Thursday, September 29, 2011

Olympic games 2012 Campaign Revealed By Music Producer Mark Ronson

Music producer Mark Ronson is focusing on an Olympic games-sized project. The 3-time Grammy champion revealed the project Thursday as Coca-Cola also revealed its worldwide campaign for that 2012 Olympics working in london, the Connected Press reviews. The song would be the soundtrack for advertisements, digital platforms and throughout occasions in the Olympic games. Ronson recorded sports athletes from five nations to produce the anthem because they trained for that Games, sometimes affixing microphones to areas of their physiques, similar to their arms and legs. It combined the sounds using their training with music. Sports athletes incorporated ping pong player Darius Dark night, U.S. hurdler David Oliver and 400m runner Kseniya Vdovina, the Telegraph reviews. Based on the AP, some sounds incorporated a ping-pong ball as well as an arrow being launched from the bow. Ronson has created for Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen. Related Subjects Worldwide Mark Ronson

Disney's 'Lone Ranger' Close to Riding Again After Johnny Depp, Jerry Bruckheimer, Gore Verbinski Reduce Fees

This piece appears in the new issue of The Hollywood Reporter. Clickhereto see the cover.our editor recommendsMelissa McCarthy Working on Comedy with 'The Help' Director; How 'SNL' Made Her CryJohnny Depp's 'The Lone Ranger' Shut Down By Disney Box Office Smackdown: Brad Pitt's 'World War Z' to Open Against Johnny Depp's 'Lone Ranger'Disney's 'Lone Ranger' Gets December 2012 Release How does a movie that was considered dead and buried get brought back to life? Ask Disney's studio chief Rich Ross, who appears to be on the brink of resurrecting The Lone Ranger with star Johnny Depp, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski all remaining on board. After budget negotiations that dragged on until the film missed its autumn start date, the project looks like it might crawl back from the precipice thanks to some unusual financial footwork. ANALYSIS: Why Disney Might Make 'Lone Ranger' -- Reluctantly The fantasy Western, once budgeted at an eye-popping $250 million, will be cut down to $215 million. To arrive at that figure (and a green light), the creatives involved will reduce their fees: no $20 million for Depp, no $10 million apiece for Bruckheimer and Verbinski, as is their norm on tentpoles. A source also says the filmmakers will sacrifice their back-end participation if the film comes in over budget, a significant incentive to run a tight ship. One of several planned train sequences has been scrapped, and a number of CGI-heavy bells and whistles have been eliminated. But what's most surprising of all is that an insider tells The Hollywood Reporter that vendors working on the film, such as special effects houses and even hotels, are being asked to accept reduced guaranteed fees in order to secure the business of the production. STORY: 'Lone Ranger': Director, Producer Offer to Trim Fees as Budget Battle Rages While details are sparse, top executives at other studios say they have never heard of such shared sacrifice on a major studio release. And even with all those concessions, many think the budget is still far too high -- and remain skeptical that Verbinski can meet it. Disney has not announced whether Lone Ranger can still hit theaters by its planned holiday 2012 release date. Related Topics Jerry Bruckheimer Johnny Depp Rich Ross The Walt Disney Company Gore Verbinski The Lone Ranger

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Andy Rooney To Sign Off an hour or so On Sunday

