Screen Daily reports tha director Steven Spielberg will finally begin filming his long-anticipated Abraham Lincoln biopic in early 2009.

The "Indiana Jones" director's next project is the first of three CG motion capture movies based on the acclaimed and hugely popular "Tintin" graphic novel series by Herge.

Spielberg tells Germany's Focus magazine that production on "Tintin" won't be delayed by the upcoming actors strike since it's being done using motion capture animation.

It's expected the director will shoot "Tintin" during the early Fall, and whilst that project is in extensive post will begin production on "Lincoln". Both would then be on course for a late 2009 release.

His planned film "The Trials of Chicago 7" has been delayed due to script issues.