Tag Archives: really-talented

‘Twilight’ Author Stephenie Meyer To Produce ‘Austenland’ Film

Meyer’s love of Jane Austen can be seen throughout ‘The Twilight Saga.’ By Terri Schwartz Stephenie Meyer Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images With the final two “Twilight Saga” films on the horizon, author Stephenie Meyer is ready to sink her teeth into some non-vampire projects. Meyer will produce the Jane Austen-inspired “Austenland,” an adaptation of the Shannon Hale novel that will be directed by newcomer Jerusha Hess. Heat Vision has the news of Meyer’s involvement, reporting that filming begins this week in the U.K. The movie is about a woman whose obsession with Mr. Darcy is so strong it is ruining her love life, so she ends up going to an Austen-themed resort in England and inevitably falls for the Mr. Darcy actor at Austenland. The cast so far includes Keri Russell, J.J. Field, Bret McKenzie, Jennifer Coolidge, Jane Seymour, Rupert Vansittart and James Callis. Meyer has been a longtime fan of Austen’s work and credited the author’s “Sense and Sensibility” character Mr. Edward Ferrars with the decision to name her leading man Edward. In addition, “Twilight” was inspired by Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” to the point that main character Bella is reading the novel during the story and often compares her relationship with Edward to Elizabeth Bennet’s relationship with Mr. Darcy. This will only be the fourth film Meyer has produced and the first outside adaptations of her own works. The two “Breaking Dawn” movies were her first venture into producing, and now she is also attached to produce the upcoming adaptation of her book “The Host.” But she also had a chance behind the camera thanks to one of her favorite bands, Jack’s Mannequin , back in 2008. In addition to being influenced by classic romances, Meyer often cites inspiration from music. Singer/songwriter Andrew McMahon took her appreciation for his band Jack’s Mannequin a step further when he asked her to write a treatment for the music video of his song “The Resolution” and then come to Los Angeles and direct it for them. “I’m most excited because, when I was making this album, I wanted to find someone who was really talented and get them to write a treatment and just leave it alone and let it fly. And that’s exactly what we’re doing here,” McMahon told MTV News about his experience working with Meyer back in 2008. For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com .

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‘Twilight’ Author Stephenie Meyer To Produce ‘Austenland’ Film

Nick Jonas Is Looking For The Next Willow Smith

‘If we can find a young person who’s as passionate about music as I was then, we’ll be in really good shape,’ he says of Quaker Chewy Superstar Search. By Jocelyn Vena Nick Jonas Photo: MTV News NEW YORK — Wannabe pop stars between the ages of 8 and 14: Nick Jonas is looking for you. The youngest JoBro has teamed up with the Quaker Chewy Superstar Search , acting as a sort of talent scout. “I think the qualities that I’m looking [for is] somebody that can really take the songs and make it their own,” he told MTV News during a promotional event for the talent search, where he performed several songs from the solo album he put out last year . “It’s gonna be interesting to see what kinds of video submissions we see and the talent we’re looking at. I’m excited, ’cause if we can find a young person who’s as passionate about music as I was then, we’ll be in really good shape.” So what do you win if you’re handpicked by Nick to be music’s next superstar? Well, the chance to record a song produced by Jonas himself, an online music video, a contract with Jonas Group Management and $5,000 in cash. “I think for this particular competition, I have to keep it in the mind-set of young artists at this moment, so I’d say, like, somebody with the overall star power and star qualities of Willow Smith, with the artistry of a Greyson Chance , who is really talented, and then — I’m trying to think,” he said when asked what stars he’d love to combine to make the perfect superstar. When it was suggested someone like him, he laughed, “Like a really little Nick Jonas!” At this point, Nick, now 18, is a music-biz vet, so he has some advice for the lucky newbie: “The overall thing is to enjoy every step of the journey, because it really is a journey and things are always changing,” he said. “Enjoy that process, because it is a part of the growth.” What do you think Nick should look for in the next young artist? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Nick Jonas & The Administration

