Swedish helmer created 'Safe' haven

Denzel Washington and director Daniel Espinosa on the set of Safe House. If director Daniel Espinosa had his way, Hollywood's studio culture would embrace a kinder, gentler approach to filmmaking. Universal's "Safe House," the Swedish helmer's first American feature, which took in $40 million domestically over the weekend, had its share of bumps and snags during production, but Espinosa resisted pressure to address the problems by getting rid of people. Bookings & Signings "I saw that a lot of Americans' first knee-jerk reaction to conflict is to fire somebody," he said. "I don't do that. I don't fire people, and I don't allow people to get fired on my sets." Espinosa comes from the European school, where most pics burn through far less coin than the reported $80 million spent on "Safe House," with its roster of name actors, led by Denzel Washington. "In Sweden, if we fired somebody we wouldn't have the money to hire anybody else," says the Chilean-born director. "When you work on smaller budgets, you have to get along. I try to create more of a family structure (on the set). Firing people causes a very anxious workplace, which isn't good for creativity." By protecting his crew, Espinosa said he was able to build the kind of loyalty that saw "Safe House" through some pretty rough patches. "It's nice when you're shooting and the producer says we need to shut down now because we don't have any more money for this day, and your d.p. and your crew say, 'We'll do it for free.' Then you know you've won them over." "Safe House" underwent drastic changes before shooting. The film, in which the capture of a rogue agent (Washington) sets off a chain of internecine destruction within the CIA, is set and was shot in Cape Town -- but was originally scripted for Rio de Janeiro. "Four months before we were going to start shooting in Rio, they had uprisings and riots in the favelas," said Espinosa. It was the fall of 2010 and "we didn't know how much security we'd need so we couldn't go there." The helmer and his team scouted several other locations, including Hong Kong and Australia. They needed a place "with the same socioeconomic structure as Rio, with very poor communities living next door to the middle and upper classes, a city that can be a character in the movie." Shooting on a soundstage or using greenscreen was not an option, Espinosa said. "I told them if we can't find (shantytowns like the) favelas, I don't want to shoot there. I wanted the city to affect my characters, and that can't happen if you're in a studio." Cape Town, with its teeming townships, proved the ideal location. They used 35mm film for the 75-day shoot. Espinosa hopes to make more U.S. studio pictures, but he also intends to continue protecting his crews from the whims of producers. "I'll get fired before anybody else," he said. "I do this because I love the work and the people I work with. Worst-case scenario: I'll go back to Sweden and hang out with my buddies." WME signed d.p. Guillaume Schiffman ("The Artist"), co-repping him with Salite Cymbler of France's Cinelite agency. WME also hired agent Holly Jeter, who brings on board d.p. John Bailey ("Big Miracle"), production designer Lilly Kilvert ("Gray Man") and producer Ginger Sledge ("Bernie"). Montana Artists signed first AD Dan "Laz" Lazarovits ("The Frozen Ground"), production designer Alan Bainee ("Vicky Cristina Barcelona"), d.p. Cameron Duncan ("Southland") and costume designer Kim Wilcox ("Nobody Walks"). Agency booked co-producer Darren Demetre on Sofia Coppola's "The Bling Ring," UPM Buddy Enright on Mikael Hafstrom's "The Tomb," d.p. John Rutland on Eduardo Sanchez's "Exists," production designer Ricky Eyres on Kazuaki Kiriya's "The Last Knight," and editors Michelle Tesoro on HBO's "Luck" and Jonathan Schwartz on Showtime's "The Big C." Contact Peter Caranicas at peter.caranicas@variety.com

Alan Ball To Step Lower As True Bloodstream Showrunner

If Cinemax’s hit vampire drama True Bloodstream would go to a sixth season, it will likely be without its mastermind Alan Ball in the helm. Cinemax and Ball just confirmed ongoing speculation that Ball could leave the series full-time following the approaching fifth season. He has to a general cope with Cinemax and, additionally to True Bloodstream, also executive produces new series Banshee for brother or sister Cinemax. Listed here are claims from Cinemax and Ball: Cinemax: “When we extended our multi-year overall cope with Alan Ball in This summer 2011, we always intended when we proceeded to True Bloods sixth season that Alan would have a supervisory role around the series and never function as the day-to-day showrunner. When we go to season six, the show will stay within the very capable hands from the gifted team of authors and producers who've been using the show for several years. This is actually the most effective world for Cinemax and Alan Ball. Alan will stay available as executive producer to see and recommend True Bloodstream and he'll be liberated to develop new shows for Cinemax and Cinemax. Banshee, which Alan can serve as executive producer, may be the first internally series for Cinemax and it is likely to begin production this spring.” Alan Ball: “True Bloodstream continues to be, and will still be, a highlight of not just my career but my existence. Due to the great cast, authors, producers and crew, with whom I've been lucky enough to get work these past 5 years, I understand I possibly could take a step back and also the show continues to thrive when i anticipate new and exciting endeavors.”

Movieline Livetweets the 2012 Academy Awards (Plus: Complete Winners List!)

Hollywood's biggest (and possibly most anticlimactic) night is upon us, which can only mean one thing: Movieline's third annual Oscar Livetweet Extravaganza! Join yours truly, West Coast editor Jen Yamato, Chief Critic Stephanie Zacharek and an estimable panel of Movieline associates and readers as we parse the Academy Awards to within an inch of their glamorous lives. The fun begins on the red carpet at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with the Oscarcast proper commencing at 8:30 p.m ET/5:30 p.m. PT. And in any case, keep abreast of this year's Oscar class with our comprehensive list of winners - updated in progress after the jump. [ADVISORY 8 p.m. ET: The CoverItLive/Twitter interface is buggy for the time being; we're working on a solution! Thanks for your patience!] BEST PICTURE: TBA BEST DIRECTOR: TBA BEST ACTRESS: TBA BEST ACTOR: TBA BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: TBA BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: TBA BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: TBA BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: TBA BEST ANIMATED FILM FEATURE: TBA BEST FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FEATURE: TBA BEST ART DIRECTION: TBA BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: TBA BEST COSTUME DESIGN: TBA BEST FILM EDITING: TBA BEST MAKEUP: TBA BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: TBA BEST ORIGINAL SONG: TBA BEST SOUND EDITING: TBA BEST SOUND MIXING: TBA BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: TBA BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: TBA BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT: TBA BEST LIVE-ACTION SHORT: TBA BEST ANIMATED SHORT: TBA Follow S.T. VanAirsdale on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Pilot Season: Lost's Emilie p Ravin Moves to Americana

Paul Deen Paula Deen, the butter full, continues to spread her Southern style on tv... but possibly less thick. After revealing that they has Diabetes type 2 in The month of january, Deen is able to move ahead and promote her slightly less fatty cuisine. Just pricier her to get rid of that tub of butter completely. "I'm who I'm. But what I'll be doing is providing up lighter versions of my quality recipes," the meals Network star told The Connected Press in the South Beach Wine and Food Festival on Friday. "I'll possess a larger platform now, trying to behave for everyone. However, you know, I am Southern by roots. I had been trained [to prepare] by my grandmother and absolutely nothing I'm able to do would change that." Paula Deen: I've Diabetes type 2 Deen stands by her on-air cooking style, but clarifies that she'll likewise incorporate more healthy quality recipes in to the mix to attract more and more people. The prepare makes another alterations in her personal existence, including walking on the treadmill, giving up smoking and eliminating sweet tea. Deen received backlash in The month of january when she revealed she'd known about her diabetes for 3 years prior but had ongoing to advertise her butter- and body fat-laden quality recipes. "It required me 20 a long time out and fully stand up and say, 'Hey, my name's Paula and I am agoraphobic,'" she stated. "I had been so ashamed, so embarrassed. To [reveal my diabetes] in 2-and-a-half years, I believed it was very good.Inch She also received critique for benefiting on her behalf diagnosis by becoming the compensated representative for Novo Nordisk's drug Victoza an internet-based program, Diabetes inside a New Light. Deen shrugged them back, however, and stated, "It's the clear way of the planet. It is the American way. However I am going for a part of that compensation and passing on to the [American] Diabetes Association." Anthony Bourdain's celebrity chef smackdown: Paula Deen's food sucks At that time she revealed her diabetes, fellow food TV personality Anthony Bourdain was very vocal about his disapproval, telling Eater.com, "Whenever your signature dish is hamburger among a doughnut, and you have been happily selling these items knowing all along that you have Diabetes type 2 ... It's in bad taste if little else." "I believe a couple of those who have use of a TV camera and ink type of desired to hate on me for decreasing with something," she told the AP. "However I so don't be concerned about this.Inch Can you watch Paula Deen's new cooking show?

