'Tintin' filming under way in LA

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Director Steven Spielberg began principal photography Monday in Los Angeles on his 3D motion-capture film, "The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn."

In addition to directing the movie, Spielberg is co-producing it with Peter Jackson and Kathleen Kennedy.

Jamie Bell, who has starred in "Billy Elliot" and Jackson's "King Kong," plays Tintin, "the intrepid young reporter whose relentless pursuit of a good story thrusts him into a world of high adventure," press notes for the film said.

"Quantum of Solace" and "Defiance" star Daniel Craig plays the nefarious Red Rackham in "Tintin," a film that also features the talents of actors Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Gad Elmaleh, Toby Jones and Mackenzie Crook.

"The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn," which is due to hit theaters in 2011, is based on the iconic Tintin comic-book character, created by Georges Remi, who is better known by his pen name "Herge."

A second "Tintin" feature is scheduled to be directed by Jackson -- and there a third installment is possible, Paramount Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment said in a news release.