As I'm learning on the job, writers need just as much rep. as actors.

oops!! a little too quick with the 'submit' button there.... Anyway, yes, the writers do not send their material directly to the studios. It's the agents that hunt out the best studios for their script, set up mtgs. with development co's., fight for their clients should things have to be rewritten etc...

A little bad press for Hugh's cinema persona... Wonder what the Archbishop is going to say about Daniel Cleaver? *hee hee* From The Times [Laura, read the whole thing, ;-)] Films must show more married love, says bishop AN ANGLICAN archbishop has attacked the way that sex is portrayed in the entertainment industry, singling out the "floppy" heroism of Hugh Grant for particular criticism. The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Rowan Williams, said that Grant's "clumsy courtship" of Julia Roberts in the hit film Notting Hill should not be held up as a romantic ideal. Addressing the Governing Body of the Church in Wales, he said that a better ideal would be the film's portrayal of Grant's married friends, two prosperous young lawyers, where the woman is paralysed and unable to have children. "Yet every word and gesture they come out with is full of absolute mutual joy - far more erotic, I'd say," he said. Adding to his comments last night, Dr Williams, who is the Bishop of Monmouth and one of the favourites to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury, emerged as an unlikely fan of the American television show The Simpsons. He said that it was "a positive example to children" and "has a strong sense of family values". In his speech he called for the possibility of deep, erotic love within marriage to be emphasised in sex education lessons in schools. He said that too many people thought of sex merely as entertainment and missed its deeper meaning. However, he singled out the Canadian novelist Robertson Davies, A.S. Byatt's book Possession, and John Bayley's Iris: A Memoir of Iris Murdoch as examples of modern literature that should be studied by people interested in sex, marriage and the art of love. Dr Williams said: "Forget the floppy hero and his neurotic film star beloved." He said that sex was about more than "entertainment and individual gratification", adding: "It's not just about information and the technicalities of sex, but that we look at some of the great imaginative relationships with sex in literature, drama and film." Last night he added: "The mysterious and the risky in married relationships is not always something that is brought to the fore in our imaginative thinking. "People think of the excitement as bed-hopping and of marriage as boring. One of the books that brought this all home to me was John Bayley's memoir of Iris Murdoch. I found it very moving, particularly as I read it when my own mother was dying of Alzheimer's. It is about a patient, selfless profoundly sexual relationship which has that mystery and depth to it." Dr Williams, 49, who is married with two children, said of The Simpsons: "It is very moral because the good people always win in the end. "A lot of people attack the show but I think it is very sophisticated and has an amusing slant on modern society. It is a light-hearted look at life and is surreal but there are good, strong Christian morals there too." He said that he sits down to watch it with his wife Jane, daughter Rhiannon, 12 and son Pip, 4, and even has his own Simpsons' T-shirt. "You need a sense of humour in this job," Dr Williams said, adding that his other favourite TV show was the Channel 4 clerical comedy Father Ted. "I think I appreciate the humour even more because I'm an archbishop," he said.

Surfing around today, I came across this nice review of BJ the Edge of Reason. http://www.dispatch.com/news/newsfea00/apr00/251830.html

(winter) As I'm learning on the job, writers need just as much rep. as actors. Ooooh, this piqued my interest. Working where, dear? (Are you still at the same email address, BTW? Sorry to post this on-line, but I was sure whether or not the .edu one was still current.) (Karen)4:00p.m. Helen Fielding has captivated readers all over the globe with her bestseller, Bridget Jones Diary. Join Ms. Fielding as she reads from the sequel, Bridget Jones, Edge of Reason... Darn, I didn't see this until Saturday night so I missed the reading. Did you go, winter? HF would probably repeat a lot of the sound bites we heard at the signing, but she delivers them in such a charming way it would have been fun to see her again.

From the May 8 People magazine: Overheard: Renee Zellweger, while getting coiffed in a Beverly Hills salon, moaning to a chum about having to put on 15 lbs. to play a flab-obsessed singleton in the film Bridget Jones's Diary. The actress joshed that she should make the movie studio spring for a slimming spa visit once the film wraps.

Reading those quality magazines again, huh? ;-D Just think, if Calista Flockart had been cast, she would've had to put on a whole other person.

Huge article on RZ in The Mail on Sunday magazine, not mention of CF or HG or the rest of the cast.

