Mendes Scamps Spielberg for Stage Investment???

Former Donmar Warehouse artistic director and Oscar-winning film director Sam Mendes seems to be moving full steam ahead in marrying his stage and screen work. He's now secured an undisclosed - though reportedly substantial - investment from Hollywood mogul Steven Spielberg for Scamp Ltd, the theatre and film company that he's set up with ex-Donmar producer Caro Newling. The pair have also lured Pippa Harris, formerly the BBC's Head of Drama, to join them as a company director. No Scamp productions have yet been announced, but Mendes has previously talked up his hopes for various stage-and-screen crossover projects, featuring the best of British theatrical talent. He's also expressed interest in mounting another Shakespeare-Chekhov double bill (See The Goss, 23 Jan 2003). His swansong Donmar productions of Uncle Vanya and Twelfth Night - featuring Simon Russell Beale, Emily Watson, Helen McCrory and Mark Strong last autumn - won a truckload of awards, including, at the 2003 Oliviers, Best Actor for Beale and a record-breaking hat trick of trophies (Best Revival, Best Director and a special achievement award) for Mendes himself.

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