Rob Bowman Report

[HighPlainsDrifter]

Posted: Mon., Nov. 13, 2006, 10:00pm PTTouchstone tempts 'X' man

Studio inks development deal with Bowman

By JOSEF ADALIAN

Bowman

Touchstone Television has inked an exclusive TV development deal with helmer Rob Bowman ("The X-Files").

Under the two-year, seven-figure pact, Bowman -- whose ABC skein "Day Break" bows Wednesday -- will develop, direct and exec produce projects for the studio.

Bowman works regularly in both features and TV. In addition to 1998's "X-Files" movie, his feature directing gigs include the Jennifer Garner starrer "Elektra" and 2002's "Reign of Fire."

On the TV front, Bowman directed the pilot for "Day Break," along with five episodes in the skein's initial 13-seg order. With "Day Break" set to wrap lensing in the next few weeks, Bowman -- who's also an exec producer on the show -- will be available to direct a pilot for Touchstone next spring.

He's already attached to direct and exec produce an hourlong untitled Touchstone script in early development for next season at ABC. Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman are writing and co-exec producing the drama, with Matt Gross exec producing.

Project revolves around a man who leaps into the bodies of potential murder victims hours before they're fated to die. He has to figure out a way to prevent their deaths.

Deal with Touchstone reps the first time Bowman has had a pact in place to develop projects for a studio. He told Daily Variety the medium is particularly attractive to helmers these days.

"Television's the new frontier," he said, citing the ambitious nature of projects making their way on to the small screen.

Helmer said Touchstone execs were both "financially and creatively supportive" during the production of "Day Break."

"You've got to love the people you're working with if you're going to promise two years of your life," he said.

Bowman directed numerous "X-Files" segs, as well as episodes of spinoff "The Lone Gunmen." His other TV credits include "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "The Adventures of Brisco County Jr." and ABC's recent remake of "The Night Stalker."

Deal with Touchstone starts in January.Bowman's repped by WMA

[Guest Frank L.]

Nice!

[Guest betweenthelines]

I had no idea he was involved with "Day Break". Cool!