According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paul Giamatti will be teaming up with AMC to executive produce a drama series. The cable network has ordered Lodge 49, a series being described as a modern fable set in Long Beach, California. The show will revolves around Dud, a deadbeat but charming former surfer who joins a fraternal order hoping to bring back the happy lifestyle he once had before his father died.
WIth the help of the Lodge and his newfound connection with the other members, Dud realizes the missing sense of purpose in his life and decides to face his biggest fears and chase after his dreams. Jim Gavin (Middle Men), penned the series and will executive produce with Giamatti, Dan Carey (Outsiders) and Peter Ocko (Pushing Daisies). Ocko will serve as showrunner for the series. AMC Studios is producing the drama which has been given a 10-episode order.
“Lodge 49 is a show that defies easy categorization. It is, at once, a show about a loveable 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” stated Joel Stillerman, AMC and SundanceTV’s president of original programming and development. “This is a formidable creative team beginning with series creator Jim Gavin, showrunner 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.”
Giamatti added “We are beyond excited to be doing this unique show under the auspices of the fine folks at AMC.” Lodge 49 will be the second time that Giamatti will be producing for a television series. He also executive produces WGNA’s Outsiders. As an Oscar-nominated actor, Giamatti is preparing for the upcoming season of the Showtime drama Billions. AMC’s current original series include The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Better Call Saul, Halt and Catch Fire, Into the Badlands, and Preacher and Humans. The network’s future projects include the The Terror and The Son.