The Munsters Reboot Names Bryan Singer Executive Producer

The Munsters The Munsters reboot has tapped Bryan Singer as executive producer, according to The Hollywood Reporter.Singer, the writer-director-producer of the X Men franchise, is said to be writing and executive-producing the project with Pushing Daisies and Dead Like Me creator Bryan Fuller.Check out the rest of today's newsThis time around, the one-hour drama will be edgier and darker than the original, which aired from 1964 to '66 and starred Fred Gwynne as Herman Munster and Yvonne De Carlo as Lily Munster.Singer and Fuller worked together in 2009 to adapt Augusten Burroughs' Sellevision into a TV series for NBC, but the project never got off the ground.NBC picks up Munsters reboot pilot from Pushing Daisies creatorSinger's TV credits include producing roles on House and Dirty Sexy Money.

Lawsuit Claims TLC's 'All-American Muslim' Was Stolen From TV Production Company (Exclusive)

TLC"All-American Muslim" Discovery Communications has been sued by a television production company that claims the TLC reality series All-American Muslim was stolen with the help of a rogue former employee. our editor recommends'All-American Muslim': The Football Team Finds a Way Around Ramadan (Exclusive Video)'All-American Muslim' Opens Solid for TLCTLC's 'All-American Muslim': More Educational Than the Cast Will AdmitTLC's 'All-American Muslim' Cast Faces the Critics In a lawsuit filed today in Los Angeles Superior Court, Visionaire Media claims that it is responsible for creating the buzzed-about series that follows five Muslim-American families in Dearborn, Michigan. TLC is alleged to have "stolen" the series without making payment and credit as Visionaire had expected. The suit also targets Visionaire's formerpresident, Noessa Higa, one of the show's consulting producers. PHOTOS: PTC vs. TV: 10 Television Show Controversies In January, Higa and another Visionaire employee named Jerome Gary are said to have met with two executives from Discovery. The network execs are alleged to have told Higa and Gray that Discovery wanted to broadcast a show on TLC about Muslims in America and that if Visionaire came up with such a series idea that Discovery could use for broadcast, Visionaire would be hired to produce the series. The promise allegedly was made orally, but Visionaire claims that the solicitation created an implied promise for payment and credit to the company. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Biggest Blunders After the meeting, according to the complaint, Higa and Gary started working on the "American Muslim Project" and spent time, energy, and resources finding and contacting potential families, conducting interviews, holding meetings, analyzing costs, and creating content for the developing show. Among the people contacted by Visionaire were the five families who later appeared on the show, according to the company. Then, in April, Visionaire says it got a surprise. Higa abruptly gave notice that she was leaving the company.Visionaire now says that after Higa departed, she surreptitiously continued to work on the project with Discovery/TLC and breached confidence by communicating "proprietary information about cast members and their roles, film shooting locations, plot elements, major events, and themes." Visionaire is now taking Discovery and Higa to court on claims of breach of contract, interference with contract, and breach of confidence. Visionaire is pursuing a legal avenue that is quickly becoming a headache for Hollywood studios as well as a favorite among plaintiff's lawyers pursuing "stolen" ideas. (See here.) All-American Muslimhad a solid premiere for TLC, drawing a 1.5 rating in women 18-49 and a 1.8 rating in women 18-34, making it the No. 2 show in its time period. The show also has engendered a great deal of discussion, garnering praise from TV critics as well as criticism from some Muslims who wonder whether the families are good role models and some conservatives who see it as propaganda. "This is a very important TV series and my clients are committed to protecting their rights and standing up for the truth," says Miles Feldman, an attorney at Raines Feldman who is representing the plaintiff. "Visionaire will seek a trial on this case as soon as possible." Visionaire, which has produced several documentaries about Muslim life including Muslim Women, On the Road in America, and the forthcoming reality show, Trading Places, is demanding unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, the cost of the lawsuit, royalties, and screen credit. Discovery declined comment. E-mail: eriqgardner@yahoo.com Twitter: @eriqgardner PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery TV's Priciest Primetime Shows for Advertisers TLC

Dr. Conrad Murray Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison For Michael Jackson's Death

Getty ImagesFelicity Jones The 21st annual Gotham Independent Film Awards took place Monday night at NY's historic Cipriani Wall Street restaurant. As I cautioned when the Independent Filmmaker Project announced this year's nominees, there is little reason to believe that the results at the Gothams have any direct impact on the Oscar race -- sometimes both organizations happen to arrive at the same choice (see: The Hurt Locker), but the reality is that Gotham nods and wins are really a reflection of nothing more than the tastes of the five-person "committees" that are arbitrarily selected and assigned to the various categories by the IFP (some members of which have never worked on a film), whereas Oscar nods and wins are determined by thousands of people (virtually all of whom are filmmakers). Still, studios and talent whose work was recognized Monday night were unanimously exuberant, if only because it can't hurt to get a moment in the spotlight in front of a crowd packed with colleagues and journalists, to say nothing of the free print and online publicity that is afforded to the winners in the form of news coverage.our editor recommendsThe Scene: Inside the 21st Annual Gotham AwardsGotham Awards 2011: The Red Carpet ArrivalsGotham Awards 2011: 'Tree of Life,' 'Beginners' Tie for Best FeatureDo Gotham Awards Nominations Actually Impact Oscar Race? (Analysis)Gotham Awards 2011: Honorees Charlize Theron, Gary Oldman Reveal the Inspiration Behind Their Work PHOTOS: Gotham Awards 2011 Red Carpet Arrivals That being stipulated, what/who was perceived to have gotten a bounce last night? And what/who was perceived to have taken a hit? Here's my take... Focus Features is justifiably feeling over the moon about their night. They went 3-for-3 in competitive categories, none of which they were expected to win: Beginners, which has been regarded as a long-shot contender for best picture and best original screenplay Oscar nods, beat The Descendants, among other high-profile films, to win both of the top two categories, best feature (it tied with The Tree of Life) and best ensemble, and Pariah filmmaker Dee Rees topped several bigger names to win best breakthrough director. Moreover, they got a cherry on their cake, as Gary Oldman, who is on the bubble in the best actor race for his understated performance in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, was the subject of a glowing tribute from Alec Baldwin, a great montage of his life's work and the night's only standing ovation afforded to an individual. STORY: 'Tree of Life,' 'Beginners' Tie for Best Feature at Gotham Awards Paramount is pretty happy right now, as well. They have been campaigning aggressively on behalf of Charlize Theron (Young Adult) and Felicity Jones (Like Crazy), both of whom they'd like to sneak into the competitive best actress race, and their efforts got a big boost last night thanks to Theron's tribute (during which she and her co-star/best supporting actor hopeful Patton Oswalt stole the show) and Jones' somewhat surprising win over two other young women who have been seen as likelier bets for Oscar nods, including one of whom is competing in the same category: Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene). Fox Searchlight likely has mixed emotions. The Descendants and Martha Marcy May Marlene, which led the entire field with three nods each -- including the big two, best feature and best ensemble -- both went home empty-handed. However, their night was somewhat salvaged when The Tree of Life, their tough-sell best picture Oscar hopeful, won best feature (it tied with Beginners). Complete List of Gotham Awards Winners Roadside Attractions has to feel a little disappointed with the way things turned out for their films. IFP first denied Albert Nobbs any nominations, and then denied Margin Call -- a red-hot film at the moment -- a win in the one category in which it was nominated and really fit the bill: best ensemble. As great a film as the category's winner Beginners is, it's primarily a four-person flick (Ewan McGregor, Melanie Laurent, Christopher Plummerand Goran Visnjic), whereas its hard to even keep count of all of the impressive moving pieces in Margin Call (Zachary Quinto, Jeremy Irons, Kevin Spacey, Stanley Tucci, Paul Bettany, Demi Moore, Simon Baker, Penn Badgley, Mary McDonnelland the list goes on). Sony Pictures Classics can't be thrilled about its showing. While David Cronenberg, who directed its film A Dangerous Method, was the subject of a nice tribute, Take Shelter, its stronger Oscar contender -- which is thought to be on-the-bubble for best actor (Michael Shannon) and best original screenplay (Jeff Nichols) -- was shut out after scoring nods in the top two categories, best feature and best ensemble. STORY: The Scene Inside the 2011 Gotham Awards Oscilloscope is a small and young enough studio that it was probably happy just to have a ticket to the party. The fact that Meek's Cutoff came up short for best feature and Evan Glodell (Bellflower) didn't win best breakthrough director can't have knocked anyone's socks off. The Weinstein Co. had its Gotham hopes dashed long before Monday night -- oddly enough, its films weren't rewarded with so much as a single nomination! PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Gotham Awards 2011: The Red Carpet Arrivals Gotham Awards Alec Baldwin Charlize Theron David Cronenberg Patton Oswalt The Tree of Life Like Crazy Martha Marcy May Marlene Elizabeth Olsen Beginners The Descendants Felicity Jones

