IN THE PRESS: Channing Tatum’s ‘Dear John’ Featured in Local Charleston Newspaper

As I recently mentioned, Channing Tatum’s upcoming 2009 romantic drama ‘Dear John‘ was going to be featured in today’s The Post and Courier, which is the local paper in Charleston, South Carolina where the movie is currently filming. I was able to find the article and in it we learn more about the film and its award-winning director Lasse Hallstrom.

You can CLICK HERE or on the image on the right to read a scan of the article from the Arts and Travel section or you can also read the entire article below. Enjoy!

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Director Returns to Area

Hallstrom midway into Lowcountry shooting

By Bill Thompson (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Sunday, November 23, 2008

The temper of a movie set, whether it is palpably tense or comradely and collaborative, generally percolates from the top down. Which is to say, the director typically sets the tone.

On a clear fall day, the cast and crew of “Dear John” are shooting scenes inside the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, whose second-floor lobby is doubling as an airport security checkpoint, complete with “gates.”

Lasse Hallstrom is orchestrating the set-ups with calm, soft-spoken deliberation.

Everyone is focused, not least stars Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, who play the lovers of the piece. But the atmosphere is relaxed, confident, unhurried. Credit Hallstrom, at least in part. He knows what he wants, and people are more than happy to give it to him.

Hallstrom & Co. are just past the halfway point of their 10-week Lowcountry filming schedule. It is going well.

Adapted by screenwriter Jamie Linden (”We Are Marshall”) from the novel by Nicholas Sparks, “Dear John” is right up the director’s alley.

Twice nominated for an Oscar, Hallstrom boasts diverse credits with such pictures as “My Life as a Dog” (1987), “Once Around” (1991, his American feature debut), “The Cider House Rules” (1999), “Chocolat” (2000) and “The Hoax” (2007).

He also helped give the careers of Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Juliette Lewis a boost with “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” (1993), a quirky, decidedly unsentimental movie about an unconventional American family. And just in case you were wondering, long before 2008’s musical “Mamma Mia!” celebrated the Swedish pop group, it was Hallstrom who made “ABBA: the Movie” (1977).

Welcome back

“Dear John” marks his return to the Lowcountry, having filmed “Something to Talk About” in the area in 1995. He was attracted to the Sparks’ novel by several of its narrative features.

“It was a romantic epic, and I’d never done a film of this kind of scope,” Hallstrom says. “I was drawn to the storytelling, which spans large amounts of time. I want to try to make it as real as possible.”

Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Hallstrom directed his first short films at age 10, in 1956, including a three-minute documentary and a 10-minute thriller called “The Ghost Thief.” He has accumulated an extensive resume over the years as a director, screenwriter, producer, editor and director of photography.

Though he is perhaps best known for quality literary adaptations — “The Shipping News” was a rare misfire — Hallstrom says translating novels into film holds no special appeal for him. It’s character and story that matter, not the source.

“No, not really. I can only say that this (derived from books) is what some of my films have in common.”

With notable exceptions, his movies are marked by their warmth, and a steady gaze into the human heart. While Sparks’ novels have tended to be more overtly sentimental, Hallstrom strives to find a balance, leavening sentiment with humor, and pulling back from the precipice of schmaltz.

“I had read some of his (Sparks) work, and had seen ‘The Notebook,’ ” says Hallstrom, who lives with his wife, actress Lena Olin, in New York. “That was what I needed to begin. I am always interested in strong sentiment that borders on sentimentality. But I try to stay on the right side of sentimentality. There is a difference. Sentimentality is pushing it too far. You want to achieve honesty, and your approach (to the material) must be real.

“I want to explore the irrationality of human behaviors. And I want people to recognize those moments. If you have that interest, and an interest in being real, the less the chance your drama will (be) seen as apart from reality.”

Love, with grit

“Dear John” is a romantic drama centering on a young soldier who falls in love with a college student while home on leave and later tries to sustain the relationship through a series of letters mailed overseas. Tatum (”G.I. Joe,” “Stop Loss”) and Seyfried (”Mean Girls,” “Mamma Mia!”) have the leads.

Added in recent weeks to the cast was Richard Jenkins, a versatile character actor who earned a long-overdue leading role in Thomas McCarthy’s “The Visitor.”

