Luc Besson launches Blue

Film News: Company to produce 'advertainment' -- Helmer-producer Luc Besson is teaming up with advertising exec Christophe Lambert to launch Blue, Gaul’s first shingle devoted to “advertainment” — a blend of entertainment and advertising.

Dwight Caines upped at Sony

Film News: Exec now oversees all digital marketing -- Dwight Caines has been upped to prexy of worldwide digital marketing at Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Entertainment One gets credit

Business News: Company to receive $150 million -- Despite a global credit squeeze, Canada's Entertainment One has just received a four-year $150 million senior credit facility with a group of financial institutions led by JP Morgan. The facility leaves the Toronto-based distrib and producer poised for further growth. The other banks in the syndicate include Bank of America, Barclays and Toronto Dominion Bank.

Summit taps Kirkpatrick for post

Business News: Exec named president of worldwide marketing -- Summit Entertainment has tapped veteran exec Nancy Kirkpatrick prexy of worldwide marketing.

Peace stands behind 'The Line'

Business News: Group acquires rights to Canadian TV drama -- Peace Arch Entertainment Group has acquired distribution rights to upcoming TV series "The Line."

Schulman retiring as WB counsel

Business News: Legal guru had been with studio for 25 years -- John Schulman, Warner Bros. Entertainment general counsel and the reigning dean of studio legal eagles, is retiring after a 25-year career at the studio.

Entertainment League enters game

Business News: Former NBA exec start sports production unit -- The ranks of companies in Los Angeles focusing on sports production and marketing have added another player: Entertainment League Prods.

ITV's Paul Jackson exits

Business News: Exec returning to role as tube producer -- ITV director of entertainment Paul Jackson, former head of Granada America, is ankling at the end of the year to return to making programs.

ITV's Jackson exits

Business News: Exec returning to role as tube producer -- ITV director of entertainment Paul Jackson, former head of Granada America, is ankling at the end of the year to return to making programs.

PorchLight on for Sparky/Grimply piic

Film News: Companies team up for CGI 'Brothers' -- Singapore's Sparky Animation has pacted with Santa Monica-based PorchLight Entertainment and Scotland's Grimply Films to co-produce $22 million, CGI movie "The Grimpley Brothers."

Cheech Marin flies with 'Angel'

Film News: Actor to direct and star in comedy for HighRoad -- Cheech Marin will direct and star in the dramedy "Angel of Oxnard" for HighRoad Entertainment.

Women set Democratic fund-raiser

Business News: Voices taps David, Short, Garner to perform -- More then 50 women in the entertainment industry have organized an event to raise money for eight Democratic U.S. Senate candidates on Sept. 27, with a lineup of performances by Martin Short, Jennifer Garner and Larry David, among others.

Obama organizers campaign for cash

Business News: Hollywood donors race to raise money -- With the presidential race in a dead heat, Hollywood donors feverishly made last-minute calls to raise money for what could be Barack Obama’s final entertainment industry fund-raiser before the general election.

Susan Lyne named Gilt Groupe CEO

Business News: Former Martha Stewart chief to run online retailer -- Susan Lyne, former chief of ABC Entertainment and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, is bailing on the media sector in favor of running an online luxury goods retailer.

Vivendi off to 'Tennessee'

Film News: Film unit grabs rights to Aaron Woodley film -- Vivendi Entertainment has grabbed all U.S. rights to "Tennessee, " the latest pic from "Monster's Ball" producer Lee Daniels.

Reliance nabs major stake in Willow

Business News: Online business specializes in cricket -- In a further sign of its global ambitions, Indian media conglom Reliance Big Entertainment has acquired a majority stake in California-based Willow TV, which claims to be the world’s leading website for live streaming of cricket events.

Leaky Saints dump defensive coordinator Gibbs

Gary Gibbs, the New Orleans Saints' defensive coordinator the past three years, was fired on Wednesday.

Saints confirm repairs to Bush's balky left knee

The New Orleans Saints have confirmed that running back Reggie Bush had surgery on his left knee, and will require months of rehabilitation.

49ers

Tom Rathman agreed to return to the San Francisco 49ers' coaching staff Wednesday night as their running backs coach.

Seahawks

Greg Knapp is the new offensive coordinator for the Seahawks, the first of many moves to be made by Seattle under new coach Jim Mora.

Broncos interview Frazier; Stoops possibility?

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen has interviewed a half dozen candidates to replace Mike Shanahan, three from each side of the ball.

Elbow hurting, Mawae tries to brace for Ravens

Tennessee Pro Bowl center Kevin Mawae insisted Wednesday he is day-to-day for the Titans' divisional playoff game against Baltimore, and he didn't mean to cause such a stir by saying he wouldn't play this week.

DEs Haynesworth, Vanden Bosh practice

Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and end Kyle Vanden Bosch took part in their first full practice in weeks Wednesday, and they couldn't be more eager to chase the rookie quarterback in the Titans' AFC divisional playoff game on Sunday against Baltimore.

Giants RB Jacobs practices; DE Tuck misses workout

New York Giants leading rusher Brandon Jacobs returned to practice on Wednesday and pronounced himself ready to go for the NFC semifinal against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ex-Bills QB, politician Kemp diagnosed with cancer

The office of Jack Kemp says the former housing secretary, congressman and Buffalo Bills quarterback has been diagnosed with cancer.

Panthers get injured linemen back for Cards game

The Carolina Panthers should have starting defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu
and Damione Lewis back for Saturday's playoff game against Arizona. Kemoeatu,
Lewis and right offensive tackle Jeff Otah practiced Wednesday after being sidelined
by injuries late in the regular season.