In Honor of Her Birthday, Let's Discuss Kristen Wiig's Most Underrated Role

The glamorously screwball Kristen Wiig, who celebrates her 38th birthday today, is now a burgeoning screen star who is successfully elevating the zany and/or downtrodden aspects of her SNL characters into full-fledged performances. What’s her most underrated moment on the screen so far? Plenty of Wiig’s pre-Bridesmaids roles qualify as fun, quiet performances, but I have a special affinity for her work in Adventureland because I have a special affinity for that movie. Not only are its two stars Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart fantastic, but everyone from Ryan Reynolds to Wendie Malick give sweet, believable performances. As Bill Hader’s meekly wacky wife Paulette, Wiig distills the unfiltered essence of her Knocked Up role into a distinctly small-town mold. Just lovely, especially when she offset’s Hader’s more traditional SNL hysteria. What’s your choice?

Exclusive: Nigel Lythgoe Developing Family Singing Competition for The CW

Nigel Lythgoe American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is in talks with The CW to set up a new singing competition at the young-skewing network. The show, which Nigel Lythgoe Prods. would produce, would focus on finding the next big family singing group. (One insider likened it to a search for the next generation Partridge Family.) Lythgoe is also in talks with Dick Clark Prods., which is one of the companies behind So You Think You Can Dance, to come on board as a production partner on the project. A singing show would follow through on The CW president Mark Pedowitz's strategy of putting more original fare on the air throughout the year - including more unscripted series. Earlier this month at the Television Critics Association press tour, Pedowitz told reporters that he was eager to put a singing competition on the air. He hinted at the time that the CW was in talks with a major reality show producer - and Lythgoe would definitely fit that bill. "In terms of reality, we're looking at a wide spectrum of things right now," Pedowitz said at the time. "A vocal show is in negotiations at this point. Whether we put it together or not, we'll see." Lythgoe's other credits include CMT's Next Superstar and Fox's The Search for the Next Great American Band. Dick Clark Prods., run by Orly Adelson, also produces the American Music Awards and the Golden Globes. Lythgoe and the CW declined comment. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Scripps Networks to take stake in UKTV

LONDON -- U.S. TV channels operator Scripps Network Interactive has agreed to buy a 50% stake in U.K. pay TV company UKTV.Virgin Media is to sell the stake in the company, which is 50% owned by BBC Worldwide, in a deal worth a total 339 million ($556 million).The deal, which needs to be approved by the governments of Ireland and Jersey, includes a payment of about 100 million ($164 million) for the outstanding preferred stocks and debt that UKTV owes to Virgin Media.UKTV airs 10 lifestyle and entertainment channels -- including guys' channel Dave and historical docu and drama channel Yesterday -- with a total 36 million viewers a month."UKTV is a significant opportunity for Scripps Networks Interactive to participate in a thriving multi-channel, dual revenue stream media business in one of the world's largest television markets," said Kenneth W. Lowe, Scripps' chairman, president and CEO, in a statement.Scripps is negotiating with BBC Worldwide for the latter to up its stake to 60% in exchange for a combination of cash and a package of digital rights. Contact Leo Barraclough at leo.barraclough@variety.com

