Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who went from obscurity to stardom for their 1997 screenplay Good Will Hunting, will use the internet to help launch the career of an aspiring filmmaker.
The two friends have joined Miramax and HBO to launch Projectgreenlight.com - the Hollywood phrase used for approving production of a film. From today until October 22, contestants can submit an original screenplay online and join other budding filmmakers to help choose the winner. The winning screenplay will be announced in March. Miramax will supply a $US1 million ($2.4 million) budget and release the film in theatres.
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Boy band Westlife have made British pop history by becoming the first act to have six consecutive No 1 singles. The group's new song - Against All Odds, recorded with American singer Mariah Carey - went straight to the top of the charts. The single is a cover version of a track written and released by Phil Collins in 1984.
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With his teen idol days well behind him, Pat Boone is looking to mature artists to score some hits for a new record label, open to singers over 45.
"As America ages, the baby boomers will turn into 21st-century seniors and the number of people over the age of 55 will double," said Boone, who became a household name with his pop hits in the 50s. His Gold Label showcases easy-listening artists such as Glen Campbell, Merv Griffin and the Lettermen.
"For some reason, these artists are being ignored," Boone said.
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Footballers David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Roy Keane are to become film stars thanks to a new production, Manchester United - The Movie.
The film, subtitled Beyond the Promised Land, documents the fortunes of the Red Devils under manager Sir Alex Ferguson during the 1999-2000 season.
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A preview performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton's new West End musical had to be stopped briefly when one of the leading ladies was shot in the face by a stage gun.
The incident occurred halfway through the second act of The Beautiful Game at the Cambridge Theatre in central London. Josie Walker, who plays Mary in the show about a group of Belfast teenagers, was slightly hurt but continued with the performance after a short break.
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Tens of thousands of forget-me-nots are to be planted across Britain soon in memory of murdered TV presenter Jill Dando.
Money from the sale of the seeds will go towards the Jill Dando Fund, which is hoping to raise $5 million to establish a Jill Dando Institute of Crime and Science at University College, London. Dando was shot dead on the doorstep of her west London home in April last year.
- NZPA
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