseball coach. Indeed, the literal-minded dialogue and primary-colored performances throughout "The Light" suggest everyone concerned were going to keep things as basic and understandable as you possibly can. Completely foreseeable yet undemandingly enjoyable, the pic, handsomely lensed on Oklahoma locations, will benefit from encouraging person to person and grassroots promotion. Steve Forbes includes a quiet cameo as Stanley interviews stars for his book.Camera (color), Randy Stuehm editor, Stuehm music, Jason Moore production designer/art director, Chris Rose set decorator, Kara Paslay seem, Kabe Cornell supervisory seem editor, Mark Keefer assistant director, Jason Stafford casting, Amber Horn, Danielle Aufiero. Examined on DVD, Houston, August. 11, 2011. Running time: 95 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Buffy's Spike and Cordelia to experience Couple on Supernatural

Charisma Contractor and James Marsters Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and Angel) alums James Marsters and Charisma Contractor are getting back on Supernatural, a show repetition verifies. The first kind co-stars will have couple within the fifth episode of Season 7, based on TVLine, which first reported this news. Is Supernatural in your Watchlist? Add it as well as your other faves now and not miss a chapter Supernatural executive producer Sera Gamble told TVLine the episode, entitled "Shut Up, Dr. Phil," is better referred to as "'Bewitched gone wrong.'" Marsters plays a guy whose existence was perfect when he was initially married to some witch (Contractor). However that he's angered her, he and also the entire town are likely to suffer the effects. Marsters is better noted for playing Spike the vampire on Buffy because the Slayer's enemy (and eventual ally). He most lately guest-starred on Hawaii Five- and Smallville. Contractor, who described the self-centered Cordelia and was a part of Buffy's Scooby gang, will next come in the Sept. 1 episode of Burn Notice. The brand new season of Supernatural premieres on Friday, Sept. 23 at 9/8c about the CW.

Sugarland Concert Stage Collapse Leaves at Least Four Dead (Video)

A massive gust of wind turned a festive concert at the Indiana State Fair into a tragic event on Saturday night. At least four people died and dozens were injured when a strong wind blew through the concert venue just before Sugarland was to take the stage.our editor recommendsSugarland Concert Stage Collapse: Musicians React to the TragedyStage Collapses During Cheap Trick Concert (Video)Cheap Trick Demands Answers in Ottawa Stage Collapse Case (Video)Massive Flaming Lips Set Piece Topples Over at Okla. Festival (Video) Winds on Saturday night were estimated between winds between 60 and 70 mph. The Indianapolis Department of Public Safety posted on its Twitter page the death toll and wrote that 40 people had been taken to hospitals in the area. An unknown number are in critical condition. STORY: Sugarland Concert Stage Collapse: Musicians React to the Tragedy The duo Sugarland were headlining the event. They wrote on their Twitter: "We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you'll join us. They need your strength." Singer Sara Bareilles, who had performed on that stage earlier, wrote on her Twitter, "I'm speechless and feel so helpless. Please send love and prayers to Indianapolis tonight. My heart aches for the lives lost." In July, a stage at the Ottawa Bluesfest in Canada collapsed due to high winds while the band Cheap Trick was playing. No one died at that event. The harrowing scene was caught in the video below. Related Topics Sugarland

Disney Pulls the Plug on The Lone Ranger Remake

Johnny Depp Disney has shut down production on The Lone Ranger set to star Johnny Depp, Deadline reports. The period Western film already had Gore Verbinski attached to direct with Jerry Bruckheimer producing. Depp was to play Tonto and Armie Hammer (The Social Network) won the role of the title character. According to Deadline, Disney axed the remake due to the film's $250 million budget. The original Lone Ranger began as a radio serial in 1933 and ran as a TV show from 1949-1957. The film was scheduled for a December 21, 2012 release.

A Renaissance Education The School Of Thomas Mores Daughter

Historian Helen Castor chronicles the eventful life of Margaret More, the daughter of Henry VIIIs Lord Chancellor Thomas More. Her passion for acquiring knowledge went against the established ideas of Tudor society, where women were expected to be quiet and obedient and the principles that shaped her education would go on to have a lasting impact on English cultural life.

Dermot Mulroney Joins Nicole Kidman in Fox Searchlight Thriller 'Stoker' (Exclusive)

Scott Rosenbaum Hits the Right Chord With 'The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll'

Scott Rosenbaum Hits the Right Chord With 'The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll' By Cheyanne Gustason August 10, 2011 For moviegoers, two topics that seem to never lose their magnetism are fraught relationships between two men as close as brothers and rock 'n' roll. Love and betrayal between the best of friends is high-stakes emotional drama that satisfies human fascination, and rock 'n' roll offers just the right mix of glamour, sex, and danger to grab audiences in concert halls and movie theaters. Director Scott Rosenbaum's debut feature, "The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll," combines these potent threads into a richly entertaining and multidimensional film."It's something I've known I wanted to do my entire life," Rosenbaum says about the film he wrote, directed, and produceda project he started nearly 10 years ago. A writer and journalism major in college, Rosenbaum had made films at home and in school as much as he could. But after graduating, "I went for the respectable day job and thought that I would be able to write screenplays at night," he explains.Struggling to balance his pragmatic and creative impulses, Rosenbaum was compelled to action by an event that shook the nation. "Being down on Wall Street on September 11 really was a life-changing experience," he says, "as it was for many people, and it kind of was that moment where I thought, 'If I never finish a screenplay in my entire life, I will be extremely disappointed in myself.' And that's when I started writing what ultimately became 'The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll.' "The film does justice to its lengthy gestation, as it offers a stirringly watchable drama about megastar rock frontman Spyder (Kevin Zegers) and his humble music-teacher best friend, Eric (Jason Ritter). The ups and downs of their relationshipon the brink of Spyder's most important album release, an event that requires Eric's assistance after a bitter estrangement and a Route 66 road tripare volatile and honest.The film hits timeless chords central to the history of rock 'n' roll, an attribute that was key for Rosenbaum. He notes that the point where character and rock meet was pivotal: "The archetypal acrimonious relationship between lead singer and guitar playeryou see it time and again, for all my favorite bands. The conflict between Mick and Keith, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Axl and Flashit just goes on and on. That's where the genesis of the story started to come together."Zegers and Ritter capture the dynamic that Rosenbaum sought, due not only to their estimable acting but also their real-life friendship, which Rosenbaum learned of during his casting session with the two. "They had been friends in and around Hollywood," he says, "and a lot of similar dynamics that take place between Eric and Spyder sort of had occurred between those two guys over the years. And for me, it was just a confirmation that they were the right guys for the role, and I really think it played out in their performances. It was definitely a fortuitous reality that those two guys had a prior relationship. It wasn't something I thought I would be able to achieve in casting; it was a lucky break for sure. This was definitely the thing that I wanted to say, the story that I wanted to tell." Scott Rosenbaum Hits the Right Chord With 'The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll' By Cheyanne Gustason August 10, 2011 For moviegoers, two topics that seem to never lose their magnetism are fraught relationships between two men as close as brothers and rock 'n' roll. Love and betrayal between the best of friends is high-stakes emotional drama that satisfies human fascination, and rock 'n' roll offers just the right mix of glamour, sex, and danger to grab audiences in concert halls and movie theaters. Director Scott Rosenbaum's debut feature, "The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll," combines these potent threads into a richly entertaining and multidimensional film."It's something I've known I wanted to do my entire life," Rosenbaum says about the film he wrote, directed, and produceda project he started nearly 10 years ago. A writer and journalism major in college, Rosenbaum had made films at home and in school as much as he could. But after graduating, "I went for the respectable day job and thought that I would be able to write screenplays at night," he explains.Struggling to balance his pragmatic and creative impulses, Rosenbaum was compelled to action by an event that shook the nation. "Being down on Wall Street on September 11 really was a life-changing experience," he says, "as it was for many people, and it kind of was that moment where I thought, 'If I never finish a screenplay in my entire life, I will be extremely disappointed in myself.' And that's when I started writing what ultimately became 'The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll.' "The film does justice to its lengthy gestation, as it offers a stirringly watchable drama about megastar rock frontman Spyder (Kevin Zegers) and his humble music-teacher best friend, Eric (Jason Ritter). The ups and downs of their relationshipon the brink of Spyder's most important album release, an event that requires Eric's assistance after a bitter estrangement and a Route 66 road tripare volatile and honest.The film hits timeless chords central to the history of rock 'n' roll, an attribute that was key for Rosenbaum. He notes that the point where character and rock meet was pivotal: "The archetypal acrimonious relationship between lead singer and guitar playeryou see it time and again, for all my favorite bands. The conflict between Mick and Keith, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Axl and Flashit just goes on and on. That's where the genesis of the story started to come together."Zegers and Ritter capture the dynamic that Rosenbaum sought, due not only to their estimable acting but also their real-life friendship, which Rosenbaum learned of during his casting session with the two. "They had been friends in and around Hollywood," he says, "and a lot of similar dynamics that take place between Eric and Spyder sort of had occurred between those two guys over the years. And for me, it was just a confirmation that they were the right guys for the role, and I really think it played out in their performances. It was definitely a fortuitous reality that those two guys had a prior relationship. It wasn't something I thought I would be able to achieve in casting; it was a lucky break for sure. This was definitely the thing that I wanted to say, the story that I wanted to tell."

Vudu Becoming Available on iPad

Vudu, Wal-Mart's digital movie service, is becoming available on iPad starting this week, but not as an app, according to published reports.our editor recommendsOnline VOD Service VUDU to Ramp Up 3D StreamingWalmart's VUDU Steps Up Competition in the Streaming SpaceWal-Mart Closing MP3 Download Store After Seven Years Vudu said that iPad owners will be able to access the service through their browsers and can rent or purchase from more than 20,000 movies and TV shows. The process will work the same as on a PC, where movies are available to rent for 99 cents to $5.99 or to buy starting at $4.99. Movies bought or rented on the iPad can also be watched on Walmart.com/vudu, Vudu.com or on any Vudu-enabled consumer electronics device, including the Sony PlayStation3 and certain Internet-connected high-def TVs and Blu-ray Disc players. Vudu GM Edward Lichty said one of the reasons for not making Vudu available as an app was purely because it would be "economically favorable" to the company not to do so. He added that Vudu also keeps a level of autonomy over its service rather than having to submit to Apple's App Store approval process when making changes. Wal-Mart acquired Santa Clara, Calif.-based Vudu in March 2010 for about $100 million. The service has distribution deals with entertainment companies including the Walt Disney Co., Fox, Warner Bros., NBCUniversal, Sony and Paramount. The news comes the same day Wal-Mart announced it would be closing its MP3 download store at the end of the month. Related Topics

Biz stocks can't avoid downward trend

Traders watch a stock ticker on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange minutes before the closing bell on Monday.Biz batteredEven in the face of strong corporate earnings and robust advertising sales, Big Media stocks couldn't fight the gravitational pull of Monday's plunging markets as Wall Street responded to the Standard & Poors' historic downgrade of the nation's credit rating. In the selloff that sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 634 points, or 5.5%, there were signs that investors worry the threat of an extended downturn will spur a sudden drop in advertising spending. CBS, the most advertising-dependent of the showbiz majors, took a 10.3% hit, with shares closing Monday at $21.31. In a bit of irony not lost on Eye insiders, S&P just last week upgraded its rating on CBS shares to "positive" from "stable" -- citing the Eye's improved mix of nonadvertising revenue sources and lower debt ratio, as well as the strong ad forecast for 2012. Prior to last Thursday's 513-point market plunge, CBS shares had been on a roll, up nearly 40% for the year to date. But in the kind of panicky reaction that inlarge and small displayed on Monday, none of that mattered. "The markets are telling us we're going into another recession -- whether that's accurate or not, who knows?" said Alan Gould, an analyst at Evercore Partners who follows CBS. "If we do go into another recession, advertising would clearly go down, and CBS would be impacted more than the other studios." Among other showbiz heavyweights, Viacom lost 8.84% on Monday to close at $40.96, even after the conglom impressed Wall Street on Friday with a strong fiscal third-quarter earnings report (Daily Variety, Aug. 8). News Corp., already battered by the U.K. newspaper scandal, gave up another 7.16% Monday to close at $13.62. Comcast ($20.43) and Disney ($33.03) lost more than 6% on Monday, while Time Warner came in just under a 6% loss with a closing price of $29.89. For showbiz congloms, the good news in a grim market is that the underlying earnings drivers are improving, especially with digital revenues growing amid competition for rights deals among Netflix, Amazon and other emerging platforms. Evercore's Gould notes that most of the major congloms are in the midst of stock buyback programs to boost share prices. CBS bought up $500 million of its own shares in the first half of the year. Last month, News Corp. committed another $5 billion to buy back shares over the next 12 months. "The big concern is really the advertising sensitivities," Gould said of the share price volatility. "All of the (major media) companies have pretty darn good balance sheets these days." Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

J.K. Simmons on His First Leading Role in The Music Never Stopped and Moving Past Spider-Man

