Pilot Season: Sean Patrick Thomas Joins the CW's The Selection

Davy Jones, the front man of the 1960s TV singing group The Monkees, has died, TMZ reports. He was 66. Jones passed away from a heart attack at Martin Memorial Hospital in Marin County, Fla. See other celebs we lost this year Read More > Other Links From TVGuide.com The Ed Sullivan ShowThe Monkees

Ratings: American Idol On Top; ABC Lineup Hits Lows

Brett Butler Brett Butler has joined the cast of Charlie Sheen's FX series Anger Management, Deadline reports. Brett Butler on addiction, Charlie Sheen and working with Chuck LorreLoosely based on the eponymous film, Anger Management stars Sheen as Charlie, a former baseball player, and Selma Blair as his therapist. Butler will recur as the bartender at Charlie's local hangout.Ironically, Butler and Sheen are both alums of Chuck Lorre series that were affected by their respective star's trouble with substance abuse. Sheen was famously ousted from Two and a Half Men, while Butler starred on Grace Under Fire, which was abruptly canceled by ABC because of Butler's personal struggles.FX sets premiere dates for Charlie Sheen's Anger Management, Russell Brand's talk show"Brett is a great comedic voice and Charlie and I thought she'd be strong in that role," Anger Management showrunner Bruce Helford said. "Besides the obvious irony of her being in one of Chuck's show's too.What do you think of Butler's casting?

'Act of Valor,' Tyler Perry's 'Good Deeds' Top Weekend Box Office

Duncan Stewart, director of casting at National Artists Management Company, discusses opening every submission and what he really wants to see inside a headshot. casting Duncan Stewart headshot NY city open distribution Duncan Steward, director of casting, discusses what he wants from an actress inside a general meeting, mainly truth, likability, and insufficient ego. advice casting Duncan Stewart NY city tips Duncan Stewart, director of casting, discusses what he needs from an audition and customary mistakes stars make. advice auditions casting Duncan Stewart NY city Alaine Alldaffer stops working the actual role of the casting direcor. Alaine Alldaffer casting casting director Gray Gardens play stage theater Casting director Alaine Alldaffer discusses casting "Saved" and all sorts of myths about becoming an actor in NY City. Alaine Alldaffer casting director New york city theatre play saved NY casting director Bernie Telsey describes what stars have to know before walking into an audition. (Part a couple of) Bernie Telsey casting director We spoken with casting director Mark Teschner about focusing on cleaning soap operas. (Part 1 of three) General Hospital Mark Teschner cleaning soap opera NY casting director Bernie Telsey describes how you can give your very best audition. (Part 2 of two) Bernie Telsey casting director We spoken with casting director Mark Teschner about focusing on cleaning soap operas. Only need beautiful people apply? (Part 2 of three) General Hospital Mark Teshner cleaning soap opera We spoken with casting director Mark Teschner about who audition for cleaning soap operas. (Part 3 of three) General Hospital Mark Teschner cleaning soap opera Videos for that Back Stage News & Features section.

'This Means War' Writer Breaks Down The New Action Comedy

"This Means War" owes much of its power to the chemistry between Chris Pine, Tom Hardy and Reese Witherspoon, but there's another essential ingredient in place: screenwriter Timothy Dowling ("Role Models," "Just Go With It"). MTV News spoke with Dowling to get the scoop on the tools of his trade with regard to his work on "War." Although the Hardy/Pine/Witherspoon action-comedy didn't bring in huge numbers in its opening weekend, audience polls at RottenTomatoes.com and CinemaScore reflect much higher satisfaction with the film than what the critics had to say. "I always feel like writing scripts is putting a puzzle together," said Dowling. "The fun of ['This Means War'] was that we've all seen buddy action movies, so it would be kind of fun if we start out act one feels like typical buddy action movie and near the end of act one, we're thrown into romantic comedy. That to me was the initial hook." Dowling explained that despite the challenges of blending action, comedy and romance, his main objective was to make the audience care about the characters, and making them as realistic as possible within the confines of several outlandish scenarios that play out in the story. "For me the movie is about what's more important: Your best friend or the love or your life? And what happens when those come into conflict with each other? So Chris and Toms relationship was really important to me and to maintain that," Dowling said, adding that he wanted the woman they fight for to be more than the typical "hot chick" character we've all seen before. "It was very important to me because there is a a version of this where the female lead is just beautiful and for me shes got to be much more than that or were not going to want to see these guys go after her," he said. "You have to buy that shes so great that they would possibly give up their friendship for this person. Reese [Witherspoon] is kind of the epitome of those things." Tell us what you thought of "This Means War" in the comments and on Twitter!

What J.K. Rowling's New Book Might Take From 'Harry Potter'

Hallelujah, J.K. Rowling is formally delivering a completely new book. Sure, there's no title yet, it doesn't have a very release date, as well as the tease of "further particulars will probably be introduced later aroundInch can frequently mean numerous things. Nevertheless the author whose only legacy at this time around might be the beloved "Harry Potter" books is finally delivering a completely new novel -- this time around around for grownups -- which i possibly could not are more pleased. Even though this novel will skew towards an adult audience, you'll find still many aspects of "Harry Potter" that Rowling would bring over in to a new series. As I am taking a chance this new book probably won't include children around "Harry Potter" did, you'll find still all components that labored great because series and may likely are more effective still inside an adult story. Strong Female Figures It's not surprise that Rowling likes covering women that holds how much alongside the males. Hermione Granger was possibly more efficient than her two cohorts, Harry and Ron, and he or she frequently was most likely probably the most mature character in the trio. I am hoping Rowling includes similarly strong female figures in their new novel, potentially however role. An Appreciation Triangular Okay, so fans make Harry, Ron and Hermione's partnership into really reality laptop or computer actually was (interesting, Harry and Hermione shippers), but you will find still many love triangles that occur inside the "Harry Potter" series. From Lily, James and Snape to Harry, Cho and Cedric, there's plenty of romantic tension happening in Rowling's previous series. Well, why not go full-scale this will let you full-blown love triangular in the novel specific towards grownups? I'm not talking about which causes it to be the plot point where it hinges just like "The Twilight Saga" or "The Hunger Games," but we're grownups now Rowling. We could try taking some loving. An British Landscape Both Familiar And New Rowling might have seen a lot of the world now due to her many "Harry Potter" book tours, but her home continues to be Uk. "Harry Potter" is definitively an british story, and Allow me to see Rowling's next book follow. That being mentioned, "Harry Potter" walked the street between featuring familiar (King's Mix Station) and unfamiliar (Hogwarts) locations within the united kingdom. Here's wanting that Rowling takes us around the similar journey in their approaching novel, and takes us somewhere we've never been before. Magical Elements You'll find likely people available who'd prefer it if Rowling's new book did not involve miracle in most forms. I am not among people people. In most probability, Rowling will remain away of miracle in their adult book to have the ability to differentiate it within the "Potter" series, but if you have been various ways miracle can manifest itself. While Let me see Rowling tackle a totally new material, it may be nice to own some type of supernatural component at play. Darkness The darkness in "Harry Potter" can be a large part of what made the books so effective. I've extended mentioned the modification in "Potter" occur in "Cup of Fire," the very first book inside the series that has an unhappy ending, nevertheless the darkness can be found beginning means by "Sorcerer's Stone." It's tough you may anticipate that Rowling would write a simple and fluffy adult novel after crafting one of the pitch-dark children's series of all time, but it'll be truly exciting to find out how dark she can create a book without requiring to pay attention to a young audience. Are you currently presently as excited for Rowling's new book after we are? What aspects of "Harry Potter" would you like to see continue into this new novel? Reveal inside the comments section below or on Twitter!

Edgar Wright Directing The Night Stalker

Johnny Depp will stalk the night...Last July, it was announced that Johnny Depp had added yet another potential project based on a classic series, signing on to develop a new film from The Night Stalker with Disney. Now the project has a director, in the shape of Shaun Of The Dead and Scott Pilgrim man Edgar Wright.Depp, working with Infinitum Nihil producing partner Christi Bembrowski, is planning to live out another of his childhood fantasies, taking over the role of tabloid reporter Carl Kolchak, as made famous by Darren McGavin in the set of TV Movies and eventual spin-off series back in the 1970s.Kolchak's nose for a story always saw him sniffing up some very dangerous trees, with his investigations leading to run-ins with werewolves, vampires, zombies, aliens and other supernatural beasties. It's no surprise that X-Files creator Chris Carter always cited the character as one of his major influences and scored Gavin to star in a couple of episodes of that show. The actor also cropped up in a cameo standing at a reporter's desk in the short-lived 2005 remake TV series.Now Depp is looking to be Kolchak, and Wright is aboard to help oversee the film from the very start. Since there's no writer attached yet, we can all assume that this one won't be happening immediately. Both Depp and his new directing pal are busy men, with the actor involved in numerous films bubbling away on the backburner as both star and producer and Wright has a few gestating projects of his own, including Ant Man for Disney/Marvel and, assuming they're not both too occupied squabbling on Twitter or watching cat videos online, writing The World's End with Simon Pegg. Between, that is, Simon's visits to the Enterprise for Star Trek 2. He likes that ship. It's exciting.Depp will next be seen in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows, which will spook us all on May 11.

Academy awards: Puss In Boots Chris Burns

Cari Lynn is definitely an AwardsLine contributor Puss In Boots has not acquired his ogre-killing ways (nor his hairballs) in the eponymous feature film debut — a prequel to Puss supporting role in 2004s Shrek 2. Still, director Chris Burns’s affection for that swashbuckling feline, to express nothing from the energetic marketing and honours-savvy support of DreamWorks Animation, has assisted propel the film to some Best Feature Animation Oscar nomination. I loved the smoothness of Puss in Boots the moment he made an appearance, states Burns, who had been mind of story on Shrek 2 and continued to direct Shrek The 3rd. I cant take credit because of its origin [in Shrek 2], but when the smoothness made an appearance, everybody desired to write for him. Ive always loved his devilish feeling of adventure — and Antonio Banderas persona being released of the small, adorable package. Although Puss In Boots bowed October 28 with lower-than-anticipated amounts at $34.7 million (blame competition from Game 7 around the globe Series together with a East blizzard), it eventually handled to claw its method to a domestic cume thats four occasions its opening (over $135 million), assisted by unflagging support of DWA. But when there is a super-sized push for that film now, Puss In Boots had dubious origins. The idea of the feature-length film have been thrown around for some time, coming in the plan of the direct-to-video release in 2008. That modest plan didnt last lengthy. There came the realization this character deserved more, Burns describes. Finally, a draft from the script was written in the manner that people could really build this story on. Which was after i came on. With Puss 17th century French roots lengthy forgotten, Burns and the team switched in the volume around the cats Zorro complex. Additionally they reprised Jack and Jill in the Shrek franchise and put in other identifiable names in the story book world, for example Humpty Dumpty and Jack of Jack and also the Beanstalk — only they turned each personality upside lower. We attempted to produce a mythology around these figures. You may heard these tales becoming an adult, however the figures didn't come out while you thought they'd, Burns jokes from the inventive but diabolical Humpty Alexander Dumpty (voiced by Zach Galifianakis) and also the remarkably maternal Jack (Billy Bob Thornton), whos bothering Jill to begin a household. But counter with other animated movies, they desired to stay away of popular culture references. Sometimes they work if done very, perfectly, however, you be in danger, for another, of nipping the crowd from a film, Burns states. We wanted to create a timeless classic. After which, by accident, Burns obtained what is been known as DreamWorks ace in the hole.It had been in regards to a year . 5 into development when Guillermo del Toro, whod just finished writing The Hobbit, stopped through the studio and was proven a snippet from Puss In Boots. As Burns describes having a chuckle, He requested us if he could take part in this, also it was like, Ah, sure, Guillermo. I know we are able to find something, Burns states. Del Toro grew to become executive producer. I was really inspired by him,” Burns states. “We exercised a method for him in the future in once every couple of several weeks or once we had new things to exhibit him. When we needed anyone to bounce ideas from, he was ever present, and when we'd an issue i was dealing with, get married get Guillermo around the red-colored phone — our emergency phone — and request him suggestions about that which you use a particular character or scene. It had been like getting our very own film school. Burns cites del Toros participation within the most memorable figures. Guillermo loved the dreamy quality of Humpty Dumpty. He recommended we push that further, lead him to a lot more like Da Vinci. When requested about DreamWorks Animation chief Jeffrey Katzenbergs participation, Burns gushes: He would be a great partner about this film. He understood i was opting for different things. Even in early stages, whenever we were searching to locate our voice and hang a dark tone, he gave us lots of leeway, much space to achieve that. He saw us fall on our face a couple of occasions and ongoing to aid us. Burns states Katzenberg even led the best jokes, stating the scene where Puss recounts his childhood story to Cat Softpaws (voiced by Salma Hayek), also it puts her to rest. The technique that DreamWorks is applying, also it is important, is the fact that their movies all come with an individual stamp and feel for them,” Burns stated. “Theres no studio brand. For me personally, all of the films possess a unique undertake things. Its be a filmmaker-driven studio. DWA has additionally perfected the skill of producing sequels, even though Burns undoubtedly states hed like to perform a follow up, he's not aware associated with a plans for just one yet.But Burns is not saying much to questions regarding the Oscar chances for Puss In Boots and it is mute about anything including rival animation factory Pixar/Disney Animation Studio Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter, who just transpires with mind in the animation branch from the Academy. Call that reticence superstition or clever politics. Or possibly its just, felines got your tongue? (Chris Burns photo: Getty Images)

