China restrictions pop tunes

BEIJING -- Rhianna is a menace to China's "national cultural security," based on the censors in the country's Secretary of state for Culture. Included in the "unsafe effects of control over Internet culture," music download sites happen to be told to get rid of around 100 tunes, including 20 foreign tunes, or face the effects, with Rhianna leading their email list of censored artists with six of her latest album tunes, including "Judas." Fearful from the spread of Middle East-style protests against authoritarian rule, as well as any destabilizing influences in front of a big change of leadership the coming year, Beijing continues to be setting up what the law states online. The tunes out there had never been posted for official censorship, the ministry stated. Katy Perry's "Last Friday Evening" and "E.T.," featuring Kanye, will also be censored, and three tunes by Natalie Master. Four tunes by Simple Plan have been in their email list, out of the box, somewhat obscurely, the Backstreet Boys' oldie "I Would Like It This Way.Inch The ministry reserves the majority of its ire for suspect Cantopop from Hong Kong and Mandarin Pop from Taiwan. The campaign is definitely an ongoing one. In The month of january and again in March, the ministry purchased 200 tunes to become removed. There's been a significantly sharper concentrate on foreign music since Icelandic singer Bjork yelled "Tibet! Tibet!" in the finish of her song "Declare Independence" in a 2008 concert in Shanghai. The publish stated that the background music listed should be erased from the web by Sept. 15 otherwise the companies is going to be punished. The most recent victim seems to become the microblogging site Weibo, that is greatly popular inside a country where Facebook are banned. It's 200 million customers. Weibo's operator, Sina, a personal company, is cracking lower on "multiplication of false gossips" following the Communist Party told web companies to tighten treatments for information online. Sina provides a funnel known as "Weibo Refutes Gossips" to spread denials of "false" information. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Watch The Hangover 2 Free

'Heroes' Star Zachary Quinto to Haunt 'American Horror Story'

Soul Brother/Getty ImagesZachary Quinto Former Heroes villain Zachary Quinto will haunt Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk's American Horror Story. Quinto will be a recurring guest star named Chad, a gay former owner of the haunted home where the Ben and Vivien Harmon (Dylan McDermott and Connie Britton) reside in the FX drama from Glee co-creators Murphy and Falchuk. STORY: 'American Horror Story' Adds Tim Minear, 3 More Writers The project marks Quinto's first TV series project since NBC's Heroes. He joins a growing cast of former residents of the creepy Los Angeles mansion that includes Lily Rabe, who was cast this week, and Denis O'Hare. STORY: 'American Horror Story' Casts 'Planet of the Apes' Co-Star The "psychosexual thriller" revolves around the Harmons who move from Boston to Los Angeles in an attempt to rebuild their marriage but encounter all sorts of creepy happenings at their new residence. STORY: FX Chief Calls Ryan Murphy's 'American Horror Story' a Potential 'Breakthrough' Quinto will first appear in the first part of the two-part Halloween episode Murphy first mentioned this month at the Television Critics' Association's summer press tour. American Horror Story debuts Oct. 5 on FX. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit

NBC to Adapt Caprice Crane's 'Stupid and Contagious' Novel

Getty ImagesCaprice Crane NBC is developing a comedy project based on the best-selling novel, Stupid and Contagious. Author Caprice Crane, who has penned episodes of the CW's Melrose Placeand 90210, will adapt her first book -- published in 2006 -- into a television series for the network. Crane also co-wrote the screenplay for the Mandy Moore-Kellan Lutz feature Love, Wedding, Marriage. The half-hour romantic comedy will center on young, quirky neighbors Heaven and Brady, who don't get along at first but navigate through the trials of life as twentysomethings. Stupid and Contagious focuses heavily on music, with the 29-year-old Brady a struggling music producer and 26-year-old Heaven a former public relations executive. (The title of the novel comes from Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit.") Crane's most recent novel, Wish a Little Luck, was just released and she has written Forget About It. NBC TV Development

Ratings: The Glee Project Finale Sets a Series High; Everybody Still Wins

Glee Project Everyone won on The Glee Project, so in the spirit of the Glee spin-off and Glee itself and its unrelenting focus on self-esteem, forget that nearly 311 million people out of 312 million in the United States didn't watch. Let's focus on this, instead: The 1.24 million people who did watch set a high for the freshman series, Nielsen Media Research figures show. The program also set a season high among 18-to-49-year-olds with a 0.4 rating. Read our interviews with The Glee Project winners Gleeks, who saw two contestants tie for first and two tie for second place from the final four, can further rejoice that the show averaged nearly 1.1 million on a time-shifted basis over the course of the season that started June 12 on Oxygen. On premium cable, True Blood rose to new viewership heights with 5.53 million (and a 3.1 demo rating that was just shy of a series record). Also on Sunday night, the exhibition game (yes, we know the National Football League prefers the terms preseason game) between the Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers won the night - and the week (ending on Sunday for Nielsen's calendar) - with 10.7 million viewers, according to Nielsen national numbers released Tuesday. It grabbed a 3.7 demo rating and a 4.9 among men 18-to-49. Since Sunday Night Football is by far NBC's biggest attraction, those numbers augur well for the fourth-place broadcast network. It was the No. 1 show in prime time for the first half of the 2010-11 TV season, averaging 21.8 million viewers - up 12 percent from 2009-10 (19.4 million) - and it's likely to remain an oasis of joy for NBC. Catch up with the latest news On Monday's prime time among the broadcast networks, ABC's Bachelor Pad had the highest viewership, averaging 6.63 million people (2.1 demo rating), while two hours' worth of Hell's Kitchen on Fox averaged 6.13 million viewers and scored the night's top demo rating: a 2.6.

Autopsy Set of Weinstein's 'Spy Kids 4D'

I'm not sure the way the Weinstein Co will remain on track using its reorganized finances if Dimension films keep bombing such as this: an inadequate $12M opening weekend from3,295 theaters.The entire underpinning from the Weinstein Brothers' success at Miramax was that Dimension put off wheelbarrows of box office cash. Forget about. Here's another unnecessary follow up not assisted by its 4D gimmickry, Aroma-Scope schtick, or Robert Rodriguez. (See Robert Rodriguez On His 'Spy Kids' Stinker.) The Weinstein Co saw the handwriting about the wall and did not bother to brief the media about the film in advance -- after which unsuccessful to transmit out grosses Friday. Having a 'B+' Cinemascore and exit polls showing that children ranked the film much greater than parents did (72 excellent and 90 within the top 2 boxes) the film must have done better particularly with 3D's greater ticket prices. But Spy Kids: Constantly On The Planet had 60/40 with 2D when it comes to screens but only 54/46 when it comes to business. (To ensure you get context, The Smurfs was 77/23 with 2D that is more good family film trend). Dimension will keep causeing this to be follow up swill but until it pops up with fresh suggestions for fresh films, then TWC could tank again.

New poster for Steven Soderberghs Contagion

A new one-sheet poster for Steven Soderbergh's Contagion has been released online.The latest promo art for the post-apocalyptic movie features the six main characters in 'action' poses.Here's our one-word review of each actor's portrayal on the poster:Laurence Fishburne - pensive.Marion Cotillard-sexy.Matt Damon-shocked.Jude Law-manikin.Kate Winslet-answerphone.Gwyneth Paltrow-infected.Yes, even with a virus wiping out mankind Cotillard looks great. We just hope Winslet knows that - in automated dialling terms - her call is still important to us.Contagion opens on 21 October.

Tom Cruise Gives 'One Shot' To Rosamund Pike

The decision was expected quickly, and they didn't disappoint: Rosamund Pike is Tom Cruise's "One Shot" gal! Deadline reports that the former Bond girl has landed the female lead in "One Shot," Paramount's Cruise-starring adaptation of the Jack Reacher novel series. Pike will play Helen Rodin, a defense attorney who works with Reacher, a former military man turned drifter, to bring bad guys to justice. Get the rest of today's biggest casting news past the jump! Bill Paxton Joins Kevin Costner Miniseries History Channel's miniseries "The Hatfields and McCoys" just added another major Hollywood actor. Deadline has learned that Bill Paxton has come on board as the titular Randall McCoy. He is joining Kevin Costner, who plays "Devil" Anse Hatfield. The Civil War drama follows the two friends as post-war tensions cause the two families to start warring against each other. Rosemarie DeWitt Joins The "Neighborhood Watch" Ben Stiller just gained a wife in his sci-fi comedy "Neighborhood Watch." "United States of Tara" star Rosemarie DeWitt will play the role of Stiller's wife who forces them to move to the suburbs, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Vince Vaughn is also signed on to the flick. "Neighborhood Watch" starts shooting in the fall in Georgia. Brad Pitt To Produce "Twelve Years A Slave" The Steve McQueen-directed flick "Twelve Years A Slave" just gained a big-time producer. The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Brad Pitt and his Plan B production company have come on board the adaptation of Solomon Northup's autobiography in producing roles. Currently British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is attached to Northup's role. No word yet on when production is yet to start. Adam Scott Is "A.C.O.D." And no, that doesn't mean he's a fish. The "Parks & Recreation" star has been tapped for the leading role in "A.C.O.D.," a new indie comedy from Stuart Zicherman. The title is an acronym for Adult Children of Divorce, and Scott plays a man who was forced to grow up too young following his parents' bitter divorce. It's up to Scott to keep their tempers cool enough when his younger brother hurriedly decides to get married. Tell us what you think of today's casting news in the comments section and on Twitter!

Chilean Miners 17 Days Hidden Alive

The ordeal from the Chilean miners, trapped 2,300ft subterranean with a rockfall on August 5, 2010. Director Angus Macqueen targets the very first 17 days, once they were stop in the outdoors world, throughout which period nobody understood when they were dead or alive. When contact was finally established, because of an email mounted on searching probe, it had been another 52 days before these were saved. The film informs their story, with personal testimony from six from the miners

'Game Of Thrones' Will get Two New Stars, Russell Crowe Joins 'Broken City'

The casting bulletins are coming as surely as winter for season a couple of "Bet on Thrones." The most recent two additions are Hannah Murray and Roy Dotrice, Winter Is Originating is confirming. Murray will have Gilly, a youthful lady experienced north from the Wall, while Dotrice plays Pyromancer Hallyne, a guy who'll work alongside Tyrion Lannister. Fans will recognize Dotrice because the narrator for that first three "Song of Ice and Fire" audio books. Production on "Bet on Thrones" season two starts this month in Belfast and Malta. Browse the relaxation of present day casting news following the jump! Russell Crowe Heads To Some "Damaged City" Russell Crowe gets into some dirty business in Allen Hughes' "Damaged City." Deadline is confirming the "Gladiator" star has signed on opposite Mark Wahlberg within the approaching noir drama. He'll play a mayor who employs Wahlberg's private eye to research whether his wife is cheating on him. As Wahlberg looks much deeper in to the mayor's personal existence, he finds out the state continues to be as much as some underhanded dealings. Production is placed to start in November. Bryan Cranston Joins "World War Z" Bryan Cranston might be busy "Breaking Bad," but that does not mean he's virtually no time to battle zombies in "World War Z." The Hollywood Reporter has learned Cranston is within discussions for any small role in Kaira Pitt's publish-apocalyptic thriller. The part is "small but fancy," however the entertainment news site did not have more particulars about Cranston's role. "World War Z" is presently in production and it is directed by Marc Forster. Kevin James May Play Themself In "Frank And Francis" The Playlist has learned there might be a job for Kevin James in Charlie Kaufman's latest, "Frank and Francis." A minimum of, there is the role of Kevin James the news website is presuming might be performed through the "Zookeeper" star. He is also in foretells join the indie family drama, "Son," which costars Emily Watson, Ben Chaplin and David Henrie. Matthew McConaughey And Reese Witherspoon Join "Dirt" "Take Shelter" director Shaun Nicholas has put together quite the cast for his flick, Deadline is confirming. Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon and Tye Sheridan are in discussions to become listed on the drama. "Dirt" follows the storyline of the charming fugitive (McConaughey) who becomes buddies having a 14-year-old named Dirt (Sheridan) who helps him attempt to reunite together with his soulmate, Juniper (Witherspoon). No news yet on once the film adopts production. Inform us your ideas on present day Casting Get in touch with your comments ought to section below or on Twitter!

