For San Francisco film lovers, we are pleased to present this story from “The Moving Picture.”

Betty Thomas has signed on to direct Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel, Fox 2000 and Regency’s follow-up to the surprise 2007 hit featuring the lovable CGI-animated singing rodents, report the trades.

Although plot details are being kept under wraps, the new movie will introduce the Chipmunks’ female counterparts, the Chipettes.

Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney are returning to respectively voice the parts of troublemaker Alvin, intellectual Simon and chubby Theodore. It is unclear whether Jason Lee will return as the chipmunk’s guardian, Dave.

Thomas’ previous directing credits include John Tucker Must Die, Doctor Dolittle, I Spy and Howard Stern’s Private Parts.

The studio is finalizing writer deals and casting is under way for the Chipettes. The first film grossed more than $360 million worldwide.

A December 25, 2009 release date for The Squeakuel has been set.

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