July 29, 2008 15:18

White Stripes video director takes charge of Runaways movie

Rock'n'roll biopic about Joan Jett's former band steps up a gear

Photo Gallery: The White Stripes

A film based on legendary 1970s US all-girl punk band The Runaways is to be shot later this year.

The movie is being written and directed by Floria Sigismondi, who has also worked on music videos for Muse[a] (Supermassive Black Hole), [a]Interpol (Obstacle 1) and The White Stripes (Blue Orchid).

Forming in 1975, The Runaways went on to have a direct influence on artists such as Courtney Love and Bikini Kill.

Alongside Joan Jett, the all-female band featured Lita Ford and Micki Steele (who later joined The Bangles).

According to Variety, the film is set to begin filming later this year.

The story will focus on the band's early days on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, their meteoric rise to fame and subsequent break-up in 1979.

Jett is expected to take on the role of executive producer for the film.