Jay displays eagle for rising talent

'War Horse' is one of eight features released in 2011 cast by Jina Jay.Jay"There is a palpable emotional power that comes from the collective harmony -- and the contrasts -- within a good ensemble," says London-based casting director Jina Jay, who has tackled some of 2011's most impressive ensemble efforts, including two Steven Spielberg films ("War Horse," "The Adventures of Tintin") as well as "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," "Hanna," "Coriolanus" and Ireland's most financially successful indie film to date, "The Guard."The eagle-eyed Jay, whose casting process is always "passion-led," has grown into one of the U.K.'s go-to casting directors for A-list helmers, thanks to her all-encompassing unturned approach and razor-sharp instinct for undiscovered talent.For Spielberg's "War Horse," for example, Jay cast unknown stage actor Jeremy Irvine in the coveted lead role of Albert. Irvine had very little professional experience before scoring the lead in a Spielberg epic, having graduated from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts just one year earlier. Because it was a role "where it felt natural to cast an unknown," Jay pulled in a team of young casting directors to help her conduct a search across the U.K. and Ireland for the perfect 15- to 25-year-old."Finding Albert was a huge challenge, and from the start it was our chief focus," she says. No one quite hit the mark, until Irvine's agents Hatton & McEwan emailed Jay a portrait of their client, asking if he could read for the role. Jay's assistants Alex Duxbury and Katy Lake read 12 young actors the day Irvine first read, and Irvine's was by far "the reading of the day," Jay recalls. "His interpretation of the material was enchanting, capturing all the mess and loneliness of the teenage Albert, plus his profound joy and love for Joey (his horse)."Spielberg agreed with Jay from the get-go that the fresh-faced Irvine was their guy. "Whilst we were all committed to the process of leaving no stone unturned," she says, "Jeremy stayed with Spielberg as no other did."The broader cast of "War Horse" was drawn from across Britain, France and Germany, with the film's 80-plus roles comprising diverse characters from different backgrounds, multiple European nationalities, and an age range of 7 to 70."Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," the much-anticipated adaptation of John Le Carre's 1974 spy novel, draws deep from the U.K.'s venerable acting pool, including Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Toby Jones and Ciaran Hinds. The portrait of a group of powerful, sometimes eccentric British spies represents a veritable jigsaw puzzle of interlocking plots and players. "In this film each actor needs to hold their own within a complex and shifting circle of relationships," says Jay, "so it was clear from the outset that the challenge was how to put the pieces of that ensemble together in a way that was balanced."As far as future projects, Jay is especially excited about the upcoming "Anna Karenina" -- another collaboration with "Hanna" director Joe Wright, with a script written by Tom Stoppard. "It's all rich iconic characters based on a great iconic novel," she says.SAG Awards: The Ensemble:Hunting in pairs | Jay displays eagle for rising talent | Expert opinions | Primetime wholes made up of great parts | SAG winners tend to head to Oscar glory Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

