U2 tops 2011 concert biz

In concert tracker Pollstar's wrap of the 2011 concert biz, U2's 360 tour was the dominant road show internationally, grossing $156 million in North America and $231 million worldwide. The top 25 North American tours grossed $1.19 billion collectively, off about 4% from $1.24 billion in 2010. The top 25 worldwide tours brought in a $2.1 billion gross, virtually flat compared to last year. U2 sold 1.7 million tickets, at an average cost of $91.67, in North America during the year, for an average of 81,000 tickets per show. The elaborate stadium tour mounted 25 shows in 21 markets. Domestically, country was hot this year, with Taylor Swift (grossing $97.7 million) and Kenny Chesney ($84.6 million) occupying the No. 2 and No. 3 slots respectively among North American attractions. Other top North American live acts included Lady Gaga ($63.7 million), Bon Jovi ($57.1 million), Elton John ($51.8 million), Sade ($48.6 million), Kanye West and Jay-Z ($48.3 million), Lil Wayne ($44.4 million) and Celine Dion ($41.2 million). Dion is something of an anomaly in the top 10, since the Canadian thrush did not actually tour: Her gross was produced by 57 shows at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace. The singer boasted the highest average ticket price in the top 10 at $166.71 per ducat. Worldwide, the British boy band Take That, whose reunited lineup includes U.K. solo superstar Robbie Williams, ranked No. 2 behind U2, taking in $224 million off 34 appearances. Other top international acts included Bon Jovi, Swift, Roger Waters, John, Rihanna, Chesney, Sade and Paul McCartney. Pollstar editor Gary Bongiovanni said the touring outlook for 2012 looks positive, with reunion jaunts by the Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac, Black Sabbath and Van Halen, dates by top attractions like Madonna and Bruce Springsteen and a possible Rolling Stones 50th anniversary trek in the offing. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

'Wrath in the Titans' Trailer: There Is No Kraken Being Released

When the new badass trailer for 'The Dark Dark evening Rises' was released today, another action follow-up -- 'Wrath in the Titans' -- showed up in this area and among a unique. While you'll find virtually no anticipation for 'Wrath' to compete on one level as Batman, the clip for your new 'Titans' film no less than has comparable graphics, plus a handful of fight sequences with Perseus (Mike Worthington) and a lot of ugly creatures (sorry folks, no Kraken here he -- SPOILER ALERT -- died in 2010's 'Clash in the Titans'). In 'Wrath,' Perseus tries to stop Hades (Take advantage of Fiennes), the God in the Underworld, and Ares (Edgar Ramirez), the God of War, inside their try to capture Zeus (Liam Neeson). Exciting (mythological) stuff! You can examine the reduced-quality version in the trailer below. The HD (plus much more awesome) version is finished on Apple. 'Wrath in the Titans' hits theaters March 30, 2012. [via Apple] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Serralles will get 'Inside Llewyn Davis'

SerrallesStage veteran Jeanine Serralles, who formerly made an appearance in James Gray's "Two Enthusiasts" and Julie Taymor's "Over the World," has became a member of the cast of Joel and Ethan Coen's folk music pic "Inside Llewyn Davis."Set among the sixties Greenwich Village folk music scene, story follows a protagonist loosely according to singer Dork Van Ronk, a buddy of Bob Dylan's, along with other famous music artists.Oscar Isaac ("Drive," "Sucker Punch") stars because the title character, a battling music performer from Queens who, despite as being a gifted singer and guitarist, can't pay the bills. Justin Timberlake co-stars as the second folk music performer, while his wife is going to be performed by Carey Mulligan, who showcases her vocal chops singing "NY, NY" in Steve McQueen's "Shame."John Goodman is placed to experience a jazz music performer who requires a journey using the protag, while "Amadeus" star F. Murray Abraham is circling the role of Bud Grossman, popular manager. Abraham formerly starred in Ethan Coen's off-Broadway show "Almost a night time.InchStudioCanal is placed to co-finance the Scott Rudin-created pic, which is made with no domestic distribution partner. Robert Graf ("True Grit") is professional creating and production is skedded for early the coming year in Gotham.Serrales, who trained in the Yale School of Drama and lately made an appearance on CBS' "The Great Wife," is repped by Don Buchwald & Affiliates. Abraham is repped by Innovative Artists and Untitled Entertainment. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

