Billy Ray Cyrus "Flying" high in family drama

By Gregg Goldstein

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus is playing dad to another Disney starlet.

He will team with Olesya Rulin ("High School Musical") for "Flying By," a family-friendly indie drama about a businessman who risks his marriage, family and fortune to pursue his dream of being in a rock band. Rulin will play his supportive daughter.

Cyrus' character teams with his bandmates (Robert Gossett, Eric Allan Kramer) after being encouraged to perform by a club booker (Ted Hutton). Patricia Neal, an Oscar winner for "Hud," is in final negotiations to play Cyrus' mother. The film will begin shooting November 26 in San Diego. Jim Amatulli directs.

Cyrus, best known for his country hit "Achy Breaky Heart," is riding high with the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana," starring his 14-year-old daughter Miley Cyrus. He's on tour promoting his new album, "Home at Last."

Rulin will be seen next year opposite Jessica Simpson in "Major Movie Star."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter