Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Heads For Oblivion

He'll join Tom Cruise and coThe casting for Tron Legacy director Ernest Kosinski's next large sci-fi project Oblivion is really starting to warm-up. Just the other day there's news that Morgan Freeman might be getting his legendary gravelly tones (as well as the relaxation of him) for the film now Nikolaj Coster-Waldau may also be aboard.He's joining Freeman, Tom Cruise, Andrea Riseborough and Olga Kurylenko inside the movie, which was birthed from Kosinski's own idea. Because he couldn't get it initially converted to a film, he switched it in to a graphic novel. Ever since then it has been setup at Disney which is now an attempt at Universal.Oblivion's plot finds a scorched, destroyed Earth where basically a few people remain. Nearly all humanity has moved due to its very own safety to bases inside the clouds, but a few folk are essential to maintain the drones that deal with the dangerous alien scavengers that haunt the very best. Cruise is among people, a soldier who discovers a girl in the crash-showed up pod and who eventually eventually ends up challenging everything he thinks they are fully aware.Coster-Waldau, that's been trading nearly all his time recently playing the speaking, delicately lethal Jamie Lannister on Wager on Thrones, look as Sykes, a battle-hardened, intelligent military weapons expert.Kosinski's film (supposing it keeps that title) will begin shooting in Louisiana later. Wager On Thrones has came back on April 2.

Keck's Exclusives: Ringer Gets Romantic

Ringer Ever since her wooden-stake-wielding Buffy days, Sarah Michelle Gellar has been the embodiment of the Madonna/whore fantasy. She'll be displaying this enticing duality again in two not-to-be-missed episodes of The CW's Ringer, wearing white... and nearly nothing at all. In the February 28 episode, Bridget (still posing as her twin sis, Siobhan), receives a marriage re-proposal from Andrew (Ioan Gruffudd), prompting her to try on wedding gowns. But will a wedding actually take place before season's end? "We're writing the last episode now," says executive producer Pam Veasey. "And it's very possible." Then the March 6 episode includes a steamy flashback to Bridget's Wyoming strip-club years, as she solicits a customer for a lap dance. "It's very seductive," adds Veasey. And revealing in more ways than one: "You're going to finally get the answer to how Bridget ended up first going on the run." Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Gimenez: Profile rises with each film

Role model: Roger DeakinsFilm or digital: "It depends on the project and the texture you want."Favorite tool: "I'm not a very technical d.p. so I don't use a lot of toys."Representation: Sheldon Prosnit AgencyWith a gift for dramatic lighting and inventive composition, Spanish cinemato-grapher Xavi Gimenez has quickly become a much-in-demand collaborator for such varied directors as Brad Anderson (for whom he shot "The Machinist" and "Trans-Siberian"), Alejandro Amenabar ("Agora") and Jaume Balaguero (three feature films including "Fragile")."I've shot a lot of thrillers and horror films, because you can experiment a lot, and I love working with a director like Brad or Jaume because they're very free and intuitive," he says. "You never know what might happen on the set, which can make it complicated, but also magical."The d.p.'s latest thriller is "Red Lights," written and directed by Rodrigo Cortes and starring Robert De Niro and Sigourney Weaver, which played at Sundance. "It was a challenge as everyone wanted to make a big movie with a low budget," he reports, "but I got to shoot it in my hometown, Barcelona."Born in the Catalonian capital in 1970, Gimenez originally went to film school to study sound, but within the first month, he experienced an epiphany: "I discovered the power of images and just fell in love with the idea of creating them and how they can transform you," he recalls.After starting as a camera operator and shooting shorts, he graduated to features in the late '90s, shooting Balaguero's 1999 thriller "The Nameless," and has worked steadily ever since -- "sometimes in Barcelona, where we did 'The Machinist,' but usually all over Europe, so it's always an adventure with new things to see and inspire you."In 2010 he made his debut as a director with his feature "Cruzando el limite," "a story for teenagers that was really crazy and complicated to shoot, and which I wanted to do more as a d.p. than a director," he admits."So I don't know if I'll direct again soon, as I need to learn more about directing first." In the meantime, Gimenez is focusing on cinematography and recently returned from Venezuela, where he's been scouting and prepping "a big historical biopic" that will be shot there. "That's all I can say," he adds. "It's a big secret."Trailer: "Red Lights"Return to 10 Cinematographers to Watch Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Takayanagi: Japanese transplant captures extreme conditions

