Zac Efron's 'The Lucky One' to Hit Theaters on August 24, 2012

Warners will release The Lucky One, starring Zac Efron and Taylor Thibault, on Aug. 24, 2012. VIDEO: 'New Year's Eve' Trailer: Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michele, Zac Efron Ring in 2012 The latest addition to the studio's 2012 release schedule is based on the Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name and stars Efron as a Marine who attributes the fact that he's survived three tours of duty in Iraq to a photograph he carrries of a woman he doesn't know. Returning to the states, he sets out to find her. STORY: Seth Rogen and Zac Efron Teaming Up for Comedy at Universal Scott Hicks (Shine) is directing the film, which also stars Blythe Danner. Efron can next be seen in Garry Marshall's ensemble rom-com, New Year's Eve, a follow up to his 2010 holiday themed hit, Valentine's Day. Related Topics Zac Efron

Bravo Sets Return for Work of Art, Reveals Cast

China Chow Bravo has set the premiere date for the second season of the Sarah Jessica Parker-produced Work of Art: The Next Great Artist. The show returns on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 9/8c and pits 14 up-and-coming artists against each other as they battle for $100,000 and a solo show at the Brooklyn Museum. China Chow will host, Bill Powers and Jerry Saltz return as judges and world-renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury will serve as a mentor. See the new batch of contestants below:Bayete, 34, New YorkMichelle, 29, Bridgewater, N.J.Dusty, 32, Mountain View, Ark.Jazz-Minh, 33, New YorkKathryn, 29, Brooklyn, N.Y.Kymia, 30, New YorkLeon, 31, Kedah, MalaysiaLola, 24, Los AngelesSara, 26, New YorkSarah, 34, ClevelandSucklord, 41, New YorkTewz, 30, ChicagoUgo, 33, ParisYoung Sun, 28, Morton Grove, Ill. Watch a sneak-peak at Work of Art Season 2:

Lucy Punch On For That Wedding Video

Marital camera comedy ahoy.... Wedding ceremonies have frequently been a fertile ground for motion picture comedies, particularly right here (Four Wedding ceremonies, Confetti etc) and today Calendar Women duo Nigel Cole and Tim Firth are searching to reap the laughter harvest once again using their new film The Marriage Video. They have just employed Lucy Punch, Robert Webb and Rufus Hound to star. Based on the Hollywood Reporter, Video will require on British society wedding ceremonies inside a mockumentary style much like Spine Tap, having a new best guy approaching using the best gift he is able to think about for his friend and also the bride - a shot diary of the wedding. Naturally, everything goes a little wrong. Punch, obviously, was last observed in Bad Teacher and it has been creating a reputation for herself across water-feature. Webb practical knowledge with wedding incidents getting made an appearance in Confetti, but was most lately on the watch's screen in Masters of magic. Hound continues to be throughout TV within the last couple of years, totally on quiz panel shows, but additionally on the kind of Exactly What Do Kids Know? and the own series, Hounded. They are joining a previously-cast group which includes Miriam Margolyes, Michelle Gomez and Harriet Walter. Cole just began the cameras turning.

Rob Corddry in final talks for 'Bodies'

Corddry Exclusive: "Childrens Hospital" creator/star Rob Corddry is in final negotiations to join Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer in Summit Entertainment's zombie pic "Warm Bodies."Jonathan Levine ("50/50") is writing and directing the supernatural romancer, which is based on the novel by Isaac Marion.Story follows an existentially-tormented zombie who falls for the girlfriend of one of his victims and decides to protect her from his brain-eating brethren as he begins to reconnect with his dormant humanity.Hoult stars as R, a zombie who's different from the rest of the undead, while Corddry will play M, the only other zombie like him ... at first.Bruna Papandrea ("Milk") is producing through her Make Movies banner, while Laurie Webb and Cori Shepherd Stern serve as exec producers. Summit's Erik Feig and Gillian Bohrer will oversee the project for the studio. Production starts in Sept.Corddry, who recently wrapped Lionsgate's low-budget laffer "Rapturepalooza" and Focus/Mandate's "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World," next appears in The Weinstein Co's "Butter," which will make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Adult Swim recently picked up "Childrens Hospital" for a fourth season, which starts production Dec. 1.Corddry is repped by WME and Principato-Young. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com

Law & Order: SVU's Tamara Tunie to Guest-Star on Days of Our Lives

Tamara Tunie Law & Order: Special Victims Unit's Tamara Tunie is returning to daytime.The actress, who plays medical examiner Melinda Warner on SVU, has nabbed a recurring role on Days of Our Lives, TVLine reports. Tunie will play Weston, a tough judge who will make a decision that impacts John Black's life.Add Days of Our Lives to your Watchlist before the new season begins and never miss an episodeHer brief arc is set to start Friday, Nov. 18.Tunie, whose credits also include a recurring role on 24, got her big break on As the World Turns in 1986, playing Jessica Griffin.

Telemundo Names New GM at KVEA TV

Jose Cancela is returning to NBCUniversal's Telemundo as the new president and general manager of KVEA TV in Los Angeles. Cancela was part of Telemundo from 1992-1998, when he served as president and chief operating officer of the Telemundo Station Group. Cancela worked most recently at the Miami-based market research firm Hispanic USA, which he founded in 2004. He was president and chief operating officer of Radio Unica Communications Corp. from 1998-2004. "Jose's leadership skills, extensive broadcasting and operational experience, as well as his deep knowledge and understanding of the U.S. Hispanic audience will be a tremendous asset to KVEA," said group president Ronald J. Gordon. He replaces Jose Valle, who left last year and nows serves as president of Univision Radio for Univision Communications.

Happy 68th Birthday, Robert De Niro! What's His Best Paycheck Role?

On August 17, 1943, Robert De Niro was born in New York City to parents Robert De Niro Sr. and Virginia Admiral. Over the course of the next six decades, the younger De Niro rose to become one of the most acclaimed actors in the history of Hollywood, as well as a paycheck player seemingly willing to star in anything. (Hello, New Year’s Eve!) In honor of Bobby’s big birthday, let’s celebrate the less-lauded performances he’s given in his career. What’s Robert De Niro’s finest slumming performance? When it comes to De Niro’s paycheck roles, separating the wheat from the chaff is a bit simple. On the one hand, you’ve got your Rocky and Bullwinkles and Hide and Seeks — films that are truly without many redeeming qualities (“Come out, come out, wherever you are,” notwithstanding). On the other hand, you’ve got Meet the Parents, Analyze This and Limitless — films that range from “not bad” to “not bad!” where De Niro gives invested performances that sells the material. Everyone knows the great Robert De Niro performances are truly great — you can’t go wrong when choosing from a list that includes The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, The King of Comedy and Awakenings among many others — but which of those B-squad De Niro performances are your favorite? Wish the greatest living actor a happy birthday in the comments section below and sound off. (It has to be Meet the Parents, right?)

Mega Buzz: Kalinda's Complicated Love Life, Grey's Bromance and a Housewives Catfight

Archie Panjabi, Kevin McKidd, Felicity Huffman Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questionsto mega_scoop@tvguide.com. Got any dirt on Kalinda's love life this season on The Good Wife? - Eliza ADAM: Executive producer Robert King tells us that Kalinda will be playing the field a lot this season, but her thoughts will often return to one person in particular. "A lot of Kalinda's [story] is her unresolved feelings [for] Cary," King says. "How close can they be? ... There's something about Cary that is always very important to her, but it's unclear as to whether that's as a brother or a lover." How will Owen balance being the new Chief and his problems with Cristina on Grey's Anatomy? - Tara NATALIE: Since Derek and Meredith are also on the outs, Owen will turn to Derek in his time of need. "Derek and Owen are dealing with the twisted sisters - Meredith and Cristina - who are very connected and very similar in a way," Kevin McKidd tells us. "So, they try to get away from the women a bit more. Owen starts helping Derek build his house, so they bond over that and the manliness of being outdoors and carrying wheelbarrows full of rocks. It's a way for them to decompress from all the pressure." I can't believe it's the final season of Desperate Housewives. Please tell me Lynette and Tom will be OK before the series ends. - Marisa NATALIE: We certainly hope so, but not yet. First, when the show returns, Tom will have a new girlfriend. Lynette, using her keen sense of ethics finely honed by years of living on Wisteria Lane, will track the woman down and befriend her. They totally hit it off - until Lynette gives her an ultimatum, to which she does not take kindly. Enough beating around the bush: Is Castle going to put Beckett and Castle together this season? - Kelsey ADAM: Signs point to "won't they." Why? I'm hearing that a certain gorgeous female art insurance investigator will catch Castle's eye and their chemistry will be instant. Do I have to paint a picture for you of Beckett's reaction to said chemistry? I need more scoop on How I Met Your Mother. Please oblige! - Edwin NATALIE: Remember how the producers said this season will solve a lot of past mysteries? Here's another. "There will be a return of another significant Season 1 character," executive producer Craig Thomas tells us. "More significant than the cockamouse," who made a welcome return last season. Hit the comments with your guesses as to who or what is returning! Happy for the McGee family backstory coming up on NCIS, but when are we going to get the Abby arc we were promised? - ToryADAM: Soon - like, in-the-first-few-episodes soon! "We're going to actually get into a story line that's going to reveal something about Abby's past and her family that people aren't going to see coming," executive producer Gary Glasberg teases. "It's a revelation that she makes on her part... and it's going to tee up a mini-arc." Speaking of family, Glasberg also confirms that both Ralph Waite and Robert Wagner will return this season as Papas Gibbs and DiNozzo, respectively. Got any scoop on the new season of Vampire Diaries? - Amy NATALIE: It may be a supernatural show, but executive producer Kevin Williamson says the story is and always will be about family. "We're going to dive more into the relationship [between] Damon and Stefan," he says. "You're going to see them confront each other." Plus, there's that pesky family of original vampires whose diluted lineage will cause a lot of trouble for the Salvatore brothers. "This year, with the original family afoot, it's going to be about the hybrid and about Klaus and what he's up to, because he's the bastard child of the original family. We'll see his agenda and how Stefan plays into it." Got any good teases for the new season of Parenthood? - Samantha ADAM: If you're looking for Crosby and Adam to bury the hatchet once and for all, you don't want to miss the new season's fifth episode. I hear Kristina will have her say, putting all her cards on the table in a huge knock-down-drag-out fight with her brother-in-law that will send her into labor. But it ends well: Look for Crosby to play the hero, perhaps earning his way back into his brother and sister-in-law's good graces. The two Walters on Fringe have been total enemies from the start. How will they be able to work together now? - Brad NATALIE: That will certainly be challenging this season, says portrayer John Noble, who thinks of the two Walters as different sides of one personality. "We do have arguments with ourselves," he notes. "Most people seem to have this conflict within themselves and it can be quite vicious when you tend to say, 'That was stupid. What are you doing?' [The Walters] will build it up until such time as they realize they're being childish and they have to put this extraordinary brain into one piece to solve a problem larger than their own egos." I'll do anything for some good Hawaii Five-0 scoop! - Nathan ADAM: Reiko Aylesworth will return early in the season as Malia, Chin's ex. I hear the pair might be considering a reconciliation, but Malia's bad blood with Kono will definitely be an obstacle. Thanks for the Glee scoop on Rachel and Finn, but I really want to hear about Mike and Tina. - Deb NATALIE: As you've probably heard, we're going to meet Mike's parents this season! "We're going to see how they feel about Tina not being in a traditional Asian family, because she was adopted," says Jenna Ushkowitz. There are also tentative plans to meet Tina's family this season. Ushkowitz says she'd love Grey's Anatomy's Sandra Oh to guest-star as a relative. Any Nikita scoop? What's in store for Michael and Nikita? - Sammy, via Twitter ADAM: Look for a powerful lady from Michael's past to re-emerge: the sexy, smart first lady of Belarus, who, as luck (and the writers) would have it, first met Michael when Division was trying to overthrow her husband. Now fearing for her life, she'll cash in on their past spark and ask Michael to help her seek asylum. Natalie's Mega Rave: How refreshing is it that Melanie Moore, the season-long frontrunner on So You Think You Can Dance, actually won! No wonder director Kenny Ortega is already fighting for her to appear in the upcoming Dirty Dancing remake. Let's start the campaign now, shall we, folks? #NobodyPutsMelanieInACorner Adam's Mini Rant: Really, Ryan Murphy? The Glee Project "needs" Lindsay, a bad actress with so-so vocals? Are you sure it's not because the three other finalists are male? (Additional reporting by Kate Stanhope) Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows?E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.comor drop us a line atTwitter.com/TVGuide

