Ah, how fast they grow into the job.Recent hire Kevin Reilly, late of NBC, has planted his first seed as the new FOX entertainment president, ordering a series that every major network in town has been vying for over the past few weeks.
The project, The Oaks, was given a series commitment by Reilly, along with a substantial seven-figure penalty. (Ouch.)
Series, from writer David Schuler (HBO's Tell Me You Love Me) is a high-concept relationship drama with strong supernatural elements; it will revolve around three couples who live in the same house during three different time periods (1967, 1987, and 2007) who are linked by enigmatic spirits who haunt the building.
Reilly was quick to hire a high-profile showrunner to oversee The Oaks, snagging The Shield creator Shawn Ryan to executive produce, and hiring Dexter's Michael Cuesta to direct the pilot and exec produce.
Production on The Oaks' pilot will begin in November. Given the general near-hysteria looming over LA about a possible strike-related work stoppage, it only made sense for FOX to push The Oaks straight into series and bank a bunch of episodes. Reilly and FOX are already seeking additional writers to join the staff straightaway.
Lest you readers fear, I am already attempting to snag a copy of the pilot script.
Comments
Since the show does sound intriguing I have to assume Fox will be its normal self and promote the show half heartedly, air 3 or 4 episodes, yank it and rip out the hearts of millions of fans.
Also they might move the air date around without warning just to further mess with us.
Just ask Tim Minear.