Harrison Ford's spokeswoman has rejected reports that the star is being paid $25m (�17m) for 20 days' work in the film "K19: The Widowmaker".

While acknowledging that reports of the fee are correct, Patricia McQueeney points out that Ford has spent months working on the script and casting.

"The shoot is four-and-a-half months long and he's working every day," she said.

The film, based on the true events of a 1961 Russian submarine disaster, has angered the remaining survivors of K-19 who have claimed they are represented as "technically ignorant drunken morons."

---

Oscar parties start early

Four Hollywood studios have switched the traditional after-ceremony Oscar parties to the night before, reports Variety magazine.

Fatigue from the long awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium is one reason.

But one studio executive also pointed out that, "The night before the awards, the nominees are all still winners."

The four studios - all nominated this year for best pictures - are Universal, DreamWorks, USA Films and Miramax.

---

Brockovich studio launches scholarship

Universal Pictures - which made the Julia Roberts film Erin Brockovich - has given $100,000 (�65,000) to fund students studying "environmental and social justice".

The film was based on the true story of legal clerk Erin Brockovich, who successfully sued a Californian utility company for pollution.

The University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) is co-founder of the scholarship.

Brockovich, played in the film by Julia Roberts, did some of the legal research for her court case at UCLA.

---

Ash man swears on air

Radio One DJ Nemone apologised during her debut weekday show when the lead singer of rock band Ash Tim Wheeler swore live on air.

The blooper occured during a broadcast from the Cham Jam snowboarding and music festival in Chamonix.

A spokesman for Radio One said: "Unfortunately Tim, the lead singer of Ash, swore just before performing their first song.

"Nemone apologised to listeners on air afterwards."