As to why, after his success as co-writer of “My Life as a Dog,” Hallstrom seldom has penned the scripts for his films, he says, chuckling, “I’ve just been caught up in directing,” although he does have two scripts currently in development.

For “Dear John,” Hallstrom and producer Marty Bowen entrusted script duties to the 29-year-old Linden, who says he was not overly concerned with fealty to Sparks’ novel.

“Sparks taps into something that clearly works, and that people clearly respond to,” Linden says.

“For me, it was about taking what he taps into and trying to broaden it. My pitch was that I wanted to do a movie that would not appeal to just one (audience) quadrant,” he says. “This guy Channing plays is a war hero. He’s going into combat. The movie can appeal to someone like me, a young guy who’s lived through 9/11 and knows people who have to leave their girlfriends and go overseas. And people like me who have father issues or child issues. There’s that father-son dynamic about ‘Dear John’ that makes it two love stories in one. It’s not just the romance. It’s also about a guy coming to terms with who his dad really is.”

Post-’Dog’ days

Hallstrom, who garnered extensive experience in Swedish TV, did not immediately venture to Hollywood after the triumph of “My Life as a Dog,” which debuted in the States two years after its 1985 European release.

He directed two Swedish children’s films, “The Children of Bullerby Village” (1986) and its sequel “More About the Children of Bullerby Village” (1987), both adapted from the works of Astrid Lindgren (author of the popular “Pippi Longstocking” books) before tackling “Once Around” in Boston.

His career often has been about veering in new directions.

Most recently, Hallstrom threw audiences and critics something of a curveball with 2007’s “The Hoax,” a gripping, mordantly funny take on the story of Clifford Irving’s infamous, early ’70s faux autobiography of Howard Hughes. The movie had a style and a kind of bite not always associated with a Hallstrom picture.

“Yes, I have done various sorts of films,” he says, clearly pleased with the movie, “but ‘The Hoax’ was an entirely different thing for me. You hope to do something different than you’ve done before.”

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‘Dear John‘ is set to hit theaters some time next fall. As always, fans should stay tuned to Channing Tatum Unwrapped for all of the latest news on the film.

CHANNING TATUM & JENNA DEWAN VIDEOS OF THE WEEK: Fan Videos & New Music Video for Jenna’s ‘Shine On’

Today’s Videos of the Week include a recent (but very short) video submitted by Fabulous Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Fan Naz from London that was taken by an excited fan as she met Chan in his ‘Dear John‘ military uniform. We also have a new fan video for Chan and Jenna created by YouTube user Liasemilia and a new music video for Jenna Dewan’s upcoming indy film ‘Shine On‘. Enjoy!

Thanks to Naz and Liasemilia for submitting the great videos!!!

If you have a favorite video that you would like me to consider, send a link to the video to votw@channingtatumunwrapped.com and tell me why you like it. I will post it and your explanation on the blog.

ON LOCATION: Channing Tatum’s ‘Dear John’ Films at Charleston’s Gaillard Municipal Auditorium

In today’s Charleston, South Carolina Post and Courier we learn that Channing Tatum’s romantic drama ‘Dear John‘ transformed the second-floor lobby of the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium on Calhoun Street into an airport security checkpoint complete with “gates”. Director Lasse Hallström and the film crew also shot a series of exterior and interior shots on King Street.

The site confirmed that ‘Dear John‘ is approximately midway through its 10-week shoot in the Charleston and Harleyville areas, with additional location filming having taken place on Edisto Island.

In the photos below, lights shine through the windows at Read Brothers on the corner of Spring Street and King Street as ‘Dear John‘ film crews do their work and film crews also roll out onto King Street’s sidewalks as they film on the same corner.

The production recently cast actress Leslea Fisher in the role of Susan, who is a good friend of Savannah (played by Amanda Seyfried), the college student that Channing Tatum’s character John falls for while on leave from the military.

Although most or all of the principle roles seem to have been cast, the film is still seeking background extras for November and December. The final casting call for ‘Dear John‘ will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. next Tuesday, November 18, 2008 in the Klauber Building of the Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce, 225 Parler Ave. in St. George.

Producers are looking for adult men and women of “all types and ethnicities” for filming through December in the Charleston and Harleyville areas, with a special need for Middle-Eastern, East Indian, Moroccan, Greek, Nigerian (or those of African descent) and Guatemalan adults and children. Males from 18 to 30 are needed to portray military men.

