Endgame Entertainment backs 'Side Effects'

Endgame Entertainment has come on board as financier of "Side Effects," the psychological thriller to be directed by Steven Soderbergh from a script by Scott Z. Burns. Deal was announced Tuesday in the wake of Megan Ellison's Annapurna backing off from financing. Endgame said it's in discussions with 1984 Pictures to co-finance. Producers said they're in discussions with Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Channing Tatum and Catherine Zeta Jones to star. Plot details are being kept under wraps and shooting will start in April. Open Road Films annnounced on Jan. 18 that it had acquired U.S. distribution rights for release in the first half of 2013. Filmnation is handling international sales on behalf of Endgame and will introduce the film to buyers at the upcoming Berlin Film Festival. As previously announced, Lorenzo di Bonaventura is producing the film with Gregory Jacobs and Scott Z. Burns, who also penned the screenplay. Endgame's James D. Stern and Douglas E. Hansen will join the project as exec producers. Variety reported on Jan. 24 that Annapurna would not be financing "Side Effects." Annapurna's Megan Ellison, Marc Butan and Ted Schipper were to have served as exec producers. "Steven Soderbergh continues to be one of the most innovative and original directors making films today," said Stern. "Endgame can't wait to work with him on what promises to be an exciting commercial thriller featuring a remarkable, all-star cast." Endgame's move to finance comes three months after it launched an ambitious marketing venture dubbed Endgame Releasing to partner with equity investors, third-party producers and studios to provide P&A funding for wide-release films. Endgame's production of Rian Johnson's sci-fier "Looper," starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt will take advantage of Endgame Releasing by co-financing marketing costs with FilmDistrict for its release in September through Sony's Tri-Star Pictures. Endgame said at the time that its marketing and distribution funding (also known as prints & advertising) will be for $20-plus million for films released on a minimum of 1,800 screens and that it expects to finance the release of four to six films per year totaling $400 million to $500 million in P&A investments over the next four years. Tuesday's announcement didn't address whether "Bitter Pill" would be handled via the P&A fund. Endgame's deal was negotiated for "Bitter Pill" was negotiaed by Stern and Hansen for the company and by Rich Klubeck of UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Beverly McDermott dies at 83

Beverly McDermott, a casting director for movies and television for more than four decades and a producer of musicvideos and documentaries, died Jan. 19 in Hollywood, Fla. She was 83. McDermott cast films including Bob Fosse's "Lenny," "Airport '77" and both of the "Cocoon" pics, and for TV, she did the local Miami casting for the pilot to Michael Mann's "Miami Vice" series. She also did location casting in Florida for John Frankenheimer thriller "Black Sunday," Burt Reynolds' 1985 directorial effort "Stick" and the 1989-90 Reynolds TV series "B.L. Stryker." McDermott was nominated for the Casting Society of America's Artios Award for her work casting "Cocoon" and its sequel. She made her (uncredited) debut as a casting director on the 1967 detective film "Tony Rome," starring Frank Sinatra and shot in Miami. Other credits as casting director include 1977's "The Greatest," starring Muhammad Ali; the Spanish film "Miss Caribe"; and the Italian actioner "Hammerhead." She last served as casting director on the 2005 film "Hitters Anonymous," on which she was also an associate producer. McDermott had been a talent agent in Florida before entering the casting biz relatively late in life. Earlier, she was a manager and booking agent for a nightclub near Boston. Also during the 1950s she discovered singer Freddy Cannon. She and her husband, Jack, managed Cannon as well as Boston rock group the G-Cleffs. She co-produced Judy Garland's appearance at the Miami Beach Convention Center and later produced the comeback performance of Connie Francis in 1989. McDermott also served as first VP of Women of the Motion Picture Industry (WOMPI). She is survived by her husband; a son and a daughter; a brother; and a sister. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m. at Landmark Funeral Home in Hollywood, Fla. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