Pan Am: Girdles Support a note of Female Empowerment

Pan Am, Christina Ricci Ticket? Check. Baggage? Check. Girdle? Check. The plane has become ready for lift-off. On ABC's new period drama Pan Am, the elite ranks of Pan Am stewardesses have to pass daily weigh-inches and girdle inspections before they're permitted to fly. About the switch side: They're worldly, empowered ladies who producers would really like us to see like a new variety of feminists. Mike Vogel to star in ABC's Pan Am "It had been area of the irony of the marketplace,Inch creator Jack Orman told reporters at ABC's fall previews Sunday. "It had been a coveted position at that time for youthful women. They have to be college-educated and speak several languages. These were really pioneers. The truth that they needed to be exposed to girdle inspections and weigh-inches adds a particular realism, but additionally a dramatic push." "The truth is, the task permitted the ladies to possess a freedom they were not succumbed a normal role in existence in those days,Inch added Christina Ricci, who plays stewardess Maggie. "These stewardesses were considered these glamorous symbols. It is something that people have a lot pride in welcoming these people on the flight and they've a lot pride in traveling." Browse the relaxation of present day news To help increase the realism from the era, the show changed the formerly cast Jonah Lotan, 37, with 32-year-old Mike Vogel to experience the youthful and charming pilot Dean. "We are opting for this concept of Camelot at that time,Inch described Orman. "The majority of the aircraft pilots at that time were 45 years of age and... Dean leaped the road he got marketed early. He's among the new employs that will go ahead and take air travel in to the next decade." The whitened show will ultimately address the problem of race, when the show's timeline catches up to the stage when ethnic diversity on planes was in the past accurate. "What you want to do is allow it to be a celebration instead of it is simply there," stated director and executive producer Thomas Schlamme. "This really is still just a little early, however in '64 -'65, the very first African-American stewardesses were hired, and thus we are likely to bring that lower and it'll participate the storyline line later." Regardless of the show's efforts to keep realism, a dark tone will stay lighthearted and fun. "Our show is sweeping and epic and desire-fulfilling," stated Orman. Vogel added, "It's escapism at its best." Pan Am will premiere on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 10/9c on ABC.

VIDEO: Alec Baldwin Puts John Krasinski in a Yankees Bikini for New Era

Throughout the baseball season New Era has released some fairly hilarious commercials-cum-viral videos featuring Alec Baldwin and John Krasinski and the increasing stakes of their Yankees/Red Sox fan rivalry. The third spot has come online just in time for the latest on-field Yanks/Sox tangle — the teams meet for three games in Boston this weekend — and while it isn’t as funny as the previous two, it does feature Krasinski in a Yankees bikini. Photoshopped, but hey: still comedy! Baldwin’s cackle, FTW. [via SplitSider]

Comcast posts greater 2Q earnings

Comcast Corp., the nation's biggest cable television company, is bucking the popularity among cable companies by looking into making more income from the TV customers.While some are seeing decreasing revenue in the provision of TV signals, Comcast continues to be eking out some growth. That, together with the purchase of still-growing broadband services and strong is a result of the recently acquired NBC Universal procedures, let the organization beat anticipation using its second-quarter results.The Philadelphia-based company reported Wednesday that it is net gain of $1.02 billion, or 37 cents per share, for that April to June period, up 16 percent from $884 million, or 31 cents per share, last year.Eliminating a tax adjustment and charges associated with the NBC deal, which closed in The month of january, earnings found 42 cents per share, beating the 41 cents average expected by experts questioned by FactSet.Revenue rose 51 percent to $14.3 billion. Experts were expecting $13.7 billion. Revenue from last year's quarter did not include NBC Universal.Comcast shares rose 27 cents, or 1.2 percent, to $23 in premarket buying and selling following the discharge of the outcomes. The shares fell 4.7 percent Tuesday.Cable companies happen to be losing customers to satellite television services for a long time, and much more lately, to phone-company TV services. They have stored their revenue growing by raising prices each year and adding new services like digital video recorders.For Time Warner Cable Corporation., the 2nd-biggest cable company, that path to growth made an appearance to finish within the second quarter, because it reported single.3 % year-over-year drop in revenue from TV services in comparison to this past year. At Charter Communications Corporation., the 4th-biggest cable company, the drop was 3 %.Comcast reported single.3 % rise in video revenue within the second quarter, because it gained more income per customer and customer flight slowed down slightly versus this past year. Still it lost 238,000 TV customers, a little more than experts had expected.Supplying TV signals still accounts for over a third of Comcast's overall revenue, though broadband and make contact with services constitute an increasing share from the cake.Comcast purchased a majority stake in NBC Universal, parent from the Universal Pictures studio and also the NBC and Telemundo broadcast systems in The month of january. The division did well within the quarter, assisted by the prosperity of "Bridesmaids" and "Fast Five" in theaters. Advertising revenues also increased. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

The Twilight Cast Talk Breaking Beginning

So what can we expect in the finale?The ultimate Twilight book is easily the most far-from the quartet, but that has not discouraged director Bill Condon and the cast from going for a crack in internet marketing and, knowing in what we had at Comic-Disadvantage, delivering a motion picture version which will satisfy fans without going full slasher-movie. And here is a couple of more information in the cast and director Bill Condon on which don't be surprised in the Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Part 1, and what it really was prefer to finish shooting the whole saga. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Part 1 has gone out on November 18, 2011, around the globe. Prepare yourself, Twi-hards.