NBC Reveals Its 2011-12 Primetime Schedule (NBC Press Release)

NBC Press Release
May 15, 2011

WITH A COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION, STRATEGIC POSITIONING AND SEASON-LONG STRENGTH, NBC REVEALS ITS 2011-12 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE


Fall and Mid-Season Lineups Feature New Dramas "Smash," "Prime Suspect," "The Playboy Club," "Awake," "Grimm" and "The Firm"
New Comedies Are "Up All Night," "Whitney," "Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea," "Free Agents," "Best Friends Forever" and "Bent"


NEW YORK CITY -- May 15, 2011 -- NBC has introduced its 2011-12 primetime schedule, showcasing six new dramas and six new comedies from a roster of renowned hit-makers that includes Steven Spielberg, Lorne Michaels, Brian Grazer, Tom Werner, John Grisham and Peter Berg, among many others.

The season's new dramas are "Smash," "Prime Suspect," "The Playboy Club," "Awake," "Grimm" and "The Firm"; and the new comedies are "Up All Night," "Whitney," "Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea," "Free Agents," "Best Friends Forever" and "Bent."

Returning shows include "Parenthood," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Harry’s Law," "Chuck" (for its fifth and final season of 13 episodes), "Community," "Parks and Recreation," "The Office," "30 Rock" and "Dateline NBC." Among next season’s returning alternative series are "The Voice," "The Sing-Off," "The Celebrity Apprentice" and "The Biggest Loser," each in two-hour formats.

The new lineup combines schedule stability with strategic changes that position the network for future growth. Key facets of the schedule include a new hour of comedy with the Wednesday debuts of "Up All Night" (8-8:30 p.m. ET) and "Free Agents" (8:30-9 p.m. ET) and an update to NBC’s critically acclaimed Thursday lineup with the premieres this fall of the new comedy "Whitney" (9:30-10 p.m. ET) and the first-year drama "Prime Suspect" (10-11 p.m. ET). In addition, NBC has made a strong commitment to original scripted programming on Friday nights with the pairing of "Chuck" (8-9 p.m. ET) in its climactic season with the new drama "Grimm" (9-10 p.m. ET).

The #1 new series of the current season, "The Voice," returns at mid-season on Monday nights (8-10 p.m. ET) and will serve as the lead-in to the new musical drama "Smash" (10-11 p.m. ET). In the fall on Mondays from 8-10 p.m. ET will be another growing NBC reality success, "The Sing-Off," now in a weekly format following its strong December showings of the past two years.

Additional details unveiled in today’s announcement include a run of uninterrupted originals for "30 Rock" starting at mid-season and a post-football Sunday lineup of "Dateline NBC" (7-8 p.m. ET), "The Celebrity Apprentice" (8-10 p.m. ET) and the new drama "The Firm" (10-11 p.m. ET). Additional new series ready for mid-season include the drama "Awake" and the comedies "Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea," "Best Friends Forever" and "Bent."

The announcements were made by Bob Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment.

"Next season begins the rebuilding of the NBC primetime schedule, and our goal is to reinvigorate our audience with a line-up of appointment television that includes our best returning shows and a variety of innovative and attention-getting new series. We'll be placing a great deal of emphasis on how we launch each one of our programs and on maximizing the network's strengths throughout the fall and well into mid-season," said Greenblatt. "Considering it's only been three months since new management took over, I'm very pleased with what has resulted from a very strong pilot season. And with a powerful new asset like 'The Voice' already in hand, we go into the 2011-12 season with cautious but incredible optimism."

NBC FALL 2011-12 SCHEDULE
*New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET)

MONDAY
8-10 p.m. – "The Sing-Off"
10-11 p.m. – "THE PLAYBOY CLUB"

TUESDAY
8-10 p.m. – "The Biggest Loser"
10-11 p.m. – "Parenthood"

WEDNESDAY
8-8:30 p.m. – "UP ALL NIGHT"
8:30-9 p.m. – "FREE AGENTS"
9-10 p.m. -- "Harry’s Law"
10-11 p.m. -- "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

THURSDAY
8-8:30 p.m. – "Community"
8:30-9 p.m. -- "Parks and Recreation"
9-9:30 p.m. – "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. – "WHITNEY"
10-11 p.m. – "PRIME SUSPECT"

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Chuck"
9-10 p.m. – "GRIMM"
10-11 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"

SATURDAY
Encore programming

SUNDAY
7- 8:15 p.m. -- "Football Night in America"
8:15-11:30 p.m. -- "NBC Sunday Night Football"

NBC 2012 MID-SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
*New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET)


SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"
8-10 p.m. – "The Celebrity Apprentice"
10-11 p.m. – "THE FIRM"


MONDAY
8-10 p.m. – "The Voice"
10-11 p.m. – "SMASH"


2011-12 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

New Dramas


'PRIME SUSPECT' -- Based on the critically acclaimed British television series of the same name, "Prime Suspect" has been redeveloped for American audiences by writer Alexandra Cunningham ("Desperate Housewives," "NYPD Blue"), director Peter Berg (NBC's "Friday Night Lights") -- and stars Maria Bello ("A History of Violence") as tough-as-nails Detective Jane Timoney. Timoney finds that being a homicide detective in New York City is tough enough and having to contend with a male-dominated police department to get respect makes it that much tougher. She's an outsider who has just transferred to a new precinct dominated by an impenetrable clique of a boys' club. Timoney has her own vices too -- with a questionable past -- and she tends to be forceful, rude and reckless. But she’s also a brilliant cop who keeps her eye on one thing: the prime suspect. Also starring are Aidan Quinn ("Unknown"), Brian O’Byrne ("Flash Forward"), Tim Griffin ("Star Trek"), Kirk Acevedo ("Fringe"), Joe Nieves ("How I Met Your Mother"), Damon Gupton ("The Last Airbender") and Peter Gerety ("Blue Bloods"). "Prime Suspect" is produced by Universal Media Studios, ITV and Film 44. Cunningham is the executive producer/writer along with executive producer/director Berg and executive producers Sarah Aubrey, Julie Meldal-Johnson, Paul Buccieri and Lynda LaPlante.

