Dr. Seuss sizzles at Friday box office

Universal's 'The Lorax' is on the right track for $16 million Friday along with a mid-$50 million weekend.Universal's "The Lorax" is getting within the eco-friendly from the gate, using the three dimensional animated family pic on the right track for any $16 million haul on Friday along with a boffo weekend gross within the mid-$50 millions, based on early B.O. estimations.In line with the 1971 Dr. Seuss book, Illumination Entertainment's "Lorax," featuring the voices of Danny DeVito, Zac Efron and Taylor Quick, has got the possibility to upstage "Wretched Me" ($56 million) as Illumination's biggest opening ever and may best "The way the Grinch Stole Christmas ($55 million) because the greatest-grossing Dr. Seuss bow of-time."Lorax," created by Illumination founder Chris Meledandri for $70 million, produced strong pre-release responses from global audiences as the studio joined with several eco-friendly sponsors to tie in to the film's tree-friendly theme, such as the Environmental protection agency, H . P ., Seventh Generation and Mazda.This weekend's other era, Warners' "Project X," is monitoring within the mid-teens for that weekend having a Friday take of nearly $six million. B.O. commentators stated the R-ranked senior high school party pic, created by Todd Phillips, often see an uptick from nightly tests in addition to person to person among its twentysomething demo. "Project X" had already cumed $1.15 million in Thursday night time runs.Meanwhile, last week's B.O. victor, Relativity Media's "Act of Valor," is not far behind in third place. The Navy Closes actioner, which required the very best place with $25 million last week, is on the pace toward $13 million-$14 million for that frame.The Weinstein Company's "The Artist," riding a likely bump from the win as well as picture finally Sunday's Oscarcast, expires 43% from last week and really should gross roughly $4 million-$5 million for that weekend.The relaxation from the week's top holdovers -- "Safe House," "Good Deeds" and "Journey 2" -- are neck and neck and likely to fall within the under-$7 million range for that weekend, based on estimations. Contact Stuart Oldham at stuart.oldham@variety.com

Trailer For Ferrara's Last Day In The World

Willem Dafoe waits for 4:44am"If there is nobody to find out it, I'll watch it," mentioned Abel Ferrara 18 several days ago, while he prepared to attempt his latest film. Since it calculates, 4:44 Last Day In The World is his finest-profile release in a few years. You'll find a trailer!Happening in NY, the film follows Willem Dafoe and Shanyn Leigh (Mrs Ferrara) as Cisko and Skye, a couple of greeting an incoming armageddon by fighting and having sex. Cisko then leaves their apartment for just about any heroin-driven evening time journey, just before the deadline of 4:44am, then, it's all regulated controlled over. Just like a newscaster easily states at the outset of the clip, "It doesn't matter your geographical area or the amount of money you've many of us are likely to face the identical fate within the same moment."This being Ferrara, we're by having an ultra-poor, but it's amazing your skill with stock footage. A clip takes us around Manhattan, also to Easter time time Island, India, and Vatican City, and you'll find clips in the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela. It's all regulated controlled moored across the rough visage of Dafoe, who made Manderlay andAntichrist with Lars Von Trier, but wasn't part of Melancholia. It seems he chosen with an apocalypse elsewhere. He labored with Ferrara formerly, round the 1998 adaptation of William Gibson's short story New Rose Hotel.Which is frequent Ferrara collaborator Francis Kuipers round the soundtrack, incidentally, although it may appear it's Tom Waits.4:44 Last Day In The World boasts some passionate film press endorsements, and was formally selected for your Venice and NY film festivals.Empire's Damon Wise caught it in Venice and wasn't excessively impressed. Still, while you character has it,"It's the finish around the world, the conclusion in the dream. We wanna notice!In . It will receive a restricted release in the usa on March 23, but we don't have a very date inside the Uk yet.

John Carter Producer: Pixar Backlash the reason behind Cars 2 Oscar Snub?

