MTV gives go ahead for scripted drama

MTV Network is making its first move into scripted drama with a new US series about a 22-year-old female singer dealing with the pressures of sudden fame.

Deborah Joy Levine, who worked on The Division and Lois & Clark, and Tony Krantz , who worked as exec producer on 24 and produced Mullholland Drive, and will write the series, to be called Show.

Levine told Variety about the lead: "She's trying to make it, but at the same time crumbling under the weight of her own celebrity. Show is the anatomy of a rock star."

The story will incorporate flashbacks to the singer's early years, while she faces challenges in her day to day life.

The pilot for Show has been over a year in development. Casting is currently underway for the lead role.

MTV's last attempt at scripted drama was its 1999 show Undressed, a low-budget soap about the sexual relationships of teenagers.