David Tennant: Nativity 2, Pirates! trailer, charity auction

David Tennant sees double
David Tennant is taking a double starring role as twin teachers at rival schools in Nativity 2, a sequel to Debbie Isitt's 2009 U.K. hit comedy.

Pic, backed by U.K. distrib Entertainment One, started shooting Oct. 17 for six weeks in the English Midlands and North Wales. Like the first movie, the low-budget sequel is based around a school putting on a Christmas performance in competition with other schools.

Tennant, best known for "Doctor Who," plays a temp teacher who must lead a group of under-achieving kids in the national contest, while his golden-boy brother (also Tennant) leads the challenge from a posh rival school.

Written and directed by Isitt, the pic is produced by Nick Jones of Mirrorball Films, and co-financed by Premiere Picture and Media Pro Six.

Source: Variety


Third fantastic theatrical UK trailer for Pirates! An Adventure with Scientists
After two previous cracking trailers for Aarman’s (The creators of Wallace and Gromit) new animation, Pirates! An Adventure with Scientists, they’ve released another third new trailer this morning and it’s just as good as the previous couple.

The cast is rather awesome (includes Hugh Grant, David Tennant, Imelda Staunton, Martin Freeman, Jeremy Piven) while Peter Lord directs and as you’ll see from this fantastic trailer, it all rather fun! My favourite character has to be the one wearing the Blue Peter badge which readers in the US will have NO idea what I’m talking about.

In The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, Hugh Grant stars in his first animated role as the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to the much coveted Pirate Of The Year Award. It’s a quest that takes our heroes from the shores of exotic Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London. Along the way they do battle with the pirate-hating Queen Victoria (Imelda Staunton) and team up with a young Charles Darwin (David Tennant), but never lose sight of what a pirate loves best: adventure!



Source: Hey U Guys


David’s shoes to be auctioned for ACCORD
DOCTOR Who star David Tennant is flogging his trainers ... to help the Paisley hospice where his beloved mother died. Helen McDonald passed away at ACCORD Hospice in July 2007 after a long battle with cancer.

Now Paisley actor David, whose real surname is McDonald, is raising money for the worthy cause by auctioning a customised hand-made pair of trendy Converse trainers which he signed at the recent Entertainment Media Show, in London. Canvas Warriors, the designers of the special shoes, asked David to put his moniker on them. He was happy to do so and asked for them to be auctioned for ACCORD.

David’s mum, who was 67 when she died, was a tireless worker for the charity during her lifetime. She was a member of the Friends of ACCORD Hospice group and helped to organise countless fundraising events. Mrs McDonald, from Dykebar, Paisley, was also a volunteer for Arthritis Care, the WRVS, The Samaritans and elderly care charity Contact.

David’s dad, the Very Reverend Dr Alexander McDonald, who is a former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, was one of the founders of ACCORD Hospice and remains active in his support for it.

It is expected that the trainers will be snapped up at a high price by one of David’s fans. He has a huge following from fans of BBC sci-fi drama Doctor Who, a show in which he starred in the title role to great acclaim. And, even though he has now left the show, he remains very popular among its fans, who are known for their loyalty and generosity. This will not be the first time they will have raised money for ACCORD. After Mrs McDonald’s death, hundreds of pounds were donated by them to the charity. At the time, David said: “It is a fantastic and worthy cause and I can’t commend it to you strongly enough. The care given there to seriously-ill people is of the very highest quality and my family feel indebted to them for all they’ve done for us.”

For details of the trainers auction, visit www.david-tennant.com

Source: Paisley Daily Express

Angus Macfadyen to play nefarious spy on Chuck

Angus Macfadyen has signed on for an extended role on Chuck.

The actor - who will soon appear opposite Matt Damon in We Bought a Zoo and who has guest-starred on Criminal Minds - will portray Nicholas Quinn on the fifth season of this NBC favorite. The character will be a former CIA agent who is now a spy-for-hire... for bad guys.

Look for Macfadyen to appear on Chuck's final four episodes.

He joins a long list of Chuck guest stars, including Craig Kilborn and Mark Hamill (on the October 28 premiere); Tim DeKay; and Cheryl Ladd as Sarah's mom.

Read more at TV Fanatic

TV Line covers the same story here

Hobbits reunite for Rings anniversary (+video)

Frodo, Samwise and the rest of The Hobbits have reunited, 10 years after their epic journey began.

The boys are back in town - and they're looking bad ass.

The four Hobbit stars from Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy have reunited for a magazine feature and photo shoot that resembles something out of Reservoir Dogs.

Elijah Wood (Frodo), Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee), Billy Boyd (Pippin) and Dominic Monaghan (Merry) were the leads in Jackson's record-breaking Rings trilogy.

But, 10 years since their Oscar-winning quest began at the Shire, the quartet donned tuxedos and got back in character for an Empire magazine Lord of the Rings cover feature.

It promises to look back over the Jackson's trilogy with interviews with cast and crew, as well as a look forward to Jackson's upcoming Hobbit films, which are being shot around New Zealand now.

Wood, as Frodo, is the only one from the Fellowship who is expected to reprise his role in the two films.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is due out on December 14, while the sequel, There and Back Again, has a release date of December 13, 2013.

Empire's Lord of the Rings special is out later this week.

Check out Empire's video below:


Source: NZ Herald

Read the Empire article here

‘Last Passenger’ trailer arrives

He’s played Prince Henry in “Ever After,” a villain in “Mission: Impossible II” and most recently Arthur Miller in “My Week With Marilyn.” Now, actor Dougray Scott takes on the role of Lewis Shaler, a doctor and single dad based in London who’s on the last train out of the city with his son in ”Last Passenger”.

When Shaler strikes up a relationship with a pretty stranger, he believes his life may be on the upswing, except the guard has mysteriously vanished and the train has been sabotaged. There’s only a handful of passengers and the brakes don’t work.

