Disney Boosts Annual Dividend By 50%

The Walt Disney Co., which has been one of the stingier media conglomerates in terms of its dividend yield, said Wednesday its board approved a 50 percent hike in its annual dividend. Disney said it will pay its shareholders 60 cents for each share they own as of Dec. 16, up from 40 cents. Disney, said CEO Bob Iger, "had a great creative, strategic and financial year in fiscal 2011 with record revenue, net income and earnings per share." Disney stock advanced 5.4 percent Wednesday to $35.85. At that price and prior to the 50 percent dividend hike, Disney stock was yielding just 1.2 percent annually, the same as News Corp. and better than Sony, but less than Viacom, Time Warner, Comcast and CBS. Disney also said Wednesday that it has scheduled its annual shareholders meeting for March 13 in Kansas City, Missouri. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Disney's D23 Expo 2011 Related Topics Time Warner Bob Iger Viacom Comcast The Walt Disney Company Sony CBS Corporation

Doctors: George Michael Recouping In Vienna

First Launched: November 30, 2011 11:37 AM EST Credit: Getty Images VIENNA, Austria -- Caption George Michael works london, August 25, 2008Doctors coping with George Michael the ex-front guy for your pop group Wham! is making progress while he rebounds from pneumonia. Doctors Gottfried Locker and Christoph Zielinski the 48-year-old Michael remains make the hospital nonetheless. It is said in the statement he needed intensive care because of the significance and spread in the infection. The statement Wednesday states despite his progress, absolute relaxation and restraint are top points of interest for Michael. It states the singer will get exactly the same treatment every normal patient in Austria would with this particular condition which appears being an indirect denial of gossips that Michael may be battling with more serious problems. Michael was recognized to Viennas AKH hospital the other day after getting rid of a performance inside the Austrian capital. Copyright 2011 with the Connected Press. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Box Office Report: 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' Hits $500 Mil Worldwide in 12 Days

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures has come out swinging against a fraud lawsuit filed Tuesday by a financing entity that backed a string of high-profile movies but sued claiming the studio underreported millions of dollars in revenue in fraudulent accounting statements. Melrose 2, the NY-based entity that agreed in 2006 to back a slate of Paramount films in exchange for about a 25 percent share of revenue, argues in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that the studio has engaged in a practice of "under-reporting the revenue and overreporting the costs" attributable to 29 films co-financed by Melrose, including such hists as Mission Impossible 3, Blades of Glory and the Transformers series. "In contrast, five years after [the co-financing agreement] was signed, Melrose 2 has still not seen a dollar of profit from its $375 million investment" despite the films bringing in $7 billion in revenue, states the complaint, filed in Los Angeels Superior Court. But Paramount responds in a statement released Tuesday afternoon that the studio has played fair with its financial partner: "Paramount has complied with its obligations to Melrose 2 and has been forthcoming in the audit process. We are disappointed that these sophisticated investors would choose to file a lawsuit filled with hyperbole that ignores the true facts rather than seeing that process through to completion. The Melrose 2 investors have already received almost 90% of their investment back under the financing agreement, and a number of the films in which they participate (such as the successful Transformers 3) remain in the earliest stages of their earning potential. "While we intend to vigorously defend this lawsuit, the differences between the parties' positions are relatively modest in amount and we are confident they can be resolved in the ordinary course." The lawsuit claims potentially millions of dollars in damages and argues that Paramount has repeatedly tried to hinder the audit process on specific films, as well as charge improper expenses against its profit participation obligations. There was a ton of press coverage of the Melrose deal and other mega-budget "slate" financing arrangements back in 2006 and 2007. Wall Street money was flowing freely into Hollywood, and studios were happy to take the cash in exchange for back-end participations down the road. Then, when the economy crashed and hedge funds and other financing entities shied away from movie investments, speculation arose about whether investors would make back their money on the Hollywood deals. Melrose investors believe they've been cheated. Paramount says it has complied with the deal. It will be interesting to see how this case turns out. The suit alleges causes of action for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, unfair competition and declaratory relief. Read the full complaint here. Email: Matthew.Belloni@thr.com Twitter: @THRMattBelloni Paramount Pictures

'Twilight' earns $72 mil at Friday B.O.

