A bunch of networks are jockeying to interview Casey Anthony. We're guessing Nancy Grace's HLN isn't among them.

Update! The LA Times reports that Casey Anthony has sealed a $1 million deal for a television interview. The Times’ source was a little light on details, though, so we’ll see if this pans out. Here is the link to that story.

Here’s what we posted earlier.

In an update that should shock exactly no one, TMZ reports that Jose Baez, Casey Anthony’s lawyer, ” is holed up at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City, holding court with all of the major networks – to determine who will score the first interview with Casey — and big bucks are involved.”

TMZ says its sources report that NBC, ABC and CBS are all competing for the first interview and that “there is a big price tag for the interview.”

Finally, TMZ reports that NBC appears to be the most likely to nab the interview – and is paying for Baez’ hotel room.

Here is a link to the TMZ story.

So is HLN among the …

Continue reading Report: Casey Anthony lawyer negotiating pay-for-play access »

AP

Jennifer Lopez has arrived in Atlanta by private plane. She’s here to film a movie. She’d love to star opposite you.

Sort of, kind of. OK Jenny from the Block probably will never lay eyes on you. But still. Want to be in her movie?

There’s an open casting call for the film, “What To Expect When You’re Expecting,” from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Hilton Hotel at 255 Courtland St. downtown.

Casting folks need men and women 18 and older. That’s all the information I have at the moment. Previously they put out the call for extras who were expectant moms, or parents of babies and toddlers. This one seems open to anyone with a pulse.

The movie, which has begun filming in Midtown, also stars Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Anna Kendrick, Joe Manganiello, Brooklyn Decker, Matthew Morrison and Chris Rock. If you want in,  call Christopher Gray Casting at 678-894-3863 extension 415. Or,  text your picture to 323-347-6871. Earlier we posted this email: …

Continue reading Cameron Diaz/J-Lo movie seeks extras »

I just got a glum email email sent from Borders’ deathbed. The subject line says “A Fond Farewell.”

As you know the chain is going out of business. Discount sales marking The End begin today at all locations.

Earlier this year when select locations were closed the prices plummeted a little more with each passing day until the walls were bare.

I went by the Buckhead location across from Phipps Plaza on Peachtree, which had a few months prior hosted a visit from Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, a few days before they turned the lights off for good. It felt like that scene in “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” when the Grinch leaves the home of Cindy Lou Hoo without so much as a crumb fit for a mouse left behind.

For a list of remaining stores click here. Act fast.

Anyone else depressed?

- Jennifer Brett/The Buzz/jbrett@ajc.com

Continue reading Borders going-out-of-business sales start today »

TV host Nancy Grace called the other day as she was wheeling into Jay Leno’s parking lot. Gone was the aggressive bark that characterized her coverage of the Casey Anthony trial on HLN.

“We’re all just exhausted,” said Grace, who, believe it or not, is quite soft-spoken in person.

While encamped in Orlando for the blockbuster trial, she said, she and her husband David Linch found time for some family fun.

“When I wasn’t on air we spent time at Disney, Sea World,” said Grace, the mother of 3-year-old twins. “After the verdict I got in bed with John David and Lucy and just held them and thought about Caylee, God rest her soul.”

At the mention of the adorable child at the center of the trial, Grace started picking up steam. She won’t call the little girl’s mother by her name.

“I believe Tot Mom wanted a whole new life. She wanted to be free and single,” Grace said. “She used Chloroform as a babysitter.”

As the trial wore on and concluded Grace became more animated. After the …

Continue reading The softer side of Nancy Grace »

Russell Smith traded a radio career for life on the farm.

We spend our time chasing down tips on where movies like “The Three Stooges” and “American Reunion” are filming, but decided to check out a somewhat smaller picture the other day.

The Macon-based Georgia Farm Bureau had sent a camera crew to the Paulding County Farmers Market to shoot a commercial to air on YouTube, the RFD-TV network and numerous other channels. Farm to cable!

Off we went. Not so fast.

“I don’t talk to the media,” the cameraman said after wrapping a scene involving some tomatoes.

He kindly pointed us toward colleagues who could help us, although we hadn’t really pegged the Farm Bureau as a have-your-people-call-my-people kind of outfit.

Into these artistic differences strode Russell Smith who, despite having a bit of show-biz background, was happy to talk. He worked in local radio as a chief engineer from 1998 to 2008, when he decided life would look a lot better from behind the wheel of a John Deere …

Continue reading Off the air, into the dirt »

Happy Wednesday. Here are some mid-week movie updates for you.

“What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” which will star Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez, has begun filming. Yesterday the project cranked up in Midtown for a scene that featured one of Atlanta’s favorite new crazes, the food truck.

Here is a photo of Anna Kendrick posing with Chef Andy Long of The Fry Guy. I have one of Chace Crawford too. I’ll post it soon as I can find a priest to exorcise my computer. Having a little trouble uploading photos today. Sorry.

We hear the newly single J-Lo will be arriving via private plane. Maybe she’ll find true love in the ATL now that she and Marc Anthony are done.

Meanwhile, Atlanta bids a fond farewell to the cast of “The Three Stooges.” That project, which has been filming all over the place, held its wrap party on Saturday night at Opera nightclub and finishes filming today. They’re in Midtown, on Beverly Drive. Expect a detour or delay if you’re over that way.

As we told …

Continue reading J-Lo/Cameron Diaz movie starts filming, “Three Stooges” winds down »

Here's a wholesome star sighting for you. Mena Suvari, in town for the filming of "American Reunion," laced up over the weekend. She hoofed it during the Atlanta Track Club's Decatur-DeKalb YMCA 4-Miler. Go, Mena, go!

Continue reading Mena Suvari hits the road with ATL Track Club »

Welcome South, Snooki.

Earlier this summer we heard the Jersey Shore kids – Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Jenni “J-Woww” Farley and Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio – would be heading to Atlanta for some sort of role in “The Three Stooges,” which has been filming here.

Well, they’re here!

Our on-set spies say the Jersey Shore contingent has indeed arrived in Atlanta to join the cast of the Farrelly brothers flick. They’re filming at the Atlanta Civic Center today, if you want to drop by and hang with The Situation.

Actually that’s not a great idea. Ever since Jennifer Hudson arrived, we hear security on the set has become super tight. The crew has been closing roads and maintaining a secure perimeter wherever they are filming.

The project, which has been shooting all over the place, including Stone Mountain Park, Midtown and Cartersville, is about finished. The wrap party was held Saturday at Opera nightclub in Midtown.

“Amazing time here in Atlanta,” …

Continue reading Fist pump! The Jersey Shore kids are here »

Last year’s New Look Foundation awards event featured Justin Bieber and Bill Clinton. This year’s will feature Ted Turner and assorted local socialite-philanthropists.

“I’m so excited about the World Leadership Conference,” said R&B star Usher, the force behind the New Look Foundation, in a statement furnished by his publicists. “I feel the evolution of what we’ve been able to build through the foundation over the last 10 years.”

The event, at 6:30 p.m. Friday July 22 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, caps a three-day youth conference called “One World Powered By Service.” The Global Youth Choir will perform and Turner will receive the 2011 Service Legacy Award.

For conference or awards gala details see www.ushersnewlook.org.

Continue reading Usher’s New Look Foundation to feature Ted Turner »

Filmmaker Peter Farrelly and writer-actor Larry David, in town shooting "The Three Stooges," dined at Veni Vidi Vici Wednesday. Peter posed for this photo with assistant general manager Michael Lamusta. Larry was camera shy.

Chris Klein, Eddie Kay Thomas and Thomas Ian Nichols, in town shooting "American Reunion," powered up with some Maytag blue cheese chips and other delicacies at the Buckhead Diner Thursday night then posed for this photo. From left, server Brian Boyle, Chris Klein, server Kayode Thomas, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Thomas Ian Nicholas and server Jim Jones. Assistant general manager Sean Ehrman is in front.

Continue reading Star sightings: Peter Farrelly, Larry David, “American Reunion” actors »