AMC Renews 'The Walking Dead' for 7th Season

A still from AMC's "The Walking Dead," with Andrew Lincoln in the foreground and Chandler Riggs (Photo by AMC Film Holdings LLC)

LOS ANGELES -  AMC has greenlit a seventh season to its hit zombie series “The Walking Dead” and a sixth season to the show's postmortem talk show, “Talking Dead.”

Based on Robert Kirkman’s Image Comics graphic novel of the same name, the show has been the network's proverbial 600-pound gorilla with a solid following that has steadily grown over the years. Sunday’s episode, which featured the demise of another series regular, was seen by 18.2 million viewers, with ab12 million adults 18-49 demographic and 11.5 million adults 25-54 in live+3 ratings, according to Nielsen.

Its spinoff series “Fear the Walking Dead,” followed in its footsteps when it set a cable record for the highest rated first season ever by scripted series.

 The show tells the story of Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes, played by British actor Andrew Lincoln, who leads a group of survivors in a world overrun by zombies. It stars Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Chandler Riggs, Lauren Cohan, Steven Yeun, Danai Gurira, Sonequa Martin-Green, Michael Cudlitz, Josh McDermitt, Christian Serratos and Lennie James.

Celebrities Join Christy Buss to Celebrate Dance Studio's 20th Anniversary

Actor Galen Gering, of NBC's "Days of Our Lives" and his wife Jenna Gering, join actress/choreographer Christy Curtis Buss at the 20th anniversary celebration of her iconic dance studio The Studio Art of Dance (Event Photo)

LOS ANGELES - It was a celebratory evening for actors Galen Gering (“Days of Our Lives”), Jennifer Hamilton (“Little Miss Sunshine”) and Los Angeles Lakers play-by-play announcer Bill MacDonald and many others who joined choreographer/actress and entrepreneur Christy Curtis Buss at Staples Center recently. The event celebrated the 20th anniversary celebration of her famed dance studio, Studio Art of Dance.

Gering, who is otherwise known as Rafe Herendez on the "Days," was joined by his wife, actress Jenna Gering, champion figure skater Luis Hernandez, award-winning choreographers Chucky Kaplow (“High School Musical”) Marguerite Derricks (“Showgirls”) and many other VIPs at the event.

Although Buss's longtime friends, actress Alison Sweeney (“The Biggest Loser”), singer LeAnn Rimes and actress Christian Alfonso (“Falcon Crest”) were unable to attend, they sent their well wishes to the acclaimed choreographer/entrepreneur.

Buss, whose name is recognizable to Los Angeles Lakers fans, is the daughter in-law of late team owner Jerry Buss. She  also serves as choreographer for "Days of Our Lives," and is owner and instructor at her iconic dance studio which she marked the anniversary with a VIP gathering at Staples Center’s Chairman’s Room on Oct. 11. The event featured food, drinks, music and was capped with a game between the Lakers and Maccabi Haifa of the Israeli Basketball Premier League as VIPs moved courtside to watch the Lakers win the game 126-83.

“It was amazing to celebrate the 20th year of the Studio Art of Dance and without the support of friends, family, colleagues and supporters, this celebration would not have been possible,” Christy Curtis Buss said. “It was 25 years ago that I decided to embark on a mission to create a facility that would allow me to share my passion for dance with children, their families and those who love dance.”

Having established the Studio Art of Dance two decades ago in Los Angeles, Buss has grown a small school into one of the largest private dance facilities in the country, with an enrollment of more than 400 students per year. The studio has helped teach students about dance, poise, perseverance, as well as about self esteem and confidence in one’s self.

Supergirl Debuts to Super Ratings on CBS

Melissa Benoist stars in "Supergirl" on CBS, which made its debut Monday to strong ratings, coming in tied for second with NBC's "The Voice" for the night (Photo by CBS).

LOS ANGELES - CBS's "Supergirl" debuted to super ratings Monday night with 12.9 million total viewers and a 3.2 demo rating with make Supergirl this fall’s number 1 series premiere.

Airing in the 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., it retained 70 percent of the young-adult audience for “The Big Bang Theory” in the 8 p.m. half-hour. The show, starring Melissa Benoist was tied with NBC’s “The Voice” as No. 2, just behind “Big Bang” among Monday’s entertainment series. But next week, it won't have "Big Bang" as a lead-in when it takes the 8 p.m. Monday slot opposite Monday powerhouse, "The Voice."

Supergirl tells the story of Superman's cousin, office assistant Kara Danvers, who must often battle her overbearing boss, Cat Grant, played by Calista Flockhart.

