SAG Board of Directors Approves Merger Package With AFTRA

The SAG board of directors Friday approved a proposed merger with AFTRA, bringing the two unions a step closer to uniting, eight decades after they were founded on opposite coasts and during very different times. The move was expected, as was the new unions name: SAG-AFTRA.The proposal, which includes a Merger Agreement and Constitution, was approved 87.1% to 12.9%. According to a SAG statement, these documents outline the merger plan, dues and finance structure, membership requirements, and other basic attributes of the successor union.The package now goes to AFTRA, whose board will vote tomorrow or perhaps Sunday, depending on how much time is needed for discussion.I would like to congratulate the SAG National Board members on overwhelmingly approving the merger plan proposal at their meeting today, said AFTRA president Roberta Reardon.She added I look forward to our discussion tomorrow at the AFTRA National Board meeting.AFTRAs board is expected to approve the proposal as well probably by an even higher margin than SAGs board. Merger opponents failure to achieve at least 25% No vote on the board means that they will be unable to require that the ballot referendum include a minority report.If approved, SAG president Ken Howard and AFTRA president Reardon are likely to make a high profile announcement regarding the balloting during the nationally televised SAG Awards on Sunday. According to the SAG statement, the proposal would be sent to the two unions membership for a vote on or about February 27, with a ballot return and tabulation deadline of March 30.It takes a 60% affirmative vote within each union in order to pass a merger referendum. AFTRA met those thresholds during attempts in 1998 and 2003, but SAG did not. The Hollywood Reporter

Pilot Season: CBS Orders Jerry Bruckheimer Drama Trooper

Jerry Bruckheimer CBS has bought an plane pilot for Jerry Bruckheimer's Trooper. The primary one-hour drama concentrates on a wise mother who becomes a NY condition trooper. Heroes scribe Aron Eli Coleite will write and executive-produce alongside Bruckheimer (CSI franchise, The Astounding Race) and Jonathan Littman. KristieAnne Reed may also be attached becoming an co-executive producer. Pilot Season: CBS orders comedy within the Muppets's Nick Stoller CBS formerly acquired dramas Elementary, a modern day to experience a Virtual Detective, as well as the legal series Baby Large Shot, along with the untitled Nick Stoller comedy.

Neil Patrick Harris: Im Searching Toward Calling David Burtka My Hubby

First Released: The month of january 18, 2012 1:53 PM EST Credit: Getty Images La, Calif. -- Caption Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka attend this year's Outfest Opening Evening Gala of Gun Hill Road in the Orpheum Theatre, La, on This summer 7, 2011Neil Patrick Harris is searching toward your day as he and fiance David Burtka are no more known to as partners. I am not the greatest fan from the word partner: It either implies that we operate a business together or were cowboys, Harris told Out magazines Love Problem, in excerpts launched on Wednesday to gain access to Hollywood. Boyfriend appears fleeting, like maybe we met two days ago. The The Way I Met Your Mother star and David happen to be together for a long time, as well as in 2010 grew to become parents to Harper Sophistication and Gideon Scott, twins, who have been born via surrogate. With all of they be part of existence, NPH suggested that they're approaching altering their legal definitions for one another. Ive been saying spouse as lengthy as Ive had the opportunity to. I believe its just a little self-deprecating and clearly defines which were inside a relationship, but it might be nice to express my hubby, he told the mag. Neil accepted towards the mag he was the one that fell first for that fellow actor, who's now a correspondent for E!. I initially fell for David harder than he fell for me personally. I had been deeply in love with him before he was comfortable saying it, and i believe that talks to the past encounters. I recall saying, I believe I really like you, and that he was like, Thats great, which isn't always what you would like to listen to, Neil recounted. However I appreciated his honesty in not moving too fast and saying something while he felt obliged to. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Grey's Anatomy Star Jessica Capshaw Expecting Third Baby

Jessica Capshaw Jessica Capshaw is pregnant along with her third child, the Grey's Anatomy star tweeted Tuesday. "It's with profound happiness and sheer delight that @Christopher_Gav which i understand that another sweet Gavigan baby is along the way!Inch Grey's Anatomy star Jessica Capshaw welcomes young girl Capshaw, the daughter of actress Kate Capshaw, and her husband, Christopher Gavigan, currently have a 4-year-old boy, Luke, together with single-year-old daughter, Avoi Augusta. They couple married in 2004. Unsure yet on whether this pregnancy will affect production on Grey's, nevertheless the series has rarely skipped a beat through the pregnancy of the other series stars, including Ellen Pompeo, Sarah Came, Chandra Wilson, Chyler Leigh in addition to Capshaw throughout her previous pregnancy.

