Paul McCartney To Help Restore Motown Piano

First Published: October 29, 2011 6:33 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images DETROIT, Mich. -- Caption Paul McCartney attends the fifth anniversary celebration of The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil show at the Mirage Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, June 8, 2011During a summer visit to a Motown recording studio, former Beatle Paul McCartney wanted to run his fingers along an 1877 Steinway grand piano played by some Detroit music greats he considers idols. He was disappointed when we told him it didnt play, Motown Historical Museum chief executive Audley Smith Jr., told The Detroit News for a story Saturday. Undaunted, the legendary rock and roller from England told museum officials following a July concert at Comerica Park that he wanted to help restore it. On Monday, the piano will be picked up from the Detroit museum and shipped to Steinway&Sons in NY for restoration. The work is expected to take up to five months. The piano company has to assess the pianos condition before a cost can be determined. Steinway&Sons is honored to restore the historic Steinway piano that was used by such legends as Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder and to do so in the very same NY factory where it was originally built in 1877, Steinway&Sons President of Americas Ron Losby told the newspaper in a statement. Were especially proud, as an American company, to help the Motown Museum in preserving the legacy of the Motown Record Company, whose artists and albums played such a vital role in one of the great eras of American music. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Kudos turn up quip quotient

Michelle Williams and Busy Phillips at the kudofest.Ben Affleck wrestles with d.p. Emmanuel Lubezki.Director Michel Hazanavicius, George Clooney, Wendy Treece and Beau Bridges.Christopher Plummer approves.Celebs at Monday's Hollywood Awards offered up better speeches than usual at the annual movie confab. Taking the stage at the Beverly Hilton, Ben Affleck joked about a case of mistaken identity at the valet stand. "I pulled up in my car -- this is a true story -- I open the door, the guy sees me over there, walks right up to me and says, 'Right this way, Mr. Bruckheimer.' I have to renegotiate my producing deal," Affleck quipped.Quentin Tarantino gave an enthusiastic welcome to honoree Diablo Cody. "I will let A.O. Scott, critic for the NY Times, give the final word on this. In his review for 'Jennifer's Body,' he said, 'Is Diablo Cody a great writer? Well, if you think Quentin Tarantino's a great writer, I guess Diablo Cody's a great writer.' Well, I do and I do," he said.Christopher Plummer didn't conceal his excitement at being an honoree. "Awfully nice to get an award this early in the proceedings, it's way past my bedtime," he said. "I'm so thrilled to have been allowed to stay up for it." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

'Paranormal' thesp joins 'Fundamentalist' cast

SmithChris Smith, the lead actor in "Paranormal Activity 3," has come on board for Mira Nair's feature "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" opposite Riz Ahmed, Kate Hudson, Liev Schreiber and Kiefer Sutherland.Smith will portray a co-worker to Ahmed's character.The Doha Film Institute boarded "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" to finance in early October. Pic, based on Mohsin Hamid's tome and adapted for screen by Hamid, Bill Wheeler and Ami Boghani, follows the story of a young Pakistani man chasing corporate success on Wall Street in the era of globalization -- with a seismic shift in his attitudes after 9/11.Lydia Dean Pilcher is the producer. The pic, a Mirabai Films and Cine Mosaic production, began lensing earlier this month with shooting in Atlanta, Gotham, Lahore, Delhi and Istanbul.Smith is repped by Paradigm and Principato-Young. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Beck, private school grad, gives back

