Germany's Constantin Film and its genre production shingle, Paul W.S. Anderson and Jeremy Bolt's Impact Pictures, are ramping up preparations for a fourth edition of their successful zombie franchise "Resident Evil" before the third film in the series has even begun shooting. Constantin head of production Martin Moskowicz said in Cannes that the third film, "Resident Evil: Afterlife," will shift locations to shoot in Australia, with principle photography planned for November or December. "Resident Evil 4" will be set in Tokyo, and Impact/Constantin is looking to shoot the film in Japan. "Afterlife" will be set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun with mutant zombies. "Afterlife" will play in the Nevada desert with the Aussie outback standing in for the American wasteland. In the final reel, the action will shift to Japan, setting up the fourth edition. Milla Jovovich is set to reprise her signature role as zombie slayer extraordinaire Alice though no formal deal has been signed yet. Paul W.S. Anderson, who together with partner Bolt will produce "Afterlife" through their Constantin-controlled shingle Impact Pictures, is finishing the script for the third edition. Anderson directed the first "Resident Evil" and penned the sequel "Resident Evil: Apocalypse."

Celestial finds 'Perhaps Love'
Hong Kong's Celestial Pictures will undertake the worldwide rights distribution of "Perhaps Love," a new romantic drama from leading Hong Kong director Peter Chan, the company announced Sunday. The film was financed by Hong Kong network TVB, Astro Shaw and Stellar Mega Media, which has mainland Chinese rights. "The early indications from the industry on 'Perhaps Love' are most encouraging," said Gordon Cheung, Celestial's executive vp, acquisitions & distribution. "We expect the film to do very well and achieve notable success for Celestial's global distribution business." "Perhaps Love" is due to be released at end of this year. The film is presently shooting on location in Shanghai.

First Independent plays with 'Doll'
First Independent Pictures has picked up U.S. distribution rights to "New York Doll" from Cinetic Media, company president Gary Rubin announced Sunday. The documentary about the cult New York band premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. The story focuses on the transformation of the bass player Arthur "Killer" Kane from rock-bottom alcoholic depressive to Mormon church librarian. "Back in January when we began to field offers from potential distributors, I told my wife that I was not going to bathe or shave until we signed a distribution deal," director Greg Whiteley said. "Here we are 3 and 1/2 months later, and in spite of my recent lack of social contact, I am so pleased to have a film in the passionate hands of Gary Rubin of First Independent Pictures." First Independent plans an October 2005 release for the film.

Sales agents sign on for Image.net
Sales agents are the latest to jump on the Image.net bandwagon. The company announced in a statement Monday it has signed up CJ Entertainment, Focus Features, Fortissimo Films, New Zealand Film, Gaumont, Shochiku and ShowEast to its digital marketing and publicity distribution service. Since its launch in 1995, Image.net has become a prominent industry presence. For an ongoing fee, Image.net allows distributors to digitally upload such materials as poster art, press kits and trailers and to funnel some or all of these to end users, including the media, through a secure log in and password system. Masaki Koga, head of international business division for Shochiku, said in the statement that it would now enable sales agents to deliver materials in a more timely fashion without the use of costly couriers. The service said it is also supporting sales agents at the postproduction stage, allowing them to post preliminary marketing and publicity kits for approvals. Image.net's Sales Agency Service is led by Cannes attendees Stephen Jenner, manager, Asia Pacific, and Aidan Sullivan, founder and executive vp sales, North America.