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Nick Jonas Is Looking For The Next Willow Smith

Justin Bieber, Mark Wahlberg Open Up About Basketball Flick

‘It’s going to be crazy,’ Bieber promises at MTV Movie Awards. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Justin Bieber Photo: MTV News It seems that things are well under way for the basketball movie starring Mark Wahlberg and Justin Bieber . How do we know? Well, the guys themselves updated us this weekend at two of the biggest events of the summer. Wahlberg told MTV News on Saturday night at Spike’s Guys Choice Awards that while he thought he’d be playing Bieber’s part initially, he eventually came around to playing the “old guy” role. “Wait till you see me and Bieber in the flick. Think of like ‘The Color of Money,’ ” he teased. “So I get this call from Paramount [where they tell me about the story about] an old guy and a young guy. I’m like, ‘Cool, let’s get Jack [Nicholson]. Let’s get Robert De Niro. Let’s get Robert Duvall.’ And they go, ‘What about Garrett Hedlund?’ “I’m like, ‘For what?’ ” he further recalled. “They’re like, ‘For the young guy.’ ” (Check out photos of Justin Bieber and tons of other stars backstage at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards!) The next day, at the MTV Movie Awards, Justin Bieber seemed equally excited about the project, if not a bit tight-lipped. “I know ,” he promised. “You’ll have to see. I can’t really reveal too much about it.” According to previous reports, Wahlberg has been keeping tabs on the young star. “He loves the idea,” Wahlberg said last month. “He’s been sending me video, he sent me a video of himself, and, yeah, I think he’s really talented.” The idea was sparked after Wahlberg and partner Stephen Levinson caught Bieber playing basketball in February during a celebrity game held during NBA All-Star Game weekend . MTV News has all of the highlights from the 2011 MTV Movie Awards . Relive the best moments, watch red-carpet interviews with your favorite stars and read all about what went on behind the scenes on the big night. Related Videos Backstage At The 2011 MTV Movie Awards 2011 Movie Awards: The Entire Show On Demand Related Photos 2011 Movie Awards: Backstage Moments Related Artists Justin Bieber

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Justin Bieber, Mark Wahlberg Open Up About Basketball Flick

