'Marilyn' Actor Branagh Parallels His Character

NY (AP) Long before Kenneth Branagh stepped into the role of Sir Laurence Olivierin "My Week With Marilyn," there already were strong parallels between them.Both are synonymous with film adaptations of William Shakespeare, delivering lines with implausible realism, and earning accolades for their troubles. Each starred and directed their own successful adaptations of "Hamlet," and "Henry V," that earned Oscar nods for their work on both sides of the camera. (Olivier received an honorary award that included directing the film).With such similarities, it seems fitting that Branagh earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance as the legendary actor."He was a master of his craft, and at the same time very vulnerable," Branagh says of Olivier."My Week with Marilyn," is in theaters and stars two-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe. It's based on the writings of Colin Clark, who spent a week with the iconic actress in 1957 while she was filming "The Prince and the Showgirl" in the United Kingdom."When they were making this film, Olivier, saw it as means to reinvigorate his career, especially in the states," Branagh said. "But he found it a challenge to work with Marilyn (Monroe), whom he considered less than professional."Olivier eventually lightened up to Monroe, admitting she was wonderful in the film.But Branagh says his co-star, Michelle Williams, who plays the iconic Monroe, has been wonderful from the start."Before we ever started filming, she learned everything she could about Marilyn, and played her flawlessly.""After some time you live the character, and stop playing it," he added.Olivier was 50 when he starred and directed "The Prince and the Showgirl," and Branagh was 50 when he portrayed Olivier in the film."He had this attitude of, 'It's not over, yet,' and I feel the same way," Branagh said.The actor always has held Olivier in high regard and is humbled whenever critics draw comparisons. That comes as no surprise when you consider Olivier's body of work. Classic performances include Heathcliff in "Wuthering Heights," the title characters in "Othello" and "Richard II," and Andrew Wyke from "Sleuth.""How could you not be an Olivier fan? Just think of that scene in Marathon Man, where he's torturing Dustin Hoffman with a dentist's drill. That scene alone could be responsible for a generation of British not going to the dentist," Branagh said before breaking into laughter.So while he's a serious actor, Branagh also has a good sense of humor. And he's going to need it at the Golden Globes, where Ricky Gervais returns as host.Branagh and Gervais grew up in the same English town of Reading; Branagh moved there as a child from Belfast. Branagh is a year older than Gervais and says their schools often played football games against one another. Branagh was an avid footballer through school."I'm not sure if he ever played," the actor said of Gervais. "But if he did, we certainly played against one another."Because of the hometown connection, Branagh expects Gervais to focus some the jokes about growing up in Reading. And the actor says he has no problem with that.Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. By John Carucci December 23, 2011 PHOTO CREDIT Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images NY (AP) Long before Kenneth Branagh stepped into the role of Sir Laurence Olivierin "My Week With Marilyn," there already were strong parallels between them.Both are synonymous with film adaptations of William Shakespeare, delivering lines with implausible realism, and earning accolades for their troubles. Each starred and directed their own successful adaptations of "Hamlet," and "Henry V," that earned Oscar nods for their work on both sides of the camera. (Olivier received an honorary award that included directing the film).With such similarities, it seems fitting that Branagh earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance as the legendary actor."He was a master of his craft, and at the same time very vulnerable," Branagh says of Olivier."My Week with Marilyn," is in theaters and stars two-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe. It's based on the writings of Colin Clark, who spent a week with the iconic actress in 1957 while she was filming "The Prince and the Showgirl" in the United Kingdom."When they were making this film, Olivier, saw it as means to reinvigorate his career, especially in the states," Branagh said. "But he found it a challenge to work with Marilyn (Monroe), whom he considered less than professional."Olivier eventually lightened up to Monroe, admitting she was wonderful in the film.But Branagh says his co-star, Michelle Williams, who plays the iconic Monroe, has been wonderful from the start."Before we ever started filming, she learned everything she could about Marilyn, and played her flawlessly.""After some time you live the character, and stop playing it," he added.Olivier was 50 when he starred and directed "The Prince and the Showgirl," and Branagh was 50 when he portrayed Olivier in the film."He had this attitude of, 'It's not over, yet,' and I feel the same way," Branagh said.The actor always has held Olivier in high regard and is humbled whenever critics draw comparisons. That comes as no surprise when you consider Olivier's body of work. Classic performances include Heathcliff in "Wuthering Heights," the title characters in "Othello" and "Richard II," and Andrew Wyke from "Sleuth.""How could you not be an Olivier fan? Just think of that scene in Marathon Man, where he's torturing Dustin Hoffman with a dentist's drill. That scene alone could be responsible for a generation of British not going to the dentist," Branagh said before breaking into laughter.So while he's a serious actor, Branagh also has a good sense of humor. And he's going to need it at the Golden Globes, where Ricky Gervais returns as host.Branagh and Gervais grew up in the same English town of Reading; Branagh moved there as a child from Belfast. Branagh is a year older than Gervais and says their schools often played football games against one another. Branagh was an avid footballer through school."I'm not sure if he ever played," the actor said of Gervais. "But if he did, we certainly played against one another."Because of the hometown connection, Branagh expects Gervais to focus some the jokes about growing up in Reading. And the actor says he has no problem with that.Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Endemol lenders reject TW bid