Watch the trailer here:


Source: Wall Street Journal Speakeasy


Shock Til You Drop and Dread Central have stills from the movie

Gerard Butler, Sam Worthington, and Matthew McConaughey take Thunder Run

Gerard Butler, Sam Worthington and Matthew McConaughey will star in Freedom Films' upcoming action thriller Thunder Run with Simon West set to direct, announced Brian Presley, CEO of Freedom Films, who will produce alongside Carissa Buffel and Kevin Matusow of Freedom Films and Jib Polhemus of The Graphic Film Company. Additional casting will begin in the next week. Hyde Park International has signed on for international sales.

Thunder Run is an all CG 3D action thriller based on the novel Thunder Run - The Armored Strike to Capture Baghdad, by Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent David Zucchino. Adapting the story for the screen are Academy Award-winner Robert David Port and Ken Nolan, screenwriter of Black Hawk Down. The Graphic Film Company will utilize proprietary facial-capture technology they used on West's upcoming Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3D along with the motion capture technology used in Avatar.

"We are very excited to have attracted this outstanding level of acting and writing talent. Thunder Run will be the first ever conventional war film made to utilize this revolutionary facial and motion capture technology and state of the art CG and 3D. Simon and I have developed this project over the last five years so it will be nice to see it come alive," commented Presley.

Thunder Run is the untold story of the dangerous and bloody capture of Baghdad by American Forces at the onset of the Iraq War. In April 2003, three battalions and fewer than a thousand men launched a violent thrust of tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles into the heart of a city of five million, igniting a three-day blitzkrieg, which military professionals often refer to as a lightning strike, or "thunder run." In telling the story of the surprise assault on Baghdad- one of the most decisive battles in recent American combat history--this movie paints the harrowing picture of the soldiers on the front lines and the realities of modern warfare.

Source: American Superstar Magazine

John Hannah joins 'Damages'

Comedy actress Jenna Elfman is taking a dramatic turn with a major recurring role on the upcoming fifth and final season of DirecTV’s Damages, starring Glenn Close and Rose Byrne. The former Dharma & Greg star is joining another major new addition to the show, recently cast Ryan Phillippe. Elfman will play an investment bank employee troubled by her company’s conduct. When she approaches Channing McClaren (Phillippe), the iconoclastic founder of a website devoted to corporate and government transparency, it lays the foundation for the case that will pit Patty Hewes (Close) and Ellen Parsons (Byrne) against each other.

Also recently cast as a recurring on Damages‘ fifth season, set to air next year, is John Hannah (Spartacus) as McClaren’s loyal adviser and protector.

Read more at Deadline Hollywood

Alan Cumming, Debbie Harry et al set for Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays

Performers have been announced for Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays, to be presented at Beacon Theatre on Sunday, December 4, at 8pm.

At the event, Lauper will be joined by Clay Aiken, Vanessa Carlton, Alan Cumming, Deluka, Harvey Fierstein, Skylar Grey, Debbie Harry, Amy Lee, Angelique Kidjo, Carson Kressley, Norah Jones, Rosie O'Donnell, Wanda Sykes, Cassandra Wilson, and Chely Wright.

For tickets and more information see Theater Mania

Weekly schedule for Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Mo 10/31: Zooey Deschanel, Neil Gaiman, Amanda Palmer
Tu 11/1: Dennis Miller
We 11/2: Ted Danson, Bitsie Tulloch
Th 11/3: Alan Alda, Ariel Tweto
Fr 11/4: Neil Patrick Harris, Imelda May

Mo 11/7: Linda Cunningham, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Tu 11/8: Jennifer Tilly, Lawrence Block
We 11/9: Ellen Barkin, Dave Attell
Th 11/10: Molly Shannon, Michael K. Williams
Fr 11/11: Drew Carey

Billy Connolly lends his voice to TomTom

Billy Connolly has entertained audiences from Glasgow to Australia and all the in-between bits, for the past 30 years. So if you are planning a trip, get the real Billy to direct you to your choice of many destinations. You’ll laugh about it later!

Learn more (and hear some audio samples) at TomTom

New Pics From ‘My Week With Marilyn’

Directed by Simon Curtis, the plot centers on Marilyn Monroe’s friendship with young Englishman Colin Clark while in the U.K. shooting “The Prince and the Showgirl,” as well as her tempestuous relationship with director/co-star Laurence Olivier.

Eddie Redmayne plays Clark, with Kenneth Branagh taking on the mantle of Olivier, and Julia Ormond as Olivier’s wife Vivien Leigh. Whatever you might say about the movie, it certainly looks handsomely put together, but whether it comes to life beyond the impeccable costuming and set design is a matter that will be debated over the coming weeks and months as the campaign for the movie truly heats up. Judi Dench, Dougray Scott, Derek Jacobi, Dominic Cooper and Emma Watson round out the cast.

“My Week With Marilyn” will start rolling out into theaters on Thanksgiving Weekend.

Indie Wire has a selection of new photos from the film, which can be seen here

HAYWIRE Official Poster

Synopsis: This dynamic action-thriller directed by Oscar® winner Steven Soderbergh (Traffic) boasts a talented cast that includes Channing Tatum (GI Joe: Rise of the Cobra), Ewan McGregor (The Ghost Writer), Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class), Antonio Banderas (The Legend of Zoro), Bill Paxton (“Big Love”), Michael Douglas (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps), Michael Angarano (Almost Famous); and introduces mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Gina Carano as Mallory Kane, in a demanding lead role that has her performing her own high-adrenaline stunts.

Mallory Kane is a highly trained operative who works for a government security contractor in the dirtiest, most dangerous corners of the world. After successfully freeing a Chinese journalist held hostage, she is double crossed and left for dead by someone close to her in her own agency. Suddenly the target of skilled assassins who know her every move, Mallory must find the truth in order to stay alive.

