Quantcast
Channel: Business Insider
Viewing all 101983 articles
Browse latest View live

Beats knew Miley Cyrus' twerk was going to happen weeks before the VMAs aired

0
0

miley cyrus twerk

Beats and its advertising agency R/GA knew Miley Cyrus was going to have her famous "twerk" moment, grinding up to Robin Thicke during his rendition of "Blurred Lines" during the 2013 VMAs, two weeks before the awards ceremony actually aired.

In those two weeks, R/GA turned around an ad to appear right after the now-infamous twerk, which featured its "Pill" stereo speaker characters chilling on the sofa and mouthing off about Cyrus' "flat ass" and making references to Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back." It was pretty risque — one of the characters exclaimed "pleeeeassee feed Miley Cyrus" — but, nevertheless, it still aired on TV in the first commercial break after Thicke and Cyrus performed.

Here's the ad:

How was Beats and its agency able to achieve this? Well, in advertising, it pays to have contacts. And Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine is probably the most powerful man in the music industry.

Speaking at Advertising Week Europe in London on Thursday, R/GA's vice president and executive creative director, James Temple, explained how the agency and Beats are able to "create content at the speed of culture."

In the case of the Cyrus ad: "Robin Thicke has relationships with [Iovine's record label] Interscope and Miley is also from that stable of talent. So while these things have a level of secrecy, we have exposure to things that you wouldn't through a normal media buy, which gives us an advantage."

He added: "And that's the whole point: We don't exist around what's available to the media agency."

Another case in point was The Black Eyed Peas' performance at the 2011 Super Bowl half-time show. The Black Eyed Peas also have a relationship with Interscope.

Temple told the story: "They knew that there's a [camera] shot from the blimp [flying above the stadium] down to the stage. And the stage was a circle, which is a neat little pattern to stick a 'B' on it. So every time there was a shot from the blimp, it happened to be a Beats logo. So there they were ambushing the half-time show. An ad block like that during the half-time show would cost at least $4 million to $6 million for 30-seconds — but Beats got minutes-worth for nothing. And that's all because Will.i.am is part of the family."

Here's the Black Eyed Peas performing on their B-shaped stage at the 2011 Super Bowl.

Temple summarized: "We're very shrewd about working with moments and how you work outside the media buy and concept around it."

SEE ALSO: Salma Hayek finally stops rebelling against social media and opens up Facebook and Instagram accounts

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's what Rio looks like 500 days before the 2016 Olympics









Why Emilia Clarke turned down the lead in 'Fifty Shades of Grey'

0
0

daenarys game of thrones emilia clarke

Emilia Clarke, who plays Daenerys Targaryen on HBO's "Game of Thrones," is no stranger to onscreen nudity.

Yet, this was the exact reason she turned down the lead role in "Fifty Shades of Grey."

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Clarke said that she doesn't want to build an entire career off of it.

"I'd done nudity before and was concerned with being labeled for doing it again," she explained. "No regrets."

Clarke was not the only big name to turn down "Fifty Shades," which has grossed about $558.6 million worldwide since its February 13 release.

Shailene Woodley was an early favorite to play Anastasia Steele, but she had to turn it down because of press obligations for "Divergent." Ryan Gosling was a possible contender for Christian Grey, because of his strict "no sequels" philosophy. 

emilia clarke terminator genisysBecause of her busy "Game of Thrones" shooting schedule, Clarke has had to turn down several other films as well, including Oliver Stone's "Snowden."

But with a reported salary of $7 million per season for "Thrones" (Clarke denies this number, and simply says that the show "takes very good care of [her]"), and a starring role in the upcoming "Terminator: Genisys," out July 1, the 28-year-old actress is doing all right for herself.

SEE ALSO: I read 'Fifty Shades of Grey' with my boyfriend and it changed our relationship

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's the 'Terminator' trailer that just aired during the Super Bowl








A 'South Park' episode from 2005 perfectly explains Scientology's unbelievable theory of how the world began

0
0

south park s09e12c01 free personality test 16x9Now that Alex Gibney’s new investigative documentary on Scientology, "Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief" is in limited release, everybody is talking about its bombshell revelations about the church.

One of the biggest is Scientologists' answer to how the universe began and the secret of life. The incredible story that Scientologists believe involves a galactic overlord by the name of Xenu, a volcano, and souls that attach themselves to newborn babies.

The story may sound familiar, either for those who have studied Scientology or viewers of "South Park."

Back in 2005, the creators of the Comedy Central show told the same story in their famous episode, “Trapped in the Closet.

