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AMPTP: SAG strike would be self-defeating

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- A group of TV and film producers says in an open letter printed Monday in the Los Angeles Times a Screen Actors Guild strike would be self-defeating.

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SAG President Alan Rosenberg said last month that guild members are to be sent strike referendum ballots in December. SAG and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers met in November with a federal mediator in hopes of working out a new contract, as their most recent one expired June 30. However, the mediator ended the session after little progress was made.

AMPTP has repeatedly said the package it presented June 30 was its final offer, however, SAG has continued to fight for a better deal.

In an open letter to the entertainment industry printed in Monday's Times, AMPTP reminded readers it has already successfully made six major labor agreements with various guilds and unions this year.

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Rosenberg has said SAG members should vote to strike only if all other avenues have been exhausted.

"Because of SAG's failed negotiating strategy, our industry now faces the prospect of another destructive and unnecessary strike," AMPTP, which represents Hollywood's major film studios and TV networks, said in its letter. "A SAG strike would be self-defeating from the start -- with actors losing more within the first several days of the strike than they could ever hope to gain."


'Slumdog' wins big at British indie awards

LONDON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- "Slumdog Millionaire," a film set in India and directed by Briton Danny Boyle, won three prizes at the British Independent Film Awards.

The movie was named best independent film, Boyle best director and star Dev Patel most promising newcomer at the 11th annual awards ceremony at the Old Billingsgate Market in London, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt, who starred in Boyle's 2005 film "Millions," was the event's host.

Michael Fassbender won the best actor award for his work in "Hunger," while Vera Farmiga earned the best actress honor for her performance in "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas."

"Happy-Go-Lucky" cast members Eddie Marsan and Alexis Zegerman picked up prizes for best supporting actor and actress, respectively.

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Playwright Martin McDonagh won the best screenplay gong for his film "In Bruges," the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.


Kerr and Bloom not betrothed

LONDON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Miranda Kerr's publicist says the Australian model isn't engaged to her British beau Orlando Bloom, contrary to media reports claiming otherwise.

Kerr is known for her work for the lingerie giant Victoria's Secret. Bloom has starred in "The Pirates of the Caribbean" and "The Lord of the Rings" blockbusters.

"The story ... is completely false and misleading," Kerr's publicist told People magazine of reports that the couple plan to wed. "Miranda herself has clearly stated she is not engaged. There is nothing else to be said."

Bloom's representative echoed the statement, telling Usmagazine.com, "These rumors are not true."

Kerr and Bloom reportedly have been dating since early this year.


Grammer, Neuwirth to reunite in 'Fame'

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Megan Mullally, Kelsey Grammer and Bebe Neuwirth have signed on to play faculty in the upcoming remake of the New York-set film "Fame," producers said.

Mullally is best known for her work on TV's "Will & Grace."

Grammer and Neuwirth played married psychiatrists Frasier and Lilith Crane in the sit-com "Cheers."

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Debbie Allen, who starred as dance teacher Lydia Grant in the 1980 original, as well as in the subsequent series of the same name, has also joined the cast of the remake as "Principal Simms," Lakeshore Entertainment and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures said Monday. Stage and film actor Charles S. Dutton has signed up for a role, as well.

"This dynamic group of actors all have esteemed backgrounds in the performing arts; they will give 'Fame' the authenticity and energy it deserves," producer Tom Rosenberg, chairman and CEO of Lakeshore Entertainment, said in a statement.

Like the first movie and series, the remake is set at the prestigious New York City High School of Performing Arts. The new film is to be directed by Kevin Tancharoen.

"This picture is a celebration, a testament to people pursuing their dreams, so we set out to find talented actors who could both convincingly instruct on screen and also inspire audiences," MGM Chairman Mary Parent said.

The movie is scheduled to open in theaters Sept. 25.

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