Actors flock to 'Animals'

Andrews, Blucas, Amurri set for horror film

By DAVE MCNARY

Anonymous Content ("Babel") and T&C Pictures have signed Mark Blucas, Nicki Aycox, Eva Amurri, Andy Comeau and Naveen Andrews for the horror film "Animals," which begins production this week in Salt Lake City.

"Animals" is produced by Barry Rosenbush and Bill Borden, who teamed on the "High School Musical" telepics, and exec produced by Anonymous Content's Paul Green and T&C's Arata Matsushima.

Craig Spector ("A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Child") adapted his original novel, which he co-wrote with John Skipp. Helming the pic is first-time director Doug Aarniokoski, assistant/second unit director on projects for Robert Rodriguez such as "Once Upon a Time in Mexico."

Story centers on a blue-collar man in a dying factory town whose life is jolted after becoming involved in a romantic triangle amid a spate of uncontrolled violence.

Upcoming Anonymous pics include "Married Life," "Case 39," "Rendition" and "Smiley Face." T&C was formed in January by Matsushima, a former exec at Sony Pictures Television Intl., and has completed its first film, "American Pastime."