Ridley Scott film row talks start

Talks are under way to try to resolve a row over filming in a historic
Spanish cathedral for UK director Sir Ridley Scott's new movie about the
Crusades.

Spain's Catholic Church has refused to allow Sir Ridley and his crew to
film inside the Mezquita in Cordoba, saying it would be too disruptive.

The Gladiator director had wanted to shoot scenes for his £54m epic Kingdom
of Heaven at the former Grand Mosque.

A spokesman for the producers said they were hopeful of negotiating a solution.

"It's hopefully being rectified and we hope to get permission tomorrow
(Thursday)," said Quinn Donoghue, the film's publicist.

Speaking to BBC News Online from Huesca, northern Spain, Mr Donoghue
confirmed that the Spanish Church had blocked filming inside the Mezquita.

"The archbishop refused because we would close the cathedral down for
preparations - we would have to do some 'dressing', and tourism would be
stopped."

He said the Church was also unhappy that the Mezquita - for centuries a
site of sensitivity among Muslims and Christians - would become a
"fictional" place of worship in the movie, rather than "playing itself".

"All of that's being negotiated," said Mr Donoghue.

The film, due for release in 2005, will star Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson
in the tale of a young blacksmith leading the people of Jerusalem in
defence against the 12th Century Crusaders.

Filming is taking place in France, Spain and Morocco.

Shooting inside the Mezquita would require up to 200 crew and involve the
use of false doors, walls and furniture. "There's not a lot that we can do
(to compromise)," said Mr Donoghue.

He added: "A huge company like ours brings so much to any place in terms of
hotels, restaurants and hiring people. It's a major financial benefit to
the community."

He said Sir Ridley was a "realistic and pragmatic" director who would allow
his team to negotiate possible use of the cathedral. If agreement could not
be reached, "there's always a second choice".