This afternoon HBO has announced a series order for an untitled drama series from writer Terence Winter and director Martin Scorsese set in the music business of 1970s New York.
The drama will explore the drug and sex fueled music business of the 1970s as punk and disco were breaking out, all through the eyes of a record executive trying to resurrect his label and find the next new sound.
Terence Winter wrote the pilot, which Martin Scorsese directed. Winter will serve as showrunner on the series. Both will also executive produce alongside Mick Jagger, Rick Yorn, Victoria Pearman, Emma Tillinger Koskoff and George Mastras.
Now for some cast and character breakdowns:
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's.
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&E 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 Devon's.
P.J. Byrne as Scott Levitt, Head of Legal for American Century.
J.C. MacKenzie as Skip Fontaine, Richie's partner and Head of Sales for American Century.
Bo Dietl as Joe Corso, a thuggish "independent promotion man" who may or may not have ties to organized crimes.
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.
