If you’re as big a fan of writer/genius Aaron Sorkin as we are here at The Flickcast, this news will make you very happy. HBO has picked up Aaron Sorkin’s hourlong cable news network pilot and will take it to series.

In case you haven’t been following the developments of this show, it is as yet untitled (but used to be called More As This Story Develops) and centers on a cable news anchor (Jeff Daniels), his new executive producer (Emily Mortimer), his newsroom staff (Alison Pill, John Gallagher Jr, Olivia Munn, Dev Patel, Thomas Sadoski), and their boss (Sam Waterston).

In true Sorkin fashion this ragtag team of individuals gradually comes together as they explore the world and the news taking place around the, and, in some cases, right in front of them. The number of episodes is yet to be determined but it is generally believed to be at least 10.

This is great news but not really that surprising. Sorkin is a well known commodity and coming off an Oscar win for The Social Network so it’s not hard to believe HBO would be interested in working with him.

It’s also a great deal for Sorkin as well as he can finally have a series on a newtork where ratings are not all that important. Sems like a good fit and we can’t wait to see the show.

Even if you’re not a professional fim or television editor, you’ve probably heard of Apple’s pro editing software Final Cut Pro. It’s become quite popular with editors over the years and has been used on projects ranging from Cold Mountain to True Grit and The Social Network.

Now, as of yesterday, Apple has released a brand new version of the software, dubbed Final Cut Pro X, to a mixed and often hostile reaction from some users. It is currently available in the company’s Mac App Store and priced at $299.99. The companion Motion and Compressor apps are $49.99 each.

Even though FCP X is a completely new version of the editing app with many improvements, it has still drawn criticism from users for the features and capabilities Apple has seemingly removed including XML support and the lack of backward compatibility with previous versions of the software.

Some of the new features include the Magnetic Timeline, clip connections to link effects/title elements to primary footage, raw video keyword tagging and improved content management tools. In addition, the app is now 64-bit, entirely Cocoa, fully parallel and all-around faster (it now leverages the GPU for effects and can render in the background).

An update to the software offering more of the “pro” features users were hoping for is expected from Apple in the coming months. In the meantime, it might be advisable to wait before upgrading or buying the new software — especially if you’re used to FCP 7 and its features.

Click through for the full press release from Apple. Final Cut Pro X is available now in Apple’s Mac App Store.

I don’t think anyone would argue that Aaron Sorkin is an extremely talented writer. His shows, including Sports Night, The West Wing and Studio 60 and movies like the recent The Social Network, have proved this over and over.

Needless to say, we’re big fans. So, when Sorkin takes on a new project, we’re interested. As we told you previously, Sorkin is returning to TV with a new show on HBO. And now, that show’s pilot has a director.

Superbad and Paul helmer Greg Mottola is now set to direct the pilot set behind the scenes of a cable news show. The project centers on news anchor Will McCallister, which Jeff Daniels will most likely play, who has his own cable show, his female executive producer and his staff.

With Sorkin doing a new show, Jeff Daniels starring and now with Mottola’s involvement, we’re even more interested in this show. Come on HBO, get it going and let’s see it soon.

This may be the biggest year for the Academy Awards, as some major Hollywood players are going up against some fresh newcomers. Eyeballs everywhere will be glued to ABC on Sunday, February 27th at 8PM E/5PM P when the awards show goes live. But before that, we decided to do some picking of our own with the staff’s predictions for each award.

For a full list of the nominees, check out our previous article on the subject. Now, on to the predictions.

Best Picture

Shannon Hood-The Social Network. It had early and consistent momentum all year, and the Academy appears to be trying to shake up their stodgy image. This would be the perfect film to put their money where their mouth is.

Matt Raub – True Grit. Not only are the Coens a regular in the “I Have an Oscar” club, but this testament to classic western films is definitely one for record books, between its all-star cast and gritty (no pun intended) visual style, this one definitely deserves the golden statue.

Chris Ullrich – True Grit. Even though this was a pretty great year for movies and there are many excellent choices in this category, True Grit stands on its own as my pick. As an example of pure movie storytelling, this Coen Brothers masterpiece excels on every level and delivers a pure entertainment experience you will want to revisit many more times in the future.

Cortney Zamm – The Social Network. There’s a lot of great films in this category, some of them from my favorite directors and starring my favorite people. But the one that combined all of the essential elements of filmmaking into a truly gorgeous, compelling, and memorable film was The Social Network.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the  nominees for the 83rd annual award ceremony this morning. The King’s Speech was the front-runner with 12 nominations. Overall, there weren’t too many surprises.

Many were disappointed  that Christopher Nolan did not receive a best director nod, but as a consolation prize, Inception was nominated as a contender for best picture.
True Grit did quite well, with Hailee Steinfeld nabbing a best supporting actress nod, and nominations for best picture, best director(s), best actor, and best adapted screenplay. Winter’s Bone was recognized for best actress, best picture, and best adapted screenplay. Dogtooth, Jackie Weaver, and Javier Bardem were nice surprises.

Here are the nominees in the order that they were announced.

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams The Fighter
Helena Bonham Carter The King’s Speech
Melissa Leo The Fighter
Hailee Steinfeld True Grit
Jackie Weaver Animal Kingdom

Best Supporting Actor

Christian Bale The Fighter
John Hawkes Winter’s Bone
Jeremy Renner The Town
Mark Ruffalo The Kids Are All Right
Jeffrey Rush The King’s Speech