LOS ANGELES – US network NBC has picked up a musical from..Steven Spielberg? Yes, it’s true. “Smash,” based on an idea by the busy producer (who has “Terra Nova” and “Falling Skies” on tap), is an hour-long musical series that follows characters that come together for the exhilarating ride of putting on a Broadway musical.
In other words, a scripted “making of” series that may be prime for broadcast TV, due to the success of Fox’s “Glee.” Written and executive produced by playwright and TV producer Theresa Rebeck, the project will also be executive produced by Spielberg, Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey for DreamWorks TV; Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (“Chicago,” “Hairspray”); and Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (“Hairspray” songwriters). Shaiman and Wittman will write original songs for the project.
Michael Mayer, director of Broadway’s “Spring Awakening” and “American Idiot,” is in negotiations to direct. “I Hate That I Love You,” from 20th Television, was also ordered to pilot by NBC. According to the logline, it is a “twisty, single-camera romantic comedy in which a straight couple introduces two of its lesbian friends to one another and what results is both instant attraction and a pregnancy.”
JhoniMarchinko of “Will and Grace” will executive produce and write. These are the first pilot orders from new NBC entertainment chief Bob Greenblatt. Marisa Guthrie in New York contributed to this report.
