T’S OUR EIGHTH BIRTHDAY today. And no, we’re not going to go on about how wonderful we are. Maybe when we turn 10 we’ll do something grand.

But we hope readers will allow us one indulgence: the movie Two for the Money, directed by D. J. Caruso and recently released through Universal.

In mid-2004, we were approached by Morgan Creek Productions for clearance to use copies of Lucire in the movie. This proved pretty tough because the print edition was still a few months away from launch, but Lucire's reputation had ensured that it was the choice of the film company and its crew.

Lucire prepared four hand-made versions of its August 2004 prototype, and asked its distributor for an earlier copy given to one of its representatives. Each copy cost in the region of $300–$400 and was hand-stitched and glued. So before the print magazine even launched, it was getting into Hollywood productions.

Starring Al Pacino, Matthew McConaughey and Rene Russo, Two for the Money is based on a true-life story about sports gambling and its high stakes. Armand Assante and Jeremy Piven co-star, while model Jaime King plays McConaughey's girlfriend.

Russo plays Toni Morrow, the owner of a high-end hair salon, and one with good taste—Lucire is the magazine of choice there.

Two for the Money is already getting good reviews, not least from our entertainment editor Devin Colvin.

It’s not Lucire's first brush with Hollywood studios—the magazine frequently advertises movies in the US web edition, and companies such as Warner Bros. have asked Lucire to host specials, including one linked to Sex and the City's final season. It's also not the last—a Hollywood film due for 2006 release also features Lucire as the choice of another venue.

Check out Two for the Money's official site at www.twoforthemoney.net. •