BOLLYWOODS BIGGEST EXPORT TO HOLLYWOOD
By Arvind Rai, PARADISE-correspondent
NEW DEHLI --- Move over Penelope, Aishwarya is coming. It's raining offers for Aishwarya Rai straight from Hollywood. Latest confirmed news from Bollywood is that top Indian actress Aishwarya Rai is getting offers from big production houses from Hollywood. And the calls have not stopped or waned a bit. Last heard, M Night 'Signs' Shayamalam was keen on working with Aishwarya.
From being on the cover of 'Vanity Fair' to UK's 'Sunday Times Cultural Review', Aishwarya has got the world at her feet again. Something she is used to more often than any other heroine in this part of the globe. Circa 1994, Miss India first runner up Aishwarya Rai was crowned Miss World 1994 and put India on the global beauty pageant scene. A successful model who had launched a million products, she became the darling of whole nation. In 1996, she began her acting career in Hindi films. And her popularity could only grow bigger and bigger.
No wonder that she is the only non-British celebrity to be chosen as the top Asian Role model at a recently conducted survey in the UK for the immigrant Asian community. And now her popularity has reached across the Atlantic. Thanks to Bollywood, Cannes 2002 and the Asian community in the west, she has become a known face across continents.
So what is so special about Aishwarya? Julia Roberts complimented her for her 'unassumingly beautiful' looks after seeing her photograph on the cover of Vanity Fair. That she is an ex Miss World and the top Bollywood actress confirms two things at one go. That she is beautiful and she can act well, very well. Does that mean that Hollywood's gain is Bollywood's loss ? No says the lady as she attributes her popularity to her fans. And for them she will keep coming back to Bollywood again and again.

WHAT A CASTING DIRECTOR DOES
By Bruno Koller, executive producer
ZURICH/HOLLYWOOD --- In today's Hollywood, casting of a film is one of the most important and therefore crucial topics. That's why every producer hires a skilled casting director in order to get the most fitted and valuable cast, not necessarily in this order. He will know on the top of his head, which actor is in what situation. For instance, the actor is in high demand, or the actor just had an accident and can't work for a certain time. Or, the actor has personal troubles, like 'Mr. Everybody' as well, such as being on drugs or in the middle of a divorce, and therefore won't be able do deliver a fine performance. This list could go on forever, since so many actors so many individual situation exist.
And here, the skilled casting director may help a way out of the Hollywood-jungle.

THE CRUCIAL CASTING OF 'SIMON'
By Roger Steinmann, writer/director
The angelic character of Simon (see Cast), previously played by Ray Walston until his death interrupted shooting of PARADISE, requires genuine 'star-qualitiy'. I know that this term is overused, especially in Hollywood. But - one just check's the story of our film - here we've got a classic case of a crucial character to play.
Patricia Paradise is able to communicate with this Grandfather-like figure, though not the rest of the world. And since the audience is with Patricia, 'we' need to see him as well. But this 'see' is rather a 'feel', and there lies the difference of the performance of a genuine 'star'.
I'm very proud that we are able to attract seasoned Academy Award winners like Charlton Heston, Jack Palance, Mickey Rooney Ernest Borgnine, and Gregory Peck. And I'm nervous about the sheer thought of working shortly with one of these living legends!

FIVE MYTH ABOUT BOLLYWOOD
By Arvind Rai, PARADISE-correspondent
NEW DELHI --- 1. Unlike Hollywood, there is no place called Bollywood. It's a name given to the Bombay based Hindi Film Industry by fans and media people around the world.
2. All Hindi film actresses are short and buxom. Not anymore! With the current crop of models and Miss Indias joining the Hindi film bandwagon, the Hindi film actress has come of age and size. Most of the actresses have terrific bodies and a great figure. It's almost become a prerequisite. Even the fans seem to have refined their tastes.
3. All Hindi film heroes are fat blokes with big mustaches. Crap! Hindi film heroes can give Adonis a run for his money. With perfect bodies, chiseled looks and a clean visage, they are revered everywhere in India almost godlike.
4. Hindi films stories are rigmarole. It use to be a fact way back in 80s. With the advent of 90s, a new breed of writer-directors came on the scene who had fresh stories to tell. By the way, did you know that the movie 'Elizabeth' (1998) which was nominated for Oscars that year was directed by an Indian director called Shekhar Kapur? And 'Sixth Sense' director Manoj Night Shayamlam is of Indian origin.
5. Hindi films are only watched in India. We use to think that way until western people started telling us that they are big fans of Hindi movies. Madonna is one. Steven Segal is another big fan of Hindi movies. Goldie Hawn, Richard Gere, the list goes on. Even the famous Shoemaker 'Manolo Blahnik' once admitted that he secretly watches Hindi movies.
Coming soon is another 5 series, 5 Best Hindi Movies of the 20th Century. Keep coming back to this page for new updates!

