Angela Bassett Cast in ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’

Bassett is back. This stop will make a trio of appearances for Angela Bassett on the American Horror Story anthology series. Once Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau on Coven then the tri-breasted Desiree Dupree on Freak Show, Bassett now checks into the Hotel as a new character that’s yet to be announced.

Ryan Murphy rocked the Twittersphere again by announcing, “In October, Angela Bassett will be making lots of trouble with Lady Gaga in the ballroom and elsewhere. #ahshotel” There is no character description yet, but we know the two formidable females will bring mischief to a whole new level.

Bassett will be accompanied by Evan Peters, Lady Gaga, Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates, Matt Bomer, Chloë Sevigny, Cheyenne Jackson and Wes Bentley. The thirteen episode season will begin shooting in Los Angeles towards the end of summer and will air on FX in October.

Source: Deadline

IN THEATERS: ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’

Avengers Age of Ultron

Tony Stark tries to create a suit of armor around the world. This would be a good thing until this armor was equipped with artificial intelligence. In Marvel’s second installment of Avengers, Ultron wants to end all of humanity. 141 min. Rated PG-13.

James Purefoy Joins ‘Hap and Leonard’ in Baton Rouge

James Purefoy will make his way down to Baton Rouge to star opposite Michael Kenneth Williams in Hap and Leonard. The new Sundance TV series Hap and Leonard is based on stories and excerpts from Joe R. Lansdale.

Hap Collins and Leonard Pine are two men torn from separate cloth. The fictional town of LaBorde in East Texas is host to irksome and vicious crimes. Both characters have the brutal skill sets that fit these violent crimes.

James Purefoy will play Hap, who is a former member of the federal prison barracks after refusing to be drafted during the Vietnam War. Purefoy’s counterpart is Michael Kenneth Williams, who plays Leonard Pine. Pine is an openly gay black Vietnam veteran who’s anger is both a strength and weakness. The two work for former police officer-turned-PI Marvin Hanson. Hap isn’t quick to violence and Leonard won’t shy away from putting a bullet into someone’s head. Leonard’s violence stems from his childhood as his uncle, who was a father figure, shunned him after the news of his homosexuality. It’ll be a great contrast on the small screen watching these two work together and sometimes against each other.

The six-episode series is produced by Sundance Studios and was created by Jim Mickle and Nick Damici. It will debut in 2016. For more info and a chance to work on Hap and Leonard, check out jobScene here.

Source: Deadline

Vince Vaughn and the Power of ‘True Detective’

Not too long ago audiences were treated to the glory that was the McConnaissance, best signified by an Oscar-winning performance by Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyer’s Club and his mesmerizing run on the inaugural season of True Detective. It reminded audiences of his ability to conquer some of the most demanding roles in recent memory. Prior to these successes, the Texan heartthrob was popularly known more for his Southern charm and classic good looks, despite bringing his A-list game to every project.

Vince Vaughn is poised for a similar career boost with his upcoming turn in the second season of True Detective. After a string of forgettable comedies with disappointing box office numbers, Vaughn can only go up. And with such a strong debut season, True Detective‘s next installment is bound to do great things for its new cast. And so, we must ask this question: is this the dawn of the Vaughnaissance?

Unfinished Business, The Internship and The Deliveryman were Vaughn’s last trio of films, all of which underwhelmed in theaters. Fans longed for the days of Vince the funnyman in Wedding Crashers and Old School. And looking further back, Vaughn can be found in more serious roles like The Cell and Psycho. While neither film was a masterpiece, they each showed the actor’s dramatic chops. And then there’s Vince’s turn in the under-seen and underrated drama The Prime Gig. Yes, its a thin cypher of Boiler Room which is itself a thin cypher of Glengarry Glen Ross. But Vince is great in it.

As an actor, he’s more than a fast-talker. Vince comes across as smart and charismatic, even when playing buffoons for laughs in broad comedies. Imagine him channeling all that through a Nic Pizzolatto script.

Maybe the combination of a memorable Vince Vaughn performance with the guaranteed gripping material of True Detective can bring forth a new era. The trailer doesn’t give us much of a glimpse into Vaughn’s role, but given how well Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey faired last season, there’s a good chance he’ll showcase some serious skills. This could potentially remind audiences that Vaughn is more than the fast-talking, punchlines that’s he’s seemed grow comfortable with recently. Potentially, this may be a whole new beginning for the actor – a revitalization of his career.

Catch the latest season of True Detective on HBO on Sunday, June 21st.

New Orleans Native Wendell Pierce Lands Lead in HBO’s ‘Confirmation’

Wendell Pierce will play Clarence Thomas in HBO’s rendition of the 1991 Supreme Court nomination hearings.  The New Orleans native will star opposite Kerry Washington in Confirmation, a new project from HBO Films. Washington will portray Anita Hill.

The 1991 confirmation hearing for now-Justice Thomas were big news nearly twenty-five years ago, described as “a circus” by the actual Anita Hill, who accused Thomas of sexual harassment. The aftermath played out in the media for months and included a dramatic conclusion on the hearing floor. Obviously, Thomas was eventually confirmed, but the road there was anything but dull. We’ll spare you the spoilers-for-real-life for now.

Kerry Washington will star in and executive produce the film. Erin Brockovich scribe Susannah Grant will write and executive produce. Michael London and Janice Williams will join her as executive producers. Michael London also has the Louisiana-shot drama Astronaut Wives Club  set to debut. Rick Famuyiwa will direct Confirmation and production should get under way by the end of May.

Wendell Pierce was raised in Pontchartrain Park, a neighborhood that was wiped out during Hurricane Katrina. Pierce attended Ben Franklin High School and then graduated from New Orleans Centre for Creative Arts (NOCCA). He appeared in various Tulane productions as a college student then attended the Juilliard School of Drama. He’s held roles in Treme, The Wire, The Odd Couple, Ray Donovan and Joel Edgerton’s directorial debut The Gift.