'THE PLAYBOY CLUB' -- From Academy Award-winning executive producer Brian Grazer, "The Playboy Club" is a provocative new drama about a time and place that challenged the social mores, where a visionary entrepreneur created an empire and an icon changed American culture. It’s the early '60s, and the legendary Playboy Club in Chicago is the door to all of your fantasies -- and the key is the most sought-after status symbol of its kind. Inside the seductive world of the bunny, the epitome of beauty and service, the clientele rubs shoulders with the decade’s biggest mobsters, politicos and entertainers. Nick Dalton (Eddie Cibrian, "CSI: Miami") is one of the city’s top attorneys and the ultimate playboy, rubbing elbows with everyone in the city's power structure. With mysterious ties to the mob, Nick comes to the aid of Maureen (Amber Heard, "Zombieland"), the stunning and innocent new bunny who accidentally kills the leader of the Bianchi crime family. Dating Nick is Carol-Lynne (Laura Benanti, "Take the Lead"), a bombshell and established star at the club who knows her days as a bunny are numbered and finds herself continually at odds with Billy (David Krumholtz, "Numb3rs"), the club's general manager. Adding to the charm of the Playboy club is Janie (Jenna Dewan Tatum, "American Virgin"), the carefree life of the party who is dating Max (Wes Ramsey, "CSI: Miami"), an overly protective bartender. Also starring are Naturi Naughton ("Fame") and Leah Renee ("True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet"). In addition to Grazer ("A Beautiful Mind," "American Gangster"), the executive producers on "The Playboy Club" include Chad Hodge ("Tru Calling"), Francie Calfo ("Scoundrels"), Jason Burns ("The House Bunny") and Dick Rosenzweig ("Kendra"). Hodge also wrote the pilot, which was directed by Alan Taylor ("Mad Men," "The Sopranos"). The series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Imagine Television.


'SMASH' -- "Smash" is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire -- to be a "Smash." The series centers on a desire to create a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe -- written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Tony Award nominee Christian Borle, "Legally Blonde: The Musical") and Julia (Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, "Will & Grace"). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty (Katharine McPhee, "American Idol") -- who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds -- and stage veteran (Megan Hilty, "9 to 5: The Musical"), who's determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break. A tenacious producer Eileen (Oscar winner, Anjelica Huston, "Prizzi’s Honor") discovers the "Marilyn" project and jumps on board with a brilliant director (Jack Davenport, "Pirates of the Caribbean" films) -- whose talent is matched by his cunning and egocentric amorality. The series stemmed from an idea of executive producer and multiple Emmy and Oscar winner Steven Spielberg ("ER," "Schindler’s List"). The pilot was written by acclaimed playwright/screenwriter Theresa Rebeck ("Mauritius," "NYPD Blue"). Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Oscar-winning "Chicago," "Hairspray") and Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey ("United States of Tara," "The Borgias") will also serve as executive producers. Original songs are written by Tony and Grammy Award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman ("Hairspray," "Catch Me If You Can"), who also serve as executive producers. "Smash" is a production of Universal Media Studios in association with DreamWorks. The pilot was directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer ("Spring Awakening," "American Idiot").

'GRIMM' -- "Grimm" is a new drama series inspired by the classic Grimm's Fairy Tales. Remember the fairy tales your parents used to tell you before bedtime? Those weren’t stories -- they were warnings. Nick Burkhardt (David Guintoli "Turn The Beat Around") thought he prepared himself for the realities of working as a homicide detective until he started seeing things he couldn’t quite explain. When his ailing Aunt Marie (guest star Kate Burton, "Grey’s Anatomy") arrives, Nick's life turns upside down when she reveals they are descendants of an elite group of hunters, also known as "Grimms," who fight to keep the balance of humanity safe from the supernatural creatures of the world. As Nick digs deeper into her past, he realizes that he will have to shoulder the responsibility of his ancestors -- and contend with a larger-than-life mythology of the Brothers Grimm that is now all too real. Russell Hornsby ("Lincoln Heights"), Bitsie Tulloch ("Quarterlife"), Silas Weir Mitchell ("Prison Break"), Reggie Lee ("Persons Unknown") and Sasha Roiz ("Caprica") also star. "Grimm" is a production of Universal Media Studios and Hazy Mills Productions. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner ("Hot in Cleveland") serve as executive producers, Jim Kouf ("National Treasure," "Angel") and David Greenwalt ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel") are the creators/executive producers and Marc Buckland ("My Name Is Earl") is the director.

'AWAKE' -- "Awake" is an intriguing drama about a detective (Jason Issacs, "Harry Potter," "Brotherhood") who finds he is leading an arduous double life that defies reality. When Detective Michael Britten (Issacs) regains consciousness following his family's car accident, he is told that his wife Hannah (Laura Allen, "Terriers") perished but that his teen son, Rex (Dylan Minnette, "Saving Grace"), has survived. As he tries to put the pieces of his life back together, he awakens again in a parallel reality in which his wife is very much alive -- but his son Rex died in the accident. In order to keep both of his loved ones alive at one time, he begins living two dueling realities in parallel worlds, which churns up confusion -- in one moment, Michael and his wife debate about having another child to replace their son, while in the other reality, he is attracted to his son’s tennis coach, Tara (Michaela McManus, "The Vampire Diaries"), to fill the void from the loss of his wife. Trying to regain some normalcy, Michael returns to police work and solves crimes in both worlds with the help of two different partners -- Detective Isaiah "Bird" Freeman (Steve Harris, "The Practice") and Detective Efrem Vega (Wilmer Valderrama, "That '70s Show"). Also starring are Emmy Award winner Cherry Jones ("24") and BD Wong (NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") as therapists in each respective world. The series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television. Kyle Killen ("Lone Star") and Howard Gordon ("24") are executive producers. David Slade ("Twilight: Eclipse," "30 Days of Night") also serves as executive producer and directed the pilot written by Killen.

'THE FIRM' -- Based on the blockbuster feature film and best-selling novel by world-renowned author John Grisham ("The Pelican Brief," "The Client"), "The Firm" continues the story of attorney Mitchell McDeere and his family 10 years after the events of the film and novel. As a young associate, McDeere brought down the prestigious Memphis law firm of Bendini, Lambert & Locke, which operated as a front for the Chicago mob -- and his life was never the same. After a difficult decade, which included a stay in the Federal Witness Protection program, Mitch and his family now emerge from isolation to reclaim their lives and their future -- only to find that past dangers are still lurking and new threats are everywhere. "The Firm" is produced by Entertainment One in association with Sony Pictures Television and Paramount Pictures. The executive producers are Grisham, Lukas Reiter ("Law & Order," "Boston Legal"), John Morayniss ("Haven," "Hung"), Michael Rosenberg ("Hung," "Skins") and Noreen Halpern ("Rookie Blue," "Hung").


