Culture Minister Kim Howells has called on the British film industry to focus on what he called "high quality product" in the country's cinemas.

In a speech to the British Film Commission, he backed similar comments made by Film Council chairman Sir Alan Parker in November.

Dr Howells told the gathering in central London he had been "delighted" by the success of many British films in recent years.

He called on delegates to further establish the UK as "a hub of film-making activity and a centre of expertise".

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RSC opens doors to stand-up

The home of the Royal Shakespeare Company will open its doors to a more modern type of humour as its stages a week-long set of comedy gigs.

Never Mind the Buzzcocks team captain Bill Bailey kicks off the comedy week at the Stratford-upon-Avon venue on 23 February.

Performing during the week will be Mark Thomas, Rhona Cameron and Ross Noble.

The improvisational troupe The Comedy Store Players, featuring Josie Lawrence and Richard Vranch, will also be performing.

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Elvis grand piano sold

A grand piano once owned by Elvis Presley has been sold for $685,000 (�425,711).

Music producer Robert Johnson and partner Larry Moss sold the piano to the chairman of the Blue Moon Group, Michael Muzio.

Mr Muzio is planning to take the piano on a casino-sponsored promotional tour, before allowing it to go in to the proposed rock museum at Walt Disney World.

Presley's friend George Klein said the star enjoyed playing the Knabe piano at his Graceland mansion up until 1969, when his wife, Priscilla Presley, bought him a Steinway grand piano.

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Bruce Willis set for amnesiac role

Bruce Willis is set to play an amnesiac in crime drama Me Again, trade newspaper Variety reports.

His character wakes up in a hotel with no memory and a dead body in the room.

He must figure out if he is a hitman or the undercover cop assigned to take down the assassin. The film will be directed by Dean Parisot.

"I'm drawn to characters who have to overcome obstacles... it seems like a great chunk of work to bite off," the 47-year-old Die Hard star said.