Check out Scene‘s exclusive interview with Wendell Pierce here. There is no current release date for the film yet but, in the mean time, check out Wendell’s The Wind in the Reeds, his story about Hurricane Katrina.

Ernst Café Puts You Trackside at the Kentucky Derby

It’s the fastest two minutes in sports. Not the two-minute warning in football, or the two-minute power play in hockey. We’re talking about two minutes on the track at the Kentucky Derby on May 2. And you can watch it at Ernst Café on Fulton Street.

Fulton Street has become a new mecca of entertainment in New Orleans. They will close the road, allowing patrons to walk freely and enjoy the cobblestone streets and a cool beverage. Ernst Café will be the main caterer for Derby on Fulton, the best place in New Orleans to experience the Kentucky Derby.

Established in 1902, Ernst Café was founded by John, William and Charles Ernst. It’s been locally owned and operated for more than a century. I walked in one rainy day and still had a blast. As I strolled in through the bar area, I was greeted by a staff that is young and incredibly polite. I took a seat under one of seven flat-screen TVs. And I was immediately greeted with a smile, a menu and Jim Morrison singing “Love Me Two Times” in the background.

As I sat and looked over the menu, “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival sounded from the airwaves, and I knew that this was a great place. I ordered the Bayou Burger with caramelized onions, bacon, lettuce and cheese. I topped it off with an ice cold Fat Tire and settled in for a late lunch. I looked around. The restaurant stretches far and wraps around the back of the kitchen. There is plenty of comfortable seating and some great spots at the bar. As I was sitting at the table like Steven Glansberg, a smiling manager came and gently dropped off a shrimp creole. Just a nice gesture from the people at Ernst.

Then, my order came. A huge Bayou Burger with peppered fries and another ice cold Fat Tire to wash it down. As I ate, “Rocket Man” by Elton John, “Killer Queen” by Queen and “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon and Garfunkel rang out. The only song that would have been a better fit for this hundred year old establishment is “Born on the Bayou.”

The burger and fries were demolished, the beer was finished and I was satisfied. I can’t even imagine how great it must be to add a first class event like the Derby to that experience. The 141st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs will take place over seven hundred miles from Fulton Street but The Derby on Fulton will be in full effect and will act as an interactive festival throughout the entire day. The Derby on Fulton will begin at 1pm on Saturday, May 2. Live music from Pocket Aces Jazz Band will fill the bustling streets, and there will be food from Ernst Café, treats from PJ’s and derby hats available for purchase from Fleur de Paris. Aprés Lounge and Fulton Alley are the organizers of the event.

“When considering how to make the most of Derby on Fulton, we recognized that the people of New Orleans don’t just like to have fun; they like to make a difference,” said Shane Songy of Aprés Lounge.

Admission is free to enter the festival. Yet, a portion of sales from local vendors and portions of winnings from the races will support Team Gleason. “Fulton Street is becoming as iconic a venue as Steve Gleason is a local hero,” said Gerald Duhon of Team Gleason.

The Derby on Fulton is sure to be packed with great drinks, great people, and one of the greatest sporting events of the year, all accompanied by delicious food from Ernst Café. The local staff members are a tight knit unit and it truly shows with their superb service.

Find out more about Ernst Cafe, Derby on Fulton and Team Gleason at ernstcafe.net.

Louisiana International Film Festival Announces Full 2015 Lineup

3rd annual LIFF announces full 2015 lineup. The fest takes off on Wings of Laughter with Melissa McCarthy in Paul Feig’s Spy. Here’s the press release:

Peter Hoffman “Stunned” By Guilty Verdict In Louisiana Tax Fraud Trial – Updated

2nd UPDATE, 5:46 PM: Peter Hoffman told Deadline he is “stunned” by the verdict but would have no other comment until he moves to have it set aside.
UPDATED, 4:51 PM: Peter Hoffman, Hollywood's once-highflying guru of exotic tax breaks, has been found guilty on tax fraud in federal court in New Orleans. Hoffman was convicted on 21 counts of conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud as part of a scheme to defraud the state of Louisiana out of $1.13 million in tax credits to…

Evan Peters Returns for ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’

We have received news of Lady Gaga, Kathy Bates, Chloë Sevigny, Matt Bomer and Sarah Paulson joining the cast of Ryan Murphy’s fifth installment of American Horror Story. Now we know American Horror Story regular Evan Peters is checking into the Hotel.

Murphy hit the Twittersphere again announcing “This season, Evan Peters will be waiting for you in Room 64. #AHSHOTEL.”

Peters has held a major role in each of the four previous seasons. During PaleyFest in March, Peters showed no signs of backing out for the fifth season. This season will take place at a haunted hotel and will be the first time viewers won’t see mainstay Jessica Lange. American Horror Story: Hotel begins shooting this summer and will debut in perfect time for Halloween in late October.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Steve Gleason Documentary Is Happening

IMG is stepping up to finance and market a full-length feature documentary about Steve Gleason. Gleason is one of the most memorable and inspirational members of the New Orleans Saints in the storied franchise’s history. Gleason was responsible for the blocked punt during the team’s first home game (against the hated Falcons) after Hurricane Katrina. He’s also responsible for so much more.

Steve Gleason was tragically diagnosed with ALS at only thirty-four years old. The Gleason Project will be produced by Seth Gordon (Undefeated) and J. Clay Tweel (Print the Legend) will direct. Gleason’s journey has been very public so they will hopefully have a lot of existing material to work with, in addition to their own filming.

