Hollywood Exclusive by Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel Smith

The Marlboro Man is coming — but he's a different Marlboro Man, a devious one who's sneaking into unregulated Internet space starting next year.

Preproduction is now under way for a new Marlboro cigarette video and print ad campaign that will be shot in Buenos Aires and shown in North America and the United Kingdom, according to casting sources. Notices say that the makers of the new campaign want to sign two actors who look like they "would be part of the Burning Man movement" (wonder how Burning Man participants would feel about that association) for the campaign. They're thinking, we hear, of a cool, iconoclastic musician type in the mold of a young Mick Jagger, or a new-age sort you'd find on the Europop scene.

Neither actor, they stress, should hark back to the old-style rugged, outdoorsy Marlboro Man image. The spots are expected to debut in April. But where?

With the United States and roughly 170 other countries around the globe, the World Health Organization, Google and Microsoft all in agreement when it comes to barring cigarette advertising, you've got to know the folks at Philip Morris are getting craftier and craftier about getting their message out. In fact, this looks like the boldest step yet in Internet cigarette advertising. It's been creeping in — subtly — especially as social media have grown.

As reported by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, there are a wide assortment of cigarettes and chewing tobacco products of which Facebook users can become "fans," for instance. Tobacco products have found followers on Twitter as well. And there has been a proliferation of tobacco imagery on YouTube, some uploaded by tobacco companies, despite YouTube's policy that allows users to flag inappropriate content. For each video removed, apparently, several more appear.

With today's sophisticated marketing technology, which allows precision audience targeting, ads are being aimed at segments of the public that might be receptive to them — while those of us who are antagonistic to tobacco ads (parents, for example, and people whose loved ones died of smoking-related illnesses) will never see them. As the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids notes, children and teens could easily be among those who get a full gust of cigarette advertising in the face.

FLOORED: If you've seen the promos for NBC's "'Who's Still Standing?" you already know the central feature of the trivia challenge show that debuts with a marathon beginning Monday (Dec.

"This show originated in Israel and has gone on to be a hit in other countries," enthuses Executive Producer Craig Plestis. "It came to the attention of NBC and was pitched to me along with one of the most hilarious reels I've ever seen."

Plestis says he sat in on the editing sessions of the first nine installments of his "Who's Still Standing?" and watched contestants dropping through the floor again and again. "I couldn't get enough. It just never gets old." Asked where contestants go after dropping through the floor, Plestis replies, "They disappear forever."

Ben Bailey of "Cash Cab" hosts, and Plestis notes, "We're really lucky he loved the format. He's professional, extremely funny, a two-time Emmy winner. There's a bit of magic with Ben and this show — the same way it felt when Howie Mandel started with 'Deal or No Deal.'"

According to Plestis, in Israel, "they have different questions, obviously. They have more political questions than we do. Our show has more pop culture questions."

More political? That brings up a great idea.

"'Who's Still Standing' would be more than happy to host a presidential debate any time," Plestis says.

FOR THAT VERY, VERY SPECIAL SOMEONE: When it comes to unforgettable gifts, the people at CharityFolks.com have seemingly cornered the celebrity market. For the golf and action-movie enthusiast, for instance, there's a chance to play a round with Samuel L. Jackson at the exclusive Mountain Gate Country Club. Or maybe VIP access at Comic-Con is more up your giftee's alley. Tix to Sir Elton John's Academy Awards Viewing Party? How about lunch with soap legend Susan Lucci?

In short, there's something — or someone — for every celebrity-crazed person on your list, along with items like Super Bowl tickets, walk-on TV roles and pitch meeting opportunities with top industry executives. It's a kick to see all the famous folks who've committed their time in advance to help great causes. Hurry, these auctions end tomorrow (Dec. 16).

ROLE PLAY: They're looking for an actor to play an actor who looks like Jesus for the Will Ferrell/Zach Galifianakis feature film, "Dogfight." In fact, this character plays a Jesus-like character in an ad. It would be fun to see a room full of hopefuls waiting to audition. Shooting gets underway next month in New Orleans.

To find out more about Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith and read their past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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