Beyonce’s 4 knocked down to #5 in third week out. By Gil Kaufman Blake Shelton Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images Blake Shelton was already a beloved country star before he became a reality-TV double-threat. But thanks in part to his breakout role on “The Voice,” Miranda Lambert’s better half is reaping plenty of benefits, including a #1 debut on the Billboard 200 charts next week for his new album, Red River Blue. According to figures provided by SoundScan, Shelton’s sixth studio album, his first #1 debut ever and highest-charting album to date, sold 116,000 copies last week. Just behind was the first album in five years from floaty rockers Incubus with If Not Now, When, which debuts at #2 on sales of 80,000. They lead a parade of new faces in the top 10 that also includes country singer Chris Young , whose Neon hit #4 in its first week (73,000), pop smoothie Colbie Caillat ‘s All of You (#6, 66,000), head-bangers Theory of a Deadman ‘s Truth Is (#8, 38,000) and the debut from the rebooted Sublime with new singer Rome, Yours Truly (#9, 35,000). The rest of the top 10: Adele ‘s 21 (#3, 77,000), Beyonc
Now that you’ve seen the movie, the cast and crew lead you through some behind-the-scenes mysteries. By Kara Warner Joel Courtney, Ryan Lee and Riley Griffiths in “Super 8” Photo: Paramount Now that “Super 8” has been in theaters for the weekend, we can finally talk about some of the magic and the mystery of the film. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, please tread carefully in reading the rest of this story, because MTV News is about to reveal five juicy “Super 8” secrets! How the heck did they film the epic train crash? Although the young actors did their fair share of running and yelling amidst minor explosions in front of a green screen, the real heavy lifting in making that intense two minutes of mass destruction came from the visual-effects team, led by Oscar winner Dennis Muren. “The sequence itself is probably two to three minutes long, and it’s all done with computer graphics,” Muren said. “We made a point of making it look as organic as we could. It’s more realistic in a lot of ways and very frightening, but a lot of fire and all that stuff, it’s all computer-generated,” he revealed, adding that it took the VFX team three to four months to complete. Elle Fanning wasn’t allowed to drive Despite her very convincing performance behind the wheel, Elle Fanning wasn’t actually allowed to drive the car that her character “borrows” from her father to get the kids to the late-night film shoot. “It was illegal, so I couldn’t drive,” Fanning said. “There was actually someone that was in the car underneath my feet driving for me.” The movie-within-a-movie was written by the young stars Hopefully you stayed through the credits to see “The Case” in its entirety, because the six young stars of “Super 8” wrote and directed it themselves. “We actually wrote ‘The Case,’ ” Fanning said. “J.J. [Abrams told us] it had to be a zombie movie and that was the only thing we had, so during breaks, we would sit down and collaborate and make up the lines and everything,” she explained. “And then we actually shot it with a Super 8 camera.” What’s in that tintinnabular tune? There is a lot going on visually in “Super 8,” but it’s hard not to notice the sweeping, magical tinkling of the film’s score. So what instruments are you hearing? We asked Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino to explain which instruments make up the distinct effect. “[There is] a celesta, which is kind of a bell piano, a very short piano with bells,” Giacchino revealed at the film’s premiere last week. “You play it like you would a piano, but with bells. A Hammond organ was a big part of the score as well, which is interesting because you normally only hear those in church or in blues songs,” he added. “We used it with the [103-piece] orchestra, which was really fun. There was guitar actually, but done in a very ethereal way, you would never know it was a guitar.” About that alien … The biggest secret of them all: There’s an alien in the movie — one that the kids didn’t see until after they’d already been running away from it while filming green-screen sequences. “Whenever we were on set and acting with it, we were imagining what it could look like,” Ryan Lee said. “When we actually saw it, it was 10 times more scary than what I had imagined.” “The artist for ‘Avatar’ actually made the alien,” Gabriel Basso revealed. “It was really cool, because I was talking to him and he showed it to me on his laptop. I was like, ‘ That’s what we’re running from?’ [The scary factor] went from zero to 150.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Super 8.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘Super 8’ Related Photos Tom Cruise, Elle Fanning, More At ‘Super 8’ Premiere
