'N SYNC - the US boyband phenomenon - will make its first feature film for LA-based independent production outfits Total Film Group and Phat Free Productions, it was announced yesterday.

And the group, which performed with Gloria Estefan at this year's Academy Awards ceremony, will be attending this year's Cannes Film Festival for a party and further announcements about the film on May 16.

'N SYNC are currently at the top of the US album charts with No Strings Attached which has sold over 4 million copies in its first month in the marketplace. "'N SYNC is an international musical treasure," said Total's chairman and CEO Gerald Green. "By turning to film they will give their fans around the world a new medium in which to enjoy their remarkable talents. Now, 'N SYNC's 'N film."

The film, which will start shooting in early 2001, will feature all five members of the group: JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick and Justin Timberlake. The title and story are being kept under wraps.

Total's credits include Diamonds starring Kirk Douglas and Lauren Bacall and the forthcoming My First Mister with Albert Brooks and Leelee Sobieski, which will be distributed by Paramount Classics domestically. New Legend Media, the new company resulting from the merger of ACC Entertainment in Germany and LA-based Legend Entertainment, has a co-production agreement with Total whereby it acquires rights in Italy, Germany and Spain to Total films in return for 25% of the budget.