Exclusive First Look: Jaime Pressly Under Attack in I Hate My Teenage Daughter

I Hate My Teenage Daughter Jaime Pressly spent four years and won an Emmy for terrorizing on-screen ex-husband Earl on My Name is Earl, but now she's bearing the brunt of the abuse on her new series I Hate My Teenage Daughter. The series, premiering on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 9:30/8:30c, follows single moms Annie (Pressly) and Nikki (Katie Finneran), who realize that by raising their daughters to be cool (as opposed to the nerds they were in high school), they have actually created two bratty monsters. "The relationship between Annie, my character, and my daughter Sophie is actually a really good one," Pressly says. Adds Kristi Lauren, who plays Annie's daughter: "Annie let Sophie grow up without a lot of rules and so Sophie thinks, 'Oh, I can do whatever I want.' They always have this struggle for power." Mark Consuelos joins I Hate My Teenage Daughter The question is whether both women can (finally) start disciplining their daughters, but also keeping those mother-daughter bonds intact. "My problem is that I always want my daughter to love me so much," Finneran says with a laugh. Watch an exclusive first look at I Hate My Teenage Daughter:

What Do YouTube's New Celebrity Channels Mean for Movies and TV?

Psst! Hey, smart guy, did you get your million-dollar advance from YouTube? If not, why not? According to an announcement made late yesterday, hipsters (Vice magazine, Pitchfork.com), actors (Ashton Kutcher, Amy Poehler), rappers (Pharrell, Jay-Z), and seemingly everyone in between (Madonna, Lionsgate, Shaquille O'Neal) have signed on to provide professional content for a series of new channels the Google subsidiary is expected to launch next year, in a deal valued at upwards of $100 million. Each partner will reportedly get an advance of up to $5 million; if and when that's recouped via advertising revenue, the partners will split any additional revenues roughly evenly. So what, if anything, does this mean for the future of movies and TV? Well, any time Google sets its sights on "revolutionizing" something, you can bet that big changes are coming -- whether or not the search giant itself succeeds in bringing them about. In this case, the target is cable TV, which every consumer in the land agrees is overpriced, under-serviced, infuriatingly attached to a one-size-fits-all model, and run by despicable people who in their free time do things like ruin the good names of once-venerable athletic organizations. If you've got an Internet-connected TV or Blu-ray player, you've sensed the promise of the future: a rich à la carte menu of programming options that allows each of us to choose and pay for what we want to see, when we want to see it, without being forced to finance 478 channels we never watch. But you've probably also grasped the problem, too: who wants to trade in one cable account, however pricey, for an ever-expanding collection of subscriptions to Netflix, Boxee, Roku, Hulu, Vudu, Amazon, iTunes, and beyond, especially if you still have to pay the cable company for your broadband (not to mention buy a set of 21st-century rabbit ears just to watch the Super Bowl or the Oscars)? What we are facing is not a technological hurdle but a licensing problem. You can't compete with cable if you can't cut the right deals; and by the way, the reason cable is so expensive is because those channels demand actual money in exchange for airing rights. In recent weeks, we've watched Netflix deflate dramatically as the expiration of its sweetheart deals with Starz and other outlets forced a somewhat desperate reassessment of its business model. In an interview with The NY Times Magazine, C.E.O. Reed Hastings was reduced to describing Netflix not as the future of entertainment but as an underdog competitor to HBO. What does any of this have to do with YouTube's new channels strategy? In one sense, it's a logical extension of YouTube's dominant position among video services: chances are, you've already downloaded the YouTube app to your Internet TV (especially if you've got a Google TV, which received an upgrade simultaneous with yesterday's announcement), but skateboarding-chicken videos aren't necessarily what most people look for when they settle in on the couch for an evening of entertainment. Maybe the promise of a skateboarding channel programmed by Tony Hawk, however, will persuade you to click the YouTube icon instead of the Netflix one. Instead of negotiating with studios and networks, YouTube is taking a stab at replacing them. (You can see the complete list of announced channels here.) Seen from that perspective, this project may best be understood as an incubator: chances are, 90 percent of these channels will go the way of UPN and The WB. But if YouTube can create even one or two viable long-term properties, this $100 million investment may prove well-spent indeed. No one knows quite what the future of Internet-enabled TV will look like, but at this very moment there are more ways than ever for new shows to find audiences without having to bother with the gate-keepers of broadcast and cable television. Any show that manages to build a loyal, digitally savvy audience from the ground up will have plenty of options for monetizing its success, from advertising, direct subscriptions, licensing deals, royalties, and merchandising spin-offs to -- why not? -- good old-fashioned fees from Time Warner or Cablevision. Obviously, YouTube wants in to that game. And so, by the way, does everyone else. This site's parent company recently announced that its streaming channel, AOL HD, will soon be available on Samsung Smart TV and Google TV. But enough shop talk. It's time to ask the most important question: Which one of YouTube's new channels would you subscribe to? [Photo credit: AFP/Getty Images] Which YouTube Channel Would You Watch?Awesomeness, by 'Smallville' producer Brian RobbinsLook TV, from the creators of 'Project Runway'Black Box TV, from 'CSI' creator Anthony E. ZuikerCafeMom Studios, with Andrew Shue and Suzanne SomersCrashCourse, from the VlogbrothersDanceOn, from Madonna and Guy OsearyDigs, a home and gardening channel from MereditheHow Pets & AnimalsFAWN, a "hip, cool and forward-thinking women's network," with Michelle PhanTom Colicchio's as-yet-unnamed food channelGeek & Sundry, from 'The Guild' creator Felicia Dayi am OTHER, a channel for "game changers" from Pharrell WilliamsLife and Times, from Jay-ZModernMom with Brooke BurkeMyMusic, a weekly sitcom from Benny and Rafi FineNuevOn, a Hispanic pop-culture/celebrity channel, with Sofia VergaraAn unnamed pop-culture channel from Ben Silverman and Nicole Richie, among othersPitchfork TVSmart Girls at the Party, from Amy Poehler, Meredith Walker, and Amy MilesSoulPancake, from Rainn WilsonStan Lee's World of HeroesTakePart TV, from the makers of 'An Inconvenient Truth'The Comedy Shaq Network, an urban comedy channel from Shaquille O'NealThe Chopra Well, from Deepak ChopraThe Nerdist Channel, from The Jim Henson Co., GeekChicDaily, and Broadway Video EntertainmentThrash Lab, from Ashton Kutcher, offering "insightful, narrative rich stories" from "the best artists in the world"The VICE ChannelWWE Fan NationYOMYOMF, from Ryan Higa, Justin Lin, and Kevin Wu, aiming to "redefine and give a new voice to the Asian American experience"R.J. Williams' Young Hollywood NetworkVote

