Toss another sold spec screenplay on the stack. “Wild Guns,” a western revolving around historic characters Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Sitting Bull, has sold to Warner Bros. Scott Myers over at the screenwriters’ site, gointothestory.com, is keeping a tally on spec script sales. Myers says,”Wild Guns,” is number 23. Last year, spec screenplay sells did not reach that number until sometime in June.

T.S. Nowlin is the screenwriter of “Wild Guns.” More on this script here.

 Tom Hanks takes on real-life hero role

 The high-seas drama of cargo ship Captain Richard Phillips and the Somali pirates is headed to the big screen. Actor Tom Hanks is reportedly on board to play Phillips, according to deadline.com

Back in April of 2009, Captain Phillips traded himself as a hostage to the pirates to save his crew. Phillips was later freed in a daring rescue by U.S. Navy Seals. More on Hanks and this project on Deadline.

John Wayne photo book coming soon

The family of the late actor John Wayne has decided to share some rare photos with the world. A soon to be published John Wayne photo book will include, pictures from the family archives as well as snapshots from some of the 175 films Wayne appeared in, according to the publishing site, Galleycat.

Along with the photos, the book will include comments from relatives, friends and co-stars. It will be published by powerHouse books sometime this fall.

More spec screenplay sales

Screenwriter Scott Myers is tracking the spec screenplay sales. Myers says the spec, “The Last Drop” by Brandon and Phillip Murphy, is the 17th to get bought this year. The eight spec to get snatched up this month. Myers has more on the sale of “The Last Drop” and the spec script market over on his Go Into The Story blog.

Photo:FLLewis/Media City G --Campaign sign for Burbank City Councilman Gary Bric

Photo:FLLewis/Media City G -- Campaign sign for Burbank City Council Candidate Jackie Waltman

The Burbank Primary Nominating Election is coming up fast. Only two weeks to that February 22 election and there’s a lot at stake for the city and its residents. Most of the attention is focused on the two seats available on the city council and the four candidates campaigning hard for them. 

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Campaign sign for Burbank City Council Candidate Emily Gabel-Luddy

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Campaign sign for Burbank City Council Candidate Bob Frutos

On the ballot, City Councilman Gary Bric and three challengers: Emily Gabel-Luddy, Bob Frutos, and Jackie Waltman. Over on the popular Semichorus blog there’s been a lively discussion of the candidates, their qualifications, and who will bring real change to the city. 

Gabel-Luddy’s endorsements and record on city planning have been debated along with Bric’s term on the council. Candidates Frutos and Waltman’s views have been evaluated by commenters, too.  It is well worth the time to check out some of these posts and the comments, especially the post  titled, “Bric, or Waltman?”  It had nearly 50 comments when I checked last night. 

Sidewalk controversy returns to City Council

City Councilman Bric will be on the hot seat tomorrow, when the council reconsiders the highly charged issue of sidewalks for the  a block of North Screenland Drive. At the December 7, 2010 meeting, Bric joined Councilmen Jess Talamantes and David Gordon in voting to remove this street from a sidewalk project, at the request of more than 30 residents who live on North Screenland Drive. 

However, after that meeting, Bric had second thoughts. Last month, he asked to have the issue brought back for reconsideration and that is set to take place Tuesday, February 8.  Many of the North Screenland residents who oppose sidewalks on their street are livid.

One of the homeowners on that street, Janet Strong, phoned me last week to express her outrage at what some see as a “flip-flop” by Bric. Strong was one of the North Screenland residents who collected 36 signatures from folks who live on the street and are against the sidewalks. There are reportedly around 40 homeowners on that stretch of North Screenland Drive. 

I walked that section of North Screenland Drive on Saturday afternoon, February 5. Wilbur Centeno stopped washing one of his vehicles to talk to me about the sidewalk controversy. Centeno is just as upset as Strong about Bric reviving the issue. He believes the claim of it being a safety issue for children is a “…bunch of baloney.” Centeno suggests: “It’s really about money.” 

For more on how many residents on North Screenland Drive feel about the sidewalk controversy — here’s a letter Janet Strong has sent out to some in the media: 

THE CITY OF BURBANK HAS ALWAYS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO LIVE.  WE HAVE A GREAT POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT.  WE MAINTAIN A WELL-KEPT AND SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD,  EVEN WITHOUT SIDEWALKS.  WE HAVE HAD  NO REASON TO BE OVERLY CONCERNED FOR THE RARE PEDESTRIAN THAT WALKS ON OUR STREET. 

I HAVE LIVED IN BURBANK ALL MY LIFE IN THIS CLOSE KNIT COMMUNITY.   MY PARENTS BOUGHT THE FIRST HOUSE ON  THE  1800-1900  BLOCK OR NORTH SCREENLAND DRIVE.  THE  RESIDENTS LIVING HERE TAKE PRIDE IN THEIR PROPERTIES.  WE HAVE NEVER ASKED THE CITY FOR ASSISTANCE OR CAUSED THEM ANY EXPENSE. 

IN MAY OF 2010, TO OUR SURPRISE, WE FOUND A BURBANK CITY EMPLOYEE MEASURING OUR DRIVEWAYS IN PREPARATION  FOR SIDEWALKS. WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED IN WRITING PRIOR TO THAT DAY.  INSTALLING SIDEWALKS ON A STREET THAT HAS VERY LITTLE FOOT TRAFFIC, SEEMS A WASTE OF TAXPAYERS MONEY. 

IF THERE IS MONEY ALLOTED FOR SIDEWALKS IN BURBANK,  THEN,  THEY SHOULD BE  INSTALLED  ON A DESERVING STREET WITH VERIFIABLE  SAFETY ISSUES.   BY PROPER POLLING AND NOTIFICATION.

THE COUNCIL DISCUSSED THIS ISSUE, ON DECEMBR 07,2010, WITH A 3-2 VOTE AGAINST THE INSTALLATION OF SIDEWALKS .  THE SCREENLAND NEIGHBORS FILLED THE CHAMBERS.  WE LEFT FEELING RELIEVED AND JUSTIFIED WITH OUR VOTE.

YET, WITHIN A MATTER OF A FEW WEEKS, CITY COUNCILMAN GARY BRIC DECIDED “HE MADE A MISTAKE”  IN VOTING “NO  SIDEWALKS” AND FOR THE WILL OF THE 90% MAJORITY.  WE ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH YOU, GOING BACK ON YOUR WORD.  YOUR DECISION TO IMPACT OUR STREET (WHERE YOU DO NOT LIVE), TO FORCE SIDEWALKS IS NOT ABOUT SAFETY INVOLVING PEDESTRIANS.

MR. BRIC IS RUNNING FOR THE COUNCIL SEAT AGAIN.  SINCE HIS CHANGE OF MIND REGARDING HIS “NO SIDEWALKS” VOTE. MR. BRIC HAS FREQUENTED OUR NEIGHBORHOOD DURING THIS CURRENT COUNCIL RACE.  WE QUESTION HIS MOTIVES, AS TO WHY?  HE WANTS TO GO AGAINST  THE NEIGHBORS AND BRING IT BACK?

IS THIS A POLITICAL MOVE ON MR. BRIC’S PART, NOT TO BE VOTED OUT OF OFFICE?

PERHAPS, IT IS BUSINESS AS USUAL, WITH: “STAFF” AND THE SAME FEW,  CALLING THE SHOTS.  NO ONE MENTIONS THE MANY LAWSUITS AGAINST THE CITY FOR INJURIES CAUSED BY SIDEWALKS OR DRIVE-WAY APRONS LEFT UNREPAIRED.

THE DESIRE FOR GRANT MONEY, FOR PROPOSED SIDEWALKS, ($125,000.00) IS CREATING A POLITICAL WAR.  RETURN THE MONEY!  AND LEAVE US ALONE.

YOUR CAMPAIGN STATES: “YOU WANT TO REACH OUT TO THE RESIDENTS AND VOTERS OF BURBANK ASKING OUR SUPPORT, FOR YOUR VOICE ON COUNCIL.

WE ASK THAT YOU RE-CONSIDER YOUR VOTE:  “NO SIDEWALKS” ON OUR STREET.  AND REPRESENT THE PEOPLES WISHES.  SHOW YOUR INTEREST AND SUPPORT IN THE MANY, INSTEAD OF THE FEW.  RESTORE OUR NEIGHBORS EMPOWERMENT.

WE THANK DR. DAVID GORDON,  AND VICE-MAYOR JESS TALAMANTES FOR THE STRENGTH OF THEIR VOTES ON OUR BEHALF.  THE BALL IS IN MR. BRIC’S COURT.

MAYBE, YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WILL BE THE NEXT TARGET.

FROM: SCREENLAND DRIVE NEIGHBORS

###

Hackers breach Nasdaq security

The Internet is buzzing today about a report of a hacker attack on Nasdaq OMX Group, the company that runs the U.S. stock exchange and several others around the world. The Feds are investigating the computer intrusion — which occurred sometime last year. More about this on the Computerworld website.

Google on a hiring spree

The word is out. Google is hiring. Last week, the Internet search giant got flooded with more than 75,000 applications, according to a Los Angeles Times article. That’s a company record. At the end of 2010, Google had around 24,400 employees. By the beginning of 2012, the innovative company plans to grow to more than 30,000.

NBC staffer fired for posting news clip on YouTube

An NBC staffer reportedly posted a vintage news clip of morning anchors Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel discussing “what is the Internet?” with reporter Elizabeth Vargas on YouTube. It went viral. Apparently NBC executives were not happy to see the off-air clip from 1994 get that kind of play. The staffer was reportedly fired and NBC is trying to get YouTube to take down the news clip.

The Wrap has more on the dust-up and a copy of that now infamous video.

The Leader sues the city of Burbank

This is a big weekend for the Burbank Leader. If you check its website — you’ll quickly realize why. Two major developments. The new Sunday edition of the Burbank leader/Glendale News- Press comes out today. The other actually happened last Friday. The lawyers for the Los Angeles Times, the Burbank Leader’s parent company, sued the city of Burbank for the release of those individual employee merit-pay amounts.

On December, 20, 2010, I delivered a letter to the Burbank City Attorney’s Office, supporting the Leader’s public records request for that merit-pay information and making my own request for the same data. The media, the residents — we all have a right to know how public money is being spent.

In my letter to City Attorney Dennis Barlow I asked that his staff comply with the Leader request — and not allow the matter to become yet another lawsuit against the city. There is a long list of suits against Burbank — mostly related to the police mess — that are costing the citizens a bundle of dough to fight.

The bottom line is the city’s argument that merit-pay is based on an employee’s performance evaluation — and since that is private –  the amount of that bonus should be protected, too. Well, Burbank Management Services Director, Judie Wilke, has admitted that merit-pay dollars are paid out at “…management’s discretion.”

I know a 30-year Burbank employee who got a merit-bonus last year. She has received the required exceptional performance rating before  — but that has not always resulted in a merit-pay bonus. She is curious — like a lot of folks in this town –about the REAL criteria for the merit pay bonuses and who REALLY gets the biggest chunk of this fund –budgeted last year at $1.87 million.

A lawyer for the L.A. Times put it this way: “I think the bonus structure that Burbank has is very unusual in its generosity and very unusual in its secrecy.” I’ll say right on to that. More on the Leader’s lawsuit here.

The Burbank Primary Election ballots are out

The campaigns for the two seats on the Burbank City Council are in full swing. Political functions, campaign signs going up, and campaign pitches arriving in the mail along with the ballots for the upcoming Primary Nomination Election.I got my ballot last week, but I haven’t  mailed it off  — and probably will not do so for a while. Ballots are due by 7 p.m. Election Day, February 22, 2011. Check out the countdown to Election Day in the far right column of this website.

At the Glendale Church of Christ this morning, I took an informal poll among some Burbank residents. Out of seven, only two had mailed in their ballots so far.  Others were still studying the candidates.

Also, this past week, I spotted signs for Burbank City Councilman Gary Bric and council candidate, Jackie Waltman in the hillside area. The Bric and Waltman signs are joining the ones already up for candidates, Bob Frutos and Emily Gabel-Luddy.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Porto's Bakery & Cafe 3614 West Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank

On Wednesday evening, January 26, a fundraiser and meet & greet was held for Bob Frutos at Porto’s in Burbank. The affair ran only a couple of hours or so, but more than 100 folks dropped by to graze on the tasty Porto’s treats, to show support or to meet the candidate. Among the movers and shakers I saw there, former Burbank Mayors, Marsha Ramos and Michael Hastings, Burbank City Councilman Dr. David Gordon,  Burbank Police Commissioners, Nate Rubinfeld, Jim Etter,  and Hagop Hergelian.

Police Commission Chair Frutos gave a rousing speech to the crowd about the need for change in Burbank and his desire to be the people’s representative on the city council. At the Women’s League of Voters Candidates Forum on January 19, in the Burbank City Council Chambers, Frutos came across as the strongest candidate, followed by Burbank Landlord-Tenant Commissioner, Jackie Waltman, Planning Board Vice-Chair, Emily Gabel-Luddy, and in fourth, Councilman Gary Bric.

Interestingly, after listening to the city council candidates’ statements, I rated them the same:  (1) Frutos, (2) Waltman, (3) Gabel-Luddy, and (4) Bric.  I’m giving the best ratings to the candidates grounded in their desire and determination to put the interest of the citizens of Burbank first.

Bric is last on my list because he defends the status quo — including the raises given to Burbank Water and Power honcho, Ron Davis and his top executives — while also voting to jack-up utility rates.  We need change in Burbank and it’s not going to come with voting Bric onto the city council for a second term.

To listen to the Candidates Forum or to the brief statements from each candidate, click over to the Burbank city website.

Comcast completes deal for NBC Universal

The largest cable company in the country is now the proud owner of an entertainment giant, NBC Universal. Comcast announced today that its deal to buy 51 per cent of NBC Universal is done. General Electric hangs onto the other 49 percent.

Comcast began celebrating before the deal officially closed yesterday. Last Thursday,  Comcast sent out a memo and gifts to NBC Universal employees. First, the name change to NBCUniversal. Then the gifts, 25 shares of Comcast and free passes to Universal theme parks. The Wrap has more on this mega-deal, it’s impact on the industry and consumers.  

Charlie Sheen in rehab, TV show on hiatus

To no one’s surprise, troubled actor, Charlie Sheen, is in rehab this weekend. The “Two and a Half Men” star reportedly entered rehab yesterday after being rushed to the hospital with what was described as abdominal pain.  People has more on the latest in the up-and-down Charlie Sheen saga.

William & Kate’s wedding to be televised big time

Photo: Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters/Landov/People -- Prince William and Kate Middleton at their first official appearance today after the announcement of their engagement November 16, 2010

The wedding of Britain’s Prince William to his lady-love Kate Middleton is expected to draw more than two billion TV viewers worldwide. Back in 1981, around 750 million tuned in to watch Prince Charles marry Lady Diana Spencer. Yes, we love these British affairs!! 

William and Kate are set to exchange vows on April 29. Most likely the BBC will lead the TV coverage. There is talk of filming the event in 3D. More about what is definitely the wedding of the year — maybe even the decade— here on Deadline.com   

“No Strings Attached” #1 at Box Office

“The Green Hornet” got thrashed by a new chick flick. That’s right. The R-rated romantic comedy,”No Strings Attached,” debuted at number one this weekend with an estimated haul of $20.3 million. The rom-com stars Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher and reportedly was produced on a $25 million budget.

“The Green Hornet” slipped from first to second with a take of about $18.1 million — bringing the superhero action comedy two week total to around $63 million. The comedy “The Dilemma” snagged third with $9.7 million, followed by ”The King’s Speech” with $9.1 million and rounding out the top five, “True Grit” with $8 million.

“The King’s Speech” surprise win

The race to the Oscars just got a little more interesting. Last night in Beverly Hills, the British historical drama,”The King’s Speech,” picked up the top honor at the Producers Guild Awards for best produced motion picture. ”The Social Network,” which had been on a roll at awards shows, was left in the dust along with eight other film nominees including “The Fighter” and  “Inception.” Here’s the Los Angeles Times article on the upset.

Academy Award nominations announced on Tuesday

Many in Hollywood  and here in the Media City will be up before sunrise this Tuesday, January 25, to hear the list of nominees for the 83rd Academy Awards.  Last year’s best supporting actress winner, Mo’Nique, and Academy President, Tom Sherak, will reveal the Oscar nominations at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills at 5:30 a.m. Pacific Time.

Also this year,  the announcement of the Oscar nominees will be streamed live on the Internet via livestream.com  and available on mobile devices, according to the Academy.

The Oscars ceremony is Sunday, February 27, 2011 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. The ceremony is set to be televised live in more than 200 countries around the globe.

Lately, there’s been a lot of chatter and speculation in B-town about changes at the Burbank Leader. Today, there are details of some of those changes over on Kevin Roderick’s popular website, LA Observed.

Roderick posted a piece on former Los Angeles Daily News editor/ sometime activist/media commentator, Ron Kaye, who has a new gig as a front-page columnist for the new Sunday combined edition of the Burbank Leader/Glendale News-Press. The first issue is set to hit newsstands later this month, on January 30, according to a Los Angeles Times Community Newspapers press release.

Roderick makes this observation: “One presumes the Times suits know that Ron is a political activist these days, and that his playing field is Los Angeles, not Burbank or Glendale.” Hmm, very good point. In the Times’ press release Burbank Leader/Glendale News-Press editor, Dan Evans, refers to Kaye as “.. a community advocate.”

You can read Roderick’s post and the Times press release, which includes other changes, here.

Photo: www.whitehouse.gov -- President Obama tapes New Year's Day address at the White House January 1, 2011

Looking out for the middle class, growing the economy, and creating jobs are at the top of President Obama’s to-do list for 2011. Oh, and Obama is vowing to work with anyone –Democrat or Republican — who has a good idea. Here is the full text of the president’s comments today in his weekly address.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
January 1, 2011

Hello, everybody.  As we close the books on one year and begin another, I wanted to take a moment today to wish you a very Happy New Year and talk a little bit about the year that lies ahead.

