RATINGS RAT RACE: Strong Friday Start For Boss, ABC Has First Nightly Win Over CBS

Last night’s ratings provided more ammunition for the theory that scripted programming may be doomed on Friday. The two highest-rated programs on the night in adults 18-49 by a mile were a a reality series, CBS’ Undercover Boss (2.4/8), and a newsmagazine, ABC’s 20/20 (2.0/6). The former made a very strong entry on Friday, drawing not only the highest 18-49 rating of the night but also the largest audience (10.7 million), edging the usual Friday winner in total viewers, CBS drama Blue Bloods (10.3 million, 1.6/5 in 18-49). Seeing an unscripted show almost double the delivery of a high-end drama (A Gifted Man) in the 8 PM hour has got to give CBS, the staunchest supporter of maintaining an all-scripted Friday lineup, a pause. Especially since Undercover Boss not only outperformed A Gifted Man but posted CBS’ largest audience and 18-49 rating in the hour in three years — since the March 6 and May 1 episodes of Ghost Whisperer, the last CBS scripted series to worked in the Friday 8 PM slot. A Gifted Man (9.5 million, 1.5/4) didn’t do much with the better 9 PM time period and big lead-in from Boss, only matching its best 18-49 delivery to date. Despite the strong numbers for Undercover Boss, CBS (1.8/6, 10.3 million) lost the No. 1 spot for the night in 18-49 to ABC (1.9/6, 7.1 million) for the first time this season after the networks finished tied twice before. ABC was paced by a big two-hour 20/20 (2.0/6, 7.1 million) devoted to Whitney Houston. ABC posted its largest audience of the night in two years and best 18-49 delivery in over a year. That despite a depressed Shark Tank at 8 PM. The new reality entry in the hour, Undercover Boss, pushed both Shark Tank (1.5/5, down 17%) and Fox’s Kitchen Nightmares (1.3/4, down 13%) lower. Fringe has been nothing but consistent, staying frozen at a series-low 1.1/3. NBC’s broadcast of the NAACP Image Awards (0.8/2) was up 33% from last year, possibly boosted by a Whitney Houston tribute. Dateline (1.1/3) was overpowered by 20/20, down 27%. The CW’s Nikita (0.6/2) was up a tenth, Supernatural (0.7/2) was down a tenth.

Reygadas bows edgy sales company NDM

Carlos Reygadas, the key light of the new generation of Mexican helmers, has teamed with producer partner Jaime Romandia to produce worldwide sales company: NDM (short for Nodream-Mantarraya).First pic on NDM's slate is Reygadas' approaching "Publish Tenebras Lux," that has completed principal photography and it is in advanced publish, Romandia stated."Lux" was referred to by Reygadas like a semi-autobiographical film about "feelings, reminiscences, dreams, things I have wished for, fears, details of my current existence."While NDM is handling worldwide sales, the choose group of prestige trendy partners now in position for "Lux" underscores the anticipation "Lux" is creating.From Mexico, Romandia's Mantarraya produces with Reygadas' label, Nodream Cinema.Jean Labadie's Paris-based Le Pacte is co-creating. Le Pacte has additionally acquired distribution privileges for France, Europe and The country. Le Pacte will release "Lux" directly in France.Although better referred to as a telemarketer, Germany's Match Factory is yet another co-producer."Lux" drawn on further finance from Arte France, Mexico's Foprocine subsidy fund, France's Fonds Sud Cinema, Germany's North Rhine Westphalia Film Fund and Holland's Topaki Films.As NDM's proper partner in Europe, Le Pacte could acquire privileges for France, The country and Europe on other NDM sales game titles, Romandia stated.NDM's launch is really a logical next thing for Reygadas and Romandia, the second stated, after the prosperity of ND Mantarraya, their joint distribution company in Mexico.Betting on edgy game titles, ND Mantarraya's recent pick-ups include Aki Kaurismaki's "Le Havre," Abbas Kiarostami's "Licensed Copy," Bela Tarr's "Turin Equine" and Bruno Dumont's "Hors Satan."Le Pacte can also be joining with Mantarraya and Mexico's Tres Tunas to co-produce and take care of French distribution on "P Heli," from Cannes favorite Amat Escalante ("Sangre," "The Bastards"). It is going into production late Feb.Many Mexican companies now turn to the U.S. for co-finance or perhaps a market. Mantarraya, in comparison, is a lot more Eurocentric."P Heli" financing bears that out: Further gold coin originates from Fonds Sud, Germany's Una Films and NRW Fund, and also the Netherlands Film Fund and Nederlander push company Lemming Films. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

