After 10 years, it appears the Baz Luhrmann period drama, The Get Down, is finally ready for mass consumption on Netflix.
Set in New York City during the late ’70s, the TV series focuses on the explosion of hip-hop, punk, and art culture that happened at the same time as the city’s increase in crime, violence and urban tumult. More specifically, The Get Down will center on a group of street-smart teens from the South Bronx.
According to a recent interview with Variety, Lurhmann said, “I’ve been obsessed with the idea of how a city in its lowest moment, forgotten and half destroyed, could give birth to such creativity and originality in music, art and culture. I’m thrilled to be working with my partners at Sony and collaborating with a team of extraordinary writers and musicians, many of whom grew up with and lived the story we’ve set out to tell.”
Luhrmann will team up with writer/producer Shawn Ryan (The Shield, Terriers) for the TV project.
Netflix has already ordered 13 episodes expected to premiere in 2016. Luhrmann is set to direct the first two episodes and the first season’s finale. The Get Down marks the director’s first foray into television, after he has spent the better part of his career making visionary movies like Moulin Rouge, Strictly Ballroom and The Great Gatsby.
No word on series casting, but Luhrmann has said he will be working with frequent collaborator Catherine Martin, the director’s wife and longtime costume designer, on the show.
Someone cue Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message,” ’cause this series is gonna be DOPE!
