Martin Scorsese to direct film about the Ramones

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Martin Scorsese is attached to direct a biopic about the Ramones.

The 71-year-old director's film will coincide with the 40th anniversary of the band's first LP, and is one of several projects in the works to celebrate the milestone. Details about the movie are being kept under wraps, but Jeff Jampol, who co-manages the Ramones' estate, told Billboard "authenticity is the foundation of everything" for the projects.

"Luckily, when you have a really genius artist like the Ramones, you don't have to spin it," he said. "It is what it is and what it is is a beautiful moment in time that sparked a revolution in music and fashion."

The Ramones formed in New York in 1974, and released their first LP, Ramones, in 1976. The band toured nonstop for over two decades, and were renowned for their countercultural style and sound. All four original members, frontman Joey, guitarist Johnny, bassist Dee Dee and drummer Tommy, are dead as of 2014.

Other projects in the works include new apparel, remastered music, a theatrical play, a book and a documentary. Scorsese has a full plate as well, with HBO series Rock 'n' Roll and Ashecliffe, a prequel series to his 2010 film Shutter Island.