Steven Spielberg's Longtime Below-the-Line Collaborators Discuss the Legendary Director, Making 'War Horse' (Exclusive Video)

A few days ago, I'd the privilege of moderating a Q&A in NY with seven incredibly gifted people whose names and faces aren't recognized to everyone, but whose contributions were necessary to the building of a number of our most valued films in the last couple of decades -- including and particularly individuals directed by Steven Spielberg, with whom all have carefully worked with on numerous motion picture endeavors, most lately throughout the building of the epic Oscar contender War Equine.our editor recommends'The Artist,' 'War Horse' Among Challengers Nominated for Satellite Awards'War Horse': The building of Steven Spielberg's WWI Epic'War Horse': Latest Trailer Heavy on Orchestration, Heartstring Tugging (Video) PHOTOS: Steven Spielberg on Set These were ... producer Kathleen Kennedy, that has created or executive created the huge most of Spielberg's films since her first, E.T. (1982), and that has created a great total of six films that received best picture Oscar nominations: E.T., The Colour Crimson (1985), The Sixth Sense (1999), Seabiscuit (2003), Munich (2005), and also the Curious Situation of Benjamin Button (2008) production designer Ron Carter, that has done eight films that Spielberg has directed dating back Empire from the Sun (1987), and that has two times been nominated for top art direction Oscar, for Forrest Gump (1994) and Avatar (2010) -- he won for that latter first assistant director Adam Somner, that has offered for the reason that capacity on Spielberg's last five films, in addition to Gladiator (2000), Black Hawk Lower (2001), Seabiscuit (2003), You Will See Bloodstream (2007), and several other memorable films costume designer Joanna Johnston, that has done five Spielberg films since 1989, in addition to Forrest Gump (1994), The Sixth Sense (1999), Cast Away (2000), and several other memorable films makeup artist Lois Burwell, that has done four films that Spielberg has directed dating back Saving Private Ryan (1998), and that has two times been nominated for top makeup Oscar, for Braveheart (1995) and Saving Private Ryan -- she won for that former cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, that has shot all the films that Spielberg has directed dating back Schindler's List (1993), and that has two times won the very best cinematography Oscar, for Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan (1998) -- he seemed to be nominated but didn't win for Amistad (1997) and also the Diving Bell and also the Butterfly (2007) film editor Michael Kahn, that has done almost all of Spielberg's films dating back Close Encounters from the Third Kind (1977), and that has received seven best film editing Oscar nominations, winning for 3, all Spielberg films -- Raiders from the Lost Ark (1981), Schindler's List (1993), and Saving Private Ryan (1998) Hopefully you'll take a look at our conversation, by which I learned a good deal about all these artists, Spielberg, and the building of most of the films which they've worked with, especially War Equine. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The building of Steven Spielberg's 'War Horse' Steven Spielberg War Equine

Camera Operators set lifetime nods

Paul Babin and Zoran Veselic are some of the readers from the Society of Camera Operators' 2012 Lifetime Acheivement Honours. Babin is going to be recognzed for his act as camera operator on photos including "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" and "Magnolia." Veselic is going to be honored within the specialist category with creds such as the blockbuster "Spider-Guy" and honours contender "Moneyball." Other career kudos readers are dolly grip Harry Rez as mobile camera platform operator and Andrew E. Cooper as film stills digital photographer. The SOC will show an award for distinguished plan to the film industry to Sol Negrin, that has labored like a lenser along with a professor. The SOC is devoted to evolving the contributions of camera deck hands. The kudos ceremony will raise funds for that Vision Center of Children's Hospital La. Honors will be provided Sunday, February. 12 in the ATAS Goldenson Theater in North Hollywood. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

The Descendants, Moneyball Among Los Angeles and Boston Film Critics Winners

Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain The Descendants and The Artist were among the big winners from a group of film critics circles, which announced their selections Sunday. The Los Angeles Film Critics Association named The Descendants the Best Picture of the Year and awarded The Tree of Life's Terrence Malick the Best Director. The film's star Brad Pitt was recognized as Best Actor by the Boston Society of Film Critics, but for his performance in Moneyball. That group also selected The Artist as Best Picture, and Martin Scorsese Best Director for Hugo. Homeland, Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones top WGA and PGA nods The Descendants, The Tree of Life, Moneyball and Hugo were also all among the American Film Institute's movies of the year. (The group doesn't rank them.) The Artist was given a special award, as was the Harry Potter series, which wrapped earlier this year. See a partial list of the winners below. Click here, here and here for the full lists. Los Angeles Film Critics: Best picture - The Descendants Best director- Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life Best actor - Michael Fassbender, A Dangerous Method, Jane Eyre, Shame and X-Men: First Class Best actress -Yun Jung-hee, Poetry Best supporting actor - Christopher Plummer, Beginners Best supporting actress - Jessica Chastain, Coriolanus, The Debt, The Help, Take Shelter, Texas Killing Fields and The Tree of Life Boston Film Critics: Best picture - The Artist Best director- Martin Scorsese, Hugo Best actor - Brad Pitt, Moneyball Best actress - Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn Best supporting actor - Albert Brooks, Drive Best supporting actress - Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids AFI Bridesmaids The Descendants The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo The Help Hugo J. Edgar Midnight in Paris Moneyball The Tree of Life War Horse

Coker cast as Larry Bird in new play

Tug Coker has been cast as Boston Celtics great Larry Bird in the upcoming Broadway play "Magic Bird." Actor has guest starred in a handful of TV series, including "Torchwood," "CSI" and "Community." The role of Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson has yet to be filled. Legit production, from producers Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo and in association with the NBA, is set to open in Gotham in the spring. Thomas Kali is directing, with Eric Simonson ("Lombardi") on board as playwright. The play will examine the relationship between Bird and Johnson, who were bitter rivals in both college and professional basketball but then formed an endearing friendship. Said Bird of Coker's casting: "I look forward to experiencing Tug's portrayal of me during that fun and exciting time in my life." Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Steve Jobs Bio Tops iTunes and Amazon Bestseller Lists for 2011

More than three years after the situation came to light, ESPN reporter Erin Andrews has filed a lawsuit against several parties involved in the 2008 incident in which she was videotaped nude through the peephole of a Nashville hotel room.our editor recommendsDid a Former ESPN Exec Make a Big Mistake Suing Over a Crude Erin Andrews Story? (Analysis)Man pleads not guilty in Erin Andrews case She's seeking $10 million for invasion of privacy, asking $6 million of the West End Marriott where the incident took place and another $4 million from the man who taped her. Michael Barrett, who was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison in 2010 after pleading guilty to stalking Andrews, followed the TV personality to at least three cities where he shot footage of her through hotel peephole doors. Reuters reports that Andrews filed the suit in 2010, but her attorney recently refiled so it would move forward before the statute of limitations runs out. The bulk of the damages sought come from the West End Marriott, where the leaked video was shot. Andrews reportedly claims the hotel is guilty of allowing Barrett to know that she was staying in the hotel and then allowing him to book a room next to her own. And though no parties are commenting on the suit, it reportedly claimed the stalking, videotaping and ensuing leak of the footage has caused the ESPN host "great emotional distress and embarrassment." In addition to hosting ESPN's College GameDay and appearing on season 10 of Dancing With the Stars, Andrews also works as a Good Morning America contributor. Related Topics Erin Andrews ESPN

Bonnie Hammer Reveals E! Rebranding Plans; Wants Up to Four New Kardashian Spinoffs