John Reid joins Live Nation Europe

Live Nation Entertainment's Live Nation Europe division has appointed former Warner Music Intl. CEO-vice chairman John Reid as president of concerts. Reid comes to Live Nation after 11 years at WMI, where he helmed global marketing for acts like Madonna, Michael Buble and Bruno Mars. He ankled the company in November after a major restructuring of its global management (Daily Variety, Nov. 10). He was previously prexy of Island Def Jam Records U.S., chairman-CEO of Polygram Canada and international marketing director at London Records. Early in his career, he was an artist and tour manager, working with acts such as the Beastie Boys and Run-DMC. Live Nation Europe CEO Simon Lewis said of Reid in a statement: "His pedigree speaks for itself, and he is an immensely valuable talent to have with us as we continue to develop our business across Europe. John will be pivotal in broadening our touring artist portfolio and strengthening our show marketing capabilities as we head into what we expect to be another strong year." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Watch Live Q&A With Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill on Monday at 1:15 PST/4:15 EST

Watch Live Q&A With Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill on Monday at 1:15 PST/4:15 EST The month of january 13, 2012 Photo by The new sony Pictures Please join Back Stage and also the SAG Foundation for any special live Q&A with "Moneyball's" Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill on Monday, The month of january 16 at 1:15 p.m. PST/4:15 EST. Both stars obtained SAG Award and Golden Globe nominations for his or her operate in the film."Moneyball," starring Kaira Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman and directed by Bennett Burns, may be the true story of Concord A's manager Billy Beane. The script is as simple as Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. The storyline is compiled by Stan Chervin, and also the film is dependant on it by Michael Lewis. The producers are Michael P Luca, Rachael Horovitz, and Kaira Pitt. Watch Live Q&A With Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill on Monday at 1:15 PST/4:15 EST The month of january 13, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT The new sony Pictures Please join Back Stage and also the SAG Foundation for any special live Q&A with "Moneyball's" Kaira Pitt and Jonah Hill on Monday, The month of january 16 at 1:15 p.m. PST/4:15 EST. Both stars obtained SAG Award and Golden Globe nominations for his or her operate in the film."Moneyball," starring Kaira Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Philip Seymour Hoffman and directed by Bennett Burns, may be the true story of Concord A's manager Billy Beane. The script is as simple as Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. The storyline is compiled by Stan Chervin, and also the film is dependant on it by Michael Lewis. The producers are Michael P Luca, Rachael Horovitz, and Kaira Pitt.

Robert Downey Jr. Expresses Interest In Tim Burton's 'Pinocchio'

Only two days after Tim Burton announced that he would like Robert Downey Jr. to be the puppeteer Geppetto in his upcoming live-action "Pinocchio" film, the "Iron Man" and "The Avengers" star has confirmed that he would be interested in the role. In other parts of the internet, Television Without Pity's annual "Movies Without Pity" awards show is starting up, Rob Marshall has started talking "Pirates of the Caribbean 5" and Daniel Radcliffe's promo reel for this week's "Saturday Night Live" has us cracking up. It's January 11, and you're here for today's daily news round-up. Robert Downey Jr. Game For "Pinocchio"? It was pretty big news earlier this week when Tim Burton said he was considering directing a live-action version of "Pinocchio" and that he would want Robert Downey Jr. for the role of Geppetto, so it's no surprise that Downey Jr. heard about it. Omelete caught up with the "Iron Man" actor at the Brazilian premiere of "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," where he said he was definitely intrigued by the role. "I want to talk to him about it, yeah!" Downey Jr. said. "C'mon, it's Tim Burton." Second Annual "Movies Without Pity Awards" Gear Up Based on the way you've all been busy voting in the MTV Movie Brawl 2012, we figure you all appreciate a good fan-voted awards show. Television Without Pity is starting their second annual "Movies Without Pity Awards" this week, and voting will run through February 12. With categories like "Best Cast In the Worst Movie" and "Least Convincing Screen Couple," how can we resist tossing our vote into the pot? Rob Marshall To Tackle "Into The Woods" Rob Marshall's latest cinematic outing, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," might have been a big-budget action movie, but the director made a name for himself helming big screen musical adaptations. His next project is going to be an adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's classic "Into the Woods," which will follow in the footsteps of previous Marshall Broadway adaptations "Chicago" and "Nine." The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Lapine is already working on writing a script for this new film, which Marshall expects to have new songs from Sondheim. ...He's Also Thinking About "Pirates 5" Even though he's gearing up to work on "Into the Woods," Marshall is also thinking about his other Disney commitment: the fifth "Pirates of the Caribbean" film. "Terry [Rossio] is writing it and hes working incredibly hard and he did a draft and rethought it all and started working on it again," Marshall told THR. "I know Johnny feels the same way: He needs to see a script, but he would be happy -- if its the right script -- to put that hat and sword back on." A New International Poster Debuts For "John Carter" Andromeda High has posted the newest international poster for "John Carter." The film's promotion is no longer trying to shirk from the fact that this is going to be a CGI-heavy production with lots and lots of aliens, and we're totally okay with that. Better that than audiences going in thinking the movie is about mostly humanoids like the first trailer seemed to suggest. Daniel Radcliffe's "Saturday Night Live" Promos Premiere Sure, these aren't as funny as Daniel Radcliffe punching Josh Horowitz in the face (here's a GIF to prove our point) but we could listen to him saying, "Chill broseph, I like Mountain Dew and big butts!" in an American accent all day long. Tell us your thoughts on today's Dailies in the comments section below or on Twitter!