ANNOUNCING THE CASTING OF 'SIMON' IN PARADISE
by Markus Imthurn, producer
HOLLYWOOD --- Proudly we are finally able to announce our list of actors to play 'Simon'. This character was played by Ray Walston. As the 'Favorite Martian' died in the middle of the shooting, we had to stop the production of PARADISE. Now we are going into a second round, restarting the production of PARADISE, and are recasting most of the roles.
We are especially proud to attract for this part unique Oscar-winners. Our list of candidates includes at the moment: Charlton Heston, Jack Palance, Mickey Rooney, Ernest Borgnine, and Gregory Peck. I'm very proud just think about working with one of these legends!

WHAT AN EXECUTIVE PRODUCER DOES (II)
by Bruno Koller, executive producer
ZURICH/HOLLYWOOD --- To invest money into movies is rather risky than safe - but overseeing the last months with all the happenings in the stock exchange (to mention 'Enron', for a start) shows that nowadays no business is safe anymore: Where will the Greenback be? What economic situation is Europe facing the next two years? What is the outcome of a disease like AIDS for the next generation, or, speaking in shorter terms, how will it affect the market when, in countries like the former Soviet Union or in a continent like Africa, the disease will spread out uncontrollably?
But back to my task: So far I've found individuals investing sums as little as $ 2000 as well as such who invested more than $ 100'000.--. As the budget has been funded in the meantime, and God forbid that the budget will raise again, I may put in a lower gear for the weeks ahead. And all I wish now, besides wishing that Andie McDowell will play the part of PP, is that this film will become very successful! All I can say what I have learnt and experienced so far: IT WILL BE A TRULY EXCEPTIONAL FILM

WHAT AN EXECUTIVE PRODUCER DOES (I)
by Bruno Koller, executive producer
ZURICH/HOLLYWOOD --- Well, let's get this straight from the begin with: 'Executive Producer' sounds better than it actually is...! I mean people, who don't know the movie business (including myself at first as my actual battle field is real estate), may tend to think that an 'exec' is actively involved in the movie itself . The real task is simple: find people who are willing to invest money at the base of the screenplay! And as usual, they always want their return on investment. My job is to cover investors in Switzerland, since 'PARADISE' is an English-US-Swiss co-production. So far I have been talking not only to big shots within the Swiss financial market but to people like you and me: Convince them to believe in this movie and get people to invest once in a rather poetic, and in this sense cultural, movie. As it is one which should attract rather women, I was confused at first to find out that more men are willing to invest money into this special 'woman'-bio pic! So, may I ask the female part of you readers: 'How come?'...

MORE ABOUT 'DEVDAS', DIRECT FROM BOLLYWOOD
by Arvind Rai, PARADISE-correspondent
NEW DEHLI --- 'Devdas', the costliest Hindi film ever, has already started trends of sorts. Fashion buffs are already claiming a revival of 1920s Bengal style. The costumes are exquisite. The music, the encore and the choreography are superb. The sets are awesome. Almost three years into making, every detail was planned and carried out meticulously. The result, a masterpiece, which has been, proclaimed a hit even before the movie is released. All this was possible because of one man's dream, grit and determination. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose last movie was also a huge hit at the box-office, knew that 'Devdas' was history in the making. The film was also showcased in the noncompetitive section at Cannes. The reviews were euphoric, not to mention the films heroine, beautiful Aishwarya Rai, became the darling of the French media.
Check here as I'm coming soon with more News from Bollywood, including reviews and loads of gossips.

