David E. Kelley has recruited “The West Wing” and “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” helmer Thomas Schlamme to direct the pilot for his ABC drama “Life on Mars,” reports Variety.
Schlamme will also executive produce the pilot episode, which is in pre-production and slated to film sometime this summer. Kelley, Stephen Garrett and Jane Featherstone are also executive producing.
Schlamme directed the pilot for Kelley’s Fox drama “Boston Public,” as well as episodes of “Ally McBeal” and “The Practice.”
“Life” is based on the BBC series of the same name. The original series revolved around a detective who ends up back in the 1970s, working on a case that may impact the future.
Casting is under way. Rachelle LeFevre (“What About Brian”) has already been set.
