Ludacris schools N's 'Fame' skein

Cabler has greenlit development on project

By DENISE MARTIN

Ludacris

Rapper-actor Chris "Ludacris" Bridges is making the leap into television, inking a deal with Nickelodeon teen network the N to exec produce weekly drama "Halls of Fame."

Cabler has greenlit development on the project, which Bridges will develop with exec producer Dallas Jackson and producer Amani Walker.

Half-hour would revolve around two students at a performing arts high school: 21-year-old singing phenomenon Starla and her 15-year-old sister and aspiring fashion designer Taylor. Episodes would follow the girls as they adjust to a new home in Philadelphia and the everyday trials of the competitive academy.

Essie Chambers, veep of development for the N, said Bridges' participation was key to moving forward after Jackson and Walker pitched the idea.

"Ludacris is not just lending us his name. He's really committed to the project," Chambers said. "It was important to us to get someone who meant something to our audience -- and he's huge with them -- but also someone who wanted to bring something to the series."

Bridges said "Halls of Fame" promises to be "a realistic journey into how young people can get started in the entertainment business."

"Whether it's music, fashion, dancing or acting -- everyone has to start somewhere. Hopefully, this program will show teens one way to go about it as well as the realistic obstacles they'll come up against," he added.

In addition to exec producing, Bridges will star in a recurring role and serve as a music supervisor, creating the theme for the show and overseeing all other musical aspects.

While Bridges' own albums as rap artist Ludacris are known for their adult themes and explicit lyrics, Chambers said, "He's demonstrated with his acting career that he's broadening his image."

Producers are out to showrunners.

Bridges was part of the ensemble in Lionsgate's "Crash." On TV, he guest starred in "Law & Order: SVU," a role he will reprise this season.