Revenge Signs Law and Order Star

Courtney B. Vance ABC's Revenge finds an attorney with ample courtroom experience. Actor Courtney B. Vance, already recognized for his legal dealings just like a.N.A. Ron Carver on Law and Order: Criminal Intent, remains signed to see attorney Benjamin Barrett. A sizable murder trial will rapidly receive showed up on Revenge following a shocking turn of occasions at Victoria's Fire and Ice Ball noisy . February, with Courtney's character up to now scheduled to appear in no less than three episodes. You understand this can get nasty! Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Trio to fight bear in 'Red Machine'

James Marsden, Thomas Jane and Billy Bob Thornton are likely to star in Indomitable Entertainment and Paul Schiff Productions' thriller "Red-colored-colored Machine" -- talking about the spotlight getting an active grizzly bear. Fully funded pic centers a couple of estranged brothers and sisters (Marsden, Jane) who reconcile around the camping trip utilizing their female buddies. Once inside the remote backwoods, however, things go horribly awry when they are attacked and non-stop stalked having a horrifying grizzly bear -- the Red-colored-colored Machine. Thornton may have popular bear expert and hunter. Producers are Paul Schiff, Tai Duncan and Hadeel Reda. "Saw V" helmer David Hackl will direct the pic in the script by J.R. Reher. Indomitable's Dominic Ianno and Stuart Pollok will professional produce, and Wasatch Rocky Mountain Wildlife ("The Benefit,In . "Tales in the Fall," "The Bear," "Dr. Dolittle 2") will handle animal training and care. "In Red-colored-colored Machine If only to look at the thrill of very real fear," Hackl mentioned. "An audience is a lot more easily attracted along with a tale they consider plausible and relatable -- a thing that could really occur inside the real existence. By simply the premise you understand something bad may happen.Inch WME and Brillstein Entertainment Partners repetition Marsden, while WME and Media Talent Group repetition Thornton. CAA and MTG repetition Jane. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

NFL, new comedy 'Rob' boost CBS

The AFC Divisional Playoff Game between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots helped CBS to another weekly ratings win. Rob Schneider comedy Rob debuted strongly on Thursday. Tebow Time came to an inglorious end Saturday night on CBS, but the Eye still racked up strong numbers for its second-round NFL playoff game en route to another weekly ratings victory. One week after the Tim Tebow-led Denver Broncos upset the Pittsburgh Steelers before the largest audience ever to see the opening round of the postseason (42.4 million), the Broncos got crushed by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots on Saturday before a mortal-sized, second-round aud of 34.2 million. While the game would have drawn a much bigger aud had it been closer, CBS wasn't too upset. The game still drew the best numbers for a primetime second-round contest in 11 years and combined with strong showings by "NCIS," "Person of Interest" and new half-hour "Rob," among others, to put CBS on top. Actually, it was another big week for comedy in general. Besides "Rob," Fox launched "Napoleon Dynamite" well, while NBC had to be pleased with the bow of "Are You There, Chelsea?" And over at BET, "The Game" returned as the week's top-rated scripted cable series.Overall for the Jan. 9-15 frame, CBS led comfortably in adults 18-49 with a 3.7 Nielsen rating/10 share, followed by Fox (3.2/8), ABC (2.2/6), NBC (2.0/5), ESPN (1.8/5) and Univision (1.4/4). CBS led by even larger margins in adults 25-54 (4.7/11 to 3.6/8 for Fox) and total viewers (13.9 million to 8.7 million for Fox). The week's top two primetime programs were postseason football games: Saturday's Patriots-Broncos game on CBS (12.5/33 in 18-49, 34.16m) and Monday's BCS Championship college game between Alabama and LSU on ESPN (8.7/20, 24.21m). Fox actually aired the week's two most-watched telecasts with late-afternoon NFL games on Sunday between the NY Giants and Green Bay Packers (45.1 million) and Saturday between the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints (35.6 million); the former is a record for the league's Divisional Playoff round. In addition to winning Saturday with football, the Eye also rolled on Tuesday -- led by "NCIS" (4.1/11, 21.03m) -- and Thursday, where "The Big Bang Theory" (5.3/15 in 18-49, 16.13m) notched its largest aud to date on the night. "Big Bang" led into Rob Schneider comedy "Rob" (4.1/11, 13.47m), which fared better than any other regular show yet to air behind "Big Bang" on Thursday, and 9 p.m. rookie drama "Person of Interest" followed with highs (3.2/8, 14.86m). At Fox, an NFL overrun gave the net a boost, with the Sunday game funneling a huge aud into "The Simpsons" (5.4/13, 11.48m), which edged out "Big Bang" as the week's top series in 18-49. The vet led into "Napoleon Dynamite" (4.4/10, 8.74m), which had the third best demo score for a comedy preem this season. ABC was paced by "Modern Family" (5.1/13, 12.12m), "Grey's Anatomy" (3.8/10, 10.71m) and "Once Upon a Time" (3.3/8, 9.83m) but also got a boost on Saturday from improved numbers for the "Miss America Pageant" (1.8/5, 6.74m). Not so hot was the second and, ultimately, final episode of "Work It" on Tuesday (1.5/4, 4.90m). NBC's revamped Thursday lineup struggled, with "30 Rock" returning low in its new 8 p.m. timeslot (1.8/5, 4.47m) and "Up All Night" not doing much on its new night (2.0/5, 4.24m). And at 10, the timeslot debut of "The Firm" (1.0/3, 4.23m) did about what "Prime Suspect" was averaging there before it was canceled. There was better news on Wednesday, where relocated "Whitney" did OK at 8 (2.0/6 in 18-49, 5.79m), and "Are You There, Chelsea?" built on that in its bow at 8:30 (2.3/6, 6.18m) -- the net's best showing in the timeslot this season. On Sunday, "The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards" (5.0/12, 16.85m) was down slightly from last year but won its final two hours. In cable, BET's "The Game" kicked off its fifth season (and second on the cabler) Tuesday with strong numbers (2.8/7 in 18-49, 5.29m), cracking the week's top 25 in 18-49; among cable series, only MTV's "Jersey Shore" fared better for the week (3.8/10, 6.49m). Discovery's "Gold Rush" racked up some of its best scores ever Friday (2.2/6 in 18-49, 5.48m), standing as the night's No. 1 show -- broadcast or cable -- in 18-49, men 18-49 (2.9/9) and men 25-54 (3.4/8). A&E introduced new series "Shipping Wars" on Tuesday (1.3/3 in 18-49, 3 million), preceding the net's top-rated "Storage Wars" (2.1/5, 4.82m), which tied with CBS' "Unforgettable" as the 18-49 leader in the 10 o'clock hour. Lifetime's docu-series "Dance Moms" returned Tuesday (1.0/3, 2.51m) with huge gains over last year's series preem and a spry median age of 37; net announced a Miami-based spinoff earlier this week. Also returning well were History's Wednesday tandem of "Only in America With Larry the Cable Guy" (0.9/2, 2.67m) and "American Restoration" (0.9/2, 2.89m), which lifted the net to No. 1 on cable for the night in adults 25-54. Contact Rick Kissell at rick.kissell@variety.com

