Continuing its success in the scripted arena, VH1 announces “The Breaks” (Working Title) as its next original movie project. Inspired by journalist Dan Charnas’ book “The Big Payback,” a narrative history of the hip-hop business, “The Breaks” (WT) will make its television debut written, directed and executive produced by Seith Mann (“The Wire,” “The Walking Dead,” “Homeland”). VH1 plans to start principal photography in Spring 2015 with a premiere date set for Fall 2015. “The Breaks” (WT) has the potential to become a series after its movie premiere.
“The Breaks” (WT) will chronicle the journey of Nikki, David and Deevee, three friends united by their love of hip-hop, as they work to make their big mark in the music industry. The film will travel viewers back to the summer of 1990 in New York City where the music industry’s artists and hustlers intersect in the dance clubs and the street corners of the still crime-ridden city. Nikki Jones is a brilliant recent grad who abandoned a scholarship to law school to pursue her dream of becoming a record exec. Her boyfriend, David Aaron, is the scrappy son of a legendary music producer who is unwilling to rest on his father’s laurels and notorious reputation. DeeVee is an aspiring producer on the hunt to find the next big rapper on the come-up.
Nikki fast talks her way into an internship at the premier hip-hop company, Fouray Entertainment and catches the eye of the label’s infamous founder, while David struggles at the city’s top R&B radio station whose celebrity DJ refuses to program real hip-hop. Meanwhile, DeeVee returns to his roots in the Fort Greene projects to scout for talent and runs into Ahm, a drug dealer with a lyrical gift whose talent could bring them all to the next level. But they will soon discover lives can be broken as fast as legends can be born.
“‘The Breaks’ has the hallmark of a successful VH1 film: a strong, authentic storyline that celebrates a musical moment,” said Susan Levison, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Production, VH1. “The story covers a seminal time when some thought Hip-Hop was a passing fad – ‘The Breaks’ will show how it became an enduring force. We can’t wait to share it with our viewers.”
“The Breaks” (WT) is the third movie in VH1’s successful push into scripted programming, following the 2013 record-breaking premiere of “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” and success of last year’s “Drumline: A New Beat,” which drew in 2.4 million total viewers and averaged a 1.4 in the key Adult 18-49 demo during its premiere.