Ale

Peter Berg discusses making a non comic book based film http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKKfAZtbalU Peter Berg discusses casting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByVEql_dRPY Peter Berg discusses his Directing Style http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yptxWwBhuY

http://streetknowledge.wordpress.com/2008/...people-of-2008/

Will Smith rolling out low-profile Oscar bid By Steven Zeitchik LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Will Smith's new drama "Seven Pounds" is rolling out to tastemakers ahead of its December 19 release, having largely flown below blogger radars until now. Smith's role in the Sony film, as an Internal Revenue Service functionary who mysteriously drops into the lives of strangers in an apparent bid to help them, comes in a movie steeped in melancholy. That makes the drama an anomaly: It features the world's biggest movie star in a film that also is one of the season's most serious. There are grace notes about penance and sacrifice, but this isn't Tom Cruise in "Jerry Maguire." While awards pundits this year have followed the time-honored tradition of priming the pump for movies like Brad Pitt's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" even before they began screening, "Seven Pounds" has avoided such attention. Part of that is because of the presence of a global box office star; those types of A-listers historically have had to work harder to get awards attention. And partly it's the movie itself, whose pleasures derive from orienting oneself on its map and figuring out just what exactly is going on. That's why some marketing materials have been opaque on the film's plot, while the movie's handlers have asked entertainment writers to avoid giving much away. Since it's so much weightier than anything he's done before, the role will be a litmus test of Smith's previously unbreakable box office mettle; "The Pursuit of Happyness" almost looks like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" by comparison. (Both "Seven Pounds and "The Pursuit of Happyness" were directed by Gabriele Muccino.) But there's also an interesting question on the awards side -- namely, what kind of chance the movie, and specifically Smith, has at the Oscars. As one consultant said, it wouldn't be surprising if the superstar wasn't nominated, but it would be equally unsurprising if Smith took home the statuette. (The movie has chances in other categories, particularly original screenplay and best actress for Rosario Dawson, but Smith is the meatier issue.) There's an interesting list of factors for and against his bid. "Pounds" is the kind of solemn, tragedy-infused movie one normally sees in smaller films -- think "21 Grams" and pictures of that vintage -- that haven't always been Oscar front-runners. And the role and movie don't come in with as much preset recognition as some of the competition -- it's not a historical picture like "Milk" or "Frost/Nixon" or an adaptation of a well-known work like "Doubt." On the other hand, It's an intimate movie, all about dramatic moments between people, which generally favors acting bids. Maybe even more important, the Academy appreciates when a big movie star takes a dramatic turn. There are few tentpole actors who've batted 1.000 every time they've tried a more prestige role. Smith, nominated for both "The Pursuit of Happyness" and "Ali," is one of them. In fact, Smith isn't just going dramatic here; he's pushing his screen persona. There are elements of past Smith characters in "Pounds": the everyman struggle of "Pursuit of Happyness," the mysterious stranger of "Six Degrees of Separation," even a little bit of the tortured soul of "Hancock." But the nuances are very different. Even in more serious roles like "Ali" he could flip the charm switch; here, even when he's trying to be charming, it's the charm of an IRS agent, not, well, Will Smith. If Smith does get in as best actor, it suddenly makes the field a lot more crowded. Assuming Sean Penn and Frank Langella are pretty much locks and Pitt is a decent bet, a Smith nomination means there will be only more slot for a long list of hopefuls: Richard Jenkins, Clint Eastwood, Josh Brolin, Leonardo DiCaprio. A big movie star coming out of left field to upend a race isn't something you see every day. Reuters/Hollywood Reporter http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainme...tertainmentNews