J.K. Simmons has appeared in countless films and television shows, but the Michigan-born actor, 56, is only now making his debut as a leading man. In Jim Kohlberg’s The Music Never Stopped (available on DVD this week), Simmons plays a hard-nosed father dealing with an estranged son (Lou Taylor Pucci) who suffers a brain tumor that keeps him from forming new memories. The only way the pair can connect is through the very rock music — an impressive soundtrack for the micro-budgeted indie that includes Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead and the Beatles — the father despises. Like Almost Famous, The Music Never Stopped is a delicately written and acted movie loosely based on true events that profiles heartbreaking human moments around a powerhouse set list… only on a much more intimate scale. Simmons rang up Movieline on Tuesday to explain why it’s impossible to summarize his first lead project, why he hasn’t seen the new Spider-Man trailer yet and why, after 10+ years voicing the yellow M&M, he can’t keep the candy-coated chocolates in his house. I never cry in movies but I teared up in The Music Never Stopped. It is such a touching, well-acted story. Well, I’m glad you saw it. I wish more people did. Maybe they will if you get the word out. A lot of movies tend to over dramatize relationships between parents and their teenage children, but even in this movie’s extreme circumstance, your relationship with Lou Taylor Pucci’s character seemed so natural. How did you establish such an honest character and bond with Lou? I think it was almost an ideal combination of things because first of all, the script that Gwyn Lurie and Gary Marks wrote was so spot-on in every aspect — like the Dr. Oliver Sacks/music therapy and the period detail. But to me, most importantly, the characters that they wrote and put on the page in tandem with Jim Kohlberg having the right sensibility as a director and assembling the cast was everything. Lou Pucci and I were able to get together and bond before shooting and really connect with each other just as actors with similar philosophies about creating a character and serving the story. As human beings, we just clicked. He has a great relationship with his dad too so that helped. It was a great combination of positives. This wasn’t your first time playing a father. How did establishing this parent-child connection on The Music Never Stopped compare to your experience prepping to play Ellen Page’s onscreen dad in Juno? This sounds disingenuous but if it’s the case of a great script, which was the case with both Juno and The Music Never Stopped, I just try to lift the character off the page. When you’re working with truly, ridiculously talented actors like Lou Pucci and Ellen Page, the style, to me, it doesn’t even have to be consciously arrived at. It’s just something that’s intrinsic in meeting. In an ideal scenario, when you have actors like Lou Pucci and Ellen Page who are young and can actually listen as an actor — which is an underrated and somewhat unusual skill especially in film — then you just count your lucky stars that you’ve found yourself in that situation. I just wish that all the people that saw Juno would see this movie. [Laughs] That would make this situation even better. How would you pitch this movie to people who haven’t seen it yet? Right there, that’s part of the problem. For me though, there is a reason why I’m 56 years-old and I haven’t branched out into producing, directing or writing — I’m a one-trick pony. I like to act. Every other aspect of show business, I find uninteresting. I have no idea how to pitch a movie and with a movie like this, you can lay out the synopsis of the plot and everything but to me, it sounds like “Oh, OK, whatever.” I can’t boil this down to a synopsis and make it seem interesting. What I like to tell people is, “This is a really good story about relatable people who go out of their comfort zone to connect with another human being. And it happens to involve some really cool ’60s music and other interesting elements about Oliver Sacks and music therapy. Was it draining or more therapeutic to work on a movie as emotionally charged as this one? I keep coming back to this but if you’re working with actors as good as these, then finding that emotion is easy. It’s just there. All you have to do is be open to it. There are elements of the movie that continue to be relevant in life for me. Like what? I got a kid who’s butting his head up against adolescence and there are some good perspectives from this movie that I have to remind myself of once in awhile. I have to try to relate to him the way he is now and not the way he was when he was a cuddly, little three-year-old. People evolve and it’s important to not stop evolving just because you’ve reached “adulthood.”

Jennifer Lopez Near Idol Deal, Opens Up About Split from Marc Anthony

Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lopez is returning to American Idol with a huge raise, The Wrap reports.The multi-hyphenate has hammered out a $20 million contract to remain with the Fox series for at least another year, sources told the site. Lopez, who earned $12 million last season, has not yet signed the deal, but the deal is complete.Fox had no comment.Jennifer Lopez on returning to Idol: "I'm very on the fence about it"Unlike fellow new judge Steven Tyler, Lopez did not sign a multiyear contract with Idol last season. In June, she told the BBC that she was "very on the fence" about coming back.Besides Idol, Lopez, 42, is also working on Q'Viva!, a Latin American talent competition series, with her estranged husband, Marc Anthony. Lopez and Anthony separated last month, but their split is not expected to affect the series.Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony split"Sometimes it doesn't work - and that's sad. But I remain an eternal optimist about love. I believe in love," Lopez told the September issue of Vanity Fair, speaking out for the first time about the split. "Sometimes we don't realize that we are compromising ourselves. To understand that a person is not good for you, or that that person is not treating you in the right way, or that he is not doing the right thing for himself - if I stay, then I am not doing the right thing for me. I love myself enough to walk away from that now." Lopez added she and Anthony "actually work great together" and that she will always respect him as a singer and a performer. "Together we could make magic - and we did. He will always be in our lives. He will always hold a special place in my heart as the father of my children."