ABOUT THE DIFFICULTIES OF CASTING A BIOPIC
by Markus Imthurn, producer
HOLLYWOOD --- The role of Katherine Hiller, discoverer and manager of Patricia, displays another task of today's filmmaking. Since we are talking about PARADISE, we are talking about a reality-based biopic. Therefore the roles are modeled in reality. In the case of Katherine Hiller, the reality has 'slightly shifted' since screenwriter Roger Steinmann has begun the first drafts. Ms. Hiller was first portrayed in the unfinished PARADISE by Caroline Ambrose. This casting already caused troubles, since this impersonation was her way too sinister. Subsequently she constantly fought over details in the script. In the meantime, the situation is basically the one that Ms. Hiller aims to keep her face in public, fighting constant rumors about being involved with the Vegas-mob. This can't be in the best interest for her client Patricia Paradise. But be sure, our screenplay already is modified to the extent to include these newly revealed disclosures about Ms. Hiller…

'DEVDAS', THE COSTLIEST FILM EVER FROM INDIA
by Arvind Rai, PARADISE-correspondent
NEW DEHLI --- Bollywood, which is the Indian equal of Hollywood, awaits the release of 'Devdas', the costliest Hindi movie ever made. The world premiere was last week. The hype, hysteria and the suspense generated by the promos of the movie remain unparalleled. A remake of the popular story by the same name, by author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhya, has already generated lot of buzz in film and media circles. The film's story is supposed to be a benchmark for testing the entire acting prowess under the sun. No wonder that this is the third remake with hardly any deviations from the earlier two versions. The last one was made in the 1950s. This is one story they'll never get bored of. The story like all other Hindi films is a melodramatic one. But with the superb casting line-up, this film was proclaimed a winner from the very first day of shooting.
The cast reads like the who's who of Bollywood. Set in the 1920s, the protagonist (Devdas) is played by the versatile actor Shahrukh Khan, India's answer to Tom Hanks. The lead actresses are Madhuri Dixit (Bollywood's Jodie Foster) and Aishwarya Rai (Bollywood's Julia Roberts) who incidentally was Miss World 1994. Also in a supporting role is the sexy Bollywood hunk Jackie Shroff who has a fan following from the likes of Brigitte Bardot and 'Dr. No'-girl Ursula Andress.

WHO'S MOST FITTED TO PLAY THE 'REAL' KATHERINE HILLER?
by Bruno Koller, executive producer
ZURICH/HOLLYWOOD --- Today we will disclose among whom we've offered the crucial role of the discoverer and manager of Patricia, the impersonation of Katherine Hiller. But before, I'd like introduce you how this 'casting process' works. Usually, we contact the agent of the desired actress. If he's open for negotiations, we will submit our screenplay along a firm offer. After the agent has okayed the submission, he will pass the script to his client. Now the talent (this is the industry expression for the actor) will read the script, mostly assisted by numerous 'friends' such as attorneys and managers. This may take time - and nerves. At this point, these nerves are very raw for everybody involved, because a 'yes' by the talent will mean a lot of consequences for the production, and of course a rejection of all the other candidates.
Now, according to us, who will be most fitted to play the 'real' Katherine Hiller in PARADISE? Just to name a few desired candidates among them: Cher, Faye Dunaway, Barbara Carrera, Anjelica Huston, Bo Derek, Joan Collins, Kathleen Turner…
But at this time, we gladly accept suggestions for other talent. Please communicate your favorite!

ROD STEIGER DEAD - HE WAS OUR FORMER 'SIMON' CANDIDATE
by Roger Steinmann, writer/director
ZURICH --- Rod Steiger, Oscar winner for 'In the Heat of the Night', passed away. This comes to a personal shock, having him strongly considered only two years back for the spiritual character of 'Simon' in the unfinished PARADISE. Eventually, this part was cast by Ray Walston, who has died in the middle of the shooting.
Mr. Steiger carefully examined my script, and was eager to play this exceptional part. So I very much looked forward to work with this crafted veteran actor, who's legendary career included working with writers and directors like Norman Jewison, John Frankenheimer, Arthur Miller, Elia Kazan and Sidney Lumet, and who's co-stars included a roster of names like Jack Nicholson, Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, Sylvester Stallone and Sidney Poitier. But as the shooting approached, Rod had some health problems for a short while, and after he was well, he had so many films he already was obligated to do that he simply couldn't take on our offer.
As the role of Simon requires an older actor in his seventies or eighties, we were confronted with several other veteran-stars passing away in the middle or shortly after the casting process, such as Walther Matthau, Jack Lemmon, James Stewart, Robert Mitchum, and Bob Hope.

