Anchor Bay shows 'Conviction'

Anchor Bay Films has acquired rights to actioner "Maximum Conviction" starring Steven Seagal and Steve Austin. Deal, introduced Friday, is made from Current Pictures cover up theatrical and home theatre rights inside the U.S. and Canada. "Maximum Conviction" continues to be shot in Vancouver, directed by Keoni Waxman and produced by Seagal, Austin and Phillip B. Goldfine. Bill Clark, leader of Anchor Bay Entertainment, made the announcement. Seagal plays a classic special-forces operative who now's utilized by a personal security firm controlling the decommissioning from the old prison. Austin's character is allied with Seagal since the leader of his methods team. The prison is going to be assaulted with a top-notch pressure of mercenaries. Aliyah O'Brien and Steph Song portray two mysterious crooks. Benjamin F. Sacks, Scott Kennedy and Waxman are executive producers, with Binh Dang co-professional creating. Nicolas Chartier and Nadine p Barros of Current Pictures will represent worldwide rights. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

SAG Film Nominations: Who Surprised, Who Got Snubbed?

Some large surprises within the SAG Award film nominations today--mostly from the bad variety. Latecomers towards the race like "The Lady Using the Dragon Tattoo" and "Very Noisy and extremely Close" were overlooked--from speaking to Nom Comm people, I learned virtually nobody saw either. Despite screeners and special tests, the films have to get available earlier, most likely by Thanksgiving a minimum of. The main one exception is Meryl Streep for "The Iron Lady" but let us be truthful she's Meryl Streep.In conclusion by category:Male Actor inside a Leading Role: DEMIN BICHIR / Carlos Galindo - "A Much Better Existence"GEORGE CLOONEY / Matt King - "THE DESCENDANTS" LEONARDO DiCAPRIO / J. Edgar Hoover - "J. EDGAR" JEAN DUJARDIN / George - "THE ARTIST" Kaira PITT / Billy Beane - "MONEYBALL"Pleased to see Bichir slip set for his great operate in "A Much Better Existence." Not too pleased to begin to see the omissions of Michael Shannon for "Take Shelter" and Michael Fassbender for "Shame." Also, while Gary Oldman did not obtain a jerk for "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy," I do think he'll ultimately have an Oscar nomination. The film is simply now being seen by people, and buzz should build for that lengthy-respected actor within the coming days.Female Actor inside a Leading Role: GLENN CLOSE / Albert Nobbs - "ALBERT NOBBS" VIOLA DAVIS / Aibileen Clark - "The AssistanceInch MERYL STREEP / Margaret Thatcher - "THE IRON LADY" TILDA SWINTON / Avoi - "We Have To Discuss KEVIN"MICHELLE WILLIAMS / Marilyn Monroe - "MY WEEK WITH MARILYN" Can't argue with these nominees. Was beginning to obtain worried for Close, whose been left off some recent lists, such as the Critics' Choice Movie Honours, but stars came through on her. I wouldn't say this list is foolproof if this involves the Oscar nominations, however, as Charlize Theron could still slip set for "Youthful Adult. " Not surprised that SAG did not choose her, as numerous Nom Comm voters I spoken to found the film unfulfilling. But she's not from the race with a lengthy shot.Male Actor inside a Supporting Role: KENNETH BRANAGH / Mister Laurence Olivier - "MY WEEK WITH MARILYN"ARMIE HAMMER / Clyde Tolson - "J. EDGAR"JONAH HILL / Peter Brand - "MONEYBALL"NICK NOLTE / Paddy Conlon - "WARRIOR"CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER / Hal - "BEGINNERS"So relieved Nick Nolte made the cut. But shocked that Albert Brooks, that has been accumulating experts honours for "Drive," was snubbed. Also disappointed Patton Oswalt wasn't famous for "Youthful Adult," when i think he steals the film. But when i stated earlier, the Nom Comm was lukewarm around the movie. I still think Brooks and Oswalt can sneak in to the Oscar race, and would say Hammer and Hill would be the most vulnerable. As always, this is actually the best area--each one of these stars are wonderful.Feminine Actor inside a Supporting Role: BRNICE BEJO / Peppy - "THE ARTIST"JESSICA CHASTAIN / Celia Foote - "The AssistanceInchBethany McCARTHY / Megan - "BRIDESMAIDS"Jesse McTEER / Hubert Page - "ALBERT NOBBS"OCTAVIA SPENCER / Minny Jackson - "The AssistanceInchPleased that McCarthy made the cut, excited Chastain ws recognized, and also the other three aren't any-brainers. I'm surprised, however, that Shailene Woodley wasn't famous for "The Descendants." Would not have loved a jerk on her co-star Judy Greer, but understood it had been a longshot. And Vanessa Redgrave, when the leader for "Coriolanus," continues to be basically forgotten.Cast of the Film: "THE ARTIST""BRIDESMAIDS""THE DESCENDANTS""The AssistanceInchInchNight time IN PARIS" No arguments here. Would be pleased with these fine ensembles winning.Read Back Stage's nominations announcement here. Find Out More ON Behind The Curtain

