Harvey Weinstein

CHICAGO – Big news in the streaming/online rental world. Netflix and The Weinstein Company have signed an agreement that will give Netflix the access to hit Weinstein Company films before they appear on pay cable channels. This is a big triumph for Netflix, who as we all know was struggling over the last year due to some questionable increases in rate.

CHICAGO – In the middle of an Oscar race where their film “The Artist” is favored to win the top prize, The Weinstein Company announced news about a future film today. Co-Chairmen Harvey and Bob Weinstein announced two big names that they have signed for one of their next films: Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts.

CHICAGO – “Blue Valentine” director Derek Cianfrance is happily married now with two young children, but the road getting there was turbulent and sometimes still is. While that’s real life, romance films often end with the lucky guy getting the pretty girl and them living happily ever.

CHICAGO – Venerated writer and Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino has no shame in admitting he’s a basterd. In fact, he’s deeply proud of it.

CHICAGO – Brothers Harvey Weinstein and Bob Weinstein of The Weinstein Company are becoming just as big on Broadway as they have been in the movies.

CHICAGO – The publicist for The Weinstein Company’s new film “Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?” has sent us the project’s official poster art. The documentary, which is slated for release on April 18, 2008, comes from the mind of Morgan Spurlock from “Super Size Me” fame.

I interviewed actor and director Denzel Washington on Dec. 6 on the topic of “The Great Debaters,” which is the second film he has directed. “The Great Debaters” opens on Christmas.

I just received official word from the Weinstein Company and Dimension Films that Seth Rogen (“Knocked Up,” “Superbad”) will play the lead in “Zack & Miri Make a Porno” from writer/director Kevin Smith and producer Scott Mosier.