Mega Buzz: A Castle Hug, a Grey's Partner Swap together with a significant House Showdown

Nathan Fillion, Patrick Dempsey, Hugh Laurie Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams fit your requirement of TV scoop. Please send all questionsto mega_scoop@tvguide.com.I hear there's apt to be a hug in Castle's 19 forties film noir episode. Is always that true? - ErinADAM: After speaking with Stana Katic, my money is around the hug... and, much more. "What fans will dsicover is the fulfillment from the products almost all fan need to see happen while using Castle and Beckett relationship," Katic states in the episode, through which Castle daydreams of a detective who falls deeply deeply in love with a gangster's moll (carried out in Castle's fantasy by Beckett, clearly). "Fans will probably be seeing the very best expression of love for people two figures." Ultimate expression of love? Is always that just what the youngsters are calling it nowadays?The way in which Owen and Cristina be changed in Grey's Anatomy's alternate world? - VanessaNATALIE: For starters, they aren't together. Owen is actually with Callie (!?), and executive producer Shonda Rhimes calls that relationship "the greatest mistake of all of their lives." For Cristina, well... "It's the notion that without Meredith being her ally in anything, so when Meredith hadn't already been through it to reduce her from that wedding dress, who'd Cristina are actually?In . Rhimes asks. "She's merely a basically different person, and, In my opinion, a lonely one."I would like some House scoop, stat! - TedADAM: Look for all hell to destroy loose when Emmy champion Jeffrey Wright visits Princeton Plainsboro as Foreman's old mentor who's arbitrating a scenario against House. "Jeffrey's character really decides the fate in the series - he puts House's process on trial," executive producer Greg Yaitanes states. "They're questions we've never really asked for in the series before, for example: What's down to everybody inside an atmosphere of recklessness? In my opinion every character is forever changed with the occasions that occur because episode."I'm so happy Jum Michele will probably be back on Glee next season! Will Cory Monteith return too? ­- Remi NATALIE: Though Finn is graduation, we could make certain Cory will return. "Rachel and Finn's relationship will greatly be setting the scene and pace for the beginning of Season 4," Monteith states. "They could be a very central part of the show." Michele teases that we'll uncover their location searching for an agreement if the involves their unique dreams -- or possibly in Finn's situation, lack thereof.Produce some good Bones news to keep me excited when the show continues hiatus. - LacyADAM: Thursday's episode (the ultimate not under a couple of several days) introduces the show's new villain (Andrew Leeds), who, it might seem like, could cause Booth and Brennan plenty of mind aches."Hopefully with the finish of the year, he'll alter the path from the series for a little,Inch executive producer Stephen Nathan states, promising a Season 7 high high cliff-hanger to rival last year's pregnancy reveal. "It will put [Booth and Brennan] in the different situation compared to what they have observed before properly. That will affect them personally with a large, large extent."Fringe is returning! Scoop, please. - Dick NATALIE: There's a mole inside the over-there Fringe Division, and he's in cahoots getting quite a nasty