AFTRA board approves merger with SAG

The pending marriage between the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists has moved a step closer.AFTRA's national board has approved a merger proposal with 94% of the panel OKing the plan, after SAG's board approved Friday night.The proposal goes to a vote by SAG and AFTRA members starting Feb. 27 with tabulation on March 30.The proposal will be sent to 120,000 SAG members and 70,000 AFTRA members, who include actors, broadcasters, DJs, singers and dancers. To pass, the referendum would need a 60% approval margin from both orgs among votes cast.The new union will be called SAG-AFTRA, should members approve the merger vote.SAG members defeated merger proposals in 1999 and 2003 while AFTRA members supported both. In 2003, the merged union would have been called the Alliance of Intl. Media Artists, which may have been a factor in the defeat.Key details of the proposal will undoubtedly be touted by SAG persident Ken Howard during Sunday's SAG Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The SAG prexy traditionally gives an on-air speech during the kudocast.Howard and AFTRA president Roberta Reardon have made the merger of the two unions their signature issue and received strong support from members in recent elections.The merger proposal was hammered out at a nine-day meeting earlier this month by the AFTRA and SAG Group for One Union to work out details such as a name, governance, financing, membership requirements and dues. That group had met five times since June.SAG's elected leadership has been dominated in recent years by those in favor of a merger, who contend that a combined union would be more powerful and remove jurisdictional overlaps. Opponents within SAG, whose influence has waned in recent years, contend that SAG should remain for actors only and assert that the new union will face problems in attempting to combine the health and retirement plans.SAG and AFTRA share jurisdiction on primetime TV. After years of bitter disputes, AFTRA split from SAG on joint bargaining in 2008 and negotiated a separate deal a full year before SAG reached an accord -- leading to producers opting to sign with AFTRA for nearly all new shows.Howard contends that members of SAG and AFTRA want to combine unions to then resolve the dilemma of seeing pension and health contributions go into separate SAG and AFTRA plans, which are operated by joint industry-union boards. Howard was handily re-elected to a second two-year term in September.Should the proposed SAG-AFTRA merger pass, annual elections will be a thing of the past with the contests taking place every two years instead. The plan is aimed at combining SAG's annual direct voting structure for some offices with other slots filled using AFTRA's national convention structure, held every two years with delegates elected at the local level."I applaud the AFTRA National Board for their overwhelming approval of this historic merger package," Reardon said after the approval. "The partnership we formed on the G1 was one of collegiality and consensus that went into laying the foundation for a new union. This plan embodies the thoughtful work and valuable perspectives from large and small markets across the nation of many working actors, broadcast professionals, recording artists and other performers who all worked together in solidarity through the G1."Both boards agreed to include an oppossition statement in the official ballot materials Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Ads, TV offset L.A. shooting dip

Mid-The month of the month of january has seen a reliable pace of offlot production in La, as strong performances by ads and tv greater than offset a decline in feature shoots. Overall activity the other day hit 639 days -- an increase of 10% inside the same period a year ago -- as ads hopped by 50% to 194 days, according to figures provided Tuesday with the FilmL.A. enabling agency. A Fiat place was the best option with six days. La-area production inside the ads category elevated 4.4% to 7,079 days a year ago, setting a yearly high by topping the 2005 record by 96 days. The most effective commercial shoot a year ago will be a Nissan place, shot by Wanted Guy Films, with 50 days. TV shooting acquired 5% to 351 days the other day since the sitcom "Close Buddies Forever" was most likely probably the most active with 13 days. "CSI: NY," "Awake," "Southland," Raising Hope" and "Suburgatory" were also shooting the other day. Features fell 20% to 94 days as "Black Forest" needed the most effective slot with 20 days. "Lovelace," "Burt Wonderstone" and re-shoots of "Rock old range" also shot the other day. Top L.A. shoots Commercial projects with permitted production days this season Brand (Push. co.)Permitted push. daysNissan (Wanted Guy)50Bank of America (Anonymous Content)44Buick (Tool from the U . s . States)43NACSA (Anonymous Content)35Fiat (Anonymous Content)31 Source: FilmL.A. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Extended trailer for Guy On The Ledge

A brand new and extended trailer continues to be launched for Mike Worthington's new thriller Guy On The Ledge, where the Aussie actor plays a wrongly-jailed former cop searching to obvious his title and obtain him some revenge, all-in-one fell swoop.The brand new footage provides a much clearer outline from the film's twisty-turny narrative, using the motivations behind Worthington's mock suicide bid revealed in greater detail.At the same time, there's a little more footage from the ludicrously sexy Genesis Rodriguez inside a catsuit (after which her pants), in addition to coppers Elizabeth Banks, Edward Burns and Titus Welliver.Have a look in the new trailer below... That footage should provide you with an idea from the film's far-fetched MO, finding being an entertaining if highly implausible mix between Phone Booth and Ocean's Eleven. The less stated about Worthington's accent, however, the greater.Guy On The Ledge is directed by Asgar Leth and can open in United kingdom movie theaters on 3 Feb 2012.

Glee, The Voice Snag GLAAD Media Award Nominations

Glee Glee, Anderson Cooper 360, Lady Gaga and The Voice were among nominees announced Thursday for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation."As media continue to tell new stories about LGBT people and families, a majority of Americans now support full equality of LGBT Americans," said Mike Thompson, GLAAD's acting president. "This year's nominees enlighten and entertain, while spotlighting the diversity of our community. Audiences expect to see their own worlds reflected in media, and today more than ever, those include the lives of LGBT people. Viewers know that LGBT characters and stories are simply natural extensions of, and glimpses into, their own experiences from across America."Will Rachel say yes? Glee's Cory Monteith sishes on Finchel's futureThe categories for the 23rd annual GLAAD Media awards are widespread - from reality television and talk shows, to theater and comic books.The awards will be held in NY on March 24, Los Angeles on April 21 and in San Francisco on June 2. Check out the full list of 116 nominees here.

Adam Brody to star in 'Girls'

BrodyAdam Brody is embracing his new leading-man status by taking on two new high-profile indies, including the latest film from writer-producer Neil LaBute. Brody has landed the lead in "Some Girls," a feature adaptation of LaBute's play that will be directed by Jennifer Getzinger ("Mad Men"). Story follows a successful writer who, before getting married, decides to travel across the country to meet his five ex-girlfriends in a series of hotel rooms. In addition to writing the script, LaBute will produce the pic with Leeden Media's Patty West and Chris Schwartz, as well as Andrew Carlberg. Production is skedded to start in April in Los Angeles. Thesp is also set to star in Rob Meltzer's "Welcome to the Jungle," which follows a group of staffers at a design firm who go on an office retreat to a tropical island, where total chaos erupts after they become stranded. A "Lord of the Flies"-type situation unfolds, and Brody's protag is forced to match wits with the power-hungry leader in order to rescue his co-workers. Rob Huebel, Dennis Haysbert, Kristen Schaal and Jean-Claude Van Damme will co-star in the Pimienta production, which starts shooting next month in Puerto Rico. U.K.-based The Salt Company is financing the Jeff Kauffmann-scripted pic, which will be produced by National Lampoon exec Justin Kanew and Pimienta's Luillo Ruiz ("The Men Who Stare at Goats"). Charley Cabrera will co-produce, while Alex Goldstone will exec produce with The Salt Co.'s Robert Bevan, Samantha Horley and Cyril Margret. Best known for playing nerdy teen Seth Cohen on "The OC," Brody has been working to shed that image of late, taking on a series of supporting roles in challenging indie fare. He just signed on to play "Deep Throat" star Harry Reems opposite Amanda Seyfried in "Lovelace" and stars in Whit Stillman's "Damsels in Distress," which Sony Classics opens April 6. This year is shaping up to be a big one for Brody, who co-stars in last year's Toronto Film Festival entry "The Oranges," the Kristin Wiig-Oscar Isaac indie "Revenge for Jolly" and Focus Features' "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World," which stars Steve Carell and Keira Knightley. Brody is repped by UTA. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

John Lowry: Gervais monologue wasn't so bad

Well, that wasn't so bad, maybe it was? ''Boy, he's fun,'' stated The Actor-brad Pitt after Ough Gervais' six-minute opening Golden Globes monologue, and it is tough to argue. The inspired selection of Ough Gervais to host the Golden Globes this year soured a little this past year, once the multifaceted star's ''fearless comic'' persona motivated him to visit beyond his debut within the insult department and then leave award-show decorum within an uncomfortable shambles. ''So, where was I?'' Gervais started, before proceeding to poke fun (frequently) in the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn., which is definitely the Globes and NBC, which televises them. He even compared the corrupt immigrants in ''Boardwalk Empire'' towards the HFPA, and quipped the Globes will be to the Academy awards ''what Kim Kardashian would be to Kate Middleton,'' which really sounds about right. Gervais danced as much as the road having a naughty joke concerning the Jodie Promote-directed ''The Beaver,'' but otherwise there is absolutely nothing to result in the room or even the censors blanch. Furthermore, Depp's appearance in advance strengthened the ''It's all in fun'' attitude, given Gervais' injections at him this past year over ''The Tourist.'' We have arrived at the very first commercial break, and no one's been maimed yet. To date, so very good. Contact John Lowry at john.lowry@variety.com

Kim Novak 'Violated' By 'The Artist' Over 'Vertigo' Score [UPDATE]

