COMPANY TOWN ANNEX

‘Hot Zone’ Production Shut down: Director Ridley Scott announced that his company, RCS/PMP Films, was suspending production of “Crisis in the Hot Zone,” a $55-million movie about a deadly virus outbreak. The decision came less than a week after actor Robert Redford dropped out of the leading role. Scott said the production was forced to shut down because 20th Century Fox, “among other things, will not honor its contractual obligation to approve available cast.” Fox could not be reached for comment.