Kaxan plan mixes toons, apps, pix

'Secret of the Jade Medallion' is seen as a training run for 'Lucas.'MEXICO CITY --With a clutch of increasingly ambitious videogames and animated features in the pipeline, Guadalajara-based Kaxan Media Group is quickly becoming a key industry presence in the region. Founded in January 2010 under the leadership of CEO Ricardo Gomez, Kaxan has spawned three subsidiaries: Kaxan Games, Kaxan Studios and Kaxan Campus. The studios will release their first toon, the $3 million, Spanish-language feature "Secret of the Jade Medallion," in 2012. Gomez described the pic, which does not yet have distribution, as a dry-run to train his team for Kaxan's first major project, currently called "Lucas," which is budgeted at $25 million. Pic tells the story of a young boy who is transported to a world where everything from the trees to animals and cars are made of recycled materials. That project will be English-language, and Kaxan is looking for U.S. voice talents, dedicating nearly half the budget to fill the roles. Gomez noted that the film will be funded largely by private investors, all of whom reside in Guadalajara, but the company has already begun to reach out to the rest of Mexico and beyond in a search for venture capital. He says the company is in talks with different majors about a distribution deal for the U.S. It does not yet have a sales agent. Gomez stresses that Kaxan is aiming for a wide, international release for "Lucas," and that he is a big believer in the box office future of toons. "Worldwide, they make 3,000 films every year, and of those, 30 are animated, but of last year's top-10 films, five were animated," Gomez says. Kaxan is aiming for "Lucas" to be completed for a 2013 release. Both it and the company's next animated feature, "Bruno" -- about an awkward boy who discovers he has special powers -- will be launched simultaneously as videogames and mobile apps. Gomez says such cross-platform adaptability is part of Kaxan's 360 IP strategy, which places intellectual property in vidgames, films, TV series, digital content, merchandise and print. By March 2011, the games unit had become the first company in Latin America to win developer certification from Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft for the PlayStation, Wii and Xbox, respectively. The company's first game to be released for all three platforms will tie into the "Lucas" pic, with an estimated $4 million in development costs raised from private investors. In August, the company gained notoriety in the gaming world with the release of "Taco Master" for the iTunes App Store; "Taco" was No. 1 for 10 weeks in Mexico and Latin America, hit No. 5 in India and broke into the top 40 most downloaded apps in the U.S. When asked about "Taco Master" and the potential profit of such apps, Gomez thinks in terms of market positioning strategy. "What we want to put in place is the character and the story so that the whole world gets to know them," he says. "Taco Master" is the first of four apps developed in conjunction with Electronic Arts and Chillingo, onetime publisher of "Angry Birds." Two more games have since come out for the App Store under the deal -- "Torture Bunny" and "Finger Shoes" -- with "Fly or Die" on the way. On the console front, Kaxan Games is readying the launch of family party game "El Chavo del Ocho" for the Wii in March 2012. Touted as the first 100% Mexican videogame, "El Chavo" is based on the kids' TV show from Televisa of the same name, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. The game is part of a massive promotional campaign coordinated by Televisa starting early next year, which will include parades and a live-action show tour in cities across Latin America and the U.S. The show is a staple in countries as far as Brazil, where it is known as "Chavez," and has fans in Spain as well as the U.S., where it is carried by Univision. Gomez says nearly $3 million went into the development of the game, which for now is arriving on Wii only. The game will be distributed by Mexican game publisher Slang, which will be handling most of Kaxan's future game distribution, according to Gomez. The Kaxan Campus project, where many recruits receive a stipend to help cover expenses while studying, works to help train local animation talent -- a project Gomez began before he founded the company. Gomez worked for IBM in Guadalajara for 18 years in a variety of positions, finally heading the sales division for western Mexico. From 2007 to 2009 he held the presidency of the National Chamber of Telecommunications and Information Technology (Canieti). He began to learn about the CG industry through his role with Canieti, meeting business leaders in Guadalajara -- which calls itself "The Silicon Valley of Mexico" -- and noting the critical mass of multimedia firms and burgeoning talent. In 2008, when Gomez was working for Canieti, the federal government called on the org, along with Mexico's film institute, to develop 52 animated shorts to celebrate the 2010 bicentennial of Mexico's war for independence and 100-year anniversary of the Mexican Revolution. That project began with an open call for young animation talent, with no software skills required, and the creation of the multimillion-dollar Chapala Media Park, a high-tech infrastructure initiative funded by the state of Jalisco and federal coin. In the course of that training, Gomez helped create the Creanimax animation festival and brought a host of lecturers like Ricardo Curtis ("The Incredibles") and others from companies including Dreamworks, Pixar, Disney, Lionhead and Ubisoft. According to Gomez, about 30% of the 250-plus students who have undergone training went on to professional careers in animation, many jumping on board with Kaxan when it opened. Gomez has gone on to establish ties with the more traditional Mexican film industry, taking part in programs like this year's Morelia Lab producers workshop in October. "We give (the students) total creative freedom," Gomez says. "Many of them have now spent three years animating every single day." As a result, the company now has just over 100 increasingly seasoned employees whose average age is 23. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Liberty chief can't liberate from IRS

