Disneyland Closed Saturday Morning After Security Alert

UPDATE, 10:50 AM: : All is clear at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA now following a morning security scare. Normal operations will resume. Previous, 9:42 AM: The Disneyland resort in California is on temporary lockdown after a suspicious object was found by park officials. Guests already in the park are being kept inside while ticket sales have halted, keeping new arrivals out. KABC reports the object was found in the trees near the park’s entrance at about 7 a.m. during the morning walk-through.

New trailer for G.I. Joe: Retaliation

G.I. Joe: Retaliation has released a completely new trailer through which Dwayne Manley spits out a few more one card inserts, together with an entire heap of stuff can get blown to smithereens.The completely new teaser is substantially shorter than previous options, nevertheless it does include more recent and much more effective footage, including Johnson's character giving a quick pep talk about what what this means is to become G.I. Joe."G.I. Joes?" he begins. "We're fists. Exactly how should we strike? Together." Sure, it's under "we'll fight them round the beaches," however, you get the overall impression. G.I. Joes equal badasses.You'll be able to take a look within the new trailer, below... Pretty awesome, no? We may possibly not have many userful stuff here more in regards to the film that individuals would never know, but it's a useful recap nonetheless. So, briefly, The Rock still reaches fire an toolbox of massive weapons, the explosions continue being fantastically meaty and Bruce Willis still looks awesome, even when spouting lines like, "Call me Joe."G.I. Joe: Retaliation opens inside the Uk on 22 June 2012.

David Wain Directs Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston in 'Wanderlust'

The mad genius of David Wain can presently be seen on every media platform available. On Cartoon Network's Adult Frolic in the water, you will see his behave as author-producer-actor round the cult Television show "Children's Hospital" or hear him voicing the Warden by themselves animated series "Superjail!" His award-winning webseries "Wainy Days," which particulars his crazy dating adventures, is at its fifth season in my Damn Funnel together with a DVD in the first four seasons been released. And striking theaters now's "Wanderlust," an offbeat comedy starring Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston that Wain directed in the script by themselves and Ken Marino. Marino, who co-written "The Ten" and "HeroinesInch with Wain, also appears in "Wanderlust" as Rudd's jackass brothera character a smaller amount far removed his "HeroinesInch stepfather. Wain started out his career incorporated within the influential comedy troupe The Problem, whose people for instance Marino, Kerry Kinney-Silver, and Joe Lo Truglio still overlap in one another peoples works. The Three are available in "Wanderlust," which finds Rudd and Aniston joining a free of charge-loving commune introduced by Justin Theroux after their high-octane New you are able to city lives falter. Wain states the film addresses an idea everybody has, a wonderment about chucking our life-style and beginning anew. "Who states you have to live how you reside in present day world, let us say you just went free?" Wain posits. "This film is about a few, similar to a lot of us, that like to.InchBack again Stage: Here is your fourth film with Paul Rudd and you also clearly collaborate with numerous the identical people can you write with stars in your thoughts? David Wain: Mostly not. In this particular movie, we kind of had Paul and Justin in your thoughts, but that was it. Our practice should be to not write for specific stars, even though we visit numerous the identical stars over and over. First we write the film, which we think about the cast later.Back Stage: When did Jennifer become involved? Wain: As we stood a script fit that individuals really loved, we introduced it to Paul. Paul came onboard as actor and producer and then we visited Jennifer. We certainly weren't expecting her to convey yes, but we're so thrilled they did.Back Stage: Why Ken always finish off playing this type of asshole within your films? Wain: Because he's an asshole. A massive asshole. (Laughs) No, he's just effective in it. He relishes it and uncover the enjoyment because which is a pleasurable step to create and play. We actually would never know he'd always play that part. We didn't contemplate it a lot of until we have got too casting which i mentioned, "Okay, you'll play that." It absolutely was already written. But we auditioned for a lot of every role, even if we ended up passing onto somebody. It's just part of everything you do, allowing everybody an chance.Again Stage: Becoming an actor yourself, you think you realize stars who audition to suit your needs? Wain: Oh, yeah, absolutely. Who audition can be a horrible process. It's just an important evil I am unable to consider a way to evaluate stars. I have not been effective in who audition. Nearly every role I've ever become was because I cast myself or somebody that knows me well cast me. Fortunately, I have me to cast me! Back Stage: What exactly are a couple of of the worst audition encounters? Wain: I've had lots of bad auditions. For a while, I used to be doing plenty of commercial auditions, what exactly are most soul draining because you use and wait all day long lengthy to convey "How are things?" Then you definitely certainly leave wondering for anyone who is the most effective one at stating that certain little line. Or sometimes they've created you must do these strange improvs on no account. Or you will get into auditions where people are eating lunch or clearly not needing to give consideration or clearly don't care. Or you'll shateringly spoil it and ask for to make it happen again and they are likely to say, "No, no, we first first got it!" Therefore I act as as fair and understanding to stars in auditions. But it's very challenging to both sides. When you're seeing 30 people every day, you will not wish to waste anybody's time if you're sure they're wrong with this. Back Stage: Your films have grown to be in budget over time, however, you'll still do non-budget things like "Wainy Days." Relocate the bigger budget helps, or does necessity breed invention if you possess the little budget? Wain: Necessity breeds invention a good deal. "Wet Hot" was under $2 million, "The Ten" involved $4 million, and jumps way, in position for "HeroinesInch and "Wanderlust." They're different animals, nevertheless the actual making in the movie is very similar, really. No matter what your financial allowance is, you're working while using DP to find out where the camera goes and while using stars. The procedure is very similar, you just may get more hours or paid out more. However it doesn't affect how funny it's.