UPDATE, 2:50 PM: The network’s news release is below. Mentioned CBS News chairman as well as an hour executive producer Rob Fager about Rooney’s retirement, which Rooney will announce throughout his essay segment Sunday: “Its harder for him to make it happen every week, but he'll always manage to speak his mind with an hour when the urge hits him. PREVIOUS, 2:49 PM: Andy Rooney, who began his run since the finish-of-show commentator with an hour in 1978, could make his final regular appearance round the CBS newsmagazine this Sunday, the network mentioned today — even though it’s feasible for the 92-year-old will stay on in a few reduced capacity. His final original essay — his 1,097th, in line with the Connected Press — will probably be preceded throughout Sunday’s telecast having a career retrospective segment on Rooney with correspondent Morley Safer. The network is planning for a news release now. Andy Rooney will announce relating to this Sundays an hour or so that it's going to be his last regular appearance round the broadcast. Rooney, 92, remains featured with an hour since 1978. He'll increase the risk for announcement within the regular essay within the finish in the program, his 1097th original essay to have an hour. It'll be preceded having a segment through which Rooney looks back on his career inside an interview with Morley Safer. Theres nobody like Andy there will not be. Hell hate hearing this, but hes a u . s . states original, mentioned Rob Fager, chairman CBS News as well as the executive producer of the hour. His contributions for an hour are immeasurable hes furthermore an excellent friend. Its harder for him to make it happen every week, but he'll always manage to speak his mind with an hour when the urge hits him. Rooney began his work on an hour or so within this summer time 1978 by getting an essay in regards to the verifying of automobile deaths round the Independence Day weekend. He increased to become normal feature that fall, alternating days while using dueling James J. Kilpatrick and Shana Alexander just before obtaining the finish slot all to themselves in november 1979. In Rooneys first full season since the an hour or so commentator, the broadcast was the primary program the first time. He'd been a contributing factor to an hour or so since the programs beginning. Throughout the initial season in the broadcast in 1968 he came out a few occasions in silhouette with Palmer Williams, an hour or so senior producer, in the short-were living segment referred to as Ipso and Facto. It absolutely was one of many experiments the programs creator, Don Hewitt, attempted becoming an finish for your program. Hewitt settled while using Point/Counterpoint segment that Kilpatrick and Alexander came out set for a few years before finding an ideal coda to have an hour in Andy Rooney. Rooney also produced an hour or so segments for Harry Reasoner through the broadcasts initial few seasons. He written his first television essay, a long precursor in the type he's doing with an hour, in 1964, An Essay on Entrance doors. From 1962 to 1968, he labored with with Reasoner, with Rooney writing and creating and Reasoner narrating, on such notable CBS News special deals becoming an Essay on Bridges (1965), An Essay on Hotels (1966), An Essay on Women (1967), An Essay on Chairs (1968) as well as the Strange Situation in the British Language (1968). That same year, he written two CBS News special deals within the amount of Black America. His script for Black History: Lost, Stolen or Strayed won him the initial of four Emmy honours. An Essay on War (1971), for PBS, was his first appearance on television as themselves and won Rooney his third Authors Guild Award. Later, he written, produced and browse numerous broadcasts for CBS News on various areas of American existence, including Mr. Rooney Visits Washington, he won a Peabody Award, Andy Rooney Will Require Off, Mr. Rooney Visits Work and Mr. Rooney Visits Dinner. From 1979, he written a weekly syndicated newspaper column that was recognized through the nation's Society of Newspaper Columnists when he was handed its Ernie Pyle Lifetime Achievement Award in June 2003. That September, he was honored getting an eternity Achievement Emmy. The Overseas Press Club gave him its Presidents Award this season for his verifying in World War Ii for your Stars and Stripes. Rooney grew to become an associate of CBS in 1949 just like a author for Arthur Godfreys Talent Scouts, a higher 10 hit that was # 1 in 1952. More youthful crowd written for your Garry Moore Show (1959-65), helping it to achieve hit status just like a Top 20 program. Concurrently, he written for CBS News public-matters broadcasts such as the 20th Century, News of America, Adventure, Calendar as well as the Morning Show with Will Rogers, Junior. Furthermore to magazine articles he written earlier within the career, Rooney might be the writer of 16 books, most recently Andy Rooney: six decades of Understanding and Wit, was launched by PublicAffairs this past year. Rooneys other books are: Air Gunner The Story in the Stars and Stripes Conquerors Peace The Fortunes of War A few momemts with Andy Rooney Plus Much More by Andy Rooney Items of My Ideas Sentence after sentence Much Less You Asked for… Sweet and Sour My War Sincerely, Andy Rooney Common Nonsense, Years of Minutes and From My Ideas. Rooney was produced Jan. 14, 1919, in Albany, N.Y. He attended Colgate College until he was drafted into the Military in 1941. In February 1943, he was among six correspondents who travelled while using Eighth Air Pressure round the first American bombing raid over Germany. Rooney lives in NY. He's three kids together with a boy.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Alicia and can? Diane versus. Eli?: Where We Left Off and What's Next around the Good Wife