Enormous musical talent have to get its origins somewhere, as Christophe Beck knows. The Canadian-born composer started exploring their own penchant for music in a private senior high school in Toronto. "I had been fortunate," Beck states. "The college hired a lot of great instructors, many of them professional music artists which type of immersive experience was essential to my development like a music performer." But, when Beck found that some schools in La don't have any music program to talk of, he was "shocked."Beck was brought to this disparity by Education Through Music-La, a charitable organisation dedicated to supplying quality music education to disadvantaged schools within the L.A. area.Fellow composers Austin Wintory and Tim Davies asked Beck to get familiar with ETM-LA, and also, since then Beck has arrived a just right the organization's advisory board. Victoria Lanier, professional director from the nonprofit, notes that Beck's participation using the program continues to be beneficial not just due to his financial support, but additionally "due to the visibility he brings." "It enables individuals who might not otherwise learn about ETM-LA to understand about us," states Lanier.ETM-LA, founded in 2006, is dependant on the training Through Music model in NY. Throughout its newbie, ETM-LA labored with two schools within the L.A. area, getting music as part of the core curriculum to a lot more than 800 students. Since that time, the charitable organisation has branched out and today serves 4,500 eighth grade students at 10 disadvantaged L.A. schools. The program's mission, states Beck, would be to create equal chance for any well-rounded music education."It is not really whether students turns into a music performer it's giving each student the same chance for achievement in whatever area they would like to pursue," Lanier states. "It comes down to transferable abilities."Beck joins a listing of other showbiz music artists who've led towards the org, including singer Lisbeth Scott and composer Michael Giacchino. ETM-LA's plan's to carry on its expansion into new schools each year, and, based on Lanier, still "connect famous artists towards the community and also to spotlight the (music) programs that are connecting on."Beck themself is searching toward going to schools and talking about both his personal and professional knowledge about music. "I'd like to do master classes," states Beck, "and that i intend to have kids sit in on recording periods too.InchInchI would like all students to achieve the chance I'd,Inch states Beck because he reflects by himself music education experience. "I believe sometimes music requires a back burner to sports -- there's lots of pressure to become a great athlete ... (but) a pastime from the arts is equally as important, and you will find kids where sports isn't the things they were born to complete, and it might be unfortunate to depart individuals kids in the cold."He continues, "This is exactly why ETM-LA is excellent -- it provides them the opportunity to do this, particularly if they cannot pay the instruments in the end, I am sure schools have ample football pads to hands out."BILLION-DOLLAR COMPOSER: CHRISTOPHE BECK Beck's eco-friendly phase Resurrecting 'Muppets' in Disney tradition Beginning from the undead Beck's music in the own words Beck, private school grad, gives back Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

John Mayer Recovering from Throat Surgery

After John Mayer was diagnosed with a granuloma, or throat inflammation, just above his vocal cord last month, the singer has undergone surgery to correct the problem.our editor recommendsJohn Mayer Channels Johnny Depp at GrammysJohn Mayer quits TwitterJohn Mayer Cancels Two Shows Due to Sickness The seven-time Grammy winner is now on complete vocal rest for a month or more. Last month he was forced to cancel performances with Tony Bennett in Los Angeles and at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. STORY: John Mayer Channels Johnny Depp at Grammys "It's been a very long process in waiting to see if time was an alternative to surgery," Mayer wrote on his Tumblr, "but even given two weeks voice rest (along with many other approaches), there was no change for the better." Mayer continues, "I should be frustrated but I can't seem to stop thinking about beautiful things... I have this beautiful, meaningful record waiting for me when I can sing it." His upcoming fifth studio album, "Born and Raised," which was previously set to release this fall, has been postponed to release some time next year. Related Topics

Michael Bay States He Isn't In Foretells Direct 'Transformers 4' and '5'

Not so good news for Hasbro Boss John Goldner: despite reviews earlier within the week, Michael Bay states he is not really speaking with Vital about pointing 4th and fifth payments within the 'Transformers' franchise. "I am searching at lots of options coming my way at this time weighing options," Bay authored around the forum of his website. "Probably likely to be doing the reduced budget 'Pain and Gain,' a genuine story crime thriller. It is a extremely swift shoot and quite funny. Also just finishing the three-disc group of the 'Transformer' trilogy." [Aim for the Edit via JoBlo] [Photo: Vital] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Harry Potter documentary will receive a teaser trailer

It seems like the Harry Potter franchise will get yourself a Making Of for your DVD or Blu-ray that goes beyond the rear-slapping efforts of all Hollywood blockbusters.Documentary maker Morgan Matthews was presented with utilisation of the number of The Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and two then when Harry Left Hogwarts might be the end result.The teaser starts while using filmmaker fearlessly asking cast people whatever they think the doc needs to be about."It may be nice whether or not this was gifted," states Gary Oldman (Also called Sirius Black). "A number of these the situation is awful."Ouch.Start to see the trailer if ever Harry Left Hogwarts below...

