"Psycho" Update; Lurie in the Director's Chair; UCLA Script Winners

Compiled by Eugene Hernandez

>> The drama surrounding the Lions Gate film "American Psycho" continues
with Variety reporting that Oliver Stone is in talks to sitein the projects'
directors chair. Despite recent reports indicating that Leonardo DiCaprio
may no longer be involved with the film, the actor has reportedly met with
Stone about the film. DiCaprio became affiliated with the film following an
announcement by Lions Gate made at the Cannes Film Festival. With the
announcement, Lions Gate indicated that it was looking for a new director
for the film -- Mary Harron had been on board to lead the project.

>> Film critic Rod Lurie is set to direct his first feature, "Deterrence,"
according to the Hollywood Reporter. The publicaton reported that the
movie will star Kevin Pollack and Sheryl Lee Ralph, among others.

>> UCLA Extension has named the winners of the 1998 Diane Thomas
Screenwriting Awards, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The top prize
went to Carol Barbee for her script, "Madonnas of the Field", while the
second prize went to Anne Winter for "Sometime Later," and the third prize
was awarded to Vincent Ware for "Keep It Real".