Using her black-ops military training, she devises an ingenious—and dangerous—trap. But when things go haywire, Mallory realizes she’ll be killed in the blink of an eye unless she finds a way to turn the tables on her ruthless adversary.

The movie will open in theaters on January 20, 2012.

Source: Daemon's Movies

Screen Daily reviews Almost In Love

To a certain extent Sam Neave’s impressively made indie film Almost In Love is as much about the structure – it is made up of two single 40 minute takes – as it is the story. That being said, there are moments (especially in the second section) when the mood, momentum and performances all dovetail nicely, resulting in some astutely memorable moments.

Unsurprisingly given the structure of the film, it is really all about both script and improvisation, while kudos should also go to Daniel McKeowen’s lush cinematography that adapts to suit the elements, structure and performers and helps being out the best in all departments. Lack of major known performers – apart from Scottish actor Alan Cumming – will make it a hard sell theatrically, but it remains oddly affecting and well worth a look.

The film, which had its world premiere at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival – does show to young wannabe filmmakers that movie-making isn’t just about hand-held digital camera moves, but can also be about a thoughtfully made ‘drama’ that is trying to dwell on that most filmed subject – love and all its complications.

The first part of the film is set on the balcony of a Staten Island apartment with views over New York at sunset. A dinner party is being hosted by writer Sasha (an impressive Alex Karpovsky), who is cooking on an electric barbeque much to the amusement of his guests. He has invited the love of his life Mia (Marjan Neshat), but is mortified when one of his friends also casually invites Kyle (Gary Wilmes), an old friend of his who until recently was dating Mia.

Things go from bad to worse as the increasingly drunken Kyle forces Sasha to face up to – and admit out loud – his love Mia. The second section is set 18 months later as many of the same friends gather at a plush beach house in the Hamptons for a wedding party…the celebrate the fact that Sasha is married.

Who he is married to would be to reveal more than is needed, but this half of the film deals with the changed dynamic amongst the key friends, while the introduction of other characters helps give it a needed sense of momentum. The addition of Alan Cumming especially – who brims with energy and seems to be able to spot when the film needs extra improv attention – helps this section, and there is more attention to the script and less to the camera moves as the story moves in delicate and intriguing circles.

Unsurprisingly Almost In Love has a resolutely stagey feel, with certain sections working better than others. While Alex Karpovsky has an easy feel for the free-flowing dialogue, the real find is Marjan Neshat who radiates easy warmth and sexuality and it is easy to see why so many men are intrigued by her character.

Source: Screen Daily

Weekly schedule for Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Mo 10/24: Bryan Cranston, Amos Lee
Tu 10/25: Don Rickles
We 10/26: Jonah Hill, Chris Young
Th 10/27: Kunal Nayyar
Fr 10/28: Olivia Munn, Judy Gold, Duran Duran

Mo 10/31: Zooey Deschanel, Neil Gaiman, Amanda Palmer
Tu 11/1: Dennis Miller
We 11/2: Ted Danson, Bitsie Tulloch

David Tennant: documentary, radio play, DVD release

David Tennant will make a guest appearance on the final episode of Stephen Fry’s Planet Word documentary on BBC2 at 9pm on Sunday 23 October.
Source: Jedd Kenobi’s Blog


David Tennant to play Robert Louis Stevenson for Radio 4
David Tennant is to star as Robert Louis Stevenson in a BBC drama based on the author’s travel writings and personal letters. The two-part Radio 4 drama, called Stevenson In Love, portrays “significant journeys” the writer made, and how his feelings for a woman who later became his wife affected him on his travels.
In the first part, called 'Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes', the drama follows Stevenson in France. Here he kept a journal that was to become his travelogue from which the drama takes its name. In the second part, 'The Amateur Emigrant', Stevenson catches a steamer to New York and then undertakes a train journey across America, ending in California.
The drama has been written by Mike Harris. Part one will be broadcast on Radio 4 on October 26, with part two on October 27.
The cast also features Lizzy McInnerny.
Source: The Stage


Doctor Who: The David Tennant Years
Just in time for the holidays, BBC is compiling one massive collection in honor of the Tenth Doctor, David Tennant, with the release of Doctor Who: The Complete David Tennant Years.
David Tennant first appeared as The Doctor in 2005, and went on to star in three seasons and eight specials as the tenth incarnation of the Time Lord. BAFTA-winner Russell T Davies (Torchwood, Queer as Folk) is lead writer and executive producer and BAFTA-winner Julie Gardner (Torchwood, Life on Mars) is executive producer.

This collection celebrates Tennant’s tenure by bringing together The Complete Second Series co-starring Billie Piper (Secret Diary of a Call Girl) as Rose Tyler, The Complete Third Series co-starring Freema Agyeman (Law & Order: UK) as Martha Jones and The Complete Fourth Series co-starring Catherine Tate (The Office, The Catherine Tate Show) as Donna Noble, all eight specials and two spin-off animated adventures, in a collectible package. Prior to ending his run as the Doctor, Tennant commented: “I’ve had the most brilliant, bewildering and life-changing time working on Doctor Who.”