Last summer time season Cars 2 marked a notable footnote inside the good status for Pixar Animation, only a bad one despite opening for the art galleries sixth-finest worldwide require now, the follow-up to 2006s Cars acquired middling reviews, motivated experts to deem it a commercial cash-grab, and lastly maybe most shockingly, due to the studio's history increased being the initial Pixar film not to nab an Oscar jerk for top Animated Feature since the category was inaugurated. Will it be, as Pixar producer Lindsey Collins signifies, that Cars 2 was Oscar-snubbed because of anti-Pixar backlash? Speaking to press today in Phoenix, Arizona for John Carter, which she produced for longtime Pixar collaborator Andrew Stanton, Collins examined why Cars 2 was overlooked meant for five other animated films (The Kitty in Paris, Chico and Rita, Kung Fu Panda 2, Puss in Boots, and Rango). The fact [Cars 2] will be a follow-up -- with techniques its funny, because clearly in the franchise perspective everybody loves sequels, Collins referred to. And certainly in the franchise perspective Cars 2 did insanely well, to ensure that we cant even count it an excellent metric to see us should you do sequels. Follow-up status aside, Collins surmised a larger reason was working in the John Lasseter-directed pic, which was the initial Pixar film to earn an over-all rotten score on Rotten Tomato vegetables. It had the fact Pixar has centered going against it, she added. Inside a certain point there's apt to be somebody that would proceed and take fall a little. It might finish up like, Right, we dont like this certain. However, Cars 2s nomination miss might be lined around the relatively deep section of animated films inside the running for Oscar this year a couple of which surprised Collins and defied her anticipation in the competition. I see all of individuals things because the kids drag me on their behalf all, also to me it felt like God, you'll find good quality animated films this year. I truly had among people, Theres two several hours of my existence that I am not likely to return [ideas], and you venture out like, Really, that was quite good! Among the great pictures not produced from Pixar that Collins had praise for? I loved Rango," she recognized. There has been really good quality pictures this year. For that cold critical reception and accusations of crass commercialism Cars 2 received, Collins keeps that Lasseter truly, truly loves the follow-up -- and Pixar, she states, sports ths films its stable of company company directors desire to make. John loves that world, he loves people figures. We have got billed with being very commercial from it which is kind of funny, its so ironic if youve met John Lasseter theres not just a disingenuous bone because men body. Follow Jen Yamato on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Producer pair plant 'Supremacy'

Producers Vincent Cirrincione and Roxanne Avent have setup the indie "Supremacy" with Joe Anderson, Danny Glover and Beginning Olivieri set to star. Pic, with various true story, follows a recently paroled white-colored supremacist who, after killing a officer, takes an Black family hostage. Deon Taylor is positioned to direct, with production set to do this month. Anderson stars in ABC's "The ForestInch and can also be noticed in Open Road's "The Grey." Glover is seen next in "LUV," which preemed at Sundance. Olivieri can presently be seen round the Showtime skein "House of Lies." Anderson is repped by CAA, Management 360 and United states . Agents. Glover is repped by ICM. Olivieri is repped by APA and Variety. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Can Be Is Going To Be An Item Of Beauty

Within the film of Steve Martin's novelShe was last seen singing and dancing with Kermit and also the gang within the Muppets, and today Can Be really wants to make all of us consider art. She's signed onto star in and convey an adaptation of Steve Martin's 2010 novel An Item Of Beauty.Adams will have Lacey Yeager, a youthful, beautiful and captivating youthful lady that has real ambitions within the NY art world. After you have her start at Sotheby's, the driven entrepreneur likes a 15-year meteoric rise through her selected career, purchasing a gallery along the way, travelling the planet and becoming right into a string of associations, including one by having an artist who continues being famous. Lacey's journey charts the enjoyable levels and dark lows from the artistic community and also the world in particular. And also, since Martin themself knows a few things about art, it's naturally packed with authentic detail.You will find no real particulars about who'll handle the writing/pointing sides from the movie yet, but producers Trudie Straightener and Celine Rattray of Maven Pictures are actually around the search to obtain the right team. Considering that Martin modified Shopgirl for that screen, we question if he'll obtain the first crack at that one... Adams will next be observed in Paul Thomas Anderson's The Actual, Jack Kerouac adaptation On The Highway, Clint Eastwood drama Challenge With The Bend and Superman saga Guy Of Steel.

First Lady rallies Hollywood crowd

Appearing at the first of two fundraisers during a swing through Los Angeles on Tuesday, Michelle Obama asked a crowd heavy in show biz donors, "Are you with us?" The First Lady was at a fundraiser at the Beverly Hills home of former Ambassador to the Bahamas Nicole Avant and her husband, Netflix's Ted Sarandos. "In the last three years, we've worked hard to get out of this mess and we've made some remarkable progress, but we know there are people still suffering and there is a long road left to travel," Obama said, per a pool report. Her husband's reelection campaign is courting Hollywood donors, trying to shore up support in what is expected to be a costly and bruising battle in the fall. President Obama is scheduled to visit Los Angeles on Feb. 15 for a series of events at the home of Colleen and Bradley Bell. Although there has been some grousing among studio chiefs after the White House released a statement critical of anti-piracy legislation, diminishing its prospects in Congress, Michelle Obama did not address the topic in her remarks before the crowd of about 135. Those who were there included Jeffrey Katzenberg, Steve Bing, Berry Gordy, Vivica Ferrell, Quincy Jones, Jerry and Ann Moss, Jimmy Jam, Irena and Mike Medavoy, Rob and Michele Reiner, Terry Lewis, Reed Hastings, Arnon Milchan and Harvey Weinstein. One attendee said that also present were Haim and Cheryl Saban, significant because Haim Saban had been regarded as one of the holdouts to Obama's 2008 campaign. He was a major backer of Hillary Clinton in 2008, but was not involved in the general election after Obama secured the nomination. Michelle Obama also talked about conversations she has with her husband, who sometimes tells her stories of the people he meets. "He might not remember your name, but he'll never forget your story." Irena Medavoy, who raised money for Obama in 2008 and is returning this cycle, said of Michelle Obama's remarks, "She has grown into such a formidable warm and wonderful First Lady. She was always a great partner but now she is a First Lady who is campaigning. You can see the difference." Obama's visit also included a stop at "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and an appearance on "The Ellen Show." She is scheduled to attend a fundraiser tomorrow at the home of James and Mattie Lawson. Tickets to the event on Tuesday started at $5,000 per person, and $35,800 per couple to also attend a special greeting and photo with the First Lady. Contact Ted Johnson at ted.johnson@variety.com