ROME -- Rejecting Time Warner's latest bid, Endemol lenders have given the Dutch content giant a waiver extension until February. Hedge funds and banks now appear poised to take control of Endemol, as the process of restructuring the "Big Brother" maker's $3.7 billion debt continues. Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed an Endemol debt waiver, the third extension since September, on the part of Royal Bank of Scotland and Lehman Brothers, two of the main lenders, as well as by shareholders Cyrte and Goldman Sachs. Time Warner on Monday had renewed its interest in Endemol with a $1.3 billion cash offer, which lenders have rejected. Endemol did not comment on reports that a debt-for-equity swap is now underway, which would slash some $2.6 billion in loans and hand management control over to the lenders. Most significant outcome of that scenario is that Mediaset, the Italo broadcasting giant controlled by Silvio Berlusconi, which owns one-third of Endemol and has made an offer for a majority stake, would see its 33% stake greatly diluted to the point of no longer even being an Endemol board member. Mediaset and Italian equity fund Clessidra have reportedly offered to inject more than $500 million in Endemol to raise their 33% stake to 51%, with lenders owning the minority interest. Within the upcoming two-month period it is possible that Mediaset may up its offer and renegotiate with lenders. Or instead opt to reconfigure its role in Endemol as a mere industrial partner. There was no comment from Mediaset. In 2007, a consortium comprising Mediaset, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners and Cyrte, the investment company in which Endemol co-founder John de Mol is a minority shareholder, paid $3.5 billion for Telefonica's controlling stake in Endemol in a three-way split. But they largely used leveraged loans that now weigh heavily on the unscripted TV giant, whose formats also include "Deal or No Deal" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

It's Almost Here: Movieline's Walk of Shame Hits New york city on Saturday

You’ve seen the locations. You’ve (hopefully) seen the film. And today, NYers, you're asked to reside out a minimum of areas of Michael Fassbender’s acclaimed Manhattan journey on Saturday throughout Movieline’s Walk of Shame. [UPDATE: We’re livetweeting on the way! Continue reading for particulars…] I cordially invite you to definitely join me, West Coast editor Jen Yamato, along with other special visitors on 12 ,. 10 once we convene for drinks and holiday cheer at three from the bars featured in Steve McQueen’s celebrated new film. The festivities commence in the building in which the film’s protagonist lives, proceeding forward towards the Flatiron Lounge, the conventional Hotel and our terminus in the Parkside Lounge. (Refresh your memory from the film’s locations with Movieline’s interactive Shame map of Manhattan). More particulars will be to follow dads and moms ahead, but for the time being, please consider saving the date and adding some or our Saturday itinerary for your own (all occasions EST): 5 p.m.: Meet first number of participants at Brandon’s apartment building (9 W. 31st Street) for walk to Flatiron Lounge 5:30 p.m.: Get to Flatiron Lounge (37 W. 19th St) 6:30 p.m.: Depart for Standard Hotel 6:50-7:00 p.m.: Get to Standard Hotel (848 Washington St.) take elevator to top floor (The Boom Boom Room) 8:30 p.m.: Depart break for lunch 10 p.m. - ?: Get to Parkside Lounge (317 E. Houston St.) to shut out evening. We’ll be livetweeting the proceedings while using hashtag #walkofshame, which you'll lead either to like a participant or following along at Movieline. Spread the term, NYers, and make certain introducing her. Hopefully to help you on the way!

