'Extra' host launches social TV venture

Menounos She may be best known as host of syndie newsmag "Extra," but Maria Menounos has been quietly building a different kind of brand covering the entertainment world.Menounos is the sole backer of AfterBuzz TV, an online network officially launching Monday. The website has grown enough in beta mode over its first 10 months to attract new partnerships with Microsoft search engine Bing and streaming media specialist Akamai.Afterbuzz rides the coattails of around 40 of TV's most popular primetime series by going online as quickly as 10-15 minutes after each episode's original airdate with a live webcast transmitting from its Los Angeles HQ for fans to dissect what they just watched. The venture employs a roster of hosts who moderate discussions that include fans who can call in or weigh in from chatrooms as well as guests from both sides of the camera on the shows being discussed.Last year, Afterbuzz held a live screening of the "Breaking Bad" season finale with stars from the series in tow including Aaron Paul, who joined Menounos for a post-episode conversation. But it's audio podcasts of Afterbuzz shows that have proved even more popular than the live webcasts, which may be expected given the significant portion of viewers who may be watching their favorite shows days later via VOD or DVR.The series that are the most popular draws on Afterbuzz -- USA's "WWE Raw," MTV's "Jersey Shore" and FX's "American Horror Story" rank as top attractions -- can yield anywhere from 250,000-500,000 downloads on iTunes."I really believe strongly in digital media being the future," said Menounos who runs AfterBuzz with Keven Undergaro, a partner in her production company. "As a passionate TV fan, this was something I just had to do."Menounos also hopes to give Afterbuzz a boost as a cast member on the upcoming season of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars." It will be the first series her company will have a correspondent based inside the production and she plans to do Afterbuzz sessions after each "Dancing" episode with the occasional contribution of fellow castmates (should she stay on the series long enough).While she contributes to the occasional program, most AfterBuzz programming is hosted by hundreds of different TV fans drawn from the legions of actors, comedians and other industry types living in Los Angeles.Bing will come on as a sponsor in advance of additional integrations between the two properties. The other is with streaming media specialist Akamai is taking over hosting duties for video and audio versions of AfterBuzz programming.Whether streaming live or downloading later, all Afterbuzz programs are free to consume. And the consumption is coming from all over the world given the popularity of U.S. TV series in overseas markets. Next on Afterbuzz agenda is the launch of an app to capitalize on the growing percentage of its audience watching and listening from wireless devices. The venture has already broadened out to covering movies soon after their release.Afterbuzz is staking out territory that a growing number of TV channels are starting to carve out themselves. MTV, Bravo, AMC and Lifetime are among the nets in recent years who have given existing hits their own companion shows that air immediately afterward. The venture also finds itself on the rise as a cottage industry of social-TV startups try to grab market share of the conversation surrounding hit TV programming. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco Calls Off Engagement

John Austin Eco-friendly John Austin Eco-friendly will get Happy Being. The Beverly Slopes, 90210 alum look inside the season finale just like a guest within the wedding of Penny's gay nearest friend Derrick (Stephen Guarino), TVGuide.com has confirmed. Entertainment Weekly first reported what is the news. Uncover why Happy Being showed up inside our Top Moments every week There's a small twist how his character will attend, though. Cent could possibly get saddled within the "Skype" table, a.k.a. the table for people experiencing the wedding within the ease of their properties via video chat. Still, that won't stop Cent from tease with him. Eco-friendly joins a extended report on guest stars within the second season of Happy Being, including Colin Hanks, Megan Mullally, James Wolk, Fred Savage plus much more.

