T-minus thirty-six days and counting until the X-Files movie sends shivers up America's spine, and Filter's Richard Patrick is already running scared.

The electronic rocker spent last week scrambling over roof tops and through alleys in Los Angeles shooting the video for "One," the first single from the X-Files soundtrack. Dark and devious like the television show, the storyline behind Filter's video is shrouded in mystery.

Director Martin Weisz, whose prior credits include work with Warren G and LL Cool J, formulated the video to include animation as well as live action, according to a spokeswoman for Elektra Records. In addition, the X-Files' infamous conspirator -- "the cigarette smoking man" -- makes a cameo appearance as himself within the cryptic confines of the clip, which should hit MTV in two weeks.

Filter reportedly chose to record a cover of the Three Dog Night hit "One" because Agent Mulder [David Duchovny] sings it during the movie. The dashing leading man of The X-Files: Fight the Future has also expressed interest in directing a video for the Foo Fighters' soundtrack contribution, "Walking After You," which the band debuted last night on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Meanwhile, Filter are keeping busy with the much-delayed Abysinnian Son. Vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Patrick is currently writing new material and plans to release the follow-up to 1995's Short Bus in early 1999, according to Filter's publicist.

ANNI LAYNE