August 12, 2008–Randall Wallace will direct “Secretariat,” based on Mike Rich's script about the 1973 Triple Crown-winning racehorse, and its owner, Penny Chenery. The “Braveheart” scribe last directed the war film, “We Were Soldiers,” in 2002.

Isaac Hayes, the songwriter, singer, and musician whose “Theme From Shaft” won the Oscar and Grammy awards dies at 65.

July 14, 2008–Warner will distribute “Lost Planet,” a picture based on the hit vidgame that is co-financed by the Japanese publisher. David Hayter, who worked on Zack Snyder's “Watchmen,” will pen the screenplay.

July 14, 2008–Paramount is developing a “School of Rock” sequel with Jack Black attached to reprise his role as rock star substitute teacher Dewey Finn, who in the first film turned a class of fifth-graders into rock 'n' rollers. Richard Linklater will direct again the Scott Rudin production.

Universal's “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” directed by filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, grossed $13.8 million from 3,204 runs on Friday. The picture benefited from an aggressive marketing campaign. Critically acclaimed, ?¢¬Ä¬úGolden Army?¢¬Ä should win the weekend and open north of $30 million, outpaced the $8.6 million earned by del Toro?¢¬Ä¬ôs 2004 ?¢¬Ä¬úHellboy?¢¬Ä on its first Friday.