Despite the fact that Americans are staying away from this dud, the morning chat shows continue to plug the film. Only this morning, NBC’s Today Show had Penelope Cruz talking about her role in “Nine.”

What kind of pact do these talk shows make with film distributors? Why do they keep promoting films that clearly hold little interest for the film-going public? How much do talk shows get paid to plug films? Are the raves and gushy interviews supposed to instill confidence in the network’s journalistic integrity?

“Nine” has confirmed that the star system as we know it is all but over. All that talent in “Nine” couldn’t bring audiences into theaters, while films like “The Hangover” with no stars earn a total of $459,422,869 to date worldwide.

It’s time stop trying to get blood from a stone. “Nine” is no more that a three and a half.  Lets move on and clear the airwaves. There are plenty of worthy films and actors to talk about.

This year, Will Ferrell tops the list with flops like Land of the Lost and Step Brothers. Coming in second is Scottish actor, Ewan McGregor.

Other names on the most overpaid list are Eddie Murphy who ranks fourth.  For every dollar Murphy was paid, his films earned only an average $4.43. Coming in at number 6 is Tom Cruise who shows a return on investment of only $7.18.

Compare that to the actor who tops Forbes list of Best Actor for the Buck, Shia LeBeouf. His films earn an average of $160 for every dollar the young actor is paid.

To read the entire story visit the Forbes site:

http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/17/hollywoods-most-overpaid-stars-business-entertainment-overpaid-stars.html?partner=relatedstoriesbox

Another thing missing from the American Film Market is the security guards outside the hotel who last year searched bag, purses and suitcases before allowing people to enter.

Has the AFM lowered it’s terror threat for 2009?  Are we safer this year than last, or is it the bad economy that prevents the AFM from conducting what most feel was an unnecessary search in the first place?

When we asked for a reason we were referred to the AFM Security Office who sent us to AFM Management–who offered no comment.

Of the acquisition companies new to the AFM, 13 are from South Korea; 10 from the U.S; seven from Russia; five from China; and four from Canada. Additionally, there will be multiple buying companies joining from Brazil, France, Germany, Hungary India, Mexico, Spain and the Czech Republic.

The number of exhibitors however has dropped  by 43, from 412 last year to 369, representing a 10% decrease but on par with numbers earlier this decade.

The AFM will screen 486 motion pictures in 28 languages, including 75 world premieres and 328 market premieres to buyers and industry professionals from more than 70 countries.

Meanwhile, contrary to popular opinion, it is not all doom and gloom at this year’s AFM. Rising admissions figures around the globe and the breakout success of micro-budget films such as Paramount’s Paranormal Activity confirm the wisdom of creative financing combined with calculated, artistic risk-taking.

While sales agents once came to Santa Monica confident of locking in perhaps 60% of the budget through pre-sales, in 2009 expectations are more modest as the slump in TV advertising and the flattening DVD sector means even the biggest sellers on the circuit are turning to other financing sources to make up the numbers.

Gone are the reckless investors who created a glut of $40m-$50m product in the market — now the focus is on quality at both ends of the budget range.

Screen Daily quotes IM Global’s Stuart Ford as claiming “the slowdown in production seems to be causing increased competition for the stronger new packages,” says . “The key buyers aren’t in the ‘wait and see’ frame of mind they were in a year ago.”

FilmNation chief Glen Basner adds: “It’s not accurate to say you cannot pre-sell. There has been a significant shift in terms of valuation and what people are willing to pre-buy, but if you hit that target you can do it.”

Japan used to be about as big a target as any sales agent could aim for, but these days it has become one of the toughest sells. Young audiences no longer regard US product as a must-see, be it studio or independent, and it is female audiences that drive viewing decisions.

“We’re looking for projects with strong stories and emotional content that will appeal to Japanese audiences - something that is new and not necessarily star-driven,” says Avex Entertainment head of acquisitions Ken Umehara in Screen Daily.

“In difficult times entertainment has a chance of growing, so we believe in the future of the theatrical business and home video,” says PlayArte Pictures vice-president Otelo Bettin Coltro. “We are aggressively acquiring more rights for Brazil and Latin America and we are optimistic there will be product.”

The Matthew McConaughey Jennifer Garner starrer, Ghost of Girlfriends Past came a distant second with a $15,325,000 box office total, and the Beyonce film, Obsessed come in third, earning $12.2M dollars.

For more details visit www.BoxOfficeMojo.com

It was actually refreshing to hear Julia Roberts drop a bunch of F-Bombs at a Film Society of Lincoln Center event honoring actor, Tom Hanks. Ms. Roberts unloaded the expletives as she roasted Hanks, starting her three and a half minute turn at the microphone with “It’s late, I’m paying my babysitter overtime and I have to pee.”  She then when on to exclaim, “Tom Hanks. What the fuck?”

Roberts was one of the last people to speak on Hanks’ behalf that evening, so with all of her jokes stolen by others, Julia let loose.

You go, girl.

You can see video of the event here:

http://www.popeater.com/movies/article/julia-roberts-drops-f-bombs-at-tom-hanks/450123

The Motion Picture Association of America originally gave the film the dreaded NC-17 rating forcing the filmmakers to cut scenes and make Bruno more palatable for the masses.

After seeing the latest cut, the ratings board reversed it’s decision and gave Bruno an R for “pervasive strong and crude sexual content, graphic nudity and language.”

Meanwhile the poster for the movie has recently been released, and you can catch the trailer at:  http://www.thebrunomovie.com

Richet will be doing a Q&A after screening.

The festival will also screen the latest film from veteran filmmaker Costa-Gavras (”Z”), “Eden Is West.”

The festival will present a total of 50 films, including 30 features and 20 shorts, as well as World and International Premieres like the opening night film, “Someone I Loved” (“Je l’aimais”), which will be released in France on May 6, 2009. Starring Daniel Auteuil and Marie-Josée Croze.

The event takes place at the Director’s Guild on Sunset Blvd. and tickets are available at the door, if the event is not sold out.

James Cromwell, Billy Baldwin, Jean Smart, Noah Wyle and Steven Weber were just some of the stars to sip cocktails and enjoy Falcon’s delicious hors d’oeuvres while mingling and watching Falcon’s huge TV screen playing Barack Obama speeches.

Richard Greene broadcast live from the event which also featured musical performances by Alan Paul of Manhattan Transfer, jazz fusion guitarist, Stanley Jordan and virtuoso violinist Lili Haydn.

Dawna Shuman of Lighthouse PR handled press,  Organic beer and wine was provided courtesy New Belgium Beer and other tasty drinks courtesy of Patron.

Celebs expressed desire to use their influence and passion to help Congress and the White House inaugurate a new beginning for America.

Falcon is located at 7213 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.

Exhibitor-affiliated participants totaled 3,791 and industry attendees (non-buyers and sellers) were 1,745.  409 companies from 36 countries exhibited, which marks the fifth straight year the AFM has reached full capacity at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and Le Merigot Beach Hotel.  Additionally, 527 films in 35 languages were screened during AFM.

Founded in 1981, the AFM has become the premiere global marketplace where Hollywood’s decision-makers and trendsetters all gather under one roof.  Unlike a film festival, the AFM is a marketplace where production and distribution deals are closed.  The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), the trade association representing the world’s producers and distributors of independent motion pictures and television programs.  More information can be found at http://www.ifta-online.org/afm.

AFM 2009 will be held Wednesday, November 4 to Wednesday, November 11.