The episode follows character Stan, who, after taking a free test from the church, learns his results are so high that the leaders of the church have declared he’s the reincarnation of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.south park emeterScientologists, including John Travolta and Tom Cruise, visit Stan’s house to pay their respects. But Cruise goes to hide in the closet after Stan tells him he's not a good actor.

south park tom cruiseThis then leads to a parody of R. Kelly's rap opera, “Trapped in the Closet, as celebrities ranging from Nicole Kidman to Kelly try to talk Cruise out of the closet. While this takes place, Scientology’s president shows up to tell Stan what Scientologists believe in.

south park 2Many parts of the episode include the text "This is what Scientologists actually believe" at the bottom of the screen during the retelling, because to many it sounds so unbelievable, or like a parody.  

Here's what Scientologists believe.

75 million years ago, there was a galactic federation of planets ruled by Lord Xenu

south park 4Xenu thought his planets were overpopulated, so he gathered aliens from all different planets ...

south park 5... and had them frozen.

south park 6Those frozen bodies were packed into galactic cruisers, which looked like jet-liners, except with rocket engines, and were brought to Earth.

south park 8The frozen bodies were dumped into the volcanoes of Hawaii.

volcano scientology south park

south park 9The aliens died, but their souls floated to the sky.

south park 11Xenu had prepared for this.

south park zenuHe didn’t want their souls to make their way back to the federation of plants, so he had the souls gathered by giant soul catchers.

south park 12The souls were taken to a brain washing facility Xenu built on Earth.

south park 13They spent days being brainwashed, which tricked them into believing a false reality.

south park 14Those souls were then released and roamed the Earth confused. At the Dawn of Man, the souls attached themselves to all mankind — causing fears, confusions, and problems that still plague humanity today.

south park 16The Scientology origin stories told in both "Going Clear" and "South Park" are almost identical. The only glaring difference is that "South Park" portrays the aliens as looking non-human, while "Going Clear" says they looked exactly like people.

"Trapped in the Closet" was written and directed by "South Park" co-creator Trey Parker, and led to the show taking a lot of heat as Comedy Central delayed its airing allegedly in fear that Tom Cruise or the church would turn to litigation against the network. (The network and Cruise's reps have denied this.)

Isaac Hayes, the voice of Chef on the show and also a Scientologist, quit the show once he learned what the episode would be about. 

The Church of Scientology has not denied the stories of its beliefs, and L.Ron Hubbard even gives a narration of the tale in "Going Clear" via a past recording.

"Going Clear" airs on HBO March 29.

Here’s the full clip from the "South Park" episode.

 

SEE ALSO: The Church of Scientology launched a failed Twitter campaign against HBO's new documentary

Join the conversation about this story »








Watch President Obama discuss the war on drugs with the creator of 'The Wire'

0
0

Screen Shot 2015 03 26 at 5.51.37 PM

President Barack Obama and David Simon had a relatively extensive discussion about drug policy this week.

Obama and Simon, a former Baltimore police reporter who created the HBO crime drama "The Wire," repeatedly lamented the high rate of incarceration in the US. The video of their conversation was published Thursday by the White House.

"Part of what of your show depicted ... is also that there is a generational element to this," Obama told Simon. "So you've got entire generations of men being locked up, which means entire generations of boys growing up either without a father, or if they see their dad, they're seeing him in prison." 

Simon agreed and said incarcerated men were becoming "permanently part of the 'Other America." However, Obama said there was a reason to be optimistic about the issue: Even some conservative are starting to partner with liberals on reducing prison sentences for nonviolent drug crimes. 

"Here's the good news: There's an increasing realization on the left but also on the right, politically, that what we're doing is counterproductive. Either from a libertarian perspective, the way that we treat nonviolent drug crimes is problematic. And from a fiscal perspective, it's breaking the bank," Obama said.

Obama also told Simon that his favorite "The Wire" character is Omar, a drug dealer comfortable both with his homosexuality and slaying his rivals. 

Watch the entire conversation below:

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Putin's $51 billion Sochi plan blew up in his face








'The Walking Dead' may have teased one of the next big villains back in season 3

0
0

Warning: If you're not caught up with "The Walking Dead," both the show and the comic series, there are some spoilers ahead. 

"The Walking Dead" season five finale is Sunday evening at 9 p.m. 

Right now, Rick and his group are living (relatively) safely behind the walls of Alexandria. (Though after last week's episode, Rick may be messing up the group's chance at living zombie free.)

the walking dead season 5 rick grimesIf you're a fan of the series, and especially the comics, you're probably wondering when the next big villain is coming to town.

Many people think it's Negan, a foul-mouthed, hot headed, tyrannical leader of a group called the Saviors. (We've talked a bit about him here and here.) 

However, creator Robert Kirkman previously told us at New York Comic Con in October that it will be a while until we see the fan-favorite from the comics. At a previous Con in Arizona, Kirkman mentioned to fans that we could be waiting around until season 9. Of course, that could have been in jest. 

If Negan's not coming soon, who does that leave? 

Throughout the past two seasons, the series has been dropping some hints about at least one other group who's around.

You may recall seeing zombies maimed with what looks like the letter W (or M depending on how you look), but no one really seems to know what that means.

walker the walking dead

Warning: Big potential spoiler ahead.

There are two theories in "The Walking Dead" fandom and online about the marking.

Perhaps the best guess is that this is a nod to The Whisperers, *spoilers* a group who wanderers around wearing masks made out of zombie skin in order to blend in with the dead. *spoilers* 

The Whisperers were first introduced in issue 130 which was released August 2014. 

the walking dead 130Since it's a pretty recent storyline, the group is still shrouded in a lot of mystery. We don't know where they come from, the size of the group, their motives, and if they're necessarily a real danger to Rick and the other survivors. 

the whisperers the walking deadI've held off on writing about this because it didn't seem relevant to the current progression of the series; however, it was brought to our attention that a fan on imgur made a fantastic connection which ties the present Whisperer storyline in the comics to season 3 of the show.

Basically, you're going to want to head back and re-watch parts of season 3, episode 12 "Clear" before the finale airs Sunday.

In the episode, which aired March 3, 2013, Rick, Michonne, and Carl head back to Rick’s hometown in search of guns. 

There, they find Morgan (Lennie James), the man who took Rick in and told him about the zombie apocalypse back in season one. 

the walking dead morgan season 3 episode 12While Morgan now has a big storehouse of guns, he appears to have gone a bit mad. That's understandable considering he lost both his son and wife back to back since the world changed.

There’s one part in particular fans should revisit in this episode.

At one point, Morgan, who doesn't recognize Rick, lunges towards and stabs the series' protagonist. During Morgan's confusion, he shouts out, what, at the time, sounds like a bunch of nonsense. 

If you revisit the clip now, Morgan actually says something of great value that makes a lot of sense.

Rick asks Morgan if he knows him.

the walking dead rick season 3Morgan's response is "People wearing dead people's faces."

morgan the walking deadRick responds to the claim, but ultimately shrugs it off.

rick the walking deadAgain, at the time, Morgan's comment sounded like a bunch of gibberish especially since he didn't appear in the best mental state. The Whisperer characters also didn't exist in the comic series at this point.

The knowledge of them now changes the context of that line entirely.

In season 3, Rick leaves Morgan back in their hometown.

Since then, viewers know Morgan's character has reappeared and has been following Rick's trail to catch up with his group.

morgan the walking dead season 5At the same time, we've been seeing strange markings on trees and have come across the letter "W" on walkers in various episodes.

However, if they're not the Whisperers, the show has at least been hinting at some sort of group that is going around wreaking havoc.  

In season 5, episode 9 the group visited Noah's old home which we learn was ravaged by another group. Written on the back of a wall was a sign that mentioned "wolves not far."

the walking dead michonne wolves

If you go back even further to season 4, the cannibal crew holding Rick's clan hostage mentioned a group that came in and ruined their way of life. A few of them were locked up in a train car.

the walking dead possible wolf(Again, not sure if these are people from the same group, but if “The Walking Dead” ties all of that together, you have to admit, it’s pretty brilliant.)

Either way, people are guessing this “wolf group” may be based on a ruthless and savage group from the comics coined the Scavengers, who, as you could probably guess, are looters who go from place to place taking whatever they can. They're led by a man named Derek, and, in the comics, are in the DC area. 

the scavengers the walking dead
I won't say much more about them here, but we'd be surprised if we don't get a real glimpse at the group behind the "W" markings.

If it's not the Whisperers now, "The Walking Dead" has already laid the groundwork for them. At this point, it's seeming more likely we'll see the Scavengers in some iteration. We'll most likely see a brief glimpse of Morgan again, too.

One thing's certain. Something big is happening Sunday night during the series' 90-minute season finale. "The Walking Dead" has been building up to it for awhile.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: There's A Good Reason 'The Walking Dead' Creator Doesn't Use The Word Zombie








Here are the best movies coming to Amazon Prime in April

0
0

China Television

If you're planning a movie night anytime soon, we recommend you check out one of these movies.

We've put together a list of great classic movies that are new additions on Amazon Prime. They range from the Star Trek series to the latest Ken Burns documentary.

But you'll need to get the popcorn yourself.


Groundhog Day [HD]

groundhog day

In a sentence, another great Bill Murray film.

A grumpy weatherman (played by Murray) is experiencing Groundhog Day over and over again. Eventually, he starts to reevaluate his life and change for the better.

Price: from $2.99 to $12.99


Amistad [HD]

amistadAmistad is based on the true story of a 1839 mutiny abroad a slave ship traveling towards the Northeast Coast of America.

And Morgan Freeman is in it.