ONE MORE REASON WHY RAY WALSTON WAS CAST IN "PARADISE"
by Roger Steinmann, writer/director
HOLLYWOOD/SINGAPORE --- The reason was no one less than the "King of Hollywood", Billy Wilder! The six-time Oscar winner suggested in a conversation to consider Ray Walston after having have red the script of PARADISES. Billy as well mentioned his other frequent "collaborators" Walter Matthau, Tony Curtis,
and Jack Lemmon, but they were either unavailable or in a too bad state of health.
Billy made two films with Ray Walston, in 1960 "The Apartment" with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, and 1964 "Kiss Me Stupid" with Kim Novak and Dean Martin.
Therefore, Ray was "fireproofed" and we went along and made an offer he gladly accepted, coming so highly recommended.
Billy Wilder, God shall bless you, wherever you are know (Billy Wilder passed away on 2002, at age of 95).

PATRICIA PARADISE: A CRUCIAL ROLE TO CAST
by Roger Steinmann, writer/director
HOLLYWOOD/LONDON --- A few weeks ago, PARADISE-producer Imthurn passed on a hint that there would be another well suited candidate for the lead as Patricia. Evaluating Ms. Dee Wallace Stone, I'd say that she would be a perfect match! Ms. Stone brings all the ingrediants such as the look, charm and sensitivity required to play this crucial part. And she got the seasened experience, having worked with the cream-de-la-cream of todays active Hollywood directors of the likes as Steven Spielberg (the lead role in "E.T."), Peter Jackson (in "The Frighteners"), Blake Edwards (in "10"). To possibly join these highly acclaimed directors is an every youngers filmmaker's dream. Therefore I happily suggested the producer to move forward to negotiations with Ms. Stone's agent. Having the fundings and several key members of the crew ready, we still are in need of a well balanced cast. Let us know who you think will be the most perfect choice!

A MOVIE ABOUT MARILYN MONROE'S DAUGHTER...
by Bruno Koller, executive producer
HOLLYWOOD/ZURICH --- In behalf of our filmmaker team, I'm informing you that we are so excited about the sheer thought of being involved in a biopic of the daughter of one of the most celebrated and famous woman ever faced this planet. And as I said, it's the 'sheer thought' of this issue what excites us at this very moment. But - if Patricia Paradise would be genuinely the daughter of Marilyn Monroe, this would rewrite an important chapter of film history. In what way we, amidst of the reproduction of the biopic of 'the daughter', will be affected by this whole issue, well nobody may predict now. But we intend just to go forward, at this moment with the tedious process of the casting, and let Mr. De Luca do the job of disclose the truth behind this issue.

HOW IT WAS TO WORK WITH HUMPHREY BOGART, REMEMBERED BY OUR EDDIE ALBERT DURING THE SHOOT OF PARADISE
by Roger Steinmann, writer/director
HOLLYWOOD/BANGKOK --- We were able to cast two time Oscar nominated veteran actor Eddie Albert for PARADISE. During the rehearsals, what Eddie generously offered to take place at his exquisite Hollywood mansion, he told me interesting little stories from his unique life as well as from his couple of hundreds films and TV-shows. As an ultimate film buff, I was amazed as Eddie remembered of how it was to work with the one and only screen god Humphrey Bogart. Eddie was cast opposite him and Sylvia Sidney in "The Wagons Roll at Night (1941, directed by Ray Enright). "This film was set with real lions in a circus, so we were supposed to 'act' opposite these beasts. When I say 'we' then I really remember 'me', because Humphrey was a genuine coward. He had ordered all the lion-scenes rewritten, so I was the one who ended up within the cage opposite these lions. And during the shooting of some lion-scenes, this coward Bogart wasn't doing anything else than to excite these beasts with a long stick from OUTSIDE of the cage, whereas I was INSIDE. Truly, he wasn't a pleasant fellow to work with. Either one got along with him, or one haven't. Well, I haven't, as I almost was considered lion-meat thanks to him!"

JOHN TRAVOLTA, BRUCE WILLIS OR RICHARD GERE TO PLAY
PATRICIA'S HUSBAND FRANCIS?
by Bruno Koller, executive producer
HOLLYWOOD/ZURICH --- As casting suggestions are constantly passed on to us,we are glad that one keeps in mind that there are as well other roles than the one of Patricia to be cast. For the male lead of Francis Hiller, there were John Travolta, Bruce Willis, Richard Gere, George Clooney, Matt Damon among other suggested. Well, casting is a difficult task. The talent has to accept the script, the market value has to be met, the billing position might as well be an obstacle, the shooting schedule of all involved needs to be clear, and, after all, the filmmakers have to be "convinced" that the talent is the right choice for the role as well as for the composition of the whole cast. For instance, is though-guy Mr. Willis the one ideal choice with Jodie Foster, or Mr. Travolta making an ideal couple with Sandra Bullock ?