Jim Jonsin Keeps Busy With ‘American Idol,’ Wiz Khalifa, Eminem

Producer tells Mixtape Daily he’s working with Shady Records’ Yelawolf. By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Kara Warner Jim Jonsin Photo: MTV News Mixtape Daily: Jim Jonsin Jim Jonsin says he’s in bed by midnight, but considering his schedule, we have a tough time believing him. One of the Grammy-winning producer and music executive’s latest gigs is mentoring contestants on the current, 10th season of “American Idol.” The Brooklyn native’s job duties include cutting full cover songs within a week’s time that are then sold on iTunes . “I’m into artist development, so I like taking an artist brand new and working with them and teaching them new things and watching them grow,” Jonsin told Mixtape Daily . “They’re having to grow at lightning speed. With the music producers injected into this now, now they’re really at hard knocks, right? Not only do you have to build this performance, but now you have to record a song. And record an amazing song that’s gotta go on iTunes for sale and it reflects you and you being an artist.” Looking at his production discography, it’s clear Jonsin’s career is nothing short of amazing itself. The former engineer for Slip-N-Slide Records has gone on to produce tracks for artists including T.I., Kelly Rowland, Usher and Lil Wayne, winning a Grammy for 2008’s “Lollipop.” Some new jacks have benefited from Jonsin’s studio touch too. Wiz Khalifa’s “On My Level” from his just-released debut, Rolling Papers , is a Jonsin creation. “He’s got that Snoop Dogg vibe with his own twist, Jay-Z kinda,” Jonsin said. “Working with Wiz, it was good. He’s kind of a traditional hip-hop artist, which I love most, mixed with this edgy skater-punk spirit. He definitely blends with my character: I like that.” Jonsin also speaks highly of B.o.B. The ATL rapper/singer/songwriter’s B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray was released on Jonsin’s Rebel Rock label in conjunction with Atlantic Records and Grand Hustle Records. B.o.B and Jonsin have started working on the gold-selling album’s follow-up. “His last album kind of reflects who he is, but he’s growing into something new,” Jonsin said. “I’m waiting for what he brings us back when we go back in the studio — he’s got some ideas — to kind of see the direction he’s going in. We’re letting him lead that. He’s really talented. The guy produces, writes, he does a lot of his own stuff. I think his album will reflect that. I think this album will have a lot of his own work on it. We’re waiting on him to give us the direction. “I think there’ll be less features on this album, more him singing and rapping. Definitely less features: He wants to showcase himself more, put out more of his own ideas.” Another artist Jonsin is working with — Roc Nation’s J. Cole — surely has plenty of ideas, even if he has yet to release an album. “He’s that traditional hip-hop. I’m trying to give it a little Jim Jonsin, a little crossover, a little rock,” Jonsin said. “Some of the stuff we did was more traditional hip-hop with just a little edge to it, some rock in it. So I think we’re going to stick to that and see what happens.” Jonsin’s schedule is also booked with working with 50 Cent for the first time and with Eminem on his latest Shady Records signee’s forthcoming album. “That’s going to be fun,” Jonsin said. “We’re working for Yelawolf’s project. It’s all about Yela. We’re going to actually produce together. I get to work with Eminem producing records.” For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines . Related Artists Jim Jonsin

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Jim Jonsin Keeps Busy With ‘American Idol,’ Wiz Khalifa, Eminem

Jim Jonsin Keeps Busy With ‘American Idol,’ Wiz Khalifa, Eminem

Producer tells Mixtape Daily he’s working with Shady Records’ Yelawolf. By Alvin Blanco, with reporting by Kara Warner Jim Jonsin Photo: MTV News Mixtape Daily: Jim Jonsin Jim Jonsin says he’s in bed by midnight, but considering his schedule, we have a tough time believing him. One of the Grammy-winning producer and music executive’s latest gigs is mentoring contestants on the current, 10th season of “American Idol.” The Brooklyn native’s job duties include cutting full cover songs within a week’s time that are then sold on iTunes . “I’m into artist development, so I like taking an artist brand new and working with them and teaching them new things and watching them grow,” Jonsin told Mixtape Daily . “They’re having to grow at lightning speed. With the music producers injected into this now, now they’re really at hard knocks, right? Not only do you have to build this performance, but now you have to record a song. And record an amazing song that’s gotta go on iTunes for sale and it reflects you and you being an artist.” Looking at his production discography, it’s clear Jonsin’s career is nothing short of amazing itself. The former engineer for Slip-N-Slide Records has gone on to produce tracks for artists including T.I., Kelly Rowland, Usher and Lil Wayne, winning a Grammy for 2008’s “Lollipop.” Some new jacks have benefited from Jonsin’s studio touch too. Wiz Khalifa’s “On My Level” from his just-released debut, Rolling Papers , is a Jonsin creation. “He’s got that Snoop Dogg vibe with his own twist, Jay-Z kinda,” Jonsin said. “Working with Wiz, it was good. He’s kind of a traditional hip-hop artist, which I love most, mixed with this edgy skater-punk spirit. He definitely blends with my character: I like that.” Jonsin also speaks highly of B.o.B. The ATL rapper/singer/songwriter’s B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray was released on Jonsin’s Rebel Rock label in conjunction with Atlantic Records and Grand Hustle Records. B.o.B and Jonsin have started working on the gold-selling album’s follow-up. “His last album kind of reflects who he is, but he’s growing into something new,” Jonsin said. “I’m waiting for what he brings us back when we go back in the studio — he’s got some ideas — to kind of see the direction he’s going in. We’re letting him lead that. He’s really talented. The guy produces, writes, he does a lot of his own stuff. I think his album will reflect that. I think this album will have a lot of his own work on it. We’re waiting on him to give us the direction. “I think there’ll be less features on this album, more him singing and rapping. Definitely less features: He wants to showcase himself more, put out more of his own ideas.” Another artist Jonsin is working with — Roc Nation’s J. Cole — surely has plenty of ideas, even if he has yet to release an album. “He’s that traditional hip-hop. I’m trying to give it a little Jim Jonsin, a little crossover, a little rock,” Jonsin said. “Some of the stuff we did was more traditional hip-hop with just a little edge to it, some rock in it. So I think we’re going to stick to that and see what happens.” Jonsin’s schedule is also booked with working with 50 Cent for the first time and with Eminem on his latest Shady Records signee’s forthcoming album. “That’s going to be fun,” Jonsin said. “We’re working for Yelawolf’s project. It’s all about Yela. We’re going to actually produce together. I get to work with Eminem producing records.” For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines . Related Artists Jim Jonsin

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Jim Jonsin Keeps Busy With ‘American Idol,’ Wiz Khalifa, Eminem

Chris Brown Shares His Favorite F.A.M.E. Tracks

From ‘Look at Me Now’ to ‘Bomb,’ the singer describes his album’s creation. By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Rebecca Thomas Chris Brown Photo: MTV News On Tuesday (March 22), the day his album F.A.M.E. was released, Chris Brown struggled , and failed to keep the conversation on “Good Morning America” about his music. And while it is impossible to ignore his reported outburst backstage, following a line of questioning about Rihanna, the music is still worth talking about too. On F.A.M.E., Brown showcases his saccharine vocal pipes, and the accompanying production is designed to put swift feet in motion. Here, he shares his favorite tracks with MTV News:

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Chris Brown Shares His Favorite F.A.M.E. Tracks

Wiz Khalifa Says ‘Taylor Gang’ Is ‘Not A Departure’

Rapper responds to critics who say he’s gotten aggressive: ‘I don’t do anything that’s inappropriate for my style.’ By James Montgomery Wiz Khalifa Photo: MTV News AUSTIN, Texas — In recent months, first with the chart-topping success of “Black and Yellow” and then with his underground hit “Taylor Gang,” Wiz Khalifa seems to have gotten aggressive, a move that some see as a departure from his stony, laconic roots. But Wiz is not one of them. ” ‘Taylor Gang’ is not a departure for me or my style. Anybody who’s been connected to my whole career, they know the variations of where I go and my beat selections,” he told MTV News backstage at the Woodie Awards during South by Southwest. “Lex [Luger, who produced ‘Taylor Gang’] has been a real big fan since back in the day, and I’ve been up on his music for a long time as well, so it’s just been bound to happen. He’s a great guy and he’s really talented, so it’s just good to see him getting the shine he deserves.” And to anyone who still doesn’t agree with him, Wiz would like to point out that he’s actually been working with Luger for a while now — he produced a handful of songs on Wiz’s Cabin Fever mixtape — and that he wouldn’t sign on to work with anyone if he doesn’t feel like it would complement his music. “I just find that little pocket where it matches up. I don’t feel like I do anything that’s inappropriate for my style, and he’s always going to stay consistent as well,” he said. “So when we meet up, you know, that’s when it makes that magic. Cabin Fever has, like, six songs from Lex Luger on there, and people love that tape.” And with his hotly anticipated Rolling Papers album set to hit stores March 29, Khalifa said he’s hoping fans won’t bail on him just because he’s gotten a bit aggro as of late. Though, if they do, he’ll still continue doing what he does. “It’s definitely aggressive, but I’ve got songs on the album like ‘On My Level,’ ‘Black and Yellow’ is not really a calm song, so … they’ve got to keep listening,” he smiled. “Or, you know, they can stick there, but at the end of the day I know what I’m doing.” What do you think of Wiz’s new music? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Wiz Khalifa

