Ball's back in court

If you're a Six Feet Under fan, take note...

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31, 2005 - HBO has concluded an exclusive two-year television deal with "Six Feet Under" creator Alan Ball to develop and produce original programming for the network, it was announced today by Carolyn Strauss, president, HBO Entertainment. Ball's first project under the agreement will be an hour-long series based on the popular "Southern Vampire" books of Charlaine Harris.

"HBO and Alan Ball are battle-tested, a perfect creative fit," noted Strauss. "His new show promises to be every bit as original and provocative as 'Six Feet Under,' which was a landmark series for the network."

"I'm thrilled to be working with HBO again," said Ball. "I picked up 'Dead Until Dark,' the first book of the 'Southern Vampire' series, on impulse and could not put it down. The same was true of the remaining books. Charlaine Harris has created a rich world filled with unique characters, a world that's as terrifying as it is hilarious, as well as sexy, generous and profound. I'm humbled she put her trust in me and I look forward to bringing her vision to television."

Ball will executive produce the project, as well as write and direct the pilot, with other talent to be announced as it is confirmed. The series will take place in the rural South, at a time when vampires have made their existence known to the world following the Japanese development of synthetic blood.