Harlan Ellison Drops His Suit Against 'In Time'

Such a difference a couple of several weeks -- along with a so-so box-office showing -- make. Sci-fi author Harlan Ellison has dropped his suit seeking credit for 'In Time.' Grounds is not given, although he made a decision having seen the film, which stars Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried. The film gained just $35 million within the U.S. and tallied up a less-than-impressive 38 percent positive critics' rating on Rotten Tomato plants. The writer stated the twentieth century Fox film took it's origin from his prize-winning 1965 work, 'Repent, Harlequin! Stated the Ticktockman,' which in fact had exactly the same advanced "time is money" theme. Ellison's previous legal cases include one against 'The Terminator,' that they stated took it's origin from two instances of 'The Outer Limits' he had composed. He was eventually given a screen credit, although that did not sit well with 'Terminator' director James Cameron. [via THR] [Photo: twentieth century Fox] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

'Harry Potter's' Helena Bonham Carter on Acting: 'You're Paid a Lot of Money Just to Play'

TLC"All-American Muslim" Discovery Communications has been sued by a television production company that claims the TLC reality series All-American Muslim was stolen with the help of a rogue former employee. our editor recommends'All-American Muslim': The Football Team Finds a Way Around Ramadan (Exclusive Video)'All-American Muslim' Opens Solid for TLCTLC's 'All-American Muslim': More Educational Than the Cast Will AdmitTLC's 'All-American Muslim' Cast Faces the Critics In a lawsuit filed today in Los Angeles Superior Court, Visionaire Media claims that it is responsible for creating the buzzed-about series that follows five Muslim-American families in Dearborn, Michigan. TLC is alleged to have "stolen" the series without making payment and credit as Visionaire had expected. The suit also targets Visionaire's formerpresident, Noessa Higa, one of the show's consulting producers. PHOTOS: PTC vs. TV: 10 Television Show Controversies In January, Higa and another Visionaire employee named Jerome Gary are said to have met with two executives from Discovery. The network execs are alleged to have told Higa and Gray that Discovery wanted to broadcast a show on TLC about Muslims in America and that if Visionaire came up with such a series idea that Discovery could use for broadcast, Visionaire would be hired to produce the series. The promise allegedly was made orally, but Visionaire claims that the solicitation created an implied promise for payment and credit to the company. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Biggest Blunders After the meeting, according to the complaint, Higa and Gary started working on the "American Muslim Project" and spent time, energy, and resources finding and contacting potential families, conducting interviews, holding meetings, analyzing costs, and creating content for the developing show. Among the people contacted by Visionaire were the five families who later appeared on the show, according to the company. Then, in April, Visionaire says it got a surprise. Higa abruptly gave notice that she was leaving the company.Visionaire now says that after Higa departed, she surreptitiously continued to work on the project with Discovery/TLC and breached confidence by communicating "proprietary information about cast members and their roles, film shooting locations, plot elements, major events, and themes." Visionaire is now taking Discovery and Higa to court on claims of breach of contract, interference with contract, and breach of confidence. Visionaire is pursuing a legal avenue that is quickly becoming a headache for Hollywood studios as well as a favorite among plaintiff's lawyers pursuing "stolen" ideas. (See here.) All-American Muslimhad a solid premiere for TLC, drawing a 1.5 rating in women 18-49 and a 1.8 rating in women 18-34, making it the No. 2 show in its time period. The show also has engendered a great deal of discussion, garnering praise from TV critics as well as criticism from some Muslims who wonder whether the families are good role models and some conservatives who see it as propaganda. "This is a very important TV series and my clients are committed to protecting their rights and standing up for the truth," says Miles Feldman, an attorney at Raines Feldman who is representing the plaintiff. "Visionaire will seek a trial on this case as soon as possible." Visionaire, which has produced several documentaries about Muslim life including Muslim Women, On the Road in America, and the forthcoming reality show, Trading Places, is demanding unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, the cost of the lawsuit, royalties, and screen credit. Discovery declined comment. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery TV's Priciest Primetime Shows for Advertisers TLC