Source: Brit Scene


FRIGHT NIGHT on Blu-ray & DVD December 13th
DreamWorks Pictures’ Fright Night, starring Colin Farrell, arrives onDecember 13, 2011 just in time to take a bite out of the holidays on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™, DVD, Digital and On-Demand. Inspired by the 1985 gothic horror cult classic and directed by Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl,Mr. Woodcock), all hell breaks loose when High School Senior Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) discovers his charming new neighbor Jerry (Farrell) is a Vampire preying on his neighborhood.
Packed with un-rated bonus features, the Blu-ray release includes a fang-in-cheek mockumentary “Peter Vincent: Swim Inside My Mind,” a hilarious satirical look at David Tennant’s egocentric “rock star” anti-hero character, Peter Vincent; “The Official How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie Guide;” “Squid Man: Extended and Uncut;” “Frightful Facts & Terrifying Trivia;” “Deleted Scenes;” and a “Gag Reel.” Also included is the uncensored “No One Believes Me” music video directed by Fright Night’s director Craig Gillespie and performed by hip hop recording artist Kid Cudi.
Proclaimed, “A Bloody Good Time” by Trey Alexander (Fandango.com), Fright Night features an all-star cast including: Colin Farrell (Horrible Bosses, Crazy Heart), Anton Yelchin (Star Trek, Terminator Salvation), Toni Collette (Academy Award® nominee for The Sixth Sense, and Golden Globe® winner for United States of Tara), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Kick Ass, Superbad), David Tennant (Dr. Who, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) and Imogen Poots (Jane Eyre, 28 Weeks Later).
Charley (Anton Yelchin) is a high school senior who’s on top of the world—he’s running with the popular crowd and dating Amy (Imogen Poots), the most coveted girl in school. But trouble arrives when Jerry (Colin Farrell) moves in next door. He seems like a nice guy––at first. But there’s something not quite right, and no one else, including Charley’s mom (Toni Collette) seems to notice. After his classmates start to mysteriously disappear without a trace, Charlie discovers that there is more to his new neighbor than meets the eye. Now he must do all he can to protect his mom and girlfriend Amy from meeting the same fate as his best friend Ed Thompson (Christopher Mintz-Plasse).
Fright Night will be available to own and for in-home viewing as follows:
3-Disc Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack (1 Blu-ray 3D + 1 Blu-ray + 1 DVD with Digital Copy)
Suggested Retail Price: $49.99 U.S./$56.99 Canada
Bonus Features:
*Gag Reel (unrated)
*Kid Cudi Music Video (uncensored version) – “No One Believes Me”
*Squid Man – Extended & Uncut
*Peter Vincent: Swim Inside My Mind
*The Official “How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie” Guide
*Frightful Facts & Terrifying Trivia
*5 Deleted Scenes with intros by Director Craig Gillepsie (Ride to School; *Neighborly; Once A Freak, Always A Freak; Midori & Kerosene; and Back at the Penthouse)
2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack (1 Blu-ray + 1 DVD)
Suggested Retail Price: $30.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
Bonus Features:
*Gag Reel (unrated)
*Kid Cudi Music Video (uncensored version) – “No One Believes Me”
*Squid Man – Extended & Uncut
*Peter Vincent: Swim Inside My Mind
*The Official “How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie” Guide
*Frightful Facts & Terrifying Trivia
*5 Deleted Scenes with intros by Director Craig Gillepsie (Ride to School; *Neighborly; Once A Freak, Always A Freak; Midori & Kerosene; and Back at the Penthouse)
1-Disc DVD (1 DVD)
Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada
Bonus Features:
*Gag Reel (unrated)
*Kid Cudi Music Video (uncensored version) – “No One Believes Me”
*Squid Man – Extended & Uncut
Digital (3D, High Definition & Standard Definition)
Suggested Retail Price: 3D & High Definition = $39.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada
Standard Definition = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada
Bonus Features:
*Gag Reel (unrated)
*Kid Cudi Music Video (uncensored version) – “No One Believes Me”
*Squid Man – Extended & uncut
*Live in Las Vegas: An Interview with Peter Vincent
*The Official “How to Make a Funny Vampire Movie” Guide
On-Demand
For additional information and pricing, please contact your television provider or favorite digital retailer. Bonus features are not offered with On-Demand.
SPECIFICATIONS:
STREET DATE: December 13, 2011 (Direct Pre-book: 10/18 / Distributor Pre-book 11/1) Feature Run Time: 106 minutes Rating: U.S.: R/Canadian: CE: 14A (Bonus Material Not Rated) Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray: 1.78:1 (Feature Film) DVD: 16×9 Widescreen (Feature Film) Audio: Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray: 7.1 DTS-HD MA (English)/ 5.1 Dolby Digital (French & Spanish) DVD: 5.1 Dolby Languages& Subtitles: English and French
Read more at We Are Movie Geeks

WIN: Billy Connolly’s "Route 66" on Blu-ray

Billy Connolly’s Route 66 drives onto Blu-ray and DVD on the 10th October 2011 from Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd. Also available to buy and download from iTunes.

From the all-new ITV1 series, produced by Maverick Television, Billy Connolly’s Route 66 sees Billy turn Easy Rider as he follows a lifelong dream and makes the iconic 2488 mile journey from Chicago to Santa Monica.

Route 66 is the embodiment of the American Dream. Millions have travelled its epic trail from the skyscrapers of Chicago and St Louis, through the Wild West badlands of Oklahoma and Texas, the Grand Canyon and deserts of New Mexico and Arizona, to the beaches of the Pacific and the excesses of LA.

Set to a soundtrack of some of the best American music of the 20th century, Billy also brings his banjo along for the ride. With his unrivalled ability to tell a great story, he brings to life both the big and small moments of American history: the world changing events and the comic asides.

Billy says:

“Travelling Route 66 has always been a lifelong ambition – It brings together some of my favourite things -my trike, my banjo and America. The ultimate road trip”

On his way, Billy meets disciples of Route 66, from seasoned “roadies” to first-timers living the dream. And he isn’t just passing through: anything could happen on the way… from swapping his Boom trike for a horse saddle in Texas, to soaring above LA in a helicopter with the city’s traffic patrol.

Includes over 40mins of exclusive, never been seen before, DVD extras – featuring Billy’s hilarious video diary from his road trip.

Billy Connolly’s Route 66 is the definitive DVD and Blu-ray, also available to buy and download from iTunes this Autumn.

All you need to do for your chance of winning a copy of the Blu-ray is email contest@obsessedwithfilm.com with the e-mail header Billy Connolly’s Route 66. Make sure you leave your full name and address and please only enter if you are 12 or over. Winners will be notified in November.