Sinead O'Connor Recouping After Recognized Suicide Attempt

Sinead O'Connor Yesteryear month remains a mental curler-coaster for Sinead O'Connor (as evidenced here and here), as well as the Irish singer apparently is reaching a breaking point- she recently confessed for the Sun that they attempted suicide by overdosing on prescription pills."I needed an overdose," she mentioned. "God clearly wants me around - though I am unable to think why."Sinead O'Connor and Husband: Back on?However on Wednesday, inside an apparent cry for help, O'Connor tweeted, "Does any1 know a mental health expert in Dublin or Wicklow who could urgently see me today please? I'm not really-well... too as with danger..."She ongoing: "please... can any mental health expert see me today an get me back on meds an let me without me requiring to visit hospital?"Sinead O'Connor and husband split - after 16 daysIt seems as though O'Connor on the way of recouping, per every of her more recent tweets saying because of her fans. "I like u all a great deal for the and am feeling much better.Inch

Kenyan helmer see opportunity in sci-fi

Kahiu JOHANNESBURG -- Two years after her first feature film was released to critical acclaim, Kenyan helmer Wanuri Kahiu is poised to make a splash on the international scene -- and she's hoping the notoriety lets her challenge some of the lingering stereotypes about her homeland."I think it's time to imagine a different type of Africa," she says.With two features in the pipeline and a TV pilot for Turner Broadcasting recently wrapped, the 30-year-old has come a long way since she left Kenya as a teen to study management science in the U.K., then moved to the U.S. and enrolled in a filmmaking course at UCLA.After working on "The Italian Job" and other Hollywood productions, she returned to Kenya in 2006 and realized she'd found her life's calling. Her feature debut, "From a Whisper," which focused on the aftermath of the American Embassy bombing in Nairobi in 1998, won a slew of awards, including best picture and director at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2009.Kahiu went on to become part of the inaugural class of filmmakers chosen for Focus Features' Africa First program, which helps five young African helmers produce short films each year.Her short, "Pumzi," envisioned a dystopic futuristic world whose inhabitants fight for water and pay for air. After screening at Sundance and Berlin, it established Kahiu as a promising director willing to push boundaries.The exposure "Pumzi" gave her opened up opportunities. Last month, Kahiu wrapped the Turner-commissioned pilot for "Sauti," a drama series about a Kenyan news magazine in Nairobi. The skein would be a promising step for Kahiu: The helmer realizes Turner would allow "Sauti" to have a more pan-African reach than local broadcasters, and would offer her more creative freedom.Most Kenyan nets, she says, lack the coin to produce the ambitious series she envisions. Many are reluctant, too, to get behind a skein that tackles politically charged stories.And Kahiu is moving ahead with other projects.A plan to adapt a Kenyan novel for the screen is in development with South African producer Steven Markovitz -- part of an initiative by Markovitz and Congolese helmer Djo Munga, dubbed ImagiNations, to produce six films based on contemporary African novels.Kahiu is also planning to continue her pursuit of sci-fi themes with an adaptation of the Nigerian-American writer Nnedi Okorafor's post-apocalyptic novel, "Who Fears Death." Working with U.S.-based Completion Films, she's planning a pan-African production that would lens in three countries.In sci-fi, she's found a genre to match the scale and creative bent of her storytelling ambitions."I really like the flexibility of the genre," she says, "and the ability to use metaphors to say a lot more challenging things about the political or social climate in Africa." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

The AP Picks its Top Ten Theater for 2011

NY (AP) As 2011 dawned, a brand new crackerjack Jon Robin Baitz play was opening off-Broadway along with a rowdy Spider-Guy was getting bad press on Broadway. Annually later, that crackerjack Baitz play is now on Broadway and "Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark" has (gasp!) converted into a decent tenant, making its rent every month, not hurting people, keeping the noise lower.Only among individuals shows made our Top Ten list of the greatest in theater this year:1. "It of Mormon": Performs this need explanation? It's wise and reverential and completely winning, Tony Honours incorporated. (Plus, the show sells a set of boxers that say "I've Maggots during my Nut sack.") This really is pure gold for Broadway, but it will require plenty of this rare metal to cover a set of tickets for any Saturday evening performance, for next May.2. "War Equine": Sure, the plot might be just a little dopey, however the puppets and sheer originality behind this aesthetically stunning production easily turn it into a must-see. There is however no hurry. Relax: It's most likely likely to be at Lincoln subsequently Center more than World War I.3. "Anything Goes": Cole Porter tunes, Kathleen Marshall's vision and Joel Gray singing, however , the prize here's Sutton Promote. She won a Tony on her role like a nightclub singer within this creamy singing-and-dancing cruise, and tap-dances away using the audience. We dare you to definitely stop whistling "You are the very bestInch following this.4. "Other Desert Metropolitan areas": Baitz's superbly crafted play in regards to a dysfunctional family