Academy awards: Screen Credits, Music Submission Forms Due 5 PM Thursday, December 1

Beverly Hillsides, CA Thursday, December 1, may be the deadline to submit official screen credits (OSC) and music submission forms towards the Academy of movement Picture Arts and Sciences for 84th Oscars consideration. For any feature film that need considering for that 2011 Honours, the flicks distributor or producer must file an OSC form using the Academy by 5 p.m. PT on December 1. If your feature film is launched in La County this year and also the completed OSC form isn't posted through the deadline, the film is going to be ineligible for Oscars in almost any year. OSC forms can be found online only, at http://aiwosc.academy awards.org/aiwosc/. Details about submission and have film qualifications could be acquired by getting in touch with Credits Coordinator Howard Loberfeld at (310) 247-3000, ext. 1113, or via e-mail at hloberfeld@academy awards.org. To have an achievement that need considering within the Original Score or Original Song category, the main music author(s) for any feature film must submit the official music submission form along with other materials by 5 p.m. PT on December 1. To request music submission materials, contact Dork Hanson at (310) 247-3000, ext. 1151, or via e-mail at dhanson@academy awards.org. As the credits submission deadline is December 1, movies have until night time, December 31, to spread out inside a commercial film theater in La County and start the absolute minimum run of seven consecutive days to become qualified for 2011 Oscar consideration. Records within the language, animated feature, documentary, and video clip groups are susceptible to special rules and should meet other being approved criteria. The entry due dates during these groups have previously passed. Complete 84th Oscars rules can be found at http://world wide web.academy awards.org/rules/. The 84th Oscars nominations is going to be introduced survive Tuesday, The month of january 24, 2012, at 5:30 a.m. PT within the Academys Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Oscars for outstanding film accomplishments of 2011 will be provided on Sunday, Feb 26, 2012, in the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and public live and eat the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation will also be public reside in a lot more than 200 nations worldwide.

Christopher Meloni Being Went after by True Bloodstream

Chris Meloni Christopher Meloni may join the cast within the approaching season of True Bloodstream, an Cinemax repetition told TVGuide.com.When the show works in wooing him, he'd play a "big part,Inch based on TVLine.com, which first reported this news. The network repetition rejected to provide further particulars.Christopher Meloni exits Law & Order: SVUMeloni, 50, starred as Detective Elliot Stabler on Law & Order: SVUfor 12 seasons prior to making his exit last spring. Since that time, he's been noticeably absent in the screen, though he'll be starring like a general within the feature Guy of Steel, going to be out in 2013.Do you want to see Meloni mind to Bon Temps?

HBO Pacts With 'Luck's' David Milch for William Faulkner Adaptations

Kevin Winter/Getty Images Ahead of its Dec. 11 sneak preview, HBO has doubled down on Luck's David Milch. The premium cable network on Tuesday inked Milch's Redboard Productions into an exclusive multiyear television deal to develop TV series and films based on selections from William Faulkner. The pact will also cover any further services on his upcoming horseracing drama Luck, which will begin its run in January. Redboard, through an agreement with the William Faulkner Literary Estate, will produce films and TV series based on the works of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author. The deal covers all of his 19 authors and 125 short stories, and gives HBO the exclusive first opportunity to finance, produce and distribute the projects. Under the terms of the agreement, Milch will partner with Lee Caplin, the executor of the William Faulkner Literary Estate and chief executive of Picture Entertainment Corp., to choose which works to develop, package and produce. Both Milch and Caplin will act as executive producers on the projects, with Milch serving as the executive writer in charge of adapting the works. Olivia Milch will serve as a coordinating producer on the projects. "We are especially pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with one of the industry's most talented contemporary writers," says HBO programming president Michael Lombardo. "We know that whatever David brings to the HBO table will be exciting and innovative." Adds Milch:"I'm delighted to expand my longstanding relationship with HBO to encompass the adaptation of some of the most important literary works by any American writer into television films and series. As we embark on this ambitious project, our first commitment is to serve the material, and we look forward to identifying and collaborating with the best screenwriters and filmmakers to help each of the pieces find its ideal form onscreen." Milch is producing Luck, starring Dustin Hoffman, alongside Michael Mann. He also is reteaming with his NYPD Blue co-creator Steven Bochco for a legal drama set up at NBC. Luck premieres Sunday, Jan. 29 on HBO. Milch is repped by ICM, who brokered the deal with Redboard and the William Faulkner Literary Estate. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit HBO TV Development