Source: http://www.movieweb.com/news/NE1VB548Kp7T44

Excl: Hancock 2 coming? Despite mediocre reviews, HANCOCK did pretty well at the box office, but I still never thought we'd really see any further adventures from Will Smith's superhero in the future. Apparently, I was wrong. We just got done talking to Will Smith, who's promoting SEVEN POUNDS, and he told us that we'll "definitely" be seeing a sequel. When we asked Will if he'd ever be up for playing another superhero he replied that there were a lot of unexplored characters in the HANCOCK universe that would be ripe for a sequel and confirmed that we'll definitely see the rumored HANCOCK 2 in a few years. So who do you think these "unexplored characters could be?". While HANCOCK wound up disappointing do you think a sequel could vastly improve on the original? We'll have much more from Will Smith (and his SEVEN POUNDS co-star Rosario Dawson) next week on JoBlo.com! http://www.joblo.com/excl-hancock-2-coming

New Spot! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3SZpsbzlLk&e

Great documentary! Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbwH3dnXwdw Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbkq-D4kD6k...feature=channel Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJelJ-nLGXw...feature=channel Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdzQ3C4dXks...feature=channel Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zg54tFivWk...feature=channel

He's 40 now :lolsign:

Peter Berg talking about 'Hancock' reviews and a possible sequel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTNukPWkk94&

Red Pearl to distribute films throughout region Overbrook Entertainment's Will Smith, James Lassiter and Ken Stovitz have teamed with Diana Jenkins' D Media to launch Red Pearl Pictures, which will distribute Western films throughout the Middle East. The new company will have offices in both Los Angeles and the Middle East, and has launched a search for a chief executive. CAA is advising the startup. Overbook and D Media confirmed the launch of the venture, but offered no specifics beyond a goal to tap into the growing demand for entertainment in such Middle Eastern markets as Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Overbrook has already shown global entrepreneurial ambitions, as the company made a deal with Ronnie Screwvala, chief of India's UTV, and Sony to produce films meant to play in the Indian marketplace. The venture is a new wrinkle in Hollywood's relationship with the Middle East, which has been more about raising coin than in exploiting box office potential. The Middle East has become a hotbed for Hollywood coin -- most recently evidenced by Abu Dhabi's $1 billion production arm Imagenation inking separate $250 million deals with Participant Media and Ashok Amritraj's Hyde Park Entertainment. By comparison, the theatrical marketplace in the region remains limited. While the Arab world boasts a population of some 300 million -- more than two-thirds of whom are under the age of 30 and eager for commercial entertainment -- censorship, piracy and underdeveloped infrastructure have so far hampered efforts by distribs and exhibs to maximize the region's true box office potential. Smith's "Hancock," for example, grossed approximately $3 million in the Arab world, a good-sized draw, but small compared to other offshore territories. "Quantum of Solace" has so far grossed about $8 million. Red Pearl Pictures joins a number of key Mideastern distribs that have existing deals with the U.S. studios and indies. The venture will be helped by Jenkins' strong relationships in the region. She is the Bosnian-born wife of Barclays Bank's Roger Jenkins, who runs the U.K. bank's Middle East business. Based in Malibu, she is a partner in the swimsuit company Melissa Obadash.She has been credited with helping facilitate a multibillion-dollar infusion of cash that came to Barclays from the Middle East. A recognized figure on the social circuit, she is close friends with Sheik Hamad bin Jassem, the prime minister and foreign minister of Qatar, and his wife. Sheik Hamad is widely considered one of the visionaries behind Qatar's economic and political emergence in the region, and was a key investor behind a recent $8.6 billion capital injection into Barclays Bank. Qatar, the world's biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas, has started to reveal its own ambitions to become a global film player. http://www.variety.com/article/VR111799676...yId=19&cs=1

This is a radio interview between Hollywood star Will Smith and Sony Award winning duo, Simon James & Hill. http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=u-PcENfl4tg&e

TV talk shows for Dec. 5 1 p.m. The Ellen DeGeneres Show: Actor Jimmy Smits ("Dexter"); actor Jaden Smith ("The Day the Earth Stood Still"); Katy Perry performs.

New Clip! http://www.trailersland.com/index.php?opti...5&Itemid=75

20 Images from SEVEN POUNDS! http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_c...0&Itemid=99

More clips! http://www.trailersland.com/index.php?opti...1&Itemid=77 http://www.trailersland.com/index.php?opti...3&Itemid=77

LOL! Yeah I'm looking for it too here on the Internet, but I saw it in theaters when I went to see 'Quantum Of Solace'. It'll be called "Siete Almas" :thumbsup:

New Clip! "A Big Favor" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1E_hlnB0oQ

I think this is a new pic...