Source (and more information): What Culture!

Dougray Scott and Leonard DiCaprio in Turing biopic

Leonardo DiCaprio is the frontrunner to play Alan Turing in a forthcoming biopic of the British mathematics genius and codebreaker, reports Deadline. On Tuesday, Warner Bros bought a script by first-time screenwriter Graham Moore that centres on the second world war hero.

Turing was largely written out of 2001's Enigma, perhaps the best-known portrayal of the Bletchley Park codebreakers, even though he was the leading figure at Britain's wartime decryption centre. Michael Apted's film presents a character named Jericho, played by Dougray Scott, who clearly resembles the man often credited as the father of computer science and artificial intelligence. However, Jericho is a heterosexual who becomes a love interest for Kate Winslet's character in the film, while Turing was a homosexual who was prosecuted by British authorities for his sexual activities after the war and forced to undergo "chemical castration" as an alternative to prison.

Moore's screenplay is titled The Imitation Game and has reportedly interested Oscar-winning director Ron Howard, though no deals have yet been struck. It has the ring of awards season about it: Hollywood has been keen to find a worthwhile successor to Tom Hooper's The King's Speech since the British historical drama struck gold at this year's Oscars, though Turing's tale has a more downbeat ending.

Turing, whose statue stands at Bletchley Park, was arrested in 1952 after police learned of his sexual relationship with a young Manchester man. He made no denial or defence during his trial and, rather than go to prison, accepted injections of oestrogen intended to neutralise his libido.

Turing's mental health is said to have taken a further turn for the worse when he was shut out of Britain's security operations – he had continued to work part-time for GCHQ, the post-war successor to Bletchley Park – due to Britain's post-war alliance with the US and concerns over cold war spying. He was found dead by his cleaner on 8 June 1954. The coroner's verdict was suicide, though Turing's mother believed he had accidentally ingested cyanide after a chemistry experiment. In 2009, Gordon Brown made an official public apology on behalf of the British government for the way Turing was treated after the war.

Source: The Guardian

Gerard Butler: "Of Mice and Mavericks" and "Hunter Killer" updates

Of Men and Mavericks, starring Gerard Butler, is looking for extras in Santa Cruz, CA
A new untitled movie, tentatively being called Of Men and Mavericks, began filming in Santa Cruz, CA this week and the production is still looking for extras who can appear in a few key scenes.

The movie is about big wave surfer Jay Moriarity, who died in a diving accident just one day before his 23rd birthday. Moriarity was well known in Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay and Pacifica, CA for conquering the world-famous surf break Mavericks, just outside Half Moon Bay, as a teenager.

The movie stars Gerard Butler as Moriarity’s mentor, Rick “Frosty” Hesson, and Jonny Weston as Jay.

The movie needs hundreds of surfers and families for two large scenes including a day at the boardwalk, with Moriarity and his future wife, Kim and a “paddle-out” commemorating Jay’s death.

The surfers will be filmed at Steamer’s Lane and Pleasure Point, and the family scenes will be at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The extras won’t be paid, but there will be drawings for prizes.

If you are interested, email the promotional extras coordinator at 831management@gmail.com, and provide your name, age, email and phone number.

As of yesterday, the movie was filming on West Cliff Ave in Santa Cruz, where they will continue shooting for the next two weeks before moving production to Pacifica, Half Moon Bay and other locations south of San Francisco.

If you spot the movie filming, let us know about it at olv@onlocationvacations.com!

UPDATE: They now have all of the extras they need for these scenes, extras are no longer needed.

UPDATE: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk scene is scheduled for Oct. 24 or 25.
Source: On Location Vacations



Gerard Butler lined up for Hunter Killer
Scottish actor Gerard Butler is in talks to star along with Avatar actor Sam Worthington in the upcoming film Hunter Killer.

The 41-year-old actor has been approached to appear in the film - which is based on a novel, 'Firing Point', written by George Wallace and Don Keith, reported Contactmusic.

The movie follows a rogue Russian general who kidnaps his country''s president, who is pursued by an untested submarine captain - the role Butler is in negotiations for - and Worthington is to play the naval commander.

It is not yet known who would play the general or the Russian president. Antoine Fuqua will direct the movie, which is scheduled to begin shooting in January.
Source: MSN News
This story is also reported, with variations, by IGN Movies, Metro and Empire Online

Wrongnote is making all the right moves

With singles from their debut album Reach Out, Disconnect getting lots of airtime, and their performance on the BBC Introducing stage at T in the Park in the U.K., Wrongnote has certainly been making many connections with listeners. Frontman Callum Smith and guitarist Sean Biggerstaff (Harry Potter) recently discussed the band, the music, and "conjunctivitis" in an exclusive interview with The Ticker.



Along with Smith and Biggerstaff, bassist Greig Duncan, and drummer Stewart Robison round out the band's lineup. Wrongnote formed in 2008.

"The driving force is basically me," said Biggerstaff, "I've pulled the strings all along, without the others' knowledge, and once I was finally happy with the set up, I condescended to actually join the band."

But Smith paints a different, albeit probably more accurate, picture. "Sean regularly disappeared and re-emerged in a more aggressive form, like conjunctivitis or kidney stones […]the driving force has been a collective idiocy: The idea that, somehow, music is how we can best define ourselves," he recalled.

The same humorous, yet self-effacing attitude can be found in their lyrics. Smith describes the band's sound as "Heavy drums, fidgety bass, jazz chords and post-melody vocals."

The album is certainly eclectic in terms of musical style, which reflects the fact that all band members have different musical influences. "I think the only thing all four members agree on is that Prince is really good," Biggerstaff said.

Reach Out, Disconnect is a fantastically well-rounded album in that it offers listeners a spectrum of songs completely independent from one another stylistically, while still producing a sound that is uniquely Wrongnote.

