Doha reaches to Rotterdam

VENICE -- The Doha Film Institute has tapped former Rotterdam Film Festival programmer Ludmila Cvikova as its head of international programming. As Rotterdam programmer for more than a decade, Cvikova scouted talent and selected films from across the globe for the fest, as well as for its CineMart co-production mart and Hubert Bals Fund. She has worked as an adviser for several other international film festivals -- Karlovy Vary, Locarno and Yerevan -- and served for two years as programming chief for the Art Film Festival in her native Slovakia. Cvikova joins DFI's existing programming team, led by executive director Amanda Palmer. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

Hell Target OVA

A spaceship is lost close to the forbidden planet of Inferno II. Some years later, another ship having a crew of nine will get there and encounters a monster that quickly makes mince meat of many of them. The only survivor, Makuro Kitazato, must destroy the monster before it may surprise another ship that's already on the way.

Phil Rosenthal: Exporting Raymond Isn't Just for Fans of Everybody Loves Raymond

Phil Rosenthal When Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal was asked to help adapt the show for a Russian audience, he was ecstatic. But that feeling didn't last long."I was quite flattered that the Russians would want me to go, until I heard that I needed kidnap and ransom insurance," Rosenthal tells TVGuide.com with a laugh. "Then, my fear of getting kidnapped was replaced by my fear of what they were going to do to the show."Watch Everybody Loves Raymond clips in our Online Video GuideFrom casting to costumes, every step along the way was a bit of a fight. (And the language barrier didn't help any.) Luckily, Rosenthal, also the show's executive producer, brought a film crew to document every fish-out-of-water moment. The result: Exporting Raymond, a film that is more an exploration of the struggles of communication than a celebration of the long-running CBS sitcom."When you make a documentary - if you're going to be honest - you don't know really what you're going to get," Rosenthal says. "You have to be lucky that when you turn the camera on, you're going to get something worthwhile. I thought we had something that transcended the experience of just our show. Forget that it's another country. I mean, everybody has [communication] problems in their own house."That of course was the basic conceit of Everybody Loves Raymond, which starred Ray Romano as a Long Island sportswriter whose dustups with his wife (Patricia Heaton), jealous brother (Brad Garrett) and obtrusive parents (Doris Roberts and the late Peter Boyle) were grounded in real, everyday problems. That was a concept the Russians had problems with, Rosenthal says.Ray Romano confirmed for Middle premiere"If we had any success here in America, we think it's because it was relatable to the American audience," Rosenthal says. "So it's not that [the adaptation] had to be faithful to the American version; I just wanted it to be relatable to their audience. The way to do that is to keep it in the real world, to ask: 'Could this happen?' But that seemed to be too much to ask."I didn't know if the problem was that they didn't understand this concept of realism and naturalism or that they didn't want to understand," Rosenthal continues. "That was the biggest thing to overcome - figuring out, 'Was it me and my unrealistic expectations being a foreigner in this country? Or did they just not want to connect?'"It's only a mild spoiler to say that eventually, Rosenthal and his comrades found some common ground. And now, versions of Everybody Loves Raymond are being adapted in Poland, Egypt, Israel and India."They're telling me that this may end up being the most produced show in the world," Rosenthal says. "We all have parents, we have a significant other, we have siblings. These are universal themes. We tried very hard in the show to make it very specific to our lives.... but we tried to make the show have a timeless quality. It seems to be working around the world."Does that mean we'll get a sequel? Still Exporting Raymond? "We were actually just talking about a sketch for Funny or Die for that very thing," Rosenthal says. "But I have agreed to only go to the countries that I would like to eat in."Exporting Raymond is available on DVD and Blu-ray. Watch a clip:

Indiana State Fair Reopens After Sugarland Stage Collapse

The Indiana State Fair re-opened Monday morning -- less than 48 hours after a stage collapsed before a Sugarland concert, killing 5 people.our editor recommendsSugarland Concert Stage Collapse: Musicians React to the TragedySugarland Concert Stage Collapse: An Eyewitness Report "We come today with hearts that are broken but also hearts that are full," Governor Mitch Daniels told the silent crowd, according to the New York times. "There was a hero every 10 feet on Saturday night," Daniels added. "I cannot tell you how proud I am to be the employee of six and a half million people like that." More than 48 people were sent to the hospital after a storm gusted 60 to 70 mph winds. The fairgrounds were closed on Sunday. As of Monday, the collapsed stage -- "an enormous tangle of metal and flapping tarps," according to the Times -- was roped off with yellow police tape. The somber memorial service was held on a smaller stage. State officials are investigating the collapse: if the stage had structural problems, if fair officials moved fast enough to evacuate in light of weather warnings. The severe thunderstorm was issued three hours before the scheduled concert. Wrote Sugerland's Jennifer Nettles on her website Sunday: "I am so moved. Moved by the grief of those families who lost loved ones. Moved by the pain of those who were injured and the fear of their families. Moved by the great heroism as I watched so many brave Indianapolis fans actually run toward the stage to try and help lift and rescue those injured. Moved by the quickness and organization of the emergency workers who set up the triage and tended to the injured." "There are no words to process a moment of this magnitude and gravity. There are only prayers for peace in the hearts of the bereft, and prayers of thanksgiving for those who were spared or safe," she continued. "A piece of our heart is left in that grandstand. May God provide peace and healing to the people of Indianapolis." Related Topics Sugarland

Ten Things Russian Dolls Tries to Teach Us About Russian Women

Russian Dolls From the time it was announced, Russian Dolls (Thursdays at 10:30/9:30c on Lifetime) was compared to Jersey Shore. But local-cultural focus is where the similarities end - borscht will never be the new pickles. Instead, this show, which is set in Brighton Beach ("Like another planet, it's one square mile of Brooklyn jam-packed with crazy Russians," one cast member explains in Thursday's premiere), is more tempered and a lot less wild. Like Jersey Shore, though, it does spell out the parameters of this Russian-American cultural intersection explicitly (think back to the first few Jersey Shore episodes when virtually every sentence started with, "A guido is..." and you get the picture). The episode begins with an on-screen quote of a Russian proverb ("God can't be everywhere so he created Russian mothers") and from there, we're bombarded with factoids about Russian women via the show's cast. We take these with a grain of salt (don't believe everything you see on TV - especially reality TV), but here they are for your consideration: Watch Russian Dolls videos 1. "Russian women don't take s--- from anybody." - Sveta 2. "Big and blingy" is "definitely Russian style." - Marina 3. "If you're Russian, you're at the Banya [bath house]." - Diana 4. "In this community, if I date someone that's not Russian, it's a big deal." - Diana 5. "Gossip, gossip." "Drama, drama." "That's how every single Russian girl is." - Eddie Zee and Albert 6. A good Russian girl "does what her parents want, even if it makes her unhappy." - Anastasia 7. "Russian women love to flirt, but they never give up the goods ...They just make us wait for no reason, and then sometimes we wait and it's no good!" - Eddie Zee 8. "Sometimes they just want the free dinner." - Albert 9. Every Russian woman should know how to make borscht. -Diana's mom (according to Anna) 10. "The woman have to be all. The woman have to be housekeeper, woman have to be a good wife, woman have to be woman. It's very important." - Anna Catch up on today's news If that seems bleak and constricting, well, that's more or less how the show portrays its cultural subjects. But there are bright spots: Renata serves some chicken soup for the soul with, "I learned in America that you are what you think you are. So if you think you're young and adorable, that's the deal." She's commenting on Marina's mother-in-law, Eva, who's a belly-dancing scream. Her old-lady pageant, which Marian reluctantly suffers through until she can't any longer, is hilarious. It's interesting that older women on this show swing between being the most conservative (see Anna's quote above about all that women have to be) and the most progressive (Renata and Eva, for example). The younger ladies seem somewhere lost in between. And as for what we learned about Russian men? "Every Russian guy eats sushi," reports Diana. That's about as enlightening as it gets.

'Two . 5 Men' 2. On Promising Begin With Tape

The tape of year premiere of 2 . 5 Males was last evening, and early feedback should allow CBS and producer Warner Bros TV to breathe a sigh of relief. Individuals who were in the tape or read the script, recognized the writing to be as sharp as with is at Men's heyday. After which there's Ashton Kutcher, who changed fired star Charlie Sheen playing a brand new character, Internet billionaire Walden Schmidt. "They cut back something which was working, the writing and also the supporting cast, and added a brand new element, , who's breathing new existence," stated one attendee towards the tape. Mostly to safeguard the story within the episode, which we largely scooped the 2009 week, everybody who had been in the tape needed to sign a non-disclosure agreement. (Yes, there is a funeral for Charlie Harper attended by his former female friends.) But individuals who saw the filming describe Kutcher as "charming" and "solid" and say he was a noticable difference within the final instances of Sheen where he was still being excellent but additionally showing signs and symptoms of addiction issues with his gaunt look. This is actually the curtain demand the cast, including Kutcher, Jon Cryer, Angus T. Johnson, Conchata Ferrell, Holland Taylor and recurring guest star Marin Hinkle.

The Eat Sheet: 9 Hot Celebrity Restaurants

Celebrities have a mixed record when opening restaurants. Just take a look at Britney Spears'NYLA, a New York City Cajun joint which the singer broke off involvement with in 2002 due to health code violations and management issues. On the other hand, her ex, Justin Timberlake, has opened up two successful Southern Hospitality barbeque joints in New York City.our editor recommendsJustin Timberlake Takes Stake in MySpaceRyan Gosling's Top 5 Roles STORY: Justin Timberlake Praises Will Gluck Perhaps it can be good to fly under the radar. The Today Show's "Bites" site has just released its list of nine top restaurants that have found success ... without chasing headlines. The list covers eateries located everywhere from Brooklyn to Beverly Hills, including Atlanta's Dolce Enoteca e Ristorante (261 19th Street), whose investors include Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore and Wilmer Valderrama, and Doug E. Fresh's Chicken and Waffles (2245 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd, NYC), which features classic Harlem soul food. But does Sammy Hagar's chain of Cabo Wabo Cantinas, including one in tequila-drenched Cabo San Lucas, really qualify as under the radar? Hoping to rub elbows with one of the owners? It could happen at Crazy, Stupid Love actor Ryan Gosling's Moroccan fine-dining establishment, Tagine (132 N. Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA). Gosling, writes Today's Linnea Covington, "is even rumored to occasionally wait tables when need be." Moroccan-born "Chef Ben" serves up dishes such as seven-spices lamb tagine with dates and prunes and phyllo pastries with Cornish hen, scrambled eggs and saffron. It also offers a seven-course tasting menu. STORY: Crazy, Stupid, Love: Film Review Related Topics Demi Moore Justin Timberlake Ryan Gosling Wilmer Valderrama

Nobleman of Leon Management on Elimination of YouTube Videos: 'It's Commonplace'

Nobleman of Leon's management has taken care of immediately critique over their elimination of Youtube clips associated with the band's show at Dallas' Gexa Energy Pavilion a week ago, where singer Caleb Followill left happens mid-show and not came back. This guitar rock band subsequently canceled the relaxation of the U.S. tourour editor recommendsKings of Leon Concert Cut Short After Lead Singer's Abrupt ExitKings of Leon Management Removes Clips of Dallas Show From YouTubeKings of Leon Cancelled Tour: Their Final Performance (Video)Sneak Look: Nobleman Of Leon Doc "Artists and managers pull lower videos from YouTube every single day,Inch an agent for Vector Management informs THR. "It's commonplace and instinctive." Video clip had proven several moments of Followill indicating his discomfort, telling everyone else within the 20,000-capacity venue, "I am gonna go backstage and vomit, I am gonna drink a beer." The band's official explanation was that their frontman was "struggling with vocal issues and exhaustion." So started an argument launched the next day of the Dallas show, that effectively canceled the relaxation from the tour. "This guitar rock band is devastated, but to be able to give their fans the shows they deserve, they have to take this break," it read. Based on Moving Stone, Vector reported copyright claims in taking lower youtube clips, though almost all the videos removed concentrate on stage banter -- which isn't copyrightable -- as opposed to the music itself. The experience indicates that the organization is trying to safeguard its client's image, although there's also talk of potential insurance complications on future shows if Followill was intoxicated instead of ill. Because the incident, additional footage has made an appearance online, together with with comments demeaning this guitar rock band. "What about consuming some herbal tea rather than liquor should you're sick, you f---ing idiot," authored one Youtube viewer. Stated another: "The sad sad demise of the relatively decent band. Well i guess." A couple of commenters noted that Paul McCartney performed a complete set at Chicago's Wrigley Area the 2009 week in which the temperature arrived at 90. To become fair, the warmth index in Dallas is going to hit its 34th straight day's 100-degree-plus temps. Inevitably, you will find many mentions of last summer's pigeon incident, once the band cancelled a St. Louis show after bird poop managed to get impossible to experience. At that time, Nobleman of Leon managementcommented, "Jared (Followill) was hit several occasions throughout the very first two tunes... It's not just disgusting -- it's a toxic health risk. They attempted to stay.Inch Pigeon-gate happened on This summer 24, 2010 the Dallas incident was on This summer 29 of the year. See an accumulation of Followill's Dallas stage comments below as you still can. Related Subjects Nobleman of Leon

Analysis: NBC Might Not Be as Bad as Expected

NBC Could there be a light that's not a train at the end of NBC's tunnel? Nobody realistically expects NBC to be anything more than the No. 4 in a four network ratings race by the end of next season, not even Robert Greenblatt, the network's entertainment president. At least that's the lowered-expectation mantra he's spreading around. Which is not only the perfect approach to take, it's something the last three or so NBC presidents would never have said, so considere the culture at the Peacock network already minutely, but importantly, changed. As NBC leaves the Television Critics Association press tour having said most of the right things and shared its wares, it might not be such a ridiculous notion to think NBC might turn around a lot earlier than anyone expected. Greenblatt is a smart executive and after he turned Showtime around so spectacuarly, the knee-jerk reaction is that his taste won't work in the network world. But that's just too simple, given that he's been a network guy before (at Fox), developed series outside the network system (Six Feet Under) and is a lot more wiley than being square peg unable to fit in round holes. Do not bet against him, in short. But here's the other thing to consider about NBC and Greenblatt: What if he gets lucky? He graciously said that he's responsible for the fall line-up (he's not -- they were developed before the got to NBC), a stand-up move because the entire schedule could implode. He's had his fingers on them, though, and no doubt has lots of notes going forward. But it's not like he's inherited a pile of crap. One or two of the series could actually work and if he's even a smidge lucky (or really patient) he might see gains or creative development with the others. The Quotable TCA: TV Press Tour Eavesdropper Consider: NBC has two half-hour comedies premiering Wednesday nights starting Sept. 14 that could make a small dent on the night. Free Agents and Up All Night. The pilot for the first just flat out doesn't work -- but it has a funny cast and very talented group behind the scenes. In case you've forgotten, the pilots for both 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation were disasters. It took four episodes for 30 Rock to find some semblance of a show, then it took off to greatness. Parks and Recreation had a six episode first season and five of those shows were bad. There was almost no hope the series would be renewed, but it was, and Season 2 was easily the best Comeback Show of the Year. So, get some perspective on Free Agents. It was created by John Enbom (Party Down, a series a lot of critics adored) and is executive produced and directed by Todd Holland (Malcolm In the Middle, Wonderfalls, The Larry Sanders Show) and stars Hank Azaria, Kathryn Hahn, Anthony Head, Mo Mandel, Natasha Leggero, Al Madrigal and Joe Lo Truglio. Up All Night, starring Will Arnett, Christina Applegate and Maya Rudolph is very good and could be a sleeper hit, which would help Free Agents if the latter gets its act together. Yes that duo will get killed by Fox's The X-Factor and CBS' Survivor but it has a very real chance of beating ABC's The Middle and Suburgatory in the hour. That's a faint glimmer, but it's there. Beyond that, The Playboy Club isn't likely to work and Whitney is dreadful, but don't be surprised if Grimm gets some genre traction on Friday nights. And the debate about whether Prime Suspect will hold up to the original is now moot since they are nothing alike. What's left is the making of a strong procedural that could do a little business against vets like Private Practice and The Mentalist. OK, not a lot of business, but at this juncture I'd definitely go with Prime Suspect, despite the annoyance of the connection to the original. Maria Bello should not be underestimated in that role. This is not a revolution, of course. NBC is still the decided underdog in this race. But you could almost make out a faint Cheshire cat smile on Greenblatt's face periodically during the TV press tour and he may be on to something (or maybe I was projecting it on to him while double-checking these NBC series). The network has two buzz-worthy shows in midseason -- Smash and Awake. Again, no promises of success. But I'm beginning to think this lengthy turnaround at NBC everyone is talking about might be shorter than anyone is currently guessing. And all the while, credit Greenblatt for both keeping the network humble (now there's a first for NBC) and perhaps artificially lowering the bar. Look no further than this doozy of a quote he gave USA Today: "So even if a couple of these shows work and we haveThe Voice, I don't know if in the next one, two, three years we're going to see any kind of significant lift. Everybody's realistic about it, and we'll do the hard work," he says. "And hopefully find aGleeorModern Family." Is he good or what? Because he's completely right. And if he's not right, he's the new king. Email: Tim.Goodman@THR.com Twitter: @BastardMachine TCA NBC Robert Greenblatt TCA Summer Press Tour 2011

Disney Taps Kathryn Kranhold as SVP, Corporate Communications

Kathryn Kranhold has became a member of the Wally Disney Company as Senior V . P . of Corporate Communications.our editor suggests Wally Disney Shares Hit 10-Year High Kranhold can help develop communications methods for a number of initiatives, including legal matters, financial confirming, corporate status management and executive communications. She'll are accountable to Zenia Mucha, executive v . p . of Corporate Communications. "Kathryn's professional encounters both in communications and journalism make her a great addition to the team," stated Mucha. Kranhold's journalism experience originates from her 12 years like a author for that Wall Street Journal. In the 90's, she was area of the team covering California's energy crisis and Enron Corp.'s go up and down. She started her journalism career using the Hartford Courant. Kranhold formerly labored for that Brunswick Group, where she labored with clients on crisis, lawsuit and financial communications. Just before that, she was with Sard Verbinnen & Co. counseling clients on corporate and financial communications. Related Subjects The Wally Disney Company