White-colored Collar's Matt Bomer Arrives

Matt Bomer White-colored Collar's Matt Bomer showed up in this area in the last weekend because he publically thanked his partner, publicist Simon Halls, and also the three children throughout an acceptance speech. Bomer, 34, showed up in this area Saturday within the Steve Chase Humanitarian Honours, where he was honored while using New Generation Arts and Activism Award for his be employed in combating Helps/Helps. "I'd really especially would rather thank my beautiful family: Simon, Package, Master, Henry," he mentioned throughout his speech. "Appreciate teaching me what unconditional love is. You'll continually be my proudest accomplishment." Matt Bomer and Darren Criss to sing Duran Duran on Glee Halls can be a Hollywood publicist with Slate PR. Among his clients are Glee's Ryan Murphy and the way I Met Your Mother's Neil Patrick Harris. In the 2010 interview with Particulars magazine, Bomer declined to go over his sexuality. "I don't be worried about that whatsoever," he mentioned. "I'm thrilled and satisfied throughout my own existence." Bomer, who stars on USA's White-colored Collar, will rapidly guest-star inside an episode of Glee as Blaine's older brother Cooper Anderson. Have a look at his acceptance speech below:

Berlin festival bows with 'Queen'

Jury people Mike Gyllenhaal, Mike Leigh and festival director Dieter Kosslick attend the opening Ceremony in the 62nd Berlin Worldwide Film Festival.Diane Kruger, star of opening evening film 'Farewell, My Full,' arrives round the red-colored-colored carpet outdoors the Berlinale Palast theater in Germany.BERLIN -- Snowfall and icy temps welcomed red-colored-colored carpet site visitors since the Berlin Film Festival started on Thursday with Benoit Jacquot's historic drama "Farewell, My Full."Ever the comic, fest topper Dieter Kosslick opened up in the proceedings getting a Statler and Waldorf-like skit filled with the balcony in the Berlinale Palast theater bantering with show host Anke Engelke.The festivities needed around the sobering tone as German culture minister Bernd Neumann rose transpires with create the matter that "the Berlinale is a lot more political than in the past -- shown by upheaval and new roots.""Due to the various courageous filmmakers, activists and artists who've a forum this year within the Berlinale, extensive pictures will probably be seen of occasions in North Africa together with other areas suffering suppression, brutal violence, despotism and human rights abuses. Sadly we are presently seeing these images every single day from Syria and all of our solidarity has gone out on their behalf.InchNeumann mentioned it had been twelve several weeks ago through the Berlinale that protesters in Egypt drove Mubarak from energy in Egypt but that people, particularly artists, ongoing to suffer under oppressive programs in nations for instance Iran and China."It's therefore necessary that within the Berlinale, the festival while using finest audience in the world, flags are waved for human rights as well as the freedom of art. Because democracy needs culture and culture needs freedom."Well in tune while using fest's political message, "Farewell, My Full," which stars Diane Kruger and Jum Seydoux, draws parallels to the present day since it tales the initial occasions of french Revolution within the perspective in the servants at Versailles. The types of freedom and may also be looked into in the majority of the films unspooling over the following 10 days inside the Competition section, including Paolo and Vittorio Taviani's documentary "Caesar Must Die," about crooks who stage a theatrical performance of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod's "Bel Ami," starring Rachelle Lefervre and Uma Thurman Christian Petzold's "Barbara," a great East German physician who's roughly punished for trying to depart the GDR and Nikolaj Arcel's "A Royal Affair," a great 18th-century physician who uses his closeness for the Danish throne to alter the political landscape.The styles may also be apparent in Brillante Mendoza's "Captive," about several travelers and missionaries taken hostage by Filipino terrorists, and Frederic Videau's kidnapping drama "Coming back Home.InchViewing the 18 films that are competing for your Golden Bear this year will be the worldwide jury presided over by Mike Leigh. People include Anton Corbijn, Charlotte now now Gainsbourg, Mike Gyllenhaal, Francois Ozon, Algerian author Boualem Sansal, German actress Barbara Sukowa and Iranian helmer Asghar Farhadi, whose Oscar-nominated "A Separation" won the Berlinale's Golden Bear a year ago.InchThe trip started here," Farhadi mentioned. "And possibly I am likely to be here again with my next movie." Contact Erection dysfunction Meza at staff@variety.com

