Dateline to Air a New Investigation into Steven Avery Case Tonight

Steven Avery in his mugshot involving his arrest in the murder of Teresa Halbach (Photo by Calumet County Dept. of Corrections).

NEW YORK – With fresh, new interviews and rare footage of a sit-down conducted in 2005 with Penny Beerntsen, the victim of the sexual assault case for which Steven Avery was wrongfully convicted, Dateline NBC airs “The State of Wisconsin vs. Steven A. Avery.” In this one-hour special, airing tonight, Friday at 10pm/9c, Dateline’s Andrea Canning is on the ground in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with a new look at the controversial case surrounding the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach.

Canning sits down with key players representing both sides of the Avery/Halbach case, including: Ken Kratz, Prosecutor in Avery and Brendan Dassey cases; Jerry Buting, Former defense attorney for Aver;  Kim Ducat, Avery’s cousin; Robert Hermann, Current Manitowoc County Sheriff; Steven Drizin and Laura Nirider appellate attorneys for Dassey; and Michael Griesbach, author of "The Innocent Killer," and assistant district attorney in Manitowoc County.

During the special hour, Canning tells the story of Avery’s conviction and later exoneration in the 1985 sexual assault case of Beerntsen. Canning also offers a new look at the Avery and Dassey trials in the Halbach case, and the latest developments in the drama that has captured national attention.

DC Entertainment to Publish Comics Based on Popular Hanna-Barbera Characters

The Flintstones are among the popular Hanna-Barbera cartoon characters getting new comics published by DC Entertainment (Photo by Hanna-Barbera Productions).

LOS ANGELES - Pajamas and a big bowl of sugary cereal is how many of us remember watching our favorite Saturday morning cartoons as kids. Beginning in May, DC Entertainment plans to give old fans and new the chance to relive (and extend) their childhoods with a new, modern lineup of comics based on some of Hanna-Barbera’s most popular cartoon characters, but reimagined in a fresh and contemporary fashion.

The initial lineup includes: 
“Scooby Apocalypse” – Featuring character designs by veteran artist Jim Lee and an origin story by Jim Lee and Keith Giffen (“Justice League 3001”), artist Howard Porter (“Superman”) will provide his own unique take on Freddie, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo. “Those meddling kids” and their Mystery Machine are at the center of a well-meaning experiment gone wrong and they’ll need to bring all of their mystery-solving skills to bear (along with plenty of Scooby Snacks), to find a cure for a world full of mutated creatures infected by a nanite virus that enhances their fears, terrors and baser instincts. This time, the horrors are real in this apocalyptic near-future badland!

“Future Quest” – Writer Jeff Parker (“Aquaman,” “Justice League United,” “Batman ’66”) and artist Evan “Doc” Shaner (“Justice League Darkseid War: Green Lantern”) join forces to bring fans new tales of adventure’s most iconic teenager, Jonny Quest, along with his sidekick Hadji. This series combines Team Quest (Hadji, Race Bannon, Dr. Benton Quest and Jezebel Jade) with some of the most well-known action and adventure heroes ever created by Hanna-Barbera, including Space Ghost, The Herculoids, Birdman, Mightor and Frankenstein Jr., among others.

“Wacky Raceland” – Take The Ant Hill Mob, Penelope Pitstop and Dick Dastardly, mix in a healthy dose of “Mad Max” and you get this dark and gritty take on Hanna-Barbera’s “Wacky Races,” courtesy of writer Ken Pontac (“Reboot,” “Happy Tree Friends”) and artist Leonardo Manco (“Hellblazer”), with vehicle designs by Mark Sexton (“Mad Max: Fury Road”). A time of hope and innocence with Utopia at the finish line has given way to planetary Armageddon and a desert wasteland full of radioactive lakes, nanotech dust storms, and cannibalistic mutants. Against this backdrop, the Wacky Racers and their sentient vehicles continue their contest, but now the competition is for survival, and there can only be one winner when the checkered flag falls.

“The Flintstones” – Based on character designs by Amanda Conner (“Harley Quinn,” “Starfire”), writer Mark Russell (“Prez,” “God Is Disappointed In You”) provides his own unique perspective on everyone’s “modern stone age family.” Russell will use Bedrock’s most popular family to shine a light on humanity’s ancient customs and institutions in a funny origin story of human civilization. Fred is still the simple man, striving to be the king of his castle, Wilma is still the tolerant but not-indulging wife and Barney (with his wife Betty and infant son Bamm-Bamm) is still the original wingman, whose loyalty to Fred often outweighs his common sense.