OWN to demonstrate Shadyac's 'I Am'

Inside the network's first high-profile docu acquisition, "I'mInch will preem around the famous host the famous host oprah Winfrey's OWN the next month, marking the invention Communications/Harpo joint venture's first anniversary on Jan. 1. "Bruce Almighty" helmer Tom Shadyac's pic explores philosophical questions in interviews with thinkers including Noam Chomsky, Desmond Tutu and Howard Zinn. Street date for your "I'mInch DVD is Jan. 3. The film will air on following the interview between your famous host the famous host oprah and Shadyac in regards to the painful bicycle accident that triggered him to begin questioning his lifestyle. Contact Mike Thielman at mike.thielman@variety.com

Queen Latifah, Charles Murray Sell Female Cop Project to CBS (Exclusive)

ABC Beyoncéwon't be shaking a multi-million dollar lawsuit that alleges she walked away from a deal to create a motion-sensing dance video game based on her moves. A NY Superior Court judge denied Tuesday the singer's motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by video game developer Gate Five.our editor recommendsWhy an Allegation That Beyonc Plagiarized Dance Moves Is Truly Unique (Analysis)Pregnant Beyonce to Design Her Own Maternity Line The suit was filed in April and claims that the pop star "double crossed" the video company on a "whim" by abandoning development of a dance game that was to be calledStarpower: Beyoncé. Gate Five had purportedly spent $6.7 million on the game before the singer demanded more compensation to move forward. Her requests allegedly caused the financier to back out of a $19.2 million financing deal, and Gate Five said it needed to lay off 70 people from its workforce a week before last Christmas. PHOTOS: 18 of Hollywood's Outrageous Entertainment Lawsuits Beyoncé retorted that she had a valid right to exercise the termination provisions of her contract after the plaintiff was unable to fulfill contractual obligations to obtain $5 million of "committed financing" for the project. The singer's attorneys put some of the blame on Gate Five's chief financial backer and quoted Gate Five's president, who purportedly found this person to be "overbearing" and someone who had "entered the picture and ended up disturbing the collaborative atmosphere" between the parties. Gate Five said that the concerns about financing were "disingenuous." According to one court brief filed by the company, Beyoncé could not have had any legitimate concern about a supposed lack of $5 million in financing because, when she terminated, Gate Five was on the eve of closing a $19.2 million financing contract. Attorneys forBeyoncé urged the judge to take a plain reading of the contract, and Gate Five's side argued that the doctrine of prevention barred her from relying on the "lack of financing" excuse because that only happened due to her own conduct. Additionally, the video game company said the doctrine of estoppel applied because Gate Five had relied to its detriment on her assurances that a November 15th deadline for securing the funds was immaterial. Without any written explanation, NY Superior Court judge Charles Ramos rejectedBeyoncé's motion to dismiss the lawsuit on Tuesday. The move means that discovery in the case can move forward, including a possible deposition of the singer. Gate Five is seeking big damages in this lawsuit. According to the company's complaint, theStarpower: Beyoncévideo game was expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in profit for Gate Five. The company is also seeking an injunction that would prevent the singer from working on any other video games. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Crazy Cases! 18 of Hollywood's Outrageous Entertainment Lawsuits Beyonce Video Games

Glenn Close Crafts Her Jewel-In-The-Crown Role

Glenn Close Crafts Her Jewel-In-The-Crown Role By Dany Margolies December 8, 2011 Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs" How can a woman with no family, no inheritance, and no job prospects survive? If we're talking today, and if we're talking America, at least she stands a chance. If we're talking 19th-century Ireland, posing as a man might be the only way. In the screenplay for "Albert Nobbs," by Glenn Close with Gabriella Prekop and John Banville, based on the short story "The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs" by George Moore, Albert is a woman who does exactly that.And how can an actor with astonishing talents, a rich rsum of memorable roles, and a choice of top-rung actors and crew help bring Albert to the screen? Very nicely, thank you, although the task took Close nearly 30 years. In 1982, she played Albert in a theatricalization by Simone Benmussa. The character haunted Close, who continued developing ideas for the film version of the story. For decades, too, Albert disguised herself as a man, surviving by becoming a butler at a fine hotel in Dublin. Like Albert, Close gives the performance of a lifetime. Praise her work, however, and she immediately responds, "How about all the other actors? Aren't they wonderful?" Wonderful indeed, they include Pauline Collins, Brenda Fricker, Mia Wasikowska, Brendan Gleeson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and, in a spectacular turn, Janet McTeer.Close crafted the role with full attention to details external and internal. First and foremost, she says, she definitely created Albert as a woman, with a woman's feelings. "I thought of her literally as behind the mask, looking out," she says. "The real tricky part of the character was how much to show on your face at any given time, because she had lived behind that mask for so long." Close asked for reshoots because she felt her character had been looking people in the eye too much: "And that makes her look comfortable. We reshot it with Albert more downcast, looking down. That's who she was. And it was better."But the characterization is not humorless. Close created Albert based on classic clowns, whom one can see a touch of in her walk. "I always have felt that one of the things that most attracted me to Albert and kept me loving her all these years is that she's comic and tragic at the same time," Close says. "So, there's a clown side to her." The actor grew up watching Emmett Kelly, and she studied Charlie Chaplin's films to help flesh out Albert. "And the fact that she's 14 when she became a waiter, so the clothes would be too big for hercertainly the pants would be too long and the shoes would be too big," Close says. "So she turns her feet out like Chaplin and has shoes that are just short of being clown size."The actor looks shockingly like a man in the role, and yet, she insists, "I had very little makeup except what was needed to meld the tip of my nose and the size of my ears. It wasn't about a woman pasting hair on her face to be a man but what happens to a woman's face when she lives that life for so long."Noticeably, Close deepens her voice as Albert. But she had other externals to concentrate on, too. "I was thinking of turning my feet out, and what was on my face, and the London accent, so the voice was the fourth layer," she says. "And I had the dialect coach tell me if it started going up, because sometimes I had to be reminded." But she recalls her mentor, Howard Scammonher professor at the College of William & Maryteaching her that there's range in one's speaking voice just as in one's singing voice. "But, yes," she says, "you work on it till you find a place that's comfortable, or else you strain yourself."Close worked with the film's director, Rodrigo Garca, to edit the film. Garca put together the first cut in L.A., then moved the editing office to NY to be with Close while she worked on "Damages." They had shot the film in 32 days. Most of the scenes that take place in the hotel were shot in Cabinteeley House, built in the 18th century in a Dublin suburb. The production set up a greenroom for all the actors, Close says. "And we had tea, and we had these heaters that made everybody red when you sat in front of them; it was freezing cold. And so it was very much like a theater company, actually."In fact, to save time, the entire opening scene was fully choreographed. "From the time the first people walk in to when the aristocrats come in, everybody had their pathway, and we rehearsed it like a play," she says. "So when it has to be broken up in order to shoot bits, everybody knew where they were, in context for the moment. And you could not do that without theater actors. Everybody was totally at home. It was fantastic." So, to say the least, is Close.Outtakes Earned Oscar nominations for her work in "The World According to Garp," "The Big Chill," "The Natural," "Fatal Attraction," and "Dangerous Liaisons" While researching in 2002, she found an article in National Geographic about the "sworn virgins" in Albania. Says Close, "If their family doesn't have any male heir, they live the life of a man on behalf of their family. They have a picture of this woman; I've carried her with me all 10 years."Discarded a scene shot in a bar, because she was never convinced Albert would set foot in a barRepeatedly offers heartfelt praise for the film's designers, including production designer Patrizia von Brandenstein, prosthetic designer Matthew Mungle, wig maker Martial Corneville, and costumer Pierre-Yves Gayraud Glenn Close Crafts Her Jewel-In-The-Crown Role By Dany Margolies December 8, 2011 Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs" How can a woman with no family, no inheritance, and no job prospects survive? If we're talking today, and if we're talking America, at least she stands a chance. If we're talking 19th-century Ireland, posing as a man might be the only way. In the screenplay for "Albert Nobbs," by Glenn Close with Gabriella Prekop and John Banville, based on the short story "The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs" by George Moore, Albert is a woman who does exactly that.And how can an actor with astonishing talents, a rich rsum of memorable roles, and a choice of top-rung actors and crew help bring Albert to the screen? Very nicely, thank you, although the task took Close nearly 30 years. In 1982, she played Albert in a theatricalization by Simone Benmussa. The character haunted Close, who continued developing ideas for the film version of the story. For decades, too, Albert disguised herself as a man, surviving by becoming a butler at a fine hotel in Dublin. Like Albert, Close gives the performance of a lifetime. Praise her work, however, and she immediately responds, "How about all the other actors? Aren't they wonderful?" Wonderful indeed, they include Pauline Collins, Brenda Fricker, Mia Wasikowska, Brendan Gleeson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and, in a spectacular turn, Janet McTeer.Close crafted the role with full attention to details external and internal. First and foremost, she says, she definitely created Albert as a woman, with a woman's feelings. "I thought of her literally as behind the mask, looking out," she says. "The real tricky part of the character was how much to show on your face at any given time, because she had lived behind that mask for so long." Close asked for reshoots because she felt her character had been looking people in the eye too much: "And that makes her look comfortable. We reshot it with Albert more downcast, looking down. That's who she was. And it was better."But the characterization is not humorless. Close created Albert based on classic clowns, whom one can see a touch of in her walk. "I always have felt that one of the things that most attracted me to Albert and kept me loving her all these years is that she's comic and tragic at the same time," Close says. "So, there's a clown side to her." The actor grew up watching Emmett Kelly, and she studied Charlie Chaplin's films to help flesh out Albert. "And the fact that she's 14 when she became a waiter, so the clothes would be too big for hercertainly the pants would be too long and the shoes would be too big," Close says. "So she turns her feet out like Chaplin and has shoes that are just short of being clown size."The actor looks shockingly like a man in the role, and yet, she insists, "I had very little makeup except what was needed to meld the tip of my nose and the size of my ears. It wasn't about a woman pasting hair on her face to be a man but what happens to a woman's face when she lives that life for so long."Noticeably, Close deepens her voice as Albert. But she had other externals to concentrate on, too. "I was thinking of turning my feet out, and what was on my face, and the London accent, so the voice was the fourth layer," she says. "And I had the dialect coach tell me if it started going up, because sometimes I had to be reminded." But she recalls her mentor, Howard Scammonher professor at the College of William & Maryteaching her that there's range in one's speaking voice just as in one's singing voice. "But, yes," she says, "you work on it till you find a place that's comfortable, or else you strain yourself."Close worked with the film's director, Rodrigo Garca, to edit the film. Garca put together the first cut in L.A., then moved the editing office to NY to be with Close while she worked on "Damages." They had shot the film in 32 days. Most of the scenes that take place in the hotel were shot in Cabinteeley House, built in the 18th century in a Dublin suburb. The production set up a greenroom for all the actors, Close says. "And we had tea, and we had these heaters that made everybody red when you sat in front of them; it was freezing cold. And so it was very much like a theater company, actually."In fact, to save time, the entire opening scene was fully choreographed. "From the time the first people walk in to when the aristocrats come in, everybody had their pathway, and we rehearsed it like a play," she says. "So when it has to be broken up in order to shoot bits, everybody knew where they were, in context for the moment. And you could not do that without theater actors. Everybody was totally at home. It was fantastic." So, to say the least, is Close.Outtakes Earned Oscar nominations for her work in "The World According to Garp," "The Big Chill," "The Natural," "Fatal Attraction," and "Dangerous Liaisons" While researching in 2002, she found an article in National Geographic about the "sworn virgins" in Albania. Says Close, "If their family doesn't have any male heir, they live the life of a man on behalf of their family. They have a picture of this woman; I've carried her with me all 10 years."Discarded a scene shot in a bar, because she was never convinced Albert would set foot in a barRepeatedly offers heartfelt praise for the film's designers, including production designer Patrizia von Brandenstein, prosthetic designer Matthew Mungle, wig maker Martial Corneville, and costumer Pierre-Yves Gayraud

The Cabin Within The Forest Trailer Stalks In

Uncover the key behind the cabin...A week ago introduced the very first consider the new teaser poster for Joss Whedon and Came Goddard's horror pic The Cabin Within The Forest, however they're truly offering in the goods, pushing a clip online for those to determine. Have a look below.A short caution here, which given the way the movie's designers intend to tweak horror conventions, should most likely be shipped within the type of a redneck service station attendant: "If y'all are wantin' to determine this he-ah trailah, be cautioned! Fur it'll like as not contain some items you don't wanna be seein' before you decide to clamp individuals pretty, pretty eyes on tha movie itself. You wanna use fresh, and virginal like, right?" (Filthy leer) Yes, you will find spoilers within the footage.And we'll do good not to give up an excessive amount of past the fundamental plot synopsis: several buddies, including Chris Hemsworth's Curt, Jesse Williams' Holden, Fran Kranz' Marty, Kristen Connolly's Dana and Anna Hutchinson's Jules, mind to an online cabin to savor some sexy party occasions. And, obviously, uncover something terrible. Although not always the things they might expect...In the looks of the, Whedon and Goddard are getting fun dealing with the audience's anticipation nearly as much as the figures.' We'll keep our fingers entered it really works.The Cabin Within The Forest is going to be on April 13.