The Great Wife, Julianna Margulies New evening, new time, change... new Alicia? The Great Wife returns for Season 3 on Sunday and also the occasions, they're a-altering for Alicia Florrick. She's still split from Peter and furious with Kalinda, but this year will even see Eli join the ranks at Lockhart Gardner and Peter get back his position as top dog in the State's Attorney's office. Prior to the year formally starts, catch on all of the intrigue from last season and also the teases for what's ahead. Plus, we share our greatest burning questions for just one of TV's most unpredictable series: Fall Preview: Get scoop in your favorite coming back shows Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies) Where Were We: Her husband, Peter, won back the State's Attorney office, but Alicia had little to celebrate when she learned he'd rested together with her Best friend Kalinda years before. Next thought, she started her husband out, told K to consider a hike and was last seen entering a $7,800-a-evening presidential hotel suite together with her law school love and boss, Will. What's Next: We'll let individuals steamy promotions perform the speaking. Yes, it appears the great wife (with bangs!) will ultimately stop being the great wife and begin getting a chuckle. And the Free Alicia tour gets hotter, her recent winning streak at the office might be in risk when she needs to face not just her former work rival, Cary, but additionally her estranged husband. Greatest Burning Question: Sure, they appear good in writing - as well as in the elevator - but where do Alicia and can really go next? He might have loved her for fifteen years (!) but he's still her boss and, as we have learned many occasions before, nothing comes between Will and also the win. Will Gardner (Josh Charles) Where Were We: Will and Diane effectively turned away Derrick Bond's hostile takeover plans and Chicago's 16th most qualified bachelor leaped into mattress with Alicia. What's Next: Before Blake fled town, he reminded Will he was billed with masking Will's thievery at his old firm. The incident never was known to again, but thinking about what went down when Blake discovered about Kalinda's romp with Peter, you will find there's feeling this indiscretion will not stay hidden forever. Also, Will will get another blast from his past when his ex, lawyer Celeste (Lisa Edelstein) turns up. Greatest Burning Question: Just how much money did Will steal? And when it's badly because it appears, what shot is he going to have with Alicia if/when she discovers? She already was by her guy once, and wound up getting tricked, therefore we think her bullsh-- tolerance is fairly low nowadays. Did Peter, Alicia and can result in the list? Take a look at the most popular TV love triangles Kalinda Sharma (Archie Panjabi) Where Were We: Oh, Kalinda. We learned in Season 2 that they transformed her identity because she was bored, however the real surprise was that they had rested with Peter years prior, and subsequently lost among her only buddies in Alicia. Between her many battles with Blake, she also kissed Cary and rested with old friend Sophia, but backed off when she learned Sophia were built with a husband. What's Next: When one door shuts, another opens, so while Kalinda and Alicia continue to be around the outs, Kalinda will build up a powerful working relationship and friendship with Eli. Also, search for the private eye to try and determine whether her attraction to Cary is romantic or innocent. Greatest Burning Question: Will Kalinda and Cary be a lot more than buddies? And when so, exactly how will affecting her seriously strained working relationship with Alicia (Cary is Alicia's enemy, in the end) and Kalinda's untidy ties to Peter, who's now Cary's boss? Cary Agos (Matt Czuchry)Where Were We: Cary got a deal revisit Lockhart Gardner, but balked when he learned he will be a year behind Alicia (Ignore it. The bake-off is really 2010). Rather, Cary could keep his job within the State's Attorney's office precisely for that reason he thought he may lose it - due to his competition together with his new boss' wife, Alicia.What's Next: Peter appears going to take lower the (former) Mrs., and Cary is only the guy to assist him do this. Cary go for a brand new co-worker (and perhaps more?) as recurring guest star Monica Raymund.Greatest Burning Question: Will things ever progress for him and Kalinda beyond that surprising lip-lock last season? And when they are doing progress, can Cary really tame the promiscuous and lady behind individuals boots of justice? Take a look at all of the familiar faces coming back to TV this season Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski)Where Were We: Diane got a deal to hightail it using the Marlboro Guy, but made a decision to stay and save the firm. She also effectively nabbed Eli Gold to setup shop at Lockhart, Gardner, with rising connect Alicia as his liaison.What's Next: After coming thisclose to running for judge in Season 1, Diane is going to be jumping back to politics next season. The move won't affect her career, additionally, it may mean good stuff on her sex life when she meets a more youthful guy referred to like a liberal version from the Marlboro Guy. (Appears like she will finally toss that Sarah Palin memoir!)Greatest Burning Question: She put her ethics before her political aspirations in Season 1, but exactly how dirty is Diane prepared to get her hands this time around around? And just what does she want in the political spectrum? Eli Gold (Alan Cumming)Where Were We: Eli assisted get Peter in office, simply to learn his political ace in the hole - the openly admired Alicia - had left the brand new state's attorney. Together with his eyes still set around the governor's office, Eli made the decision to setup shop at Lockhart Gardner and was adamant on getting Alicia as his liaison, whether she loved it or otherwise.What is Next: Alicia and Eli will clearly work together more, what exactly will their relationship seem like since she's avoid Peter? Eli will even result in a stir within the firm when he disagrees with Diane and teams track of Kalinda. Also, prepare for a more in-depth consider the guy behind the politician when Eli's ex-wife, performed by Parker Posey, bakes an appearance.Greatest Burning Question: What lengths is Eli willing to visit hide the Florricks' split in the public and Peter a Kennedy-esque estimate your eyes of voters? If Alicia is dating a guy about town like Will, is not it only such a long time before Peter's carriage turns back to a pumpkin? Eli is way too cunning to allow his political aspirations go to waste so rapidly. The brand new season from the Good Wife premieres on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 9/8c on CBS. What exactly are you most excited to determine this year?

