Shoreline Entertainment In Cannes With "Moving August" and "Deceived"

LA-based producer/distributor Shoreline Entertainment has acquired three new films for this year's Cannes Film Market led by worldwide rights to Christopher Fink's "Moving August" and international rights to the thriller "Deceived" starring Judd Nelson and Louis Gossett Jr.

Moving August, which marks Fink's directorial debut, stars Eddie McClintock, Sarah Wynter and Alexandra Adi and is a romantic comedy about a man who falls in love with the woman moving into his house on the day when he is moving out and she is moving in. Fink wrote Moving August with Joseph Craig.

Deceived, produced by and acquired from Cloud Ten Pictures, is the story of a group of people assembled to investigate extraterrestrial signals. It is directed by Andre Van Heerden and produced by Nicholas D Tabarrok.

Shoreline is also handling international sales on romantic comedy Lovelife written and directed by Jon Harmon Feldman. It stars Sherilyn Fenn, Saffron Burrows, Jon Tenney, Carla Gugino and Bruce Davison.

'Diary' Helmer Sharon Maguire to direct 'Last First Kiss'

Columbia Pictures is in early talks with "Bridget Jones's Diary" helmer Sharon Maguire to direct "Last First Kiss," a romantic comedy being talked up as a potential onscreen pairing of Will Smith and Jennifer Lopez.

Smith would play a date doctor who claims that his service can match lifemates in three dates. An attractive female journalist seeks his services in order to expose the doc as a scam artist but discovers things about him as well as herself. Lopez is being courted to play the reporter.

Since earning raves for "Diary," Maguire has been highly selective in choosing a followup. If she makes a deal, a rewrite will be done with Kevin Bisch, the New York-based journalist who sold the script to Universal a year ago.

Both Smith and Lopez have full dance cards. Smith follows his "Ali" and "Men in Black 2" turns with a "Bad Boys" sequel reteam with Martin Lawrence and director Michael Bay. He also has an expected date with Bay on "I Am Legend" at Warner Bros. Lopez, who returns to theaters on May 24 in the Sony thriller "Enough," will star with Ralph Fiennes in the studio's Wayne Wang-directed "The Chambermaid."

Cloud Ten Pictures 'Left Behind II: Tribulation Force' Production starts today

Production starts today on the sequel to the sleeper hit of 2000, "Left Behind: The Movie." Shooting in Toronto, Canada, "Left Behind II: Tribulation Force" is being produced by Cloud Ten Pictures and directed by Bill Corcoran. Original cast members Kirk Cameron ("Growing Pains"), Brad Johnson ("Soldier of Fortune," former Marlboro Man), Chelsea Noble ("Growing Pains," wife of Kirk Cameron), Clarence Gilyard ("Walker, Texas Ranger"), Gordon Currie ("Waydowntown"), and Janaya Stephens ("Inside the Osmonds"), are reprising their roles in the end-times thriller. The film is set to release on video and DVD November 12, 2002. A theatrical launch has not yet been determined.

In the exploding $3 billion Christian entertainment industry, "Left Behind: The Movie" (produced by Cloud Ten Pictures, in association with Namesake Entertainment) made its mark on Hollywood in 2000/2001 when it became the best-selling video in America, selling over 3 million copies and beating out such mainstream heavyweights as "Toy Story 2," "The Green Mile," and "Erin Brockovich." In a controversial move, the producers launched "Left Behind: The Movie" theatrically 4 months after the video release. It ranked as the #1 independent film its opening weekend, clearly demonstrating that there is a large niche audience for quality end-times thrillers.

The "Left Behind" book series, on which both movies are based, has consistently topped best-seller lists. To date, over 50 million copies and related products of this end-times book series have been sold, putting it on the same playing field as J. K. Rowling, Michael Crichton, and Stephen King novels.

The "Left Behind" series is a fictional account of the book of "Revelation," the last book of the Bible which depicts the second coming of Christ, including the rapture of the church when believers are taken to heaven and the seven year tribulation that awaits those who are left behind. While "Left Behind: The Movie" focused on the rapture and its immediate aftermaths, "Tribulation Force" picks up one week later and continues to follow the lives of four characters whose paths have become intertwined. The group comprises of airline pilot Rayford Steele (Johnson), his 20-year-old daughter, Chloe (Stephens), Pastor Bruce Barnes (Gilyard) and top journalist Buck Williams (Cameron). All band to form the Tribulation Force, which is dedicated to thwarting the rise of the suspected Antichrist: United Nations President, Nicolae Carpathia (Currie).

