SHORT SHOTS
Sydney set for ‘Alien’ invasion
Ridley Scott’s upcoming Alien: Covenant will use Australia’s New South Wales for its principal photography, following the injection of state government support.
The film had previously been confirmed to shoot in Australia, following a federal government grant, and several states had jockeyed to land the picture.
The NSW government did not specify how much finance it will provide, but said that the film would contribute some A$60 million (1.54 billion baht) to the local economy.
The move potentially gives the state a trio of Alien movies. Director, Scott has recently said that he envisages three prequel movies and that the plan is to shoot all three in Australia. Covenant is a second prequel, following Prometheus.
Michael Fassbender will reprieve his role and is expected at the Fox Studios in Sydney from March next year. The film is scheduled for release in October 2017. VARIETY
Lambert ‘too sexy’ for Singapore
Adam Lambert may have been a hit on American Idol but rival petitions in Singapore have gathered thousands of online votes in a lively debate over whether he is too sexy to be allowed to perform at the city-state’s largest New Year’s Eve concert.
The petition against Lambert, addressed to concert organiser Mediacorp and the government, has gathered around 14,000 signatures to back its case that a performance by the openly gay singer did not align with Singaporean values.
However, two rival petitions backing Lambert had gathered more than 11,000 votes by Friday arguing that allowing the performance would show that Singapore shunned discrimination and promoted diversity.
The concert organiser said it was sticking with Lambert, a runner-up on American Idol who caused controversy during his 2009 American Music Awards performance when he kissed his male keyboard player and simulated sexual acts with dancers.
Sex between men is illegal in Singapore. REUTERS
Rowling explains magic of forgiveness
Harry Potter readers have long wanted to know: Why did the boy wizard choose to honour Severus Snape — a teacher who had been so mean to him?
Author JK Rowling took to Twitter to answer the enduring question on Friday in an exchange with a fan who asked why one of Harry’s children received the middle name of Severus.
The acclaimed author explained that Harry paid tribute to Snape because of “forgiveness and gratitude”. Though Snape bullied Harry, he also saved him.
“Harry hoped in his heart that he too would be forgiven. The deaths at the Battle of Hogwarts would haunt Harry forever,” she said.
Rowling said that while a whole essay could be written on why Harry gave his son Snape’s name, it goes to the “heart of who Harry was, post-war”. AP
Funk pioneer Cynthia Robinson dies
Trumpet player and singer Cynthia Robinson, an original member of psychedelic funk pioneers Sly and the Family Stone, has died, the band said in statement on Friday. She was 71.
Robinson was one of the first women horn players to be featured prominently in a top American pop band and also provided vocals to such hits as Dance to the Music with Sly and the Family Stone.
In announcing her death, the band posted a statement on its website saying, “Our condolences go out to the Robinson Family and her band mates and all family [and] friends! You are in our thoughts and prayers and we are here for you.”
It also asked for continued support for the Cynthia Robinson Cancer Care Fund.
The New York Times reported that Robinson died on Monday at her daughter’s home in Carmichael, California, a suburb of her hometown of Sacramento. REUTERS
‘Zoolander 2’ is ridiculously hot right now
Paramount Pictures’ Zoolander 2 has broken the record for the most online views for a comedy trailer since the promo launched on Nov 18, having been watched 52.2 million times in its first week of release.
Stiller directs himself as Derek Zoolander in the comedy sequel. The film also stars Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Penelope Cruz, Kristen Wiig, Fred Armisen, Milla Jovovich, Christine Taylor, Justin Theroux and Kyle Mooney.
In the film, Stiller’s model Derek Zoolander teams up with his rival Hansel (Wilson) to prevent the assassinations of the most beautiful people in the world — including stars like Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Usher and Lenny Kravitz. The trailer also includes cameos from Benedict Cumberbatch and Bieber.
The movie opens on Feb 12. VARIETY
Baby on the way for Hathaway
Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway and her husband, producer Adam Shulman, are expecting their first child, according to celebrity news website E!.
“Anne is in her second trimester and feeling great!” a source close to the 33-year-old told E! News.
Hathaway, who earned an Oscar in 2013 for her performance as Fantine in Les Miserables, married Shulman in 2012. He is a year older than her. AFP