The New Orleans-shot historical-horror flick, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter will be hitting the big screen in June of 2012. But new images and a theatrical trailer have just been released! With period costumes, eerie music, and a title that includes the term “Vampire Hunter”, this new movie has audiences eager for its release- if for no other reason than to see what it is all about. It seems unusual that director Timur Bekmambetov decided to place the USA’s 16th president with the likes of the True Blood characters. But, it makes a little more sense once you learn that Tim Burton is producing the picture. Burton is known for his dark and bizarre films, including “Edward Scissorhands” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. Hopefully he, and maybe the influence of his wife- the equally extraordinary Helena Bonham Carter (“Fight Club”, “Alice in Wonderland”, “Harry Potter”), can pull this Vampire picture together!

Even from the trailer, this Southern Celebrity Gossiper is confused, and curious as to what exactly the plot of this new movie will be? Will it be a ridiculously unrealistic horror film, or a provocative merging of genres? Either way, it promises to feature much of Louisiana’s beautiful scenery! Check out the trailer for yourself on Nola.com.

That latest Quentin Tarantino film, "Django Unchained" is scheduled to begin filming here in New Orleans in the coming weeks. This film is starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson, and Kevin Costner, as well as local talent. Batherson Casting has just posted a casting call for locals looking for a chance to appear in this film. Check out the details!


OPEN CASTING CALL

Seeking African-American Men, Women & Children 6-65 years of age

ALL POSITIONS ARE PAID!

FILMING IN ORLEANS & ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISHES – BEGINNING FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

Wednesday February 15, 2012
3:30pm-7:00pm

Knights of Columbus
346 Fir St.
LaPlace, LA 70068

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE AND TRANSPORTATION IS A PLUS! NO VISIBLE TATTOOS, PIERCINGS, BRACES ON TEETH, HAIR BRAIDS, OR UNNATURAL HAIR OR HAIR COLORS/HIGHLIGHTS. SMALL CLOTHING SIZES A PLUS!

For more on this opportunity, visit onlocationvactions.com

Here at Southern Celebrity Gossip we are dedicated to providing our readers with the most up to date information on the a happenings of Hollywood South. We proudly report on any celebrity appearances, fashion news, and upcoming filming. Occasionally, however, we must write about something that is NOT happening in Hollywood South. Today, unfortunately, is one of those days. A while back we wrote about the new Tom Hanks project, “Maersk Alabama”. This picture was scheduled to begin filming here in Louisiana in February of this year, and had even posted an open call for extras with maritime experience. Our sources tell us,              however,   that this movie will not be filmed in the Gulf South as originally planned.

    Some are speculating that the director is moving the project to Framingham, MA, which is a familiar location to the Massachusetts-native location manager from Colombia Pictures. However, no one from the production team has yet to confirm or deny this fact. Either way it looks like Hanks will not be joining us this Mardi Gras season. The entertainment industry, after all, is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re going to get.

_ Angelina Jolie recently made the transition from actress to writer-director. Her first film under her direction, “In the Land of Blood and Honey” was previously reported here in Southern Celebrity Gossip. Since that time, the crew has wrapped production on the picture and movie has been released in select theatres around the US and Europe. The serious content of this movie have caused mixed reviews, and some find the movie difficult to watch. Regardless of the violent subject matter, the movie wasbee nominated for a Golden Globe Award! Even though it did not win for Best Foreign Motion Picture, this is still an incredible feat for the new director. Jolie and actress, Vanessa Glodjo open about this movie in a promotional Q & A.

 
In this video, Jolie goes into detail about what it is like working as a director after years of acting. She also discusses the responsibility of taking this movie on, and the anxiety she felt as a result.  Including her crying as Brad tried to console her. Glodjo, who acts in the film, also provides a unique perspective about her character, she the actress herself is a survivor of the war in Bosnia. This comprehensive interview has us all intrigued and we’re dying to see Jolie’s film on the big screen. So far the movie isn’t playing anywhere locally, but we’re hoping to be included in the upcoming wider release this month. For now we’ll have to settle for just the interview.

This video was sponsored by Marie Claire.

_ Famous writer, actor and director Woody Allen has another, perhaps less-known feather to his cap: jazz musician. His musical styling’s in Wood Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band have been heard all over California this last week, and ended with a live performance at UCLA. The group, consisting of seven members, performed at Royce Hall on Thursday evening for a lengthy performance. The band played consistently for almost two hours, and that isn’t including the “two generous encores”. Audiences offer differing opinions as to how this film legends translates into music star. One reviewer from the Hollywood Reporter writes, “Allen is easily the weakest musician on stage, playing a difficult, unforgiving instrument. His tone is often aspirated and screechy, lacking the clarinet’s melted chocolate smoothness.” He softens his claim however saying that Allen had the good judgment to “surrounded himself with some fine players”. But no one criticizes Allen’s musicianship more than the film star himself. When asked about his clarinet skills the actor responded, “People come and see me because they've seen my movies. I am surrounded by good musicians and I do my best, but it's strictly enthusiasm.”

Well, in Allen’s defense, finding a solid ensemble is really half of the battle. The improvised, conversational character of New Orleans Jazz music requires a dynamic group of band mates. A group like you find in Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band. The actor explains in interviews that his love of jazz fueled him to form the group, but that it is his appreciation- not talent that drove him to become a musician. Regardless of the motivation, or skill level, this celebrity gossiper is just happy that he’s treating the west coast to some of that NOLA sound!

And we think that he sounds pretty good! Listen here!

Part-time New Orleanian, Angelina Jolie was recently interviews on 60 Minutes about her upcoming directorial debut. In this clip, the leading lady opens about her career, her past, her family and her fears in one of the most intimate interviews with Angelina in years.

Reporter, Bob Simon travelled to Budapest to meet with Jolie before the release of her movie, “In the Land of Blood and Honey”. But Jolie’s work for this film is entirely behind the camera- and she says, she likes it there! This movie is unlike many of the action films and comedies in Angelina’s portfolio. “In the Land of Blood and Honey” focuses on the serious theme of an ill-fated romance in a war-torn Bosnia. The serious nature of this film has struck a chord with many of the people involved, and even had the country deny permission to film portions of the picture locally.

The movie is set to release on December 23, 2011. Jolie warns audiences that this film is dense and she is concerned that Americans won’t “get it”. Regardless, with Jolie’s obvious talent in acting it was a natural progression for her to become a director, and we're certain that it will be an excellent movie.

For the full store, watch the interview on 60 minutes.