LOS ANGELES, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- The Disney Channel says it has hired three teenagers to star in its U.S. comedy pilot "Austin & Ally."
Ross Lynch, Laura Marano and Raini Rodriguez will headline the project, which is to begin production next month in Hollywood.
Lynch, 14, has appeared in Disney XD's short-form series "Moises Rules." He and his four siblings are members of the musical group R5.
Marano, 15, lent her voice to characters in the animated features "Finding Nemo" and "Ice Age: The Meltdown."
Rodriguez, 17, had a supporting role in "Paul Blart Mall Cop." Her brother, Rico, stars in ABC-TV's "Modern Family."
The pilot for "Austin & Ally," in consideration for a Disney Channel series to premiere later this year, was created and executive-produced by Kevin Kopelow and Heath Seifert, whose credits include "Good Burger," "Keenan & Kel," "Sonny With a Chance" and "JONAS."
The multi-camera comedy follows the unlikely partnership between two polar opposites -- Austin, an extroverted musician/singer, and Ally, a brilliant but shy songwriter -- and their two best friends, Trish and Dex, a synopsis said.
Lynch will play Austin, Marano will play Ally and Rodriguez will play Trish.
The role of Dex is yet to be cast, the Disney Channel said.
