Nicole Scherzinger rumoured to be filming in Dubai

Plus, Burton's Frankenweenie to open London festival; James Franco announces two new films; and Morgan Spurlock goes to CNN for a new series.

Victor, voiced by Charlie Tahan, left, and his pet Sparky in a scene from Frankenweenie. AP Photo

Scherzinger rumoured to be filming in Dubai

Pop star alert: keep your eyes peeled for possible Dubai sightings of Nicole Scherzinger. There are rumours circulating that the ex-Pussycat Doll is in town to shoot segments for The X Factor UK. The 34-year-old is a regular UAE visitor, having performed a DJ gig at Dubai's Cirque Du Soir in February as well as attending the 2010 Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix to support her boyfriend, the McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton. Scherzinger joins the Take That singer Gary Barlow, and the singer Tulisa Contostavlos on this year's X Factor panel. – Saeed Saeed

Burton's Frankenweenie to open London festival

Tim Burton's canine monster movie Frankenweenie will open this year's London Film Festival, which runs from October 10-21. The animated black-and-white tale, about a boy's attempts to bring his dead dog back to life, is a feature-length expansion of Burton's 1984 live-action short of the same name. "A funny, dark and whimsical tale that playfully turns the Frankenstein story on its bolted-on head," said the festival's chief Clare Stewart. The event's full line-up will be announced next month. – AP

James Franco announces two new films

James Franco, who has already helmed several short films, is set to direct his first full-length feature film, an adaptation of William Faulkner's novel As I Lay Dying. He has already signed on the actors Danny McBride and Logan Marshall-Green. Shooting is set for October. At the same time, Franco signed on to Third Person, a new romantic drama directed by Paul Haggis (Crash). He joins Mila Kunis and Liam Neeson in the cast. The film follows the three interconnected love stories of three couples in three cities: Rome, Paris and New York.

Musical producer duo takes on the Oscars

The producing team that helped to create musicals such as Chicago, Hairspray and Footloose is overseeing the next Academy Awards. Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have been drafted to produce the 85th Oscars on February 24. Among their TV credits are the series Smash and the forthcoming Steel Magnolias. "We hope to utilise our experience to bring something fresh and special to this incredible awards show," the duo said in a statement. – AP

Morgan Spurlock in new CNN series

The filmmaker Morgan Spurlock is coming to CNN for a new series titled Inside Man, which takes a close look at distinct sectors of society, such as gun lovers, end-of-life caregivers and migrant farm workers. Spurlock is known for his Oscar-nominated film Super Size Me, where he subsisted on McDonald's food for 30 days. Inside Man will debut in April, along with another new series from the chef Anthony Bourdain. Both shows represent an experiment for CNN, which has had recent ratings troubles. – AP