Lady Gaga Believes In Monogamy, Says Her Romances Always Turn Bad

First Published: November 29, 2011 3:18 PM EST Credit: Vanity Fair NY, N.Y. -- Caption Lady Gaga on the January 2012 cover of Vanity FairLady Gaga may have just posed nude (as viewed from the side) in the January 2012 issue of Vanity Fair, but the superstar is more wholesome than some might think. Maybe sex isnt that big a deal anymore, but I dont have sex without monogamy, and maybe thats very old-fashioned, she told the mag, when discussing a womans right to choose, which she supports. But still, the way men treat women in this society How is it OK for a guy not to call a girl back after sex? she added. Gaga is rumored to be dating Vampire Diaries star Taylor Kinney, something she didnt confirm to the mag only telling VF she was dating someone new. She did, however, reveal that romance is always something that has been hard. I have never felt truly cherished by a lover. I have an inability to know what happiness feels like with a man, she said. I have this effect on people where it starts out good. Then, when Im in these relationships with people who are also creative, or creative in their own way, what happens is the attraction is initially there and its all unicorns and rainbows. And then they hate me. Gaga said she feels most comfortable around her close friends and family. I dont understand that whole thing of gathering in tribes, she told Vanity Fair. Like a club of famous people. Why would I want to have champagne with celebrities? Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Family Film Guide: 'Happy Foot Two'