The former Who Dat is considered one of the world’s most recognizable ALS proponents. The special teams warrior played eight years with the Saints from 2000-2008. Three years after he left the team, he was diagnosed with the disease, the doctor gave him two to five years to live. Months later, Gleason found out his wife was pregnant. Steve Gleason now has over 1000 hours of footage to show his son who he truly was. This footage will be greatly used in The Gleason Project.

The film is set to be released in early 2016. Visit the Team Gleason page here.

Source: Deadline

Wagner Moura Goes to Baton Rouge for ‘Magnificent Seven’

Antoine Fuqua’s Baton Rouge-shot reimaging of Magnificent Seven has gotten one member closer to that magnificent number. Wagner Moura (Elysium) has joined Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Haley Bennet, Vincent D’Onofrio and Luke Grimes.

The script is written by True Detective penman Nic Pizzolatto and was rewritten by John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side). The storyline of the Magnificent Seven reboot begins shortly after the Civil War. The setting takes place in a war-torn town inhabited by a ruthless gold mining tycoon and his fearsome thugs. A man is brutally killed and his widow calls upon a bounty hunter to settle the score. The bounty hunter calls upon six other guns to help take down the gold mining tycoon and his thugs.

There are without a doubt storyline similarities to the 1960s Magnificent Seven but every new iteration of this story brings with it a new opportunities with the characters. Moura will play one of the Seven riders, Vasquez. Earlier reports had Vincent D’Onofrio playing the villain in the film but his Twitter account says otherwise. He tweeted that he is thrilled to be part of the Seven.

Wagner Moura is a Brazilian actor who was recently seen in Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium. His future projects include a Netflix series called Narcos, where he will take on the role of illustrious drug lord Pablo Escobar. He’s perhaps best known for his lead role in director Jose Padilha’s 2007 film Elite Squad.

Magnificent Seven is expected to begin filming in Baton Rouge on May 18. Visit our jobScene page for a chance to work on the film. There is no current release date for the film.

Source: /Film

Christian Bale Knee Injury Means ‘The Deep Blue Good-by’ Will Follow ‘Wolverine 3′

BREAKING: The knee injury suffered by Christian Bale is serious enough that Fox will postpone the John D. MacDonald novel adaptation The Deep Blue Goodbye until its director, James Mangold, completes Wolverine 3 with Hugh Jackman. Bale suffered torn knee ligaments in an accident at his home. He has been filming The Big Short with Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt and Steve Carell in New Orleans, but they play stockbrokers and it’s not physically demanding. He plays a salvage hunter…

Lively

This exclusive interview with Blake Lively first ran in the Jan/Feb 2014 issue of Scene Magazine.

The daughter of actor/director Ernie and talent manager Elaine Lively, Blake Lively was born to be a star. After an early role in the hit The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, she was cast in Gossip Girl as Serena van der Woodsen, a role she would inhabit for six seasons on The CW network. All the while, she balanced her small screen success with roles in the feature films New York, I Love You, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, actor/director Ben Affleck’s triumphant actioner The Town and the comic book blockbuster Green Lantern, which was filmed in New Orleans. Now the new face of L’Oreal, she’s also established herself as a fashion icon in the classic sense: a big screen ingénue impeccably styled, equally adored by both men and women.

I met Lively at the opening of H&M’s New Orleans location. The Swedish retailer’s expansion across North American has been swift, since their first store opened on Fifth Avenue in New York. Known for fast-fashion, H&M is the third largest clothing retailer in the world.

The store’s opening on Decatur Street in the French Quarter was grand. On a muggy night, hundreds of H&M fans stood in line to get in. Security was tight, but we were ushered into the store hours before the opening. Inside, the pristine store was accented by staff in masquerade, each stationed to accommodate an awaiting New Orleans crowd. And of course, a few special visitors.

With the first few customers allowed in, familiar faces from the cast of American Horror Story: Coven arrived. Emma Roberts hit the step & repeat first, soon followed by camera flashes and her Coven co-stars Lily Rabe and Sarah Paulsen, who also stars in 12 Years a Slave, the Louisiana-shot historical drama currently in theaters.

Blake Lively appeared fashionably late, surrounded by a buoyant but unusual entourage: the Sunshine Kids. The group gathered close on the red carpet in front of the H&M step and repeat. After smiling for photos that would soon appear across the internet – and in the glossy pages of Scene Magazine – Lively and company made their way through the large, now-crowded store.

The star of Savages made her way to the VIP reception area just outside of the store. She stood in front of an all-red faux candy storefront, the evening’s Willy Wonka of fast fashion. Extra and other national media outlets surrounded her with cameras and questions.

Lively smiled for the cameras. “Somebody asked me at the airport, ‘Are you here for work or pleasure?’And I said, ‘Isn’t it always pleasure in New Orleans?’”

“I’m here to celebrate the opening of H&M in New Orleans, which is so cool!” said Lively. “It’s great because I’ve got the best dates, the Sunshine Kids, here with me.” The Sunshine Kids is a national non-profit dedicated to children with cancer. For thirty years, it has provided positive group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients.

“We’re all all dressed up in our H&M,” said Lively with her arms around the kids. “We were the first people to shop here today. There’s a huge line of shoppers out there, but these were the first.” Although some of the kids wore fashionable hats, others had already regrown their hair, which had been professionally styled earlier in the evening.

“I keep talking about this Isabel Marant for H&M collection,” said Lively. “That I love! I think that is so cool! Isabel Marant is one of my favorite fashion designers, and the fact that she did a line for H&M that is a sixteenth of the price [of her other lines] is so cool.”

After the newly minted A-lister finished speaking with the national media outlets, she spoke exclusively with Scene.

“When you come back to New Orleans, what’s the one thing you look forward to the most?” I asked. Lively spent the better part of 2010 in New Orleans while filming Green Lantern, a titanic-sized comic book superhero actioner. She portrayed Carol Ferris, a test pilot and the romantic interest of Hal Jordan, a human destined to become a green lantern. While in town, Lively was frequently spotted shopping around the Crescent City.

“The Reuben at Stein’s Deli!” she laughed. “I always talk about food. Have you been to Stein’s?”

“Yes!” I said. “It’s right down the road from Second Line Stages, where my office is.” In 2010, Second Line housed the majority of Green Lantern’s galaxy-sized sets, which Lively called home for months.

“Ahh, it’s so good! The Rachel is actually what I order,” she said. The Rachel is a twist on the classic reuben sandwich, substituting hot pastrami for the standard corned beef, but keeping the swiss, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on rye. Stein’s Deli is perhaps the best sandwich shop in the city. It’s also a great place to get hard-to-find craft beers. I asked her if she’d found anything good to go with the Rachel, but her response was…responsible.

“I don’t drink,” she said.

“Your hair looks great, as always,” I said. “When you’re out in New Orleans on a night like tonight, how do you deal with the humidity?”

“Humidity is never really so cute for hair,” she said. “Maybe I wear my hair up more. Or maybe, I just walk around with my hair not looking as great!” Perhaps hit with a touch self consciousness, she laughed it off, instantly replacing it with self-confidence. “I don’t know! I don’t look in the mirror much when I’m here. I eat too much to look in the mirror when I’m in New Orleans!”

I laughed. “It is such a great town, and you’ve been kind enough to say so many great things about it. That means a lot to a city that’s been through so much adversity.” While I spoke, Lively broke her gaze with me, looking down intently. Doing an interview while standing up is somewhat strange. Rather than setting down your recording device on a table next to a cup of coffee – my preferred method of interview – you’re holding the recorder up in their face. Or more accurately, right at chest level.

I followed Lively’s gaze down. She was staring at my hands. Palms up, my fingers were wiggling, as if to say, ‘Gimme what ya got!’ She was clearly amused. “This is my thing, by the way,” I said with a grin.

She grabbed my hands. “I know, you’re like a magician over here!” she laughed. “Chris Angel has nothing on you.”

“When you come down here and you want to shop, what’s your thought process? Do you wander with an open mind? Are you a hunter with specific items in mind?”

“What I always look for is a mix. New Orleans has really cool vintage shopping, but what’s neat about having an H&M here is that you get all of these really on trend pieces for an affordable price,” Lively said. “That’s the thing that sucks: when there’s a craze. You don’t want to spend a bunch of money on something that’s trendy. You can splurge more on your key pieces, mix that with some vintage, and then come to this store, which is amazing. I was planning on doing my interviews and then I was like, ‘Can I shop right now. Is that allowed??’

“Plus, you’re right here in the middle of the French Quarter,” I added.

“Yeah, right by Café du Monde!” she said.

“I know! Beignets! Are you a fan? Do you partake?” I asked, betting she’d indulged more than once. If you’re here for more than a day, it’s hard to resist. If you’re here for only a day, it’s practically required. If New Orleans were a cathedral, the fried dough-and-sugar treat would be the host.

“I partake,” she said with a smile. She grabbed my hands again, and I laughed, realizing I was still silently telling Blake to gimme what she’s got.

“I’m not gonna let that go!” she laughed.

“Everyone I know is used to it, apparently,” I said.

“It’s like a little beignet fondle!” she said, still laughing.

“That’s what I do. I love fondling beignets,” I said. Somehow this didn’t seem inappropriate at the time. We had a good laugh, and it was honestly nice to see Lively actually enjoying herself, surrounded by the Sunshine Kids. “Blake, it’s so great to have you here.”

“Do you have any upcoming projects you can talk about?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said, pulling it together. “I have a movie that I’m about to shoot in the spring. It’s exciting because it takes place in the 1900s to now, so the fashion opportunity in that film is really cool.”

“That’s awesome. Are you going to play a character that spans that time period?” I asked.

“Yes, I am!” she exclaimed. She brought her hands up and began imitating mine. “Fondle the decades!”

“I’m so self-conscious about this now!” I laughed, wiggling my hands for her.

“Don’t be self-conscious about it,” she smiled. “I think it’s cool.”

That film’s working title is The Age of Adaline. Lively is set to play a young woman born at the turn of the twentieth century who is rendered ageless after a near-fatal accident. After she goes on an epic but isolated journey across the world, she meets a man who might be worth the loss of immortality. Oscar winner Ellyn Burstyn will co-star in the film, which will be directed by Lee Toland Krieger.

“Tell me about these kids!” I said, turning to the dozen or so children surrounding her. “Have you enjoyed hanging out with them?”

“Yes! They can tell you about it,” she said.

“What do you guys like about H&M? And what do you guys like about Ms. Lively?”

“They have really good deals,” said one girl. “And I love that I can shop there. Like, this shirt was ten dollars.”

“Wow,” said Lively. “Ten dollars! That’s awesome!”

Although most of the kids were shy, their smiles spoke volumes. They loved the attention and were just having a great time. After speaking with them, we bid our farewells. “Thank you guys for coming out, and it was so nice to meet all of you.”

“Nice to meet you!” Lively said.

In the film industry, there’s some who say the biggest stars are really the most down to earth. In Blake Lively’s case, I can confirm that. The night’s event was clearly commercial, but it was more than that. It was a shining example of how commerce, celebrity and a truly noble cause can fit together flawlessly.

Pelicans Blow Huge Fourth Quarter Lead and Drop Three in a Row to Warriors

It was a heartbreaking finish last night in the Smoothie King Center for the raucous crowd in New Orleans. The Pelicans blew a 20 point fourth quarter lead to fall from cloud nine 123 – 119 in overtime against the Steph Curry-led Warriors. The first round playoff series 3-0.