Berlusconi faces new trial

ROME -- Silvio Berlusconi remains indicted in the situation including wiretaps and leaked information, which will get worse legal worries for your Italo media mogul and former premier. Milan magistrates have set a March 15 start date for your trial. Berlusconi is billed with leaking transcripts of wiretapped calls to newspaper Il Giornale, that's possessed by his brother Paolo, to have the ability to allegedly discredit a political opponent. Berlusconi's lawyer Niccolo Ghedini known towards the indictment as "incredible," adding that "this umpteenth trial will result in nothing, because the relaxation from the ones," Italian news agency ANSA reported. The Tv magnate-switched-pol may also be facing three separate tests on charges including corruption and tax fraud, concerning the Mediaset, the most effective Italian commercial broadcaster Mediaset, they controls, too for needing to purchase sex by getting an underage prostitute. The wiretap transcripts in this particular new situation were allegedly acquired by Berlusconi due to his position as pm in those days. They've related to calls in 2005 between then leftist leader Piero Fassino together with a banker within a investing in an offer war for control of prominent Italo bank Banca Nazionale del Lavoro. Berlusconi resigned in November compelled by financial turmoil besides his sex and corruption ripoffs. He recently reiterated for the Financial Occasions he'll not run again for pm. Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com

Lifetime Sets Army Wives Sixth Season Premiere

Army Wives Get ready to see your old friends Claudia Joy, Denise, Roxy, Pamela and Roland again. Lifetime announced Wednesday that the sixth season of its hit drama Army Wives will return on Sunday, March 4 at 9/8c, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Susan Lucci lands first post-All My Children role on Army Wives In November, the network ordered an additional 10 episodes of the drama, which brings the season total to 23 episodes. In the upcoming season, All My Children vet Susan Lucci will star as Audrey, the wife of a retired Brigadier General. The premiere will also serve as the lead-in to the docuseries Coming Home at 10/9c, which follows the reunions that U.S. armed forces service members have with their families.

MGM set to refinance in sign of health

In a sign of renewed confidence in MGM, a number of banks have signed on to the Lion's plan to refinance the $500 million of debt it took on after emerging from bankruptcy in 2010. JP Morgan is acting as the lead bank in the transaction, which has already received about $500 million in commitments from several lenders, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the deal. Transaction will convert the current debt -- which consists of a $175 million revolving credit facility and a $325 term loan -- entirely into a revolving credit facility, sheltering the Lion from costs on money it's not using. Refinancing has been out to a small group of potential lenders for the past few weeks. Observers say that given the current market interest, more lenders are likely to subscribe to the final deal than originally intended. Between 10 and 15 banks are expected to take part in the syndicate. Final bank commitments are due at the end of this week. Deal is expected to close by the beginning of next week, at the latest. Refinancing is more notable for what it means than the transaction itself: Lender interest in the Lion so far -- and the likelihood of the deal getting oversubscribed -- is a sign that Wall Street likes what it's seen from MGM during the past year. That includes distribution deals (like the Lion's renewed homevid pact with 20th Century Fox and a deal with Sony to distribute the next two "Bond" sequels), lowered overhead and franchise pics "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" and "Skyfall" currently in the works. Financial observers say that the current refinancing is not surprising, given that many Hollywood companies are looking to take advantage of better rates in a loosening credit market. MGM's appeal is reaching a broader audience than the restructuring from two years ago, when many lenders were uncomfortable banking on a company so soon after a bankruptcy. But the refinancing effort shows the financial market is responding to the Lion's undertakings, including a boosted international television operation under toppers Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum. On Friday, ratings agency Moody's Investors Service upgraded MGM's debt rating, likely boosting the Lion's appeal to potential lenders. MGM completed its restructuring at the end of 2010, which helped the lion wipe off nearly $5 billion in debt from its books. News of MGM's current refinancing effort comes just one week after an executive at Kirk Kerkorian's investment vehicle, Tracinda Corp., told the Wall Street Journal that the former MGM owner was on the hunt to acquire a movie studio, production company or other entertainment business. MGM declined to comment. JP Morgan has a policy of not commenting on deals before their official announcement. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

Exclusive 'Double' Blu-ray Extra: Spy Vs. Spy!

In this exclusive Blu-ray featurette from the upcoming release of "The Double," Topher Grace explains how he's on the side of the audience, in more ways then one. Grace's character is charged with the difficult task of bringing down a Soviet assassin, who unbeknownst to him is actual his mentor, Paul, played by Richard Gere. "My character Ben Geary's a lot like the audience. He's new to Paul's situation," Grace says in an interview for the Blu-ray. "He's kind of with the audience in terms of figuring out what's going on. We both are trying to make it something different and more real and unique." Check out the exclusive featurette after the jump! The film's director, Michael Brandt, explains in his own interview that he wanted to make a spy movie that didn't feel like a spy movie. In particular, he wasn't looking for the tense glances and trench coats. "I didn't want it to feel like a quiet spy movie," Brandt says in the featurette, along side his co-writer Derek Haas. "I wanted it to feel like a movie with a lot of momentum, a movie with a lot of action, in a sense, but really kind of a movie with a forward thrust to it." "The Double" hits Blu-ray and DVD today (January 31). What did you think of the interview with Topher Grace from "The Double"? Tell us in the comments below and on Twitter!