Mike Worthington talks Avatar sequels

Although Harry Potter has spent the summer time making merry in the box office, it's possible to only imagine Jim Cameron watching on (possibly patting a whitened cat) and plotting his revenge. And based on star Mike Worthington, the three dimensional mastermind has already been working hard on Avatar 2 and three.InchRick spoken in my experience on my small birthday," revealed Worthington in a recent press day for spy thriller Your Debt. "When it comes to Avatar, he's writing the bible, right now, the industry precursor to Avatar 1 and the world, essentially."I believe it is simply to obtain Jim's mind into the figures and into the world. He's explained where he really wants to take Avatar 2 and three, and it is monumental. It is simply huge."Not even close to being put off through the prospect of shooting back-to-back films, Worthington simply can't wait revisit The planet pandora."I really like it," he continues. "I'd do 10 [sequels] with Jim! I really like dealing with him. He boosts the bar and provides the courage to leap regarding this, and that he keeps pushing. He changes your existence. He has not just transformed my existence career-smart. He's transformed my existence like a guy."Praise indeed, although Avatar 2 will not function as the first large follow up we'll see Worthington return for. That distinction goes to Clash From The Leaders 2:"[The very first film] designed a shitload of cash,Inch laughs Worthington. "Many people went and first viewed it. I have just finished might I loved it! Clash 2 is really different. It had been another experience for me personally because I'd many userful stuff here from Clash 1, and I'd many userful stuff here using their company movies. I can not wait for this to be released.InchConflict From The Leaders 2 comes to United kingdom movie theaters on 30 March 2012. Avatar 2 has yet to get a release date. To you, Jim...

William Sherak Vs. Dave Phillips: Case Settled

Today, a courtroom battle was set to play out in LA Superior Court, pitting William Sherak against Dave Phillips over whether the latter deserved to be paid for introducing Sherak to the technology that led to the formation of 2D-to-3D conversation house Stereo D, only to have Phillips be offered $30,000 while Sherak was paid millions and given stock. I laid out the facts of the case in a recent story after the judge denied a motion by Sherak's lawyer for dismissal and set the court date. Well, the whole thing has been resolved in an out-of-court financial settlement. Now, nobody wants to talk about who was right or wrong.

9 Milestones in the Evolution of James Franco

In this weekend’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes, James Franco plays a San Francisco scientist attempting to develop the cure for Alzheimer’s through apes. Just how did Franco transform himself from a television burnout to a believable genetic engineer, while maintaining one of the busiest and eclectic schedules in Hollywood? You can always trace a direct line through a few important roles to illustrate what led to an actor’s current success. So let’s look at nine pivotal performances that track the evolution of the Oscar nominated James Franco. Never Been Kissed (1999) Long before James Franco was being recognized as one of Hollywood’s most experimental performers (or as one of its worst Academy Awards co-hosts), the actor was a gum-chomping background player in a Drew Barrymore romcom. While growing up in Palo Alto, Franco first became interested in acting as a means to overcome his shyness but the budding performer soon starting auditioning and landed a few very forgettable roles in series like Pacific Blue and Profiler. At the age of 21 though, he nabbed the part of a popular high schooler in this lighthearted comedy. Freaks and Geeks (1999) It wasn’t until Paul Feig and Judd Apatow’s short-lived (but critically beloved) Freaks and Geeks though that James Franco gained real viewer recognition. As Daniel Desario, a complicated deadbeat that alternately bickers with his teenage girlfriend (Busy Phillipps) and cares for his invalid father, Franco proved that he could embody complex, charismatic characters deserving of both your scorn and your sympathy (the latter of which is earned in this beautifully-acted clip as Desario reluctantly comes around to the idea of Dungeons and Dragons with the nerds). Franco would go on to collaborate with Apatow and his Freaks co-star Seth Rogen again in Knocked Up (during which Franco had a brief cameo) and in the 2008 stoner comedy Pineapple Express. James Dean (2001) If Freaks and Geeks was the milestone project for which James Franco started being recognized, James Dean was the project for which the actor started being recognized as a serious performer. The project was originally conceived as a feature film with Michael Mann attached to direct. But when Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio were dropped as leads for various reasons, Warner Bros. handed the project over to sister network TNT, and a small-screen project was born. As the story goes, Franco was chosen from 500 actors and underwent intense character immersion, allegedly smoking two packs of cigarettes a day (from zero packs a day), learning to ride a motorcycle and play the guitar and speaking with Dean’s friends Martin Landau and Dennis Hopper to perfect the icon’s mannerisms. In addition to this being Franco’s first “serious” role, James Dean would also be the first time that the actor would take on a biographical part (as he later did in Howl, Milk and 127 Hours) and the first time that he would earn a Golden Globe nomination (for Best Actor - Miniseries or Television Film). Spider-Man (2002) A year later, Franco made his mainstream multiplex debut in the first installment of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. After auditioning for the part of the titular superhero, he was cast as Peter Parker’s best friend and roommate Harry Osborn. Grossing $821 million worldwide, this was Franco’s most successful project at the box office and remained so until 2007’s Spider-Man 3, which grossed $891 million worldwide. Good Time Max (2007) Franco wrote and directed his first feature in 2005 (Fool’s Gold, not to be mistaken with the Matthew McConaughey/Kate Hudson flick) but it wasn’t until 2007 that a feature written and directed by (not to mention, starring) the budding multitasker gained some ground in the film community. The same year that Good Time Max — an indie drama about two genius brothers who choose much different paths in life — premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, Franco also appeared in Camille, An American Crime, Interview, Finishing the Game, In the Valley of Elah, Knocked Up and Spider-Man 3. I’m tired just listing those. Made a year after Franco re-enrolled at UCLA, Good Time Max also marks Franco’s return to higher education.

