Here is a look at Stephenie Meyer’s introduction to The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner…now go read! Click here or on the graphic to go to the book.  It is only available from noon EST on June 7th until midnight EST on July 5th.

THE BREE TANNER NOVELLA CAME OUT TODAY!!!!

Now this will be spoilerish, so don’t read the comments if you don’t want to be spoiled!

Please tell us what you thought of Stephenie Meyer’s novella The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner!

There’s a new warning PC Tools issued this morning for fans of the very popular Twilight series. It concerns Stephenie Meyer’s upcoming novella, “The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner” that will be available for free online June 7th at http://www.breetanner.com/

As the much anticipated novella hits, fans need to be aware of the harmful malware and viruses found on suspicious e-book download sites and “poisoned pdfs”. The growth of e-books usage has spawned increased cybercriminal activities from computers to mobile devices and e-readers.

PC Tools predicts that once the novella is available, cybercriminals will distribute it through Twilight fan sites and searches as a “Poisoned PDF.” They will exploit the online searches to find ways to infect computers with malware and new threats. Eager fans searching for early sneak peeks will also be targeted.

Cybercriminals are leveraging the viral nature of PDFs by inserting malware into a PDF’s Java Script. As Java Scripting makes PDF documents more engaging, it provides cybercriminals access into hacking your computer. Symantec recently reported that Poison PDF attacks skyrocketed in 2009 to represent 49 percent of web-based attacks.

Consumers need to run the latest security software to protect their computers and mobile devices.

Here are some tips they sent to keep you safe as well as some examples of previous attacks on Twilight fans:

FIVE WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE VAMPIRE BYTE!

• DON’T BE FOOLED BY FAKES – If a virus alert or book download site pops up on your computer screen, don’t click on it. Close the alert and run your antivirus software. In April Google reported on its analysis of 240 million web pages which uncovered over 11,000 domains involved in Fake AV distribution – about 15% of the malware domains detected on the web during a 13-month period.

• KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO – If you download a book, application or other types of files, save it on your computer and scan it before opening. Never click on the “run” program option.

• PROTECT YOURSELF FROM POISON – While PC Tools recommends only opening e-book PDF’s from people you trust, if you have to open a PDF file with your reader, make sure you disable the Java Script on your PDF reader since cybercriminals poison PDF’s by inserting the malware into a PDF’s Java Script

• STAY IN SAFE PLACES – Be careful of book download domains that are not .net or .com.  International domains like those for Russia (.ru) are frequently used by cybercriminals wanting to avoid prosecution in the USA and UK.  Also, stay away from torrents and other freeware sharing sites.

• X MARKS THE MALWARE – Be careful with links with an .exe suffix since .exe means an executable program that could be malware.

The following examples are past threats associated with Stephenie Meyer and Twilight related searches. PC Tools will provide new threat updates surrounding the upcoming release of “Eclipse” movie due out on June 30.

THE VAMPIRE BYTE SEARCH ENGINE SCAM

• This scam targeted users searching “Stephenie Meyer”
• A result for “Stephenie Meyer at 365Multimedia.com” returned with a description of “Stephenie Meyer interview on Twilight the movie starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart”
• When clicked on, this link redirected users to a window informing them that they are infected with malware and they are then advised to download a phony antivirus software product to get rid of the infection.
• As Victims downloaded and installed the phony antivirus software they are asked for credit card information
• Malware was then installed on the user’s computer and any financial information entered is sent off to cybercriminals

THE STREAMVIEWER TWILIGHT SCAM
• Fans were baited with websites, chatrooms and blogs that read: “Watch New Moon Full Movie.” Concurrently, comment posts are filled with related keywords to attract more search engines.
• Search results for the movie then linked users to stolen images from the movie itself, convincing the fan that the movie is only one click away.
• When victims clicked on the “movie player” they were told to install a “streamviewer”
• The streamviewer, however, installed malware on the user’s computer

To celebrate the midnight release of Stephenie Meyer’s new novella, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, Border’s is giving away a bookplate signed by Stephenie Meyer. Here is some of the information from the Border’s website.

Sweepstakes begins on June 4, 2010 at 10:00pm and ends on June 4, 2010 at 11:59pm. Enter to win by completing official entry forms located at your local participating Borders location and dropping them in the designated in-store drop box. Contact your local Borders store to determine if such store is participating.

There is also a list of the stores who are having midnight release parties for the Bree Tanner novella June 4, 2010. Go to Border’s for more details on the giveaways and the stores having parties.

TSTPodcast

MTV picked five books they think could live up to the hype to be your next book addiction. Do you agree? What other books would you suggest?

They say something in the article that  puzzles me -  “But the June 5 release of Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” spin-off novella “The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner” marks the end of an era.”   Are they saying there will be no more Twilight Saga books, no Midnight Sun?

