Signing a two-year deal with Sony Pictures TV, Australian writer-director-producer, Baz Luhrmann, is set to expedite his cinematic vision into the world of television. As part of a newly announced partnership with Sony Baz will develop new cable and broadcast projects through his company Bazmark Films as part of his agreement with Sony.
No longer considered the pastime of vegetative dimwits, television is now recoginised as a medium on par with cinema – and novels according to Booker Prize-winning author Salmon Rushdie, and Luhrmann won’t be the first filmmaking auteur to downsize to the smaller screen. Steven Spielberg has been producing TV series throughout his career, including award-winning comedy United States of Tara (2009-211, 36 episodes); while the great Martin Scorsese joined the film-to-television contingent at the helm of the debut episode of Boardwalk Empire.
Deadline reports that Luhrmann’s inauguration into TV comes after years of exploration. “I make films very infrequently and yet I have so many ideas and stories to explore,” he said. “The idea that I can be creative in-between films is energizing and exciting.”
Baz’s next movie is, of course, his energizing and exciting adaptation of The Great Gatsby which has had its release date pushed back to next year. Hurry up, Time.
Words by Jacquie Lennon