'Warrior'TakayanagiRole model: Rodrigo Prieto. "I learned many important lessons from him -- most importantly, to be a nice human being."Camera and film preferred: "On 'The Grey,' we tested several film stocks and processes and ended up choosing Kodak 5229 forced processed. We used Panavision XL2 and Platinum cameras."Favorite tool: "I don't have any favorite equipment or tools. I like to adjust myself to each story and project."Representation: ICMMasanobu Takayanagi's decision to pursue his chosen profession tells a lot about a man who insists on getting things right. "My interest grew out of the mistakes I made the first time I took photographs as a 12-year-old," he recalls. "I still remember my mistakes!"Takayanagi, who emigrated from his native Japan about 16 years ago, photographed Nick Nolte's Oscar-nominated turn in helmer Gavin O'Connor' "Warrior," and was director of photography on Joe Carnahan's "The Grey," produced by Tony and Ridley Scott, both known for a sharp eye for talented visual storytellers.A student at Cal State Long Beach and at the American Film Institute, Takayanagi quickly earned plaudits from the American Society of Cinematographers, taking home the John F. Seitz Heritage Award for cinematography in a student film."As a cinematographer, my role is to be a visual storyteller," Takayanagi says. "On 'Warrior,' Gavin was very specific about what he wanted to deliver emotionally in each scene. The performances of the cast were incredible, and I just tried to capture each moment with honesty.""The Grey" stars Liam Neeson in a harrowing tale of survival in the Alaskan wilderness."It's a story about life and death," says Takayanagi. "Joe and I had deep discussions about visualizing the emotion and the state of mind of characters in the extreme conditions. The severe conditions required passion and patience from the crew, but also helped achieve the right look."Among Takayanagi's upcoming projects is "Silver Linings Playbook," which stars Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro and Jennifer Lawrence, directed by David O. Russell ("The Fighter").Trailer: "Warrior"Return to 10 Cinematographers to Watch Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Katy Perry and Russell Brand Finalize Divorce

Katy Perry and Russell Brand Katy Perry and Russell Brand's divorce continues to be completed. The pair, who married in October 2010 and declared divorce last December, have arrived at a "comprehensive written settlement of issues," based on a filing Tuesday in La Superior Court. Russell Brand files for divorce from Katy Perry A legal court documents were signed Wednesday by La Superior Court Judge Marc Marmaro, additionally to Logo and Perry, who'll restore her maiden title, Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson. Perry, 27, and Brand, 36, won't be considered legally split until This summer 14, as California law states that couples must wait a minimum of six several weeks after filing before their divorce is technically completed.Katy Perry wins large at Individuals Choice Honours - but does not attend Perry signed the documents having a heart and smiley face following her surname.

'Love, Loss' to seal

"Love, Loss and A Few Things I Used" will finish its abnormally extended Off Broadway run within the finish of March, immediately after the expansion hits its 1,000th perf. The play, composed by Nora and Delia Ephron and completed having a rotating roster of stars, already has produced a national tour -- now playing in Detroit -- additionally to worldwide incarnations. Effective commercial productions are becoming a rarity Off Broadway, with a lot of producers lamenting the inhospitable overall costs of keeping a show in Off Broadway's smaller sized venues. Arrange for "Love, Loss" was saved in sign simply having a scaly lower, staged-reading through through style production which aided limit actor prep and testing needs. Furthermore, the subject matter is specific squarely within the prime theatergoing demo of older women. With various book by Ilene Beckerman, "Love, Loss" is an amount of tales organized across the stages from the woman's existence as well as the clothes worn throughout each phase. Stars who've carried out stints inside the Off Broadway staging include Kristin Chenoweth, Carol Kane, Jane Lynch, Brooke Shields and Cobie Smulders. Helmed by Karen Contractor and produced by Daryl Roth, "Love, Loss" opened up up March. 1, 2009 and retrieved its $500,000 capital in the quick 11 days. If the wooden wooden shutters March 25, the show might have carried out 1,013 perfs. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

