NBC scouts isle for
possible Oahu-based
TV showThe tentative "Pearl City" pilot
could start filming next month
NBC is considering a television pilot for a police drama tentatively titled "Pearl City" that could begin filming here as early as next month.
NBC Studios' writer-producer Jeff Eastin was scouting Oahu for several days in October with a Honolulu official.
The pilot is early in the development process, and a casting director has been hired to select the cast, which means the show is "a likely pickup," a source said.
A decision by NBC is likely within the next three weeks. The network used the Big Island as locations for its "Average Joe: Hawaii," filmed last summer, and the short-lived series "Wind on Water" in 1998.
An NBC official and Eastin have said they want to begin production as soon as possible once the pilot gets the network's approval.
"Pearl City" -- originally called "Hawaii Blue" -- is about a diverse team of detectives in Pearl City, featuring an ensemble cast.
Eastin produced UPN's "Shasta McNasty," most recently co-wrote the script for the upcoming "Rush Hour 3" and has another show in development for MTV.
State and county film officials are hopeful about the network's interest but cautioned that the production is far from a done deal. They do not expect to talk again with NBC executives or Eastin until after the holidays.
NBC officials have talked with the Hawaii Film Office about a possible television series.
"We're always very excited about a possible TV series for the state because of its economical importance, including keeping our industry working," said Donne Dawson, Hawaii Film Office manager.
Despite the series' name of "Pearl City," NBC has not decided where on Oahu the show would be based.
The last television pilot to film on Oahu was "The Break" in March 2003, which was not picked up by any network.