Warner Bros. Really Wants To Adapt Bleach

Peter Segal managing the projectWith Akira's engine still idling away in development hell, you may think Warner Bros. would be put off by attempting to adapt anymore popular manga/anime game titles into movies for the time being. But you'd be wrong! The studio has partnered with Peter Segal to create and perhaps direct a brand new undertake Bleach.Initially crated by Tite Kubo, Bleach follows teen Ichigo, a lad using more than a couple of problems on his plate, including a chance to see ghosts. His household is assaulted with a effective, malevolent lost soul referred to as a "Hollow" and also the incident leaves our hero having the ability to search the spiteful spirits. But rather than simply a weight rampage, Ichigo selects to make use of his recently extended forces to safeguard the innocent and help lost souls find peace.Bleach continues to be extremely effective all over the world, most famously in Japan, where it's a lot more than 75 million print copies in circulation. The manga title was already modified right into a lengthy-running anime series, that has 16 seasons under its belt. "I have been an enormous fan of Bleach and also have great respect because of its creator and also the truly original and amazing world he's produced within this manga," Segal blabs to Variety.While we are worried about a guy that has mostly headed comedies dealing with something similar to this, will still be in an initial phase. To date all of the project has is really a author, with Wrath From The Titans' Serta Mazeau using the first crack in the script.

Producer Damian Johnson Ink First-Look Pact With Path United kingdom

Inside a third first-look deal for that studio, Path United kingdom has joined a pact using the Iron Lady producer Damian Johnson’ DJ Films Limited. Johnson’ creating credits likewise incorporate Nicholas Hytner’s A Brief History Boys, urban hit Kidulthood and Michael Winterbottom’s Thanks For Visiting Sarajevo. DJ Films is presently in publish-production on sports drama Fast Women. Path also offers first-look contracts with Slumdog Uniform and 127 Hrs producer Christian Colson via his Cloud Eight Films with Matt Wilkinson of Stigma Films, with whom the studio is creating a slate of genre game titles.

Classic Interview: Paul Rudd and Josh Horowitz Talk Existence Inside A Claw Game

Paul Rudd and MTV News' Josh Horowitz happen to be recognized to finish up in odd situations every time they get together. In 2008 when Rudd was marketing his then-approaching film "Heroines,Inch the happy couple went to Dork & Buster's. Obviously, the job interview ended with Rudd and Horowitz in the gigantic claw game machine. The two will come across for MTV First, but this time around Jennifer Aniston is originating along to become listed on the enjoyment. Everything starts on Wednesday, Feb 22 at 7:56 p.m. on MTV. The heavens from the approaching film "Wanderlust" will show a never-before-seen clip in the movie. Immediately after, Rudd and Aniston will require questions in the fans on MTV.com. All you want do in order to get the question within the running is submit it through MTV.com or via Twitter using @MTVNews and also the hashtag #AskWanderlust. What is going to happen when everybody will get together for an additional interview? You can't really say, understanding what type of trouble they have become into before, but you will need to tune into MTV on Feb 22 to discover and find out in case your question will get clarified. What have you think about the classic Paul Rudd interview? Tell us within the comments below as well as on Twitter!

