Justin Timberlake is playing actor again -- but his return to music is just around the corner.

The singer, who recently began shooting "Alpha Dog" (see [article id="1492828"]"Justin Timberlake To Begin His Life Of Crime Next Week"[/article]), has talked with at least two producers about recording later this year.

Timberlake has reached out to Rich Harrison, best known for Beyoncé's "Crazy in Love," and is also talking with veteran hitmaker Rodney Jerkins, who is eager to re-team with him after working with 'NSYNC in the past.

"I actually called Justin a couple weeks ago," Jerkins said. "I just took his address down and I'm gonna start [saving] little things here and there to let him know what we're trying to do, 'cause he's one of those projects that I wish I could get in from beginning to the end. He has an amazing talent and ability, but I don't think it's been brought out of him yet. I mean, he had a couple great songs, but there's something deeper that hasn't come out and he doesn't even know about yet."

Both Jerkins and Harrison were impressed by Timberlake's intimate, live band-driven late-night shows (see [article id="1472801"]"It's Justin Timberlake Gone Wild At Late-Night Club Show"[/article]) and would be interested in making that sort of music with him.

"I've got some ideas, but it's not about what I want to do with him, it's about sitting down with him, getting into his head and pulling that out," said Harrison, who produced Destiny's Child's next single as well as material for Jennifer Lopez's next album.

Timberlake's first album, Justified, was a smash hit with several successful singles, although he's been focusing on acting for most of 2004. "Edison," his first movie, is due next year (see [article id="1484926"]"Justin Timberlake Signs On For First Big-Screen Acting Role"[/article]).