Trace Adkins Adds Movie Actor To His Resume

Country music star Trace Adkins has joined the cast of the independent feature film LIFTED, currently shooting in Birmingham, Alabama. It is the first feature to be made under the new Alabama incentive program that was passed to develop the state's entertainment industry. Written and directed by Lexi Alexander (Green Street Hooligans, Punisher: Warzone) and produced by Deborah Del Prete (Wedding Planner, The Spirit), Lifted is the story of Henry Matthews, an exceptionally talented young singer, whose happy family life is disrupted when his Marine father is re-deployed to Afghanistan. Henry, despite many obstacles, is inspired to compete in a teen singing competition.

Adkins (American Carol) plays country superstar, Jimmy Knox, the guest judge at the American Idol-like "Teen Starquest." The cast includes Dash Mihok, Nicki Aycox, James Handy, Ruben Studdard and newcomer 12-year-old Uriah Shelton as Henry Matthews. The film will be dedicated to all the fallen heroes of Operation Freedom.

Lifted, the first project under Del Prete's new banner Coronet Films is being produced in association with Birmingham based Hunter Films, topped by brothers Alan and Hugh Hunter who serve as co-producers. The film is expected to be released in September 2010.