Old toon comedies remain Emmy-fresh

Shows like 'The Simpsons' and 'Futurama' know their way round the Emmy process. Couple of Emmy nominees are as lengthy within the tooth because the comedies within the animation programming category, where "The Simpsons," "South Park" and "Futurama" not just convey more than 40 seasons of shows included in this but have possessed the course in each and every year but two this century.Probably the most apparent explanation of the dominance is that they continue being good even individuals that transformed the best hurdle. "I do not think our ace in the hole within the Emmys gets ourselves canceled every few years therefore we can invariably are available in because the fresh underdog," states David X. Cohen, co-creator and professional producer on "Futurama," which came from on Fox and was raised from the dead on Comedy Central.Despite getting created enough episodes to artistically exhaust a large number of other shows, animation has many perks over live-action if this involves keeping the fabric fresh. It's no harder to transmit Homer Simpson towards the moon for any single joke or have "Family Man's" Peter Griffin parody "Singin' while it is rainingInch than to possess figures spend time at a table and talk.Also, figures do not need to age, permitting Bart Simpson to be ten years old after 22 seasons."If people enjoy it, it does not need to change, whereas having a sitcom, situations are altering and biology is working against you," states Cohen.Being such a long time-resided has produced some unusual dynamics within the Emmy race, including some fanboy fervor in the competition."We watch their shows," states Seth Eco-friendly, co-creator of "Robot Chicken," nominated this season because of its third "The Exorcist" parody special. "We are really really, really into them, and they are a part of why we are into animation." 'South Park' feels as though it will get better and sharper each year, 'Simpsons' continues to be funny, 'Futurama' continues to be funny. There is a reason individuals shows do not get cancelled and winning honours."Despite such consistency, it remains a hard category to calculate. "It's a classic program award, so you are searching at direction, you are searching in the storyboards," states Wealthy Appel, that has labored like a author and producer of all of Fox's primetime animated series and it is professional producer on "The Cleveland Show," nominated the very first time this season.Nevertheless voters decide, Appel states quality ought to be compensated no matter how lengthy a show continues to be about the air. "I've no principled belief the old shows need to make method for new shows," he states. "If your show can keep up with the levels it reaches at its best, it will likely be nominated every year.InchStreet Towards The EMMYS: COMEDYLaughed behind Old toon comedies remain Emmy-freshThe nominees"I've no principled belief the old shows need to make method for new shows," he states. "If your show can keep up with the levels it reaches at its best, it will likely be nominated every year.Inch Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

'The Help' Premiere: 5 Things Seen and Heard on the Red Carpet

The Hollywood Reporterspoke to the stars of the DreamWorks' The Help at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills on Tuesday night.our editor recommends'The Help' Kicks Off Awards Season on the Eve of Theatrical Debut'The Help' Author Responds to Lawsuit By Maid Who Says Book Is Based on HerEmma Stone in 'The Help' Trailer The movie, which stars Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer,centers on Southern black maids and their testy relationships with white female employers in Jackson, Miss., in 1963. Director Tate Taylor makes his major studio debut on The Help, which is adapted from his longtime friend Kathryn Stockett's best-selling novel. The movie opened in theaters Wednesday. PHOTOS: 'The Help's' Retro, Southern Style Here are five things seen and heard on the red carpet at the movie's premiere: Emma Stone's 1960s-era styling helped her get into character Stone plays Skeeter Phelan, an aspiring writer in a time and place where many women had no desire or encourage to get a job. She has super-curly hair, thick eyebrows and, of course, a much different wardrobe than women today sport. The actress said her styling helped her understand the character more than any other film she's worked on. "It felt like the physical constrains, with girdles and being so held in, that the undergarments of the time period really hit home for her," she told THR. "And those constrains and the hair and the eyebrows and the four-inch lifts in the shoes all the time, helped me feel a lot more like Skeeter and the first time that's ever really been a huge part of the character development." STORY: Box Office Report: 'The Help' Off to a Strong Start in Midweek Bow The movie became personal for Viola Davis The actress, who plays maid Aibileen Clark, said it was "exhilarating" to humanize a group of women whom for years have been stereotyped. She also felt like she was honoring the women in her family as well. "I feel like I've brought my mom to life; I've channeled her spirit," she told THR. "I channeled the spirit of my grandmother, and I've kind of paid homage to how they've contributed to my life and the lives of so many people." She also said the movie sends an important message: "There is nothing that can't be overcome with a good, healthy dose of courage." FILM REVIEW: 'The Help' Bryce Dallas Howard found it challenging to portray a racist The actress plays Hilly Holbrook, the villainous president of the Jackson Junior League who torments her maid, Minny (Octavia Spencer). To prepare for the role, she did a lot of research, including watching documentaries and talking to people in Greenwood, Miss. -- where the film was shot -- about their experiences during the Civil Rights movment. "[That] made all the difference in the world because the people who lived there went through that experience, and we could all talk to them about it, and it's an experience that changed their lives forever," she said. But she was acutely aware that she couldn't turn the character into a caricature. "So while I kind of avoided getting into the psychology of my character, after a while ultimately I realized that ... if I just turn [my performance] into a farce, you know, that's not going to do justice to what everybody went through," she added. Taylor has known Stockett since they were 5 years old -- but she still wouldn't let him read her manuscript early on The duo grew up in Jackson, Miss., together and shared a lot of the same experiences that are reflected in the book. But that doesn't mean she trusted him enough to let him read the manuscript right off the bat. "She wouldn't let me read it! Because you don't want your friends and loved ones to judge you, but then when she was turned down by her 60th agent she's like, OK, you could read it," he said. The director so loved the novel that he acquired the film rights a year before it was published. STORY: 'The Help's' Emma Stone: What Critics Say of Her Performance Stockett is nervous, excited and relieved about the movie adaptation The author said she never thought about the possibility of her work being adapted for the big screen while she was writing. "I'm just a dorky writer who hangs out in her pajamas," she told THR. And now that the movie is a reality, she is experiencing a range of emotions. "I'm nervous and I'm excited for Tate," she said. "I got to tell you that there is real relief that it's not about me." She also appreciates that the movie is renewing discussions about race and civil rights. "People are really paying attention to this issue of race for the first time in, I don't know, 15 or 20 years, and I'm really glad," she said. "I feel like people are having conversations that they might not have had ... but look at the same time they're watching this movie that Tate has created and they are laughing. There's a lot of funny moments in there! He just, he nailed it. Octavia Spencer, she's hysterical!" Related Topics Bryce Dallas Howard Viola Davis Emma Stone The Help

