Director Nick Cassavetes (L) talks with actor John Travolta during a news conference to promote the film ''Gotti:Three Generations'' in New York
Director Nick Cassavetes (L) talks with actor John Travolta during a news conference to promote the film ''Gotti:Three Generations'' in New York, April 12, 2011. Reuters

The John Gotti biopic "Gotti: In the Shadow of My Father," is set to shoot in New York beginning January 3, TheWrap has learned.

Preproduction begins in September.

The movie stars John Travolta, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and Kelly Preston. Barry Levinson is directing.

Producers expect to announce the casting of John Gotti Jr. within the next few weeks.

Producer Marc Fiore has said in the past that he signed a two-picture deal with Lindsay Lohan, but Lohan and producers have not completed an agreement for "Gotti."

Fiore Films acquired the life rights from John Gotti Jr. -- son of the late head of the Gambino crime family. The movie is the first motion picture that has the cooperation of a member of the Gotti family.

According to Fiore Films, the movie "reveals the relationship of a father who lived and died by the mob code and a son who chose to leave that world behind and redeem himself."

New York Lindsay lohan New York Lindsay lohan