Multimillion-dollar hip-hop series 'The Get Down' to premiere on Netflix US

Netflix US’ upcoming hip-hop musical show, “The Get Down,” is its most expensive television series yet. With the talented Baz Luhrmann, who directed “Moulin Rouge,” “Australia,” and “The Great Gatsby,” it’s no surprise this coming of age series comes with a hefty price tag of US$120 million (over AU$160 million). After all, he spent over ten years developing the concept.

“The Get Down” takes place in the late 1970s, when kids from New York City’s South Bronx discover the birth of hip-hop.

A lot of reasons have been mentioned as to why the production turned into an absurd amount of US$120 million. Variety jotted down a few, including the detailed dance and music numbers, and the fees for the rights to dance and classic disco tracks. “The Get Down” was also troubled with behind-the-scenes issues from the onset due to its slow place production. There were a bit of production halts, including a move from Los Angeles to New York City, which Luhrmann trusted to be more credible.

“It’s not like doing a regular (scripted) TV show,” writer and series consultant Nelson George said. “It’s very challenging getting the balance of music and story right.”

Even with the unwanted circumstances of producing “The Get Down,” Sony Pictures TV president Zack Van Amburg provided praise for Netflix and Luhrmann.

“Netflix is a tremendous partner whose engagement and support is invaluable,” Van Amburg remarked. “Baz is a creative visionary with an exuberance and style that stands apart.”

Not only that, but “The Get Down” banks on authenticity, diversity and fresh new faces. Justice Smith, Shameik Moore, Skylan Brooks, Tremaine Brown Jr., Herizen Guardiola and Jaden Smith are just a few names that grace the much-anticipated show.

“The Get Down” will premiere its first six episodes on Aug. 12 and is expected to continue the rest of the first season by mid-2017 in Netflix US. Meanwhile, Netflix Australia is yet to announce if it will air the show.