Thursday, September 22, 2011

TV Rankings: 'Modern Family' Premiere Up 18% Fox's 'X Factor' Drives Night's Win in Key Demo

ABC Inside a evening of lots of competition, Fox won Wednesday within the key demo having a 4.4 rating. It had been carefully then ABC, having a 4.1, after which CBS having a 3.5. STORY: Simon Cowell's 'The X Factor' Premieres Less Than 'American Idol' Still, Modern Family beat X Element in the important thing 18-49 demo. Modern Family ranked a 6., while X Factor ranked a 4.4. CBS' Criminal Minds was close, having a 4.1 rating. PHOTOS: Fall TV's 12 Most Anticipated Shows The 2-hour series premiere of Simon Cowell's X Factor gave Fox its greatest-ranked Wednesday evening of premiere week in 13 years (since Party of 5) among grown ups 18-49. It had been up 52 percent in the same evening this past year, by which Fox broadcast the 2-hour premiere of Hell's Kitchen. STORY: Simon Cowell's 'The X Factor' Premieres Less Than 'American Idol' On ABC, The Center ranked a 3., up 11 percent from the premiere last fall along with a series high. Modern Family ranked a 6., up 18 percent from the premiere last fall - and ABC's top-ranked season premiere in six years. Revenge ranked a 3.4, up 127 percent in the premiere from the Whole Truth in 2012. PHOTOS: Fall TV Dying Pool: Which Shows Is Going To Be Axed First? On CBS, Survivor: South Off-shore ranked a 3.1, lower 9 % from last fall and tying its cheapest-ranked original ever. Criminal Minds ranked a 4.1, up 2 percent from last fall, nevertheless its cheapest-ranked premiere ever. Still, it capped X Element in total audiences, with 14 million versus. 12.5 million. CSI -- featuring Ted Danson's debut -- ranked a 3.1, lower 9 % from the Thursday premiere on Sept. 23, 2010. PHOTOS: Behind the curtain: THR's 'X Factor' Cover Shoot Over on NBC, which ranked single.8 overall, the 2nd episode of Christina Applegate's Up Through The Night ranked a couple.3, lower 38 percent from the premiere a week ago. Hank Azaria's Free Agents also tumbled from the premiere, rating single.3, lower 38 percent. Harry's Law ranked single.2. Law & Order: SVU ranked a couple.3, lower 28 percent from the premiere least fall, and it is cheapest-ranked season premiere ever. Univision is getting upset at NBC's heels having a 1.7 rating. The CW ranked b .6, tying with Telemundo. Below, systems rated by demo with shows' demos and total audiences: FOX - 4.4, 12.5 million audiences · X Factor (P): 4.4, 12.4 million audiences ABC - 4.1, 11.4 million audiences · The Center (P): 3., 9.six million audiences · Modern Family (P): 6., 14.3 million audiences · Revenge (P): 3.4, 10.a million audiences CBS - 3.5, 12.3 million audiences · Survivor: South Off-shore: 3.1, 10.4 million audiences · Criminal Minds (P): 4.1, 14.a million audiences · CSI (P): 3.1, 12.six million audiences NBC - 1.8, 6.six million audiences · Up Through The Night: 2.3, six million audiences · Free Agents: 1.3, 3.9 million audiences · Harry's Law (P): 1.2, 7.3 million audiences · Law & Order: SVU (P): 2.3, 7.six million audiences CW - .6, 1.3 million audiences · H&R (P): .4, 1.a million audiences · America's Next Top Model (P): .7, 1.six million audiences TV Rankings Modern Family The X Factor