So what was in it? Anything interesting about becoming Bridget, preparation for the role??????

(Katren) Reading those quality magazines again, huh? ;-D Hey, it's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.;-) Just remember, if it weren't for People, we'd have no idea what Flick and Flock look like.;-) 15 lbs., eh? For me, that would be a couple of bad weekends. Piece of cake.;-) Ann, let's hear more about that Mail article on RZ. If no mention of the cast, my guess is that it was done prior to the announcements.

Meant to type "Karen" bien sur.;-)

The article is basically just about Renee growing up in Texas, in a town called "Katy", her school life, her first childhood sweetheart, how she enjoyed being a Cheerleader, that sort of thing and that she is the antithesis of Bridget Jones. A little bit about being the girlfriend of JC, oh and there is one interesting fact and that is that she will earn a reported 3million pounds to play Bridget. (that and HG's fee could make a nasty dent in the whole budget)

3 million Pounds?!? Isn't that about 4.5 million dollars!?! That's a lot of money for her. I guess her price tag has really gone up! Well, for that dough, she'd better be good!

Watched One True Thing this weekend. I guess with a little make-up they can make RZ look a few years older, and if she's putting on weight, she'll be alright ;-) I liked her act, a kind of controled anger and despair.

Wasn't the original budget �5million, and then it jumped to �12million when Hughie came on board (since the mega success of 4 Weddings and NH he ain't cheap) Does that leave just �2million to make the movie, and pay the rest of the cast and crew? BTW, it's a lovely day....marvellous weather for the first day's shoot of BJD!

How do yo make �2million pounds left Bethlan, �12 million less RV's fee leaves �9million and if HG is getting the saqmesay, that leaves �6million for the rest!! which is reasonable, hope my maths is right.

I think HG may be getting a lot more than RZ. According to one of those league tables we seem to be inundated with in the press...who earns the most, the richest 500 etc, HG is now in the $1O million bracket per movie. I don't think there's any equity in salaries...it's all down to who has a proven track record of pulling the crowds in! I remember reading that for 4 weddings HG was paid �50,000 as he was unknown then, and his co-star AM got �1million. He's overtaken her now!

I also read that for Notting Hill HG was paid only �600,000 compared with Julia Robert's �14m (or somesuch vast number). That was a reflection to how low his stock had fallen at the time. What a difference one film makes!

(Bethan) it's all down to who has a proven track record of pulling the crowds in! That's what it's all about, dearie. (Allison) compared with Julia Robert's JR's up to what--eight or ten--films which have raked in more than $100 million, including the likes of Stepmom and Runaway Bride. She's golden.

From Entertainment Weekly Online (thanks to Sylvia): Hugh and Cry The latest on the ''Bridget Jones'' casting controversy. Hugh Grant defends the choice of American Renee Zellweger as Britain's favorite single gal by Sandra P. Angulo Renee Zellweger tried on her brand-new English accent Monday, when rehearsals started for the London-set romantic comedy ''Bridget Jones's Diary.'' Let's hope Zellweger's dialogue-coached accent is smoother than the response to her being cast. When the Texas-native landed the lead role in February, many Brits were upset that a Yank had beat out top English candidates Kate Winslet (who supposedly got sick of waiting for an offer and decided to star in the period drama ''Therese Raquin''), Helena Bonham Carter, and Emily Watson to play the quintessential London Singleton. '' Yet another British role falls prey to U.S. star power,'' wrote Empire Magazine. For her part, Fielding left the Universal-Miramax coproduction in March and has had little to say about the casting of the 29-year-old (sic) Zellweger: ''I've never met Renee, but I'm told she's very funny and learning to speak English with an English rather than Texas accent.'' Not the greatest of endorsements. But Zellweger's ''Bridget'' costar Hugh Grant has taken on the tough new role of her gallant defender. ''I've met Renee a couple of times, and she is bang-on,'' Grant told EW Online last weekend while promoting the upcoming Woody Allen film. ''She's very funny, and she's been living in England a long time now, mastering the accent. It'll be a triumph. I know it will.'' Not all of the casting decisions caused such a stir for the $8 million project. Grant, 39, says at least one star was perfect for the part: Colin Firth (''Shakespeare in Love"), who plays one of Jones' prospective love interests, Mark Darcy. Apparently Fielding so loved the 39-year-old's portrayal of Mr. Darcy in the BBC's 1995 miniseries ''Pride and Prejudice'' that she named the ''Jones'' character after his role. In the book's recently released sequel, ''Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason,'' Firth even factors into the plot, when Bridget tries desperately to interview him about ''Pride.'' ''She only asks him about getting his shirt wet in the swimming scene,'' Grant recalls. And what does Grant think of his own role? ''Well, I play a bastard,'' he says. ''It's all very appropriate.''

only 8million dollars now, is that about �6million pounds?

