Barbera in, Mueller out at Venice fest

As the Venice Film Festival is going through many changes, fest hub Hotel Excelsior will stay open. ROME -- The energy play that saw Alberto Barbera replace Marco Mueller as artistic director in the Venice Film Festival is really a move that could intensify the competition between venerable Biennale and also the upstart Rome Film Festival.On 12 ,. 27, the board from the fest's parent org, the Venice Biennale, hired Barbera, ousting Mueller following an eight-year stint. The move was motivated by variations over perceived inadequacies within the fest's infrastructure that increased right into a war between Mueller and the boss, lately reupped Biennale prexy Paolo Baratta.Barbera, a properly-respected film critic who offered around the Cannes jury this year and heads Italy's National Film Museum in Turin, is well experienced within the issues of politics around the Lido.An old Turin fest topper, Barbera headed Venice between 1999 and 2001, as he was all of a sudden kicked through the Silvio Berlusconi-brought government towards the dismay of practically the whole Italian film community. In 2002, Barbera guest-directed the Telluride fest, proclaiming to his warm rapport using the U.S. film world.Barbera certainly has got the cachet and also the experience to help keep Venice afloat, as well as to relaunch the Lido by helping Baratta to deal with its longtime logistical worries. Unlike Mueller, he's also better situated to operate alongside Baratta, with whom he loved an even collaboration throughout his previous stint in the Lido's helm.In the first claims following the appointment, Barbera underlined that Baratta presently has a concrete plan in position for that Lido, that has been affected within the last 2 yrs with a gaping hole in the earth, named "ground zero," on the website from the planned new multimillion dollar Palazzo del Cinema. Construction was stopped after asbestos was located on the site, using more than $50 million wasted along the way.A more compact structure has become planned, but it is not apt to be completed prior to the fest's next edition. August. 29-Sept. 8.There's additionally a possible future snag engendered by introduced makeovers in the Hotel Excelsior, the fest's industry hub. The hotel's management firm, EstCapital, has clarified the Excelsior won't shutter in 2013, as some Italo industryites expected. But EstCapital has not indicated once the work will occur. On an optimistic note, your accommodation Des Bains, the fest's other historic hub, will reopen in 2013.Barbera also stated discussions they are under way between your Biennale and native hotels to lessen their prices, considered a significant Venice sore place.Meanwhile Mueller is controlling to accept helm from the rival Rome Film Festival, by having an ambitious intend to raise the worldwide profile and industry standing from the Eternal City's upstart event.Rome, in comparison with Venice, has two spanking new facilities, the Renzo Piano-designed Auditorium, along with the city's new contempo arts museum, by another trendy architect, Zaha Hadid, that will get to be the hub of their budding Business Street mart.Getting two dueling top-tier fests in Italia is recognized as madness by some, but Rome's arrival in this area six years back has demonstrated a proper stimulus for Venice. A choice on who'll go ahead and take Rome reins isn't expected before mid-The month of january.The struggling in Italia is within stark contrast using the apparent stability in the fests in Cannes and Berlin, which earlier this year extended the mandates of particular cake toppers, Thierry Fremaux and Dieter Kosslick, showing the important need for continuity in building and maintaning the type of solid industry rapport that's type in the progressively cutthroat global fest arena. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

Alwaleed to base Alarab in Bahrain

LONDON -- Saudi billionaire Alwaleed bin Talal, News Corp.'s second largest shareholder after the Murdochs, has picked Bahrain as the base for his new Arabic news channel, Alarab. Bahrain's media regulator, the Information Affairs Authority, said late Tuesday that the satcaster will launch December 2012 with a 300-strong staff, led by Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Alarab will be located in the new Media City complex in Bahrain's capital Manama. The channel, which will compete with Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiya, inked a deal with Bloomberg earlier this year to supply biz news. As well as his News Corp. shareholding, Alwaleed also owns stakes in Apple, Disney, Time Warner and Twitter, as well as running TV and film company Rotana, whose senior execs will also make the move to Bahrain, the IAA said. Contact Leo Barraclough at leo.barraclough@variety.com