Those interested should bring a current photo (may be computer printed) and the following: contact information, age, height, weight, ethnicity. If you’re unable to attend, but still want to be considered for casting, send information and photo by e-mail to dearjohncasting@gmail.com or via hard copy to the following address:

Fans in the Charleston area can read more about the film in tomorrow’s edition of The Post and Courier and can read Bill Thompson’s interview with director Lasse Hallstrom in the November 23rd Arts and Travel section. If I can get a copy of the articles, I’ll make sure to post it here on CTU.

CHANNING TATUM MOVIE BYTES: ‘Fighting’, ‘Dear John’, ‘Step Up 3-D’, ‘Guide’, and ‘G.I. Joe’

I have found a lot more news all over the internet about Channing Tatum’s films. Check out today’s Channing Tatum Movie Bytes to get the latest scoop. Enjoy!!!

FIGHTING

In ‘Fighting‘, Channing plays Sean Arthur, a young ticket scalper that is introduced to the world of underground street fighting. Although the date has shifted a few times, we have a new release date for the action drama, and I have a feeling that this one might stick. The film is now scheduled to release on April 24, 2009, which is just a couple of days before Chan’s 29th birthday.

Kevin Misher, Misher Films helmer and one of the movie’s executive producers, has told me that he’s extremely excited about the movie. I’m totally excited too, because both he and the NBC Universal team who is marketing ‘Fighting‘ have confirmed that Channing Tatum Unwrapped will be kept in the loop on any future news about this project, so stay tuned.

DEAR JOHN

The cast continues to grow over on the set of Channing Tatum’s romantic drama ‘Dear John‘, Lasse Hallstrom’s adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling novel.

Last month, CarolinaAutism.org announced that a 6 year old Carolina Autism client has been chosen to star in ‘Dear John‘. They do not give his name, but confirmed that he will be playing the part of Alan. They said that the director chose a child with autism to play the part in a daring statement about authenticity and the ability of people with autism to work and participate in the entertainment industry. A person by the name of Phil Blevins, who works for Carolina Autism, has been retained to consult to the production on matters related to autism spectrum disorders.

A few days ago, we also learned from the Hollywood Reporter that the production has added veteran actor Richard Jenkins (’The Visitor’, ‘Burn After Reading’, “Six Feet Under”) to their cast. Jenkins will play the father of the young soldier John Tyree (Channing Tatum) who meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah Lynn Curtis (Amanda Seyfried), while on military leave.

Finally, Scott Porter (”Friday Night Lights”), who is rumored to be playing the character of Randy, recently mentioned in a TV Guide interview that Chris Cooper (’The Kingdom’, ‘Breach’) has also signed on to the cast, but did not mention what specific role he is playing.

‘Dear John‘, the epic love story that Chan is filming in South Carolina threw December, will be released in theaters some time around October 2009.

STEP UP 3-D

At the 2008 American Film Market (AFM), ComingSoon.net got their hands on some initial poster artwork for the highly anticipated ‘Step Up 3-D‘. AFM is where over 8,000 industry leaders converge in Santa Monica for eight days of deal-making, screenings, seminars, red carpet premieres, networking and parties. Fans can click on the image on the left to view the new poster in the Channing Tatum Unwrapped Photo Gallery.

Although (in my humble opinion) I don’t think that Channing will be making an appearance in the third chapter of the extremely popular ‘Step Up’ franchise, based on an announcement producer Adam Shankman made on the show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, we do know for sure that ‘Step Up 2: The Streets‘ director Jon M. Chu and break out star Adam Sevani will be returning in ‘Step Up 3-D‘. I can’t wait to see the film that is set to hit theaters some time in 2009 or 2010.

A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS

Channing Tatum’s critically-acclaimed and award-winning drama ‘A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints‘ is being re-released on DVD next year in the US and Canada. Fans will be able to purchase the new A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (Steelbook) edition of the film on February 3, 2009, but you can get more details and pre-order on Amazon today.

G.I. JOE: RISE OF COBRA

I’m not sure if this one’s real or rumor, but I hear that a teaser/trailer will be released for Channing Tatum’s highly-anticipated, live action blockbuster ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra‘ in the next few weeks.

The treaser (not quite a trailer, but longer than a teaser) may have a debut during the previews of Keanu Reeves’ science fiction remake ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still‘ when it opens in US theaters on December 12, 2008, so fans should be on the look out for it. ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra‘ is scheduled to hit US theaters on August 7, 2009.

New Casting Calls for Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan’s Movies

Channing Tatum and his fiancee Jenna Dewan are both currently filming movies that are scheduled to be released in late 2009. Channing is in the Charleston, South Carolina area filming his romantic drama ‘Dear John‘ while Jenna is braving the cold in Detroit, Michigan as she films her romantic comedy ‘Virgin on Bourbon Street‘, and both of the productions are on the hunt for paid and unpaid extras. Check out the casting call information below if you want a chance to be in Chan or Jenna’s films.

‘DEAR JOHN’ CASTING CALL

Channing Tatum’s feature film ‘Dear John‘, based on the novel by best-selling author Nicholas Sparks (’The Notebook’, ‘Message in a Bottle’) and directed by Oscar nominated Lasse Halstrom (’Cider House Rules’, ‘Chocolat’), is still seeking those interested in working as background this November and December. Filming will take place in the Charleston and Harleyville, SC areas.

The production is seeking the following:

• Adult Males and Females (all types and ethnicities) needed.
• Middle-Eastern Men,Women and Children (or those with similar features) to portray civilians in a peaceful Middle-Eastern village.
• Nigerian Men, Women and Children (or those of native African descent).
• Males (age 18-30) to portray Military Men.

If you’re interested, please send a current snapshot (may be computer printed) and the following information via email to dearjohncasting@gmail.com:

• Contact Information
• Age
• Height
• Weight
• Ethnicity and
• Availability

Or you can also mail hardcopy to the following address:

‘Dear John‘ tells the story of John (Channing Tatum), a young soldier home on leave and Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried), the idealistic college student he meets during her spring vacation. The film will most likely be released in theaters in the Fall of 2009.

‘VIRGIN ON BOURBON STREET’ / ‘AMERICAN VIRGIN’ CASTING CALLS

Via a recent interview that director Clare Kilner had with one of the local Detroit news affiliates we learn that Jenna Dewan’s film ‘Virgin on Bourbon Street‘ has a new name for the time being.

Why the potential name change? Well, the director says that the original plan was to have Detroit’s Greektown stand in for New Orleans. The script was eventually reworked to actually take place in Detroit, so they are now using the working title ‘American Virgin‘.

The movie has been filming for a few weeks now in the Detroit area, and despite the chilly temperatures, hordes of extras came out and worked (many for free). Some received prizes for their time, including electronics donated locally by ABC Warehouse, which line producer Marvin Towns Jr. says will get product placement in the finished film.

The film has released two more casting calls for even more paid and unpaid extras next week. Read below for more details:

UNPAID EXTRAS CASTING CALL

Although there is no financial compensation for participation as a movie extra, scenes will be
filmed with stars Rob Schneider and Jenna Dewan, and major prizes will be given away to many of the lucky participants.

Filming will be conducted rain or shine, and the prizes this week will include the following:

• Plasma Screen Televisions
• Motor Scooters
• Microsoft X-box 360 ®
• SR and Digital video cameras

Below you will find locations, times, and what to wear if you want to try to be an extra on the new Jenna Dewan film:

• TUESDAY, Nov 18, 2008 — Strip Club @ Greektown (Bouzouki Bar - 432 E Lafayette, Detroit MI 48226) — 50 extras (ONLY GIRLS) needed / DAY (8am - 8pm) Women only to attend a “Chip n’ Dales” show. Participants must wear apparel without noticeable logos. Dress casually as if going to school. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Shoot may last 10-12 hours. Free parking is available in the parking structure.
• WEDNESDAY, Nov 19, 2008 — Party / Parade @ Greektown (Monroe St) — 500 extras needed / DAY (8am - 8pm) Street Party Scene. Participants must wear apparel without noticeable logos. Dress casually as if going to an outdoor party. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Shoot may last 10-12 hours. Free parking is available in the Greektown Casino Parking structure.
• THURSDAY, Nov 20, 2008 - College @ Orchard Lake St. Mary’s - 50 extras / DAY (7am - 6pm) College Scene. Participants must wear apparel without noticeable logos. Dress casually as if going to school. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Shoot may last 10-12 hours. Free parking is available in the parking structure.
• FRIDAY, Nov 21, 2008 - College II @ Orchard Lake St. Mary’s - 50 extras / DAY (7am - 6pm) College Scene. Participants must wear apparel without noticeable logos. Dress casually as if going to school. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Shoot may last 10-12 hours. Free parking is available in the parking structure.