The show was developed by Ali Adler ("Chuck"), Greg Berlanti ("The Flash") and Andrew Kreisberg ("The Flash") for Berlanti Productions and CBS.

Ricky Gervais to Return as Host of the Golden Globes Awards

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – He's back! And none too soon! Returning to the same stage where he brought his acerbic sense of humor to Hollywood, Ricky Gervais has been named host of the “73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards,” set for Jan. 10, 2016 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
 
The three-hour ceremony serves as the official kick-off to awards season and will be aired live coast to coast from 8-11 p.m. ET on NBC.

“We’re excited to have Ricky Gervais back to host the most enjoyable awards show of the season in his own inimitable way,” said NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt. ”Disarming and surprising, Ricky is ready to honor — and send up — the best work of the year in film and television. Fasten your seats belts.” 

“Ricky Gervais left us with a lasting impression and we are thrilled to have him back in our show as we honor the best in film and television,” said Lorenzo Soria, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association®. “His off-the-cuff wit and quirky charm will surely have the room and audiences around the world at the edge of their seats.”

“What will he say? What will he do? We can’t wait to find out, and we are so happy that he’s back!,” said Barry Adelman, EVP, Television for dick clark productions and executive producer of the “73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards.”

Gervais hosted the Globes for three consecutive years (2010-12) when the network registered ratings gains from the previous two telecasts. Over that 2010-12 span, the Golden Globes averaged a 5.2 rating in the 18-49 demo and 17 million viewers overall, which was a 6% increase from the 2009 telecast in the demo and 14% or 2.1 million persons in total viewers (17.0 million vs. 14.9 million).

A winner of seven BAFTA Awards, three Golden Globes and two Emmys, Gervais remains one of the most talented and respected comedian-actors working today. He created and currently stars in the Netflix series “Derek,” for which he has been Emmy nominated for two consecutive years.

Gervais first introduced himself to global audiences with his 2001 British TV hit “The Office,” in which he starred as his tragic creation, David Brent. “The Office” would soon become a wildly successful global format, including an Emmy-winning nine-season run on NBC. Gervais is about to continue “The Office” saga by directing his fourth Hollywood movie, “David Brent: Life on the Road. “

Following “The Office,” Gervais starred and created a string of HBO projects: “Extras,” “Life’s Too Short” and “The Ricky Gervais Show,” which was based on his record-breaking podcast that has been downloaded more than 500 million times. He has also guest-starred on many popular TV series, including “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Louie,” “Sesame Street,” “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.”

On the film side, Gervais has co-starred in several features, including the “Night at the Museum” franchise, “Muppets Most Wanted,” “Ghost Town” and “The Invention of Lying,” and is currently putting final touches to “Special Correspondents,” which he wrote and co-directed.

  As a stand-up comedian, Gervais has sold over 2 million tickets in arenas around the world. He is also the author of the popular children’s book series “Flanimals.”

  Nominations for the Golden Globes will be announced Thursday, Dec. 10. Winners in 25 categories — 14 in film and 11 in television — are voted on by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

'The Martian' Takes Top Slot in Weekend Box Office as 'Paranormal' & 'Kasbah' Tank

Universal's "Jem and the Holograms" opened with whimper this weekend, finishing in 13th place in the weekend box office race. Pictured are, from left, Aurora Perrineau, Hayley Kiyoko, Aubrey Peeples and Stefanie Scott (Photo by Universal Pictures).

LOS ANGELES - Fox's "The Martian" rebounded from second place last week to return to the weekend box office top spot it held its first two weeks as a slew of new releases like "Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension," "Rock the Kasbah" and "Jem and the Holograms" opened with a whimper.

The Martian blasted back to No. 1 with an estimated $15.90 million and $166.35 million over four weeks. Sony’s "Goosebumps" came in second with $15.50 million, or down 34 percent at 3,501 theaters and a two-week total of $43.71 million. Disney's cold war drama "Bridge of Spies" followed in third place with $11.36 million  for a two-week total of $32.58 million.

"The Last Witch Hunter" starring Vin Diesel from Lionsgate was fourth, earning $10.82 million on its opening weekend. "Hotel Transylvania 2" came in fifth with a solid $9.0 million for a five-week total of $148.29 million. "Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension" was sixth with the worst opening in the franchises's history with $8.20 million in limited release of 1,626 theaters, compared to the 3,082  screening "The Last Witch Hunter."