"Innocent Eyes" and "Coca-Co-Codamol" are alluring and hauntingly melodic tracks, while "Devil Give Misdirection" and "You've Got Some Optic Nerve" are grittier, fast-paced, and aggressive, and yet still maintain that warped melodious quality found in the aforementioned tracks.

The lyrics can be quite raw, "Painkiller/ separate my church from state/ lay my liver out to waste/ I need a taste," and sometimes cryptic.

According to Smith, the songs "are about various forms of deviance" and they involve a mixture of both real experiences and fiction.

"For example, ‘You've Got Some Optic Nerve' really is a love ballad aimed at a games console but ‘Snake. Snake? Snake!' is definitely not about Snakes," he said.

Given that the band members have such different tastes and musical preferences, makes recording and performing quite difficult.

"Our process, if you could even call it that, is volatile and often unpleasant," said Biggerstaff. Smith even admits that the band has deserted more songs than they have completed.

But for now, the system works.

"What keeps us going is the consistency with which the end product, seems to us, to justify the means," concluded Biggerstaff.

One thing they all seem to agree on is the identity of the band: it's about the sound, not the look. "We're set apart purely in the passive sense: We don't concern ourselves with anything other than making noises that we like." Biggerstaff said.

"Maybe it's nice that some people take pride in their appearance and turn up to all the gigs that like-minded people show up at. It's just not us and never will be," Smith added.

Indeed, the album is proof that they're not concerned about following any particular music trends or conventions, which is what makes the album so refreshing to listen to and enjoy. The songs don't fit into any one particular mold and are obviously the result of differing personalities, and yet Disconnect still manages to hit all the right chords.

As for the future, the band plans on playing more festivals and perhaps releasing a single.

"There are also whispers of a second album but that won't be until we're completely happy with our newest batch of songs," Smith said.

Reach Out, Disconnect is available for digital download on iTunes, Amazon mp3, and on the band's website, where listeners can hear about the latest news and announcements at http://wrongnote.co.uk

Source: The Ticker

Weekly schedule for Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Mo 10/17: Maria Bello, Joel Schumacher
Tu 10/18: Carey Mulligan, Paula Poundstone
We 10/19: Carla Gugino, Jake Johnson, Joe Matarese
Th 10/20: Tom Lennon, Sarah Paulson
Fr 10/21: Jeffrey Tambor, Iman

Mo 10/24: Bryan Cranston, Amos Lee
Tu 10/25: Don Rickles
We 10/26: Jonah Hill, Chris Young

David Tennant - awards, nominations, new projects

David Tennant nominated for RTS North West Award
David Tennant has been nominated for a RTS North West Award in the category Best Performance In A Single Drama for his role in Single Father.
However David is in a stiff category as he is up against Christopher Eccleston for Accused, John Simm for Exile and Suranne Jones for Scott and Bailey. Ironically they are all actors who have starred in Doctor Who too!
The website MENMedia, who announced the awards, described this category as too close to call.
David Tennant's nomination is for RTS North West and not the main Royal Television Society Awards which are given out in the spring. However it is still a significant nomination. These regional awards are similar to BAFTA in that, as well as the main BAFTA awards there are also awards given by various regions (e.g. BAFTA Scotland and BAFTA Wales) which focus on productions made in their areas.
Single Father was shown on BBC One for four consecutive weeks starting on Sunday 10th October 2010.
The Single Father section of DavidTennantOnTwitter.com has full information about the drama.
The winners of the awards will be announced at a red carpet event on Saturday 19th November. It is not known yet whether or not David will attend the awards but he will be in the area two days previously as he is co-hosting the Children In Need concert.
Source: David Tennant on Twitter


Too disabled for kids?
Comedian Laurence Clark is to be the subject of a new BBC One documentary about being a disabled parent.
Former Doctor Who David Tennant has just recorded his narration for the 50-minute film, provisionally titled Disabled Parents: Are You Having A Laugh? and scheduled for broadcast in February.
The film follows Laurence and his wife, Adele, as they prepare for the birth of their second child.
Both have cerebral palsy, and six years ago, when they had their first son, Tom, they were criticised by doctors for being irresponsible.
For their second child, Adele was determined to have a natural birth – even though both her and Laurence have their condition because of their own difficult births.
IWC Media, which is producing the documentary, said: ‘In this film, Laurence, Tom and Adele lay bare the joys and hurdles of disabled parenting.
‘As if they didn’t have enough to deal with, just four weeks after Adele’s due date, Laurence is set to appear at the Edinburgh Fringe. Will Laurence be able to balance family life with his passion for comedy?’
It’s thought the documentary will air in a 10.40pm slot
Read more at Chortle


David Tennant Voted Greatest Doctor Of All Time



David Tennant has been voted as the greatest Time Lord of all time in a poll conducted by Gigwise.
Tennant beat out Christopher Eccleston and current Doctor Matt Smith to top the chart, with an average rating of 9.27 out of ten.
Eccleston, who played the Doctor in 2005, averaged 7.24, with Smith getting 7.10.
Tom Baker, at 6.42, and Peter Davison, with 5.35, rounded off the top five.
At the bottom, readers voted Colin Baker as the worst ever Doctor, with an average rating of just 3.60.
Above him came Sylvester McCoy in tenth with 4.04, with Paul McGann, who played the Doctor in a one-off show in 1996, taking ninth with 4.15.
Over 105,000 people took part in the poll, which was comfortably won by the tenth Doctor
Source: Gigwise

James McAvoy - "Arthur Christmas" trailer | "Trance" location photos

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS Theatrical Trailer
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS stars the voices of James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Ashley Jensen, and is directed by Sarah Smith.

Synopsis: Set on Christmas night, the story of Arthur Christmas at last reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child’s question: ‘So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?’ The answer: Santa’s exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the heart of the film is a story with the ingredients of a Christmas classic – a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns.

