Film Industry News

Popular character actor Ben Gazzara dies in NY (AP)

AP - Ben Gazzara, whose powerful dramatic performances brought an intensity to a variety of roles and made him a memorable presence in such iconic productions over the decades as the original "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" on Broadway and the film "The Big Lebowski," has died at age 81.

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Congress makes it tougher to shoot in U.S. capitol (Reuters)

Reuters - Last year was a banner year for production in the nation's capital -- more than a dozen high-budget film and television projects ranging from "Bourne Identity 4 to "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss 'Obese' Season 2" spent time in the city -- but its future as a film location may be in jeopardy. ...More>>

"Woman in Black" delivers scares in abundance (Reuters)

Reuters - From a London choking in smoke and fumes to a chilly marshland blanketed in fog, early 20th century England seems tailor-made for an atmospheric horror film, and "The Woman in Black" takes full advantage of all that built-in creepiness. ...More>>

Actor Ben Gazzara dead at 81 (Reuters)

Reuters - Actor Ben Gazzara, known for his brooding tough-guy presence in dozens of films, television shows and stage productions over his long career, died of pancreatic cancer on Friday at a Manhattan hospital, his lawyer said. He was 81. ...More>>

Director, writer, producer Zalman King dead at 70 (AP)

AP - Actor and filmmaker Zalman King, who became known for his erotic work after writing and producing his breakthrough film "9 1/2 Weeks," has died. He was 70. ...More>>

Patricia Disney dies in Los Angeles at age 77 (AP)

AP - Patricia Disney, who was once married to Walt Disney's late nephew Roy E. Disney and was vice chairwoman of Roy's investment company, died Friday after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. ...More>>

Son of actor Ryan O'Neal gets 16 months in prison (AP)

AP - A San Diego judge has sentenced the son of actor Ryan O'Neal to 16 months in prison for his involvement in a drug-fueled, head-on car crash last year that left another driver injured. ...More>>

Erotica director Zalman King dies from cancer (Reuters)

Reuters - Director Zalman King, best known for erotic film "9 1/2 Weeks" and television series "Red Shoe Diaries," died on Friday in Santa Monica, Calif., after a long battle with cancer. He was 69. ...More>>

Mel Gibson may be witness in discrimination trial (AP)

AP - Attorneys for a deputy who arrested Mel Gibson on suspicion of drunken driving want to call the Oscar-winner as a witness during an upcoming trial to determine if the officer suffered discrimination because of the case.

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Movie Scores: How the critics rated the new movies (AP)

AP - "Chronicle" is working its mind-bending powers on critics, earning some of the best reviews in a crowded weekend of new releases.

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App developer gets Oscar nomination for film that doubles as iPad app (Appolicious)

Appolicious - The nominations for the 84th Academy Awards are upon us, and there’s one unexpected nominee among the usual list of Hollywood studios, crew and actors – an iPad developer. ...More>>