Ugly Betty, True Bloodstream Alum Grant Bowler to Star in Syfy's Defiance

Grant Bowler Grant Bowler has arrived the key role in Syfy's new series Defiance, the network introduced Tuesday. Based on the network's release, the sci-fi series includes a world where humans and aliens must learn how to live together with an exotic new Earth that's been changed by "alien terra-developing machines." Refer to it as Cowboys & Aliens 2.? The Ugly Betty and True Bloodstream alum will portray Jeb Nolan, an old marine who lost his family throughout the alien conflict. After wandering the harmful wilds from the " new world ", Jeb turns into a lawman inside a busy frontier town. Browse the relaxation of present day news "Grant's charming charm and the depth being an actor lead him to an ideal anchor once we build the ensemble with this sweeping adventure series," stated Mark Stern, leader of original content for Syfy. "We are very excited to possess him come along about this incredible journey." The series, slated to enter production in April, is written and executive created by Rockne S. O'Brannon (Warehouse 13). Defiance is going to be combined with a multiplayer video game, that will run at the same time using the show.

Ough Gervais: Countdown Of His Best Golden Globes Jokes

Let us not pretend that Rickey Gervais was his old, flame-tossing self on Sunday evening in the 2012 Golden Globes. He left his scorching commentary, vicious jokes and demon-may-care hilariousness this year, and rather shipped an interesting performance that left most down unruffled, all egos in tact, and several audiences disappointed. Yet Gervais on the so-so evening still creates an entertaining experience. He known as Colin Firth, perhaps the best guy on the planet, a racist puppy puncher. He in comparison the Globes to Kim Kardashian: noisy, trashy, drunk and simply bought. He asked Justin Bieber's manhood. Good occasions, all. At MTV Movies, Ryan J. Downey counted lower the host's finest moments from the evening. Check out his full listing of Rickey Gervais' best Golden Globes jokes now! And look for the 2012 Golden Globes those who win!

AMC Grows Walking Dead's Season 3, Announces Return Dates for Mad Males, The Killing

Andrew Lincoln subsequently, Jon Hamm AMC has broadened the approaching third season from the Walking Dead, the network introduced Saturday. The cable funnel has purchased 16 new episodes for Season 3, up in the six in Season 1 and 13 in Season 2. The hit zombie drama is presently in the center of its second season, which returns on Sunday, February. 12 at 9/8c. Jon Hamm announces Mad Males Season 5 premiere date AMC also introduced premiere dates for that long awaited returns of Mad Males and also the Killing. Mad Males, as series star Jon Hamm leaked earlier this year, will return on Sunday, March 25 at 9/8c having a two-hour Season 5 premiere. The Killing will even start its year having a two-hour premiere, on Sunday, April 1 at 8/7c. (Coincidence it returns on April Fool's Day? Discuss.) The murder-mystery drama moves to the regular timeslot, 9/8c, the next week. Are you currently excited for additional Walking Dead, Mad Males and also the Killing?

First trailer for Wes Anderson's Moonlight Kingdom

The very first trailer has arrived online for Wes Anderson's transitional phase comedy Moonrise Kingdom, and when you were not formerly keen on the director's kookily offbeat style, chance are this will not function as the film to modify your mind!The film is placed among a brand new England island community within the mid- '60s, and informs the storyline of a set of twelve-year-olds who fall madly in love, create a secret pact after which elope together in to the backwoods. However, an enormous off-shoreline storm is brewing, and also the government bodies are anxious to recuperate the runaways before it eventually hits.Have a look in the new trailer below... A clip could not become more cool whether it attempted, with its patented Anderson cast of figures, from preternaturally composed kids to spectacularly ill-outfitted parents, and fanciful soundtrack.However, even when Anderson is not your bad, there is no denying the great cast on show, including Bruce Willis, Erectile dysfunction Norton, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton and Jason Schwatzman. We particularly like the feel of Willis' local lawman, and Murray's lengthy-suffering husband and father.Moonrise Kingdom arrives in america on 25 May 2012, having a United kingdom release expected later within the summer time.

Zooey Deschanel, Channing Tatum to Host SNL in February

Zooey Deschanel, Channing Tatum Zooey Deschanel could make her Saturday Evening Live hosting debut on Feb. 11, NBC introduced Wednesday.The Golden Globe-nominated New Girl star will probably be grew to become part of by musical guest Karmin - a self-known to "swag pop" duo, best renowned for their unique covers of hit tunes like Chris Brown's "Have A Look At Me Now" and Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass." (For those who have never learned about them, we advise checking this out).See the relaxation of current day newsChanning Tatum, whose new film Haywire has been launched inside a couple of days, can also be making his SNL debut as host a couple of days before, on Feb. 4. First-time musical guest, Bon Iver, will need the Studio 8H stage alongside Tatum.