McAvoy leads the cast as Arthur, the good-natured but clumsy younger son of Santa. Arthur LOVES everything to do with Christmas; indeed, he is the only one in his family still captivated by the magic of the holiday. Laurie will play Arthur’s older brother Steve, heir to the reins, a cool, incredibly capable guy who has given the North Pole high-tech efficiency, military-style precision. Broadbent plays Santa, who pictures himself as the guy in charge at the North Pole, but is now more of a figurehead as the operation has outgrown him. Nighy plays Santa’s 136-year-old father, Grandsanta, a cranky old codger who hates the modern world, is always grumbling that Christmas ‘was better when I was Santa’ and has a tense relationship with Steve, who he calls ‘A postman with a spaceship.’ Jensen will play Bryony, a lowly elf from the Giftwrap Battalion, with an eager-to-please attitude and an obsession with wrapping and bows. Imelda Staunton rounds out the cast as Mrs. Santa, dedicated wife and mother to her husband and sons.

The movie will be released to theaters on November 23, 2011.


Source: Daemons Movies
Bleeding Cool News have similar info.



James McAvoy, Danny Boyle film 'Trance' in London - on-set pictures

Digital Spy have some photos of James McAvoy, filming "Trance" on location


Digital Spy
The Film Stage has more pictures and info.

Billy Connolly to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research

The comedian and actor Billy Connolly will raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research through an event in London on 6 November.

A Special Audience with Billy Connolly will take place at the Criterion Theatre, where audience members will be able to put questions to the performer.

Source, and more info Third Sector

Dougray Scott's 'Last Passenger' given the greenlight

Dougray Scott's Last Passenger marks the second script greenlit with the help of cash from U.K. studio facilities operator Pinewood Shepperton via its low-budget movie investment fund.

Written and directed by Omid Nooshin, the project is billed as a thriller and details the story of a doctor who finds himself on a runaway commuter train and also stars Kara Tointon.

Budgeted at just north of £1.2 million ($2.5 million), the movie is also bankrolled by Future Film and the BFI Film Fund.

Pathe is handling international sales and inked deal memos with nine territories including Russia, Brazil, Turkey and Portugal during this year’s Festival de Cannes on the back of a dummy trailer for the film.

Pinewood Shepperton is aiming to back four films a year from first-timers, with a combined budget of around $13 million.

Earlier this year, the group pushed cash into the Simon Pegg's A Fantastic Fear of Everything, co-directed by Crispian Mills and Chris Hopewell.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Alan Cumming - forthcoming appearances

Alan Cumming to Emcee Paul Taylor Dance Company Gala
Tony Award winner Alan Cumming will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Paul Taylor Dance Company's black-tie gala, to be held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on Thursday, March 15, 2012.

The gala performance will include the New York premiere of The Uncommitted - one of the season's three New York premieres - and Mercuric Tidings, a masterwork from 1982. The evening also honors the 50th anniversary of Aureole, hailed as the dance that launched a Golden Age.

There will be a seated dinner followed by a Dutch auction led by Sotheby's Hugh Hildesley and dancing with the dancers of the Paul Taylor Dance Company. Guests of honor at the performance and gala are Aureole original cast members Paul Taylor, Elizabeth Walton, Dan Wagoner, Sharon Kinney and Renée Kimball Wadleigh.

Cumming won the Tony Award for Cabaret and also starred on Broadway in The Threepenny Opera and Design for Living. He is also known for his role as Eli Gold on CBS' The Good Wife, for which he has received two Emmy nominations.
Source: Theater Mania


Alan Cumming et al aet for NYC's Metropolitan Room
The Metropolitan Room has announced revisions to its October lineup.

There will be two special editions of Jamie deRoy and Friends devoted to singer-songwriters on October 4 and 5, featuring Jeff Blumenkrantz, David Buskin, Marcy Heisler & Zina Goldrich, Jake Holmes, Lance Horne, Rick Jensen, Barry Kleinbort, Christine Lavin Shelly Markham, Amanda Yesnowitz, and Deborah Abramson. Guest performers will include Alan Cumming, Christiane Noll, Andrew Samonsky, Megan McGinnis, and Alysha Umpress.

Anastasia Barzee will perform a special CD release concert for her new recording The Dimming of the Day at 7pm on Sunday, October 16. The event will include numerous special guest appearances, including arranger and performer Gil Goldstein and bassist James Genus.

Other highlights of the month include Annie Ross (October 4, 11, 18, 25), Uptown Express (October 7), Marcus Simeone (October 9), Kelly Clinton (October 17), The Man In The Long Black Coat: Barb Jungr Sings Bob Dylan (October 18-29); Yvonne Constant in La Difference (October 20, October 29), Karen Oberlin (October 21), and Amanda McBroom (October 23, 24, 26, 27, 30).
Source: Theater Mania


Graham Norton Asks America "Would You Rather?"
Whoopi Goldberg, Cyndi Lauper, Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming, Scott Adsit and Judah Friedlander are among the panelists on the BBC America series, premiering Saturday, November 5

[via press release from BBC America]
UK's biggest talk show host fronts BBC AMERICA'S all-new original comedy panel show featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Cyndi Lauper, Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedlander and more

Graham Norton brings his trademark style of wit and humor to the all-new BBC AMERICA original comedy panel show Would You Rather? with Graham Norton. Based on popular British panel-style shows, each week celebrities and comedians are asked to contemplate and discuss ridiculous predicaments and moral quandaries.
Would you rather permanently lose your thumbs or a cousin? Would you rather land a plane on ecstasy or diffuse a bomb with a hangover? Would you rather eat dog food for a year or get shot in the knee?
After a hilarious and candid debate the panelists must ultimately decide what they'd rather do and Graham picks his favorite response. Would You Rather? with Graham Norton premieres on November 5, 11:00pm ET/PT as part of BBC AMERICA's Ministry of Laughs comedy block. It immediately follows an original episode of The Graham Norton Show which airs in its regular timeslot at 10:00pm ET.

