Pacino’s Computer Co-star

Al Pacino will play a Hollywood producer in Simone, to be directed by Andrew Niccol, who directed Gattaca and wrote The Truman Show. But Pacino's co-star won't be anyone you've heard of. In fact, she's not even human. After auditioning several bright young things, Niccol decided he couldn't find just the right woman to play the actress who becomes an overnight sensation, so he's plumped for an entirely computer-generated leading lady. Niccol was so impressed with the realistic animation process used in the forthcoming Final Fantasy that he decided he would adopt a similar method for Simone. The move is important as CGI has formerly been the preserve of sci-fi and horror, whereas Simone is a traditional 'Hollywood' story in all other respects. And at least there'll be no danger of the CGI actress needing to check into rehab or running off with her leading man. Interviews might be a problem, though.