The Walking Dead Bosses Answer Burning Questions

The Walking Dead, Andrew Lincoln subsequently Shooting up a barn filled with zombies may be the least from the survivors' worries once the Walking Dead returns Sunday at 9/8c on AMC. Since Shane has had a stand against Ron (Andrew Lincoln subsequently), the audience will start to crack underneath the pressure of selecting sides. Plus: New risks arise when the group realizes they are only some of the those who have made it the zombiepocalypse. TVGuide.com sitting lower with executive producers Robert Kirkman and Glen Mazzara to obtain the scoop around the other half of Season 2: Walking Dead's Kirkman describes what's ahead after shocking midseason finale The way the audience be divided following a barn massacre? Glen Mazzara: The group's divided between Ron, that has been ready hope that they are likely to find Sophia, and Shane (Jon Bernthal), who felt it would be a mistake and feels that he's a much better leader than Ron. That competition will divide the audience. It causes lots of tension in the actual first scene. A part of the one thing to think about is the fact that Shane didn't understand that Sophia is at there, so he's also coping with that loss, that is interesting because we could pull another side from Shane and find out that he's really unclear about what went down, by what this means the truth that he knows that he's done something which has broken the audience, however in a strange way was suitable for the audience. Will the audience begin taking sides between Ron and Shane? Robert Kirkman: Well that's already happened to some extent. I am talking about, we had the folks obtain the guns and go to the barn with Shane. It had not been just Shane which was carrying this out factor. As well as, Shane and Ron happen to be at odds to some extent up up to now already. However Shane feels oddly vindicated by finding Sophia and showing that Ron was wrong and she or he wasn't available, and that he should not happen to be doing that. So that's just likely to fuel that fire getting into these next couple of episodes. Will the truth that Lori's baby may be Shane's begin to eat away at Ron? Kirkman: It's proof of his strength like a character that they can bottle that up and take care of it the way in which he's handled it with regard to the audience. He's by taking your information and merely coping with it and using the issues that modify the others instead of the issues affecting him. Mazzara: Ron thinks that baby is his. Shane thinks that baby is his. Both males are ready to visit remarkable way to win that argument. Walking Dead's Sarah Wayne Callies: Lori's afraid Ron and Shane might kill one another Hershel (Scott Wilson) already said excitedly to obtain off his farm. Since he's lost the majority of his family once again, what exactly are we likely to see for him? Mazzara: Everything Hershel thinks continues to be removed away and that he is handling a massive loss: not just losing his family, but the lack of hope. He realizes, in a single sense, he's been an idiot, that he's been holding onto false hope. He hits a minimal point after which needs to make options about how exactly does he return. So how exactly does he survive with regard to his kids, with regard to the folks on his farm? Because he struggles to create his long ago, that'll also put him in opposition with Shane. Kirkman: While he's suffering this lack of hope and seeking to cope with his problems, it really leads us right into a new threat also it causes the audience to come across something that's likely to be very harmful. There's likely to be a thrilling aspect in this new half of year. If Hershel does pressure the audience to depart, will Glen (Steven Yeun) choose to stay and become with Maggie (Lauren Cohan)? Mazzara: That's careful analysis be produced. What goes on to Glen and Maggie? What's interesting would be that the occasions around the farm affect that relationship. That narrative is extremely, extremely important to us. It had been only a fun, desperate romp between two lonely people, and after Sophia's dying, they are tossed together inside a higher way, but additionally being torn apart by occasions. The Walking Dead Boss: Shane's living on lent time -- but has not worn-out his welcome yet If Glen and Maggie would be the couple who leaped directly into the sack, can you say Daryl (Norman Reedus) and Carol (Melissa McBride) would be the slow burn? Mazzara: Darryl and Carol possess a, quite interesting relationship that the audience can be really surprised to determine the way it evolves within the back 1 / 2 of this year. Nobody can anticipate what is going to happen. I understand there's lots of expectation on certain fronts, but what goes on inside a particular scene can be really, very surprising which will completely seem sensible with regards to the 2 figures. It is a good scene. You realize the scene I am speaking about? Kirkman: Ok last one. I understand precisely what you are speaking about...Where Glen and Maggie really are a beacon of hope within this dark world - uniting, finding love, apparently being happy despite all odds - Carol and Darryl are a few of our most broken figures within the show. They've certainly resided through a few of the worst stuff, and to allow them to find one another will probably be a somewhat intriguing and nuanced relationship, but whether it will likely be romantic remains to appear. AMC grows Walking Dead's Season 3, announces return dates for Mad Males, The Killing Will this news that Shane wiped out Otis (Pruitt Taylor Vince) find yourself getting out? Kirkman: Well it's already come to a particular extent. Dale knows, therefore it is certainly hanging available. Whether everybody else will discover will have to stay a mysterious for some time. The field of The Walking Dead is not the world, and it is something which you are going to need to recognize. In the finish during the day when we are watching this show and go, "My dear God, everybody's likely to discover that Shane wiped out this person.Inch I am talking about that's horrible, but that is our planet. The planet within this show is an extremely different place where people coping completely different problems. In the finish during the day, maybe it's a huge deal and it might not. Mazzara: Right and what's important within the next area of the months are the occasions which are happening throughout individuals episodes. We are less thinking about searching back at old business. There's lots of new action, activity and drama that's happening during these six episodes. We hit the floor hard. There exists a surprising twist in the finish from the first episode back, by the finish of individuals six episodes it feels as though an enormous apocalypse. What else could you inform us concerning the new risks the audience will face? Mazzara: Let us say this: During these new episodes, the farm is no more safe. The outdoors world is crashes in. Our figures happen to be misled like Hershel was misled into thinking they are safe, into convinced that the tragedy around them won't affect them. That isn't true, so when Shane breaks open the barn, that bubble is damaged. The Walking Dead returns Sunday at 9/8c on AMC.