PAID EXTRAS CASTING CALL

If you’re looking for more than just prizes as a reward for your hard work, ‘America Virgin‘ is also looking for paid extras who have NOT been in the film as a paid or unpaid extra before.

They are wanting to cast women who are 18 - 22 years old and who can commit to film the entire day of Wednesday, November 12th for $7.40 per hour. Overtime will be paid after 8 hours and report times will be available the day before filming.

If you have not been in the film before, fit the criteria, and are interested, send an email to job-905567760@craigslist.org with the following information:

• Photo of Yourself (Cannot be hired without this.)
• Your Name
• Contact Phone Number

If you have any questions about extras casting, please call RealStyle Casting at (248) 220-1034.

‘American Virgin‘ will be shooting for another few weeks entirely on location in Greek Town, Indian Village, other downtown Detroit locations and at Orchard Lake St Mary’s Preparatory School in Orchard Lake Michigan.

The film, which Variety says was recently sold at the American Film Market by Echo Bridge Entertainment, is described by director as “a female ‘Superbad’”.

Comedian Rob Schneider plays Curtzman, the entrepreneur behind a “Girls Gone Wild”-type franchise called “Chicks Go Crazy.” Jenna Dewan plays Priscilla, the virgin in the film’s title, who after a fun night out with friends finds herself on one of Curtzman’s tapes and then teams with Naz, her wild-child roommate played by Brianne Davis, to track down the tape.

Like Channing Tatum’s ‘Dear John‘, Jenna Dewan’s ‘American Virgin‘ (or whatever name they land on) should hit theaters some time in the Fall of 2009.

FAN ENCOUNTER: Channing Tatum on the Beach with Fans in South Carolina

Today’s Fab Fan Encounter is a cute photo of Channing Tatum with fans in Charleston, South Carolina where he is filming his romantic drama ‘Dear John‘. It was posted in a blog entry by frustrated Channing Tatum Fan Hannah.

Why is Hannah frustrated you may ask? Surprisingly, it has nothing to do with the finger in the top right corner of the photo that was obviously trying to get in on the fun too. (Just kidding!) ;-D

Fans can read a part of Hannah’s blog post that accompanied the photo above to understand exactly why (and this is a first here at CTU) not all Fab Fan Encounters are joyous occasions for those involved:

“…Okay so I know that we share this obsession with Channing Tatum, and I had to tell you all about this! : )

So they are filming a new movie in Charleston, SC, and Channing is in it. Well, my sister’s friends were there for the day. And guess who they met?!

Yeah. They met CHANNING TATUM!! And to top it all off, he was shirtless on the beach. Yeah. Oh my goodness. I am so frustrated. And last week I was at Pawleys Island….1.5 hours away. Geez…”

I’m sorry that Hannah didn’t get to meet Channing herself. I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been to know how close she was. Big thanks to Hannah for sharing her sister’s story, and hopefully she’ll get a chance at her very own Fab Fan Encounter before Channing wraps filming in December.

If you happen to run into Channing Tatum or Jenna Dewan, send your photos and fan encounter stories to fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com. I will post them on the blog to share with envious fans all around the globe!

CHANNING TATUM MOVIE BYTES: ‘Dear John’, ‘Public Enemies’, ‘Fighting’, and ‘G.I. Joe’

I keep finding little snippets of information all over the internet about Channing Tatum’s films. By themselves, each piece of info would make for one very short article, but as they say, there’s power in numbers. Together, they all have become a new CTU article series I will affectionately call “Channing Tatum Movie Bytes“. Enjoy!!!

DEAR JOHN

Dear John author Nicholas Sparks is currently promoting his newest #1 New York Times best seller The Lucky One all over the country, and he recently shared insider tales about his books and movies with over 200 high school students in Northern Arkansas. From his 90 minute Q&A session we learn that ‘Dear John‘, the movie and the epic love story that Chan is filming right now in South Carolina, will be released in theaters by October 2009. If you’re a fan of the extremely popular author, CLICK HERE to read more highlights from his talk.