Jane Fonda has lived so many lives in Hollywood, even she admits it's hard to keep track. She burst onto the silver screen in 1960 the shy, beautiful daughter of acting royalty Henry Fonda, then transformed over the next decade into a controversial antiwar activist, earning the less-than-desirable moniker "Hanoi Jane." She became an aggressive producer and Oscar-winning actor (Coming Home, Klute) before assuming her throne as a 1980s fitness guru who made it fun to "feel the burn." Here the 74-year-old actress, philanthropist and author reflects on her gradual reentry into acting over the past decade, her philosophy on aging (yes, it includes plastic surgery) and how women in Hollywood harness the most power when they simply accept who they are.our editor recommendsTHR's 2011 Women in Entertainment Power 100 Jane Fonda, THR's Sherry Lansing Leadership Award Recipient, on Her Role Models (Video) Jane Fonda to be Honored at THR's Women in Entertainment BreakfastJane Fonda on Discovering, Losing and Re-Discovering Love for Acting (Audio)Bonnie Hammer Reveals E! Rebranding Plans; Wants Up to Four New Kardashian Spinoffs The Hollywood Reporter: Looking back on your 51 years in the business, what is your proudest moment? Jane Fonda: Certainly producing On Golden Pond and giving the Oscar to my father five months before he died was very special. Also, it took me 12 years to get the script rights for the only television movie I did, and for which I won an Emmy, The Dollmaker. But honestly, the fact that I've even had a career, in spite of the fact I have not lived in such a way that would lend itself to a successful career, is in itself amazing. COMPLETE LIST: 2011 Women in Entertainment Power 100 THR: In what way specifically? Fonda: Well, just as I was becoming an important movie star, I left the United States and lived in an attic in Paris with my French husband for eight years. And then I came back occasionally to make a movie, but ... I left the business for almost 16 years when I was in my 50s and early 60s. THR: Yes, there is a very large gap in your résumé between 1989 and 2005. Fonda: (Laughs.) Yes, a big gap. My last husband, Ted Turner, once asked me, "Who are you? I don't mean what you do, but who are you?" I said, "I'm an actress, it's what I do, but it's not who I am." I have many other things in my life besides acting. As I've grown older, this has helped me be a better actress because the palette from which I can paint my life, and my understanding of people and the world, is experientially very broad. I've done many, many different things. I left acting for 15 years partly because I was married to Ted -- although I'd decided to do it before I met him -- but it was mostly because I was very unhappy as a person during that time and just couldn't be creative. I've realized now that I've come back and I've started making movies again that it's just so much easier than it used to be. THR: Do you think being happy is imperative to being a good artist? Fonda: I don't know -- I thought a lot about that. It's certainly not like people who are good actors are all happy. But all the doors to my creativity, the energy that flows through you that leads to creativity, clang shut when I feel reduced as a woman, as I have been in my life. When I feel good about myself, I can become different people with greater ease. PHOTOS: 2011 Women in Entertainment Power 100 THR: What phases from your career have you found are the most resonant with your fans when you meet them? Fonda: I'm most aware of all the lives I've had when I go on a book tour. One woman will come up to me and say, "My favorite movie of yours was Cat Ballou." The next one will say, "Remember when we marched together in '71 in San Diego?" and another will say, "You saved my life with that exercise tape you did." I just got a letter from a woman who finished reading my new book, and she said that it's completely changed her life. That has nothing to do with politics or movies or anything. You know how happy that makes me? Then another person will say that it changed her life when I marched in Las Vegas in the '70s for welfare rights and she was a maid at the time and that gave her courage. And I've had veterans tell me that their sex life vastly improved after Coming Home came out. THR: Is there a part you're still dying to play or a project you'd like to tackle at this point in your career? Fonda: I'd like to do a TV comedy series. I love Nurse Jackie. But that's taken! And I love what Laura Linney does on The Big C. First of all, I like the idea of a regular job and second, I like the idea of comedy about an older woman. STORY: Jane Fonda to be Honored at THR's Women in Entertainment Breakfast THR: Well, this is a good opportunity for you to get that message out there. Fonda: It's out there, it's out there! THR: What do you like to do when you're not acting? Fonda: I just finished another fitness book, Prime Time. And my nonprofit work deals with adolescents, boys and girls, adolescents and sexuality and gender identity. So I went to Random House four years ago and I said, "I want to write a book for boys, a book for girls and a book for their parents." And Random House said, "We'll publish that if you first write a book about aging." So I took four years, wrote that one, which just came out, and now I've finished my book on girls, finished my book for boys and I'm working on the one for parents. And then after that, I'm going to do a cookbook for older people. I'm also going to take tap-dancing lessons, and I've started taking tennis lessons. There's a lot I want to do in life. THR: Speaking of which, you've been a fitness icon for 30 years. How do you take care of yourself at age 74? Fonda: I work out every day when I'm home. I do 30 to 40 minutes of aerobics and lift weights to maintain muscle mass, keep my bones strong and my joints strong -- more for functional reasons than anything else. I'm very careful about what I eat too. But I think that far more important than any of this is your attitude. If you are happy, feel that your life has meaning and all the people you love are doing OK and you feel good about yourself, I think that shows. That's what makes a difference. THR: But you've also been open about having plastic surgery. How does that figure into your aging philosophy? Fonda: Yes, I've talked about having had a little plastic surgery. I know plenty of people who have had a lot of plastic surgery and they have great figures, but they don't look good. It has to do with their attitude about life and about themselves. I would really like to see the media helping older women feel -- not that they're not over the hill, I'm over the hill -- but that there's a whole landscape on the other side of that hill that has more depth and meaning. THR: Whom do you most admire in Hollywood? Fonda: Interestingly enough, one of the women I've always admired is Sherry Lansing. I got to know her when I was at Columbia Pictures working on a film about nuclear energy that Michael Douglas produced, The China Syndrome. Her grace on the job, her kindness, the generosity of her spirit -- they all really, really struck me, which is one of the reasons that I'm so excited about getting this award. I also very much admire Helen Mirren, Vanessa Redgrave and Meryl Streep, who did her first movie, Julia, with me. I'm probably one of the very first people who ever saw her onscreen. I just am in total awe of her! She's beyond anything one could ever imagine an actor to be. There's so much talent out there -- female talent of all ages, and I just love watching them all work. Whether it's Reese Witherspoon or one of my favorites, Annette Bening. THR: What great advice were you given about Hollywood that has stuck with you? For example, did your father impart any wisdom to you early on that you continue to draw from? Fonda: No. THR: Really? Fonda: No, he didn't. I wish he had! See, my father was a loner. He was not a Hollywood insider and he never talked about the business with us, so I never learned or understood that this business is built on relationships. I did my first screen test with Warren Beatty, and he knew this from the get-go. Warren had a long list of directors he'd worked with -- I didn't have anything. I was just glad that anyone asked me to work. I didn't know how to say no. Part of me wishes I'd known about all that; that someone had taken me under their wing, even though I was very shy. But part of me is glad I didn't. If I had, I would have stayed here in Hollywood and built relationships and not lived all over the world. THR: What guidance do you wish someone had given you? Fonda: I think the best advice a mentor could have given me was, "Jane, you know you can say no if the script isn't good." I was just so surprised anybody ever wanted me in anything! I didn't pay enough attention. I think the only actor who ever taught me much about life, more than acting, was Katharine Hepburn in On Golden Pond. Even though I did the movie for my dad, I produced it, who I learned from was Hepburn. I was 45 when I made that movie, and it was she who taught me to be self-conscious. I used to think that was a bad thing, but that means being conscious of the self you project to the public; having a persona, a style, a presence. I had none of that. I didn't know how to dress! When I went onstage for my father at the Oscars, because he was too sick, I couldn't believe how I looked and how I was dressed. I never paid attention. Hepburn taught me to pay attention and that style is important. THR: Your son, Troy Garity, has followed in your footsteps to become an actor and has had many acclaimed roles, including on the new Starz drama Boss. What does it mean to you to see him thrive in the business? Fonda: Isn't he wonderful? My second husband, Tom Hayden, Troy's father, and I had a children's performing camp up near Santa Barbara. When Troy was 13, he did a play where he played a gay tango dancer. He blew me away! What I saw was so different from me and my father. Troy had so much physical courage, a tremendous Kevin Kline-ish ability for theatrics. My father never encouraged my brother and me to go into the business. And I decided I was going to be different and I went to my little boy and I said, "Troy, let me tell you something. You are talented. You may not want to do this when you grow up, but if you want to be an actor when you grow up, I will support you." That's exactly what happened. All I can say is that it's a terrifying thing to have a child who wants to be an actor. There's so much competition and it's very, very hard, so to have him excel, it just makes me kvell. That's Yiddish for "explode with happiness." THR: Do you have any regrets, professionally or personally? Fonda: No. Why waste time? See, when you get older, you want to spend time thinking about what you're going to regret between now and when you die. So when you die, you have a minimum number of regrets. THR: What does being a powerful woman in Hollywood mean to you now? Fonda: Well, sadly, with very few exceptions, women are still not very powerful in the movie business. But Meryl Streep, bless her heart, is this huge exception. She's a woman over 60 and she makes movies that make money. That is true power! But for me personally, any power I have isn't as an actor, but as a woman who is authentic and owns her skin. It's taken me a very long time to get here. FONDA ON FONDA: The Hollywood Icon Reflects on Her Films Barefoot in the Park (1967) "All I remember is falling in love with Bob Redford. I had a mad crush. I couldn't wait for those cuddling scenes in bed!" Barbarella (1968) "I enjoy it now, but I didn't enjoy making it. No special effects were available, so everything was done on a spit and a prayer. No one had a clue about the cult film it would become." Klute (1971) "This was a turning point. I'd left my first husband, moved back to the U.S., was becoming a feminist. Working with [director] Alan Pakula was like dancing a great waltz. And that shag haircut! I went to my husband's barber and said, 'Do something.' It was a hair epiphany that everyone started to copy. " Fun With Dick and Jane (1977) "This was my comeback film after six years away. People could see I still looked good, and that I could be funny." Coming Home (1978) "I'd spent three years interviewing Vietnam vets. I wanted to make a film about these men who'd risked their lives and came home in wheelchairs. [Activist] Ron Kovic told me at an antiwar rally, 'I may have lost my body, but I've gained my mind.' I thought, 'That could be a beautiful movie.' " The China Syndrome (1979) "Richard Dreyfuss originally had my part, but dropped out. Sherry [Lansing] said, 'Uh, Jane?' I worked with writer-director Jim Bridges on the journalist character so the film wasn't just about nuclear power-plant corruption, but also sexism in newscasting." 9 to 5 (1980) "I wanted to make a movie about secretaries. I fell in love with Lily Tomlin when I saw her one-woman show. Then I heard 'Two Doors Down' on the radio and thought, 'Dolly Parton as a secretary? Perfect!' " On Golden Pond (1981) "Imagine a woman with a difficult relationship with her father finds a play in which the father and daughter so paralleled real life. And I was able to buy the rights!" Stanley & Iris (1989) "This was the last movie I made for 15 years. I regret that I was in such a bad place when I worked with Robert De Niro. I didn't think I'd ever come back." Monster-in-Law (2005) "Critics hated it. 'Why did she choose a popcorn movie for her comeback?' But it was a blast . Young people saw it for Jennifer Lopez and maybe saw me for the first time." Peace, Love, & Misunderstanding (2011) "I loved playing a stoned grand-mother. I was their first choice!" PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery THR's 2011 Women in Entertainment Power 100 Related Topics Jane Fonda Warren Beatty Women in Entertainment Women in Entertainment 2011