Is pic passion from fashion?

So why do democracy sounds great theoretically however the operation is this kind of bummer?Most Republicans I consult with complain that you will find nobody they would like to election for and many Dems feel similarly. It's a inspiring malaise that's also touched honours voters in Hollywood.Ballots are actually shipped to individuals in the Academy as well as the various guilds, but you'll find no management stirring up passionate support -- no "Titanic" or "The King's Speech." I've been a voting part of the Academy for quite some time, but I'm not proselytizing for nearly any film this year (Academy people aren't supposed to accomplish this anyway).Several fellow voters confide their "best picture" options will probably be motivated by strategy rather than appearance, to take advantage from the Academy's arcane preferential voting system. "I'm listing 'Bridesmaids' as No. 1 because I wish it to obtain the best picture list even though I don't believe it is the very best picture,' one Oscar voter notifies me.A film eliciting as handful of as 250 first-place votes (in the constituency of nearly 6,000) might capture a nomination this year, thus incentivizing just a little but committed minority.Some studio professionals apply the identical tactic to help their tentpole pictures, knowning that the franchises are frequently snubbed throughout honours season -- an amazing anomaly. The studio parking lots are saved full by "Transformers," the "Twilight" movies and "Harry Potter," avoid a movie like "The Artist," who've been employment-creator for starters neighborhood in Paris.It's the bankers, clearly, who appreciate the tentpoles, though there has been moments this season after they, too, had their doubts. The moneymen seem to visualize that any movie costing greater than $150 million will probably be a mechanical champion, however "Cowboys & Aliens" and "The Eco-friendly Lantern"showed up to prove them wrong.There has been some dire quotes on television lately stemming from Wall Street types who've out of the blue found that the film business is probably not so competent ultimately. Who mentioned it absolutely was?1 main factor from the solid marketplace is when there's of the routine in product success, just one message of 2011 was which will hit are impossible to forecast. History's finest accomplishments, coming back to "AlienInch or "The Godfather" or "Jaws," were almost accidents, not well-rehearsed blockbusters. Hollywood veterans understand that frequently the simplest approach to predict popular comes about when all the art galleries have passed down an activity.It was not tough to drag together the funding for "Cowboys & Aliens," but "The AssistanceInch will be a tough slog. Together with a sizable hit. "New Year's Eve" boasted major star wattage, as did "Ray Crowne," however along came "The Smurfs" and "Paranormal Activity." Overall, box office effects were off by 4% this season, and theater attendance has fallen by 20% from 1995. That could be why the kind of Procter & Gamble in the past made a decision to remain with mouthwash rather than show business. All clients expect from Crest gel could it be stays blue and helps make the teeth white-colored. Disney's anticipation were greater for "Mars Needs Moms" nevertheless the results probably had Uncle Wally producing within the grave.The key fuel for your movie customers are passion, not profitability. That's furthermore a vital reason 1000's people will probably be finishing our ballots now, rallying behind typically the most popular pictures. Or our semi-favorite pictures. Or otherwise people films which, whatever their flaws, reflected the passions from the stars and filmmakers -- in addition to their bankers. Contact Peter Bart at peter.bart@variety.com

A Running Diary of 'The Devil Inside' Screening: One of the Most Miserable Nights of My Life

