 Disney pushes "Persia" to 2010
Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer have pushed back the release of fantasy actioner "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" by nearly a year, from June 19, 2009, to Memorial Day weekend 2010.
Officially, Disney said it wants to allow plenty of time for post-production considering that the tentpole will require extensive special effects to create its fantasy world and setpieces.
In addition, however, the move takes "Prince of Persia" out of the path of "Transformers 2," which DreamWorks and Paramount open on June 26, 2009.
Filmmaker Mike Newell began lensing the pic in Morocco and will remain there until the production moves to London.
Decision to delay the release by a year caught some by surprise, although the calendar could continue to see major reshufflings because of the ongoing labor strife in Hollywood. Studios may want to allow for extra cushion in case of any production delays.
Bruckheimer and Disney don't want to take any chances with "Prince of Persia," which they are hoping turns into a mega-franchise, along the lines of "Pirates of the Caribbean," that can feed the entire Disney empire, from sequels to potential TV or direct-to-DVD spinoffs, merchandise and Disney theme-park attractions.
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 Interview: "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart spoke about coming to grips with a dedicated group of fans, getting into character, changing Bella's wardrobe, how she kept the natural in Twilight's supernatural story and much more in Los Angeles. Read the interview
Financial crisis puts squeeze on Hollywood
Having trouble getting credit in these trying economic times? Don't feel bad, so is Steven Spielberg. His DreamWorks SKG is waiting for a $500-million deal with Indian entertainment conglomerate Reliance to close. It would allow the company behind movies like Tropic Thunder and Transformers to abandon an unhappy partnership with Viacom's Paramount Pictures and produce six films a year at another studio. The hitch keeping DreamWorks and Reliance from sealing the deal is the challenge of raising an additional several hundred million dollars in debt financing at a time when Wall Street is feeling pretty stingy about extending credit. Read More
 Michelle Monaghan talks to Eagle Eye
As an actor, what do you look for when you first get a script?
MM: Certainly for me, it was the fast paced nature of this script. I seldom ever read a script in one sitting and this one I did not put down. I knew that was a good sign because if the words are grabbing me like that, then knowing who is behind it as far as the director and the other actors, then the decision to do it is a no-brainer.
Do you worry about your specific part and how you will contribute to the story?
MM: Both. I am always reading the role that I am being offered and feeling how I can connect to it. I also worry about how that part will reflect to the larger aspect of the story. For me, I love the idea of playing a single mom. I have never played that character before. Here was this woman who worked really hard and has not had an easy lot in life.
 Natalya Rudakova talks Transporter 3
How did you end up making this movie?
I was just walking down the street and I met with Luc, and he asked me to try some acting lessons, which I tried. It came out good, I was excited and it was interesting to act, and then I had an audition, and then I became an actress on this movie.
Just walking down the street in NYC?
Yes, for my work. I used to work as a hairdresser. I was just walking down the street and his assistant stopped me and asked me to drink some tea with them, and he asked me to try some lessons, so I was excited.
This is your first movie?
Yes, it is. It's the first time... Well, I had a couple lessons, and I realized I wanted to do that, and it's a really exciting experience.
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Made in China Panda project
The Walt Disney Studios together with Chinese filmmakers Castle Hero Pictures and Ying Dong Media announced at the Shanghai International Film Festival, that they are combining creative forces to make a movie tentatively titled Touch of the Panda.
The film, shot in Sichuan, China with official cooperation from the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve, features Giant Pandas bred and nurtured in one of the world's foremost research and preservation facilities for the endangered species.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures China helped develop the project during the pre production and filming stages creatively with Castle Hero Pictures and Ying Dong Media, and will handle marketing and distribution around the world. Read details
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