Mark Damon's MDP Worldwide has pulled out of Kevin Spacey's BeyondThe Sea, the Bobby Darinbiopic it was co-producing with Spacey's Trigger Street productions.

In a statement released yesterday, Damon, the company's chairmanand chief executive officer, said the withdrawal was entirely amicable and dueto scheduling conflicts.

It is understood Spacey, who will direct and star in the filmabout the legendary crooner, needed to complete the production with availablecast and crew by the end of the year, which did not fit with MDP's plans.

Shooting is now due to begin on Oct 6 with new financial backerVisionView. Lions Gate will handle domestic distribution.

"We regret that this scheduling conflict has caused us to withdrawour involvement in Beyond the Sea," Damon said.

"But we are as devoted as Kevin to getting the picture made, andif that means we have to step aside, then we will."

Spacey added, "I am enormously grateful to MDP's faith in gettingthe film this far. I am very pleased that the film is going forward on scheduleand will continue to be thankful to MDP for making a decision that is clearlyin the best interest of the film."

In addition to Spacey, Kate Bosworth is on board to play Darin'swife Sandra Dee, and John Goodman has a supporting role.

Spacey, Andy Patterson and Arthur E Friedman are producing thefilm and MDP's Damon and Joanne Horowitz are serving as executive producers.

MDP is currentlyin pre-production on Mike Binder's family drama The Upside of Anger, which stars Joan Allen, Mandy Moore andKevin Costner and is due to begin shooting in the UK on Aug 26