Films going into production:BIG BUSINESS (Touchstone/Silver...

Films going into production:

BIG BUSINESS (Touchstone/Silver Screen Partners III). Shooting in NYC. Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin are two sets of twins (from different sides of the tracks) who come together to settle a labor dispute. Producers Michael Peyser and Steve Tisch. Director Jim Abrahams. Screenwriting credit undetermined. Distributor Buena Vista. Summer release.

DEATHWATCH (Creative Film Works). Shooting in Little Rock, Dallas and L.A. Psychological thriller pitting Sybil Danning and other unlucky models trapped inside a department store who are stalked by a psychotic security guard. Producer/director/screenwriter R. Douglas Esposito. Also stars Lori Gerard. January release.

A NIGHT AT THE MAGIC CASTLE (Night at the Magic Castle). Shooting in L.A. Fantasy thriller with Harry Houdini returning from the dead to escort a young boy to a magical nightclub where and evil magician awaits them. Producer Lori Levine. Director Icek Tenenbaum. Screenwriter Roger Stone. Also stars Blackie Dammett and Matt Schectman.

RUNNING ON EMPTY (Lorimar). Shooting in NYC. Judd Hirsch and Christine Lahti are fugitive radicals adrift in the ‘80s who, with their two sons, try to stay together as they avoid the authorities. Executive producers Burtt Harris and Naomi Foner. Producers Griffin Dunne and Amy Robinson. Director Sidney Lumet. Screenwriter Naomi Foner. Also stars River Phoenix and Martha Plimpton. Spring release.

YOUNG TOSCANINI (Carthago/RAI-1/Sacis/Italian Intl./FR3/Canal Plus/UGC). Shooting in Italy. Franco Zeffirelli directs Elizabeth Taylor and C. Thomas Howell in the life story of Arturo Toscanini, the explosive and legendary conductor. Producer Tarak Ben Ammar. Screenwriters Ennio De Concini and William Stadiem.