HBO's "Vinyl" Discussion (2016)

[theusher]

On the heels of the series order to J.J. Abrams and Jonah Nolan’ star-studded drama Westworld, HBO has given a formal series pickup to another drama pilot stocked with A-listers behind and in front of the camera: the untitled Rock ‘n Roll project from Martin Scorsese, Mick Jagger and Terence Winter.

The long-gestating drama, created by Winter, had been in the works at HBO since 2010. It took a slow route after long waits for Scorsese’s schedule to clear and for Winter to wrap up HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, which he created and ran. The project gained momentum last year when Boardwalk Empire standout Bobby Cannavale was cast as the lead and Brian Koppelman and David Levien were hired as showrunners, subsequently replaced by George Mastras. With Boardwalk Empire over, Winter is set to serve as showrunner on the Rock ‘n Roll series, on which he is credited as writer alongside Mastras. Scorsese directed the pilot just as he did with the pilot for Boardwalk Empire, winning an Emmy for his work. Scorsese also had worked with Jagger, directing the 2008 Rolling Stones documentary Shine a Light, which led to their collaboration on the Rock ‘n Roll drama.

The untitled hourlong drama is set in 1970s New York and explores the drug- and sex-fueled music business as punk and disco were breaking out, all through the eyes of a record executive (Cannavale) trying to resurrect his label and find the next new sound. Olivia Wilde, Ray Romano and Juno Temple co-star and the cast includes Andrew Dice Clay, Ato Essandoh, Max Casella, James Jagger, Jack Quaid, Birgitte Sorenson, P.J. Byrne, J.C. MacKenzie, Bo Dietl, Robert Funaro and Joe Caniano.

Cast:

Bobby Cannavale as Richie Finestra, the founder and president of a top-tier record label (American Century Records) with a great ear for discovering talent, who undergoes a crisis of character when confronted with a life altering decision.

Olivia Wilde as Devon Finestra, Richie’s wife, a former actress/model who lived a Bohemian life in 1960s New York. Richie’s crisis causes strain on their family and propels her to re-immerse in her former lifestyle.

Ray Romano as Zak Yankovich, one of Richie’s partners, the tough and savvy Head of Promotions of American Century with decades of experience dating back to the dark, mob-infested days of the recording business.

Juno Temple as Jamie Vine, an ambitious assistant in the A&R Department of American Century. She uses her keen abilities to manipulate people and blend into the various subcultures of the New York music underground in order to break through the glass ceiling and get ahead at the record label.

Andrew “Dice” Clay as Frank “Buck” Rogers, the cocaine-fueled owner of a chain of radio stations.

Ato Essandoh as Lester Grimes, a former singer and ex-colleague of Richie Finestra.

Max Casella as Julius “Julie” Silver, nurturing yet with an explosive temper, and the Head of A&R of American Century, who struggles to stay hip and relevant in the young man’s game of the rock ‘n’ roll business.

James Jagger as Kip Stevens, lead singer of Nasty Bits, an early punk-rock band.

Jack Quaid as Clark Morelle, a young A&R executive at American Century who struggles for a foothold in the competitive environment of the A&R team.

Birgitte Sorenson as Ingrid, a Danish actress favored by Andy Warhol and close friend of Richie Finestra’s wife, Devon.

P.J. Byrne as Scott Levitt, Head of Legal for American Century Records.

J.C. MacKenzie as Skip Fontaine, Richie’s partner and Head of Sales for American Century Records.

Bo Dietl as Joe Corso, a thuggish “independent promotion man” who may or may not have ties to organized crime.

Armen Garo as Corrado Galasso, a New York mob boss.

Robert Funaro as Tony Del Greco, chief enforcer for a New York mob boss.

Joe Caniano as Leo, Richie’s longtime chauffeur and confidante.

http://deadline.com/2014/12/martin-s...bo-1201306279/