“I can’t think of anyone that doesn’t look back at these characters with anything but fond memories,” said Dan DiDio, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher. “With this initial lineup of titles and talent, we’re excited for fans to experience the reimagining of these Saturday morning classics with a more modern and contemporary look and feel.”

For more information about Hanna-Barbera and DC Comics, visit the website at www.DCComics.com.

Actor Chase Matthews Hosts Musical Mondays

Actor Chase Matthews ("Workaholics") puts his musical theater talents to bear at Rage Nightclub's Musical Mondays.

LOS ANGELES - Actor Chase Matthews is known for his work as the Phantom in Vox Lumiere's acclaimed "Phantom of the Opera," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," and many others as well as television work in "Workaholics" and "1,000 Ways to Die"  and others.

But today, the talented actor/singer is continuing his passion for live theater as host and singer at Rage, a nightclub in West Hollywood which has embraced live musical theater with its new Musical Mondays program every Monday night that has featured Matthews as host and performer, along with fellow host, actress Alison Janes. The blond actress is known for her heartfelt portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in the acclaimed "Marilyn, Madness & Me" which earned her rave reviews.

"It’s been a great experience hosting Musical Mondays because I get to be myself as the host and I get to sing songs that are usually a character so I have the best of both worlds," Matthews said. "It challenges me to do a live show because you have to always be on your toes and you have to listen to the audience."

Working in front of a live audience is always a challenge, Matthews admitted, but introducing new acts and singing live in front an appreciative crowd always excites him, given his background with the touring company for "Phantom."

  

"The experience of playing the title role of The Phantom all over the world was one I will never forget. The entire cast has become like my second family," he said. "It’s always difficult to be in front of a live audience! Anyone who says it isn’t is either lying or inhuman," he quipped.

 As lead singer for a number of rock bands over the years, rock music remains a passion for the young actor.

"Being a rocker and frontman for rock bands teaches you to be a showman in a different kind of way.  It teaches you to perform with pure passion," he said. "A great rock teacher and mentor of mine, Walter ONeil, taught me that rock is about Excess. It teaches you to perform with excessive love, excessive passion. Rock is Excess everything!"

Meanwhile, Matthews will join Alison Janes and other talented performers at 8 p.m. every Monday at Rage, 8911 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, Calif. 90069. For more, visit www.ChaseMatthews.net. 

CNBC Greenlights LeBron James' 'Cleveland Hustles'

CNBC is teaming up with NBA superstar LeBron James for a new unscripted series that gives entrepreneurs a chance to realize their dreams.

LOS ANGELES - CNBC today announced the network is teaming up with NBA superstar LeBron James’ and Maverick Carter’s production company, SpringHill Entertainment, and Magical Elves for a new unscripted series set in Cleveland, Ohio.

The series, set to debut in Summer 2016, will give local entrepreneurs the chance to realize their own dreams while also helping to revitalize struggling neighborhoods in their city. In addition, CNBC unveiled plans for “The Partner,” a new series featuring renowned businessman and investor Marcus Lemonis.

In “The Partner,” also debuting Summer 2016, Lemonis, host of CNBC’s popular original series “The Profit,” searches for the perfect person to help him run the businesses he’s saved from the brink of disaster. And he’s not just offering a job, he’s offering a potential equity stake in his growing empire.

Having invested more than $35 million of his own money in companies featured on “The Profit,” Lemonis is now ready to invest in “The Partner.” “‘Cleveland Hustles,’ speaks to the network’s entrepreneurial spirt and also creates an opportunity to help strengthen communities that have fallen on hard times,” said Jim Ackerman, EVP, Primetime Alternative, CNBC. “Meanwhile, we’ve produced over forty episodes of ‘The Profit,’ and Marcus decided it was time to share his workload. ‘The Partner’ is a chance to grow our relationship with an important member of the CNBC family while also providing the opportunity of a lifetime for one of his fans.”

“Cleveland Hustles” is produced by SpringHill Entertainment and Magical Elves with LeBron James and Maverick Carter as executive producers for SpringHill Entertainment and Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz as executive producers for Magical Elves.

