Warner Bros. lands 'Landover'

Warner Bros. is searching to create some miracle, optioning Terry Brooks' "Miracle Kingdom of Landover" number of books for Akiva Goldsman's Weed Road Pictures and Andy Cohen's Grade A Entertainment. Goldsman and Cohen will produce with Weed Road's Kerry Promote and Alex Block managing for Weed Road. The film depends around the first book within the series "Miracle Kingdom available -- Offered!," first released in 1986. It is the story of the lately widowed lawyer who finds an advert within an trendy Christmas catalog declaring to provide a magical kingdom for $a million with a guy named Mr. Meeks. After he purchases Landover, he finds out he or she must unite the kingdom's denizens and animals to prevent an evil demon bent on wrecking the realm. Other game titles within the series are "The Black Unicorn," "Wizard in particular,Inch "The Tangle Box," "Ghouls Brew" and the newest title, "A Princess of Landover." Project was formerly setup at Universal, which acquired the privileges towards the series in 2005 for Stephen Sommers to direct, and drawn on Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel to evolve the very first book. Brooks is better noted for the "Landover" and "Shannara" number of fantasy books, that has 19 game titles. Brooks is repped by Anne Sibbald of Janklow and Nesbit Affiliates. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Chinese exhib Bonastar plans film ratings

In the absence of a film ratings system, Chinese exhib Bonastar, part of the Bona Film Group, is planning to introduce its own classification to keep a lid on sex and violence. "Scenes featuring sexual and violent content have been appearing in more movies and are not appropriate for children. Theaters should be responsible for their audiences," the group said in a statement on Sina Weibo, China's version of the banned Twitter, which was repeated by state media. The move is surprising because only films suitable for all ages are released in China -- and censors nix films or cut them to protect this concept. The State Administration of Radio, Film and TV has frequently rejected calls to introduce film classifications. But local industryites believe that if the censor's scissors were replaced with a reliable ratings system, they could take more risks with content and story and produce more compelling films. Bonastar marketing manager Jin Bo said its ratings system was aimed at improving the service at its theaters "to provide helpful viewing suggestions," not to formulate a new standard. The online statement was deleted several hours after being posted. Guo Xiaoping, head of the company's market research center, told the People's Daily this was done to "avoid arousing controversy, as many people misinterpreted our real intention. "The film ratings will only be used in Bonastar theaters and are directed at films that have already been approved by public administrators." There has been broad support for the proposal, which is expected to be implemented by the end of February. "Clothing comes in both adult and children's styles, shouldn't film be the same way?" helmer Li Yang told the Beijing Daily newspaper. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

New images from Snow White And The Huntsman

After Mirror Mirror released its second full trailer at the end of last week, Snow White And The Huntsman has responded in kind with the release of a pair of new images.The first of the two shows Charlize Theron looking menacingly sexy as the wicked Queen, whilst the second shows Chris Hemsworth's huntsman leading the dwarves into battle.And whereas Mirror Mirror's dwarves are a wise-cracking, cartoonish bunch, this mob are a much grittier proposition. A bunch of grizzled warriors looking for a worthy cause, the septet are played British character actors Ian McShane, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, Eddie Marsan, Nick Frost, Toby Jones and Eddie Izzard.As you can see from the new pic, their stony expressions and matted beards would suggest they've got a lot more in common with The Hobbit's vertically-challenged ensemble than they do with Sleepy, Grumpy, Bashful and co.Directed by Rupert Sanders, Snow White And The Huntsmen looks to be shaping up into a proper, grown-up fairytale, with nary a second of slapstick to be found. If you only go to see one Snow White movie this year (and to be honest, one is probably enough), the smart money should be on this one when it opens on 1 June 2012.