wrestling having a deep secret's great from beginning to end, and Stockard Channing, Stacy Keach, Rachel Griffiths and Judith Light sparkle.5. "Venus in Fur": Nina Arianda shows an attractive actress, which is not a stretch on her, however the time-shifting role she plays here is intense and she or he causes it to be stunning, most famously for that way she moves about in a set of leg-high leather boots.6. Mark Rylance: It's past too far to determine him in "La Bete" or "Jerusalem" but it is much less late to kick yourself. This can be a Tony Award-winning actor who's so great it's frightening. The next time he comes right here, let us lead him to really feel welcome or he's prone to leave again.7. "Sleep Forget AboutInch: You decide to go right into a "hotel" in Chelsea and walk around "rooms" while "stars" perform "Macbeth" having a "film noir" twist. Immersive and awesome and naughty along with a little manic. But at the finish you're able to keep your mask.8. "Seminar": Alan Rickman plays a crass, pugnacious novelist-switched-tutor to several four budding authors in Theresa Rebeck's wonderful play concerning the discomfort of making art. But leave the "Harry Potter" fans in your own home: The only real miracle is incorporated in the script and also the only factor that vanishes may be the shirt on among the stars.9. "Good People": David Lindsay-Abaire's darkly comic play starring Frances McDormand about class variations in Boston was up for the best play Tony, but lost to individuals equines of "War Equine." Pity. Plays this good don't arrive frequently.10. "Gatz": This word-for-word theatrical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Truly Amazing Gatsby" might have appeared enjoy it survived more than Kim Kardashian's marriage, however it was major and wealthy. Unhealthy news? You skipped it. What's promising? It returns to the general public in The month of january.Copyright 2011 Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. By Mark Kennedy December 19, 2011 PHOTO CREDIT Joan Marcus NY (AP) As 2011 dawned, a brand new crackerjack Jon Robin Baitz play was opening off-Broadway along with a rowdy Spider-Guy was getting bad press on Broadway. Annually later, that crackerjack Baitz play has become on Broadway and "Spider-Guy: Switch Off the Dark" has (gasp!) converted into a decent tenant, making its rent every month, not hurting people, keeping the noise lower.Only among individuals shows made our Top Ten list of the greatest in theater this year:1. "It of Mormon": Performs this need explanation? It's wise and reverential and completely winning, Tony Honours incorporated. (Plus, the show sells a set of boxers that say "I've Maggots during my Nut sack.") This really is pure gold for Broadway, but it will require lots of that rare metal to cover a set of tickets for any Saturday evening performance, for next May.2. "War Equine": Sure, the plot might be just a little dopey, however the puppets and sheer originality behind this aesthetically stunning production easily turn it into a must-see. There is however no hurry. Relax: It's most likely likely to be at Lincoln subsequently Center more than The First World War.3. "Anything Goes": Cole Porter tunes, Kathleen Marshall's vision and Joel Gray singing, however , the prize here's Sutton Promote. She won a Tony on her role like a nightclub singer within this creamy singing-and-dancing cruise, and tap-dances away using the audience. We dare you to definitely stop whistling "You are the very bestInch following this.4. "Other Desert Metropolitan areas": Baitz's superbly crafted play in regards to a dysfunctional family wrestling having a deep secret's great from beginning to end, and Stockard Channing, Stacy Keach, Rachel Griffiths and Judith Light sparkle.5. "Venus in Fur": Nina Arianda shows an attractive actress, which is not a stretch on her, however the time-shifting role she plays here's intense and she or he causes it to be stunning, most famously for that way she moves about in a set of leg-high leather boots.6. Mark Rylance: It's past too far to determine him in "La Bete" or "Jerusalem" but it is much less late to kick yourself. This can be a Tony Award-winning actor who's so great it's frightening. The next time he comes right here, let us lead him to really feel welcome or he's prone to leave again.7. "Sleep Forget AboutInch: You decide to go right into a "hotel" in Chelsea and walk around "rooms" while "stars" perform "Macbeth" having a "film noir" twist. Immersive and awesome and naughty along with a little manic. But in the finish you're able to keep your mask.8. "Seminar": Alan Rickman plays a crass, pugnacious novelist-switched-tutor to several four budding authors in Theresa Rebeck's wonderful play concerning the discomfort of making art. But leave the "Harry Potter" fans in your own home: The only real miracle is incorporated in the script and also the only factor that vanishes may be the shirt on among the stars.9. "Good People": David Lindsay-Abaire's darkly comic play starring Frances McDormand about class variations in Boston was up for the best play Tony, but lost to individuals equines of "War Equine." Pity. Plays this good don't arrive frequently.10. "Gatz": This word-for-word theatrical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Truly Amazing Gatsby" might have appeared enjoy it survived more than Kim Kardashian's marriage, however it was major and wealthy. Unhealthy news? You skipped it. What's promising? It returns towards the Public in The month of january.Copyright 2011 Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Pols try radical TV deregulation