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Visual Effects Society Issues Bill Of Rights

The Visual Effects Society, theindustry’s organization of visual effects artists and specialists, today released a Bill of Rights designed to call concentrate on problems affecting its membership and Hollywood. The document follows an empty letter for the entertainment industry with the VES, which reported a volitile types of working conditions and benefits additionally to earnings for effects pros all over the world. Inside the VES open letter, we mentioned arrived to step-up since the voice in the visual effects industry by speaking to all or any parties regarding concerns, mentioned professional director Eric Roth. At this time around around we've involved with a energetic dialog with key stakeholders whatsoever levels and believe our Bill of Rights shows the vital concerns of each and every segment of the marketplace. Our next factor would be to give consideration for you to get each side together to locate solutions.

'The X Factor': Cast Weighs In on How Show Handled Cheryl Cole's Exit

Fox's The X Factor has five big personalities to judge and guide its contestants: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, L.A. Reid and host Steve Jones.our editor recommends'The X Factor's' Nicole Scherzinger on First Day as Judge: 'I Can Barf or Say Rock-N-Roll' (Q&A)'The X Factor' Steve Jones: 6 Things to Know About the Show's Host'The X Factor' Schedule Revealed'The X Factor': 5 Things We Learned From Sunday's 8-Minute Promo (Video)'X Factor': Behind the Scenes of THRs Cover Photoshoot (Video)'X Factor' Drama: Cheryl Cole Breaks Silence'X Factor' Brutality at Auditions: 'L.A.' Reid Meaner Than Simon Cowell; Audience Urged Not to Boo'X Factor' Producer Fires Back at 'Idol' Creator Simon Fuller's Lawsuit (Exclusive) THR COVER STORY: What the X Is This All About? But, that wasn't always the case. British singer and personality Cheryl Cole was once slated for Scherzinger's seat. But then she was publicly let go. PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes: THR's 'X Factor' Cover Shoot In several exclusive no-holds barred interviews with The Hollywood Reporter, the current reality personalities discussed the drama, each giving their take when posed with the question: do you think Cheryl Cole's exitcould have been handled differently? THR's Complete 'X Factor' Coverage SIMON COWELL "You make right and wrong decisions when you produce TV shows, but I stand by the decisions I've made. And I stand by the fact that I'm entitled to make decisions as a producer, and if I'm wrong, I'll hold my hands up. I'll always continue to work this way. If I don't think something is quite right,without throwing someone under the bus, I'll do what I think is right at the time, rather than months later go, 'I wish I'd said something.' ...Some people said it was a publicity stunt, to which I say, 'That's a bloody expensive publicity stunt!'" STORY: Simon Cowell to 'X Factor' Hopefuls: Don't Sing These 5 Songs VIDEO: Behind the Scenes of THR's 'X Factor' Cover Shoot PAULA ABDUL "There probably could have been better ways of dealing with it. She is the most über-popular, beloved girl. When you're that much in the public eye, you become strong and face adversity. But still, she's human. It's never comfortable." PHOTOS: Fall TV's 12 Most Anticipated Shows L.A. REID "I don't know what the thinking might have been behind any of those [decisions]. The synergy was potentially there with Cheryl, who I thought was beautiful and would be a great judge, and Nicole is beautiful and talented. I think they both would make great judges. ... But there were no conversations, right. And on this show, I'm not the producer, I don't work for Fox or Fremantle, I'm just a judge. I stay in my place." PHOTOS: An 'American Idol' to 'X Factor' Timeline NICOLE SCHERZINGER "I have no idea how it could have been handled. Simon said, 'You know Nicole? It's not about us, it's about the contestants, the show and what's best for that.' And that's where my head is. It's about moving forward. All I know is they offered me the job and I'm going to show up and do the best I can. That's what its about. The proof is in the pudding, I'm just going be good at my job." PHOTOS: 'The X Factor': Simon Cowell's New Judging Team STEVE JONES "It'snot for me to say. I was disappointed things turned out the way they had, mostly disappointed because I didn't get a chance to work with Cheryl. But she's a good girl. She's been through a lot. I'm sure she'll bounce back and when I spoke to her after, she seemed fine. But I do miss hanging out with her." Twitter: @shirleyhalperin Related Topics Nicole Scherzinger Paula Abdul Simon Cowell Fox Broadcasting Corporation Antonio L.A. Reid Cheryl Cole Steve Jones The X Factor