Alcon teams with Creative Coalition

Alcon Entertainment has produced an effective partnership while using Creative Coalition beneath the latter's Spotlight Initiative banner. The alliance necessitates the Creative Coalition to coordinate cause-related marketing components into marketing campaigns for Alcon's film slate like the approaching "Speedboys" project. "Today, our citizenry demands socially conscious activism within the products and corporations it supports, and entertainment is not any exception," mentioned Creative Coalition Boss Robin Bronk. "Alcon Entertainment knows the power, inspiration and influence of film on issues that serve typically the most popular good." Alcon setup "Speedboys" last fall. It comes down lower to math teacher Simon Hauger, who brought troubled Philadelphia high schoolers to win a tournament to create another-fuel vehicle. Alcon's slate features projects specific in the household demo for instance "The Blind Side," "Dolphin Tale" and "Pleased Noise." Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

West Finish slate develops

Free Airline End's dance card for later this season is filling using the announcement of three incoming productions, together with a change in a Shakespeare double bill toplined by Mark Rylance. Also on tap is really a London move for that Royal Shakespeare Company staging of the new abide by David Edgar ("Nicholas Nickleby"), in addition to a revival of Joe Orton's 1967 farce "Exactly what the Butler Saw." As formerly expected in Variety, frequent trans-Atlantic producer Sonia Friedman will move twinned Shakespeare's Globe stagings of "Richard III" and "Twelfth Evening," both starring Rylance, towards the West Finish within the fall. Initially opening at Shakespeare's Globe (This summer 14-March. 14), the time-style productions featuring all-male casts will have a 13-week season in the West End's Apollo Theater beginning November. 2. Stephen Fry continues to be put into the cast, playing Malvolio in "Twelfth Evening" opposite Rylance as Olivia. The productions, helmed by Tim Carroll, continue the significant relationship between Friedman and Rylance which has includes "Boeing-Boeing," "La Bete" and "Jerusalem." The 3 were London hits that continued to Gotham stints, with Rylance obtaining a Tony each for his perfs in "Boeing-Boeing" and "Jerusalem." Also joining free airline End's approaching slate may be the RSC manufacture of Edgar's "Written around the Heart," moving in the RSC's Stratford-upon-Avon the place to find free airline End's Duchess Theater for any limited run beginning April 19. Producers Bill Kenwright ("Bloodstream Siblings") and Thelma Holt will slowly move the show, which performed the RSC within the fall. Set 400 years back, Edgar's play examines the religious and political divisions that came about within the questionable first British translation from the King James Bible. Helmed by Gregory Doran, the play would be the second RSC show around the boards in the western world Finish, joining the hit change in tuner "Matilda," presently thinking of getting a Broadway berth. Also looking for this season is really a new manufacture of "Exactly what the Butler Saw" in the West End's Vaudeville Theater, beginning a restricted run May 16. Created by MJE Prods., co-producers from the West Finish and Gotham-bound tuner "Ghost," the show is headlined by British-Iranian thesp-standup Omid Djalili ("Pirates from the Caribbean: At World's Finish," "The Romance Guru"). The development is helmed by Sean Foley, who also directed the hit legit version of "The Ladykillers" presently running in the West End's Gielgud Theater. Further casting for "Butler," running May 4-August. 25, has not yet been introduced. Contact David Benedict at benedictdavid@mac.com

Anti-Merger Protesters Target SAG, AFTRA Headquarters

Multiple people towards the planned merger of SAG and AFTRA protested Feb. 10 outdoors the La building that houses the headquarters for actor guilds.The crowd, which was comprised of about 25 SAG and AFTRA people towards the merger, moved signs, blew whistles, and intensely submit objections for the merger, that's been approved through the boards of both guilds but should be eco-friendly-lighted by people. Though support for your merger is typical, some believe the mix would damage SAG and AFTRA health plans and weaken SAG by mixing it getting a weakened union."I would not buy a house or automobile lacking the knowledge of just what the terms are," mentioned Hector Herrera, a SAG and AFTRA member who's taking part in several guild committees, mentioning the form in the new pension and health plans will not be noted for some time. People health plans are outdoors from the guilds and you'll be labored with following a combination.SAG Hollywood individuals have selected for professional-merger candidates formerly four election cycles, as has AFTRA. Both SAG Leader Ken Howard and AFTRA leader Roberta Reardon recognized the recommended merger within the SAG Honours within the month of the month of january. The Hollywood Reporter

