Rain in Ninja Assassin

Once again we find ourselves face to face... with Rain!

Yes Rain, the Korean pop sensation and soon to be international acting superstar has been cast in the Wachowski brothers newest project "Ninja Assassin". While the Wachowskis will probably not direct, leaving that job to their good buddy James McTeigue of V for Vendetta fame, this is still some pretty cool news. I have no idea what its about, but hey, its got the Wachowskis, is called Ninja Assassin, and stars Rain; how can that not be great?!

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Worthington on Terminator

According to reports, actor Sam Worthington, once rumored to be up for the roles of both James Bond, then Duke in G.I. Joe, and currently slaving away for James Cameron on the set of Avatar, has been cast as the lead in the new Terminator film.

Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins as we know takes place after the war with the machines has been raging for a while, and is set to be a trilogy of films that will tell the story of the resistance, and, one presumes, the ultimate victory of humankind. But as I mentioned here before, the lead role, the central figure in the films, and especially this first film, will not be John Connor, now confirmed to being played by Christian Bale. The film will follow resistance soldier Marcus, about whom details are still sketchy. But reportedly might be some kind of former convict, and will definitely be pretty badass.

Whatever or whoever he is, I think that's pretty good news. It's funny when people like this Worthington guy get 'famous' in the industry before anyone really knows who they are. But to go from James Cameron to The Terminator is a pretty sure sign his star is on the rise.

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Trek pushed back

Some sad news for Trek fans was announced this week as J.J. Abrams new Star Trek movie was uncerimoniously pushed back from a Christmas '08 release to a May 8th, '09 release date. :(

Seriously, 5 months! It's a long time I know. And while usually a reason such as 'they needed more time for effects work' is given, in this case the studio seems to have effectively said 'this film will make us WAY more money as a summer film than a Christmas film'. While I can appreciate that I suppose, it's still a bit of a bummer.

There's also some speculation that since the strike has ended J.J. is going to use the opportunity to tighten the script some. And frankly, that's something I can roll with.

Anyhow, sad but true, we're going to have to wait even longer for Trek. sigh...
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Indiana Jones trailer

Well, I told you it was on its way, and here it is. A kickass trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Check it out.

Watch the Trailer on Yahoo! Movies

Awesome. Didja notice the crate stamped with Roswell? uh huh. very interesting... Click on the Yahoo link for the official and HD version. What do you think people? Spread the love.

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The long wait for our shows begins

With the strike over now, and the networks making their various announcements as to what's happening and where, it quickly became clear that while some shows were in for a speedy turnaround, others were not so lucky. As I mentioned in my post last week, for the most part older established shows will push through with a few more episodes this year, and the freshman shows will return in the fall. Check out TV Guide Returning Show chart for more up to date specifics. Since my last post though a number of things have been officially announced. NBC, CBS and ABC have all issued press releases on the state of their shows.

Of what I think are the three biggest scripted tv shows on the air the most disappointing news has to be or 24. Fans are going to have to wait until January '09 for the shows return. Thankfully, I'm not really into the show, so I think I'll be ok. Conversely, Lost fans, of which I definitely am one, can be really happy with the announcement that 4 or 5 additional episodes are expected to start shooting immediately and are scheduled to air in April and May. Heroes, of which I am something of a rabid fanboy, will have to wait as well. NBC and the producers have decided to hold off on it until the Fall... sigh, so sad.

I suppose at least we know now. And additionally as some good news, many shows will actually be starting to shoot much sooner than the usual schedule. Beginning production for a Fall show as early as the beginning of Summer as opposed to the standard midway through. This means a few things that I think are really good. Firstly the producers, writers, and actors will have time to breathe. Not that the shooting schedule will be longer I'm sure, but that the option to go back and shoot a pick up, or to spend that extra day on effects shots in post production are much more viable, which generally can only serve to better a show. The other outcome will be that shows will not be 'forced' to take so many breaks while airing. If we learned anything from last season's Lost, it's that fans get pissy when they have to wait too long for new episodes.

While I'm not super psyched about the long wait ahead for Heroes, at least we know when it's coming now, and knowing is half the battle.
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Pineapple Express trailer

The Pineapple Express, is the newest installment from the Judd Apatow camp and man it looks like another winner to me :) I just love Seth Rogan, and honestly I barely even recognized James Franco there. Seriously, I think this will be some funny shit.



Pineapple Express is set to open on August 8th, '08.
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blu ray wins this round...

Two big announcements in the "Format Wars" last week, might have marked the death knell for HD-dvd. And if not the final blows, they definitely are serious wounds. Because let's also keep in mind that this is a mere month and change since Warner's announced that they were dropping the HD format. The two heavy blows came when first Netflix announced that they were dropping HD-dvd completely, followed a day later by the largest US consumer electronics retailer Best Buy's decision to only publically endorse blu ray. Of course as a retailer they can't drop HD-dvd altogether, but they intend to only display, and 'recommend' blu ray.

These moves are maybe not unexpected to people who live and breathe by the format wars (obviously not me if you know just about anything). But what does it mean for the rest of us? Well, I think we're getting some pretty clear signs that the war is winding down to a close. Oh I know, every time in the past when I've said that, it seems like we get some new victory on the side that was losing so badly before, but we're coming down to the wire and the decisions being made now are the ones that will matter the most. I've heard the arguments that we're just going to evolve right out of hard copy media, but frankly I don't buy it. Not now, not yet. I sure don't think old school dvd is going anywhere anytime soon. In fact I bet old school dvd (playing) technology exists well through the entire life cycle of high definition hard copy media, and only actually dies when blu ray or whatever phases out into a purely digital age. But that's beside the point I suppose. I think this portends the end of the speculation. Does it mean I will go out and buy a PS3 next week? No, I wish it did. This is a sure step towards something more permanent though, and I am all for that kind of determination.

For now we'll have to wait and see what Paramount and Disney do when their reported temp contract ends with the HD camp in the spring and they need to make a decision. That, and as my friend Devon likes to remind me Apple's as yet undeclared decision, may make all the difference in the world.
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Clone Wars update

Well it appears that the Star Wars: Clone Wars rumors are true, the first three episodes of the new tv series will be cobbled together for a theatrical movie to be released nationwide on August 15th, followed by some international theatrical releases later in September. The series proper though, will debut on Cartoon Network here in the States this Fall. I have to say,what I've seen looks great. Just check out some of these screenshots that they've been releasing for the new show. Care of AICN, it's a really interesting and stylized look.

I know by now, you've all seen the trailer for the series, but I really want to recommend you head over to Starwars.com and have a look at the behind the scenes "Introducing the Clone Wars" video. It's great, and really gives a perspective on the new series.

This is going to be very very cool I think :)
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Paris is On

Paul Brill's, Paris is On. God I'm loving this...



Thank you Channel Frederator!
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The new and improved Destro

A little while ago I posted that veteran theater actor David Murray had agreed to take on the role of Destro in the upcoming G.I. Joe movie. A great role as what many assume to be the central villain of the film. Well I guess Murray had some work visa issues, because word comes down today, one day after filming officially began, that he is out and who is in but none other than Doctor Who himself Christopher Eccleston! Here is a good rundown of Destro's character, or just read his handy dandy filecard.

I think this is inspired casting. Eccleston will do great with the role. Good choice :)
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Indy trailer on the way

Keep your eyes and ears open kiddies, because Indiana Jones is coming to town...

This Thursday, thats the 14th (aka Valentine's Day) the first teaser trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull will premiere on Good Morning America, between 8am and 9am. It will subsequently be available immediatly following GMA online at indianajones.com, and on Yahoo Movies.

Or you can see it in front of The Spiderwick Chronicles this weekend.

I'll obviously post the trailer here as soon as I see it. Good news all around...
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Forbidden Kingdom in english

Check out this trailer for Forbidden Kingdom. I knew I had reservations when I saw this before, but now that I've seen it in English, I have to say it looks positively stupid.



Look for the film on April 18th...
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Returning tv timetable

As I expected Michael Ausiello over at TV Guide has quickly, and surely compiled a list of all your favorite and hopefully returning shows in the post strike era. Check it out and re-check it often over the next few days to get the most up to date info as everything is still in flux right now. For my money there are a couple of shows I care about that I'm very interested to see more of soon. And no I'm not just talking about Big Brother, which starts up again this Tuesday :)

From TV Guide's returning show chart here are a few selections as of 02/10 at about 4pm.

24
Expected to return this fall or January '09.

30 Rock
Expected to shoot 5 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.

Bionic Woman
No new episodes expected. Ever.

The Big Bang Theory
Expected to shoot 5 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

Chuck
No new episodes until fall.

Friday Night Lights
No new episodes expected for this season. Future TBD.

Grey's Anatomy
Expected to shoot 4 or 5 new episodes to air in April/May

Heroes
TBD.

House
Expected to shoot 4 to 6 new episodes to air in April/May.

How I Met Your Mother
Expected to shoot 5 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

Lost
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Six additional episodes could air this season.

The Office
Expected to shoot 5 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.

Reaper
Three pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

Saturday Night Live
Could be back on the air as early as Feb. 16.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Five pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

For more, and up-to-date info, check out the TV Guide page.

Oh and speaking of the strike, as I mentioned in my post yesterday, the WGA looks like it definitely will be holding a 48 hour member voting period to decide whether to officially accept the terms of the proposal. While it is pretty clear that the terms will be accepted, that means the strike will technically probably end Tuesday night or Wednesday morning at the earliest. That said, word is that most writers, and producers as is evidenced here, will be prepping for work to begin as soon as humanly possible once the strike ends for good.
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WonderCon returns

The time for WonderCon has once again come upon to San Francisco, and since I'm not planning on attending Comic Con in San Diego this year I had intended for WonderCon to sustain me. Unfortunately due to a few scheduling blunders which I am not thrilled about it looks like I might only get one full day at the convention. As usual the con is held over a weekend, (this one the 02/22 - 02/24) but I can't get the Friday off of work, and we already have plans for Sunday, including I hope an Oscar party. So it looks like Saturday might be my one big shot. Granted the program for Saturday Feb 23rd, looks pretty darn sweet.

Here's what I've picked out for Saturday that caught my eye. Obviously I can't go to everything, and most likely will stick mostly to the Hall A film panels, but I also intend to do a little shopping, my goal is to get a couple of books I've been missing for a while. And spend a little time just wandering the convention floor. So check out what I've got to work with:

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12:00-1:00 Warner Bros.: 10,000 B.C., Get Smart - Warner Bros. presents two of its most eagerly awaited films in this exclusive panel only at WonderCon!

10,000 B.C. is the epic adventure of a sweeping odyssey into a mythical age of prophesies and gods, when spirits ruled the land and mighty mammoths shook the earth! Director Roland Emmerich and stars Steven Strait and Camilla Belle appear live on the WonderCon stage to discuss this fantasy film, which opens March 7.

Get Smart features Maxwell Smart on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by the evil crime syndicate known as KAOS. Director Peter Segal is joined by stars Steve Carell (Maxwell Smart), and Anne Hathaway (Agent 99), to talk live about this highly anticipated comedy, coming to the big screen on June 20.
- Hall A

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1:00-2:00 Disney: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and WALL•E - One year later for the Pevensie siblings. 1,300 years later in Narnia. The enchanted characters of C.S. Lewis' timeless fantasy come to life again in this second installment of the beloved book series, where a thrilling, perilous new adventure and all-new creatures and challenges await the Pevensie siblings. Watch exclusive new film footage from this epic adventure series! A very special guest will be on hand to introduce the footage and participate in an audience Q&A.

In WALL•E: The year is 2700. WALL•E, a robot, spends every day doing what he was made for. But soon, he will discover what he was meant for. From Academy Award®-winning director, Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo), WALL•E is the story of one robot's comic adventures as he chases his dream across the galaxy. Meet director Andrew Stanton as he presents exclusive new footage of Disney-Pixar's next adventure!
- Hall A

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1:30-3:00 Comics Podcasting Extravaganza— Want go behind the scenes of the most innovative and new form of comics entertainment? Podcasts are the new way to get all the latest scoops, interviews and opinions in and about comic books. We've got a star-studded lineup featuring some of the leading podcasters to tell you what it's really like to churn out hours of podcasting entertainment on a weekly basis. Comics writer/artist and panel moderator Rick Remender (Fear Agent) talks with panelists Lene Taylor and Logan Hall (I Read Comics), Ron Richards, Josh Flanagan and Conor Kilpatrick (iFanboy), Bryan Deemer (Comic Geek Speak), Jimmy Aquino (Comics News Insider), and Christopher Neseman (Around Comics).
- Room 220

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2:00-3:15 20th Century Fox: The X-Files and Shutter - The truth is out there, again—finally! A new motion picture based on the phenomenally popular, award-winning series The X-Files is in production. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson—making their first-ever joint convention appearance—join director-writer-producer Chris Carter and writer-producer Frank Spotnitz to share their thoughts about the long-awaited film, and answer your questions.

Next, Joshua Jackson, Transformers' Rachael Taylor and Heroes' James Kyson Lee bring you a first look at the new horror/thriller Shutter, from executive producers of The Grudge and The Ring. They'll present special footage and answer your questions about the film, which, through its portrayal of the underground world of spirit photography, reveals that the most terrifying images are the ones that are real. Shutter opens everywhere March 21.
- Hall A

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2:00-3:00 Cartoon Network: Chowder - Join Carl Greenblat, the creator of the hit animated show Chowder, as he screens a very special episode and takes questions from the audience. It’s almost a full hour of culinary goodness, so you don’t want to miss this opportunity to ask such questions as, "What’s it like working for Cartoon Network?", "Aren’t you the voice of Fred Fredburger?", and "Just what the heck is Chowder, anyway?"
- Room 204/206

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3:00-4:00 The Spectacular Spider-Man: First Episode Premiere and Panel - Be among the first to see the series-opening episode of The Spectacular Spider-Man, a Culver Entertainment production coming to Kids' WB! on The CW on March 8. Get the Spidey sense behind the creative vision of the series from supervising producer Greg Weisman (Gargoyles), producer/supervising director Victor Cook (Hellboy: Blood and Iron), character designer Sean "Cheeks" Galloway (Hellboy animated films), and the new voice of Spider-Man, Josh Keaton (The Young & The Restless). Michael Vogel from Sony Pictures Television Animation will moderate.
- Room 104

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3:15-4:00 New Line Cinema: Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay - Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay marks the triumphant return of the two hilarious, slacker anti-heroes. The movie stars John Cho (as Harold) and Kal Penn (as Kumar), on an irreverent and epic journey of deep thoughts and a wild trip around the world that is as "un-PC" as it gets. New Line Cinema will show exclusive footage from the film and star John Cho, along with writers and directors Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, will be there to discuss the film.
- Hall A

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4:00-5:00 Paramount: Iron Man - Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present Marvel Studios' Iron Man, starring Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub and Gwyneth Paltrow. The film's director, Jon Favreau, will appear live on the WonderCon stage to discuss bringing the Marvel Comics superhero to the big screen.
- Hall A

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4:00-5:00 Spotlight on J. Michael Straczynski - Writer, producer and director—and WonderCon special guest—J. Michael Straczynski comes off a busy year that saw him end a ground-breaking run on Amazing Spider-Man, and start his news series, The Twelve in comics. He wrote, produced, and directed the latest installment of the Bablyon 5 saga, Lost Tales, and he wrote three movies in 2007, The Changeling, Goliath: The Story of David, and World War Z. We’re guessing he’ll have LOTS to talk about and you’ll have just as many questions!
- Room 104

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4:30-5:30 TOKYOPOP and the Jim Henson Company Present Legends of The Dark Crystal and Return to Labyrinth - Last year, TOKYOPOP made waves among Jim Henson fans with their release of the debut volume of Legends of The Dark Crystal, an exciting manga prequel to Henson's classic fantasy film. Last year also saw the release of the second volume of Return to Labyrinth, TOKYOPOP and The Jim Henson Company's acclaimed manga sequel to Labyrinth. Join editor Tim Beedle and Return to Labyrinth writer Jake Forbes as they discuss the future of these two exciting series, provide insight on expanding Jim Henson's fantasy universes and preview art from upcoming volumes. As a special bonus, all panel attendees will receive a free Legends of The Dark Crystal poster.
- Room 220

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4:30-5:30 Animation Story Break ("Wait, does it HAVE to be a story?") - Go behind the scenes as writers take an idea for an animated superhero story from one-sentence premise all the way to a full-blown beginning, middle, and end. Then the real fun begins with audience participation! The crack writing staff features Charlotte Fullerton (Kim Possible), Michael Jelenic (The Batman), Dwayne McDuffie (Static Shock), and Matt Wayne (Justice League Unlimited). Moderated by Eugene Son (Storm Hawks). Expect laughter and tears - mostly the latter.
- Room 236/238

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5:00-6:00 Inside Lucasfilm with Steve Sansweet - It’s not over yet! With Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series hot on the horizon, not to mention all the other events and projects in the works at Lucasfilm, Steve Sansweet, the entertainment company’s head of fan relations, will have much to share at WonderCon. Sansweet’s presentation will be the first on his 2008 convention circuit, so look for fresh news and glimpses into all the Star Wars excitement to come.
- Hall A

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5:00-6:00 VERTIGO: Edgy and Evocative - With books like Fables, DMZ, American Virgin, Northlanders and more, VERTIGO continues the critical success of its monthly books with even more surprises up its sleeve in 2008! Come hear Bob Schreck, group editor—VERTIGO, Becky Cloonan (American Virgin), Steve Leialoha (Fables), Bill Willingham (Fables, Jack of Fables), and Brian Wood (DMZ, Northlanders), discuss their books and find out why VERTIGO is THE imprint for discerning readers.
- Room 104

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5:00-5:30 Sneak Preview of Starship Troopers: Marauder - The bugs are back! Writer/director Ed Neumeier (Robocop) and action star Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) host the world premiere of the trailer from the action-packed continuation of the Starship Troopers franchise, coming this summer from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment!
- Room 204/206


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5:30-6:00 Sneak Preview of Gabriel - First-time writer-director-producer Shane Abbess and leading man Andy Whitfield ("All Saints") introduce the Australian sci-fi thriller Gabriel to American audiences. Filmmaker and star will screen clips and answer questions from the crowd on this upcoming release from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
- Room 204/206

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6:00-8:00 WORLD PREMIERE! Justice League: The New Frontier - Witness the formation of the greatest fighting force in the history of comics at the WonderCon exclusive world premiere of Justice League: The New Frontier, the highly-anticipated DC Universe made-for-DVD release presented by Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics. Inspired by Darwyn Cooke's best-selling DC Comics graphic novel, Justice League: The New Frontier features an all-star cast of characters and their all-celebrity voices, including Green Lantern/David Boreanaz (Bones, Angel), The Flash/Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), Superman/Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks, Desperate Housewives), Wonder Woman/Lucy Lawless (Xena, Warrior Princess), Batman/Jeremy Sisto (Law & Order), Martian Manhunter/Miguel Ferrer (Bionic Woman), Carol Ferris/Brooke Shields (Lipstick Jungle) and King Faraday/Phil Morris (Smallville, Sarah Connor Chronicles). The film is rated PG-13 for action violence, and will be available to own on February 26. Immediately following the premiere, DC Comics' Gregory Noveck will moderate a panel that includes story originator Darwyn Cooke, executive producer/director Bruce Timm (Superman Doomsday), director David Bullock (Legion of Super Heroes), supervising director Michael Goguen (The Batman), writer Stan Berkowitz (The Batman), voice director Andrea Romano and, with a little luck, members of the voice cast. And remember … DC Universe animated film panels usually end with a glimpse of the future … and this time, it's an altogether new vision for a fan favorite!
- Hall A

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So thats all I caught on the programming schedule for the Saturday, what do you guys think is essential? Any one of those that I just absolutely should not miss?

I'm pretty annoyed that I'm not going to be there on Friday, as I'm missing a Bill Willingham talk, a Farscape panel (like seriously one of my favorite shows ever), a writing panel with JMS, the Wanted panel with guest James McAvoy, and the New Line panel featuring the new Journey to the Center of the Earth film. On Sunday it looks like I'll be missing out on such gems as a Tim Sale panel, 'from fan to creator' a goal setting workshop, the Fables panel, and a Terminator Sarah Connor Chronicles panel... sigh...


I should just be happy with all the cool stuff I will get to see, and try not to stress about the stuff I can't. besides having an Oscar party is a good idea. And hey, from what there is listed above I'm sure it will be a really fun day no matter what.
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It's all over baby

Well basically. Still waiting on a few dotted i's and crossed t's by the AMPTP, but reportedly the proposed settlement between the striking WGA and the studios has come to a fruitful conclusion today. Official or not, it seems fair to say: THE STRIKE IS OVER.

As I mentioned a few days ago as this deal was looming after a tentative 'informal' agreement was reached a week ago. Care of United Hollywood, here is the letter sent out to guild members...
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To Our Fellow Members,

We have a tentative deal.

It is an agreement that protects a future in which the Internet becomes the primary means of both content creation and delivery. It creates formulas for revenue-based residuals in new media, provides access to deals and financial data to help us evaluate and enforce those formulas, and establishes the principle that, "When they get paid, we get paid."

Specific terms of the agreement are described in the summary at the following link - http://www.wga.org/contract_07/wga_tent_summary.pdf - and will be further discussed at our Saturday membership meetings on both coasts. At those meetings we will also discuss how we will proceed regarding ratification of this agreement and lifting the restraining order that ends the strike. Details of the Los Angeles meeting can be found at http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2763.

Less than six months ago, the AMPTP wanted to enact profit-based residuals, defer all Internet compensation in favor of a study, forever eliminate "distributor's gross" valuations, and enforce 39 pages of rollbacks to compensation, pension and health benefits, reacquisition, and separated rights. Today, thanks to three months of physical resolve, determination, and perseverance, we have a contract that includes WGA jurisdiction and separated rights in new media, residuals for Internet reuse, enforcement and auditing tools, expansion of fair market value and distributor's gross language, improvements to other traditional elements of the MBA, and no rollbacks.

Over these three difficult months, we shut down production of nearly all scripted content in TV and film and had a serious impact on the business of our employers in ways they did not expect and were hard pressed to deflect. Nevertheless, an ongoing struggle against seven, multinational media conglomerates, no matter how successful, is exhausting, taking an enormous personal toll on our members and countless others. As such, we believe that continuing to strike now will not bring sufficient gains to outweigh the potential risks and that the time has come to accept this contract and settle the strike.

Much has been achieved, and while this agreement is neither perfect nor perhaps all that we deserve for the countless hours of hard work and sacrifice, our strike has been a success. We activated, engaged, and involved the membership of our Guilds with a solidarity that has never before occurred. We developed a captains system and a communications structure that used the Internet to build bonds within our membership and beyond. We earned the backing of other unions and their members worldwide, the respect of elected leaders and politicians throughout the nation, and the overwhelming support of fans and the general public. Our thanks to all of them, and to the staffs at both Guilds who have worked so long and patiently to help us all.

There is much yet to be done and we intend to use all the techniques and relationships we've developed in this strike to make it happen. We must support our brothers and sisters in SAG who, as their contract expires in less than five months, will be facing many of the same challenges we have just endured. We must further pursue new relationships we have established in Washington and in state and local governments so that we can maintain leverage against the consolidated multinational conglomerates with whom we bargain. We must be vigilant in monitoring the deals that are made in new media so that in the years ahead we can enforce and expand our contract. We must fight to get decent working conditions and benefits for writers of reality TV, animation, and any other genre in which writers do not have a WGA contract.

Most important, however, is to continue to use the new collective power we have generated for our collective benefit. More than ever, now and beyond, we are all in this together.

Best,

Patric M. Verrone
President, WGAW

Michael Winship
President, WGAE

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Yes, the AMPTP are dragging their feet slightly on the final naggling issues, trying to squeeze their last possible cent, point, or whatnot through the door as it closes behind them; and the WGA is talking about holding a vote within the next 48 hours to ratify the terms of the deal. Generally speaking though, this deal is done. The 3 month long writers strike really finally is over. And a formal final FINAL end will probably come Monday, or early next week.

Keep an eye on TV Guide's strike watch page as they will be updating us all on the fate of our favorite tv shows as soon as they get official word. However as I mentioned most likely we will be getting the older established hits back for a few more episodes this season, and the freshman shows will have to hold off until the Fall. As for Lost, and Heroes... who can say yet. Of course rampant speculation on some of the films that could get back on track immediately has already begun, thanks to IGN and Variety. They specifically mention Angels & Demons, JLA, and Transformers 2 as properties that could possibly move forward very rapidly. I for one doubt it, but I suppose they could.

Really, at this point, we should just be happy that the strike is ending, and enjoy whatever tv and movie we do get with a minimum of griping. Even if it is more ridiculous yet so very very addictive Big Brother episodes...

At least we've got the Oscars coming up :)
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Adsense is here

Yup; it is.

Not sure what really to say about it but I thought I should at least acknowledge that I've put a few small, hopefully unobtrusive Adsense advertisements on the sidebar of my page here. It seems silly not to have them really, and I sincerely hope they don't interfere with your enjoyment of reading my posts.

It's been a long and difficult decision to put the ads here, because I obviously am not really doing this for any direct compensation. I just enjoy writing. If I can parlay the experience this site has given me into a writing or marketing job then all the better, but I'm not specifically trying to get rich writing AISL Thing is, life has an imposing way of moving forward, and I have no excuse not to put ads on the site, especially now that E and I are thinking of buying a house and my life is moving steadily forward. This is a concession that must be made for the greater good, and so far I think I can live with that.

Let me know what you think. I won't promise to change anything, but if you have a suggestion for a better way to do it, or want to recommend another program other than Adsense that might work better, please let me know in the comments section.

For now, I think things look pretty much alright. Let's hope it stays that way.
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Abomination: the toy

While this isn't exactly the same as a sneak peek of the character from the actual film, it definitely gives you a solid idea of how the Abomination, played by Tim Roth, will look in this summers upcoming Incredible Hulk film.

Care of Superherohype! check out this picture of some action figures planned for the film. Click to enlarge...

The Incredible Hulk opens on June 13th '08.
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Lost is back, sweet

I just wanted to mention how great I think it is that Lost is back in action now. This show is seriously one of the best pieces of television ever. The first two episodes this season have been great. I think we need another two or three more to get a real sense of where this season is going, or would be if not for the strike interruption, but I like the way were just being thrown into it.

The Hurley flash forward in the premiere was excellently handled, only now I'm left stumped as to who might be the other members of the Oceanic Six... I'd guess one is the man Kate had to get back to in the season 3 finale, and another is probably the dead man in the coffin, but who is the other one. My guess, is that its Sawyer, waiting for Kate back home, and Ben in the coffin. I also think that the flash forwards are not the end of the series. My theory is that at least the final full season will take place back on the island, only after the flash forwards... exactly.

Logistically speaking only 8 episodes of Lost were made before the strike hit. All 8 episodes are scheduled to air weekly until they are finished for this season. With the strike looking to end now, the fate of the show to come for this season, is still up in the air. Most likely, the 8 produced episodes will suffice until at least the Fall, but who knows what ABC has up their sleeve.

As a mini spoiler, if you're interested in knowing who will star in the flash forward/back for the 8th and final episode of this contracted season, just highlight ahead to read that it is all about Michael.

Finally, remember to fly Oceanic Air.
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Zombie on Conan... maybe

Well, at first it seemed a bit odd, but people seemed more or less accepting. Then it sounded like maybe the man had just made up a little internet rumor in order to get his name out there, but now it looks like word has indeed come down that Rob Zombie is legitimately in the running for the directors chair on the new Conan film.

We all know he's fond of remakes after seeing what he did with Halloween, and regardless of his stock and trade for the horror genre, I actually think he might be a really great choice for the Conan film. If there's one thing the new and revamped Conan film needs its a bit of gore to keep it fresh; something the Schwarzenegger flicks never really managed.

Although, whether it was him starting the rumor or not, he has not been offered the job quite yet. According to IGN, Zombie joins fellow directors Xavier Gens of Hitman fame, Neil Marshall of The Descent, and possibly more on the shortlist of possibilities. We'll just have to wait and see what becomes of this as we move forward but for my money, thinking about all of these directors, I actually think Zombie might be the best for the role. It would definitely be a ballsy move, but I say Conan needs something visceral to get it going strong with a new generation of fans.
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Quantum poster and vid

Oh if only that post title was referring to a Quantum Leap movie... sigh... one day maybe.

As I mentioned before, I've little interest in overly covering the new Bond film Quantum of Solace, but I did recently run across this new teaser poster for the film, care of AICN, and thought I'd share. Do you think its cool, or just trying a bit too hard?

Also, and this is actually legitimately kind of interesting is a little behind the scenes clip on the start of filming. Check it out.

I don't want to come off as really having anything against James Bond here, I'm sure it'll be entertaining. Maybe I just care about other things that much more. We shall see what becomes of 007 on November 13th this year.

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