Canana launches genre pic franchise

Marking its entry into British-language production, Mexican production-distrib Canana is beginning a genre franchise directed by Russia's enigmatic Makinov. The initial film inside the franchise, "Child's Play," is at publish-production. "Play" stars Vinissa Shaw ("Two Fanatics") and Ebon Moss ("Damages") just like a husband and also the pregnant wife visiting Mexico for a lot of quiet, only to be attacked by maniacal children.Canana is developing an actioner together with a thriller with Makinov, mentioned Canana producer Pablo Cruz.The mysterious Makinov is known to by Canana just like a Russian-American which has were living in Mexico. On set, he wears a mask together with huge worker jacket referred to as a Makinov."Through anonymity I am able to perform anything whatsoever, tackle any genre rather than hesitate to fail," Makinov is reported as saying.Televisa has all Mexican rights and may release "Play" in Mexico via distrib arm Videocine.Getting repped Gerardo Naranjo's Canana-produced "Miss Bala," Fox Intl. Prods. will handle worldwide sales outdoors Mexico on "Child's Play," showing it to customers within the European Film Market. Canana works by actor-helmers Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna and producer Pablo Cruz. "Genre allows a freedom you do not get when you are telling an account of the nation in poverty or perhaps the mountain information on two kids," Cruz told Variety.He added: "Also, it's fun, and we must build more effective brands, make movies with worldwide appeal which don't always define us just like a Mexican production company." Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com