New York-based commercials,music video and movie producer Crossroads Films has optioned rights to thescreenplay Acts Of Charity by UKscreenwriter Chips Hardy and Alex Winter, the London-based film-maker who isalso attached to direct the film.

Alan Rickman is attached toplay the role of British ex-pat journalist in the film which follows the trialsand tribulations of a young corporate executive sent on a hopeless humanitarianmission deep into the jungles of a struggling African nation.

Crossroads, which has afirst-look deal with MGM/United Artists, describe the film as in the darklycomic spirit of Catch 22, MASHand Three Kings.

Crossroads principals DanLindau and Cami Taylor will co-produce the film with Paul Miller (Lone Star,Prozac Nation). The project wasbrought into the company by East coast head of development David Title.

Winter, most famous forplaying Bill in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and its sequel, first directed Fever starring Henry Thomas which world premiered inDirectors Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999 and is currentlywriting and directing the Napster story for MTV Original Pictures.

The Acts Of Charity deal was negotiated for Crossroads by Joe Dapello atSchreck, Rose & Dapello. Winter is represented by The Gersh Agency, ChrisRidenhour at Evolution and Sloss Law Office. Hardy is represented by LindaSiefert.

"Chips and Ihave traveled the world researching this movie," said Winter in a statement."It's great to finally land at such a smart and passionate home as Crossroads."