BBC, Starz set co-productions

BBC Worldwide Prods. has pacted with Starz to produce hourlong series for the network, potentially generating up to $300 million and more than 100 hours of programming. Deal comes on the heels of Starz's new partnership show with the Beeb, "Torchwood: Miracle Day." The series, which premiered to positive reviews, is self-contained but also functions as a fourth season of the BBC's own "Torchwood." Show is an older-skewing spinoff of the Brit broadcaster's long-running sci-fier "Doctor Who." As part of the new pact, programs will be co-developed by Stars and BBC Worldwide Prods., produced by the latter in partnership with Starz's own original programming unit, and distribbed by Starz in the U.S. and Anglophone Canada. Starz topper Chris Albrecht said the move was of a piece with the net's new focus on original content. "When I came to Starz, we determined that forging strong international partnerships would play centerstage in financing our ramp-up of dynamic original programming," Albrecht said. "This exciting partnership with BBC Worldwide Prods. is a major step in that direction." Jane Tranter, head of BBC Worldwide Prods., said the group was "in a uniquely similar place to Starz" in that it, too, had become more focused on original programming. "'Torchwood: Miracle Day' has been a collaborative and invigorating journey," Tranter said. "We're very much looking forward to bringing Starz subscribers more of the programming they're coming to expect -- intelligent, groundbreaking and honest storytelling, which is synonymous with our BBC roots and values." Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com