At the start of 2011, we’re still just emerging from a once-in-a-lifetime recession that’s taken a terrible toll on millions of families.  We all have friends and neighbors trying to get their lives back on track.

We are, however, riding a few months of economic news that suggests our recovery is gaining traction.  And our most important task now is to keep that recovery going.  As President, that’s my commitment to you: to do everything I can to make sure our economy is growing, creating jobs, and strengthening our middle class.  That’s my resolution for the coming year.

Still, even as we work to boost our economy in the short-term, it’s time to make some serious decisions about how to keep our economy strong, growing, and competitive in the long run.  We have to look ahead – not just to this year, but to the next 10 years, and the next 20 years.  Where will new innovations come from?  How will we attract the companies of tomorrow to set up shop and create jobs in our communities?  What will it take to get those jobs?  What will it take to out-compete other countries around the world?  What will it take to see the American Dream come true for our children and grandchildren?

Our parents and grandparents asked themselves those questions.  And because they had the courage to answer them, we’ve had the good fortune to grow up in the greatest nation on Earth.

Now it’s our turn to think about the future.  In a few days, a new Congress will form, with one house controlled by Democrats, and one house controlled by Republicans – who now have a shared responsibility to move this country forward.  And here’s what I want you to know: I’m willing to work with anyone of either party who’s got a good idea and the commitment to see it through.  And we should all expect you to hold us accountable for our progress or our failure to deliver.

As I’ve said since I first ran for this office, solving our challenges won’t be quick or easy.  We have come through a difficult decade; one of new threats and new trials we didn’t expect when it began.  But a new year and a new decade stretch out before us.  And if we just remember what America is capable of, and live up to that legacy, then I’m confident that we are poised for a period of progress – one in which our economy is growing, our standing in the world is rising, and we do what it takes to make sure America remains in the 21st century what it was in the 20th: the greatest country in the world.

Thanks for listening.  And Happy New Year.

#################

President Obama’s address is from the White House website.

Whether you’re ringing in the new year at a small or intimate affair at  home or rocking the night away with a crowd of friends, relatives and or strangers — check out radio station K-Earth 101 FM. This Los Angeles oldies station is counting down the top 101 party jams of all time right now.

On the radio or on the Internet, K-Earth is boogieing down this New Year’s Eve. They’ve just played  number 71, “Brown Sugar,” by the Rolling Stones. Party over there!  Party over here!  Party everywhere!!!

I wonder if they’re going to play any Snoop Dogg, Notorious B.I.G., or Teena Marie? Only way to find out is to listen-up and hear the tunes that make this hot list.

“Rain rain go away”

When will it stop? Soon is what the weather watchers are saying about this deluge. Like most of  the Southland, Burbank is soggy from several days of heavy rain.

The worst of the storms is rolling across Los Angeles County now through mid-afternoon. I was out driving in the Media City shortly before 9 a.m. this morning . The rain was moderate, but the forecast is for heavy periods of rain, scattered thunderstorms, strong winds, and even some hail before the day ends.  The high will reach only the mid-50s in Burbank today.

Over the past few days, I’ve seen Burbank city crews out checking for damaged trees, flooded streets, and those inevitable and most annoying potholes. Our situation is minor compared to places like Laguna Beach where they’re dealing with serious flooding and mud problems.

Meanwhile, back here in the nearby Station burn areas officials are keeping a close eye on the saturated hillsides. Evacuation orders were issued for more than 200 homes in La Cañada Flintridge and La Crescenta. However, some of those homeowners decided to stay and ride it out. So far, no major problems there and La Cañada Flintridge Mayor, Donald Voss, told KNX 1070 newsradio this morning, “…the debris basin performed very well.” 

The good news, the weather forecasters are saying the rain will move out by tomorrow and give us some time to dry out under sunny skies.  

The Burbank city employees bonuses controversy

Yes, another controversy in Burbank. This time the issue is bonuses/merit pay for some city employees and the release of that information to the media and the public. Earlier this month, the city of Glendale posted that data about its employees on its website.

During these tough economic times, when Burbank city officials are jacking up fees for utilities and other services, certain employees got around $1 million in bonuses for the fiscal year 2009-2010. The city of Burbank has declined to provide details on bonuses/merit pay, citing employee privacy rights.

I’m not buying that, nor is the Burbank Leader and the Semichorus blogger. The Burbank Leader has sent not one, but two record requests for this information to the city. Recently, Semichorus joined the Leader in requesting this information from the Burbank City Attorney’s Office. I have taken up this fight as well.

Below is the letter I dropped off at the Burbank City Attorney’s office on Monday, requesting the details on the bonuses and other compensation paid to city employees over the past few years.

December 20, 2010

Re: Records request under the California Public Records Act

Dear Dennis Barlow:

I must join with the Burbank Leader and the Semichorus blogger in requesting information on city employee salaries and bonuses — this includes names, titles, amounts of all payments and years received from 1999-2010. In the wake of the Bell revelations and controversy, Burbank officials need to do more than talk about transparency or duck and dodge their responsibility to be upfront with the citizens of this city.

I respectfully ask that you direct your staff to fully cooperate with these requests and not spark another legal case. The list of existing or potential litigation cases that appears on the Burbank City Council agenda, week after week, is far too long; and taxpayer dollars spent on these cases is already way too much.

Sincerely,

Director Blake Edwards dies at 88

The director of such notable films as “Operation Petticoat” (1959), “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961), ”The Pink Panther” films (1963, 1964, 1975, 1978),  and “10″ (1979), has died. The Los Angeles Times is reporting today that Blake Edwards passed away yesterday in Santa Monica, with his wife, actress Julie Andrews, and close family at his bedside.  More on the  director’s death and career highlights on the Times’ website.

Screen Actors Guild Awards nominees

The nominees for the 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced in West Hollywood today. The awards ceremony will be at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center next month, on January 30.

 Here are some of the actors and actresses lucky enough to get nominated by their peers for outstanding performances in 2010. The full list of movie and television nominations is on the  SAG website.

• Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
  JEFF BRIDGES / Rooster Cogburn – “TRUE GRIT” (Paramount Pictures)
  ROBERT DUVALL / Felix Bush – “GET LOW” (Sony Pictures Classics)
  JESSE EISENBERG / Mark Zuckerberg – “THE SOCIAL NETWORK” (Columbia Pictures)
  COLIN FIRTH / King George VI – “THE KING’S SPEECH” (The Weinstein Company)
  JAMES FRANCO / Aron Ralston – “127 HOURS” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

• Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
  ANNETTE BENING / Nic – “THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT” (Focus Features)
  NICOLE KIDMAN / Becca – “RABBIT HOLE” (Lionsgate)
  JENNIFER LAWRENCE / Ree Dolly – “WINTER’S BONE” (Roadside Attractions)
  NATALIE PORTMAN / Nina Sayers – “BLACK SWAN” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
  HILARY SWANK / Betty Anne Waters – “CONVICTION” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

• Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
  CHRISTIAN BALE / Dicky Eklund – “THE FIGHTER” (Paramount Pictures)
  JOHN HAWKES / Teardrop – “WINTER’S BONE” (Roadside Attractions)
  JEREMY RENNER / James Coughlin – “THE TOWN” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  MARK RUFFALO / Paul – “THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT” (Focus Features)
  GEOFFREY RUSH / Lionel Logue – “THE KING’S SPEECH” (The Weinstein Company)

• Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
  AMY ADAMS / Charlene Fleming – “THE FIGHTER” (Paramount Pictures)
  HELENA BONHAM CARTER / Queen Elizabeth – “THE KING’S SPEECH” (The Weinstein Company)
  MILA KUNIS / Lily – “BLACK SWAN” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
  MELISSA LEO / Alice Ward – “THE FIGHTER” (Paramount Pictures)
  HAILEE STEINFELD / Mattie Ross – “TRUE GRIT” (Paramount Pictures)

Blogger/tweeter gets TV project gig

Blogger/tweeter and mother of three, Kelly Oxford, has been writing for years — but now it’s really paying off for her. Oxford’s witty tweets and interesting blog posts, got her a deal to write a sitcom series pilot called, “Mother of All Something.”

Now CBS has picked up the project for development with actress Jessica Alba and Jhoni Marchinko, a former-writer for the TV series, “Will & Grace” attached. The CBS comedy, “$#*! My Dad Says,” is based on a Twitter feed. The Network reportedly has several other Internet-based projects in the works.  More about Oxford and this deal here.

2010 Golden Globe nominations

The Hollywood awards season is in full swing. Yesterday, the period film, “The King’s Speech,” received seven Golden Globe nominations, the most of any motion picture. It’s about Briain’s King George VI  and his struggle to overcome a stuttering problem.

Two other movie dramas, “The Fighter,” and “The Social Network,” got six nominations. The sci-fi actioner, “Inception,” the psychological thriller, ” Black Swan,” and the comedy, “The Kids are All Right,” each were handed four nominations by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Even though the Golden Globes get a lot of flak for being more about the glitter than real talent — it frequently selects Academy Awards contenders and sometimes even picks Oscar winners.

