ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

‘Eclipse’ opens ahead of ‘New Moon’ in major foreign countries

Ben Fritz

Los Angeles Times

July 1, 2010

Foreshadowing a potentially huge overseas box-office performance for the latest installment in the fan favorite vampire romance series, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” had a bigger opening day Thursday than its predecessor “New Moon” had last November in 13 major and mid-sized foreign markets.

The most successful opening was in Russia, where “Eclipse” sold $3.9 million worth of tickets on its first day. Other strong showings for the third “Twilight” movie included Italy, where it collected $3.2 million, Brazil with $2.4 million, and Spain with $2 million.

In Belgium, “Eclipse” beat ”Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” to record the biggest opening day of all time with $735,000.

“Eclipse” grossed an estimated $16.2 million in total from 21 international markets on its first day, according to distributor Summit Entertainment. By this weekend, it will be playing in a total of 42 foreign countries.

“New Moon” grossed a total of $413 million overseas, $117 million more than in the U.S. and Canada.

Click here to read at Los Angeles Times site

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Stars gather for ‘We Are the World’ recording

The former Charlie Chaplin Studios (now Jim Henson Studios) in Hollywood where recording stars are gathering tonight to re-record, “We are the World” (Photo: Allan Ellenberger)

Los Angeles, California (CNN) — Dozens of recording stars began converging on a Hollywood studio Monday to add their voices to a song they hope will raise millions of dollars for Haitian earthquake relief.

The lyrics and music are an updated version of “We Are the World,” a song that raised at least $30 millions for African humanitarian programs 25 years ago.

Lionel Richie, who co-wrote the first song with Michael Jackson, is organizing the effort. The original producer, Quincy Jones, is using the same studio he used in 1985.

Paparazzi and security surrounded Henson Studios [former Charlie Chaplin Studios], just off Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard, anticipating the arrival of limousines delivering the stars Monday afternoon for what is expected to be a marathon recording session.

Smokey Robinson, who sang on the original, said the roster of 100 singers asked to take part does not include any of the 45 stars from the previous version.

While the list has not been made public, CNN has confirmed it includes Usher, Carrie Underwood, Fergie, Jason Mraz, Rob Thomas, Anthony Hamilton, Trey Songz, Sugarland, Julianne Hough, India.Arie and Musiq Soulchild. [also seen entering the studios were Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Gaga]

Many of the stars were already in Los Angeles to attend Sunday’s Grammy awards show.

One tool Jones used in 1985 to keep the massive recording session from getting out of control was a sign above the studio door that read: “Check your egos at the door.” It is expected it will be there again, one organizer said.

Organizers have not said when the song might be ready for the world to hear.

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Clark Gable’s grandson stabbed

 (TMZ)

UPI

Sept. 8, 2009

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Todd Holland, Don Roos, gay actors, and the closet

Blogger and entertainment writer, Andre Soares of the Alternative Film Guide, writes about the recent Outfest statements by directors Todd Holland and Don Roos, on whether gay actors should stay “in the closet.” A brief snippet is included here. To read the entire article, please click on the link below.

“First, openly gay film director Todd Holland (right) is accused of telling non-100% hetero performers to keep their sexuality hidden in the closet. Several days later, another openly gay film director, Don Roos, was reportedly even more blatant about the idea of keeping actors hanging in the closet. Adding insult to injury, those statements were made at a film festival named Outfest, Los Angeles’ annual gay & lesbian cinema smorgasbord.”

Click here to continue reading the article at the Alternative Film Guide

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Dress the Set With Tears: It’s a Wrap

By Brooks Barnes

New York Times

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 ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

 Glenn Close: ‘I still want an Oscar’

When Hollywood wants a bitch, they call Glenn Close, 62, thanks to films such as Fatal Attraction. She has won numerous awards but never an Oscar despite five nominations.    (Click on ‘Continue Reading’ for me)

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Warner Bros. to cut 800 jobs

By Claudia Eller

Los Angeles Times

January 20, 2009

Warner Bros. Entertainment is eliminating 800 jobs, or about 10% of its global workforce, becoming the latest media company to take drastic cost-cutting measures amid a deepening recession.   (Click on ‘Continue Reading’ for more)

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