One Tree Hill Sweethearts Sophia Bush, Austin Nichols Split

Willa Holland The O.C. alum Willa Holland has been cast in the CW pilot Arrow, Deadline reports. Pilot Season: Melrose Place's Katie Cassidy lands female lead in CW's Arrow Arrow, based on the DC comics character Green Arrow, stars Stephen Amell as a superhero who fights crimes using archery and martial arts. Arrow's alias is the wealthy playboy-turned-politician Oliver Queen. Holland will play Queen's bratty younger sister Thea. Gossip Girl's Katie Cassidy was cast earlier this week as the female lead. Check out all the latest pilot news Arrow will be executive-produced by Brothers & Sisters' Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and The Vampire Diaries' Andrew Kreisberg.

Greg Berlanti: This Pilot Season's Go-To Guy

The Colbert Report is taking an unexpected break. "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the show will air repeat episodeson Wednesday, February 15 and Thursday, February 16," Comedy Central said in a statement. VIDEO: Steven Colbert and Jon Stewart vow not to coordinate, poke fun at Super PAC Read More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Colbert Report

Grammy Awards: You Won't Miss a Thing with Our Coverage!

Adele Are you ready for the Grammy Awards? Music's biggest night is taking place on Sunday, and TVGuide.com and TV Guide Network will have you covered before, during and after the show so you won't miss anything.Check out last years' Grammys fashion hits and missesIt kicks off Sunday with our Grammy Awards Red Carpet Countdown at 5/4c. Hosted by Maria Sansone and Tim Kash, the show will include previews, predictions and early arrivals. At 6/5c, Chris Harrison will host Grammy Awards Red Carpet, where he will interview the industry's biggest names as they make their way down the red carpet. TVGuide.com will simultaneously stream Fashion Cam coverage of stars' arrivals, and fans will be able to discuss their favorite looks via Facebook and Twitter. During the Grammys broadcast (8/7c on CBS), you can follow along as we live-tweet the whole show. Among the scheduled performers: Adele, Chris Brown, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood.2011 Grammys: Best performancesIt will all cap off Monday at 8/7c with our Grammy Awards Fashion Wrap. Ali Landry and her team of experts, including Tabatha Coffey, will dissect the night's best and worst fashions and, of course, hair.

Cinedigm nabs 'Like Water'

Cinedigm Entertainment Group has acquired United States distribution privileges to Pablo Croce's directorial debut "Like Water," a documentary that explores the existence of UFC champion Anderson Silva.Deal was discussed by Christine D 'Souza and Kevin Iwashina of Preferred Content with respect to producer Jared Freedman of Flow Using The Go Films.Using Cinedigm's unique position like a digital exhibitor of indie film and alternative content, "Like Water" is going to be launched theatrically at the begining of summer time. Lionsgate will handle domestic ancillary distribution. Cinemavault is handling all worldwide privileges for "Like Water" outdoors of The United States.Documentary concentrates on Anderson Silva's existence prior to his UFC 117 conquer Chael Sonnen. Silva may be the longest-reigning UFC Middleweight Champion and among the finest mma martial artists ever. This behind-the-moments documentary requires a surprising consider the guy behind the fighter and also the dedication and commitment it requires to remain at the very top. From Silva's family existence in South america to training together with his team in La, Croce peels back the layers of the ufc's ultimate figher to show one's heart of the champion. Pic opened in the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival where it won the very best New Documentary Director award."It had been obvious that Cinedigm's platform and distribution strategy was the easiest method to showcase the film for audiences," stated Kevin Iwashina, Controlling Partner of Preferred Content. "I'm excited that there's not just a new, active buyer available on the market, only one that knows the altering ways that customers digest their content." Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