The Bill Murray starrer, Open Roads' "Rock the Kasbah" opened in 13th place with $1.51 million while Universal's "Jem and the Holograms" based upon the children's animated series took 15th place with $1.32 million.

The rest stacked up this way:

7. "Steve Jobs" (Universal) $7.27 million for a three-week total of $9.98 million

8. "Crimson Peak" (Universal) $5.56 million for a two-week total of $22.45 million

9. "The Intern" (Warner Bros.) $3.85 million for a five-week total of $64.70 million

10. "Sicario" (Lionsgate) $2.95 million for a six-week total of $39.38 million

Michael Moore's New Comedy Set for December Release

LOS ANGELES - Academy Award-winner Michael Moore’s new comedy "Where to Invade Next" is officially scheduled to be released in New York and Los Angeles on December 23‪, followed by a nationwide opening on January 15 according their new, clandestine and as-yet-unnamed distribution label.

"Where to Invade Next" premiered to raves and standing ovations at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival and New York Film Festival. It most recently won the prestigious audience award at the Hamptons International Film Festival. The film will next screen as the Chicago Film Festival Centerpiece selection tonight, the Philadelphia Film Festival Closing Night Film on October 30, and the AFI Fest Gala Premiere in Los Angeles on November 7.

"Where to Invade Next" is an expansive, rib-tickling, and subversive comedy in which Moore, playing the role of “invader,” visits a host of nations to learn how the U.S. could improve its own prospects. The creator of “Fahrenheit 9/11″ and “Bowling for Columbine” is back with this hilarious and eye-opening call to arms. Turns out the solutions to America’s most entrenched problems already existed in the world – they’re just waiting to be co-opted. “'Where to Invade Next' is Michael Moore’s most dangerous and subversive film yet. It’s the perfect crowd pleaser for what’s shaping up to be a historic and exciting holiday season at the movies,” said the team of Quinn, Janego and League.

For more information: http://wheretoinvadenext.com/.

New 'Peanuts Movie' Website to turn Fans into Peanuts Characters

Charlie Brown and Snoopy are back on Nov. 6 when 20th Century Fox's "The Peanuts Movie" releases nationwide (Photo by 20th Century Fox Film Corp.).

LOS ANGELES - A new website from the creators 20th Century Fox's upcoming "The Peanuts Movie" (in theaters Nov. 6) allows fans to turn themselves into Charles M. Schulz iconic characters and share the results on Facebook and Twitter.

"Charles Schulz always said there's a little bit of him in all the characters he created," says Peanuts Movie director Steve Martino. "Now we've built this website in a way that everyone can have the experience of finding themselves as a Peanuts character. This is so much fun."

Fans who visit peanutizeme.com can chose a Peanut-inspired avatar and specify their own hairstyle, skin color, eyes, nose, mouth, outfits and accessories. They can also select which Peanuts setting they want to be placed in, whether at school, the ball diamond or even at the iconic frozen pond for ice skating.

Iconic Warner Bros. Water Tower Gets a Makeover

Mellissa Benoist who plays the title role in "Supergirl" appears below the iconic Warner Bros. water tower.

BURBANK, Calif. - For the first time ever, the Warner Bros. water tower is receiving a Super Hero makeover, with the unveiling of giant renderings of “Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Gotham’s” Detective Gordon and “Supergirl” on the iconic structure which rises 100 feet high above the Warner Bros. Studios lot. A super team featuring dozens of Studio artisans, engineers and artists collaborated on this first-of-its-kind installation celebrating four Warner Bros. Television series based on characters from DC Comics.

The characters from “Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Gotham” and “Supergirl” are displayed on giant aluminum panels measuring 22 feet by 20 feet in size, with each one weighing more than 5,000 pounds. Dozens of craftspeople were involved in the design and production of the panels, with representatives from a number of Studio departments including scenic design, special effects, lighting, signs and graphics, the metal shop, electrical, rigging and engineering.

The panels will be on display for 90 days and were unveiled in a ceremony on Monday night, October 19. They were installed using a specially devised custom-pulley system during the October 17–18 weekend. The cables for the reveal of the panels were held down by 8,000 pounds of cement.

Attendees at the unveiling included “Supergirl” star Melissa Benoist, “Gotham” stars Erin Richards and Cory Michael Smith, and executive producers Greg Berlanti & Andrew Kreisberg (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl”), Ali Adler (“Supergirl”), Marc Guggenheim (“Arrow”), and Bruno Heller, Danny Cannon & John Stephens (“Gotham”).

