Chris Brown headed for the big screen, the road

Platinum-selling R&B artist Chris Brown is set to appear in his first feature film, "Steppin'," which is scheduled for release in early 2007.

"It's sort of a dance movie," Brown said during a recent teleconference. "… But I'll have to say there's a lot more acting and a lot more story line based around the dancing. So that's what the intriguing part about it is. It's actually a banging, incredible-like film.

"I started [rehearsing] for it, like, months before I jumped on the project. I was so anxious to do the movie. It's so fresh and original," he added.

The 17-year-old Brown plays a character named Duron in the movie, which tells the story of a 19-year-old street dancer who must choose between two black fraternities' dance teams. Ne-Yo, Robin Thicke, Sway and Courtney B. Vance are also attached to the film.

In other Brown movie news, his song "Say Goodbye" is featured on the similarly titled "Step Up" soundtrack, due to hit stores Aug. 8. The movie opens Aug. 11. The song is one that Brown has performed a cappella at recent concerts.

"The girls were going crazy," he said about the a cappella performances. "But as far as [the song], it's a little about me trying to break up with a girl. It's a perfect time to break up, because I know a lot of girls and a lot of guys that, when it's summertime, they'll be teenagers and want to get rid of their girlfriends or boyfriends.

"It's one of those songs that I wanted to put out to show my vocal ability as well as that I could do a ballad, because I've been putting mini-tempos, up-tempos."

After promoting the movie, Brown will embark on a major US tour Aug. 17 with Ne-Yo, Dem Franchize Boyz, Lil' Wayne (who appears on Brown's single "Gimme That") and Juelz Santana.

Brown recently won BET Awards for Best New Artist and Viewers' Choice. He also picked up nominations for three Teen Choice Awards: Choice Music Male and Choice Music R&B Artist.