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*Laurence Fishburne has been cast in the upcoming psychological thriller, “Prey,” reports Variety. The story follows a man who sets out on a solo hunting expedition in the middle of winter and severely injures his leg. He is rescued by a mysterious trapper with secretly sinister intentions. Sobini Films is producing the project, which is due to start filming in the fall. Fishburne will next be seen in Lionsgate’s “Akeelah and the Bee,” due in theaters next weekend.
*Halle Berry is among the honorees chosen by the Producers Guild of America for its Celebration of Diversity gala, to be held May 9 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Other honorees include Los Lobos; Anne Sweeney, president of Disney-ABC Television Group, who will receive the President's Citation; TV producer Charles Floyd Johnson ("NCIS," "Magnum, P.I."); "American Idol"; and prima ballerina Maria Tallchief. "Our industry would be incalculably poorer without the contributions of these honorees, and it's important that our industry stand up to support and celebrate their achievements," said PGA executive director Vance Van Petten. Proceeds from the Celebration of Diversity will fund five PGA Diversity Scholarships.
*“The Apprentice: Season 3” star Stacie J. is launching her own line of jewelry and accessories to be carried in 200 Icing by Claire’s stores beginning next month, reports AOL Black Voices. The “Stacie J” line will feature rings, belly chains, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, sunglasses, handbags and belts. “I wanted something that reflected my style," said Stacie. "I love accessories. A wardrobe isn’t complete without them." Prices for the pieces range from $7.50 to $30.
*Brad Pitt is spearheading an effort to build environmentally-friendly structures in areas of New Orleans devastated by Hurricane Katrina. "This competition asks the question, can this catastrophe be turned into opportunity? Can we create for these neighborhoods and its families something even better than they had before? We encourage anyone with an idea to get involved," the actor said Thursday in a statement. The actor, currently in Namibia with Angelina Jolie awaiting the birth of their child, will work on the project with Global Green USA, a national environmental organization. Pitt will lead a jury of architects and local leaders to choose designs by six finalists who will then work with local neighborhoods on more detailed proposals. Designs are to be submitted in June and the finalists will be chosen in July.
*Miami filmmaker Kevin Clarke’s new movie “Bootleggers” unlocks the secrets of bootlegging by reenacting the true story of a hustler who acquires a felony case from bootlegging CDs and DVDs, but ironically has to continue bootlegging to pay for lawyer expenses to avoid serious jail time. “In Miami, bootlegging has replaced drug selling," Clark says in a statement. "Bootlegging is great for the community, but bad for the industry. The crime rate should be lower now, because bootlegging has given millions of young males with criminal records an alternative source of income.” Clark said he was inspired to film “Bootleggers” because his first movie, “2 Sides of Life,” was a victim of the illegal practice. On May 2, Miami Films will release “Bootleggers” on DVD. Log on to www.miamifilms.net to view theatrical trailer, cast clips and outtakes.
*A record number of cable networks were victorious at the 12th Annual NAMIC Vision Awards held Tuesday. Presented by NAMIC (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications), the black-tie gala was hosted by comedian D.L. Hughley in Beverly Hills, CA. HBO’s original movie, “Lackawanna Blues,” written by actor-writer-producer Ruben Santiago-Hudson, won for Best Drama, while Best Dramatic Performance honors went to Irene Bedard for her role in the TNT epic, “Into The West.” Steve Harvey picked up Best Comedic Performance for his hosting duties at the “2005 BET Comedy Awards,” and the Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven” earned a Best Children’s Show award. Actor Jimmy Smits presented the North Star Award to Santiago-Hudson, recognized for his long-term commitment to advancing the cause of diversity. Motivational speaker, author and media personality, Iyanla Vanzant, presented the Legacy Award to writer-producer, Kyle Bowser, co-founder of the NAMIC Vision Awards. For more information on NAMIC or the NAMIC Vision Awards, log onto www.namic.com.