Winfrey hits the road for new season

Winfrey To help promote the second season of her OWN series, Oprah Winfrey is hitting the road.The former talkshow queen will head to St. Louis on March 26 for a live episode of "Oprah's Lifeclass" and then shift to Gotham for a live April 2 taping at Radio City Music Hall. In St. Louis, which is the home of net's reality series "Sweetie Pies," Winfrey will chat with Bishop T.D. Jakes and author Iyanla Vanzant. In NY, she will converse with Deepak Chopra and Tony Robbins.She will also tape two additional episodes in both cities, and then move to a yet unnamed city where two more episodes will be taped to close out the six-week season."Oprah's Lifeclass," which is produced by Harpo Studios and debuted last year with a five-week run in October, averaged 291,000 viewers in its first first season. Millions also watched the skein online. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Sundance Selects picks 'Never Sorry'

Sundance Selects has bought North American rights to director Alison Klayman's "Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry" and plans a major summer theatrical release which will coincide with the artist's first trip outside of China since his detention. Deal was announced Monday on the heels of its screening as an official selection in the Berlinale Special at Berlin following its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won a Special Jury Prize for Spirit of Defiance. Film was produced by Klayman and Adam Schlesinger and exec produced by Karl Katz, Julie Goldman and Andrew Cohen. Pic's presented by United Expression Media in association with Muse Film &Television. "Never Sorry" explores the story of a dissident for the digital age who blurs the boundaries of art and politics. First-time director Klayman gained access to Ai while working as a journalist in China. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Top Moments: Panda Sex with Jon Stewart and Ough Gervais and Revenge's Killer Reveal

Stephen Amell, Kristin Kreuk The fall TV several weeks are materializing. Systems have bought a lot of new aircraft aircraft pilots starring familiar faces including Zachary Levi, Mindy Kaling, Mandy Moore and Sarah Silverman, and from proven producers like Josh Schwartz, J.J. Abrams, Greg Berlanti and Kevin Williamson. Also developing a comeback this year: Legendary figures including Eco-friendly Arrow, Barbara Bradshaw, An Online Detective and wonder as well as the Animal. To keep close track of who's doing what, read our complete list of all the series projects in contention and search back for updates by themselves status. Listed below are the CW aircraft aircraft pilots: (Check out ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC.) DRAMA Arrow Hung's Stephen Amell stars as Electricity superhero Eco-friendly Arrow in this particular modern retelling in the legendary archer's adventures. Brothers and sisters & Sisters' Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim will executive-produce while using Vampire Diaries' Andrew Kreisberg. Katie Cassidy, Willa Holland, David Ramsey and Susanna Thompson may even star. Beauty as well as the Animal Loosely using the 1987 CBS series a great ADA together with a noble guy-animal who produce a connection, the up-to-date love story - with Smallville's Kristin Kreuk since the Beauty - includes a procedural twist. Felicity's Jennifer Levin and Brothers and sisters & Sisters' Sherri Cooper will write and executive-produce. Austin Basis may even star. The Barbara Journals Using the novel by Candace Bushnell, a far more youthful Barbara Bradshaw steps to the limelight as she comes old inside the eighties, asking her first queries about love, sex, friendship and family while choosing the cell phone industry's of secondary school and Manhattan. Bushnell will executive-produce alongside Gossip Girl duo Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, Len Goldstein and Sex as well as the City author Amy Harris.Stefania Owen will co-star. Popularity a rash of disappearances together with a likely murder, an inquisitive, youthful female production assistant (Melrose Place reboot star Jessica Lucas) around the very popular tv series referred to as Cult joins a journalist blogger in considering the rabid fans in the series who might be re-creating crimes seen round the type in real existence. Rockne O'Bannon will write and executive-produce alongside Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage and Len Goldstein. Alona Tal may even star. First Cut Glad to go away her nerdy past behind for just about any new beginning inside the adult professional world, a lately minted physician discovers that, sadly and comically, existence within the hospital where she works is equivalent to secondary school. Gilmore Girls' Jennie Snyder Urman will write and executive-produce with Pushing Daisies' Serta Jinks. Joey Dakota In this time around around-travel musical using the Israeli series Danny Hollywood, a documentary filmmaker travels towards the the 19 nineties, where she meets and falls deeply deeply in love with the rock star who's the subject of her film. When she all of a sudden returns to the present, she need to get her sometime ago for the past to reunite with him and prevent his untimely dying. NCIS' Mark Harmon executive-produces with Kim and Eric Tannenbaum. Bert Royal (Easy A) written the script. The Option The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor in this particular project using the approaching book series by Kiera Cass. Popular romance set 300 years afterwards, an unhealthy, youthful lady is chosen by lottery to register in the competition being the next filled with the war-torn nation inside a crossroads. The Vampire Diaries' Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain will write and executive-produce. Shelter The completely new and returning staff inside a historic Colonial summer season resort cope with the needs from the site visitors while moving their unique associations, rivalries and romances. J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk executive-produce. Mark Schwahn (One Tree Hill) written the script. Which aircraft aircraft pilots appear interesting for you personally?

