Now that the summer comedy ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ is completed, the filmmakers, including Director Kirk Jones and producer David Thwaites, hope that ‘What to Expect’ succeeds in portraying the varied experience of pregnancy with genuine humor and honesty. Co-screenwriter Shauna Cross hopes the film might inject some reality back into the way pregnancy and childbirth are regarded and portrayed. “I hope that people who have gone through pregnancy feel like they can relate to it,” says the screenwriter.

“And I hope the people who are going through it go easy on themselves. Maybe they’ll opt to not judge themselves and open up to the generous spirit of the movie and just laugh a lot.”

“I think the movie really taps into the joy of having kids,” avows Chris Rock. “Being a father is the best gig I’ve ever had, and there’s really nothing anybody can do to truly prepare for everything that it is. Doesn’t matter how much money you have. Doesn’t matter what kind of job you have. Kids are great. And they love you no matter what.”

Director Kirk Jones thinks that ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’s combination of humor and emotion is something that should appeal to most moviegoers, regardless of their feelings about having children. “I believe that everyone, at one time or another, thinks about either having – or not having – children,” says Jones.

“It’s a deeply human experience that’s obviously not for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be. But I believe that whatever our thoughts are on the matter, stories about bringing new beings into the world resonate on a deeper level. I think this movie manages to look at the way things really are for expectant parents today, and to remind us all just how fun and fulfilling it really is.”

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Casting ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’, the star studded movie in theaters soon, was a daunting task – the filmmakers had to balance an ensemble cast of twelve leads – but actors were incredibly responsive to the film’s subject matter and the strength of screenwriters Shauna Cross’ and Heather Hach’s script.

Says producer David Thwaites, “You can’t ever be 100% sure about chemistry between actors until the cameras are rolling, so you have to follow your instincts. [Director Kirk Jones] and I spent a huge amount of time working out that balance. I think we have a tremendous cast – there isn’t a single role that I’d change or an actor who hasn’t exceeded my expectations.”

“It was incredible how everybody who we really hoped would be in the movie ended up in the movie,” adds author Heidi Murkoff, who also serves as executive producer on the film. “What amazed us watching the performances is how real they were. You could tell the actors wanted to be in this movie, that they were invested in it, and they were connected to the whole experience. I think that makes a big difference.”

Among the five couples in the film, the one that faces the biggest lifestyle change with the on-set of pregnancy are Jules, a celebrity personal trainer with her own weight loss TV show, and her partner, Evan, a professional dancer. Played by Cameron Diaz and Matthew Morrison, Jules and Evan have become the favored champions on the current season of Evan’s show, Celebrity Dance Factor, and their three-month run has seen both their professional and personal lives become increasingly intertwined.

“Jules doesn’t think she can get pregnant; but she does, accidentally, and it sort of speeds things up for them as a couple,” explains Diaz. “They’re both dynamic people with really busy careers, and Jules in particular is ‘Type A.’ She’s used to being in control at all times, and now that’s going to have to change.”

Morrison, currently showcased on the hit television series Glee and a veteran of musical theater, is the other Alpha parent in the power couple. “Jules and Evan are two very strong-minded people,” he says. “They butt heads all the time, and they’re challenged to find a compromise in nearly every situation or decision about the baby. From the little things up to the biggies, like circumcision.”

Jones adds, “With a baby about to enter the picture, Jules and Evan realize they have to become less selfish. They have to work with each other for the good of their child, whether that’s something that comes naturally to them or not.”

Also starring in the film are such big names as Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chris Rock, and Dennis Quaid, including a slew of others.

Actors Anna Kendrick, known for her work in ‘Up In The Air’ and The ‘Twilight Saga’, and “Gossip Girl’s” Chace Crawford are two of the freshest faces in the cast, playing Rosie and Marco, two young, ambitious chefs who operate rival food trucks and grapple with an unplanned pregnancy after a one-night stand. Crawford explains, “Marco and Rosie make a bet on who can sell the most signature items during the rush, and afterwards they have some drinks and, well, one thing leads to another.”

When she learns she’s pregnant, Rosie is as blindsided as Marco, and her experience reflects the film’s motto: when it comes to pregnancy, expected the unexpected. Explains Kendrick, “She wants an answer. She wants a solution. And she wants him to have a great plan. But it’s never that simple.”

With the principals cast, Jones took just as much care casting the film’s supporting roles with notable talent. Those actors include Rebel Wilson as Janice, Wendy’s assistant, Wendi McLendon-Cover as Kara, Holly’s friend, Kim Fields as Holly and Alex’s social worker, and a long list of performers, many of whom appear as themselves: Megan Mullally, Cheryl Cole, Dwyane Wade, Whitney Port, Tyce Diorio and Taboo.

“It’s very easy when you’re putting a movie together with so many lead actors to lose sight of the potential of the supporting cast,” says Jones. “But it was a joy for me every day to turn up on set and be so impressed and appreciative of the contributions of the supporting cast, all of whom delivered above and beyond.”

Image Courtesy of   http://whattoexpectthefilm.com/

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Soon to be in theaters everywhere, ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ initially came in the form of a help book by the same name, written by Heidi Murkoff. ‘What to Expect’ caught the attention of Phoenix Production producers David Thwaites and Douglas McKay, and afterwards the two discussed its potential for a feature film. They then contacted Alan Nevins, who in turn, approached Heidi and Erik Murkoff.

The question remains: how does a non-fiction pregnancy manual translate into a narrative film? Phoenix chairman Mike Medavoy admits, “Bringing the book to the screen might seem like a far-fetched idea, in a way. But I credit the vision of both David Thwaites and Doug McKay, who said, ‘Hey, we know how to do this, and we’re going to do it!’”

After reading the book and realizing just how diverse pregnancy experiences can be, David Thwaites imagined an ensemble film comprised of several interlocking stories. “It just occurred to me – having seen how different people are with their children, and how none of their pregnancies were the same – that this was something that would be well served by having a number of different couples who find themselves pregnant at the same time.”

Director Kirk Jones, the English director known for the films ‘Waking Ned Devine’ and ‘Nanny McPhee’, responded in particular to the comedic potential of the project. “The book has such a generous sense of humor, and I began to identify the potential of that in the film. Couples experiencing pregnancy for the first time are being launched headfirst into the unknown, and that’s always a rich place for comedy. And for pathos, too. I like to make films that feature humor and emotion, often at the same time. I think that’s a magical combination.”

Book author Heidi Murkoff admits she was initially skeptical about an adaptation, but she was soon won over by the producers’ take on the project. She says, “These guys plugged into the sensibility of ‘What to Expect’: the warmth, the friendliness, the hand-holding, and also the humor. I knew the book was in great hands.”

Murkoff’s husband and Executive Producer of the film Erik Murkoff agrees, “The further we got into the project, the better it got. But it really started with the script, along with a great director and wonderful cast, and it built and built and built. We’re very lucky.”

Faced with limitless story possibilities, the filmmakers approached screenwriters Shauna Cross and Heather Hach to fashion an appealing cast of characters whose experience might represent the diversity of the pregnancy experience. The structure itself, according to Hach, was immediately evident. “I was incredibly pregnant myself when I came aboard this project, so it was really on my brain and in my heart,” she recalls. “And it just made sense to me: there are three trimesters and there are also three acts in a movie so there was an inherent story there.”

Shauna Cross, who’s also a mother, set her sights on bringing as much humor as possible to the characters’ experiences. “While I found pregnancy touching and sweet, I also thought so much of it was funny,” she says. “I wanted to push that and make it feel modern, so that this film could be our generation’s version of how we get through this stuff now.”

By the final draft of the script, the writers and filmmakers had built a vibrant ensemble comedy around five different couples, each one incorporating unique experiences and addressing both male and female points-of-view. Producer Arnold Messer says, “We were quite conscientious in our attempts to make sure the film looked at a whole range of perspectives on child-rearing. As much as it’s a movie about babies; it’s also a movie about people who don’t want babies. As much as it’s a movie about motherhood; it’s also about fatherhood.”

Director Kirk Jones also felt strongly that the book’s candor and honesty should be reflected in the film. In keeping with his dictum, the screenplay candidly addresses many issues surrounding pregnancy, including the physical challenges of carrying a child to term, infertility and adoption. “Often pregnancy is portrayed the way people in the media talk about it: women have this wonderful glow and an amazing experience,” says Jones. “But it’s also pretty tough. And our script didn’t flinch from being truthful, honest and grounded.”

Image Courtesy of   http://whattoexpectthefilm.com/

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Since its first publication in 1985, ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ has become a modern standard and the definitive bible for expectant parents. The perennial New York Times bestseller, authored by Heidi Murkoff, was named one of USA Today’s 25 most influential books of the past 25 years and is now the first book in a series that has sold 35 million copies worldwide.

The book offers exactly what it promises: a wealth of up-to-the-minute information and advice about the mysterious and unpredictable process of pregnancy. But its true appeal is its singular voice: totally frank, modern, empathetic and very funny. That’s exactly what sets ‘What to Expect’ apart from the glut of imitators and what attracted producers at Phoenix Pictures – Mike Medavoy, Arnold Messer and David Thwaites – to the idea of adapting ‘What to Expect’ for the screen with Lionsgate and Alcon Entertainment.

“I think it’s very, very clever, this movie concept based on the book,” says actress Cameron Diaz, who plays one of five expectant mothers in the ensemble comedy. “I’ve always heard the title being talked about. It’s one of those books that have been around and a part of almost everyone’s life. When you read it, it feels like you’re getting advice from your best friend who’s been through it all.”

Co-star Jennifer Lopez agrees wholeheartedly. “The book is amazing, which is why it’s so popular,” she says. “It tells you exactly, week to week, what’s happening to you in the moment. I think women, by nature, when we’re pregnant, are so worried that everything’s going to go okay. And here you have this book saying, ‘This is supposed to be happening. Don’t worry. You’re supposed to feel like this.’ I think the movie does the exact same thing. It reassures you by telling five totally different stories about being pregnant and making you laugh.”

A father of two, Chris Rock admits that the book, ‘What to Expect’, is still on his wife’s nightstand…and his oldest daughter is nine. “This book’s been in my face for ten years,” he says. “But it really helped. It’s rough having a baby. My wife was pretty cool. But just imagine carrying around a seven- or eight-pound ham for nine months. Forget it even being in your body – just have it in a bag that you can’t put down – and you’ve got to sleep with that ham and swim with the ham and take a bath with the ham. No matter where you go, you’ve got to carry this ham. So, you know what? You’re allowed to complain.”

Image Courtesy of   http://whattoexpectthefilm.com/

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The American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Broadway Impact are pleased to announce the addition of Golden Globe-winner and Academy and Emmy Award-nominee Brad Pitt to the cast of the West Coast premiere reading of the play ”8.”

The reading is an unprecedented account of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Perry v. Brown), the case filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8, which stripped gay and lesbian Californians of the fundamental freedom to marry.

AFER and Broadway Impact are also pleased to announce that the performance will be streamed live on YouTube, beginning at 7:45 p.m. PST.  A pre-show will begin on YouTube at 7:30 p.m. PST. Rob Reiner, director of Saturday’s performance, recorded a video explaining the reading of the play and inviting people to watch the live stream.  The live stream of the West Coast premiere reading of ”8″ and Rob Reiner’s video can both be viewed at www.youtube.com/AmericanEqualRights.

“At long last each and every American will be able to see for themselves what happens when prejudice and fear are put on trial in a court of law,” said AFER Board President Chad Griffin. ”For over two years, the anti-marriage proponents of Proposition 8 have fought tooth and nail to hide their discriminatory arguments from the American people.

But on Saturday night, thanks to YouTube and our incredible cast, people across the nation, from Los Angeles to Little Rock to Baltimore, will get to watch as our Constitution’s promise of liberty and equality for all is protected.”

Written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black and directed by acclaimed actor and director and AFER Founding Board Member Rob Reiner , ”8″ will have its West Coast premiere reading on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles.  Bryan Singer , acclaimed director of The Usual Suspects and X-Men, is Saturday night’s presenting sponsor.  The benefit event will support the fight to secure full federal marriage equality.

Black, who penned the Academy Award-winning feature film Milk and the film J. Edgar, based ”8″ on the actual words of the trial transcripts, first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families.

Brad Pitt will star as United States District Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker, who found Proposition 8 unconstitutional after presiding over the historic twelve-day public trial.

Pitt joins an all-star cast led by Academy and Golden Globe Award-winner and Emmy Award-nomineeGeorge Clooney and Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner Martin Sheen as Plaintiffs’ lead co-counsel David Boies and Theodore B. Olson, the renowned attorneys who notably faced-off in Bush v. Gore.

Academy, Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner Christine Lahti and Golden Globe Award-winner Jamie Lee Curtis will star as plaintiffs Kris Perry and Sandy Stier, a lesbian couple together for eleven years and the parents of four boys.  Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award-nominee Matthew Morrison and acclaimed White Collar television star Matt Bomer will play plaintiffs Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, a gay couple together over ten years.

Golden Globe Award-winner and Emmy Award-nominee Kevin Bacon will play Charles J. Cooper, the lead attorney for the anti-marriage proponents of Proposition 8.  Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner Jane Lynch will star as prominent opponent of marriage equality Maggie Gallagher, co-founder and former chairman of the National Organization for Marriage.  Academy, Golden Globe and Grammy Award-nominee John C. Reilly will play David Blankenhorn, founder and president of the Institute for American Values.

Additional roles will be played by Emmy Award-winning journalist Campbell Brown; Golden Globe Award-winner, SAG and Emmy Award-nominee Chris Colfer ; Emmy Award-nominee Jesse Tyler Ferguson ; prominent gay rights activist Cleve Jones ; Tony Award-nominee Rory O’Malley; acclaimed Star Trek television and film star George Takei; Emmy Award-winner Yeardley Smith ; and Vanessa Garcia, Jansen Panatierre, James Pickens, Jr. and Bridger Zadina .

The Los Angeles reading of ”8″ comes just weeks after a landmark decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upholding the historic August 2010 ruling of the Federal District Court that found Proposition 8 unconstitutional.  The Ninth Circuit concluded:

“Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples.  The Constitution simply does not allow for laws of this sort.”

The story for ”8″ is framed by the trial’s historic closing arguments in June 2010, and features the best arguments and testimony from both sides.  Scenes include flashbacks to some of the more jaw-dropping moments from trial, such as the admission by the Proposition 8 supporters’ star witness, David Blankenhorn, that “we would be more American on the day we permitted same-sex marriage than we were on the day before.”

“People need to witness what happened in the Proposition 8 trial, if for no other reason than to see inequality and discrimination unequivocally rejected in a court of law where truth and facts matter,” said Black.  ”I’ve built my career around exposing and uncovering ‘the real story.’

The goal of ’8′ is to show the world that marriage equality is a basic constitutional right and that those who would deny this basic freedom from loving, committed couples have only vitriol and baseless hyperbole to fall back on.  The facts are on our side and truth always finds the light.  We are doing all we can to help speed that process along.”

“Because this case involves the constitutional rights of millions of people, it is especially important for the public to see what happened during the trial,” said AFER Executive Director Adam Umhoefer. “Both sides had an equal opportunity and ample resources to assemble their strongest teams and put forth their absolute best arguments in an impartial setting. Viewed side-by-side there is simply no question that there was only one decision the court could have reached.

The moment we knew the trial would not be publicly broadcast we immediately began planning to find a way to show the world what happened in this historic case. This play and our partnership with YouTube and Broadway Impact allow us to do exactly that.”

“8″ had its much-heralded Broadway world premiere reading on September 19, 2011, at the sold-out Eugene O’Neill Theatre in New York City.  The benefit brought in over $1 million to support AFER’s efforts to achieve full federal marriage equality.

Throughout 2012, AFER and Broadway Impact are licensing “8″ for free to colleges and community theatres nationwide in order to spur dialogue, understanding and action.  Most performances will be followed by a talkback where cast and audience members can discuss the issues presented in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger trial.

“I was lucky enough to watch the closing arguments of Perry v. Schwarzenegger in San Francisco,” said Broadway Impact co-founder Rory O’Malley (Tony Award-nominee for The Book of Mormon).  ”We knew then and there that audiences needed to see and hear this story live, as we had done.

’8′ builds on a successful tradition of documentary theatre—plays like The Laramie Project and The Vagina Monologues, which inspire us with their combination of art and activism. We are thrilled to partner with AFER to bring this story to a national audience.”

VISIT THE OFFICIAL “8″ WEBSITE HERE: www.8theplay.com

WATCH SATURDAY’S PERFORMANCE LIVE HERE AT 7:45 P.M. PST: www.youtube.com/AmericanEqualRights

Image Courtesy of   cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com

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