'Happy Foot Two' Director: George Burns Rated: PG for a lot of rude humor and mild peril Starring: Elijah Wood, Pink, Robin Williams Get showtimes & tickets Sense Media rating: On for six+ Moviefone States: Tap-dancing Emperor penguin Mumble (voiced by Elijah Wood) has came back just like a grown penguin with mate Gloria (now Pink, since original star Brittany Murphy died this past year) there's a young chick named Erik (Ava Graves) which has yet to discover their very own "happy foot" or singing voice. When Ramon (Robin Williams) decides to go away Emperor land for his Adelie turf, he's then Eric along with a couple of other young'ins. Mumble follows the kids then when they return home they uncover an all-natural disaster has trapped all of the Emperor penguins in the valley of snow. Throughout this global-warming catastrophe, the penguins frequently enter elaborate song-and-dance programs striking tunes. Kids may not pick around the atmosphere message, as well as the story isn't virtually nearly as good since the original's, nevertheless the animation is superb as well as the father-boy plotline can be a sweet indication of why parents should always support their kids' dreams. Plus, Kaira Pitt and Matt Damon play Will and Bill, two krill facing an existential crisis regarding purpose inside the sea. They're amusing. Do You Realize?: Mumble's dancing moves were choreographed by tap maestro Savion Glover! Watch a clip! Parent Concerns: There's less to face up to, there is however some mild peril -- especially since the iceberg strikes after which while using elephant shuts. There's several brief tease and double-meaning jokes between Ramon and Carmen (voiced by Sofia Vergara). After they first meet, according to him to her: "You-Me-Egg-Now!" but she rebuffs him for almost all the film. Listed below are three speaking points to improve your moviegoing experience. 1. Weather Change: Like the original movie, 'Happy Foot Two' features a strong atmosphere theme. The world climate crisis wreaks harm to the penguins' habitats. Cure is adversely influenced through the melting and shifting icebergs? How's Sven's situation particularly tragic? Kids, exactlty what can you triggered by notice your impact on the climate? Discuss ways your family members can reuse many waste less. 2. Family Values: Similar to Mumble was embarrassed about his failure to sing, youthful Erik is self-conscious of not receiving the gift of dance like his father or of song like his mother, prior to the finish in the movie. What is the movie's message about living around parents' anticipation? When does Erik finally uncover his gift? What can Erik and Mumble discover about each other while dealing with the habitat emergency? 3. Soundtrack From The Existence: A lot of the musical amounts inside the movie derive from the very best singles like Queen's 'Under Pressure' or Justin Timberlake's 'SexyBack' with slight lyrical changes ("sexy" becomes "fluffy" inside the situation of JT's signature anthem). Exactly give me an idea -- covers of well-known tunes, or original tunes ala Disney movies? Can it be strange watching penguins undertake such popular hits? Three to find out: Animal Adventures 1. 'Puss in Boots': Shrek's adorable rogue warrior cat friend can get his personal spinoff in this action-packed adventure featuring familiar mythic figures. 2. 'Finding Nemo': One of the better father-boy films ever. Fabulous underwater animation, memorable figures together with a touching story get this a thrilling-time fave. 3. 'Rio': Kids and parents will enjoy joining Blu, a protected macaw who travels to Rio p Janeiro along with his faithful owner to fulfill and save his one-and-only mate Jewel. Most likely Probably The Most Disgustingly Cute Animated Figures Curious George in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/curious-george/19194/primary">Curious George</a>'Bullseye in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/toy-story-2/6725/primary">Toy Story 2</a>'Ash in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/fantastic-mr-fox/28110/primary">Fantastic Mr. Fox</a>'Dalmatian Youthful young puppies in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/101-dalmatians/4910/primary">101 Dalmatians</a>' (1961)Winnie the Pooh in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/winnie-the-pooh/51435/primary">Winnie the Pooh</a>'Dug in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/up/30386/primary">Up</a>'Gru's Minions in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/wretched-me/36148/primary">Despicable Me</a>'Dumbo in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/dumbo/22134/primary">Dumbo'</a>Nemo in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/finding-nemo/13806/primary">Finding Nemo</a>'Totoro in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/my-neighbor-totoro/8062/primary">My Neighbor Totoro</a>'Despereaux in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/the-tale-of-despereaux/27486/primary">The Tale of Despereaux</a>'Squirt in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/finding-nemo/13806/primary">Finding Nemo</a>'Thumper in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/bambi/21912/primary">Bambi</a>'Wall-E in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/wall-e/28116/primary">Wall-E</a>'Baby Mumble in '<a href="http://internet.moviefone.com/movie/happy-foot/21862/primary">Happy Foot</a>' See All Moviefone Galleries » Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-486274.cke_show_edges #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-486274, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-486274

Tyler Perry Defends Kim Kardashian's 'The Marriage Counselor' Casting: She's a job Model

Tyler Perry has heard the immense critique over his casting of Kim Kardashian in the movie, The Wedding Counselor, noisy and obvious. And that he has had to his personal blog to protect your decision.our editor recommends'No More Kardashian' Petition Aims to get rid of Family's Series From E!Carol Robinson Peete Jokes Kim Kardashian's Movie Role Has 'Blacktresses' UpsetKim Kardashian Hasn't Received Dying Risks on Group of 'The Counselor,A Reps Say PHOTOS: 19 of Hollywood's All-Time Least Partnerships "I possibly could not have access to imagined I'd receive each one of these emails about Kim Kardashian. I've Come Across THEM!! You've Been HEARD!! ...LOL," Perry creates. "Now, may I only say something? Can a brother obtain a word in?" "Y'all offered me a new movie title, Tyler Perry's 'Diary of the Mad Black Lady Result In Hired Kim Kardashian, Don't Cause Me To Feel Remove My Ear-rings and Boycott Years old A**.'...LOL. A number of my ladies are upset. Ok, all jokes aside, can one have my say? Are you going to a minimum of here [sic] me out?" PHOTOS: Inside Kardashian Corporation. He describes the movie is all about a youthful Virginia girl, Judith (Jurnee Smolett), who meets a guy (performed by Robbie Johnson) who "challenges my way through her existence from her marriage to her husband to her belief." Perry thought the message from the movie required to achieve youthful people. So, he cast most of the roles, including Smolett, Johnson, singer and actress Brandy Norwood, and Kardashian by having an eye towards stars who are able to attract a more youthful audience towards the film. "About two several weeks ago, lengthy before I even learned about Kim's marriage or divorce, I had been attempting to finish off the casting," Perry describes. "I stated to 1 of my producers, 'Who else is available that youthful individuals are searching for to?' " VIDEO:Kim Kardashian Offers Picture of Happy Marriage in Marie Claire Interview Producer recommended Kardashian and demonstrated Perry photos taken by his daughter from the hordes of youthful people browsing line at among the Kardashian sisters' stores, Dash. "I figured, selection person! She literally has countless youthful people following her," he creates. "I figured but still think, that it might be very responsible of her to take part in this film. To achieve the youthful people who idolize her, see her inside a film that's about, what goes on in existence whenever you result in the wrong options." AUDIO: Kim Kardashian's Ex-Publicist Thinks She Staged Her Wedding As they stressed that Kardashian's role isn't a lead, a lot of his experts are angered through the casting and I am sure they've got problem with Perry thinking about her a job model for youthful people. A movement to boycott Kardashian and her family's shows continues to be building momentum as proven by a web-based petition to implore E! to prevent airing the household's shows. Ithas gone from 8,000 signatures to almost 120,000 signatures in under 72 hours. Email: Jethro.Nededog@thr.com Twitter:@TheRealJethro Related Subjects Kim Kardashian Tyler Perry

Galleries hope early releases have kudos traction

'Midnight in Paris''Win Win'In Hollywood, honours season is becoming fixed around the calendar, beginning using the late summer time and early fall festivals in Venice, Toronto and Telluride and running right through to the stroke of night time on New Year's Eve.But regardless of the kudos industry's concentrate on fall, you will find good films and performances which are seen and acknowledged another eight several weeks of the season. Every one has unique challenges because they fight for attention using the late bloomers.Among the 2010 crop of honours movies and perfs searching to buck the periodic chances are a set of Fox Searchlight releases -- the March-debuting "Mutually BeneficialInch and May's "The Tree of Existence" -- along with the latest Woodsy Allen pic, "Night time in Paris," which first hit theaters within the summer time. Additionally, there are "The Assistance,Inch that was launched in August and it has been receiving a lot of positive honours buzz.Many of these films originate from company directors and entertainers with lots of honours pedigree. "Mutually BeneficialInch lead Paul Giamatti includes a previous supporting actor nomination, along with author-director Tom McCarthy. Allen, obviously, includes a bountiful quantity of noms and wins to his credit, and "Tree of Existence" boasts heavyweights for example Kaira Pitt, Sean Penn and author-director Terrence Malick. The 3 films performed at major festivals -- Sundance for "Mutually BeneficialInch and Cannes for "Tree of Existence" and "Night time."Within the situation of "Night time," The new sony Pictures Classics made the decision an earlier release was better for that film's honours chances for several reasons."We thought i would face a lesser challenge that need considering for honours as we opened up early," describes co-prexy Michael Barker. "In the finish of the season, you will find a lot of films being considered for honours that the film is fighting for attention, fighting to appear. If you are not within the top 12 or 15 or perhaps the top ten, it's too hard to appear.InchRather than fighting for any fall slot, "Night time" was deliberately opened up opposite "Pirates from the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.""Frequently that actually works best for films that need considering for honours," Barker states. "It might be something to become in comparison against."The approach deviated considerably in the release pattern for Allen's previous film, last year's "You'll Meet a Tall Dark Stranger." That film also performed at Cannes, but The new sony Pictures Classics required the greater conventional approach and launched it in September. With "Night time," however, the studio saw an opportunity to create a good early impression that may last in to the fall honours season, a premise increased through the solid a reaction to the film and it is impressive $55 million in box office receipts."You will find pictures where it seems sensible to not open in this competitive period of time,Inch states Barker. "The notice you will get earlier will remain in individuals minds with time."Robert Marich, author of "Marketing to Moviegoers," states honours marketing is about momentum and try to hard to predict. Some box office release methods are based on the thought of building success out money, honours are a place in which the usual logic doesn't necessarily apply."Galleries have deep pockets. Those are the 900-lb. gorilla within the room,Inch he states. "They is going to do things for non-economic reasons."The new sony Pictures Classics' technique is to help keep "Night time" in theaters as lengthy as you possibly can, send Dvd disks and host tests using the cast and producers and wage an average ad campaign."This isn't the film you perform a large amount of overkill on advertisements," states Barker. "You need to rely upon the film in ways."AWARD SEASON TALENT PREVIEWSupporting versus. lede debate a yearly discussion Ingenues have tradition of landing lead actress nom Galleries hope early releases have kudos traction Motion capture perfs under review Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Fashion Slam: Makeup Mondays - Taylor Swifts Beauty How-To

First Launched: November 14, 2011 1:14 PM EST Credit: FilmMagic La, Calif. -- Caption Taylor Quick showcases her perfect makeup round the CMA Honours red-colored-colored carpetTaylor Quick needed home the coveted Artist of year Award within the New Bands Association Honours the other day and looked absolutely gorgeous carrying it out! Shes naturally stunning certainly, but Taylor, who's the facial skin of COVERGIRLs NatureLuxe cosmetics line, wound up getting somewhat help enhancing her pure beauty from celebrity makeup artist Lorrie Turk. I used to be inspired with the drop dead gorgeousness in the J. Mendel gown Taylor used, " Lorrie unveils. Clothing will be a very awesome well toned dove hue after which inside the show, she used a jewel-well toned sweater to complete in, and so the color plan was cooler. Because of having less time to make changes, the makeup round the red-colored-colored carpet required to make use of the pared lower look in the performance. We just had time to produce a quick lip color change, she added. Here Lorrie shares her step-by-step guide for ways you can Taylors CMA Honours look: I started through the use of COVERGIRL Natureluxe Silk Foundation for just about any fresh finish on her behalf account skin. On her behalf account eyes, We used COVERGIRL Intense ShadowBlast in Platinum Pop a really little difference of COVERGIRL LineExact eye lining in Very Black and handle her eyes with jackets of COVERGIRL Lash Perfection Mascara on her behalf account lashes. On her behalf lips round the red-colored-colored carpet, We used COVERGIRL ShineBlast in Sparkler as well as the performance, we switched it to COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Peony. For just about any little color and shimmer on her behalf account face, I finished by brushing on COVERGIRL TruBlend Minerals Blush in Pure Romance. For additional info on the makeup used, visit internet.covergirl.com. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Arrivederci, Berlusconi

BerlusconiRome-- Silvio Berlusconi resigned Saturday as Italy's pm, ending an anomalous 17-year era in Italian politics marked with the billionaire media mogul's dual role since the country's leading pol and top showbiz entrepreneur.A chorus of Handel's "Halleluia," completed having a professional ensemble, burst out before Rome's Qurinale president's structure, as thousands of Italians put in the center of an italian guy , capital in the euphoric atmosphere much like a worldwide Cup soccer victory.However of town, news that Berlusconi had lost his chair of one's motivated protracted cheers within a Bob Dylan concert at Rome's Palalottomatica. "Required directly into Bob Dylan sing in Rome as Berlusconi finally fell. That felt right," Twittered Salman Rushdie who was simply within the concert, part of Dylan and Mark Knopfler's European tour.Berlusconi, who lost his support in parliament on November 8 as Italy's economic crisis spiralled, obtaining the nation round the fringe of personal personal bankruptcy, walked lower Saturday, ending his third stint as Italy's pm.The 75-year-old mogul became a member of Italian politics in 1994 using his Television stations to publicize his "Let's Go Italia" pressure named carrying out a soccer chant. He's been distracted lately by sex ripoffs mounted on "bunga bunga" parties and accusations he taken proper care of sex getting a small, besides corruption charges mounted on his Mediaset TV empire, that they declines.As areas battered Italia Berlusconi's political recognition happen to be waning in your house as his credbility crumbled abroad. As well as the current weather conditions are not helping Mediaset either.Mediaset shares tumbled on November. 8 since it released a 31% drop in nine-month operating profit to 368.2 million ($507.8 million) your entire day Berlusconi introduced he'd step lower.Berlusconi's resignation paved the means by which for Italian leader Giorgio Napolitano to appoint former European Commissioner Mario Monti to produce a government of non-pol technocrats to proceed drastic economic reforms needed to bring back Italy's extended stagnant economy.For his political future, Berlusconi for the time being remains leader of Italy's center-right bloc, but mentioned after announcing his resignation he will not run as premier again. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

'Moneyball' to start Turin fest

ROME -- The Italo bow of Bennett Miller's "Moneyball" will open the 29th edition in the Turin Film Festival, where U.S. photos feature plainly among a wealthy roster of worldwide ultra-indie fare. Robert Altman, Aki Kaurismaki and Sion Siono will probably be feted. Records inside the Turin 29 competition section dedicated to youthful filmmakers not beyond their third work, add a trio of U . s . States photos formerly made an appearance round the fest circuit: Tom McCarthy's Paul Giamatti-starrer "Win-Win," Jonathan Levine's cancer-designed "50/50" and Matthew Petock's Virginia-set single-mother drama "Somewhat Closer." Hot Brit social sci-fier "Attack the Block," by Joe Cornish, Gallic pregnancy pact pic "17 Women," by sister writing and pointing team Delphine and Muriel Coulin, and South Korean crimer "A Confession," by Park Su-min, are among other primary competish records. Ample Italian contingent is headed by Carlo Virzi's rock'n'roll band laffer "I Piu Grandi di Tutti," in competish, and a pair of docus centered on Benito Mussolini, Fabrizio Laurenti's "Mussolini's Body" and "Il Sorriso Del Capo," by Marco Bechis, within the fest's mixed-bag Festa Mobile section. American helmer and digital digital photographer Jerry Shatzberg will preside 5-member jury made up of producer Michael Fitzgerald (U.S.), thesp Valeria Golino (Italia), and helmers Shekhar Kapur (India) and Brillante Mendoza (Philippines). Prominent Italo indie event, headed by Italo helmer Gianni Amelio, runs November. 25-12 ,. 3. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

Joshua Marston to Write and Direct Remake of 'The Double Hour' (Exclusive)

Andreas Rentz/Getty ImagesJoshua Marston Joshua Marston is set to write and direct a remake of the Italian thriller The Double Hour.Roy LeeandNicola Giulianoare producing the project. Starring Ksenia Rappoport and Filippo Timi, Hour followsa Slovenian hotel maid and an ex-cop who fall in love after meeting at a speed-dating event. When they retreat to his employer's house in the Turin countryside, armed intruders shatter their romantic interlude and throw light on secrets from their pasts. Giuseppe Capotondi directed the original, which was written by Alessandro Fabbri, Ludovica Rampoldi and Stefano Sardo.The film was released in Italy right after its first showings at the Venice and Toronto film festivals in 2009. Samuel Goldwyn Films released the thriller in the U.S. in April. Repped by WME and Anonymous Content, Marston most recently co-wrote and directed The Forgiveness of Blood, which had its premiere at the Berlin film festival and will hit theaters through Sundance Selects in February. He also wrote and directed the 2004 dramaMaria Full of Grace. Lee most recently producedThe Incident,Abduction,The RoommateandThe Uninvited.Giuliano(This Must Be the Place) was also a producer of the original Double Hour.

