Fresh from the sales success of forthcoming English-language feature Darkness, Barcelona-based mini-studio The Filmax Group is prepping three new English-language co-productions as part of its international push.

Luis Sepulveda's political drama Nowhere, a co-production with Surf Films of Italy and Buena Vista/Telefonica Media-backed Patagonik of Argentina, is being prepped for a March shoot between Spain and Argentina. Filmax president Julio Fernandez says talks are underway with Harvey Keitel to take the lead.

Filmax has also boarded Dutch production Exhibition, a ghost story set in 16th century Amsterdam, in development from veteran producer San Fu Maltha and Jan Doemse. The film, from director Rudolf van den Berg, would form part of next year's Fantastic Factory slate and could shoot as early as September 2001 on $4m - $6m.

In early stages of development for a fall 2001 shoot is Past Perfect from director Adolfo Aristarain, co-scripted by Alberto Lecchi. Fernandez says Filmax is seeking international partners on the $6m project.

The plans form part of Filmax's growing production activities, including an annual 7-8 films spread between the Fantastic Factory and other divisions. "We're making movies with an eye to the world market: from the get-go we're trying to fashion them into something that will be as acceptable in Japan as it will in Germany as it will in North America," said Factory co-founder, producer-director Brian Yuzna.