New Comedies


'WHITNEY' -- A hilarious look at modern love, "Whitney" is a new multi-camera comedy series about Whitney (Whitney Cummings, "Chelsea Lately") and Alex (Chris D’Elia, "Glory Daze"), a happily unmarried couple. Together for five years, the duo is in no rush to get hitched. However, after attending yet another one of their friends’ weddings, Whitney realizes that she and Alex are dangerously close to relationship boredom. Determined not to let that happen, Whitney consults her close circle of opinionated girlfriends -- including Lily (Zoe Lister-Jones, "The Other Guys") and Roxanne (Rhea Seehorn, "The Starter Wife") -- and then snaps into action. A few awkward sexy costumes and one botched seductive evening later, the couple ends up in the emergency room. Even so, Whitney and Alex realize that while their relationship might not be perfect on paper, they really do love each other -- and that works for them. Also starring are Maulik Pancholy (NBC's "30 Rock") as Lily's perfect boyfriend, and Dan O’Brien ("How I Met Your Mother") as an eternal bachelor. "Whitney" is produced by Universal Media Studios and Scott Stuber Productions. Stuber ("The Break Up"), Quan Phung, Betsy Thomas ("My Boys") and Barry Katz ("Last Comic Standing") are executive producers. Cummings also serves as executive producer/writer. Andy Ackerman ("Seinfeld," "The New Adventures of Old Christine") is an executive producer and directed the pilot.

'UP ALL NIGHT' -- From Emily Spivey (NBC's "Parks and Recreation," NBC's "Saturday Night Live") and legendary Emmy Award-winning producer Lorne Michaels, comes "Up All Night," a modern take on parenthood that shows the challenges of balancing a career, marriage and a new baby. Christina Applegate ("Samantha Who?") stars as Reagan, a successful public relations executive, and Will Arnett ("Arrested Development") plays Chris, Reagan’s supportive, stay-at-home husband. The two have just become parents – a surprise that has set their lives on a new path as responsible adults -- for the most part. Maya Rudolph ("Saturday Night Live," "Bridesmaids") stars as Ava, Reagan’s outlandish boss and best friend, whose whirlwind social escapades serve as constant reminders of Reagan's former carefree life. James Pumphrey ("High Road") portrays Brian, Reagan’s socially awkward hipster assistant. "Up All Night" is a production of Universal Media Studios and Broadway Video. Spivey is the creator and serves as executive producer along with Michaels and Jon Pollack (NBC’s "30 Rock").

'FREE AGENTS' – "Free Agents" is a crooked workplace/romantic new comedy from creator John Enbom ("Party Down") and Emmy Award-winning director Todd Holland ("Malcolm in the Middle") based on the cult U.K. series of the same name that explores the trials and tribulations of two public relations executives on the rebound. Alex (Hank Azaria, "The Simpsons," "Huff") is newly divorced and can barely keep himself together while his co-worker Helen (Kathryn Hahn, "Hung") thinks she has it together but is obsessed with her deceased fiancé and actually is falling apart. Then a drunken Alex and Helen end up in bed together, and in the resulting sober confusion, Helen decides that they should only be friends. Meanwhile Alex’s co-workers, Dan (Mo Mandel, "Love Bites," "Modern Family") and Gregg (Al Madrigal, "Wizards of Waverly Place," "Gary, Unmarried"), and Stephen (Anthony Head, "Merlin," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") fail in their attempts to help him get back out on the dating scene. When Alex finally agrees to a date, Helen gets a little jealous, and he gets cold feet, so they end up back where they started -- in a casual, intimate and beautifully awkward relationship. Also starring is Joe Lo Truglio ("Backwash," "Mad Love") and Natasha Leggero ("Ugly Americans," "’Til Death"). "Free Agents" is a production of Universal Media Studios in association with Dark Toy and Big Talk Productions. Enbom is executive producer/creator along with executive producer/director Holland. Karey Burke ("Miss/Guided") executive-produces, along with Big Talk Productions' Kenton Allen ("Free Agents," BBC Network) and Nira Park, as well as Chris Niel.


'ARE YOU THERE VODKA? IT’S ME, CHELSEA' -- Inspired by the best-selling book from comedienne/talk show host Chelsea Handler ("Chelsea Lately"), the new comedy "Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea," follows the exploits of twentysomething bartender Chelsea (Laura Prepon, "That '70s Show") a strong-willed force of nature who is determined to live life to the fullest and make no apologies. Her friends are along for the ride but they all know it is Chelsea’s way or the highway. Mark (Jo Koy, "Chelsea Lately") is a charming bartender whose wit makes him the perfect foil for Chelsea while Shoniqua (Angel Laketa Moore, "ER") is a smart and sassy fellow waitress who looks out for Chelsea's best interests. Close friend and fellow bartender Todd (Mark Povinelli, "Water for Elephants") has a wry sense of humor that keeps her in check. Also starring are Natalie Morales (NBC’s "Parks and Recreation") as Ivory, Chelsea’s feisty best friend; Lauren Lapkus ("The Middle") as Dee Dee, Chelsea’s sheltered, shy roommate, and Lenny Clarke ("Rescue Me") as Chelsea’s dad, Melvin. Handler has a recurring role as Chelsea’s sister Sloan, a happily married new mom who has little in common with her carefree sister. "Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea" is a production of Warner Bros. Television in association with Werner Entertainment and Borderline Amazing Productions. Dottie Dartland Zicklin ("Dharma & Greg") and Julie Larson ("The Drew Carey Show") are creators and executive producers. Handler serves as executive producer along with Tom Werner ("That '70s Show"), Mike Clements ("The Life & Times of Tim") and Tom Brunelle ("Chelsea Lately").

'BEST FRIENDS FOREVER' -- "Best Friends Forever" is a single-camera comedy that takes a look at what happens when best friends promise to support each other -- no matter what the cost or circumstances. When Jessica’s (Jessica St. Clair, "In the Motherhood") husband files for divorce, she immediately seeks comfort and flies across the country to move back in with her best friend, Lennon (Lennon Parham, "Accidentally on Purpose"). Unfortunately, Lennon’s boyfriend, Joe (Adam Pally, "Happy Endings"), has just moved into the apartment and has turned Jessica’s old room into his perfect home office. As Lennon and Jessica fall into their old routines -- beloved traditions, Steel Magnolia marathons and epic girl-talk sessions -- Joe begins to feel as if he’s the odd man out. While Lennon struggles to find balance between her previous life with Jessica and her new life with Joe, Jessica’s reentry to single life is complicated by the unresolved feelings that an old friend, Rav (Stephen Schneider, "The Funniest Movie Ever…Just Kidding"), has for her and the fact that pleated khakis aren't the most flattering single girl look. "Best Friends Forever" is produced by Universal Media Studios and American Work. St. Clair, Parham, Scot Armstrong ("Old School," "The Hangover Part II") and Ravi Nandan ("Off Duty") are the executive producers. Fred Savage ("Party Down") directed the pilot.

'BENT' -- "Bent" is a new romantic comedy about two people who suddenly find themselves attracted to the qualities that typically repel them. On the surface, Alex (Amanda Peet, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") and Pete (David Walton, "Perfect Couples") could not be more different. The recently divorced Alex is a resilient and tough lawyer who now is raising her eight-year-old daughter, Charlie (Joey King, "Ramona and Beezus"), as a single mom. Unwilling to let anything get in her way, she downsizes into a smaller house, and she hires Pete, a recovering gambling addict and unapologetic womanizer, as the contractor to re-do her kitchen. The remodeling job is Pete's last chance to prove that he is no longer a screw-up -- but he doesn't know what's about to hit him when he encounters the force of nature that is Alex -- nor does she realize that she's met her match in Pete, a man unafraid to call out her flaws. Jeffrey Tambor ("Arrested Development") also stars as Pete's father, Walt, an out-of-work actor, while Margo Harshman ("Sorority Row") stars as Alex's wild younger sister Screwsie. This romantic comedy from writer and executive producer Tad Quill ("Scrubs," "Spin City") and director Craig Zisk ("Nurse Jackie," "Weeds") will prove that these resilient characters are "bent, not broken." The series is produced by Universal Media Studios.


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House “After Hours” Advance Photos

Here are some advance photos from House “After Hours” which will air on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 8PM ET on Fox. The photos include Hugh Laurie, Lisa Edelstein, Robert Sean Leonard, Olivia Wilde, and Jesse Spencer.

Photos by: Adam Taylor/NBC © NBCUniversal, Inc.


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“Men of a Certain Age” Summer Episode Synopsis & TNT Press Release

TNT Press Release
Ray Romano, Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher Return in All-New Episodes of TNT’s Peabody Award-Winning Series MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE, Beginning Wednesday, June 1

America’s favorite trio of middle-aged men are back this summer as TNT’s MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE returns with six all-new episodes beginning Wednesday, June 1, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT). Hailed by critics and viewers for its funny, smart and honest look at the ups and downs of midlife, MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE was recently the winner of a prestigious Peabody Award. The series, now in its second season, stars Emmy® winner Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond), Golden Globe® winner Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap, Star Trek: Enterprise) and Emmy winner Andre Braugher (Homicide: Life on the Street, TNT’s Salem’s Lot).


MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE, a TNT Original Production, was created by Romano and fellow Everybody Loves Raymond Emmy winner Mike Royce, who serve as executive producers with Rory Rosegarten and Cary Hoffman.


A new romance, ever-increasing pressure at work and a strange, budding friendship are just a few of the issues facing the guys at the center of MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE. Joe (Romano), the divorced, slightly neurotic party-store owner and father of two, finds himself drawn into a friendship with his neighbor and former bookie, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Joe is also working hard to rekindle his professional golf career by training for a spot on the senior tour. Though he has managed to overcome his gambling problem, a new temptation arises.


Owen (Braugher), who has a wonderful wife (LisaGay Hamilton) and three young children, is finally starting to assert himself after his father turned over the keys to the family automobile dealership. But so far, the job has been a nightmare. Resistant to the idea of retiring, Owen’s father (Richard Gant) constantly tries to undermine his authority and has told Owen that the dealership is financially in the red.


Terry (Bakula) has decided to give up his acting career and go to work for Owen as a car salesman, a job that seems well suited to his ample charms and need for stability. Terry also reconnected with Erin (Melinda McGraw), a woman who once played opposite him in a popular commercial. But their relationship has left him confused about the possibility of pursuing a life together.


MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE premiered on TNT in December 2009 and ended the year as one of basic cable’s Top 5 original series. The show also appeared on several television critics’ year-end Top 10 lists and earned Braugher an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Through the first half of its second season, MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE averaged more than 3 million viewers and 1.3 million adults 25-54.


About TNT
TNT, one of cable’s top-rated networks, is television’s destination for drama. Seen in 100.5 million households, the network is home to such original series as The Closer, starring Emmy® winner Kyra Sedgwick; Rizzoli & Isles, starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander; 2011 Peabody Award winner Men of a Certain Age, with Ray Romano, Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher; Leverage, starring Timothy Hutton; Hawthorne, with Jada Pinkett Smith; Memphis Beat, with Jason Lee; and Southland, from Emmy-winning producer John Wells (ER); as well as the upcoming Falling Skies, starring Noah Wyle, and Franklin & Bash, with Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer. TNT also presents such powerful dramas as Bones, Supernatural, Las Vegas, Law & Order, CSI: NY, Cold Case and, starting in 2011, The Mentalist; broadcast premiere movies; compelling primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR, the NBA and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. TNT is available in high-definition.


Turner Broadcasting System Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.


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Men of a Certain Age
Season 2 Episode Synopses

Episode 207 – “The Great Escape” - Wednesday, June 1, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
Joe decides to spend some time with his former bookie Manfro (guest star Jon Manfrellotti), who is preparing to undergo a difficult medical treatment. Terry and Erin take a bold new step in their relationship. And Owen receives an intriguing offer from a rival dealership. Penelope Ann Miller also guest-stars.

Directed by Phil Traill
Written by Lew Schneider
Created by Ray Romano & Mike Royce

Episode 208 – “The Pickup” - Wednesday, June 8, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
Joe does a favor for Manfro (guest star Jon Manfrellotti) that could have a lasting effect. Terry struggles to deal with the latest development in his love life. And Owen tries to keep things on the lot from getting out of control as a feud develops between his top salesmen. Penelope Ann Miller also guest-stars.

Directed by Millicent Shelton
Written by Ken Blankstein
Created by Ray Romano & Mike Royce

Episode 209 – “A League of Their Owen” - Wednesday, June 15, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
Owen is handed the reigns to the Thoreau Chevrolet softball team right before the season opener against a rival dealership. Joe’s dad (guest star Robert Loggia) comes to visit and brings along his new girlfriend to meet the family. And Terry's relationship troubles come to a head. Patrick Gallagher and Alanna Ubach also guest-star.

Directed by David Boyd
Written by Tucker Cawley & Itamar Moses
Created by Ray Romano & Mike Royce

Episode 210 – “Can’t Let That Slide” - Wednesday, June 22, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
Joe’s friendship with Manfro becomes more complicated. (guest star Jon Manfrellotti). Owen observes the sales guys in action after installing hidden cameras at the dealership. And Terry’s date night goes awry. Alanna Ubach also guest-stars.

Directed by Mike Royce
Written by Sian Heder and Lew Schneider
Created by Ray Romano & Mike Royce

Episode 211 – “Whatever Gets You Through the Night” - Wednesday, June 29, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
Owen and Terry team up on a new commercial for the dealership. Joe tries to get his store and his life back on track but old relationships complicate matters. Jon Manfrellotti and Sarah Clarke guest-star.

Directed by Geoff Haley
Written by Bridget Bedard & Mike Royce
Created by Ray Romano & Mike Royce

Episode 212 – “Hold Your Finish” - Wednesday, July 6, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT)
Joe’s big day – the senior tour pre-qualifier – has finally arrived. Terry realizes a new dream and passion. And Owen discusses the future of the auto dealership with his father.

Directed by David Boyd
Written by Bridget Bedard & Mark Stegemann
Created by Ray Romano & Mike Royce

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Covert Affairs “Begin the Begin” Advance Photos

Here are a few advance photos from the season premiere of Covert Affairs “Begin the Begin” which will air on USA Network on June 7, 2011 at 10PM ET. The photos feature Piper Perabo (as Annie Walker).

Photos by: Steve Wilkie/USA Network © NBCUniversal, Inc.

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House “The Fix” Advance Photos

Here are a few advance photos from the new episode of House, “The Fix”, which will air on Fox on Monday, May 9, 2011 at 8 PM ET. The photos feature Hugh Laurie, Lisa Edelstein, Omar Epps, and guest star Kevin Phillips.

Photo by: Adam Taylor/NBC © NBCUniversal, Inc.

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Fringe “The Day We Died” Season Finale Extended Trailer

Here’s an extended trailer from Fox for the season finale of Fringe, “The Day We Died” which airs on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 9PM ET on Fox. It looks like a fantastic episode. I know I’ll be glued to the TV!


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Rizzoli & Isles: Angie Harmon, Sasha Alexander "Frozen" Photo Shoot

From TNT, here’s a video which explains how the "frozen" scene was created for Rizzoli & Isles Season Two. The video features Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. The series returns to TNT on Monday, July 11, 2011 at 10 PM ET.



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Rizzoli & Isles: Sasha Alexander, Lee Thompson Young Behind The Scenes Videos

Here are two behind the scenes videos from TNT for Rizzoli & Isles, which feature Sasha Alexander (Dr. Maura Isles ) and Lee Thomson Young (Detective Barry Frost). The series returns to TNT on Monday, July 11, 2011 at 10 PM ET.




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House “Changes ” Advance Photos

Here are a few advance photos from House “Changes” which will air on Monday, May 2, 2011 on FOX (8 PM ET). The photos feature Hugh Laurie, Olivia Wilde, Lisa Edelstein, Omar Epps, Peter Jacobson, Jesse Spencer, and guest stars Donal Logue and Candice Bergen.

Photos by: Adam Taylor/NBC © NBCUniversal, Inc.

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House “Last Temptation” Advance Photos

Here are a few advance photos from House “Last Temptation: which airs on Monday, April 18, 2011 on FOX (8 PM ET). The photos feature Hugh Laurie, Amber Tamblyn, Omar Epps, and Olivia Wilde.

Photo by: Michael Yarish/NBC © NBCUniversal, Inc.

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TNT Acquires CBS Television Distribution’s Action-Packed Hit Drama Hawaii Five-0

TNT Press Release
Release Date: 4/14/2011

TNT Acquires CBS Television Distribution’s Action-Packed Hit Drama Hawaii Five-0

TNT has secured the off-net rights to the hit, action-packed drama series Hawaii Five-0. The People’s Choice Award-winning series, which is currently in its first highly successful season on CBS, has emerged as one of the top-rated new shows of the season. TNT will begin airing Hawaii Five-0 in summer 2014.

The series comes to TNT from CBS Television Distribution (CTD). The deal was negotiated for TNT by Linda Yaccarino, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Turner Entertainment Ad Sales/Marketing and Acquisitions. Hawaii Five-0 will join TNT’s lineup of high-profile original series, as well as recent acquisitions like The Mentalist, which comes to the network later this year.

“Hawaii Five-0 is a top-notch procedural drama that has already built a strong following,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “With its great characters, intriguing stories, smart sense of humor and explosive action, Hawaii Five-0 is an ideal fit for TNT’s lineup.”

Hawaii Five-0 stars Alex O’Loughlin, Scott Caan, Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park. The series is a contemporary take on the classic show about an elite federalized task force whose mission is to wipe out crime that washes up on the Islands’ sun-drenched beaches.

At the center of Hawaii Five-0 is Detective Steve McGarrett (O’Loughlin), a decorated Naval officer-turned-cop who returns to Oahu to investigate his father’s murder. He then stays after Hawaii’s Governor (Jean Smart) persuades him to head up the new team with his rules, her backing, no red tape and full blanket authority to hunt down the biggest “game” in town. Joining McGarrett is Detective Danny “Danno” Williams (Caan), a newly relocated ex-New Jersey cop. He’s a working man in paradise who prefers skyscrapers to the coastline but is committed to keeping the Islands safe for his 8-year-old daughter.

The Five-0 unit also includes Chin Ho Kelly (Kim), an ex-Honolulu Police Detective and former protégé of McGarrett’s father who was wrongly accused of corruption. Chin’s cousin Kono (Park) is a beautiful and fearless native, fresh out of the police academy and eager to establish herself among the department’s elite.

In its first season, Hawaii Five-0 has scored outstanding ratings, beginning with the pilot episode, which was watched by more than 14.2 million viewers. In January, Hawaii Five-0 drew the series’ biggest audience yet, with 19.3 million viewers.

Hawaii Five-0 was named Favorite New Drama by fans voting on the 37th Annual People’s Choice Awards and garnered Scott Caan a Golden Globe® nomination. The show is executive-produced by Peter Lenkov, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci for CBS Television Studios.

About CBS Television Distribution
CBS Television Distribution is the preeminent company in television syndication. CTD produces or distributes 12 first-run series and holds the largest distributed television library at 70,000 hours strong. Among CTD’s critically-acclaimed programs are the #1 syndicated series Wheelof Fortune; the #2 rated game show Jeopardy!; the top two talk shows The Oprah Winfrey Show and Dr. Phil; the Emmy Award-winning talk show Rachael Ray; the Emmy-nominated Dr. Phil spinoff The Doctors; the #1 entertainment newsmagazine Entertainment Tonight and its sister show The Insider; the #1 newsmagazine Inside Edition; the top two court shows Judge Judy and Judge Joe Brown; the new Swift Justice With Nancy Grace; and popular off-network product, including the CSI and Star Trek franchises, Everybody Loves Raymond, NCIS, Criminal Minds, Ghost Whisperer and Medium. In addition, CTD handles the domestic television distribution of CBS Films. CTD is a unit of CBS Corp.

About TNT
TNT, one of cable’s top-rated networks, is television’s destination for drama. Seen in 100.5 million households, the network is home to such original series as The Closer, starring Emmy® winner Kyra Sedgwick; Rizzoli & Isles, starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander; 2011 Peabody Award winner Men of a Certain Age, with Ray Romano, Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher; Leverage, starring Timothy Hutton; Hawthorne, with Jada Pinkett Smith; Memphis Beat, with Jason Lee; and Southland, from Emmy-winning producer John Wells (ER); as well as the upcoming Falling Skies, starring Noah Wyle, and Franklin & Bash, with Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer. TNT also presents such powerful dramas as Bones, Supernatural, Las Vegas, Law & Order, CSI: NY, Cold Case and, starting in late 2011, The Mentalist; broadcast premiere movies; compelling primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR, the NBA and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. TNT is available in high-definition.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

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The Doctor Who Insider – Parts 1 & 2

For Doctor Who fans, here are two videos from BBC America which gives an inside look into the show – and The Doctor! Doctor Who will premiere its new series on April 23, 2011 on BBC America.





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Club TCM to Offer Celebrities, Expert Panels, Exhibits, Music and More During 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival

TCM Press Release
Release Date: 4/7/2011

Club TCM to Offer Celebrities, Expert Panels, Exhibits, Music and More During 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival

Exclusive Gathering Spot for Festival Passholders to Feature Appearances by Mickey Rooney, Debbie Reynolds, Leslie Caron, Marni Nixon, Marge Champion, Debbie Allen, Peter Guber and Brett Ratner

Legendary stars, fascinating presentations, panel discussions, live music and special exhibits are just a few of the exciting experiences on tap for Club TCM, the central gathering spot for the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. Located in the Blossom Room at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the site of the very first Academy Awards® ceremony, Club TCM will be open throughout the festival, giving passholders a place to relax, meet new friends and mingle with special guests. Among those scheduled to appear are Mickey Rooney, Debbie Reynolds, Leslie Caron, Marni Nixon, Marge Champion, Debbie Allen, Peter Guber, Brett Ratner and graphic artist Michael Schwab, as well as TCM host Robert Osborne and weekend-daytime host Ben Mankiewicz.

Club TCM will be open exclusively to passholders from noon to midnight each day during the festival, which takes place April 28 – May 1. Rooney and Reynolds will each make appearances to chat with fans and sign DVDs, and Caron will be interviewed by film historian and professor Foster Hirsch before signing copies of her new autobiography, Thank Heaven: A Memoir.

Nixon, whose legendary soprano voice provided the singing for such stars as Natalie Wood in West Side Story (1961) and Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady (1964), will join vocalists Jimmy Bryant (West Side Story) and India Adams (The Band Wagon) for a “Voice Doubles” panel, moderated by film critic Pete Hammond. Champion and Allen, along with director-choreographer Vincent Paterson (Viva Elvis!), will take part in a panel on dance in the movies, moderated by author and Academy of Dance on Film co-founder Larry Billman. And graphic artist Michael Schwab will sign posters with the exclusive artwork he created for the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival.

Several expert presenters will regale movie fans with in-depth looks at a variety of topics related to Hollywood history. Film historian and documentary filmmaker Kevin Brownlow, recent recipient of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Governors Award, will discuss his lifelong passion for silent cinema. Noted author and historian Donald Bogle will discuss the role of African-Americans during the studio era in a visual presentation based on his book Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams: The Story of Black Hollywood. Award-winning filmmakers Joan Kramer and David Heely will talk about the making of their acclaimed documentaries on the lives of Fred Astaire and Katharine Hepburn. And filmmaker Barry Avrich will chronicle the life and work of legendary Hollywood photographer Jack Pashkovsky.

Additional panel discussions include “TCM: Meet the People Behind the Network,” a chance for fans to meet the people who make the magic at TCM; “The Best Trailers Ever Made: The Art of Selling Movies,” moderated by renowned Hollywood marketing exec Terry Press; and “Can the Magic Continue? The Art of the Sequel,” featuring producer-studio exec Peter Guber and producer-director Brett Ratner, with moderator Pete Hammond.

Three exhibits will grace the Club TCM area. A collection of never-before-seen Jack Pashkovsky photos of Hollywood stars in candid settings will offer a remarkable glimpse of their lives beyond the tight control of the studio publicity departments. Fifteen rare, authentic movie posters from classic musicals will be on display. The posters have been chosen from the collection of award-winning poster designer and art director Mike Kaplan. And a special exhibit will showcase the hand and footprints of Sid Grauman, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks on the three original sidewalk slabs from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, presented in public for the first time in nearly two decades. The blocks represent the birth of a Hollywood tradition that will be carried on by Peter O’Toole when he adds his prints to the Grauman courtyard.

Club TCM will also be the site of several celebrations, including a welcome party on opening night, a dance party featuring band Delco Nightingale and a closing night party with Prohibition and Depression-era songs performed by the retro band DOOZY. A complete schedule of events is attached.

In addition to Club TCM, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel will be the site of the TCM Stage, located in the lobby of the hotel. TCM’s Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz will tape several segments from the TCM Stage as they chat with special guests and fans who have traveled from far and wide to attend the festival.

Also serving as a festival gathering spot will be the Time Warner 4G Lounge in the courtyard of the Egyptian Theatre. Open 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday, April 29 – Sunday, May 1, the Time Warner 4G Lounge will be a great place to check email and post social-network updates. Passholders can also watch great films free on demand in the lounge as they wait to catch the next screening.

About the TCM Classic Film Festival
The multi-faceted TCM Classic Film Festival – which runs from April 28 – May 1, 2011, in Hollywood – will be packed with more than 70 screenings, as well as special introductions, guest appearances, panel discussions and more. Time Warner Cable joins as an official partner, and Vanity Fair once again joins TCM as a festival partner. The magazine will produce the exclusive, opening-night after-party that will follow the red-carpet gala screening of An American in Paris. Delta is the official airline partner for the festival.

TCM host and film historian Robert Osborne will serve as official host of the festival. Peter O’Toole, Kirk Douglas, Warren Beatty, Leslie Caron, Roger Corman, Mariel Hemingway, Angela Lansbury, Jerry Mathers, Hayley Mills, Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds, Mickey Rooney, Richard Roundtree, Barbara Rush, Alec Baldwin, Illeana Douglas, Rose McGowan, Ron Perlman and Nancy and Tina Sinatra are just a few of the notables slated to appear during the festival. Throughout the festival, TCM will celebrate movie music, with multi-film tributes to George and Ira Gershwin, composer Bernard Herrmann and singing cowboy Roy Rogers. In collaboration with D23, The Official Disney Fan Club, the festival will also celebrate the musical legacy of Walt Disney, including his Silly Symphonies and Laugh-O-Gram shorts.

The extraordinary slate for the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival includes Reds (1981), Pennies from Heaven (1981), Manhattan (1979), Network (1976), Taxi Driver (1976), The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), Shaft (1971), Girl Happy (1965), Becket (1964), The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964), Goldfinger (1964), To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), West Side Story (1961), The Parent Trap (1961), The Guns of Navarone (1961), Spartacus (1960), The Little Shop of Horrors (1960), La Dolce Vita (1960), The Trouble with Harry (1955), The Man with the Golden Arm (1955), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954), A Place in the Sun (1951), A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), Royal Wedding (1951), All About Eve (1950), The Third Man (1949), Gaslight (1944), Cabin in the Sky (1943), The Constant Nymph (1943), Went the Day Well? (1942), Citizen Kane (1941), Fantasia (1940), Dodsworth (1936), Hoop-La (1933), The Mummy (1932), The Cameraman (1928), The Merry Widow (1925) and many more. TCM is dedicated to showcasing the best possible projection, including digital, 35mm and 70mm prints. Many of the films presented during the TCM Classic Film Festival have been digitally restored and remastered.

Additional information, including a list of programming and events slated for the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival, is available [below].

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, which has a longstanding role in movie history and was the site of the first Academy Awards ceremony, will once again serve as the official hotel for the festival, as well as home to Club TCM, a central gathering point for attendees. The Hollywood Roosevelt will also offer special rates for festival goers. Screenings and events will be held at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Chinese 6 Multiplex and the Egyptian Theatre. The latest venue added to the TCM Classic Film Festival is the historic Music Box Theatre, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2011.

About TCM
Turner Classic Movies is a Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world. Currently seen in more than 85 million homes, TCM features the insights of veteran primetime host Robert Osborne and weekend daytime host Ben Mankiewicz, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests. As the foremost authority in classic films, TCM offers critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, along with regular programming events that include The Essentials, 31 Days of Oscar and Summer Under the Stars. TCM also stages special events and screenings, such as the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood; produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs; and hosts a wealth of materials at its Web site, www.tcm.com. TCM is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.


Schedule


Thursday, April 28
Noon – Michael Schwab, creator of the key artwork for the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival, will sign posters.

1 p.m. – “TCM: Meet the People Behind the Network” – One of the more popular panels from last year is back, giving fans the chance to learn more about some of the people working behind-the-scenes to bring you the programming, the original productions and the creative look of the network. This is an excellent opportunity for fans to find out more about the inner workings of TCM and what it takes to make the magic happen.

2:30 p.m. – Mickey Rooney personal appearance and DVD signing

4:30 p.m. – “The Man Who Shot Hollywood: Jack Pashkovsky” – Barry Avrich, filmmaker, will share the story of Jack Pashkovsky, who took rare and candid photographs while employed at several Hollywood studios in the 1930s and ‘40s. Avrich will share his reminiscences of Pashkovsky, whose work will be publicly displayed for the first time in Club TCM.

5 p.m. – Festival Welcome Party


Friday, April 29
12:30 p.m. – Debbie Reynolds personal appearance and DVD signing

2 p.m. – “The Best Trailers Ever Made: the Art of Selling Motion Pictures” –Terry Press, one of Hollywood’s most respected marketing executives, leads a panel of her colleagues in a look at what it takes to create successful trailers, a key element to marketing any film’s marketing campaign. They will discuss how trailers first developed and how they have changed over time, becoming what many people consider to be a vital part of the movie-going experience.

Moderator:
Terry Press has been one of Hollywood’s most respected marketing executives for more than two decades through her company, 7570, Inc., as well as previously with DreamWorks and Disney. Her marketing campaigns include such films as Across the Universe (2007), Doubt (2008) and Julie & Julia (2009).

Panelists:
Benedict Coulter is founder of the agency Trailer Park. Since 2010, he has served as a marketing consultant for The Weinstein Company. He has worked on campaigns ranging from Jurassic Park (1993) to Avatar (2009).
David Sameth has produced numerous creative campaigns for films like Field of Dreams (1989), Do the Right Thing (1989), Saving Private Ryan (1998) and Old School (2003). He is the senior vice president of marketing at The Walt Disney Company, where he recently supervised the campaign for Toy Story 3 (2010).
Michelle Jackino, currently executive creative director at the agency The Ant Farm, has worked on numerous campaigns, including for American Beauty (1999), Gladiator (2000), The Departed (2006) and Rango (2011).

4 p.m. – “A Conversation with Leslie Caron” – The actress will be interviewed by film historian and professor Foster Hirsch. Following the conversation, Caron will sign copies of her new autobiography, Thank Heaven: A Memoir.


Saturday, April 30
12:30 p.m. – “A Conversation with Kevin Brownlow” – The renowned filmmaker, film historian and 2010 recipient of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Governors Award will discuss his films, career and lifelong passion for silent cinema.

2:30 p.m. – “Voice Doubles” – They sang the songs that made film soundtracks memorable – some credited, others not. Voice doubles have a venerable tradition in movie making. This panel will feature three vocal stars whose work can be heard in some of the greatest musicals of the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s, when songs were often sung by “ghosts.” They will discuss how studios tried to keep their important contributions a secret.

Moderator:
Pete Hammond is a longtime film critic for Boxoffice Magazine. He is also a columnist for Deadline Hollywood and Movieline.com. He has earned five Emmy® nominations for his television writing.

Panelists:
Marni Nixon is a noted soprano and Emmy winner who was the voice double for Deborah Kerr in The King and I (1956), Natalie Wood in West Side Story (1961) and Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady (1964), among others.
Jimmy Bryant is an arranger, orchestrator and singer who was the voice double for Richard Beymer in West Side Story (1961).
India Adams has been a popular singer for over 60 years in radio, TV and theater. Her singing voice has been used for Cyd Charisse in The Band Wagon (1953) and Joan Crawford in Johnny Guitar (1954).

4:30 p.m. – “Fred and Kate: Behind the Scenes with Joan Kramer and David Heeley” – For more than two decades, starting with their award-winning profile of Fred Astaire in 1980, Joan Kramer and David Heeley have documented the lives and careers of many Hollywood legends. In doing so, they have established a reputation for finding the unfindable, persuading the reluctant and maintaining unique relationships long after the end credits have rolled. Their productions includeFred Astaire: Puttin’ on His Top Hat (1980), Fred Astaire: Change Partners and Dance (1980), The Spencer Tracy Legacy: A Tribute by Katharine Hepburn (1986)and Katharine Hepburn: All About Me (1993), among many others. In this special event, Kramer and Heeley will illustrate their stories about Fred Astaire and Katharine Hepburn with fascinating behind-the-scenes footage, outtakes and a special surprise for Astaire buffs.

9 p.m. – Delco Nightingale – Hailing from Philadelphia, Delco Nightingale revisits the sounds of big-band, jazz and swing standards, including many hits featured in festival films. It’s a great chance to dance all night.

