ABC News looks at Elvis

Elvis may have left the building -- to say nothing of the planet.

But he has never left Las Vegas, his permanent-resident status confirmed by "Elvis: Viva Las Vegas," a two-hour ABC News special devoted to "how the King of rock 'n' roll reinvented Las Vegas and how it reinvented him." (At least that's what ABC claims.)

Anchor Elizabeth Vargas of "20/20" visits the city this week to shoot sequences for the Sept. 18 broadcast, which includes Elvis-in-Vegas footage, renditions of Vegas-flavored Presley hits by current acts, a visit to the Las Vegas Hilton (Presley's showroom home) and an interview with Cirque du Soleil's creative vice president, Gilles Ste.-Croix, who'll discuss the company's Elvis-themed extravaganza planned for City Center.

River run: Germany's ADR network follows the Colorado River from source to delta for its "World Trips" series, stopping off in Southern Nevada this week, reports producer Audrey Stimson.

On the itinerary: Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, a Black Canyon rafting trip and an interview with Pat Mulroy, general manager of the Las Vegas Valley Water District.

"Xcentrix" tricks: Even magicians need to rehearse. That explains why magician Dallas Fueston will be at DreamVision Studios Tuesday to test some grand illusions for a family-friendly pilot, "Secret Legends of the Xcentrix."

After all, "you never know how things are going to look until you test them out," says Fueston, who plays Adamas, a wizard, in the pilot, which continues shooting in October.

And speaking of tricks, the BBC Three series "The Real Hustle" -- about a trio of tricksters who demonstrate scams, and how to avoid them -- checks into DreamVision this week for an expected eight-week stay.

Casting about: A cable TV staple, returning for its eighth season, will be at the Homeworld Homeshow's Home Improvement & Backyard Living Expo at the South Point on Friday through Sunday, looking for a few good decorators -- or, more precisely, redecorators -- to trade and transform spaces.

And casting director Marilee Lear needs showgirl wannabes, ages 18 to 30, for an upcoming reality series from Canada's Cineflix.

If that's you, contact Lear at 438-9111 or at mlear@learenterprises.com. Lear also cast a Hyundai TV commercial set to shoot here Wednesday.

Film faves: The judges have spoken, choosing the top entries in last month's 48 Hour Film Project competition.

"Interruptions" captured best film honors, with "Resolution" cited for writing and "Three Stripe" for direction. ("Interruptions" and "Resolution" also earned audience awards, along with "The Clothes Pin Parable.") For more information on the competition, click on www.48hourfilm.com/lasvegas.

Carol Cling's Shooting Stars column appears Mondays. Contact her at 383-0272 or e-mail her at ccling@reviewjournal.com.