State pol vows to push film incentive bill

FuentesAssemblyman Felipe Fuentes has pledged to introduce legislation that would extend California's film production incentive program -- probably for five years. Fuentes said Thursday that he will introduce a bill within the next several weeks. He carried last year's legislation, which extended the program for a single year after the original bill provided for five years. "We need to get more years to telegraph stability to the industry," Fuentes (D-Sylmar) said in a roundtable discussion organized by incentive supporters at the Beverly Garland Hotel in North Hollywood. Showbiz producers and unions have been strong supporters of California's four-year-old Film and Television Tax Credit Program, which has doled out $400 million in tax credits to date. The program was extended for a year in October when Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1069 on the final day for the governor to approve or veto bills from last year's legislative session. The state Senate had voted Sept. 9 to extend the program for a single year rather than the five years its backers had sought. Fuentes, who heads the state assembly's appropriations committee, told supporters that they need to focus on persuading Brown and Senate president pro tem Darrell Steinberg on the merits of a five-year program. Assembly Bill 1069, authored by Fuentes, provides a $100 million, one-year extension to the program, with those credits to be allocated in July 2013 for use during the 2013-14 fiscal year. A study issued last year by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp. showed that in its first two years, the program has generated $3.8 billion in economic activity statewide, created more than 20,000 jobs and more than $200 million in tax revenues. Opponents of the program contend that the tax credits benefit studios and other well-heeled production companies, and some have questioned the accuracy of the projected economic benefits. The number of applications submitted last year on the first day of the application period more than doubled to 176. California's program, which offers a maximum rebate of 25%, is far smaller than those of other states. The state of NY announced in August that a record 23 series were lensing in the state on the heels of the legislature's five-year renewal of its film incentive tax program, which offers a 30% refundable state tax credit, capped at $420 million per year. NY City offers an additional 5% refundable credit, capped annually at $30 million. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Paul Trueblood, Musical Director, Dies

Paul Trueblood, Musical Director, Dies By Frank Nestor The month of january 24, 2012 Musical director and accompanist Paul Trueblood died on Jan. 16 in the home town of Evansville, Ind., at age 76 after an illness of countless several weeks. Upon coming in NY City, where he spent the majority of his existence, the Northwestern College graduate started a lengthy career within the theater like a music performer, composer, arranger, and vocal coach.Trueblood had extended collaborations with legendary playwright-lyricists Alan Jay Lerner and also the team of Betty Comden and Adolph Eco-friendly, with whom he made an appearance on Broadway within the 1977 revival of "A Celebration With Comden and Eco-friendly," in addition to famous Broadway and film director Joshua Logan. He together with worldwide with Marianne Faithfull and made an appearance in the Whitened House with Judy Kaye. Throughout his career he would be a musical director and/or pianist for, among many more, Mary Martin, Elaine May and Mike Nichols, Elaine Stritch, Dorothy Loudon, Helen Gallagher, Carole King, Matthew Broderick, Julie Wilson, and Diane Keaton.Trueblood would be a master teacher in the Cabaret Symposium from the O'Neill Theater Center and also the annual Cabaret Conference at Yale College. Younger crowd assisted youthful entertainers prepare and perform their cabaret shows. His arrangements happen to be carried out in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln subsequently Center, and Radio City Music Hall.He's made it by his sister, Rosann Hoehn, and her husband, Pete niece Vicki Hoehn nephews Mark, Paul, and Tim Hoehn, all Evansville and 11 great nieces and nephews.Memorial contributions might be designed to Memorial Senior High School, 1500 Lincoln subsequently Ave, Evansville, IN 47714 or St. Benedict Cathedral, 1328 Lincoln subsequently Ave., Evansville, IN 47714. Condolences might be designed to the family online at world wide web.ziemerfuneralhome.com. Paul Trueblood, Musical Director, Dies By Frank Nestor The month of january 24, 2012 Musical director and accompanist Paul Trueblood died on Jan. 16 in the home town of Evansville, Ind., at age 76 after a disease of countless several weeks. Upon coming in NY City, where he spent the majority of his existence, the Northwestern College graduate started a lengthy career within the theater like a music performer, composer, arranger, and vocal coach.Trueblood had extended collaborations with legendary playwright-lyricists Alan Jay Lerner and also the team of Betty Comden and Adolph Eco-friendly, with whom he made an appearance on Broadway within the 1977 revival of "A Celebration With Comden and Eco-friendly," in addition to famous Broadway and film director Joshua Logan. He together with worldwide with Marianne Faithfull and made an appearance in the Whitened House with Judy Kaye. Throughout his career he would be a musical director and/or pianist for, among many more, Mary Martin, Elaine May and Mike Nichols, Elaine Stritch, Dorothy Loudon, Helen Gallagher, Carole King, Matthew Broderick, Julie Wilson, and Diane Keaton.Trueblood would be a master teacher in the Cabaret Symposium from the O'Neill Theater Center and also the annual Cabaret Conference at Yale College. Younger crowd assisted youthful entertainers prepare and perform their cabaret shows. His arrangements happen to be carried out in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln subsequently Center, and Radio City Music Hall.He's made it by his sister, Rosann Hoehn, and her husband, Pete niece Vicki Hoehn nephews Mark, Paul, and Tim Hoehn, all Evansville and 11 great nieces and nephews.Memorial contributions might be designed to Memorial Senior High School, 1500 Lincoln subsequently Ave, Evansville, IN 47714 or St. Benedict Cathedral, 1328 Lincoln subsequently Ave., Evansville, IN 47714. Condolences might be designed to the household online at world wide web.ziemerfuneralhome.com.

Descendants, Bridesmaids Earn Authors Guild Noms

First Launched: The month of the month of january 5, 2012 2:57 PM EST Credit: Fox Searchlight Caption George Clooney and Shailene Woodley in Fox Searchlights The Descendants, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- George Clooneys The Descendants, Kaira Pitts Moneyball, Kristen Wiigs Bridesmaids and Woodsy Allens Evening amount of time in Paris are among nominees for your Authors Guild of America Honours. Clooneys family drama The Descendants acquired an modified-script nomination Thursday for director Alexander Payne and co-authors Nat Faxon and Jim Rash. Pitts sports tale Moneyball expires for a similar prize for authors Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. Zaillian features a second modified-script nomination for director David Finchers thriller The Woman while using Dragon Tattoo, starring Difficulties and Rooney Mara. Bridesmaids star Wiig shared a geniune-script nomination on her behalf wedding comedy, which she co-written with Annie Mumolo. Director Allen also was nominated for original script for his romantic fantasy Evening amount of time in Paris. Other competitors for original script: Will Reiser for your cancer story 50/50, starring Ernest Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen Tom McCarthy for the family members tale Mutually Advantageous, featuring Paul Giamatti and Diablo Cody for your dark comedy Youthful Adult, with Charlize Theron. Also nominated for modified script: author-director Tate Taylor for your Deep South drama The Help, with Viola Davis, Emma Stone and Octavia Spencer and John Logan for filmmaker Martin Scorseses Paris adventure Hugo, featuring Ben Kingsley and child stars Chloe Sophistication Moretz and Asa Butterfield. Some acclaimed films, like the quiet movie The Artist, were ineligible simply because they were not made beneath the guilds contract recommendations. Nominated for documentary script: Katie Galloway and Kelly Duane p la Vega, Better Our World Marshall Curry and Matthew Hamachek, In case your Tree Falls: An Account around the globe Liberation Front Patricio Guzman, Nostalgia for your Light Wim Wenders, Pina Hetty Naaijkens-Retel Helmrich and Leonard Retel Helmrich, Position Among the Stars and Manish Pandey, Senna. Honors from Hollywood trade groups such as the authors, stars and company company directors guilds help deal with likely competitors for your Academy awards, whose nominations emerge Jan. 24. Authors Guild individuals who win will probably be introduced Feb. 19. Copyright 2012 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Stones poised for biggest bang yet