Jen Faith Brown Joins Cast of 'Sing' Starring Scarlett Johansson

Actress Jen Faith Brown has joined the cast of the upcoming animated film "Sing," starring Scarlett Johansson.

LOS ANGELES - Actress/singer Jen Faith Brown of the upcoming docudrama "Only a Girl: The Life of Irene Gut Opdyke," has joined the cast of "Sing," the animated comedy from Universal and Illumination Entertainment starring Scarlett Johansson and Matthew McConnaughey  who will voice characters in the film.

Brown, who is an accomplished stage actress and singer, will perform songs for the film which also stars Reese Witherspoon, Nick Offerman, Seth McFarlane and John C. Reilly.  McConaughey will portray a koala bear who presides over an iconic theater that has fallen on tough times. But  he now decides to return the theater to its glory by producing the world’s biggest singing competition.

The movie, written and directed by Garth Jennings and produced by Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, is scheduled for release in December.

Most recently, Brown has appeared in the upcoming film “Johnny Shadow,” the online series “Perk it Up,” as well as appeared on “All My Children,” and “Law & Order.” She is also a recording artist as well as stage actress in such productions as “The Glass Menagerie,” “Phantom,” “Man of La Mancha,” and many others.

To learn more on Brown, please visit www.JenFaithBrown.com.

Cast Members of 'Friends,' 'Cheers' and Others to Join James Burrows Tribute

The cast of "Friends" is scheduled to participate in NBC's tribute to director/producer James Burrows on Feb. 21.

LOS ANGELES - The casts of several of the most iconic comedy series of all time will be participating in NBC’s special “Must See TV: A Tribute to James Burrows,” which will air Sunday, Feb. 21 from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT.

Burrows is recognized as TV’s most accomplished comedy director. Burrows made his TV sitcom directing debut with a 1974 episode of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” He is probably best known for his work on “Taxi,” “Cheers,” “Frasier” and “Will & Grace,” which collectively earned him 10 Emmy Awards and four DGA Awards. He directed the pilots for all four series as well as for such other long-running comedies as “Friends,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Two and a Half Men” and “Mike & Molly.”

The Feb. 21 special will celebrate Burrows’ 1,000th episode with his new NBC comedy “Crowded,” in which he also serves as an executive producer. “There is nobody with better TV comedy instincts than Jimmy Burrows, and because of his guiding hand these remarkable shows will be forever celebrated and stand the test of time,” said Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment. “The caliber of talent joining us to celebrate Jimmy’s accomplishments is a testament to his imprint in television history.”

Scheduled to be in attendance will be the casts of the following shows. Others may also be added.

• “Cheers” — Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Bebe Neuwirth, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt (Kirstie Alley, Woody Harrelson in pre-taped segments)
• “Friends” — Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer (Matthew Perry in pre-taped segment)
• “Frasier” — Peri Gilpin, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce (Kelsey Grammer in pre-taped segment)
• “Will & Grace” — Sean Hayes, Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally
• “Taxi” — Tony Danza, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, Judd Hirsch, Carol Kane, Christopher Lloyd
• “The Big Bang Theory” — Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Jim Parsons
• “Wings” — Tony Shalhoub, Steven Weber
• “Mike & Molly” — Billy Gardell, Melissa McCarthy, Katy Mixon, Nyambi Nyambi, Reno Wilson
• “Two and a Half Men” — Jon Cryer, Charlie Sheen
• “Crowded” — Carlease Burke, Stacy Keach, Carrie Preston, Mia Serafino, Patrick Warburton 

Others in attendance include JB Smoove, Jason Bateman, Valerie Bertinelli, Kate Flannery and Will Arnett. Bob Newhart will participate in a pre-taped segment.

Universal Television, Hazy Mills and Irwin Entertainment will produce. Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner and John Irwin are executive producers.

Academy to Consider Changes in Membership & Categories to Stem Diversity Crisis

AMPAS president Cheryl Boone Isaacs to preside over a meeting of its board on Jan. 26 to consider changes in membership and categories to stem complaints of lack of diversity in its ranks (AMPAS Photo).

LOS ANGELES - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is considering an overhaul of membership requirements at next week’s board meeting as it continues to deal with criticism over this year’s list of nominees.