Would You Rather? with Graham Norton is currently filming in New York City in front of a live studio audience. Academy Award-winner Whoopi Goldberg, Grammy Award-winner Cyndi Lauper, Emmy Award-winner Stanley Tucci, The Good Wife's Alan Cumming and 30 Rock's Scott Adsit and Judah Friedlander have all decided they'd rather spend an evening with Graham and his guests than hobnob at fancy celebrity parties. The full line-up of panelists will be announced later this week.

"When they asked me, would I rather sit in London watching television with my dogs or spend three weeks in New York with some of the brightest and funniest people in the States - it was a very easy decision to make," said Graham Norton, host of the UK's biggest talk show The Graham Norton Show, which premieres its tenth season on Saturday, October 29. Graham Norton has won five BAFTA Awards and six British Comedy Awards in his career.

The series is a So Television (The Graham Norton Show) production for BBC AMERICA with Graham Stuart (The Graham Norton Show, Pixelface, The Joan Rivers Position), Jim Biederman (The Onion News Network, The Tom Green Show, The Kids in the Hall) and Graham Norton serving as executive producers.

"BBC AMERICA asked us if we would rather come to our favorite city in the world to make a hilarious panel show with brilliant comedians. Or not. We're going to get back to them soon," said Graham Stuart Executive Producer and Co-Founder of So Television.

Read more at The Futon Critic
Also mentioned by Theater Mania


Alan Cumming, Andrew Rannells, et al. to Appear at Abingdon Theatre Company's 19th Annual Gala
The fabulous Lypsinka, Tony Award-winner Alan Cumming (CABARET, "The Good Wife"), and Tony nominees Alison Fraser (SECRET GARDEN, ROMANCE/ROMANCE) and Andrew Rannells (THE BOOK OF MORMON) are set to appear at Abingdon Theatre Company's 19th Annual Benefit Gala on Monday, October 24 at Espace (635 West 42nd Street), honoring Charles Busch, Julie Halston and Timothy P. Speiss. Beth Leavel, a Tony winner for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE will emcee the gala. Carl Andress, who helmed Busch's THE DIVINE SISTER, THE THIRD STORY, DIE MOMMIE DIE! and SHANGHAI MOON, directs.

The evening honors playwright and actor Charles Busch (THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE, THE DIVINE SISTER, THE LADY IN QUESTION, VAMPIRE LESBIANS OF SODOM); actress Julie Halston (THE DIVINE SISTER, HAIRSPRAY, GYPSY, THE WOMEN, OLIVE AND THE BITTER HERBS); and businessman Timothy P. Speiss, who currently serves as Abingdon's Chairman of the Board.

Proceeds benefit Abingdon Theatre Company's mission to develop and produce new plays by American Playwrights.

Lypsinka (a.k.a. John Epperson, actor and author of the Abingdon hit MY DEAH) first met her public in as part of the bill of Busch's VAMPIRE LESBIANS OF SODOM. Lip-synching to meticulously edited snippets of performances by female film, television and theater stars, Lypsinka has headlined several acclaimed solo shows including THE BOXED SET, AS I LAY LIP-SYNCHING, A DAY IN THE LIFE, and THE PASSION OF THE CRAWFORD.

Alan Cumming was recently nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the CBS series "The Good Wife." His Broadway credits include revivals of THE THREEPENNY OPERA, DESIGN FOR LIVING and CABARET for which he garnered a Tony Award.

Alison Fraser, who originated the role of Sister Walburga in Busch's THE DIVINE SISTER, is best known for her Tony-nominated performances in THE SECRET GARDEN and ROMANCE/ROMANCE.

Andrew Rannells earned a Tony nomination for his performance as Elder Kevin Price in THE BOOK OF MORMON and has also appeared on Broadway in HAIRSPRAY and JERSEY BOYS.

Beth Leavel earned a Tony nomination for her work in last season's BABY IT'S YOU. Other Broadway credits include ELF, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, MAMMA MIA and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE for which she received a Tony Award.

Honorary Gala Chair is Daryl Roth, producer of THE DIVINE SISTER and six Pulitzer Prize-winning plays, including AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY and THREE TALL WOMEN.

Since 1993, Abingdon Theatre Company has developed and produced 64 new plays by American Playwrights exclusively. Their actors, directors, designers, producers and dramaturgs have collaborated with more than 200 playwrights to develop original plays. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Jan Buttram and Managing Director Samuel Bellinger, the company provides a safe home in which playwrights collaborate with other theatre artists and receive audience feedback through the utilization of a four-step development process: Page 2 Stage, Staged Readings, and Workout Labs, which culminate in Studio and Mainstage Productions. Currently at Abingdon Theatre Company is John Morogiello's new play BLAME IT ON BECKETT, set to open October 16, directed by Jackob G. Hofmann.

Tickets to Abingdon Theatre Company's 19th Annual Benefit Gala on Monday, October 24 at Espace (635 West 42nd Street), 6pm-10pm, begin at $350. To purchase tickets, please contact Heather Henderson at Abingdon Theatre Company, 212-868-2055.

For more information, visit www.abingdontheatre.org

Source: Broadway World
Also mentioned on Playbill

Weekly schedule for Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Mo 10/10: Betty White, Claire Danes
Tu 10/11: Steven Wright, Monica Potter
We 10/12: Jim Parsons, Cake
Th 10/13: Kathy Bates, Anthony Head
Fr 10/14: Liza Minnelli, Adam Pally

Mo 10/17: Maria Bello, Joel Schumacher
Tu 10/18: Paula Poundstone
We 10/19: Carla Gugino, Jake Johnson, Joe Matarese
Th 10/20: Tom Lennon, Sarah Paulson
Fr 10/21: Jeffrey Tambor, Iman