Producerswere forced to wait another day yesterday to hear if any transition arrangementswere to be made for films hit by last week's UK tax clamp down.

Despitemany industry insiders being hopeful of news as early as Wednesday, sourcesclose to talks with the government said on Thursday that it was still"too close to call".

The lack ofa decision is causing mounting frustration amongst producers already spendingmoney in pre-production. Amongst those on a critical list submitted to thegovernment by industry lobbyists PACT, the UK Film Council and BSAC isOscar-winning director Marleen Gorris' Barry, starring Rachel Weisz.

"We just need toknow where we stand," said producer David Pupkewitz. "While we arein limbo, there is no cure. No one wants to change horses in mid-stream."

Pupkewitz,who had been relying on financing from the First Choice scheme, said he isploughing on with pre-production, with shooting scheduled to start in Cape Townnext month.. The $14 million Focus Films production film, which is being soldinternationally by Pandora, tells the true-life story of a woman doctor who,disguised as a man, became Surgeon General of the British Army.

The mosturgent titles on the list are The Libertine, The River King and Man To Man,which are set to shoot imminently or are already shooting.

In the caseof The Libertine, star Johnny Depp is understood to be amongst those with moneycommitted to the production from his fee.

Another25-odd titles on the critical list include Tulip Fever, which would be the mostexpensive casualty at $45m. Also facing uncertainty are FernandoMeirelles' The Constant Gardener, which Weisz was reportedly committed toafter Barry; Samuelson Productions' Manchester United Ruined My Life;Gaby Dellal's On A Clear Day; and Richard Jobson's follow-up to ThePurifiers, The Only Ones.

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