Thanks, Mari. What else is Hugh going to say, except that she's bang on. ;-) More hair-pulling going on about Film Four's upcoming lineup of films starring Americans. Yes, it's boxoffice. Major effort to ensure universality of the films. Insular casting is out. ''She only asks him about getting his shirt wet in the swimming scene,'' Could there be an article about Colin that DOESN'T mention the wet shirt? Oh well, that should help things in the US. I expect that will be featured extensively in the premovie buildup. Shots of Wessex won't do it. ;-)

Some where in between, Ann.

Ann, they got her age wrong, so there's no reason to think the budget info is correct. (Whatever happened to good old-fashioned fact checking?;-) I do think that the $4.5 million for RZ is overstated. I read yesterday that Ashley Judd is getting $4 million for her next role, and she has two back-to-back blockbusters behind her in starring roles (and the box office is what drives the salaries). Can't imagine RZ is getting anywhere near that . . .but who knows. Good to hear that they started rehearsals yesterday, right on time. (Karen) Could there be an article about Colin that DOESN'T mention the wet shirt? Oh well, that should help things in the US. I expect that will be featured extensively in the premovie buildup. Shots of Wessex won't do it. ;-) Absolutely right. Well, he must have made peace with it or he wouldn't have signed on.

Was that HG giving free press to ODB? Thanks Mari for posting. RZ turned 31 in April. The British press as Allison has stated is known for not checking all their facts. I am still not convinced about her British accent. I do not think her salary is as high as they have printed but I do wonder how much they paid Colin to do this. Does anyone know? Will somebody please get in touch with the production company regarding the rest of the cast?

Moon, EW is a U.S. website; let it be duly noted that we are just as capable as anyone else of screwing up the facts.;-) ;-) I couldn't even venture a guess as to CF's salary; I just hope it's not so high that he'll feel he won't have to work again this year.;-) But high enough that he can afford to do more theater!:-)

Moon, EW is a U.S. website; let it be duly noted that we are just as capable as anyone else of screwing up the facts.;-) ;-) That's one big press party! ;-)

Film Unlimited has picked up the story: http://www.filmunlimited.co.uk/News_Story/Exclusive/0,4029,216765,00.html Grant defends beleaguered Bridget Jones star Wednesday May 3, 2000 Fellow actors in the forthcoming adaptation of Helen Fielding's ubiquitous Bridget Jones' Diary have moved to defuse bad feeling surrounding the casting of American starlet Ren�e Zellweger as the eponymous British heroine. The British press have been sniffy about the casting, citing Kate Winslet, Helena Bonham-Carter and Emily Watson as actresses who ought to have been preferred for the role. Zellweger has courted further resentment with her high-handed approach to the project, which included, according to reports, refusing to test for the film, on the assumption that she was celebrated enough to be offered the part unseen. Fielding - who has distanced herself from the film - registered only lukewarm enthusiasm for its star, saying "I've never met Ren�e, but I'm told she's very funny and learning to speak English with an English rather than Texas accent." But Zellweger's co-star Hugh Grant leapt to her defence between the covers of Entertainment Weekly this week. "I've met Ren�e a couple of times, and she is bang-on," says Grant, demonstrating his mastery of street slang. "She's very funny, and she's been living in England a long time now, mastering the accent. It'll be a triumph. I know it will." ~~~~~~~ In the EW magazine, huh?

Now we must remember to use bang-on more often. ;-) I hope somebody will ask CF a few questions about playing MD. And how he feels about being in the sequel as both MD and CF. Why does it not occur to anyone to ask?

A Brit fan at the FOFs who watched the news coverage of the MLSF premiere says Colin's hair was a bit longer than usual, and seemed to be parted in the middle. The Mark Darcy look perhaps??? Murph

Maybe they are trying to make him look less like the Mr. Darcy we all know and love because at some point they will use the P&P2 tape on the show?

