Brick hopes to build up N.Y. filming

By MICHAEL FLEMING

As expected, Czar Wars officially ended in Gotham yesterday when Richard Brick was formally ordained director of the Mayor's Office of Film, Theater, and Broadcasting by Mayor David Dinkins.

Brick, a veteran line producer of such films as "Silkwood,""Ragtime" and "Places in the Heart," immediately announced plans to mobilize a film community that was splintered over the long search for a film czar, and bolster marketing efforts to bring the studios back to town.

The mayor's mid-morning announcement was delayed as Dinkins gave a key to the city to new heavyweight champ Riddick Bowe.

Then he gave the keys to the film biz to Brick, another native New Yorker, whose task might be tougher than beating Evander Holyfield to a pulp. But Brick's ready to come out swinging.

"I made the decision to become a candidate in the belief that it was a time of opportunity for this city and this industry," said Brick. "In some ways, things are coming up. A potential Teamsters 817 contract settlement with studios is very significant. And I sense a shared determination in the community to turn things around."

Brick said he'd immediately push aggressively to market the city to filmmakers, and mobilize local industry heavyweights to provide a more inviting atmosphere.