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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Sony aims for games to sell 3D TVs

Sony hopes its line of high-profile 3D videogames will boost the sale of 3D television sets, creating a home market for the format. With sales of 3D TVs still sluggish, Sony hopes videogames will get more consumers to embrace the technology at home.The company is about to put considerable marketing muscle behind its PlayStation 3 console as a device that can play both 3D games and movies -- just as it touted the hardware as a reason consumers should start buying Blu-rays several years ago.A year after Sony made the PS3 3D-compatible through a free upgrade, the company has released 50 games, including tentpoles "Call of Duty: Black Ops," "The Fight," "MLB 11: The Show" and "Killzone 3," that can be played on 3D TVs using the console. That's expected to grow to 100 by March with a new wave of titles such as "Resistance 3," "Batman: Arkham City" and "Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception."But the PlayStation brand will expand its line of hardware this fall to include a 3D TV set as well. A 24-inch 3D monitor, priced at $499, will come bundled with racer "MotorStorm Apocalypse" and pair of 3D glasses that can also be used with Sony's Bravia-branded 3D TV sets. The monitor was first announced at the E3 videogame confab in May.But now that it's about to hit store shelves, one key selling point is expected to be that two gamers will be able compete head-to-head without needing to split the screen. The SimulView technology built into the TV and glasses enables one wearer to see one image, while the other sees their own character's viewpoint at the same time without any interference.Designers say the capability of the glasses portend new features that could be built into 3D eyewear in the future, which could add more functionality into the specs and make them less of annoyance to the wearer. Additional goggles could include a virtual reality headset and 3D holographs that are tracked by head movements, allowing an object to be viewed from underneath or from the sides.But in Sony's presentation at this week's 3D Entertainment Summit at Hollywood & Highland, the company will say that many consumers already have 3D in their living rooms given more than 50 million consoles already connected to TVs.Replacing those TVs with 3D units is another matter.Only 13% of U.S. consumers who had not purchased a TV during the past year say they plan to purchase a new set within the next three to 12 months, according to research firm IHS iSuppli. Screen size, price, picture quality and Internet connectivity were cited as factors when making such a purchase, the firm said, not 3D.In May, iSuppli said worldwide shipments of 3D TVs will grow to 23.4 million units in 2011, up from 4.2 million in 2010. It forecasts shipments of 54.2 million units in 2012, reaching 159.2 million in 2015.Among those who are buying, 38% favored sets under 30 inches, which should help Sony move more PlayStation-branded screens, iSuppli said.The specific size of the screen was chosen as a way to target the college market and consumers seeking an additional screen for game rooms or bedrooms. It also doesn't create much competition for Sony's Bravia business, whose 3D TVs are typically larger.In fact, few 3D TVs are sold in smaller sizes, which has proved an annoyance for gamemakers developing 3D games -- a 40-inch 3D TV is typically found on many workstations.We're not out to make TVs," Simon Benson, senior development manager, and stereoscopic 3D team member at Sony's Evolution Studios, told Variety. "We're not out to compete with the Bravia division." Sony ranks behind Samsung as the top seller of 3D TV sets, according to NPD. Panasonic and LG also rank high in market share.Sony's tech wizards, especially those inside PlayStation, aim to make sure the "3D viewing experience is very comfortable," said Mick Hocking, Sony's chief of 3D games.While Sony has been developing 3D for the consumer market for the past two years, company reps said it took the past year to educate the videogames biz on how to fully take advantage of the technology. "One year in we now know what gaming requires from 3D," Benson said.Added Hocking, "The first phase was getting people to understand how to work with 3D."What that meant was promoting a technological set of principles for creating games in the 3D format, including avoiding quick cuts and letting shots run longer and giving various objects their own planes, for example.The next phase is about how to use 3D creatively," Hocking said.One trick in "Killzone 3" blurs the gun outline so that gamers can focus more easily on looking through a site to take down targets.The games group has also had to educate developers on the costs to create 3D games. For the 50 3D games released for the PS3, the additional cost of a 3D version amounted to less than 2% of a game's budget, Hocking said.We designed the PS3 to play 3D from the ground up," Hocking said. "The critical thing is using it correctly." Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