Seem mixing: Which makes it all feel real

'Rise from the Planets from the Apes''Green Lantern''Transformers: Dark from the Moon'Great moments in seem mixing come when sounds collected throughout the seem-editing process are utilized in ways that in some way make anything else inside a movie appear much more real and vibrant.Its not all film asks a seem mixer to complement precisely what's on screen as well as so what can be clearly referred to within the script. On "Tree of Existence," Terrence Malik gave seem mixer Craig Berkey more abstract direction."Sometimes we'd be requested to produce a mix that expressed what awareness is. You'd need to type of feel the right path through it. We'd try something, let Terry participate in it, get feedback after which alter it over and over as a lot of film was readily available for us to determine.InchBerkey describes mixing "The Tree of Existence" as "a really organic procedure that you'd really just use of the type of film. You are trying to produce a mix that's just as much by what the crowd thinks because it is by what the director thinks. I do not think there's every other director who works by doing this.""Martha Marcy May Marlene" and "Shame" have lots of quiet moments, and both use dialogue moderately, opening the doorway for seem design. While "Shame" uses the strategy to build up a remote atmosphere because of its troubled protagonist, "Martha Marcy May Marlene" is applicable similar techniques to some creepy, thriller-like effect."We wanted all of the little fur on the rear of your neck to face up," states Coll Anderson, seem mixer for "Martha Marcy May Marlene." "Therefore we drawn back on using a lot of sounds which forced the crowd to kind of lean directly into hear things therefore we had sounds which were heard off screen making you need to see what's making that seem.""Drive" also follows a primary character who's mostly alone. Despite opening by having an intense chase sequence, a lot of the relaxation from the story develops tension through carefully selected and mixed sounds."When Ryan Gosling's character delays for an additional character to leave a pawn shop after slowly destroying it, you hear the ticking of the clock becoming even louder because we desired to result in the audience feel how lengthy only a couple of minutes could be when you are waiting there," states Dork Patterson, seem mixer for "Drive."On "War Equine," states seem re-recording mixer Gary Rydstrom, this mixture of war sounds isn't as gritty or realistic as it may happen to be. Rydstrom and helmer Steven Spielberg, who labored together around the graphic "Saving Private Ryan" battles, were taking a different aesthetic. "Saving Private Ryan" investigated battle's immediate impact, so its moments were nasty. "War Equine" concentrates on the long-term results of fight against individuals who go through it.InchIn a lot of ways this can be a movie with classic movie sensibilities," states Rydstrom. "So you are remaining using the figures and also the sounds of war are extremely frequently heard within the distance rather than the foreground from the film."Eye around the Academy awards: Vfx, Seem & Editing Thesps join f/x party Longtime teams keep work fresh Randy's Rules to find the best seem Seem editing: Always make dramatic sense Seem Mixing: Which makes it all feel real Digital tools add quality, spend less Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Fincher's Dragon Tattoo Hits London

Craig, Mara and also the relaxation walk the carpetDaniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Stellan Skarsgard and also the relaxation walked the red-colored carpet working in london last evening for that GirlWithThe Dragon Tattoo, the brand new film from David Fincher. The rain might have been flowing lower, however the film nonetheless received a warm reception in the crowd - and hey! A harsh climate can be a excellent fit with this particular film.United kingdom PremiereAs practically everybody knows right now, the film is another adaptation of Stieg Larsson's extremely popular book series, withDanielCraig starring as investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist and Rooney Mara playing hacker savant Lisbeth Salander. Stellan Skarsgard,Robin Wright, Joely Richardson, Christopher Plummer and Geraldine James also star. The Lady Using The Dragon Tattoo has gone out within the UKon December 26. Just the one thing to blow away any residual Christmas spiderwebs.

Andie MacDowell's Daughter Named Miss Golden Globe 2012

Rainey Qualley Rainey Qualley, the daughter of actress Andie MacDowell, has been named Miss Golden Globe, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced. Ricky Gervais to host Golden Globes again Qualley, 21, follows in the footsteps of Melanie Griffith, Laura Dern and Rumer Willis, who have all previously handed out trophies at the annual ceremony. The honor is traditionally given to the daughter or son of an established actor. The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards, to be hosted for a third time by Ricky Gervais, will broadcast live on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 8/7c on NBC.

Hot Teaser Trailer: Madagascar 3: Europes Most Wanted

With the first two grossing more than $1.1 billion worldwide, it’s a cinch we were going to see more of these guys. This time they travel through Europe with a circus. Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen and Cedric the Entertainer return, with Frances McDormand in pursuit as a French law enforcement officer (shades of Fargo?). Noah Baumbach scripted, Eric Darnell directed. Opens June 8.

Help Us Figure Out A Mystery

What does this document mean?Some days at Empire Towers are not filled with the arrival of secret, faked CIA documents that carry with them an air of promise and mystery. And then there are days like today, where the image you see below shows up in our inbox.Now, unfortunately, our contact was very specific that we can't tell you what this transcript is exactly. Who gave it to us? It was sent from an encrypted server with no possibility of tracing it (we have a very high tech system here that involves a divining rod and a hamster in a wheel). It was passed to us exclusively as part of a clue to an upcoming event. Which specific event? Can't say.Click the image above to see a larger versionBut we did hit Google and searched the name listed in the transcript and came up with another document, one posted to Wired's blog yesterday. Make of that what you will, and let the speculation begin!