The 68th Annual Golden Globes Awards ceremony is set for January 16, 2011 on NBC. 

The entire list, including TV nominees, on the HFPA website. 

 “The Chronicles of Narnia” rules the Box Office

The third installment of  “The Chronicles of Narnia” is still king at the domestic Box Office, after earning the crown over the weekend with a haul of $24 million. “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” rolled right over another newbie, “The Tourist.”

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” is based on the third book in the classic children’s book series by C.S. Lewis. In this version, the King of Narnia and his brave team must rescue seven lords in order to save his country from an evil mist. The 3D flick earned $1.6 million on Monday and $1.7 million on Tuesday to remain the number one film in the country.

Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp are in second place. Over the weekend their romantic/thriller, “The Tourist,” managed only $16.4 million.  On Monday, it made $1.3 million and did a little better on Tuesday, $1.6 million.  In “The Tourist” Depp plays an American visiting Italy who meets a mysterious woman, Jolie.  “The Tourist” is a remake of the French action/thriller “Anthony Zimmer” (2005).

The animated movie, “Tangled,” landed in third with $14.3 million, followed by “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1″ in fourth  with $8.4 million and rounding out the top five, “Unstoppable” with $3.7 million.

The Black List: Hot unproduced scripts of 2010 

The Black List is one of the most eagerly awaited screenplay collections in Hollywood. Since 2004, film executive, Franklin Leonard, has been compiling this list of the favorite unproduced screenplays of the year.  Diablo Cody’s “Juno” is one of the scripts that was discovered on this list and got produced!

This time around 290 film executives cast ballots for the screenplays they enjoyed reading the most. Nikki Finke has the complete list, the agencies and managers who rep the scripts and the screenwriters, as well as over 100 comments about it on deadline.com

Photo: PRNewsFoto/TIME Magazine --Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg TIME's 2010 Person of the Year

2010 is the year of Facebook. The powerhouse Internet social network cleared the 500 million users milestone last July. Also, the Facebook movie,  ” The Social Network,” hit theaters in October. It was a hit with moviegoers and critics and now has Oscar buzz.  

Today TIME Magazine announced, Facebook founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is the 2010 Person of the Year. In a PRNewswire release, TIME editor Rick Stengel explained Zuckerberg rated the honor for a number of reasons: “For connecting more than half-a-billion people and mapping the social relations among them (something that has never been done before); for creating a new system of exchanging information that has become both indispensable and sometimes a little scary; and finally, for changing how we all live our lives in ways that are innovative and even optimistic…”

What’s next for Facebook?  Zuckerberg tells Time: “I think the next five years are going to be about building out this social platform. It’s about the idea that most applications are going to become social, and most industries are going to be rethought in a way where social design and doing things with your friends is at the core of how these things work. If the last five years was the ramping up, I think that the next five years are going to be characterized by widespread acknowledgment by other industries that this is the way that stuff should be and will be better.”

Videos, photos, interviews, and more about Zuckerberg and Facebook on the TIME website.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Disney Studios in Burbank

Disney is reportedly shelling out big bucks for a new deal with Netflix, the online streaming video and by mail DVD service.  The Los Angeles Times says the agreement is worth $200 million and will give Netflix access to a trove of popular television shows from ABC network, Disney Channel, and ABC Family.

Disney made the deal with NetFlix, even though, it’s a part owner in rival Internet streaming video provider, Hulu. The deal sounds like a win-win situation for Netflix users who get unlimited television shows and movies for one low flat-rate monthly fee. More details on the Times website.

Photo: Danny Moloshok/Reuters/Los Angeles Times -- Elizabeth Edwards at the "Stand Up To Cancer" television fundraiser September 2010

A life lived to the fullest with courage, hope, and inspiration for many came to an end today. Elizabeth Edwards died, after a six-year battle with cancer,  at her home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, surrounded by her family. The wife of disgraced politician John Edwards was only 61.

More on Edwards’ life and struggles against incredible odds and obstacles in this story on the Los Angeles Times website. Also, a very nice remembering Elizabeth Edwards photo gallery on the People site.

Google leaped into the ebook market in a big way today. The Internet search giant launched Google eBooks and is now the largest ebook provider in the world. The site boasts about having ”… nearly 3 million free ebooks and hundreds of thousands of titles …” that are for sale at the Google eBookstore.

The Google blog says Google eBooks was designed to be “open” — meaning it’s compatible with a number of devices —from laptops to smart phones to e-readers — but not Amazon’s Kindle.  Google is out to challenge the leaders in the online book market — Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

The highly anticipated Google eBooks site, a venture that began as Google Editions, is available only in the U.S. now — but international editions are planned for next year.