Jada: 'I'm a Michelle Obama fan' Jada Pinkett-Smith has revealed her admiration for Michelle Obama and revealed that she and hubby Will plan to have a Christmas of giving rather than receiving. Jada, who co-stars with Ben Stiller and Chris Rock in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa also revealed that she is looking forward to a crazy new year's party - which doubles up as her wedding anniversary. She said: "This year Will and I decided to give to various charities so there will be no shopping for things. As for new year? Bring on the party!" In the sequel to the 2005 animated hit Jada voicies lovable hippo Gloria. And Mrs Will Smith reveals that there is "definitely a possibility" that there will be a third instalment. Video! http://itn.co.uk/news/abfd78dd05fc4f8a7a56ad8f0fc8a278.html

More TV spots...I've lost count :lolsign: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE1ZeWtpq6o

More pics here! http://splashnewsonline.celebuzz.com/2008/...&bfm_page=0

New pic:

Will Smith Gets Golf Giddy Will Smith, wife Jada Pinkett Smith and family enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in holiday on Friday. Will, 40, worked out his golf game while Jada and the kids relaxed on the beach. Looks like Jaden took a big spill in the ocean! This week, Smith’s off-beat superhero flick, Hancock, was released on Blu-ray this week. Check it out! 10+ pictures inside of Will Smith getting golf giddy… http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/11/28/wi...gets-golf-giddy/

