MGM has teamed up with Ashok Amritraj's Hyde Park Entertainment to produce direct-to-DVD films.
Their first project is a remake of controversial 1980 thriller Dressed To Thrill, with Rick Alexander signed to write the script.
Producer Patrick Aiello, Hyde Park's Senior Executive of Development & Production, initiated the remake project and will head Hyde Park Entertainment's new division, working closely with MGM's newly installed home entertainment Vice President Jason Weiss, who will oversee the production on the remake for the studio.
The original film, released by Filmways was later acquired by Orion and, finally, MGM. Following the macabre murder of an adulterous housewife, it starred Angie Dickinson,Dennis Franz, Nancy Allen and Michael Caine.
Alexander recently scripted sci-fi thriller Subatomic for the two companies and is producing a remake of sword-and-sorcery actioner Conan, The Barbarian for Warner Bros.
Talking of the remake he says he plans "a completely contemporary reinvention designed to re-launch this 'cult classic' title as an ongoing, branded franchise".
Although no specific plot details were announced, Alexander hinted that his "reimagining" will address certain elements of our culture's current obsession with interactive, online entertainment media, potentially enabling MGM to exploit cross-platform promotional opportunities with a major social networking site.
MGM is planning to release at least 12 DVD projects per year.