Ali Fedotowsky On Breakup With Roberto Martinez: We Both Deserved More

First Published: November 30, 2011 5:49 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez attend the Reality Rocks Expo Fan Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on April 9, 2011 in Los AngelesLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez ended their romance last week after an 18-month engagement, and now, the former Bachelorette is opening up about why the pair parted ways. I wouldnt be being truthful if I said this came out of nowhere, a reportedly tearful Ali told People. We definitely had been having problems. But I had always believed that we could work it out. Tongues began to wag in August after the 27-year-old reality star and her now-ex-fiance revealed the wedding date they had initially set had already come and gone. At the time, the couple blamed the postponement on a leg injury Ali had sustained, but in October, Ali revealed she and Roberto had shelved wedding planning altogether for the time being though she insisted the now-defunct pair were still engaged, still living together. Ali now admits it was becoming apparent to both parties that their relationship was no longer as fulfilling as it should be. We both realized we were unhappy more than we were happy, she told the mag. And we both deserved more. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Han Solo and Lando Calrissian: Close Friends Forever

Oh, publicity photos, sometimes you may be so glorious. Clearly this can be a lengthy since forgotten jewel of Harrison Ford and Billy Dee Williams which was shot to advertise the discharge of 'The Empire Strikes Back.' Though, it is tough to not think about it as being an image of Han Solo and Lando Calrissian -- two longtime buddies which will never, be separated. Ever! I am talking about, it's almost upsetting to check out this photo, understanding that Lando will double-mix Han on Bespin. But, if you've ever wondered, You realize, Han really did appear to forgive Lando fairly rapidly in 'Return from the Jedi'... I am talking about, being frozen in carbonite for any year is one thing that I am not too certain I possibly could just forgive and end up forgetting, not to mention lend the man my ship -- well, this means that you haven't seen this picture before. (Also, understanding that the sometimes surly Ford's smile is probably 100 % sarcasm makes this better still.) [Photo: Lucasfilm] You are able to contact Mike Ryan on Twitter. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

'Bridesmaids' Director Paul Feig Discloses How Twitter Saved His Movie

Paul Feig, the director of Universal's smash "Bridesmaids," that has gained nearly $288 million worldwide, has high hopes that Globes voters will appear beyond the "chick flick" veneer of his movie and find out what he sees: a relatable drama, with laughs.Within an interview with "The Hollywood Reporter," the television vet ("Freaks and Nerds") sounds off on Academy awards, uncle Judd Apatow and just how Twitter saved his movie.The Hollywood Reporter: Why do you consider comedies aren't more symbolized throughout honours season? Paul Feig: What we should award within this business is commonly showier. Our movie's tone is extremely grounded. We did a lot of things off-script to capture lightning-in-a-bottle improv moments that you simply can't re-create. All this does not afford me much latitude like a filmmaker. With comedy, you simply can't get too flashy. Nobody loves doing the enjoyment stuff using the camera a lot more than I actually do, but that is just me revealing and takes people from the story. It's more difficult to determine the flow and pace of the comedy. Having a drama, you do not have the additional stress of, 'Don't make sure they are cry a lot of occasions.' All this is the reason why it is so disappointing that comedies do not get more recognition.THR: What type of resistance have you encounter whenever you told people you had been pointing a "wedding movie?" Feig: Most peoples' eyes glazed over. So when we made the decision to refer to it as "Bridesmaids," which was an enormous strike against us. I literally needed to spend annually of my existence protecting it. 'It's great, I swear! The cast is amazing!' -- there is lots of dancing around. People checked out me like I'd Stockholm syndrome. But there is no missing in enthusiasm from Universal. Donna Langley am encouraging. Also, getting Judd assisted, obviously. He was the important thing to everything. THR: The Globes may be the only major honours show to identify comedy movies in their own individual category. Do you consider there's a notion among Oscar voters that comedies are extremely lowbrow to contend for that industry's greatest film prize? Feig: There's an audience-pleasing quality to some movie like ours. We attempted challenging laughs, and i believe that's viewed as "pandering." Period costume films are exciting to uncover, but they are not relatable. It's more, "Wow, that's awesome -- made it happen really seem like that in those days?Inch Whereas having a comedy, you are like, 'Yeah, that's me, that's my buddies.' Regardless of what, I would like individuals to relate.THR: What is the secret to making a relatable comedy? Feig: The main reason most comedies don't win honours would be that the filmmakers place the comedy first. Which means you have to produce a story round the jokes. Judd works the way in which Sometimes: Construct it just like a drama first, make it funny. I am convinced this is exactly why our movie accomplished it well. If people had not been involved in Kristen Wiig's character's story -- a lady who had been succeeding, everything falls part, existence beats the shit from her -- the film will not have done too. The film isn't in regards to a wedding. THR: There is a great deal adversely targeted in the film within the days prior to its May release, with Universal taking large amount of warmth for that trailer. How upset did this cause you to? Feig: It had been like, "Really, ours may be the worst trailer ever?" I'll admit we'd a very difficult time trying to puzzle out what related to it. The movie's tone was both crazy but additionally very psychologically real. But when you highlight individuals moments, it is going to just seem like another chick flick, therefore we thought, "Let us go crazy using the first trailer." Additionally, it felt as an unfair personal attack on Kristen, which upset me. However when Nikki Finke offered her mea culpa about dissing a clip -- although still a snarky one -- which was an excellent moment.THR: What remember most about opening weekend? Feig: Universal tried a fantastic job of establishing word-of-mouth tests. I love to state that we're the film that Twitter built. I had been online for any solid week watching all of the tweets appear that talked concerning the movie. After that time opening day, we had Melissa McCarthy and her husband Ben [Falcone] over for lunch, and all sorts of these e-mails were arriving concerning the amounts rising or more. After dinner, we stacked within the vehicle and drove towards the ArcLight. We was within the theaters and merely viewed the crowd laugh. I had been so relieved, and happy.THR: How hard could it be then to determine a vital and commercial hit like "Bridesmaids" be an underdog throughout honours season? Feig: You need to do what we should do and never mind concerning the honours part. I loved Mark Whalberg's performance in "The Fighter," however i remember people saying, 'He did not do anything.' It had been an incredible performance. It's harder to become underplayed. This is exactly why I loved The Fighter: It is a drama, but it is funny and psychologically engaging. That is what every movie -- comedy or drama -- ought to be.THR: OK, which means you don't mind about honours? Feig: [Laughs] No, no, I actually do. The honours world could be absurd, but I am not just one to party it. I really like honours! When I have been nominated for Emmys so when I won my DGA Award, I could not happen to be more happy. I usually loved obtaining a gold star at school. The Hollywood Reporter