8 Possible Hollywood Targets for Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes

This story first appeared in the Dec. 2 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.our editor recommendsGolden Globes Preview: 'Tintin,' 'Cars 2' Faceoff in Animation CategoryGolden Globes TV Predictions from THR's Tim GoodmanGolden Globes Comedy vs. Drama Category Battle Rages OnWhy the Golden Globes Crawled Back to Ricky Gervais As red carpets go, the Globes' fashion gauntlet has historically been livelier and looser than the prim-and-proper Oscar arrivals. Globes-going actresses have broken the mold by wearing emerging or unknown designers, eschewing cumbersome gowns for party-hearty cocktail hemlines, showing scandalous skin and, in some cases, going completely off the grid. Who can forget Lara Flynn Boyle's pink chiffon tutu by L.A. designer David Cardona in 2003? Or Cameron Diaz -- nominated in 1999 for There's Something About Mary -- strolling down the carpet in a critically panned floral dressing gown? Years earlier, Whoopi Goldberg also made waves when she showed up in a bright yellow tracksuit the night she won for The Color Purple in 1986. And Cher famously wore a skintight shredded mini with mesh stockings when she received her 1984 Globe for Silkwood. PHOTOS: Golden Globes Party Pics But the Globes' fashion mood has recently shifted. Nominees like Nicole Kidman, Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Charlize Theron, Salma Hayek, Cate Blanchett and Reese Witherspoon have upped the designer quotient with made-to-measure gowns by renowned couturiers Valentino, Yves St. Laurent, Chanel, Gucci, Nina Ricci, Dior, Armani Prive and Atelier Versace. The Globes have now become a critical stop in an Oscar hopeful's campaign for fashion glory: You have to dress like an Oscar winner to become an Oscar winner. This is why the 2012 Globes carpet will feature the latest runway trends -- white, pretty pastel and sorbet hues, fun floral prints, feminine taffeta, tulle, chiffon and lace gowns, demure sleek '20s flapper silhouettes -- and more statement-making couture from A-list designers than you can shake a stiletto at. PHOTOS: Golden Globes Red Carpet Style And because the Globes features an entertaining mix of film and TV stars, fashionistas are already looking forward to seeing what TV "It" girls Sofia Vergara and Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Christina Hendricks and January Jones (Mad Men), Claire Danes (Homeland) and Zooey Deschanel (New Girl) will wear to kick off the earliest moment of TV's seven-month long awards season. But it's this year's photogenic and youthful film ingenues-- Keira Knightley (A Dangerous Method), Rooney Mara (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), Michelle Williams (My Week With Marilyn) and Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene) -- who are the anticipated style-setters. Still, let's hope perennial rule-breaker Helena Bonham Carter -- who wore a black lace Vivienne Westwood frock and different colored shoes last year -- will attend this year's Globes and add some classic individuality to the mix. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 8 Possible Hollywood Targets for Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes Related Topics Golden Globes Oscars

Disney sets ESPN topper transition

Disney revealed a glimpse at ESPN's future today: company topper Robert Iger has announced a succession plan for the net, moving George Bodenheimer to exec chairman of the sports network, moving from prexy of ESPN and ABC Sports and co-chair of Disney Media Networks and giving up his day-to-day duties at the net. The changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2012.Taking over daily operations will be John Skipper, who moves into the position vacated by Bodenheimer. Skipper has been ESPN's exec veep of content since Oct. 2005. Skipper will have a dual report to Bodenheimer and Iger; Bodenheimer will report to Iger alone.Iger himself is part of a recently-announced succession plan; Disney has set March 2015 as the date the exec will step down from his CEO duties and become chairman. Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com

Endemol Creditors Reject Time Warner Takeover Bid

Creditors of European reality TV powerhouse Endemol have decided to reject a 1 billion euros ($1.4 billion) bid from Time Warner, according to a person familiar with the situation. Endemol officials declined to comment. A Time Warner spokesman also declined comment, but a source said the entertainment conglomerate has not been informed of any final decision about its bid. According to sources, Endemol, the company behind such international TV hits as Big Brother and Deal or No Deal, had told Time Warner that the firm would present creditors with a debt restructuring deal before considering any bid. Endemol and some of its lenders thought Time Warner's offer was opportunistic and too low. Endemol and its creditors, which include private equity players Apollo Management, Centerbridge and Providence Equity Partners, as well as such banks as Barclays and Goldman Sachs, seem ready to instead focus on finalizing a so-called debt-for-equity swap instead of doing a deal. The swap would convert debt into equity holdings in the company. Such a deal, likely to be completed by mid-December, could cut the company's debt and give it another chance to go it alone. According to Italian media reports, Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset and Italian equity fund Clessidra want to inject more money into Endemol and in the process raise their current 33 percent holding to 51 percent. When TW's $1.4 billion bid became public earlier this month, sources said that TW saw debt-ridden Endemol as an opportunity to add a popular international TV content creator to its existing studio operations. Company executives saw Endemol similar to MGM a few years ago when the studio also explored its options amid challenges, meaning TW was prepared for a potentially drawn-out affair. Related Topics Time Warner Silvio Berlusconi Endemol Mediaset

Pace of change makes forecasts hazy

The Murdoch familys weakening hold on the future of News Corp. would have been very hard to predict.When CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves last addressed the Hollywood Radio and Television Society in September 2006, two events kicked off the discussion: Viacom's abrupt dismissal of Tom Freston for fumbling the opportunity to acquire MySpace, and Katie Couric's triumphant debut as anchor of "The CBS Evening News."It's hard to think of two better illustrations that five years has become an eternity in the media business. While Moonves returns to the HRTS Thursday still at CBS' helm, News Corp. sold MySpace at the fire-sale price of $35 million -- about 6% of its acquisition cost -- and Couric is preparing to launch a daytime talkshow, what she ought to have done from the beginning.Still, those examples hardly lack for company, at a moment when it's easy to feel like we're living out the Firesign Theatre album (remember those?) titled "Everything You Know Is Wrong."The inability to see around fast-approaching corners obviously isn't confined to media. After all, few political pundits foresaw a first-term senator becoming America's first minority president in 2008. Moreover, thanks to the Web and cable news, the digital age offers more people making predictions than ever, only with less likelihood of getting anything right -- and almost no penalty for being dead wrong.Nevertheless, the breakneck pace of change complicates everything in media, from simple contracts to labor negotiations, precisely because looking ahead more than a few years is tantamount to flying blind.Perhaps that's why some view the current landscape as exciting and others plain gut-churning. It boils down to one's comfort relying on research, meticulous planning and rigorous analysis versus "Hey, your educated guess is as good as mine."Just six years ago, Lachlan Murdoch was the designated "first among equals" in the familial competition to eventually succeed his dad running News Corp. Then he left the company and brother James took the pole position. Now, with the phone-hacking scandal continuing to plague the media titan, it's increasingly unlikely anyone named Murdoch will be the next CEO.Far more recently most people would have correctly assessed Oprah Winfrey's bond with her audience as the most formidable relationship between a particular talent and viewers out there. The convulsions of Winfrey's joint venture with Discovery, OWN, have tempered those assumptions and reminded us that the margin for error in what might be called "broccoli TV" is razor thin.As recently as 2007, nobody would have given AMC -- American Movie Classics? The channel that always seemed to be airing "Road House"? -- a second thought on Emmy night. Now, it's become the home of some of TV's most prestigious dramas, including four-peat winner "Mad Men," reflecting just how quickly fortunes can turn.A lot of those programs wind up in someone's DVR queue, by the way, since about 40% of U.S. homes have them, compared to under 10% in 2006. As a consequence, the notion of zapping commercials has become so commonplace that the first glimpse of national ratings offer a highly incomplete picture, with aggregated tune-in for many top shows rising 40% or more over the next week.Then there's Netflix, which looked a whole lot smarter and in tune with its customers mere months ago than it does since its public meltdown.Conventional wisdom certainly isn't what it used to be.Granted, people switch jobs and companies suffer reversals all the time, but the sweeping forces reshaping the industry have arguably eclipsed the pace of change in previous decades by a country mile.If you're hungry for prognostication, by the way, don't bother soliciting it from Moonves. Under questioning five years ago from his new morning-show anchor Charlie Rose (and honestly, who saw that coming?), the CBS honcho declined to turn the network's Eye logo into a crystal ball."I learned early on in the television business you never make predictions," he said.In terms of not saying something demonstrated to be wildly off almost before it's out of your mouth, that's a sound policy. But for anyone thinking about a second career, a word to the wise: It'll never get you booked on cable news. Contact Brian Lowry at brian.lowry@variety.com