The agreement is the longest-running production deal for the studio

Tom Hooper is directing Universal's adaptation of the Broadway hit, which has been set for a Dec. 7, 2012 release

Universal Pictures extended the co-chairman's contract a year early

Ava Sambora, the 13-year-old daughter of Locklear and Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, will play best friend to character portrayed by Apatow's daughter Maude

The action-adventure comedy is the first sale for writer Matthew J. O'Neill

Universal wants Scott Cooper ("Crazy Heart") to adapt Laura Hillenbrand's best-selling book "Unbroken"

Universal will distribute Syfy-branded films; Syfy will promote

"If storytellers are strong armed into making creative changes, it will endanger comedy as both entertainment and a provoker of thought"

Festival officials act fast after reports of bedbug bites at the Scotiabank Theater

Denzel Washington also in crime drama, directed by Swedish filmmaker Daniel Espinosa

Veteran studio non-creative will have greater role in strategic planning