Sean Penn Shares Films Imagine Ducking Fame

First Released: The month of january 22, 2012 9:32 PM EST Credit: Getty Images PARK CITY, Utah -- Caption Sean Penn attends the Tribeca Film Festival after-party for Love-hate Love in NY City, on April 26, 2011 Sean Penns new movie casts him like a former rock star who turns his back on fame and adopts exile overseas. Penn can relate. He stated within an interview Sunday he had the idea frequently about ducking from the limelight. He stars within this Should Be the area, which in fact had its U.S. premiere in the Sundance Film Festival. Penn first found Utah about 27 years back using the Falcon and also the Snowman. The film, directed by Paolo Sorrentino, stars Penn as Cheyenne, a raven-maned, mascara-caked former pop icon whose look was inspired by Robert Cruz from the Cure. The childlike Cheyenne has left out the glamor of his old existence and today lives silently in Ireland together with his firemen wife, performed by Frances McDormand. After his fathers dying, lost soul Cheyenne embarks on the journey over the U . s . States to find an old Nazi who brutalized his father inside a concentration camping. Penn stated he empathizes with Cheyennes decision to get away from the spotlight. Turning ones back on fame may be the greatest type of good sense. One which I'd desire to become more filled with, Penn stated. I dont think its an overstatement to express that it is an obscene disease of celebrity thats absorbed far a lot of existence that people do live. I believe its an illness. I believe that it is reduced the standard of existence. Not particularly for those who are the main focus from it, though that's clearly something which Ive been jeopardized by. As well as the culture in particular, there's this type of herd commitment. I believe its just become cheap. This Should Be the area owes its begin to the Cannes Film Festival, where Penn headed the jury that granted awards in 2008. Penns panel presented Sorrentinos political drama Il Divo using the festivals third-place jury prize. The actor and also the director found themselves standing beside one another for any group photo in the Cannes closing ceremony. Because they talked, Penn told Sorrentino he want to use him, along with a year approximately later, the filmmaker sent the script with this Should Be the area. The film opened at Mays Cannes festival and opens in U.S. theaters in March. Penn is planning to direct his fifth film, The Comedian with Robert P Niro and Kristen Wiig. Just like he's considered retreating from fame, Penn stated he want to have the ability to quit acting and just direct films. This isn't within the cards given his financial needs, including his J/P Haitian Relief Organization, which boosts money to help individuals displaced through the 2010 earthquake. Particularly if youre associated with a business like mine in Haiti, there's a factor known as drained of funds and requiring to operate, Penn stated. I can produce a better living being an actor than I'm able to like a director. Though I certainly would rather be pointing movies. ___ Online: http://world wide web.sundance.org Copyright 2012 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

There's no avoiding Fox's 'Alcatraz' blitz

Fox held an Alcatraz premiere party on Alcatraz Island the other day. The show, that will originate from J.J. Abrams, bows tonight. Using the much material to make use of, Fox's marketing mavens couldn't help but devise a more elaborate marketing campaign to tubthump the completely new mystery-thriller "Alcatraz." The show mines the tales from the well-known federal prison found on the rocky island inside the San Francisco Bay Area Bay. "Alcatraz," which bows tonight getting a 2-hour opener, also provides hefty built-in marketing muscle: It comes down lower from J.J. Abrams, together with other "Lost" alums, particularly co-star Jorge Garcia, may also be involved. Fox has seeded promotions for your show on the internet, plus a high quality positioning inside the popular Zynga-distribbed Facebook game "Empires and Allies" (featuring prisons like a significant factor of the story). Another broadly seen viral vid remains the faux promo spot for any book about Alcatraz put together through the level of smoothness carried out by Garcia. "Besides J.J. obtain that built-in fanbase, but add additionally a great cast and hang up it somewhere referred to as Alcatraz. It's just something special to entrepreneurs," mentioned Joe Earley, Fox's prexy of marketing and communications. The piece p resistance in the launch ballyhoo was Wednesday's premiere party held inside the Rock itself -- full of the arrivals line snaking using the prison showers and site visitors eating spartan chow from metal plates. The majority of the 400 participants were fans who won tickets through local tv and radio promotions. Logistically, it absolutely was difficult to drag off, because everything must be ferried towards the area, and coordinators had only two several hours to prep following a prison, now operated just like a national park, closed to travelers. Earley credits the resolution from the net's creative services to have it accomplished for that sheer promo value since the event spurred a flurry of media attention. "It absolutely was useful being using Cell Block D watching people moments shot inside the cell block," Earley mentioned. "When it's dark and you're simply on Alcatraz island, no matter how jaded you may be (about premiere occasions), you understand it's a really awesome step to see.Inch Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

Golden Globes: Who Walked Away A Winner?

