Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann has signed a two-year development deal with Sony Pictures TV.
He will develop broadcast and cable projects largely from the New York office of Bazmark Films, according to Deadline.com, working in conjunction with wife and long-time collaborator Catherine Martin and Bazmark general manager Anton Monsted.
The Australian auteur previously directed a national tourism campaign to accompany Australia but this marks his first leap into television drama.
Luhrmann told Deadline.com that he makes films very infrequently but has many ideas and stories to explore.
The filmmaker is currently completing his fifth film, The Great Gatsby, which is due for release on May 10, 2013. He has also directed Australia, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge! and Strictly Ballroom, which marked his debut in 1992.
Sony's film division was close to signing a distribution deal for The Great Gatsby when the film was still in development but ultimately turned down the project, which is now being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures.
A number of high-end TV series, such as Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire and Homeland, are now rivalling or surpassing the independent film sector in terms of production values and complex themes. Sony is also responsible for the acclaimed Breaking Bad series.
Contact this reporter at bswift@www.if.com.au or on Twitter at @bcswift.