guy who we've met before. No, it is not Walternate, but he comprises an excellent return in Friday's midseason premiere. You'll barely recognize him though.Anything on Person of curiosity might be nice. - Val, via TwitterADAM: Ever question so what can happen if Reese was manning the surveillance station and Finch was out roaming the streets? You'll uncover in Thursday's episode, through which Reese keeps track of a flat super who may be stalking among his tenants because they rebounds in the gunshot wound. Despite the fact that Finch reaches large, he appears with clever techniques to get the CIA off Reese's trail also to give Detective Carter a preliminary-hands have a look at just what Reese and Finch's game is.Exactlty what can you reveal about Braveheart's Angus Macfadyen, the best villain on Chuck? - Harry NATALIE: We switched to series star Yvonne Strahovski to obtain the scoop on his character, Nicholas Quinn, a classic CIA agent-switched-mercenary. "He takes something from Chuck and Sarah, and may possibly not continually be something physical." For just about any guy who had a supercomputer within the brain, this might be really not so great.Suburgatory is the most popular new show. Got any spoilers? -MichelleADAM: Yeah, a doozy: Dallas and Stephen have become divorced! Look for Dalia to seek the guidance from the James Lipton-like counselor to handle her parents' split. Oh, and George, you may want to enhance your locks.What's approaching for Leslie and Ben on Parks and Entertainment? - Maggie NATALIE: "Ben will attempt to determine which associated with his existence," executive producer Mike Schur notifies us. "We'll see him pursuing hobbies that he's always aspired to pursue. He's starting to create a beard and wearing a Letters to Cleo concert T-shirt from 1996 and he's in inactive mode. Leslie and her new Not So Great Bears team develop their first event to relaunch the campaign and people two tales will intersect with techniques that will explain the comfort of the year.In . We election for Ben as her campaign manager!Exactlty what can you tell me about Baby Hope on Raising Hope? - PhilipADAM: You probably know how it is said probably the most adorable babies always develop being strippers? (They don't?) Regardless, an approaching flashforward may have a 21-year-old Hope, and Jimmy's pride and pleasure knows her way around a pole, ifuknowhutimsayin. The way in which Bobby experience Grayson and Jules marriage on Cougar Town? - Otis NATALIE: "He's truly happy as they loves Jules and Grayson and he's encouraging, but he's also lonely which he wants that kind of relationship for themselves," John Van Holt states. "He's maturing a little which he realizes it's something he misses." Enter Scrubs' Sarah Chalke, who'll play Travis' photography professor... and Bobby's new love interest.Natalie's Mega Rave: Contract discussions aside, Grey's Anatomy will most likely return for the next season, states ABC prez Paul Lee. Now let's hope that Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey are as amenable while he is always to the idea.Adam's Small Rant: Hey, Americanidol idol idol judges/producers: When you're no. 1 show on tv, you don't talk similar to this.Wish scoop inside your favorite Tv shows?In the-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.comor drop us a line atTwitter.com/TVGuide(Additional verifying by Kate Stanhope)

NCIS Exclusive: Entourage's Perrey Reeves to Play Tony's [SPOILER!]

Perrey Reeves, Michael Weatherly If you're one of the NCIS fans whose 'shipper heart has been aflutter since that scene between Tony and Ziva this week, you might want to hold on to something: The CBS procedural has cast Entourage star Perrey Reeves to play Wendy, the former fiancée of Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively.Get more scoop on your favorite shows in our Winter TV previewAs we previously reported, Wendy is a quick-witted investigative journalist who'll go to whatever lengths necessary to get her story. But when she bulldozes her way into an NCIS investigation, she's soon reunited with Tony and must relive the emotions of their shared past. Reeves' potentially recurring role launches - fittingly enough - on Valentine's Day.Tony's former engagement was first revealed in last season's "Baltimore," a flashback-heavy origin story that featured DiNozzo telling his partner that he had proposed to Wendy, a rare sign of commitment from the relationship-challenged Tony."Wendy has been mentioned many times over the last couple of years, and now we'll finally get to meet her," executive producer Gary Glasberg tells TVGuide.com. "Wendy needed to possess all the qualities Tony would look for in a woman and then some. ... We hit the jackpot: Perrey has just the right combination of sass, wit, intelligence and pathos to bring 'Baltimore Wendy' to life. Everyone at NCIS is thrilled she's joining us."Check out our list of TV's sexiest crime fighters!The casting news comes days after Tony's latest flame (Sarah Jane Morris' E.J. Barrett) appeared to be sent packing for good, leaving Tony and Ziva (Cote de Pablo) to reflect on their respective dating woes in one of this season's most romantically tense scenes. It was unfortunately interrupted by a phone call from Ziva's CIA boyfriend Ray (Enrique Murciano), who returns in the next episode. Between that and Wendy's appearance, it seems Tony and Ziva's slow-burn relationship may not be speeding up anytime soon.Besides her role as Mrs. Ari on Entourage, Reeves has made recent guest-star appearances on such shows as Grey's Anatomy, Castle, Private Practice, and Hawaii Five-0.NCIS airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS. Reeves' episode is slated to air Feb. 14.

Up-to-date: LASD Representative Natalie Wood Dying Analysis Not This type of Cold Situation, Still Seeking New Leads

First Released: The month of january 4, 2012 9:26 PM EST Credit: WireImage La, Calif. -- Caption Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner throughout Look Magazine Party at Jimmys Restaurant in Beverly Hillsides, Feb 14, 1979A representative for that La Sheriffs Department states the Natalie Wood dying analysis isn't as cold because he formerly told Access Hollywood on Wednesday mid-day. Steve Whitmore, a representative for that LASD, now states despite his earlier comments recommending the analysis would be a cold situation, it really is open and they're focusing on it. We're seeking more details in the public, Whitmore told Access late Wednesday evening. As formerly reported on AccessHollywood.com, Whitmore told Access previously Wednesday the analysis in to the late actress dying, that was motivated by new information in Marti Rullis book, Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Beauty, was now within the LASD cold situation file and never going anywhere. Natalies husband during the time of her dying, Robert Wagner, wasn't a suspect, LASD authorities stated in November. Wagner has refused any wrongdoing. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Producer talks Edge Runner follow-up and Point Break remake

The recognition for remakes, reboots and sequels shows no symbol of abating in 2012, with Alcon Entertainment producer Andrew Kosove giving an update round the approaching refurbishments for Edge Runner and Point Break.Based on the Edge Runner project, Kosove rejected to ensure how the completely new film will need shape, but was adament the announcement will probably be made sooner or later.InchIt is ongoing to maneuver forward strongly in development," he told The Playlist. "Between the initial two several days in the year we'll announce who the film author will probably be and whether it's a prequel or follow-up. After which it we'll anticipate to go.Inch1 factor perform know is always that Point Break is really a remake of Kathryn Bigelow's testosterone-drenched action flick. However, surfing is most likely not too response to the story this time around around around."Surfing is some of it,Inch begins Kosove, "but Without a doubt that individuals believe firmly, if this involves remaking a film similar to this, we've got making it fresh. It is not a literal remake in the original the means by which Footloose was - it absolutely was similar to the initial film! [Our version] has facets of the first and it is not only surfing, it's some other type of extreme sports. But surfing is very, very prominent inside the story."Kosove confirmed he needs Point Break to go in production in 2012, getting a director apparently getting been reserved by Alcon to simply accept project forward. We'll let you know who that may be, as soon as we uncover...