DEE WALLACE STONE ("E.T.") EVALUATED TO PLAY PATRICIA PARADISE.
by Markus Imthurn, producer
HOLLYWOOD --- Thanks to Grace and your message for suggestion another well-suited actress for the lead in PARADISE: Dee Wallace Stone, the lead from the recently re-released "E.T", by Steven Spielberg. Ms. Stone has a vast acting experience, appearing in a variety of different films and TV-shows, such as "10" (1979), with the recently deceased Dudley Moore, and "The Frighteners" (1996), with Michael J. Fox. Ms. Stone indeed would be a near perfect choice, performing a wonderful 'melodramatic' look. I will pass this suggestion to our director Roger Steinmann. If he as well would OK Ms. Stone, we would pass the script to her agent.

PARADISE DIRECTOR ROGER STEINMANN IS EXCITED ABOUT THE INTEREST OF THE STARS TO PLAY PATRICIA.
by Markus Imthurn, producer
SINGAPORE --- From his domicil in Singapore, writer/director Roger Steinmann responds excitedly about the move by Producer Markus Imthurn to offer Jodie Foster ("Panic Room") the lead in Paradise. As a long time fan of Ms Foster, what goes back to her first lead role in "The little girl who's living down the lane", directed by fellow Swiss director Nicolas Gessner, Mr Steinmann hardly believes that he possibly will direct soon this gifted Academy Award winning actress. If she would accepts the part, there would be some rewriting necessary to taylor the role to the personality of Ms Foster who's quite different of the one of Ms Roberts. The director is ready to alter his location scouting plans in Malaysia if there would be a meeting in Hollywood with Ms Foster to discuss the film face to face.

JODIE FOSTER HOTLY PURSUED FOR THE LEAD IN PARADISE.
by Bruno Koller, executive producer
HOLLYWOOD --- Markus Imthurn, producer of PARADISE, is seriously pursuing Jodie Foster (Panic Room) to impersonate Patricia Paradise in the upcoming movie.
Previously attached star Julia Roberts (Oceans Eleven) hasn't responded to the last deadline to accept or deny the role of Patricia. This second deadline was newly set after there were serious talks going on last March. As of now, there's no definite
decision by Ms Roberts on the table. Apparently, she likes the screenplay. Playing a real life person is very intriguing for the superstar, just remember her success as Erin Brockovich.
As there's fully financing set to continue the production of PARADISE immediately, the filmmakers had to move on and offered Ms Foster the lead role.

DEADLINE SET FOR JULIA ROBERTS
by Markus Imthurn, producer
HOLLYWOOD --- The producers set a deadline to last years Academy Award winning actress of End March to accept the lead as Patricia Paradise.
Ms Roberts was sent a script of PARADISE back last September. She postponed her decision to accept or deny the part 'due to an overload of offers. But now, if the superstar doesn't start serious negotiations, the producers will pursue other stars such as Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz or Meg Ryan, among others, to push the project ahead.
The funding to restart PARADISE is in place, since the insurance paid the due to the death of 'Favorite Martin'-Ray Walston well published interruption of the shooting.

JULIA ROBERTS RESPONSE TO PLAY PATRICIA PARADISE STILL PENDING.
HOLLYWOOD --- The producers still haven't heard back from busy Julia Roberts about her involvement of PARADISE.
With a soon start of the reshooting anticipated, the producers are contemplating the following actresses for the lead: Sandra Bullock, Meg Ryan, Cameron Diaz and Jodie Foster. We will update as soon we've got any news!

WILL SUPERSTAR JULIA ROBERTS PLAY PATRICIA PARADISE?
HOLLYWOOD --- The producers of PARADISE were able to interest this years Best Actress Academy-Award winner, Julia Roberts, to play the lead as Patricia.
With Ms. Roberts being at the horizon, the whole film gets another dimension. Writer-director Roger Steinmann is thrilled about these news. But the actress will first have to read the detailed script.