Transfers take along casts

The Broadway change in play "Peter and also the Starcatcher" has confirmed a cast which includes original stars Adam Chanler-Berat and Celia Keenan-Bolger, joining another vet from the show, "Smash" star Christian Borle, within the approaching staging. Also kept in for any Rialto stint are a lot of the original stars based in london hit "One Guy, Two Guvnors," with thesps including Oliver Chris and Jemima Rooper joining topliner James Corden within the farce. Chanler-Berat reprises his role because the boy who never was raised within the "Peter Pan" prequel, while Keenan-Bolger has returned as Peter's love interest, the titular Starcatcher. Also onboard for that Broadway version are coming back thesps Carson Elrod, Greg Hildreth and Arnie Burton, amongst others. Cast came from their roles inside a well-received run at NY Theater Workshop this past year. For "One Guy," a lot of the original London cast will mind to Gotham, including Tom Edden, Martyn Ellis, Trevor Laird, Claire Lams, Fred Ridgeway, Daniel Rigby and Suzie Toase. That production started existence at London's National Theater just before a proceed to free airline Finish. "Peter" begins previews March 28 in front of an April 15 opening, while "One Guy" starts previews April 6 just before an April 18 opening in the Music Box. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Exclusive: See Who's Nominated for Favorite Show at Kids' Choice Awards

No Grissom and no Willows? No problem for CSI. The veteran drama was one of two shows Wednesday to see a ratings bump, when it introduced Elisabeth Shue's Julie "Finn" Finlay, pulling in 11.1 million viewers and a 2.7 rating in the adults 18-to-49 demo (up 2 and 8 percent, respectively).The other show to enjoy a gain? ... Read More > Other Links From TVGuide.com American IdolCSI: Crime Scene InvestigationLaw & Order: Special Victims UnitOne Tree HillElisabeth ShueCriminal MindsThe MiddleModern FamilyHappy EndingsAre You There, Chelsea?RevengeSuburgatoryWhitneyRock Center With Brian WilliamsRemodeledSurvivor: One World

Beyonce and Jay-Z Release First Photos of Blue Ivy

Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter Hello, Blue Ivy Carter indeed.Eschewing the tabloid photo shoot route, Beyonce and Jay-Z have released the first photos of their 1-month-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter (the rapper's real name is Shawn Carter) on her very own Tumblr page, HelloBlueIvyCarter.Beyonce and Jay-Z confirm daughter's birth: "We are in heaven"The five shots include the proud new parents each cradling their baby girl, who has a full head of hair. "We welcome you to share in our joy. Thank you for respecting our privacy during this beautiful time in our lives," reads the note on the page, which is signed "The Carter Family."

Chinese exhib Bonastar plans film ratings

Without a film ratings system, Chinese exhib Bonastar, part of the Bona Film Group, will probably introduce its classification to keep a lid on sex and violence. "Moments featuring sexual and violent content are actually turning up in movies and so are not suitable for children. Theaters should lead to their audiences," the crowd mentioned in the statement on Sina Weibo, China's version in the banned Twitter, which was repeated by condition media. The move is surprising since films right for all ages are released in China -- and censors nix films or cut those to safeguard this concept. The Problem Administration of Radio, Film and tv has frequently rejected calls presenting film classifications. But local industryites believe that once the censor's scissors were transformed getting a trusted ratings system, they may take more risks with content and story and provide more compelling films. Bonastar marketing manager Jin Bo mentioned its ratings system was specific at improving the service at its theaters "to provide helpful viewing suggestions," not to formulate a completely new standard. The web statement was removed several several hours after being released. Guo Xiaoping, mind in the company's general market trends center, told the People Daily it had been implemented to "avoid arousing debate, as much people misinterpreted our real intention. "The film ratings are just found in Bonastar theaters and so are keen on films which are approved by public managers." There is broad support for your proposal, that's apt to be implemented with the finish of February. "Clothing will come in both adult and children's styles, shouldn't film be much the same way?In . helmer Li Yang told the Beijing Daily newspaper. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Regis Philbin Sells Conn. House For $3M

