<i> Films going into production: </i>

Edward Scissorhands (Fox). Shooting in Tampa. “Batman” director Tim Burton takes on this cutting story of a young man (Johnny Depp) who has scissors in lieu of hands. The official press summary labels it “a fantastic tale shorn out of ordinary suburbia and dangerous creativity.” Executive producer Richard Hashimoto. Producers Burton and Denise Di Novi. Screenwriter Caroline Thompson. Also stars Dianne Wiest.

The Five Heartbeats (Five Heartbeats). Shooting in L.A. “Hollywood Shuffle’s” Robert Townsend again stars, directs and co-scripts. The film, titled after a fictitious ‘60s black singing group, chronicles the efforts of group manager Townsend and wife Diahann Carroll as they stick by the guys through both thick and thin. Producers Townsend and Loretha Jones. Screenwriters Townsend and Keenen Ivory Wayans. Distributor Fox.

Green Card (Green Card). Shooting in New York. Peter Weir produces, directs and writes this romantic comedy starring Gerard Depardieu and “sex, lies, and videotape’s” Andie MacDowell. Depardieu’s first English language feature features him as a Frenchman who marries American botanist MacDowell in order to obtain his green card. She’s in it to be able to inhabit a rooftop apartment and grow things. Executive producer Edward S. Feldman. Also stars Bebe Neuwirth and Gregg Edelman. Distributor Buena Vista (domestic).

True Colors (Paramount). Shooting in Virginia. Herbert Ross, hot off “Steel Magnolias,” directs John Cusack and James Spader in a tale of friendship, betrayal and revenge. Messrs. Cusack and Spader meet in law school and over course of a decade become involved with the same women which puts a strain on things. Producers Laurence Mark and Ross. Screenwriter “Working Girl’s” Kevin Wade. Also stars Imogen Stubbs, Mandy Patinkin and Richard Widmark. Fall release.