I've never seen the original

Lakeshore Entertainment and MGM have set Kevin Tancharoen to make his feature directing debut on "Fame," a remake of the 1980 Alan Parker-directed drama.
Allison Burnett-scripted pic will begin production by Labor Day.

Like the original, the updated "Fame" follows the lives of students who attend an elite school for the performing arts in New York from audition to graduation.

Aside from uncovering new talent with open casting calls that will begin on both coasts within the next month, producers Tom Rosenberg and Gary Lucchesi feel they've been given the chance to make a discovery in the director's chair as well.

Tancharoen, 23, has a strong track record as a dancer-choreographer. He directed, co-created and co-produced the MTV series "TwentyFourSeven" and "DanceLife" and was dance director on the CW series "Search for the Next Pussycat Doll." Tancharoen has been the choreographer of musicvideos and tours for such artists as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson.

Tancharoen said: "I grew up in this world; the characters in 'Fame' are me and my best friends. I was the dancer with the number on my chest, I was the choreographer watching my friends dance, and then I produced and directed dancers."