See what else is happening in film & TV industries around the world.
The Hobbit pushed back... The concluding instalment in Peter Jackson’s epic Tolkien trilogy will now be released in December 2014 instead of the previously announced July. The film, which will star Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch as well as our own Aidan Turner and James Nesbitt was originally lined up to go head to head with the new ‘X-Men’ sequel in one of the summer’s most coveted box-office weekends. However distributor’s Warner Brothers will now follow the blueprint of both the already-released first part and the upcoming sequel ‘The Desolation of Smaug’ with a pre-Christmas release.
’The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ was released last December and grossed almost one billion dollars at the box office becoming the 15th highest-earning film ever.
Werner Herzog to receive lifetime achievement at German Film Awards… The legendary director, who has helmed over 50 features in his long career, including ‘Fitzcarraldo’ and 2005’s documentary ‘Grizzly Man’, will receive the accolade at the April ceremony in Berlin. Herzog recently added blockbuster baddie to his varied and distinguished list of credits with his turn opposite Tom Cruise in ‘Jack Reacher’, and is currently filming a biopic of women’s leader Gertrude Bell with Naomi Watts and Jude Law.
Simon Cowell has launched his new search for talent on YouTube… The TV mogul has expanded his empire yet again by launching his new venture ‘The You Generation’ on the popular website. Cowell’s Syco TV has partnered with independent production company Maverick for the project which will encourage users globally to upload audition tapes showing off talents across a number of disciplines, including presenting and singing as well other non-traditional talents. It will encompass over 25 countries and begins on March 20.
