Regina - A low-budget American indie starring Maria Bello (World Trade Centre) and Jason Patric (The Alamo) began shooting in Regina on Feb. 9.

The $3-million feature, Downloading Nancy, is a dark drama about a woman in a passionless marriage who meets S&M lovers on the Internet. Eventually she seeks out a guy who is willing to kill her, although things get complicated when they fall for each other.

Well-known commercial director Johan Renck - he has also done videos for Madonna - makes his feature debut, working with acclaimed cinematographer Chris Doyle (Rabbit-Proof Fence, The Quiet American).

"It's a great cast, brilliant DOP and interesting director, and that is what intrigued me about the project," says Stephen Onda, the local service producer. He came on board the project two years ago after meeting producers David Moore (Black Cloud) and Igor Kovacevich (1000 Miles from Nowhere) of California's Tule River Films at the American Film Market.

The tight crew of around 40 is predominantly local and is shooting mostly on location around the Saskatchewan capital.

Danny Huston (Children of Men) was attached to play husband to Bello, but has since left. A replacement is currently being sought. The producers have signed a continuation letter with ACTRA, so that they are not affected by the actors strike.

World Premiere, a new L.A.-based investment company. is a key backer on the film, which does not currently have North American distribution. Production wraps March 11.