David Semel to Direct CBS' MADAM SECRETARY Pilot with Tea Leoni

According to Deadline, acclaimed pilot director David Semel has signed on to direct Morgan Freeman and Barbara Hall's upcoming CBS drama MADAM SECRETARY, starring Tea Leoni.

The project centers on "a maverick female Secretary of State as she drives international diplomacy, wrangles office politics and balances a complex family life".

In the past, Semel has helmed the pilots of such series as HEROES, PERSON OF INTEREST, INTELLIGENCE, and LEGENDS.

Aside from Joan of Arcadia, Hall's other writing credits include Homeland, Marry Me, Judging Amy, Northern Exposure, I'll Fly Away, and more. She has worked as producer on all of the aforementioned series, as well as Army Wives and the TV movies Demons and Ultra.

Aside from DEEP IMPACT, Leoni is best known for her roles in SPANGLISH, JURASSIC PARK III, THE FAMILY MAN, and FUN WITH DICK AND JANE. She's also appeared in TOWER HEIST, GHOST TOWN, and others.

Photo by BEImages/Gregory Pace