MaloneJohn Malone, the infamously tax-averse chief of Liberty Media, mentioned Tuesday the business pays $136 million to remain a dispute while using Irs over its 2010 taxes. It may need the hit in our fourth quarter.Liberty and former parent Liberty Interactive mentioned the sale resolves all outstanding disputed federal tax positions while using IRS through 2010.Malone, who freely abhors the tax code, has spent lots of energy trying to skirt it over time. He transformed Liberty from a great investment vehicle that only holds stakes in other people right into a practical company -- mainly to reduce their goverment goverment tax bill.This unique disagreement involved taxes connected with stock derivative positions taken by Liberty Interactive. Liberty mentioned it'll settle all outstanding share borrowing plans by year's finish by delivering the pledged shares found in the derivative deals with a counter party it didn't title. The settlement won't result in anymore taxed gain or loss.Liberty also needs its next quarterly financial statement to reflect a $240 million deferred tax benefit.Liberty's assets, spread through a maze of companies, include Starz, Sirius XM, Live Nation and Barnes & Noble and minority stakes with time Warner and Viacom. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

'True Blood' Star Joins 'The Lone Ranger'

One former "True Blood" star is headed to the Wild West in "The Lone Ranger," a new casting announcement for the upcoming Disney flick tells us. Meanwhile, Matt Damon readies his cast for his upcoming directorial debut, two more are courted for Spike Lee's "Oldboy," and the "300" prequel comes closer to finding its Artemisia. It's December 20, and you're tuning into today's Casting Call! "True Blood" Meets "The Lone Ranger" "True Blood" and "Tron: Legacy" star James Frain is transitioning from villain to villain's assistant for his role in "The Lone Ranger." The Hollywood Reporter has learned that the man better known as Franklin Mott, the vampire who traumatized Tara in season three of "True Blood," will be playing a tough foreman who works for baddie Tom Wilkinson in the upcoming Disney movie. It's unclear whether Frain will play an evil character himself, or if he just works for one. "The Lone Ranger" also stars Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer and Helena Bonham Carter. The flick is set to begin production in about six weeks. Matt Damon Begins Casting Directorial Debut With Frances McDormand Matt Damon first announced his planned directorial debut back in October, and now the casting process has finally started. In an interview with The Business, Damon said the first actor to join himself and co-developer John Krasinski in the film is Frances McDormand. He said they're trying to round out the cast now with production tentatively set to start in the spring. The interview is an interesting look at why Damon felt the urge to direct. He is also lined up with Warner Bros to direct the film "Father Daughter Time: A Tale of Armed Robbery and Eskimo Kisses." More Flock To Spike Lee's "Oldboy" The casting is coming together for Spike Lee's upcoming remake of "Oldboy." Two more actors are being courted for the project, Splash Page reports. Clive Owen is in negotiations for the villain role Colin Firth recently turned down, while Mia Wasikowska has been offered the female lead which previously could have gone to Rooney Mara. So far Josh Brolin is the only actor officially attached to the project. Eva Green Headlines "300" Prequel Slowly but steadily, the casting for Noam Murro's "300: Battle of Artemisia" is taking shape. Splash Page reports that Eva Green is the latest actress to be courted for the project. She would play the titular goddess Artemisia. The film is likely to start production next year, and is the follow-up to Zack Snyder's "300." German Buyer Snaps Rights To Schwarzenegger Film THR has learned that German indie film buyer Splendid Film has snapped up the rights to several major upcoming action films. They have acquired distribution in German-speaking European countries and Benelux for Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Black Sands" and "Last Stand," Paul Walker's "Hours," Aaron Eckhart's "I, Frankenstein," and "Killing Season" starring Robert De Niro and John Travolta, among others. Could this be a good sign for American distribution on these upcoming films? Hopefully. Got any casting news to pass along? Let us know in the comments section and on Twitter!

