Martin Scorsese has stood down as the director of an authorised biography film about Bob Marley.

Scorsese, who recently directed the Rolling Stones film Shine a Light, confirmed that “scheduling conflicts” would prevent him from working on the project.

Oscar-winning film-maker Jonathan Demme will take over from Scorsese on the film - which is due to be released on February 6th 2010.

Demme, who has worked on documentaries about Neil Young and Talking Heads, said he was “thrilled and humbled” to be working on the film.

Bob Marley's son Ziggy also endorsed Demme’s inclusion on the project, saying he was confident that Demme’s “unique understanding of the musical documentary form” would help make “the ultimate celebration of my father's life.”

The film is being made to coincide with the 65th anniversary of Marley’s life.

(by Jason Gregory)