Director Robert Zemeckis signs TV deal with Fox Television Studios

First, Oscar-winning director Robert Zemeckis decides to return to live action filmmaking with Flight. Now, he has decided to jump into the TV game, signing an overall deal with Fox Television Studios.

The Wrap reports that Zemeckis, along with his producing partner Jack Rapke, signed the deal with Fox to develop original shows for cable.

The two, along with Steve Starkey, began ImageMovers in 1998 and their first production was 2000’s Cast Away with Tom Hanks. The group has also produced What Lies Beneath and Matchstick Men and are producing Zemeckis’ latest film.

They do have some experience in television, having produced Showtime’s The Borgias, which is entering its third season.

“Bob and Jack are a rare breed, as gifted and accomplished creatively as they are in production,” said Fox TV Studios president David Madden in a statement. “We are excited and determined to make them as much of a dynamic brand in television as they are in film.”

Madden previously worked with Zemeckis on Romancing The Stone.

Fox already has several series on cable, including USA Network’s White Collar and A&E’s The Glades.

Zemeckis’ next film is Flight with Denzel Washington and Don Cheadle. It hits theaters on Nov. 2 and is the Forrest Gump director’s first live-action film since Cast Away.