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

Paul Feig, the director of Universal's smash "Bridesmaids," which has acquired nearly $288 million worldwide, has high hopes that Globes voters can look past the "chick flick" veneer of his movie and discover what he sees: a relatable drama, with laughs.Inside an interview with "The Hollywood Reporter," the tv vet ("Freaks and Brainiacs") sounds off on Oscars, uncle Judd Apatow and the way Twitter saved his movie.The Hollywood Reporter: Why you think comedies aren't more represented throughout honours season? Paul Feig: That which you award in this particular clients are generally showier. Our movie's tone is very grounded. We did several things off-script to capture lightning-in-a-bottle improv moments that you just can't re-create. All this doesn't afford me much latitude just like a filmmaker. With comedy, you just can't get too fancy. Nobody loves doing the enjoyment stuff while using camera greater than I really do, but that's just me revealing and takes people in the story. It's harder to look for the flow and pace from the comedy. Getting a drama, you don't have the extra stress of, 'Don't make certain they're cry lots of occasions.' All because of this , why it's so disappointing that comedies don't get more recognition.THR: Which kind of resistance perhaps you have encounter if you told people you're pointing a "wedding movie?" Feig: Most peoples' eyes glazed over. Then when we made a decision to think of it as "Bridesmaids," that was a massive strike against us. I literally required to spend yearly of my existence safeguarding it. 'It's great, I swear! The cast is amazing!' -- there's plenty of dancing around. People examined me like I'd Stockholm syndrome. But there's no missing in enthusiasm from Universal. Donna Langley am encouraging. Also, getting Judd aided, clearly. He was the key factor to everything. THR: The Globes might be the only real major honours show to recognize comedy movies in their own personal category. You think there is a notion among Oscar voters that comedies are very lowbrow to contend for your industry's finest film prize? Feig: There's a crowd-pleasing quality with a movie like ours. We attempted challenging laughs, but that's seen as "pandering." Period costume films are great to discover, but they're not relatable. It's more, "Wow, that's awesome -- managed to get happen really appear like this in individuals days?Inch Whereas getting a comedy, you're like, 'Yeah, that's me, that's my pals.' No matter what, I'd like people to relate.THR: What's the secret to creating a relatable comedy? Feig: The primary reason most comedies don't win honours is the filmmakers put the comedy first. And that means you have to make a story around the jokes. Judd works the means by which Sometimes: Construct it as being a drama first, allow it to be funny. I'm convinced this is why our movie succeeded well. If people was not involved with Kristen Wiig's character's story -- a girl who was simply succeeding, everything falls part, existence beats the shit from her -- the film won't have done too. The film is not of a wedding. THR: There's a good deal negatively specific within the film inside the days just before its May release, with Universal taking great deal of warmth for your trailer. How upset did this lead you to? Feig: It absolutely was like, "Really, ours might be the worst trailer ever?" I'll admit we'd a really hard time racking your brains on what associated with it. The movie's tone was both crazy but furthermore very psychologically real. However when you highlight people moments, it will just appear like another chick flick, and then we thought, "Let's add too much while using first trailer." Furthermore, it felt being an unfair personal attack on Kristen, which upset me. However, if Nikki Finke offered her mea culpa about dissing a clip -- although still a snarky one -- that was a great moment.THR: What remember most about opening weekend? Feig: Universal attempted an admirable job of creating word-of-mouth tests. I enjoy condition that we are the film that Twitter built. I used to be online for just about any solid week watching all the tweets appear that spoken in regards to the movie. That point on opening day, we'd Melissa McCarthy and her husband Ben [Falcone] over for supper, and many types of these e-mails were coming in regards to the amounts rising or even more. After dinner, we stacked inside the vehicle and drove for the ArcLight. We was inside the theaters and basically seen everyone else laugh. I used to be so relieved, and happy.THR: How hard can it be then to find out an important and commercial hit like "Bridesmaids" be an underdog throughout honours season? Feig: You must do that which you do and not mind in regards to the honours part. I loved Mark Whalberg's performance in "The Fighter," however remember people saying, 'He didn't do anything whatsoever.A It absolutely was an amazing performance. It's harder being underplayed. This is why I loved The Fighter: It's a drama, but it's funny and psychologically engaging. That's what every movie -- comedy or drama -- needs to be.THR: OK, and that means you don't mind about honours? Feig: [Laughs] No, no, I really do. The honours world might be absurd, but I'm not only one to party it. I like honours! When I've been nominated for Emmys then when I won my DGA Award, I possibly could not are actually more comfortable. It's my job to loved acquiring a gold star in school. The Hollywood Reporter

Tim Burton Balloon Debuts at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Warner Home Video's Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows Part 2 ongoing to become the most effective-selling DVD and Blu-ray Disc for your second consecutive week, topping both Nielsen VideoScan First Alert overall sales chart as well as the devoted Blu-ray Disc sales chart.our editor recommends'Harry Potter' Films Dominate Home Video Chart Due to 'Deathly Hallows Part 2' Release'Harry Potter' And Blu-Ray Boom Keeps German Video Market Steady A trio of Wally Disney Art galleries game game titles needed the next three spots round the overall sales chart for your week ending November. 11, since the holiday gift-buying season moved into high gear with some other Disney-designed promotions at top retailers, including Target stores. Pirates in the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides shot keep an eye out onto No. 2 from No. 12 after 5 days in stores. The Lion King, within the seventh week in stores, shot to No. 3 from No. 19 the last week. And Cars 2, the most recent relieve the bunch, ongoing to become inside the 5 top, sliding to No. 4 from No. 2. PHOTOS: 'Harry Potter' London Red-colored-colored Carpet On Nielsen's Blu-ray Disc chart, it absolutely was Potter-mania completely, with Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows Part I improving a notch to No. 2 therefore the eight-film collection rising to No. 3 from No. 8 the last week. On Home Media Magazine's weekly rental chart, Pirates shot to No. 1 from No. 86 since its 28-day holdback from Netflix and Redbox is finished. No. 2 place visited Warner's Horrible Bosses, which knocked The brand new the new sony Pictures' to No. 3. The last week's top renter, Paramount's Captain America: The Initial Avenger, wound up to No. 5, directly behind Cars 2, which elevated two spots to No. 4. Related Subjects Harry Potter as well as the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Watercooler: 25 Reasons to Give Thanks for TV This Year