Pols battle in marathon piracy debate

The House Judiciary Committee's debate over a major piece of anti-piracy legislation extended into the evening on Thursday, as opponents sought to introduce dozens of amendments to legislation they argue would harm the architecture of the Internet and stifle free speech. Their opposition marked a marathon day of contentious, even absurd debate, as opponents also asked that the legislation be given additional hearings with technical experts and even a debriefing with national security officials. But House Judiciary Committee chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas), a chief sponsor of the legislation, vowed to shepherd it through the committee before Congress recesses for holiday break, perhaps aware that the bill could stall out if it drags too far in to an election year. Noting that Congress has long sought remedies to rampant copyright infringement, Smith said that he had "every intention of moving forward today, tomorrow, however long this takes." The legislation is backed by Hollywood studios, record labels and almost all of its major unions and guilds. A companion bill in the Senate passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously in May. Despite the long slog, there were indication that the legislation would have the votes to make it out of committee, based on those who voted against amendments introduced by chief opponents of the legislation. In a 22-12 vote, the committee turned back an effort by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) to strip the bill of one of its most controversial provisions that would require some kind of blocking of sites on the part of Internet providers. Although Smith has changed the legislation to give Internet providers some flexibility in choosing what steps they take to block access to infringing sites, Issa still opposed it. Another amendment, also voted down, would have restricted the Department of Justice from combating piracy on behalf of pornographers. Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) noted that because such a significant amount of Internet commerce is for pornography -- to underscore his point he introduced the Avenue Q song "The Internet is for porn" into the record -- companies that traffic in such sexually graphic material also are among the most aggressive in trying to enforce their copyrights. "It is truly a pornographer's wet dream," he said. But Smith said that such an exemption would make pornography even more prevalent online, and said that such decisions should be "left to the discretion of law enforcement." The legislation has polarized supporters and opponents -- not along partisan lines, but largely on those who seek broad Internet freedom versus those who seek stronger intellectual property protection. The bill is aimed at curbing so-called foreign rogue websites that traffic in infringing content, such as movies and TV shows but also other goods like pharmaceuticals and apparel. It would give the Department of Justice new powers to seek a court order to force payment processors and ad networks to cut off support for foreign sites, and for Internet providers and search engines to block access and links to such ventures. Another provision allows content holders to seek their own court action against foreign sites by getting payment processors and ad firms to choke off support. Internet companies, public Internet groups and orgs like the ACLU have said that the legislation is written too broadly, without enough safeguards in the event a site is falsely accused of trafficking in infringing content. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), another chief opponent, warned that the legislation would amount to the "Balkanization of the Internet," and said that as written it would give the U.S. government the same powers that countries like China and Iran use to suppress free speech. That drew a strong rebuke from Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), who called such arguments "nonsense" and noted that what the bill would do would be akin to existing efforts to bock child pornography, malware and spam. Issa and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) have proposed alternative legislation that would use existing trade laws to combat infringement, with the International Trade Commission given the authority to adjudicate complaints over copyright infringement by foreign sites. But Smith said that those measures would be insufficient to combat piracy and would create a new bureaucracy. Debate was still going on as of 7 p.m. ET, nine hours after it started. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) suggested that members of the committee still had not analyzed the technological impact of the legislation, and called for engineering experts to give testimony. "Maybe we ought to ask some nerds what this really does," he said. But Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), a supporter of the legislation, accused opponents of stall tactics. One fear is that by dragging the debate too far into 2012, it will stall out during an election year. "If someone thinks a bill of this magnitude is going to stall because we got tired, they got the wrong thing coming," Conyers said. Easier said than done. At one point, the debate was consumed not by discussion about amendments, but the nature of the debate itself. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) raised objections when she was informed of a tweet that a fellow member of the committee, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) sent to his Twitter followers. It read: "We are debating the Stop Online Piracy Act and Sheila Jackson Lee has so bored me that I'm killing time by surfing the Internet." Jackson Lee called the tweet "offensive," a statement that itself garnered a rebuke from Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.). Jackson Lee refused to withdraw the comment until Smith stopped the proceedings, huddled with her for a bit, and she agreed to change her criticism of King to "impolitic" and "unkind." Contact Ted Johnson at ted.johnson@variety.com

Kris Humphries Felt Ambushed by Hello America Interview

Kris Humphries Kris Humphries states he feels ambushed through the rapid-fire type of questioning about his short-resided marriage to Kim Kardashian throughout his appearance on Hello America, TMZ.com reviews. Humphries made an appearance around the morning show Friday, where anchor Josh Elliot requested him about his separation from Kardashian. "For me personally, it is simply some things take place in existence plus you've got to maneuver forward," Humphries stated, getting increasingly more uncomfortable because the questions ongoing. Report: Kris Humphries wants an annulment calls marriage a fraud TMZ reviews that Humphries was aware he'd be requested concerning the relationship, but did not be prepared to be grilled. However, an ABC repetition demands, "There have been no guidelines." Do you consider Hello America was from line? Discover the shocking truth below and inform us within the comments section: video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

USA has high hopes for 'Moment'

