CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) - Showtime continues to be high on its drama pilot "S.F.C." (formerly known as "The Game") as casting is underway on the Spike Lee-produced project, which is being developed as a two-hour telefilm with the option to become a series. The pay channel has already committed to four episode scripts for the potential series.

Newcomers Anthony Mackie and Ben Crowley have signed on to the drama, which focuses on the tension among white, black, Latino and Asian gangs, along with Laura Allen ("Mona Lisa Smile") and Ken Leung ("Thoroughly Modern Millie").

Production is set to begin next month with Lee directing. Alex Tse wrote the pilot and will produce along with Lee and Sam Kitt under Lee's 40 Acres & a Mule banner.

Meanwhile, Showtime has pushed back the premiere of its drama "The 'L' Word" until January 2004. The project, which centers on the lives and loves of a group of lesbian friends living in Los Angeles, was originally set to debut this summer. No reason for the delay was given.