'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1'America bled green for Summit's B.O.-busting vampires. "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1" opened to $72 million Stateside last night.Comparable to the franchise's best ("New Moon" snagged a $72.7 million opening day in 2009), the figure has "Breaking Dawn -- Part 1" squarely in line with pre-weekend estimates in the vicinity of $140 million. Pic also reps the franchise's highest midnight take at $30.3 million, eclipsing "Eclipse."Leaving little room for competition, "Twilight's" closest challenger last night was Warner Bros.' "Happy Feet Two," which danced off with $5.9 million domestically. If it behaves like its predecessor with a healthy Friday-to-Saturday uptick from family auds, the tap dancing toon could gross close to $20 million through Sunday.Meanwhile, it's a horse race among last week's winners for third, fourth and fifth places this frame. Relativity's "The Immortals" made $3.8 million last night with Sony's "Jack and Jill" just behind it at $3.5 million. Paramount's "Puss in Boots" brought up the tail with $3.4 million.In limited release, Fox Searchlight's "The Descendants" expanded to 29 locations yesterday for an impressive per screen average of $10,988, putting the pic in 10th place. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

ABC Cuts 'Cougar Town' Episode Order

Because of ABC"Cougar Town" ABC is yanking back on its persistence for Cougar Town. The Disney-possessed network has cut seven episodes within the third season of the Courteney Cox comedy from Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. The network will produce 15 cases of the first 22 that have been planned for your comedy's third season, which was formerly planned for midseason but did not have within the schedule ABC revealed Friday. With rookie comedy Don't Trust the Bitch still round the bench together with a midseason selection featuring the bow of one other newcomer comedy in Push The Button, the network already features a heavy roster of half-several hours inside the can sources tell THR the network still greatly thinks in Cougar Town. Since bowing this past year, the series has faced a continuing fight among numerous organizing jumps last season the half-hour was slotted for just about any spring return after greater than two several days in the air around the Monday evening before ongoing within the usual home a couple of days later. A Season 3 premiere date will most likely be introduced in the month of the month of january's Television Experts Association's winter press tour. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com Twitter: @Snoodit ABC Cougar Town

Soderbergh ankles 'Man From U.N.C.L.E.'

SoderberghSteven Soderbergh has ankled from directing Warner Bros.' spy pic "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." Studio confirmed Friday that Soderbergh had departed from the project. Warner Bros. had no further comment but a source close to the situation indicated that the director and the studio had disagreed over budget issues. It's uncertain whether Warner Bros. will continue to develop "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.," based on the 1960s TV series starring Robert Vaughn and David McCallum as superagents Napoleon Solo and Ilya Kuryakin, operatives for the United Network Command for Law & Enforcement. Project's seen Matt Damon, Johnny Depp and Bradley Cooper pass on the lead role vacated by George Clooney several months ago. Scott Z. Burns has written the latest version of the script. Warner Bros. picked up Soderbergh's drama "Magic Mike" late last month and set it for release June 29. HBO picked up Soderbergh's Liberace film "Behind the Candelabra" last month and the TV pic will star Michael Douglas as the performer and Damon as Liberace's lover, Scott Thorson. News of Soderbergh leaving "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." was first reported by The Playlist. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Dwts Episode Recap: Tuesday, November. 15, 2011

One further couple hits the street as Dwts decreases to the final three pairs. Who fell lacking the finals? Did Hope and Maks constitute their massive score deficit? Did J.R.'s injuries disaster him? Plus: The Muppets perform!As Tom highlights, the inflatable rainbow is around the stage, meaning one factor: Take advantage of and Cheryl obtain the encore. However ,, everyone knows they were given the jerk because Barbara Ann The Cougar really wants to see Take advantage of shake what Kris gave him. Take advantage of is putting on his Lucky Bruce Jenner Gemstone Stud Earring TM, which clearly bodes well on their behalf because they learn their fate after.First safe couple:Take advantage of and CherylI am completely indifferent to Take advantage of, however i think it's awesome that he's within the final, especially because most people had him called as cannon fodder as well as an early exit, like sister Kim switched to be. But almost all very difficult to top Kim, no?Following a performance by Cobra Starship, it's Hope and Maks' turn underneath the Red-colored Light of Disaster. I'd normally say cut towards the chase since we all know they are likely to be in risk, however their confessional/backstage packages from performance nights are infinitely entertaining (read: cringe-worthy) and revealing. Just to illustrate: "F--- them. I do not even want to check out them," Hope told Maks after their Argentine tango before whining regarding their scores. Ugh. Lady, this persecution complex is definitely an ugly color you. You are an excellent goalkeeper, but you are not really a great dancer. And that is fine. It's not necessary to be awesome at everything. Just try your very best and accept the details. The idol judges get their weak points, but they are not drastically wrong within their critiques. With no, they didn't would like you in Week 1. Nearly everybody thought you had been the main one to conquer pre-season. Notice how Maks stated nary a peep this complete segment.Surprise! Hope and Maks have been in risk.Carson's back! He provides a Queer Eye package about last night's wardrobe. So he's why Ricki appeared as if Large Bird! He indicates Take advantage of obtain a "Brazilian just for fun... just like a deep dark tan," charges his fabric purchases to Tom and, naturally, smacks Maks' ass before he carried out. Seriously, men, simply make him co-host. To not be surpassed, Anna hits happens with Derek to do the look a Dance to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance." And she or he appears to be fierce as always! I am really gonna need Anna to win among nowadays. The Spotlight Performance follows with four boys in the Gold School, who have been cajolled in class to be ballroom dancers. But because they note, they are the actual those who win here given that they get all close up and private with chicks on the ground.Muppets! They are all here, including Walter (also known as Jason Segel's puppet bro within the movie) to do "Life's a contented Song." It's super cute and, lo and behold, Miss Piggy, does not, um, hog the spotlight. Statler and Waldorf - who, let us face the facts, are essentially the Muppet versions of Len - however they are under impressed: "Eliminate the singing and dancing and [this show would] be considered a hit!" Are we able to have Muppets each week? Pretty please?To business! Should you did not browse the script in advance, J.R. and Karina will be in risk... and they're!2nd safe couple:Ricki and DerekHope and Maks, and J.R. and Karina aren't always the underside two. And also the couple departing is... Hope and Maks. Which was suspenseful. Yawn."This is among the most difficult competitions I have have you been a part of,Inch Hope states, wearing her best gracious loser face. "Rather than attempting to win the Mirrorball trophy, I am going to win a gold medal.""If only I could've been much better, but it's what it's. It has been amazing," Maks states before saying thanks to their fans.Thanks, America! That one might have happened a couple of days back, but your final four finish is excellent for Hope thinking about how shaky, as well as progressively bitter, she has been. However you are free! The two of you! Leave and become happy (following the finale, obviously).What is your opinion? Would you such as the final three? Who have been your pre-season final three picks? Did Hope should go back home? Will she hold a grudge from the idol judges for that relaxation of her existence? Can Statler and Waldorf become permanent idol judges? Who do you consider will win? show less