Wizarding Realm Of Harry Potter's Hollywood Plans Formally Introduced

Accio Wizarding World Hollywood! Following a week of gossips and speculation, the great folks at Warner Bros. introduced today the Wizarding Realm of Harry Potter is formally visiting Universal Galleries Hollywood. Virtually no time line on once the magic's set to begin at this time, however the very concept of riding broomsticks and chugging frozen butterbeer in sunny California has got the whole MTV Movies team pretty stoked. Not just that, you will find plans within the activly works to expand around the Wizarding World's current Orlando presence. Pretty awesome day for "Potter" fans throughout! Obtain the full pr release following the jump, thanks to /Film. Hollywood, CA (12 ,. 6, 2011) Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts today introduced a partnership to create The Wizarding Realm of Harry Potter the enormously popular designed entertainment atmosphere which first showed in Orlando in June 2010 to Universal Galleries Hollywood. The 2 companies also introduced their intends to considerably expand The Wizarding Realm of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. The Wizarding Realm of Harry Potter at Universal Galleries Hollywood is going to be as impressive as what's been produced in Orlando and it is likely to transform tourism in La for many years in the future. It will likely be a completely immersive atmosphere for the whole family which brings the tales of Harry Potter to existence and it is faithful towards the visual landscape from the films, together with a regal Hogwarts castle for everyone because the focal point from the designed atmosphere. The Wizarding Realm of Harry Potter at Universal Galleries Hollywood is going to be produced with similar resolve for authenticity and also the same degree of talent and assets since it's Orlando counterpart. I'm delighted the Wizarding Realm of Harry Potter continues to be very popular with fans because the opening in Orlando this past year and i'm certain the teams at Universal and Warner Bros. brings their expertise and focus on detail to Hollywood to create this new experience just as exciting, stated J.K. Rowling. The Wizarding Realm of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opened up in June 2010 and immediately taken global attention. It's a spectacularly designed land which includes Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade and multiple designed points of interest. Specific particulars of their expansion is going to be introduced with time. The announcement in our partnership with Universal to create The Wizarding Realm of Harry Potter to Hollywood and expand what already is available in Orlando is most likely the very best holiday gift we're able to share with the scores of Harry Potter fans worldwide, stated Craig Meyer, Chairman & Boss, Warner Bros. Everybody associated with these projects is devoted to ongoing the enchantment of J.K. Rowlings masterful books because they were introduced to existence on the watch's screen within our eight films and devoted to stretching the miracle from the experience for decades of fans in the future. It is really an incredible moment for Universal Galleries and also the countless visitors visiting our amusement parks, stated Ron Meyer, Leader & COO, Universal Galleries. The Harry Potter tales are the most effective in our time and that we are honored to grow our Orlando experience and produce The Wizarding Realm of Harry Potter to Hollywood, forever altering family tourism in La. The Wizarding Realm of Harry Potter is definitely an entirely new degree of designed entertainment which brings the tales of Harry Potter to existence in incredible ways, stated Tom Williams, Chairman and Boss, Universal Parks and Resorts. We're thrilled to have the ability to share this knowledge about our visitors in Hollywood. And that we are thrilled to consider what's been produced in Orlando to increased levels. Inform us that which you think about the "Harry Potter" news within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

