Writers Guild Awards announces 2014 nominations

With some shocking inclusions and write-offs, we wonder what the WGA nominees could mean for the Oscars.

The Writers Guild Awards (WGA) nominations for 2014 are in and we can’t help but wonder what their implications for the much-awaited Academy Awards will be.

Although the WGA hasn’t received due attention from the public, past trends have shown that the WGA has been spot on in predicting winners of significant Oscar award categories. Since the year 2000, the WGA has correctly forecasted who would bag the Oscars for Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay, ten times each, according to hollywood.com.

So, with the announcement of WGA nominees, we can’t wait to see if the results this time will follow the previous pattern and closely parallel those of the Oscars.

What? No mention of Inside Llewyn David! Perhaps the biggest shocker is that the WGA has snubbed Coen Brothers’ Inside Llewyn David, which many suggested to be a strong contender for a spot in the Oscars’ Best Original Screenplay category. Director Nicole Holofcener’s most celebrated film to date, Enough Said, was also overlooked for Original Screenplay, which was unexpected since the WGA nominated her previous film Please Give in the year 2010, reports deadline.com.

Lee Daniels’ The Butler, which is a three-time nominee of Screen Actors Guild Awards 2014, also didn’t make it to the WGA list. The WGA were also unimpressed by Alfonso and Jonas Cuaron’s Gravity, who may have seen it more of a technical achievement than a screenplay spectacle.

With some shocking inclusions and write offs, we look forward to the forthcoming 66th annual WGA, which is scheduled to be held on February 1, 2014.

The WGA has nominated the following 2013 screenplays in its Screen category:

Original screenplay

American Hustle

Blue Jasmine

Dallas Buyers Club

Her

Nebraska

Adapted screenplay

August: Osage County

Before Midnight

Captain Phillips

Lone Survivor

The Wolf of Wall Street

Documentary screenplay

Dirty Wars

Sherlock

No Place on Earth

Stories We Tell

We Steal Secrets

Here are some more WGA 2014 award nominees:

TV nominees

Drama series

Breaking Bad

The Good Wife

Homeland

House of Cards

Mad Men

Comedy series

30 Rock

Modern Family

Orange Is the New Black

Parks and Recreation

Veep

Let the New Year begin

There is no denying that Dhoom 3 has been breaking records all across the world

Plan the first week of 2014 with our events calendar of the activities you shouldn’t miss, the best new restaurant deals and the movies we’re anticipating.

Perfect Night Out

The Second Floor has a couple of things lined up for us this week — a Daastangoi (oral storytelling) called Tilism e Hoshruba, where actors Fawad Khan and Nazrul Hasan will present excerpts from the world’s first Urdu magical fantasy tale, will take place on Saturday, January 4, to pay homage to the richness of Urdu Literature. Following that on January 7, Dr Nida Kirmani will be discussing the marginalisation of Muslims. Her research highlights the multiple factors that produce insecurity alongside religious identity, including gender, ethnicity, age and class. At the Arts Council Pakistan, Tehrik-i-Niswan will be presenting ‘Celebrate Karachi’, which includes dance performances and a theatre play. Watch the playKirchi Kirchi Karachi and celebrate the city of lights with friends and family on Sunday, January 5.

Movies Galore

With local cinemas packed with chartbuster movies, there is no reason for you to sit at home and snuggle that man-sized blanket of yours. It’s time to enjoy the chilly winters and head off to your nearest cinemas for a movie night with friends and family. Although critics have bombed Dhoom 3, there is no denying that the Aamir Khan-starrer has been breaking records all across the world and this justifies why you should watch it at least once, if you haven’t already. Nueplex, Atrium and Centaurus Cineplex have back-to-back shows ready for grabs. If you don’t fancy Bollywood movies, there is a great line-up of interesting Hollywood flicks including The Hobbit sequel, Saving Mr Banks and The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty. In case you are planning a family day out, Frozen can be your best bet. So book your tickets and stuff up those butter popcorns.

Exotic Afternoons

This holiday season treat yourself to everyday brunch at The Patio. No need to wait for a Sunday to have a hearty meal at a nice restaurant. Indulge yourself in exotic cuisines from Tuesday to Sunday and give a kick start to your day.

Bloody Nasreen to come to the big screen

Usman Mukhtar teams up with creator of graphic novel for new feature film, set in futuristic Karachi. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

LAHORE: 

Who exactly is Bloody Nasreen? Most of us don’t have a clue. Bloody Nasreen is the creation of graphic artist Shahan Zaidi, who says that his fictional character is a contemporary bandit-queen, who fights against injustice and evil.

While his graphic novel is still in progress, Zaidi’s character has been drawing quite an interest from several upcoming film-makers, who want to make a film based on the character. It was announced last week that film-maker Usman Mukhtar would be collaborating with Zaidi, for a detailed plan to create a full-length feature film based on Bloody Nasreen.

“I have been approached several times, not only for movies but also for games and T-shirts, and many fans have even purchased the posters,” says Zaidi.

“Usman showed great interest. I saw his work and he seems to be passionate [about comics]. I hope he will do justice to the character.”

The character Bloody Nasreen has gained relative cult popularity via social media. Zaidi started out as cartoonist in 1997 and is a painter and concept artist, who has worked in several major production studios, but comics seem to have taken the forefront for him.

“In 1999, when I was 17, I made a comic for a local magazine called ID Magazine. It was about a superhero fighting crime in futuristic Karachi. It was published, but I couldn’t continue it due to my studies.” It was then that Zaidi decided that he would be making another comic series based on local characters.

“The comic book culture isn’t particularly prevalent in Pakistan, but we have had a number of movies based on comics that have released in the past few years,” says Zaidi. The artist believes that people have now become familiar with the medium, and more artists are releasing comic books in the country. “I think social media has played a big role, particularly Facebook, and also, the revival of cinema has helped,” says Zaidi.

“I grew up reading comic books and graphic novels, I think it’s the second best way of telling stories, after movies,” he adds. Another reason for producing a graphic novel was that Zaidi didn’t have the resources to make a film. “Since I am not a professional writer, I haven’t yet finished the novel, but much artwork has already been produced,” he shares. Now, Zaidi will be involved in the creative aspect of the film, and that is something he is very excited about.

“I am sure if it is made right, this movie will be fun to watch. I think a cult audience will like it, just like Tarantino movies. Of course, if someone goes to the cinema with a Godfather type drama in mind, they will be disappointed,” says Zaidi.

Regardless, Usman Mukhtar says that the project was a dream, since he is a comic-fan, who has been searching for the perfect Pakistani superhero. He is expecting a two-year production time, in which they plan to complete the film. The two have already begun creating a screenplay and storyline.

“The challenge is that we have to create an entire world!” says Mukhtar.  “We do not want to exaggerate it, but keep it very close to reality, so the challenge will obviously be finding the right creative team, since nothing like this has ever been done before.”

The challenge of finding an actor who can easily fit into the role of Bloody Nasreen, a powerful female character, will be challenging. But Mukhtar says they plan on doing all their homework before making a decision on the casting.

“We live in a male-dominated society, and generally, most superhero films have male leads. I think it will be interesting to see how this turns out,” says Mukhtar. “The challenging part will be finding someone to play Bloody Nasreen. If you asked me right now, I would say the only person I can think of is not from Pakistan but India. We will need to conduct local auditions, and the character will require a lot of dedication in terms of time, training and diet which most likely will affect other projects.”

We look forward to seeing not only a female protagonist in a film, but a crime-fighting one at that.

2016 is gearing up to be the year for Bloody Nasreen!

BUNDESLIGA / A FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT

Robert Lewandowski signs for Bayern

FC Bayern have confirmed the signing of 25-year-old Poland international Robert Lewandowski. The striker, who will see out the remainder of his contract with Borussia Dortmund until the end of the season, will join Germany’s most successful club on 1 July 2014.

Following the obligatory pre-transfer medical in Munich, Lewandowski signed a five-year contract keeping him at FCB until 30 June 2019. The club was represented by chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and board director for sport Matthias Sammer, with the player represented by his agents Cezary Kucharski and Maik Barthel.

“We’re very pleased about completing this transfer,” commented FC Bayern Munich AG chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “Robert Lewandowski is one of the best strikers in the world. He will strengthen the Bayern squad and give us another boost. We’re delighted both parties have today signed a five-year contract until 2019.

Top 10: Mouth-watering transfers that never happened

Top 10: Mouth-watering transfers that never happened

1. RONALDINHO to Manchester United

The Red Devils sold David Beckham to Real Madrid in 2003, and there were rumours they wanted to replace him with the Brazil trickster Ronaldinho who was playing for PSG at the time.

However Man United were outbid by Barcelona and were left looking pretty stupid after he went on to win the World Player Of The Year twice with the Catalans!

2. ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI to Blackburn Rovers

Robert Lewandowski wasn't a big name back in 2010, but Blackburn saw his potential and tried to sign the striker.

3. RADAMEL FALCAO to Aston Villa

In January 2008, Aston Villa were linked with a move for the powerful striker who was smashing in the goals for River Plate in Argentina.

4. MICHAEL ESSIEN to Burnley

This is an incredible one!

Burnley missed out on signing 17-year-old midfielder Michael Essien for free!

5. DIDIER DROGBA to Arsenal

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted he could have signed Didier Drogba from France club Le Mans for only £100,000 in 2002!

6. YAYA TOURE to Arsenal

Back in 2003, Arsenal had tried to arrange a deal for £1.6million. He came over for a trial and impressed Arsenal but they couldn't offer him a contract as he was unable to get a work permit to play in England.

7. GARETH BALE to Manchester United

They reportedly did try to sign Bale in the summer but we're talking about the time six years earlier.

Gareth Bale was playing at left-back for Southampton when Man United were rumoured to be looking for a deal in 2007.

But Southampton rejected United's offer and he moved on to Spurs later for £10million.

8. ZINEDINE ZIDANE to Newcastle United

Considered one of the best footballers ever; though clearly not by Newcastle! They turned down the chance to sign him in 1996 for a measly £1.6million from Bordeaux.

He moved to Juventus instead for £2.9million.

9. CRISTIANO RONALDO to Arsenal or Liverpool

There were rumours flying that Liverpool were interested in bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo before Man United did, though a deal couldn't be struck because they refused to offer big wages.

As for Arsenal, they were agonising close to getting the Portuguese winger and even gave him a shirt!

10. ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC to Arsenal

Arsene Wenger offered the then 20-year-old Swede a trial training session in 2001 to see if he was a good fit for Arsenal or not.

The skilful striker rejected the offer, claiming he doesn't do trials - I doubt Wenger expected that! He instead signed for Eredivisie giants Ajax.

HP adds another 5,000 jobs to layoff plan for 34,000 total

Computer giant is increasing the number of positions it expects to eliminate as part of a years-long turnaround plan.

Hewlett-Packard is yet again ramping up the number of jobs it expects to eliminate as part of its turnaround plan, blaming market and business pressures for the cuts in a regulatory filing Monday.

The world's largest computer maker revealed in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it expects to cut an additional 5,000 jobs on top of the 29,000 it previously planned to eliminate. The company originally announced plans to cut 27,000 positions in May 2012, boosting that figure in September 2012.

HP, which currently employs about 331,800 worldwide, expects the cuts to be completed by October 2014."Due to continued market and business pressures, as of October 31, 2013, HP expects to eliminate an additional 15% of those 29,000 positions, or a total of approximately 34,000 positions, and to record an additional 15% of that $3.6 billion in total costs, or approximately $4.1 billion in aggregate charges," the company said in itsannual report. "HP expects to record these charges through the end of HP's 2014 fiscal year as the accounting recognition."

Job cuts already made as part of the plan appeared to be helping the company's turnaround efforts. In November, the company reported a fourth-quarter profit of $1.4 billion, or 73 cents a share, on revenue of $29.1 billion, down 3 percent from the same quarter in 2012

Sony troubles persist: Factories said to be target of staff cuts

Sony is trying to make its consumer electronics business profitable. And that appears to require more cuts at production facilities

Sony Vaio Pro. Demand for Sony PCs has slumped, says Nikkei.

(Credit: Sony)

Financial woes continue to weigh on Sony as it looks to cut staff at production facilities, according to a Japanese report.

The consumer electronics maker will offer early retirement packages for employees at Sony EMCS, a wholly owned production subsidiary, according to a Nikkei report on Tuesday.

The subsidiary operates five production facilities in Japan and employs 5,000 people.

Sony President Kazuo Hirai has been on a crusade to revive its electronics business, which has been beset by losses. The goal was to be profitable by this fiscal year.

Sony implemented staff cuts last year of 10,000.On October 31, Sony cut its profit forecast for the fiscal year after reporting a net loss of 19.3 billion yen (about $183 million) in the second quarter and trimmed its sales forecasts at that time for consumer products such as TVs, PCs, and digital cameras.

Its electronics business has been hit especially hard by competition from South Korean electronics giants, according to Nikkei.

And changing consumer tastes have also had an impact on its core electronics products. "Demand for digital cameras and computers has slumped with the rise of smartphones andtablets, and economic growth in emerging markets is flagging," Nikkei said.

In a separate development, Sony and Panasonic, as reported earlier, have ended a joint venture to make panels for large-screen TVs based on OLED technology.