NBC heats up Rudy bio
Peacock developing script for three-hour telepic
|
NBC has snagged the telepic rights to scribe Andrew Kirtzman's "Emperor of the City: The Story of America's Mayor," the bestselling book about former Gotham mayor Rudy Giuliani's epic eight-year run as leader of the nation's largest city. Peacock is developing a script for a three-hour telepic based on the book, which could be on the air as soon as next season.
News comes two months after USA Network announced plans for a two-hour Giuliani telepic, based on journo's Wayne Barrett-penned bio of the ex-mayor (Daily Variety, Feb. 19.)
Nicholas Meyer ("The Human Stain") is writing the script for NBC's "America's Mayor," with Lorenzo Minoli and Russell Kagan ("Jesus") serving as exec producers via the duo's Five Mile River Films.
Pic will follow Giuliani from the early days of his career as crimebusting New York City prosecutor through his efforts to get Gotham moving again post-Sept. 11. It's unclear whether the pic will also explore Giuliani's tempestuous relationship with estranged wife Donna Hanover.
NBC could begin production on its pic this fall. USA, which is still in the process of casting its project, hopes to have its pic on the air before year's end.
In addition to the two telepics, Giuliani is working with Brad Grey and HBO on a docu about the events of Sept. 11. It's set to air on HBO Memorial Day.
