SEOUL -- South Korean dance group the Gambler will star in Paramount's dance movie "Hype Nation," having teamed up with U.S. music producer and rapper Teddy Riley.
In the $25 million picture being produced by Young Film, Riley plays a music director.
Helmed by Alex Calzatti ("I Am Cuba"), pic follows dance battles between the American R&B group B2K and Korean group the Gambler.
Production begins in the U.S. July 15 with some 40% lensing Stateside and 60% to be shot in South Korea.
Young Film prexy Young Lee, a Korean American producer who has previously partnered with American hip-hop artists, is now casting for a Korean female lead.
South Korea's DR Music controls Asian rights for the musical content of the film. Company also expects to partner Paramount in the Korean market, though local investors and distribs were not disclosed. Pic will be released worldwide early 2009.
Riley has produced numerous albums by acts including Michael Jackson and Bobby Brown.
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