"The Artist" continues to be famous among the most charming movies of the season, although not the adorable antics of celebrity canine Uggie has impressed movie icon Kim Novak. The star of Alfred's Hitchcock's 1958 classic "Vertigo" has released a pr release and removed a trade ad over her displeasure using the commonalities between 'The Artist''s music which of Hitchock's favorite composer. She states that hearing Bernard Herrmann's score for "Vertigo," as utilized in "The Artist," leaves her inside a "condition of shock" that they in comparison to being raped. "I wish to report a rape," Novak authored in her own anti-"Artist" missive: "My body system of labor continues to be violated by 'The Artist.' This film required the romance Theme music from 'Vertigo' and used the feelings it engenders since it's own. Alfred Hitchcock and Jimmy Stewart can't speak on their own, however i can. It had been our work that subconsciously or purposely evoked the reminiscences and feelings towards the audience which were employed for the climax of 'The Artist.'" Although Herrmann, whose other works range from the memorable scores to "Cape Fear" and "Psycho," is offered a screen credit, Novak is not satisfied: "There is pointless to allow them to rely on Bernard Herrmann's score from 'Vertigo' to supply more drama. 'Vertigo's' music was written throughout the filming. Hitchcock wanted the theme woven musically within the puzzle bits of the story.... In my opinion this type of filmmaking trick to become cheating. Shame in it!Inch "She was relaxing in her family room, she place the DVD in, after which went into a complete condition of shock and devastation," Novak's manager Sue Cameron told Deadline. "She's very, very upset." Deadline speculates that Novak's campaign could cost her her Academy membership, as you will find rules against openly maligning a film in contention for honours, especially one that is considered the Oscar leader. The Weinstein Company, which launched "The Artist," has not yet released an answer, however when Moviefone requested director Michel Hazanvicius concerning the "Vertigo" music signal this past year, he was aware it may be questionable. "It had been a dilemma for me personally. I truly seem like the background music continues to be completed to dying. That's really not the main one that's in 'Vertigo.' It's another orchestration produced by Elmer Bernstein within the '70s. So, it is a very specific one. But, it had been a dilemma because I understood it had been something -- not blasphemy -- but something which could hurt people. I believe it is so perfect, but, also, it seems sensible for that movie. [...] In ways [the 'Vertigo' score] is sensible. To not the storyline of 'Vertigo' -- many people explained, 'Yeah, but it seems sensible, because 'Vertigo' he really wants to bring her to existence.' It had been -- I am not too poetic. It had been only the sensuality from the music was so great for the succession.Inch UPDATE: Hazanavicius taken care of immediately Novak's complaints via THR and stated he respects her and it is "sorry she disagrees" using the music choice. [via Deadline] [Photo: Everett] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

PGA Honours Includes Handful of Surprises

PGA Honours Includes Handful of Surprises By Jenelle Riley The month of the month of january 3, 2012 Photo by Wally Disney Art galleries Movies "War Equine" The Producers Guild of America Award nominations showed up in this area today, as well as the list is searching virtually not remarkably. Frequently considered the precursor to who'll win the most effective Picture Oscar, the PGA Honours chose "The King's Speech" a year ago over "The Social Networking" when lots of people thought the 2nd film will be a shoo-in. This year all the front-runners made this list, from "The Artist" to "The Descendants" to "Hugo" to "War Equine" and "Moneyball." Ongoing to prove itself more than a spring blockbuster, "Bridesmaids" also made this list. Possibly really an unpredicted was the inclusion of "The Ides of March," that's been feeling just like a nearly-went recently. Other nominees include "The Help,In . "Evening amount of time in Paris," and--type of surprising taking into consideration the mixed reviews--"The Woman While using Dragon Tattoo." See The FULL Report On NOMINEES ON Behind The Curtain PGA Honours Includes Handful of Surprises By Jenelle Riley The month of the month of january 3, 2012 "War Equine" PHOTO CREDIT Wally Disney Art galleries Movies The Producers Guild of America Award nominations showed up in this area today, as well as the list is searching virtually not remarkably. Frequently considered the precursor to who'll win the most effective Picture Oscar, the PGA Honours chose "The King's Speech" a year ago over "The Social MediaInch when lots of people thought the 2nd film will be a shoo-in. This year all the front-runners made this list, from "The Artist" to "The Descendants" to "Hugo" to "War Equine" and "Moneyball." Ongoing to prove itself more than a spring blockbuster, "Bridesmaids" also made this list. Possibly really an unpredicted was the inclusion of "The Ides of March," that's been feeling being an almost-went recently. Other nominees include "The Help,In . "Evening amount of time in Paris," and--type of surprising taking into consideration the mixed reviews--"The Woman While using Dragon Tattoo."See The FULL Report On NOMINEES ON Behind The Curtain

'Upside Down' Trailer: Kirsten Dunst, Jim Sturgess Turn 'Romeo & Juliet' Upside Down

Here's how the pitch meeting for 'Upside Down' probably went: "Let's take 'Romeo and Juliet' and flip it on its head. Literally." Viola! There's your movie. The Jim Sturgess and Kirsten Dunst-led sci-fi flick imagines the pair as star-crossed lovers who come from such opposite worlds that their gravitational pull is actually reversed. So much for subtlety! Ignoring the scientifically shaky premise, the trailer looks pretty OK. Sturgess infiltrates the world of the ceiling-dwellers (there's a term for this, right?) and becomes Public Enemy No. 1 in both gravity-warring worlds. Here's what 'Upside Down' has going for it: the irrefutable likability of both Dunst and Sturgess. Clever casting! But despite their best efforts, at least from the trailer, this one could be silly. (Also, the trailer's in French so bonne chance!) 'Upside Down' doesn't have a specific release date; will hit theaters sometime later this year. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook