Lionsgate-Summit Reducing 12% Of Staff: Film And Residential Entertainment Hit Toughest

Within The Summit And Lionsgate Merger: Lay offs Would Be The Order During The Day BREAKING… EXCLUSIVE: I’ve just found that Lionsgate is reducing about 80 staff today in the merged company with Summit, including professionals as up high as EVP. Associates are pleading me to not refer to this as abloodbath because enoughpeople are freaked out already. The integration ofLionsgate and Summit is ongoing, which move was likely to eliminate duplication. However it’s still horrible if this happens.Lionsgate is lowering the combined workforceof the 2 companies by roughly 12%.It’s unclearhow many workers are really being informed today.Lionsgate had about 500 employees just before the merger, Summitabout 175 employees.The entire combinedworkforce is going to be roughly 575 making Lionsgate a larger and much more muscular company publish-merger.I don’t have introduction to the number of Lionsgate and just how any Summit employees is going to be let go, however i’m toldmotionpicture and residential entertainment would be the areas using the finest quantity of overlappingfunctions.

Tv producers sue Aereo startup service

The broadcast systems and numerous stations and art galleries have prosecuted against Aereo, something attempting to provide clients with Internet streams of major broadcast stations inside the NY area. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, is attempting to prevent Aereo, set to go to public on March 14, additionally to unspecified damages. The station litigants -- including WNET, Tribune's WPIX, the Fox Television Stations and Univision O&O groups -- condition the business's plans infringe by themselves to public performance, that the streams in the signals would represent unfair competition. Another suit appeared to become filed by ABC, Disney, CBS, NBCUniversal and WNJU, also seeking an injunction and damages. Federal courts have shut lower the internet streaming of TV station signals by the kind of FilmOn and ivi, but Aereo has suggested that may overcome the legal hurdle by creating something through which signals are taken having a small antenna for everyone customer, instead of the standard one-to-many transmission The broadcasts are changed into a digital format and sent on the web and and to mobile items. Aereo is charging $12 monthly, and traders include Craig Diller's IAC. The problem for tv producers is actually streaming services undercut the lucrative retransmission costs they receive from cable operators. "It really isn't important whether Aereo uses one large antenna to obtain ...broadcasts and retramsmit those to clients, or 'tons' of 'tiny' antennas, as Aereo claims it'll,In . the WNET-Fox suit pointed out. "No volume of technological gimmickry by Aereo -- or claims it's simply delivering some sophisticated 'rabbit ears' -- changes the fundamental principle of copyright law that people who want to retransmit plaintiffs' broadcasts may accomplish this simply with plaintiffs' authority." Inside the other suit, the systems mentioned that Aereo's "miniature antenna plan's certainly an artifice," and noted it "digitally transcodes, converts and compresses the programs to enable them to be retransmitted online towards the clients." A representative for Aereo mentioned the business did not have comment. Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com

'Colbert' out of the blue suspends tape

ColbertTaping in the final two cases of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" now was abruptly shuttered Wednesday, due to just what the cabler mentioned in the statement were "unforeseen conditions." The Wall Street Journal reported the development halt came because of a family group emergency for host Stephen Colbert. Comedy Central placed reruns round the schedule rather than the first episodes initially planned for Wednesday and Thursday. "Colbert" episodes typically air the evening they are recorded. According to online reviews, ticketholders for Wednesday's episode received notification earlier tomorrow the tape happen to be canceled. "Colbert" had returned to new episodes Monday and Tuesday carrying out a week's vacation. Within the latest days duration of original episodes, it averaged 1.5 million audiences per airing. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Wanda in the desert

Spanish producer-distrib Wanda Films continues its focus on social issues with Panorama player "Wilaya." Pedro Perez Rosado's drama, set in a Saharan refugee camp, is the first Sahrawi feature, according to Wanda CEO Jose Maria Morales. The Sahrawi are a Moorish ethnic group living in a disputed area of the western Sahara. Pic tells the story of Fatimetu, a woman who returns to the province to attend her mother's funeral after living in Spain for 16 years. There, she meets her brother Jatri, who will soon be a father, and their disabled sister Hayat. The clash between Sahawri and Western worlds is inevitable. "We wanted to make a film that portrayed the Saharan conflict from a human point of view," Morales said. Backed by the Sahara Arab Democratic Republic Ministry of Culture, "Wilaya" has been fully financed by Wanda and Perez Rosado's PRP. "For 36 years, there (have been) more than 150,000 people living in a poor desert in South-West Algeria without legal recognition," said Morales, adding "the film tells a simple story that could happen anywhere in the world." "Wilaya's" cast is made up of non-professional Shawri actors to enhance the film's naturalism, an effect Morales achieved in Spaniard Gerardo Olivares' social-issue pics "The Great Match" and "14 Kilometers," two Wanda productions. Madrid-based 6 Sales apparently believes in the commercialy viability of the pic, taking international sales rights. The Javier Bardem-produced Alvaro Longoria docu "Sons of the Clouds: The Last Colony," also deals with the Sahawri crisis and is at Berlin. "Berlin is once more on the cutting-edge in addressing this subject," said Morales. Wanda is now prepping Olivares' next feature "El faro de las orcas," this time with pro actors. "Wilaya" opens May 11 in Spain. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Are You Able To Stare Lower Miss Piggy?

A looking contest using the Muppets starHere's challenging for you personally: are you able to out-stare a Muppet?We spoke towards the divine Miss Piggy - muppet, fashion maven and world-class diva - on group of The Muppets a while ago and she or he made the decision to interact you, our visitors, within an old-fashioned stare-lower.Are you able to beat her? The Muppets movie obviously sees Piggy and also the gang getting back for just one last show in order to save their theatre in the villainousTex Richman (Chris Cooper).They are aided by JasonSegel, AmyAdams and new muppet Walter (Peter Linz). It's out this Friday (Feb 10) within the United kingdom.But enough about the subject let us discuss us!This video was come up with as one of many treats for that iPad edition of Empire, out let's focus on your reading through (and watching) pleasure. You may be taking pleasure in sweet extra supplies such as this monthly - simply click over by doing this to download your copy.

White Collar's Matt Bomer on Neal's "Dysfunctional" Love Life, Possible Freedom and Beyond

Hilary Burton, Matt Bomer Sara is back on White Collar, but it's all business when she reunites with Neal. On Tuesday's episode (10/9c on USA), Sara recruits the FBI to help her track down a missing Stradivarius violin. So does this professional collaboration mean the two exes might be making beautiful music together again? "In the last three episodes, they find a really organic, functional way to involve Sara in the closing of the season," Bomer tells TVGuide.com. "He's obviously incredibly attracted to her physically ... but I think at the end of the day its like, if something happens, great. If not, OK." Social TV: Will White Collar use Twitter to let fans decide the show's ending? After the pair ignited a red-hot romance late in Season 2, Sarah briefly moved into Neal's loft before stumbling upon his and Mozzie's surveillance camera footage of the stolen treasure. Sara immediately ended things and the case of the missing 17th century violin will be her first time back in his orbit. Although Neal has always been intrigued by Peter (Tim DeKay) and Elizabeth's happily married, white picket fence lifestyle, but Bomer still doesn't foresee Neal getting a similar happy ending. "Sara was a tangible, real love interest, and it showed how dysfunctional Neal is romantically," he says. "Here is somebody who is exactly what he would need, and he still can't ever see himself settling down with this one person." USA renews White Collar for Season 4 In fact, Neal's romantic future may be the furthest thing from his mind. Sara's re-emergence coincides with the return of Peter's former mentor, Agent Kramer (Beau Bridges), who seems intent on taking Neal down now that he may be getting out of his sentence early for good behavior. Neal's possible freedom "is what we're confronting in a big way," DeKay says of the remaining Season 3 episodes. Will Peter reveal that Neal was in possession of the stolen treasure in a bid to hold onto his partner, or will he keep his mouth shut and possibly watch Neal go free? White Collar's Matt Bomer headed to Glee? There's also the possibility that Neal will do right thing and admit his involvement with the treasure, or say nothing so that he can ditch the anklet once and for all. "I hope nothing's ever really resolved or that he's just all of a sudden a good guy, or a bad guy," Bomer says. "That was one of the things that appealed to me about playing the character, was the idea of one of the leads of a show being somebody you could never trust." Unlike his fedora-wearing alter-ego, Bomer is in no rush to exit the show despite an increasingly busy schedule which includes this summer's Magic Mike, the upcoming film adaptation of The Normal Heart, and a guest starring gig on Glee playing Blaine's older brother. "As long as the show is around, it will always be home base for me," Bomer says. "We have this great six month-hiatus that's full of all kinds of opportunities for us to broaden our horizons, hopefully fill ourselves up and bring it back to the workplace."

Restored 'Cabaret' to open TCM fest

The third annual TCM Classic Film Festival will launch April 12 in Hollywood with the world premiere of the 40th anniversary restoration of "Cabaret." Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey are scheduled to appear. The four-day fest has also added the North American premiere of a 75th anniversary restoration of Jean Renoir's "Grand Illusion"; a screening of 1924's "The Thief of Bagdad," with the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra to provide live musical accompaniment; a world premiere of the 60th anniversary restoration of "Singin' in the Rain"; and a 50th anniversary screening of "How the West Was Won" at ArcLight Cinema's Cinerama Dome. Debbie Reynolds will appear at the latter two. Peggy Cummins, Rhonda Fleming and Marsha Hunt will each appear at screenings of their respective film noirs "Gun Crazy," "Cry Danger" and "Raw Deal" as part of a celebration of "The Noir Style." Diana Serra Cary, one of Hollywood's top child stars during the silent era, will join filmmaker Vera Iwerebor for the U.S. premiere of documentary "Baby Peggy: The Elephant in the Room." The festival's also slated an Audrey Hepburn tribute with "Sabrina," "Funny Face" and the world premiere of a 45th anniversary restoration of "Two for the Road." Festival screenings will be held at Grauman's Chinese, Chinese 6 Theaters, the Egyptian and the ArcLight. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

The Help, Modern Family and Boardwalk Empire Win SAG Honours

Betty White-colored The Help assigned Sunday's Screen Stars Guild Honours with three wins, while safeguarding champs focused on the television side.Have a look whatsoever from the hits and misses within the SAG Honours red-colored-colored carpetThe casts of Boardwalk Empire and Modern Family repeated their wins for TV drama and comedy ensemble, correspondingly, while Betty White-colored, (Hot in Cleveland), Alec Baldwin, (30 Rock) and Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire) also repeated their acting wins. Baldwin won his sixth consecutive statuette which is undefeated inside the TV comedy race. White-colored joins Julia Louis-Dreyfus as two-time individuals who win for TV comedy actress and Buscemi is the first ones to repeat as TV drama actor since Martin Sheen 11 in the past.Look at out all the SAG Honours arrivalsThe only safeguarding champion who didn't repeat was Julianna Margulies - SAG's winningest artist with eight trophies - who lost to Jessica Lange (American Horror Story). Lange, who was simply nominated within the first SAG Honours 17 in the past, won her first trophy for TV drama actress.In film, The Help needed home three trophies: ensemble, actress (Viola Davis) and supporting actress (Octavia Spencer). It's the third film to win three honours, tying American Beauty and Chicago.The Artist's Jean Dujardin staged a little upset, triumphing inside the actor race over George Clooney and Kaira Pitt.Beginners' Christopher Plummer won the initial award in the evening for supporting actor.Mary Tyler Moore received the Existence Achievement Award from Dick Van Dyke.Have a look whatsoever from the individuals who win below:TELEVISIONDrama Ensemble: Boardwalk EmpireComedy Ensemble: Modern FamilyActor - Drama: Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk EmpireActress - Drama: Jessica Lange, American Horror StoryActor - Comedy: Alec Baldwin, 30 RockActress - Comedy: Betty White-colored, Hot in Cleveland Actor - Miniseries or TV Movie: Paul Giamatti, Too Big to FailActress - Miniseries or TV Movie: Kate Winslet, Mildred PierceFILMEnsemble: The HelpLead Actor: Jean Dujardin, The ArtistLead Actress: Viola Davis, The HelpSupporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, BeginnersSupporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, The HelpTune in Monday at 8/7c for Screen Stars Guild Fashion Wrap on tv Guide Network.

Steven Spielberg's Moses: Casting The Spiritual Icon

Steven Spielberg looks like it's not not even close to signing onto direct a biopic in the spiritual hero Moses, making this Good Jewish Girl happy. Clearly Mr. Spielberg, VIJ (Very Important Jew), might be reliable to see the story of Moses along with his usual brilliance. But who certainly would be the lucky fella to portray the man who shepherded his people to freedom? Below, some casting suggestions! 1. Liam Neeson: He defied the Nazis in Schindlers List, fearlessly fought against the seriously frightening Darth Maul within the Exorcist Episode I: The Phantom Menace and looked lower flesh-hungry baby baby wolves inside the Grey. Who simpler to challenge the evil Pharaoh than Neeson? 2. Tom Hanks: Moses was the fundamental Everyman, frequently questioning their very own capacity to guide a nation for the Guaranteed Land. Hanks is Hollywoods Everyman, so hed be described as a natural option to get familiar with the man who separated the Red-colored-colored Sea because they and also the fellow Hebrews fled Pharoahs military. Run, Moses, run! 3. Difficulties: A blond-haired, blue-eyed Moses? Sacrilege! Nonetheless they mentioned the identical factor about Bond, and so they were proven wrong. Also, theres nothing improper about showing a gritty, muscled Moses hey, it labored for Charlton Heston. 4. Benedict Cumberbatch: With roles in War Equine, Mess Tailor Soldier Spy, The Hobbit and J.J. Abrams approaching The Exorcist follow-up, Cumberbatch is unquestionably obtaining a minute. Why not add another prestige project to his CV? Hes certainly got the acting chops to go to mind-to-mind getting a burning rose rose bush. 5. Haley Joel Osment: Hes been mostly MIA lately, but employment as juicy as Moses could revive his movie career in the large way. Cant you just imagine him whispering to the dark, echoing chambers in the Egyptian structure, I see my people permit them to go! A number of these stars have labored with Spielberg before to ensure that they've the benefit of familiarity. But he may easily select a mystery actor to fill Moses sandals and thats certainly his prerogative he's Spielberg, ultimately. Who do you want to see as Spielberg's Moses movie? Reveal inside the comments section and also on Twitter!

Kevin Smith, Adam Carolla feud over syndie pilot

SmithCarollaA pilot being kept under wraps at Warner Bros. Television's Telepictures unit as a potential companion to syndie staple "TMZ" has emerged as the source of a public feud between director Kevin Smith and comedian Adam Carolla. While the untitled project was originally to have featured both in on-air roles, it is continuing in development with only Smith. The circumstances under which Carolla fell out of the project are being disputed by both sides. Carolla took to his top-rated podcast Wednesday along with his agent, James Dixon, to dissect the dissolution of a pact they characterized as a holding deal for Carolla in the mid-six-figure range. But as they described it, the day after Carolla signed the contract, Telepictures called to say the deal was off because Smith had issues with Carolla dropping out of an appearance on Smith's own podcast, which Carolla denied doing. Smith previously addressed the controversy on his own podcast with a different version of what transpired. By his account, Telepictures got "antsy" because Carolla's reps dragged out negotiations and never closed the deal. "If Kevin Smith really feels it went down the way it went, and maybe he does, he should get a CAT Scan and a functional MRI because there's going to be problems," Carolla said on the podcast. A spokesman for Telepictures declined comment. But sources say the company continues to work with Smith on the pilot, which like "TMZ" is said to be an irreverent take on pop-culture news, but has no plans to take it out into the currently crowded syndie marketplace. If all goes well, Smith could find a 2013 berth. Some tweets Thursday from both Carolla and Smith hinted at possible rapprochment, as they floated the prospect of discussing the situation on one of their respective podcasts. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

'Flashdance' musical to tour

"Flashdance -- the Musical" is doubling down next season, locking in a national tour launch in early 2013, potentially just after the opening of a Broadway incarnation targeted for the fall. Tour will kick off Jan. 1, 2013 at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, where the gotta-dance storyline is set. Further stops on the road remain to be announced, although more than 25 markets are on the docket, according to producers. Meanwhile, a separate Rialto incarnation of "Flashdance" is in the works but not yet set. If a fall Main Stem bow does indeed materialize, the quick launch of the road version would rep an unusually short turnaround for Broadway musicals, which traditionally take more time between a NY opening and a tour kickoff. On the other hand, the title likely won't need time on the Rialto to cultivate awareness, given the high pop-culture profile of the 1983 movie on which the tuner is based. Show hits North American in a heavily revised version of a show whose 2010 preem in London yielded negative reviews and a truncated West End run. Director-choreographer Sergio Trujillo, the veteran choreographer of tuners including "Jersey Boys" and "Memphis," will stage "Flashdance" with a book rewritten by scribes Robert Cary and screenplay co-writer Tom Hedley. Musical incorporates new songs, penned by Robbie Roth with lyrics by Cary and Roth, into a score that also includes the movie soundtrack's 80s hits such as "Gloria," "Maniac," and the title tune. Tour version is produced by NETworks Presentations, Steven Baruch, Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, Christopher Malcolm, David Ian Prods. and Transamerica. Baruch, Viertel, Routh and Frankel will produce the Main Stem version. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

News Corp. stays in Afghanistan

News Corp. Monday mentioned it may need a minority stake in Moby, a media company located in Dubai and active in Central Asia, mainly Afghanistan, as well as the Middle East. Transaction requires News Corp. to guide its 50% of Broadcast Middle East (BME), a Farsi-language TV partnership with Moby, and offer unspecified fresh cash for Moby to develop. BME will finish up a wholly possessed subsid of Moby. Through BME, News Corp. and Moby have launched two Farsi-language channels, FARSI1 and Zemzemeh. Company mentioned the sale might help Moby strengthen its leadership position within the regions and expand in new and emerging areas. Saad Mohseni continues as chairman of Moby and Zaid Mohseni as Boss of BME. News Corp. will relax round the Moby board of company company directors. James Murdoch, deputy chief operating officer and chairman-Boss of worldwide at News Corp. mentioned the pact "allows us to develop our activities in what is certainly most likely probably the most dynamic and exciting media companies in emerging areas anywhere. The Mohsenis are true pioneers which we're content to be capable of invest alongside them throughout these challenging, yet very promising areas." Saad Mohseni mentioned, "We are delighted to own in News Corporation an investor that sees value in entering parts around the world which many media organizations haven't typically looked to. Current day agreement both recognizes the worth we have created together in Broadcast Middle East and enables us to help keep growing Moby money for hard times.In . Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Russia's box office hits $1 billion

MOSCOW -- Russia's box office assigned $1 billion the first time in the full twelve several weeks this season, up 20% on 2010.While ticket sales rose only 6%, the hike to $1.16 billion reflects the premium taken proper care of tickets to 3 dimensional movies, the large the majority of which are Hollywood blockbusters.Domestic movies taken care of for $170 million -- 14.7% in the total -- lower on last year's 15.35% share ($154 million).Top grossing movie was "Pirates in the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" with $63.6 000 0000, then "Puss in Boots" ($50.3 million) and "Transformers 3: The Gloomy in the Moon" ($45 million). Really the only Russian film inside the top was "Vysotsky: Fortunately I'm Alive!" which made No.8 at $26.8 million."Russia typically counts box office around the December 1-November 30 box office year to reflect the big boost written by Christmas and Year holidays releases. With this count box office on the market year 2009-2010 was only over $1 billion. However, if counted with the worldwide standard twelve several weeks, the figure was $963 million. 2011 was the initial full twelve several weeks that Russian box office broke the large barrier.The large territory has 2,500 modern movie screens. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Garrett Hedlund tunes up Coen Bros.' next pic

HedlundWith production on "Akira" pushing, Garrett Hedlund finds amount of time in his schedule to leap into another music movie. The "Country Strong" and "Tron: Legacy" star is within discussions to become listed on the cast from the Coen Brothers' "Inside Llewyn Davis" starring Oscar Isaac. Pic also stars Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake and John Goodman. In line with the sixties Greenwich Village folk music scene, the storyline follows the title character, who's loosely according to Dork Van Ronk. The folk singer was buddies with Bob Dylan along with other famous music artists. Hedlund's role wasn't immediately obvious, but he's proven in "Country Strong" he has got the chops for any singing part. Scott Rudin is creating with StudioCanal is placed to co-finance the film, which is made with no domestic distribution partner. Robert Graf ("True Grit") is professional creating and production is skedded for early the coming year in Gotham. Hedlund had been thinking about going for a role, but arranging with "Akira" forced him to pass through. Since "Akira" is pushing back production although it waits for any script polish, Hedlund could seriously board. Hedlund, repped by WME and Brillstein Entertainment, also offers Walter Salles "On the highwayInch approaching. Although the beat pic continues to have no distribution, it's likely to hit the festival scene later this season. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

MTV's Movie Tournament 2012: Round One Starts!

Thanks for visiting 2012 and thanks for visiting the tournament! Voting for round among MTV's Movie Tournament 2012 is formally open, providing you with the opportunity to select the film you are most excited for in next season. Are you currently foaming in the mouth for comic movies like "The Dark Dark night Increases," "Marvel's The Avengers" and "The Astonishing Spider-Guy," or would be the stunning "Twilight" conclusion and also the dying-repel "Hunger Games" more your speed? Possibly it's among the two dueling Snow Whitened projects, or you Kitsch fans have your skills on "Battleship" and "John Carter." Whichever movies you are most searching toward, here's your opportunity to defend your champion before 2012 begins in serious. Here's how it operates: following the jump, election for that films you are most excited to determine in 2012 from your listing of 32 movies. You'll have the ability to fight for the movie of preference within this play-in round until voting shuts on Sunday (The month of january 8). Beginning in a few days, we'll be lower to 16 movies. This is when our bracket launches and also the 16 movies will begin going mind-to-mind, March Madness-style, in single-elimination contests until just one movie reigns supreme. So, without further ado, click forward to begin voting in your most anticipated movies of 2012! Which film are you currently rooting for in MTV's Movie Tournament 2012? Tell us within the comments section or hit us on Twitter!

Brit album sales slip 5.6% this season

Despite sales of three.8 million for Adele's album "21" -- the finest single-year tally ever in England -- and record singles sales, the BPI reported an over-all decline of 5.6% in British album sales throughout 2011. The U.K. music trade org tied the drop to rampant piracy. Biz's loss came despite a 26.6% increase in digital album sales (to 26.6 000 0000 models) 15 albums offered greater than 100,000 digital copies. Sales of digital singles rose 10.4% to 26.6 000 0000 models. However, Compact disk album sales slid 12.6% to 86.2 million models. The Compact disk ongoing to become the primary format inside the U.K., composed of 76.1% of sales, versus. 23.5% for digital and .3% of vinyl. The 2nd format grown nonetheless, climbing 43.7% this season. Adele single-handedly propped up music in their native country: Her chart-topping album was the year's domestic bestseller, while her renascent 2008 debut "19" placed No. 4 among the year's top game game titles. Her tunes "YouInch and "Moving inside the Deep" placed first and ninth among the best-selling singles of year. Still, unrestrained piracy torched Blighty biz, according to BPI leader Geoff Taylor. "British artists still produce incredible music that resonates fitness center around the globe,In . Taylor mentioned in the statement. "But while other nations take positive steps to guard their creative sector, our government takes too extended to behave on piracy. Unless of course obviously decisive action is attracted in 2012, acquisition of music could fall again -- a cutting-edge crunch that will destroy jobs and mean the next Adele may not get her chance to shine all over the world stage." Nielsen SoundScan is scheduled to create year-finish figures for your U.S. on Wednesday. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

The Lying Game Star: Mads and Thayer Become Allies Against Their Shady Dad

Alice Greczyn The Lying Game's Alec Ryback is looking increasingly suspicious, but will his shady behavior cause his daughter Mads to turn against him? "She doesn't trust her dad [but] she really does want her family to get along," Alice Greczyn, who plays Mads, tells TVGuide.com. "She's playing the ostrich role, burying her head in the sand [because] she doesn't have enough [yet!] proof to make waves otherwise." The Lying Game Exclusive First Look: Sutton's car is discovered - without her When the ABC Family series left off, Sutton Mercer (Alexandra Chando) returned home from searching out her and twin Emma's birth mom but was soon attacked and then suddenly went missing. Who could be behind her disappearance? Well, Alec (Adrian Pasdar) is one of the few people aware that the twins even exist and also paid a lot of money to keep Sutton and Emma's real mother, Annie Hobbs, quiet. And to complicate matters further, another woman named Annie, also from Alec and Ted Mercer's past, returns on the very same night that Sutton went missing. Is there a connection? That remains to be seen. "Charisma Carpenter's character comes on as Annie but then it's quickly established that she now goes by Rebecca -- It's meant to be confusing." Greczyn says. "She becomes a love interest for Alec." And while Alec gets closer to Rebecca, so does Mads, who goes to her for advice about her own new love interest. "When they introduce Ryan [Misha Crosby], she expresses to Rebecca that she's a little bit hesitant to fall in love again because she's still guarded from Eduardo," Greczyn says. "She eventually does take a risk because he's awfully charming." And luckily for Mads, this time around her stern district attorney father is somewhat open to the relationship. Greczyn adds, "There was a scene with me and Adrian that they cut, but where he's supportive of her dating Ryan. He comes off as such a villain, but I do think Alec loves Mads." Exclusive: Charisma Carpenter gets in on The Lying Game Although Mads is busy with Ryan and supporting her best friend Char (Kirsten Prout), who also happens to be the niece of Rebecca (we know it's confusing!), eventually Mads will start to suspect that something's up with Alec, thanks to her brother Thayer (Christian Alexander), whose arguments against their father are pretty convincing. "After a certain point, Mads can't hide from the increasing evidence against their dad," Grezcyn says. "She and Thayer [become] allies." What secrets do you think Alec is hiding? Watch Rebecca's awkward introduction scene, including the reasons behind changing her name, below: The Lying Game returns on Monday at 9/8c on ABC Family.