Broadcaster Jimmy Savile dies at 84

Savile in 2010Veteran British broadcaster Jimmy Savile, a famously eccentric culture figure, has died at his home in northern England. He was 84.Savile, known for his garish tracksuits, chunky gold jewelry and boundless enthusiasm for pop music and charity work, was the host of two long-running British television programs and claimed to have been a longtime confidant to Prince Charles and ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.Rarely seen without his trademark large cigar, Savile had initially worked in a coal mine as a teenager before embracing music and built a national profile as a disc jockey -- first in Britain's dance halls and later on radio, including the renowned Radio Luxembourg.West Yorkshire Police confirmed that officers had been called Saturday to Savile's home in the city of Leeds, northern England, and said that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. The cause of Savile's death is not yet known.Savile claimed have been the first DJ in the world to use two turntables -- enabling continuous music to be played -- inventing the techniques later embraced by modern dance music, and to have pioneered the use of record, rather than live bands, at nightclubs."History has it that I was the very, very first in the whole world" to organize a disco event, he told the BBC in May.Bestowed with a knighthood for his charity fundraising, Savile was best known as the host of the BBC's "Top Of The Pops" weekly television pop music show, launching the program in 1964 and returning to present its final edition in 2006.For almost 20 years from 1975, Savile also hosted the hugely popular series "Jim'll Fix It," in which the broadcaster responded to children's letters by arranging for their wishes to be realized.Savile championed a host of good causes -- frequently running marathons to raise money -- and led work to collect 20 million pounds ($32 million) for the creation of a national spinal injuries center at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in southern England."He was a very energetic character," friend and fellow radio presenter David Hamilton told Britain's Sky News television. "But most of all, I remember him as just a totally flamboyant, over the top, larger than life character and as he was on the air, he was just the same off."Savile never married and lived alone in his native Leeds, in northern England, reserving part of his home as shrine to his later mother.His guarded, and sometime curious, private life was the subject of a much watched television documentary in 2000 by film maker Louis Theroux, son of author Paul Theroux. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

USC to revive and release John Carpenter's first Student film

John Contractor geekswill be very glad to understand we'll soon have the ability to trace him to his motion picture roots. Captain Voyeur is John Carpenter's first film. This is an 8-minute, black and whitened short shot in 1969, that was discovered within the archives of College of Los Angeles.As it is the famous horror director's first project it will likely be restored and launched using the the aid of the nation's Film Upkeep Foundation.Captain Voyeur was written and directed for Carpenter's opening film class. Captain Voyeur has thematic and visual ties to Carpenter's 1978 classic Halloween. One scene particularly is stated to possess a predominent connect to Halloween:"The voyeur puts on a set of glasses over his mask, much in the way that Michael Myers used glasses within the mattress sheet covering his mind within the Halloween prologue."The guy accountable for this unique find, Dino Everett has stated: "Captain Voyeur follows a guy in a boring computer job who eyes a lady at the office and follows her home. He dons a mask and tries to kill her but is shot by his co-worker."When the film is restored we expect the film to be shown on DVD release an internet-based, so soon we are able to see in which the legend first started.

New Line Cinema Lands Category Six Spec

EXCLUSIVE: Ending what switched that need considering a brisk week for material, New Line Cinema just closed a spec provide the $300,000 range for Category Six, a script by John Swetnam for just about any “found footage” natural disaster movie. The film takes a first-person POV through video cameras and cell phones to see the story of scholars who make an effort to survive the worst hurricane in U.S. history. The film will probably be produced by Todd Garner through his Broken Road banner. Garner hatched the idea. David Boxerbaum at APA and Mike Wagner made the sale. The material market remains sluggish until recently, but this really is really the most recent in the flurry of specs and pitches that offered now. Really, Category Six might be the 2nd one today that handle extreme weather: Fox just acquired Riders Round The Storm, a pitch which will be composed by Sean O’Keefe of a crew that pulls numerous heists inside an extreme weather event. The scribe most recently offered his script Evidence to Bold Films.

NeNe's Stripper Past, Kim's Bad Perm: Special Looks At Life Before Atlanta Housewives

The Real Housewives of Atlanta Before the money, the fame, the weave-pulling and the pickle-eating, where were the future stars of The Real Housewives of Atlanta? That's what a new hour-long special on Bravo hopes to answer about the network's most beloved Georgia Peaches. Airing at 9/8c on Sunday on Bravo, The Real Housewives of Atlanta: Before They Were Stars chronicles the early lives of the cast and uncovers surprising secrets. For instance, NeNe Leakes opens up about her past job as a stripper (and admits she "kinda liked it") and Kandi Burruss talks about her early brushes with music industry success beatboxing. And who knew that before Kim Zolciak had a top-selling dance track on iTunes with "Tardy for the Party," she dreamed of being a dancer and not a singer? (Very surprising considering her trouble learning her dance moves last season, no?) Bravo sets Real Housewives of Atlanta premiere date Watch a preview of Sunday's special: Will you be tuning in?

Time Warner Cable 3Q Results Short Of Expectations As Video Subs Fall

The No. 2 cable operator reported net income of $356M, down 1.1% vs the same period last year, on revenues of $4.9B, up 3.7%. Earnings came in at$1.09 a share, missing the $1.14 that analysts expected. They also thought revenues would be slightly higher at $4.95B. The miss came as Time Warner Cable lost 128,000 residential video customers, ending the quarter with 11.9M. The company says that the drop in subs as well as inrevenues from premium channels and transactional VOD outweighed the additional cash the company saw from price increases and payments for installation charges and DVR services. The number of home broadband customers increased 9.2% to 9.8M in the quarter — but the company lost 8,000 residential phone subscribers, ending with 4.5M. All told, CEO Glenn Britt says that the company “posted steady financial progress” but will continue to “focus our efforts on maximizing our growth opportunities.” Still, some analysts are concerned. “If broadband is the anchor product, then video is increasingly simply the anchor,” Bernstein Research analyst Craig Moffett says. “Subscribers are falling, costs are rising, and margins are contracting.”

Mariah Carey & Nick Cannons Twins Make TV Debut!