First Published: January 15, 2012 11:41 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption George Clooney poses with the trophy for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama at the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly HillsBEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- The black-and-white silent film The Artist came away with the most prizes with three wins at the Golden Globes, but the show spread the love around among a broad range of films and TV shows. Ricky Gervais, who has ruffled feathers at past shows with sharp wisecracks aimed at Hollywoods elite and the Globes show itself, returned as host for the third-straight year. Wins for The Artist included best musical or comedy and best actor in a musical or comedy for Jean Dujardin, while the family drama The Descendants claimed two awards, as best drama and dramatic actor for George Clooney. Other acting winners were Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer, and Octavia Spencer, while Martin Scorsese earned the directing honor. Streep won for dramatic actress as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, her eight win at the Globes. Williams won for actress in a musical or comedy as Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn, 52 years after Monroes win for the same prize at the Globes. Dujardin won for musical or comedy actor for the silent film The Artist. The supporting-acting Globes went to Plummer as an elderly widower who comes out as gay in the father-son drama Beginners and Spencer as a brassy housekeeper joining other black maids to share stories about life with their white employers in the 1960s Deep South tale The Help. Scorsese won for the Paris adventure Hugo. It was the third directing Globe in the last 10 years for Scorsese, who previously won for Gangs of NY and The Departed and received the shows Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement two years ago. He won over a field of contenders that included Michel Hazanavicius, who had been considered by many in Hollywood as a favorite for his black-and-white silent film The Artist. Williams offered thanks for giving her the same award Monroe once won and joked that her young daughter put up with bedtime stories for six months spoken in Monroes voice. I consider myself a mother first and an actress second, so the person I most want to thank is my daughter, my little girl, whose bravery and exuberance is the example I take with me in my work and my life, Williams said. Dujardin became the first star in a silent film to earn a major Hollywood prize since the early days of film. He won as a silent-era star whose career unravels amid the rise of talking pictures in the late 1920s. Its a breakout role in Hollywood for Dujardin, a star back home in France but little known to U.S. audiences previously. His French credits include The Artist creator Michel Hazanavicius spy spoofs OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies and OSS 117: Lost in Rio. The Artist, which led the Globes with six nominations, also won the musical-score prize for composer Ludovic Bource but lost out on three other awards, including the screenplay prize for Michel Hazanavicius. Woody Allen won the screenplay honor forhis romantic fantasy Midnight in Paris, the filmmakers biggest hit in decades. Never a fan of movie awards, Allen was a no-show at the Globes, where he previously won the screenplay honor for 1985s The Purple Rose of Cairo. The wins boost Williams, Spencer and Plummers prospects for slots at next months Academy Awards, whose nominations come out Jan. 24. The Oscars are an honor for which Monroe herself never was nominated, though she was a two-time nominee at the Globes and won for best actress in a musical or comedy for 1959s Some Like It Hot. In My Week with Marilyn, Williams plays Monroe as an insecure performer struggling to establish herself as a genuine actress rather than a movie star sexpot just a couple of years before Some Like It Hot. The film chronicles Monroes contentious time shooting the 1957 romance The Prince and the Showgirl alongside exasperated director and co-star Laurence Olivier. Like Monroe, Oscar consideration has been elusive for the 82-year-old Plummer, who has been nominated for Hollywoods top honor only once in his 60-year career two years ago, for the Leo Tolstoy drama The Last Station. I must praise my distinguished competitors, who whom I have the greatest admiration