Young Guns Go For It

The most coveted invitation in Hollywood at the moment is membership of the association being formed by Steven Soderbergh and his pals. So far, the club's roster includes Spike Jonze, David Fincher and Alexander (Election) Payne and now British director Sam Mendes has been invited to come on board. The venture, which Variety reports will see the directors having complete creative control over their movies, will most likely be linked to USA Films which would provide practical help in the form of money, marketing and distribution. Membership requires certain commitments from the directors, including a promise to direct three movies during the first five years. Perhaps the only sticking point for Mendes, who still spends much of his time in London in his role as Artistic Director of London's Donmar Warehouse theatre, is that he won't be able to contribute to the group's powerhouse brainstorming.