News Corp. Spied on Phone Hacking Lawyers and Their Children; Tried to Find Proof of Affair

LONDON -- News International has admitted that The News of The World spied on the private lives of two of the most high-profile lawyers acting for phone hacking victims as recently as early this year, in the latest bombshell in the phone-hacking saga.our editor recommendsRebekah Brooks' Computers Still Held Amid Report of $2.7 Million News Corp. SeveranceDocuments Show 'A Culture' of Illegal Phone-Hacking At The News of The WorldPhone Hacking Scandal: Andy Coulson Attempts to Dodge Parliament QuestioningJames Murdoch Set for Further Questioning as Reporter Alleges Phone Hacking Was 'Widely Discussed' at News Corp.CEO Rupert Murdoch: News Corp. Can't Only Be Profitable, But Must Also Be 'Principled'Related Topics•Rupert Murdoch News International has confirmed that it had sanctioned investigations into two of the lawyers who had brought legal claims against it -- and said the matter was "deeply inappropriate" and was "not condoned by any current executive." However, the London-based unit of News Corp. also claimed that surveillance "is not illegal." PHOTOS: News of the World's Top 10 Scandals The comment came after Derek Webb, a policeman turned private investigator, has told the BBC that he had been hired by News International executives to carry out covert surveillance of phone-hacking lawyers Mark Lewisand Charlotte Harrisover a period of 18 months. The surveillance was carried out while James Murdoch was in charge of the newspaper division. Webb has spoken exclusively to BBC Newsnight reporter Richard Watson in an interview that will not air until late Monday night. But the BBC has released some information about Webb's claims in advance of transmission. Webb is understood to have decided to speak out because he believes he is owed money and bonus payments by News International. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Memorable Mea Culpas The former policeman has told the BBC he was hired in 2010 to gather evidence on Lewis, who acted for the family of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler. He investigated the lawyer, his former wife and her daughter, following them and filming their movements. In January 2011 he was assigned to investigate Harris, the lawyer who represented sports agent Sky Andrewin a phone-hacking case which eventually forced the sacking of News of The World news editor Ian Edmondson. The investigations expert told the BBC he was assigned to find out if Harris was having an affair and carried out video surveillance on Harris and her young children. It is thought that Webb was investigating the possibility that the lawyers were having affairs in a bid to pressure them into dropping the hacking inquiry. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Biggest Blunders Lewis and Harris are among a number of lawyers who have doggedly pursued legal actions against News International, triggering a series of court cases that revealed evidence of illegal activity -- eventually forcing Rupert Murdoch to shut down The News of The World. In a statement to the BBC, News International said: "News International's enquiries have led the company to believe that Mark Lewis and Charlotte Harris were subject to surveillance. While surveillance is not illegal, it was clearly deeply inappropriate in these circumstances. This action is not condoned by any current executive at the company." The news comes just a day after it emerged that former News International CEO Rebekah Brooks received a $2.7 million severance settlement and continues to have a chauffeur-driven car and plush London office courtesy of News International. London's Metropolitan police also revealed last week that almost 6000 people may have been victims of phone-hacking at News International, 2000 more than had been earlier thought. James Murdoch has been summoned by Parliament to answer more questions about phone-hacking November 10. Related Topics Rupert Murdoch International James Murdoch Rebekah Brooks Phone Hacking Scandal

ABC Family Sets Return Dates for Pretty Little Liars, Laying Game and much more

Pretty Little Liars Pretty Little Liars and also the Laying Game will return on the new evening, Monday, Jan. 2, ABC Family introduced on Thursday. Take a look at scoop, photos and clips of Pretty Little Liars Starting off the evening at 8/7c, Pretty Little Liars accumulates following a one-month time jump with Aria, Spencer, Emily and Hanna ever nearer to learning the identity of "A". The Laying Game follows at 9/8c as Emma and Sutton attempt to expose the skeletons within their family closet. Switched at Birth returns Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 8/7c then the series debut of Jane By Design. (Obtain a first see that show here!) Exclusive: Charisma Contractor will get in around the Laying Game Furthermore, the network introduced the Secret Existence from the American Teen making It of Break It will likely be back with new episodes at the begining of spring 2012. Which ABC Family show are you currently most looking forward to?