Reese Witherspoon launches new banner

WitherspoonPapandrea Reese Witherspoon and "Warm Physiques" producer Bruna Papandrea have teamed to make a completely new production banner, Off-shoreline Standard. Duo will fold numerous projects to the partnership utilizing their pre-existing shingles Type A Films making Movies. Off-shoreline Standard is loaded with lots of characteristics ready to trip to industry, including an adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's approaching "Wild," which notifies the story from the 1100-mile solo hike that reduces a young lady spinning from catastrophe and brings her to existence. Witherspoon and Papandrea anticipate using the associations they've forged with filmmakers, stars and authors to produce smart, character-driven, commercial films both small , large. "I've been amazed by Bruna's taste and her capabilities just like a producer," mentioned Witherspoon. "I'm very excited being coping with her. It's a pleasure to collaborate with someone so smart, fun and formidable." "In Reese I have discovered a like-minded and very passionate partner who truly shares the identical goals," added Papandrea. "I've stood a wonderful time creating movies individually however couldn't be searching toward the business and brand we'll create together." Witherspoon acquired her first creating credit for "Legally Blonde 2: Red-colored-colored, White-colored & Blonde," and ongoing to produce "Four Christmases" and "Penelope" through her Type A shingle. Thesp acquired Peggy Lee's existence rights and became a member of with Marc Platt around the biographical film that Nora Ephron will write for Fox 2000. She also setup the first comedies "Who Requested Her?" along with Gary Promote at DreamWorks, "My Husband's Wife" with Ryan Seacrest's company at Universal as well as the Courtney Search-directed indie "Rule #1" with Kaira Epstein at Emmett/Furla Films. Papandrea recently produced Jonathan Levine's zombie pic "Warm Physiques" for financier Summit Entertainment. Pic, which stars Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, is skedded for release Feb. 1, 2013. Papandrea's development slate includes Jennifer Smith's approaching novel "The Record Chance of Love at first Sight" and Emily Giffin's best-selling book "Love the primary one You're With." Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com

Disney songwriter Robert B. Sherman dies

Robert B. Sherman, half from the prolific, award-winning set of siblings who composed instantly memorable tunes for "Mary Poppins," "The Jungle Book" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" -- along with the most-performed tune on the planet, "It is a Small World (In The End)" -- died of natural causes working in london on Monday. He was 86. Sherman, along with his brother Richard, won two Oscars for Wally Disney's 1964 smash "Mary Poppins" -- best score and finest song, "Chim Chim Cher-ee." Additionally they acquired a Grammy for the best movie or TV score. The Shermans' work was both complex and instantly memorable, for child and adult alike. Once heard, it had been never forgotten. Their 100s of credits as joint lyricist and composer likewise incorporate the flicks "Winnie the Pooh," "The Slipper and also the Rose," "Snoopy Get Home,Inch "Charlotte's Web" and "The Miracle of Lassie." Their Broadway musicals incorporated 1974's "Right Here!" and stagings of "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" within the mid-2000s. The siblings tallied up 23 gold and platinum albums. They grew to become the only real People in america ever to win first prize in the Moscow Film Festival for "Tom Sawyer" in 1973 and were awarded with a Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 2005. "Something good occurs when we sit lower together and work," Richard Sherman told the Connected Press inside a 2005 joint interview. "We have been doing the work all of our lives. Practically since college we have been cooperating.Inch Leader George W. Rose bush granted them the nation's Medal of Arts in 2008, commending them for music that "has assisted bring pleasure to millions." The Shermans started ten years-lengthy partnership with Disney throughout the sixties after getting written hit pop tunes like "Tall Paul" for ex-Mouseketeer Annette Funicello and "You are 16," later recorded by Ringo Starr. "Today, with respect to everybody at Disney, we mourn losing an remarkable talent, Robert Sherman," stated Disney leader and Boss Bob Iger. "His legacy will endure forever with the miracle of his music. Robert, together with his brother Richard, authored a lot of Disney's most memorable and beloved tunes, which still enchant huge numbers of people all over the world even today.Inch They authored a lot more than 150 tunes at Disney, such as the soundtracks for such films as "The Sword and also the Stone," "Parents Trap," "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," "The Jungle Book," "The Aristocats" and "The Tigger Movie." Alan Menken, composer of scores for Disney films including "The Small Mermaid," ''Beauty and also the Animal" and "Aladdin," stated the Sherman brothers' legacy "goes beyond the craft of songwriting." "There's a miracle within their tunes as well as in the flicks and musicals they breathed existence into," he stated. Robert Bernard Sherman was created in NY and elevated there as well as in Beverly Hillsides. The brothers' father was Container Pan Alley composer Al Sherman. They credited him with challenging these to write tunes as well as for their passion for lyrics. Al Sherman's tunes include "You Gotta Be considered a Football Hero," ''(Exactly What Do We All Do On the) Dew-Dew-Dewy Day" and "Around the Beach at Indonesia-Indonesia." Robert Sherman's affection for Britain was nurtured throughout his service using the U.S. Military in World war 2. Among the first American soldiers to go in the Dachau concentration camping -- and, his boy Jeffrey stated, the only real Jewish serviceman there -- he was shot within the knee in Germany in 1945. Recuperating in hospitals in England, he created a fondness for and knowledge of the nation that tied to him. He authored for British figures in "Mary Poppins," ''Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "Winnie the Pooh," and spent the final many years of his existence working in london. Following the war, the siblings began writing tunes together. The majority of the tunes the Shermans authored -- additionally to being appealing and playful -- focus on multiple levels for various age range, something they learned from Wally Disney. "He once told us, in early stages within our career, 'Don't insult the little one -- don't write lower towards the kid. And do not write only for the adult.' Therefore we write for grand daddy and also the 4-year-old -- and everybody among -- and all sorts of view it on the different level," Richard Sherman stated. From the piano, the 2 elevated families and went after their very own interests, but still resided near to one another in Beverly Hillsides and ongoing cooperating well to their 70s. When "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" found Broadway in 2005, they added new lyrics and four new tunes. Robert Sherman is made it by his brother and four children: Laurie, Jeffrey, Andrea and Robert. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Bruce Willis to star in 'Five Against a Bullet'

WillisBruce Willis is placed to star in Columbia Pictures' action-thriller "Five Against a Bullet," which Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Jordan Schur and David Mimran are developing.Alex Litvak is writing the script, which follows a Mexican politician who, following the dying of his father as a result of a drug cartel, employs 5 best security officers from around the globe to safeguard him via a contentious election.Willis will have among the security officers."We've been looking forward to this project since obtaining the privileges this past year from Mimran Schur and believe Bruce Willis is the best actor to guide this cast," stated Columbia production prexy Hannah Minghella.Col executives Mike Dickerman and Lauren Abrahams will oversee the work for the studio. Erik Howsam, who first introduced the project into Columbia, will oversee with respect to Di Bonaventura Pictures.Willis and "Guy on the Ledge" producer di Bonaventura lately teamed on "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," which Vital opens June 29. Willis is presently preparing to reprise his role as John McClane in John Moore's twentieth century Fox follow up "A Great Day to Die Hard." Thesp next stars in Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom," Rian Johnson's "Looper" and "The Expendables 2."Mimran Schur Pictures lately created Gavin O'Connor's mma pic "Warrior."Willis is repped by CAA. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

Aud demand drives 'Senna' Blu-ray bow

In the latest sign that distributors are paying attention to what audiences are saying on social media platforms, ARC Entertainment has agreed to release racing documentary "Senna" on Blu-ray, after initially only planning a DVD version of the film, due to production costs. ARC, behind Martin Sheen starrer "The Way," credited "overwhelming demand from fans" for the Blu-ray after the company announced the DVD's March 6 release on Facebook earlier this month. Company said it was "bombarded" with phone calls, emails, Facebook and Twitter messages. As a result, the Blu-ray will now bow July 10, with a suggested retail price of $27. DVD's pricetag is $23. It typically costs 35% more to produce the master for a Blu-ray that discs are pressed from than a DVD. "Senna," helmed by Asif Kapadia and written by Manish Pandey, revolves around Brazilian Formula One driver and three-time world champion Ayrton Senna before his tragic death at 34. "We are ecstatic to hear the excitement and anticipation for the film's homevideo release," said ARC Entertainment's CEO Trevor Drinkwater. "We pride ourselves in listening to our customers. They want it on Blu-Ray. They got it!" "Senna," released in the U.S. last August by Producers Distribution Agency, grossed more than $8 million worldwide. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

'Wanderlust,' 'Act Of Valor,' Plus Much More: Double Feature Friday!