USA Network, aiming to make an impact in reality programming next year, has high expectations for "The Moment."Series, from producers Charlie Ebersol and Justin Hochberg, will be hosted by former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner and will focus on personal reinvention and life transformation. Warner, who ended up winning a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams and playing in another, thought his career was over in the mid-1990's when he was stocking shelves in a supermarket in Iowa before given a chance to play football again.Format for "The Moment" will be similar to CBS' "Undercover Boss," focusing on one individual for each episode.Pilot was shot in Los Angeles and USA Network is pegging to debut "The Moment" in the 2012 second quarter.Cabler, which has steadily relied on hourlong blue sky-themed dramedies to stay atop its entertainment competition in total viewers and the 18-49 demo in recent years, believes it needs to branch out to different genres to maintain that lead.In addition to "The Moment," net has plans for other reality series, including Shed Media's "The Choir" -- where a town transforms itself through music -- as well projects from Magical Elves ("Top Chef") and "The Hills" creator Adam DiVello. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Michelle Duggar Suffers Miscarriage

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Michelle Duggar learned Thursday she suffered a miscarriage during her second trimester, People reports. Duggar, 45, and her husband, Jim Bob, were at a routine check-up to learn the sex of the unborn child when their doctor was unable to find a heartbeat. The child would have been the reality TV couple's 20th. Duggars expecting 20th child "We had just been talking about baby names last night and [the children] were getting excited about naming a boy or a girl," the 19 Kids and Counting mom tells the magazine. "It has been a real sad disappointment." Michelle says that the family plans to name the child once they learn the sex and then hold a funeral service. "I feel like my heart broke telling my children," she tells People. "They have all been so excited about this baby and looking forward to April coming around and having a new little one in our arms. That was the most difficult." Duggar baby No. 19 released from the hospital Unfortunately, this is not the first miscarriage for the Duggars. Michelle miscarried during her second pregnancy. She was taking oral birth control at the time, and says this is one of the reasons she and her husband have since left the number of children they have "up to God." The Duggars' youngest child, Josie, also experienced medical problems when she was born three months prematurely in December 2009.

Rainey Qualley named Miss Golden Globe

The Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. has crowned Rainey Qualley as Miss Golden Globe 2012. Qualley, the daughter of thesp Andie MacDowell and Paul Qualley, will make her feature debut inside the indie "Mighty Fine," starring Chazz Palminteri and MacDowell. She's also pursuing operate in music. Typically, Miss Golden Globe might be the kid from the Hollywood thesp who assists on stage through the Globes kudocast. The HFPA made the announcement inside a Evening of Firsts, an inaugural party for your Globes season at Cecconi's in West Hollywood. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Steve Jobs Bio Tops iTunes and Amazon Bestseller Lists for 2011

More than three years after the situation came to light, ESPN reporter Erin Andrews has filed a lawsuit against several parties involved in the 2008 incident in which she was videotaped nude through the peephole of a Nashville hotel room.our editor recommendsDid a Former ESPN Exec Make a Big Mistake Suing Over a Crude Erin Andrews Story? (Analysis)Man pleads not guilty in Erin Andrews case She's seeking $10 million for invasion of privacy, asking $6 million of the West End Marriott where the incident took place and another $4 million from the man who taped her. Michael Barrett, who was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison in 2010 after pleading guilty to stalking Andrews, followed the TV personality to at least three cities where he shot footage of her through hotel peephole doors. Reuters reports that Andrews filed the suit in 2010, but her attorney recently refiled so it would move forward before the statute of limitations runs out. The bulk of the damages sought come from the West End Marriott, where the leaked video was shot. Andrews reportedly claims the hotel is guilty of allowing Barrett to know that she was staying in the hotel and then allowing him to book a room next to her own. And though no parties are commenting on the suit, it reportedly claimed the stalking, videotaping and ensuing leak of the footage has caused the ESPN host "great emotional distress and embarrassment." In addition to hosting ESPN's College GameDay and appearing on season 10 of Dancing With the Stars, Andrews also works as a Good Morning America contributor. Related Topics Erin Andrews ESPN

Allison Janney on The Help, Her Mentor Paul Newman and Overindulging in Eggnog This Holiday Season