‘Harry Potter’ star is ‘hopeful’ she can pull off the accent for ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower.’ By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Emma Watson Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images What does Emma Watson sound like when she says “Olive Garden” as if she lives just down the road from one in Charlotte, North Carolina? That’s one of the questions we set out to answer with “American Talk,” a little video we shot with the cast of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” last December that had the stars attempting to pop off phrases like they were born and raised in the good ol’ U.S. of A. What started off as a funny bit quickly turned into a viral sensation, nabbing more than 2.2 million views. Watson and her cohorts might have felt a bit insecure about their accents — which they had exactly zero time to practice — but the public loved the whole thing. Since then, however, Watson has gone to work on her American accent for a role in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” an adaptation of the controversial novel about teenage life and sexuality. When we caught up with Watson at the MTV Movie Awards recently, where she was taking a break from the “Wallflower” production, we reminded the Brit actress about her time shooting “American Talk” and asked if the accent was causing her any trouble on set. “I was really nervous!” she said of the MTV bit. “I think it sounded terrible.” Hardly. But she’s since gained a facility for an American accent while shooting in western Pennsylvania. “It’s good. Having been out in Pittsburgh for four weeks — it’s OK,” she said. “It’s good. I’m hopeful about it.” Not that she was interested in giving us a sample while hanging at the Movie Awards afterparty outside the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California. “No, please don’t do that! No! No, no, no, no — that’s so unfair!” she cried. “Wait and see the movie.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Photos The Evolution Of: Emma Watson
Nathan Followill’s torn bicep has forced cancellation of shows in South Africa, Australia. By Gil Kaufman Nathan Followill Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images Brawny Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill was beaten up online last week after he made some comments about “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy that were considered homophobic (Followill later apologized and said he did not mean the comments in that way). But now the timekeeper for the family band is nursing some other wounds as he recovers from surgery on a torn bicep that has forced the band to cancel scheduled tour dates in March. “Sorry to all the fans in Australia and South Africa,” Followill tweeted on Friday. “My bum wing needs more time to heal but we’ll be back later this year. Sorry again.” He was addressing those who had bought tickets for the band’s shows down under and in South Africa, where KOL were scheduled to perform throughout March. Followill has been chronicling his shoulder issues since early January, beginning with a tweet on the 12th in which he announced, “First day at the doc 4 my shoulder diagnosis post surgery. Fingers crossed that I can get back on the drums soon and restart the gun show.” The news was not good at that point, with Followill complaining about having to spend another week with his arm in a sling. The sling came off a week later, though, and by January 21, Followill said he was starting to work on his mobility in physical therapy. “1st day of rehab just kicked my ass,” he wrote. “I am one sore puppy. I can’t wait to be back to normal. I miss 2 armed activities. Especially hugging.” A spokesperson for the band confirmed that the dates in South Africa and Australia had been canceled. After those dates, the next listed gig on the KOL website is an April 15 headlining slot on the first night of the Coachella festival in Indio, California. Related Artists Kings Of Leon
‘We’re constantly working and we never know what projects the things we’re working on will land,’ producer Alex Da Kid tells MTV News. By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Matt Elias Eminem Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images Eminem took a five-year break between albums before he released Relapse and Recovery in consecutive years. Now, with two handfuls of Grammy nominations , will the Detroit lyricist be putting out another album anytime soon? According to Alex Da Kid, who produced Em’s “Love the Way You Lie,” the veteran MC is always working, so it’s within the realm of possibility. “We’re constantly working and we never know what projects the things we’re working on will land,” he told MTV News. “But we have great musical chemistry, so he’s someone I pray to work with for the rest of my career, hopefully. “I think he’s in a great position where [he and Dr. Dre] can make music,” he continued. “And whenever they feel like it, they can put it out. There’s not a label telling them what to do, because they’ve been so successful, so it’s really up to him.” Eminem will be plenty busy this year whether he puts out a new project or not. He announced last week two new signings to Shady Records: underground supergroup Slaughterhouse and upstart rapper Yelawolf . Em called the acquisitions the next leg in his company’s evolution, from D12 and Cashis (both still signed to the label) to Yelawolf and his new collective, which features Joe Budden, Royce Da 5’9″, Joell Ortiz and Crooked I. “Yelawolf and Slaughterhouse, it’s kinda phase two of Shady,” Eminem explained in a statement. “It’s the new generation of Shady Records, and as we’re trying to rebuild our label, it’s exciting for hip-hop, and with all of these forces coming together and with what everybody’s capable of on the mic, it’s gonna be fun.” Do you want to see a new album from Eminem already? Let us know in the comments! Related Photos Eminem’s Amazing Year Eminem And The New Shady Records Family Related Artists Eminem
