Long-serving Mad Men cast member Christina Hendricks has signed on to join Roadies, a new comedy pilot being produced for Showtime by Cameron Crowe starring Luke Wilson.
The pilot — which has not yet been picked up to series — takes a behind-the-scenes perspective on the trials and tribulations of touring life, centred not on the rock stars themselves, but the hard-working road crews without whom most bands would never have a show to begin with. According to Deadline, Hendricks' character is that of Shelli, a "tough, but privately emotional" production manager who is "married to her job … and scary-good at it". Shelli is the "ingenious work partner" of Wilson's character, Bill.
British actress Imogen Poots (Need For Speed, Fright Night) has also signed on for a main role in the show, set to be executive-produced by Winnie Holzman (My So-Called Life, Jerry Maguire) and J.J. Abrams. Rafe Spall, Peter Cambor and Keisha Castle-Hughes are also attached to co-star in the pilot.
Shooting is scheduled to commence in Vancouver early next year. With the second half of Mad Men's final season imminent in the same time period, it's encouraging to think our screens won't be void of the inimitable Ms Hendricks for too long. Plus, the potential for this series to an engaging, revealing look at an often-obscured side of the music industry makes it a truly alluring prospect, and our hopes sit high for its ability to be picked up for at least a full season.
Of course, if it doesn't, then at least we've still got cult-favourite Indian reality show MTV Roadies to keep us happy.
