Hannibal set for TV 'director's cut'

Hannibal: Set to scare American TV audiences

Director Ridley Scott could be set to add as much as an hour of unused footage to a television version of Hannibal.

American network CBS is reported to have paid $18m to MGM for the film to be run as a four-hour mini-series, set to hit the screens in 2003.

Jim Griffiths, president of worldwide TV distribution for MGM, said the new version could effectively be Ridley's original cut, which came in at three hours.

CBS will be allowed to show Hannibal three times, while USA has paid $12m for multiple reruns.

In addition to the mini-series version of Hannibal, MGM has sold exclusive rights to CBS and USA for Silence of the Lambs.

Violence fears

The 1991 film introduced filmgoers to the horrific world of the cannibal Hannibal Lecter, based on the novel by Thomas Harris.

The deal stipulates when the film can be shown on each channel, to prevent it going out at similar times.

It will also ensure Hannibal will be shown on both networks up until December 2008.

Variety.com has reported other networks passed up the opportunity to take the film because of concern over its violent content.

Silence of the Lambs is set to cost CBS $750,000 for one screening in 2003.

It will cost USA double this to show the film twice.