(Murph) Colin's hair was a bit longer than usual, and seemed to be parted in the middle. The Mark Darcy look perhaps??? Sounds more like the Alfalfa look.;-) When his hair is longish, it does tend to flop a bit at the crown--hopefully, that's what she was referring to. Since they're still in rehearsals, I think he may have one haircut left in him before shooting begins.;-) I hope.:-) While I'm here, I don't believe for a minute that anonymous "report" from the Guardian in which they said RZ refused to audition. No way. This is a big break for her, and she knows it. And with all those other better-known actresses in the running, there is no way that the producers would have gone for her sight unseen.

Doesn't RZ have a big movie opening later this year in which she co-stars with Jim Carrey? I'm hoping that her star is in the ascendency, so that by the time BJD opens, she'll be hot property...rather like the take-off to Gwyneth Paltrow's career. I wonder what the poster for the movie will look like. All three or just RZ. CF sounds as though he has another haircut left! I hope they leave his hair au naturel in colour ...he looks younger and there'll be a contrast with the naturally dark HG!

The big movie is Me, Myself and Irene directed by that piggy director Neil LaBute and thankfully not written by him. (Bethan) I hope they leave his hair au naturel in colour Noooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! It must be darkened a la Fitzwilliam Darcy. I'd call Hugh's light brown although most usually call it floppy. Is that a generally recognized color?

Colin's hair was a bit longer than usual, and seemed to be parted in the middle In the middle? Meaning on top, perhaps? More like de-parted, then... Oh, dear.

I've liked Neil LaBute's work in film and theater, but then as my mother is wont to say to me as she rolls her eyes, "I don't know about you." Okay, so I'm quirky. I won't see the "...Irene" film, though. It stars the putrid Jim Carrey.

Sorry about the mixup, as Mari told me a short while ago, the Neil LaBute movie with RZ is Nurse Betty, which will be at Cannes. *gag*

(Murph) Colin's hair was a bit longer than usual, and seemed to be parted in the middle. (Arami) In the middle? Meaning on top, perhaps? More like de-parted, then... Oh, dear. Snort! Fielding - who has distanced herself from the film - registered only lukewarm enthusiasm for its star, saying "I've never met Ren�e, but I'm told she's very funny and learning to speak English with an English rather than Texas accent." The press does persist in trying to stir up trouble. That quote can't be right either. It sounds as if HF is hinting that RZ is learning a second language.

It sounds as if HF is hinting that RZ is learning a second language. Weell hooney, she just maaght be. ;-)

Way to go, Colin! From Popcorn: Colin Firth Is No Luvvie 'Bridget Jones' star reckons everyone's overreacting about his co-star Ren�e Zellweger. Colin Firth is about to play another Mr Darcy this time in the big screen adaptation of 'Bridget Jones' Diary', but the actor tells Popcorn that all the fuss about casting an American actress as Bridget is ridiculous. 'Jerry Maguire' star Ren�e Zellweger was cast in the lead role, causing furore among 'Bridget Jones' purists, who thought it should have gone to a British actress. Firth is having none of it, though. As far as he's concerned he thinks "it's wonderful" and believes we shouldn't "be territorial at all as it defeats the entire purpose of acting". He stands by the casting of Zellweger and points out that "if we all played only that which we are, all films would be made about a bunch of luvvies, sitting in green rooms gossiping about their agents and billing". Well said that man!

LOL! Colin said precisely the right thing. Attack the attackers, instead of trying to defend the attackee.

From The Telegraph (4 May):INTERVIEWED at the premiere of A Life So Far, Colin Firth had this to say about the first day of filming Bridget Jones's Diary: "Day 1: 12 stone (reportedly), no cigarettes, alcohol units 2, no arguments or hitches, filming going well (fingers crossed)."

Colin Firth had this to say about the first day of filming Bridget Jones's Diary... LOL! He's getting good at this press stuff;-) I think it's the Farrelly Bros. (of Something About Mary fame) who are behind Me Myself and Irene. It was filmed locally (in R.I.) last summer and the Boston papers are already running little blurbs about it.