Gaga tweets that she’ll give a sneak peek of song Wednesday’s Thierry Mugler show. By Gil Kaufman Lady Gaga Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images Lady Gaga has found the perfect forum to unleash some of her new music. The singer who has made outrageous fashion a huge part of her identity tweeted on Monday that she plans to preview some material from her upcoming Born This Way album on Wednesday at a Paris fashion show by Thierry Mugler. “I’m the musical director for the MUGLER fashion show,” she told her little monsters. () “I’m remixing/previewing a record on Born This Way , tailored for the show + garments.” She did not specify which song she would be previewing. The news is the latest tease of information about the eagerly awaited album, which is due out on May 23. According to identity Women’s Wear Daily, Gaga got the gig because Mugler’s new creative director is Nicola Formichetti, the designer who came up with Gaga’s infamous “meat dress” for the MTV VMAs last year. Formichetti told WWD that Gaga will serve as musical director for one of the most anticipated debuts of Men’s Fashion Week, which runs through January 23. This isn’t the first time she’s used a Paris runway to launch new music: Gaga premiered “Bad Romance” at Alexander McQueen’s show in 2009. Gaga also tweeted photos of her two 2010 Grammys, which she said were just delivered to her house by her dad. The awards for Best Electronic/Dance Album ( The Fame ) and Best Dance Recording (“Poker Face”), immediately took up residence in an important space in the singer’s home. “Look what just arrived from last year!” she wrote. “My dad put them on the piano I studied on for 14yrs.” The 24-year-old singer is up for six Grammys at next month’s awards show, which will air on February 13, the same day she is set to release the first single from her new album. She is also performing on the program, along with Eminem, Cee Lo Green, Katy Perry, Arcade Fire and Miranda Lambert. Related Photos The Evolution Of: Lady Gaga Related Artists Lady Gaga
Laurieann Gibson’s E! show, tentatively titled ‘The Dance Scene,’ set for April 10 premiere. By Jocelyn Vena Laurieann Gibson Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images 2011 is bound to be a big year for Lady Gaga , and now it seems that her choreographer, Laurieann Gibson, is also poised for a big year. Gibson will star in her own E! reality show, tentatively titled “The Dance Scene,” set to premiere in April, EW reports . The show will follow Gibson as she trains assistant choreographers and dancers to work with celebrities. Ryan Seacrest, who will serve as the show’s producer, explains, “Dance is at the center of pop culture — today more than ever — and Laurieann is an amazing force accelerating this huge wave of creativity. This series gives audiences an insider’s view of how competitive the dance world is, the talent and ambition that a dancer needs to be successful in the Hollywood scene, and the drama that ensues along the way.” The eight episode docu-series will officially debut April 10. “The competitive world of the professional dancer is grueling creative work,” said Lisa Berger, executive vice president of programming at E!. “Watching Laurieann mentor these young artists, who will do anything to make it in the business, gives us a glimpse into a world where the pursuit of success and excellence outweighs all else.” Gibson most recently worked with Gaga, but has also worked with Diddy and Alicia Keys. She’s also tasted reality show life, having appeared on “Making the Band” and “Skating With the Stars.” This week, Gibson tweeted about filming her show, writing , “In London.. Shooting new show on E”!!! Its gonna be Epic.!!” She later tweeted a photo of her cameramen, adding, “Lookin’ good guys! Team BoomKack … shooting E show in London!!!” Will you watch Laurieann Gibson’s new reality show? Tell us in the comments below! Related Artists Lady Gaga
Producing partner Graham King also tells MTV News that when he visited the set, first-time director Jolie had ‘total command of that crew.’ By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Angelina Jolie Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images Last week, Angelina Jolie hit back against criticism of her still-untitled Bosnian War drama, which has been the focus of complaints by a women’s group, by simply saying, “There’s one person who has a gripe.” Jolie’s producing partner on the film, Graham King, echoed that sentiment when he told MTV News recently that the criticism has received too much attention. “Yeah, a little bit,” he said, laughing. At issue has been a rumored plot line said to involve a rape victim falling in love with her captor. A rep for Jolie has already said there is no such story line, though the full plot remains shrouded in mystery. “There are many twists in the plot that address the sensitive nature of the relationship between the main characters, and that will be revealed once the film is released,” Jolie said . Nonetheless, the controversy has persisted, with Bakira Hasecic, the president of the Association of Women Victims of War, filing a complaint about the movie with the United Nations refugee agency. When we sat down with King in Paris, where he was promoting “The Tourist” (another project of his in which Jolie stars), the producer was not only quick to dismiss the criticism but also to speak highly of Jolie’s work on her directorial debut. “I went to that set two weeks ago, and she had total command of that crew,” he said. “It was just a real joy to see her behind that monitor, and I think it’s going to be a really good piece of material.” Whether Brad Pitt will play a part remains to be seen. Recent reports have suggested Jolie’s husband will pop up in a cameo. All Jolie would tell us in Paris was “Possibly,” and King was similarly cagey: “We’ll see,” he said. For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos ‘The Tourist’ Clips MTV Rough Cut: ‘The Tourist’
Producing partner Graham King also tells MTV News that when he visited the set, first-time director Jolie had ‘total command of that crew.’ By Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Angelina Jolie Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images Last week, Angelina Jolie hit back against criticism of her still-untitled Bosnian War drama, which has been the focus of complaints by a women’s group, by simply saying, “There’s one person who has a gripe.” Jolie’s producing partner on the film, Graham King, echoed that sentiment when he told MTV News recently that the criticism has received too much attention. “Yeah, a little bit,” he said, laughing. At issue has been a rumored plot line said to involve a rape victim falling in love with her captor. A rep for Jolie has already said there is no such story line, though the full plot remains shrouded in mystery. “There are many twists in the plot that address the sensitive nature of the relationship between the main characters, and that will be revealed once the film is released,” Jolie said . Nonetheless, the controversy has persisted, with Bakira Hasecic, the president of the Association of Women Victims of War, filing a complaint about the movie with the United Nations refugee agency. When we sat down with King in Paris, where he was promoting “The Tourist” (another project of his in which Jolie stars), the producer was not only quick to dismiss the criticism but also to speak highly of Jolie’s work on her directorial debut. “I went to that set two weeks ago, and she had total command of that crew,” he said. “It was just a real joy to see her behind that monitor, and I think it’s going to be a really good piece of material.” Whether Brad Pitt will play a part remains to be seen. Recent reports have suggested Jolie’s husband will pop up in a cameo. All Jolie would tell us in Paris was “Possibly,” and King was similarly cagey: “We’ll see,” he said. For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos ‘The Tourist’ Clips MTV Rough Cut: ‘The Tourist’
Posted onDecember 8, 2010byBenny Hollywood|Comments Off on Angelina Jolie’s Kids Laughed At Her ‘Funny Accent’ In ‘The Tourist’
‘It’s always fun to have my family on set,’ she said at ‘Tourist’ premiere. By Jocelyn Vena Angelina Jolie at “The Tourist” premiere Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images Angelina Jolie and her children have racked up the frequent-flyer miles over the years, both for film shoots across the globe (for her films and Brad Pitt’s), their humanitarian efforts and their clear love of traveling. At the premiere of her latest flick, “The Tourist,” which she shot in Europe, Jolie said bringing them along is fun for everyone. “Fortunately, we’ve given them a love of discovering new places and new people and new cultures,” she said. “And they like to pack their bags and have new adventures.” In the sexy spy thriller, she plays an English woman who uses an American tourist (Johnny Depp) to help find her fugitive former lover. But it sounds like her little ones made for a lighthearted time on set. “It’s always fun to have my family on set,” she explained. “I think it wouldn’t be the same without them. They get to come and laugh at mommy for playing dress-up and having a funny accent.” At the premiere, Jolie also talked about the other perks of making the movie. “I liked that she was a real lady, a real European lady, and I’ve never played that before. I thought it was a challenge for me to be a girl, a real girly girl,” she said. “Living in Italy for a few months was pretty hard to resist. And I’ve been dying to work with [director] Florian [Henckel von Donnersmarck], and I’ve always wanted to work with Johnny and never met him, so it was great. Everything was great about this project.” Check out everything we’ve got on “The Tourist.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos ‘The Tourist’ Clips MTV Rough Cut: ‘The Tourist’ Related Photos ‘The Tourist’ Premiere In NYC
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