Action thriller Caught in the Headlights will be shot this month at sites around the city by Saskatoon-based Edge Entertainment Inc.

It's the story of a young woman running from a federal agent trying to extradite her because she's suspected of murdering a government scientist, said producer David Doerksen. The movie is set in small-town Canada.

"We've got great hopes for it. It's a fantastic little script with a great cast," Doerksen said.

Shooting locations include the corner of 21st Street and Third Avenue near the Senator Hotel, the Gathercole site, the Saskatoon airport, the Lafarge concrete plant, and locations along Spadina Crescent, said Doerksen, who is also the president of film and television for Edge Entertainment.

"It's a very beautiful city to shoot in. I love shooting here."

Last year, Edge Entertainment produced a television series called Body and Soul in Saskatoon. American network PAX TV cancelled the show after dismal ratings for the handful of shows that aired.

Doerksen said the movie will be targeted at cable channels like Lifetime in the United States. There is a chance of a limited theatrical release, he added. "We certainly hope so. We're trying our very best to do so," Doerksen said. Doerksen said the film will have the look and feel of a combination of Thelma and Louise and Midnight Run.

The picture is part of a multi-picture, multi-year development and production deal between Edge Entertainment and Fusion International Sales Corp., based in Los Angeles.

The new film's cast includes Saskatoon-native Kim Coates as a CIA operative. Coates also appears in the new blockbuster Open Range, directed by Kevin Costner and starring Costner and Robert Duvall. The small primary cast also includes Erika Eleniak, who starred in the television series Baywatch from 1989 to 1992, Stacy Keach, who appeared in American History X and Escape from L.A., Erin Gray and Brigitta Dau.

Caught in the Headlights will be directed by Gavin Wilding, whose film credits include The Wisher and Stag.

"We've got a really great director who historically has pulled off pictures in this price range that we're working in and has gotten a successfully theatrical release," Doerksen said.

Shooting will last until the end of August and production will be complete by the end of November. Doerksen hopes for a release between June and September 2004.

He said the film will employ 50 to 100 extras. More than 40 per cent of the 70-person crew is from Saskatchewan.

Edge has produced about 20 feature films, Doerksen said.