This article was updated on May 12, 2005
With the upfront presentations just days away, several network pilots have already been given the signal to start hiring staff writers -- always a strong sign that a greenlight is forthcoming.
NBC is high enough on the Warner Bros. TV/Bruckheimer Pentagon thriller "E-Ring" that staffing has commenced. Peacock has also told 20th Century Fox to start hiring writers for "My Name Is Earl," about a small-time crook (Jason Lee) who goes legit after being taught a lesson in karma by Carson Daly.
Net has also begun the process of lining up writers for sea creature pilot "Fathom," which is being produced by NBC U Television Studio.
Earlier this week, ABC gave a similar nod to WBTV's supernatural-themed "Invasion" and Touchstone/Battle Plan's "Commander-in-Chief" (starring Geena Davis as the first female president).
The WB pilots now scouting for writers include the Warner Bros. TV/Wonderland Sound and Vision entry "Supernatural," about two brothers cruising across the spooky American backroads.
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