First Released: October 22, 2011 2:35 PM EDT Credit: ABC Caption Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon with twins Moroccan and Monroe on Basic steps 20/20NY., N.Y. -- Meet Moroccan and Monroe! Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon revealed their 6-month-old twins throughout a job interview with Barbara Walters on Basic steps 20/20 on Friday evening. My loved ones provides me with everything, Nick beamed to Barbara. Unconditional love meansthe world in my experience. I am talking about, its completion. Its really adore, a proud Mariah added. Its an attractive spot to be. Mariah and Nick welcomed their twins who they passionately make reference to as Dem Babies in April 2011, around the couples third anniversary. So that as Mariah described to Barbara, it was not a simple pregnancy. I dont think I understood the enormity and also the magnitude of exactly what it gives the body, the singer stated. Transporting two babies. Unless of course somebodys experienced it, its hard to know very well what I experienced, because my pregnancy was very unique when it comes to what went down in my experience. What went down was extended mattress relaxation, a couple of false sensors and many outings towards the hospital, which left Mimi wondering if her body would ever get over the physical strain. I'd serious back problems, she stated. I had been afraid I wasnt likely to have the ability to walk correctly again. It had been an enormous strain. For the way the twins joined the planet when Mariah hit her 35th week of being pregnant, it had been a seem both mother and father were very acquainted with. They arrived to the planet to some live version [of my song Fantasy], Mariah told Barbara. The only real reason I needed so that it is the live version happens because I needed these phones hear the applause upon entering the planet. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

New 'Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' Viral Video: Crash

The mysterious Mouth Recorded Shut site provides us lots of awesome behind-the-moments photos and viral videos from David Fincher's anticipated 'Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' film. (The most effective up to now? It in the 'Dragon Tattoo' poster being made while Trent Reznor's haunting score plays without anyone's understanding.) The most recent clip, released Thursday, includes grainy footage from the accident across the side from the street. Can there be associated with the murder that Mikael Blomkvist (Difficulties) visits investigate? Maybe! See the clip ahead. 'The Girl While using Dragon Tattoo' is founded on the most effective-selling novel with the late Stieg Larsson. It stars Rooney Mara -- who spoke about her crazy audition process for your film in this week's Style -- as computer hacker Lisbeth Salander. The film hits theaters December 21. [via Mouth Recorded Shut and Cinemablend] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

The 'Piranha 3DD' Trailer: Virtually Just What You Anticipate from 'Piranha 3DD'

.publish-content img Sadistic grindhouse throwback 'Piranha 3D' was without as large from the splash since the Weinstein Company probably wanted upon its release a year ago. Ultimately, between Funny or Die videos and flying male organs, 'Piranha' was everywhere, which still only equaled $25 million within the domestic box office. The cheapie thriller acquired double that overseas, though, making the follow-up, 'Piranha 3DD,' appear reasonable. Positive factor, too, as this is the only real factor reasonable in this bananas new teaser trailer for your film. Hello, David Hasselhoff, giant plastic breasts and machine-gun legged Ving Rhames! Spoiler: Rhames died in 'Piranha 3D'! No matter, clearly. The follow-up was made to hit theaters in November, but it is been pressed into 2012. If possibly Moviefone hero Adam Scott may have been cut in the dead for your one too. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

SAG health, pension plans tighten qualifications needs

Driven by tough economic occasions along with a drop in TV earnings, the Screen Stars Guild health insurance and pension plans are tightening qualifications needs and benefits, and also have cautioned people that further cuts might be coming.The trustees from the plans, overseen by reps of SAG and also the majors, introduced the alterations inside a e-newsletter that started coming in participants' mail boxes now. The alterations work Jan. 1."The Plan remains inside a deficit situation as television contributions have ongoing to continuously decrease andthe price of supplying government mandated benefits is growing," the e-newsletter stated.The plan -- covering about 40,000 participants -- is growing qualification levels by 2% to $30,750 for Plan I and $15,100 for Plan II. The person out-of-pocket maximum is rising by $500 to $1,750 and also the family out-of-pocket maximum is booming by $1,000 per family to $3,500.The trustees, which in fact had introduced a yearly $1,000 hike within the earnings requirement last year for pension credits, also revealed the $20,000 threshold requirement would become effective on Jan. 1, 2012, rather than 2013. The alterations come two several weeks after SAG revealed its reported TV earnings in 2010 dropped 8.2% this past year to $564.8 million this year -- 24% below 2007 levels -- while overall earnings rose 3.9% this past year to $1.986 billion. The split in primetime jurisdiction between SAG and AFTRA, that has signed the lion's share of recent shows, cuts down on the chances that rank-and-file people can earn enough to satisfy the income thresholds and adds momentum towards the push for merger by having an eye toward subsequently merging the plans. The e-newsletter noted the type of pension have been licensed within the "eco-friendly zone" in 2010 by having an 83% funding level because of favorable returns on opportunities and federal legislation passed to permit intends to get over deficits throughout the 2008 economic crisis. However the outlook for that near term is troubling."Investment returns for 2011 are presently below precisely what it takes to help keep the program licensed within the 'green zone' for that long term," the e-newsletter stated. "The healthiness of the Type Of Pension is driven by investment returns so when the marketplaces aren't carrying out well, the trustees must make changes to guarantee the plan doesn't fall under the red-colored zone."Despite the fact that the trustees did not offer specifics, additionally they stated that they're going to need to take similar steps. "The Trustees still monitor expenses, contributions and financial returns for the Pension and Health Plans and regrettably when the unfavorable trends don't improve, additional benefit modifications might have to be produced,Inch the e-newsletter stated. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Steve Harvey's New Syndicated Talker Picked Up by 10 NBC-Owned Stations

Ten NBC owned TV stations have picked up comedian and game show host Steve Harvey's new syndicated talk show for a fall 2012 launch, it was announced Thursday by Barry Wallach, president of NBC Universal Domestic TV Distribution. Winning a daytime slot on the NBC stations is expected to ensure the show will get a national launch. The one hour daily show, Steve Harvey, is being produced by Endemol USA. It is expected to focus on relationship themes, with Harvey bringing his comedy and common sense to such topics as romance, marriage, parenting, friendship and the workplace. PHOTOS: The Most Talked-About TV News Faces Harvey is an executive producer along with Rushion McDonald. The show is distributed in broadcast syndication by NBC Universal Domestic TV Distribution. "Steve Harvey is a phenomenal broadcaster who will deliver his unique comedic approach to daytime talk," said Wallach. "Steve appeals to a wide cross section of daytime viewers making him a great fit for the day part." "Steve Harvey has consistently entertained viewers and attracted audiences," said Valari Staab, President of the NBC Owned Television Stations. "As part of the investment we're making in our 10 stations, we're working hard to offer our viewers the strongest daytime lineup possible." PHOTOS: 10 Broadcast and Cable TV Show Most Watched By Men "Steve is a huge talent who brings a unique voice and perspective to all audiences," said David Goldberg, Chairman of Endemol North America. The 10 NBC stations include WNBC NY, KNBC Los Angeles, WMAQ Chicago, WCAU Philadelphia, KNTV San Francisco, KXAS Dallas Fort-Worth, WRC Washington DC, WTVJ Miami, KNSD San Diego and WVIT Hartford. Harvey has hosted the syndicated game show Family Feud for the past year. According to NBC, during that time the show has increased by over one million viewers a day, including a 47% jump in women 18-49 and 55% increase in women 25-54. He has continued growing the audience this season, up another 63% among women18 to 54, according to NBC. Harvey also has been host of a daily syndicated radio show since 2000, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, which NBC said has over 7 million weekly listeners and is the #1 nationally syndicated morning show in the top 25 markets among key demos. He has also written two books for Harper Collins that have sold over 3 million copies worldwide, both of which debuted on the NY Times best seller list. His book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man is being developed by Sony's Screen Gems for a feature with a projected 2012 release date. Related Topics Steve Harvey NBC

ABC orders full season of 'Revenge,' 'Suburgatory'

ABC is ordering full seasons of rookie series "Revenge" and "Suburgatory" after strong showings Wednesday.The network is also ordering six scripts of second-year comedy "Happy Endings," which perked up 18% in the 18-49 demo on Wednesday in the absence of "The X Factor." Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Are Pedro & Meryl round the verge?

