http://www.deadline.com/2011/12/nbc-buys-comedic-drama-set-behind-the-scenes-of-reality-series-mariska-hargitay-andrew-lazar-steve-shainberg-to-produce/
NBC Buys Comedic Drama Set Behind The Scenes Of Reality Series;
Mariska Hargitay, Andrew Lazar & Steve Shainberg Producing
By NELLIE ANDREEVA
EXCLUSIVE: NBC already has a series set behind the scenes of a sketch
comedy show in Emmy-winning comedy 30 Rock. Now the network is looking
to pull back the veil on the inner workings of reality series. NBC has
bought American Dream, an hourlong spec written by Paul Kolsby and
executive produced by Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay, feature
producer Andrew Lazar and Steve Shainberg. Shainberg, director of the
2002 feature Secretary, is also attached to direct the potential
pilot. American Dream is described as a bitingly funny, risque and
sophisticated melodrama about the symbiotic relationship between
network executives and the “talent” in a reality television series.
Kolsby, a playwright and screenwriter, had a lot of personal
experience to draw on in writing the American Dream — he has worked as
a producer on a number of reality series, including Jersey Shore and
Bridezillas. Kolsby developed the project with Shainberg and Lazar.
Original Artists, which reps Kolsby and Lazar then gave the script to
Hargitay who loved it and came on board as an executive producer.
Through her producing deal at NBC, she took the script to the
network’s brass who picked it up. Hargitay is repped by CAA; Shainberg
is managed by Industry Entertainment. Lazar is currently producing
Akira for Warners with Jaume Collete-Serra directing and Gunslinger
for New Regency with James Mangold directing.