Lollapalooza Expanding to Brazil in 2012

As Lollapalooza kicked off its 20th anniversary edition Friday in Chicago, organizers announced international expansion plans. The concert will take place in Brazil for the very first time next year on April 7 and 8 at Sao Paulo's Jockey Club. It will also make a return trip to Santiago, Chile on March 31 and April 1. Festival founder Perry Farrell said in a statement, "The Brazilians have a very rich history of celebration. If we (Lolla) can rub together with them, there's no telling what heights that party will reach." PHOTOS: Top 10 Highest Paid Music Artists Lollapalooza began as a touring concert in 1991 and was reborn as a destination festival in 2005 taking place at Chicago's Grant Park. This year's lineup boasts 130 bands on eight stages including Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, My Morning Jacket and deadmau5. Three-day tickets for the event go for as much as $215, and a record 90,000 people are expected to attend. The festival site has been expanded by 35 acres to accommodate the bigger crowd. William Morris Endeavor and C3 Presents produce the event in the U.S.; Lotus Producciones is its Chilean partner and GEO Eventos is its Brazilian partner. WME's Marc Geiger, a festival co-founder, told the Los Angeles Times that Lollapalooza is eyeing a third international stop for 2013. Related Topics Eminem International Coldplay Muse Lollapalooza Perry Farrell

Kristen Stewart's 'Snow White and the Huntsman' Mom and Dad Announced

Kristen Stewart's Snow White now has a mom and dad.our editor recommendsComic-Con 2011: Universal Takes Lead in Battle of Snow White Movies As 'Huntsman' Panel Impresses'Thor' Star Chris Hemsworth in Talks to Join Kristen Stewart in 'Snow White and the Huntsman' Liberty Ross will play Snow White's mother in Universal's Snow White and the Huntsman, and Noah Huntley has been cast as her father. Photos: Kristen Stewart Vs. Lilly Collins Projects: Anatomy of a Snow White Smackdown Rupert Sanders is directing the re-imagining of the Snow White tale. Palek Patel, who is producing with Joe Roth and Sam Mercer, announced the latest castings via Twitter Friday. PHOTOS: 'Snow White and the Huntsman' First Look: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron The British-born Huntley, repped by Piers Nimmo Management and Stone, Meyer, Genow, played the Head Knight in the comedy Your Highness, released earlier this year. Ross, a model, will be seen in Madonna's upcoming film W.E.. Related Topics Kristen Stewart Snow White and the Huntsman

Policeman (Hashoter)

A Laila Films production with support in the Rabinovich Reason for Arts, HOT, the Jerusalem Film & Television Fund with development support in the Cinefondation residence of Cannes Film Festival, co-production forum of Thessaloniki Film Festival. (Worldwide sales: Wide Management, Paris.) Created by Itai Tamir. Directed, compiled by Nadav Lapid.With: Yiftach Klein, Yaara Pelzig, Michael Mushonov, Menashe Noi, Michael Aloni, Woman Hoyberger, Meital Berdah, Shaul Mizrahi, Rona-Lee Shimon, Ben Adam.Two various kinds of tribalism enter into deadly conflict in provocative Israeli drama "Policeman." Divided loosely into thirds, by having an periodic loopy visual similar to Frederick H. Lewis' "Gun Crazy," the conceptual rigor of the fascinating but uneven pic does not always result in compelling viewing or perhaps a smooth narrative whole. Nonetheless, it reps a powerful debut from tyro helmer-author Nadav Lapid, and can leave audiences discussing the present social and philosophical issues it reflects. Further fest travel and niche arthouse play have been in them with this Locarno fest competition entry. Thirtysomething Yaron (Yiftach Klein) is a component of the elite anti-terrorism police unit from the Israeli government, tacitly permitted to do undercover assassinations of Arab opponents. Firmly thinking he lives within the finest country on the planet, Yaron is happy with his job, his strong, toned body, and the status being an expectant father. Even though policemen's family is portrayed as tight, his bond together with his squadron is tight still. Yaron continues to be with many of his friends since Military service, plus they thrive in each other peoples company at the office and play. Lapid represents the milieu from the cops by having an exaggerated machismo that edges about the erotic. If he or she meet, these aficionado hunks clasp hands or pound each other peoples backs, the noise of the ultra physical greeting ruling the soundtrack. Their attachment for their weaponry can also be made sexual. Admiring the form of the teen waitress, Yaron shows his gun, and asks if she would like to the touch it. About 50 minutes in, just like audiences question where all of this is certainly going and just how far Lapid will require this imagery, the storyline changes without explanation to follow along with another gun-worshipping tribe, a gang of Jewish radicals who plot class warfare through violent means. Brought by handsome blond Natanel (Michael Aloni) and pouty poetess Shira (Yaara Pelzig), these obsessed youngsters infiltrate the Jerusalem wedding of the billionaire's daughter and take hostages from the wealthy and effective to be able to bring their manifesto towards the national media. When Yaron's unit is known as to revive order, the policeman, who cannot comprehend a Jewish terrorist, needs to confront a brand new reality. Pic's first (and longest) third is easily the most interesting, and never without humor as Yaron admires themself within the mirror while holding another man's infant, and dances naked before his heavily pregnant wife. The 2nd section plays more problematically, with less pleasant figures whose values are as unshakable as individuals held through the cops, but portrayed as less rational given their fortunate skills and puerile reasoning. On the way, Lapid's ambitious script intros other kinds of tribes, such as the aggressive punks who destroy Shira's vehicle, the lesbians and artists in the club Shira visits the evening before their operation, and also the captains of industry whose lives the federal government orders law enforcement to preserve no matter what. Thesping is extremely stylized, specifically in the 2nd section, in which the youthful revolutionaries share an empty-eyed stare. Evocative lensing by Shai Goldman ("The Band's Visit") reaches its very best in sun-drenched outside moments, where it very easily captures tribal bonds and hierarchies. "Policeman" obtained honours for script and cinematography in the Jerusalem Film Festival.Camera (color, HD-to-35mm), Shai Goldman editor, Era Lapid seem (Dolby Digital), Aviv Aldema casting, Amit Berlowitz. Examined at Jerusalem Film Festival (competing), This summer 11, 2011. (Also in Locarno Film Festival -- competing.) Running time: 107 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Tom Rothman to get Lifetime Achievement Recognition at Gotham Honours