Bette Davis with husband Mike Todd in 1957 her tiara will probably be offered off at Christie's in December. Pedro Almodovar won't go Hollywood, but he wish to take one American star towards the country."I have to uncover Meryl Streep within the the spanish language language," the helmer mentioned at Monday's "The Skin Home IsInch junket at Gotham's Regency Hotel.Maybe it's not as unlikely since it seems."Yes, Meryl Streep referred to as once i was making 'Talk to Her' and he or she reaches 'The Several hours,' and he or she mentioned, 'Any time.' "Clearly, Almodovar can be a large Streep fan. "I am unable to wait doing as Margaret Thatcher," he mentioned. "You understand Personally, i can't stand Thatcher however can't wait doing.InchFor pointing Streep in Hollywood, not likely.InchWhich i could be free, independent, crazy -- whatever you think of it as -- is a lot more important rather than visit Hollywood creating a movie there. It is not chastity, it's just the means by which I am. Even the idea of making a lot of money isn't particularly appealing. I'm succeeding,Inch noted the helmer. - Stephen Schaefer* * *Alec Baldwin is ever unpredictable. Just request the library volunteer in Central Falls, R.I., who acquired the phone a few days ago to hear the "30 Rock" star make sure he understands: "That is Alec Baldwin. Allow me to offer you $10,000."Baldwin made the telephone call after reading through through inside the NY Occasions about how precisely the city's personal personal bankruptcy had forced the closure of the only library inside the summer season -- until several volunteers organized an effort to keep it open 72 hrs each week. Baldwin's donation to help one of the state's poorest urban centers came a shoutout on Twitter the other day from Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln subsequently subsequently Chafee.- Variety Staff* * *The ladies who lunch scrambled for position a couple of occasions on Tuesday within the Christie's/Melanoma Research Alliance private preview in the Range of Bette Davis. Displayed at MOCA's pop-up venue within the Off-shoreline Design Center from March. 13-16, Dame Liz's jewels (as well as clothes together with other movie memorabilia) triggered a ruckus.Her breathtakingly gorgeous pieces had Jami Gertz and Donna Dixon Aykroyd battling while using deep-pocketed Nancy Davis and Wendy Stark to acquire a good look, even though the auction doesn't happen until December at Christie's in NY.The second number of battling came throughout lunch round the PDC's plaza, because the hot sun beat lower. Oddly enough, shade was limited as Debra Black and Maria Arena Bell exhorted everyone to prevent the sun's rays, consider the suspicious moles and support MRA. But focus ongoing to be with the sparkly bits, as Wise Pictures' Trina Wyatt noted, "Liz Taylor is probably the last celebs to actually own her jewels. Nowadays all the stars just borrow them, put them under once and supply rid of it.In .- Jenny Peters Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

MagnaGlobal Cuts 2012 U.S. Ad Growth Forecast from 4.8% to two.9%

NY - MagnaGlobal, one of advertising company Interpublic, on Tuesday cut its outlook for U.S. advertising investing in 2012 from formerly eyed development of 4.8 percent to two.9 %, stating a "slow-but-positive economic recovery." The organization maintained its 2011 forecast of just one.6 % growth, predicting that media providers will generate $173.5 billion in ad revenue. Excluding direct marketing components, however, revenue development of core media groups will be at 2.9 % this season and 4.3 % the coming year, it stated. 2011 should engage in as formerly forecasted following a mid-year decrease in growth anticipation, based on MagnaGlobal. "Because of persistent weakness within the U.S. economy, however, we now have modified our 2012 growth forecast," the organization stated."A downturn in tangible personal consumption costs, manufacturing activity and continuing problems within the labor and housing marketplaces all lead to the modified outlook." MagnaGlobal now predictions ad revenue to achieve $178.5 billion in 2012, "that is still considerably under the pre-recession degree of 2007 of $206.1 billion," it stated. TV would be the quickest-growing medium after online in 2012, with gains of seven.1 % and 11.6 %, correspondingly. The 2012 elections and also the Summer time Olympic games will generate incremental revenue of $3.1 billion for television, with $2.5 billion in political advertising - "the greatest investing ever, totally on local broadcast television," the organization stated. Its estimations also demand $633 million in investing around the London Olympic games, up 5.five percent in comparison with Beijing in 2008. Local media advertising, including local radio and TV, is going to be pockets of weakness though. "We currently expect this segment to say no 1.1 % this year and .4% in 2012," Magna stated. Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects

Director James McTeigue talks The Raven

TF obtained an earlier screening from the trailer for that Raven at Comic-Disadvantage captured and today Edgar Allan Poe fans can easily see it on the internet. Hot around the heels of this trailer, director James McTeigue has additionally whipped the horses and began the press bandwagon moving correctly.The film is referred to like a gritty thriller, by which Poe (John Cusack) joins forces having a youthful Baltimore detective (Luke Evans) to search lower a mad serial killer who's using Poe's own works because the grounds for a string of brutal killings.Sounds nasty and McTeigue states he will not be tugging any punches. Requested if he'll be shying from an R rating he told Fangoria, "No, uh-uh.""I am not attempting to contend with Saw Saw is extremely particular and we are more within the mental suspense-thriller mode as opposed to a straight-out horror film," he stated before adding, "The tone is a lot more like a movie like Se7en, this is where it falls."Poe was an alcoholic along with a drug user and McTeigue states the film does not be put off by that. Just how did John Cusack enter that mindset?"He dropped a few pounds to provide themself the attracted kind of Poe look, he increased a goatee and died his hair just a little blacker of computer usually is, to actually enter Poe's physical space," McTeigue discloses."After which, John always spoken about how exactly he was friendly with Hunter S. Thompson and that he often see parallels between Hunter and Poe, and i believe that assisted inform the smoothness for John."The Raven also stars Alice Eve, Brendan Gleeson and Oliver Jackson-Cohen and opens in 2012.