PUBLIC ENEMIES

MovieTickets.com spent this summer surveying thousands of movie fans to select the most anticipated movies through Summer 2009. Channing Tatum’s real-life crime drama ‘Public Enemies‘ ranked #4 overall and #2 amongst female movie-goers. With Channing Tatum, Johnny Depp, and Christian Bale all in the same cast, it definitely doesn’t take a psychic or a survey to predict they’re not going to have any trouble getting people into the theaters for this one. ‘Public Enemies‘ is set to hit US theaters on July 1, 2009, and the last I heard, they were trying to release a trailer this Winter. You can CLICK HERE to read more about the survey.

FIGHTING

Channing Tatum’s ‘Fighting‘ co-star Terrence Howard has been promoting his new album and was recently interviewed by the Australian magazine Babble Baby. In the interview, he confirms that the film is still scheduled for a Spring 2009 release, so hopefully that means that the possible purchase of Rogue Pictures by Relativity Media I mentioned in a recent article will not affect the release date of the film.**fingers crossed**

G.I. JOE: RISE OF COBRA

Uber producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura was recently interviewed by MTV.com. The ‘G.I. Joe‘ executive producer had the following to say to MTV News about some of the early scenes he’s been working on with director Stephen Sommers,

“We are in post-production, and it’s looking really good…It’s going to be really fun, and it’s going to be big…There is going to be two or three really large sequences in it that are really going to blow people away. But I think that, more than anything, what differentiates it from a lot of these big movies is that there are eight or nine very well-drawn characters.”

I hope this means we are still on schedule to see a ‘G.I. Joe‘ trailer during the holidays as we were previously promised, but rumor has it that we may have to wait until Oscar season instead. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced an end to a long-standing ban on movie advertisements played during their Oscar night, and it’s considered to be a big deal in the industry. Many feel that ‘G.I. Joe‘ would be a great candidate for Paramount to promote during the telecast, but nothing has been confirmed yet. The one thing we do know is that ‘G.I. Joe‘ is scheduled to hit theaters on August 7,2009.

CHANNING TATUM PROJECT UPDATE: ‘Dear John’, ‘Fighting’, ‘Stanford Prison Experiment’, and ‘Step Up 2’

In a recent post, I updated you all on some of Jenna Dewan’s current projects. In addition to a rumored switch from the talent agency William Morris to United Talent Artists with his long time theatrical agent Louise Ward, there’s been a lot of different things going on with Channing Tatum and his movies too. Fans can read below to get all of the latest scoop.

DEAR JOHN

Channing has been filming his romantic drama ‘Dear John‘ all over the beautiful Charleston, South Carolina beaches. In this past week alone, numerous lucky fans have seen him and the cast filming on Isle of Palms beaches on October 20th and on Folly Beach on the 23rd.

In addition to Channing playing the role of John Tyree and Amanda Seyfried playing his love interest Savannah, we recently learned that Scott Porter has also joined the cast. I initially thought he was playing the role of Tim, but have since learned that he may actually have been cast as John’s nemesis Randy.

What we do know for sure is that Henry Thomas, who famously played Elliot in E.T., has been cast in the Lasse Hallström directed love story which is based on a Nicholas Sparks novel that follows a soldier on leave (Channing Tatum) who falls for a college student (Amanda Seyfried) only to reenlist in the Army after 9/11. They are saying that Thomas plays the older man who has an affair with Savannah while John is away. Based on what I know about the storyline, I think that means Henry may have been cast in the role of Tim.

FIGHTING

The Associated Press is reporting that Relativity Media is currently in talks with Universal Studios to acquire Rogue Pictures. The sale would include Rogue’s 30-title library, four films that are set for release in 2009, and its entire development slate.

Why should this tidbit of information matter to Channing Tatum fans? I’ll try to explain…

Channing Tatum’s underground mix martial arts drama ‘Fighting‘, which also stars Oscar nominee Terrence Howard, is one of those four Rogue Pictures films that are set to release in 2009. Initially I had read that ‘Fighting‘ may be released early in 2009, but the fact that Rogue could be purchased by Relativity makes that release date a little more uncertain. We may now have to wait until later in the year to see the film.

I’m really looking forward to seeing this one, so I hope the release date ends up being sooner rather than later, but sadly that’s all up to the studio gods (whoever they end up being).

STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT

I hate to be the harbinger of bad news today, but the Stanford Daily is saying there may be a delay in another one of Chan’s potential projects. (On a side note, delays are very common in the entertainment industry, so it’s something I’m starting to get used to.)

They are reporting that the ‘Stanford Prison Experiment‘ is still in the works, but the big-screen Hollywood retelling of Stanford Professor Philip Zimbardo’s famed 1970’s prison experiment continues to hit roadblocks.

The film was originally delayed when Christopher McQuarrie, the director and co-writer of the film with Tim Talbott, went abroad to Berlin to work on Tom Cruise’s upcoming movie “Valkyrie” (a film about the assassination plot against Adolf Hitler) as a writer, producer and assistant director. Additional delays were also caused by a now settled law suit over distribution rights for the film.

With the delays hopefully behind him, McQuarrie is currently at the casting stage. He is searching for actors to play the prison guard ensemble, Professor Zimbardo, Carlo Prescott (an ex-convict and chief consultant for the experiment who has raised objections to the making of the movie) and psychologist Christina Maslach (the film’s heroine).

Despite previous rumors that Ryan Phillippe, Kieran Culkin, Paul Dano, Jesse Eisenberg, Charlie Hunnam, Ben McKenzie and Channing Tatum would be starring in the movie, no main characters have yet been completely confirmed.

The real Professor Zimbardo, a senior consultant for the movie who works closely with its writers, conducted the experiment in 1971. He assigned student volunteers to the roles of prison guards and prisoners, but the study was ended prematurely due to the intense reactions of the subjects to their roles.

Although the film was originally slated to be released in 2009, the ‘Stanford Prison Experiment‘ is currently considered to be on hold without a release date. Fan’s shouldn’t fret, because Chan has plenty of other projects in development to keep him and his fans very busy in 2009 and beyond.

STEP UP 2: THE STREETS

To end this movie update on a happier note, I want to let Channing Tatum’s Fabulous Fans in Sweden know that his highly successful dance hit ‘Step Up 2: The Streets‘ was just released on DVD in your country this week!!!

Fans can CLICK HERE to buy the DVD and can get more info on the Swedish movie site LoveFilm.se.

What’s next for ‘Step Up 2: The Streets‘? The film will next release on DVD in Denmark on October 28, 2008.

FAN ENCOUNTER: First Look at Channing Tatum as John Tyree in ‘Dear John’

Today’s Fab Fan Encounter is an exclusive first look at Channing Tatum in his character of John Tyree in between shots as he films his newest movie ‘Dear John‘.

The great photo was submitted by Fabulous Channing Tatum Fan Kendall and was taken this past week near the ‘Dear John‘ set in Charleston, South Carolina. I’ve been told that his hair is slicked back, because Chan got wet in the previous shot.

Here’s what Kendall had to say about her recent fan encounter…

“Very impressed with how down to earth he is! And a super cutie too!! In between takes he took time to go an visit the million teen girls watching them film from the beach!!! I got to get a picture too!! He seems really fun too! He is even cuter in person!”

Channing will be filming his 2009 romantic drama ‘Dear John‘ in the Charleston and Edisto areas of South Carolina through December with co-stars Amanda Seyfried (Savannah) and Scott Porter.

Fans can click here to get the latest ‘Dear John’ set news on the homepage of ChanningTatumUnwrapped.com.

Big thanks to Kendall for sending in the awesome photo!!! If any of you happen to run into Chan, send your photos and fan encounter stories to fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com. I will post them on the blog to share with envious fans all around the globe!

FAN ENCOUNTERS: Chan and Jenna Hanging Out With More Charleston Fans

Recently, some lucky fans sent in a great photo they took with Channing Tatum and his fiancee Jenna Dewan at a local Urban Outfitters in Charleston, South Carolina.

Today’s Fab Fan Encounter is an adorable photo that was submitted by Fabulous Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Fan Elizabeth W.. It’s an awesome new photo of lovebirds Chan and Jenna with fans Elizabeth W. and Jacqueline C. in downtown Charleston, South Carolina last weekend on Saturday October 11, 2008.

