Hong Kongproduction and distribution outfit Universe Entertainment clinched a string ofpre-sales at Cannes on its Pang brothers' horror movie, Re-cycle.

The $5m film has been sold to Pathe Distribution forFrance, Tartan Films for the UK, Audio One for Malaysia and TT Warner Picturesfor Indonesia. The Malaysian deal was secured even before a promo reel screenedin the Cannes market last week.

Set tostar fast-rising actress Lee Sin-je, Re-cycle tells the story of a youngwriter who discovers that everything we casually throw away, including thefirst draft of her novel, continues to exist in another world. Production isscheduled to start in Thailand at the end of the year.

Universehas also sold Oxide Pang's Abnormal Beauty to Tartan Films for the USand UK and Pathe for France. The psychological thriller, which stars popprincesses Race Wong and Rosanne Wong, is scheduled to start shooting at thebeginning of next month.

Meanwhile Universe's One Nite In Mongkok, directed byDerek Yee, had a strong opening in Hong Kong grossing HK$1.6m in its first twodays. Originally founded as a video distribution company, Universe recentlystepped up its production activities and is working with some of theterritory's hottest directors including Johnnie To and Benny Chan in additionto the Pang Brothers and Yee.