“I Am Number Four”

What It’s About: A group of young aliens land on Earth after their own planet is destroyed, secretly integrating themselves into society where they slowly learn they’re developing powers. When those responsible for blowing up their planet track them down and begin killing them in sequential order, our hero John Smith (otherwise known as Number Four) vows to dish vengeance on the bad guys, all while juggling a hot and heavy love triangle involving his fellow extraterrestrial Sarah (Number Six) and a human girl.

What Could Make It the Next “Twilight”: The book by “Pitacus Lore” (the pseudonym of James Frey and Jobie Hughes) doesn’t hit shelves until August 17, but that didn’t stop Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay and the creators of “Smallville” from teaming up to produce a big-budget film that’s set for a 2011 release. Alex Pettyfer of “Beastly” and Dianna Agron from “Glee” are among the stars already attached. That alone could help the book shoot to the top of the pile, but at its heart the title is about one young man and his quest discover himself, get the girl and take down the enemy.

“The Passage”

What It’s About: A government weapons project goes awry, turning much of the population into blood-sucking vampires. The book follows the story of Amy, a young survivor who remains mostly unaffected by the virus and may be the key to saving the human race. Interestingly, the tale shifts between two time periods, jumping 100 years into the future, when Amy is still alive (cue spooky music).

What Could Make It the Next “Twilight”: Author Justin Cronin developed his book, which come out on June 8, while listening to his 13-year-old daughter obsess over Stephenie Meyer. Like the “Twilight” series, the story revolves around a special girl. Director Ridley Scott (”Gladiator,” “Blade Runner”) apparently agrees and has optioned the book to develop into a feature film.

“The Hunger Games”

What It’s About: In a oppressive country called Panem, every year, two children from each of 12 districts are sent to compete in a televised arena battle to the death. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen has the advantage of archery skills and something-more-than-friendship with fellow District 12 tribute Peeta.

What Could Make It the Next “Twilight”: Suzanne Collins’ trilogy (third book, “Mockingjay,” is out August 24) has created a fierce, selfless heroine, a tragic love triangle and a frightening dystopian future that’s captured adults and teens alike. There aren’t any vampires in sight, but fans’ enthusiasm for these books is growing mighty feverish. Lionsgate is slated to begin filming a movie adaptation in early 2011.

“Vampire Academy”

What It’s About: Imagine Hogwarts, but more deadly and with sexy vampires instead of wussy wizards. “Vampire Academy” follows the adventures of Rose Hathaway, a half-vampire student of the boarding school who is training to become her best friend’s bodyguard. Though she’s often battling evil vampires, the series is not without a heaping of romance here and there.

What Could Make It the Next “Twilight”: When we covered the “Vampire Academy” books last year, we called Richelle Mead’s series the “perfect antidote” to frustrations over Bella often playing the victim. In this series, we get a strong female character who’s more liable to kick someone else’s ass on her own, rather than relying on any strapping hunks to do it for her. And as of today, the latest book in the franchise, “Spirit Bound,” has hit #1 on the best-seller charts.

“Beautiful Darkness” and “Beautiful Creatures”

What It’s About: The series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, the book is told from the point-of-view of a high school student in the deep South who meets the girl of his dreams (literally). A tale of good versus evil, we follow the couple as the girl must choose between the dark side and the light side of her magical powers before her 16th birthday. “Beautiful Darkness” is out on October 12.

What Could Make It the Next “Twilight”: Like “Twilight,” teenage angst is mixed with Gothic charm, dark secrets and choices to be made. The book is heavy on the romance aspect as it follows two young lovers and the feverous attempt by the boy to sway his girlfriend to the more righteous path.

PS. I like Vampire Academy. I just got the newest book…..

UK Twilight fans, here is your chance to be the spokesperson for the Saga (and win some cool stuff), thanks to Waterstones:

To celebrate the launch of Stephenie Meyer’s new Twilight saga novella, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, we want to find the nation’s most enthusiastic, fun fan to represent the Twilight generation when the first copies of the book arrive at Europe’s largest bookshop, Waterstone’s Piccadilly.

Twilight fans love to talk about the books, the characters, the romance, the mystery and everything else contained in the four books of the Twilight saga: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. But how would you sum up what’s contained in those hundreds of pages for someone who’s never read the books? In a minute. On camera.

We want to see you reduce the entire Twilight saga to just 60 seconds of inspired enthusiasm, passion and imagination. The rules are simple – simply film yourself explaining the entire Twilight saga in 60 seconds or less, post your film on YouTube – with the tagline “My Twilight in 60 secs” – and add the link to our Facebook page: facebook.com/waterstones, so we can judge the best.

Use your camera, your mobile phone, your camcorder – whatever you like.

