Pacino Schmoozes People

ByABC News
December 15, 2000, 7:03 PM

December 15 -- Start spreadin' the news: Godfather star Al Pacino may be making another Big Apple-friendly picture. The tough guy is in talks to take the lead in People I Know, which focuses on a creative New Yorker who works in the flesh-pressing biz.

No, not that flesh-pressing biz; Pacino's new role is said to be loosely based on Bobby Zarem, a real-life entertainment publicist who allegedly dreamed up the ubiquitous "I Love NY" slogan. According to Variety, Pacino's character was raised in the South, attended Yale, lives on Manhattan, N.Y.'s East Side, and frequents tony restaurant Elaine's just like Zarem.

Zarem said he's heard about the movie, but says it's not based on his life. In the story, the press flack stumbles upon a mystery involving New York politics and celebrity. We truly hope someone has called Woody Allen to consult.

As with most upcoming pictures, People I Know is slotted to begin shooting in Gotham before possible actors' and writers' strikes next summer. The film will be directed by another Gotham type, Naked in New York director Dan Algrant.

Pacino's next project is Simone, a Hollywood spoof about a producer who uses a computer-generated actress to replace his leading lady. In a six-degrees-type twist, Simone also features Rushmore's Jason Schwartzman, the son of Talia Shire who was in The Godfather with Pacino.