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

Backdraft (Imagine). Shooting in Chicago. “Parenthood’s” Ron Howard directs another top-heavy cast as Robert DeNiro, Kurt Russell, Billy Baldwin, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Scott Glenn, Rebecca DeMornay and Jason Gedrick all shine in this thriller set against an arson investigation in the Second City. Russell and Baldwin play brothers as the scenario is revealed through the point of view of a rookie firefighter. Executive producer Brian Grazer. Producers Richard B. Lewis, Pen Densham and John Watson. Screenwriter Gregory Widen. Distributor Universal.

Trabbi Trouble (Motion Picture Corp. of America). Shooting in Los Angeles and Germany. Thomas Gottschalk, Billy Dee Williams and Dom DeLuise star in this action comedy of a German inventor who treks to Los Angeles to market his pollution-free, turnip-driven car engine. DeLuise portrays a crime kingpin who orchestrates the theft of the engine, which touches off much wackiness. Producers Brad Krevoy and Steve Sabler. Director Jon Turteltaub. Screenwriters Turteltaub, David Tausik and Johnny London. Also stars James Tolkan, Michelle Johnson, Steve Kanaly, Richard Moll, Milton Berle and Tiny Lister. Spring release.