Notables nixed from WGA kudos

The Writers Guild of America has held tough on qualifying scripts for its awards, with 88 eligible screenplays -- 33 in the adapted category and 55 in the original category. The guild's restrictions -- requiring that scripts be produced under WGA jurisdiction and that the scripts be formally submitted for consideration -- leaves several notable candidates out of the WGA awards mix, including "The Artist," "Beginners," "The Iron Lady," "Margin Call," "Martha Marcy May Marlene," "Rango" and "Take Shelter" in the original category. Exclusions in the adapted field include "Albert Nobbs," "Carnage," "Jane Eyre," "My Week With Marilyn," "Sarah's Key" and "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy." The Hitfix site first reported the exclusions Friday. The WGA had no immediate comment on the exclusions. Ballots for the WGA Awards began arriving this week in member mailboxes. Such exclusions are a longstanding practice at the WGA. The WGA's eligibility rules differ from those of the Directors Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild in that the DGA and SAG both allow productions outside their jurisdiction to compete for their awards. Leaders of the WGA, which is the ultimate arbiter of screenplay credits, have said in past years that they don't intend to loosen the qualifying rules. "We hope that the rules help persuade nonmembers to become members," former WGA West prexy John Wells said earlier this year. Christopher Nolan brought up the issue at the WGA Awards show in February in his acceptance speech for winning the original screenplay trophy for "Inception" when he asserted that he had been "crushed" when he found out that his "Memento" script -- which was Oscar-nommed -- was ineligible for the WGA Awards a decade ago. "Nothing is more important than recognition by my peers," he added. "I hope next year the person who stands up here can give thanks without qualification." "Inception" was nommed for an Oscar but lost out to "The King's Speech," which wasn't eligible for a WGA award. The WGA is set to announce its nominees on Jan. 5 and its awards show will be held Feb. 19 in simultaneous ceremonies in Los Angeles and NY. Some of the notable candidates in the original category are "50/50," "Bridesmaids," "Cedar Rapids," "J. Edgar," "Midnight in Paris," "Rampart," "The Tree of Life," "Win Win" and "Young Adult." Significant candidates in the adapated category inlcude "The Descendants," "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," "The Help," "Hugo," "The Ides of March," "The Lincoln Lawyer," "Moneyball" and "War Horse." Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Los Angeles To Get Its Very Own Harry Potter Theme Park

Fantastic news, west coast Potter fans! You can stop saving up for that pricey trip to Orlando because Universal is planning on opening a second Wizarding World of Harry Potter location at Universal Studios Hollywood. The question is: How long will you have to wait to sip your first novelty cup of butterbeer? According to the L.A. Times, Universal doesn’t expect to open the park until at least 2015. The company is expected to reach a deal with Warner Bros., the studio behind the Potter film franchise, within the next few weeks. It is not yet known where Universal Studios Hollywood will fit the Wizarding World, which features an impressively detailed Hogsmeade Village (complete with Honeyduke’s candy store, Three Broomsticks Inn and butterbeer carts), Hogwarts castle (which houses the Forbidden Journey ride) and two other attractions — the Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff. Earlier this month, Movieline had the pleasure of visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where we spoke to Rupert Grint, Warwick Davis and director David Yates in honor of the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 home release. [via IGN]

Fox slots 'Finder' behind 'Idol'

Fox is giving its "Bones" spinoff "The Finder" and reality skein "Mobbed" the plum post- "American Idol" berths in its midseason sked revamp. The net has also set January preem dates for its midseason dramas "Alcatraz" and "Touch" and animated comedy "Napoleon Dynamite." Returning comedies "Bob's Burgers" and "Breaking In" are set for March bows. In the midseason sked unveiled Thursday, Fox set Jan. 18-19 for "American Idol's" two-night premiere of its 11th season. It will also have a special Sunday telecast on Jan. 22 following Fox's coverage of the NFL's NFC championship game. As "Bones" takes a break with new episodes until spring, "Finder" bows on Jan. 12 at 9 p.m. behind a repeat of "Bones." The following week it will have the benefit of a lead-in from the second part of "Idol's" season preem. "Alcatraz" opens with a two-hour seg on Monday Jan. 16 before setting in to its regular 9 p.m. berth behind "House" the following week. "Alcatraz" will wrap its run with a two-hour finale on March 12. "Touch" moves into the Monday 9 p.m. slot as of March 19. But the Kiefer Sutherland starrer will have a special preview airing Jan. 25 at 9 p.m. behind "Idol." "Napoleon Dynamite" joins Fox's Sunday toon block on Jan. 15, airing in multiple slots that night before setting into its regular post-"Simpsons" 8:30 p.m. slot on Jan. 29. "Dynamite" will vacate that spot as of March 11 when the sophomore season of "Bob's Burgers" moves in. "Breaking In," the comedy that cheated death earlier this year by earning a second-season pickup months after it was canceled, will be paired with a repeat of "New Girl" from 8-9 p.m. on Tuesdays starting March 6, when "Glee" takes a rest until the spring. Fresh segs of "New Girl" remain in the show's regular Tuesday 9 p.m. slot, paired with "Raising Hope." "Mobbed" returns to Fox's sked in the Wednesday 9 p.m. berth as of Jan. 4. It will reap the rewards of an "Idol" lead-in starting Feb. 1. Fox also said it will bring its new comedy "I Hate My Teenage Daughter," which has been much-maligned by crix, back in the spring with a slot following "Idol." The show bowed Wednesday following "The X Factor" to so-so numbers and will finish its initial run on Dec. 21. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com