NEW YORK (Variety) - Dimension Films continues to stack the masthead for "Scary Movie 3" with comedy heavyweights, signing Kevin Smith (news) -- a veteran at Dimension and parent Miramax -- to executive produce and co-write the project.

Smith, whose writing and directing credits include "Clerks," "Chasing Amy" and upcoming Ben Affleck (news)-Jennifer Lopez (news) pic "Jersey Girl," joins slapstick trailblazer David Zucker (news) ("Airplane!," "The Naked Gun"), who has agreed to direct.

"It is an honor to be involved with David, one of the creators of 'Airplane!,' which is arguably the funniest movie of all time," Smith said. "Our aim is to make this third in the franchise as funny as that other hysterical third-in-the-franchise flick, 'The Godfather Part III."'

The new addition steps up the rivalry between Dimension and Sony-based Revolution Studios, where "Scary Movie" originators Keenen Ivory, Shawn and Marlon Wayans (news) are developing their own spoof project based on the sci-fi/fantasy genre.

Both films are expected to be out next year, but Dimension chief Bob Weinstein has vowed to be first to market with an early fall release. "Scary Movie 3" is set to begin shooting in February.

For writing duties, Smith joins scribes Pat Proft, Brian Lynch and Craig Mazin, who signed on to craft the script in November. (As reported by Variety)

See Kevin's inside scoop on his involvement of SCARY MOVIE 3