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Home , Abigail Breslin, Ariel Winter, Atticus Shaffer, Bailee Madison, Body of Proof, Body of Proof (season 2)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011 VARIETY.COM/FEATURES ■ 25

YOUTH IMPACT REPORT 2011 Talent finds ‘tape’ is taking over the town By PETER DEBRUGE

ike the kids themselves, youth casting is getting L tech savvy: auditions recorded by digital camera, submitted by via email or Vimeo, followed by callbacks over Skype. “It’s become an integral part of the business,” says United Talent Agency youth guru Mitchell Gossett. “There’s not a single casting office in town that doesn’t IS THE NEXT BIG THING accept it on a daily basis” — where “it” is so-called “tape,” an en- Gossett dearingly old- school name for the process by which actors record their in the cards? own auditions via iPhone or Hollywood hunts for replacements as ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘Twilight’ Flip cam and submit the vid- eos for casting consideration. and other power youth properties run their course The biz still refers to it as “tape” because that’s how it started: With bulky, 3/4-inch By TATIANA SIEGEL of kids with the right concept. Tim- multiplatform expansion. Though cassettes being overnight- ing is a big part of it.” the series spawned the reality dance shipped back and forth across arry Potter has cast his has high hopes competition “Make Your the country from out-of-town final spell. Hannah Mon- that it has already found its next Mark,” there’s no talk yet of crossing cattle calls. If the recordings tana performed her clos- behemoth with its dance-centric the characters over to the bigscreen were made overseas, they ing number. The “Twi- series “,” now in its in the same fashion as “Hannah Mon- had to be transferred from H light Saga” will take one second season. In fact, Walt Disney tana” and the “High School Musical” PAL to NTSC before cast- last bite of the box office next fall. Co. has placed its corporate machine classmates. ing directors could watch Hollywood’s kid-friendly market- behind the property with the aim of Meanwhile, is put- them — not an easy process, place finds itself at a crossroads, as ting its muscle behind a of music- even just a few years ago, the megastars and uber-franchises themed series, the See TAPE page 61 of the past decade have given way INSIDE topliner “,” the boy band to more question marks than shoo-in Power of Youth vehicle “” and the successors. Event gives philanthropy-conscious stars upcoming pop/hip-hop/coming-of- Conventional wisdom dictates a platform for their causes. PAGE 26 age hybrid “,” based on that a new youth-driven phoenix a book from should rise from the ashes, but the Impact List (“”). studios and fans alike find them- What do Justin Bieber and a 21-year-old “We’re in a time where there is selves still waiting for the next big Oscar nom have in common? They both a shift and a changeover with the thing. made our young-achiever roster. PAGE 31 stars,” says Marjorie Cohn, presi- “When you’re talking about the Up Next dent of original programming and ‘Harry Potters,’ the ‘Hannah Monta- development at Nickelodeon. “As is Meet 15 minors with major projects in ’ and the ‘High School Musicals,’ always the case, there’s a transition the works. PAGE 55 you don’t see one out there right as new talent emerges.” now,” says Adam Bonnett, senior VP Looking Ahead Similarly, the film industry is of original series at Disney Channel. Teens from the Actors Fund program feeling its own growing pains as “That doesn’t mean that the next one contribute showbiz stories. PAGE 65 the multibillion-dollar “Harry Pot- cast Riley Thomas won’t come along in a heartbeat. It’s ter” franchise exited the multiplex Stewart in “The Beaver” from a about finding the right kid or group Halo Awards See NEXT BIG THING page 63 taped and Skype chat. TeenNick kudocast pairs engaged kids with like-minded celebs. PAGE 67 Illustration: Cheyne Gateley/Variety 26 ■ VARIETY.COM/FEATURES V PLUS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011

POWER OF YOUTH: HONOREES WHAT: Variety’s Power of Youth WHEN: Tomorrow, Noon to 3 p.m. W

In the spirit of encouraging altruism early, Variety’s Power of Youth awards recognize seven young s

BAILEE MADISON Cause-conscious celebs, like Actress hangs out at Alex’s Lemonade Stand David Henrie, interact with kids from LA’s BEST, below, WHO: At 12, Bailee Madi- starrer “Just Go With ily comedy “Us & Them” at the 2010 event. son is one of the most ac- It”). She landed the lead with and complished actresses her in “Don’t Be Afraid of the . age, appearing in serious Dark” after her “Broth- WHAT: Alex’s Lemonade dramas (like “Brothers” ers” co-star Natalie Port- Stand Foundation de- and “Conviction”) and man recommended her veloped from a modest broad studio comedies to producer Guillermo fund-raising project by (such as del Toro. Next up is fam- cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). At the age of 4, Scott an- nounced she wanted to erect a lemonade stand in her front yard, donat- ing the proceeds to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since then, the Foundation has raised more than $45 million toward her goal, funding more than 200 research projects nationally. WHY: “You are never too young to make a differ- ence,” Madison says. “Pass out some lemonade! You never know: Your $2 could be the dollar that finds a cure!” WHAT’S NEXT: A fundrais- ing cookout featuring chef Suzanne Goin, business partner Caroline Styne, chef David Lentz and hon- orary hosts Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka as part of the second an- nual L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade event Nov. 6 at the Culver Studios man- sion.

DARREN CRISS Star crooner gleefully supports the Trevor Project Care fair sets stage WHO: Best known as saving and life-affirming resources. By IAIN BLAIR The Power of Youth initiative on Fox’s “,” will WHY: “After gaining the incredible was created to “encourage the next make a short starring stint on platform from ‘Glee,’ it wasn’t so ow times have changed. great generation of our industry to Broadway in January in tuner much of a decision to get involved Just a few generations support philanthropic and charitable “How to Succeed in Business as it was an opportunity to take ago, the thinking went, causes,” says Variety publisher Brian Without Really Trying,” filling part,” Criss says. “I’ll be honest, “Children should be seen, Gott. “We don’t tell them which ef- Daniel Radcliffe’s shoes. He re- I’m not so much into the idea of not heard.” Today, the forts to support. We tell them to pick cently wrapped filming Anony- one cause being more important H power of youth increasingly holds something that touches their hearts mous Content’s Kristen Wiig star- than another; however, I felt that sway, both economically and cultur- and commit their energy to it. They rer “Imogene.” the Trevor Project was a perfect ally, as evidenced by Variety’s annual are role models, and if they do that, WHAT: The Trevor Project fit for my efforts. It stands for a next-gen charity event, taking place the millions of people who look up to is the leading national lot of things that I believe Saturday on the Paramount backlot. them will do the same.” organization provid- in, as well as falls in line Now in its fifth year, the high-im- While the remainder of Variety’s ing crisis interven- with much of what ‘Glee’ pact Power of Youth has become Youth Impact Report acknowledges tion and suicide stands for.” a must-attend cause for young stars, young stars responsible for mak- prevention ser- WHAT’S NEXT: Annual mixing entertainment in the form of ing waves on the business front, the vices to lesbian, benefit Trevor NextGen live performances, activity stations, Power of Youth event is all about giv- gay, bisexual, happens next month in free food and people watching with ing back — and teaching up-and-com- transgender and . The event, an inspirational message about the ers to make philanthropy a priority. questioning to be held Nov. 4 at the importance of giving back. The pro- Past years have honored such youth. The org Union Square Ballroom, gram has raised $2.5 million to date, cause-conscious celebs as Justin is determined will feature music by DJ supported once again by presenting Bieber (supporting Pencils for Prom- to end suicide Keo Nozari, complimen- sponsor the Hub, along with PlaySta- ise), (St. Jude among LGBTQ tary Absolut cocktails, a tion 3, Nike, Hurley, Coca-Cola, Paul Children’s Research Hospital) and youth by silent auction and raffle Frank, “” , who founded the All providing life- prizes. and Chipotle. It Takes org with her mother, Lori. John M. Heller/Getty Images FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011 V PLUS VARIETY.COM/FEATURES ■ 27

WHERE: Paramount Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave., g stars who leverage their celebrity for good ANGUS T. JONES Top-paid TV teen boosts St. Jude cancer care WHO: As the kid component of CBS’ hit sitcom “Two and Half Men,” Angus T. Jones has been going toe-to-toe with Emmy winner Jon Cryer and, until re- cently, . In September, Jones proved he is no third wheel when the ninth season of skein, joined by Ash- ton Kutcher, debuted to monster ratings. WHAT: St. Jude Children’s Research Hos- pital, located in Memphis, Tenn., is one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centers. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. WHY: “I realize cancer affects all ages of people, but the kids (at St. Jude) really touch my ,” Jones says. “Anything to make their day more ‘normal’ — a Justin Bieber smile, a hug, a visit from someone they and Bow Wow may or may not even know — helps take their mind off what they are going through. I can’t imagine what a difficult and treatment for children with cancer situation it would be to have cancer as a and other catastrophic diseases. In the child. I respect St. Jude and all they do.” meantime, the org is engaged in the a WHAT’S NEXT: Next year, St. Jude will massive effort to do whole genome se- celebrate 50 years of pioneering research quencing of pediatric cancer tumors. Dylan Minnette CHLOE MORETZ Shooting with Scorsese led her to the Film Foundation WHO: Last year, Chloe Moretz appeared WHY: “I wasn’t aware of the Film Founda- as a tomboy in “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” tion until I worked with Martin Scorsese a decades-old vampire in “Let Me In” on ‘Hugo,’ ” Moretz says. “As an actor, and the ultraviolent, potty-mouthed Hit I think the preservation work the Film Girl in “Kick-Ass.” Her latest role, being Foundation does, allowing me to see the released next month, is in Martin Scors- work of actors that came before, is so ese’s first family adventure, the film important. Without their efforts, I would

Photos: WireImage.com preservation-themed “Hugo.” never have had the opportunity to see Variety publisher Brian Gott hangs out with WHAT: The Film Foundation is a nonprofit the work of these inspiring actors.” 2010 POY honoree Shailene Woodley. org established in 1990 by Scorsese, dedi- WHAT’S NEXT: Upcoming screenings of re- cated to protecting and preserving motion stored films funded by the Film Founda- picture history by providing annual sup- tion include James W. Horne’s “Way Out port for preservation and restoration proj- West” (1937) starring comedy duo Laurel ects at the leading film archives. Since its and Hardy on Oct. 26 at L.A.’s Hammer for of giving inception, the foundation has been instru- Museum, and the Nov. 9 screening of mental in raising awareness of the urgent Curtis Harrington’s “Night Tide” (1961) need for film preservation and has helped at the U. of Colorado at Boulder. “The thing I most remember for the audience: One year, Cosgrove to save more than 545 motion pictures. — Profiles by Addie Morfoot about the event last year was all the and Selena Gomez competed in a smiles,” recalls Woodley, now star- virtual dance-off, and both Miley ring opposite in Cyrus and Vanessa Hudgens “The .” “Everyone entertained with a spur-of-the- was so excited to be there, moment karaoke performance. and all the sponsors were so For Gott, the event is giving.” important because “it mo- Woodley also singles out bilizes our industry’s next “all the little kids there, who generation to take action, took it all in and realized that to care. These are the it’s not just about having fun personalities who are de- and going crazy, but about what fining pop culture. They we can all do to help the world can make a real — and and positively impact it.” positive — difference.” The afternoon gives the Looking ahead, Gott sees young performers a chance to a bright for the event: mingle with representatives “As long as they care, and of the honorees’ various chari- want to make a difference, ties, providing a once-in-a-life- Variety’s Power of Youth will time opportunity for seriously be their partner and a platform ill children and those in need to for them to get involved and interact with their idols. give back.” In the past, the teen stars have been inspired to contribute Awareness makes Madison Pettis unique, impromptu performances a positive role model.

The Power of Youth shines bright at R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour series on The Hub, and we could not be more proud! We thank all of our stars for making the show such a special experience for the entire family, and more importantly, for being such great young people. You rock!

Matt Angel Dakota Goyo Connor Price Gabe Basso Emma Grabinsky Thomas Robinson Jean-Luc Bilodeau Riley Griffi ths Kacey Rohl Robert Capron Richard Harmon Grayson Russell Madeline Carroll Liam James Debbie Ryan Jake Cherry Frankie Jonas Garrett Ryan Bobby Coleman Braeden LeMasters Uriah Shelton Joel Courtney Landon Liboiron Jason Spevak Kerris Dorsey Quinn Lord BooBoo Stewart Sarah Dugdale Bailee Madison Gregg Sulkin Jodelle Ferland Brendan Meyer Brianne Tju Zachary Gordon Dylan Minnette Madison Pettis

And congratulations to Bailee Madison.....one of Variety’s 2011 Power of Youth honorees, for her work with Alex’s Lemonade Stand. The youth of today is crucial to our future tomorrow and we are glad The Power of Youth is on the case!

From Executive Producers Dan Angel, Billy Brown

and all our partners at

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POWER OF YOUTH: HONOREES

NAME sdfsfsfasfasdfasdfsadfsfdsdfsd Co-star Bridges turned her on to Share Our Strength sdfgsdgfgsdgff WHO: Actress Hailee Stein- feld’s breakthrough perfor- mance in Joel and Ethan Coen’s “True Grit” led to an NAME Academy Award nomina- sdfsfsfasfasdfasdfsadfsfdsdfsdf tion and the part of Juliet in Carlo Carlei’s adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet” set for a 2012 release. sdfsfsfasfasdfasdfsadfsfdsdfsdf WHAT: Share Our Strength NAME is a national nonprofit with the goal of ending child- hood hunger in America via donations, volunteer opportunities and creative fund-raisers, such as Taste of the Nation and the Great American Bake Sale. WHY: “ intro- duced me to (Share Our Strength) last year while we were doing press for ‘True Grit,” Steinfeld ex- plains. “It seemed impos- sible to me that in this amazing country we’d have such a problem. (As the national spokesman for the Whaleman founder helped get her feet wet org’s No Kid Hungry cam- WHO: Hayden Panettiere has been working steadily paign), Jeff thought adding since appearing as a young girl on sudsers “One Life more voices to the move- to Live” and “The Guiding Light,” but in 2006, her ment would help, especially breakthrough performance came in the form of an other actors and actresses, indestructible teen on NBC’s hit “Heroes.” Since the musicians, directors and skein’s 2010 conclusion, Panettiere has been busy. The people in the entertainment thesp’s television and film credits include “ 4,” industry who had a national “Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in ,” and “I Love platform to help Share Our You, Beth Cooper.” Strength spread awareness. He’s really a model for how WHAT: The Whaleman Foundation is an oceanic re- a celebrity can support a search, conservation and wildlife film production worthwhile cause, and I organization dedicated to preserving and protecting was really inspired by his dolphins, whales and their ocean habitat. hard work and dedication. WHY: “I did a movie when I was 15 called ‘Shanghai Watching how much time he Kiss,’ and Jeff Pantukhoff, the founder and creator of put into helping Share Our the Whaleman Foundation was actually working on Strength made me realize I the crew,” Panettiere says. “He knew I was a big fan really had something genu- of animals, and during the last days of filming, he ap- ine to offer.” proached me and said, ‘Look, I know you love animals. WHAT’S NEXT: Steinfeld will Can I show you what with dolphins and whales?’ ” attend November’s fund- Panettiere now serves as the org’s international raiser, No Kid Hungry Los spokesperson. Angeles Dinner, featuring WHAT’S NEXT: The fifth annual eBay charity auction and chefs from the show “Top a reality series based on the org’s mission statement. Chef Masters.”

RICO RODRIGUEZ ‘Family’ player supports Camp Ronald McDonald WHO: plays Ed O’Neill’s dead- ment — at no cost to their families. pan stepson, Manny, on the Emmy-winning WHY: “It breaks my heart to see kids who are ABC sitcom “.” sick with cancer, AIDS and other illnesses WHAT: Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times like that,” Rodriguez says. “What stood out won Rodriguez over with its cause: Founded about Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times in 1982 by a group of individuals who dreamed was that they help kids. They help them have of a place where children who have had their fun and go to camp where they have arts and lives devastated by childhood cancer could crafts, drama club and they get to play sports. recapture what being a child is supposed to The camp runs all year round, and about 1,900 be, the camp programs provide year-round kids went to camp last year.” support for families and children impacted WHAT’S NEXT: Rodriguez will attend Camp by cancer. Camp is offered to any child from Ronald McDonald’s 19th annual Halloween infancy to age 18 who has had cancer or a simi- Carnival on Sunday on the Universal Studios lar condition or who has a sibling with one of backlot.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com these diseases, at any stage of illness or treat- — Profiles by Addie Morfoot

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YOUTH IMPACT REPORT: BIGSCREEN KIDS

As Hollywood’s thriving 21-and-under talent set continues to drive franchises in film, TV, music and the Web, Variety showcases the biz’s most dynamic young stars — plus the over-21 pros who showed them the ropes TAYLOR JENNIFER LAUTNER LAWRENCE ‘Twilight’ star draws Quick Six Oscar nominee hungry for spotlight hanks to the billion-dollar- his year opened for Lawrence with grossing “Twilight” franchise, a host of accolades, from critics’ T Taylor Lautner already has a T awards to an actress Oscar nom for lock on the young girl demo. Looking her role in “Winter’s Bone.” If that wasn’t to expand that core audience to include enough to jumpstart the Kentucky-bred young men, the newcomer’s career, Lawrence won the Impact: The 19-year-old heart- much-coveted role of top-earning teen throb took a calcu- Impact: Earned Katniss Everdeen in thesp produced lated gamble with an Oscar nom for ’s “Hunger his fi rst solo “Winter’s Bone,” Lionsgate’s recent Games” adaptation, starring vehicle, followed by no- “Abduction.” $35 million action- table supporting directed by . thriller “Abduction,” The announcement Next: “Breaking roles in “X-Men: Dawn,” parts 1 in which he starred First Class,” “The made Lawrence a and 2, divides as the teenage son- Beaver” and household name, par- the fi nal book on-the-run of a CIA “Like Crazy.” ticularly among fans of in Stephenie agent. And while Next: “The the young-adult best- Meyer’s “The the film’s anemic Hunger Games,” seller. Twilight Saga” opening (barely $11 Francois Durand/Getty Images horror-romance Lawrence beat out into two tentpole million) suggests he ing to move more into producing. His ent on screen, and his big, vivid real-life “House at the scores of talented ris- releases for isn’t yet ready to be shingle, Quick Six Entertainment, co- personality translates intact to of the ing stars for the part, Summit. launched into action- produced “Abduction” and is attached screen,” Condon says. “The camera just Street” and Da- from fellow Oscar Causes: None hero stardom, Laut- to Universal’s “Stretch Armstrong” loves his face, but he’s not just a pretty vid O. Russell’s nominees Hailee Stein- ner, reportedly the and the sci-fi drama “Incarceron.” face — he also has a very strong work “The Silver Lin- feld and highest-paid teen actor in town, has And then of course there are the two ethic. He had some great ideas and a lot ings Playbook.” to and plenty of other options in front of him. remaining “Twilight” series films, of input into the films and his character. Causes: None Chloe Moretz. Despite The former karate champion, both directed by Bill Condon. Of course, he knows Jacob Black better fan grumblings that whose credits include “Valentine’s “I’d never worked with Taylor be- than I ever could, so I was just working Lawrence was too old to play the 16-year- Day” and “The Adventures of Shark- fore, but right away I saw that he has from him a lot.” old protagonist, Ross said her audition boy and Lavagirl 3D,” is actively look- that special quality of being very pres- — Iain Blair “was so amazingly powerful that it was sort of stunning.” “I absolutely cast the right person for the role,” Ross told Entertainment Week- Dakota’s kid sis grows up ly. “It was the easiest casting decision I ever made in my life.” hile Elle Fanning may have 8,” the only name among a cast of While shooting “Hunger Games,” started off her career at the unknown child actors. Since then, Lawrence appeared opposite James W age of 4 playing younger Fanning, now 13, worked with Cop- McAvoy and Fassbender in “X- versions of her sister Da- pola pere as a ghost named Men: First Class” and with kota both in film (the Oscar- Impact: Between V in the Toronto-launched in Jodie Foster’s “The Beaver.” But as nommed drama “I Am “Somewhere” and “Twixt,” based on a dream career-changing as 2011 has been, her standout role Sam”) and on TV (the 2002 the director had. She also the 2012 release of “Games” as the lone girl in mini “Taken”), the Georgia- has a substantial role in could transform Lawrence “Super 8’s” all-boy into a pop-culture phe- born actress has emerged ensemble, distin- ’s “We from the shadow of her Bought a Zoo,” a dramedy nomenon on the level of guished herself “Harry Potter” star older sister thanks to a pair from Dakota. starring and of high-profile roles. , about a Daniel Radcliffe or “Twi- Next: Set to star light’s” Kristen Stewart. First up was an impres- opposite Alfred Brit family who use their sive turn as a bored movie life savings to buy a dilapi- “I knew that as soon Molina and Neve as I said yes, my life star’s common-sense daugh- Campbell in “Viv- dated zoo, out December. would change,” she told ter in ’s “Some- aldi,” a biopic of With impressive choic- where,” a study of celebrity the famous com- es in both projects and Entertainment Week- burnout that won the Golden poser’s early life . respected directors ly. “And I walked around an entire Lion at Venice last year. “She Causes: Best Bud- (David Fincher on day thinking ‘It’s can hold her own with any dies and Shane’s “The Curious Case adults,” says Coppola. “She Interest. of Benjamin But- not too late, I could can do anything. She’s smart ton” and Alejandro still go back and do and has good ideas, good taste. She’s Gonzalez Inarritu on “Babel”), indies, I haven’t very natural and just has that rare Elle Fanning looks more and said yes yet, it’s not quality that you want to watch her.” more likely to give her older too late.’ ” Fanning then co-starred in J.J. sister a run for her money. — Sandie Angulo Chen Vera Anderson/WireImage.com Vera Abrams’ retro sci-fi thriller “Super — Iain Blair Donna Ward/Getty Images

XAVIER DOLAN: After win- NICHOLAS HOULT: ZACHARY GORDON: Fox re- AARON JOHNSON: ning acclaim with “I Killed My Played Beast in summer leased “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Appears in “Albert Nobbs” Mother” and “Heartbeats,” smash “X-Men: First Rodrick Rules” a year after the with and Mia the young helmer spent 2011 Class” ($353 million original, earning $52.7 million. Wasikowska. Now fi lm- shooting his third feature, worldwide). Next up are The third installment is due ing “Anna Karenina,” to “Laurence Anyways.” “Jack the Giant Killer” and next August. be followed by Oliver ALUMNI UPDATE “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Stone’s “Savages.”

proudly salutes

ChloëChloe GraceGrace MoretzMoretz for her support of the Film Foundation and on being named one of Variety’s Power of Youth Honorees

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YOUTH IMPACT REPORT: BIGSCREEN KIDS

SAOIRSE RONAN Trusting her killer instincts Works like a charm t age 17, Saoirse Ronan has already worked rom moment one, Emma Watson with , Peter Weir and Joe Wright. was Hermione Granger. “From the A For her pivotal role as the younger sister in F very first screen test, she was the the celebrated period epic “Atonement,” Ronan found one person everyone — the studio, the herself an Oscar and Golden Globe nominee — and producers — agreed was Hermione. There you get the feeling that it’s all just really wasn’t any discussion,” says Chris Impact: Played a warm-up act for this young Irish Columbus, director of the first two “Harry the titular actress. Potter” films. Impact: Spent teen assassin “It’s been a little bit of luck that And for an actress the last decade in “Hanna”; these projects have come along and who’d never appeared trekked across playing Herm- great directors have been attached onscreen before, “She India as a Polish ione Granger orphan in Peter to them,” Ronan says. “If you’re in the hit Harry seemed to carry with her Weir’s “The Way a fan of their work, you can have Potter fran- a sense of professional- Back.” confidence that you might be part of chise. ism, almost as if she’d something special.” been doing it for several Next: Prep- Next: Attempts ping to play a The logline for Ronan’s latest her fi rst non- years,” Columbus recalls. vampire in Neil movie, “Violet & Daisy,” may sound Potter starring “She had a maturity Jordan’s “Byz- an awful lot like “Hanna,” and yet role in “The about her that gave her antium.” this dark comedy, which debuted at Perks of Being a an ease as an actress.” Causes: Am- the Toronto Film Festival, takes a Wallfl ower.” Now, eight bassador for the very different approach to the con- Causes: films and sev- Irish Society for cept of an underage assassin. Next, Camfed eral broken the Prevention of Ronan will join the teen vampire box office Cruelty to Chil- phenomenon, playing a bloodsucker records later (the last film dren; supports in ’s horror story “Byzan- achieved a high-water $169 animal welfare tium.” “There’s a bit of romance, but million opening weekend), group, Irish Blue it’s definitely not ‘Twilight,’ ” she says. Watson is leaving the Cross. Not that Ronan has anything world of “Harry Pot- against “Twilight” or its creator, ter” and venturing Stephenie Meyer. In fact, after finishing “Byzantium,” into more ground- she’ll segue straight to “The Host,” also written by ed, greenscreen- “Twilight’s” Meyer, playing a strong-willed Earth girl less territory. in the sci-fi romance. will direct, adding And the Muggle to Ronan’s list of celebrated collaborators. world is more For career advice, Ronan looks to her actor father, than happy to Paul, a man with a keen eye for good material. snatch her up. “It’s handy to have him, that’s for sure,” Ronan says. In addition to “If I don’t feel passionate about something, then obvi- a small part in ously I won’t do it. But I treasure his opinion.” “My Week With

— Glenn Whipp George Pimentel/WireImage.com Marilyn,” she just wrapped the lead in “The Perks of Being ZOE HERAN French girl transforms into ‘Tomboy’ a Wallflower.” The book ad- magine “Boys Don’t Cry” with the word that I was looking for a girl who aptation, which 10-year-olds. In “Tomboy,” a girl uses looked like a boy, and the word came back co-stars Logan I her family’s recent move to reinvent that there was this special little girl who Lerman, takes place at herself as a boy to her new group was not working much because a typical Pennsylvania high of friends. Such a scenario would Impact: The Ber- she did not look like the others.” school — a far cry from the be challenging for any actress, linale discovery Sciamma knew she’d found Hogwarts set where Watson but factor the character’s age has been winning her tomboy when Zoe Heran was tutored. into the equation, and it’s no won- awards for her came in for the first day of As the actress recently der “Tomboy” has been collecting gender-bending auditions, despite the fact the told , Mike Marsland/WireImage.com role in “Tomboy.” prizes on the fest circuit since actress showed up with long she prepared for the role its February debut in Berlin, Next: Heran is hair and girlie clothes. “The by emailing all her friends where the film earned the GLBT- focused on school thing I wanted but didn’t ex- to ask about their time focused Teddy jury award. for now, but hopes pect to get is how intense she is. in high school. Her first Working on a tight deadline, to act again. That’s hard to picture for a kid. prom took place on the director Celine Sciamma knew Causes: None Even when she’s doing noth- set of the film. the film would work only if she ing, something is happening,” But Columbus thinks found a child actress capable of pulling off says Sciamma, who gave Heran a boyish she’s more prepared than the character’s transformation. “What I haircut a month before shooting so the she might realize. “Over the last few films, normally would have done is something actress could start playing with her new she really had that level of adolescent com- we call ‘casting sauvage,’ which is search- identity. “To get the right performance, plexity — where a lot of your emotions are ing in the streets, school theaters and so you have to make it all a big game, and bubbling to the surface,” he says. “That’s on. This time, I only had three weeks to that was really the spirit on the set.” “Tomboy” going to be a wonderful transitional thing to complete the casting,” she says. “I spread — Peter Debruge carry over to ‘Perks.’ ” — Steve Heisler

CHLOE GRACE MORETZ: NOAH RINGER: Followed : The KODI SMIT-McPHEE: The Appears in fall fest pics up “Airbender” with “Karate Kid” star is “Let Me In” star wrapped “Texas Killing Fields” and Universal’s sci-fi /western set to appear in M. shooting Ari Folman’s “The “Hick,” plus Martin Scors- mash-up “Cowboys & Night Shyamalan’s Congress” in February. ese’s New York-teased Aliens,” which stalled “One Thousand Voiced Norman in Laika’s “Hugo.” Has three movies just shy of $100 million A.E.” with his dad, supernatural stop-motion ALUMNI UPDATE slated for 2012. domestic. . pic “ParaNorman.” 34 ■ VARIETY.COM/FEATURES V PLUS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011

YOUTH IMPACT REPORT: BIGSCREEN KIDS

HUNTER McCRACKEN Texas tyro grows on ‘Tree’ ow’s this for the first — Impact: The unknown thesp carries and so far only — entry Cannes hit “The Tree of Life.” H on your resume: playing the lead role in Cannes Palme Next: Still at school, McCracken, d’Or-winning art film “The Tree who likes to hunt and fi sh, is con- sidering other acting projects. of Life,” directed by ? Oh, and that pivotal Causes: None debut role? In addition to book- ing more screen time than co- before we actually cast him star , the character and considered casting him in grows up to be none other than another role,” says co-producer . Nicolas Gonda. “But over that Not bad for Hunter Mc- year, Hunter matured, and we Cracken, a Texas kid who’d discovered he possessed the never acted before, yet still qualities of the hero Jack. And manages to deliver a riveting, when he began working with fully lived-in performance as Jessica, we saw the chemistry the sensitive son who squirms was amazing and he had this under the harsh thumb of his great depth and sensitivity. disciplinarian father (Pitt). The more we shot, the more we McCracken was playing on realized he was extraordinary.” the school playground in Clif- Gonda notes that Mc- ton when he was scouted by the Cracken’s seasoned co-stars filmmakers, who spent a year were equally impressed. “Jes- searching for the three boys sica often said, ‘He’s one of to play the O’Brien brothers. the greatest actors I’ve ever They sifted through more than worked with’ — and here’s a 10,000 kids in Texas schools, kid with no training whatso- watching boys interacting, be- ever. Just an amazing natural fore they narrowed it down. talent.” “The Tree of Life” “We found Hunter a year — Iain Blair

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YOUTH IMPACT REPORT: BIGSCREEN CHAPERONES

MARK JOHNSON J.J. ABRAMS Created ‘Super’ parts for six kids Playing ‘Narnia’ nanny .J. Abrams wanted f it weren’t for Clint Eastwood, “Super 8” to resemble might not have dis- J his own experience at a I covered the hidden talents of child young age, when he goofed actors. around with friends mak- As a producer of Eastwood’s 1993 ing amateur movies and kidnapping drama “A Perfect World,” creating low-grade special Johnson witnessed Eastwood’s me- effects from ticulous handling of his young star, in- Impact: Built scratch. Or experienced 7-year-old T.J. Lowther, a tentpole as he puts opposite leading man Kevin Costner. starring fi ve it, “The feel- unknown kids “Clint had a pretty amazing way ing of being with “Super 8,” to work with children,” says John- which earned involved son, a producer of the “Chronicles of $127 million with a crazy Narnia” films. “I would look at him domestic. way of ex- and say, ‘I don’t pressing Next: Produc- know if we ing “Mission: ourselves. have that mo- Impossible’s” But obvi- ment we were fourth install- ously, this looking for,’ but ment, “Ghost was a story Clint would Protocol,” that would say, ‘Trust me,’ directed by require a and he would Brad Bird. young cast.” find what he Causes: The And not needed to make Children’s just any a shot work. Defense Fund. young cast. Sometimes it He and wife “We were a confidence that seemed studio felt like there was an Abrams also cast ac- may have been Katie co-chair looking for counterintuitive to the kids insurance policy knowing he tors at precisely the right when the boy org’s L.A. fund- that sense I needed.” was involved.” moment in their own de- raising dinner. Impact: Shepherded didn’t even of innocence To sell the studio on cast- To get natural perfs, velopment. “We wanted the two youngest know he was that seems ing almost exclusively un- Abrams created a mutually kids on the verge of young “Chronicles of Nar- acting. Clint to be harder to find in kids known child actors (with the respectful environment that adulthood,” he says. “Three nia” stars into leading could see what today than 30 years ago,” exception of Elle Fanning), made them feel comfortable. weeks after filming, I called roles in “Voyage of the rest of us he says. “And after sitting Abrams brought out the big “I talked to the kids before we Riley (Griffiths), who plays the Dawn Treader.” couldn’t.” through a number of cast- guns: . “I’d shot and told them we were Charles, and his voice had Next: The adaptation That experi- ing sessions (with casting always wanted to work with all working for the movie; the dropped two octaves. We of the classic Chicano ence persuaded director April Webster), it him, and if anyone could help crew was not there to serve just missed what would coming-of-age story, Johnson that became clear that kids who get a movie like that made, them,” he says. “There’s noth- have been a nightmare.” “Bless Me, Ultima.” kids have a spe- are already working had it was him,” he says. “The ing uglier than entitled kids.” — Steve Heisler Causes: Westside cial naturalness Children’s Center, in front a cam- which his wife, Lezlie, era; they can founded in 1987. be genuine and MARYANNE REDPATH Making Berlin safe for young cineastes eager to please, without the “emotional baggage” of ome sprocket operas cater specifi- Impact: The Generation topper provides a adults. cally to kids, like Giffoni and the platform for edgy pics featuring young talent. “I’ve done a lot of productions with S Intl. Children’s Film Fest. children, and I’ve never experienced Others, including Tribeca and Toronto, Next: “Strengthen our relationship with the anything like some of the horror sto- select a handful of innocuous films European Film Market and our partners in the industry.” ries that prompted W.C. Fields to say specifically for young auds. But by far what he said,” he observes. “If there’s the most provocative lineup of youth- Causes: Generation’s Young Journalists proj- ever a problem, more often than not focused cinema can be found in the ect, which invites junior critics to cover the fest. it’s with the parents not the child.” Generation section of Europe’s biggest In the past 12 months, Johnson has film fest, the Berlinale, and the woman This year’s lineup, for example, saw served as producer on the child-star- responsible is Maryanne Redpath. the European preem of Zhang Yimou’s ring chiller “Don’t Be Afraid of the Hailing from , Red- “Under the Hawthorn Tree” and well- Dark” as well as “The Voyage of the path began working for the Berlinale’s regarded U.S. indie “Jess + Moss,” hot Dawn Treader.” The third “Narnia” Kinderfilmfest section (as it was then on the heels of its Sundance bow. installment shifted the focus from all known) in 1993 as an assistant to then- While attendances are strong four Pevensie siblings to the young- director Renate Zylla. She became (60,000 visitors in 2010), Generation est two, played by Skandar Keynes co-director with Thomas Hailer in 2002 selections tend to be overshadowed and Georgie Henley. and six years later was appointed sole by bigger names in the main program. “They were secretly happy they head of the section. And the decision to base the event in were getting out of the shadow of the Liberated from the premieres- the Haus der Kulturen der Welt, in the two older siblings,” Johnson says. only rule of the Berlinale’s main sec- the globe for challenging new work. Tiergarten, gives Generation a “We don’t have a plan yet for the next tions, Generation has in recent years This has led to some tough, themati- of its own — but also distances it from one, but I would be heartbroken if it earned a reputation as the fest’s best- cally outre selections — as one U.K. the main festival, over a mile away in didn’t continue.” programmed, most rewarding strand buyer put it, “films more about kids Potsdamer Platz. — Sandie Angulo Chen section, as Redpath and her team scour than for them” — and also a few coups. — Shane Danielsen

KRISTEN STEWART: The MIA WASIKOWSKA: THOMAS BALMES: Led CHRIS COLUMBUS: last two installments of the Had a busy year, starring jury at Flahertiana fi lm The “Percy Jackson” “Twilight” saga are in the in “Jane Eyre” and Gus festival. No word on helmer produced can; the fi rst bows in Van Sant’s “Restless.” helmer’s next project, “,” which November. Now fi lming Also appears in fall though “Babies” took has grossed more Universal’s “Snow White awards hopeful fi ve years from incep- than $163 million ALUMNI UPDATE and the Huntsman.” “Albert Nobbs.” tion to theaters. domestically. 38 ■ VARIETY.COM/FEATURES V PLUS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011

YOUTH IMPACT REPORT: BIGSCREEN CHAPERONES

MATTHEW VAUGHN Shaping new generation of heroes n his last two films, blockbuster Lauren Shuler Donner, who adds “X-Men: First Class” and irrever- they tapped Vaughn because he could I ent indie “Kick-Ass,” helmer Mat- deliver the film’s Cold War context thew Vaughn has tackled iconic su- and Bond-like undertones, while still perhero sagas that are, at their core, capturing the emotional immediacy of about young people — albeit each scene. exceptional kids struggling Impact: Rewrote A massive international to understand their unique the superhero hit, “First Class” earned powers. movie rules an A- CinemaScore rating with “X-Men: His most recent pic ef- from audiences under 25 First Class” and fectively reboots Fox’s hit “Kick-Ass,” giv- and cumed more than $350 “X-Men” franchise, turning ing several young million worldwide during back the clock to find the actors career- its theatrical run. Doubly Marvel mutant crew coming making roles in impressive is the fact that he together amid the Cuban the process. was able to earn $96 million Missile Crisis. Whereas Next: In develop- for his previous film, “Kick- adults played the roles in ment on a “Kick- Ass,” a far darker and more the series’ earlier screen Ass” sequel, on obscure comicbook adapta- iterations, Vaughn’s take which he’ll serve tion that Vaughn produced serves as a revisionist origin as producer. through his own shingle, story of sorts, presenting Causes: None Marv Films. teen versions of the iconic In addition to showcas- characters, played by such rising ing young stars Aaron Johnson and young stars as Nicholas Hoult, Jen- Christopher Mintz-Plasse in key nifer Lawrence, and Caleb roles, the black comedy also featured Landry Jones. then-13-year-old Chloe Moretz as “Traditionally in the X-Men lore, Hit Girl, an underage assassin with a their powers come out during pu- sailor’s vocabulary and a real appetite berty. It’s always been an analogy for violence. for that,” says franchise producer — Michael Sullivan FUEL UP WITH PREMIUM

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YOUTH IMPACT REPORT: CHANNELING TALENT

SARAH HYLAND, NOLAN GOULD & ARIEL WINTER ‘Modern Family’ moppets fter three seasons of working faze her. “I get to be a stupid teen- together on “Modern Fam- ager during the day, then go home A ily,” the three young actors to my boyfriend and thank who play the Dunphy kids are pretty God my life isn’t like that close. , the 21-year-old anymore,” she says. who portrays 16-year-old Hayley, On the flip side, since says Ariel Winter — the Winter plays middle at 13, both on- Impact: The SAG- so close to her screen and off — has winning “Modern actual age, “I go begun coming to her for Family” stars are through the same dating advice. Meanwhile, branching out into things Alex does,” she bigscreen work. Nolan Gould (only a few says. month younger than Win- Next: All three Her other projects let ter, despite playing her thesps have multiple her freak flag fly. She’ll next much-younger brother pics in the pipeline. appear in “Fred 2: Night of Luke) asked Winter to Causes: Hyland the Living Fred,” playing teach him how to talk to assists No Kid Hun- the stalker of YouTube dar- girls. gry and the George ling Lucas Cruikshank. The kids are growing Lopez Foundation For Gould, “Modern for Kidney Patients; up so fast. And though Family” offers an opportu- Winter aids No Kid their uncanny onscreen Hungry, GLSEN and nity to play against type. chemistry remains the the anti-bullying Whereas Luke is impul- same, all three Dunphy “Be a Star” org; sive and sometimes dim- children are watching as Gould supports witted, Gould is a member their careers mature. Starlight Children’s of Mensa. Though he only “They have found a Foundation, Alex’s recently turned 13, he is way to fall into a natural Lemonade Stand and already in 10th grade. His rhythm that doesn’t look Special Olympics. activity of choice? Watching too polished,” says Chris- “Mythbusters.” topher Lloyd, who shares showrun- Also, playing violent videogames ning duties with Steven Levitan. And like “Call of Duty: Black Ops.” “I’m a after three seasons, “They take new boy; I like shooting things and I like stuff on the fly and just score with it.” blowing things up,” he says, betray- Hyland has a big year ahead: She’ll ing a little bit of his Luke side. Plus, star in “Geek Charming” alongside he adds, “I love doing physical com- her boyfriend, Matt Prokop, in No- edy — getting fake punched.” vember, then follow it up with two In addition to his small role in last features in 2012, “Gay Dude” and summer’s “Friends With Benefits,” “Struck by Lightning.” Gould has more bigscreen work That’s a lot of Hayley-like teenage planned in “Ghoul,” a , and roles. But playing younger, particu- 2013’s star-studded “The To-Do List.” larly on “Modern Family,” doesn’t — Steve Heisler

VICTORIA JUSTICE Nick starlet eyes bigscreen debut Impact: Parlayed the success of eview Victoria Justice’s credits and one a joint venture with , who released her popular thing is clear: It’s not just Nickelodeon be- a tie-in album with performances by Justice “Victorious” R hind her; she’s the darling of Viacom. Dan and the cast that hit the Billboard Top 200 chart show into a Schneider created the Nick TV series “Victori- at No. 5. Hoping to capitalize on that success, music career. ous” as a starring vehicle for his former “Zoey Justice is busy writing songs for her first solo Next: Feature 101” actress, she’s got a much-hyped track on album. fi lms “Fun Size” the “Footloose” soundtrack and she’ll star in The 18-year-old will also branch out from her and “The First ’s “Fun Size” for Paramount. Viacom support network, making her feature Time,” plus a solo “She’s beautiful enough to be a model, yet as debut in Warner Bros.’ “.” “The album through an actress, she’s fearless in her comedy. She’ll character I play is different from what I’m Sony/Columbia. commit to anything to make something funny,” doing on Nickelodeon, which is very good for Causes: Girl Up, says Paula Kaplan, Nickelodeon’s executive VP me and very refreshing,” she says. a U.N. Foundation of talent. “And of course, she can sing. That’s a Justice believes the key to her success is campaign that rare commodity.” being strategic about her choices. “I’m staying encourages girls Set at a performing-arts high school where true to myself and to scripts that I like and I in the U.S. to help create a better Justice has ample opportunity to demonstrate want to be a part of,” she says. “I’m not going future for girls her various skills, “Victorious” is Nick’s high- to do things just for the money or just for atten- in developing est-rated series among kids 6-11 and earned a tion. I want to carve out a career.” countries. 2011 Emmy nomination. The song-filled skein is Christopher Polk/Getty Images — Tara McNamara

RICH ROSS: “Prom” was a bust, but Disney’s : Won MIRANDA COSGROVE: RICO RODRIGUEZ: The summer pics hit it big: “Pirates 4” topped a Golden Globe for his “iCarly” is still Nick’s “Modern Family” scene- $1 billion and “Cars role on “Glee.” Recently top series. After releas- stealer has been snagging 2” exceeded wrapped “Struck by ing fi ve-song EP “High noms and kudos (including $500 million Lightning,” a Maintenance” in March, an Alma Award). The world- feature he wrote she embarked on Dancing show won fi ve Emmys in ALUMNI UPDATE wide. and starred in. Crazy summer tour. September. 42 ■ VARIETY.COM/FEATURES V PLUS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011

YOUTH IMPACT REPORT: CHANNELING TALENT

EDEN SHER, CHARLIE McDERMOTT & ATTICUS SHAFFER ABC’s ‘Middle’ children ast season, 8.2 million peo- me pick my nose or something?’ ” Impact: The three young actors hold ple tuned in to ABC’s “The According to Shaffer, he’s their own against onscreen parents Middle,” making Atticus a lot like his character Brick L Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn on Shaffer, Eden Sher and Charlie ABC’s “The Middle.” from the show, except, “I’m not McDermott three of the most- as into fonts,” says the young Next: Shaffer continues his role as watched young actors in prime- thesp, who counts videogames, Albert on Disney’s toon “Fish Hooks,” WWII history and stop-motion time. They aren’t just window- also contributing his voice to Tim Bur- dressing either; showrunners ton’s stop-motion “Frankenweenie” animation among his interests. Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline feature. “I do talk to myself, but not in a going out of their way to create whisper.” Causes: Shaffer is involved in cancer The other two kids are no significant plots for each of the awareness org Sean’s Fund, Wildlife Heck kids in every episode. Learning Center and anti-bullying slouches at standing out either. “Atticus is a brilliant kid who campaigns. Sher supports Cross Cul- Of her character, Sher ob- has crazy comedic timing — that tural Solutions (for which she recently serves, “She keeps trying no was a difficult role, based on my visited India), Run for Her and AIDS matter how many times she fails son, who is kind of that way,” Project Los Angeles. — and in that way, she’s a real Heisler says. inspiration.” “Eden plays things very real, appearances on and Leno In casting the show, the pro- and we constantly tell her that in the last year. The actor, who ducers felt it was important to (her character) will be a great was born with ostiogensis imper- find “real kids,” which wasn’t adult, but she’ll have to suffer fecta (or “brittle bone disease”), is easy among Hollywood’s young through some pain along the way. surprised when people recognize acting pool. Charlie does unexpected things. him in person. “We didn’t want smart-assy He’s also very physical, so we “I don’t always expect it,” he kids,” Heisler says. “We wanted write things for him that way.” says. “When I’m hanging out at a soul about them, funny kids. We Of the three, Shaffer has be- Target and people are staring fully believe they were the only come something of an audience at me, I’m thinking, ‘Am I doing ones for the part.” favorite, landing solo latenight something wrong? Did you see — Lisa Carroll

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GARY MARSH Life after Miley he ancient portion of Gary licating the joys of ‘Wonderful World Marsh’s resume includes a of Color.’ I like this box. It fits me, it T stint helping to craft media fits my sensibility, it fits my creative, for Walter Mondale’s presidential cultural, ethical aesthetic.” campaign, so perhaps there was Suffice it to say, the feeling’s mutu- always a twinkle of Fantasyland in al, with Marsh’s promotion reflecting Marsh’s eye. But one wouldn’t neces- the company’s faith in his ability to sarily have assumed that would capitalize on Disney’s enviable translate into a fruitful 23-year success in television and re- career at Disney, capped by lated platforms, domestically Marsh’s promotion to presi- and globally. dent and chief creative officer For starters, Disney of Disney Channels Worldwide Channel has achieved all- in September. time Stateside highs in total “What kept me here is a - viewers, as well as with the ter question than what drew me 6-11 and 9-14 demos, despite here,” Marsh says. “People say, ’ farewell ‘Don’t you feel stuck in a box from the network in DAVID JANOLLARI MTV’s must-watch maven creatively?’ I say, ‘Every January. network has a box.’ The “I think a lot few years after producing “Six new series to launch in the last two box at Disney is about of people as- Feet Under” for HBO, David years, drawing 2.2 million viewers for helping kids grow up sumed that the A Janollari is taking a sim- its season . healthier and happier, end of ‘Han- ilarly edgy approach to young- Impact: Revived the Among MTV’s other new MTV programming creating positive fam- nah Montana’ er auds through his new job as shows, “Teen Wolf” is com- slate with such hit ily experiences, rep- meant the end head of programming for MTV. ing back for a second season, of our success,” series as “Awk- Since his arrival at the cabler ward,” “Teen Mom” while reality series “Teen Impact: Promoted Marsh says. in 2010 from the WB, where he and “Teen Wolf.” Mom” not only draws strong to the top of Disney “If anything, served as president, MTV has numbers but also works as a Next: Comedy “I Channels Worldwide 2011 proved teaching tool concerning the regained a swagger that had Just Want My Pants in September as that we have previously gone missing. perils and complications of president and chief strength coming Back,” which is set Many of the shows that to launch in January. youth pregnancy. creative offi cer. from many, many defined the network — “The “We’re very big on reaching Next: Several series and movies, Causes: Several Hills” and “My Super Sweet charities, including out to our audience and un- series and movie not just ‘Hannah 16,” among others — were derstanding what’s important premieres, but no Montana.’ What GLBT orgs the Trevor centered on rich kids. Howev- Project and the It to them,” says Janollari, who launch more im- we all challenge er, with the economy suffering Gets Better Project . realizes that in catering to portant than that ourselves to do and unemployment unaccept- such a young crowd, MTV is of as on a daily basis is ably high, Janollari and his team quickly competing with not only other networks a separate 24-hour to reinvent what network in early 2012. adapted and created shows more rel- but social media as well. we’ve done suc- evant to MTV’s 12- to 34-year-old base. “There are so many options for our Causes: City of Hope. “It’s cessfully, to avoid Cabler’s scripted skein “Awkward,” audience at any given time of the day,” the intersection of great the complacency about a girl trying to make her way Janollari explains. “We’re all competing medicine and great human- Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com of success.” ity,” Marsh says. through the perils of a gossip-filled high for an infinite set of eyeballs.” — Jon Weisman school, became the net’s highest-rated — Stuart Levine

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YOUTH IMPACT REPORT: CHANNELING TALENT

MICHAEL RILEY Expanding Family offerings NINA GOLD & ROBERT STERNE Casting junior ‘Game’ changers hen Michael Riley started at ABC Impact: Grew ABC Family’s asting directors Nina Gold lineup, with boffo “Switched at Impact: Found the young stars of HBO’s Family in August and Robert Sterne have a W Birth” debut leading net to its “,” as well as pics “Voyage stellar track record finding 2010, momentum was al- strongest summer ever. C of the Dawn Treader” and “Attack the Block.” ready building with “Pretty the right adults for films such as Next: Cast , Kaya Scodelario Little Liars,” “Make It or Next: “Jane by Design” debuts “The King’s Speech” and “The Iron in January, with four more and in “Now Is Good” and Break It” and “The Secret Lady.” But they’re just as accom- pilots on order: action drama booked Kevin Macdonald’s all-teen ensem- plished casting kids, as the duo did Life of the American Teen- “Intercept” and comedies bler “How I Live Now.” ager.” Riley seized the op- this year for “Game “,” “” Causes: Gold’s partner works for Green- portunity to put more con- of Thrones,” the lat- and “Village People.” peace; both support homeless charity Shelter. tent into the pipeline, fast. est “Chronicles of Causes: Delete Digital Drama Narnia” installment “We needed to strike campaign to stop cyberbully- while the iron was hot, and ing and Feeding America. and the indie alien- cution in the season-one cliffhanger. we wound up putting six invasion thriller When hunting for the right pilots into production right But instead of happen- “Attack the Block.” young thesps, the casting veterans away,” he says. ing in the cafeteria or the For HBO’s hit must consider whether the actors Five made it to series, breakroom, those conversa- Gold “Thrones,” the pair can handle such intense material. marking the most ambi- “Cyberbully” boosted rat- tions are now taking place were tasked with “We try to keep a balance of not ter- tious original slate in the ings even higher, anointing on Facebook and , identifying several innocent but rifying the kids with too much of network’s history. Sudsy ABC Family the No. 2 net- where ABC Family claims clever kids to join an epic fantasy the nasty, gory or stuff,” Gold teen drama “Switched at work among its core demo 16 million fans and more universe filled with royal political explains. Birth” launched as ABC of females 12-34 and 18-34. than half a million followers. intrigue, rampant sexuality and Though produced on a relatively Family’s biggest original The success of gossipy “For millennials, social relentless violence. “Finding the low budget, “Attack the Block” also series debut on record, dramas among ABC Fam- media really is the new kids was definitely the biggest chal- demanded a lengthy casting pro- joining “Liars” and “Secret ily’s audience is no fluke: water cooler,” says Riley, lenge,” says Sterne, who has worked cess. The cult genre favorite follows Life” as the network’s “tri- Girls love to talk. “We’re who is also implementing with Gold for six years. a gang of tough inner-city teens as ple threat” — the summer’s not afraid to address inter- online, mobile, magazine and After a wide search, the duo cast they defend their public-housing top three scripted original esting elements that attract White House initiatives to teens Maisie Williams, Sophie Turn- complex from aliens, with several series among millennials. millennials, but we present deepen engagement across er, and Isaac Hempstead Wright to of the roles going to kids who had The Q3 additions of “The it in a way that starts con- multiple platforms. play characters left in precarious never been in a film before. Lying Game” and telepic versations,” Riley says. — Tara McNamara straits following their father’s exe- — Sandie Angulo Chen

JON ROSE FACEBOOK.COM/HURLEY

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SHARON LIEBLEIN Impact: Talent seeker finds new outlet Cartoon Network s vice president of animation and move it to lured the talent and casting live-action,” Lieblein says. kid casting A for Nickelodeon, “It will be our own par- guru from Sharon Lieblein used to call ticular stamp — comedy Nickelodeon herself the “Nick mom.” with a little edge, things by creating During her 12 years at the you wouldn’t see on Nick- a role play- network, Lieblein cast or elodeon or Disney because ing to her had a hand in putting to- they wouldn’t necessarily talents . gether the ensembles for go with those brands.” Next: such signature series as Why leave the comfort Developing “iCarly,” “Big Time Rush,” of those youth-TV super- live-action “,” “Victorious” powers to work for one that pilots for and “Drake & Josh.” ranks a rung below? Cartoon “I’m everybody’s “There are no rules,” Network; momma,” Lieblein says. she says. Cartoon Network gearing up “Even if I was just super- brass hired Lieblein for for freshman vising the casting, I got her experience and is en- season of very involved in those kids’ trusting her with a level “Level Up.” lives.” of autonomy she didn’t Causes: Now at Cartoon Net- have at Nick. As one youth The Ac- work in the newly created role of cast- manager predicts, “She’s going to single- tors Fund’s ing and development , Lieblein is handedly change the face of kids casting.” Looking bringing her sharp instincts to a channel First up is the fantastical comedy Ahead Pro- eager to broaden its programming into “Level Up,” following four high-schoolers gram, which live-action. She started in April and is in who accidentally open a portal from a supports the thick of putting together pilots that videogame into world. The effects- and men- will appeal to the network’s target 6-to-11 laden series will premiere with a 90-min- tors young performers target demo. ute movie in November. The regular and their “We’re looking to take the kind of broadcast run will follow early next year. families. “Game of Thrones” comedy that has worked so well for us in — Glenn Whipp

Congratulations Cymphonique on being honored in VARIETY’S Youth Impact: Up Next We are so proud of you Buchwald/Fortitude

Don Buchwald & Associates, Inc.

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YOUTH IMPACT REPORT: YOUNG AT CHART

JUSTIN BIEBER Teen entertainer’s career expands beyond pop here was little avoiding Acoustic” — merely recycled mate- Justin Bieber’s bangs or his rial from his debut record. Bieber T hit song “Baby” in the past does have a second studio album on year. The 17-year-old pop tap for next month, the singer sang on “Ameri- Impact: “Justin holiday-themed “Under can Idol” and at the Bieber: Never Say the Mistletoe.” White House Easter Egg Never” became Meanwhile, he criss- Roll, played stadiums on highest grossing crossed the globe, per-

concert movie in Roger Kisby/Getty Images a sold-out world tour and forming to tens of thou- U.S. history. pulled in an estimated sands of screaming fans Next: Second Jamie Sabau/Getty Images $53 million. in Europe, Asia, Austra- TYLER, Even if you could studio album, the lia and South America. holiday-themed somehow tune out “I don’t really under- THE CREATOR “Under the Mistle- Bieber’s music, the Ca- stand it,” Bieber told Rapper forecasts Odd Future Little singer, big voice toe,” arrives Nov. 1. nadian teen sensation Jay Leno, speaking of n 1992, Nirvana wiped out the frivol- — and his adept team of Causes: Donated his fans’ manic behavior, s a contestant on “America’s $1 for every con- ity of hair metal overnight, ushering handlers — made sure “because I’ve never had a Got Talent” in 2010, Evancho cert ticket sold I in the darker, deconstructed era of you didn’t miss seeing his musician I was that into.” A appealed directly to auds with on recent tour to grunge. And when Tyler, the Creator, an amazingly full-voiced rendition smiling face elsewhere. Pencils of Promise, Though some doubt leader of rap crew Odd Future, won an of Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Caro.” Bieber’s 3D hybrid helping provide his staying power — a MTV VMA Award for new artist this Before eventually being named run- biopic-concert movie, education for chil- recent poll found 67% year for his video “Yon- ner-up, Evancho “Justin Bieber: Never dren in developing of teen girls believed Impact: kers,” there was a sense Impact: Lever- performed several Say Never,” grossed $98 countries. Bieber wouldn’t be on Unleashed that the tide might be aged the inter- more times on the million worldwide. He the charts a decade from the darkest turning in hip-hop. The est around her show, sounding like also appeared on two episodes of now — Bieber seems convinced aspects of nihilistic, high-strung “America’s Got “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” that hard work will be enough to his damaged Talent” appear- a classical soprano rants of Tyler made the at least twice her boosting ratings 8% among adults keep him relevant for years to psyche upon era of bling seem almost ance into multiple a damaged age — so profes- 25-54 and adding 630,000 viewers come. prehistoric. hit recordings. generation sional that the from the prior week. “Doubt us … I like it that way,” Less than a year Next: Rumors Bieber remained active on the Bieber wrote on his Twitter ac- — becoming of upcoming Internet abounded an overnight prior to his VMA win, with theories over music front, too, winning Artist of count. “Makes us work harder… Tyler (real name Tyler albums and tours the Year at the 2010 MTV Music just makes us want to prove you megastar in the whether her voice process Okonma) was wonder- have yet to be Awards, despite the fact that his wrong. Every step we’ve been confi rmed by her could really be that ing if he might have to latest albums — “Never Say Never: doubted. Why change now.” Next: Tyler’s camp. of a 10-year-old. go back to community The Remixes” and “My Worlds — Glenn Whipp third album Causes: National It is therefore “Wolf” comes college, in case the rap spokesperson surprising to out in 2012, thing didn’t work out. for the Humane learn that when as does Odd Now he and his Odd Society. she began singing Future’s Future cohorts are around the house, “Jackass”- touted as successors Evancho got a not-so-enthusiastic re- inspired Adult to N.W.A. and the Wu sponse. “My family thought I was hor- Swim show Tang Clan, exploding rible,” she told the . “Loiter Squad.” from the skate scene in Even after her Christmas EP, “O Causes: This L.A.’s Fairfax District Holy Night,” went platinum last fall rebel has no onto the global cultural and her first official album, “Dream cause. consciousness, landing With Me,” debuted at No. 2 following an series its release in June, Evancho remained called “Loiter Squad” and their own re- untouched by the accolades. cord label, Odd Future Records, with dis- “I really don’t know how my voice tribution under Sony’s RED Distribution, is. To me, it’s a child’s voice. It’s just a along the way. normal voice to me,” she told the AP. The group’s leader, creative director Oprah Winfrey invited her to ap- and chief rabble rouser has emerged as pear on one of her final episodes, and the unhinged voice of a generation. Even Susan Boyle and before Tyler was famous, his strategy sing on her new CD. Evancho also was simple: give his music away for free sang in front of President Obama in a and retain 100% creative control over special D.C. performance. every aspect of his art. From directing Apart from singing, Evancho’s life videos to producing beats, Tyler and Odd is pretty normal: She goes to school Future usually keep everything inhouse. with friends and likes sewing, play- It’s this kind of authenticity that has ing the piano and watching television. allowed an artist as subversive as Tyler When she’s traveling, she keeps up to enter the mainstream consciousness, with schoolwork on a laptop — just say industry commentators, because au- your everyday, down-to-earth young thenticity is exactly what young consum- girl, blessed with an incredible voice. ers are craving.

— Lisa Carroll Ian Gavan/Getty Images — Caroline Ryder

KIERNAN SHIPKA: “Mad JAMIE BRITTAIN & MARJORIE COHN: Nick’s LESLIE MORGENSTEIN: Continues Men” has been on hiatus BRYAN ELSLEY: The 2011 Worldwide Day of overseeing Alloy Entertainment’s since last October, though U.S. version of their Play was its most suc- “” and she stayed busy voicing “Skins” proved too hot cessful yet, bringing “.” Also Jinora in Nick’s “The Last for MTV, though the 50,000 kids, professional exec producing Emma Airbender: The Legend of original U.K. series’ sixth athletes and fi rst lady Roberts starrer “Anything ALUMNI UPDATE Korra.” season returns in 2012. together. But Ordinary.”

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YOUTH IMPACT REPORT: YOUNG AT CHART

SEAN COCCHIA Fine-tuning Radio Disney fter a dozen years of exec roles throughout Disney, Sean Cocchia was promoted to senior VP-general man- A ager of Radio Disney last October. In the 12 months since, as the person responsible for strategic management, he has helped reinvent and reposition the network. Once upon a time, Radio Disney targeted kids by play- ing Broadway-style music based on the Mouse House’s big- gest hits. Under Cocchia, the net broadened its appeal by featuring top-40-style programming, original shows and talent searches to help promote new artists — to the ex- tent that many parents continue to listen even when their kids aren’t around. More than half the sta- tion’s listeners are adults. “Many of them grew up with

Radio Disney and have their own Kevin Kolczynski/Getty Images kids now,” says the exec, whose strategy hinges on “acknowledging BIG TIME RUSH Nick’s fab foursome and embracing that we’re a kids and family radio station.” roducer Scott Fellows wanted as a boy band in Los Angeles — mir- Impact: Debut Cocchia’s approach is reflected to make his own version of “The rored its members’ plucked-from-ob- album certifi ed gold; in promos and prizes intended for Monkees,” but it took him and scurity story, as did its instant success. P just wrapped 42-city parents and kids to enjoy together, Impact: Solidifi ed Radio Nickelodeon execs two years to find U.S. tour and played Its January 2010 premiere set ratings including tickets to the recent Disney’s place as a kids the right four guys for “Big Time stadiums with Justin records for Nick, and the show’s audi- and family music outlet in /Backstreet Rush,” the hit hybrid boy band/TV Bieber in . ence continued to grow in its second his year with the net Boys tour, an African sa- show that now airs in 78 territories . season. fari and a trip to the premiere of Next: A “Big Time Next: Kicking off the fourth “It was a crazy process, and a lot of Rush” movie for The boys have flourished musically, the family robot-boxing film “Real season of “N.B.T.” with an us wondered why it took so long,” says Nickelodeon. with last year’s debut album scoring Steel.” 21-year-old , who stars big in the States as well as England, increased Disney Channel Causes: City of connection. Radio Disney itself has been on the show with and Mexico. BTR sold out around for 15 years, and the net’s Hope, Columbus Co- Causes: Glsen, which fo- (the youngest at 20) and 22-year-olds alition Against Fam- ’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire anniversary next month “couldn’t cuses on kids dealing with Carlos Pena Jr. and . ily Violence, Camp before the record even dropped and re- their sexuality and anti- be better timing,” notes Cocchia. “Honestly, there were people who Ronald McDonald. cently opened for Justin Bieber in sta- bullying efforts, and the “We’ve used our birthday celebra- were better actors, singers and danc- Recently honored dium shows in Mexico. “That was one Trevor Project, a nationwide tion to look back at all the great ers than me,” Maslow adds. “But what at and performed of the craziest experiences I’ve ever suicide prevention hotline. acts Radio Disney helped grow Scott really wanted was four guys at the annual T.J. been through,” Pena says. “The fans and then connect them to today’s who got along and came from normal Martell Foundation could barely speak to us, but they knew acts and music.” backgrounds and had great parents.” family event. every single word to all of our songs. As examples, he cites pairing Destiny’s Child with “today’s Be- Adds Morrison: “We always say I never thought we’d get to the point yonce” or resurrecting Will Smith’s “Men in Black” soundtrack. we’re brothers because get along so well.” where 70,000 people would have their hands in “Now we have Will’s daughter Willow with her hits,” he says. The series’ concept — four hockey players the air singing our songs. It was trippy.” — Iain Blair from win a chance at music stardom — Glenn Whipp

CLIFF CHENFELD & CRAIG BALSAM Kidz Bop toppers uick, name the top-selling kids artist of kids more relatable than polished professionals. Impact: Kidz 2010. Miley Cyrus? The ? “There’s an accessibility in the Kidz Bop world and Bop is the No. 1 Q Think again. According to Billboard, the an aspirational quality that probably doesn’t apply music brand for Kidz Bop Kids came in No. 1 last year. when they’re listening to Justin Bieber or Radio kids ages 5-12 in In the past two years, Kidz Bop’s music sales Disney,” Chenfeld says. “Listening to someone like the U.S. have soared 42%, with a fresh compilation fea- you, I think that’s very appealing to kids.” Next: “Kidz Bop turing clean versions of hit songs covered by Kidz Bop’s brand extensions are proving 21.” Also, the anonymous young vocalists dropping every six to be phenomena in their own right. Social winner of Kidz months. “Kidz Bop 18” was the No. 1 kids album networking site KidzBop.com is a kid-friendly, Star USA will be of 2010, while the 19th and 20th editions both Coppa/Caru-compliant mashup of Facebook and named Oct. 24. debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. YouTube with more than a million registered Causes: Sup- The series is the brainchild of Razor & Tie users. Through KidzBop.com, talent competi- porting Michelle co-founders Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam. tion Kidz Star USA offers contestants 15 and Obama’s “Let’s A decade ago, as dads stuck attending birthday younger the chance at an RCA/Jive recording Move” campaign parties with their children, they witnessed that for kids who had outgrown preschool music but contract. Meanwhile, Kidz Bop is amassing via the high- 5- to 10-year-olds were an under-served market. whose parents were concerned that a lot of the partnerships, including a Web-based reality concept Greatest Chenfeld describes their audience as “kids who kids music out there was inappropriate for them.” show with Endemol, a book series with Adams Action Movie Ever are too old for Barney, but too young for Britney,” Eschewing the idea of star power, the duo Media and a toy line with Imperial Toy. (G.A.M.E) contest. explaining, “We felt there wasn’t a lot of music thought young listeners might find regular — Tara McNamara

MARGARET LOESCH: Launched BRIAN ROBBINS: Still riding the SELENA GOMEZ: “Monte TAYLOR MOM- CHARICE PEMPENGCO: several new Hub series, includ- success of Fred Figglehorn, Rob- Carlo” earned a soft $23 SEN: Exited CW’s Filmed “Here Comes ing “Secret Millionaires Club” and bins produced “Fred 2: Night million, while she toured “Gossip Girl” last the Boom” with Salma “Majors & Minors,” in which Jen- of the Living Fred,” which with her band, the season and is now Hayek. Released her nifer Hudson and Will.I.Am mentor premieres Saturday on Nickel- Scene. Their third touring the U.S. second album, “Infi nity,” 12 young performers. odeon. album, “When the Sun with her band, the in Asia and Japan on ALUMNI UPDATE Goes Down,” hit No. 4. Pretty Reckless. Oct. 5. 50 ■ VARIETY.COM/FEATURES V PLUS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011

YOUTH IMPACT REPORT: WEB WIZARDS

REBECCA BLACK Girl ‘Friday’ n February, Rebecca Black’s mother paid $4,000 to a Los Angeles production company, Ark Music Factory, so I her daughter could record a song written by one of their inhouse producers and shoot an accompanying video. Unbe- knownst to Black, the video for “Friday,” her heavily auto- tuned pop number, was uploaded to YouTube. Comedy Cen- tral comedian Daniel Tosh stumbled Impact: The singer upon it, making fun of it on his blog, behind YouTube’s hit which resulted in 100,000 hits and more “Friday” single proves jeers, with some viewers calling it the recording artists can sidestep label con- worst song in the world. But the Ana- tracts, radio airplay heim Hills teenager would and much of the have the last laugh. music industry. “Friday” went on to Next: Despite numer- garner nearly 170 million ous offers from record views before being pulled labels, Black is forging from YouTube in June be- ahead independently, cause of copyright issues. for now. “There have The downloadable MP3 been multiple offers, version of “Friday” all very lucrative, but outsold Justin Bieber’s we are trying to build “Never Say Never.” Rebecca’s brand, not Other musicians give it away,” says rallied to Black’s manager Debra Baum. defense: Lady Causes: None Gaga called BENNY & RAFI FINE her a “ge- nius,” and Katy Perry invited Black Brothers let ‘Kids ’ online to star in one of her musicvideos and t first click, YouTube’s popular “Kids YouTube channel’s million-plus subscribers — sing onstage with her. And yes, as it turns React” series may sound like an update thought it might be amusing to hear from kids, out, Black can sing. A of Art Linkletter’s classic “Kids Say the the first generation to grow up entirely online, Now Black is parlaying her notoriety into Darndest Things” segment for the about everything new in pop culture what she hopes will be a bona fide pop career, viral-video generation. The popu- Impact: The sib- and politics. signing with veteran music manager Debra lar web shorts, which routinely at- lings’ “Kids React” The brothers were raised in an Baum (Paula Abdul) and recording a five- tract 1 million to 2 million views, Web series regularly Orthodox Jewish household, to which song EP with producer Charlton Pettus feature a panel of photogenic attracts between they attribute their desire to express (Tears for ). children who watch YouTube 500,000 and 5 mil- their individuality and bring that out “Some people have looked down on me clips and then share endearing- lion viewers a week in others. for using YouTube because they are used to ly candid — and surprisingly on YouTube, depend- They say shows like “Darndest the old way of trying to get signed and get- insightful — reactions to what ing on the topic. Things” use a star host to prompt the ting radio play,” says Black. “But the Inter- they’ve just seen. (Sample in- Next: The duo is kids to make them look funny, or just net is a really big platform for recording artists. All terpretation from their Lady Gaga planning a “Teens talk about how silly children are. “When you need is you and a camera and your voice.” episode: “Only God knows, and I React” series to bow you look at our ‘Kids React’ show, you Black’s second single, “My Moment,” was rolled don’t even think God knows.”) in late October or see very specifically that we’re not in it. out in much the same way a record company might re- “Believe it or not, we actually didn’t early November. It stars the kid,” they say lease a song, debuting on “Entertainment Tonight.” even have other shows in mind when Causes: None Some of those kids hope to be stars Within 24 hours, it had attracted 24 million we were creating this,” says Rafi Fine, themselves, like 14-year-old UTA cli- views. “We can shift the paradigm,” Baum a film school grad and practicing improv comedi- ent Lia Marie Johnson. While not all the “Kids says. “Things aren’t what they used to be an. Rather, he and brother Benny were inspired React” panelists are aspiring actors, a few have in the music industry — and Rebecca is by reaction videos, a YouTube trend in which been called in to audition specifically on account proof of that.” Web pundits dissect the latest fads. of their work on the web series. — Caroline Ryder Williamson/WireImage.com Todd TheFineBros — as the duo is known to the — Michael Sullivan

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YOUTH IMPACT REPORT: PRIMO PERCENTERS

MEREDITH FINE Sharing stars with the majors ith such clients as Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Bres- W lin, Chris Colfer, and Gabriel Basso, Coast to Coast mother hen Mer- edith Fine is not only protective of her brood, Impact: After but no-nonsense steering clients about the pitfalls Abigail Breslin in the industry. and Haley Joel Osment to “If the child Oscar noms, is being pushed she did the too much, the same for “True child is not going Grit’s” Hailee to do well, and Steinfeld. it’s going to be a WENDI GREEN & JENNIFER MILLAR Next: Steinfeld waste of every- co-stars in one’s time,” she Shifting the Paradigm ”Romeo and says. “Some peo- fter starting the Carroll (“Mr. Popper’s Juliet.” ple love to audi- Impact: The Abrams Artists youth department 16 Penguins”) and sisters Causes: A tion and don’t duo signifi cantly upgraded their years ago at the bou- Vanessa and . supporter of want to do any- A act by signing with Paradigm. tique Abrams Artists, pow- While Vanessa appears on Variety’s Power thing else — it’s erhouse youth agent Wendi Next: Kristi Lauren plays Jaime “Switched at Birth,” Laura of Youth initia- their heart and so we could surround her with Pressly’s 16-year-old daughter Green and partner Jennifer has a lead role on Disney tive since its passion — but more voices and content — to cre- on Fox’s upcoming sitcom “I Channel’s “Austin & Ally.” inception and not everyone’s ate a team around her,” explains Millar (whom Green hired Hate My Teenage Daughter.” 13 years ago) moved to “She’ll be the next big volunteer with like that.” Fine, who shares clients with sev- major player Paradigm this Causes: Support such child-fo- Disney star,” Green pre- Camp Ronald In Stein- eral adult agencies. cused charities as St. Jude, Make past summer, bringing with dicts. “It’s great they both McDonald. feld’s case, the Such arrangements not only a Wish, Camp Ronald McDonald have their own series now.” 14-year-old protect Fine from poaching by them such A-list clients as and Starlight Foundation. Angus T. Jones (“Two and Over the past two Oscar nominee had her feet on larger agencies (the youth field is a Half Men”) and Maxim departments. Now we have decades, Green has seen the ground from the beginning, one where tenpercenteries inter- Knight (“Falling Skies”). access to a full literary de- big changes in the youth according to Fine. Steinfeld stud- ested in beefing up their rosters The move, which Green partment, endorsements, market. “It’s far more kid- ied for an entire year before her with big names often try to lure describes as “a really big theatrical, music.” friendly now,” she stresses. mother would allow her to get an star kids away from boutiques), deal for both us and our The longtime duo — who “Kids have huge box office agent; only then did she go out but also ensures the clients won’t clients,” has already proved split casting directors but openings, families want and audition. When “True Grit” end up stuck with reps who don’t a smart business decision otherwise do everything more kid-friendly shows came along, the young girl was understand their unique needs. for the team. Notes Millar, together, including signing and movies, and youth tal- “elated” with the payoff from all “I’m very involved with them,” “We don’t just view our new talent and strategiz- ent is now rising to the top. of her hard work. Fine says. “I don’t just rep children; clients as ‘youth talent,’ and ing their charges’ career Before, kids were used as “When Hailee booked ‘True I also rep the families, and when Paradigm offers us incred- paths and goals — count on TV shows. Now Grit,’ we had a sense of what you stay with them so long, that ible crossover opportunities many key kids among their they’re used as stars.” would be coming, so we made a passion and familiarity remains.” and possibilities across all clients, including Madeline — Iain Blair co-representation (deal) with ICM — Lisa Carroll

BONNIE LIEDTKE & NILS LARSEN Bringing the ‘young’ to PYE hose looking for signs of vitality in produce for clients, putting together projects Impact: Principato Young the youth talent arena need look no that would best suit them. bought over the two power further than new players angling “My roster is incredibly small compared to T players to cement a place for a foothold in the space. This year, man- being an agent, but now I can have strong opin- in the young-actor space. agement-production firm Principato Young ions on actual projects and materials, to kind Next: Liedtke’s roster Entertainment muscled up in a major way, of steer a client’s career — I want to find more includes Joel Courtney ‘Gilbert Grapes’ in the world,” Liedtke says. hiring Elements Entertainment founder Nils (“Super 8”) and Celine Larsen and WME’s star youth agent, Bonnie Larsen knew he wanted to work with ac- Buckens (“War Horse”). Liedtke. tors at the age of 8, helping persuade his par- Larsen reps , According to Liedtke, the market is “siz- ents to move to Los Angeles from Arizona. star of Disney Channel’s zling hot” these days, and there’s not an He was 23 when he set up Elements. “Austin and Ally.” agent in town who doesn’t have youth talent. “I’m a firm believer in letting youth enjoy Causes: Liedtke assists lo- In making the move to PYE, Liedtke leaves be teamed with someone that’s happy to be their youth,” he says. “You are only young cal schools and the Komen Thor Bradwell behind to work with Larsen, here,” she says. once. I would rather have a kid miss out on breast cancer walk; Larsen a well-respected youth manager in his own As an agent, Liedtke helped build the an opportunity than skip a two-week camp- advises Shailene Woodley’s right. careers of Leonardo DiCaprio, ing trip.” All It Takes nonprofi t. “Nils has so much energy, and it’s fun to and Zac Efron. Now, she eventually hopes to — Lisa Carroll

TAYLOR SWIFT: Her nearly SCOTT (SCOOTER) BRAUN: KELLY EDWARDS: Her MELISSA BERGER BRENNAN: BRYAN LEDER & FREDERICK 100-show “Speak Now” The 3D Justin Bieber “N.B.T.” (Next Big Thing) Still reps “Glee’s” Darren Criss and LEVY: Client fi lmed worldwide tour continues concert pic, “Never program expanded into “’s” Mary Mouser. the Disney telepic “.” The through March. Was added to Say Never,” bowed in a U.S. tour, running Her client Grant Gustin just signed Mangement 101 duo hopes to get the 2012 Guinness Book as February and grossed through December. to a guest role on “Glee.” “Geography Club,” a fi lm they’re the fastest-selling female more than $98 million Season four of “N.B.T.” producing, rolling next summer. ALUMNI UPDATE artist for “Speak Now.” worldwide. kicked off Oct. 16. — Shelby Hill

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difference in the lives of children living with cancer. A program of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern

1021 LANY RonaldMcDonald.indd 1 10/14/11 12:08 PM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011 V PLUS VARIETY.COM/FEATURES ■ 55 UP TYROS TIPPED FOR TAKEOFF NEXT Meet the stars of tomorrow — 15 young talents poised to make an impact in the coming year

ASA BUTTERFIELD SAM HOLLAND ritish-born Asa Butterfield am Holland never dreamed of at- didn’t come into the world with tending the . To Bdreams of stardom. He was re- Shear him tell it, his entire acting ally more interested in just being a career came about by chance. normal kid. “It was something I’d always en- “My mom signed me up for this joyed doing as a kid in school plays, acting group, and I didn’t take it very and then I just ended up falling into seriously at first,” Butterfield recalls. it,” says the “Now, I’m really thankful that it be- 19-year-old came this kind of opportunity, where Brit. I get to do such fun work.” The role Butterfield, now 14, was discov- that landed ered by agent Pippa Hall, who spot- Holland a ted something special in him. At the seat at the age of 8, he was balancing oodles of Kodak was auditions with his schoolwork. He ap- that of a peared in the TV movie “After Thom- terminally as” and the film “Son of Rambow” ill teenager before his breakout performance in who wishes “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” to lose his won him the kinds of accolades that virgin- can launch a long-term career. ity before “It was not easy doing that part “Real Steel” he dies in because it’s so different from what Ian Barnes’ I’ve experienced,” he “Wish 143,” one of 2010’s five Oscar- says. “But finding a DAKOTA GOYO nominated live-action shorts. way to be that char- he new DreamWorks/Disney re- at age 2. Goyo’s been acting ever since “It was very intense,” he says of the acter is part of what I lease “Real Steel” has a pumped- and got his big break at 6 playing Josh film. “We shot in about four days, and I love about acting.” Tup and various Hartnett’s son in the boxing drama was pretty much in every scene.” The young thesp eight-foot robots bashing the rivets “Resurrecting the Champ.” Though Holland is now completing clearly discovered a out of each other, but it’s 12-year-old Still based in Toronto, Goyo is out- an English degree, he still finds time way to convince a top Canadian Dakota Goyo who steals pacing his L.A. rivals, and recent cred- for acting, appearing in guest spots on director he could the show. Of course, it helps that its include “Defendor” opposite Woody such British skeins as “” and handle demand- as the robot-obsessed Max, the Harrelson and playing young Thor in “The Body Farm.” ing roles. This young actor exhibits more smarts Marvel’s “Thor” earlier this summer. “I definitely want to continue to winter, But- and determination than the dead- Next up, he reteams with Jack- pursue acting when I’m done,” he says. terfield plays beat dad (Jackman) who’d aban- man, lending his voice to the Dream- “School is just another string to my the title role doned Max as a child. Works animated fairy tale “Rise bow, so to speak. It gives me an op- in Martin “It was a great role for me as of the Guardians.” “I love doing portunity to write my own stuff, which Scorsese’s I love robots, too, though Max is voiceover work,” says Goyo, who is an area I’m interested in. And it also “Hugo.” nothing like me. I’m not rude and has big career plans. “One day I also just keeps me sane when I’m out of — Karen tough like him,” says Goyo, who want to direct.” work acting-wise.” Idelson appeared in his first commercial — Iain Blair — Peter Knegt Jon Furniss/WireImage.com

JARED GILMORE NATHAN GAMBLE nce Upon a Time” creators Adam Horowitz and Eddy he Seattle native, who got his “ Kitsis had high expectations while casting the new ABC start doing commercials and mod- Oskein. “One of our emotional centers was an 11-year-old Teling through a local agency, was boy who had to be precocious and vulnerable at the same time,” “totally shocked” when, after a nation- the showrunners say. wide search of more than 20,000 boys, Then they met Jared Gilmore. The 11-year-old actor director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu “naturally brought that out,” Katsis explains. “We just cast him as Brad Pitt’s son in his knew he had to be our Henry!” 2006 drama “Babel.” Gilmore fell into acting after a chance encounter “It was only my second-ever with agents initially looking to rep his twin sister, Tay- audition,” he recalls. “Movie au- lor Gilmore. Though his sis later decided to ditch the ditions were so rare, and it all biz, Jared stuck with acting, landing spots in commer- happened so fast I could barely cials and, eventually, TV and film. process it.” as “The Dark Knight” and “Marley & The California native’s most coveted part has The role landed Gamble an Me.” His latest success is the family- been playing ’s son Bobby on “Mad Men,” agent and manager and, predict- friendly “Dolphin Tale,” followed by though onscreen sibling gets the juic- ably, more parts playing sons two indies, “Barlowe Mann” and “25 ier subplots. With his new role in “Once Upon a Time,” — in ’s “The Mist” Hill,” both directed by Corbin Bernsen, however, Gilmore faces a much bigger challenge. and TV shows “Hank” and “Run- and the sci-fi adventure “Robosapien: Kitsis says he enjoys watching Gilmore “try harder away.” Rebooted.” and harder to get better,” adding, “With every episode, Gamble has also appeared on “Movies are my passion,” he says, there’s a growth with him. There is a professionalism, but such TV series as “Ghost Whis- “but I also love writing, so if my acting that little-boy spirit is always there, and that’s what brings perer,” “CSI” and “House,” but career goes haywire, I’d love to write a so much heart to the role.” his focus is on movies, where he’s script with my dad, who’s a writer.” — AJ Marechal racked up such high-profile credits — Iain Blair

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JANE LEVY WILLIAM JOHNK NIELSEN uburgatory” creator anish actor William Johnk Nielsen can “ knew when casting Jane Levy that thank the local newspaper for his first fea- Sthe Northern California-raised ac- Dture film role. He had appeared onscreen tress “wasn’t a name you’d have been famil- since age 4, but little did he or his mother know iar with, or someone you’d seen before.” that an innocuous In fact, less than three years ago, Levy want ad calling for was like most American teens: “I was actors would result studying science,” says Levy, “and I in a lead role in was a soccer player and dancer.” Susanne Bier’s “In But somewhere during her stint in a Better World,” college, Levy caught the acting bug which won the and decided to move to New York foreign-lingo City to attend the Stella Adler Stu- Oscar dio of Acting. After honing her craft, Nielsen’s she transitioned to Los Angeles last audition for summer, picking up a role on Show- “In a Better time’s “Shameless” and the lead as World” won Tessa on ABC’s “Suburgatory.” Since over the casting then, Levy says, “It’s been a quick team immediately ride.” because of his flu- In spite of Levy’s newness to ency in English and the biz, Kapnek was struck by the his moving performance — in fact, his audition 21-year-old actress’ “calmness and in- was so impressive that the young actor was telligence” while on set. “Because she asked to deliver his character’s powerful doesn’t come from a TV comedy back- speech on the spot. Nielsen landed the role of ground, she has a different rhythm,” Christian after just one audition. CYMPHONIQUE Kapnek observes. “When people are “William holds a genuine talent, has a tre- seasoned in the comedy world, that mendous energy and diligence, but most im- MILLER timing and cadence creeps into their portantly, he carries the distinct charisma only performance. There was none of that found in true stars,” Bier says. f the powers that be at Nick- with Jane. She reacts in real time.” The 14-year-old has since shot “A Royal Af- elodeon decide you’re a star, Levy will be leaping from small- fair” and Danish horror pic “Skavengers.” But Iit’s only a question of when. screen to big in 2012 with roles in don’t be surprised if Nielsen ends up behind the For 14-year-old Cymphonique “Nobody Walks,” “Complicity” and camera in the future: The thesp, a budding shut- Miller, early 2012 should be her “Fun Size.” terbug, also aspires to be a cinematographer. time. — AJ Marechal — AJ Marechal That’s when Nick, in part- John M. Heller/Getty Images nership with Alloy Entertain- ment (“Pretty Little Liars”), unveils musical sitcom “How to Rock” as a starring vehicle for THOMAS HORN MARY MOUSER Miller. homas Horn made his screen debut not as an rkansas native Mary 2” and “Dragon Hunters.” By then, the mellifluously actor but as a gameshow contestant. Last year, Mouser, who plays Dana “My parents have always been monikered 14-year-old will THorn surprised audiences by winning more than ADelany’s daughter Lacey so supportive,” says Mouser, have had plenty of practice $31,000 on “Jeopardy.” He was only 12 years old. on ABC’s “Body of Proof,” may whose “Body of Proof” role has both singing and acting. The story grabbed not only only be 15, but she’s already an been greatly expanded in season Daughter of and the nation’s attention but also industry vet- two. “I’m mov- sister of singer-actor Romeo, that of producer Scott Rudin. eran — even if ing into the Miller has already released two As Rudin was searching to fill by total acci- house, Lacey’s albums and been nominated for the lead role in “Extremely dent. At age 5, relationship a BET Award for her “Some- Loud and Incredibly Close,” she was picked with her mom thing” musicvideo. he remembered Horn and as Abigail Bre- Megan is And Nick has featured her suggested the boy to director slin’s stand-in changing, and in guest roles on “True Jack- Stephen Daldry. for “Signs.” she’s also deal- son, VP,” “Big Time Rush,” After extensive research “We were ing with all “” and “.” trying to track Horn down, on vacation those teenage “Rock” exec producer since neither “Jeopardy” and just hap- issues — boys, David Israel watched just five nor his school would release pened to see body image seconds of her audition tape any information, Rudin and this open call,” — and Megan before turning it off — he had director Stephen Daldry she says. Since doesn’t know seen enough. found Horn and invited him then, Mouser how to handle has racked up it yet. I’m turn- “The first video I looked “Jeopardy” to a weeklong audition boot at, she was probably 12 and camp. appearances ing into a crazy she was singing like somebody “He’s a unique young man with a unique imagina- on such di- teenager!” much older,” he recalls. tion and a unique life,” says Daldry, who previously verse shows as Mouser is Miller got the part, about launched ’s career in “Billy Elliot.” “Ghost Whis- also turning a young girl who dominates After just one audition, the filmmakers cast Horn perer,” “Lie to into a much- teen angst and humiliation by as exceptional 11-year-old Oskar Schell alongside Tom Me,” “The King in-demand becoming the lead singer of a Hanks and . Daldry says he feels fortu- of Queens,” actress. She band. “To be this talented at nate to have found Horn for the role — regardless of “NCIS” and next appears in this young an age, I feel like whether the bright young man continues to act. “Scrubs.” She has also played the dual roles of Savannah and she has unlimited potential,” “I’m instinctively hoping he will save the world the child lead in Hallmark’s “A Emma in Disney Channel’s up- Israel says. from global warming or solve world peace,” he says. Stranger’s Heart” telepic and coming movie “Frenemies.” — Michelle Weiss — Michelle Weiss done voiceover work on “Bambi — Iain Blair

One of a kind.

St. Jude patient Brennan, age 8, is one of a kind. Like us. ©2011 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (09375) Jude Children’s ALSAC/St. ©2011

There’s no place like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Our sole focus is to find cures for cancer and other deadly childhood diseases. Brennan was diagnosed with a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia that did not respond to standard treatment. Our doctors pioneered a treatment plan just for Brennan that is giving him a chance at life. And, Brennan’s parents never received a bill. Trailblazing research. Unrivaled patient care. No bills. Ever. That’s why there is only one St. Jude. And there’s only one Angus T. Jones. Congratulations on winning Variety’s Power of Youth Philanthropy award. www.stjude.org

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DEBBY RYAN YARA SHAHIDI ith nearly 700,000 Twitter follow- n “Butter,” Yara Shahidi plays an adop- ers and widespread recognition tive couple’s lone hope for the future Wfrom her role as Bailey in Disney I— a thinly veiled stand-in for Obama in Channel’s “The Suite Life on Deck,” a sly political satire. It’s a key role in the Debby Ryan is well positioned to become well-reviewed comedy, which premiered the cabler’s next breakout. at the Telluride film fest, and one in The net has tailored lead roles in the which Shahidi shines. sitcom “Jessie” and TV movie “Radio The 13-year-old, Minnesota-born Rebel” for the young actress. thesp began her entertainment career The native Texan, who turned 18 in at a mere May, is quick to remember how many 6 weeks auditions it took to land the kind of role old in com- that could bring her to Los Angeles. mercial and “We would drive for hours to get me print ads. to an audition in the early days,” she At age 4, says. “I’d be doing my homework the she moved whole way there and back and, even to Califor- when I didn’t get the part, I would still nia and has feel like it was worth it because I loved since racked acting so much.” up acting For Ryan, the turning point was a credits in role in the feature “The Longshots,” di- “Imagine rected by Fred Durst. That,” “Un- “I feel a little like Fred discovered thinkable” me because he told me I had what it and “Salt”

takes and really coached me and was Francois G. Durand/WireImage.com (she dubbed protective of me in a dad kind of way,” Angelina she says. Jolie “uber — Karen Idelson JACOB WYSOCKI nice”). tarring opposite John C. on ABC Family’s “Huge.” “Butter” Joe Scarnici/WireImage.com Reilly as the title character in “That opened the doors for me star was impressed by Sthe Sundance coming-of-ager to continue doing this,” he says. Shahidi’s “natural affability” while on set. “Terri,” Jacob Wysocki got the “It’s all a very lucky genesis. I was “There’s a very natural intelligence in any opportunity to show off the skills in the right place at the right time, performance that she gives,” says Garner. he’d been honing since he discov- and I was prepared when the time “She’s an old soul and a little kid all at the ered improv during high school. came — that’s the way I like to same time.” “I was in a company called look at it.” Garner recalls one particularly de- ComedySportz, which is a group in Since “Terri,” Wysocki worked manding day on set when many of the Hollywood that does outreach to on ’s directorial film’s butter-carving characters had to high schools in Southern California debut “Fat Kid Rules the World” deliver big speeches to explain their dairy and teaches them improv,” he says. and continues to do improv with sculptures. “She had put hand motions to After graduating, Wysocki fig- sketch comedy group Bath Boys. it very much like a little kid would do,” ured acting simply wasn’t a tangi- They regularly post sketches on Garner says. Shahidi remembers prep- ble career, so he decided to get an YouTube and are currently work- ping for that scene as well, turning to none English degree but kept perform- ing on their first feature film, other than videos of Barack Obama’s inau- ing improv on the side, through “Boner Police.” guration speech for inspiration.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images which he was discovered and cast — Peter Knegt — AJ Marechal

RONAN PARKE osing the fifth season of Parke’s audition video has mandla (which means “power” in ing as a child, and got to do ’s “Britain’s since attracted 7 million views Zulu) Stenberg was well named. some of her own stunts. LGot Talent” didn’t stop on YouTube — just one sign AThe tyro, who turns 13 this month, “I really got into the role with all the Ronan Parke from landing a of the excited fan following was just 3 when she announced to her jumping and running and copying all record deal. Shortly after his he has attracted online. surprised parents that she wanted to Zoe’s mannerisms,” she recalls. appearance on the show, the The singer counts nearly act and needed an Stenberg then 13-year-old runner-up signed 42,000 followers on Twit- agent. changed gears, play- with Sony and Cowell’s Syco ter, and his Facebook fan “The daughter ing the “fun, outgoing Music, both impressed by the page, which has 172,000 of one of my mom’s Taylor” in the Hallmark young crooner’s performances. likes, is filled with pic- friends was doing Channel movie “Taste “I’m going to predict re- tures of celebrities he has commercials, and of Romance,” before ally big things for you,” guest met and events he has when I heard about landing the coveted role judge Louis Walsh said on the attended. it, I said, ‘You’ll see of Rue in Lionsgate’s show after hearing his audi- In September Parke me on TV.’ ” upcoming “The Hunger tion, in which he sang “Feel- released his first single, True to her word, Games.” ing Good.” Comedian-judge a cover of Vanessa Stenberg landed her “Rue’s the emotional Michael McIntyre chimed in, Carlton’s “A Thousand first Disney catalog heart of the film, very telling Parke that even though Miles,” and his self-titled modeling shoot at sweet, and I loved play- he had taken the day off from debut album, consisting 4 and went on to score numerous ing her,” reports Stenberg who admits school to try out, there was no mostly of covers, will national spots for McDonald’s, KFC there’s “a lot of her in me. She’s like a need to go back, his talent was drop Monday in the U.K. and Walmart. Last year she shot bird — quick and very independent.” so great. — Michelle Weiss her first feature, “Colombiana,” play- — Iain Blair

Tim Whitby/Getty Images

Photo Credit: Gregg DeGuire

Share Our Strength® Congratulates Hailee Steinfeld For Her Dedication to the No Kid Hungry® Campaign

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Take the No Kid Hungry pledge at nokidhungry.org

END CHILDHOOD HUNGER IN AMERICA TODAY.

