Cinedigm, New Video partner on distribution

Digital provider and distrib Cinedigm has partnered with New Video, an aggregate of independent digital content, to acquire and release indie product theatrically, as well as via alternative digital distrib platforms.Announcement was made Sunday by Cinedigm CEO Chris McGurk and New Video co-prexy Steve Savage.The Cinedigm-New Video partnership is meant to make both companies more competitive when acquiring product, especially at film festivals like Sundance, where both McGurk and Savage are scouting for product.Though the deal currently exists as a joint partnership between the two companies, sources close to the deal suggest that Cinedigm is considering folding New Video into its existing infrastructure. That wouldn't happen for several weeks, however."New Video has a strong 20-year track record of creative marketing and innovative release strategies for film and TV," McGurk said. "Adding in Cinedigm's quality digital theatrical capabilities to New Video's proven expertise opens up a unique and advantageous release opportunity for independent filmmakers in all key channels of distribution."New Video operates as an aggregate for such companies as Amazon, Apple's iTunes store, Hulu and Netflix. Cinedigm, meanwhile, has broadened its theatrical footprint with alternative programming, as well as traditional theatrical releases."There is opportunity and demand for great independent cinema," New Video's Savage said. "We are thrilled to partner with Chris and his entire team to bring enhanced value to the life of a filmmaker's project." Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

'Awakening' slays weekend B.O.

'Underworld Awakening'Year-to-date domestic box office is constantly on the outshine 2011 totals, using the latest market leader, The new sony-Screen Gems' "Underworld: Awakening," scoring an believed three-day bow of $25.4 million."Underworld," that also totalled an believed $13.4 million from 36 day-and-date overseas areas, beat the very best Stateside player this time around this past year: Paramount's "NsaInch first showed with $19.7 million locally."We are in great shape - not only locally, but worldwide, too,Inch stated The new sony distribution professional Rory Bruer. "Underworld" was allocated for any reported $70 million.A few days ago, overall domestic box office was up an astonishing 32% over 2011's comparable frame.Helping push the needle, Fox's $19.a million-grossing No. 2 title, "Red-colored Tails," did much better than 2011's second-place pic, "The Eco-friendly Hornet," which totalled $17.7 million in the soph sesh. "Red-colored Tails" far exceeded industry anticipation pic was broadly likely to bow just north of $ten million.Actively playing to anticipation, Warner Bros.' "Very Noisy and extremely Close" obtained $10.5 million from an broadened 2,630 Stateside runs, while Relativity Media's debut title "Haywire" plastic box an believed $9 million through Sunday. "Very Noisy" has cumed $11.two million locally.In the niche B.O., meanwhile, Fox Searchlight's Golden Globes-winning drama "The Descendants" passed the $50 million Stateside mark, increased with a $2.5 million weekend perf. That reps a 17% increase over last week with 100 less locations.The Weinstein Co. extended its Globes-feted pair, "The Iron Lady" and "The Artist," grossing an believed $3.7 million and $2.4 million, correspondingly. "Iron Lady," which tested at 1,076 playdates, arrived at $12.six million locally "The Artist" has cumed $12.a million from nearly half the locations (662). Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

VIDEO: iCarly's Miranda Cosgrove Dishes on Working, Dancing with Guest Star Michelle Obama

Miranda Cosgrove, Michelle Obama When it comes to guest stars, it doesn't get much bigger than the First Lady. In a special episode of iCarly, "iMeet the First Lady," Carly (Miranda Cosgrove) learns that her military father won't be able to return home for her birthday. But she quickly cheers up when she receives a special visit from Michelle Obama herself who thanks Carly for being supportive during her father's deployment. Exclusive Video: Get your first look at the iCarly special "iStill Psycho" "The First Lady watches iCarly with her daughters ... and she came up with the idea to be on the show," Cosgrove tells TVGuide.com in the video below. "She got pretty into it. She has a good sense of humor." Cosgrove and her castmates screened the episode at several military bases around the country, reuniting with the First Lady for the final showing. Check out the interview below - plus, clips of Obama "random dancing!" "iMeet the First Lady" airs on Monday at 7:30/6:30c on Nickelodeon.

American Beauty's Mena Suvari Files for Divorce

Mena Suvari American Beauty star Mena Suvari filed for divorce Friday from husband Simone Sestito, TMZ.com reports. Suvari, 32, filed the papers at the L.A. County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences. She has asked the judge to prevent Sestito from getting spousal support, and also applied for a name change to drop his last name. Check out the rest of today's news The American Pie actress and Sestito, a 25-year-old concert promoter, wed in 2010 at a private church in Vatican City. This is the second divorce for Suvari, who split with Robert Brinkmann in 2005.

VIDEO: Bella Thorne and Zendaya Range From Change Besties to Frenemies

Frenemies What's so enjoyable for Bella Thorne and Zendaya playing pals switched competitors inside the Disney Funnel movie Frenemies? Being real-existence besties. "Celebrate [filming] 10 occasions more fun,In . Zendaya notifies TVGuide.com. "I buy to make it happen with my nearest friend and somebody who I like greatly." VIDEO: Change stars share how show appears like their real existence Inside the movie, the ladies play two pals who showed up at fight around the fashion editor job. Zendaya describes her character Halley just like a "chic nerd" while Thorne states her Avalon is much more from the "girly" fashionista. Uncover the shocking truth interview to uncover a little more about their approaching film also to see what's available by themselves Disney Funnel series Change. Frenemies premieres Friday at 8/7c on Disney Funnel.