Von Trier turns his hand to sitcom writing

Palme D'Or winning directorLars von Trier is taking a short break from film production to write for aDanish TV sitcom.

The Danish director hasagreed to pen an episode of Clown, a critically acclaimed sitcom fromtwo of Denmark's top stand-up comedians Casper Christensen and Frank Hvam.

The first draft of the scriptis ready and will be filmed later this year. It is likely to air in 2006.

Meanwhile, Von Trier's Manderlay,the second part of his U.S.A. trilogy, is expected to worldpremiere at this year's Cannes film festival in May, following in the footstepsof Dogville two years ago.

The third part of trilogy,Wasington, is scheduled to shoot at the end of 2005.