Here’s what Elizabeth had to say about their fan encounter…

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“They are so easygoing and fun - all game for doing a “kissy faces” photo! Taken downtown in Charleston, this is a picture of Chan showing his love for his girlfriend Jenna while we all show our love for the camera. Jenna loves his hat as she had been wearing it for fun earlier. So cute!”

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As you may or may not know, Channing started filming his 2009 romantic drama ‘Dear John‘ in Charleston this week. On Monday, actress Amanda Seyfried, who plays Savannah, was shooting a scene at the College of Charleston with “Friday Night Lights” alum Scott Porter.

Channing was also spotted filming on one of Charleston’s beautiful beaches earlier this week. An onlooker had this to say about the fan-friendly star who made the day of some fans who were watching the shoot…

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“Channing was gracious enough to go over to the girls after the shot and take as many photos as the girls wanted and spend a good deal of time talking with his group of fans. He actually was willing to allow anyone take photos that wanted one. Appears to be a pretty nice guy.”

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In addition to filming on the beach, there have been reports that the production was seen filming in the area at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island where I hear they may be filming a bonfire party scene.

Below you can also check out even more fan encounter photos from the Channing Tatum Unwrapped photo gallery:

Don’t forget that fans can always find the latest news on Channing from the set of his films on the Channing Tatum Unwrapped homepage.

Big thanks to Elizabeth for sending in the great photo! If you happen to run into Chan or Jenna, send your photos and fan encounter stories to fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com. I will post them on the blog to share with envious fans all around the globe!

ON LOCATION: Channing Tatum’s ‘Dear John’ to Film at the College of Charleston Next Week

As many of you already know, Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried will be playing the lead roles of John Tyree and Savannah Lynn Curtis in the upcoming film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks book ‘Dear John’ (aka “My All-Time Favorite Channing Tatum Movie”…even though they haven’t even filmed it yet).

I am so looking forward to this movie!!! If you’ve read any of Nicholas Sparks’ books or seen his other epic love stories like ‘A Walk to Remember‘, ‘Message in a Bottle‘, ‘The Notebook‘, or ‘Nights in Rodanthe‘, then you know exactly why I’m already stocking up on my tissue supply. I can’t even express how EXTREMELY excited I am that ‘Dear John‘ is about to start filming!

As I mentioned in previous posts, the film is going to start principal photography on October 13, 2008 in Charleston, South Carolina, and now we have more detailed information about where they will be shooting next week.

The lucky students and faculty of the College of Charleston will get to watch from afar when the cast and crew start filming on their campus next week. We know this, because the college just released information on shooting schedules and locations to the public at large.

They let everyone know that ‘Dear John‘ will be on campus from October 10th through October 14th. The production will prep a scene under Porters Lodge on this Friday morning beginning at 7 a.m. but will not film any scenes until Monday, October 13th. Filming will end on Monday evening and the crew should vacate campus by early next Tuesday morning.

For those familiar with the area, they say that several trucks will be parked along St. Philip Street, Coming Street, George Street and Liberty Street from Sunday evening through early Tuesday morning, but no streets will be blocked and all through traffic will be allowed.

Shooting will take place between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Monday at the following locations:

• Physicians Promenade
• The Cistern Yard
• Porters Lodge
• Cougar Mall
• College Way

The film crew will not prevent access to any campus building, but access may be slightly delayed for brief moments while scenes are being shot.

In addition to being able to possibly watch filming from afar, you all still have a chance to be a part of the movie because the production is still on the hunt for extras. If you are or have the following, you should get in touch: a vehicle made between 1996 and 2001 in good condition, men with military experience, college-age students, men of Middle Eastern or Nigerian descent — all of these are especially in need, organizers say.

If you are interested in possibly becoming an extra in the film, you should send an email to tbcast@aol.com and/or dearjohncasting@gmail.com for more information. As always, no e-mail photos or submissions can be accepted.

If any of you do get a chance to meet Channing, don’t forget to send you photos and/or stories to me at fanencounters@channingtatumunwrapped.com so I can share your encounter with fans around the world.

‘Dear John‘ will be filming in the Charleston and Edisto areas of South Carolina through December and the film will be released some time in 2009.