Will American Horror Story Be described as a Hit for Foreign exchange? Phone The Past of Horror on tv

The Walking Dead, True Blood stream, Supernatural Previously, horror hasn't scared up a great history on tv. Supernatural series? Yes. Terrifying ones? No. The good thing for Foreign exchange, which on Wednesday launches American Horror Story, is always that audiences seem to become growing braver. Millions have dared to appear from behind their fingers, making hits in the Walking Dead and True Blood stream. Even when Puppy puppy nip/Tuck dipped its scalpels into overt horror -- terrorizing us with sadistic serial killer The Carver -- it came record comes down to Foreign exchange. But do audiences hold the stomach for just about any haunted house imagined up by Ryan Murphy and Kaira Falchuk, who gave us both Glee and Puppy puppy nip/Tuck? American Horror Story's got veteran stars Connie Britton, Dylan McDermott and Jessica Lange, but furthermore a homicidal basement-dwelling creature, angry twin redheads, an enigmatic, er, spirit in the fetish suit, demonic paintings, a grotesque burn victim... which is simply inside the first episode. To gauge the show's chances, we glance in the final 2 decades of horror TV: Dark Shadows revival (1991, NBC), Nightmare Café (1992, NBC), American Medieval (1995-96, CBS): The very best-time reboot of cult melodrama Dark Shadows elevated conflicted Barnabas Collins (whose buddies incorporated a young Ernest Gordon-Levitt) just like a more feral lovelorn vampire. Fans fell, and difficult, before start of Gulf War and erratic organizing cooled ratings. Yearly later, NBC used Wes Craven and Robert Englund's Nightmare Café, a weekly mix between Nightmare on Elm Street as well as the Twilight Zone that made it just six episodes. Some factor sinister turned up in 1995, when CBS unleashed the bone-chilling, genre-bender American Medieval starring Gary Cole becoming an immoral sheriff - read: murderous maniac - from the creepy small town in Sc. Experts spoken, but a too-small audience forced the network to lower it carrying out a season. Start Searching: Ryan Murphy's "psychosexual thriller" American Horror Story -- it's not Glee! Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003, The WB and UPN) and Angel (1999-2004, The WB): Buffy funneled nearly all her teen angst into slaying vampires of the underworld from the underworld, and for the reason that way increased to become genre success story, although the show combined the demonic and adult styles with numerous snark and comedy. Buffy's most terrifying episode "Hush", a virtually dialogue-free hour in which the ghastly Gentlemen get rid of the hearts of sufferers who cannot scream, acquired the show an Emmy nomination for writing, and due to rabid fans and fawning experts, the show made it seven seasons. Its deeper, more grown-up spinoff, Angel, also trafficked in solid frights, most memorably getting a complete-scale exorcism - as well as the disturbing twist that adopted -- in "I've Got You Under My Skin." Kingdom Hospital (2004, ABC): Stephen King's adaptation of Lars von Trier's very frightening and uber-strange Danish series, The Dominion, starred Andrew McCarthy just like a physician in the haunted hospital resided on with the ghost from the Civil-War-era child laborer together with a huge anteater-like creature with jagged teeth, among other peculiar living types. (It's really no surprise: A health care facility was built inside the site of two terrible fires, the second which destroyed a vintage hospital where an evil physician completed experiments on his patients.) Greater than 14 million audiences examined the premiere, proof of an appetite for horror. However, many up-to-date out immediately after also it wasn't restored for just about any second season. Ryan Murphy and Kaira Falchuk: The 6 items that inspired American Horror Story Point Enjoyable (2005, Fox): When Satan's daughter Christina, who not know she's the spawn of evil, washes ashore in the quiet Nj beach town... well, yeah, bad stuff goes lower -- particularly for just about any selfish, self-centered people who deserve it. Despite a good premise from Buffy vet Marti Noxon, Fox audiences didn't take care of the sunshine scares - mean bugs! jealous teens! - triggered with the good-searching Child of Darkness (or her good-searching co-stars Grant Show and Mike Page). The show was attracted after just eight episodes broadcast. Supernatural (2005-ongoing, The WB as well as the CW): What started out as two brothers and sisters on the road inside their Impala fighting demons searching for the truth is ongoing to develop in to a fight of Spiritual proportions between good and evil. Mike and Dean have even visited hell and back. (Really, they've adopted Lucifer themselves!) Supernatural has extended outlasted series creator Eric Kripke's original five-season plan, and won around the small but devoted crowd (in addition to fans in high places). "What about we they just leave?" Ryan Murphy promises solutions in Horror Story Masters of Horror (2005-07, Showtime): Showtime commissioned an anthology of films from respected horror maestros, including John Contractor, Joe Dante and John Landis, additionally to beginners, who've been given creative carte blanche to see in pay cable's mostly uncensored space. Make the sex and gore! The resulting two seasons' cost of films were a mixed bag, according to reviews, but horror aficionados made an appearance pleased the project happened on television whatsoever (save for Takashi Miike's "Imprint," which was released only on DVD following a network considered it too disturbing to air.) Fear Itself (2008, NBC): Inspired by Masters, NBC attempted a horror anthology that belongs to them, rounding up film vets like Ronny Yu and Stuart Gordon to accomplish their worst (although for just about any general broadcast audience). The scares ranged from nasty (in "Eater," Mad Men's Elisabeth Moss carried out a lately employed cop facing offered with a Cajun serial-killing cannibal) to mundane (in "New Year's Day," Glee's Cory Monteith found themselves ornamented by zombies). Reviews were mixed as well as the show made it two several days before low ratings (the premiere came a collection-high 5.29 million audiences) as well as the summer season Olympics pressed it well the schedule permanently. Ryan Murphy talks new Foreign exchange show American Horror Story: Everyone was freaked through the creature! True Blood stream (2008-ongoing, Cinemax): Possibly most likely the very best horror show on tv so far, Alan Ball's adaptation of Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mysteries was frightening, sexed up, politically charged and plenty gory if the opened up. It absolutely was also polarizing - experts were significantly divided and merely 1.4 million audiences examined the initial airing. But over subsequent episodes, audiences soon found their distance towards the cheesy, cleaning cleaning soap operatic shenanigans of Bon Temps' backwoods, where Sookie and her undead paramours braved supernatural - and incredibly salty -- demons. Episode 9 in the recent fourth season came a collection-high 5.5 million audiences (excluding people who DVR'd or seen later airings round the network). Harper's Island (2009, CBS): Seven years after John Wakefield ongoing a murder spree on Harper's Island, the daughter of just one of his sufferers returns to celebrate her best friend's wedding -- hey, why not? - as well as the killing begins again. Unlike the unnerving American Medieval, CBS wanted Harper's Island's was the kind of slasher fest - dismemberments, burnings, a unlucky chandelier drop - loved by audiences who made Scream which i realize That Which You Most likely Did Last Summer season box office hits. Experts appreciated the guilty-pleasure thrills and kills, but CBS wasn't inside the mood being patient. After three episodes, the show was knocked in the Thursday timeslot to Saturday nights, where it averaged just beneath 4 million audiences. Have a look at photos of yank Horror Story The Walking Dead (2010-ongoing, AMC): Occur the aftermath from the zombie apocalypse, several Atlanta children band together to stay apparent in the "ramblers" searching toward their brains. Less than what audiences expected from AMC, a network which in fact had just put itself in the spotlight wealthy in-brow period drama Mad Males as well as the explosively gritty Breaking Bad. But Walking Dead, Frank Darabont's slow-moving, film-in-scope adaptation of Robert Kirkman's graphic books, first demonstrated on Halloween to just about universal acclaim as well as the finest ratings inside the good status for that network. Meaning greater than 5 million people seen Ron and Glenn stomach a spook and smear themselves having its smelly insides. Nice. See the trailer for FX's American Horror Story, premiering Wednesday at 10/9c on Foreign exchange: Will you watch American Horror Story?

