If you’re a ‘70s/’80s rockstar and you don’t have a production deal for a biopic or TV series, what are you doing? Apparently, Hollywood and major studios are just absolutely ravenous for any and all projects that include some way to incorporate the music from a famous rock icon, thanks to the massive success of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the recent “Rocketman.” Now, according to THR, Billy Joel is the next in line to see his music inspire a project. But this time, it’s not a biopic.
According to the report, MGM and Joel are teaming up to produce an anthology series titled, “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant.” Unlike the aforementioned ‘Rhapsody’ and “Rocketman,” ‘Scenes’ isn’t going to be a biographical series that details the life and career of Joel. Instead, the series is being described as an anthology that will feature one song from the legendary musician as inspiration in each episode.
MGM TV president of development and production Steve Stark said, “Billy Joel is a beautiful storyteller, and it just so happens that his stories are accompanied alongside remarkable songs. This series is going to focus less on Billy’s life and more on the stories inside his catalog of classic songs.”
It’s unclear which songs will be featured and how they might inspire the plots of these episodes, but given the fact that rock biopics are the hot trend right now, the fact that Joel is doing a scripted anthology series loosely inspired by his music is a bit of a breath of fresh air. Even though, this could mean that the musician is just banking on the fact that eventually he can double up and do the inevitable rock musical biopic, also.
‘Scenes’ is created by Kevin Fox, who will also serve as executive producer. For film fans, you may remember Fox as the writer behind the 1998 film “The Negotiator.” In recent years, he’s lent his talents as writer-producer on series such as “Lie to Me” and “Law & Order: SVU.” So, this guy definitely knows how to craft television. But given his filmography, maybe he anticipates turning Joel’s music into a crime anthology? That would be amazing, right?
No release date has been announced for the series, as MGM TV is currently shopping it around to networks and streaming platforms.