If an individual movie is not enough to suit your needs and you are looking for a flick to help you get inside the mood with this particular week's era, Double Feature Friday will be here to help. Every week we break lower the completely new releases and pair these with older movies that you need to catch before going to the theater. Or just skip the completely new movie and search for the classic we advise. "Wanderlust" & "Martha Marcy May Marlene" In contrast side-by-side, Justin Theroux's Seth in "Wanderlust" and John Hawkes' Patrick in "Martha Marcy May Marlene" may not look that different. These charming leaders from the particular cities welcome new people for his or her tight-knit, alternative families with tunes on guitar and soft-spoken charm. That's about where the parallels finish. Seth leads a free of charge-living commune, while Patrick heads a dangerous cult. The parallels and versions here make quite the pairing, with "Martha Marcy May Marlene" being launched on video the 2009 week, there's never been a far greater time to have a look in the event you missed it in theaters. "Act of Valor" & "Commando" In "Actor of Valor," real Navy Shuts bring an ultra-realistic vision of recent war for the silver screen. In "Commando," Arnold Schwarzenegger rips the key chair from the vehicle and eats Eco-friendly Berets each morning. Inside your properly prepare for the actual factor is always to enjoy the absurd opposite finish in the spectrum. Schwarzenegger might possibly not have been an authentic existence soldier, but he's muscle-bound, Speedo-wearing ideal we have to all try to become. "Good Deeds" & "Good Will Hunting" The title "Good Deeds" makes enough sense lacking the knowledge of that Tyler Perry's character is called Wesley Deeds, ("OH, GOOD DEEDS! I Buy IT!") nevertheless the title in the Matt Damon and Film Clip-composed drama barely is smart lacking the knowledge of connecting up it to Will's title. "Good Will Hunting" still plays well years later, and you'll find handful of greater joys than seeing where the guy who introduced you "Which makes it through Christmas" got his large break. "Gone" & "Mystic River" If you want to go to a genuine movie of a former kidnapping victim while using law to their own hands, have a look at Clint Eastwood's 2003 Boston-set acting all-star game. Tim Robbins and Sean Penn needed home Oscars for portrayals of boyhood pals dealing with the disappearance of Emmy Rossum.

Oscars: Tony Bennett Set To Complete At Governors Ball

Beverly Slopes, CA Tony Bennett works within the Governors Ball, the celebration that will stay with the 84th Academy awards presentation on Oscar Sunday, February 26, Academy Leader Tom Sherak introduced today.”Tony Bennett is always that rare artist who truly reaches across decades,” mentioned Sherak. “Welcoming him for the Ball is certainly an recognition and privilege.”Bennett works for your Balls 1,500 site visitors, which will include Oscar individuals who win and nominees, show presenters and artists, together with other luminaries. The Ball will probably be kept in the Grand Ballroom on the top amount of the Hollywood & Highland Center.

Amazing Race's Phil Keoghan: You'd Be Crazy Not to Watch Because of Big Brother Duo

Donald Sutherland Donald Sutherland will co-star in Rob McElhenney's new Fox comedy pilot, TVGuide.com has confirmed. Deadline first reported the news. Pilot Season: Get the scoop! In Living Loaded, Dan, a hard-partying blogger (Pan Am's Mike Vogel) is forced to reevaluate his laissez-faire career plan when he gets a new job as a host on public radio. Sutherland, who will next appear in The Hunger Games, will play Grant, the polar-opposite father of Dan who also happens to be the general manager of the radio station. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's McElhenney executive-produces. As previously reported, Michael Friedman will also star.