TV Dial: Amazon Eyes Pilot From Roman Coppola & Jason Schwartzman, David Slade Goes 'Crossbones' Style & More

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In spite of the disaster that was Amazon’s scripted series/continuation of the film, “Zombieland,” the company isn’t content to get out of the scripted content game altogether. The massive online provider of everything has purchased two additional pilots to turn into series: “Bosch,” based on the series of popular procedural novels written by Michael Connelly, as well as “Transparent” starring Jeffrey Tambor. Amazon also has its eye on “The After,” from “X-Files” creator Chris Carter. For our purposes, the most interesting of the bunch is “Mozart in the Jungle” from Jason Schwartzman and Roman Coppola, about the classical music scene in New York. No deal finalized yet for that one, but look for streaming announcements to come out sometime next year. [Deadline]

With the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise still moving, it’s not a surprise that pirates are still big with studios. Starz has their own pirate series coming out next year, “Black Sails,” but the regular networks are joining in on the craze. It’s being reported that “30 Days of Night” director David Slade will helm the opening episode of NBC’s “Crossbones;” a story set in 1715 that follows Blackbeard (played by John Malkovich) and his band of merry rogues. Created by Neil Cross of “Luther” fame, look for “Crossbones” to receive a big promotional push next year. [Deadline]

Happy Endings” creator David Caspe looks to have taken a line from Maeby Funke and turned it into a single-camera half-hour comedy. “Marry Me” tells the story of a young couple discovering the issues inherent in getting engaged, in a similar vein as “Mad About You.” Joining in on the engagement is “Horrible Bosses” director Seth Gordon, who announced he’ll direct the pilot episode, as well as executive produce; a silver lining for him since he recently jumped ship from “Horrible Bosses 2.” [Deadline]

Author Nicholas Sparks will be taking his brand of cloying romance to television, as Lifetime has picked up the author’s series idea, “Deliverance Creek.” The two-hour pilot will follow Belle Barlowe who vows to protect her land when a corrupt bank threatens it. A Civil War-era Jesse James tale created by Nicholas Sparks….not sure what to think about that. [Dark Horizons]

A few weeks ago we reported on Kathryn Hahn and Philip Seymour Hoffman jumping aboard Showtime’s “youth-obsessed” comedy series, “Trending Down,” that tells the tale of an advertising exec whose job becomes obsolete. With two already stellar leads, the show is being bolstered by “Amazing Spider-Man” villain Rhys Ifans who will play Hoffman’s boss. “Trending Down” is being developed by Ken Kwapis (“Big Miracle”) and will air on the network next year. [Deadline]

With “Community” coming to a close, actor (and enduring Spider-Man candidateDonald Glover has found the next place to lay his hat. He’s closed a deal to lead, write, and executive produce the series “Atlanta” for the FX network. Set against the backdrop of the Atlanta music scene, the series is a coup for Glover, who has a solid rap career under the alias Childish Gambino. Premiering sometime next year, you can still see Glover in five of the thirteen episodes of “Community” this fall. Or you can check out this recently dropped short film “Clapping For The Wrong Reasons” featuring the actor as well. [Deadline/Vulture]