Adam Shankman Developing Gay Drama Set in 1960s for HBO

According to Variety, HBO has purchased a new project from Adam Shankman, who's just coming off of the network's acclaimed adaptation of Larry Kramer's THE NORMAL HEART.

The project, a gay drama set in the 1960s and tentatively titled OPEN CITY, was created by Shankman and Dave Kajganich. The pair will also executive produce.

OPEN CITY "explores characters from disparate corners of Manhattan as they navigate the cultural revolutions and political turmoil of the era - including the unlikely alliance between the mafia and the city's gay community in the opening of a West Village nightclub."

Shankman is an acclaimed director, choreographer, and dancer whose directing credits include the film versions of Hairspray, which received three Golden Globe nominations including Best Picture-Musical or Comedy, and Rock of Ages, starring Tom Cruise. His other film directing credits include A Walk to Remember, and The Wedding Planner. Adam has also directed episodes for the hit television series Glee and Modern Family and choreographed the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

A Los Angeles local, Shankman began his career as a dance and choreographer, appearing in music videos for Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul. Soon after, he began choreographing films such as Boogie Nights, Catch Me If You Can, and the Step Up Series. In 2009, he became a permanent judge on So You Think You Can Dance?, and in 2010 was one of the two producers for the 82nd Academy Awards, a telecast which earned a record 12 Emmy nominations, including two for Shankman for producing and choreographing.