R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe is to be involved in the production of a romantic comedy film inspired by the music of Barry Manilow. Stipe and his partner in Single Cell Pictures, Sandy Stern, have teamed up with Playtone partners Tom Hanks and Gart Goetzman to bring the film to fruition.

According to Variety, the film will be a 'character driven romantic comedy with intersecting storylines involving Manilow fans who are all arriving in Las Vegas on a weekend where Manilow will headline Mandalay Bay'. Playtone have suggested that the film will be closer to 'Love Actually', that their ABBA blockbuster 'Mamma Mia'. Hmmm, will there be a 'singalong' version, though?

While his music will be heard throughout the movie, Manilow is set to perform in the film too. His manager, Garry Kief, will also be involved in producing.