"IFC Entertainment has acquired all U.S. distribution rights to Ken Loach's "The Wind That Shakes the Barley," this year's Festival de Cannes winner, for its IFC First Take program. As part of that program, the film, which stars Cillian Murphy, will be released simultaneously in theaters and via video-on-demand on cable television in the spring. It marks the first time a winner of one of the most prestigious awards in the world, the Palme d'Or, will be distributed via the controversial new "day-and-date" model..." ( full details )

"New Line has completed casting of key roles for "Hairspray," with Christopher Walken to play Wilbur Turnblad in the Adam Shankman-directed film. New Line had originally confirmed that Jim Broadbent was to play Wilbur Turnblad. Walken joins John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Marsden, Zac Efron and newcomer Nikki Blonsky in the cast. Shooting starts next month in Toronto, and the studio has accelerated the release to summer 2007..." ( full details )

"Sam Nazarian's Element Films, State Street Pictures and LIFT are teaming to produce comedy "College" from tyro scribes Dan Callahan and Adam Ellison. Lionsgate will release the pic through its output deal with Element. Storyline revolves around three high school seniors who have the wildest weekend of their lives when checking out a nearby college as prospective freshmen. Project, which is out to directors, is being fully financed by Element..." (full details)