ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT REPORTS FROM THE TIMES, NEWS SERVICES AND THE NATION’S PRESS.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Rap Shooting Update: Videotape from a surveillance camera near the New York radio station where gunfire erupted Sunday in a shootout that police believe was sparked by rivalries between female rappers Lil’ Kim and Foxy Brown shows four or five suspected gunmen climbing into Lil’ Kim’s limousine as it fled the scene, police said. However, the videotape did not capture the gunfight, which police say involved more than 20 people and at least five guns. One man was injured in the clash, which erupted when Kim and her entourage were leaving the studio just as Capone--part of the rap duo Capone-N-Noreaga and an associate of Brown’s--was arriving with his entourage. Kim and Brown--who record for the Atlantic and Island/Def Jam groups, respectively--have traded insults on their records. Brown’s most recent derisive rap is on an album by Capone-N-Noreaga, who on Wednesday issued a statement saying that the duo “had nothing to do with the shooting. It’s unfortunate that the normally healthy competitive spirit in the music industry has been compromised by people who have nothing to do with making the records.” On Monday, Kim had also issued a statement saying that she had nothing to do with the shooting.

‘Fugitive’ Escapes Quake Harm: The 6.8-magnitude earthquake outside Seattle Wednesday was not expected to halt production of the CBS drama “The Fugitive,” which shoots in the area. A show spokesperson said exterior scenes were still on schedule for shooting in nearby Everett Wednesday night, and that no one was hurt and there was no structural damage to the series’ sets, which are housed in Mukilteo, Wash., near Seattle. . . . Meanwhile, CNN anchor Bernard Shaw, whose final day with the network was supposed to be Wednesday, will remain on until Friday for earthquake coverage.

Whitney’s Stalker: A New Jersey judge has issued a restraining order against a 33-year-old woman who believes Whitney Houston is her mother. The judge also reinstated a lawsuit Houston had filed last year against Desiree Weeks--who began writing Houston rambling letters in 1999. Houston had dropped the suit and another temporary restraining order after Weeks was involuntarily committed to a New York psychiatric hospital. However, Houston resumed her court bid after Weeks escaped the hospital in January. Her most recent letters to Houston allegedly included a threat against the singer’s young daughter.

Final Scene: Producers of HBO’s “The Sopranos” have used tape editing, a body double and computer technology to craft a scene in Sunday’s season premiere featuring mob matriarch Livia Soprano talking to her son, Tony, even though actress Nancy Marchand died last June before filming for the new season began. David Chase, the show’s creator, said the scene was crucial to helping viewers understand Tony’s reaction to Livia’s death.

Quick Takes: Mike Myers is gearing up for a third “Austin Powers” movie, with Daily Variety reporting he’ll earn $25 million for the role. . . . Oscar nominee Russell Crowe will appear at a March 9, 7:30 p.m. public screening of “Gladiator” at AMC Century 14. Other cast and crew members will speak at the Century City theater at nightly screenings Saturday through March 9, including composer Hans Zimmer on Wednesday. . . . Animators including Matt Groening (“The Simpsons”), Seth MacFarlane (“The Family Guy”) and Terry Thoren (“Rugrats”) will speak at the inaugural Animation Business Marketplace, Job Fair and Creative Conference, today and Friday at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.