'50/50' and My Irrational Habit of Rooting for Movies at the Box Office

Right now, the St. Louis Cardinals, a team made up of 25 men that I have never met personally, are playing in the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, another group of 25 men that I've never met personally. I am openly rooting for the players on the Cardinals to beat the players on the Phillies -- even though this causes strife with my girlfriend because she's originally from Philadelphia. It makes sense, though: I am originally from St. Louis; even though I don't know the players personally, there is a feeling of civic pride when the team that bears the name of your hometown does something good. In turn, when your team loses a game, it makes sense that you'd feel sad deep-down because of that loss. There is nothing that makes sense about feeling sad because '50/50' didn't perform as well as it was expected. I was really rooting for '50/50' at the box-office. I don't think I'm the only person who does this -- irrationally rooting for movies that I have nothing to do with to succeed financially -- but it still baffles me that I would do such a thing. I don't know anyone involved in the production of '50/50.' I don't know Seth Rogen, but he seems like a nice enough guy. I did interview him once, but during our ten minutes on the phone together, it's not like an emotional bond was created. (I've heard writers claim that they know their interview subjects after a short conversation over the phone, but to say that I know Seth Rogen would be equal to saying that I know the representative at AT&T that I spoke to three weeks ago who increased the quantity of text message that I can send and receive in a given month without being charged a fee. I believe his name was Dan.) Back to the point: I have no emotional ties to anyone in the cast or crew of '50/50' -- yet I really wanted '50/50' to do well. I have no idea why this is the case. I mean, it's not the "St. Louis 50/50s." (Though, I would have no problem if they changed the title to that for the DVD release.) Shouldn't the point be that I liked it? Why isn't that enough? Why is it that I feel the population of the United States must universally love the film in order to enhance what I already feel? Taking the baseball example even further, imagine if that's how I rooted: Not by wins and losses, but, instead, by attendance numbers. That would be a very sad existence. Yet, for movies, this is what we do. This is what I do. Sure, there's the argument that if the film doesn't do well, then movies like the one that I enjoyed may no longer be made by the studio. I think this is horseshit. I have no proof that this is horseshit, but I do know that this is not my concern when I feel an emotional attachment to a movie that I want to do well. My irrational behavior has backfired before. Do you remember how much 'Titanic' made domestically its opening weekend? Neither do I. But I do remember that it was lower than expected, especially for a movie that would gross a ridiculous amount of money that I can't remember either. OK, I looked up both amounts on Box Office Mojo: 'Titanic,' a movie that grossed over $600 million domestically, only made $28 million in its opening weekend. I admit, I really liked 'Titanic' when it was released. (Actually, inexplicably, I still really like 'Titanic,' but that's another story.) I remember feeling compelled to tell everyone I knew that they needed to see 'Titanic.' I have nothing against Pierce Brosnan's James Bond, but, for whatever reason, I really wanted 'Titanic' to beat 'Tomorrow Never Dies' at the box-office, which it barely did. I won. I feel there is something quite unhealthy about this fact. I didn't win. James Cameron won. After my fifth viewing at the theater, I still had to show up to my statistics class the next morning (a class in which I would eventually earn a C-). Perhaps if I had spent more time studying statistics instead of rooting for and watching 'Titanic,' I would have earned a better grade and went on to fame and fortune as a statistician. Now, I will never know. But I will be remembered as "guy in 1997 who liked 'Titanic' too much." (Another unhealthy fact: there are five different people alive today who would answer "Mike Ryan" if asked, "Who did you first see 'Titanic' with?") So, if it's not an emotional bond with a member of the cast and it's not civic pride, why is it that I care? The only other option is financial reward. Ha. Put it this way: I wish that I could be in a situation where I had to make a decision about a conflict of interest. "Ah, yes, I have so much money left over this month after rent, food and booze, I think I will invest my vast amount of leftover money in Summit Entertainment. If people listen to me, I will be rich." As such, here we are: the paragraph where I attempt to wrap up all of my points and conclude with a concise answer as to why I act this way. Sadly, I'm still not really sure. If I go and see '50/50' again tonight, it's not like there would be a noticeable moral change onscreen because the actors are now aware of the disappointing results. Seth Rogen and the dolphin from 'Dolphin Tale' have never even met, let alone competed against each other in any discernable way -- but I really hate that poor dolphin. "F-ck you, dolphin," I irrationally said out loud on Sunday. My team didn't even play a game, but I feel they did. Furthermore, why do I keep typing "my team"? I don't have a team. I have a movie that I enjoyed -- that's it. The box-office results have no impact on me financially or physically and I'm ready to accept that. Then again, I did really enjoy 'The Descendents.' You should see it. [Photo: Summit Entertainment] You can contact Mike Ryan directly on Twitter. 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Amazing Race's Ron and Bill: We're Able To not Overcome Two Bad Cabbies

