Steve Buscemi in 'Boardwalk' talks

Steve Buscemi is in talks to star in "Boardwalk Empire," Martin Scorsese's drama pilot for HBO. Kelly Macdonald also is in talks for a co-starring role in the project. Written by Terrence Winter and to be directed by Scorsese, "Empire" is based on Nelson Johnson's book, which chronicles the 1920s origins of Atlantic City, N.J. Buscemi would play Nucky Johnson, a cunning businessman who runs a liquor distribution ring at the onset of Prohibition. Full story

HBO preps comedy 'Review'

After a market crash, a magazine is struggling to survive. It sounds like a contemporary drama but is in fact a period comedy project from writer Andy Bellin in the works at HBO. Tentatively titled "The Review," the show is set at a New York literary magazine in the immediate aftermath of Black Monday in 1987, just in time to catch the tail end of the decade's "greed is good" excess. It centers on a young guy who leaves banking to work at the magazine right when it existence is threatened by funding cuts. Full story

HBO conjuring fantasy series

HBO has given a pilot order to the fantasy project "Game of Thrones." The program is based on George R.R. Martin's best-selling "A Song of Fire & Ice" series of novels and executive produced by David Benioff ("Troy") and D.B. Weiss ("Halo"). The title "Game of Thrones" is from the first novel in the series. If it gets an episodic order, "Thrones" would represent the rarest of TV genres: a full-fledged fantasy series. Full story

HBO India dials up 'Mumbai Calling'

NEW DELHI -- On Saturday, HBO India will bow the comedy "Mumbai Calling," its first locally produced series. The English-language series is produced by U.K.-based Allan McKeown Presents and also will air in Britain on ITV. Mumbai-based Grey Cells Entertainment served as production partner. Full story

USA pilots staff up; HBO series lands lead

Emily Rose has been tapped as the lead in USA Network's medical-themed pilot "Operating Instructions," lifting the cast contingency on the project. Meanwhile, Willie Garson has come aboard the 90-minute USA pilot, "White Collar." Additionally, Alison Pill has landed one of the leads on the upcoming second season of HBO's drama series "In Treatment." Full story

Three join HBO's 'Washingtonienne'

Meet "The Washingtoniennes." Rachael Taylor, Amanda Walsh and "quarterlife" star Bitsie Tulloch have landed the female leads in HBO's comedy pilot from "Sex and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker. Full story

HBO orders second season of 'True Blood'

HBO is ordering a second season of new series "True Blood" after just two episodes. Full story.

Zach Galifianakis set for two projects

Comedian Zach Galifianakis has snagged lead roles in Todd Phillips' comedy "The Hangover" for Warner Bros. and the HBO pilot "Bored to Death." Full story.

Ted Danson in for HBO pilot

Following his Emmy-nominated turn on FX's drama "Damages," Ted Danson is staying on cable with a lead role in HBO's comedy pilot "Bored to Death." Full story.

Pilots at NBC, HBO expand casts

Shawn Hatosy has joined the cast of NBC's drama pilot "LAPD," and Kristin Bauer has signed to co-star in the HBO's hourlong pilot "Hung."

Meanwhile, two new CW series have added recurrings: David Giuntoli on "Privileged" and Greg Ellis on "Valentine." In addition, Brandon Vayda and Hayley Marie Norman have signed on for arcs on the CW's "90210" and Starz's "Crash," respectively. Full story.