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all over the world hoping to Canterbury (“Plastic Jesus”), TAPE discover that ‘right’ person for Sarah Bolger (“The Spiderwick Continued from page 25 their project.” Chronicles”), Natalia Dyer when the practice had shifted Access to an international (“The Healer”) and Nathan to DVD. field of actors is crucial for cast- Gamble (“Dolphin Tale”) all Gossett, who began his ca- ing director John Papsidera as audition by tape far from Los reer as a Gotham-based actor, he looks to fill 10 young roles for Angeles, occasionally flying to remembers his first brush with “Ender’s Game,” a future-set town for in-person meetings — tape: “They were casting for a young-adult adventure seeking just like many adult actors. war movie — I think it was ‘Pla- a multi-ethnic cast. “So many Although thesps of all ages toon’ — and they were looking actors would jump off buildings audition via tape, the process for 18- to 25-year-old actors,” he if they understood how random seems uniquely suited to chil- says. “They had a call in Times casting can be sometimes — dren. Youth managers like Square: ‘We will tape your audi- being at the right place at the using taped auditions because it tion.’ This was a huge deal. I right time,” Papsidera says. allows infinite do-overs, giving waited on line for eight hours “Certainly technology cuts into them a chance to review their for a two-minute audition that that now, because it doesn’t clients’ videos and offer notes they put on VHS tape. Now have to do with where some- before submitting. (Another they put it on email.” Ciara Bravo, left, landed her series-regular role on “Big Time Rush” body is geographically.” trick: by using YouSendIt.com, Stories abound of kids land- based on audition tapes made during a fi eld trip to Amish country. For most casting directors, they can monitor download ing significant roles on the however, the hassle of review- counts and anticipate callbacks.) basis of taped auditions. in Amish country when she got talent pool for casting directors. ing taped submissions is only Casting directors, meanwhile, That’s how Jodie Foster the callback on her tape, so her It also allows kids to grow up worth it for series-regular appreciate having so many picked Riley Thomas Stewart mother scrambled to make a and have a normal life at home, or significant feature roles, more options to consider. to play Mel Gibson’s youngest new video and find the nearest wherever that might be. whereas commercials, TV and “I absolutely look at every kid in “The Beaver,” arranging Internet connection where she “Most of my clients are out- smaller parts are often des- tape that comes my way,” says a video conference over Skype could send it in for exec pro- of-towners,” confides manager ignated “local hire only,” for kid-casting pro Geralyn Flood when the actor couldn’t make it ducer Scott Fellows to watch. Christopher Rockwell. “For a practical purposes. (“Big Time Rush”). “More than to New York. Clint Eastwood So, while the taping pro- lot of them, it’s a lifestyle choice. Even then, rare is the chance anything, it means I get the cast Devon Conti as Angelina cess has hardly replaced the But we’re just as aggressive for an undiscovered thesp to opportunity to see more kids Jolie’s replacement son in “The old model — in which aspiring going on tape and getting them submit by tape. Typically, young in my day. I may have a ses- Changeling” from tape, and young actors had to uproot jobs. I think it’s very possible actors first need to land repre- sion from 11 to 1 and 2 to 5, but the kid didn’t meet either the their families, move to L.A.’s for young clients to book work sentation, relying on agents and then I can go home at night and director or his co-star until the Oakwood Apartments and then that way. You have situations managers to tip them off about watch all the videos. With kids, day he showed up on set. And schlep to every audition pos- where people are doing exten- specific casting opportunities it’s important to see as many “Big Time Rush” co-star Ciara sible in hopes of getting noticed sive searches to cast certain and to help submit the tape kids as possible, because you Bravo was on a school field trip — it dramatically widens the lead roles, reviewing tapes from to the right people. Chandler never know.” Low-cal options. No-cal options. However-you- and-your-family- roll options.

There are people’s tastes. And then there are people’s taste buds. Satisfying both is why we offer such a wide range of low- and no-calorie options (150 in the U.S. alone), as well as portion-control packages, that can fit into a balanced diet and active lifestyle. Variety – it’s just another thing we’re doing to help make the world we all live in a little bit better. To learn more about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it, join us at livepositively.com

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Studios are hard-pressed to match the success of such hit franchises as “” and “Harry Potter.” In January, Disney Channel will retire its No. 1 show, “,” left.

peat the success of its “Twilight” films, mom and dad and their biological kids. CAA’s Nick Styne, who handles a ros- NEXT BIG THING jumped on board OddLot’s “Ender’s It’s a reflection of our times.” ter of the biggest names in young Holly- Continued from page 25 Game” this spring and will co-finance Furthermore, young auds are wood, says kids today know when some- this summer. The two most promising and distribute. Still, the sci-fier, which becoming ever more evolved media thing is being put together by adults properties looming — “The Hunger takes place in a dystopian world under consumers and will reject content that or forced upon them, as evidenced by Games” and “Ender’s Game” — alien attack where children are panders to them. Diablo Cody, who is the backlash against YouTube star Re- both face roadblocks in filling trained as soldiers, poses a tougher penning an adaption of teen-lit series becca Black and her viral hit “Friday.” the void left by the boy wizard. sell than “Twilight’s” themes of for- “Sweet Valley High” for Universal, They even can sniff out when an actor is Based on Suzanne Collins’ bidden love. says writing for a young demographic tweeting himself versus when someone wildly popular teen-lit series, Yet, it’s no surprise that darker poses far more challenges than creating else is doing it for him. “Hunger Games” enjoys content has emerged as the teen characters geared at adult auds, And though an increasingly savvy an enormous built-in fan- headlines continue to paint the way she did for “Juno.” demo presents its own obstacles, Styne base. But with a subject a bleak picture thanks to a “It surprises me how sophisticated insists that there has never been a better matter that deals with sputtering global economy. the young-adult audience is,” says the time to be young and talented. He points kids killing kids, studio Even a squeaky-clean net- “Young Adult” scribe, who is looking to to films like “Hugo,” which marks Martin Lionsgate will find it work like Disney Channel write her own young-adult novel in the Scorsese’s first venture into kid-friendly difficult to penetrate has swapped out aspira- future. “My generation was so naive territory and features two young leads, demos as young as tional fare like “Hannah and easily pleased. These kids are criti- as well “Real Steel” and “Super 8” as ex- “Harry Potter.” Even Montana” in favor of au- cal thinkers.” amples of films carried by kids. “Hunger Games” cast- thenticity. Cohn echoes that sentiment. “The “There are better opportunities for ing skewed older than “What’s working on our standards of quality have definitely kids than ever before,” Styne says. “If originally planned. channel right now is smart, relat- grown,” says the exec, who cites par- you look at these movies and really dis- Jennifer Lawrence, able, grounded family comedies,” ent-child co-viewing as among the big- sect them, there are high-quality roles 21, beat out 14-year- says Bonnett, citing “Good Luck gest trends in the field. “Kids are gob- for kids. The same can be said about TV old Hailee Steinfeld Charlie,” “Jessie” and “A.N.T. bling up media in giant chunks. They — everything from ‘Modern Family’ to and 15-year-old Abigail Farm” as examples. “We’re work- know how TV works and what goes the networks that cater to kids reflect Breslin to star in the Gary ing hard at shining a light on kids into making a show. They know all the this. People recognize their value and Ross-helmed pic. and their families and interpreting formulas. They still enjoy them, but the appreciate that kids can be really good Summit, looking to re- families in different ways, not just curtain has been lifted.” actors, too.”

AUDJOA MARLEY ANUSHKA BANERJEE BRYSON THOMAS KYLE IVENS MARISA PEDROSO ROWAN HEALY SYNDEN HEALY TARA BRENNAN

www.TheBroganAgency.com YOUTH DIVISION – CANDACE STEWART / AGENCY DIRECTOR - SHAWN BROGAN

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1021 LANY TheWhalemanFound.indd 1 10/12/11 2:17 PM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011 V PLUS VARIETY.COM/FEATURES ■ 65 JUNIOR JOURNOS Working with Variety mentors, the newsletter staff for Looking Ahead (a program dedicated to helping teen thesps prep for adult careers) contributed stories about issues that concern them Child’s crisis Casting of brings Dogg ‘Switched’ house closer seen as a By ALYSSA FREYDER and DALLAS HOLLINS lthough you probably don’t good sign recognize Cori Broadus A by name quite yet, you’ve By HANNAH PITTS surely heard of her father: Snoop Dogg. Like her dad, the 12-year- am learning American old rising star loves to sing and Sign Language (ASL) act. She even hopes to win a I thanks to Lizzy Weiss, Grammy one day. the creator of ABC Fam- But having a famous father ily’s “Switched at Birth,” isn’t the only thing that sets “Casper” and “The Addams Family” veteran Christina about two teenage girls who Broadus apart from other young Ricci’s star is still fl ying high with “Pan Am,” below. discover they aren’t who singers. Since age 6, she has been they thought they were — a battling lupus. Rather than let premise further enriched by the condition bring her down, the fact that one of the girls Broadus recently wrote a song is deaf. called “Love Heals It All” that According to Weiss, she is designed to raise awareness Growth potential didn’t conceive the show to about — and money for — lupus. feature a In her words, the song is about offers career tips to savvy young performers deaf char- how “having people that love you acter. Ever is what can heal you.” since taking By CHEYENNE HAYNES and DAVID BUEHRLE worked less, but being an adult and having Because of their shared interest a deaf the- your sole focus be on your job, it probably in music, “I was already close to ater class rom her early roles in such family seems like I work less now. I’ve been very my dad,” Broadus says. But deal- in college, films as “Casper” and “The Addams lucky in that as I’ve gotten older, my career ing with lupus has also brought her however, she Family” to her starring turn on has sort of grown with me, and the parts closer to her mother, Shante, who had kept the ABC’s “Pan Am,” Christina Ricci I’ve played have grown with my age.” Leclerc joined the board of Lupus L.A., a community family-oriented organization that stands as a role model for young f Do you have any advice for child actors looking in mind. “Switched” proved performers looking to create successful life- creates support groups for people a perfect platform, allowing long acting careers. to show they can do more heavy material? battling the condition. Weiss to showcase ASL, At age 9, Ricci made her screen debut in “My advice would be to live life and know Together with Shante, Cori which she describes as a “Mermaids,” sharing the screen with Cher, that the parts will follow you as you have was inspired to launch the Cori beautiful language with very and she has worked steadily ever since. In more experience. The thing is, you can’t Broadus Lupus Foundation to intuitive and poetic signs — this interview, the now grown-up star of- play adult emotions and adult scenarios help others — proof that even like a dance of the hands. fers her expertise to teenage pros looking to until you actually have reference to draw though bad things happen, there Rather than casting make the same transition. on. So if you concentrate on living a life and are ways to stay positive and hearing actors to play deaf, gathering experience, those experiences make a difference. “I had my fam- Weiss launched a national At what point did you decide that you wanted to will show in your acting, and they will natu- ily to depend on, and they were casting call to find Katie do this as a career? rally make people cast you in those kinds of there through all of it,” she says. Leclerc, who was diag- “When I was 13, I was making the second roles. A really great director will see that nosed with an inner-ear ‘Addams Family,’ and we were on the there’s now more to you.” condition called Meniere’s Paramount lot, and I was having such a disease when she was 20. great time. I was starting to really pay Were there any detours or delays along “Switched” also features attention to filmmaking, and I just the way? And is there anything you wish Oscar winner Marlee Matlin looked around and said, ‘Yeah, I think you could have told the younger version and 18-year-old Sean Berdy, I want to do this my entire life.’ It of yourself to avoid them? both fully deaf. sucked me in, and I fell in love with it.” “I think this industry does sometimes “It’s very rare to find a create insecurity. The thing I’ve hearing actor who is as flu- Do you find that it was easier to learned over time is that no two ent (in ASL). We just really get work when you were a child actors are alike. There’s a role wanted the authenticity actress or today? for everybody, and you have for that part,” says Weiss. “It’s hard to tell, because to trust that what you have is “All teenagers think they when you’re a child growing unique and not try to manipu- are different in some way, up, your interests are so var- late things so you can be more no matter how mainstream ied. I’d work, and then I’d be like some other actress who’s they may seem to other totally happy to go back getting more parts. You have people, and I think that’s to school and be with to trust that the thing that what makes (the character’s Christopher Polk/Getty Images my friends and be makes you special will be who you deafness) relatable.” Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus help immersed in that are — and that is the thing that their daughter Cori rise to challenge. world. I maybe will garner you success.”

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Jessica Biel Bryan Bedder/Getty Images TeenNick’s chairman Nick Cannon hosts a Times Square screening of the 2010 TeenNick Halo Awards, which honors the Millennials.

Taylor Swift HEAVENLY PAIRINGS HONOREES Concerned teens and celebs join together to highlight mutual causes at the Halos

By JENNY PETERS The Halo Awards are such a TeenNick “The Halo hits are so exciting,” fave the net is ramping up the program Cohn says. We capture them unawares, ick Cannon has a vision. The in a big way in 2011. What started as an just doing what they do every day, and chairman of the TeenNick net- annual show featuring taped segments Nick comes into the room, and you see James work since 2008, the 31-year-old will now be a full-blown black-tie affair. the shock and the recognition, and the O’Dwyer knew even then that there are “We’re holding a gala at the Hol- ‘what’s going on?’ look on their faces. plenty of American teens inter- lywood Palladium and we’re going be The four first hits of 2009 were just Nested in more than just videogames and rolling clips of what we used do on the incredible, since the awards were new. texting. He decided to “help start a move- Halo Awards show, with video of the They will live in my memory forever.” ment” that will keep those kids engaged. moments when the kids meet and then Getting kids to watch this year’s “With TeenNick, I had this brand spend time with the celebrities. But taping of the gala, which airs Nov. 6, that I thought had to represent some- now there’s the gala, an shouldn’t be too tough, especially if Lady Emily- thing,” Cannon says. “We knew that the opportunity for their Gaga turns up. But Cannon and Cohn Anne Millennials as a generation are actually family and friends to are keeping that info close to the vest. Rigal driven and focused, and really want to come join them in a very “We don’t know yet exactly who is dig in and be a part of change.” prestigious event.” showing up, but we do know from what Two years ago, Cannon conceived the This year’s teens we’ve done in the past that it will be Halo Awards, which are a surprise to the have already had their some good people,” Cannon says. “And honored teens whose community service Halo Moment, surprised we’ll have a couple of surprise musical is paired with a celebrity dedicated to Cohn by Cannon and celebs performers and good presenters.” the same cause. When he pitched it to his Lady Gaga, David Regardless of the gala’s celeb quo- bosses, they jumped on the concept. Beckham, Taylor Swift and Jessica Biel. tient, Cannon believes that his Halo Shanoah “We got very excited by the idea right They’re kids who have raised donations Awards are actually causing change. Washington away, because we knew through research to fight bullying, for tornado relief, to “I’m trying to create the Halo effect, — and just looking around — that kids in build soccer fields for African kids and so encouraging one act of kindness, one our nation are more service oriented than to empower girls in at-risk home situa- act of helping others who are needy, it ever before,” says Marjorie Cohn, presi- tions. kind of trickles down and becomes a dent of original programming and devel- Those teen honorees, and the award movement,” he says. “I actually believe opment at Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and winners who have come before them, that it has already actually become a Family Group. “And once we decided to are shocked when they learn they have movement, and I hope there’s a larger do the show and started digging deeper, been chosen. It’s that moment that the movement happening, that young the stories were incredible. And it’s be- TeenNick team believes makes the Halo people continue to halo long after the Kyle come one of our favorite projects.” Awards work so well. show airs.” Weiss