Aug 14, 2003 / FW/ -- Principal photography has commenced in Toronto on the Warner Bros. Pictures action comedy New York Minute, starring Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen.

The film, which will also lens on location in New York City, marks Mary-Kate and Ashley's return to theatrical features.

New York Minute also stars Eugene Levy (American Wedding, Bringing Down the House, Best In Show).

The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

In the tradition of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, the action comedy New York Minute follows one monumental day in the lives of 17-year-old sisters Jane and Roxanne Ryan, adversaries who begrudgingly journey together from their Long Island home to New York City, where meticulously prepared overachiever Jane (Ashley) is due to deliver a speech to qualify for a prestigious college scholarship abroad.

Meanwhile, laid-back punk rock rebel Roxy (Mary-Kate) hopes to get backstage at an underground music video shoot and slip her demo tape to the band.

But Roxy's and Jane's plans go wildly awry when a mix-up involving Jane's precious day planner lands them in the middle of a shady black market transaction.

Pursued by an overzealous truant officer (Eugene Levy) and accused of kidnapping a Senator's dog, the Ryans must find a way to work together to thwart the forces threatening to jeopardize Jane's college dreams and ship Roxy off to a convent school.

Joining the cast of New York Minute are Andy Richter (Big Trouble) as a limousine driver with a sinister agenda; Darrell Hammond (Saturday Night Live) as a business executive who has comedic encounters with Roxy and Jane on their way to the city.

Andrea Martin (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) as Anne Baxter-Lipton, a high-powered Senator determined to recover her dog; Jared Padalecki (Gilmore Girls) as Trey, Senator Baxter-Lipton's badboy son who becomes Roxy and Jane's unexpected ally.

Riley Smith (Raising Dad) as a charismatic bike messenger who gets swept up in the turmoil of the day; Mary Bond Davis (Broadway's Hairspray) as beautician Big Shirl, who helps a disheveled and distraught Jane prepare for her speech.

And radio personality Dr. Drew (Loveline), who makes his feature film debut as Roxy and Jane's father.

"We're fortunate and thrilled to have assembled a fantastic team behind camera and a terrific cast," said Mary-Kate. Added Ashley, "This picture has something for everyone."

A Dualstar Productions / Di Novi Pictures production for Warner Bros. Pictures, New York Minute is directed by Dennie Gordon (What A Girl Wants, Joe Dirt) and produced by Denise Di Novi, Robert Thorne, Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen.

Alison Greenspan is the film's executive producer, with Christine Sacani and Jill Zimmerman serving as co-producers. The story is by Emily Fox, and the screenplay is by Emily Fox and Adam Cooper & William Collage.

(Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers)