Katzenberg says "Panda" box office "heartbreaking"

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - After being mired in a stock slump in recent months, DreamWorks Animation announced a stronger than expected second quarter.

Revenues at DreamWorks Animation climbed 38 percent to $218.3 million during the second quarter on the strength of the worldwide box office performance of "Kung Fu Panda 2," the company announced Tuesday.

Profits for the company also increased, rising 42 percent to $34.1 million, or $0.40 per share.

Revenues for the Glendale-based animation studio beat analysts' projections, while profits met their benchmark. A poll of analysts by Thomson Reuters anticipated earnings of 40 cents per share on revenue of $198.2 million.

Shares rose nearly 5 percent in after-hours trading.

"Kung Fu Panda 2," which was released on May 26, 2011, contributed $55.8 million of revenue in the quarter, generated by its worldwide box office performance as well as merchandising and licensing.

The animated sequel's $440 million gross at the international box office was impressive, but on a conference call with investors after the earnings announcement, DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg described the film's $160 million take at the domestic box office as "heartbreaking."

Katzenberg said that the studio miscalculated by positioning "Kung Fu Panda 2" as family friendly counter-programing to "Hangover Part 2."

"I think we had a terrible, terrible calamity in the US and it's heartbreaking because there's no recovering from it," Katzenberg said.

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http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/27/industry-us-dreamworks-idUSTRE76Q04A20110727

Two More Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 TV Spots

Warner Bros released two more trailers for the upcoming film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2″ by director David Yates (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) stars Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone), Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter (Alice in Wonderland), Alan Rickman (The Villa Golitsyn) and Rupert Grint.

Little does Harry know that his future has already been decided by his past when, on that fateful day, he became “the Boy Who Lived.” No longer just a boy, Harry Potter is drawing ever closer to the task for which he has been preparing since the day he first stepped into Hogwarts: the ultimate battle with Voldemort.

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http://www.shockya.com/news/2011/06/21/two-more-harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2-tv-spots/

Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt Join Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln' (Exclusive)

Hal Holbrook, James Spader, John Hawkes, Tim Blake Nelson, Bruce McGill and Joseph Cross also are among those in negotiations to join the Abraham Lincoln biopic.

Steven Spielberg is rounding out the large cast of his Abraham Lincoln biopic, DreamWorks' Lincoln.

Tommy Lee Jones and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, along with Hal Holbrook, James Spader, John Hawkes, Tim Blake Nelson, Bruce McGill and Joseph Cross are in negotiations to join the pic.

David Costabile, Byron Jennings, Dakin Matthews, Boris McGiver, Gloria Reuben, Jeremy Strong and David Warshofsky are also in negotiations to board the movie.

Lincoln, which sees Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16th president of the United States and Sally Field as his wife, Mary Todd, is based on Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin and adapted by Tony Kushner.

Jones will play Thaddeus Stevens, a Republican leader and congressman from Pennsylvania. Stevens was a staunch supporter of abolishing slavery and was critical to writing the legislation that funded the American Civil War.

Gordon-Levitt will take on the role of Robert Todd Lincoln, eldest son of President Lincoln and the only one to live past his teenage years.

The other actors will make up the supporting roles in this telling of Lincoln's journey to abolish slavery and end the Civil War.

The project, which will shoot this fall in Virginia, is eyeing a late 2012 release via Disney's Touchstone label.

Jones will be seen in July release Captain America: First Avenger, while Gordon-Levitt will shoot The Dark Knight Rises this summer.

James Bond distribution deal agreed with Sony Pictures

The next Bond movie will be distributed by Sony Pictures, the studio that put out the last two 007 films.

Sony will co-finance and distribute the 23rd Bond film - directed by Sam Mendes and due for release on 9 November 2012 - after striking a deal with MGM.

In January it was confirmed Daniel Craig - star of 2006's Casino Royale and 2008's Quantum of Solace - would return in the as yet untitled new film.

The franchise had been on hold because of MGM's financial troubles.

The studio, which will retain distribution rights in some overseas territories, has since emerged from bankruptcy under new ownership.

Casino Royale made $594m (£364m) at the international box office, while Quantum of Solace took $586m (£359m).

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13077851

Foreign Box Office Preview: 'Rio' Opens Overseas Ahead of U.S.

Opening a full week before it debuts in the U.S., the animated film -- voiced by Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway -- could clear $45 million in its international debut.

Signaling the might of the international box office, Fox’s 3D toon Rio is opening in most of the world this weekend, a full week before it debuts in the U.S. And if projections are right, it could easily be the top grossing title of any film anywhere.


Rio — voiced by Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway — goes out in 46 markets, including major territories Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, the U.K., Germany, Spain, India and China. Conservative estimates show the animated family film clearing at least $45 million, if not more. [Read The Hollywood Reporter's review here.]

Historically, Hollywood studios have always unspooled their films at the domestic box office first. But that’s changed with the rapid growth of the international market. Now, event films and animated pics often make far more overseas.

Rio was tailor-made for international audiences. The movie, directed by Brazilian filmmaker Carlos Saldanha, is about a domesticated Macaw named Blu who is afraid of flying. His life takes an adventurous turn when he travels from the U.S. to Rio to mate with the last female of his kind.

Rio is based on an original story by Saldanha and was nurtured by Fox Animation Studios president Vanessa Morrison.

The voice cast also includes Jamie Foxx, George Lopez, will.i.am and Wanda Sykes. Rio is the sixth film from Fox partner Blue Sky Studios.

Box Office Preview: Russell Brand to Dominate Weekend With 'Arthur,' 'Hop'

In opening first overseas, Fox wanted to capitalize on kids getting out of school in Europe and other regions for spring break. In the U.S., only about 20% of kids are now out of school.

Rio could make life difficult for Universal’s CGI/live-action hybrid Hop, which opened last weekend in the U.S. and in a number of territories, including the U.K., Germany and Italy.

Hop overperformed in the U.S. but saw a softer bow internationally. Part of the problem could have been good weather in Europe, which kept families outside. Some box office observers suggest the pic’s uniquely American take on the Easter bunny could make it difficult to sell overseas.

Rio goes up against Hop in several major European markets as well as in Australia, where both films opens this weekend.

Rio bows in the U.S. on April 15.

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http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/foreign-box-office-rio-opens-176224

Video: Black Eyed Peas Pay Tribute to Japan on 'American Idol'

Black Eyed Peas visited "American Idol" on the result-show night on March 17, performing their latest single "Just Can't Get Enough". "This song is about love and strength and is dedicated to our friends in Japan," will.i.am said from his seat behind a white grand piano.

Stacy Ferguson aka Fergie sat on top of the piano, kicking in the first verses of the dance track. She and will.i.am then proceeded to move to the center stage and were joined by Taboo and apl.de.ap halfway through the set.

Another musical guest that night was Lee DeWyze, 2010 winner of "American Idol". The 24-year-old singer strummed a guitar and delivered his second single "Beautiful Like Me". He said to Ryan Seacrest, "It's great to be back."

The host asked Lee what advice he could give to the remaining contestants. "Just remember why you tried out in the first place," he answered. "You guys are fine, no matter what happens." Sitting among the audience were Jennifer Lopez's hubby Marc Anthony and her "On the Floor" collaborator Pitbull.

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http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00039104.html

Probe over Lohan 'jewellery theft'

Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan is facing possible theft charges after police obtained a search warrant to look for a £1,500 stolen necklace at her California home.

But before detectives could search her home near Venice Beach, a freewheeling boardwalk known for its mix of performers, tourist shops and seaside gym, someone who police would not identify handed in the necklace.

Police presented a potential case against the actress on Wednesday night, although prosecutors will not make an immediate decision on whether to pursue charges, district attorney's spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons said.

Officer Bruce Borihanh of Los Angeles police said the investigation into the Mean Girls star was for possible grand theft.

The allegations bring more problems for Lohan, 24, who is still on probation for a 2007 drink-driving case and is also being investigated for an alleged assault on a rehab worker in December.

Kamofie & Co, a Venice custom jewellery shop within walking distance of Lohan's home, reported the necklace stolen on January 22, about three weeks after the actress was released from three months of court-ordered rehabilitation at the Betty Ford Centre. The treatment, her fifth rehab session, came after she admitted failing a drug test shortly after being granted early release from another treatment programme.

Regardless of the decision by prosecutors in Los Angeles and Riverside County, where Betty Ford is located, Lohan is due back in court on February 25 for a probation hearing.

Jeff Kaman, the husband of store owner Sofia Kaman confirmed that the necklace involved in the Lohan case was from Kamofie, but declined to comment further.

According to the store's website Kamofie's jewellery has been featured in several celebrity magazines, including a photo of actress Amanda Seyfried in People magazine's "World's Most Beautiful" people issue last year.

Lohan's frequent legal troubles, including lawsuits, two rehab stints and two trips to jail in 2010 alone, have led to the actress appearing more in court than on the big screen in recent years. Her role as porn star Linda Lovelace in a biopic was recast while Lohan was being treated at Betty Ford.