The Gospel of Will Smith 'Seven Pounds' is about a man searching for salvation. The man who plays him is searching, too. By Allison Samuels | NEWSWEEK Published Nov 28, 2008 From the magazine issue dated Dec 8, 2008 Will Smith has been experimenting with the bittersweet side of life in his last few films. A down-on-his-luck and out-of-work father ("The Pursuit of Happyness"), a man faced with the end of the world ("I Am Legend") and an alcoholic superhero trying to get his life back on track ("Hancock"). Not exactly the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This month Smith takes on another somber role in the film "Seven Pounds,'' where he plays a man desperate for redemption after he makes one tragic mistake that ruins the lives of seven people. The film also stars Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson and Connor Cruise, the son of his good friend Tom Cruise (and Nicole Kidman). Smith talked to NEWSWEEK's Allison Samuels. SAMUELS: " Seven Pounds " is pretty haunting. Why take on a character like that? SMITH: Usually with the films that I make there are ideas that I connect to, but lately I've been dealing with the bittersweet in life because it feels more natural. You don't ever get it really the way you want in life. That really fascinates me. As an actor there are certain parts of a character that you create, and you train yourself to have those reactions and then it becomes hard to stop them when the role is over. You have to retrain yourself. My character in this film is like hot grits. You know you can't shake them off and when you do, it hurts. Is your life bittersweet? Not really, but I love the origins of a story and have always been intrigued with the idea of trauma—emotional trauma and loss. Life is all about death and rebirth and how do we manage to deal with those things when they happen. And not just death in terms of life. You know when you lose your job or your house—that's a death of something that is a part of your life. How do you manage that? What do you do the next day after it happens? How do you go on? With these characters, they've all experienced traumas that have changed their lives. I like that this film shows you the options in life for redemption and finding yourself again. But you must draw on something for the turmoil you show in the film. I guess in some ways I think about my grandmother, who died from a stroke a few years ago. I never cried about it and always adopted the attitude that she was in a better place, that it was for the best because of the stroke and how ill she was. I'm sure I drew on that because it gave me permission to feel things that you don't normally or I don't normally like to show. I guess it's healing in that way. Are you worried the audience won ' t join you on this kind of bleak journey? That's why we've been going to different cities around the country to promote the movie. It's given me a chance to talk to the people and see what they want and what they need. I visited hospitals and other places just to reconnect and hope to do it more before the films. That's one way to stay in sync with my fans. Your love interest in " Seven Pounds " is Rosario Dawson. Why doesn ' t Hollywood make more African-American love stories? Hollywood sees green as in dollars, and that's just the bottom line. You have to show them you can make money with your story no matter what color the characters are. Martin Scorsese has proven to Hollywood he can make Italian-American stories that bring in the money, and that's what Hollywood wants to hear. Every time an executive greenlights a film, he's putting his job and his future on the line. I don't think Hollywood is racist, but I do think they work with what they know. And since many of the top studios or people who greenlight features are not familiar with our stories, it's just much easier to go with what they know and not delve into what they don't. I think that's where my responsibility comes in as someone who can make a difference, because I can get my films made and choose the people I want in those films and the stories I want to tell. It really comes down to that. We have to tell our own stories, really. The school that you and your wife, Jada, opened this year in Calabasas, Calif., the New Village Academy, has gotten a lot of attention, particularly rumors that Scientology will be taught there. Did that upset you? It was just important to me to put something out there to help kids understand that it all starts right there—in that classroom and with those teachers. I want to be a part of kids figuring out that it is a new time in America and they can be a part of it. I take my citizenship very seriously, and one part of that is service. My grandmother taught me that, and I was happy that President-elect Obama talked about it so much on the campaign trail. Part of the reason the country is where we are now is because many of us aren't doing our part. We need to get back to the help-your-neighbor concept that's just disappeared in the last eight years. There are also rumors about you being a Scientologist. Jada has spoken about you two studying many religions, including Scientology. So are you a Scientologist? I love the nature of humanity's search for meaning. For me I'm certain about my relationship with the model of perfection of human life that's laid out with the life of Jesus Christ. I'm certain of that. So I'm at home and not fearful when I sit in a mosque or a synagogue or a Buddhist temple, the same way that I'm home in the Church of Scientology. I like anywhere people are searching for the truth, and I respect their path and I'm intrigued by their path. I think when you are certain in and of what you believe in, you can open your mind to seeing the ways of others. I'm not bothered when someone says "Allah" because they're talking about God—we are talking about the same person. I was in India recently and my hotel was near the Taj Mahal. Five times a day there would be a call for prayer, and it was the most beautiful thing. I was lying in my bed thinking, no matter what your religion is, it would be great to have that reminder five times a day to remember your Lord and savior. So you ' re not a Scientologist? No, but when people are afraid of religion they have to go back and get in touch with the Good Book. Fear of other religions means you're questioning your own understanding, and that's just not where I am. You were raised Baptist, right? Yes, but I grew up in a neighborhood with all religions, and so I'm very used to studying and being around different faiths. So it doesn't bother me to look into different religions. My grandmother raised me to be a do-gooder in the church, that it was about doing what you can to help your community. So whatever religion does that— Jewish, Muslim, Scientology—it's cool because the end result is the same. You and Tom Cruise are good friends. What is it about him that makes you guys so close? Tom is one of the most open, honest and helpful people I've met in Hollywood, or really anywhere. I mean, how many people in his position would want me to win, want me to be a bigger and better movie star? Few people in this business want me to win like that. I was so used to competition between other artists that I just didn't get him at first. And then Tom just broke it down to me and said, Will, we are not competing, so don't think that way. That blew my mind because that is not how this business works at all. No one else gave you that kind of support in all your years in the business? Well, Eddie Murphy and Bill Cosby reached out and really helped me back in the day, but they were older. Tom is my age, so I really felt there would be some competition between us, but he looks over my scripts and everything. When I did "I Am Legend," I sent him the script, and he sent me back four hours of notes and changes. He did more work on "I Am Legend" than I did. Now we're looking at some projects to work on together because we have that basic understanding of each other. You talked a lot about what Tom has done for you. What do you do for him? Well, I hooked Connor up! It's just to have someone who knows what you're dealing with and being able to talk to them and get good advice and know that they mean you the best. I think now I'm mature enough to know how important it is to bounce things off the wall to someone who knows exactly where I'm coming from. http://www.newsweek.com/id/171192

Seven Pounds: 'For Your Consideration' Posters http://www.awardsdaily.com/FYC/gallery/200...ey=Seven_Pounds