‘CSI’ kicking off three-day shoot

New places -- and new faces. That's the formula for "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation's" latest Vegas homecoming.

The CBS series, which begins its eighth season Thursday, may take place in Las Vegas, but it films in Southern California -- except on those rare occasions when genuine Vegas footage is required. (The show's most recent Vegas visit was in April, for the seventh-season finale.)

"CSI" kicks off its planned three-day shoot today -- for the season's sixth episode, directed by Danny Cannon -- at Planet Hollywood Resort. (Desert scenes also were on the schedule at press time.)

"We've been trying to entice them for a while," says Amy Sadowsky, Planet Hollywood's vice president of public relations, especially because "the new look" of the ex-Aladdin "is so completely different."

So much for the new place. But "CSI" also wants new faces, reports Wild Streak Talent's Jorina King, who needs extras 21 to 40. If you're interested, e-mail wildstreakt@aol.com to request a registration form.

Home again: Steve Schirripa's also back in town. The former "Sopranos" regular (and ex-Riviera entertainment director) returns for another round of Spike TV's "Casino Cinema."

Production on interstitials (transitional segments between commercial breaks) takes place today through Thursday throughout the Hard Rock Hotel, from the casino floor to the Viva Las Vegas Lounge.

On Schirripa and co-host Beth Ostrowsky's guest list: Lewis Black, Cindy Margolis, UFC fighter Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and "Saw IV" stars Lyriq Bent and Betsy Russell.

"A.R.T."istic leanings: Production wrapped last week on "A.R.T. in Las Vegas," a satire from British-based Pembridge Pictures about Assisted Reproductive Technology -- and an "inconceivable" development at a private clinic.

The finale of writer-director Mary McGuckian's "Amorality Trilogy" (following "Rag Tale," about a London tabloid, and "Intervention," set at a New Mexico celebrity rehab clinic), "A.R.T. in Las Vegas" features previous McGuckian collaborators Andie MacDowell, Kerry Fox, Jennifer Tilly, Colm Feore, Sara Stockbridge and Donna D'Errico.

Also featured in the cast: Elizabeth McGovern, Colin Mochrie, Amanda Plummer, Geraldine Chaplin and David Sutcliffe.

Locations ranged from Planet Hollywood Resort and the Miracle Mile Shops to the Palms, Platinum, Renaissance, Tropicana and Westin hotels, Graceland Wedding Chapel and the Fremont Street Experience.

Henderson-based Magic Hour Lighting & Grip provided equipment and crew for the movie, which is scheduled for a 2008 release.

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