Russian filmmaker Andrey Zvyagintsev has established a particular brand of crushing, arthouse cinema. His latest, “Loveless,” has netted him an Oscar nomination, but the filmmaker is not exactly the first name you’d think of to bring to Peak TV, being the force behind such intense dramas as “Leviathan” and “Elena.” However, Paramount Television — the folks behind “Waco” and the upcoming “Yellowstone” — are looking to bring more auteur talent to their roster.
Deadline reports that Zvyagintsev is working on a dramatic thriller for Paramount TV, that will be set in contemporary Russia. There are no other details at this time except that it’s based on an idea from Zvyagintsev and his long time collaborator Oleg Negin. The filmmaker will executive produce the series, and direct the first two episodes. I’d assume the tone will probably be similar to his films, though perhaps a bit less emotionally punishing recent efforts (maybe more in line with the noir-y “Elena“?).
“I believe that we have a very powerful human story to tell for the international audience and I couldn’t wish for a better partner to do that with than Paramount TV,” said Zvyagintsev in a statement.
No word yet on when production might begin but, for now, Zvyagintsev is getting his tuxedo ready for the big show on Sunday night.