• Sasha Stone uses the promotional campaign for "The Social Network" as the jumping-off point for a provocative piece on "Marketing in the Age of Cynicism." Says Sasha: "Marketing films now requires a broader knowledge of how kids now communicate, and how information travels from person to person. It isn’t just a matter of releasing trailers and hoping for the best, or planting opinions online. Studios are now required to know their monster well. Take the recent unfurling of the 'Social Network' movie trailer. First we had the trailer, then we had the trailer parody, and then another parody. Now, the perception of the 'Social Network' has been blended with ubiquitous snark." AWARDS DAILY
• Sony has just launched the website for the film which, not surprisingly, echoes the source material. The home page lays out photos in a pattern reminiscent to that found on Facebook with labels like "Genius" and "Traitor." THE SOCIAL NETWORK
• Early reviews for "Never Let Me Go" are generally positive, reports Peter Sciretta. Alex Garland ("28 Days Later") adapted the 2005 novel by Kazuo Ishiguro ("The Remains of the Day") with Mark Romanek ("One Hour Photo") directing a cast headed by Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield. The pic world premieres at the Toronto filmfest before hitting theaters on Sept. 15. /FILM
• Our pal Greg Ellwood makes his first 10 Oscar predictions just as August comes to a close. And, as he admits, "there are a lot of obvious picks, but let's be honest, it's ludicrous to call winners at this point." Among his prognostications: " Not only will 'Toy Story 3' win best animated picture but it will be nominated in the traditional best picture category as well." HIT FIX
• Nathaniel Rogers can't tame his enthusiasm for Sundance Grand Jury prize winner "Animal Kingdom," which, as he writes, "is now playing on 39 of the nation's screens. Let that be 39 steps closer to an Oscar nomination for Jacki Weaver; it could happen if Academy members actually see the acclaimed crime thriller. But let’s not jump ahead of the narrative. An Oscar nomination would be a deserving climax, but it’s not exactly a prologue. If 'Animal Kingdom's' confident storytelling teaches us anything, it’s to stay focused and earn your dramatic developments." FILM EXPERIENCE
• Canada's version of the Emmys is the Geminis, which celebrate their silver anniversary this year. As per Tuesday's announcement: "The drama 'Flashpoint' leads the 2010 Gemini Awards nominations with 15 including Best Dramatic Series. Coverage of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics garnered 13 nominations including Best Live Sporting Event. 'Bloodletting And Miraculous Cures,' 'Guns,' 'Stargate Universe,' and 'The Summit' are up for awards in 9 categories each; 'Less Than Kind' and 'Love, Hate and Propaganda' each received 8 nominations." The awards will be handed out Nov. 13 in Toronto with broadcaster Global and cable net Showcase airing taped versions. GEMINI AWARDS
• Don Johnson dropped by the "Tonight Show" on Monday and host Jay Leno brought up Sunday's Emmy Awards. Oliver Miller revisits the conversation: "Johnson recounts his one and only shot at Emmy-related glory. In 1985, he was nominated as Best Actor in a Drama for his work on 'Miami Vice.' And he didn't win. It's been 25 years since then, but Don still seems a little irritated. He calls the whole Emmy experience 'painful' and 'excruciating,' while Jay laughs and claps his hands." For the record, Johnson lost to William Daniels, who picked up the first of his two in a row for "St. Elsewhere." TV SQUAD
• "True Blood" stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyers tied the knot recently but delayed their honeymoon so they could support their show at the Emmys. Besides hoping to sink their teeth into the drama series award, the pair also presented alongside co-star Alexander Skarsgard. PEOPLE
Top photo: "The Social Network" poster. Credit: Columbia Pictures.
Bottom photo: "Flashpoint" first-season poster. Credit: Avamar Entertainment.
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