and to whom I apologize most profusely, said Plummer, who added warm regards to Beginners star and Scottish actor Ewan McGregor. I want to salute my partner, Ewan, that wily Scot, Ewan My Hearts in the Highlands McGregor, that scene-stealing swine from the outer Hebrides. Plummer is regarded as one of the finest Shakespearean stage actors of the last half century. His film roles range from Austrian widower Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music and Tolstoy in The Last Station to newsman Mike Wallace in The Insider and a treacherous Klingon general in Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country. He also co-starred in the current thriller The Girl with theDragon Tattoo. The prize for best animated film went to Steven Spielbergs action tale The Adventures of Tintin, a Paramount-Sony co-production that dealt the first Globes loss to Disney unit Pixar Animation. Pixar films such as Ratatouille, 'WALL-E and Toy Story 3 had won all five previous times since the Globes added the category. Spielberg thanked his producing partner on the film, The Lord of the Rings creator Peter Jackson, along with both studios behind the film, based on what the director pointed out was a series of picture books by Belgian writer Herge that started 80 years ago. The Iranian drama A Separation was chosen as best foreign-language film. Writer-director Asghar Farhadi uses a divorcing couples domestic troubles with a young child and an aging parent as the means to examine gender, religious and class distinctions in contemporary Iran. Gervais started the show with some slams at the Globes as Hollywoods second-biggest film ceremony, after the Oscars. Gervais joked that the Globes are just like the Oscars, but without all that esteem. The Globes are to the Oscars what Kim Kardashian is to Kate Middleton. A bit louder, a bit trashier, a bit drunker and more easily bought. Allegedly. Nothings been proved. He also needled early winners, saying the show was running long and stars needed to keep their speeches short. You dont need to thank everyone youve ever met or members of your family, who have done nothing, Gervais said. Just the main two. Your agent and God. After winning for musical score, The Artist composer Bource apologized for his halting English, saying, Im sorry, Im French, adding that hes better with music than words. Right now, if I were to write a song, it would be a tap-dance number, Bource said. The power of music is at least universal. The gift of the silent film is that it is so universal. Madonna, Julie Frost and Jimmy Harry won the Globe for best song for Masterpiece from the King Edward-Wallis Simpson drama W.E., which Madonna also directed. Among television winners were Kate Winslet as best actress in a miniseries or movie in Mildred Pierce, Idris Elba as best actor in a miniseries or movie in Luther, Laura Dern as comedy or musical actress in Enlightened, Kelsey Grammer as dramatic actor in Boss, 'Homeland for drama series and Downton Abbey for miniseries or movie. A drama with comic touches, Beginners was a fitting recipient to start the Globe ceremony, which has a strong lineup of lighter fare to match the more sober-minded films that generally dominate Hollywood awards. Alongside those heavyweight dramas, the category for best musical or comedy at the Globes usually is more of a lark, with nominees rarely emerging with best-picture prospects at the Academy Awards. Yet Sundays musical or comedy contenders made up a strong bunch that could give their best-drama cousins at the Globes a run for their money come Oscar time. With the Oscars choosing up to 10 best-picture contenders, The Artist could have some other comic company there. Globe musical or comedy nominees Midnight in Paris and Bridesmaids also have solid Oscar nomination prospects. Most years, the musical or comedy category is filled with nominees that have little or no chance at the Oscars, such as last years Globe nominees The Tourist and Burlesque. The last time a musical or comedy Globe winner earned the best-picture Oscar was nine years ago, when Chicago triumphed at both shows. This time, the dual categories at the Globes could create an Oscar showdown between the dramatic and musical-comedy winners. The Globes are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group of 89 entertainment reporters for overseas outlets. Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Hulu orders first scripted original skein