Last night, I saw a movie called 'The Devil Inside.' I am not a fan of horror movies -- especially "found footage" movies like 'Paranormal Activity' -- because, frankly, they scare me. I was supposed to watch Liam Neeson fight wolves in 'The Grey,' but the person who determines my daily employment status suggested that I see 'The Devil Inside' instead. This would turn out to be one of the most miserable nights of my life. Along the way, I kept a running diary of my evening. 6:54 p.m. Upon my arrival at the Union Square Regal 14 in NY City, a man dressed like a priest greets me at the door to the theater. His crucifix seems less "clergy" and more "Madonna from 'Desperately Seeking Susan.'" 6:55 p.m. Not only is this not a critics' screening -- not only is there an actual audience in attendance -- but there's a DJ playing Michael Jackson's 'Thriller.' 7:09 p.m. The DJ is now playing 'Monster Mash.' I'm in my 30s and have never heard this song outside the three-day window surrounding Halloween. 7:10 p.m. The DJ interrupts 'Monster Mash' to ask if anyone in the crowd is from New Jersey. Two people start cheering. 7:15 p.m. The DJ -- who announces that his name is DJ Juanyto -- goes through every single borough of NY City in an effort to incite a more jovial response. DJ Juanyto succeeds when he gets to Brooklyn. 7:20 p.m. DJ Juanyto interrupts 'Up All Night' by Drake (featuring Nicki Minaj) to shout, "Let's hear it for Eli Manning!" 7:21 p.m. I'm halfway through my resignation letter. 7:30 p.m. Five men dressed as priests address the audience. Their leader says, "You chose to come here on your own free will." At least for me, this is not true. 7:30 p.m. He continues: "I do not endorse you seeing this movie." Something tells me I'll be saying the same thing in two hours. 7:34 p.m. DJ Juanyto states, "I'm going to shut up now, the movie is about to start." DJ Juanyto just received his biggest round of applause for the evening. 7:35 p.m. This movie is possibly being lit with a flamethrower. I can't even look at the screen because it's so bright. 7:36 p.m. Text informs us that the Vatican did not endorse this movie. This is an odd statement because I'm fairly sure the Vatican did not officially endorse 'Larry Crowne' either. 7:40 p.m. The gist of the story seems to be that in 1989 a possessed woman killed her entire family, except her daughter. In 2009, a film is being produced about the daughter and her attempts to reconcile with her possessed mother. 7:41 p.m. The daughter, Isabella -- whom I assume is the main character -- was just asked, "Why are you doing this film?" I don't think her pause of reflection is 100-percent acting. 7:45 p.m. The audience seems to be laughing at things that I don't think were supposed to be funny. 7:47 p.m. Isabella, asking her new exorcism-expert priest friend, Ben, about being possessed, inquires, "How do you know when it's real?" He responds, "You know." I promise you that this exact line of dialogue will be in the next Kate Hudson movie. 7:50 p.m. Isabella visits her institutionalized mother who killed three people, and she's put in a room with her, alone. I'll admit, it's a creepy scene, but it seems like an unlikely situation. 7:54 p.m. Why would a demon possess an institutionalized person? How is that fun? If I were a demon and I possessed someone, once they're institutionalized, I'm out. The fun and games are over. Seriously, why not move on and possess a world leader? Or a baseball player? Or the guy who plays McLovin'? 8:04 p.m. Ben gives a solo interview and states that, when he was a child, he found out that his uncle gave exorcisms. This, to him, was like finding out that his uncle was Superman. OK? 8:05 p.m. Ben states that, by the age of 18, he had seen four exorcisms. Which is ironic because by the time I was 18, I had seen four Superman movies. 8:14 p.m. Ah, yes, here's that "limber" possessed girl from the trailer. (And the picture at the top of this post.) 8:15 p.m. During her exorcism, there is vaginal bleeding. This does get the intended reaction from the audience. 8:18 p.m. The possessed girl breaks free and scales a brick wall. I'm now questioning if she's actually possessed or was bitten by a radioactive spider. 8:19 p.m. Ben yells at her, "Bow down before God!" Since he's a Superman fan, I'm pretty sure he meant to say "Zod." 8:22 p.m. This movie isn't very scary. And I scare very easily. 8:24 p.m. Ben's exorcism partner, David, is a smoker. I mean, come on, if you can't even control your own demons... 8:30 p.m. During an attempted exorcism of Isabella's mother, Maria, the mother utters a homophobic slur. Not only is Maria possessed, but her bigoted demon just cost her any chance of ever producing the Academy Awards. 8:35 p.m. I wish I were watching 'Star Wars.' 8:36 p.m. Apparently a person can catch a demon from a possessed person. Like catching a cold, or syphilis. 8:45 p.m. Demon-possessed priest with a gun alert! 8:55 p.m. OK, now that's an abrupt ending. 8:55 p.m. The audience is booing. They are booing very loudly. I must note: the audience just saw this movie for free. 8:56 p.m. Though they obviously thought the movie was silly, the audience was, in a weird way, kinda into the film until that ending. It's really remarkable. I've never seen an audience turn on a film that dramatically. 8:57 p.m. I have no idea if there's an after credits scene or not, but I'm not going to stick around to find out. I fear there might be a riot. 8:58 p.m. As I exit, a man in a priest costume hands me a card that asks me to Tweet about my thoughts on the film. I think I will do just that. 8:58 p.m. The man in the priest costume tries to hand the woman behind me that same card. The woman asks the man in the priest costume, "Hey, priest, what the fuck is up with that ending?" 9:00 p.m. I can only presume that, somewhere, DJ Juanyto is smiling. Mike Ryan is the senior writer for Moviefone. He has written for Wired Magazine, VanityFair.com, GQ.com, NY Magazine and Movieline. He likes Star Wars a lot. You can contact Mike Ryan directly on Twitter Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Keck's Exclusives: Elton John Not Available to Play Rachel's Dad on Glee

