World Series draws most viewers since 2004

The first Game 7 of the World Series since 2002 drew 23.2 million viewers to Fox during primetime Friday according to preliminary Nielsens, making it the most watched baseball game in seven years.Total audience for the World Series has typically gone up by at least a million when the more precise afternoon update comes in, meaning that Game 7 (in which St. Louis topped Texas) could reach the 25 million neighborhood but might fall short of passing the first episode of ''Two and a Half Men'' with Ashton Kutcher (28.7 million) as the most-watched program on TV since the Academy Awards.Nonetheless, the mass audience, on a night that Fox typically would have struggled to reach 3 million viewers with ''Kitchen Nightmares'' and ''Fringe,'' completes a long-awaited World Series boon for Fox, which in the previous seven years had seen only one World Series go past five games. Thursday's Game 6, a 10-9 extra-inning victory by St. Louis that was considered an instant classic, broke 21 million viewers.The last time the World Series crossed 30 million viewers was with Game 7 of the 2002 World Series between Anaheim and San Francisco. The top-rated Fall Classic contest since that time was Game 4 of the 2004 World Series, in which Boston won its first title in nearly a century by sweeping St. Louis before 28.8 million.Against the World Series on the East Coast, NBC's series premiere of ''Grimm'' managed to pull a 2.1 rating and 6 share according to preliminary Nielsens with 6.5 million viewers overall. ''Grimm'' improved upon its lead-in, the season premiere of ''Chuck'' (1.0/3, 3.4 million) on its new night. On the West Coast, the World Series was still wrapping up when ''Chuck'' aired and was over by the time ''Grimm'' bowed. NBC wrapped up its night with ''Dateline'' (1.3/4, 4.8 million). Once the World Series extended to a seventh game, CBS pulled its regularly scheduled firstrun programming Friday and went with drama repeats. However, ABC maintained its schedule with two episodes of ''Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'' (1.1/3, 4.2 million) and ''20/20'' (1.2/3, 5.2 million), as did the CW with ''Nikita'' (0.6/2, 1.8 million) and ''Supernatural'' (0.7/2, 1.7 million).In the 18-49 demo, Friday's World Series Game 7 had a 6.8 rating and 20 share among viewers 18-49 during primetime, peaking at 7.9/22, 24.8 million between 10:30 and 11 p.m. Eastern, according to the prelims. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

IMAX States Weak Canadian Dollar Hurt 3Q Earnings

The giant screen theater company states it created $8.39M in internet gain for 3Q, up 24.6% versus time a year ago, on revenues of $67.5B, up 32.2%. That changed into modified earnings of 16 cents a share, light in the 20 cents the road expected. But IMAX states it needed a 6 cent hit due to “a sudden lack of the Canadian Dollar in the U.S. Dollar within the finish in the third quarter.” Nearly all IMAX’s revenues will be in U.S. dollars, quite a few their expenses will be in Canadian dollars. Since the finish of September the Canadian dollar has elevated, leading IMAX to project a $3.4M grow in 4Q. Boss Wealthy Gelfond states he’s tolerant of approaching films introduced by Vital’s Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol: The IMAX Experience additionally to revenues from new theaters being built overseas. Gelfond states that 3Q was the first time that IMAX saw more gross revenues from overseas theaters than from domestic. The business elevated its worldwide growth plans by 25% and states people areas will consider about 75% in the new IMAX venues planned for an additional 15 several days.

