Hip-hop is proving that in today's television game the culture has just as much of a purpose on screen as any other genre or lifestyle. VH1 has announced that it will host its next hip-hop-influenced venture, signing a contract for a new TV movie pilot.
The movie, The Breaks, is based on the book The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop. The TV film will stay true to the book, signing on the author of the book, Dan Charnas, to serve as a co-producer. Charnas will also help prep the story for the script.
It was also announced that the former director of critically acclaimed shows The Wire, The Walking Dead and Elementary Seith Mann will also be working on the TV movie, helping with directing and writing the script. It was also announced that VH1's own Susan Levison, Bill Flanagan and Maggie Malina have signed on to executive produce.
As reported, the story will follow a group of three friends in the 1990s who are all self-proclaimed hip-hop lovers. The trio each is hoping to make it in the music industry, and each individual faces his own hardships, including rapper-drug dealers, uncooperative DJs and unsupportive parents, to name a few. The story will also take place in New York City and center around character Nikki Jones, a recent grad hoping to become a record exec.
The movie is scheduled to begin production this spring, and at this time hopes to premiere next fall. If all goes well and according to plan, VH1 may turn the TV movie into a full series.
The author of the book, Dan Charnas, has had his work featured in a variety of hip-hop outlets, including Complex magazine, and saw great success with his book making the best-seller list.
What do you think of this idea for a TV movie? Do you think it will work better as a TV series? Please post your thoughts in the comments section below.
© 2024 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
