James Ponsoldt has signed on to write, direct and produce an adaptation of Rob Tannenbaum and Craig Marks’ book “I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution” for A24, which has optioned its rights, the company announced Tuesday.
“MTV” will be Ponsoldt’s third project with A24 following “The Spectacular Now” and “The End of the Tour.” A24 will produce alongside frequent collaborator Eva Maria Daniels of VisionChaos Productions.
“I Want My MTV” chronicles the founding and first 10 years of the network, a golden era in both music and television where MTV became the emblem of a new generation. The network was a radical idea that no one thought would succeed; but what started as a channel showcasing videos from obscure British bands soon transformed into a cultural sensation that tapped directly into the imagination and spirit of contemporary teenagers.
The same passionate, reckless young group that built the company ushered it into a global phenomenon that deeply influenced everything from movies, music, and television to fashion, sports, and politics.
“We’re so thrilled to be collaborating again with James Ponsoldt to bring this terrific book to the screen. With James on board, we know he’ll bring out all the passion, ingenuity, humor, and humanity that led to MTV becoming perhaps the most powerful influence on pop culture of all time,” A24 said in a statement.
“As a child of the 1980s, MTV had a massive impact on me, and I’m so excited to again be working with my friends at A24 in exploring the storied early years of the groundbreaking channel,” added Ponsoldt.
Ponsoldt recently wrapped an adaptation of Dave Eggers‘ “The Circle” starring Emma Watson, John Boyega and Tom Hanks. He’s represented by UTA, Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz.
The deal for the book was negotiated by ICM Partners on behalf of PJ Mark at Janklow & Nesbit Associates. Bethany Haynes at Sloss Eckhouse represented VisionChaos.