The immense success of talent-competition TV shows, movies and games points to the enduring resonance of the core themes of MGM:s Fame - the Oscar-winning feature film from 1980 and the subsequent television series and stage musical. Now, MGM are planning a lavish $25 million-movie remake of Fame, set for worldwide theatrical release in late September 2009!

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Based on a globally recognizable and popular brand and featuring an attractive, diverse and colorful cast of characters, the upcoming Fame movie from MGM is positioning as a contemporary, hip and authentic film with music and dance elements. Main target is the age group 12-49 with a female skew.

MGM has already developed one styleguide based on the classic Fame brand and a movie-related styleguide will follow. Actors likenesses will be available for licensing, as well as four new songs written directly for the upcoming movie. The classic styleguide is based on the original television series and features styles, patterns and borders with a distinct retro 1980s look. Classic Fame phrases like "I want to live forever" and "I want to learn how to fly" will also be used in the movie licensing program.

The signed-up cast members reflect the Fame characters - rising stars in various artistic disciplines. Signed actors include Kristy Flores as the dancer Rosie, Paul Iacono as the filmmaker Neil, Paul McGill as the dancer Kevin, Naturi Naughton as the multitalented classical pianist Denise, Kay Panabaker as the actor Jenny, Kherington Payne as the ballerina Alice, Collins Pennie as the artist Malik, Walter Perez as the musician Victor, and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle as Joy Moy, a unique, amped-up talent with a big heart and a LOT to say.

As in the original film and TV series, the storyline will deal with the failures and fortunes of ambitious, aspiring young performers and their teachers during a school year at the prestigious High School for the Performing Arts in New York, while at the same time connecting to the current talent competition show phenomenon. Fame, however, also has a rebel element built into its premise: the essence of success lies not just in pleasing the judges, but rather in discovering an individual identity and celebrating true, raw talent and authenticity, as opposed to manufactured entertainment. Further themes include desire for fame and fortune, reaching for one's dreams, coming of age, self-empowerment, and leveraging talents to excel in highly competitive environments.

Fame is the feature film debut of director Kevin Tancharoen, already a renowned choreographer whose own career resembles the passionate aspirations of the Fame characters. Tancharoen has worked as a dancer with NSYNC and Britney Spears as well as conceived and produced film and television projects like the MTV series DanceLife and TwentyFourSeven.