 Nomination period extended until Wednesday

Today at 5 p.m. was supposed to be the deadline for all nomination documents  for the 2011 Municipal Elections to be turned into the Burbank City Clerk’s Office. However, that deadline has been extended.

A notice of the deadline change to Wednesday, December 1, 2010, appears on the city website. Interestingly, it includes Mayor/City Council member Anja Reinke’s decision not to seek a second term. Reinke reportedly announced her intentions not to run back on November 19. 

Here’s the statement from the Burbank City website.

EXTENDED NOMINATION PERIOD FOR
BURBANK’S 2011 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS!

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Council Member Anja Reinke has announced that she will not seek re-election to the office of City Council Member in the 2011 Municipal Elections. Pursuant to the California Elections Code, voters have until Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. to nominate candidates for this elective office.

# # #

No surprise, Bric running for re-election, Reinke is not

Photo: Burbank city website -- Councilman Gary Bric

 As expected, Councilman Gary Bric has gone public with his desire to keep his job.  On Friday 19, Bric picked up the official nomination papers for the city elections on February 22, and April 12, 2011.

Mayor Anja Reinke made a public announcement on that same day that she would not be running for re-election, according to the Leader. This is no surprise. Reinke and Bric’s intentions have been circulating around town for months and were reported on this blog several weeks ago.

Also, as part of the local election coverage, I’ve been reporting on the nomination period. On November first, Vice-Chair of the Burbank Planning Board, Emily Gabel-Luddy, and Burbank Police Commission Chair, Bob Frutos, pulled nomination papers to run for the two council seats up for grabs in next year’s city elections.

Police make an arrest at Councilman’s home

Photo:Burbank city website -- Councilman Dr. David Gordon

 A lot of chatter on the Internet and in B-town about that alleged domestic violence disturbance and arrest of a female suspect at the home of Councilman David Gordon, Monday, November 15.

Police arrested 58-year-old Barbara Chin for alleged battery against a cohabitant. Chin was later released on $20,000 bail, according to a police report. A recent story about the incident on The Burbank Leader website, claims Chin is scheduled to be arraigned on December 9, in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Gordon  acknowledged in the article that Chin is the mother of his son, but ”… declined to elaborate on their relationship.”  

As is the case in all suspected  domestic violence incidents where there is a minor child in the residence, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services was alerted and will be visiting Gordon’s home to check on his son’s welfare.

I spoke with Dr.Gordon briefly after last Tuesday’s city council meeting. The councilman admitted this is “a difficult time,” but added, ”we’ll get through it.”

 Police Chief Scott LaChasse’s relative arrested

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Police unit

Police Chief Scott LaChasse has a relative headed for a court appearance.  On Monday, November 22, police were called over to Fry’s Electronics, on North Hollywood Way in Burbank, to take custody of a suspect who reportedly palmed a digital voice recorder and stereo plug and then walked out of the store. He was apprehended in the parking lot by security officers.

The suspect is identified as 58-year-old, Albert W. LaChasse of Canyon Country. LaChasse, who is apparently the chief’s brother, was taken to the Burbank jail where he was booked for petty theft.

LaChasse reportedly received a citation and was released early the next day. He’s due to appear in a Burbank court on December 14.

A new online contest is offering more than two million in prizes to wannabe screenwriters and filmmakers. Launched last week Amazon Studios , is backed by online retailer, Amazon.com, which has a first look deal with Warner Bros. The Amazon Studios’ website claims it,”… will award  a combined $2.7 million in our first year’s worth of monthly and annual contests for the best scripts and movies. There is no charge to participate.”

If you are eager to break into Hollywood, this sounds like a terrific deal. But is it really? A lot of debate on the Internet — specifically–over on Deadline.com, where there’s a post about some Hollywood screenwriters warning newbies to beware of this project. Also, more than 100 comments on this post — some from writers who are desperate to get a deal and are willing to give up important rights to get it. This will be a dilemma for some writers and filmmakers — a no brainer for others.

Former “American Idol” Judge, Paula Abdul, just launched a new website today,  that’s looking for folks with talent who want to audition. The site, auditionbooth.com, not only encourages wannabe stars to visit, but also talent scouts, according to The Wrap.

Last week, Sony Pictures kicked off an online casting service. Apparently, the success of all of those television reality shows is now fueling the creation of Internet talent search sites by some pretty big players in the entertainment industry.

The Abdul casting site reportedly includes contests as well as opportunities to audition for TV shows, ad campaigns, and other talent searches.

By the way, Abdul is not dropping out of the television scene. Her new show, “Live to Dance,” premieres in January on CBS.