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Wiz Khalifa Says ‘Taylor Gang’ Is ‘Not A Departure’

Wiz Khalifa Says ‘Taylor Gang’ Is ‘Not A Departure’

Rapper responds to critics who say he’s gotten aggressive: ‘I don’t do anything that’s inappropriate for my style.’ By James Montgomery Wiz Khalifa Photo: MTV News AUSTIN, Texas — In recent months, first with the chart-topping success of “Black and Yellow” and then with his underground hit “Taylor Gang,” Wiz Khalifa seems to have gotten aggressive, a move that some see as a departure from his stony, laconic roots. But Wiz is not one of them. ” ‘Taylor Gang’ is not a departure for me or my style. Anybody who’s been connected to my whole career, they know the variations of where I go and my beat selections,” he told MTV News backstage at the Woodie Awards during South by Southwest. “Lex [Luger, who produced ‘Taylor Gang’] has been a real big fan since back in the day, and I’ve been up on his music for a long time as well, so it’s just been bound to happen. He’s a great guy and he’s really talented, so it’s just good to see him getting the shine he deserves.” And to anyone who still doesn’t agree with him, Wiz would like to point out that he’s actually been working with Luger for a while now — he produced a handful of songs on Wiz’s Cabin Fever mixtape — and that he wouldn’t sign on to work with anyone if he doesn’t feel like it would complement his music. “I just find that little pocket where it matches up. I don’t feel like I do anything that’s inappropriate for my style, and he’s always going to stay consistent as well,” he said. “So when we meet up, you know, that’s when it makes that magic. Cabin Fever has, like, six songs from Lex Luger on there, and people love that tape.” And with his hotly anticipated Rolling Papers album set to hit stores March 29, Khalifa said he’s hoping fans won’t bail on him just because he’s gotten a bit aggro as of late. Though, if they do, he’ll still continue doing what he does. “It’s definitely aggressive, but I’ve got songs on the album like ‘On My Level,’ ‘Black and Yellow’ is not really a calm song, so … they’ve got to keep listening,” he smiled. “Or, you know, they can stick there, but at the end of the day I know what I’m doing.” What do you think of Wiz’s new music? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Wiz Khalifa

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Wiz Khalifa Says ‘Taylor Gang’ Is ‘Not A Departure’

Jennifer Lopez: An ‘American Idol’ Cheat Sheet

Catch up on all the dish about new judge J.Lo before season 10 begins. By Jocelyn Vena “American Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez Photo: Tony Duran / FOX Jennifer Lopez has long been a triple-threat, having conquered music, movies and everything in between. This week, “Jenny From the Block” adds a new gig to her extensive resume: “American Idol” judge . On Wednesday night (January 18), as the new season of the hit Fox reality series kicks off, fans are eager to see what the one-time “In Living Color” “fly girl” will bring to the mix, alongside fellow newbie Steven Tyler and “Idol” vet Randy Jackson. Since September’s announcement that she got the gig, Lopez has made it clear she brings one thing to the table: “tough love.” “I think there are definitely better ways to get your point across [than being cruel],” she said at last year’s announcement. “I’ve mentored on the show before, so I think people have seen that and kinda can feel how I’ll be — or maybe they’ll be surprised.” Later that month, Lopez used three words to describe her judging style : “tough, easy and fair.” “I don’t want to let anybody really great [not make it through] because they’re nervous, and not get to see what they could have did,” Lopez said. “They’re going to come in here and be a little bit nervous in the beginning, and then you realize, ‘Wow, that person is really talented.’ So we work them a little bit more than maybe you’ve seen in the past. We’ve given them more of a chance. “We know what it’s like to be out there,” Lopez added. “I was energized by all of their spirit when they come in here, and they’re so hopeful about what could happen and how it could be.” That same week, “AI” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe posted a photo online of the new judges sitting at the table with “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and Jackson. With the release of her new song, “On the Floor” (featuring Pitbull, produced by RedOne), and the new season ready to kick off, Lopez revealed she’s really meshing with her fellow judges. “I love everybody,” she said back in October. “It’s such a machine. It runs like clockwork. … Everything’s great!” How do you think Jennifer Lopez will be as an “Idol” judge? Sound off in the comments below! Don’t miss our “American Idol” live stream “Judging the Judges: An ‘Idol’ Without Simon,” featuring post-show analysis from Jim Cantiello and special guests, on MTV.com Wednesday (January 18) at 10 p.m. ET. Tweet your “Idol” commentary with the hashtag #idolwithoutsimon, and we could quote you on the show! Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos Jennifer Lopez: From The Block To ‘American Idol’ Related Artists Jennifer Lopez

