TV show’s prize: A role in a Nicolas Cage film

LOS ANGELES — A role in a film starring Nicolas Cage and Julianne Moore is the prize awaiting contestants in a new TV talent contest.

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“Looking for Stars,” which will follow about 200 aspiring actors from tryouts to the winner’s appearance on the set of Revolution Studios’ film “Next,” is untraditional: It will play on the Starz premium channel in 10-minute episodes.

The 14-episode contest, which the channel has dubbed a “micro-series,” will debut at 8:50 p.m. ET on June 19 and air through September.

A casting call in January drew thousands of would-be stars to compete for audition spots in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando and Kansas City. Eight semifinalists ultimately got tickets to the finals in Hollywood.

The winner, who will get a speaking part in the sci-fi action film, will be chosen by actor-director Melanie Mayron (“thirtysomething”), Revolution Studios executive Brad Sexton and Alan Hunter, an original MTV VJ.

“Next,” which also stars Jessica Biel, is directed by Lee Tamahori (“Die Another Day”) and is planned for a 2007 release.