The original Rolling Stones, shown in 1963, consisted of, from left, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, Brian Jones, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. The Rolling Stones live in Australia in 2003.As the Rolling Stones, considered by many to be the world's greatest rock 'n' roll band, approaches its 50th anniversary this year, music fans and industry insiders alike are hoping the band will hit the road again, in what will likely the biggest sold-out concert tour, ever.Thus far, the group and its reps remain mum on the subject of a tour, claiming "nothing has been decided at this time." But from all observations, the Stones are already gearing up for a jump back into the spotlight.Copious product is already in place to cash in on the milestone, including numerous live archival recordings, re-mastered deluxe versions of Stones classic albums, and a number of DVD titles. The group recently signed exclusive deals with Google Music (to provide promotion and online distribution of a vast collection of upcoming "official" bootlegs), Bravado (to exclusively market the band's brand and merchandise), Eagle Rock (releasing a plethora of Stones DVDs) and, dating back to 2008, the Universal Music Group (who have the sole rights to release and distribute its entire catalog).A number of surviving 1960s pop acts are cashing in on the 50th anniversary marketing hook (the Beach Boys, the Zombies and the Yardbirds among them) but since 1962's other charter band, the Beatles, is no longer around to perform, that leaves The Rolling Stones, with their volatile history, most likely to be the real financial winners on an already crowded concert highway."Like many others, I have always felt these guys are going to play until they are dead," says Danny Zelisko, the former southwest chairman of Live Nation, and currently president of Danny Zelisko Presents. "What else are they going to do? They get their ya-yas out when they tour and they like to play. And besides, there is simply too much money at stake, not for them to tour."With the economy being so tight, the outcome of a Stones tour announcement could effect ticket sales for the other big tours scheduled for 2012, among them: Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, Madonna and Coldplay.The hold up for any official announcement may be due to an on-going, non-compete legal battle between Live Nation and its former chairman, Michael Cohl. Cohl had become the head of LN after a long and successful run promoting the Stones, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, U2 and many others.In November 2010, Live Nation filed suit for $5.35 million against Cohl for an alleged breach of contract involving a 2008 agreement when Cohl left the company. Cohl claims he paid Live Nation for an exclusion in his non-compete that included the Rolling Stones. Live Nation alleges the payment was not made. The suit between LN and Cohl only indicates what the financial potential of a 2012 global trek could be.But in a statement issued Feb. 2, the band announced that in the wake of the Bigger Bang world tour in 2007, "the Rolling Stones became free from any contractual arrangements or agreements with Michael Cohl. He is neither their representative nor their tour promoter."That same statement "confirmed today they have no firm plans to tour at this time."Still, the rumors persist. A number of press outlets in the U.K. have reported all the members (including former Stones Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor) have been seen entering the same building for a proposed tour meeting. And Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Ron Wood have all made various statements to the press, including the Guardian UK and Rolling Stone, that the band would likely be working during its 50th anniversary."We'd like to be ready to be able to do it if the idea starts to happen," said Richards to Rolling Stone. "I'd even invite Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor back in. Why not? It's 50 years. Everyone deserves a party.""I have always said if they were doing some sort of real big special for a real big, important charity, or a special anniversary, or something like that, and they asked me to do it, I would probably agree," Wyman tells Variety, "provided I would have some rehearsals with them and all that." However, Wyman stops short of confirming he has been invited back by the band.Both Wyman and Taylor have worked with the band in the studio recently. Wyman played bass on a Stones' cover of Bob Dylan's "Watching The River Flow" for a 2011 tribute album to late keyboard player Ian Stewart, and Taylor added additional guitar to new tracks recorded for the band's re-release of 1972's "Exile On Main Street."Throughout its rocky career, the massively popular band has weathered drug abuse, internal bickering and public scandals. Formed in April 1962, rock's original bad boys have recorded more than 240 songs, sold over 200 million records and have had nearly 25 sold-out global tours since 1964.The band last played live together in August 2007 at London's O2 Arena, concluding its two-year, $558 million Bigger Bang tour.No matter what happens, the Stones will command huge money for their shows, with a possible average ticket price close to $250.Says Zelisko: "Maybe that will happen, but the average price on the last tour wasn't that high. They can do whatever they want. They have proven that. After all, there is only one Rolling Stones." Return to MUSIC FOR SCREENS: WINTER 2012 Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com