Congress is winding lower the entire year, most people conscious that it'll be much tougher for any legislation arrive at existence within an election year. Individuals odds haven't stopped Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and Repetition. Steve Scalise (R-La.) from sponsoring legislation that will basically stomach probably the most significant rules around the TV business. Known as generation x Television Marketplace Act, the debts introduced in the home and also the Senate would repeal provisions from the Communications Act that need cable operators and satellite companies to hold stations in individual areas. It might repeal the "retransmission consent" and "compulsory license" provisions that govern discussions between tv stations and cable operators. Also it would repeal possession limits on local media shops. Have fun with that. Because of the howls protest that come from only a suggested alternation in wording in any of the current rules, the legislation is not likely to obtain very far. But DeMint and Scalise reach burnish their brands as deregulatory crusaders. "What we've is really a complex web of outdated rules that must definitely be addressed adequately and can't be worked with individually, in isolation from each other," DeMint stated. "This bill doesn't reflect a desire for marketing or safeguarding one technology over another a treadmill competitor over another." Scalise stated the "government shouldn't be in the industry of picking those who win and nonwinners." DirecTV released an argument adoring the legislation. To no real surprise, tv stations weren't excited. The Nation's Assn. of Tv stations "professionally opposes the legislation. Current law guarantees use of quality local news, entertainment, sports and existence-saving weather alerts. The suggested changes towards the Communications Act strike fundamentally of free market discussions and broadcast localism, therefore threatening a residential area-based information and entertainment medium that serves countless People in america every day.Inch Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com