Ben Kingsley To star in 'A Sound of Thunder'

Ben Kingsley is in final negotiations to star in Franchise Pictures' big-screen adaptation of Ray Bradbury's short story "A Sound of Thunder" for director Peter Hyams.

Edward Burns and Catherine McCormack also star in the film, which begins shooting next month.

"Thunder" is about a game hunter (Burns) who goes on a time-traveling safari -- owned and operated by Kingsley's character -- to hunt dinosaurs in the prehistoric era. When he kills a butterfly, he unknowingly sets off a chain reaction that will erase humanity from existence. A team of experts must return back in time and replace the butterfly. McCormack is the inventor of the time-traveling computer.

Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer originally adapted the material, with rewrites by Clement Enlatarne and Gregory Poirier.

Howard Baldwin is producing the project with Franchise. Warner Bros. Pictures is distributing.

Kingsley, repped by ICM, was nominated for a supporting actor Oscar this year for his role in "Sexy Beast." He won the best actor Oscar for his role in "Gandhi" (1982).

The actor, who next stars in the Walt Disney Co.'s "Tuck Everlasting," also is attached to star opposite Jennifer Connelly in DreamWorks' "The House of Sand and Fog," which is due to start shooting in the fall

Paramount Has Set Its Sights On Jan De Bont For 'Tomb2'

As franchise fever sweeps through Hollywood, Paramount Pictures is moving quickly toward mounting a sequel to "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," with Angelina Jolie set to reprise her role as adventuress Croft.

After a high-profile search for a director, the studio has set its sights on Jan De Bont ("Speed"). Negotiations have begun with an eye toward getting the film in production by early fall.

Paramount's desire to move quickly is understandable given the popularity of the video game on which the franchise is based and the fact that last year's Simon West-directed original logged a worldwide gross of more than $230 million, including a $48 million domestic opening weekend that was the highest ever for a female-driven film.

Jolie, currently in theaters with the Fox dud "Life Or Something Like It," is starring with Clive Owen in the Martin Campbell-directed Paramount drama "Beyond Borders."

Sean Connery Closes His LA-Based Fountainbridge Films

Sean Connery has shut down his Los Angeles-based production company Fountainbridge Films, throwing into doubt plans for a Scottish studio facility as well as threatening the future of period epic Mary, Queen Of Scots.

Established in 1992, the company had produced such films as "Just Cause" and "Entrapment" with Catherine Zeta Jones and was one of the partners on the forthcoming $20m production on the early life of Mary, Queen Of Scots written by Jimmy McGovern and originally developed by Raging Star Films.

Connery's agent claimed the decision reflected the 71 year-old star's desire to concentrate on his acting career. There was also rumored to be friction with Connery's Fountainbridge business partner Rhona Tollefson.

Connery has not filmed since Gus Van Sant's Finding Forrester (2000) but has a number of projects in the pipeline including Steve Norrington's period adventure "The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen" in which he will play Allan Quartermain and a possible return as Professor Henry Jones in a fourth Indiana Jones film.

"Dirk Pitt" -- A Hero Whose Adventures Race Along At Supersonic Speed Comes To Live In Sahara

Paramount Pictures has acquired rights in UK, Italy, Spain, Australia and New Zealand to Crusader Entertainment's action-adventure "Sahara" which is set to start shooting on Oct 28. Paramount already had North American rights to the film through a previous arrangement with Crusader. Patrick Wachsberger's Summit Entertainment is selling remaining territories on the film at Cannes.

Rob Bowman, director of The X-Files: The Movie and Disney/Spyglass Entertainment's upcoming "Reign Of Fire" with Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey, is directing the film, the first in a potential action franchise for Crusader and Paramount based on the books by Clive Cussler featuring adventure hero Dirk Pitt.

"Clive’s Dirk Pitt books have an enormous, fanatical following, and his characters and stories demand the kind of big screen adaptation that Rob can deliver," said Sherry Lansing, Chairman, Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group, in a statement. "We’re excited by the possibilities Sahara offers, and are thrilled to be working with Crusader to make this one of our tentpole releases for 2003."

Cussler has written 17 Dirk Pitt novels, all of which are owned by Crusader. They include Atlantis Found, Night Probe, Inca Gold, Flood Tide and Valhalla Rising.

Most of Sahara will be shot in the deserts of Namibia, according to producer and Crusader chief Howard Baldwin.

About the "Dirk Pitt" Novels: With nearly 100 million copies of his bestselling books in print, Clive Cussler is an extraordinary author whose life parallels that of his fictional hero, Dirk Pitt. Whether searching for famous shipwrecks or cruising in classic cars from his private collection, Cussler's spirit feeds the soul of "Dirk Pitt" -- a hero whose adventures race along at supersonic speed. Now with this truly unique insider's guide, you can dive in and explore the worlds of both Clive Cussler, the grand master of adventure, and "Dirk Pitt", the world's greatest action adventure hero.

