Departed Trio Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese and William Monahan Attached to The Gambler

Bad news usually breaks late on a Friday, which makes it decidedly bizarre that this great news broke at 10:30 p.m. on the East Coast: Deadline reports that Leonardo DiCaprio is attached to star in the William Monahan-scripted remake of The Gambler, with Martin Scorsese attached to direct. (The three men previous teamed up for The Departed) The 1974 version of The Gambler — based on a short story by Fyodor Dostoyevsky — followed a New York City school teacher (James Caan) who is addicted to gambling. No word yet when this will actually film, however, since both Scorsese and DiCaprio have full dance cards for the foreseeable future. [Deadline]

M-Appeal likes 'Verano'

MADRID -- Within the run-as much as next week's Venice Film Festival, Berlin-based M-Appeal has nabbed worldwide privileges to Chilean helmer Jose Luis Torres Leiva's "Verano." Torres Leiva's second fiction-feature world preems in Venice's cutting-edge Horizons sidebar. The result is his 2008 debut "Heaven, our planet and also the Rain," which won the Fipresci worldwide critics' prize at Rotterdam film fest. Compiled by Torres Leiva, and shot at Chile's Cauquenes thermal baths, "Verano" is really a choral drama unfolding more than one day, and focusing on two parallel tales: A few wish to have a young child meanwhile, an Argentine tourist -- performed by singer Rosario Blefari, observed in Martin Rejtman's "Silva Prieto" -- finds out she's pregnant. Torres Leiva tried to capture the nice and cozy grainy home-movie tonality of his reminiscences of childhood holidays put in Cauquenes together with his grandma and grandpa. He and cinematographer Inti Briones, who had been accountable for "Sky's" painterly images, shot in Handycam H18, then re-shot digital images forecasted against different skills. The vidcam lensing permitted for a lot greater improvisation with stars compared to "Sky," based on Torres Leiva, who states "Verano" is all about "landscapes of figures." A "sunny, contemplative" picture, stated M-Appeal sales director Anne Wiedlack, "Verano" may be the second Chilean pick-up from M-Appeal, after Julio Jorquera's "My Last Round." For Wiedlack, "During the last years, there is almost a boom in new Chilean films from the fresh, new generation that's not scared to experiment. There's still lots of talent to become discovered." Verano" is professional created by Chilean director Alicia Scherson ("Play" "Vacationers"), who's shooting "The Near FutureInch with Rutger Hauer. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

New 'Star Trek' TV Pitch Is In Early Development, Details Revealed

David Foster might not be voyaging where no men have gone before, but he certainly is returning to long untouched territory with his new "Star Trek" pitch. Apparently Foster, who is the head of the sci-fi production company 1947 Entertainment, has been working on a "Trek" television pitch since 2006. He and the late Kevin Severson had developed the concept, and after Severson's death in 2010, Foster has continued to try to make their dream a reality. Based on Foster's interview with the folks over at TrekWeb, he is getting pretty close to making that happened: "The series concept is fully developed, subject to change of course, with a solid 5-7 year series plan, pilot script and a conceptualized finale that intends to define 'Star Trek' for generations, extensive character bios, costume and ship/set designs, and more ... This is a drastic departure from the typical 8-10 page treatment of the previously pitched Star Trek series ideas that have not included even a pilot script." The timing of the series has been thought about as well, so don't worry about it conflicting with the current mythology of the "Star Trek" universe. Foster's story is set after "Voyager," and won't conflict with J.J. Abrams' film series since that is set in an alternate timeline. Though he's talked to CBS about his ideas for a potential reboot, Foster said he hasn't officially pitched the network at this time. This isn't the first time Foster has attempted to reboot a classic sci-fi television series. He worked with Richard Hatch to try to make "Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming" back in the late '90s, but that project never came to fruition. He is trying again with this "Star Trek" series, and intends to return the franchise back to creator Gene Roddenberry's original vision. "The series is highly energized with a much younger cast, and uses cutting-edge future technologies with newly envisioned special effects and designs. It includes Klingons, Ferengi, Andorians, Vulcans, Trill, and many more," he said. "The Klingons are getting very restless since the Praxis incident forced them to come to the peace tables, and are tired of having to rely on the Federation for support. The Ferengi have discovered a vast new resource that has propelled them towards instant riches and power beyond anything they have previously experienced." Not intrigued enough? Foster offered up this additional pitch for the series, "If evil wore the face of a hero, would you recognize it? If freedom came in the likeness of your oppressors, would you accept it? If you were your own enemy, who would be victorious? Would you be interested in the "Star Trek" series Foster is pitching? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

Ben Affleck Gets In The 'Line Of Sight'

With "Argo" currently on his plate, Ben Affleck is gearing up for what might be his next directorial effort, "Line of Sight." The Hollywood Reporter has the news that Affleck is circling the project that is being produced by Joel Silver and Andrew Rona. The plan is that he would also star in "Line of Sight," like he did in 2010's "The Town" and the upcoming "Argo." Keeping with the trend of his previous films, "Line of Sight" would be an action thriller, but with a unique conceit. The script for "Line of Sight" was conceived by Alex Heineman and recently worked on by "Halo: Reach" writer Peter O'Brien, so it shouldn't come as a big surprise that the movie will be influenced by first-person shooter video games. "Line of Sight" follows an elite commando squad tasked with transporting important cargo while also dealing with what THR describes as "a global threat." Except what sets "Line of Sight" apart from movies of its ilk is that it tells its story from a perspective similar to that of a first-person-shooter like "Halo: Reach." It is unclear whether that will also involve the camera telling the story from a first-person perspective, like what was attempted in 2005's "Doom." Affleck hasn't officially come on board the project yet, but THR seems to think he had a good chance of signing onto "Line of Sight." First he has to shoot and star in "Argo," though, which starts filming fairly soon. "Argo" follows a group of Hollywood filmmakers who team up with the CIA to free hostages in Iran. It is due out in theaters in 2012. Would you be interested in seeing Ben Affleck direct and star in "Line of Sight"? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

New York Mayor Touts Record 23 Primetime TV Shows Filming in Big Apple

NEW YORK - Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Monday once again emphasized the importance of entertainment productions to New York City, highlighting a record 23 primetime TV shows filming in the city's five boroughs now. Giving his daily press briefing from the set of ABC fall season show Pan Am at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn, Bloomberg said the entertainment industry supports 4,000 local businesses and contributes $5 billion to the local economy. Out of the 23 primetime projects filming now, at least eight are shows picked up out of this year's 20 pilots shot in the Big Apple. The mayor highlighted that the city is also the home to 140 news programs, talk shows and reality series, while 200 films were shot here last year. "During a time of financial distress, more TV shows are shooting in our city than ever before," Bloomberg said, according to a copy of his prepared remarks. "These shows are providing a great boost to our local economy and creating jobs at a time when we really need them. In fact, new growth in our production and entertainment industries is one of the reasons we're creating jobs at a faster clip than the rest of the nation." Citing federal and state labor statistics, the mayor said that since the recession began, "the U.S. has lost 5.6 percent of its private sector jobs. New York City, on the other hand, has lost only 0.3 percent." Bloomberg and Katherine Oliver, commissioner of the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, were joined by executive director of the State Office for Motion Picture & Television Development Pat Kaufman, Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz, other politicians, Steiner Studios chairman Douglas Steiner and Pan Am executive producers Nancy Hult Ganis and Thomas Schlamme, as well as show crew members. "Thousands of New Yorkers are hard at work building sets, making costumes and scouting locations for the record 23 new and returning TV shows that film here," said Bloomberg, according to a statement. "A show like Pan Am employs 400 people behind the scenes and generates activity for our local economy at places like lumberyards, fabric stores and coffee shops. We're working to strengthen and diversify New York City's economy and create jobs and our thriving entertainment industry is a prime example of those efforts paying off." This year, New York City-based shows earned a record 110 Primetime Emmy nominations, he also highlighted. "This fall, our televisions screens will once again be filled with a host of shows that are made right here in the Big Apple," said Oliver. "We wish all the new and returning shows all the best during this upcoming season and at the Primetime Emmys." Steiner thanked the Bloomberg administration for its support of the entertainment industry."This onslaught of film and television production here is a direct result of the mayor and other elected officials working together to make New York City competitive and hassle-free," he said. Steiner Studios, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, is in the midst of an expansion that will "double what is already the largest soundstage and production facility on the East Coast," Bloomberg said. "The Navy Yard has added 2,200 jobs since 2001, and thanks to the Steiner expansion and other developments, it will add over 2,000 more in the next two years." Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com Twitter: @georgszalai Related Topics ABC Pan Am

Showtime Greenlights Three New Aircraft pilots

Showtime's entertainment chief David Nevins is constantly on the put his stamp about the premium cable network's selection, giving a tight schedule-ahead to 3 new aircraft pilots. The very first from the trio is Masters of Sex, an adaptation of Thomas Maier's book of the identical title. The main one-hour drama, from The new sony Pictures TV, focuses on the lives and unusual relationship between influential sexual education scientists William Masters and Virginia Manley. Masters, which in the title alone provides a premium-cable skew, has been compiled by Michelle Ashford (The Off-shore, John Adams). Ashford can also be set to executive produce with Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly (Justified, A Gifted Guy). The 2nd order visited Andrew Gurland's first-person, half-hour docu-comedy Gurland on Gurland. Gurland (The Final Exorcism, Now and then) is placed to create, direct and star within the project, which attracts from their own existence and concentrates on the difficulties connected with entering the next thing of his career. It originates from corporate brother or sister CBS TV Galleries, with Gurland and Glenn Gordon Caron (Medium) mounted on executive produce. Finally, a 1-hour dark family drama entitled Ray Donovan, from Ann Biderman (Southland, Public Opponents). The Showtime-created project, that has comedy undertones, concentrates on a L.A.-based fixer for that wealthy and famous who in the personal existence is damaged. Mark Gordon (Gray's Anatomy, Criminal Minds) has signed onto executive produce. Email: Lacey.Rose@thr.com Twitter: @LaceyVRose Related Subjects Showtime Systems Showtime

The Television Academy Foundation Launches Its Annual Primetime Emmy Online Auction Marketplace (Exclusive)

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation has released its 4th Annual Primetime Emmy Season online auction marketplace. It consists of products and rare encounters supplied by a number of your preferred shows with proceeds supporting the Foundation's educational and archival programs.our editor recommendsReelzChannel To Air Creative Arts EmmysWhy It's Known as an Emmy?Emmys 2011: Can Anybody Break 'The Daily Show's' Emmy Streak? "The auction is definitely an incredible chance for TV fans to invest in once-in-a-lifetime encounters and memorabilia, while supporting an essential cause," states the tv Academy Foundation Executive Director, Norma Provencio Pichardo."We're so grateful for that television community's generous donations of incredible products that attract the funds essential to help offer the mission from the Foundation." Beginning Tuesday evening, fans will receive a opportunity to invest in products, memorabilia, unique encounters, and hang visits from many their most beloved shows, including: -- A hat from Whitened Collar signed by series star Matt Bomer -- A set of Louboutin footwear signed by actress Piper Perabo and Chris Gorham's blind man's stick from Covert Matters -- An extra-large tennis ball from House signed by star Hugh Laurie -- A Times of Our Way Of Life set visit -- A Youthful and also the Restless set tour with guide, starKate Linder -- Set visits to Entertainment Tonight and also the Insider using the chance to satisfy an on-air host -- Very important personel seating at tapings ofThe Tonight Show with Jay Leno,Conan, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and Late Evening with Jimmy Fallon To determine the entire listing of products and also to place bids, visit world wide web.ebay.com/emmysfoundation/. Auction products begin closing on August. 26 at 4 p.m. ET. You may also stick to the action through the Foundation's Facebook Accounts. The Foundation's educational and archival programs range from the College Television Honours, the Fred Rogers Memorial Scholarship, the Summer time Internship Program, and also the Archive of yankee Television. Email: Jethro.Nededog@thr.com Twitter:@TheRealJethro Related Subjects Emmy Honours Primetime Emmy Honours Times of Our Way Of Life Conan House The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Late Evening With Jimmy Fallon Emmys 2011 Whitened Collar