Christopher Plummer's Sound of Music Problem, and 5 Other Stories You'll Be Talking About Today

Happy Friday! Also in today’s edition of The Broadsheet: Helena Bonham Carter has some concerns about Dark Shadows… Hailee Steinfeld is close to playing Ender’s Game… The latest on the quest for the Razzies… War Horse finally finds some awards traction (sort of)… and more. · Christ, it is dead out there. At we’ll always have Christopher Plummer stealing THR’s actor roundtable — no small accomplishment opposite fellow panelists George Clooney, Nick Nolte and Albert Brooks — with a reflection on his hugely challenging role in… The Sound of Music? “Because it was so awful and sentimental and gooey. You had to work terribly hard to try and infuse some miniscule bit of humor into it. […] It’s a very good picture [for] what it is.” Now you know. [THR] · Discussing her latest collaboration with partner Tim Burton, Helena Bonham Carter had this to offer about the vampire saga Dark Shadows: “This is a thing he raced home to see when he was about age 10, so it’s returning to his childhood roots of what he loved watching. It’s actually a really bad, hilariously bad soap opera, and because it’s so bad, he felt he had to make a hugely expensive movie. […] It’s going to be unlike [anything], I think. It’s dangerous to say that. But it’s very original and it’s kind of uncategorizable. It’s going to be impossible to sell, frankly, because it’s just so … it’s a soap opera, but it’s very, very subtle. I don’t know. We’ll see.” [MTV Movies] · Hailee Steinfeld is the latest name touched by speculation around Ender’s Game, reportedly close to joining the adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s sci-fi classic that has already locked in Hugo star Asa Butterfield in the lead. [Variety] · New Year’s Eve stands out among the December release eyeing multiple coveted Razzie Awards nominations. Go get ‘em, Garry Marshall! [Grantland] · In other, more baffling kudos news, the Satellite Awards nominations were announced Thursday, with War Horse faring especially well among the competition that includes, well, pretty much every other movie with its hat in the awards season ring. Ridiculous, but like I said, it’s dead out there. [indieWIRE] · Speaking of awards season, here’s a worthwhile piece basically explaining why you should stop worrying and love the Hollywood marketing bomb. [Variety]

'Key' slot at Comedy Central

Comedy Central has arranged its midseason schedule, with new sketch series "Key and Peele" set to premiere at 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The web is clearly searching to supply "Key" an excellent home -- the series debuts involving the preem of ratings evergreen "Tosh." at 10 p.m. as well as the campaign-season kickoff on "The Daily Show" ("Indecision 2012") at 11 p.m. Russell Simmons and JB Smoove's "Russell Simmons Is Certainly The Ruckus" will first air on Thursday at 10 p.m. Smoove is an additional talent the web is searching to market getting a standup special on Jan. 21. Comedy Central will air new standup special deals on Saturdays within the month of the month of january, with Tom Papa on Jan. 8, Kevin Hart on Jan. 15 and John Mulaney on Jan. 28. Late winter will dsicover the March 14 return of "South Park" towards the usual perfect Wednesdays at 10. The net's Comedy Honours will probably be back May 6. Contact Mike Thielman at mike.thielman@variety.com

Zurich Film Festival Starts Film Music Competition

COLOGNE, Germany -- The Zurich International Film Festival has introduced a new film music competition to take place at next year's fest (Sept. 20-30, 2012).our editor recommendsRoman Polanski Receives Standing Ovation at Zurich Film Festival'The Help' to Close Zurich Film Festival Composers will compete to score a six-minute short film, which will be judged by an international jury of film and music professionals. The winner will receive a $11,000 (10,000 Swiss Francs) cash prize and have their music recorded by Zurich's Tonhalle orchestra under the guidance of conductor David Zinman.Zurich organizers will annouce the film to be scored on Feb.15, 2012. Composers interested in competing can contact the Zurich Festival at score@zurichfilmfestival.org. Related Topics International