River Road Ent. Gives Shelter to ‘Runaways’

CBGBs may have closed, but Joan Jett fans fear not.  According to Variety, a biopic based on the rocker’s first band The Runaways is now in development, with River Road Entertainment (Brokeback Mountain, Lust, Caution) financing.   Previously titled “Neon Angels” (after the band’s song “Neon Angels On the Road to Ruin”), The Runaways will follow Jett’s all-girl teenage band throughout their short-lived career during the late 70s.  The film will follow their rapid rise to fame to their tempestuous fall. Joining Jett were the late Sandy West, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie and a handful of rotating bass players.

Jett will also be serving as exec producer for the pic and is no stranger to the big screen. While people may idolize her for her rock idol status, she booked her first film role in the 1987 drama Light of Day, alongside Michael J. Fox.   Since then, she’s made appearances in TV and film, including an episode of “Law & Order: CI” earlier this year.   Look for a cameo in the musical horror Repo! The Genetic Opera, in theaters this November.

Floria Sigismondi, who is known for helming music videos for David Bowie, the White Stripes and Marilyn Manson, is signed on as writer and director.  The Runaways is set to start lensing late this fall and is currently casting.