Production has started on a brand new Disney Channel Original Movie, scheduled to premiere on the channel in summer 2012. The film, entitled Let it Shine, is a modern day adaptation of the classic tale Cyrano de Bergerac, set in the world of hip hop and gospel music. The film is currently in production in Atlanta, Georgia.
Let it Shine focuses on the talented and self-conscious Cyrus DeBarge, a 16 year old rapper whose lack of confidence keeps him away from taking the stage to tell his longtime crush, Roxanne Andrews, how he feels about her through his song. When Cyrus and his best friend Kris McDuffy enter a songwriting contest, the pair end up winning, with Kris receiving credit for a song that Cyrus wrote. Unwilling to be thrust into the spotlight, however, Cyrus allows Kris to take credits for the lyrics. Now, Cyrus must step aside as his lyrics cause Roxanne to fall for Kris.
The film will star Tyler James Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris”) as Cyrus DeBarge, Coco Jones (Radio Disney “N.B.T.”) as Roxanne Andrews, Trevor Jackson (“Cold Case”) as Kris McDuffy, Brandon Mychal Smith (“So Random!”) as Lord of Da Bling, the intimidating champion rapper; Nicole Sullivan (“MADtv”) as Roxanne’s powerful music manger Lyla; Courtney B. Vance (“FlashForward”) as Cyrus’ preacher father, Jacob DeBarge; and Dawnn Lewis (“A Different World”) as Cyrus’ mother, Gail.
Directing Let it Shine is two-time DGA award winner Paul Hoen (“Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” “JONAS”), and the film was written by Don D. Scott (“Barbershop,” “Barbershop 2: Back in Business”) and Eric Daniel. The film will feature 12 original songs written by acclaimed producers/songwriters/performers, which include Rock Mafia (Selena Gomez and The Scene “Love You Like a Love Song”), Grammy-winner Toby Gad (Beyoncé “If I Were A Boy” and Fergie “Big Girls Don’t Cry”) and David Banner (“Dance the Night Away” featuring Denim from “Footloose” and “Get Like Me” featuring Chris Brown and Yung Joc). Let it Shine will also feature choreography by Danny Teeson and associate choreographer Brandon Shaw.
