What Inspires Steven Spielberg?

Steven Spielberg is 64. He's an three-time Academy Award champion and it has a internet price of over $3 billion. So, in the end these years, what's stored the director motivated? It might be fear, or Oscar glory, or both. The NY Occasions lately profiled the legendary filmmaker, talking about his role as both a director along with a producer. Within the piece, author Michael Cieply describes a Smithsonian exhibit from this past year, which displayed Norman Rockwell works possessed by both Spielberg and George Lucas. "Within the guide Mr. Spielberg talks about the painting 'Boy on High Dive,' where a boy crouches around the finish of the diving board, searching fretfully within the edge. 'For me, that picture signifies every film right before I invest in pointing it -- just that certain moment.'" As the "fear" quote could be credited to each filmmaker ever, Cieply backs his statement up by talking about Spielberg's approaching slate of films. In 'Adventures of Tintin,' he'll attempt to "communicate a stomach-churning feeling of threat to some boy and the animal." The storyline of 'War Equine,' is all about "a boy...who follows his equine in to the carnage of The First World War." However, Spielberg highlights -- via email towards the author -- the films are "polar opposites." Still, that does not always imply that fear is not fundamentally of Spielberg's filmmaking. Ultimately, it comes down lower to something any creative person wants -- individuals who enjoy their work. The Occasions piece also concentrates on the honours side of Spielberg's movies, and just how he's still attempting to get caught up to his peers like Francis Ford Coppola and Wally Disney. 'The Adventures of Tintin,' that has been getting rave reviews overseas, hits theaters within the U.S. on 12 ,. 21, while 'War Horse' follows four days later. [via NYT] [Photo: AP] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

TV acad election sets up clear choice

WiardRosenblumThe Academy of Arts & Sciences is about to elect a new chairman, and from afar the contest looks like a David-and-Goliath mismatch: Bruce Rosenblum, president of the Warner Bros. Television Group; and Nancy Bradley Wiard, formerly a producer on "The Young and the Restless," and now a freelance producer and consultant.Like Florida, however, academy elections can yield surprises.One reason might be the small number of voters. Only representatives of the board of governors and executive committee participate, meaning despite more than 16,000 members, the election will be decided by less than 70 of them. In addition, only those who attend the Nov. 16 meeting get to register a selection, after each candidate delivers a brief three-minute presentation.The stakes, however, are significant. If elected, Rosenblum would be the highest-ranking person to hold the academy's top voluntary post since then-Walt Disney Studios head Richard Frank did so over three two-year terms, concluding in 1997. To some, the lack of participation among industry heavyweights in recent years has cost the organization, which -- while everyone likes winning Emmys -- hasn't possessed much profile beyond overseeing the awards.At times, being active within the academy and fully employed in TV have also appeared to be mutually exclusive. And while it's easy to respect those who commit their time, the Emmy ideally derives its meaning from the academy being perceived as a collective representing industry peers, not a private club consisting of the few, the proud, the folks who show up.Nevertheless, a segment of the academy is suspiciously eyeing Rosenblum as something of a carpetbagger for entering the race -- parachuting in, as opposed to gradually matriculating through the ranks as Wiard, currently the vice chair, has.There has also been muttering his status will make board members timid about challenging him, in a body where art directors and publicists have equal say with showrunners and directors -- a peer-group structure outgoing chairman John Shaffner, a production designer by trade, recently called "our oddly representative government." The parallel would be the U.S. Senate, where Montana possesses the same weight as California.Reduced to the basics, the board faces three questions: How will it tackle thorny changes the networks are sure to demand in the televised ceremony over their TV contract? What is the academy's appropriate role beyond the Emmys? And what kind of leader do they want?In interviews (excerpted more fully on variety.com/bltv), neither Rosenblum nor Wiard offered specific answers about changing the awards, though Wiard suggested the networks aren't necessarily in lockstep about how to revise them, conceded there are too many on-air awards and said any tinkering must be done "with respect for everybody."In terms of a broader vision, Rosenblum said, "The academy has a responsibility to take a leadership role in influencing the transition of our industry while also maintaining its role in recognizing creative excellence." He cited expanding diversity, anti-piracy, maintaining local production and creating employment opportunities as industry-wide priorities of importance to all members.Addressing whether Rosenblum has an edge because he regularly interacts with fellow network and studio honchos -- and presumably would enjoy readier access to them -- Wiard said, "I do not think I am at a disadvantage at all," adding in regard to the board, "I think it's a big benefit to the room that I know the individuals, I know their issues, [and] I know where we need to make change."As for whether Rosenblum's job at Warner Bros. could intimidate members, she said, "There always is concern with the below-the-line people, and I can understand some of that feeling."For his part, Rosenblum said he's comfortable operating as a consensus builder, and the academy's democratic structure ought to dispel such apprehensions. "I actually view my role and experience as an asset to the dialogue and process," he said.Frankly, the academy will trudge onward whatever the outcome, just as the Emmys will go on, albeit with some kind of facelift. Still, the clarity of the choice will define its guiding body's ambitions -- and whether they'll brave an agenda that could potentially make the organization stand for more than its signature event, or remain content out of habit with the same-old, same-old. Contact Brian Lowry at brian.lowry@variety.com