Mark Burnett teams with ACTV8

Mark Burnett is turning to tech firm ACTV8 to handle second-screen experiences for TV series produced by his company. Android and iOs users will be able to enjoy content relevant to Burnett shows synchronized to wireless devices, as well as integration with leading social-media platforms. "It has always been my dream to create a deeper and more engaging relationship with the audiences of our shows," said Burnett. The Burnett-ACTV8 deal represents yet another manner in which different factions of the media business are making a land grab in the second screen world. Burnett has taken an active interest in the tech space, having also invested in YouToo, which enables viewers to upload their own video content to a cable TV channel. Series produced by Burnett include "The Voice," "Survivor," "The Apprentice" and "Shark Tank." There's no set timetable on when ACTV8 will be implemented for each shows. Earlier this year, Burnett sold a stake in his production company to Hearst Corp. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

'The Dark Dark evening Rises' Viral Campaign Continues: IMAX Tickets for Advance Footage

On Thursday, a mysterious website referred to as Operation Early Bird take their hands up online getting a countdown. The information was released because of @TheFireRises, a Twitter account connected with 'The Dark Dark evening Increases.' It's an element of the viral marketing campaign in the next 'Batman' follow-up and earlier Friday, at 1 p.m. EDT, the countdown round the Early Bird website ended. So, what managed to get happen reveal? An enormous map that delivers fans early screening particulars concerning the six-minute prologue that's scheduled to see before 'Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol.' However, there's a catch: To have the ability to have the tickets, you will need to enter coordinates presently being carried out over on TheDarkKnightRises.com. Next, you'll be capable of book tickets to look for the prologue on 12 ,. 13, 72 hrs before 'Mission: Impossible' hits IMAX theaters. Merely a handles, the Operation Early Bird website is presently lower, likely due to the enormous volume of traffic heading there now. If you'd like your prologue tickets, you might like to have to be patient. The whole 'Dark Dark evening Rises' will hit theaters about this summer time 20, 2012. [via CinemaBlend and ComingSoon] [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

The Lincoln Lawyer Will Return

Film sequel planned along with TV seriesOne of the quieter and more overlooked successes of 2011 was The Lincoln Lawyer, starring Matthew McConaughey as Michael Connelly's slick LA lawyer Mickey Haller. A spin-off TV series is already in development at ABC, but Lionsgate vice-chairman Michael Burns has just revealed that Haller will also be heading back to cinema screens.The Haller novels are a kind of subsidiary series to Connelly's larger collection about homicide detective Harry Bosch. Haller is Bosch's half brother, and the two have occasionally shared page space. There are currently 15 books in the Bosch strand, and four in Haller's.If the films follow the novels' chronology, the next ought to be The Brass Verdict, in which Haller and Bosch join forces to investigate the murder of a defence attorney, and uncover corruption in the judicial system. After years in rights limbo, Connelly recently reacquired Bosch from Paramount, so with his involvement, that crossover would certainly be possible, and may serve to introduce Bosch for his own future film franchise.All speculation at this point however: all we have for certain is Burns' assurance that the sequel is underway. Here's hoping that McConaughey remains in situ in the Lincoln town car, Brad Furman gets to direct again, and that John Romano will be on-hand to repeat his sterling work on the screenplay. We'll keep you posted.

Madonna, 'W.E.' Director and Super Bowl Halftime Performer; Is This Harvey Weinstein's Best Year Yet?

As you've probably heard by now, pop icon Madonna will lead the halftime show at Super Bowl XLVI in on Feb. 5, 2012 -- the same weekend that her directorial effort, 'W.E.' arrives in theaters for wide-audience consumption. ('W.E.' will enjoy a one-week limited awards-season run starting on Friday.) It's a stroke of marketing genius on two levels: not only does Madonna and 'W.E.' distribution studio The Weinstein Company get the full compliment of free press that performing at the Super Bowl offers, but 'W.E.' can be positioned as a bit of counterprogramming during a weekend dominated by smelly dudes both on the field and on the couch. Win win! Though little else should be expected from TWC head honcho Harvey Weinstein, a master of marketing and buzz, who has possibly enjoyed his best year yet. To wit: · TWC affixed 'My Week With Marilyn' to pop superstar Katy Perry and her new single "The One That Got Away" in an effort to drum up interest in the film for young girls -- the life-blood of the film industry (see: 'Titanic' and 'Twilight' for reference). So far, the promotion hasn't paid hugh box-office dividends, but 'Marilyn' is still in limited release. Give the film another few weeks and Kitty Purry fans could be lining up to see a film that has absolutely nothing to do with Katy Perry -- beyond that Harvey Weinstein wants KP in a Broadway adaptation of 'My Week With Marilyn.' · Consider Uggie! Spurred on by the estimable S.T. VanAirsdale, Uggie, 'The Artist's' Jack Russell Terrier, has gotten loads of Oscar ("Oscar") buzz in the last week -- from the NY Times to E! to the NY Post. Never mind that Uggie the dog can't actually get an Oscar nomination (too bad he wasn't played by Andy Serkis); by reveling in the grassroots campaign to honor Uggie, TWC has found a relatable way to get audiences to care about a silent, black and white film from France: a cute dog! The Super Bowl, Katy Perry, household pets; what mainstream American fixture can TWC use to promote 'The Iron Lady,' a film about Margaret Thatcher? It's unclear (before you say Iron Maiden, the band is actually from London), but expect TWC to figure something out sooner rather than later. [Photo: AP] Madonna at BFI London Film Festival Premiere of 'W.E.' See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Chris Hemsworth and College Hotties Get the Horror Treatment in The Cabin in the Woods Trailer

If a creepy, tobacco-spitting, rural gas station attendant tells you, “I can get you there… it’s getting back that’s your concern,” as you navigate your way to a weekend house so “off-the-grid” that it doesn’t show up on the most advanced GPS system, you might turn around and floor your RV until you’re safely ensconced in suburban civilization again. But the upcoming Joss Whedon-produced horror flick Cabin in the Woods is not about you and your sensible friends — it’s about a bunch of college hotties (Chris Hemsworth, Jesse Williams, Anna Hutchison) who are willing to ignore a football field’s (or whatever unit of measure popular 20-somethings use) worth of red flags if it means they can have a kickass cabin weekend. Of course, since this is a horror film, these crazy carefree kids get more scares in the form of bear traps and death elevators than they bargained for. Since this is a horror film from Joss Whedon though, Cabin in the Woods is not just a 90-minute cliche-fest but a feature that attempts to turn the genre on its severed ear with a subplot involving Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford as “white-collar co-workers with a mysterious connection to the the cabin.” Cabin was the first collaboration between Thor star Chris Hemsworth and Avengers director Joss Whedon, who co-wrote and produced this horror pic, originally slated for a 2010 release. Here, Hemsworth plays a varsity jacket-wearing jock who carries a football, a beer mug or a look of confusion at all times. After filming, Whedon cast Hemsworth for the title role in his Marvel blockbuster Thor, which was released last May. Finally, The Cabin in the Woods — directed by Drew Goddard (who penned Cloverfield) — arrives in theaters April 13. [via Yahoo!]

TV Ratings: 'CSI: NY,' 'Blue Bloods' Slip; 'Supernatural' Steady

Anderson Cooper Show It's official. The U.S. Government has decreed that Anderson Cooper's daytime talk show, Anderson, is a bona fide news interview program.our editor recommendsAnderson Cooper's Daytime Talk Show RenewedAnderson Cooper's Daytime TV Show Posts Ratings Gain Amid Teen TragedyAnderson Cooper 'Saddened' by Teen Coma TragedyAnderson Cooper's Daytime Talk Show Struck by Teen Coma Tragedy There appears to have been some doubt about this. The show topics this week have included such journalistic queries as the ethics of spanking children, how to free one's life from clutter, and a "new trend" of parents gifting their children plastic surgery. ANE Productions requested the FCC's help in clarifying that the daytime talk show is indeed a news program. On Monday, the government agency responded with a thumbs up. Here's the ruling by FCC assistant chief Robert Baker declaring Anderson to be news for purposes of regulations. Specifically, one reg matters most of all -- Section 315 of the Communications of 1934, otherwise known as the "Equal Time Rule." The significance here is that TV and radio stations are obligated to treat political candidates equally, including giving them proportionate time on air. Congress has exempted news shows, though, meaning that if Anderson now wants to hear Newt Gingrich's feelings on spanking Mitt Romney, the stations that carry Cooper's syndicated show aren't obligated to hear what Buddy Roemer has to say too. Of course, there was hardly any doubt that Anderson would qualify for the exemption, even if the show's idea for a fun show oneuthanasia includes "Daniel the Miracle Dog." As the FCC's ruling points out, the TV show Entertainment Tonight has also qualified as a bona fide newscast after the agency decided its "role is not to decide, by some qualitative analysis, whether one kind of news story is more bona fide than another." For some reason, the FCC likes to italicize its bona fides so we will too. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The Most Talked-About TV News Faces Anderson Cooper Anderson