Ron Zeitz and Bill Cruz Flight family and buddies and domestic partners Ron Zeitz and Bill Cruz started Leg 2 in the Amazing Race 19 in last place and continued to be there, eventually becoming the second team axed inside the show's first double elimination. Their fate was sealed after they were one of the eight teams who missed the additional clue within the orphanage, nevertheless the misfortune started with out them, but two bad cab drivers. Uncover everything you didn't see round the episode and whatever they consider the extra clue hidden in plain sight.Amazing Race's Ethan and Jenna: We prefer SurvivorYou were in last the whole leg. Why perhaps you have log on this kind of bad start?Bill: We make no excuses whatsoever, but - you hear this constantly round the Race - since they can't show precisely what happens, you don't see what cab works, what cab didn't. However, if we turned up in Jakarta, i had been first within the train. The second we showed up in Yogyakarta, it absolutely was downhill with taxis. All of our taxis, which have been the running rides of the leg - nice drivers - could never succeed. ... We never developed a mistake before orphanage. We just had the worst luck - again, it is not grounds, but merely an undeniable fact from the products happened. With spelunking like a task that should be carried out a purchase of arrival, there's hardly any opportunity to create up time. We just stood a hard time recouping. You changed cabs once, but tend to not change again?Bill: No. One was in the heart of the evening inside an area we understood nothing about. The cab was lost. He was nice all, but he stopped but got on his cell phone for help. That put us behind. Then departing to access the caves, our cab driver am afraid of all the activities he wouldn't pull to depart, and then we ended up since the sixth cab inside the line which i was inside the second group. The whole time, he attempted to feed people, nevertheless it was morning hurry and there's no way of getting around. I had been stuck because eleventh place that point.Steve: Really the only time our cab really began it in was once we left the spelunking and headed into the city center to accomplish the dancing ... after which it he travelled towards the orphanage. He only decided to be about it in those days, however, we'd plenty of ground to cover. The showgirls were maybe two minutes before us [departing the Roadblock]. We understood i had been directly behind everything.It made an appearance just like you were by her within the Detour, or had you been just inside a different street corner? Ron: There has been three different corners we are in a position to dance at. Jeremy and Sandy, and Marcus and Amani were just finishing once we were approaching. ... I am unsure once the bikes were simpler, but we're able to fly through dancing. It needed, like, a quarter-hour ... We understood i had been still in last, but we felt like we are in a position to still constitute some time. Bill: The fact they were there - Marcus and Amani were inside the first group to go away spelunking - i had been very happy to uncover their location knowing we left last. The ride within the caves to a different task was over an hour or so approximately, which is how our cab driver composed time.Amazing Race's Phil Keoghan: We've most likely probably the most competitive cast yetWhat can you consider the extra clue twist?Bill: At the beginning of the race, they mentioned, what's awesome in regards to the Amazing Race is always that they're always adding new twists, but that's what helps it be so exciting and why we now have loved everything these years. As a longtime fan, you're always searching for your clue box. After they gave us that emblem, that was just what the clue box was, which is the thing that was so awesome relevant for this season. Nothing was everything you expect to ensure that it's. To tag onto using the sign - never throughout my craziest dreams would I have thought to look at a sign in the frame. It absolutely was an unexpected to us once we recognized we missed it, but as racers, we i i never thought to look for this. We truly required to tell ourselves after - and i'm sure audiences did - "You've to look into the whole surroundings because anything might be a clue." That was possibly the finest the moment. It was not merely a clue or possibly an idea box that could provide you with directions. It might be anything, including that which you just thought was part of the desk. We didn't even notice it.And that means you never even viewed?Ron: In my opinion i had been feeling excited that individuals had completed the task pretty quickly. We would never know where we was and also you walk in, your adrenaline's moving, the truth is these youthful women and you also start speaking together and you are feeling good in what you've been in a position to perform. I'd say, as eight teams missed it, it absolutely was fairly simple to overlook.Costs: In those days, because we understood i had been eleventh, i had been so about consuming the moment. Once we walked in and saw all people women as well as the teachers, plus they are clapping and yelling, I'm speaking about, truly, that moment was that which you are there for. ... I had been getting an enjoyable experience creating on their behalf and seeing their excitement. We should invariably be thinking game, but i was not thinking game only at that second because we understood just what the task was. And then we missed the clue, but I am likely to be honest, in those days, I wasn't thinking about searching across the room for clues. Had you seen it, you'd have observed ninth and safe. Does it the charitable organization area of the task ensure it is better to swallow that you just didn't?John: Absolutely. Once we came back, we understood i had been done. After we were running for the Pit Stop the first time, we'd other teams running back. I had been believing that the shin bone was ongoing. Clearly, no an individual's likely to show you they were switched back.Bill: Once we came back, i had been like, "We're back!" In those days, it absolutely was completely in regards to the orphanage. We understood our Amazing Race would finish, and then we needed time for you to give them it and desire them due to the fact now it absolutely was nearly, "Let's give them all this money. We're not able to change our future." We're able to not change anything as well as when we are in a position to, it was not what that moment involved. Now we're supplying all of them with $300 U.S., it is therefore a great gift.What measures behind Ethan and Jenna had you been?Expenses: Some distance whatsoever. They were checking in once we arrived at the Pit Stop. We required to wait to register.John: In my opinion there's probably 10 mins between everyone checking in who required to return. We passed each other coming back and forth. It absolutely was also very warm and moist. In my opinion part of the adrenaline inside me was saying, maybe somebody am tired they have to walk which we'd amazingly pass somebody.Bill: I had been fighting too and in those days, it could take an Olympic sprint to overtake somebody even a quarter-hour before you.Drop Preview: Get scoop on all your favorite returning showsWhat are you currently presently to date?John: We're back at American [Airline carriers]. We're making people happy in mid-air. I furthermore do home financial financial loans, therefore i keep doing that. ... We're waiting for Crest Whitestrips to call us because Bill am impressed with how white-colored our teeth were! Everyone knows Crest will most likely be calling us every single day now! [Laughs] But merely taking pleasure around and fostering within our family. The primary reason we ongoing the Race was because there has been plenty of health issues with this particular family and so they were kind of were inside a nice place once we ongoing the Race. Now we're benefiting from major problems with cancer battles, to make sure that's really our priority just like a family. Bill: We're also reaping helpful benefits from excellent messages and texts out of your pals and family and [co-workers], it is therefore great to think that support too.

'Johnny' cast gets hotter Leicester Square

Talent from Universal's "Johnny British Reborn" braved the unseasonable Leicester Square swelter on Sunday, the U.K.'s most popular October day on record, for that pic's U.K. premiere.Rowan Atkinson showed up in the onscreen made-to-measure Comes Royce Phantom. Around the red-colored carpet, he spoken about creating an "British" follow up, which "appeared like advisable at that time,Inch departing everyone else to question whether he was entirely pleased with the finished product.Co-stars Gillian Anderson, Dominic West and Daniel Kaluuya became a member of Atkinson, together with helmer Oliver Parker.With British viewed as 007's comedy doppelganger, evaluations were naturally made between your two. When requested who epitomised British males better, Atkinson faithfully selected British: "Somebody that really means well, he's simply not just like he thinks he's, and that is the British male the bottom line is." -- Jaime Keeble Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

