Casting is underway for the fourth story of the celebrated “High School Musical” franchise, a classic story set against the cross-town school rivalry between the East High Wildcats and West High Knights.

“The creative challenge for ‘High School Musical East Meets West’ is to deliver every element that the audience expects, and then re-invent those elements in a bold new way. Clearly, we’re thrilled to have our screenwriter from all three ‘HSM’ movies back, along with our producing and songwriting teams. Adding a dynamic, imaginative, visual stylist like Jeffrey Hornaday as our director/choreographer introduces the perfect catalyst to take this team to the next level.”

“I’m excited to be part of a franchise that, thematically, encourages kids to believe in themselves,” said Hornaday. “Like the first three movies, my goal is to keep the art form of the traditional musical alive, yet bring a contemporary emotional response to the story and its characters through song and dance.”

“High School Musical 4″ is well on its way to becoming a reality! What do you think? Will you watch?

Source: Disney Channel Press Release

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The ratings for Dadnapped and Hatching Pete were pretty darn good. Disney always seems to deliver good TV Movies that fans enjoy. So, what’s next as far as DCOM’s go?

According to IMDB, the “Wizards of Waverly Place” movie will be released sometime in 2009 and it about “how one of the Russo’s spills the families secret of being wizards to the world.” They are done filming the movie, so now I guess it’s all about editing, which means a 2009 date is definitely possible.

Back at the beginning of March, Disney announced that “High School Musical 4” is happening and that it will be released as a Disney Channel movie and is about “East meets West in a classic love triangle set against the cross-town school rivalry between the East High Wildcats and West High Knights.”

What we don’t know about HSM4 is who’s going to be in it! Matt Prokop, Jemma-McKenzie Brown and Justin Martin aren’t involved in the movie anymore, even though we were lead to believe they would be carrying on the franchise.

Gary Marsh, the entertainment president of Disney Channel worldwide had this to say about the movie: “In crafting this next iteration, we’ve challenged the entire creative team to raise the bar again and create something truly worthy of this extraordinary global phenomenon”.

It will be interesting to see what movie the Disney Channel cooks up for 2010.Which Disney Channel Original Movie are you looking forward to the most?

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She said: “I think it’s been decided they’re going for a whole new route with it which is a shame but I had a really good time doing the third one.”

She added: “I’m back to auditioning and have got some cool opportunities and good scripts so hope something comes up!

“When I’m 16 and have left school I can start concentrating on other stuff and in ten years time I’ll hopefully have a film or two under my belt but I love theatre too so that would be fun.”

I actually think this might be a smart move. I wasn’t quite sure about these “newbies” that they brought in for HSM3 anyway. Something seemed a little off to me. If they are going to do another High School Musical movie without the original cast, they really do need to surprise us and it sounds like that’s exactly what Disney has up their sleeve. We know the story line, but the cast is a mystery.

What do you think about this choice?

Source: PA

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The old cast – Zac, Vanessa, Ashley, Corbin, Lucas, Monique – will not be joining in on the new movie, since they have all graduated high school and moved on.

So, who’s taking over the franchise? Will is be the new cast like Jemma, Chris and Matt? Well, according to Matt Prokop’s latest MySpace update, it will not include him.

“Not only will HSM4 not feature your loved wildcats: Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Chad, and Taylor, but I will also not be apart of it. Disney decided to go with a completely different story line. I’m so thankful to be apart of HSM3 before they decided to change everything. Enjoy the new characters……. whoever they will be. Matt.”

Wow, I am kind if in shock. What do you guys think about Matt being out?

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Disney announced just a couple of days ago that “High School Musical 4” is definitely happening. There are some mixed emotions about this because, as far as we know, none of the original cast will be coming back.

Now, I believe there is a possibility that Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) could make an appearance because of how High School Musical 3 ended, but that’s another story.

So, there’s going to be a HSM4. What does that mean? It means time for audition info and casting calls for all of those great singers, dancers and extras! w00t! Who wants to be in HSM4? Anyone, anyone…

Acting Info has just posted the info. Head on over there to see where to send your resume and headshot.

HSM4 is about: “East meets West in a classic love triangle set against the cross-town school rivalry between the East High Wildcats and West High Knights.”

Are you a little more excited about this announcement now that it’s had a few days to sink in?

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That’s right! You heard me…Disney announced today that “High School Musical 4” is indeed happening. Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Chad and Taylor have all graduated and that has paved the way for a new cast. We were introduced to them in “High School Musical 3” and now they will carry on the franchise.

Jemma McKenzie Brown, Justin Martin and Matt Prokop will star in the movie, which will be a Disney Channel Original Movie.

So, what will HSM4 be about? Disney says it’s “East meets West in a classic love triangle set against the cross-town school rivalry between the East High Wildcats and West High Knights.”

Update: Production on “HSM4″ will begin later this year with a premiere on the Disney Channel in 2010. Peter Barsocchini will return to write the script; he previously wrote all three movies in the franchise. Bill Borden and Barry Rosenbush will executive produce.

“In crafting this next iteration, we’ve challenged the entire creative team to raise the bar again and create something truly worthy of this extraordinary global phenomenon,” said Gary Marsh, entertainment president of Disney Channels Worldwide.

Alright! What do you think about a High School Musical 4? Tell me how you feel!

Source: Disney Channel press release

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