NEON Lands I WANT MY MTV Movie From PATTI CAKE$ Director Geremy Jasper
NEON is diving headfirst into music nostalgia with a new project that taps into one of the most game-changing eras in pop culture.
The studio has picked up the feature adaptation of I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution, and it’s going to take audiences on a ride through the birth of music television.
The film is based on the book by Craig Marks and Rob Tannenbaum, and it’s being adapted by Jasper alongside Jim Hecht (Winning Time). NEON reportedly scooped up the project in a competitive situation, which says a lot about how much interest this story is generating.
Set between 1980 and 1985, the film chronicles the chaotic and electric early days of MTV, told through the voices of the people who helped build it. It’s not just about music videos, it’s about a moment when entertainment was being completely redefined.
The project also carries a modern edge, especially now that MTV has shut down its last remaining music-only channels. That contrast alone makes the story hit differently today.
Jasper has a personal connection to the material, which adds another layer of authenticity to the film. He shared:
“I was part of the first generation raised on MTV – it was my radio and film school in one. Jim and I both worked there between the 90s to early 2000s, and it is even where I met my wife, Georgie.
“So, I was instantly hooked on Rob and Craig’s book, which is an insane, hilarious, inspiring ride through ‘80s ambition, excess, and rock ’n’ roll rebellion. I am grateful they trusted us to adapt it.
“And there’s no better partner than Neon as they’ve got the same fearless, visionary energy that made MTV a pop culture force.”
That kind of firsthand experience should help the film capture the raw, unpredictable vibe that made MTV such a phenomenon.
Production is already moving forward, with Noah Stahl producing alongside Riva Marker, Glen Powell, and Dan Cohen. Eva Maria Daniels is also on board as an executive producer, and casting is currently underway.
Jasper’s track record makes him a perfect fit for this kind of story. His breakout film, Patti Cake$, premiered at Sundance in 2017 and quickly became a standout hit before being picked up by Searchlight. He followed that up with O’dessa, a post-apocalyptic musical drama starring Sadie Sink, which landed on Hulu in 2025.
Outside of features, Jasper has directed music videos for artists like Florence + The Machine and Selena Gomez, and even pulled off a massive live visual event that turned New York’s Standard Hotel into a full-scale light show.
Meanwhile, NEON is heading into Cannes with a packed lineup that includes films from filmmakers like James Gray, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, and Hirokazu Koreeda, along with projects screening both in and out of competition.
Between the creative team and the source material, I Want My MTV has the potential to be something really special. It’s not just about nostalgia, it’s about capturing a moment when creativity, chaos, and ambition collided to reshape entertainment forever.
Source: Deadline