Hulu Teams With Morgan Spurlock For First Original Long-Form Show

LOS ANGELES (August 3, 2011) -- Hulus first long-form original show debuts this summer with A Day in the Life, a documentary series with six, half-hour episodes by acclaimed filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me, Greatest Movie Ever Sold, 30 Days). In A Day in the Life, Spurlock presents an intimate, first-hand account of a complete day in the lives of fascinating people. The series will premiere with jet-setting entrepreneur Richard Branson. New episodes featuring rapper and songwriter will.i.am, comedian Russell Peters, musician Girl Talk and others will roll out on Hulu and the Hulu Plus subscription service every Wednesday, beginning August 17. Spurlock will be producing through his production company Warrior Poets with his producing partner, Jeremy Chilnick. As a filmmaker, I am always looking for new and exciting ways to reach an audience and to tell stories. When the opportunity to create an original doc series with Hulu presented itself, I jumped at the chance. Hulu has become such an important outlet for content creators and a real destination for fans. They're not afraid to take risks and they've been an amazing distribution partner on all our films, said show creator Morgan Spurlock. I can't think of a better environment to share A Day in the Life' stories with millions of people. The premiere of A Day in the Life launches a new Hulu initiative designed to support creatively and financially the work of independent storytellers. In addition, Hulu is also able to offer an on-demand distribution channel that allows its original TV shows to connect with specific audiences. Hulu is always investing in smart, high-quality content that will continue to attract the key consumer audiences, said Andy Forssell, SVP of Content Acquisition and Distribution. We are being extremely deliberate and precise in targeting original content that would not find a natural home on traditional distribution outlets. A Day in the Life is a great example of the kind of content we will be providing as part of our original programming on Hulu. To view A Day in the Life on Hulu and Hulu Plus, visit: http://www.hulu.com/a-day-in-the-life.

ABC Family births more instances of 'Switched'

ABC Family has extended its order for newcomer series ''Switched at Birth'' from 10 to 32 episodes, using the back order of 22 to premiere at the begining of 2012.The crowd for ''Switched'' is continuing to grow with time, using its This summer 25 episode reaching series levels among audiences 12-34. The drama, which finishes its first 10 episodes August. 8, is ABC Family's No. 2 newcomer program ever as a whole audiences and top demos behind ''The Secret Existence from the American Teen.''''Everything relating to this groundbreaking show talks to the millennial audiences,'' ABC Family EVP of original programming and development Kate Juergens stated. ''It has heart, humor (and) drama as well as an incredible cast which has introduced superbly nuanced performances to each role.''Lizzy Weiss, Paul Stupin and John Ziffren professional produce ''Switched,'' which stars Katie Leclerc, Vanessa Marano, Constance Marie, D.W. Moffett, Jum Thompson, Lucas Grabeel and Sean Berdy as Emmett. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com