As previously reported, Lurhmann is working with producer Shawn Ryan ("The Shield") and Stephen Adly Guirgis (Motherf**ker With the Hat) on the new period drama that will explore the dawn of the hip-hop era. Known for the visually-arresting films "Moulin Rouge" and "The Great Gatsby," as well as the 2002 Broadway production of La Boheme, Luhrmann will direct the first two episodes, the season finale and serve as executive producer. Ryan is also an executive producer alongside his producing partner Marney Hochman.

"The Get Down" will be set in 1970s New York City and is described as "a mythic saga of how New York at the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to hip-hop, punk and disco — told through the lives and music of the South Bronx kids who changed the city, and the world…forever."

Paul Watters, Thomas Kelly and Guirgis also serve as executive producers on the project from Sony TV. Luhrmann's wife, Oscar winner Catherine Martin, will serve as costume and production designer and executive producer on the series.