Sunday, May 1
12:30 p.m. – “Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams: The Story of Black Hollywood” with author Donald Bogle – Historian, author and frequent TCM contributor Donald Bogle will present an eye-opening examination of the origins of black Hollywood during the studio era, revealing the lives of African-Americans in the early film industry and how they fought to make a place for themselves. Some began as servants to the stars, while others climbed their way up from bit parts. Also revealed are the lifestyles of this community, such as their social activities and which parts of town were open or closed to them. This illuminating talk, covering the silent era to talkies and beyond, includes discussions about the careers of performers like Stepin Fetchit, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Louise Beavers, Hattie McDaniel, Lena Horne, Nat “King” Cole and black Hollywood’s greatest star of the classic era, Dorothy Dandridge.

2:30 p.m. – “Dancing in the Movies” – Dancing has kept film audiences spellbound for decades. This esteemed panel of dance greats will review the history of dance in film and its impact on moviemaking and audiences, as well as what its like to choreograph for – and dance in – the movies. In addition to the panel, Club TCM will feature an extensive exhibit of vintage movie posters from classic musicals.

Moderator:
Larry Billman, dancer, author, historian and co-founder of The Academy of Dance on Film, is the author of Film Choreographers and Dance Directors. Published in 1997, the book was the first encyclopedia on the subject.

Panelists:
Debbie Allen is an Emmy-winning choreographer, actress, stage and screen director and producer. She has choreographed for artists such as Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey. She was also responsible for choreographing the Academy Awards 10 times.
Marge Champion is a dancer and choreographer who began her career as a live-action model for Snow White (1937), the Blue Fairy in Pinocchio (1940) and the hippopotamus ballerina in Fantasia (1940). She and her husband, Gower Champion, were legendary for their appearances in many musicals produced in the 1950s at MGM. She last appeared on Broadway in the 2001 revival of Follies.
Vincent Paterson is a director, choreographer and dancer whose wide-ranging career includes Broadway, films, concert tours, opera and music videos. Among his credits are Evita (1996) and Dancer in the Dark (2000). He also wrote, directed and co-choreographed the Cirque du Soleil show Viva Elvis!

4:30 p.m. “Can the Magic Continue? The Art of the Sequel” – From brilliant brands to dismal bombs, the temptation to build on a successful movie has been going on for decades. Today, the tradition of producing sequels is stronger than ever. Some movies have continued the standard set by the first with consistent quality. A few are even better than the original. But for every successful franchise, there are dozens of failures.

Moderator:
Pete Hammond is a longtime film critic for Boxoffice Magazine. He is also a columnist for Deadline Hollywood and Movieline.com. He has earned five Emmy nominations for his television writing.

Panelists:
Peter Guber is a studio executive, producer, author and teacher who currently heads the Mandalay Entertainment Group. He served as the CEO of Columbia Pictures, Sony, Casablanca Records and Polygram. As a producer, his credits include The Color Purple (1985), Batman (1989) and Flashdance (1983). He is also a professor at UCLA. His most recent bestselling book is Tell to Win – Connect, Persuade, and Triumph with the Hidden Power of Story.

Brett Ratner is a successful Hollywood director and producer whose credits include the Rush Hour trilogy, Red Dragon (2002) and After the Sunset (2004), with his most recent film, Tower Heist, set for release in November. Ratner has also produced several documentaries including Catfish, the hit television series Prison Break, and most recently executive-produced the CBS drama Chaos. He has published three books on photography.

9 p.m. – Closing Night Party with Live Music by DOOZY – Los-Angeles based band DOOZY performs Prohibition pop, Depression-era tunes and retro-originals. This final bash in Club TCM is certain to end the festival on a high note.


Club TCM Exhibits
A Tradition is Born: The Concrete Slabs that Launched the Grauman’s Chinese Courtyard – In 1927, Sid Grauman commenced work on his greatest theater to date: the Chinese Theatre. As concrete was being poured to create the courtyard of the building, he accidentally stepped into the mix before it dried. His friends, Mary Pickford and her husband, Douglas Fairbanks, decided to follow suit by placing their own prints in the concrete. In the more than 80 years since, tourists and movie stars alike have flocked to the historic courtyard of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre to see where Hollywood’s notables have left their imprints. TCM is proud to present a display of the three concrete slabs that gave birth to this tradition. The blocks in this exhibit were removed in 1958 for another historic occasion, the installation of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The slabs are making their first public appearance after being stored away from the public eye for nearly two decades. TCM thanks the Olaerts family for making the display possible.

The Man Who Shot Hollywood: Jack Pashkovsky – TCM is proud to present a display of never-before-seen photographs by Jack Pashkovsky (1911-2001). Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Pashkovsky immigrated to the United States at the age of six. As a young adult, moved from New York to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of working in the film industry. He hoped to learn cinematography but instead landed a job sweeping floors at 20th Century Fox. While he never worked behind a motion-picture camera, he stayed in Hollywood and opened a photography studio. He then used his connections to catch candid portraits of the stars on the lot and around town. Pashkovsky’s photography offers a rare glimpse of Hollywood royalty in a relaxed environment, which was especially notable during an era when the studios tightly controlled such images. TCM thanks Barry Avrich and the Toronto International Film Festival for their support and archiving of the Pashkovsky collection.

Gotta Dance: Film Posters from the Mike Kaplan Collection
Club TCM will celebrate movie musicals with a unique gallery of rare film posters from The Mike Kaplan Collection. The exhibit will highlight many of the screen’s greatest star dancers. The classic, one-of-a-kind pieces include an original French release poster for An American in Paris (1951), previously owned by Gene Kelly; a young James Stewart prominently dancing with Eleanor Powell in Born to Dance (1936); and dynamic images depicting Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds, Rita Hayworth, Danny Kaye, Betty Grable, Ann Miller and Audrey Hepburn. The collection includes posters from Italy, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, England and the United States. The Kaplan Collection is based equally on design and a film’s historic or commercial importance. Mike Kaplan is an award-wining poster designer and art director whose work includes 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), A Clockwork Orange (1971) and Marlene (1984). Kaplan has also produced such films as The Whales of August (1987) and I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2003). TCM thanks to Mike Kaplan for making the exhibit possible.

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House “The Dig” Advance Photos

Here are several advance photos of the upcoming new episode of “House” titled “The Dig” which will air on Monday, April 11 on FOX (8 PM. ET). The photos feature Hugh Laurie, Olivia Wilde, Amber Tamblyn, Peter Jacobson, Omar Epps, and guest star Terry Maratos.

Photos by: Patrick Wymore/NBC and Jordin Althaus/NBC © NBCUniversal, Inc.

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