As you may know, the mere mention of Aaron Sorkin's name in these parts tends to make us go a little wobbly. Throw in Jeff Daniels and Superbad/Paul director Greg Mottola and it's a struggle to maintain much semblance of objectivity. What's got us so excited? Well, the news that the trio will be collaborating on a so-far untitled HBO drama. Mottola has signed on to direct the pilot, which we're giving the unofficial working title 'Six Shades Of Awesome'.
The series will follow TV anchorman Will McCallister (Daniels) and his team around the time of last year's BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. With Sorkin writing it, it's safe to expect a razor-sharp dissection of the machinations of network news as well as the smoke and mirrors of big oil PR.
Will it pitch at the black satire of Network or the broader comedy of Broadcast News? Watch this space. Either way, expect Jeff Daniels to make a less grumpy telly personality than Harrison Ford's anchor in Morning Glory or Adrian Chiles in Daybreak.
More news as we get it, but head over to Deadline Hollywood for the story in the meantime. Sorkin fans should also keep their eyes peeled for his adaptation of Michael Lewis' Moneyball. It's directed by Bennett Miller and is out on November 4.