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'It's Always Sunny' star to direct kiddie flick

Also in gossip, "Creed" will start filming in Philly in Januaryand Usher hangs in Rittenhouse.

ROB McELHENNEY is getting behind the camera to direct his first movie, and it's nothing like his TV show, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

The St. Joe's Prep grad (and booster - he regularly speaks at alumni events) will direct a children's movie.

Yep, the co-creator of the wonderfully perverse "It's Always Sunny" is going the family-film route with "Figment," a "Goonies"-style adventure movie about a boy and his family whose fears come to life.

So, how'd he get the gig his first time out of the gate (although, to be fair, McElhenney directed two episodes of "It's Always Sunny" in its early run)? Just as he did with the long-running sitcom, McElhenney shot two scenes of the movie to show execs, according to Deadline.com. They were so impressed with his enthusiasm, they gave him not only the chance to write the screenplay, but a director's chair as well.

'Creed' sets shoot date

The movie cameras are coming! "Creed," the semi-"Rocky" sequel featuring Apollo Creed's grandson, who will fittingly be called Adonis, was announced last year, but I hear it's being fast-tracked for a January shoot in Philly.

The movie stars Michael B. Jordan ("Friday Night Lights," "The Wire"), who will reteam for the film with his director from the much-lauded "Fruitvale Station," Ryan Coogler. Jordan's Adonis will train for the title just like his dearly departed grandpa, who was tragically murdered by the epic symbol of communism, Ivan Drago, way back in "Rocky IV."

Sharon Pinkenson, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, did not confirm.

Pledge 'Allegiance'

Speaking of Ms. Pinkenson, she could confirm that the NBC show "Allegiance" was filming a story arc in Philadelphia. My spies in City Hall tipped me off to the cameras, which is apt considering the show is about Russian spies. It stars Hope Davis, Scott Cohen and relative newcomer Gavin Stenhouse, and premieres midseason.

OUT AND ABOUT

* OMG! R&B superstar Usher was spotted in Philly. Yesterday, he dined at Parc (227 S. 18th St.) and this past weekend he was spotted in Rittenhouse Square (where our own Big Rube Harley saw him playing catch). I also hear he walked around the Rittenhouse 'hood, seen by patrons as he peered into the window of collaborative kitchen space Cook (253 S. 20th St.) with an approving look. The former "Voice" judge, who won Season 6, will be at the Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 11 for his UR Experience World Tour. Usher has been tweeting out videos of rehearsals during his time in Philly.

* Famed actress Diane Keaton took in the sites of the Barnes Foundation (2025 Ben Franklin Parkway) last Thursday when she was in Philadelphia speaking at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women. She loved the museum - how could you not? - and even posed for a photo with Barnes director of communications Jan Rothschild.

Insta-star

Instagram named Conrad Benner, the man behind Philly street-art blog Streets Dept., became a Suggested User on Friday. For the next couple of weeks, the Philly-centric photog will be featured as someone to follow, and it's already paid off. His previously hefty 11,000 users was bumped up to 40,000 followers at press time. Check Benner out at @StreetsDept.

Philly's got balls

Glad to be back home after my trip to Spain with my co-worker extraordinaire, Stephanie Farr. We couldn't help but crack up when we passed a Burger King in Madrid, only to see a menu item called Philadelphia Cheese Balls, a fried globe that did not look particularly appetizing. Alas, the Philadelphia referenced the cream cheese, not hometown-related cojones. Despite their 1 euro cost, Ms. Farr and I refrained from eating.

On Twitter: @PhillyGossipDN

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