Hollywood SigAlert

California has long been concerned about the loss of jobs and money due to “runaway production,” the term used to describe movie and television producers’ decisions to shoot scenes out of state.

Now comes word that filmmakers are even going elsewhere to shoot scenes set on Southern California’s world-famous freeways.

The upcoming Twentieth Century Fox film “The Chase” starring Charlie Sheen is a story about high-speed car chases on our freeways. But the freeways seen in the movie are actually in Houston.

According to a publicity statement on the film, the movie was filmed last summer in Houston “because the Texas metropolis offered more access to its freeways than traffic-choked Southern California.” In addition, the film makers were given access to an unopened expressway.

Neither Los Angeles film czar Cody Cluff nor California Film Commission Director Patti Archuletta finds that funny.

They argue that local and state officials close freeways all the time and could have easily accommodated the production.

“We close freeways better than anyone else in the world,” Cluff says.

And a Side Trip to Bosnia?

Peace may be starting to percolate in Northern Ireland after more than two decades of violence, but is the area ready to become a tourist mecca?

A 24-page supplement in the latest issue of Travel Weekly touts Northern Ireland as just that, noting that the British-ruled province welcomed a record 1.25 million visitors in 1992 and probably set another record in 1993.

“Canadian and American travelers visit Northern Ireland for its rich history, heritage, scenic beauty and the hospitality of the people, undoubtedly the country’s strongest asset,” the supplement says.

It also notes that “among savvy golfers, the prospect of traveling to Northern Ireland is cause for great excitement.”

Hype!

The self-help business seems to be making its point--exclamation point--if the new Prentice Hall catalogue of spring and summer publications is any indication.

Among the titles: “Eureka!” “Power Within!” “Turn Your Business Around!” “Behavior Smart!” “Really Writing!” “Tune In!” “Earth Smart!” “Hooked on Fitness!” “Science Starters!” “Sound Out!” and “Winning Tennis!”

Briefly . . .

They’d do anything for promotion: An announcement by music video channel VH-1 on a Meat Loaf special describes the singer as a “Rock God.” . . . Start spreading the news: Golfers participating in singer Frank Sinatra’s charity celebrity golf tournament in Palm Desert early next month will be presented with a Sinatra-autographed putter. . . . More Sinatra: For $10,000 per couple, they can also can see Sinatra’s Rancho Mirage home from the inside at a nightcap party. . . . Marketing News says Elvis Presley Enterprises signed an agreement allowing a Silicon Valley telecommunications group to market calling cards featuring the King’s picture.