Bond 23 axes the knowledge, targets an Oscar

Is always that little bald statue patting a white-colored cat? It cannot be described as a surprise whether or not this was, due to this news that Bond's next large challenge is always to take lower an Oscar.Bond, Jason Bourne has attracted off some techniques within the career however when the whispers are factual that director Mike Mendes expects to ditch action moments towards "characterful performances", than the might be the most difficult job 007 has ever required to tackle.Difficulties has formerly mentioned he'd would rather bring more "emotional depth" for the role which he probably wasn't expecting that to happen in the film referred to as Skyfall (in case that's really Bond 23's title).Stranger all things have happened..."You will discover growing whispers Mike Mendes is getting rid of the knowledge moments and which causes it to be Oscar-friendly," an not named source told The Express.The identical report claims that "action moments in India happen to be axed" though moments in Istanbul and Duntrune Castle in Argyll "remain for nowInch.InchThis might be considered a tragedy if this involves sales at box office. Thinking about the truth that this 007 must make no less than £300million to destroy even, it may be a very expensive to pay for an Oscar nomination," the foundation mentioned.If any Bond film will try Oscar glory, it's one directed by Mendes and starring Craig, Javier Bardem and Take advantage of Fiennes.Forget Skyfall. Mendes' film could use function as Guy While Using Golden Gong.

Alloy Creating Web Series Starring Shiri Appleby, Vampire Journals Alum

Taylor Kinney Alloy Entertainment, the organization behind Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars and also the Vampire Journals, is creating a brand new nine-episode web series known as Dating Rules From My Future Self, Entertainment Weekly reviews. The series stars Existence Unexpected's Shiri Appleby like a 29-year-old who receives texts to alter her dating tactics from herself ten years later on. Taylor Kinney (The Vampire Journals), Alison Becker (Parks and Entertainment), Bryce Manley (Pretty Little Liars) and Mircea Monroe (Episodes) will even make looks. Take a look at much more of present day news Elizabeth Allen (90210) is pointing with Alloy's Josh Bank, Bob Levy and Tripp Reed creating. Pretty Little Liars' Tyler Blackburn is Wendy's present day "brooding" Peter Pan Dating Rules From My Future Self, that will debut in The month of january, may be the sixth web series for Alloy, which produces Wendy and First Day 2: First Dance.

Ben Stiller to direct horror The Mountain

Over at Fangoria, Paranormal Activity 3 directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman explain how they've "come to realise that horror and comedy are actually very similar, timing-wise. They're both about building tension and then releasing that tension."It seems comedian Ben Stiller has come to the same conclusion.The Zoolander and Tropic Thunder director's next project sees him dip his toe into horror territory withThe Mountain.Set in the early 1900s, it's based on Edith Wharton's 1917 novel, Summer - about a young woman who stumbles upon a mysterious object that forces her to examine the secrets of her past.The project reunites Reality Bites director Stiller with that film's writer Helen Childress, after 20th Century Fox bought her spec script.Stiller handling darker subject matter? Have you seen The Cable Guy?

Conan O'Brien Sells 'Fat Chance' Comedy Project towards the best spinner's

The very best spinner's stretches its relationship with late evening host Conan O'Brien.The Turner-possessed cable network has bought a script for "Body body fat Chance," half-hour comedy pilot being created by O'Brien's Conaco and Warner Horizon Television.The multi-camera comedy follows what continues to two close buddies -- the overweight Chance Hubbard as well as the incredibly good-searching Rollie -- each time a beautiful girl named Alex gets into their lives.The project will probably be executive-produced by O'Brien, David Kissinger ("Eagleheart," "Andy Barker," "P.I.") and Rob Ross ("Conan"), along with pilot author Jay Lacopo ("The Next Wheel," "Guy you've always dreamed ofInch).What is the news has come about as O'Brien's shingle is constantly build its stable of projects at Turner, plus a potential Ben Wexler-run sitcom of a family guy who quits his normal work and returns for the neighborhood where he was elevated.O'Brien is repped by WME. The Hollywood Reporter

'The Lone Ranger' Is Continue Because of Lay offs and Tax Incentives

How did 'The Lone Ranger' movie starring The Actor-brad Pitt finally obtain the eco-friendly light from Disney? The filmmakers re-did the development plan, cut some moments and looked for tax incentives -- oh, additionally they let go a lot of crew people. As producer Jerry Bruckheimer told The Hollywood Reporter, Disney desired to scrap an believed $45 million in the film's budget (from $260 million lower to $215 million), so that they made the decision to group together shooting days that needed lots of extra supplies and crew, rather than alternating between "large crowd" moments eventually and incredibly small ones the following. By doing this, the producers could laid off the additional staff for the they did not need them. As we were built with a large crowd scene and so the following day i was shooting just Tonto and also the Lone Ranger, we still had the crew "on" since you ask them to weekly. Therefore we bunched the sequences which were large together, but for the more compact moments [we] let go the extra supplies, the results people, the makeup people. It is a massive amount with 150 extra supplies around the set. It isn't the extra supplies, it is the people who offer the extra supplies. You are still transporting all of the wardrobe, makeup and hair people. We bunched together moments with Tonto and also the Lone Ranger, therefore we were built with a much more compact crew. We managed to save about $ten million simply by doing that. Wow. Stay classy, Hollywood! Additionally towards the lay offs, Bruckheimer and the team also started searching for states that gave the very best regulations for shooting. Overall, your budget fiasco wound up forcing Disney to push the discharge go as far back to May 31, 2013 from 12 ,. 21, 2012. [via THR] [Photo: GF/bauergriffinonline.com] RELATED: Whitened Collar Hollywood Villains in the Last Decade 'Ocean's 11' (2001)'Michael Clayton' (2007)'Quantum of Solace' (2008)'Speed Racer' (2008)'Avatar' (2009)'Inception' (2010)'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' (2010)'Transformers: Dark from the Moon' (2011)'Rise from the Planet from the Apes' (2011)'Moneyball' (2011)'Tower Heist' (2011) See All Moviefone Art galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