Hulu has ordered its first scripted original series. Thirteen episodes of the half-hour dramedy "Battleground" will premiere on Feb. 13, the streaming service announced at its first-ever TCA session Sunday. Hulu is also picking up an unscripted series produced by Richard Linklater and renewing its first original unscripted series order, "A Day in the Life," from Morgan Spurlock. "Battleground," which Fox Broadcasting Co. developed last year before dropping the project, is an inside look at a fictional political campaign from JD Walsh, Hagai Shaham and Marc Webb ("The Amazing Spiderman"). Hulu's entry into scripted is the latest evidence of intensifying competition among digital power players scrambling for viewers and advertisers. "Battleground" comes on the heels of another portal powerhouse, Yahoo, doing same just last week, with the Tom Hanks-produced animated series "Electric City," though that project is short-form episodes. Netflix has ordered at least four full-length scripted series over the past year, including a revival of the Fox comedy "Arrested Development." Given the increasing commoditization of catalog content like movies and TV shows, these companies are spending more on either exclusive or original fare that can differentiate from the pack. "It's important to get content that fans don't just like, but love," said Andy Forssell, senior VP of content at Hulu. While Yahoo is courting advertisers and Netflix is luring subscribers, Hulu is doing a bit of both given its business has a foot in both the free, ad-supported realm via Hulu.com and the monthly sub game via Hulu Plus. All of Hulu's original series are available on both components of its business. The original series orders are just the latest example of how Hulu has sought to diversify its content offerings beyond next-day access to primetime series from broadcasters owned by its parent companies News Corp., Disney and NBCUniversal, which reconsidered selling the joint venture late last year. With next-day access to Fox programming on Hulu pushed back to eight days for viewers who don't have Hulu Plus or can't authenticate via subscriptions to participating multichannel providers--and ABC expected to follow suit--Hulu needs to find new ways to drive value to the free portion of its website. In addition to bringing on original series like "Battleground," Hulu has also done deals with varying degrees of exclusivity for series as varied as the British cult hit "Misfits to NBC's "Community". Netflix has also done same, locking up series including AMC's "Mad Men" and "The Walking Dead." But having an original scripted series that hasn't anywhere else yet is considered the best tool for standing out with either advertisers or viewers. That said, it's unlikely the cost of "Battleground" is on par with the low seven-figure bill most half-hours ring up on TV. While Forssell--who declined to specify its cost--said Hulu has no limits in place on what it would pay for programming, he added, "we'd like to keep costs as low as possible." Part of the way that's done is for Hulu to strike deals with producers that have terms that are hard to come by in the TV business, such as not taking ownership of the program. Forssell would not comment on deal specifics for the new programming. Hulu has turned to former Fox Searchlight exec Charlotte Koh to develop original series, and her background is in keeping with a creative mandate Forssell identified as a guiding principle for the company. "Why has creativity and vibrancy of indie TV never manifested itself in primetime TV?" said Forssell. "Part of it is because it's structurally easier to do with a closed-ended movie, but we're looking at how we use this ecosystem to unleash that kind of creativity?" New episodes of "Battleground" will run every Tuesday beginning Feb. 14, with back episodes available throughout its run. Indie vet Linklater ("Before Sunrise") is delivering six episodes of "Up to Speed," in which Timothy "Speed" Levitch, who was featured in acclaimed doc "The Cruise," gives tours of destinations across the country. Spurlock's "Day," which premiered on Hulu in August, will be back with new episodes featuring celebrities including Marc Maron and Joel McHale. Forssell could not specify how many streams "Day" generated given Hulu does not disclose series' individual performances. Both "Day" and "Speed" will bow in the first half of the year. Last week, Hulu disclosed 2011 results that showed growth on both fronts. Hulu revenues increased 60% year over year to $420 million while its sub base reached 1.5 million. In a blog post announcing his company's results, CEO Jason Kilar pledged to spend $500 million on content in 2012. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

Vampire Journals Postmortem: The Way In Which Klaus Return? A Klaus-Caroline Pairing?

Paul Wesley and Ernest Morgan Since Stefan has proven he'll try everything - even putting Elena in grave danger - to overcome Klaus, we're left wondering when the war involving the two occasion to be settled. Spinning with questions after watching this week's episode The Vampire Journals, titled "Our Town," TVGuide.com checked straight into uncover what Klaus' next move will probably be so when he and Caroline are headed toward romance. Plus: Is Jeremy gone permanently? The Vampire Journals episode recap: Our Town Klaus versus. StefanExecutive producer Julie Plec notifies us that Klaus is constantly on the "adjust his techniques" getting seen Stefan adopt crazy (and heart-stopping) tactics. "The enjoyment was watching Klaus get thrown for just about any loop with the measures Stefan was prepared to visit after which it how he properly and cleverly changes for the situation. No matter becoming lost your dream with Stefan because episode, he's certainly not giving up round the war. He's just applying another approach and we'll see Klaus just like a cunning manipulator greater than the in-your-face-violence, take-no-crooks villain." Klaus and ... Caroline?We are similar to surprised and baffled when you're, but both Candice Accola and Ernest Morgan say much less fast to another relationship. "He's interested ... however think it's really an infatuation at this time,Inch Morgan states. "Here is a stylish, sassy youthful vampire and he's been around for 1,000 years it is therefore rare he reaches see something totally new the other that excites him. Maybe at this time he sees his role like an infinitely more of the mentor, there's however certainly potential there to build up into another factor. There's something there - there's a spark." Accola adds, "There's something being mentioned of a female character going for a while and becoming some restrictions," she states. "Caroline's large journey [at this time around] is searching for a sense of normalcy since Caroline really features a grasp of her vampirism and wish for blood stream, that's actually the [path] she's on, being normal." The Vampire Diaries' Kat Graham: Abby Bennett's participation inside the mythology is shocking When will Rebekah re-emerge?Klaus is possessing his sister's body, and may she be undaggered soon? Plec notifies us: "Rebekah won't be lower for your count for extended, but Klaus is scared of undaggering her and therefore he's gonna need to sort out that before we view her go back to existence. He did some terrible things previously he learned she knows therefore it takes him some work before he feels comfortable yanking that dagger from her. Certainly, when that does happen, she's definitely not really any fan of Elena Gilbert, and so the struggle of wills they'd earlier inside the season will probably be back getting a vengeance and Rebekah will have considered trying to think about Elena lower somewhat for stabbing her inside the back." The Vampire Journals Bite: Can Bonnie forgive Jeremy? Can Caroline ever trust Tyler again?Similar to the two were headed toward a reconciliation, Tyler subconsciously [and almost fatally] bit her. Accola states: "Caroline is [not] ready to trust at this time around. She's still a hopeless romantic in your mind so she'll possibly find herself falling into that trust, but I am unsure how substantial it may be with time." Damon and ElenaWill Elena ever really select from the Salvatores? Plec values that her relationship with one of these two brothers and sisters is complicated (you think?) and confusing. "Very couple of women may take a hit with or fortunate with - for how you have to notice - feelings for just two people concurrently. In my opinion she has many products to think about as how she'll proceed in their romantic existence nowadays where Stefan and Damon Salvatore remain.Inch Alaric's ringOn the midseason return, Alaric recognized he is not protected from dying despite his safety ring. "Alaric's incident along with his ring is certainly a sign that there are no such step to be truly protected," Plec states. "Elena feels as if, 'I've used this ring without any consideration because individuals I like and my family members will probably be shielded from the supernatural violence' which isn't always true any more to make sure that also throws her for just about any loop. We could be wondering carry out the rings have a very shelf existence?" Is Jeremy gone permanently?In Thursday night's episode, the crowd sent Jeremy away and off to Colorado, but Plec states audiences don't need to worry that he'll disappear permanently. "There's simply no means by hell that Elena Gilbert has lost her little brother forever," she states, "however, if we'll see him in Mystic Falls remains a mysterious.Inch Additional verifying by Natalie Abrams

FCC topper wants action on auctions

FCC chief Julius Genachowski wants Congress to authorize spectrum auctions.FCC chairman Julius Genachowski on Wednesday called for Congress to give his agency the authority to conduct voluntary incentive auctions that would free up spectrum for broadband bandwidth.Genachowski, in his annual CES address, cited broad bipartisan support for the auctions but noted some countering proposals stand in the way of getting authorization."We need to get it done now and we need to get it done right," he told the CES crowd in Las Vegas. "The cost of tying our hands could be devastating in the fast-moving global economy."Proceeds from the spectrum would be split between companies like the broadcasters that own the spectrum and the U.S. Treasury.What's at stake, according to Genachowski, is the health of the U.S. economy. Moreover, the U.S. risks falling behind in the global race to provide broadband at levels that can compete with other nations. While Europe pulled ahead of the U.S. on 3G technology, the U.S. has built up an early lead in 4G that it risks losing.On a consumer level, the companies behind the flood of smartphones and tablets in the marketplace could be "swamped by an ocean of demand" if a spectrum crunch kicks in.On the subject of unlicensed spectrum, Genachowski challenged the notion that it wouldn't provide compensation to the Treasury. "It doesn't give money into the Treasury coffers up front but new businesses that generate hundreds of billions of dollars of revenue are generating significant tax revenues over time," he noted.In a Q&A with CEA president Gary Shapiro following his keynote address, Genachowski cited the NY market, where 28 different TV stations are utilizing spectrum that could be put to use for broadband."No one can name 28 stations in NY and no one thinks that's the right number," said Genachowski. "The wonderful thing about the incentive auction is the market will decide."Congress is expected to make a decision on authorizing the FCC to hold incentive auctions by March 1. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com