First Students Finish Winfrey School

First Launched: The month of the month of january 14, 2012 10:41 AM EST Credit: Getty Premium HENLEY-ON-KLIP, Nigeria -- Caption The famous host the famous host oprah Winfrey talks within the Cable Show 2011 at McCormick Place, Chicago, June 16, 2011Johnson Mncube recalls day one in the famous host the famous host oprah Winfreys boarding school for underprivileged South African women, when 11- and 12-year-olds were crying thinking to become separated utilizing their families, which he mentioned he almost preferred to place their very own daughter within the pocket and take her home. five years later, Mncube was pleased she continued to be. On Saturday, he gazed happily at his daughter, fitted stylishly in white-colored for your first graduation ceremony at Winfreys school. Bongekile Mncube is headed for the College of Gauteng to examine politics and overall costs, and vows to at least one day enhance the economy of the nation. We are so grateful towards the famous host the famous host oprah, mentioned her father, a pastor and small businessmen who never visited secondary school. We pray that God helps her to fulfill the vision that they. Elgars Pomp and circumstance rang out Saturday since the graduates marched in, some unsteady on new rearfoot footwear. The ceremony saw cheers and tears, including Winfreys own. Winfreys school is certainly an try to wield philanthropy and celebrity against South Africas social and academic crises. High-achieving students from poor families were recognized carrying out a rigorous application through which Winfrey was deeply involved, and he or she has visited regularly to counsel her women. She held your final, late-evening pajama party while using graduates Friday. Winfrey told reporters following a ceremony that her women would still be capable of rely on her account support. A counseling unit have been in existence to help the graduates budget time, money and points of interest attending college. In the graduation speech, Winfrey recognized the teachers, managers, social employees, scientists and family people she mentioned had made sure the students been effective. Winfrey mentioned she's learned it takes a team to assist students, especially people who've experienced the poverty and trauma define lots of South African lives. Winfrey mentioned she sees the students as her kids, and listed the blows they have experienced: Divorce. Violence. Molestation. Losing one parent. Losing another parent. Sorrow. Sadness. Grief. The initial class to complete the school changed adversity to find out 72 in the 75 original people graduate. All 72 are headed to schools in Nigeria as well as the united states . States. Across Nigeria, over half huge numbers of people in the class of 2011 disappeared just before the 496,000 remaining needed their final exams, and merely one 4th of people who graduated did sufficiently good to be qualified for any college study, according to government figures. Im one proud momma today, mentioned Winfrey, who used eye shadow together with a flowing gown in eco-friendly, a university color. Calculating Maya Angelou, she referred to as graduates phenomenal, phenomenal, phenomenal women. Graca Machel, whose husband former South African Leader Nelson Mandela inspired Winfrey to start the school, referred to as round the graduates to change the earth. Mandela has outdated from public existence and did not attend the ceremony. He attended the opening in the school in 2007. You are leaders, Machel mentioned in their graduation speech. But be humble. Listen. Learn. Try, and look for again. Winfrey, among the wealthiest women in the world, spent $40 million to create the school, creating facilities many South African schools might envy. But she mentioned the schools success was owed to teachers who came early and continued to be late, social employees like one which traveled hundreds of miles (kilometers) in order to save students who had experienced violence within a trip home, and parents who developed discipline despite difficult home lives. Winfrey asked for staff and family individuals to face for applause through the ceremony. Winfrey advised all South African schools to enhance their anticipation, saying the help of her school shown youthful people would respond by doing all of your best. Right from the start, Winfreys students informed they need to set their sights on college. No matter the cash and intentions, the school has received trouble. Immediately after opening, a girl being a dormitory matron was billed with mistreating students. She was discovered innocent this season. Winfrey, which has spoken to become roughed up becoming an adult and referred to as accusations in the matron crushing, and contains mentioned the tests outcome was profoundly disappointing. Winfrey settled a defamation suit filed in Philadelphia with the schools former headmistress, Nomvuyo Mzamane, who mentioned Winfrey defamed her in remarks created within the wake in the scandal. A year ago, a baby born with a student within the school is discovered dead. Winfrey mentioned Saturday there has been times when she was frustrated, but that we always held the vision this very day was possible. Winfrey noted the gradates were born in 1994, the season apartheid ended, in to a nation nonetheless: You are free. You are absolve to rise. You are absolve to soar. Graduate Bongekile Mncube needed Winfreys words to heart. The earth ought to be careful, she mentioned. Would dominate. Copyright 2012 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. 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