August's 'Beyond' wins Nordic prize

'Beyond'LONDON -- Swedish Oscar contender "Beyond," the pointing debut of actress Pernilla August, has won the Nordic Council Film Prize.The prize, founded in 2002 to celebrate the 50th anniversary in the Nordic Council, is Scandinavia's richest movie award, worth $65,000 in cash.The money will probably be split between August, her co-author Lolita Ray and producers Helena Danielsson and Ralf Karlsson."Beyond," published by Sweden becasue it is candidate for your language Academy Award, stars Noomi Rapace just like a lady facing her troubled childhood.The jury known towards the film as "a very personal and original adaptation of the greatest-selling novel."The Nordic Council can be a forum involving the parliaments in the five Scandinavian nations - Sweden, Norwegian, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. The film prize, given with the Nordic Film & TV Fund, is ideal for "an artistically original film that's rooted in Nordic cultural circles."Each country puts forward their unique nominee as well as the champion is selected by jury. This Years honorary jury chair is Helen Mirren, who introduced the champion inside a press conference in Copenhagen. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Pedro Almodovar on 'The Skin I Live In' -- and just how It Is Just Like to exist in His Skin (Video)

The other day, I'd the fantastic privilege of trading of a half-hour in NY while using legendary The the spanish language language author/director Pedro Almodovar, that's been most likely probably the most worldwide famous non-American filmmakers in the world in the last quarter-century. PHOTOS: The brand new the new sony PIctures Classics 20 Year Timeline The 62-year-old two-time Oscar champion -- once for top language film (About My Mother [1999]) so when for top original script (Consult with Her [2002]) -- reaches town to market his latest film, The Skin Home Is, which opened up within the Cannes Film Festival in May, carried out within the Toronto Film Festival lately, is playing within the NY Film Festival now, go into limited release on Friday. PHOTOS: Cannes Film Festival 2011 The melodrama -- which reunites Almodovar along with his Tie Me Up! Tie Me Lower! (1990) star Antonio Banderas the first time in 21 years, and originates as being a Douglas Sirk remake of Frankenstein (1931) probably may have -- differs, interesting, and greatly entertaining. That's a merchant account that suits its filmmaker as being a glove, too, as you have seen by yourself by searching in the recording within our conversation near the top of this publish. Some highlights within our conversation... Round the subjects of his early Super 8mm films "[Transvestites, drugs, together with other] "items that I couldn't produce a movie [about] under Franco's regime -- it absolutely was too crazy in love with your." On Franco's dying as well as the creative explosion ("La Movida") that adopted "I had been dwelling in the united states beneath the dictatorship for four decades,In . but through the final five years, when Franco was very sick, "not dwelling inside a democracy, but thinking about that... then when Franco died, democracy turned up towards the country immediately... A sizable change like that's incredible, without blood stream, without violence... it absolutely was as being a rebirth... I used to be so lucky being youthful in those days.In . On why he attacked filmmaking instead of another factor "I don't determine whether I have got a kind of talent, however when I have got a little of talent it is just to see tales with images -- that is a thing that I discovered quite youthful... I desired to produce movies... my first vocation was basically to produce, which used to do... however didn't have -- which i don't have recently -- enough talent being novelist... [however learned that I have talent enough to produce my own, personal tales and inform them through images." On his extended path to success "It's nothing beats a Hollywood story where everything happens immediately... [He labored for 12 years, from 1971-1982, becoming an office assistant at Telefonica, a The the spanish language language telephone company, making little movies inside the nights, over