WEINSTEIN, RUDIN REACH 'READER' ENTENTE; TWC TO RELEASE FILM IN DECEMBER (THR, VAR, TBP, DHD)

By Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte

Putting an end to a release-date battle between The Weinstein Co. and Scott Rudin, the former will open �The Reader� on Dec. 12. The decision, announced jointly by Harvey Weinstein and Rudin on Sunday, comes after a back-and-forth that hinged on the film�s ability to be completed in time for awards contention while Rudin was said to be pushing for a 2009 release so as not to step on his own toes � he has two other films likely to be in the Oscar race this year.

Director Stephen Daldry has yet to finish the film but is also currently prepping the Broadway debut of the musical adaptation of his �Billy Elliot.� Daldry was originally scheduled to deliver his �Reader� cut on October 5. He has now been given an extra month and post-production has been moved to New York.

Further, star Kate Winslet had said she was not sure she would do media for "The Reader" while she promoted "Revolutionary Road," which is also produced by Rudin and is directed by her husband, Sam Mendes.

In the statement Rudin and Weinstein said, "We are in complete agreement on the date we have chosen. Working together, we developed a plan to extend the postproduction schedule in order to give Stephen Daldry the additional time he needs to successfully complete the film."

In his own statement, Daldry said, "On their own, Scott and Harvey spent this weekend working together to find a way to accommodate my needs so that I may fulfill my obligation to the studio without compromising my vision for the film. I am thrilled and relieved that we have all found a way forward to work together to bring 'The Reader' to theaters this year."

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times� Big Picture blog, Rudin said Sunday, "This is exactly the way it should've been solved. Doing what's right for the movie always comes first." Weinstein added: "Scott and I may have fought a few rounds, but we always fight over great films. We may go to Washington tomorrow and sit down with Hank Paulson and see if we can help negotiate the bailout package next."

Rudin acknowledged that the public battle wasn�t helping the film, "It seemed like we were headed for a car crash," he told TBP.

"I asked Stephen if it would be OK for me to approach Harvey and discuss how we could figure out a way to release the film this year in a way that everyone could proudly stand behind. In turn, Harvey was willing to adjust his schedule and make sure Stephen could finish the movie in the right way."

Rudin also spoke to the Winslet issue saying, "There are personal complications. But I spoke to her today about what's going on. She's knows this is complicated, but I think she intends to support the film."

Meanwhile, DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com has excerpted emails of the behind-the-scenes machinations that led up to the current entente as well as taking a look at other aspects of the conflict.