AceShowbiz -

Music mogul Simon Cowell apparently has developed a new interest in entertainment industry. The "American Idol" judge reportedly is now venturing into film production through a music-themed project tentatively titled "Star Struck."

Inspired by Alan Parker's 1980 effort "Fame", pic will be set behind the scenes of a TV singing competition in the vein of "Idol" and British show "X-Factor" while centering on the show's ten contestants who try to make it to the top.

"The story is told through the eyes of those 10 contestants," Cowell remarked. "We want it to be the musical version of 'Rocky' -- an underdog story, a feel-good film."

In the meantime, it is further informed that British TV writer Jonathan Harvey has been tapped to work on the script for a summer 2008 release. As for the cast, it is learned that the leads will be picked up through nationwide open call castings similar to those applied on the reality shows with Cowell being present at the auditions. Some clips from these are said to open the movie, just like a singing reality program.