“Arrow” airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW and “The Flash” airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW. “Gotham” airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX, with “Supergirl” debuting Monday, October 26, at 8:30/7:30c on CBS, before moving to its Mondays 8/7c CBS time period on November 2.

The Warner Bros. water tower was built in 1927 and has since been declared an historical landmark. It Stands 100 feet tall, the water tower contains a 100,000-gallon tank — although it currently holds no water.

Previously located next to the Warner Bros. Fire Department, it was moved following the Long Beach earthquake in 1933, when the Warners realized that if the tower had fallen and damaged the Fire Department, the Fire Department would not have been able to provide emergency assistance.

'Back to the Future' Is Re-Released to Mark 30th Anniversary

LOS ANGELES - Universal is re-releasing "Back to the Future"  in select theaters on Oct. 21 to mark the film's 30th anniversary, but more particularly to honor "Back to the Future Part II," where its main character Marty McFly travels to October 21, 2015, to save his children, that were not born in "Back to the Future's" 1985.

The film trilogy are also being re-released on DVD and Blu-Ray to celebrate the original film's 1985 release.

Also to mark the anniversary, Doc Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd has issued a special message to fans on YouTube. It's all  in honor of “Back to the Future” Day, which is being celebrated worldwide on Wednesday — the famed Oct. 21, 2015 date glimpsed in Robert Zemeckis‘ original blockbuster.

Christopher Lloyd, as Doc Brown, who delivers his message to fans from behind the wheel of a DeLorean. Of the future, Doc Brown says, “Yes, it is different than we all thought, but don’t worry, it just means your future hasn’t been written yet. No one’s has. Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.” -

Paramount Delays 'Friday the 13th" Release Til January 2017

LOS ANGELES - I have to say, I am let down. Paramount Pictures has postponed the release of "Friday the 13th" along with its other upcoming horror film "Rings."

According to Variety, the release date for “Rings” was pushed back from Nov. 13 to April 1 and “Friday the 13th” was moved from May 13 to Jan. 13, 2017 — which is a Friday that lands on the 13th. “Rings” will open against Open Road’s action thriller “Collide” and Fox’s sports biopic “Eddie The Eagle.”

“Friday the 13th” will battle Sony’s Stephen King film adaptation “The Dark Tower,” Warner Bros. disaster film “Geostorm” and “Hidden Figures” from Fox.

"Friday the 13th" is produced by Michael Bay, Andrew Form and Bradley Fuller. It is directed by David Bruckner from a script by Nick Antosca.

The new film is a reboot of the 1980 original film by Sean S. Cunningham that helped set the standard for slasher movies.  It told the story about a group of camp counselors who are stalked and murdered by an unknown assailant in a hockey mask while trying to reopen a summer camp which, years before, was the site of a child's drowning.

"Rings" is directed by F. Javier Gutiérrez and written by Akiva Goldsman, David Loucka and Jacon Aaron Estes. It stars Johnny Galecki ("Big Bang Theory") with Matilda Lutz, Alex Roe, and Aimee Teegarden.

'Goosebumps' Beats Out 'Crimson Peak' for Weekend Box Office Crown

LOS ANGELES - Sony's gamble on the PG-rated movie adaptation of TV's kid-friendly horror-themed "Goosebumps" has paid off after going head to head with the R-rated Universal/Legendary haunted house tale, "Crimson Peak," and topping the weekend box office with a $23.61 million opening.

"Goosebumps" appeared to tap into adults' feel for their childhood favorite as well as the younger crowd who still watch the TV series. Guillermo Del Toro's ambitious ode to 1940s haunted house movies seemed to fall flat with core audiences as the $55 million film was able to draw just $13.14 million and fourth place on its opening weekend.

Fox's "The Martian" remained strong but dropped by 43 percent as it fell to second place this weekend with $21.30 million for a three-week total of $143.59 million. Third place went to Disney's cold war saga, "Bridge of Spies" starring Tom Hanks, with $15.37 million.

The rest stacked up this way:

5. "Hotel Transylvania 2" (Sony) $12.64 million for a four-week total of $136.80 million

6. "Pan" (Warner Bros.) $5.86 million for a two-week total of $25.74 million

7. "The Intern" (Warner Bros.) $5.45 million for a four-week total of $58.77 million

8. "Sicario" (Lionsgate) $4.56 million for a five-week total of $34.72 million

9. "Woodlawn (Pure Flix Cinema) $4.0 million on its opening weekend

10. "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials," (Fox) $2.86 million for a three week total of  $75.52 million

The 'Star Wars' Trailer is Here and Geeks Can't get Enough!

