"The "American Girl" Mattel doll characters are headed for the bigscreen via a producing partnership of Walden Media, Goldsmith-Thomas Prods. and Julia Roberts' Red Om Films. First film from the team will be based on Kit Kittredge, the American Girl character who endures hardships growing up during the Great Depression. Walden's financing the live-action feature, whilst no distribution deal has yet been set..." (full details)
"Indie production banner Ckrush this week is launching Web site LiveMansion.com, which aims to mix social networking and moviemaking, through which online members will create a feature. Proposed pic, "Live Mansion," is a thriller set in the world of rave parties. Members of LiveMansion.com will be charged with choosing the thriller's cast, as well as its helmer, from a series of online submissions and various contests..." (full details)
"The world preem of Brian De Palma's James Ellroy adaptation "The Black Dahlia" will open the 63rd Venice Film Festival in competition on August 30th. Based on the 1947 L.A. murder of aspiring actress Elizabeth Short and focusing on the investigation by two former boxers turned cops, "Dahlia" stars Scarlett Johansson, Hilary Swank and Josh Hartnett, all expected to make the trip..." (full details)