Tarantino May be Equipping Sacha Baron Cohen for Django Unchained

Quentin Tarantino’s next film Django Unchained has a cast that — so far — includes Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Samuel L. Jackson, and Kurt Russell, but the director is rumored to be squeezing in an extra star: Sacha Baron Cohen. Borat’s guerrilla buffoon is reportedly up for the role of Scotty Harmony, a slave owner who buys Broomhilda (Washington) as a “female companion.” I expect an HBO spinoff series about this kooky slave ownership called Da Simon Legree Show. [Variety]

Natasha Lyonne Books An Indie Playdate

Natasha Lyonne has been set to star in Tara Subkoff’s directorial debut Playdate, an indie drama that Liz Destro is producing. It is set to begin shooting this month in Los Angeles. Lyonne will play Amy, an unfulfilled stay-at-home mom who befriends a seeming perfect fellow mom (Radha Mitchell) that moves in next door. The two become fast friends until Grace reveals a vicious streak and begins destroying Amy’s life, a spiral that ends with the mysterious death of Grace’s husband and Amy as the prime suspect. Lyonne is coming off wrapping roles in Universal’s American Reunion and the indie Imogene alongside Kristin Wiig and Annette Bening. She is repped by APA and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Eco-friendly Lantern: The Animated Series

'Green Lantern: The Animated Series'Produced by Electricity Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation. Executive producers, Mike Register, Bruce Timm producers, Giancarlo Volpe, Jim Krieg company directors, Mike Liu, Ron Morales authors, Krieg, Ernie Altbacker voice director/casting, Lisa Schaffer editor, Joe Gall music, Frederik Wiedmann. 60 MIN.Hal Jordan - Josh Keaton Kilowog - Kevin Michael Richardson Razer - Jason Spisak Aya - Gray DeLisleOffering a 1-hour tease just before its weekly return the coming year, "Eco-friendly Lantern: The Animated Series" is really a superbly made adaptation from the emerald super hero, representing Warner Bros. Animation's first computer-animated foray under creative guru Bruce Timm. Cartoon Network already includes a strong hang on boys with "The Clone Wars," which operatic space saga -- which is a part of a significant Electricity Comics push -- must further cement the connection. Frankly, when the movie featuring the ring-bearing character have been this satisfying, they'd be focusing on a follow up. Obviously, there is a reason it had not been. Eco-friendly Lantern provides a huge canvas, the opportunity to produce a "Star Trek"-style space adventure spanning the cosmos, having a hero who's a part of an intergalactic space pressure. But wisecracking aliens and references towards the "Eco-friendly Lantern of Sector 2814" don't always translate quite as nicely from four-panel page to reside-action. Animation solves this problem, and Warner Bros. went full bore in to the CGI dimension having a bold, sleek design which more than anything resembles "The Incredibles." Toss in Frederik Wiedmann's rousing score, also it creates a near-motion picture experience. The plot -- pretty adult in theme and execution -- creates a sweeping struggle, as villains using red-colored energy rings ambush and kill Eco-friendly Lamps inside a distant sector. Word from the attacks prompts a rogue save mission by Earth's headstrong representative (voiced by Josh Keaton) as well as an ill-tempered pig-like creature, Kilowog (Kevin Michael Richardson). A significant fight develops, using the fate of the world on the line. Furthermore, the conclusion creates a ongoing red-colored-eco-friendly war, and that's why it's equally well the show will not return until after Christmas. When Warner Bros. greenlit the animated Cartoon Network series, the studio doubtless wished it might together keep your light flickering between tentpole blockbusters, however the creative disparity separating this show in the Ryan Reynolds movie only fires up why animation is frequently a lot better at getting superheroes to existence. The dialogue here, for instance, is crisp and sparse, the greater to stress action over exposition. Because it stands, the end result should leave WB Animation's film brethren feeling eco-friendly, okay -- with envy.With: Kurtwood Cruz. Contact John Lowry at john.lowry@variety.com

Not so long ago Tales: When Snow Whitened Met Her Prince Charming

Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas Not so long ago there is an attractive princess, the fairest in most the land, who had been banned from her kingdom through the Evil Full until a captivating prince found her save. This Sunday's episode of Once will offer you a glimpse into Snow Whitened (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Prince Charming's (Josh Dallas) first meeting, though ABC's take differs from what we should understand about the favorite anecdotes. Within the original Snow Whitened, the Evil Full tries to kill porcelain-skinned princess several occasions, eventually giving her a poisoned apple that puts Snow Whitened right into a deep, almost dying-like sleep. Prince Charming involves her save, waking her having a sweet hug, plus they live happily ever after. On the planet of Once, however, Snow and Charming's first meeting is really a tumultuous one. "The beginning of the story relies more about bitterness, manipulation and envy," Goodwin states. "There is a very far approach to take using their moment of meeting to falling for each other.Inch ABC's Not so long ago turns favorite anecdotes into reality "There's certainly this huge attraction once they first meet under very enjoyable conditions," adds Dallas, who hints that his Storybrooke character, the Someone In Particular inside a coma, might be associated with another person. "Who he's entangled with, it might be considered a true factor. It may be false reminiscences," he states. Since the citizens of Storybrooke are stricken with amnesia, Goodwin states, "There is no method for their relationship to become what it's in story book land when he awakens. This amnesia which inserted reminiscences are extremely likely to provide many obstacles." Who or what might be waiting in their means by the real life? That'll be clarified in Sunday's episode of Once at 8/7c on ABC. For now, hit your comments ought to together with your ideas.

Universal Music Manages to lose Bid to Dismiss Class Action Lawsuit Over Digital Revenue

Jesse Jackson in the 2010 Essence Music Festival TV The first is accusing Wager Network and MTV of hijacking its exclusive privileges towards the Essence Music Festival, featuring performances by Jesse Jackson, Alicia Secrets, Mary J. Blige yet others. The ambush is purported to have happened this summer time, and today TV The first is taking its rivals to federal court for airing anunauthorized "rogue" broadcast of their show. In claims made on Friday, TV One particulars the truly amazing expense it allegedly designed to secure privileges to theEssence Music Festival, a yearly event centered on Black music and culture that draws in 100s of 1000's of individuals every year. For television privileges, TV One states it spent $500,000 this year and $750,000 this year. Additionally, the network states it spent as much as $1.5 million to create the show. At the end of June, only a week before TV One was scheduled to air this year's Essence Music Festival, Wager public performances from the year before.The airing is stated not only to have interfered with marketing its coming telecast, but additionally to possess constituted an violation of their broadcast from the year before. PHOTOS: The Background Music Industry's Finest Givers Wager is stated to possess taken TV One's 2010 show nearly verbatim except changing its competitor's logo design using its own. Nonetheless, the Wager broadcast contained credits listing the television One mark and many of their employees, showing its origin. TV One states under its contract, it held exclusive privileges showing and broadcast this years show until August 29, 2014. Additionally, the agreement is stated to possess barred Essence Productions, the licensor, from permitting other systems focusing on Black audiences showing its show. Regardless of the contractual limitations, co-defendant Music World Music, an entertainment company which has joined with Essence and signifies such artists as Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, allegedly provided this years TV One program to a different company, which in turn provided it to Wager, MTV, and Wager's Centric Network. PHOTOS: Top Ten Greatest Compensated Artists Numerous cease-and-desist letters were submitted late June, but TV One states the violation of their exclusive privileges triggered permanent harm, devaluing its programs, undercutting its contracts, harmful associations with marketers, endangering its relationship using the public, and unjustly enriching the accused. TV The first is now requesting injunctive relief and damages for copyright violation, tortious interference, and additional violations of California business code. The network, partially possessed by Comcast, has been symbolized by Thaddeus Stauber at Nixon Peabody. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner Alicia Secrets Jesse Jackson Mary J. Blige MTV Wager