FIRST OFF . . .

Still more personnel have come and gone from the crew working in Israel on Sylvester Stallone’s “Rambo: First Blood Part III.” John Stanier (“Oxford Blues,” “Death Wish 3”) is the new director of photography, stepping in Sunday to replace David Gurfinkel (“Over the Top”)--who had replaced Ric Waite (“Cobra”) after the first weeks of filming. According to sources on the set, the decision to replace Gurfinkel came when “important plot points weren’t registering on the screen.” In particular, one scene involving John Rambo (Stallone) was said to have been so badly lit that it will require reshooting. Second unit director Andy Armstrong and some members of his crew were also let go over the weekend, sources said, for failing to follow the film’s storyboarded scenario. Contrary to some published reports, several key crew members remain on the set: Property master Sam Moore, costume designer Richard LaMotte and unit publicist Tom Gray all remain at their stations.