We’ll choose one winner (UK only) to be our ’spokesfan’ on Friday 4th June. The lucky winner will also be able to bring along up to 2 friends (plus a responsible adult if under 18), stay in a top London hotel, get loads of Twilight saga goodies, plus £500 spending money and have the first copies of The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner delivered to their hotel room door at the official publication time of 5.05am on Saturday 5th June.

Click here for details

Waterstones via TwilightTreasury

With all of the discussion and news about Breaking Dawn, the movie, it is enlightening to re-watch these Rough Cut videos, make back in 2008, just days ofter Breaking Dawn, the book, came out. Some of the things Stephenie Meyer says take on new meaning now, after the Midnight Sun situation, the new Bree Tanner Book and just all the talk about Breaking Dawn as a movie. These videos really are too good to get lost in the archives.

An interesting except from the videos:

“It represents Bella and Bella,” Stephenie spills. “This cover, one of the reasons why I love it and was so happy we finally came up with the concept, is that it’s the whole book series on one cover. Bella’s starts out as the weakest player on the board and she ends up as the one who decides the outcome of the story. She became the most powerful player, and I really liked that metaphor. I liked seeing her evolution in one picture.”

Breaking Dawn’s cover shows the weakest piece on a chess board – a pawn – and focuses on the strongest one, the queen. Although Bella’s character comes full circle, Stephenie still feels that other players in the Twilight saga have more to share. She confesses that Leah’s story doesn’t feel resolved to her and foresees future writing from Renesmee’s point-of-view.

“If I were to go ahead with the Cullen universe — and honestly I’ll do it for myself, whether I publish it or not is questionable at this point — but the narrators that I would go ahead with…would be Renesmee and Leah. Probably about the age of five, which would be about 16 or 17 for Renesmee.”

JSYK
MTV via Source

Pattinson at LAX Saturday after Eclipse Re-shoots (JustJared)

Here is Mandy’s report for Day 3, Friday the 30th:

Here is the set report for Friday April 30, 2010.

It was another early morning for Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart. Robert Pattinson was also on set to film his first day.

They were in studio once again and now that they have wrapped, I can tell you it was an older, smaller studio in Burnaby BC that was not used for New Moon or Eclipse, both which required longer usage and larger space in the main studios.

They hammered out several scenes (I don’t know specifics but will try to find out for Monday) but I DO know that many included close-up’s of Bella Swan, whose hair apparently looks far better.

YAY!

I did not go to the studio at all, but fans who were there reported that there was very little to see except police, paparazzi and autograph hounds milling about.

One fan did see someone in an Eclipse sweater Thursday, but said that was about the most exciting thing happening. Another talked to crew who seemed exhausted. The film industry is quite demanding and often requires long hours doing the same thing over and over again so this isn’t surprising to me.

After a long day filming they reportedly arrived back at the hotel close to 11pm. All 3 of the stars in separate vehicles. This is the same as previous films, where they all had their own vehicle and their own driver for work transportation.

Stephenie Meyer was spotted arriving at the hotel last night also and I assume she was on set during the day.

It is unknown why she was in town for sure, my guess was to observe re-shoots and see how things were coming along… or perhaps to meet and deal with any possible reported drama from Thursday filming?

For all I know she was in town for some shopping but whatever the reason, I love Stephenie and am glad she is “hands on” with the saga and has been named producer for Breaking Dawn.

That’s all from me. Studio filming never leaves me with much of a report, but I share whatever I can

A tutorial on what a movie producer is from Larry Richman:

The “Executive Producer” is usually not directly involved with the making of the film itself. This is the “business” person in most cases, helping to obtain financing and handling legal issues. This is the producer more involved with the money side. Some films have more than one Executive Producer, so responsibilities may be split or shared. In addition, their roles will change depending on whether or not the movie is produced by a Hollywood studio or is an indie. Big studios have executives who may wield power over the Executive Producer. That is usually not the case with indies.

The “Producer” is usually the person who does all the hiring. In many cases he/she is the one who hires the director and fills major positions like Director of Photography, Casting Director, etc. But some directors have more say than others in who they want to work with. In some cases it’s like a package deal — the director has his/her own team of people he/she wants to work with, and the producer usually goes along with that. Therefore, the producer’s role will vary depending on the director he/she hires. Also, the producer has to answer to the other people above him like executives and studio heads. The producer may also be involved in obtaining financing and distribution. How much say the producer has in the actual filmmaking process depends on the relationship between the producer and director. Some are completely hands-off. Others want to be involved in the day-to-day production.

Read the rest of his lesson here.

ReelzChannel says Ian Somerhalder has been cast as one of the last human’s on Earth in the movie version of Stephenie Meyer’s book, The Host.” Some lovely pictures of Kellan Luts, also, as they go through some of the Twilight Saga cast’s new movie ventures.
Some “Tidbits” from ReelzChannel