Melanie Amarro, The X Factor On this eve of Thanksgiving, before you all go out and enjoy the biggest drinking night of the year, we'd like to go around the virtual table that is TVGuide.com and share what we're most grateful for this year. There have been so many blessings - the grungy glory of Sons of Anarchy, Rachel Bilson coming back to TV, Adam Levine's butt in jeans - that it's impossible for us to pick just one thing. So here's a list of some of our favorite TV gifts of 2011. Enjoy... and please, add your own lists below! The X Factor's Melanie Amaro The increasing heat going on with Beckett and Castle Baby Bones Fairy tales coming true on Grimm and Once Upon a Time Peter Bishop finally returning to Fringe Leah Remini finally leaving The Talk Glee finally giving Santana and Mercedes something to do Every shot of Revenge's Madeleine Stowe on her balcony That final shot of Breaking Bad's Gus The fact that Pretty Little Liars never fails to kick "A" The fact that Teen Wolf totally succeeded in making MTV cool again The Vampire Diaries' Ripper Stefan. And Caroline. So much love for Caroline. New Girl's devotion to nerdism as an aphrodisiac. Joe Manganiello aversion to clothes on True Blood The Good Wife getting a little nasty The death of The Playboy Club The resurrection of Arrested Development Late nights with Jimmy Fallon The sheer awesomeness of ABC's Wednesday nights The welcome characters of the USA Network's entire lineup Melissa McCarthy, Emmy winner Archer, It's Always Sunny and The League - if loving FX's crude-coms is wrong, we don't wanna be right Downton Abbey, Season 2! Syfy's silly, sexy standout, Warehouse 13 Rubber Man Now you! What TV are you thankful for this year? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

How to Stop Being a Loser

A Crabtree Films release of a Press On Features, Black and Blue Films and Templeheart Films production. (International sales: Press On Features, London.) Produced by Billy Murray, Jonathan Sothcott, Simon Phillips, Dominic Burns, Patricia Rybarczyk. Executive producers, Richard Jones, Lewis James, Adam Smithe, Lyndon Baldock. Co-producers, Andy Thompson, Toby Meredith. Directed by Dominic Burns. Screenplay, Chris Grezo, Rupert Knowles.With: Simon Phillips, Craig Conway, Gemma Atkinson, Stephanie Leonidas, Chris Grezo, Colin Salmon, Billy Murray, Jamie Longthorne, Martin Compston, Dominic Burns, Neil Maskell, Martin Kemp, Richard E. Grant, Sheridan Smith, Jill Halfpenny, Adele Silva.A tongue-tied virginal geek receives lessons in the art of the pickup in charmless Brit comedy "How to Stop Being a Loser." Populated by lead actors lacking either charisma or marquee value, and with a screenplay light on amusing moments, the pic reps a distribution challenge across all platforms, and is unlikely to achieve much traction overseas. Three-day opening at 17 U.K. cinemas totalled 3,300 ($5,300). Following the suicide of fellow loser Ian (Richard E. Grant), socially inept online-gaming addict James (Simon Phillips) determines to take action, turning to dating guru Ampersand (Craig Conway). Despite possessing approximately 1% of the appeal of Ryan Gosling in "Crazy Stupid Love" or Vince Vaughn in "Swingers," the unlikely mentor is presented here as a hit with the ladies. Under Ampersand's boorish direction, James finally succeeds in snaring the interest of his high-school crush object, Hannah (Gemma Atkinson), revealed to be a selfish shrew; platonic friend Patch (Stephanie Leonidas) waits patiently in the wings. Visually flat direction and weak tech package suggest a bare-bones budget, while the crediting of 40 co-exec producers suggests an unusual funding model. Any other novelty is in short supply.Camera (color, widescreen, HD) Alessio Valori; editor, Richard Colton; music, Matthew Williams; art director, Luis San Martin; costume designer, Natalie Egleton. Reviewed on DVD, London, Nov. 20, 2011. Running time: 109 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

