USA kicks tires of Good Machine

Takeover rumored

By OLIVER JONES

Rumors are circulating in Gotham that Barry Diller's USA Networks is considering acquiring New York-based production and distribution company Good Machine Intl.

Headed by David Linde, GMI already handles foreign sales of all USA pics. The partners are officially mute on the subject, but industry sources say USA and Good Machine have been in talks for some time about tightening their links.

Diller has also held talks with Artisan Entertainment and MGM, as well as with Cablevision Systems about that company's Bravo and AMC nets.

Diller has made no secret of his desire to launch or buy new cable networks and acquire product to fill a distribution pipeline.