After approximately eighty roles in television and film, four Emmy awards, two Tony nominations and countless Kaiser Permanente ads, the inimitable Allison Janney has certainly earned her place among Hollywood’s best character actresses. In her most recent film, the Civil Rights-era comedy-drama The Help — Tate Taylor’s adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s novel — the Ohio-bred thesp channeled her own mother to play the worrisome mama bear to Emma Stone’s boundary-pushing protagonist. In lesser hands, Charlotte Phelan could have been a thin character — a Southern woman more concerned with her daughter’s marital prospects than her happiness — but Janney summoned fear, humor and subtlety for a fully-fleshed and fully-flawed character who earns her personal growth. In celebration of The Help’s home-video release this week, the quadruple Emmy winner phoned Movieline to reminisce on her character’s cure for lesbianism, her one television role that changed lives and the time Paul Newman cast her in college — all while suffering a bit of a holiday-season hangover. You’ve been in so many films and television shows; do you ever just turn on the television and flip through five consecutive channels that are airing Allison Janney projects? No! I’ve never had that happen. I have seen that American Beauty or one of my movies is on but I’ve never seen them coincidentally on at the same time. That would be amazing. Do you stop and watch? No, I usually don’t, I have to tell you. I’m one of those actors who doesn’t like looking at themselves. Years after I can. I can look at Drop Dead Gorgeous now and say, “Oh my God! I know I was playing trailer trash but I didn’t look so bad.” I can look at American Beauty. I just need some time to transpire. That being said, if I do watch, it won’t be to watch myself. It’ll be to have all of those memories come back and to remember what it was like filming. That’s what lingers. The Help was based on a book, but did you base your character on anyone you know in real life? I think most of my characters have my mother’s sensibility in there. She’s someone who always inspires me and informs my characters because I think she is heartbreakingly funny. She doesn’t try to be funny but her commitment to the things she thinks are important sometimes [are funny]. When Charlotte tells [Emma Stone’s character] Skeeter that there is a root tea that could cure her if she is a lesbian. Those moments are just very fun for me to play. I love playing the tragically uninformed and stuck-in-their-ways types. I also related to Charlotte in that I have too much fear in my life. I’m afraid of change. That’s how I really got into her character — because I knew what it’s like to not want anything to change. That’s all life is though is change. I just want to hold onto things too tightly and I think that Charlotte would too. I was so grateful to Tate for giving her some redemption at the end since that wasn’t in the book. It was wonderful to get two moments — the one when I dress down [Bryce Dallas Howard’s character] Hilly and throw her off of the porch and the moment where she finally sees her daughter for who she really is and not for who she wants her to be. That was a great moment to get to play. She was a really rewarding character to play because I got to do a 180 and completely change. She was an amazingly complicated character to get to play. What’s your history with Tate? This movie was kind of like a family business. Tate and I have known each other since 1988. Octavia [Spencer] as well, and of course [author] Kathryn [Stockett] and Tate grew up together in Jackson. We knew Kathryn through Tate. Brunson Green, who is one of the producers is a dear friend of ours too. We’re all really good friends. We made a lot of really low-budget movies on weekends or whenever we got together, so for this to happen is just an unlikely Hollywood story. It’s very satisfying — the loyalty and friendship, which were some themes in the movie too. I’m glad you were able to film in Mississippi and not Los Angeles as Mississippi. That was so important. That informed the acting and the characters. Being down there just felt more authentic in your role. To be in these houses and these great locations — people opened up their homes and we were filming in these big, old houses with beautiful wrap around porches. It really was 114 degrees and you’ve got corsets on. I feel like now, if I ever have to do a show on Broadway that is set in the South, I will know what that is. It just really gives you a good foundation. It feels like you’re in a different country down there, I swear. Knowing the history of what happened down there — it’s just a shameful part of our history. To be down there — I don’t know what I’m trying to say. I’m sorry, I’m so hungover. [Laughs] What did you do last night? I went to a tree-trimming party and I think I ended up trimming myself a little bit. Sorry! What were you asking? Let’s change direction: As an actor, are you able to use your acting abilities in real-life situations? Are you a convincing liar or able to dial in a dramatic performance with a customer service rep to get your way? You know what, I’m terrible without a script in front of me. I can’t. I wish! That’s why I’m an actor though because I love having everything written out for me and I can just say it. Even just talking to you now, it’s frustrating because I can’t ever finish a sentence or finish a thought. It’s very frustrating. I wish. My friends though — they would tell you that I can be overly dramatic, especially after a couple of egg nogs. [Laughs] You starred in the last Diabo Cody-Jason Reitman collaboration. Have you seen Young Adult yet? I have not, and I can’t wait to see it. I know it’s going to be amazing. I wish I could have been in it, but I can’t wait to see it. They were both so wonderful to work it. I can’t wait to see The Descendants too. There are a lot of good movies this year! The Artist, I want to see that. What else? I’m excited for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. That’s right! When does Mission Impossible come out? I think next Friday in IMAX. Oh, it’s going to be in IMAX? That’s going to be fantastic. I will wait in line to see that. It’s amazing that in spite of your lengthy filmography, you haven’t worked with Tom Cruise yet. You’re right. I’ve never worked with him, and I don’t think I’ve ever met him either. Nope, I never have. I used to work out with Katie [Holmes] at Barry’s Boot Camp, here in the Valley. She was in the same class as me. But that’s the closest I’ve been to Tom Cruise. It’s been five years since The West Wing ended, yet that series is still very dear to a lot of people. Do you carry any bits of C.J. Cregg with you? I love her. I wish that I carried more of her with me than I actually do. She is kind of my hero. What a great woman to get to play! I wish that she could have lived on and done other things. She’s just such a truly great role model for women and that’s one of my characters and one of those instances where you felt like you got to give back. I feel like I really got to inspire young girls. I get so many letters and see people on the street who come up to me and say, “Oh my God. You changed my life. I was majoring in this and I changed it to this and now I’m going to work in Washington.” Aaron Sorkin really inspired a lot of people with that show. Getting to play C.J., that was an important female role on television and I am still really, really proud of it in a different way than I am of my other characters. Like in Mr. Sunshine, I loved my character, but she was the exact opposite. C.J. will always be the role that I’m maybe most proud of in terms of what it said to the world. Are you looking to get back into television? I am. I’m looking at some other shows now figuring out what’s going to become a reality for me. I very much want to be back on television and I’m actively looking for the right script for me. I’m chomping at the bit. I’m a worker bee — I need to be working all of the time, so I’d love to find a home for awhile on a good television show. Are you thinking drama? Premium cable drama? Oh, I’ll go either way. I don’t care. I particularly like things that have a healthy dose of comedy and drama. I like things that are a little messy and complicated, not just punchline-punchline-punchline. I’m not a fan of [the sitcom format] as much. I don’t know if I’ve ever done that, other than, I suppose Mr. Sunshine. As long as the writing is great, I will go anywhere. Finally, is it true that Paul Newman cast you in one of your first plays while you were in college? Yes it is. He had gone to Kenyon College and he came back to christen the brand new theater there by directing the first play. I read for him, he cast me and he and Joanne Woodward kind of became my mentors as I started off in this world of acting. When I came to NY, Joanne got me into the Actor’s Studio. She directed a group of actors and formed a company and gave us the opportunity to act as a young actor. Usually, you have to find agents. Everything is such a catch-22 when you’re starting out with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s support — it’s a great leg up in this business. I know you have about four movies in post-production. Which one are you most excited for audiences to see? The Chris Colfer movie, Struck By Lightning is a beautiful, beautiful movie that I’m very proud to be a part of. Josh Radnor’s movie Liberal Arts is going to Sundance, and I’m excited about that. I’m anxiously awaiting both of those movies, and I think that they are going to do really well. [Top photo: Getty Images; Help photo: Dale Robinette/DreamWorks II] Follow Julie Miller on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Dujardin, Bejo tapped for Santa Barbara Fest honor