Fox Shot Entertainment co-chairman-Boss Tom Rothman is going to be feted using the Independent Filmmaker Project's 21st annual Industry Tribute in the Gotham Independent Film Honours on November. 28. The lifetime achievement recognition recognizes work veteran that has considerably affected the movie business. Rothman, additionally to managing a few of the greatest blockbusters in film history, is a steadfast supporter of independent cinema forever of his career. In 1994, Rothman released Fox Searchlight, among the premiere producers and marketers of niche film. Just before Searchlight, he offered as leader of Samuel Goldwyn Films, where he started his film career. "We're truly honored to dedicate our Industry Tribute to Tom Rothman, that has made an indelible impact within the film community. Through his work, he's supported the spirit of independent film and given these voices the way to achieve audiences, regardless of your budget size their work," stated IFP executive director Joana Vicente. "The 2010 tribute brings together an impressive breadth of labor that people are proud to celebrate," she ongoing. Highlights of Mr. Rothman's 17 years at Fox include Black Swan, Cast Away, Master and Commander: The Far Side around the globe, Walk the road, The Demon Wears Prada, Water for Tigers, The Simpsons Movie, Juno, Sideways, 127 Hrs, Little Miss Sunshine, Moulin Rouge, and also the two top grossing movies ever: Titanic and Avatar, in addition to theX-Males and Ice Age franchises. Also throughout this era, Fox films were nominated for more than 100 Oscars, winning three best picture honours, including Slumdog Uniform in 2008. Throughout his career, Rothman has championed a few of the finest filmmakers from the era, including Jim Jarmusch, Ang Lee, Kenneth Branagh, Anthony Minghella, Spike Lee, Danny Boyle, Baz Luhrmann and Bryan Singer. Rothman also presently creates and hosts a set about the Fox Movie Funnel titled Fox Legacygiving background and commentary on classic films in the Fox library. The Gotham Honours--which kick offs off honours season--is going to be held November. 28 at Cipriani Wall Street in New You are able to. Related Subjects Gotham Honours Master and Commander: The Far Side around the globe Black Swan The Demon Wears Prada