Hmmm, maybe Helen is writing his soundbites now. ;-) And "A Life So Far" is how it was written.

believes we shouldn't "be territorial at all And that goes for the asylum seekers as well. ;-) "Day 1: 12 stone (reportedly), no cigarettes, alcohol units 2, no arguments or hitches, filming going well (fingers crossed)." vvg Mr. Darcy! He weighs 12 stone... and that would be? Thanks, Mari and Karen!

168 = 12 stone

168 lbs for a man his height is very little. He must be v. thin now.

I love this man's sense of humor. He has such a quick mind. Thanks, Karen. Murph

A winner Karen and Mari. And thank you Colin for being on our side.Clever and more importantly, gracious.

Love the BJD-style quote, Karen. He *is* a rail, Moon. Seems like they're trotting out the guys to diffuse the RZ thing. Smart.

What about the rest of the cast? Who can get that info? Murph? Karen?

The picture with the popcorn article is one of Geoffrey Clifton. Not new. Wish I did have an inside look at the cast. It must be somewhere out there. Maybe at Working Title? Murph

(Mari) Seems like they're trotting out the guys to diffuse the RZ thing. That was what the first line of the Guardian article said:"Fellow actors in the forthcoming adaptation of Helen Fielding's ubiquitous Bridget Jones's Diary have moved to defuse bad feeling surrounding the casting of American starlet [harumph] Renee Zellweger as the eponymous British heroine.Then the article only mentioned Hughie. Been wondering when the *other* actor would show up...and show up indeed. :-)

What about the rest of the cast? Who can get that info? Murph? Karen? I've got the phone number for the BJD production office. I've rung them before. If you want, I'll give them a ring and ask about the casting...it can't be confidential, surely? The only thing is that I seem to have a v. poor track record when it comes to getting correct information. Although if I ask "who is playing Bridget's mum?" they can't say "dunno" "undecided" "wait until the movie comes out"..can they? Nice to see a few CF quotes!

Go to is Bethan and best of luck and thanks.

"if we all played only that which we are, all films would be made about a bunch of luvvies, sitting in green rooms gossiping about their agents and billing". He does think about things - not just a carpenter ;-)

*hee hee* but we really wouldn't mind if he were ;-)

The brain is an added bonus! :-)

(Bethan)The brain is an added bonus! :-) OK, I know you're joking...

The upcomingmovies site has a February 2, 2001 date for release in the US. Says it was announced on May 2nd. Am checking into it. ;-) http://www.upcomingmovies.com/bridgetjonesdiary.html

Thanks Karen for keeping us up on the latest developments re: BJ. BTW, Bethan, what did the production crew tell you on Friday re: the supporting BJD cast? Did you get to telephone as planned?

Thanks, Scoop, for the BJD info.;-) Dates will change a million times before it's released, but it's good to know the general timeframe they're shooting for.

I agree with you Mari. Thanks Karen, and keep trying to get the cast list from them. :-)

Evelyn, yes, I did phone on Friday. But, I'm afraid, predictably, got no information! I phoned the production office and asked about the supporting cast. The girl I spoke to said that all information was handled by their PR agency, and she couldn't tell me anything. Not even the cast (who presumably are on set by now...it's hardly "top secret"!) She gave me the number of the agency and a contact name. I rang but only got a voice mail. The PR agency BTW is Freud Communications. It's run by Matthew Freud (grandson of Sigmund) who is the brother-in-law of Richard Curtis and handled the PR for "Notting Hill". Which may explain the early emphasis on and "leaks" about Hughie!

Thanks for trying, bethan The PR agency BTW is Freud Communications. It's run by Matthew Freud (grandson of Sigmund) who is the brother-in-law of Richard Curtis and handled the PR for "Notting Hill". The whole thing sounds incestuous....

(Evelyn)The whole thing sounds incestuous.... LOL!

I've been reading the posts, have been very busy at work and nursing broken heart, however, I am totally excited about BJD especially now that CF is aboard. One thing I kept meaning to mention, but kept forgetting is that if you look on the BJD books Gil Hornby praises it... Could only be NH's sister who is married to another writer (WHAT is his name???) Still haven't seen High Fidelity (for personal reasons, turns out I really am the Laura;))

Laura, have a and my sympathy to help you with your broken heart.

The PR agency BTW is Freud Communications. It's run by Matthew Freud (grandson of Sigmund) who is the brother-in-law of Richard Curtis and handled the PR for "Notting Hill". The whole thing sounds incestuous.... And better yet, guess who was a script editor on 4 Weddings.. and Notting Hill? Emma Freud, wife of RC, sister of MF.

Here is an article on a woman that some of us early on thought would be a great BJ. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000772005502828&rtmo=qXdMetb9&atmo=qXdMetb9&pg=/et/00/5/8/tlomb08.html It's a fairly long article so I won't repost it. But it's about Louise Lombard.

(Bethan)The PR agency BTW is Freud Communications. It's run by Matthew Freud (grandson of Sigmund) who is the brother-in-law of Richard Curtis and handled the PR for "Notting Hill". (Mark) And better yet, guess who was a script editor on 4 Weddings.. and Notting Hill? Emma Freud, wife of RC, sister of MF. Oooohhhhhhh. 'Nuff said that Hughie will continue to draw the limelight on this one (as if his global recognition factor wasn't enough). LOL about the Freud connection, though. Thanks for the 'upcoming films' link, Karen.

(Laura)....some of us early on thought would be a great BJ. Louise Lombard??? Who is us, Laura?

This is from the very beginning. I believe Kate thought she'd be a good BJ. She is beautiful. I know another Brit thought she'd be good too, but for the life of me, I can't remember. :)

Louise Lombard??? Who is us, Laura? I admit it; I thought she'd be good. Sorry, Evelyn, I know she's a bit thin and intense, but her voice is just right. I didn't know she'd dropped out to go to Uni though. But I want to continue to express my whole-hearted supported for RZ. I don't even believe there was a "storm of criticism from the British" about her casting. Maybe two articles that wondered whether all British contenders had been rejected, max. (And an HF comment that you could read anything you liked into).

(Mark)I don't even believe there was a "storm of criticism from the British" about her casting Are you kidding, Mark? Where were you that day when it was announced? Not only the press. This board was outraged. "Only a British actress, could play Bridget who is the prototype of all Brit singletons... "A Texan, playing a Brit?"?? Trust me. Go back and read the postings.

(Evelyn) This board was outraged. Not all of us ;-P

I wasn't outraged. Surprised, yes. But I think RZ will be good (still trying to picture her with Brit accent, tho;)) Oh, and that whole online Caroline thing STUPID!!!

This PR wire also came out today, although except for the last bit (attention: Evelyn) nothing is new about CCM or BJD. The co-financing/distribution deals were announced months ago, weren't they? PR NEWSWIRE: Universal Pictures and STUDIOCANAL to Co-Finance Working Title's 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' and 'Bridget Jones Diary' with Miramax Films Universal Pictures and STUDIOCANAL have announced plans to enter into a co-production deal with Miramax Films on two films currently in production with Working Title: "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" and "Bridget Jones Diary." Working Title developed these films in association with Universal Pictures and STUDIOCANAL. Universal Pictures will distribute "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" in the U.S. and Canada with Universal and STUDIOCANAL splitting international territories. Miramax will distribute the film in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. On "Bridget Jones Diary," Miramax will handle domestic distribution with Universal and STUDIOCANAL splitting all foreign territories. Working Title's "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" stars Academy Award(R) winner Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz for director John Madden in an adaptation of Louis de Bernieres classic novel about a stirring romance set on a Greek island during World War II. The film is scheduled to begin production this May. "Bridget Jones Diary," based on the best-selling novel by Helen Fielding about a single woman coping with life in her 30's, is scheduled to begin production in June with Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. Last year, Universal Pictures and STUDIOCANAL formed a 50/50 joint venture in association with Working Title Films, the London based production company, to co-fund the development, production and operational costs of Working Title's future slate. Under terms of the deal, Working Title Films will be distributed in the U.S. and Canada by Universal Pictures. Theatrical, video and television distribution outside of the U.S. and Canada will be shared by Universal and STUDIOCANAL, consistent with their respective strategic goals. [imagine lots of boilerplate corporate junk here] Miramax Films and Universal Pictures have a successful co-production relationship, which includes Best Picture Oscar(R) winner "Shakespeare In Love." The two companies will be working together on co-producing the upcoming films "The Real Thing," "In The Cut," "Her Leading Man and "Cinderella Man."

(Karen)The two companies will be working together on co-producing the upcoming films "The Real Thing"... Evelyn, you must be happy! Five Tony nominations and going on to a film. Glad you saw it first hand :-)

Bridget Jones Diary," based on the best-selling novel by Helen Fielding about a single woman coping with life in her 30's, is scheduled to begin production in June So now it is June. Maybe the will still be filming in July when I am there. ;-)

Gi, thank you for the flower. Heart is slowly (and I mean slowly) mending. Trip to Ireland for daughter's 10th bday should do the trick:) Do want to see High Fidelity; perhaps in Ireland?

Hugh must have had a day off, as this states he was in Frankfurt yesterday: Intermedia also said Monday that English actor Hugh Grant will join the company's supervisory board. Grant told a Frankfurt press conference Monday the company had "an exciting business plan."

Karen)The two companies will be working together on co-producing the upcoming films "The Real Thing"... (Gi)Evelyn, you must be happy! Five Tony nominations and going on to a film. Glad you saw it first hand :-) I am delirious about the Tony nomination....but.... I have no illusions about Jennifer being cast in the film; she is still not a bankable film star and there will be stiff competition for that role with popular movie stars.Remember, Julie Andrews did not get the screen role in My Fair Lady. It went to Audrey Hepburn and they dubbed her singing voice.

Quite right. Role will probably go to Nicole Kidman.

(Karen) Quite right. Role will probably go to Nicole Kidman. AAAAGHHHH

LOL. No, they'll give the role to an American actress who fakes a good Brit accent;)

but who on earth could eclipse Stepehen, he has made Henry his own and although I am sure someone like NK will get the role I will always think of Annie & Henry in terms of JE & SD. Can't see it working as a film either.

just as I can't imagine another Lizzie & Darcy (CF & JE)

Re: TRT (Ann)Can't see it working as a film either. Tom Stoppard will re-write it for screen adaptation. BBC is the only one who gets away with on- screen plays.Our TV has done a few...the recent "Failsafe"was play-like...excellent too.And PBS occasionally. But don't know of any theatrical releases that have made it. Let's face it, theatre is not a big draw in the US....it's v. regional. And considered elitist.

(Laura) No, they'll give the role to an American actress who fakes a good Brit accent;) And that's Jennifer Ehle!:-)

And that's Jennifer Ehle!:-) ] DUH, me!!!! :) Bellissimo, Bella! (is that Umbrian?) ;)

It should be Molto bene, bella. Or even brava, bella. It would work in the Umbrian dialect and Italian as well. I am sure someone like NK will get the role Ann, by NK do you mean Nicholas Cage?

NK = Nicole Kidman;)

that's it but now you come to mention it, perhaps NK could play Henry, or perhaps not!

June issue of "Movieline"has cute pic of RZ and a short article: "Renee Z.has caused a stir by getting cast as the hilarious, brilliantly daffy British girl in a movie adaptation of HF's huge best -seller BJD.Why has RZ casting gotten so many people's panties in a bunch? Because she's one of the few Americans in the veddy British production......One English TV and film producer explained it this way:'Imagine if they cast a Brit girl as the star in a movie version of "Ally Mc Beal'. That's how big Bridget Jones is in our country' Oh , please. There's been a long tradition of Brits stealing primo American roles , dating back to the late 30's when Brit beauty Vivien Leigh landed the plum part of a Southern belle Scarlett O Hara in GWTW.Anyway, Z. reportedly so wowed the moviemakers that she slipped the role right out of the clutches of such Brit worthies as Kate Winslet, Helea BC, and Kate Beckinsale." ~~~~~~~ Didn't know there were other Americans involved... Poor Renee...the whole country is laying in wait for her...the press will savage her for sure. There seems to be various accounts of how she got the role. Sure glad Working Title is a Brit company.And in the last analysis the UK is a very small market.No one seems to go to the movies there anyway.

(Evelyn) There seems to be various accounts of how she got the role. And how. Spinning up more controversy, aren't they? This is the first time I've seen Kate B's name mentioned, though (IMO RZ's a better choice). No one seems to go to the movies there anyway *hee hee*

No one seems to go to the movies there anyway. Must be the sky high prices!! 8 to 10 quid for a ticket after 5 pm! AN I thought Denmark was expensive!

D ;-)

Lisbeth has the account of the first meeting between "Bridget" and CF on the set of FP at: Bridget meets Darcy '96

Thanks, KJ. LOL! This one's even funnier than the Rome interview, IMO.