At the Jan. 26 meeting will work to fight the seeming perception that the Academy is racist or elitist. The general consensus appears to be that the industry itself needs to make big changes, perhaps including a return to 10 best-picture contenders after many have voiced complaints that “Straight Outta Compton” would have been nominated if there were more than this eight slots in the category.

AMPAS president Cheryl Boone Isaacs said in a Jan. 8 statement that the Academy “is taking dramatic steps to alter the makeup of our membership.” She added that there will be “a review of our membership recruitment in order to bring about much-needed diversity…”

Next week’s board meeting could turn out to be a marathon session. With many of its 6,261 voting members unlikely to support change, it's unclear what the outcome may be according to media sources.

HBO Picks Up James Franco's 'The Deuce' to Series

James Franco is set to star and executive produce a porn drama "The Deuce" which was picked up to series by HBO (Publicity photo).

LOS ANGELES - HBO has picked up James Franco's porn drama "The Deuce" to series. Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal will star.

The show will follow the fight to legalize porn and its subsequent rise in 1970s New York City as it also exaimes the wild and seedy side of midtown Manhattan through the rise of HIV, the violence and upheaval of the cocaine epidemic and its impact on the industry.

Franco will play twins, while Gyllenhaal will portray Eileen Merrell, a Times Square prostitute who goes by “Candy” who’s attracted to the fledgeling industry.

The show will be executive produced by David Simon ("Homicide: Life on the Street), Franco and Gyllenhaal for Simon's Blown Deadline Productions. Simon wrote the original pilot and will hand over writing duties to Richard Price known for his episodic work on "The Wire" and the film "Clockers."

Tyler Perry Begins Production on New Madea Movie

Tyler Perry, who portrays the irrepressible Madea, has begun production on a new Madea movie titled "Boo! A Madea Halloween (Photo by Tyler Perry Studios).

LOS ANGELES - Tyler Perry Studios announced today that they have started production on a new Madea film, Boo! A Madea Halloween, which will be distributed by Lionsgate.

The film releases October 21, 2016. Tyler Perry will write, produce, direct, and star in the latest project with the popular character Madea. Ozzie Areu and Will Areu will also be producers on the film. The film's origins date back to when Perry and Chris Rock conspired to include a fictitious Madea Halloween movie in Rock's film Top Five.

Lionsgate then approached Perry and suggested that they make the movie for real.In Boo! A Madea Halloween, Madea winds up in the middle of mayhem when she spends a hilarious, haunted Halloween fending off killers, paranormal poltergeists, ghosts, ghouls, and zombies while keeping a watchful eye on a group of misbehaving teens.

"We are thrilled to reunite with the iconic Tyler Perry, one of the greatest creative forces in entertainment and a beloved and cherished member of our Lionsgate family," said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairs Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger. "'Boo! A Madea Halloween' brings together two great Lionsgate traditions -- Madea and a Halloween movie -- and we know that audiences will find the combination outrageous, hilarious and unbeatable."Perry will play the roles of "Madea," in addition to the roles of "Joe" and "Brian."

The film will also star Bella Thorne as "Rain," Cassi Davis as "Aunt Bam," Patrice Lovely as "Hattie," Andre Hall as "Quinton," Yousef Erakat as "Jonathan," Lexy Panterra as "Leah," Diamond White as "Tiffany," Liza Koshy as "Aday," Brock O'Hurn as "Horse," Jimmy Tatro as "Sean," JC Caylen as "Mikey," Kian Lawley as "Bean Boy," and Mike Tornabene as "Dino." Production is under way in Atlanta.

Spielberg invests $50 Million Into his Amblin Partners Company

Steven Spielberg invests $50 million into Amblin Partners (File photo).

LOS ANGELES - Steven Spielberg has invested $50 million of his own money into the latest iteration of his DreamWorks Studios, putting $50 million into his new multimedia company, Amblin Partners, that he named after his first 35mm film.

The move aims to reinvigorate the old Amblin brand and to put his first funds into DreamWorks since it was founded in 1994 as a partnership with fellow moguls David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg. DreamWorks Pictures, also known as DreamWorks SKG, or simply DreamWorks, is an film production label of Amblin Partners.

When the three partners formed their “full service” studio in 1994, Spielberg, Katzenberg and Geffen each invested $33 million into the studio, providing the seed money that eventually attracted a $500 million investment from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.