MacLaine to participate 'Downton Abbey'

Shirley MacLaine is joining the cast of worldwide TV phenom "Downton Abbey." She'll play a completely new character, Lady Grantham's mother Martha Levinson, inside the third season in the Julian Fellowes-scripted U.K. costume drama, which begins filming later. The casting underlines the impact "Downton Abbey," created by NBCUniversal-possessed Circus, is constantly make on sides in the Atlantic -- too as with TV areas around the globe. Circus controlling director Gareth Neame mentioned: "My late grandfather (Ronald Neame) directed Shirley MacLaine in 'Gambit' in 1966, therefore it is a delight personally they will probably be joining us on 'Downton Abbey.' Julian has written another brilliant character in Martha Levinson, who certainly are a great combatant for Maggie Smith's dowager countess, which we're excited in the options of Shirley MacLaine playing her.""Downton Abbey" plays on PBS Stateside and also on commercial broadcaster ITV inside the U.K.ITV director of drama Laura Mackie, who commissioned the show, mentioned, "It is so exciting by having an actress of Shirley MacLaine's stature joining our brilliant 'Downton Abbey' cast for series three together with a tribute for the show's success on sides in the Atlantic."MacLaine's deal was brokered by ICM. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Tribute: Lost in Space's Dick Tufeld

Lost in Space Robot Actor Dick Tufeld, who voiced the Robot on the 1960s sci-fi series Lost In Space, died January 22 at age 85 while watching the NFL playoffs. You may not know his name, but Tufeld created two of TV's most enduring pop culture catch phrases - "Danger, Will Robinson, danger" and "That does not compute." In 2004, TV Guide Magazine caught up with Tufeld, who was still doing voice-over work. He had recently recovered from a paralyzed vocal chord, which kept him from speaking above a whisper until a rare operation returned his familiar voice. TV Guide Magazine: It's nice to talk to the character that gave so many generations so much pleasure. Dick Tufeld: You know there was a guy inside the tin can - Bob May. He had to be there eight hours a day on the set and move the arms and legs and memorize all the lines and speak them. They put me into post-production and I dubbed his voice in. TV Guide Magazine: Did you know you were creating a legend? Tufeld: I had worked with Milton Berle, Julie Andrews and on various award shows, so I did not regard the voice of the Robot as very creative, distinguished work. I actually discovered that back in 1978, when I was a guest lecturer at Syracuse University for a class of about 300. The class sat there impassively when the professor said I had done the Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, commercials, lots of prestigious things. The last thing he mentioned was "And he was the voice of the Robot in Lost in Space." They all stood up and applauded! That was when I became aware that the Robot had some special niche in people's television psyche. TV Guide Magazine: Lost In Space has been re-running for years. Tufeld: The show has been in syndication for 35 years, and it's running somewhere in the world as we speak. TV Guide Magazine: What was your favorite episode? Tufeld: "Something of the Species.' I fell in love with a lady robot who turned out to be evil and I had to zap her at the end. TV Guide Magazine: Ah, true love. How did you get the gig? Tufeld: I was the narrator on the show. The Robot was not in the pilot. When they decided to put him in, my agent told me that Irwin Allen (the show's producer) wanted to hear me do the voice. I walked in and said, "I assume you want a mechanical robot-ian kind of sound." He shook his head, "That's precisely what I don't want." I did it again and again and he finally said, "I'm not hearing what I want, I'll look elsewhere." I said, "May I try one more thing for you?" And in my best mechanical robot-ian kind of sound, I said "That does not compute." He said, "That's what I wanted! What the hell took you so long!" I had to turn my back, because I was hysterical. TV Guide Magazine: You've done very well by the Robot over the years. Tufeld: Oh sure. Guys who build robots want me to do the robot voice with personalized lines. There's no question when my time comes - that's what I'll be known for. The voice of the Robot on Lost in Space. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