Forex Orders a 13-Episode Fifth Season of Sons of Anarchy

Charlie Hunnam Sons of Anarchy will return having a 13-episode fifth season, Forex introduced Monday. "It's no small challenge to create the styles of the great, ancient play like Hamlet right into a wholly original television setting and also to tell this complex story in ways that's both riveting and available to an extensive audience," network Leader John Landgraf stated. Watch full instances of Sons of Anarchy The drama, produced by Kurt Sutter, stars Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal and Ron Perlman and follows the lives of the close-knit outlaw motorcycle club This year continues to be calculating 5.8 million audiences, using the premiere episode probably the most-viewed enter in the network's history. Are you currently excited for additional Sons of Anarchy?

Hollywood Worries About Weak Box Office: Footloose #1, Real Steel #2, The Thing #3; Big Comics Bomb In The Big Year

FRIDAYPM/SATURDAY AM UPDATE: Seriously, do movie moguls get into showbiz just to greenlight unnecessary remakes of teen movies and horror movies or unfunny comedies that humiliate big stars like Friday’s film fare? Maybe that’s why audiences are rebelling. According to tonight’s estimates, my sources say the North American box office is looking very weak againfor this weekend. Asa longtime studio exec worried out loud to me tonight: “I’m really concerned about how soft things are. Numbers were looking better during the day. But I’m sitting here looking at grosses tonight and I’m concerned for the Industry. What’s worrying meis where are those hardcore movie fans at this point?” Well, I say Hollywood should expect the worst when they release a lot of dreadful pics over recent weeks.This weekend’s total gross won’t edge much over $80M — which is a whopping-35% from last year when Jackass 3D opened to $50M. (I know what you’re thinking: Who are the jackasses now?)This is not a good situation for the studios to be in as moviegoing enters the all-important holiday season. Full analysis coming: 1. Footloose (Paramount) NEW [3,549 Theaters] Friday$5.7M, Estimated Weekend$17M 2. Real Steel (DreamWorks/Disney) Week 2 [3,440 Theaters] Friday $4.6M (-46%), Estimated Weekend $16M, Estimated Cume $51.3M 3. The Thing (Universal) NEW [2,996 Theaters] Friday$3.5M, Estimated Weekend$9M 4. The Ides Of March (Sony) Week 2 [2,199 Theaters] Friday $2.3M (-31%), Estimated Weekend $7.5M, Estimated Cume $22.1M 5. The Dolphin Tale (Alcon/Warner Bros) Week 4 [3,286 Theaters] Friday $1.7M, Estimated Weekend $6.5M, Estimated Cume $59M 6. Moneyball (Sony) Week 4 [2,840 Theaters] Friday $1.4M, Estimated Weekend $5.5M, Estimated Cume $57.7M 7. 50/50 (Summit) Week 3[2,391 Theaters] Friday $1.4M, Estimated Weekend $4.5M, Estimated Cume $24.5M 8. The Big Year (Fox) NEW [2,150 Theaters] Friday $1.2M,Estimated Weekend$3M 9. Courageous (Sony) Week 3 [1,214 Theaters] Friday $1M, Estimated Weekend $3.3M, Estimated Cume $21.3M 10. Dream House (Universal) Week 3 [2,172 Theaters] Friday $825K, Estimated Weekend $2.5M, Estimated Cume$18.4M