Price: from $2.99 to $14.99


Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan [HD]

star trek 2We're going to go ahead and declare this the best Star Trek movie ever made (sorry, TNG fans.)

In the film, the genetically engineered tyrant Khan returns while the aging characters are struggling with their own mid-life crises.

Price: from $2.99 to $13.99


Godzilla [HD]

godzillaThe 1998 remake of the classic monster attacking New York City story.

If you need to jog your memory, this one's starring Matthew Broderick and Jean Reno.

Price: $2.99 to $12.99


Ken Burns: The Roosevelts - An Intimate History Season 1 [HD]

rooseveltsDocumentarian Ken Burns is at it again, and this time here's exploring the lives of Theodore, Frankling and Eleanor Roosevelt — some of the biggest names in US politics ever.

Price: $39.99


My Bloody Valentine (1981) [HD]

bloody valentineThis Canadian cult classic violent slasher film from the 1980's is now up on Amazon Prime.

If this is your kind of thing, enjoy.

Price: $2.99 to $14.99


Leprechaun [HD]

leprechaun jennifer aniston

The horror-comedy film "Leprechaun" (and it's numerous sequels) are now also available.

Fun fact: this movie was Jennifer Aniston's first big thing — even before Friends.

Price: $2.99 to $4.99


But there's way more than just these options. 

Check out the full list of the best things coming to Amazon Prime in April below:

SEE ALSO: Edward Norton just released a special edition run of the coat he wore in "Birdman"

SEE ALSO: 6 shampoos to use if you're worried about hair loss

SEE ALSO: The 5 must-have books on whiskey, American cocktails, and moonshine

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: A lawyer in Florida has come up with an ingenious way for drivers to evade drunken-driving checkpoints








9 things I learned working as a celebrity assistant

0
0

Shanna Mahin

Shanna Mahin has worked for a variety of celebrity clients. She can't reveal who they are, but she can share what she's learned from her time serving them. Below are nine of those lessons.

1. Getting the job is tough!

Good assistants are hard to find and are valued, but getting your foot in the door can be a big challenge.

Most assistants get stolen from agents, film sets or other actors, but if you're still determined to give it a shot, buff up your resume to a polished sheen and try the big staffing companies around town.

In addition to providing maids, nannies, house managers and the like, they sometimes get assistant jobs.

But be warned: if a celebrity has to use an agency to snag an assistant, chances are they've already got a closet full of assistant skeletons. Proceed with caution.

2. Celebrity assistants can make a lot of money.

$75k-200k/year. But when you factor in the odd hours, late nights, and 24/7 commitment, it's not nearly as much as you think.

3. Not all celebrities are alike.

Some may have the delightful reputation of George Clooney, but others are emotional wrecks who treat their assistants like shit. You will not be able to parse this on the initial interview, or possibly even during your first few weeks of work.

They're actors. They're good at acting normal.

4. You may get to experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous, but you'll always be looking in.

As a celebrity assistant, you're neither rich nor famous, and you will be reminded of that every time you deposit your paycheck.

limo

5. Didn't like doing your homework in high school? Tough.

You may find yourself doing homework for your celebrity's kids. In their handwriting, of course. Anything less than an A is unacceptable.

People may want to talk to you, but you’re not the end goal. You're merely the gatekeeper to someone more interesting, and once they get past you, there’s no looking back.

6. You'll find yourself running interference with bad dates and drug dealers.

And doing the dishes if the maid doesn’t show, carrying luggage that outweighs you, and babysitting bratty offspring.

The payoff? Well, that depends on who you’re working for, but your big reward is probably going to be the dregs from party gift bags and a paycheck that is going to keep you living in a very different zip code from the one you’re working in.

7. Don't plan on having a life.

Your own, that is. While being a celebrity assistant may mean you get to travel to glamorous destinations and meet interesting people, it also means being at the beck and call of your celebrity at all times.

You may need to fly somewhere in the middle of the night, or leave your best friend's party to fetch laundry at a moment’s notice. And forget dating — you're in a committed relationship with your celebrity.

8. Life as a celebrity assistant is rarely glamorous.

Sure, you get to drink a lychee martini or two in an exotic locale every once in a while, but while you're there you'll likely to be on the receiving end of a 3:00 a.m. phone call requesting emergency tampons/a pregnancy test/condoms. Good luck finding a 12-pack of Trojan Extra Large on an island where the solar electricity poops out at 10:00 p.m.

9. Sometimes it feels like you're a paid best friend.

This isn’t a bad thing, but if you end up hanging out with other people in their crowd, the moment will come when you get flipped back to work status and it can be awkward. No matter what intimacies you share, at the end of the day, you're still the hired help.

Shanna Mahin has worked for a variety of celebrity clients, and like most former and current celebrity assistants, her lips are sealed. Her book OH! YOU PRETTY THINGS is out in April from Dutton.

SEE ALSO: 19 high-paying jobs for people who don't like stress

Join the conversation about this story »








People are outraged that Lena Dunham wrote a New Yorker quiz comparing her dog to her Jewish boyfriend

0
0

Lena Dunham Jack Antonoff

Lena Dunham's latest piece in the New Yorker, a quiz titled "Dog or Jewish Boyfriend?"offers a list of 35 statements comparing her real-life boyfriendBleachers lead singer Jack Antonoff, and her adopted dog, Lamby.

Lena Dunham Jack Antonoff Lamby

While many seem harmless, such as "He’s crazy for cream cheese," others a bit more harsh:

8. I feel that he is judgmental about the food I serve him. When I make something from scratch, he doesn’t want to eat it, but he also rejects most store-bought dinners.

9. This is because he comes from a culture in which mothers focus every ounce of their attention on their offspring and don’t acknowledge their own need for independence as women. They are sucked dry by their children, who ultimately leave them as soon as they find suitable mates.

10. As a result of this dynamic, he expects to be waited on hand and foot by the women in his life, and anything less than that makes him whiny and distant.

Many people were outraged by the quiz, calling it anti-semitic.

Jordana Horn wrote in Kveller: "... apparently Jews are a group you can make fun of and it is deemed kinda intellectual and funny to do so. Basically, the boyfriend of whom she paints a picture is a weak, cheap, complaining, ungrateful, whiny jerk. To say that these qualities are obviously Jewish – and doglike? – offends me deeply."

Many on social media agreed:

Others have come to Dunham's defense:

Dunham, whose father is protestant and mother is Jewish, told the Jewish Journal in 2012 that she is "very culturally Jewish, although that's the biggest cliché for a Jewish woman to say."

Dunham has yet to comment on the backlash, but earlier this week she assured the quiz was a "love letter":

"My first ever Shouts & Murmurs! A love letter to @jackantonoff & Lamby in the form of... Dog or Jewish Boyfriend: A Quiz. Look at this perfect illustration by @benkalt. And I ❤️ @newyorkermag since birth and til death"

 on

SEE ALSO: Here's the racial joke that got an entire 'Seinfeld' episode vetoed by NBC

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The 6 basic elements of a thriving relationship









Ryan Reynolds reveals the first photo of himself in Deadpool costume

0
0

The long-awaited "Deadpool" movie is out in less than a year, and star Ryan Reynolds has shared the first photo of himself in costume as the mischievous Marvel antihero.

For those unfamiliar with the character, Deadpool's a comic character who knows he's a comic character. He often breaks the fourth wall and talks to the reader and himself inside his comics.

Reynolds has been working for awhile to get a "Deadpool" movie made after playing the character in 2009's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" movie.

"Deadpool" is in theaters February 12, 2016.

SEE ALSO: Ryan Reynolds tweets first photo for "Deadpool" movie

Join the conversation about this story »








Eva Mendes spent just $6 on the dress she wore to her first red carpet

0
0

Before starring in hits such as "Hitch" and "2 Fast 2 Furious," and dating fellow celebrity Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes was just your average thrift shopper and bargain lover.

In a recent #tbt to the 2001 premiere of "The Others" which Mendes posted on her Instagram, the actress is wearing a $6 dress she found at Goodwill.

She also mentions that she did her own hair and make up.

And here's the actual post: 

 on

 

Here's her full caption:

The debut of my latest @nyandcompany collection has me throwing back to my first red carpet. I did my own hair and make up and that's a $6 dress from Goodwill. I've always loved a cheap find! Viva thrift shops! #tbt

Looks like her tastes have become at least a little more expensive: Mendes' new collection for New York & Company, mentioned in her post, features dresses in the $50-$100 range.

SEE ALSO: Lupita Nyong'o's $150,000 Oscar dress was stolen from her hotel room

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Animated map of what Earth would look like if all the ice melted








YouTube stars Dan & Phil created an over-the-top video to announce their book and tour. In less than a day the book has gone straight to number one and the tour is almost sold out

0
0

Dan Howell and Phil Lester — Dan & Phil — have huge YouTube followings.

Dan's "Danisnotonfire" YouTube account has more than 4.5 million subscribers, while AmazingPhil has more than 2.4 million subscribers, and they regularly create videos together on each other's channels and a handful of others. The two have become known for their lo-fi "vlogging" style, which also piqued the interest of the BBC two year ago and saw them go on to host their own radio show.

Now, like many YouTube stars before them, the pair recently announced a book and tour. But they wanted to break from form with their announcement to gain some stand-out from the rest of their videos.

So they, and their publisher Ebury Publishing, hired creative agency Ralph to create a ridiculously over-the-top video to act as the reveal.

Their fans have gone crazy for it. In less than 24-hours, the video has amassed more than 670,000 views, more than 18,000 comments. But that's to be expected.

What's even more remarkable: The book has already shot to the number 1 spot on the Amazon.co.uk new releases list and Ralph tells us their book tour is almost sold out.

The YouTube star phenomenon strikes again.

SEE ALSO: When this YouTube star held a book-signing 8,000 teens turned up and police shut the area down: David Beckham did the same thing a week earlier and only 670 people showed up

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Liam Neeson transformed what could have been an ordinary mobile game ad into a Super Bowl great








British spy thriller 'Kingsman' has become a cultural phenomenon in South Korea

0
0

kingsman 02 gallery image

One of the surprise box office success stories of 2015 is “Kingsman: The Secret Service.”

The comic adaptation spy thriller starring Colin Firth and directed by Matthew Vaughn (“X-Men: First Class”) got strong reviews and surprised Fox when it opened second at the U.S. box office its opening weekend with a solid $41 million take, especially up against the much anticipated “Fifty Shades of Grey” over Presidents Day weekend.

But that pales in comparison to the impact the movie has made on the people of South Korea.

The film opened in South Korea in mid-February and has since earned $40 million, making it the film’s highest-grossing market abroad (behind the UK and Australia). It is also the top R-rated title from the States to show there since 2006’s “300” and the biggest Fox earner there since “Avatar.” 

So why do so many South Koreans love well-dressed Englishmen kicking butt?

It seems Fox capitalized on a few headline-grabbing incidents that recently went on in the country that have since spiraled into viral sensations.

According to The Wrap, the Fox marketing team in South Korea used local incidents in which the wealthy were abusing their power  like when the vice-chairwoman of Korean Air ordered the plane she was on to turn around so that she could kick off the crew member who served her nuts in a plastic bag instead of on a plate  in the marketing of the film. 

“We decided to take advantage of this and made three viral videos similar to real-life incidents to promote the film,” Tom Oh, one of Fox’s top men in Korea, told The Wrap. “Everything came together to create a massive hit.”

colin firth kingsmanThe campaign got so big in South Korea that it was parodied on the country’s equivalent of “Saturday Night Live,” "SNL Korea," where the host, South Korean singer Haha, spoofed the movie.

Here's a parody of the "Kingsman" poster used on the show.

haha

Here's the real poster.

kingsman poster mainIn “Kingsman,” the film focuses on a young man with a troubled home life who is recruited by Firth to become part of an elite spy team.

"While class struggles are prevalent in all countries, the national dissatisfaction combined with a hip, stylish and fun film about an underdog succeeding made for a perfect film for audiences to release stress,” Fox’s Tom Oh told The Wrap. 

"Kingsman" has become so big in South Korea, in fact, that since the film opened, one department store saw sales for its double-breasted suits raise 64% in February. 

We'll see if the film's popularity in South Korea will spread to China, where the film opens next week. 

Here's one of the promo videos.

SEE ALSO: 8 American actors who are shockingly huge stars overseas

MORE: This movie starring Jackie Chan, Adrien Brody, and John Cusack is huge in China right now

Join the conversation about this story »








Watch Jon Stewart ridicule Florida and California's incompetent responses to climate change

0
0

Jon Stewart climate change denial

While those of us who live in the Northeast may not believe it, last winter was America's warmest ever recorded.

California was already experiencing drought conditions, and the warm winter and lack of snowpack going into the summer won't help.

Florida is also at risk for negative consequences of climate change — but for sea level rise and flooding.

Neither of these states have put forward quite the best response to their respective impending dooms, which of course provides perfect fodder for Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.

The problem-that-must-not-be-named

Employees at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection were famously barred from using the words "climate change" and "global warming" since Rick Scott became governor of the state in 2011.

In a news clip on The Daily Show, former Florida state employee Kristina Trotta said they were not even allowed to mention "sea level rise," but had to use the term "nuisance flooding."

Just trying to help, Jon Stewart whipped out his "Roget's Denial Thesaurus" to suggest Florida officials could use the terms "moisture inconvenience," "statewide jaccuzification," and "surprise pool party."

Jon Stewart climate change denialBut really, Florida has made it too easy for Jon Stewart to get laughs at its expense. All the show had to do to underscore the absurdity of the situation was play a clip of Florida's Emergency Management Chief speaking at a state Senate hearing.

When directly asked a question about the state's response plan for future climate change related emergencies, the poor man had to do linguistic backflips to avoid saying the forbidden phrase. The entire Senate chamber erupted in laughter.

Jon Stewart climate change denial

A tough nut to crack

On the other side of the country, California has instituted restrictions on personal water use, such as requiring restaurants to give water only to customers who ask for it.

But Jon Stewart isn't convinced that's the right way to address the drought problem: "California's fix for the biggest drought in its history is to slightly curtail the personal water use that makes up a whopping 4% of California's water footprint."

Agriculture is the sector that guzzles most water in California, and some crops require more than others. Alfalfa, used for livestock feed, takes about a fifth of the state's water. Almond growing is another top water consumer for the state.

So what better way to emphasize agriculture's attitude in California than have a talking almond and burger show up to bully Stewart into not asking for water at restaurants so they can get their water?

Jon Stewart climate change denialWatch the whole video below, courtesy of Comedy Central.

SEE ALSO: Jon Stewart hilariously calls out food companies for feeding us an 'addictive, fattening, death menu'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Neil deGrasse Tyson: Don't Worry, Earth Will Survive Climate Change — We Won't








'The Walking Dead' spinoff will be called 'Fear the Walking Dead'

0
0

Later this year AMC is launching a spinoff series to its most popular show, "The Walking Dead," and we finally know its name.

Creator Robert Kirkman revealed the name of the companion show on Twitter. Get ready for "Fear the Walking Dead."

Previously, the show went by the codename "Cobalt."

"Fear the Walking Dead" has already been confirmed for two seasons.

Unlike the original series, which takes place on the East Coast, the new series will be set in Los Angeles. The series will star Kim Dickens and Cliff Curtis along with Frank Dillane and Alycia Debnam Carey.

Season one will comprise of six one-hour episodes, and will debut on AMC in summer 2015. Season 2 will air in 2016.

We don't know much else about the show, but the first trailer for the series will debut after the 90-minute finale of "The Walking Dead" Sunday evening.

We'll have more on it then.

SEE ALSO: "The Walking Dead" may have teased one of the next big villains back in season 3

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: There's A Good Reason 'The Walking Dead' Creator Doesn't Use The Word Zombie








Here's why successful, 28-year-old actor Miles Teller still hasn't paid off his NYU student loans

0
0

Miles Teller Miles Teller is one of the most in-demand young actors.

The 28-year-old starred in 2014's Oscar-nominated "Whiplash" and this year appears in two giant franchise films, "Insurgent" and "Fantastic Four." Additionally, he already has six big movie projects lined up through 2017.

With Teller's net worth estimated at $2 million, his bank account isn't exactly hurting  but the actor still hasn't paid off his student loans.

Whiplash"My business manager says the interest is so low, there’s no sense in paying them off," Teller recently told Vulture. "I can, if I want to have that badge of accomplishment, but until then I still very much have my NYU loans."

In 2009, Teller earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New York University's Tisch School, but he tells Vulture, "I couldn’t tell you a single thing I learned in college. You’re into it at the time and then when you leave, you kind of forget it."

But Teller does try to learn whatever he can from his characters. "If my character's talking quantum physics or biomechanical engineering, I need to know what those are. Our technical adviser was the smartest dude on set, so I would just be talking to him all the time." 

But as far as his student loans, Teller is one of the lucky few.

According to Reutersmore than 70% of U.S. students who graduate with a bachelor's degree leave with debt, which averages $28,400.

In September, CNN Money reported that 40 million Americans now owe a collective $1.2 trillion in student loans, up from 29 million debtors in 2008. CNN also reports the average student loan balance increased from $23,000 in 2008 to $29,000 in 2014.

"It's our responsibility to make sure that the 40 million Americans with student loans are aware of resources to manage their debt, and that we are doing everything we can to be responsive to their needs," Ted Mitchell, undersecretary of education, said on a conference call with reporters earlier this month.

SEE ALSO: Obama is trying to help the 40 million Americans with student loans

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The new trailer for Season 3 of 'House of Cards' is terrifying









James Bond is back in the first teaser trailer for 'Spectre'

Tony Robbins reveals the real story behind his unforgettable 'Shallow Hal' cameo

Singer Sam Smith lost 14 pounds in 14 days and now everyone is going nuts for his new diet

0
0

In February, "Stay With Me" singer Sam Smith took home four top awards at the Grammys.

Sam SmithSince then, the 22-year-old London-native has been increasingly focused on his health, posting his workouts and healthy meals to his 3.2 million Instagram followers.

Today, he is noticably thinner.

 on

And apparently it's all thanks to British nutritional therapist Amelia Freer.

Three weeks ago I met a woman who has completely changed my life. Amelia Freer has helped me lose over a stone in 2 weeks and has completely transformed my relationship with food. Everyone go check out her incredible book, and start to live healthy. It's not even about weight loss it's about feeling happy in yourself. Love you Amelia & thank you for making me feel so happy inside and out @ameliafreer #eatnourishglow

 on

Since Smith posted his secret weight loss weapon last week, Freer's U.K. diet book has been in such high demand that publisher HarperCollins International "sent its U.S. division scrambling to get the book on shelves," reports The Wrap.

"Until Smith’s post racked up nearly 150,000 likes on the photo sharing app, HarperCollins had no plans to publish the book stateside. But within three days acquired the U.S. rights and rushed the book into print," a spokesperson for the publishing house confirmed to TheWrap.

After Smith's plug, Freer quickly gained her own Instagram following:

"I am beyond thrilled to learn that my book is number one on Amazon and iBooks in the UK - and also hit the top spot on Amazon in the US. Wow! I am having to pinch myself. It was a dream come true for me to just write a book but for it to be so well received is utterly humbling. Above all, it’s awesome that Nutritional Therapy is getting the attention it deserves and that Eat Nourish Glow is impacting so many peoples lives and spreading health! This is beyond anything I could ever have wished for. x"

 on


Freer’s approach in "Eat Nourish Glow" encourages clean, home-cooking.

"The key is about it being real, getting back in the kitchen, cooking from scratch, making sure they are not relying on junk processed convenience food," she told ABC News last week.

And judging by Smith's recent Instagram photos, he seems to be following Freer's rules.

"Hot water for lunch for me!! Thanks @ameliafreer !!!! Love you really x #fastingishorrific"

 on

"Now that is a seriously healthy dinner"

 on

 

"These are saving my life right now during this 12 day detox with @ameliafreer xx"

 on

 

"Tonight's dinner. Steak x @ameliafreer is changing my life x"

 on

"Temptation."

 on

 

"Aubergine BaBa and Mozzarella Salad for dinner x"

 on

 

"Look mum no hands truly do the best custard tarts!! Old street, London!! Don't worry @ameliafreer , It's not me eating it x"

 on

 

"Gym is kicking my ass today."

 on

 

"Eating Clean @ameliafreer x"

 on

 

"Beautiful lunch x"

 on

 

Looks like Smith's hard work is paying off.

 on

 

SEE ALSO: Listen to why Sam Smith had to pay Tom Petty royalties over his hit song 'Stay With Me'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The Simple Science Behind Weight Loss








How Margot Robbie went from Aussie soap-opera star to blockbuster bombshell

0
0

margot robbie, focus

Margot Robbie left jaws on the floor after her breakout performance in "The Wolf of Wall Street."

You know the scene. Pink dress. Long legs. Seductive purr. Leonardo DiCaprio hits the floor at the sight of her.

Since then, the Aussie actress has captured roles in major blockbusters set for release over the next two years. In honor of Robbie's newfound success, we're looking back at how she became a Hollywood star.

Born in 1990, Margot Robbie grew up on her grandparents' farm on Australia's Gold Coast. A business-savvy child, she would make up magic tricks and put on shows, charging anyone who wanted to learn her tricks.

Big bro ❤️ #tbt

A photo posted by @margotrobbie on Apr 17, 2014 at 1:31am PDT



She bought her first surfboard at a garage sale when she was 10. "I'm happiest when I'm surfing or out on the farm hunting wild pigs ... or riding around on motorbikes," she said in a 2008 interview.

Sunset surf in San Juan del Sur

A photo posted by @margotrobbie on Apr 24, 2014 at 8:54pm PDT

Source: Yahoo! Canada



As a teen, she worked as a subway artist at a Subway in Melbourne. (Six months after Robbie landed her first major acting role, Subway hired her for a commercial. "I got paid like 20 times the amount I ever earned there," Robbie says.)



See the rest of the story at Business Insider






Why Emilia Clarke turned down the lead in 'Fifty Shades of Grey'

0
0

daenarys game of thrones emilia clarke

Emilia Clarke, who plays Daenerys Targaryen on HBO's "Game of Thrones," is no stranger to onscreen nudity.

Yet, this was the exact reason she turned down the lead role in "Fifty Shades of Grey."

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Clarke said that she doesn't want to build an entire career off of it.

"I'd done nudity before and was concerned with being labeled for doing it again," she explained. "No regrets."

Clarke was not the only big name to turn down "Fifty Shades," which has grossed about $558.6 million worldwide since its February 13 release.

Shailene Woodley was an early favorite to play Anastasia Steele, but she had to turn it down because of press obligations for "Divergent." Ryan Gosling was a possible contender for Christian Grey, because of his strict "no sequels" philosophy. 

emilia clarke terminator genisysBecause of her busy "Game of Thrones" shooting schedule, Clarke has had to turn down several other films as well, including Oliver Stone's "Snowden."

But with a reported salary of $7 million per season for "Thrones" (Clarke denies this number, and simply says that the show "takes very good care of [her]"), and a starring role in the upcoming "Terminator: Genisys," out July 1, the 28-year-old actress is doing all right for herself.

SEE ALSO: I read 'Fifty Shades of Grey' with my boyfriend and it changed our relationship

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's the 'Terminator' trailer that just aired during the Super Bowl








Viewing all 101983 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images