TNT eyes Jon Bernthal for 'Noir' pilot

Bernthal"The Walking Dead" star Jon Bernthal is at early conversations with TNT to star at that time drama pilot "L.A. Noir," shepherded by Frank Darabont.Sources near the situation stressed that discussions have barely begun and there's no certainty a deal can get together. Nevertheless it would mark a reunion for Bernthal and Darabont, who developed and professional produced the initial season of AMC's "Walking Dead" before parting ways while using show a year ago.TNT declined comment.In "L.A. Noir," Bernthal would play Joe Teague, the La cop at the center of the demonstrate that examines corruption inside the LAPD and ties between police and underworld figures inside the 19 forties and '50s. TNT greenlit the pilot captured (Daily Variety, Jan. 10). Darabont written the script, using the book by John Buntin, and may helm for TNT Original Prods. Michael P Luca and Elliott Webb professional produce with Darabont.Bernthal remains riding the momentum from his breakout role on "Walking Dead," through which he co-stars just like a small-town sheriff's deputy who becomes an innovator of kids from the zombie apocalypse. Another half in the show's impressive sophomore season bows Feb. 12.Bernthal also just wrapped Summit Entertainment's action-thriller "Snitch," opposite Dwayne Manley and Susan Sarandon.He's repped by WME, Burstein Co. and attorney Kim Stenton at Myman Greenspan.Cynthia Littleton brought with this report. Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com

Another New Film For Demon Inside Duo

Untitled project joins The VaticanIt's only 72 hrs since the announcement that William Brent Bell and Matthew Peterman, they behind The Demon Inside, will shortly be visiting the Vatican for Warner Bros. But furthermore compared to that, we're learning that Bell and Peterman also provide setup another poor horror with Sierra/Affinity. What "hot", "striking" and "iron" spring to mind.Presently untitled, and being recognized to in-house since the Untitled Bell/Peterman Project, hardly any is well known relating to this yet, aside from it's another micro-budget affair over the stylistic lines in the Demon Inside.This time around round the handheld shaky-cams will probably be pointing at "another classic horror mythology" according to Shock. So with exorcists sent, and slashers labored with formerly (in Bell's awful 2006 Elizabeth-Bathory-videogame quickie Stay Alive), simply what does that leave? Vampires of the underworld from the underworld? Zombies? Wolf-males? Abba musical?Shooting starts in Romania in April, so anticipate seeing this just before the Vatican. More particulars are expected to emerged using the European Film Market in Berlin inside a few days time. The Demon Inside reaches the Uk on March 2.

Mekhi Phifer Attempts to Get accustomed to Broadway Screams

NY (AP) Mekhi Phifer sits dormant to being yelled at, but it's a part of his Broadway debut.The 37-year-old actor, most widely known for that TV series "ER" and also the film "8 Mile," is finding that audiences aren't quiet while watching him in "Stick Fly," Lydia R. Diamond's complex drama about a black family."Individuals are spirited once they check this out play," he states, laughing.Both whitened and black audience people within the Cort Theatre are known to burst by helping cover their spontaneous advice for that stars in order to otherwise clearly telegraph their response to dramatic situations. "I needed to get accustomed to that," he states. "It's not so typical for Broadway a minimum of the Broadway plays that I have seen."Phifer plays Switch LeVay, a effective cosmetic surgeon and ladies' guy who attended Exeter and Harvard. Sparks fly as he and the more youthful brother bring their particular female friends one black, one whitened to satisfy their parents at their lavish summer time getaway on Martha's Winery.Phifer, whose acting career started as he won charge in director Spike Lee's "Clockers," isn't what you'd call a stage veteran. In fact, "Stick Fly" marks his professional stage debut. But Phifer is hardly intimidated."Just being there live before a crowd is a very exhilarating feeling," he states. "It's certainly another machine but I am getting an enjoyable experience because you will find something totally new I learn every evening."Created by music performer Alicia Secrets, the play provides the New You are able to-elevated Phifer a terrific way to get his theater ft wet. He's near to his roots, can gain knowledge from the ensemble and does not need to dance. "It was really an ideal piece. It simply had the best quantity of energy, the correct quantity of intrigue, the correct quantity of nervousness," he states. "It did not seem like an average Broadway play."Like Phifer, that has performed his share of streetwise tough men, reaches play an informed wealthy guy whose secrets unspool gradually during the period of the performance. He states he likes the chance to maneuver past race and explore humanity."There is no doubt that I am African-American. OK? I am a black guy. We are not likely to escape that. However I love getting past might, because the play continues, you are just sightseeing,Inch he states. "That's among the primary stuff that came me towards this role which play it may be anybody."Phifer may be the theater newbie within an accomplished cast which includes Emmy Award nominee Dule Hill ("Psych," ''The West Wing"), Tracie Thoms ("Rent"), Tony Award-champion Ruben Santiago-Hudson ("Lackawanna Blues"), Rosie Benton ("L'ensemble des Liaisons Dangereuses") and Condola Rashad ("Destroyed").So tight may be the cast that they have develop their very own lyrics to the initial music Secrets has written for spots between your play's moments. The relaxation of times, they warm-up together, eat communally and venture out for drinks like a group after."It certainly is a pleasure when you are getting to utilize people who you really enjoy,Inch Phifer states. "We spend time when we are in the theater. We sit within the hallways or take a seat on the steps and yap it up."He hopes the great feeling will bleed in to the audience, that has been recognized to become so boisterous that lines get drowned out. (His advice in the event that happens: "You may have to determine it two times.") He wants the crowd to become intrigued, triggered and then discuss all it."Whenever you leave the play, you are feeling good. You need to get out there and possess a drink. You need to discuss it. You need to go to consume. You wouldn't want the evening to become over. And i believe that's exactly what the Broadway experience ought to be about," he states. "Our play gives itself to that particular energy which attitude."Director Kenny Leon continues to be wishing to assist Phifer make his Broadway debut since the 2 were slated to operate together on an ill-fated chance a couple of years back to mount a manufacture of "Guess Who's Visiting Dinner.""At the back of my thoughts, I have always aspired to use Mekhi," Leon states. "He's presence. He's charisma. He's everything that great stars have, except he'd never done a play before."When that point finally happened, Leon was astounded by how humble the youthful actor was as he walked in to the testing room. "I can't believe just how much he's learned in this short quantity of time," Leon states. "The convenience when it comes to the transition from film to stage I do not think I have seen it happen such as this. I could not become more happy with what he's doing on that stage."Phifer was created in Harlem and elevated by his mother, Rhoda, a choreographer and schoolteacher who always urged her boy to become creative. After beating out 100s for any place in "Clockers" on the whim he got his headshot in a Woolworths close to the audition site Phifer has already established a varied career, one which has had him from "Honey" with Jessica Alba and "Soul Food" with Vanessa Williams to "Beginning of the Dead," music videos like Brandy and Monica's "This Boy Is Mine" and also the 2007 romantic comedy "This Christmas.""I actually do love being onstage. Even while a child, I had been (a) artist. Local talent shows, local every part. When break dancing was out, I break danced. When rapping was the one thing, I freestyled rap around the street and fought and all sorts of that type of stuff," he states. "I am a student of the overall game. I am never not learning."His TV looks include "NY Undercover," Fox's "Mislead Me," HBO's "A Lesson Before Dying" and "The Tuskegee Airmen," and the ABC television special "Brian's Song." He's particularly proud he arrived a component within the Starz series "Torchwood: Miracle Day" like a CIA agent after producers were not able to locate a whitened actor. So striking happens the very first time is simply a logical extension of the guy attempting to learn."I have reached be rather honest: I caught the theater bug and I am all about Broadway at this time,Inch he states. "It may be frightening however, you have to possess a certain strength and fortitude with regards to you.Inchhave gifts."Copyright 2012 Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. By Mark Kennedy The month of january 9, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT AP Photo/Charles Sykes NY (AP) Mekhi Phifer sits dormant to being yelled at, but it is a part of his Broadway debut.The 37-year-old actor, most widely known for that TV series "ER" and also the film "8 Mile," is finding that audiences aren't quiet as you're watching him in "Stick Fly," Lydia R. Diamond's complex drama in regards to a black family."Individuals are spirited once they check this out play," he states, laughing.Both whitened and black audience people within the Cort Theatre are recognized to burst by helping cover their spontaneous advice for that stars in order to otherwise clearly telegraph their response to dramatic situations. "I needed to get accustomed to that," he states. "It's not so typical for Broadway a minimum of the Broadway plays that I have seen."Phifer plays Switch LeVay, a effective cosmetic surgeon and ladies' guy who attended Exeter and Harvard. Sparks fly as he and the more youthful brother bring their particular female friends one black, one whitened to satisfy their parents at their lavish summer time getaway on Martha's Winery.Phifer, whose acting career started as he won charge in director Spike Lee's "Clockers," isn't what you'd call a stage veteran. Actually, "Stick Fly" marks his professional stage debut. But Phifer is hardly intimidated."Just being there live before a crowd is a very exhilarating feeling," he states. "It's certainly another machine but I am getting an enjoyable experience because you will find something totally new I learn every evening."Created by music performer Alicia Secrets, the play provides the NY-elevated Phifer a terrific way to get his theater ft wet. He's near to his roots, can gain knowledge from the ensemble and does not need to dance. "It was really an ideal piece. It simply had the correct quantity of one's, the correct quantity of intrigue, the correct quantity of nervousness," he states. "It did not seem like an average Broadway play."Like Phifer, that has performed his share of streetwise tough men, reaches play an informed wealthy guy whose secrets unspool gradually during the period of the performance. He states he likes the chance to maneuver past race and explore humanity."There is no doubt that I am African-American. OK? I am a black guy. We are not likely to escape that. However I love getting past might, because the play continues, you are just sightseeing,Inch he states. "That's among the primary stuff that came me towards this role which play it may be anybody."Phifer may be the theater newbie within an accomplished cast which includes Emmy Award nominee Dule Hill ("Psych," ''The West Wing"), Tracie Thoms ("Rent"), Tony Award-champion Ruben Santiago-Hudson ("Lackawanna Blues"), Rosie Benton ("L'ensemble des Liaisons Dangereuses") and Condola Rashad ("Destroyed").So tight may be the cast that they have develop their very own lyrics towards the original music Secrets has written for spots between your play's moments. The relaxation of times, they warm-up together, eat communally and venture out for drinks like a group after."It certainly is a pleasure when you are getting to utilize people who you really enjoy,Inch Phifer states. "We spend time when we are in the theater. We sit within the hallways or take a seat on the steps and yap up.InchHe hopes the great feeling will bleed in to the audience, that has been recognized to become so boisterous that lines get drowned out. (His advice in the event that happens: "You may have to determine it two times.") He wants the crowd to become intrigued, triggered and then discuss everything.InchWhenever you leave the play, you are feeling good. You need to get out there and possess a drink. You need to discuss it. You need to go to consume. You wouldn't want the evening to become over. And i believe that is what the Broadway experience ought to be about," he states. "Our play gives itself to that particular energy which attitude."Director Kenny Leon continues to be wishing to assist Phifer make his Broadway debut since the 2 were slated to operate together with an ill-fated chance a couple of years back to mount a manufacture of "Guess Who's Visiting Dinner.""At the back of my thoughts, I have always aspired to use Mekhi," Leon states. "He's presence. He's charisma. He's exactly what all great stars have, except he'd never done a play before."When that point finally happened, Leon was astounded by how humble the youthful actor was as he walked in to the testing room. "It's surprising just how much he's learned in this almost no time,Inch Leon states. "The convenience when it comes to the transition from film to stage I do not think I have seen it happen such as this. I could not become more happy with what he's doing on that stage."Phifer was created in Harlem and elevated by his mother, Rhoda, a choreographer and schoolteacher who always urged her boy to become creative. After beating out 100s for any place in "Clockers" on impulse he got his headshot in a Woolworths close to the audition site Phifer has already established a varied career, one which has had him from "Honey" with Jessica Alba and "Soul Food" with Vanessa Williams to "Beginning from the Dead," music videos like Brandy and Monica's "This Boy Is Mine" and also the 2007 romantic comedy "This Christmas.""I actually do love being onstage. Even while a child, I had been (a) artist. Local talent shows, local every part. When break dancing was out, I break danced. When rapping was the one thing, I freestyled rap in the pub and fought and all sorts of that type of stuff," he states. "I am a student of the overall game. I am never not learning."His TV looks include "NY Undercover," Fox's "Mislead Me," HBO's "A Lesson Before Dying" and "The Tuskegee Airmen," and also the ABC television special "Brian's Song." He's particularly proud he arrived a component within the Starz series "Torchwood: Miracle Day" like a CIA agent after producers were not able to locate a whitened actor. So striking happens the very first time is simply a logical extension of the guy attempting to learn."I have reached be rather honest: I caught the theater bug and I am about Broadway at this time,Inch he states. "It may be frightening but you need a particular strength and fortitude with regards to you.Inchhave gifts."Copyright 2012 Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

ABC Family preps calls on aircraft aircraft pilots

Among a reliable-as-she-goes status report within the Television Experts Assn. press tour, ABC Family expects to announce eco-friendly or red-colored-colored lights on four aircraft aircraft pilots in development shortly. Michael Riley, leader in the cabler, suggested the channel's eighth consecutive year of growth and referred to away its one blemish of 2011, the don't-call-it-a-cancelation (though that's what it absolutely was) of "The Nine Lives of Chloe King," just like a reflection from the deep bench. Really, a potential telepic using the departed series remains in development. "We love to our shows, and 'Chloe King' is actually a great example," Riley mentioned within the press session in Pasadena. "For people it absolutely was about producing some options, which we needed to select from that which you thought was resonating more effective with this particular audiences." Two comedies, "Village People" and "Baby Father," are mentioned being searching ideal for series orders soon and possess launched feelers for recruiting staff authors. Also in contention will be the lighter, ballet-set drama "Bunheads" and also the other hourlong, "Intercept." "Millennials (the crowd of ABC Family) aren't genre specific," Riley mentioned, "and we're not genre specific." ABC Family put five shows into production a year ago and opened up up up another evening of original programming. "Switched at Birth," the most effective premiere of 2011, reaches turn used the other day to create "Jane By Design," professional produced by Gavin Palone and April Blair and starring Andie MacDowell, Erica Dasher and Nicholas Roux. Returning series "The Important Thing Existence in the American Teen," starring potential Oscar supporting actress nominee Shailene Woodley of "The Descendants," might have its season premiere March 26, along with " Ensure It Is or Break It." Next season may even offer endeavors by ABC Family into musical telepics, with Elixir (starring Chelsea Kane and Jane Seymour) adopted in December by "Mistletones." "Who wouldn't desire to watch a movie about dueling caroling teams?" Riley mentioned in the latter. "Music is a factor that's interesting to us." Riley addressed the perennial problem of Pat Robertson's "The 700 Club" being contractually required to look (though not beneath the ABC Family branding) around the funnel that has received GLAAD's finest rating. The channel's roots go back with a founding by Robertson for his ministry. "It's clearly a show that's on our air," Riley mentioned. "It is not a show we positioned on there, which we believe our audience knows it. In my opinion most audiences realize that they're open to the network to check out the shows they wish to watch." In other news, ABC Family people have named Jori Petersen communications veep. She's moved over from ABC Daytime as well as the soon-to-be-departed SoapNet, where she's overeseen media relations since 2008. As well as the cabler mentioned it is also exploring starting reality series, even though it had nothing to announce Monday. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Dimension nabs heist laffer 'The Black Marks'

Dimension Films has acquired U.S. distribution rights to heist comedy "The Black Marks" from Darius Films. Pic, written by "A Beginner's Guide to Endings" scribe Jonathan Sobol, stars Kurt Russell, Matt Dillon and Jay Baruchel. Story centers around a third rate motorcycle daredevil and semi-reformed art thief who agrees to get back into the con game and pull off just one more lucrative art theft with his untrustworthy brother. The plan goes awry, however, as it turns out that both brothers have their own agendas. Darius Films principal Nicholas Tabarrok is producing the film with Jeff Sackman as executive producer. "Marks" begins production this month. Dimension business and legal affairs prexy Andrew Kramer negotiated the deal on behalf of the company while Sackman negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com