Summit Acquires Rights To Norwegian Crime-Thriller Headhunters

Summit Entertainment has acquired English-language movie rights to the international bestselling crime thriller Headhunters, by Norwegian author Jo Nesb. The novel, recently published in the U.S. by Doubleday and a NY Times bestseller, chronicles the escapades of a high-living corporate headhunter who steals artwork from his rich clients to finance his expensive lifestyle. When a heist unexpectedly goes south, he discovers he’s in way over his head in a murderous scheme. Nesb’s eight crime novels featuring Detective Harry Hole have been translated into more than 40 languages. Erik Feig, Summit’s president of production, acquisitions SVP Michael Schaefer, and creative executive Jeyun Choi will oversee the project for the studio. Marianne Gray, Ole Sondberg, and Berna Levin are aboard as producers via Swedish production company Yellow Bird. Summit acquired the English-language rights from Yellow Bird, which already produced a hit Scandinavian film based on the novel.

Ratings Pit Of Debt: Fringe Inches Up, Kitchen Bad dreams or nightmares Slips, Gifted Guy Flat

72 hours in, the Friday series seem to possess settled in. There has been only minor changes inside the ratings from the other day, some series adding a tenth from the 18-49 rating point, some losing one as well as the others keeping steady. Individuals obviously can alter when the second phase in the Friday fall rollout starts with the introduction of NBC’s Chuck and Grimm and ABC’s Extreme Transformation: Home Edition and Shark Tank. For the time being, let’s enjoy the peace. Listed below are the stats for last evening: Fox’s Kitchen Bad dreams or nightmares (1.5/5 in grownups 18-49) was lower a tenth from the other day, while Fringe (1.3/4) remedied the downward trend with the help of a tenth. CBS’ rookie A Gifted Guy (1.2/4) appears to own found the bottom, despite the other day. CSI: NY (1.6/7) was lower a tenth, while Blue Bloods (1.9/6, 11 million) was track of much. It absolutely was once again the finest-rated program in the evening in 18-49 and total audiences. Similarly, the CW’s Nikita (.5/2) was lower a tenth in 18-49, while Supernatural (.7/2) was steady. ABC’s 20/20 (1.1/3) too was lower a tenth from the other day, while NBC’s Dateline (1.4/4) was really the only program to buck the recognition, lower 2 tenths.

Comcast tests VOD service with 'Tower'

'Tower Heist'Theater owners have a reason to get angry again: Comcast will use Universal's "Tower Heist" to test its own premium video-on-demand service by making the pic available 30 days after it bows for $60. The Brett Ratner-helmed film will only be made available to Comcast customers in Atlanta, and Portland, Ore., midsize markets that limit the test to around 500,000 subscribers. "Tower Heist," which stars Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller and Matthew Broderick, bows Nov. 4. Move follows a test that 20th Century Fox, Sony, Warner Bros. and Universal recently ended exclusively with DirecTV, in which they provided the satcaster with four films for $30 around 60 days after their theatrical releases. The test, which began in April, lasted for around six months. The traditional window is 90 days before films bow on homevid. VOD titles typically rent for around $5-$6 per film. The initial titles used for the test included Fox's "Water for Elephants," "Cedar Rapids" and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules"; Sony went with "Just Go With It," "Battle: Los Angeles" and "Soul Surfer"; U provided "The Adjustment Bureau," "Paul" and "Your Highness"; and WB's titles were "Hall Pass" and "Sucker Punch." Each film was available for two weeks. While the number of orders wasn't as high as the studios had hoped, given the small amount of marketing DirecTV put behind the premium VOD push, the studios told Variety they weren't finished with tests of the earlier rental window. Theater owners fear Hollywood's promotion of a new premium window will hurt ticket sales. At the time, DirecTV was chosen after it proved to studios that it had the necessary antipiracy technology on its newer set-top boxes to prevent pics from being illegally copied and distributed, which could have hurt disc sales weeks later during the traditional homevid window. But in Comcast's case, "Tower Heist" will still be playing in theaters, giving theaters reason to consider pulling the pic from theaters in the two cities it's available on premium VOD. According to the Los Angeles Times, which first reported the story Wednesday, Universal is assuring exhibs they will be compensated if ticket sales for "Tower Heist" take a hit in the two markets where the premium VOD test is taking place. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

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