First Launched: The month of the month of january 15, 2012 5:23 PM EST Credit: Getty Images GREENWICH, Conn. -- Caption Regis Philbin attends a press conference on his departure from LIVE! with Regis and Kelly at ABC Art galleries in NY City on November 17, 2011Regis Philbin and also the wife, Pleasure, have offered among their Connecticut houses for $3 million. The Greenwich Time reviews that town records show the Colonial home in Greenwich was placed in the marketplace for $3.8 million within this summer time and offered for $3 million in September. The client, Raymond LaChance, told the newspaper that the fact Philbin might be the previous owner is kind of neat, but that did not influence his and also the wifes decision to purchase the house. The home has nearly 6,000 sq foot of space and sits on six acres near an ailment park. Furthermore, it provides a pool, a tennis court together with a event event gazebo. The Philbins own another home under two miles away plus an apartment in Manhattan. Copyright 2012 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Stage 'Choice' scuttled

David W. Rintels' stage adaptation of William Styron's "Sophie's Choice," slated to premiere in May at New Haven's Long Wharf Theater, is canceled.According to Long Wharf artistic director Gordon Edelstein, who also was to helm the production, the show was scuttled because of issues with the script. Adaptation had several hundred thousand dollars in enhancement money from commercial producers behind it, as well as the attachment of thesp Carla Gugino."It was not in the shape that I felt it needed to be to be willing to commit all the resources needed for the production," said Edelstein, currently helming the Broadway production of Athol Fugard's "The Road to Mecca" (which also stars Gugino)."Sophie's Choice" is not expected to appear on the Long Wharf schedule next season.Rintels worked with the cooperation of William Styron before the novelist's death in November 2006. Styron's 1979 book was also turned into 1982 feature starring Kevin Kline and Meryl Streep.Because of the scope of the show, the production was three times as expensive to mount as the typical Long Wharf show, according Edelstein. He, the commercial producers and Gugino (Broadway's "Desire Under the Elms," "After the Fall") agreed the script was not developing in the ways it needed.Replacing the show on the Long Wharf lineup is Toby Zinman's stage adaptation of Aaron Posner's " My Name Is Asher Lev," helmed by Edelstein. Show runs May 1-27. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Universal Studios To Restore Classics

Jaws and E.T. in centenary celebrationsWith Universal Studios celebrating a big old centenary this year - it's a hundred years old on April 30 - the studio has delved into its illustrious library and fished out a clutch of classics to restore and re-release. There are 13 lined up, including The Birds, Schindler's List, All Quiet On The Western Front, Jaws and Dracula. Universal is also celebrating with a series of special events, a brand new logo (the static version isbelow; the animated version will accompany the release of The Lorax in March) and a planned extravaganza of theme park magic. Are we alone in hoping this involves the park's animatronic Jurassic Park T-Rex putting on a party hat and blowing up some balloon animals?The list of films to get the restoration treatment includes anti-war classic All Quiet on the Western Front, Hitchcock's The Birds, Abbot and Costello's Buck Privates, 1931's Dracula with Bela Lugosi, the Spanish language version of the same release, Frankenstein, Jaws, Out of Africa, Doris Day starrer Pillow Talk, Bride of Frankenstein and The Sting. Plenty there to get your teeth into.Gregor Peck's Oscar-winning turn in To Kill A Mockingbird gets the party started this month, with the film arriving on Blu-ray just in time for its 50th anniversary.Look out, too, for E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. The iconic space critter is 30 years old this year and is getting his very own Blu-ray re-release, as well as, hopefully, a giant bag of Reese's Pieces.

Digital studio Generate to Alloy

Generate, the digital-minded studio founded by former WB programming chief Jordan Levin, has been acquired by Alloy Digital, a division of youth-targeted producer Alloy, the companies announced Thursday. With Generate in the fold, Alloy will have an inhouse production machine for feeding the company's assortment of content enterprises serving the 12-34 market. Alloy is the company that co-produces teen-skewing TV series including ''Gossip Girl'' and ''Pretty Little Liars.'' "With this transaction, and with the strength of our combined management teams, we are now the leading next generation media company mirroring the best of both old Hollywood and the new digital era: cost-effective development and production, talent management, distribution, ad sales, social media and promotion all under one roof," said Alloy CEO Matt Diamond. Alloy itself was acquired by a group of investors led by ZelnickMedia in 2010. Purchase is Alloy Digital's biggest since acquiring YouTube sensation Smosh in 2010. Levin, who founded Generate in 2006, will stay on with Alloy and bring key members of his original team with him. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com