Exclusive First Look: Ringer

Nestor Carbonell and Sarah Michelle Gellar Fans of Sarah Michelle Gellar will happily do a double take when the Buffy vet returns to television as twins in The CW's Ringer. Get an early look at the show's new promo video below, and let us know if seeing twice as much Sarah Michelle Gellar makes you twice as excited for the fall season.

Week in Review: We've Had the Time Of Our Lives

Another summer week draws to a close today — and not a bit too soon, after five days worth of catsuit drama, Dirty Dancing remake controversy, stoner-on-Santa Claus violence and Breaking Dawn sex talk. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite stories from the past few days before kicking the weekend off with a Four Loko-related arrest. Just kidding! I think we all learned our lesson from that troublesome Twilight star. · Lionsgate announced that Kenny Ortega will direct a Dirty Dancing reboot, Movieline generously offered its casting suggestions and Jennifer Grey gave the project her blessing. · The Dark Knight increased security on its Pittsburgh set to deter spoilery pictures. Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway responded to your Catwoman costume complaints. · We checked out the trailers for the Footloose remake, Coriolanus, 50/50, Like Crazy, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, Father of Invention and Abduction. · We determined which movies won and lost the Year of the Alien. · A warm thanks to this week’s Movieline interviewees Danny McBride, Viola Davis, Aziz Ansari, Tony Todd and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. · We saw the first photo of Leonardo DiCaprio in J. Edgar — and director Clint Eastwood revealed that he will be keeping the FBI director’s sexual orientation “open to orientation.” · And lastly, in Twilight news, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart discussed their Breaking Dawn sex scene, a cast member was arrested for a Four Loko-related offense (seriously) and R-Pattz toyed with the idea of becoming a fashion designer.

It's Official: Syfy Renews 'Warehouse 13' For Fourth Season

Syfy To Renew 'Warehouse 13' UPDATE: As expected, Syfy has closed the deal to renew Warehouse 13 for a fourth season. In a far less dramatic fashion than the recent renewal/cancellation of Eureka, the cable network has given Warehouse 13 a 13-episode pickup to match its name. Warehouse 13 remains Syfy's flagship scripted series, most recently drawing 2 million viewers in Live+Same Day. This summer, it was used to launch the cable network's newest drama, Alphas.

Keck's Exclusives: Ray Romano Confirmed for Middle Premiere

Ray Romano ABC is kicking off its fall season with an Everybody Loves Raymond reunion on The Middle. The network is now confirming to me what I first reported in my column back in June that Ray Romano will guest star in the September 21 third season premiere of his former TV wife Patricia Heaton's sitcom. In the special one-hour installment, Ray - whose TNT series Men of a Certain Age was just axed - will play a fellow named Nicky Kohlbrenner, a man from Patricia's character Frankie's past. Turns out he had some hand in ruining Frankie and husband Mike's honeymoon. Series co-creator Eileen Heisler told me the episode, which begins shooting this month, will see the Hecks embarking on a road trip - which sparks memories of the then newlyweds' horrendous honeymoon. Back in June, Patricia told me, "If you have Ray, you want it to be organic and make sense. I think he'll have a blast." Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!