weekends, throughout holidays breaks, etc. More youthful crowd needed five delinquent leaves of absence to use on films, but would then have revisit his normal work.] I'd multiple lives." On his mother "My mother loved [the fact I'd employment at] the telephone company because she thought that it absolutely was really much more secure work, in addition to ྒྷ, once i made Women close to the Nervous Breakdown plus it was an incredible worldwide hit... despite the fact that, my mother mentioned, 'Oh, Pedro, I really would love you revisit the telephone company!'" Round the impact of girls near a Nervous Breakdown (1988) Women, which showed up in this area of a thing that was "very painful," switched to become cathartic -- "It's an excellent therapy only to joke about a thing that was painful for you personally personallyInch -- in addition to "provided the security [of knowing] that 'I can survive using this profession that we love,' to make sure that was very important. Success was that... I understood a few things i wanted... to keep on making movies in the united states with discreet budgets." Hollywood soon came calling, but he "rejected projects with numerous money, large stars, and so on." Some offers were very tempting because "the projects weren't not even close to my interests," but he's glad he stuck to his guns because it led to he "will keep making the flicks throughout my very own way." On his pointing style ""I like them [stars], really, once i'm coping with them -- almost physically. It's completely a very passionate relationship wonderful them -- Antonio or Penelope [Cruz], Carmen [Maura] or perhaps the other stars, or Elena Anaya, in this situation. Very passionate... I'm very demanding... I am capable of being a nightmare... I am as being a monster, demanding several things of those... however i must condition the stars really feel at ease with that. I'm speaking about, the higher you demand, the higher you watch them, they might be more courageous and so they take more chances... I almost prepare the film together as being a theater play. We rehearse everything -- I'm speaking about, the whole script -- and -- something very important -- once i make a choice of the heavens, which we rehearse throughout no less than two several days, i rapidly adapt the level of smoothness on their behalf so that it's as being a suit. I'm speaking about, it's like -- an epidermis!Inch Round the atypical volume of strong female figures that populate his films "I write more female figures than male figures... in the united states, we've much more wonderful stars than stars... a guys figure is reduced... [that being mentioned,] I'm not able to assume any male actor a lot better than Antonio to share passion and desire." Round the recurring presence of transsexuals and transvestites within the films "Since I Have Have was very youthful, I understood many transsexual and transvestite persons... these were enjoy heroines or heroes in my opinion... I seriously considered apparent, forever, it had not been a Luddite factor, a frivolous factor... in the plot, in the event you put a transsexual within the center, everything changes... so, because sense, I really like it." On relationship debate "I understood that Tie Me Up! Tie Me Lower! wasn't a pornographic film, so, for the reason, we punished them [them being the MPAA, we being Miramax, regarding Tie Me Up! Tie Me Lower! and Peter Greenway's The Prepare, The Crook, His Wife, & Her Lover (1989), round the same time period that other art galleries punished regarding John McNaughton's Henry: Portrait from the Serial Killer (1986) and Philip Kaufman's Henry & June (1990)]... It had been effective [because it introduced Jack Valenti to eliminate the X-rating making the NC-17 rating], which "doesn't hold the stigma to become 'pornographic.' I don't have anything against pornographic movies -- which i'm not making that genre." On winning his first Oscar, for individuals About My Mother "Clearly, I used to be happy... you represent your country, which's huge burden, therefore i was incredibly happy, consider the The the spanish language language everybody was awaiting your award... it absolutely was an incredible national pleasure." Pedro Almodovar The Skin Home Is

Craig Brewer on Remaking Footloose, How It's Like Purple Rain, and Tarzan

Craig Brewer knows that some of you are skeptical about his remake of Footloose, the 1984 Kevin Bacon teen classic about lusty high-schoolers who kick off their Sunday shoes, strain against their small town conservative parents, and “angry dance” their way to prom. But the director, who helped bring rap music to the Academy’s attention in his Oscar-winning Hustle & Flow (and next chained Christina Ricci to a radiator in Black Snake Moan, another tale set in the Southern region where Brewer was raised), comes at it with a fan’s devotion and with an awareness of how religion, morality and politics still overlap in the lives of teenagers today. And, as he watched Kevin Bacon do when he was a kid watching Footloose on the big screen, Brewer admits to indulging in his fair share of “angry dancing.” “I angry dance,” Brewer told Movieline recently in Los Angeles. “I blare The White Stripes — usually it’s off of Icky Thump, or there may be a couple of AC/DC tracks, maybe some off of Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti — and I move around my office and kind of get that bad juju out of me.” Brewer is such a fan of the original, and pays homage so faithfully to it in his new rendition (which stars newcomers Kenny Wormald in the Kevin Bacon role as Ren McCormack and Julianne Hough, inheriting Lori Singer’s role as Ariel, the rebellious preacher’s daughter) that some may wonder why Paramount remade it at all. Read on to hear Brewer’s reasons for updating Footloose, why he’s loved it since age 13, what it has in common with another 1984 rebellious teen pic, Purple Rain, how his upcoming Tarzan project is as much an unexpectedly personal film for him, and the real-life origins of the best line in Hustle & Flow. I’ll start with the big question that I’m sure you’ve been answering left and right, but still: Why remake Footloose? Gee, no one’s asked me that! That’s so refreshing. [Laughs] I bet! You’ve only done about 12 hours of press today. Yeah, but I’ve also been across the country, and everybody else was asking that question — but it’s a valid question, I understand. I’m not judgmental about it. I’m sure there are plenty of people that think this is a money grab on behalf of the studio. I’m sure people are thinking that I’m just selling out or doing a director for hire gig. I can guarantee you that’s actually not the case on either front. There was a moment where Paramount was developing Footloose and it was going to be kind of a more dance celebration — the same team who had done High School Musical was going to do it. Then they decided they didn’t want to do it, and there really was this time when Paramount was going to kill the remake of Footloose. And they called me; I was already down the road with this other movie I thought I was going to do called Mother Trucker, but Adam Goodman, the president of Paramount, kept on me. He was like, “I refuse to accept your pass. You haven’t given me a valid reason why you’re not making this movie.” So you had to be convinced to do this movie? I passed on it twice. What finally made you change your mind? Adam was right. There hadn’t been a movie for teenagers like Footloose in the past couple of decades. I couldn’t think of any. I still challenge people to find one; I’m not saying there isn’t. But it’s not as easy as saying Stomp the Yard or Step Up. What was special in Footloose was not the dancing. Yes, the dancing was fun. But there was something else at work, and I think it had to do with teenagers and parents and educators and administrators and faith and the law, all being these polar opposites of opinion and all being very loud about their opinions — but no one was really listening to each other. And finally, through these camaraderies of Willard and Ren together, and Ariel and Ren getting to know each other, and the conflict between Ren and her father, suddenly everybody saw that they were kind of after the same thing. They all loved their children. They wanted the best for them, they didn’t want any harm to come to them, and it was OK to go to the dance. It was basically a movie that taught me as a teenager that it was OK to stand up for yourself, that it was OK to stand up for yourself in a respectful way. You didn’t have to throw a brick. You didn’t have to shout with a sign outside of City Hall. You could actually put on a tie and write a speech and maybe get further. And I hadn’t seen a movie like that up until I was 13. I was, you know, more of a kid who was into sci-fi movies. But Ren McCormack was this different kind of hero for me, and I can’t think of a recent movie that had those kinds of elements to it, that also had daring elements. People forget how hard Footloose was. I’ve got this fight with Chuck and Ariel, that’s right out of the original. Right. And it goes down in almost exactly the same way. I don’t think I could put that in a teenage movie today if it wasn’t already established in Footloose. Sure. So many of the iconic, memorable scenes from the original Footloose are the kinds of scenes you don’t see in youth-oriented films these days. And that fight between Chuck and Ariel, in particular, is still very hard to watch. It is hard to watch. I think even people who are fans of the original can’t believe we went back there. But there are teenagers out there that are dealing with that in their life, there are teenagers out there that have had friends that are dealing with it. So it’s not something that’s foreign to them, it’s just to some extent not the first thing studios are thinking about in terms of entertaining 13-year-olds. Yet in my day, ’80s movies that usually get maligned — they had some punch to them. Purple Rain, that movie came out the same year Footloose did. I love Purple Rain. It’s one of my favorite movies. I could teach a class on the first eight minutes of Purple Rain. But that movie had, you know, his father trying to kill himself. He hauls off and smacks Apollonia after she gives him the white guitar. It was complicated, it was complex. It was at times hard to watch. A woman gets dumped in the garbage, literally. Right! Right. I mean, it’s strange how hard those movies were in places, yet when we look back on them we call them cheesy. Do you think adults now want to cushion things for younger viewers because they don’t think they can take the kinds of scenes? The idea being what we could handle back then, kids today can’t. It’s so funny, because I remember I saw Footloose in a theater when I was 13. And I remember, when she says, ‘Daddy, I’m not even a virgin,’ it got this groan. Like people couldn’t believe she said that. Well, the same thing happens when I play it in my remake. And as much as people think that teenagers are hardened, and nothing can shock them, it still shocks them.

Video: Bill Murray Might Rather Conduct Harvard's Marching Band Than Read a Ghostbusters 3 Script

We might not know whether Bill Murray will reprise his role of Peter Venkman within the long awaited, highly rumored Ghostbusters 3 but we all do realize that the infamously reclusive actor will automatically do an Ivy League marching band when the Ghostbusters theme song is within their set list. Video evidence from last weekend’s Harvard-Cornell game follows. Based on the Crimson, the actor stormed the Harvard band bleachers throughout the 3rd quarter of Saturday’s football game against Cornell following the band finished playing the Ghostbusters theme song. “This guy in pink pants walked up and stated, ‘Hey, play that song again,’” stated Harvard College Band Manager Rachel L. Hawkins 󈥬. Hawkins stated the band had no clue Murray was at the overall game which “Ghostbusters” is simply a part of their usual set list. “He type of made an appearance from nowhere. It had been very serendipitous.” After the overall game (which Harvard won, 41-31), Murray revisited this guitar rock band and faux-carried out because they carried out fight tunes. The actor was apparently attending the overall game with friend and former Saturday Evening Live author James Downey…who doesn't have affiliation using the Ghostbusters franchise. Last we heard, Bill Murray had still not browse the Ghostbusters 3 script. Regardless, Serta Aykroyd hopes to start production this spring. [The Crimson via Vulture]

'Breaking Bad' hits ratings high

The season finale of AMC's "Breaking Bad" drew 1.9 million viewers overall with another million tuning in for encore presentations, capping the series' most-watched season to date. Viewership for "Breaking Bad" rose 24% in season four compared to season three -- an increase that, according to Nielsen, is the biggest for any fourth-season drama in basic cable history. Gains of at least 20% were seen in the 18-49 and 25-54 demos, with a 42% increase coming among viewers 18-34. Of the 2.9 million viewers who watched "Breaking Bad" on Sunday, 1.9 million were in the 18-49 demo. Series creator Vince Gilligan exec produces "Breaking Bad" with Mark Johnson and Michele MacLaren. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Beyonce's 'Countdown' Video Sparks Debate Over Striking Similarities to Belgian Movies (Video)

Beyoncéis once again under fire for allegedly plagiarizing others' choreography in her music videos. This time: the icon's new "Countdown" video has sparked a debate online for its similarities to Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker.our editor recommendsBET Awards 2011: Watch Beyonce Perform 'Best Thing I Never Had,' 'The End of Time' (Video)'Telephone' sets record for Gaga, BeyonceGermany bans Beyonce video over underwear copyright claim (video) "I brought Beyoncéa number of references and we picked some out together," Adria Petty, co-director of the music video, told MTV News. "Most were German modern-dance references, believe it or not. But it really evolved." We believe it, Petty-and so does the person who mashed up "Countdown" with video of Keersmaeker's strikingly similar choreography work. While some are calling it plagiarism, Petty says the "Countdown" video pays homage to several icons, such as Audrey Hepburn and the Supremes. "One of the strongest wardrobe references was Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face when she does the beatnik dance scene," Petty says. "I think a lot grew from there." Comments on the video have been split: "I like Beyonce but every time she copies someone her fans say that she is paying homage for it... so I guess her whole career is based on homages!" one viewer, Kokym8, commented. "I didn't plagiarize my essay! I was paying homage to the original author! Do you see how stupid that sounds? If she didn't give proper credit or ask for permission, then she's a biter," HQPartyQueen commented. "I think it's hilarious that still no one is accusing her of copying Audrey Hepburn because Audrey's style and dance from Funny Face is so well known. But because the majority of you simple minded haters didn't know who Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker was until yesterday, all of a sudden Beyonce is 'stealing'??" Punkprincess192 responded. Make your own judgments after watching the mash-up video below, as well as the full "Countdown" music video. Related Topics Beyonce

Kristin Davis Switches into An Infant Girl

First Released: October 7, 2011 7:03 PM EDT Credit: Kristin Davis Caption Kristin Davis and daughter Gemma RoseLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Its some existence emulating art for Kristin Davis. The Sex and also the City star has adopted an infant girl Gemma Rose Davis her repetition confirmed to gain access to Hollywood on Friday. This really is something I've wanted for any very very long time, the actress stated inside a statement.. Getting this wish become a reality is much more satisfying than I ever endured imagined. Personally i think so fortunate. Kristins SATC character, Charlotte now You are able to Goldenblatt, really adopted her first child too. The smoothness, and husband Harry Goldenblatt, adopted imaginary baby Lily from China. Davis own daughter, Gemma Rose, was utilized locally, People reported. People first reported the infant news. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Apple Stock Drops Slightly After Dying of Jobs

NY - Shares of Apple were slightly reduced early Thursday purchasing and selling following a dying of company co-founder Jobs.our editor recommendsAnalyst: Steve Jobs' Boss Departure Might Have 'No Impact' on AppleApple Traders Reject Proposal to exhibit Jobs Succession PlanApple Boss Tim Prepare on Jobs: 'No Words Can Adequately Express Our Sadness'Related Subjects•Steve Jobs By 9:45 a.m. ET, the stock was lower .three percent at $377.29. That gave Apple a business capital of $349.8 billion. PHOTOS: Jobs: 10 Memorable Key occasions in the Apple Co-Founder's Career Experts told The Hollywood Reporterafter Apple's late August announcement that Tim Prepare had taken the Boss reins from Jobs the modification was unlikely to derail the tech giant. Hudson Square Research analyst Daniel Ernstsaid a sizable stock drop is a buying chance. "When he went a on leave taken, reaction was moderate," he mentioned about Jobs. "When he walked lower lately, there's no reaction. Jobs did what every good leader should do - create a great team around him. Apple features a deep bench consequently." VIDEOS: Remembering Jobs Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Subjects Jobs Apple

Tiger Woods Signs Rolex Endorsement Deal

NY - After losing a slew of endorsement deals following an infidelity scandal and a form low, golfer Tiger Woods has signed a new such deal with watchmaker Rolex in a potential sign that he may be starting to turn the tide on the sponsorship front. It is his first major deal since his sex scandal. The endorsement deal, reported by the Wall Street Journal, was promoted on the company's Web site as of early Wednesday evening where Rolex said Woods was joining "the family of Rolex ambassadors" who are chosen for talent, perseverance and passion for the sport. Financial terms weren't disclosed, but the Journal said experts believe Rolex got the Woods deal at a discount. AT&T, Accenture, Gillette and watchmaker Tag Heuer are among the brands that have previously ended their endorsement relationships with Woods. Before the scandal, the golfer made around $90 million a year from his promotional deals and ranked as the most powerful endorsement figure in sports, according to the Journal. Under the headline "Rolex and Tiger Woods: A Partnership for a New Challenge," the watch company explained the new relationship this way on its Web site: "This association pays tribute to the exceptional stature of Tiger Woods and the leading role he plays in forging the sport's global appeal. It also constitutes a joint commitment to the future." The company added: "Rolex is convinced that Tiger Woods still has a long career ahead of him and that he has all the qualities required to continue to mark the history of hold. The brand is committed to accompanying him in his new challenges." The Journal said that earlier this year, Woods signed with a small Japanese company to endorse a muscle pain heat rub, and he is working on a deal to replace the AT&T logo that used to be seen on his golf bag with a smaller company. The news comes on the eve of Woods' return to competitive golf at the Frys.com Open outside San Jose, Calif. The injury-plagued Woods never plays this late in the season on the PGA Tour, but he needs a tune-up to get ready for the Presidents Cup in November. E-mail: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics Tiger Woods