Film News: Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema returns; Joseph Gordon-Levitt linked to The Sandman movie

THE RUMOUR MILL: JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT TO PRODUCE THE SANDMAN MOVIE, PAUL RUDD REACTS TO ANT-MAN RUMOURS, SHIA LA BEOUF'S PLAGIARISM NIGHTMARE
Welcome to a new regular feature, The Rumour Mill, where we discuss those perennials of cinematic gossip –casting rumours, controversies and production news.

First up, the rumours about The Dark Knight Rises co-star and recent director of Don Jon (his first feature in the director's chair) Joseph Gordon-Levitt appear to be true: in a story originally picked up by Deadline, it is rumoured that JGL will be directing – and possibly starring in – the long-mooted adaptation of Neil Gaiman's seminal graphic novel series The Sandman. Thus far, JGL himself has only confirmed his involvement via Twitter, saying he has "signed on as a producer" while "the rest remains to be seen." David Goyer, writer of the Dark Knight films with Christopher Nolan, is also rumoured to be linked to the project, which has been in 'development hell' since the late 90s. Den of Geek also notes that JGL's original tweet contained the hashtag #Prelude, suggesting that Goyer's pitch to Warner Brothers will focus on the early Sandman comics. 

Sticking with comic adaptations, this morning saw the resurfacing of a rumour regarding the casting of Edgar Wright's first stab at a Marvel property, Ant-Man. Wright earlier this year posted a teaser shot of the Ant-Man costume, based on the version of the character brought back to Marvel by The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman in the mid 00s. Now, following intense speculation, Paul Rudd has responded to the rumours that he is to take on the title role. Rudd has confirmed to Total Film that he is not officially attached to the project, but is open to offers... we'll keep you posted as this one develops.

And finally, a rumour that has become something of a scandal. Following the debut of his short film Howard Cantor.com at Cannes, weasel-faced Indiana Jones-wrecker and Transformers star Shia LaBeouf has had to issue a public apology to Ghost World creator Daniel Clowes, who complained after seeing the film and realising it was heavily sourced from his own graphic novel Justin M. Damiano without credit.

"The first I ever heard of the film was this morning when someone sent me a link," Clowes told Buzzfeed. "I've never spoken to or met Mr. LaBeouf… and I was shocked, to say the least, when I saw that he took the script and even many of the visuals from a very personal story I did six or seven years ago and passed it off as his own work. I actually can't imagine what was going through his mind." LaBeouf responded on Twitter, stating: "In my excitement and naiveté as an amateur filmmaker, I got lost in the creative process and neglected to follow proper accreditation," adding finally: "I fucked up." Buzzfeed later suggested that LaBeouf may have plagiarised his apology as well.

THE HIPPODROME FESTIVAL OF SILENT CINEMA
Running from 12 to 16 March at the century-old cinema The Hippodrome in Bo'Ness, Scotand's only film festival dedicated to the silent era will be returning in 2014. Now in its fourth year, the festival will be screening early Hollywood and international classics, with live musical accompaniment in the traditional style. Last year's festival saw critic Mark Kermode in attendance, along with his band The Dodge Brothers.

Festival Director Alison Strauss commented: “With three good years under our belts, this Festival really has proved itself and earned its place alongside the must-see cultural events that make Scotland such an exciting place to live and visit. We've got a strong programme lined up, in an exceptional venue, drawing on archive collections across the world and the skills of the most accomplished silent film musicians. All that remains to complete the magic is the response of the expectant audience.” Details of the programme will be announced soon – watch this space.

BAFTA IN SCOTLAND CALLS OUT FOR NEW TALENT
BAFTA in Scotland are looking for the next generation of filmmakers to submit their work for the 2014 New Talent Awards. Films, documentaries, animation, original music, entertainment programmes and games works are all eligible for consideration, and entries must be submitted by 13 Jan, along with a £20 entry fee.

In 2013, Daniel Kerr became the youngest ever actor to be given a New Talent Award, following his portrayal of the young Paul Ferris in The Wee Man. Submitted work does not necessarily have to have been screened or broadcast to be eligible. Entrants must be students or emerging professionals with a maximum of three credits in the given discipline including the work submitted. For full eligibility details and a list of criteria, visit the BAFTA in Scotland site.

TRAILERS: 3 DAYS TO KILL, WELCOME TO YESTERDAY
You know the dilemma well – you want to retire from your job as a top-notch international spy and all-round terrorist-killing, car-exploding, justice-administering badass, but your gorgeous blonde handler won't let you go back to your gorgeous brunette wife and simpering daughter (who look about identical, age-wise...) without a fight. Because you're just THAT GOOD at killing the bad guys. Cue shots of an aging action star pelting about the streets of a European capital. Your country needs you... We've all been there, right? No? Well, now we can all go there, vicariously at least – here's Kevin Costner in Taken 3. Sorry, 3 Days To Kill.

Come back Harrison Ford, all is forgiven...

No bones about it – 'found footage' time travel thriller Welcome To Yesterday looks pretty amazing. Bleeding Cool is already calling it 'Chronicle with time travel.' We're saying it's like a Primer you won't have to watch eight times before you vaguely understand it. Primer meets Superbad? Excuse us if we don't attempt a plot summary... these time travel larks get pretty muddled pretty fast. It's produced by Michael Bay but don't let that put you off.