Family film “Into the Spotlight,” by 15-year-old writer Kate Larson, acquired by Entertainment Squad (exclusive)

In the spotlight, the coming-of-age musical based on a screenplay by teenager Kate Larson, who was just 15 when she wrote it, has found a home in North America.

The family movie — starring Leigh-Allyn Baker (Good luck Charlie), Karen Abercrombie (Hall of War) and Larson — was acquired by Entertainment Squad, which has set a VOD release date for September 1.

Directed by Lisa Arnold and produced by Cakki and Brian Warren of Revive Productions, In the spotlight centers on a high school girl who grew up writing music with her rock star father, but has always preferred to stay out of the spotlight. When her best friend is unable to perform, she steps in as her understudy at the high school talent show. Luckily, he uses a vintage, glowing mic that turns out to be enchanted. His incredible performance goes viral and overnight he becomes a star. Finding fame and getting lost along the way, it’s only with the help of family and friends that he finds his way back to what really matters to him.

“At 15 I watched the world shut down and my friends lose hope so I wrote In the spotlightLarson said. “From battling dyslexia as a child to crafting a story to inspire my generation, it’s been truly magical. In the spotlight it changed my life and i know girls all over the world need this story about overcoming insecurity, friendship, love, empowerment and staying true to who you were meant to be.

Additional cast includes Kevin Sizemore (Fear The Walking Dead: Flight 462, NCIS), comedian Victoria Jackson (SNL), comedian Jeff Allen (Apostles of Comedy), Anthony Evans (One nation under God), and Raphael Roger (Sign of life).

“In the spotlight it brings back the shared vision for the entire family and sends an uplifting message to tweens and teens to follow their hearts when chasing their dreams,” Arnold said.

“The capabilities of AI have created uncertainty for many of us in the entertainment industry,” added Entertainment Squad CEO Shaked Berenson. “Seeing a young audience embrace a film like Into the Spotlight, written by a 15-year-old, demonstrates the irreplaceable power of an authentic voice. It’s really inspiring.”