'Corman's World' Clip: Martin Scorsese Reveals Early Movie Mistakes (Exclusive)

Before he became an award-winning and world-renowned director, 'Hugo's' Martin Scorsese had slightly more humble film beginnings. Actually, a lot more humble. One of those early efforts was 'Boxcar Bertha,' a gritty crime exploitation film set along the railroads of Depression-era America. To the young and naive Scorsese, the film was a big deal, but it was just another B-movie in a long list of B-movies for its producer Roger Corman. Corman, one of the most prolific filmmakers in history, also served as a mentor to directing powerhouses like James Cameron and Francis Ford Coppola; before they became the talent behind the biggest movies in history, Corman put them through his patented "cheap and fast" school of film production. In this new clip from the upcoming documentary 'Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel,' Martin Scorsese reveals just how little he actually knew when it came to making a movie with Roger Corman. 'Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel' will arrive in select theaters on December 16. [Photo: Getty] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Write a Haiku, Win Tickets to the L.A. Premiere of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Attention all spy genre enthusiasts, Cold War buffs and Gary Oldman fans: Movieline is giving away three (3) pairs of VIP tickets to the Los Angeles premiere of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy to the trio of readers who come up with the most clever haiku poems dedicated to one of the film’s stars. The thriller from director Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In) is set in 1973 and stars Gary Oldman as an espionage veteran forced out of semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet agent who has infiltrated Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service. Colin Firth, Stephen Graham, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones and Simon McBurney co-star. You have 24 hours to write a haiku in ode to any of the film’s stars to officially enter the contest. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’s L.A. premiere will take place in Hollywood on Tuesday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. Winners will have to pick up their tickets at will-call before 6:00 p.m. that day. Lastly, since Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is rated R, only readers that are 18 and older can win. The official synopsis: The long-awaited feature film version of John le Carr’s classic bestselling novel. The time is 1973. The Cold War of the mid-20th Century continues to damage international relations. Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), a.k.a. MI6 and code-named the Circus, is striving to keep pace with other countries’ espionage efforts and to keep the U.K. secure. The head of the Circus, known as Control (John Hurt), personally sends dedicated operative Jim Prideaux (Mark Strong) into Hungary. But Jim’s mission goes bloodily awry, and Control is forced out of the Circus - as is his top lieutenant, George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a career spy with razor-sharp senses. Estranged from his absent wife Ann, Smiley is soon called in to see undersecretary Oliver Lacon (Simon McBurney); he is to be rehired in secret at the government’s behest, as there is a gnawing fear that the Circus has long been compromised by a double agent, or mole, working for the Soviets and jeopardizing England. Supported by younger agent Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch), Smiley parses Circus activities past and present. In trying to track and identify the mole, Smiley is haunted by his decades-earlier interaction with the shadowy Russian spy master Karla. The mole’s trail remains cold until maverick field agent Ricki Tarr (Tom Hardy) unexpectedly contacts Lacon. While undercover in Turkey, Ricki has fallen for a betrayed married woman, Irina (Svetlana Khodchenkova), who claims to possess crucial intelligence. Separately, Smiley learns that Control narrowed down the list of mole suspects to five men. They are the ambitious Percy Alleline (Toby Jones), whom he had code-named Tinker; suavely confident Bill Haydon (Colin Firth), dubbed Tailor; stalwart Roy Bland (Ciarn Hinds), called Soldier; officious Toby Esterhase (David Dencik), dubbed Poor Man; and - Smiley himself. Even before the startling truth is revealed, the emotional and physical tolls on the players enmeshed in the deadly international spy game will escalate… Entries must be received along with your name and an email address where you can be reached. You may enter in the comment section below or on Movieline’s Facebook or Twitter pages. Contest ends Friday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m. PT/5:00 p.m. ET.

General Hospital Announces New Showrunner

General Hospital Longtime General Hospital showrunner Jill Farren Phelps has been replaced with One Life to Live executive producer Frank Valentini, ABC announced Thursday.The network also said One Life to Live head writer Ron Carlivati is taking the same position on Hospital.Exclusive: Jonathan Jackson quits General Hospital"Frank and Ron's creativity, passion and outstanding leadership will be a welcome addition to the cast and crew, as well as viewers and longtime fans," said Brian Frons ABC's president of daytime programming. "As creative leaders in the industry, I am very excited for their arrival to General Hospital, and their dedication to the genre will certainly invigorate the daytime drama that has been part of pop culture and the TV landscape for many years."A little background on these two: Valentini has been the executive producer of One Life to Live since 2002, but he's been with the show for more than 26 years. Carlivati has worked for 15 years on the soon-to-be-defunct soap and served as the show's head writer since 2007.Kimberly McCullough leaving General HospitalThe daytime drama has suffered two major blows of late - series regulars Kimberly McCullough and Jonathan Jackson both announced last month that they would be leaving the show.What do you think the reorganization means for General Hospital?