Elton John While Glee is finally getting around to casting Rachel Berry's gay adoptive dads for an upcoming episode, Elton John - long-rumored for one of the roles - is unavailable. "I'm currently meeting and talking to [actors]," confirms executive producer Ryan Murphy. "So many people are interested in playing them." But while Ryan loves Elton, he tells me, "He is, unfortunately, touring." Bummer. Still, it sounds as though Ryan will have his choice of big names for the often-mentioned but never-seen men. "I had no idea when I sent out word to a couple of agents that there would be so much interest," Ryan says. "But there is." According to Ryan, we'll likely get our first glimpse of the dads in late February or early March. Might they go on to be seen in the potential spin-off series still being discussed for Rachel (Lea Michele) and Kurt (Chris Colfer)? We'll just have to wait and see. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

History takes Nutopia's 'Mankind'

LONDON -- Nutopia, the shingle formed by former Discovery and BBC topper Jane Root, hopes to cement its reputation for ambitious docus aimed at the international market with its new commission for History, whose working title is "Mankind: The Story of All of Us." Greenlit by the U.S. web, the 12-hour show will debut later this year, with different versions made for individual local markets, a first for History. The channel, which has reinvented itself by screening more reality shows and fewer traditional history programs, claims worldwide distribution of more than 300 million homes. The new project kicks off with the Big Bang and traces the development of humans on a planet where most species end up extinct, said Root. She described the show as a "real action-adventure," encompassing astronomy and geology as well as the history of mankind. Planned as a 12-hour, six night TV event, the docu is produced by the same team as "America: The Story of Us," led by executive producers Root and Ben Goold. Screening is planned for later this year. Filming is up and running in such locations as China, South Africa, Morocco and the U.K. Root said: "There is a huge appetite throughout the world for documentaries such as this that tackle the biggest subjects on our planet in an entirely new epic style that combines extraordinary drama, CGI and interviews." Nancy Dubuc, prexy and general manager, History, added: "'Mankind: The Story of All of Us' has the same spirit of bold storytelling that made 'America the Story of Us' such a phenomenal success. But this time we're going even bigger." Nutopia is currently prepping upcoming Discovery skein "How We Invented the World," a five-part show examining technological breakthroughs such as the automobile and the cell phone, and also localized for individual markets. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Viewership for The Bachelor Premiere Declines 13 Percent

Rachel and Ben The Bachelor's Season 16 premiere averaged some 7.74 million viewers, down about 13 percent compared with a year ago, and its 2.4 rating among industry-prized 18-to-49-year-olds marked a 17 percent decline, preliminary Nielsen data shows. Catch up on The Bachelor with our recap of Week 1 ABC as well as CBS and NBC apparently figured that folks were recovered enough from their New Year's revelry to watch all-new lineups, as Two and a Half Men returned to its customary post as Monday night's most-watched show (with the highest demo). ABC's sneak peek of Celebrity Wife Swap lured 6.3 million people (2.4 rating) - well shy of Castle's usual audience size this season in prime time's final hour, although the demo was comparable. Check out the rest of the day's news on TVGuide.com And more than a footnote: basic-cable numbers always come in later, and they're likely to show large audiences for ESPN's coverage of the Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl - both of which turned out to be down-to-the-wire, high-scoring games. 8 p.m.CBS: How I Met Your Mother 10.22 million viewers (3.9 demo rating); 2 Broke Girls 12.05 million (4.6)ABC: The Bachelor 7.74 million (2.4) {8-10 p.m.}Fox: House [rerun] 3.68 million (1.2)NBC: Who's Still Standing? 5.57 million (1.5)CW: The Secret Circle [rerun] 992,000 (0.3) 9 p.m.CBS: Two and a Half Men 13.79 million viewers (4.4 demo rating); Mike & Molly 11.93 million (3.8)NBC: Fear Factor 5.90 million (2.4)Fox: House [rerun] 3.83 million (1.2)CW: The Secret Circle [rerun] 790,000 (0.3) 10 p.m.CBS: Hawaii Five-0 11.73 million viewers (2.9 demo rating)ABC: Celebrity Wife Swap 6.27 million (2.4)NBC: Rock Center with Brian Williams 3.85 million (1.2)