Garth Brooks Looking for a Chance in Director’s Chair

Garth Brooks is going into the movies.

The country sensation revealed his plans Tuesday during an interview following a press conference in Hollywood to promote his latest album, “In Pieces.”

While Brooks didn’t reveal details of the proposed film deal, the singer said he is on the verge of finalizing plans that would lead to him developing, scoring and, possibly, directing movies.

“I’m not really into acting, but I am looking into working on the other side of the camera,” said Brooks, the hottest property in pop-country music in years.

Most of the time at the press conference was devoted to the issue of the sale of used CDs, which Brooks has widely criticized. He opposes the sale of used albums by major retail firms because artists, including songwriters, don’t get royalties from these sales.

Brooks once vowed to refuse to allow his new CDs to be sold in retail stores that deal in used CDs, but his distribution company, CEMA, refused to follow suit, fearing possible legal action.

On Tuesday, Brooks said he is not giving up his battle against used-CD sales, hoping that federal legislation may be enacted to provide royalties to artists.

“Entertainment technology has moved at light-speed pace and the laws that protect technology have stood still,” he said.

Asked how he feels about the lack of support from other artists on the issue, Brooks said, “If they gave a damn, we would have heard from them by now--and they should give a damn.”