Jean Dujardin and Brnice Bejo, who currently star in "The Artist," will receive the Santa Barbara International Film Festival's Cinema Vanguard Award at a Feb. 4 tribute, festival executive director Roger Durling announced Wednesday. "In an age of sight-and-sound spectacle, there is great risk in a silent film," Durling said in a statement. "Jean and Brnice's acting is an amazing pas des deux both physically and emotionally -- recalling classic Hollywood pairings like Hepburn and Tracy, and of course Ginger and Fred." SBIFF, which runs Jan. 26 through Feb. 5, is a key stop on the campaign trail for Oscar hopefuls. The Cinema Vanguard Award is likely to keep Dujardin and Bejo top of mind for Academy voters and help "The Artist" maintain momentum during the balloting process. The award has previously been presented to Nicole Kidman, Christoph Waltz, Vera Farmiga, Stanley Tucci, Peter Sarsgaard, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ryan Gosling. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com

'Transformers' And Much More: 2011's 5 Best Alien Invasion Movies

From battles in La and Chicago to children battling against otherworldly risks, 2011 was an memorable year for fighting opponents from past the stars. Keep reading through for the top 5 favorite alien invasion movies of the season! 5. "Fight LaInch Though not quite among my personal favorite movies of the season, even I can not deny the awesome imagery from the initial waves of invasion in "Fight La.Inch The floor-level action puts you within the grungy trenches of the alien assault on which would normally be considered a sunny day in California. If you're able to forgive a skinny plot, the visual assault you'll weather in "Fight LA" may be worth the rental fee. 4. "Paul" Most aliens arrive on the planet with dying-sun rays within their hands and universal domination within their hearts. Paul, however, goes about his business having a joint in the mouth and Doritos in the belly. Thinking about how these invasions normally go, "Paul" was refreshingly light on take-me-to-your-leader danger and high on toke-with-me-and-your-leader humor. 3. "Transformers: Dark from the Moon" Go forward towards the final hour of Michael Bay's latest "Transformers" movie, and you will end up knee-deep within the most balls-out crazy action flick of the season. When Shockwave and also the Decepticons descend upon downtown Chicago, absolute madness develops. Autobots are actually pulled out to the roads and performed. Optimus Prime shoots his opponents hard at pointblank range. He rips heads off. He rips heads off! Yeah, it's pretty awesome. 2. "Super 8" It's less the appearance of the mysterious extraterrestrial that puts "Super 8" about this list it is the kids hanging round the central mystery. Joel Courtney, Riley Griffiths and Ryan Lee are perfect within their large-screen breakout roles, and let us not disregard the moving performance shipped by future Oscar champion Elle Fanning. Coupled with a effective nostalgia kick of pure Spielbergia, J.J. Abrams' sci-fi throwback flick remains among 2011's best popular culture efforts. 1. "Attack the Block" From phenomenal creature design to some wonderfully unique setting for any sci-fi film, Joe Cornish's directorial debut has everything you may request for from the hard R-ranked action comedy. Sporting the "Goonies" elements "Super 8" takes up very well spread with "Alien"-inspired action and scares permanently measure, "Attack the Block" is not only the finest alien invasion movie of 2011 it's among the best movies of the season, period. Believe! Inform us which 2011 alien invasion movie was your preferred within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

Fox Agendas 'American Idol,' 'Alcatraz,' 'The Finder,' 'Touch,' More

FoxKiefer Sutherland in "Touch" Fox features its midseason selection, introduced with the eleventh season of yank Idol and newcomer series Alcatraz, The Finder, Touch additionally to returning series Breaking In and Kitchen Bad dreams or nightmares.our editor recommends'Touch': First Trailer for Kiefer Sutherland Drama Debuts (Video)'Alcatraz' Co-Creator Liz Sarnoff Steps Lower as Showrunner Idol will premiere its eleventh season getting a 2-evening event searching for Wednesday, Jan. 18 and Thursday, Jan. 19 getting a unique episode airing carrying out a NFC Championship game on Sunday, Jan. 22. 24 star Kiefer Sutherland will return to the network with newcomer drama Touch getting a unique preview on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 9 p.m., it's series premiere Monday, March 10 at 9 p.m. PHOTOS: Fall TV Dying Pool: Which New Show Will Probably Be Axed? J.J. Abrams' thriller Alcatraz will premiere Monday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. getting a 2-hour event, returning the following week within the regular time slot at 9 p.m. undertaking a brand new episode of House. Bones spinoff The Finder will bow Thursday, Jan. 12 at 9 p.m. following an encore in the David Boreanaz series from Hart Hanson. Animated comedy Napoleon Dynamite, getting a voice cast within the feature film of the title, will join the Sunday Animation Domination selection with some episodes beginning Sunday, Jan. 15 at 8:30 p.m. Second year animated series Bob's Burgers, meanwhile, will return Sunday, March 11 at 8:30 p.m. Elevated and retooled comedy Breaking In will return due to its second season on Tuesday, March 6 at 8:30 p.m. when the workplace comedy starring Christian Slater and Megan Mullally follows encores of latest Girl at 8 p.m. Glee will return Tuesday, Jan. 17, with Mobbed returning for completely new episodes on Wednesday, Jan. 4 through Feb. 8 at 9 p.m., while Kitchen Bad dreams or nightmares will return Friday, Jan. 13 then fresh cases of Fringe. STORY: NBC Sets Midseason Schedule, Moves 'Whitney,' 'Up With The Evening,' More Cops will return Saturday, Jan. 7 at 8 p.m., and air back-to-back episodes beginning Jan. 14 at 9 p.m., while a distinctive edition of America's Popular remains slotted for Saturday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. An entire schedule follows: MONDAY Monday, Jan. 16: 8-10 p.m. ALCATRAZ (Series Premiere) Mondays, beginning Jan. 23: 8-9 p.m. HOUSE (Time Period Premiere) 9-10 p.m. ALCATRAZ (Time Period Premiere) Monday, March 12: 8-10 p.m. ALCATRAZ (Two-Hour Episode) Mondays, beginning March 19: 8-9 p.m. HOUSE 9-10 p.m. TOUCH (Series Premiere) TUESDAY Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 17: 8-9 p.m. GLEE 9-9:30 p.m. NEW GIRL 9:30-10 p.m. RAISING HOPE Tuesdays, beginning March 6: 8-8:30 p.m. NEW GIRL (encore) 8:30-9 p.m. BREAKING IN (Season Premiere) 9-9:30 p.m. NEW GIRL 9:30-10 p.m. RAISING HOPE WEDNESDAY Wednesday, Jan. 4: 8-9 p.m. GLEE (encore) 9-10 p.m. MOBBED Wednesday, Jan. 11: 8-9 p.m. MOBBED (encore) 9-10 p.m. MOBBED Wednesday, Jan. 18: 8-10 p.m. The The American Idol Show Show (Season Premiere, The Start) Wednesday, Jan. 25: 8-9 p.m. The The American Idol Show Show 9-10 p.m. TOUCH (Special Preview) Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 1: 8-9 p.m. The The American Idol Show Show 9-10 p.m. MOBBED Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 15: 8-10 p.m. The The American Idol Show Show (Two-Hour Episodes) THURSDAY Thursday, Jan. 12: 8-9 p.m. BONES (encore) 9-10 p.m. THE FINDER (Series Premiere) Thursdays, beginning Jan. 19: 8-9 p.m. The The American Idol Show Show (Season Premiere, Part Two) 9-10 p.m. THE FINDER FRIDAY Friday, Jan. 6: 8 p.m. ETFOX SPORTS SPECIAL: 2012 AT&T COTTON BOWL CLASSIC (Live) Fridays, beginning Jan. 13: 8-9 p.m. KITCHEN Bad dreams or nightmares 9-10 p.m. FRINGE SATURDAY Saturdays, beginning Jan. 7: 8-8:30 p.m. COPS 8:30-9 p.m. COPS 9-10 p.m. DRAMA ENCORES 11 p.m.-Evening time ENCORES Evening time-12:30 a.m. ENCORES Saturday, Feb. 11: 8-10 p.m. AMERICA'S Popular Unique 11 p.m.-Evening time ENCORES Evening time-12:30 a.m. ENCORES SUNDAY Sunday, Jan. 8: 7-7:30 p.m. BOB'S Burgers (encore) 7:30-8 p.m. THE CLEVELAND SHOW (encore) 8-8:30 p.m. THE SIMPSONS 8:30-9 p.m. THE CLEVELAND SHOW 9-9:30 p.m. FAMILY GUY 9:30-10 p.m. AMERICAN Father Sunday, Jan. 15: 8-8:30 p.m. THE SIMPSONS 8:30-9 p.m. NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (Series Premiere) 9-9:30 p.m. FAMILY GUY 9:30-10 p.m. NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (Special Time) Sunday, Jan. 22: 6 p.m. ET FOX SPORTS SPECIAL: NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (Live) 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PTAMERICAN IDOL (Special Broadcast Approximate Start Time) Sundays, beginning Jan. 29: 7-7:30 p.m. BOB'S Burgers (encore) 7:30-8 p.m. THE CLEVELAND SHOW 8-8:30 p.m. THE SIMPSONS 8:30-9 p.m. NAPOLEON DYNAMITE 9-9:30 p.m. FAMILY GUY 9:30-10 p.m. AMERICAN Father Sundays, beginning March 11: 7-7:30 p.m. ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES 7:30-8 p.m. THE CLEVELAND SHOW 8-8:30 p.m. THE SIMPSONS 8:30-9 p.m. BOB'S Burgers (Season Premiere) 9-9:30 p.m. FAMILY GUY 9:30-10 p.m. AMERICAN Father The The American Idol Show Show Kitchen Bad dreams or nightmares Fox Broadcasting Corporation Touch Alcatraz The Finder