Establishing the 'law'

Rachid Bouchareb is moving ahead on "Bill's Law," an British-language pic based on Jose Giovanni's 1973 classic mental drama "Two Males aroundInch (Deux hommes dans la ville).Pic is produced by Bouchareb and Jean Brehat via their U.S. shingle Taghit in addition to their Paris-based outfit Tessalit Prods. Pathe reps the film in worldwide areas.Forest Whitaker is installed on topline just like a Muslim ex-disadvantage on parole as (Daily Variety, August. 15).Jean Gabin and Alain Delon starred inside the original film, which concentrates on the friendship from the awesome gangster and also the parole officer.Bouchareb, who's penning the script along with his writing partner Olivier Lorelle, is transposing the knowledge from seventies France to modern-day America. Pic will probably be occur the and surrounding suburbs in Arizona, near to the Mexican border, mentioned Brehat, adding the film will talk about American politics and anti-Arab paranoia.It's allotted at about E15 million ($19.8 million).Pre-production will beginning in the year. Lensing is predicted to begin in October and November."Two Males aroundInch marks Bouchareb's followup to Sienna Burns starrer "Like a Lady," another pic searching within the relationship between Arabs and Us citizens.Tessalit Prods may also be behind Roschdy Zem's Oscar-nominated feature debut, "Omar Destroyed Me." Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Discovery inks deal with Colombia gov't

Discovery Communications has forged a co-production partnership with Colombia's Ministry of Information Technology and Communications (TIC) to produce content for and about Colombia as well as to promote and spur television production training programs in the country.Multi-year alliance is the first media partnership for the Colombian government and a first for Discovery in Latin America. Discovery has inked similar initiatives elsewhere, the latest, dubbed "China Imagica," was with China's State Council Information Office in 2010 to co produce docus showcasing the singular aspects of China for international auds.Latest pact raises a number of questions about the sharing of expenditures and revenues, which a Discovery spokesperson was not at liberty to discuss.Discovery plans to tap local talent including producers, writers, crew etc. It has also opened an office in the Colombian capital of Bogota, making it its fourth in the region after Buenos Aires, Sao Paolo and Mexico City.While no specific projects have yet been announced, the principal mandate is to create documentaries about Colombia across non-fiction genres, including engineering, science, natural history and investigation.An advisory board of Colombian and international experts will work to ensure that the topics chosen will appeal to local as well as international auds. The partners expect to bring their first co-production to Discovery and Colombian public TV this year.Discovery follows a string of media companies that have set up shop in the country including Sony Pictures Television, NBCU's Telemundo and Fox. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Australian Academy lauds 'Artist'

"The Artist" needed top picture, actor and pointing honors within the first Australian Academy of Cinema and television Arts Intl. Honours Friday evening. Michel Hazanavicius was named best director within the inaugural ceremony, while "The Artist's" Jean Dujardin and "The Iron Lady's" Meryl Streep showed up the acting nods. Voters were tied on script honors, so honours visited both "Ides of March" and "Margin Call." AACTA prexy Geoffrey Hurry introduced the individuals who win in five groups within an intimate West Hollywood ceremony at Soho House. "As our industry becomes a really global entity, it's fitting the brand new Australian Academy recognizes the industry's best, health club abroad," Hurry mentioned. Despite the fact that Australian Film Institute remains around for more than one half-century, the academy was created last summer season just like a professional offshoot and patterned following a branch structure in the Academy of motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "We're wanting it's the beginning of a great tradition," mentioned AACTA Boss Damian Trewhella. Trewhella mentioned AACTA has between 1,500 and two,000 people which is searching to build up further. The crowd may also be searching ahead with a second developmental phase, including opening a place of work in La to market Australian productions inside the U.S. The AACTA Intl. Honours are created to recognition film excellence regardless of geography, as with different jury of Australian entertainment professionals. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com