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Thursday, September 15, 2011

Lionsgate names Mark Rachesky co-chairman

Lionsgate has named investor Mark Rachesky , who has 37 percent in the small-major -- as co-chairman in the board.The appointment of Rachesky, who'll share the co-chairman title with Boss Jon Feltheimer, was revealed in the controlling filing. A representative for Lionsgate had no comment Thursday.Rachesky, who was simply named for the 12-member Lionsgate board this past year, agreed on friday to improve his stake within the organization incorporated within an August. 30 settlement through which Carl Icahn made the decision to market his 33 percent stake and finished numerous disputes while using small-major. Rachesky, leader of MHR Fund Management LLC, made the decision to pay for $77 million to buy one 4th of Icahn's stock at $7 a share incorporated within the settlement.Rachesky, who had labored with Icahn before striking out by themself, had consistently backed Lionsgate management through the bitter three-year fight with Icahn.Lionsgate attracted on Rachesky for your board couple of years ago incorporated in the slate after Icahn happen to be rebuffed in efforts to attain seats concerning the panel. In those days, Rachesky possessed 19.8% of Lionsgate and transformed Mark Amin concerning the board.Within This summer time, 2010, Rachesky was at the center of what increased to become vital dispute with Icahn in the $100 million debt-for-equity deal as Icahn was attempting to consider within the organization via numerous hostile tender offers. The transaction reduced Icahn's stake from 37% to 33% and elevated Rachesky's holdings to 29%. The Rachesky deal triggered suit by Icahn, who alleged the minimajor's management and board was underhanded and under professional while Lionsgate frequently referred to Icahn just like a meddler getting an undesirable good reputation for buying and selling in entertainment companies.Your dream with Icahn began ebbing last December when Lionsgate effectively made it a spirited proxy fight with Icahn. The August. 30 accord allowed Icahn to destroy even by selling his 33% stake within the organization at $7 a participate numerous deals gathering about $309 million. Under that surprise pact with Icahn, the two sides made the decision to dismiss all outstanding suit together -- dealing with some close a tumultuous three-year period that saw Icahn accuse Lionsgate management frequently of overspending and neglecting to boost the stock cost to anywhere near its 2007 lots of $12. On Tuesday, Lionsgate held a brief annual meeting in Toronto, which Rachesky did not attend. Feltheimer stressed the positive, while using 40 roughly participants through what he referred to as Lionsgate's "finish-to-finish solution" for "Weeds." Lionsgate introduced Thursday it had wrapped production in New You are able to which it hopes is really a B.O. franchise good "Hunger Games" book trilogy. Lionsgate shares were up 12 cents to $7.08 Thursday.Rachesky is co-founder and leader of MHR Fund Management, that's been a substantial Lionsgate investor in excess of five years. He labored becoming an Icahn strategist from 1990 to 1996. Rachesky presently may serve as non-executive chairman in the board of company company directors of Loral Space & Communications and Leap Wireless Worldwide Corporation. He's concerning the board of company company directors of Emisphere Technologies. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com