Cameron Crowe is coming to television for the first time.
Showtime has announced that it has given a pilot order to “Roadies,” a new comedy series created, written and executive produced by Crowe. J.J. Abrams and Winnie Holzman (“My So Called Life”) are also executive producing the project.
“Roadies” will focus on the crew members who help a successful rock band put on their show in cities across the nation. Crowe has previously explored similar territory in his film, Almost Famous, which was inspired by his time as a Rolling Stone reporter.
In a brief statement, Crowe said that “We’re fans of crews, those workers up on the rigging towers, or walking feverishly with eight phones on their belt. Those quietly devoted people live huge lives, they’re often the real keepers of the flame.”
“We had been talking about the series for so long, but when he actually handed me the script, it was funnier and sweeter and wilder than I had ever imagined,” added Abrams. “‘Roadies’ is Cameron Crowe at his most musically passionate, colorful character best.”
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Although Crowe wrote the pilot and is slated to direct the first episode, Holzman will be the showrunner of “Roadies” if it goes to series. Crowe’s frequent casting director, Gail Levin will be casting the pilot.
Prior to “Roadies,” Crowe directed several feature films including Jerry Maguire, We Bought a Zoo, Elizabethtown and Vanilla Sky.
A start date for “Roadies” was not included in the announcement, but casting is likely to begin soon.