'The Hard Word' For Lions Gate

Lions Gate Films has bought all North American rights to "The Hard Word", the Australian crime drama produced by Al Clark and executive produced and sold by UK-based Alibi Films. Guy Pearce and Rachel Griffiths star in the film which will be released in Australia by Roadshow Film Distributors on May 30.

The deal for the film was concluded by Peter Block, president of home entertainment and acquisitions at Lions Gate Films, and Jason Constantine, vice president of acquisitions, with Alibi's Hilary Davis and Roger Holmes. Davis was executive producer of the film along with former Alibi executive Gareth Jones. Lions Gate Films Releasing president Tom Ortenberg said that Lions Gate plans to release the film later this year.

The movie, written and directed by Scott Roberts, follows the exploits of three bank-robbing brothers as they plot the biggest and final job of their careers. Damien Richardson and Joel Edgerton co-star as Pearce's two brothers, with Griffiths playing Pearce's wife.

Pearce has achieved considerable recognition in the North American market as the star of "Memento", "The Count Of Monte Cristo" and "The Time Machine", while Griffiths is a Golden Globe winner for her role on HBO's hit series "Six Feet Under" and an Oscar-nominated movie star of "The Rookie", "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "Hilary And Jackie".

The film is produced by Wildheart Films and financed by the Australian Film Finance Corporation and Royal Bank Of Scotland. It joins a busy slate at Lions Gate for the rest of the year including Nicole Holofcener's "Lovely & Amazing", Roger Avary's "The Rules Of Attraction", Tim Blake Nelson's "The Grey Zone" and Nick Broomfield's "Biggie & Tupac".

Television: Warren Littlefield 'Do Over''

The man who helped shape NBC's Thursday night comedy dominance is now looking to take a bite out of that very same juggernaut.

In a Hollywood twist, the first series from former NBC Entertainment president Warren Littlefield's Paramount-based production banner -- the family comedy "Do Over" -- has been slotted on the WB Thursday nights at 8:30. So after years of rooting for strong NBC Thursday Nielsens, Littlefield will now be hoping to put a little dent in the Peacock.

"It's crazy," Littlefield laughed Sunday, just hours after getting the good news from WB executives.

The ex-NBC programmer isn't expecting his first at-bat to bring down whatever comedy NBC ends ups scheduling at 8:30 (likely "Scrubs"). Instead, both he and his new WB partners are simply looking to get a little traction in a notoriously tough slot.

"I remember when I was at NBC and we went in Tuesdays at 9 with 'Frasier' vs. 'Roseanne,"' Littlefield said. "We didn't want to beat 'Roseanne.' We just wanted to be the comedy alternative to ABC. And that's what I think we're providing now on Thursdays."

After not having much luck while based at NBC, the Littlefield Co. is poised to have a very good first season at Paramount. "Do Over" is now on the grids, and later this week, Littlefield could also get a pickup for the other pilot he produced this year: the buzz-heavy Fox actioner "Keen Eddie."

Fox executives still haven't made up their minds about ordering the show, but it's looking good.

"Crazy things can happen (between now and Fox's Thursday announcement), but I feel very optimistic," Littlefield said. "I said to (Fox Television Entertainment Group chairman) Sandy Grushow this morning that, in a very cluttered environment, it's hard to get shows that break through the clutter. And 'Keen Eddie' does that."

Unlike the old days, Littlefield will just have to wait to find out the answer.

"It's insane being on the other side, having to wait for word," he said. "Maybe it's Zen paying me back for making people wait for answers all these years."

Television: Lauren Zalaznick joins Universal Television from VH1

Lauren Zalaznick joins Universal Television as President of popular arts network TRIO and Executive Vice President of Universal Television's Emerging Networks division, it was announced by Patrick Vien, President, Emerging Networks, Universal Television.

In addition to overseeing TRIO's programming and marketing strategies, Ms. Zalaznick will play a lead creative role in the development of new cable networks.

"Lauren has a fantastic track record in identifying breakthrough, pop culture defining, programming concepts. Add to that her deep connections to the smartest creative television minds and her first rate management abilities. We are lucky to have her at the helm of TRIO and providing a lead creative role in building new program services," said Mr. Vien.

"I am focused on continuing to brand TRIO as the premier arts and pop culture digital channel," said Ms. Zalaznick. "In the digital realm, the Universal Television Emerging Networks group will identify the outstanding subjects and content to launch the most compelling new channels."

