David Milch to Adapt William Faulkner Stories for HBO

LOS ANGELES: A new pact between TV writer David Milch and HBO will see the development of a set of series and films adapted from the works of author William Faulkner, in addition to supporting any further services on the upcoming horseracing drama Luck, starring Dustin Hoffman.

Milch’s Redboard Productions struck a deal with the William Faulkner Literary Estate to produce films and series based on selections from Faulkner’s collection of works. The agreement covers all of the 19 novels and 125 short stories, in addition to other pieces, excluding those currently contracted with other parties. Milch will partner will Lee Caplin, the executor of the William Faulkner Literary Estate and CEO of Picture Entertainment Corp., to choose the works to develop, package and produce the projects. Milch and Caplin will serve as executive producers, with Milch serving as executive writer in charge of adapting the works. HBO then gets the exclusive first opportunity to finance, produce and distribute the projects.

Milch, who co-created NYPD Blue and created and executive produced the HBO western series Deadwood, is behind HBO’s new series Luck, which launches on the network January 29. The new agreement covers any further services he needs for the new show as well.

"We are especially pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with one of the industry’s most talented contemporary writers," said Michael Lombardo, the president of HBO Programming. "We know that whatever David brings to the HBO table will be exciting and innovative."

"I’m delighted to expand my longstanding relationship with HBO to encompass the adaptation of some of the most important literary works by any American writer into television films and series," added Milch. "As we embark on this ambitious project, our first commitment is to serve the material, and we look forward to identifying and collaborating with the best screenwriters and filmmakers to help each of the pieces find its ideal form onscreen."