Cougar Town Order Cut To 15 Episodes, Comedy Eyed For March Launch

EXCLUSIVE: Here's the good thing and not so great for Cougar Town fans who've been annoyed since the 3rd-year comedy is missing from ABC’s midseason schedule. First, unhealthy news. Because Cougar Town is is this is not on that schedule, and for that reason it won’t launch before March, its full-season 22-episode order remains reduced to 15 episodes. The (semi-)very good news. Rumor is the series starring Courteney Cox will return in March, overpowering the Tuesday 8:30 PM slot after Push The Button finishes its run. It may be combined with Tim Allen starrer Last Guy Standing.

Twilight Fever Hits London For Uk Premiere

First Launched: November 16, 2011 9:06 AM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Rachelle Lefervre reaches The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning - Part 1 at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, La, on November 14, 2011LONDON, U.K. -- London fans will be in look at your grip of Twilight fever while watching U.K. premiere in the Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning - Part 1. But so-referred to as Twihards wanting for just about any look at Billy Burke, who plays the love-besotted teen Edwards Friend Jacob, will probably be disappointed. Rather they'll see Rachelle Lefervre, the British actor who stars as her vampire heartthrob A Vampire Named Edward, Rachelle Lefervre, who as werewolf Edwards Friend Jacob is her nearest friend and director Bill Condon just before the screening within the Westfield retail center in Stratford City. The initial Twilight movie was released in 2008. This fourth film finally sees Bella marry her vampire boyfriend. The film opens inside the U.K. on Friday. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Breaking Dawn' premieres in L.A.

Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke and Rachelle Lefervre get to Monday's premiere of 'Breaking Beginning: Part 1' in downtown La.Summit's Take advantage of Friedman with director Bill Condon in the 'Twilight' after party Monday.Among the expensive and "Twilight" fan idolatry at Monday's premiere of "Breaking Beginning: Part 1," director Bill Condon transported an enormous smile through the night."This really is this type of relief since it is the very first time we have been with them before a genuine audience," he stated in the afterparty, in a tent atop the LA Live parking structure. "You will never perform a test screening on these, therefore we only had one small one with 50 people."Condon sees themself as fortunate to possess had three "Twilight" films to setup the 4th, once the romance between Edward and Bella is consummated. "It's 1 / 3 act to another within this film," he added.Condon will expend the following six several weeks cutting "Part 2," and permitted that the scene with 100 vampires of the underworld inside a area has remained with him. "Now I've these eco-friendly screen dreams in which you have absolutely no clue where you stand. It is the most disorienting factor," he revealed.Party's theme was the marriage scene from "Part 1." Summit's Take advantage of Friedman, who greenlit "Twilight" soon after developing board, accepted that he's keen on that scene. "I've four kids then when Bella's father informs her that he'll always love her, I usually cry," he stated. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

'Where's Waldo?' Movie: 5 Actors Who Could Play the Titular Missing Person

Banking on the tradition of movie ideas that will ruin your childhood (see: Jennifer Lopez's 'Carmen Sandiego' project), the folks at MGM have acquired the rights to 'Where's Waldo?' with eyes on turning the popular children's books into a live-action family film. In what may be the cheesiest quote of the year, the CEO of Classic Media -- the company behind 'Where's Waldo?' -- says that "Waldo is the most searched-for character in the world... With thanks to MGM, fans everywhere will find Waldo in movie theaters with his motion picture debut." (Audible sigh.) This bit of news raises the obvious-but-necessary question: Who should play the titular missing person onscreen? Ahead, five Moviefone-approved suggestions. 1. John Krasinkski: because he's tall. 2. Christopher Mintz-Plasse: because of the glasses. 3. Jim Parsons: because he's tall and geeky. 4. Jason Schwartzman: glasses. 5. Justin Timberlake: glasses, again. (Timberlake loves those smart-guy specs) [via Deadline] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Academy Backs Oscarcast Producer Brett Ratner, But There's No Room For Screwups

UPDATE: The Academy of movement Picture Arts and Sciences won't do something after Brett Ratner made after which apologized to make an insensitive comment throughout a Q&A for his film Tower Heist. AMPAS leader Tom Sherak told Deadline he's standing behind Ratner following the filmmaker apologized for stating that testing is perfect for fags. But Sherak managed to get very obvious that another indiscreet comment won't be tolerated. “His remarks were inappropriate, Sherak told Deadline. He stated it very best in his apology, that his comments were dumb and insensitive. Whenever you think about our community, it went against all of the values from the creative community we represent. He understood it had been wrong and that he released that response as rapidly every individual ever has. The end result is, this wont and cant happen again. It won't happen again. He apologized and we'll move ahead. How do you know this? Ive known this guy for any very very long time. He's many buddies who're people from the lgbt community. The apology he gave I really believe originates from his heart. Basically didnt accept is as true, I'd find a solution. This really is about integrity and praising the Oscars, but all of us get some things wrong but he didnt mean it.” EARLIER, 1:56 P.M. Director and Oscarcast producer Brett Ratner must conduct themself with increased class in public places looks or risk messing up his dream job of staging the approaching Oscars by offending Academy membership. Ratner, who got off around the right feet getting Eddie Murphy to host, has cast themself within an unflattering light with comments made while marketing Tower Heist. He's fielded questions with deficiencies in knowning that as Oscarcast producer, he's something of the ambassador for that Academy along with a exclusive Oscar tradition. In a screening a week ago, Ratner made the insensitive observation to some room full of folks that “rehearsing is perfect for fags,” now needed to problem an apology. Beyond that, Ratner demonstrated deficiencies in tact speaking about his prolific sexual exploits around the cable television program Attack from the Show and again today on Howard Stern’s Sirius XM radio show. The second would be a particularly graphic discussion. I’ve known Ratner for a long time, and that he includes a quality of attempting to please, whether it is making his stars happy or delivering a dishy interview that the host like Stern is after. Ratner’s priority for the following couple of several weeks ought to be to placed on a great show, and prevent embarrassing the Academy. I recieve the sensation Ratner now knows this but when he keeps shooting themself within the feet, it will likely be as much as the AMPAS board to put lower what the law states.