Current TRIO President Bill Haber will continue as a consultant to the network and focus on the successful USA Ostar venture, which he launched when joining the Company in 2001. Under Mr. Haber's direction, the company has produced the plays "Noises Off," "Dance of Death" and "Proof."

Most recently, Ms. Zalaznick served as Senior Vice President, Original Programming and Development for VH1, where she supervised the creation and production of VH1's most watched series, documentaries, concerts and specials.

While at VH1, Ms. Zalaznick was responsible for the development and production of the network's highest rated concerts and specials ever with "VH1 Divas Live!," "The VH1 Fashion Awards" and the first truly interactive awards show, "My VH1 Music Awards." In 1998, she launched the network's highly successful original films-for-television division, and produced 14 films.

Her series credits include the launch of the four-time Emmy-nominated series VH1's "Pop-Up Video," "Bands on the Run," "The List," and VH1's first scripted drama "Strange Frequency." She also created the network's documentary franchise series "100 Greatest ... ," a series of five one-hour documentaries that, to date, have covered the 100 Greatest Songs, Albums, Artists, Women Artists, Hard Rockers, TV Moments, and Shocking Moments Of Rock & Roll.

She served as Executive Producer on the first ever Paramount Pictures/VH1 Film co-production, Zoolander, directed by and starring Ben Stiller. He introduced the character at the VH1 Fashion Awards.

Ms. Zalaznick joined VH1 in October 1994 as Vice President, On-Air Promotions, in which capacity she re-launched VH1, including an award-winning campaign that included a full logo and station re-design and packaging overhaul.

Prior to that, she produced independent feature films, including Larry Clark's award-winning "Kids" (Cannes 1995); Todd Haynes' "Safe" (Cannes 1995) starring Julianne Moore; and Jim McKay's award-winning "Girls Town" (1996 Sundance Film Festival Filmmakers Trophy and Special Jury Prize). Her other credits include Executive Producer on Tom Kalin's "Swoon" (Berlin Film Festival winner); co-producer on Jeff Stanzler's "Jumpin' At The Boneyard" (starring Tim Roth and Samuel L. Jackson); and Todd Haynes' award-winning debut feature "Poison" (1990 Sundance Film Festival Grand Prize). Zalaznick received her BA from Brown University.

TRIO, owned and operated by Universal Television, a division of USA Networks, Inc.'s Entertainment Group, is an entertainment cable television channel emphasizing all of the popular arts: music, fashion, film, stage and pop culture. TRIO is available to over 14 million households via digital cable and satellite services.

Legal: Pirated Copies Of Latest "Star Wars" Movie Hit Malaysia

Three days before it opens in cinemas, "Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones" is under threat from real replicas — pirated video discs.

Copies of the latest installment in the "Star Wars" saga are on sale at roadside stalls in Kuala Lumpur, the movie's official distributor said Monday.

Video discs of top Hollywood movies sell for about 5 ringgit (dlrs 1.30) in Malaysia, where illegal copying is rampant and sellers operate openly.

Chow Will Pin, director of 20th Century Fox Malaysia, said the pirated versions of "Attack of the Clones" had poor picture and sound quality, and appeared to have originated from a video camera set up inside a cinema.

But many people in this Southeast Asian country might buy them anyway, he said.

"This will definitely affect our box-office earnings at the cinema," Chow told The Associated Press. "We hope the public will stay away from these copies, because this movie should be seen on the big screen."

The movie is due for release Thursday in Malaysian cinemas, weeks ahead of many other parts of Asia. Many recent big-budget films, such as "Spider-Man" and "The Scorpion King" have started showing in Malaysia simultaneously with their U.S. release to reduce the effects of movie piracy.

"Attack of the Clones" — which comes three years after the last "Star Wars" installment — opens Thursday in the United States, where it is expected to be one of the year's biggest blockbusters.

Movie piracy is an increasing problem for movie makers, particularly on the Internet where music and video file sharing programs are becoming more sophisticated and easier to use. A copy of "Attack of the Clones" — one of the most anticipated movies in years — became available on the Internet last week.

In the United States, Internet copies are not considered a major threat to cinema takings because home computers can't compete with the big screens and sound systems at the movies, although producers are worried that illegal copies will eat into video and authorized disc sales.

In Asia, many people skip the cinema version and settle for watching a movie at home.

Despite repeated crackdowns, movie and music piracy is rampant in Malaysia, where pirated video discs sell for about half the price of a cinema ticket.

Government enforcement officials acting on a tip-off raided a bus traveling on a Malaysian highway early Monday and seized 5,000 pirated movie discs, including some of "Star Wars," the national news agency, Bernama, reported. Two suspects were detained.