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Jennifer Lopez: An ‘American Idol’ Cheat Sheet

When Pigs Fly: 40-Year-Old King Latifah Wants To Be A Mommy In Ten Years

Can you imagine Latifah and her “trainer” pushing strollers around Hollyweird in a couple of years? According to a new interview, that’s exactly the move she’s trying to make. Latifah, who splits her time between New Jersey, Miami, and Los Angeles, says that in 10 years, she hopes to be “on cruise control, with a couple of kids under my belt.” Is she making a move in that direction? “It’s in the Lord’s hands.” Meanwhile, her overarching goal right now “is just to enjoy life more. I work a lot. I want to make sure I’m living life to the fullest and checking in with me.” We can’t help but try to imagine her pregnant now. Or do you think she’d find a surrogate or adopt? Here are some other interesting tidbits running through her mind and governing her life. FAMILY VALUES HUSTLE = SUCCESS Latifah took her early cues as a businesswoman from her family. “My grandfather owned a hardware store in Newark,” she says. “Just seeing him become successful and how it became a family business was always interesting to me. And if my brother and I wanted money in our pockets, we had to get jobs–my first was at 15, at Burger King. We had to come up with ways to create an income.” She avoided the routes that some neighborhood kids took. “Unfortunately, some of the brightest minds use that hustler spirit and apply it to becoming drug dealers. I didn’t want to be that person. It wasn’t a positive way to make money, and we all knew that it led to death or jail.” PAY ATTENTION AND ASK QUESTIONS “When it came time to be a professional rapper, I wouldn’t sign anything without reading it. There was no way I was going to have people make decisions for me or wake up one day and find that I was broke because I never bothered to read a contract. I wasn’t a lawyer, but I had a pretty good idea of what words meant, and things I didn’t understand I would ask about. Shakim [Compere, Latifah’s longtime business partner in Flavor Unit Entertainment] and I were like sponges. We listened and we observed people who were more successful than us.” ADMIT WHEN YOU’RE IN OVER YOUR HEAD “Our record label didn’t fly. I think we were loyal to a fault–we signed all these really talented artists who hadn’t made records yet, we were paying salaries for people working in our office, we were paying all the bills. We sank millions into our company, and we shouldn’t have done that.” Complicating matters, she was personally hit with a huge, unexpected bill from the I.R.S. “We had to say, ‘Enough is enough. This isn’t working right now.’” OPENING UP HELPS OTHERS COPE In her recent quasi-motivational book Put on Your Crown, Latifah wrote about adversities in her life–including being sexually abused as a child by a babysitter and losing her beloved older brother in a 1992 motorcycle accident–to share with others how she got through the dark times. “I think people can feel when you’re saying something from the heart, something truthful,” she says. “I don’t know how to do it any differently. Sometimes it’s just knowing what someone else has been through that strikes a chord, that helps other people get through their lives in a more full way.” Hmmm. Who knew she was such a fan of telling the truth and opening up. Source

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When Pigs Fly: 40-Year-Old King Latifah Wants To Be A Mommy In Ten Years