I’ve recently noticed that photos originating from Portman Source are being reposted at other websites without the slightest of mention of the site. While a little reposting is fine by me (after all, the site is here to share, no?), I do find it increasingly disheartening to see hoards of material — literally hundreds of photos — from our imagery being continuously spread to or at other sources, material I work hard to obtain exclusively for Portman Source. In view of the fact that, unlike many other fan sites today, I leave the majority of photos untagged and do not nitpick about the occasional reposts, I don’t see why allowing Portman Source a taste of appreciation for work well done should be so much to ask.

Thus, I kindly ask you to please credit Portman Source for reposted material, and ask you not to redistribute our original scans or screen captures to or at other websites, whether they be dedicated to Natalie or not. Thank you.

Apologies for the delay in updates, we’re currently experiencing some technical difficulties which hopefully will be resolved soon. Stay tuned!

One day late, but better late than never, eh? (I knew I should’ve gone online yesterday! I just knew it.) We here at Portman Source would like to wish Natalie Portman a happy 27th birthday on June 9 2008! Congratulations, Nat! We think you’re fab.

I thought this would be an appropriate time to shamelessly plug my newest fan site endeavor, namely one dedicated to the lovely Tricia Helfer, who is best known for her portrayal of the alluring and highly intelligent humanoid Cylon Number Six on Sci-Fi’s critically acclaimed drama series, Battlestar Galactica. Please visit Tricia Helfer Fan!

Hello everyone! I am back from my week of offline-ness and out of town-ness, and am pleased to inform you that the gallery and its user registration form are both once again open for one and all! My apologies for any inconvenience the temporary closure of the gallery and its registration form may have caused, but I can assure it was a necessary evil. Just go to the gallery and you’ll now again find a “Register” link in the navigation.

Anyway, with a week’s delay in updates there is some Natalie news to cover this weekend, but more on that later. See you then!

Ahoy, everyone! As I will be heading out of the country tomorrow, Portman Source will unfortunately have no updates December 22-28 2007. I will have little to no time on the internet, and will be unable to respond to any emails or approve comments. Regular updates will again resume on December 29.

Attention! Please not that the gallery and gallery registrations will also be closed Dec 22-28 2007 for a number of reasons, and only registered members will be able to access the gallery. Registration will be opened again on December 29 (no sooner, no later). Kindly do not email me with registration requests as a) I will be unable to fill your requests, and b) I cannot read or respond to your messages. Unregistered members will have to wait until Dec 29 for the gallery and registration to re-open. Thank you.

Finally, happy holidays and merry Christmas, everybody! Have a good one. ;)

The Natalie-produced 16-track charity album titled Big Change: Songs for FINCA has now surfaced at international iTunes stores! You are now able to purchase the album at iTunes music stores in the following countries:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.

The album costs US $7.92 / €7.92 / £6.32. I highly suggest buying it - I did so myself just now, and it’s for a good cause. All the proceedings for the album go to FINCA International. You can listen to previews of all of the album’s 16 songs at your iTunes store or read up on our earlier update regarding the album for details. I’ve also added two new hi-res photos of Natalie in Rwanda, which were part of the album exclusive Digital Booklet - you’ll find previews below.

Finally, please welcome our latest top affiliate, a fan site dedicated to Natalie’s Star Wars co-star Ewan McGregor. If you run a fan site dedicated to a co-star of Natalie’s, you’re most welcome to apply for top affiliation at Portman Source!

Variety.com reports that Natalie has signed a two-year production contract with Participant Productions for her newly formed Handsomecharlie Films. More interestingly, the source claims she will be making her directorial debut in the upcoming A Tale of Love and Darkness! From Variety:

Banner’s first project is A Tale of Love and Darkness on which Portman plans to make her feature helming debut. Story is based on the bestselling memoir of Amos Oz, with Naomi Foner (Running on Empty) in negotiations to adapt the screenplay.

Annette Savitch has been tapped veep of development for L.A.-based Handsomecharlie Films, which will develop socially relevant films. Portman said she was inspired by Participant’s mandate to produce such forward-thinking projects as Syriana, Good Night, and Good Luck and documentary An Inconvenient Truth.

“We all have the same desire to make meaningful and artistically fulfilling films and are committed to the idea of stories leading to greater empathy and action for world issues,” Portman said. Participant prexy Ricky Strauss lauded Portman for her interest “in projects that entertain and empower.” He added: “She has the heart of an artist and an activist. It just seems like a natural relationship, and we couldn’t be more pleased.”

Variety is generally a reliable source, so I think we can call this confirmed. How exciting! The film doesn’t have an IMDb page yet, but according to Wikipedia, the film will be based on the similarly titled memoirs of Amos Oz, an Israeli writer, novelist and journalist. Naturally, we’ll keep you posted on the progress of the film and its production.

Also, please welcome another new top affiliate, a fan site dedicated to Natalie’s Garden State co-star Peter Sarsgaard. If you run a quality fan site dedicated to a co-star of Natalie’s, you’re very welcome to apply for top affiliation here at Portman Source!