Sofia Coppola Weds In Ancestral Italian Town

ROME, Italy -- Filmmaker Sofia Coppola went back to her roots for her wedding Saturday, marrying rocker Thomas Mars in the remote, southern Italian town where her great-grandfather was born. Coppolas famous filmmaker father, Francis Ford Coppola, escorted the 40-year-old Sofia down the aisle to a waiting Mars, lead singer of the French band Phoenix and the father of their two young daughters. The early evening ceremony took place in the garden of the palazzo that the elder Coppola renovated inthe historic center of Bernalda, a city near the Gulf of Taranto in Italys Basilicata region, according to Mayor Leonardo Chiruzzi who performed the ceremony. Everything went well, Chiruzzi told The Associated Press afterwards. It was simple, calm, in the garden. The bride wore a sheer, lavender tulle dress and Mars a gray suit with a flower in the lapel. The bride and her father were preceded down the aisle by the couples older daughter and other children. After Coppola and Mars said their si in the civil service, she tossed her bouquet and a friend caught it, Chiruzzi said. The newlyweds and the father of the bride, wearing a white linen suit and pink shirt, then popped out of the palazzo briefly to greet onlookers. She was holding a glass of bubbly. Its her second marriage; she divorced fellow filmmaker Spike Jonze in 2003. Bernalda, near the UNESCO-recognized troglodyte settlement of Matera to the north, was home to Francis Ford Coppolas grandfather, Agostino, before he emigrated to the United States at the turn of the last century. Chiruzzi said the wedding was simple by design. If they wanted to do a Hollywood wedding, they wouldnt have done it here, Chiruzzi said by phone on the eve of the nuptials. (They) chose to do it here because its here its here that is beautiful. He stressed the low-key nature of the event. The ANSA news agency said guests included Johnny Depp and Talia Shire, the brides aunt, who is best known for her roles in her brothers The Godfather films and as Sylvester Stallones girlfriend Adrian in Rocky. A dinner was planned to be followed by cake, made to serve about 100 people. It was a simple vanilla cake with chantilly cream, decorated with white flowers and prepared by the chef at the Magna Grecia hotel in Bernalda, said Biagio Loiudice, who runs the hotel. They came in last week and chose the cake, he said by telephone. Its not high, very simple. They preferred simplicity. Sofia Coppolas 2003 film Lost in Translation won the filmmaker an Academy Award for original screenplay and made her the third woman ever nominated for a directing Oscar. Her 2010 film Somewhere, about an actor who sees the emptiness of his existence through the eyes of his child, won the top Golden Lion prize at the Venice film festival last year. The elder Coppola has become something of a spokesman for Basilicata, a mostly poor region located on the arch of boot-shaped Italy. In a promotional video for the area, he reminisced about his grandfathers tales about Bernalda and extolled Basilicatas unspoiled and largely unknown beauty and culture. He is planning on turning the Bernalda palazzo where the wedding took place, Palazzo Margherita, into a luxury boutique hotel. Nearby Matera is on UNESCOs world heritage list, prized as an example of a traditional human settlement that dates from Palaeolithic times. The famous sassi, caves dug into the soft tufa rock that gives Matera the look of ancient Jerusalem, were used as primitive, one-room homes and remain a tourist draw today. Some have been renovated and turned into trendy hotels, but the area remains so ancient-looking that Mel Gibson shot much of The Passion of the Christ there. Copyright 2011 by Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Watch X-Men: First Class Free

London theater looks ahead

Londons legit scene can look forward to RSCs 'Matilda,' above, and Broadway transfer 'The Book of Mormon,' below.BirdRubinsteinLondon-- As the West End legit industry shakes off the scare of the city's recent riots, Julian Bird and Mark Rubinstein, the two incoming heads of the Society of London Theaters (SOLT), remain upbeat about prospects for a coming year that will be capped off next summer by the Olympics, bringing a solid influx of tourists to the city -- but also a degree of uncertainty to the theater biz. "The riots had very little impact," says Bird, SOLT chief executive, who, along with prexy Rubinstein oversees the org's shows. "Sales at TKTS were the same as normal. On the streets of the West End itself over those days, nothing appeared to have changed."One of the reasons for future optimism is that box office advances for West End shows are higher than they were this time last year, which Bird says is a simple case of plenty of good new shows coming in. "Some of that is star-driven -- such as David Suchet in 'A Long Day's Journey Into Night' -- but then there's also the RSC hit production of 'Matilda,' which has no star names at all," he says. "Having a night out at the London theater is clearly something that people still like doing, and they're willing to book ahead."Citing the list of shows in the pipeline, he's understandably upbeat about future prospects.Tony magnet "The Book of Mormon," Stephen Daldry's "Bridget Jones' Diary" and Judy Craymer's Spice Girls musical "Viva Forever," are among the shows lining up for West End berths along with "Crazy for You," "Singin' in the Rain," "The Commitments" and "Top Hat."Potential homes for these and all other West End shows are in the hands of London's theater owners, but their collective life is overseen by Rubinstein and Bird as the toppers of SOLT.In June, Rubinstein, who's producing "Butley" in the West End with Dominic West and the European tour of "Fela!," became the first independent producer to be made SOLT prexy in 15 years. His predecessors were theater owners like Nica Burns, whose three-year term post recently ended. Bird has been at SOLT only slightly longer -- for nine months. He hit the ground running in 2010, substantially upping the profile and media positioning of the Olivier Awards with a move to the prestigious Royal Opera House, which already hosts the BAFTAs.The two execs are keeping a particular eye on the 2012 Olympics, which figures to have a major impact on West End biz, for better or worse. Rubinstein sees the Games, skedded for July 27-Aug. 12, as a challenge as much as an opportunity: More people will be in town, but it can't be taken for granted that sports-minded visitors will want to treat themselves to a night of theater. As Bird sees it, the main question is what the tourist profile will look like during that period."There will be people with time on their hands," he says. "Accordingly, around 25 shows have already opened their booking period for next summer -- booking that far ahead has never been done before." The SOLT chief notes that there will be added TKTS booths and sales outlets in strategic places, including the Olympic site itself.Rubinstein feels the Olympics ultimately will be beneficial to the industry. "In the long term, they will be a good thing for London theater, provided we get it right in terms of using the occasion to promote British theater around the world," he says.And the 2012 Paralympics, to be held in London a few weeks later, will give the Society an opportunity to publicize its existing initiatives regarding access, Bird notes.Promotion, he believes, is central to his role at SOLT. He cites the success of Kids Week, an initiative that has been running in mid-August for the past 14 years, this season from Aug. 12-Sept. 14. During that time, youngsters 16 and under can get free or half-price tickets to shows when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Broadway has initiated a similar program that runs in February."Last year saw a record number of sales," Bird says, "and only a week into this year's season, we've just about equaled that."With the number of top shows in the pipeline, Bird sees fall 2012 and spring 2013 shaping up as seasons of change for the West End, though he cautions that "everything (comes) down to commercial deals between theater owners and individual productions."Looking beyond the local picture, Bird hopes SOLT can forge a closer association with transatlantic counterpart, the Broadway League. "We know these are the two biggest markets for theater and there already exists an exchange scheme for actors on both sides of the Atlantic," he says. "But there's more work to be done to make the flow of talent between the two cities even easier." Contact David Benedict at benedictdavid@mac.com

Sean Parker Denies Facebook Post Was an Attack on Steve Jobs

Sean Parker is denying that a post on his Facebook page was intended as an attack on Steve Jobs, who announced his resignation as Apple CEO on Wednesday.our editor recommendsApple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak: Steve Jobs Resignation Wont Affect 'Quality of Company (Video)Apple Shareholders Reject Proposal to Reveal Steve Jobs Succession PlanApple's Steve Jobs Unveils Futuristic New Headquarters Design (Photo)Apple Shares Fall Amid CEO Steve Jobs' Medical Leave Parker, who founded Napster and served as Facebook's president, is now an investor and board member at Spotify, an online music service that is in the same space as Apple's iTunes. STORY: Apple Stock Dips, Company Loses $5.5 Billion Morning After Steve Jobs CEO Resignation On Thursday, he quoted German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer on Facebook: "We can come to look upon the deaths of our enemies with as much regret as we feel for those of our friends, namely, when we miss their existence as witnesses to our success." Many bloggers assumed Parker was referring to Jobs. And Parker on Thursday admitted to Gawker that he was in fact referring to Jobs, but not in the negative way that many people were assuming. STORY: Analyst: Steve Jobs' CEO Departure Will Have 'No Impact' on Apple "You are totally misunderstanding the intent behind my post," he said. "It was in reference to Steve Jobs, but it was a gesture of respect for a worthy adversary. Who remains left to challenge us and inspire us when our most powerful enemies move on?" Parker was recently portrayed in the Facebook movie The Social Network as a partier and playboy who helped push co-founder Eduardo Saverin out of the company. Parker has said the movie is "a complete work of fiction." STORY: Apple CEO Steve Jobs' Resignation Puts Spotlight on Normally Secretive Tim Cook Meanwhile, Jobs told Apple's board and staffers in a letter Wednesday that he planning to stay on as chairman of the board. Jobs has been battling a potentially life-threatening illness on and off for several years, though he made no mention of his health in his resignation letter. Apple COO Tim Cook will replace him as CEO. Related Topics Steve Jobs Apple Facebook The Social Network Sean Parker Spotify

'American Idol' Producer FremantleMedia PR Head Exits

Longtime American Idol PR man Manfred Westphalhas resignedfrom his post as senior vice president of marketing and communications at FremantleMedia North America, effective immediately, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.our editor recommends'American Idol' Creator Sues Fox For Millions in 'X Factor' Money (Exclusive)'The X Factor': First Look at Simon Cowell's New Judging Team Citing immediate personal family issues for his departure, Westphal commented, "My time at FremantleMedia withCecile Frot-Coutaz has been a wonderful, professionally rewarding experience that I will always remember fondly. I want to thank everyone at FremantleMedia for a fantastic chapter in my career." Westphal started with the company in January 2007 and during his tenure oversaw all corporate, trade and consumer marketing and publicity for the U.S. division of the global media giant, which countsIdol, America's Got Talent, The Price is Right, Family Feud, Let's Make A Deal and the upcoming launch of The X Factoramong its stable of television shows. Westphal also supervised several relaunches, including the The Price is Right with new host Drew Carey in 2007,Let's Make A Deal with host Wayne Brady in 2009, Family Feud with Steve Harvey in 2010 and the 10th season of American Idol with new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. Prior to joining FremantleMedia, Westphal served for six years as vice president of media relations at Paramount Domestic Television, where he supervised publicity for the Division's syndicated and off-net programming, including Entertainment Tonight, Judge Judy, Judge Joe Brown, The Montel Williams Show, the 2002 launch of The Dr. Phil Show, and the 2004 launch of The Insider. Related Topics Jennifer Lopez American Idol Steven Tyler FremantleMedia The X Factor

'Veronica,' 'Wild' bow in Films happening

"Restless"MADRID -- Brazilian Marcelo Gomes' "Not so long ago Veronica" and Chilean Marialy Rivas' "Youthful and Wild" will unspool in San Sebastian Films happening, a films at rough cut showcase. Gomes' "Cinema, Aspirins and Vultures," which performed Cannes' 2005 Not Certain Regard, remains probably the most spoken-about Brazilian first options that come with the final decade. "Veronica," in regards to a girl attempting to make a brand new existence for herself in Recife, slots in to the co-production deal between France's Urban Factory and Sara Silveira's Sao Paulo-based Dezenove Som e Imagem. Another burgeoning Latin American artpic producer with experience for brand new talent, Pablo and Juan p Dios Larrain's Fabula in Chile, is creating "Wild," the feature debut of LGBT pioneer Marialy Rivas, concerning the bisexual daughter of fervent Evangelist parents. A youthful love tale set under Argentina's dictatorship, Benjamin Avila's "Clandestine Childhood" is lead created by Luis Puenzo's Historias Cinematograficas. The 3 other FIP challengers are less well-known: Gabriel Marino's Mexican road movie, "A Secret World," in regards to a 19-year-old girl looking for herself Colombian Juan Andres Arango's "The Beach," a Bogota-set coming-of-age drama and Juan Carlos Maneglia and Tana Schembori's thriller "7 Boxes," an uncommon Paraguayan production. Also introduced Tuesday, San Sebastian's Arab cinema rough-cut sidebar Cinema moving will reveal new productions from Palestinian Annemarie Jacir ("Salt from the Ocean") and Lebanese helmer duo Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige ("I wish to See"). Jacir will show '60s-set "After I Saw You," concerning the 12-year-old boy of the Palestinian refugee in Jordan, Hadjithomas and Joreige "Une fusee dans le ciel," a docu-aspect of Lebanon's now-forgotten space program. Cinema moving also features Lebanese Civil War docu "Confession and Struggle," from Eliane Raheb, and Yahya Alabdallah's "The Final Friday," activating a broke taxi motorists tries to regain the lady he loves. Friday" forms area of the Jordanian Royal Film Commission's drive to back low-budget photos rich in-profile stars -- for example Ali Suliman ("Body of Lies"). Cinema moving happens Sept. 19 FIP runs Sept. 21-22. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

'G.I. Joe 2': First Look At The Rock As Roadblock!

Whether it's called "Cobra Strikes," "Retaliation" or something else entirely, one thing is for sure there's a "G.I. Joe" sequel in the works, and The Rock is going to be a badass in it. Need further proof? Just check out this new photo that Dwayne Johnson tweeted earlier today from the "G.I. Joe" set: Can you smell what The Rock is cooking? I can and it smells like awesome sauce. Johnson stars in "G.I. Joe 2" as Roadblock, a fan-favorite member of the Joe squad famous for his fine cooking, his tendency to rhyme all the time, and his use of heavy weaponry for any and all combat situations. In other words, it's a role that has plenty of meat for Johnson to sink his teeth into and one that's going to be at the absolute forefront of the new "Joe" movie, according to producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura. "It's a full-on lead role," he told MTV News earlier this summer while promoting the latest "Transformers" movie. "Rock is such a great character to have in 'G.I. Joe.' It's an amazing combination. We would not be very good if we didn't fully utilize him, so he's going to have a lot of things to do. It is an ensemble movie, so you have other characters certainly playing it out." In addition to Johnson, the "G.I. Joe" sequel stars returning players Channing Tatum and Ray Park, plus new actors Adrianne Palicki, Elodie Yung, Walton Goggins and Bruce Willis. Tell us what you think of the first look at The Rock in "G.I. Joe 2" in the comments section and on Twitter!

'Dark Knight Rises' Fight Scene Hits Web (Video)

Put 'em up. Batman (Christian Bale) fights villain Bane (Tom Hardy) in new footage WPIX captured from The Dark Knight Rises' Pittsburgh set over the weekend. PHOTOS: 'The Dark Knight Rises' First Look: On the Set As The Huffington Post points out, the clip shows a brawl between the Gotham City Police and the Arkham Asylum inmates. Snow swirls all around as cops beat down inmates and Batman pushes Bane up the stairs. Local resident and extra Erin Giambelluca tells the Forest Hills-Regent Square Patch site that it was hot outside and extras drank tons of water to stay cool in their winter-weather costumes. "Right after the football scene ended, they did one explosion," she says. "It looked like pieces of grass all over the field to make it look like it was blown up while the players were on it, and we had to wear ear plugs for that. We had to rehearse and make sure we weren't smiling during that part." Footage has been leaking from the set of the movie (including the Tumbler batmobiles), which hits theaters in 2012. RELATED: 'The Dark Knight Rises' to Film Scene With Pittsburgh Steelers 'The Dark Knight Rises:' Anne Hathaway as Catwoman (First Photos) 'The Dark Knight Rises': Don't Mind Our Gunfire VIDEO: 'Dark Knight' Teaser Trailer Hits Christian Bale The Dark Knight Rises

VIDEO: Vanessa Hudgens Names a Polish for Katie on Nail Files

Katie Cazorla Vanessa Hudgens pops into Katie Cazorla's salon on the season finale of Nail Files, in which Cazorla asks the High School Musical star to name a polish from her collection. When she agrees, Cazorla thinks: "Jackpot!" Watch the clip to see what Hudgens names the golden yellow polish: In another clip, Cazorla interviews new receptionists for The Painted Nail. Nail Files will air two back-to-back half-hour episodes, the second with Hudgens, on Tuesday starting at 10/9c on TV Guide Network.