The theater just isn’t for movies anymore, and while other pop stars have expanded their exposure with theater runs of their concerts. Jonas Brothers did it, Beebs did it, and Hanna Montana did it. There is clearly money to be made and a market willing to see these films.

And now the popular Fox TV Musical Glee is going to as well.

The Hollywood ReporterTHR says:

Fox’s television and film studios are teaming with Glee creator Ryan Murphy to produce Glee Live! 3D!, a film of the upcoming Glee Live! In Concert! North American tour.

Fox will release the film in theaters for an exclusive two-week run on Aug. 12, 2011. Starring 14 members of the television show, the pic will be shot live during the summer concerts, capturing both the concert and backstage moments with the characters.

Kevin Tancharoen (Fame) is directing the 3D movie.

The only part of the updated Fame film I actually enjoyed was the music, so I will buy this. But at the same time, how do you “direct” a concert?

These are live choreographed performances from the show set on stage in front of a live audience.

I don’t really think of these kind of presentations as movies, as they are really just concerts being delivered to markets that they had no shows in, or just saturating the markets where they DID have shows with more opportunities for income.

I am a fan of Glee for what it is. Its fun performances of popular songs. Their off season touring shows have been a big success for the franchise, and this is just another way of expanding that success.

And if no one wanted to see it, they wouldn’t be selling out off season concerts with the cast and making cinema experience concerts like this one.

You don’t have to like Glee to recognize its popularity, and its not hurting anyone.