POLANSKI PULLS OUT OF 'POMPEII' AFTER SUMMIT VOICES CONCERNS OVER SCHEDULING (SCR)

By Nancy Vialatte

Roman Polanski has pulled out of the production of epic drama �Pompeii� due to scheduling conflicts. Screendaily.com says the director withdrew after Summit International said it may have to postpone principal photography in Europe next summer due to concerns over a possible industry strike.

Summit is selling worldwide rights and is searching for a replacement director with producers Robert Benmussa and Alain Sarde who have traditionally been Polanski�s collaborators.

"I put a lot of work and energy into the development of �Pompeii,� so it is not without regret that I have to decline my further involvement," Polanski said.

"In order to ensure that a film of this caliber and scale is produced in the manner required, the producers have pushed back the film to a time that will accommodate the production needs," Summit International chief executive officer Patrick Wachsberger said.

"While we are saddened that Roman will not be available to direct the film, we know we will work with the renowned film-maker and our friend in the near future."

"We understand that Roman cannot wait indefinitely for a start date after having worked on this project for more than nice months," said Benmussa and Sarde.

Based on Robert Harris' novel, Pompeii centers on a young engineer caught up in political intrigue as Mount Vesuvius is about to erupt.

Summit had already completed sales to Nordisk Film, IDC in Mexico and Brazil, Mars in South Korea, Pathe in France, RAI/01 in Italy, SPI in Eastern Europe and Antena 3 Television for release through DeAPlaneta in Spain.

Summit and Benmussa had also sealed a co-production partnership with Germany's Constantin Film, France's R P Productions and Ensueno, the production division of Spain's Antena 3 Television.

The film had been being prepped to shoot at Ciudad De La Luz in Alicante Spain.

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