How 'Girls Gone Wild' Founder Exposed Direct Response Scandal

The nights are long on cable, and not nearly enough hours can be filled with ads for expensive cars, perfume and summer blockbusters. So networks find themselves relying on direct-response advertising - from shortform spots to longform paid programming - that exhorts viewers to act fast and buy, buy, buy. Networks don't necessarily want their brands associated with the pushers of the male virility products, exercise equipment and get-rich-quick schemes that are such a key part of their bottom lines; selling ads for these sorts of products isn't exactly something to brag about to Wall Street. Now, the fact that a fast-rising star executive in direct-response marketing - Brian Fays, a 40-year-old former senior vp at MTV Networks - has exited Viacom following an investigation into allegations he was involved in a scheme that diverted millions of dollars over a period of years threatens to shine a light on the largely unregulated direct-response advertising business. Colleagues in the direct-response industry worry that any scandal could increase mistrust among consumers, even as it has been working for years to shake off the dubious reputation born of scam products. The Federal Trade Commission and Food and Drug Administration have taken actions against dozens of products, including SNORenz, Copa Hair System and Thermoslim. Fays, who attended Fordham University and until recently sat on the board of the Santa Ana, Calif.-based direct-response trade publication Response Magazine, joined MTV in January 2005 after stints at Lifetime Networks and USA Networks. He rose to a top ad-sales job at the network group. "A real hustler," says a former Viacom ad executive who worked with Fays. Another former Viacom exec says Fays was a master salesman who dramatically improved the company's direct-response business. "I remember people saying, 'He can turn shit into Shinola,' " says this person. At MTV, Fays oversaw direct-response advertising and paid programming for most of Viacom's 17 ad-supported cable networks, including MTV, VH1 and Comedy Central. But his business practices came under scrutiny when Joe Francis, creator of the Girls Gone Wild empire - a direct-response mainstay - went to Viacom to report an alleged scheme between one of his employees and Fays to defraud him of money. Francis says he became aware of the scheme during an internal audit at his company and that he dismissed the employee and complained to Viacom in late 2008, which led to an investigation. THR contacted the individual named by Francis, but the person did not return multiple phone calls. Viacom declined comment, as did Fays. It is unclear whether Viacom specifically found evidence of the allegations made by Francis, but a source with knowledge of the situation says the company obtained "credible information" regarding alleged misconduct by Fays and dismissed him (as THR first reported). Infomercials flooded the airwaves after a 1984 decision by the Federal Communications Commission to do away with regulations that allowed for a maximum of 16 minutes of commercials per hour. Suddenly, media companies had a new revenue stream. "It was money they didn't expect," says journalist Remy Stern, author of But Wait ... There's More! a 2009 book about the industry. Some of the products and services hawked on infomercials during the intervening years, such as the Thighmaster, Showtime Rotisserie and Ginsu knives, have become icons - mostly for the catchphrase-laden ads that promoted them. These spots are much less expensive than standard television advertising, both to produce and buy. On the shortform side, a 60-second spot can be made for as little as $5,000, according to pricing data from InfoWorx Direct Llc., a direct-response marketing production company. That company's top-of-the-line package for a longform, 30-minute infomercial costs $125,000. (By contrast, a standard 30-second TV spot can be made for about $300,000.) When it comes to the cost of airtime, direct-response advertising is a bargain. In recent years, prime infomercial slots - typically weekend mornings - have ranged from $20,000 to $50,000 for 30 minutes. In less-desirable time slots and on obscure affiliates, the half-hour cost can fall below $1,000. Direct-response marketers typically are not interested in the metrics blue-chip advertisers worry about, such as brand awareness and positive association. Reams of data help direct-response marketers determine exactly how many leads or sales an ad generates, though those rates of return are closely held. Viacom does not break out revenue from direct response; a company source says it accounts for less than 10 percent of advertising revenue. But a former insider at MTV Networks estimates that direct response produces much more revenue - about $800 million a year. According to research firm SNL Kagan, Viacom pulled in $4.09 billion in net advertising revenue from its cable networks in fiscal 2010. "The piece of the pie that direct response takes up, especially in the cable world, has been growing and growing for years," says Thomas Haire, editor in chief of Response. He estimates that direct-response advertising has brought in $5 billion to $6.5 billion for the cable industry during each of the past four years. Fays rode that wave. A flattering 2007 profile of him in Response noted that after the executive joined MTV Networks, it experienced "an unprecedented surge" in direct-response revenue. The magazine reported that Fays, who reported to Jeff Lucas, head of ad sales at MTV Networks, oversaw a large team: 30 people, including 12 account execs. Colleagues have expressed surprise over the allegations that surround Fays, though they say he seemed at home in the hard-driving world of direct response. "The business is packed with entrepreneurial guys who started from the premise that you could invent a product, put it on TV and walk away with millions," says a direct-response executive who runs his own firm. "There's a kind of high-roller attitude." It's an industry that emphasizes expense-account entertainment, including lavish dinners in the name of networking. Industry colleagues say Fays, who in December 2008 purchased a condo for $3.38 million in a new luxury building with river views in Tribeca, hosted or attended extravagant evenings at high-end restaurants like Il Mulino in Greenwich Village and, according to one source, at strip clubs. That high-rolling atmosphere is one direct-response veterans admit draws mistrust. Author Stern says cable networks recognize that in some cases, "the people who are buying airtime are not reputable people selling reputable products." While network standards-and-practices departments review the moral, ethical and legal implications of advertisements and add disclaimers, that hasn't prevented the airing of direct-response ads for products such as weight-loss and energy potions that have proved to be shams. "You have networks working with guys who have been scamming people for 20 years, some of whom have long criminal records. But their push has always been, 'We don't know what you are selling,' " says Stern. Related Topics Viacom MTV Networks Joe Francis 1 2 next last

Fox Exec at VES Panel: We Thought James Franco's Character Should Die in 'Apes'

Tight postproduction schedules were in the hot seat, Saturday at the Visual Effects Society Production Summit in Beverly Hills.our editor recommendsVisual Effects Community Releases Bill of Rights'Justin Bieber: Never Say Never' Producer Emphasizes Importance of Social Media During a panel discussion, Fox's president of postproduction Ted Gagliano described postproduction on Rise of the Planet of the Apes and X-Men: First Class-examples of what has become a frequent industry practice of finishing a movie on an extremely tight deadline. PHOTOS: 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' First Look: The Many Faces of Andy Serkis Speaking about Apes, Gagliano related that the filmmakers originally thought James Franco's character should die, then changed that decision. He said Franco flew from North Carolina to California over July 4th weekend to shoot an alternative goodbye with the ape Caesar (Andy Serkis). "We shot for three hours and (Franco) was back on the plane," Gagliano recalled, adding that this change led to a challenging final weeks of what was originally a 41 week post schedule that involved extensive visual effects work. The film opened Aug 5. In another example, he related that X-Men: First Class was in production until December 2010 but additional photography continued into April, resulting in a breakneck three-week post schedule to deliver some of the reels and four week schedule for the remaining reels of the movie. The film opened June 3. Gagliano and Sean Wimmer, president of physical production and Warner Bros., warned that advancements in technology can help to speed up production and post, but meeting deadlines for unmovable release dates needs to start with discipline. PHOTOS: 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes': Hollywood Premiere at Graumann's "It's about planning and discipline, whether that is a $200 million project, $1 million project or $50,000 movie," Wimmer advised. "You have to stick with a plan that starts in development all the way through postproduction and distribution. Having a script that is locked and people are happy with is only going to help the budget." Shifting to the topic of digital distribution, Gagliano asserted that streaming is "all about opportunity. ... but it starts with the quality of the movies that you are making. The other thing we really want to institutionalize at Fox for these after markets, is the importance of alternative scenes and supplemental material. For example, we thought James Franco's character should die (in Apes), so we are going to sell (the alternative clip) down the road." Related Topics Andy Serkis James Franco Warner Bros. X-Men: First Class Production Rise of the Planet of the Apes

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