LOS ANGELES - The official trailer for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has made it's online debut, following the its premiere during “Monday Night Football” game on ESPN between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles and Geeks everywhere are rejoicing! Go figure!

The new footage begins with Daisy Ridley’s Rey as she scavenges what looks like an Imperial Star Destroyer seen in the first trailer — before moving on to John Boyega’s Finn as he questions his place in the galaxy. Then, Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren is revealed as he promises to finish what Darth Vader has started. While the trailer features action shots of the Millennium Falcon, it gives away little about Harrison Ford’s Han Solo and Peter Mayhew’s Chewbacca and, only a showing brief glimpse of Carrie Fisher’s Leia and barely a glimmer of Mark Hamill’s Luke, who seemingly appeared shrouded in a cloak with R2-D2 in the trailer.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is set for release on Dec. 18.

The film is directed by J.J. Abrams, and  stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. The producers are Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy and Bryan Burk. The executive Producers are Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin.

Warner Bros. Is Developing 'Godzilla Vs. King Kong'

LOS ANGELES - It had to happen. Following Legendary's and Warner Bros.'s 2014 success with the global reinvention of the "Godzilla" franchise, the companies have come together to create an epic, new shared cinematic franchise. All-powerful monsters become towering heroes for a new generation, revealing a mythology that brings together "Godzilla"and Legendary's King Kong in an ecosystem of other giant super-species, both classic and new. Monarch, the human organization that uncovered "Godzilla" in the 2014 film, will expand their mission across multiple releases.

The announcement that the reinvention of monsters continues was made today by Legendary CEO, Thomas Tull, and Kevin Tsujihara, Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. The initial trio of films are 2017's "Kong: Skull Island;" "Godzilla 2" in 2018; and then "Godzilla vs. Kong," arriving in theaters in 2020. While Legendary maintains its new home at Universal Pictures, the "Godzilla" films remain in partnership with Warner Bros., who will now also distribute KONG as a part of this franchise. Production on KONG: SKULL ISLAND begins October 19th.

Warner Bros. and Legendary released "Godzilla" in May 2014 with an agreement to release "Godzilla 2" on June 8, 2018. Both films feature the human Monarch organization. Shortly following Legendary's pact with NBC Universal, Legendary acquired rights to additional classic characters from Toho's "Godzilla" universe, including Rodan, Mothra, and King Ghidorah. This paved the way for developing a franchise centered around Monarch and anchored by Godzilla, King Kong, and other famous creatures.

SyFy Cancels 'Defiance' After its Third Season

LOS ANGELES - SyFy has canceled its futuristic drama "Defiance" after finishing its third season. The move comes days after the network canceled "Dominion."

“Defiance” was known for its multi-platform storytelling as the series’ plotlines were specifically geared to meld with the storylines of the "Defiance" video game. The TV show followed the conflict between seven alien races existing on a devastated planet Earth.

Kevin Murphy served as executive producer and showrunner of of “Defiance,” which completed its 13-episode third and final season this summer.

“‘Defiance’ was a truly groundbreaking series, delivering an immersive, cross-platform experience that transcended the television screen in a way that viewers had never seen before. We are incredibly proud of the work of the extraordinary cast, writers, artists and designers — and especially showrunner Kevin Murphy — who together brought the rich world of ‘Defiance’ to life over its three season arc,” SyFy said in a statement.

Legendary Rocker John Fogerty to Pay Visit to ‘The Voice’

Prior to his upcoming residency at The Venetian Las Vegas, legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist John Fogerty will appear on NBC's "The Voice" as a guest mentor on Oct. 19 and 20. Assisting celebrity coach and judge Adam Levine, Fogerty will provide guidance and advice to the competing performers as they enter into the second or "battle" round of the singing contest. While advising, the GRAMMY Award winner will also perform his classic hit "Fortunate Son" with two contestants from Team Adam.

Recently announced, Fogerty will bring his 1969-themed show to The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian during Peace, Love and Creedence, an eight-show residency, Jan. 8 - 23, 2016.

Attendees will enjoy performances of iconic Creedence Clearwater Revival classics as well as Fogerty's solo hits including "Down on the Corner," "Centerfield," "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" and many more. Tickets start at $59.50 (plus applicable fees) are available now at any Venetian or Palazzo Box Office, online at www.venetian.com/JohnFogerty or by calling (702) 414-9000 or (866) 641-7469.