Oscar Nominations 2011

Oscar Nominations 2011

Best Picture

'Black Swan'

'The Fighter'

'Inception'

'The Kids Are All Right'

'The King’s Speech'

'127 Hours'

'The Social Network'

'Toy Story 3'

'True Grit'

'Winter’s Bone'

Best Director

Darren Aronofsky

'Black Swan'

David O. Russell

'The Fighter'

Tom Hooper

'The King's Speech'

David Fincher

'The Social Network'

Joel and Ethan Coen

'True Grit'

Best Actress

Annette Bening

'The Kids Are All Right'

Nicole Kidman

'Rabbit Hole'

Jennifer Lawrence

'Winter's Bone'

Natalie Portman

'Black Swan'

Michelle Williams

'Blue Valentine'

Best Actor

Javier Bardem

'Biutiful'

Jeff Bridges

'True Grit'

Jesse Eisenberg

'The Social Network'

Colin Firth

'The King's Speech'

James Franco

'127 Hours'

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams

'The Fighter'

Helena Bonham Carter

'The King's Speech'

Melissa Leo

'The Fighter'

Hailee Steinfeld

'True Grit'

Jacki Weaver

'Animal Kingdom'

Best Supporting Actor

Christian Bale

'The Fighter'

John Hawkes

'Winter's Bone'

Jeremy Renner

'The Town'

Mark Ruffalo

'The Kids Are All Right'

Geoffrey Rush

'The King's Speech'

Best Foreign Language Film

'Biutiful'

Mexico

'Dogtooth'

Greece

'In a Better World'

Denmark

'Incendies'

Canada

'Outside the law'

Algeria

Best Film Editing

'Black Swan'

Andrew Weisblum

'The Fighter'

Pamela Martin

'The King's Speech'

Tariq Anwar

'127 Hours'

Jon Harris

'The Social Network'

Angus Wall & Kirk Baxter

Best Documentary Feature

'Exit Through the Gift Shop'

'Gasland'

'Inside Job'

'Restrepo'

'Waste Land'

Best Animated Feature Film

'How to Train Your Dragon'

'Illusionist'

'Toy Story 3'

Best Visual Effects

'Alice in Wonderland'

Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas & Sean Phillips

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1'

Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz & Nicolas Aithadi

'Hereafter'

Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojanski & Joe Farrell

'Inception'

Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley & Peter Bebb

'Iron Man 2'

Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright & Daniel Sudick

Best Original Song

'Coming Home' from 'Country Strong'

Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey

'I See the Light' from 'Tangled'

Music by Alan Menken Lyric by Glenn Slater

'If I Rise' from '127 Hours'

Music by A.R. Rahman Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong

'We Belong Together' from 'Toy Story 3'

Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

Best Original Score

'How to Train Your Dragon'

John Powell

'Inception'

Hans Zimmer

'The King's Speech'

Alexandre Desplat

'127 Hours'

A.R. Rahman

'The Social Network'

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

Best Cinematography

'Black Swan'

Matthew Libatique

'Inception'

Wally Pfister

'The King's Speech'

Danny Cohen

'The Social Network'

Jeff Cronenweth

'True Grit'

Roger Deakins

Best Sound Mixing

'Inception'

Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo & Ed Novick

'The King's Speech'

Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen & John Midgley

'Salt'

Jeffrey J. Haboush, Greg P. Russell, Scott Millan & William Sarokin

'The Social Network'

Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick & Mark Weingarten

'True Grit'

Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff & Peter F. Kurland

Best Sound Editing

'Inception'

Richard King

'Toy Story 3'

Tom Myers & Michael Silvers

'Tron: Legacy'

Gwendolyn Yates Whittle & Addison Teague

'True Grit'

Skip Lievsay & Craig Berkey

'Unstoppable'

Mark P. Stoeckinger

Best Costume Design

'Alice in Wonderland'

Colleen Atwood

'I Am Love'

Antonella Cannarozzi

'The King's Speech'

Jenny Beavan

'The Tempest'

Sandy Powell

'True Grit'

Mary Zophres

Best Art Direction

'Alice in Wonderland'

Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O'Hara

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I'

Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan

'Inception'

Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat

'The King's Speech'

Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr

'True Grit'

Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh

Best Adapted Screenplay

Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy

'127 Hours'

Aaron Sorkin

'The Social Network'

John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton & Lee Unkrich

'Toy Story 3'

Joel Coen & Ethan Coen

'True Grit'

Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini

'Winter's Bone'

Best Original Screenplay

Mike Leigh

'Another Year'

Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson

'The Fighter'

Christopher Nolan

'Inception'

Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg

'The Kids Are All Right'

David Seidler

'The King's Speech'

Best Makeup

'Barney's Version'

Adrien Morot

'The Way Back'

Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk & Yolanda Toussieng

'The Wolfman'

Rick Baker & Dave Elsey

Best Short Film (Live Action)

'The Confession' - Tanel Toom

'The Crush' - Michael Creagh

'God of Love' - Luke Matheny

'Na Wewe' - Ivan Goldschmidt

'Wish 143' - Ian Barnes & Samantha Waite

Best Documentary (Short Subject)

'Killing in the Name'

'Poster Girl'

'Strangers No More'

'Sun Comes Up'

'The Warriors of Qiugang'

Best Short Film (Animated)

'Day & Night' - Teddy Newton

'The Gruffalo' - Jakob Schuh & Max Lang

'Let's Pollute' - Geefwee Boedoe

'The Lost Thing' - Shaun Tan & Andrew Ruhemann

'Madagascar, carnet de voyage' - Bastien Dubois