From the New Zealand

Chatterbox: Movies in synth 27.07.2002 American movie nerds are buzzing over ex-pat Kiwi director Andrew Niccol's latest effort, the upcoming sci-fi comedy S1m0ne. The excitement is over the origin of the main character, a computer-generated blonde (pictured below) who becomes an award-winning actress/singer/poet/. Although Niccol insists Simone ("Sim One" - get it?) is a simulation based on the best characteristics of Hollywood legends such as Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, people who have seen the movie trailer find this hard to believe. Word on the web is that the role is played by Rachel Roberts, who is either a Canadian model or an Australian actress and short-film producer. It is believed computer effects have been used to make Roberts look less human. The film stars Al Pacino as a down-on-his-luck director whose last chance at success is threatened when a temperamental starlet (Winona Ryder) walks out of his latest project. A gift of computer software is put to questionable use when he creates the instantly popular Simone and passes her off as a human actress. The film's website (www.s1m0ne.com) says she is "an award-winning screen idol, multi-platinum recording artist, voted one of the 10 most beautiful people, renowned humanitarian". Niccol, who wrote The Truman Show and wrote and directedGattaca, reckons synthesised actors are the way of the future - they don't age, gain weight, get drunk, need rehab or reject scripts. "We all know synthespians are coming very soon. We will reach a point when we switch on a television or computer, see an actor or newscaster and not know if they are flesh and blood, and what's more, not care." LOCAL ACTORS ON E!: The E! entertainment channel is screening three programmes dedicated to us. American producer Teresa Cebrian is in Auckland this weekend to film a spot on the International Film Festival for show F.Y.E. ("for your entertainment"). Fronted by Cliff Curtis (above right) and planned for worldwide broadcast on September 8, it will focus on the closing night of the festival and the after-party. Cebrian will also tour the Viaduct Basin with actor Karl Urban to shoot footage for use during the America's Cup. Last night, Wild on New Zealand, presented by American soap star Aaron Van Wagner, looked at the "crazy and cool" nightlife in Auckland and Queenstown. A crew returns to New Zealand in a few months in search of nightlife in other parts of the country. And, tomorrow, there is a five-hour marathon dedicated to New Zealand's contribution to the film industry, featuring snippets on the filming of The Lord of the Rings and interviews with Russell Crowe, Lucy Lawless, Sam Neill, and Rachel Hunter. BETTER ON THE B-LIST: When Auckland's student radio station 95bFM announced it was having its own music awards as an alternative to those organised by the mainstream recording industry association there was general rejoicing because, if nothing else, these people could put on a good party. And they did. Over its five years the idea grew into the b.Net awards as other independent stations joined in and now this annual event is one of the highlights of the New Zealand music year. But it was always more than just another excuse for a party: the awards acknowledged the emergence of local electronica and other styles, saluted the best unreleased song, and had a category for international achievement which didn't include Kiri Te Kanawa. This year's awards, acknowledging local artists in 12 categories in the year to May 31, will be held on Friday September 6 at the Bruce Mason Centre. It is open to the public and will be fronted by Otis and Slave. The categories decided by public vote - through www.b-net.co.nz or forms in local music publications - are: best music video; best live act; most promising new act; best releases in downbeat, hip hop, electronic and rock; best remix, compilation and unreleased song; best song and best album. A judging panel will decide the international achievement category where the contenders are Bulletproof, Concord Dawn, The D4, the Datsuns, P-Money, Salmonella Dub and Kiri Te Kanawa. Actually, just jokin' about the Dame. SING OR SWIM: Usually it's a case of model wants to be a singer. Not so for Sophie Monk (below left), the blonde babe from the now defunct girl group Bardot, Australia's version of our TrueBliss. Monk proves she can do more than just sing and dance. She can also pout very prettily while wearing a bikini. Which is handy because she's just been appointed as the face (and body) of New Zealand swimwear label Expozay and was in Auckland earlier this week to help to launch the summer range. Fashion tip: flowers on bikinis are hot. She won't be giving up the day job for a life as a swimwear model just yet though. Her first single is due for release in October. A cover of The Tide is High perhaps? HOT TO GO: The winners of our Red Hot Chili Peppers album and ticket giveaway were Rhiannon Robins, Bombay; Debbie Murphy, Grey Lynn; Robert Delhaye, Waterview.