Our Own Oslo

A Ljosband production, co-produced by Film House, F&M, with the support of the Icelandic Film Center. (International sales: Ljosband, Reykjavik.) Produced by Hronn Kristinsdottir, Anna Maria Karlsdottir. Co-producers, Egil Odegard, Mike Downey, Sam Taylor. Directed by Reynir Lyngdal. Screenplay, Thorsteinn Gudmundsson.With: Thorsteinn Gudmundsson, Brynhildur Gudjonsdottir, Hilmir Snaer Gudnason, Thorhallur Sigurdsson, Lilja Gudrun Thorvaldsdottir, Maria Heba Thorkelsdottir, Valgeir H. Skagfjord.Opposites attract to incendiary effect in "Our Own Oslo" but alas, the fire is literal rather than metaphorical in debuting Icelandic director Reynir Lyngdal's romantic comedy. This jauntily helmed tale of a relationship confounded by dueling compulsions and addictions features some witty dialogue and smart digs at Iceland's post-crash economy, but lacks credible chemistry between the two leads. A local hit, the Reykjavik fest entry is a likely bet for other Nordic events. (Okkar eigin Oslo) On a business trip to Oslo, straightlaced engineer Harald (scribe Thorsteinn Gudmundsson) shares a wild night with drunken, raven-haired beauty Vilborg (Brynhildur Gudjonsdottir), but when they meet again, it's clear they're both burdened by a lot of baggage. Disciplined Harald cares for his mentally disabled half-sister (Maria Heba Thorkelsdottir) and resents his long-dead alcoholic father. Meanwhile, irresponsible Vilborg, a less-than-sympathetic drama queen, is a gambling addict with a pending fraud charge, a sullen preteen son and an attractive ex-husband (Hilmir Snaer Gudnason). The aforementioned conflagration climaxes with a disastrous weekend all of the above share at Harald's summer cottage. Tech credits are solid.Camera (color, DV), Vidir Sigurdsson; editor, Stefania Thors; music, Helgi Svavar Helgason; production designer, Egert Ketilsson. Reviewed on DVD, Chicago, Oct. 23, 2012. (In Reykjavik Film Festival -- Icelandic Panorama.) Running time: 97 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Paranormal Activity 3 Becomes Best Horror Movie Opening Ever

Paranormal Activity 3 Paranormal Activity 3 did not just beat its two forerunners in the debut weekend - it beat almost every other horror movie ever being the very best horror movie opening ever, Box Office Mojo reviews. The film scared up an believed $54 million in the opening weekend, also topping last year's Jackass three dimensional because the greatest fall opening ever. Box Office: Real Steel takes lower Footloose, The One Thing remakes No. 1 film going back two days, Real Steel, arrived second with $11.3 million. Footloose danced up $10.9 million in the future in at No. 3. Among the weekend's two other new releases, The 3 Musketeers, gained $8.8 million for 4th place. The Ides of March completed the very best five with $4.9 million. Arriving at No. 6, Dolphin Tale came $4.two million. Moneyball adopted carefully with $4.05 million to consider seventh. From the weekend's three new releases, Johnny British Reborn worked out the worst, arriving at No. 8 with $3.8 million. Rounding the top ten: The One Thing (No. 9, $3.a million) and 50/50 (No. 10, $2.8 million).

PGA taps Livolsi for legal publish

Nicole Livolsi continues to be hired as director of arbitrations & legal matters for that Producers Guild of America. PGA Executive Director Vance Van Petten made the announcement Thursday. The PGA, that has 4,500 people, held its first credit arbitrations in 2001, promulgated a Code of Credits in 2004 and acquired traction in 2005 once the Academy of movement Picture Arts & Sciences introduced the PGA's credit determination process will be the one it uses on best picture nominations. The PGA has additionally get to be the go-to org for credit determination for that Hollywood Foreign Press Assn., together with TV nominees for that Emmys. Livolsi most lately offered as lawsuit counsel towards the Century City lawyer of Newhouse Seroussi Lawyers. She formerly offered like a staff attorney using the San Manuel Gang of Mission Indians so that as a legitimate consultant for that equine racing gambling brand Youbet.com. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

'Catechism Cataclysm' Exclusive Clip: Granny's Got A Gun!

More and more, Steve Little is becoming one of the most instantly recognizable voices in the business. As Stevie Janowski on "Eastbound & Down," there are times when Little utters a line that would be completely harmless coming from any other actor's mouth, but his distinct voice corrupts even the most innocent of phrases and turns them into something wholly ridiculous and hilarious. Really, it's quite the gift. Little's involvement is a big part of why we're excited about "The Catechism Cataclysm," the actor's new movie opposite Robert Longstreet about two old high school buddies who reconnect over a canoe trip gone weird. Director Todd Rohal's upcoming comedy, out in limited release on October 21 and hitting VOD on October 26, show cases all kinds of stories from Little and Longstreet including this little gem you're about to see. Enjoy this exclusive "Cataclysm" clip, one that shines the spotlight on the danger of letting grandmothers drive and the danger of giving them guns.

Hugh Jackman really wants to be Mission Impossible

Has speculation already began about who'll play Mission Impossible when Difficulties decides not revisit the tuxedo? Or perhaps is Hugh Jackman just tossing his hat in to the ring early for any shot at representing the key agent?Jackman claims he'd the opportunity to play 007 when Casino Royale was searching for its lead actor but switched the role lower."I acquired a phone call from my agent saying, 'There is a few possible curiosity about you for Bond, are you currently interested?' At that time I wasn't. I had been going to shoot X-Males 2 and Wolverine had become this factor during my existence and that i did not desire to be doing two such legendary figures at the same time,Inch he told the Press Association.Would he have a similar response if he was offered the role again?"I believe every male sooner or later considers playing Mission Impossible so it wasn't right then, however it might be right whether it returns," he added.

HBO Picks Up Steven Soderberghs Liberace Film Starring Michael Douglas & Matt Damon

UPDATED: Steven Soderbergh’s long-gestating Liberace feature is headed to HBO. HBO Films has greenlighted for production Behind The Candelabra, which will be directed by Soderbergh. It takes a behind-the-scenes look at the tempestuous relationship between legendary entertainer Liberace, played by Michel Douglas, and Scott Thorson, his younger live-in lover, played by Matt Damon. The actors had been attached to the project when it was a feature, which also had Richard LaGravenese writing and Jerry Weintraub producing. Weintraub will now executive produce, with Gregory Jacobs and Susan Ekins producing. Soderbergh will direct from a script by LaGravenese. This is a story thats going to surprise a lot of people, said HBO Films president Len Amato. Its funny, heartbreaking and always fascinating, and we are delighted that Jerry and Steven brought the film to HBO. Weintraub and Soderbergh began working on the project 3-4 years ago. They acquired Thorson’s memoir Behind The Candelabra (My Life With Liberace) and hired LaGravenese to write a script. Douglas and Damon then came on board to star but the project was dealt a setback when Douglas had to take time off for cancer treatment. Meanwhile, Weintraub spent time working with HBO on the documentary about his career His Way and got the idea of setting the film there. “It is a great place, and they could bring us the largest audience,” Weintraub said. Added Soderbergh, “From the inception of this project, weve had two priorities: getting it right creatively, and getting as many people as possible to see it. HBOs fearless approach to original programming and their unparalleled ability to pull in viewers make them the perfect fit for us. Apart from my hair growing back, I couldnt be happier. The project reunites principals who have worked together before: Weintraub produced the Ocean’s Eleven movie franchise, which was directed by Soderbergh and co-starred Damon. Damon also starred in Soderbergh’s latest feature, Contagion. Meanwhile, Douglas toplined Soderbergh’s feature Traffic, which earned the director an Oscar. Behind The Candelabra will start production in summer 2012, with locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Palm Springs. HBO has had success with films originally developed as features and have come to the pay cable channel with A-list talent already attached, including Grey Gardens starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange.

VIDEO Exclusive: Watch Usher Perform from London

Usher Experience an Usher performance by watching his London concert on Epix. In this exclusive clip from Usher: Live from London, see the singer show off his signature moves while performing - in front of fire balls! - the song "Hot Toddy." Usher: Live from London airs Sunday at 10/9c on Epix followed by the TV premiere of Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.

Fox 2000 acquires 'Mr. Ed'

Fox 2000 has acquired feature film rights to the 1960s TV series "Mr. Ed," which chronicled the adventures of a talking horse. Friendly Films principal David Friendly ("Little Miss Sunshine") and Jim Mahoney will produce the live-action family film, which will feature a real horse with a CG-animated mouth. Producers will soon begin their search for a writer. The original series aired on CBS from 1961 to 1966. Allan Lane voiced the horse, while Alan Young portrayed his owner, Wilbur Post. "It's always the perfect time for a four-quadrant family movie," Friendly told Variety. "Those are the movies that have the strongest pull. As a producer, I try to envision the poster and this one looks pretty good coming from the studio behind 'Marley & Me' and 'Alvin and the Chipmunks.'" Friendly brought the project to Fox 2000 and has experience making successful films about talking animals, having previously produced "Dr. Doolittle." He and Mahoney spent several years wrangling the "Mr. Ed" rights from two different estates. Mahoney has ties to the franchise, having exec produced the 2004 TV movie "Mr. Ed," which starred David Alan Basche as Wilbur Pope and featured the voice of Sherman Hemsley. As a passionate equestrian, Fox 2000 prexy Elizabeth Gabler was the driving force behind the project, which Fox 2000 exec Carla Hacken will oversee on behalf of the studio. Fox 2000 also produced the 2006 pic "Flicka." Fox 2000's next release will be David Frankel's birdwatching comedy "The Big Year" on Oct 14. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

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