The merits of 'Melancholia'

Kirsten Dunst in 'Melancholia.'Von TrierWhen Lars Von Trier launched into his infamous tirade in Cannes, entrepreneurs who had the rights to his latest pic, "Melancholia," may have despaired -- however, the film does good business. You now request ,: Could it did better? Extended-time students from the self-introduced anarchist and mischievous provocateur, who now demands he is not a genuine Nazi and only agreed to be kidding, might have been justified in exclaiming, together with Kirsten Dunst's character inside the film, "Whoever else expect?"Anyone who thought Von Trier's distribution partners, lots of whom have was with the director since his breakout hit "Damaging the Waves" in 1996, would turn against him, will probably be disappointed. Cannes may have declared Von Trier being "persona non grata," but his film, which opened up up inside the U.S. November. 11 making $257,174 from 19 screens over its opening weekend, remains given a warm welcome by many people people film experts, fellow professionals and cinemagoers. A few of the movie's distribs have formerly registered to produce Von Trier's next film, erotic drama "Nymphomaniac," and the other day the eu Film Academy paid out "Melancholia" with eight nominations within the annual honours. The film's box office gross stands at $14.4 million through November. 13, a figure that's vulnerable to rise substantially since the pic remains running in theaters in many areas, and contains yet to start in several others. With video and TV sales put in the pot, production company Zentropa will most likely easily recoup its investment round the film.But nevertheless the concept remains: It may have been better if he'd just saved his mouth shut."Once I saw the film, I thought it had been fantastic really effective. I used to be so impressed that we thought it could win a substantial prize in Cannes possibly not the Palme d'Or, nevertheless the Grand Prix," recalls Regine Vial, mind of distribution at French indie Ces Films du Losange. Since it was, the film required to manage while using actress award for Dunst.Vial opened up in the film in August which is glad she did. Although some folks France go to the beach for a lot of of the month, there's little competition inside the arthouse market, which gave the film a apparent run inside the press, and time to build its audience through individual to individual. Vial being requested to appear on radio shows to go over the scandal, which gave her the opportunity to alter the primary focus towards the film.Inside the two several days between Cannes as well as the opening, she'd intensely promoted the film through preview tests at locations where the chattering classes gather. These incorporated a theater festival in Avignon together with a movie festival in Corsica."We preferred to exhibit the film straightaway in as much place as you can to permit people this is an incredible little bit of filmmaking, and enable word to spread," Vial states. "Melancholia" has already established $3.4 million in Gaul by November. 13 -- greater than almost every other territory -- that is still playing in theaters there, but Vial thinks it may have been a lot more popular if Von Trier hadn't have run his mouth, as well as the film had won one of the top honours in Cannes. Just before the festival, Vial had wanted the film would get a box office near to $4.2 million she now needs it to complete on about $3.8 million. Antonio Medici, general director at Italy's BIM Distribuzione, may also be dismayed in regards to the fallout from Von Trier's rant in Cannes. According to him some theater entrepreneurs declined to simply accept film, and although others needed their place, he feels the episode distracted within the film's undeniable quality, and introduced lots of people to avoid it. "Melancholia" stood a poor opening weekend in Italia on March. 21, but has retrieved slightly since. Medici estimations this area office, which now stands at $638,164 by November. 13, will finish off between $676,000 and $744,000, that's about 30% beneath the company's estimate inside the run-around Cannes. Medici places blame the shortfall round the debate, which was covered in primetime news shows on all the primary Television stations in Italia."Some several days had passed, however believe there has been still individuals who didn't desire to watch a movie in the guy who made this kind of statement," Medici states.Ivo Andrle, purchases mind at Aerofilms, the film's Czech distributor, stood a better experience. He opened up in the "Melancholia" right after Cannes, and contains banked $192,000 and handle its run that is 57% greater than the $109,000 he forecast just before the festival. According to him the controversy created an appetite on television for news about Von Trier, they then given with information in regards to the film itself."The media attention started while using scandal, and elevated rapidly, nonetheless they just spoken in regards to the scandal and not in regards to the film. And then we tried to follow-up and supply them further subjects relating to their coverage," according to him.So, how will you solve an problem like Von Trier? Well, the director may have provided the answer themselves, when he declared lately he'd sworn a vow of silence. His pics' entrepreneurs hope that afterwards he'll allow his films to speak by themselves. n Contact Leo Barraclough at leo.barraclough@variety.com

