Scarlett Johansson will take on one of the lead roles

By Shelley Marsden

John Carney, the Dublin-born director of the Oscar-winning indie flick Once, is teaming up with Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo for his new film, Can a Song Save Your Life?

According to Screen Daily the film, also written by Carney, tells the story of a woman (Johansson) who moves to New York to pursue a musical career with her boyfriend, only to be left behind when he tastes success.

But a down-on-his-luck record producer (Ruffalo) notices her talent.

Carney will write the songs for the film along with Grammy-winning songwriter Gregg Alexander, formerly of The New Radicals.

Tobin Armbrust, Head of Production at Exclusive Media, which will finance and produce the film, said: "This is a beautiful and soulful story which we are honoured to help John bring to life."

Shooting is set to begin in June.