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Illumination Entertainment Plans Live-Action Teen Gospel Choir Story

by Ethan Anderton
August 17, 2011
Source: Deadline

The company found success in their collaboration with Universal on the animated hit Despicable Me, and now Chris Meledandri and his Illumination Entertainment banner are planning their first live-action family film. Deadline says Illumination and Universal are teaming again for a film based on a "60 Minutes" segment called Gospel for Teens. Stephen Belber will script the film that should have the same touching, inspirational feel as The Blind Side as it follows Vy Higginsen, an accomplished gospel singer who started a program for teens in Harlem to get in touch with the music, and leave their problems at the door.

Of course, her task proved to be somewhat difficult as many of the most gifted kids in the choir just couldn't put their problems at home out of their mind in order to get lost in the music. Many students came from homes with indifferent or absent parents, or had tragedies in their past that continued to haunt them. But when Higginsen helped her students talk openly about their problems, they were able to overcome and truly become one with the music they loved. Belber has scripted some television like "Rescue Me" but most of his film work is still in development, such as an adaptation of Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun with Jamie Foxx might lead. It sounds like this could be a little cheesy, but also potentially a very heart-warming story as well. As of now, no director is attached, so stay tuned as this project develops
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