Comic-Disadvantage Documentary Will get A Trailer

Whedon, Lee and Spurlock mix!Comic-Disadvantage Episode IV: A Fan's Hope could have a complicated title, however the story at its heart is a straightforward:brainiacs are excellent.Informing the tales of countless different comic-conners - an artist, a comic artist, a toy collector - because they start the earth's greatest nerdgasm, it is a touching search for what it's to become a geek.Assisted by celebrity pieces to camera from the kind of Eli Roth, Seth Rogen, and (obviously) Kevin Cruz, it has been produced using the full backing of CCHQ, with living stories and nerd gods Stan Lee and Joss Whedon executive creating.Pointing responsibilities are Morgan Spurlock's alone however, and understanding that fact it's pretty reliable advice it will be a pleasurable, accessible, beard-filled pleasure. It's what he is doing, in the end.Still, have a look in the trailer below and select on your own.Comedian-Disadvantage Episode Four: A Fan's Hope has gone out on April 6.

Rankings: The American Idol Show Falls, But Nonetheless Wins Survivor Hits Series Low

When does frozen mousse trump perfectly cooked halibut? When you are on the top Chef! Despite her nearly inedible, ice-hard confection, Sarah - with a few major backing from Tom Colicchio - managed to get towards the finale with Paul over her friend Lindsay Autry, whose error-free, although less creative, dish sent her packing. "I believe these were really nitpicking at that time also it came lower to doing something dangerous like what she did against me being great, although not dangerous enough," Lindsay informs TVGuide.com. "I understand I did not make any mistakes, however i guess they desired to see more." Was she surprised that her well-made dish lost to such shoddy execution? Discover below. Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Tom ColicchioTop ChefGail SimmonsPadma LakshmiBeverly KimEdward LeeGrayson SchmitzLindsay AutryNyesha ArringtonPaul QuiSarah Grueneberg

'Die Hard 5' Casts 'Spartacus' Actor As Bruce Willis' Boy

Carrying out a extended search, the boy of John McClane remains cast inside the approaching film "An Excellent Day to Die Hard." Meanwhile, Edgar Wright and also the Actor-kaira Pitt synergy for just about any new movie, a completely new "The Lone Ranger" villain remains cast then one more joins Michael Bay's "Discomfort and Gain." It's February 23, and you're simply attentiveness for current day casting call. Bruce Willis' Boy Cast In "An Excellent Day To Die Hard" The boy of John McClane has finally been cast, which he's somebody who knows a couple of reasons for fighting. "Spartacus: Blood stream and Sand" star Jai Courtney will behave as John "Jack" McClane, Junior, the estranged boy of Bruce Willis' character in "An Excellent Day to Die Hard." Calculates he may be really the badass than his father. Edgar Wright And Also The Actor-kaira Pitt To Synergy For "The Evening Stalker" Well this is often a match created in nerd paradise. Deadline is verifying that Disney has attracted on Edgar Wright to direct their approaching "The Evening Stalker" remake. The Actor-kaira Pitt is presently creating the project and chances are it will star. The collaboration remains a while off, though, since the movie doesn't have a very script yet. William Fichtner To See "The Lone Ranger" Villain Deadline may also be verifying that William Fichtner is arranged for just about any large part in "The Lone Ranger." He'll play villain Butch Cavendish, who Dwight Yoakam was formerly rumored to see. Gore Verbinski directs "The Lone Ranger," which stars Armie Hammer, The Actor-kaira Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, James Badge Dale and Tom Wilkinson. It's due in theaters on May 31, 2013. Anthony Mackie May Be Looking For Some "Discomfort And Gain" The cast of Michael Bay's "Discomfort and Gain" is constantly develop and badder. Anthony Mackie might be the most recent actor to remain in predicts join the project, according to Variety. He'll join Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Manley since the third lead inside the low-budget drama, a "large-hearted bodybuilder" who computes with Wahlberg's character. In Casting Call, the MTV Movies team gathers the day's finest casting news and will be offering it your choice around the silver platter. If you're looking to determine which movie your chosen actor has reserved next, your research has ended. Reveal what you consider inside the comments section and also on Twitter!