Howard talks up AFTRA merger

HowardWith Celebrities facing an progressively murky future, Screen Stars Guild leader Ken Howard desires to clarify that situation whenever you can by trading his time pursuing a merger while using American Federation of Television & Radio Artists.Asked for are you aware the main concerns nowadays from people, Howard responds positively."In a nutshell: strength," according to him. "Individuals are anxious for your merger to happen since they know we are more effective together. Our marketplace is dealing with serious changes which is critical there is available a unified strategy, together with a united states . front, to make sure artists keep their great deal.InchHe thinks strongly that individuals of SAG and AFTRA, who'll most likely see ballots for just about any merger referendum in March or April, desire to mix unions to then resolve the dilemma of seeing pension and health contributions enter into separate SAG and AFTRA plans.Howard was handily re-selected with a second two-year term in September and contains made merger the key factor element of both elections, so he's not necessarily been able to seeing lots of distinction between the second term."What remains same is always that I'm remaining dedicated to serving the needs of SAG individuals with my leadership team and our partners at AFTRA to make a single union," according to him. "For me the finest difference throughout my second term is always that we're really going to make it happen. The folks are depending upon us to do this and i'm unlikely to dissatisfy them."Howard was selected last season, a few days after winning a supporting actor Emmy for "Grey Gardens." He is constantly work, turning up as Atty. General Harlan F. Stone in "J. Edgar" too as with a recurring role on "30 Rock.""I've required to decline a few things because of the needs to become SAG leader, but my union service has furthermore given me some terrific experience and an alternative way of searching within the work I've had the chance to just accept,In . according to him. "Furthermore to 'J. Edgar,' I've done a TV movie ('The Council of Dads'), 'The Closer' and 'Fairly Legal,' and that i have stood a wonderful time playing the role of Hank Hooper on '30 Rock.' It's saved me very busy, but it's also aided me to stay current and mounted on our people."A year ago also saw Howard and AFTRA leader Roberta Reardon create a country wide "listening tour" to search for member opinions."I am constantly amazed through the dedication of people serving the union both people and staff," he adds. "I'm not only speaking in regards to the people Sometimes inside the nation's leadership, but people all nationwide. One of the many advantages in the listening tour Roberta which i completed a year ago is always that I obtained to visit with many different people and branch staff by themselves home turf. The quantity of commitment they offer the union cause -- during places where the challenges are not as easy, like right-to-work states -- is inspiring."The merger remains selected lower two occasions by SAG (1999 and 2003) with rivals saying the combo would strip SAG of the unique character, and warning the SAG health insurance pension plans may take a hit. People continue being potentially combative issues but Howard thinks people would favor a merger so that they aren't any more faced having a predicament of contributing to 2 separate health plans rather than being qualified for either."Individuals are frustrated with seeing their earnings split up into two plans, making it considerably harder to qualify," he adds. "There's just undoubtedly the single union with elevated leverage will let's address these and many types of other concerns."Howard's set to supply on-air speech at Sunday's SAG Honours ceremony within the Shrine Auditorium in La, following a couple of days of conferences in the SAG national board to approve the merger proposal."I aim to balance my obligations, but sometimes it's tough to tug off," according to him. "Furthermore to my behave as SAG leader, including my service round the AFL-CIO executive council, I stay very active having a couple of charitable causes that are crucial that you me. And, clearly, I'm always searching toward my next role becoming an actor."But within the last couple of years, the primary concentrate on getting SAG and AFTRA together has already established the lion's share of Howard's time."This is often a crucial and historic opportunity to safeguard the long run for anyone,Inch he adds. "Even though it's taken lots of time, I'm very grateful to own been a lot of it.InchAnd Even The NOMINEES ARE...FILM Cast "The Artist" "Bridesmaids""The Descendants""The AssistanceInchInchNight amount of time in Paris"Actor Demian Bichir, "A Far Greater Existence" George Clooney, "The Descendants"Leonardo DiCaprio, "J. Edgar"Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"Kaira Pitt, "Moneyball"Actress Glenn Close, "Albert Nobbs"Viola Davis, "The AssistanceInchMeryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"Tilda Swinton, "We must Discuss Kevin"Michelle Williams, "My Week With Marilyn"Supporting Actor Kenneth Branagh, "My Week With Marilyn"Armie Hammer, "J. Edgar"Jonah Hill, "Moneyball"Nick Nolte, "Warrior"Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"Supporting Actress Berenice Bejo, "The Artist"Jessica Chastain, "The AssistanceInchBethany McCarthy, "Bridesmaids" Jesse McTeer, "Albert Nobbs"Octavia Spencer, "The AssistanceInchStop Ensemble "The Adjustment Bureau""Cowboys & Aliens""Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows: Part 2""Transformers: Dark in the Moon""X-Males: Top ClassInchTv Drama Cast "Boardwalk Empire""Breaking Bad""Dexter""Wager on Thrones""The Truly Amazing Wife"Comedy Cast "30 Rock""The Big Bang Theory""Glee""Modern Family""WorkInchCrisis Actor Patrick J. Adams, "Suits"Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"Kyle Chandler, "Friday Evening Lights" Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"Drama Actress Kathy Bates, "Harry's Law"Glenn Close, "Damages"Jessica Lange, "American Horror Story"Julianna Margulies, "The Truly Amazing Wife"Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"Comedy Actor Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock" Ty Burrell, "Modern Family" Steve Carell, "WorkInch Jon Cryer, "two and a half Males"Eric Stonestreet, "Modern Family" Comedy Actress Julie Bowen, "Modern Family" Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"Tina Fey, "30 Rock"Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family"Betty White-colored, "Hot in Cleveland"Actor in the TV Movie/Miniseries Laurence Fishburne, "Thurgood"Paul Giamatti, "Too Big to Fail"Greg Kinnear, "The Kennedys"Guy Pearce, "Mildred Pierce"James Forest, "Too Big to Fail" Actress in the TV Movie/Miniseries Diane Lane, "Cinema Verite" Maggie Cruz, "Downton Abbey"Emily Watson, "Appropriate Adult"Betty White-colored, "The Lost Valentine"Kate Winslet, "Mildred Pierce"Stunt Ensemble "Dexter""Wager on Thrones""Southland""Spartacus: Gods in the Arena""True Blood stream"SAG Honours 2012Idol of capri to acting icon Howard talks up AFTRA merger Acad, SAG share same voter pool Partygoers relax, revel following a show Stunts given due Brisk pace gives individuals who win last word Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com