David O. Russell’s first TV project could be a massive one — for his bank account. The filmmaker is bringing a high-profile TV pitch to buyers with Robert De Niro and Julianne Moore on board to star and Scott Lambert, Alexandra Milchan and Megan Ellison attached to produce. Little is known about the plot — there is no script or network attached — but multiple sources tell THR that Russell is requesting a $1 million-per-episode fee, which could translate to $20 million for the two-season (20 episodes) order his camp is seeking.
The project would mark his first TV outing following 2014’s The Club, which ABC picked up for a 13-episode straight-to-series order then abandoned after Russell exited, and would come after the filmmaker has found success on the big screen with such recent work as Joy, American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook. Russell has received five Oscar nominations in his career.
His rep called the salary talk “untrue.”
This story first appeared in the Aug. 26 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.