MVP front runner Curry scored 40 points, including an insane and possible and-one three pointer with two seconds remaining in the final moments of the game. I am still dumbfounded that the Pelicans failed to foul Curry and force him to go to the line instead of letting a three pointer fly and tie the game. But that’s not what ultimately lost the game for the inexperienced Pelicans. Allowing offensive rebounds on almost every possession in the fourth quarter was the complete back breaker.

The Pelicans went into the fourth quarter on a major high as they led 89-69. An incredible offensive and defensive showing for the first three quarters that included a 19-0 run that spanded through the first and second quarters. Then, the fourth started and it was a swift yet long and agonizing crumble that will haunt fans and players alike as they enter Jazz Fest weekend.

Klay Thompson finished with 28 points, hitting big time shots throughout the entire night. The Pelicans did an average job of stopping everyone else on the Warriors except for Thompson and Curry. Draymond Green didn’t win the Defensive Player of The Year but deserves an Oscar for his childish flop during the game. Harrison Barnes followed suit as he too was hit with a phantom elbow, let’s see if the NBA grows a pair and fines the two thespians for their acting jobs.

Anthony Davis had 29 points and 15 rebounds but missed a pivotal free throw that could’ve put the Pelicans up four with under ten seconds remaining. This led to the Curry-like three to put the game into overtime.

The overtime period was deflating. The crowd was stunned, the players were stunned and Golden State kept pushing tempo and running the show. Pelicans were gifted a shot late but a worn down Davis failed to connect on a Bogut-contested runner that ultimately ended the dreadful night.

I’ll close this depressing piece with stat lines for the Pelicans. Eric Gordon finally went cold going 2-10 from the field with an abysmal six points. Tyreke Evans finished with 19 points but had four turnovers and was torched at times defensively. Ryan “Flamethrower” Anderson was one of the few bright spots shooting 10-14 from the field and hit huge jumpers over defenders like they weren’t even there. Norris Cole played great again scoring 16 off the bench and Jrue Holiday had 10. Quincy Pondexter needs to be like Stella and get his groove back. The swingman’s +/- last night was -31. That can’t happen, that’s inexcusable for such a good basketball player like QPon. We’ll see how the birds from the Crescent City respond Saturday night.

Pelicans will host the Warriors in a do-or-die opportunity Saturday night 7pm at the Smoothie King Center. A loss Saturday marks the end of a roller coaster like year for the Pelicans.

‘Pitch Perfect 2′ Soundtrack Available for Purchase

Pitch Perfect 2, the follow-up album to soundtrack smash Pitch Perfect, is available for pre-order today. The Barden Bellas are back! Here’s the press release:

The Barden Bellas are back to pitch slap the world. Pitch Perfect 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the smash hit and platinum-selling soundtrack, Pitch Perfect, will be available for pre-order today, iTunes, Amazon CD, Amazon LP.

Once again creating exclusive a cappella mash-ups and medleys from the upcoming Universal Pictures film Pitch Perfect 2, the soundtrack from Universal Music Enterprises is available on all formats: digital, CD and vinyl on May 12, with the movie hitting theaters nationwide on May 15. The comedy is helmed by Elizabeth Banks, co-star and producer of Pitch Perfect, and produced by Paul Brooks, Max Handelman and Banks. Writer Kay Cannon returns to the team to pen the next chapter.

“Flashlight,” the first single off the album, penned by superstars Sam Smith and Sia, among others, will be hitting radio stations nationwide today. Other standout tracks include a “campfire version” of “Cups,” a ’90s medley and the song “Crazy Youngsters,” written and performed by cast member Ester Dean.

“Flashlight,” is performed by multiplatinum-selling, GRAMMY® nominated artist Jessie J. The music video for “Flashlight” is directed by Hannah Lux Davis (Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj’s “Bang Bang,” Ariana Grande and The Weeknd’s “Love Me Harder”), and was filmed at a college campus…complete with a stirring live performance from Jessie J and a rousing nighttime flashlight finale that is sure to bring audiences to their feet. You can watch the video after 7:30 p.m. EST, here

Jessie J’s debut album, Who You Are [LAVA], marked the debut of a global icon when it reached #1 and was certified multiplatinum in more than 15 countries. Who You Are also yielded an astonishing six Top 10 singles, including the hit “Domino.” To date, she has sold more than 3 million albums and 20 million singles worldwide. Her latest album, Sweet Talker [LAVA/Republic Records], debuted in the Top 10 after its October 2014 release and includes hits such as the double platinum smash hit “Bang Bang” with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, and “Burnin’ Up,” featuring 2 Chainz.

Julianne Jordan, one of the soundtrack’s producers and executive music producers of the film, explains, “With this soundtrack, we wanted to keep the unexpected fun, fly-by-the-seat-of-your pants spirit of the first one but take it to another level. We believe we accomplished that with the arrangements, more out of the box song choices and mashups.”

“Creating the song moments to illustrate the story was so exciting,” says Julia Michels, soundtrack producer and the film’s other executive music producer. “Working with Elizabeth Banks from start to finish was a great experience, and we are so proud to be a part of the Pitch Perfect team again.”

Pitch Perfect has sold almost 2 million albums worldwide. In the U.S., it was the top-selling soundtrack of 2013, 6th overall album of 2014, and the second-highest selling soundtrack of the decade, behind the Frozen soundtrack, and spent 36 of 37 weeks on the chart, and 16 weeks in the top 20.

The hit single, “Cups” has sold more than 3 million downloads, spending 50 weeks on the Top 200 tracks chart, and ended 2013 in the top-50 biggest-selling digital tracks. It has been viewed almost 200 million times worldwide on VEVO.

Album producers include Julianne Jordan, Julia Michels, Jason Moore and The Underdogs, with Jordan and Michels serving as executive music producers on the film. Tony Award-winning Tom Kitt (Next to Normal, American Idiot) is one of the movie’s vocal arrangers/producers, along with Ed Boyer (The Sing Off), Deke Sharon (International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella co-founder), Alana Da Fonseca (Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower) and The Underdogs—whose track record includes collaborating with Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks, among others. The Underdogs earned Grammys for Best Pop Album (Justin Timberlake’s Justified) and Best R&B Album (Chris Brown’s F.A.M.E.), among others.

Visit the Baton Rouge-shot Pitch Perfect 2‘s official website here.

Content Media Acquires Louisiana-Shot ‘Devil In The Deep Blue Sea’

Content Media has acquired the international rights to The Devil In The Deep Blue Sea. The Louisiana-shot romantic drama stars Jason Sudeikis, Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams, Jessica Biel, Orlando Jones, Paul Reiser (Whiplash) and the beautiful lioness and Step Brothers star, Mary Steenburgen.

The film wrapped a couple of months ago in Louisiana and is currently in post production. Devil In The Deep Blue Sea was directed by New Girl helmer Bill Purple from his own script that he wrote with Robbie Pickering. Jessica Biel produced the film under her Iron Ocean Films banner with the help of Michelle Purple. Mike Landry and Carlos Velazquez from C Plus Pictures and Chuck Pacheco from Nine Nights will also produce.

The most exciting news revolving around this film is the addition of Justin “The Prince of Pop” Timberlake. He and wife Biel will be working on this film together as JT has announced that he will score the film. This is really exciting news for Devil In The Deep Blue Sea. Timberlake is following Kanye’s lead by becoming musically involved with a big project.

The script reads with love, friendship, grief and laughter. From an interview with Screen Daily, “Jason and Jessica really tug at our heartstrings, making us laugh and cry and laugh again – and Maisie is just wonderful,” said Content’s film president Jamie Carmichael. Jessica Biel is a proud new mother. She is pregnant is several set photos showing that her character will most likely be sporting a belly bump on screen. Leave comments or thoughts below in the comment section.

Source: Deadline

IN THEATERS: ‘Age of Adaline,’ ‘Little Boy,’ ‘The Water Diviner’

Age of Adaline

The beautiful Blake Lively stars as Adaline, a woman who never ages. After years of a solitary life, she meets a man who might be worth losing her immortality. 110 min. Rated PG-13.

Little Boy

A little boy uses faith and determination to bring his father home from WWII. Kevin James and Michael Rapaport star in this inspiring war drama. 100 min. Rated PG-13.

The Water Diviner

This period piece is set in the early 1900s after the Battle of Gallipoli. An Australian man travels to Turkey to find his three sons. Russell Crowe and Jai Courtney star. 111 min. Rated R.

The Big Short’ Production Start Announced at CinemaCon

Paramount Pictures, New Regency and Plan B Entertainment announced the cast for Adam McKay’s The Big Short at CinemaCon. The film will have an incredible cast starting with Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt. Recently Adam McKay announced that Melissa Leo and Marisa Tomei will play the female leads. Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell and Marisa Tomei will be back on set together for the first time since Crazy, Stupid, Love. McKay has been prepping The Big Short in New Orleans while producing Daddy’s Home, a new comedy that reteams Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.

The Big Short was penned by McKay from a script by Charles Randolph that was based off the novel The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine. Michael Lewis and Brad Pitt will also re-team as Brad Pitt starred in Moneyball, a film that was based off of another one of Lewis’ novels.

The Big Short is the astonishing true story of brilliant contrarian investors figuring out a way to “short” the housing market. Thus creating a financial collapse from 2007-2010. Steve Carell will play Steve Eisman, a money manager working for FrontPoint Partners. Ryan Gosling will play Greg Lippmann, a Deutsche Bank trader. Christian Bale will play the founder of Scion Capital, Michael Burry. And Brad Pitt will play Ben Hockett, a partner at Cornwall Capital.

Rounding out the cast for The Big Short is Tracy Letts (Elvis & Nixon), Hamish Linklater (The Newsroom), John Magaro (Unbroken), Byron Mann (The Man With The Iron Fists), Rafe Spall (Prometheus), Jeremy Strong (Selma) and Finn Wittrock (American Horror Story). The film with be produced by Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner (12 Years A Slave) and Jeremy Kleiner (12 Years A Slave) all representing Plan B Entertainment.

Production has been underway in New Orleans. Shooting started in late March and will wrap in late May. If you’re interested in a job working on the set of The Big Short visit our jobScene page here.

Royal Teeth Signs with Elektra Records

Royal Teeth has signed with a major label, Elektra Records, which is owned by Warner Music Group.The decision to sign with a major label is big for any band. It signals a big vote of confidence in their commercial talent. Royal Teeth is an American indie group from Lafayette, New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They formed in 2010. Band-mates include sing/guitarist Gary Larsen, singer Nora Patterson, guitarist Thomas Onebane, bassist Josh Wells and drummer Josh Hefner.

In a statement released by the band, “We’re very excited to announce our signing to Elektra Records! We have been pouring our hearts into writing new music. We are growing and changing and lovin the process.” This up-and-coming indie band released their tour dates for the latter part of the year and make a pivotal stop at the Jazz & Heritage Festival this Friday April 24.

Their songs sound similar to indie pop music that has been licensed for hip Heineken and Apple commercials. Catchy, poppy and ultimately fun music to hear. They have whistles, percussion, sticks and shakers and their true strength is their ability to harmonize their vocals. Royal Teeth is a blithe cross between Passion Pit and MIKA. The group released their EP Act Naturally in 2012. Visit the band’s official website here. Watch their single “Wild” below:

TRAILER: New MTV Series ‘Scream,’ Shot in Baton Rouge

MTV unveiled their new Scream logo and then the initial teaser trailer during the MTV Movie Awards. Now we get the chance to see the nearly satirical trailer for MTV’s newest horror series Scream.

First of all, the narrator absolutely dominates the stereotypical horror trailer montage. The tone of this trailer screams comedy (pun totally intended). The way to write the storyline of a horror film most always begins in a small little town with omonous tones pattering in the background. The cast must include young attractive women who are always peering over their shoulders to see where that mysterious passing shadow is lurking.

“But what if it’s not a movie. What if instead of 90 minutes of guts and gore it’s ten hours,” says the narrator. The fact is, it won’t be 90 minutes, it’ll be an entire season of guts, gore and shocking murders that will keep us tuning in to see who’s life will be taken next.

Scream stars Bella Thorne, Willa Fitzgerald, Bex Taylor-Klaus, John Karna and Carlson Young. Wes Craven’s slasher dynasty will take on the screens in your living room opposed to the box office. Directed by Jamie Travis, Scream comes into your homes on Tuesday, June 30 at 10pm.

The official story description below:

After a cyber-bullying incident results in a brutal murder, the shocking violence stirs up memories of a killing spree from the past that has haunted some, intrigued others and maybe just inspired a new killer. A group of teens – with two old friends struggling to reconnect at its heart – become lovers, enemies, suspects, targets and victims of a killer who’s out for blood.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Josh Groban’s ‘Stages’ is a Classical Blend of Musical Theater

Josh Groban plays the Saenger Theater in New Orleans on Wednesday, October 21. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, April 23 at 10am here.

This isn’t your typical Groban. The platinum-selling recording artist’s newest album Stages will be released April 28. The new work showcases thirteen songs that are all from the realm of musical theater and film. Featured artists include Kelly Clarkson, Audra McDonald and Chris Botti.

The album commences with “Pure Imagination” from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Groban takes a page right out of Willy Wonka’s liquor-is-quicker song book, showing great admiration for Gene Wilder, “I am a huge fan of the original film. It was a part of my childhood,” Groban says. “Gene Wilder will always be number one for me with this song.”

Kelly Clarkson makes an appearance as she aides Josh Groban in a duet from The Phantom of the Opera, “All I Ask Of You.” The two stars modernized the 1986 famous song while still creating a nostalgic tone. My personal favorite is Groban’s rendition of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Over The Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz. There is a slow, melodic, classical spin on “Over The Rainbow” that incorporates an entire orchestra, perfectly blended soft crescendos and unruffled vocals from Groban.

Sweeney Todd fans have no fear: Groban belts “Children Will Listen” as one of the most faithful renditions of the 1979 musical thriller. Johnny Depp had rocked the vocals and the classic mutton chopped sideburns in Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd and now Josh Groban has turned this famous ditty into his own.

In a recent press release, Josh Groban says, “Nothing has inspired me more in my life than the energy that is shared in a theater when great songs and great art are on the stage.” The California native utilized the ultra talented Orchestra at Abbey Road. With every song comes a fruitful background of a full orchestra.

Produced by Humberto Gatica and Bernie Herms, Stages was recorded win Los Angeles and London’s Abbey Road. The album will be released from record label Reprise Records who has had Groban on board since he was in college. This album has been a long time coming for Josh Groban. He has had an infatuation with musical theater from early adolescence.

Josh Groban comes to New Orleans Wednesday, October 21 at the majestic Saenger Theater. Don’t miss out on a very special evening with Josh Groban and purchase your tickets here. Visit Josh Groban’s official website here. Below is the full track listings and the trailer for Josh’s new album Stages:

“Pure Imagination” (from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory)
“What I Did For Love” (from A Chorus Line)
“Bring Him Home” (from Les Misérables)
“Le Temps Des Cathédrales” (from Notre Dame de Paris)
“All I Ask Of You” (from The Phantom of the Opera) (feat. Kelly Clarkson)
“Try To Remember” (from The Fantasticks)
“Over the Rainbow” (from The Wizard of Oz)
“Children Will Listen” (from Sweeney Todd)
”Not While I’m Around“ (from Into the Woods)
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” (from Carousel)
“Old Devil Moon” (from Finian’s Rainbow) (feat. Chris Botti)
“Finishing the Hat” (from Sunday in the Park with George)
“If I Loved You” (from Carousel) (feat. Audra McDonald)
“Anthem” (from Chess)

Watch the Stages trailer below:

The Throwback Film & TV Takeover

Is it possible to O.D. on nostalgia? The world is likely to find out soon. Film studios and TV producers alike are cashing in on the hopes that viewers are giddy to revisit their favorite characters of yesteryear.

Girl Meets World could be considered “patient zero” in the recent epidemic of TV revivals. The show debuted in June of 2014 and follows the daughter of Boy Meets World couple Cory and Topanga. The show is thriving on the Disney channel and continues to enlist members of the Boy Meets World cast for guest appearances.

Shortly after Girl Meets World hit in the summer, a long awaited sequel brought the nostalgia craze to the big screen. Dumb and Dumber To premiered twenty years after the original, bringing back its duo of hapless heroes for another cross-country adventure. The move proved successful as audiences were keen to find out the fates of Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunn.

Here are some of the titles being brought back in an effort to cash in on this craze.

Zoolander 2: Derek Zoolander and Hansel will re-emerge after fifteen years to try and prove there is more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good-looking. Like Dumb and Dumber To, this sequel isn’t really necessary, but it will likely be an enjoyable watch and a cash cow for all those involved.