A Night Time With...'The Artist'

A Night Time With...'The Artist' November 10, 2011 Photo by Peter Iovino Back Stage and Weinstein Pictures invite you to definitely a totally free screening of "The Artist," then a Q&A with star Jean Dujardin. The event is going to be Sunday, November 13at 4:00pm at DGA Theater #2, 7920 W. Sunset Blvd., La, CA. Parking is going to be validatedTo RSVP, email EveningWith@backstage.com with "The Artist" within the subject header. You won't get a response, however your title is going to be placed on a listing in the door. Please note we overbook tests to make sure capacity. A Night Time With...'The Artist' November 10, 2011 PHOTO CREDIT Peter Iovino Back Stage and Weinstein Pictures invite you to definitely a totally free screening of "The Artist," then a Q&A with star Jean Dujardin. The big event is going to be Sunday, November 13at 4:00pm at DGA Theater #2, 7920 W. Sunset Blvd., La, CA. Parking is going to be validatedTo RSVP, email EveningWith@backstage.com with "The Artist" within the subject header. You won't get a response, however your title is going to be placed on a listing in the door. Please be aware we overbook tests to make sure capacity.

Chris Brown, Marc Anthony, LMFAO Put into American Music Honours Selection

The American Music Honours has added Chris Brown, Marc Anthony and LMFAO to the already star-studded line-from entertainers.our editor recommends2011 American Music Honours: Adele Leads With 4 Nominations (Video) PHOTOS: AMA Hot Performances The performers join formerly introduced functions Christina Aguilera, Attacking Young Boys, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Pitbull and Maroon 5. Out of the box tradition using the AMAs, there won't be any host available, keeping the target the music. The AMAs is going to be broadcast live in the NOKIA Theatre on Sunday, November. 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. This season, the network will even air an active pre-show at 7 p.m., entitled "Countdown towards the American Music Honours." VIDEO: 2011 American Music Honours: Adele Leads With 4 Nominations Lance Bass, Sarah Hyland, Michael Buckley, Estelle, Audrina Patridge, Josh Sussman and Xzibit will co-host the internet red-colored carpet pre-show, livestreaming worldwide beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. Fans can election for his or her favorite nominees online in the Coca-Cola AMA voting webiste, amavoting.com, in addition to AMA.abc.com. Adele obtained probably the most AMA nominations this season, with four, once they were introduced March. 11. PHOTOS: Top Ten Greatest Compensated Artists Katy Perry,Rhianna,Weezy,Beyonce,This Guitar Rock Band PerryandTaylor Swifteach saw three nods whileBeyonce,Bruno Mars,Chris Brown,Jason Aldean,Kanye,LMFAO,Nicki Minajand Pitbullcollected two nominations. Related Subjects American Music Honours Chris Brown Marc Anthony

AmfAR star power

Sandra Bullock and Garcelle Beauvais bookend agent Kevin Huvane at the Amfar gala. Colin Farrell and Rose McGowanSinead O'Connor and Debbie HarryActor Sean Penn and CAA Managing Director Bryan LourdSeveral of Hollywood's brightest stars turned out to dine under the stars for Amfar's Inspiration Gala on Thursday night at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. Garcelle Beauvais danced as a sequined tartan-clad Deborah Harry crooned "Heart of Glass" and "One Way or Another." But it was Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U" that captivated the crowd and host Andy Cohen. "(It's) a video that I have watched and cried at hundreds of times. TMI!" he joked. A fedora-topped Colin Farrell chatted with Rose McGowan at the bar, while other guests, including Josh Duhamel, Anthony Mackie, Sean Penn, Ryan Kwanten and Selma Blair, dined in the garden. Cohen joked of the Chateau's owner, "Andre Balazs himself cooked our dinner. I saw him earlier, he cooked the whole thing." In her tribute to Elizabeth Taylor, Sandra Bullock noted that Elton John accepted Taylor's Amfar award of courage at the charity's East Coast event in February. "And as you can see, only the people with titles in front of their names get invited to the NY gala because I was not invited, being that the only thing that precedes my name is -- well, now's not the time or place," she quipped. After seeing an Andy Warhol painting auctioned off, Bullock thanked her agents "for not being cheap and gifting my son with his first Warhol." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com