Debra Granik Eyes HBO Series With Midwest-Set Pilot 'American High Life'

Television

by Charlie Schmidlin
May 7, 2012 8:37 AM
1 Comment

Given that “Winter's Bone” helmer Debra Granik has supplied star turns to not only Jennifer Lawrence but Vera Farmiga as well, it's surprising to see her name mentioned still on so few projects. Luckily however, change is in the wind, and since Granik dropped her “Pippi Longstockings” adaptation from her slate, she's been announced to direct an adaptation of Russell Banks' “Rule of the Bone,” and now's she set to shoot an upcoming pilot for HBO.

Thompson on Hollywood reports Granik has signed on to direct the pilot for “American High Life,” with hopes to run into a series with the cable channel, who has unfortunately made news recently for axing off compelling shows left and right. The project is being produced by Granik and Michael London (“The Visitor”), and follows a career-minded woman as she travels back to her poverty-stricken hometown in the Midwest. Young writer Nicki Paluga created the project, which is being described as a “semi-autographical family drama,” perfectly on par with Granik's previous material. The New York director has increasingly shown an incredible skill at conveying atmosphere and location, and her vision of the Midwest and its people should be quite compelling as a result.

Granik is also prepping a documentary about U.S. war veterans, which was inspired by an actor she met while filming “Winter's Bone," but no word yet on when we might see that project on the big screen. Still, hopefully HBO relents on the kill-switch when 'High Life' comes around, and we'll be privy to what Granik and co. have cooking.

Television