Sergey NagornyGot the Part

Sergey NagornyGot the Part Role: Ensemble in 'The Lost and Found Project,' a nonunion, Off-Off-Broadway experimental play By Sri Gordon January 30, 2012 When Sergey Nagorny saw the casting notice for "The Lost and Found Project," an experimental play compiling family stories relating to Russian-Jewish immigration to the U.S., he had no doubt he had to audition. As an actor from the Ukraine with a Jewish background, Nagorny knew that his personal experience would be particularly relevant to the projectand a little thing like being unavailable during the auditions was not going to stop him from getting cast. After he explained the situation to the production team, it agreed to let him audition on the first day of rehearsals. If cast, he would join as an ensemble member then and there. "I went in with the thought that I had to win them over, since it would be great to jump right into rehearsals that same day and would not be great at all to be told 'No, thank you' and walk out as everyone else in the cast was coming in to rehearse," Nagorny says. "I was a bit nervous, as the writer herself was in the room to hear her words performed.... It wasn't the matter of making it real, as it was as real as it gets to me already," he explains. "It was the matter of making sure to stay true to the text and making the audience see how truly close to home, and my heart, the piece was." After waiting while the production team deliberated, Nagorny was welcomed into the cast as the final member of the ensemble. Co-producer Marina Reydler says Nagorny's charisma and preparation made his audition successful. "Sergey has a very big personality that comes through when he walks in," she says. "He was also prepared to do his callback monologue,so he already came in with the bar set high, and he reached it." Nagorny says the developmental nature of the project is an unusual aspect of the experience. "I am able to see all of the steps it takes to produce a play from its very beginning," he says. "You come together as 10 individuals, and by the time the project is ready to be put up, the 10 become one." Nagorny's experience includes "J-1," an independent short, and a Phiten bracelet commercial with N.Y. Knicks player Carmelo Anthony. He is represented by the agencies Abrams Artists and Paradigm. Nagorny is determined to keep pursuing his career with fearlessness and enthusiasm. "I was given a blessing by my parents, who told me that if this is what I have chosen to do, then I must do it full-out and without holding back," Nagorny says. "I am pressing on with those words ringing in my head." Has Back Stage helped you get cast in the past year? We'd love to tell your story. Be in the weekly column by emailing casting@backstage.com for NY or bswcasting@backstage.com for Los Angeles with "I Got the Part" in the subject line. Sergey NagornyGot the Part Role: Ensemble in 'The Lost and Found Project,' a nonunion, Off-Off-Broadway experimental play By Sri Gordon January 30, 2012 When Sergey Nagorny saw the casting notice for "The Lost and Found Project," an experimental play compiling family stories relating to Russian-Jewish immigration to the U.S., he had no doubt he had to audition. As an actor from the Ukraine with a Jewish background, Nagorny knew that his personal experience would be particularly relevant to the projectand a little thing like being unavailable during the auditions was not going to stop him from getting cast. After he explained the situation to the production team, it agreed to let him audition on the first day of rehearsals. If cast, he would join as an ensemble member then and there. "I went in with the thought that I had to win them over, since it would be great to jump right into rehearsals that same day and would not be great at all to be told 'No, thank you' and walk out as everyone else in the cast was coming in to rehearse," Nagorny says. "I was a bit nervous, as the writer herself was in the room to hear her words performed.... It wasn't the matter of making it real, as it was as real as it gets to me already," he explains. "It was the matter of making sure to stay true to the text and making the audience see how truly close to home, and my heart, the piece was." After waiting while the production team deliberated, Nagorny was welcomed into the cast as the final member of the ensemble. Co-producer Marina Reydler says Nagorny's charisma and preparation made his audition successful. "Sergey has a very big personality that comes through when he walks in," she says. "He was also prepared to do his callback monologue,so he already came in with the bar set high, and he reached it." Nagorny says the developmental nature of the project is an unusual aspect of the experience. "I am able to see all of the steps it takes to produce a play from its very beginning," he says. "You come together as 10 individuals, and by the time the project is ready to be put up, the 10 become one." Nagorny's experience includes "J-1," an independent short, and a Phiten bracelet commercial with N.Y. Knicks player Carmelo Anthony. He is represented by the agencies Abrams Artists and Paradigm. Nagorny is determined to keep pursuing his career with fearlessness and enthusiasm. "I was given a blessing by my parents, who told me that if this is what I have chosen to do, then I must do it full-out and without holding back," Nagorny says. "I am pressing on with those words ringing in my head." Has Back Stage helped you get cast in the past year? We'd love to tell your story. Be in the weekly column by emailing casting@backstage.com for NY or bswcasting@backstage.com for Los Angeles with "I Got the Part" in the subject line.