Evil Dead Series: The 80s film franchise recently got a throwback with a 2013 a remake. The latest version of The Evil Dead brought attention back to the original franchise, which had remained dormant since 1992. Ash, one of horrors favorite heroes, returns with Bruce Campbell reprising the role in a Starz series.

The X-Files: This beloved sci-fi series probably went on longer than it should have in its original run. After David Duchovny left the series, the show continued on without him and probably lost its chance to have a truly great send off. Here’s hoping the show’s comeback delivers and provides the show with a worthy ending.

Full House: John Stamos confirmed this 90s favorite will return. The show will center on a pregnant and recently widowed DJ Tanner as she tries to raise her family with the help of sister, Stephanie, and BFF, Kimmy. But audiences are probably more interested in the Olsen twins making an appearance – which is 99.9% never going to happen.

Coach: Of all the shows in all the 90s, this just seems like it came out of nowhere. Craig T. Nelson did just finish his run as the beloved patriarch of the Braverman family on Parenthood, so he may be able to pull in those fans as well as the Coach crowd.

Twin Peaks: When Showtime announced they were going to bring back Twin Peaks, fans rejoiced! This is probably the most warranted revival that has been announced. The story was abruptly ended after season two and the fates of Agent Dale Cooper and a number of Twin Peaks’ citizens were left up in the air. Unfortunately, it looks like the plans for a new show are unraveling. Creator and mastermind David Lynch has recently backed out of the project and the cast doesn’t seem keen on participating without him. To be continued….

‘The Astronaut Wives Club’ Gets Summer Premiere Date on ABC

The New Orleans-shot ABC drama follows the lives of the women who support their astronaut husbands during the 1960’s epic space race. ABC has just announced that the premiere will launch Thursday, June 18. The Astronaut Wives Club was shot at Quixote Studios in New Orleans.

The wives of these scientists turned rockstars include JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Yvonne Strahovski and Odette Annable. The ABC series will also star Desmond Harrington, Bret Harrison and Wilson Bethel. JoAnna Garcia Swisher will re-team with writers Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz as the three worked on Gossip Girl for a brief stint.

The out-of-this-world drama is penned by Gossip Girl creator Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz, as mentioned before. It’s based on the best-selling novel from Lily Koppel. Danish filmmaker Lon Sherfig will direct the series. Visit the show’s official website here.

Source: TVLine

TRAILER: ‘Fantastic Four’ with Appearance from Doctor Doom

The Baton Rouge-shot superhero flick shows us the true origins of the Four’s friendships and the birth of their powers. Tim Blake Nelson starts the trailer out by scolding Dr. Storm for spending millions of dollars without turning a profit or any valuable ideas. Dr. Storm, played by House of Cards star Reg E. Cathey, says that the future is bright with the addition of Reed Richards.

Miles Teller plays Reed Richards and I’m already a fan of his contagious nerd-isms. We see the Four’s relationships forming right before our eyes. We also find out that Kate Mara, Sue Storm, is the daughter of Dr. Storm and sister of Johnny Storm played by Michael B. Jordan. The Thing, played by Jamie Bell, will provide muscle and won’t let any of the other lab coats bully Richard Reed, it’s cool to see their polar opposite attitudes form an admirable relationship.

Reed Richards seems to form great relationships with each member of the Fantastic Four and he shows that he is a born leader. He is smart, courageous, loyal and wishes to get his friends back to normal. Fortunately, Johnny Storm wishes to use their powers to help people and save the world from Doom. Doctor Doom.

We finally get the much anticipated arrival of Doctor Doom. He looks evil, metallic, menacing and sports an incredible hoody. We traverse dimensions with the four (actually five, but it seems that the one dude will die on the journey) and we enter the world where inhabited by Doctor Doom.

A major plus for me as a viewer is the comedy and chemistry the cast has on screen together. Miles Teller seems to have the nerd comedy beats down to a science (pun intended!). He, along with Michael B. Jordan have a couple of sequences together that are sure to generate chuckles throughout the theater, the classic fist bump mishap for example. We also catch a budding kindergarten-like flirtatious love interest between Reed Richards and Sue Storm.

Aaron Williamson will play a Navy Seal in Fantastic Four. Read Aaron’s Health Scene column here. Check out some recent photos of Fantastic Four here. Fantastic Four flies into theaters August 7. Directed by Josh Trank, this re-imagining looks to be a thrill ride.

Source: /film

TRAILER: ‘Jurassic World’ Looks Out of This World

Holy Stegosaurus! Dinos are getting crazy on Isla Nublar. The raptor squad is in full effect. Chris Pratt talks dirty to Bryce Dallas Howard and his raptors are prepared to help save the day. Vincent D’Onofrio is incredibly doubtful, ladies are getting snatched up by soaring pterodactyls and a genetically mutated dinosaur. This trailer looks awesome, if a bit spoilery.

BD Wong also returns! He stars along with Irfan Kahn, Jake Johnson, Judy Green, Omar Sy, Nick Robinson and Ty Simpkins. BD Wong is seen explaining that the dinosaur was designed to be bigger than the T-Rex. We also see the aquatic dino exhibit that looks to be the coolest aquarium exhibit ever. This beast leaps from under water and snatches its prey as one of the park’s newest attractions. This underwater beast looks to be the reincarnation of the Titanoboa mixed with massive crocodile genes.

After all of the attractions are contained, nothing would ever go wrong in this park, right? Oh no, sir. You would be certainly wrong as we discover that the genetically mutated mega beast of a dinosaur has eaten its own sibling, has escaped containment and now has manually extracted her honing device from her own flesh.

Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the gates of Jurassic World will open in theaters June 12. Also check out Scene’s exclusive interview with Jurassic World actor James DuMont here and Courtney Clark here.

We’ve also got photos from Isla Nublar here. Also, visit the film’s official website here.

Source: /film