Lee, De Niro to stroll Alphabet City's past (THR)
By Nancy Tartaglione
Spike Lee and Robert De Niro are teaming with Showtime to develop a drama series about Manhattan's Alphabet City. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project, titled "Alphaville," will be written by John Ridley, with Lee on board to direct the potential pilot.
"Alphaville" is executive produced by Ridley, Lee, De Niro and his producing partner Jane Rosenthal. Tribeca Prods. will produce.
The ensemble drama, set in the 80s, will chronicle Alphabet City's gritty and tumultuous past before it became the gentrified East Village.
Along with its growing bohemian and celebrity population, the neighborhood was plagued by illegal drug activity and violent crime.
Local tensions culminated in the Tompkins Square Park riot of 1988, in which police clashed with anarchists and homeless activists.
Related Links
Spike Lee, Robert De Niro develop drama series (THR)
