The Paul Giamatti-produced drama “Lodge 49” has just received a straight-to-series order at AMC.
The series, from writer and creator Jim Gavin, was picked up for a 10-episode first season at the cable net. Peter Ocko serves as showrunner.
Described as a “modern fable set in Long Beach,” “Lodge 49” is centered on Dud, a deadbeat but charming ex-surfer who joins a fraternal order hoping to reclaim the simple, happy lifestyle he lost when his father died. Through the Lodge and his newfound connection with the other members, Dud will come to find the missing sense of purpose in his life and confront his deepest fears and greatest hopes.
“Lodge 49 is a show that defies easy categorization. It is, at once, a show about a lovable loser, the idea that life can be magical if you look at it from the right angle, what it means to be on the fringe, and the importance of community. It’s also incredibly funny, poignant and truly entertaining” said Joel Stillerman, president of original programming and development for AMC and SundanceTV. “This is a formidable creative team beginning with series creator Jim Gavin, show runner Peter Ocko, and the awesome producing team of Dan Carey and Paul Giamatti. Their passion and vision won the day, and we look forward to working with them to bring it to life.”
“Jim Gavin is a unique American storyteller and I’m thrilled that we have the opportunity to bring his honest, hilarious, and often insane vision to life,” said Ocko. “I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this project and to be working with AMC, ” said Jim Gavin, creator of the series.
Gavin, Giamatti and Carey are repped by UTA. Ocko is repped by WME.