DDA Pr links with Blueprint

DDA Pr and Blueprint Pr are beginning a London-based partnership named DDA Blueprint. The standalone company will probably be headed up by Blueprint PR's co-company company directors Jesse Balmforth and Aimee Norman, with DDA's Boss Lawrence Atkinson and COO John Stannard as non-executive company company directors. The companies mentioned the organization of DDA Blueprint will mainly be worldwide TV trade and theater publicity with Blueprint PR theater mind Kate Morley leading the venture's legit activity. "Just like a specialist PR agency getting a worldwide and famous clientele, DDA Blueprint can make and offer proper and goal-driven, tailor-made campaigns within the worldwide and Uk television and theater industries," the announcement mentioned. The companies also mentioned the television arm of lately minted DDA Blueprint will support worldwide sales activity, while focusing on getting in co-production partners and potential traders, aiding in communications on mergers and purchases and co-ordinating global PR techniques. In theater, DDA Blueprint will plan and implement media campaigns for theater companies and individual plays and musicals. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Acad shortlists 10 animated shorts

Ten animated shorts have advanced within the Oscar voting process, including, not remarkably, Pixar's "La Luna," which most auds will not see until it plays before "Brave" next summer time. In the 10 runners up, Academy people in the short films and have animation branches will choose 3 to 5 nominees. The Ten films, in alphabetical order by title: -- "Dimanche/Sunday," Patrick Doyon, director (National Film Board of Canada) -- "The Great Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore," William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg, company directors (Moonbot Galleries LA, LLC) -- "I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat," Matthew O'Callaghan, director and Mike Register, executive producer (Warner Bros. Animation Corporation.) -- "La Luna," Enrico Casarosa, director (Pixar Animation Galleries) -- "Luminaris," Juan Pablo Zaramella, director (JPZtudio) -- "Miracle Piano," Martin Clapp, director and Hugh Welchman, producer (BreakThru Films) -- "A Morning Stroll," Grant Orchard, director and Sue Goffe, producer (Studio Also known as) -- "Pathways of Hate," Damian Nenow, director (Platige Image) -- "Specky Four-Eyes," Jean-Claude Rozec, director and Mathieu Courtois, producer (Vivement Lundi!) -- "Wild Existence," Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby, company directors (National Film Board of Canada) Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com