Martin Scorsese Will Direct More ‘Vinyl’ Than ‘Boardwalk Empire’
HBO rock drama Vinyl more than had our attention by its first trailers, but doubly so for Martin Scorsese’s direction of the two-hour pilot, much as he’d done for Boardwalk Empire. That said, where Scorsese never returned to direct more Boardwalk, the revered director hopes to stay much more actively involved in Vinyl, or so he says.
Speaking at the TCA press tour panel via satellite, Scorsese acknowledged that his hectic schedule might make directing a bit difficult down the line, though he’d at least keep a hand in the show’s soundtrack, paying closer attention overall:
I’ve already in the first season been even more involved in these episodes and all stages of production. I’ll continue working with the music. This is something that’s very natural to me — and very close to my heart. I hope I can work out the time to direct a few more.
The new drama stems from an idea by Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, with Martin Scorsese otherwise on board to executive produce. Bobby Cannavale stars as record label president Richie Finestra, who is trying to save his company and his soul without destroying everyone in his path. From the show’s logline:
From Martin Scorsese, Mick Jagger and Terence Winter, this new 10-episode drama series is set in 1970s New York. A ride through the sex- and drug-addled music business at the dawn of punk, disco, and hip-hop, the show is seen through the eyes of a record label president, Richie Finestra, played by Bobby Cannavale, who is trying to save his company and his soul without destroying everyone in his path.
Ray Romano will take the role of Richie’s partner Zak Yankovich and Olivia Wilde as Richie’s wife Devon. Legend of Korra star P.J. Byrne will play Scott Levitt, the head of legal for American Century Records; joining Joe Caniano as Richie’s as longtime chauffeur and confidante Leo; and Andrew “Dice” Clay as Frank “Buck” Rogers, the obnoxious, cocaine-fueled owner of a chain of radio stations.
Additionally, the show features Ato Essandoh as Richie’s former singer colleague Lester Grimes, Robert Funaro as chief mob enforcer Tony Del Greco, James Jagger as Nasty Bits punk singer Kip Stevens, Birgitte Sorenson as Ingrid, a Danish actress favored by Andy Warhol and close friend of Devon, and J.C. Mackenzie as Skip Fontaine, head of sales for American Century Records. Lest we forget, there’s also Juno Temple’s ambitious assistant Jamie Vine, Max Casella’s Julius Silver and Jack Quaid’s Clark Morelle.
Boardwalk Empire alum Terence Winter wrote the script for the pilot, joining Jagger and Scorsese as executive producers, along with Jagged Films partner Victoria Pearman and Scorsese’s manager, Rick Yorn. Breaking Bad alum George Mastras will act as writer/executive producer, with Winter taking over as showrunner.
Put a needle to the latest Vinyl trailers below, and stay tuned for more from the two-hour February 14 premiere.