‘CSI’ finale returns to scene of crime

All roads lead to Las Vegas. Even "CSI's."

Despite its Glitter City setting, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" spends most of its production time at Southern California's Universal Studios.

For its seventh-season finale, however, the CBS franchise returns to the scene of the crime this week.

The action kicks off at The Venetian, where the show filmed several years ago, followed by a return to Bonanza Gifts. Rounding out the itinerary: the Riviera and an overnight shoot at the Fremont Street Experience.

"The entire cast will be in Vegas at one point or another," according to producer Louis Milito.

If you'd like to join them, Wild Streak Talent still needs extras (ages 21 to 70) for the shoot; call 252-8352 for more information. Additional details are available online at www.wildstreaktalent.com.

Hello, goodbye: There's a limit to how much reuniting the cast of MTV's "Real World: Las Vegas" can handle.

And they've already reached it, because the five-years-later "Reunited: The Real World" is scheduled to wrap up shooting at the Palms today. The limited series is expected to begin its MTV run in June.

Beyond revisiting the "Real World" fantasy suite that served as home base for the original series, the Palms also boasts a host of "new places that weren't there" for the first show, notes executive producer Jon Murray of Bunim-Murray Productions. "There's lots new to explore."

Extra incentive: After unanimously passing the Nevada Senate's Taxation Committee, Senate Bill 321 -- which would establish tax incentives to help lure film and TV production to the Silver State -- may reach the Senate floor for consideration this week.

"It will be great for all the local talent and crafts if it passes," states the bill's sponsor, Sen. Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas.

Those interested in commenting on the bill may e-mail remarks to individual legislators; e-mail links are online at http://www.vegasbackground.com. (Click on "Casting Calls.")

Casting about: A pair of local thrillers are in preproduction, gearing up to cast a variety of roles.

Robin Hood Films' "Falling Angels" hasn't scheduled an open call yet; interested performers may e-mail photos and resumes to robinhoodfilms@cox.net (or mail them to 617 Pinnacle Heights Lane, Las Vegas 89144). Additional information is available at www.robinhoodfilms.com.

Meanwhile, "Forbidden Fetish," from Backup Plan Productions and Buzzell Films, has 12 supporting and principal roles for nonunion performers, who should contact their agents -- or go to the "Casting Calls" page at www.vegas-casting.com -- for information on available roles and a May 4 audition.

Carol Cling's Shooting Stars column appears Mondays. Contact her at 383-0272 or e-mail her at ccling@reviewjournal.com.