Although both films are slated for a 2012 release, Relativity's Untitled Snow White project and Universal's Snow White and the Huntsman are currently at different stages in the production process. Earlier today, Relativity sent over a press release confirming that director Tarsem Singh's (Immortals) take on the classic tale will begin principal photography on location in Montreal on Monday, June 20th. Starring Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer, Lily Collins, and Nathan Lane, the film is described as a "spirited adventure comedy" that sees Snow White (Collins) regain her birthright as princess with the help of her seven dwarf pals. Currently, the pic is slated for release on March 16th, 2012.

On the other side of the fairy tale, Deadline reports that Universal's Snow White and the Huntsman has enlisted Oscar-nominated scribe Hossein Amini (The Wings of a Dove and Drive) to rewrite a script most recently touched up by Evan Spiliotopoulos. With Huntsman currently aiming for a June 1st, 2012 release, Universal is still a few months away from really crunching the Rupert Sanders-directed pic that stars Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, and Chris Hemsworth. Nevertheless, ever since reading Brendan's "Cinemath" feature breaking down the two projects, I've been interested in comparing/contrasting the development of each. For more on Relativity's Untitled Snow White, hit the jump to check out the official press release announcing the onset of its principal photography.

Here's the press release Relativity sent over:

Principal Photography Begins on Relativity’s Untitled Snow White

Roberts, Collins, Hammer & Lane Star

in Studio’s Spectacular Reimagining of Classic Tale

(Beverly Hills, CA) June 15, 2011 – Filming on Relativity Media’s comedy action-adventure Untitled Snow White will begin on Monday, June 20, 2011, under the stylish direction of Tarsem Singh (Immortals, The Cell).

In Relativity's Untitled Snow White starring Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts and breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side), an evil Queen (Roberts) steals control of a kingdom, and an exiled princess (Collins) enlists the help of seven resourceful rebels to win back her birthright in a spirited adventure comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the imagination of audiences the world over. The film also stars Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the object of their affection, Prince Andrew Alcott, and Nathan Lane (The Birdcage) as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen.

Rounding out the cast are: Mare Winningham (Brothers) as Baker Margaret, Michael Lerner (Elf) as Baron and Mark Povinelli (Water for Elephants), Jordan Prentice (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle), Danny Woodburn (Watchmen), Sebastian Saraceno (Bedtime Stories), Ronald Lee Clark (Epic Movie), Martin Klebba (Pirates of The Caribbean) and Joey Gnoffo (The Benchwarmers) as the Seven Dwarfs.

Singh’s behind the scenes creative team includes: Director of Photography Brendan Galvin (Behind Enemy Lines), Production Designer Tom Foden (The Cell) and the Oscar®-winning Costume Designer Eiko Ishioka (Dracula). Untitled Snow White will film entirely on location in Montreal, Canada.

The film's producers are Ryan Kavanaugh (The Fighter), Bernie Goldmann (300) and Brett Ratner (Rush Hour franchise). The script was written by Melisa Wallack (Meet Bill) and Jason Keller (Machine Gun Preacher).

Looking ahead, Relativity will release David Ellis’ Shark Night 3D on September 2, 2011 and then the highly-anticipated Immortals on November 11th, 2011, starring Henry Cavill, Stephen Dorff, Isabel Lucas, Freida Pinto, Luke Evans, Kellan Lutz with John Hurt and Mickey Rourke. Relativity’s expansive 2012 slate also includes its House at End of the Street (in theatres February 3, 2012), Untitled Raven Project (in theatres March 9, 2012), Untitled Farrelly/Wessler Project (in theatres April 13, 2012), Safe Haven (in theatres June 1, 2012) and Hunter Killer (in theatres December 21, 2012). The studio recently announced the groundbreaking action-thriller Act of Valor will join its 2012 slate, with an exact date to be announced.