AWN Headline News

Universal Pictures is set to remake Alfred Hitchcock's classic 1963 horror film, THE BIRDS, according to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes is in talks with the studio to produce along with Peter Guber and his Mandalay Pictures. The new version will be based on the original short story by Daphne Du Maurier, which inspired the Hitchcock film. The story chronicles the events that transpire in a small Pacific Coast town after the birds begin attacking in mass for no reason.

James Robbins "Bob" Gardiner passed away April 21, 2005, in Grass Valley, California, where he resided from 1991 to 2005, reports THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE. He won an Oscar and other national and international awards in 1974, for the groundbreaking clay animated short film CLOSED MONDAYS, which he wrote, sculpted, directed and co-produced.

Wes Craven's Craven/Maddalena Films is teaming with Gold Circle Films to produce indie horror flick THE WAITING, written by BOOGEYMAN scribes Juliet Snowden and Stiles White, reports VARIETY. Craven/Maddalena president Marianne Maddalena and Gold Circle president Paul Brooks will produce the film with Craven serving as exec producer. Craven/Maddalena Films vp of development Alix Taylor will co-produce with Wendy Rhoads of Gold Circle, whose Zak Kadison will oversee the project.

Nickelodeon Writing FellowshipAugust 1, 2005Deadline: April 29, 2005

Nickelodeon Productions is continuing its search for new creative talent with the Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship Program, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for writers to work full-time developing their craft at Nickelodeon. Now aspiring writers have a few extra days to get their forms filled out and their samples in. The application deadline has been extended to April 29, 2005.

2005 Script Pimp Screenwriting CompetitionHollywood, California, USAJuly 28, 2005Deadline: May 2, 2005

The 2005 Script Pimp Screenwriting Competition allows fledgling writers the chance to break into the industry. All 20 finalists are invited to the Script Pimp Awards Ceremony at the Hollywood Improv on July 28, 2005. Prizes include $10,000 in cash, $8,000 in prizes and the opportunity to have your script read by executives at more than 200 production companies.

Transdimensional Short Film Festival 2005Beverly Hills, California, USAJune 3, 2005Deadline: June 1, 2005