John Adams

HBO’s John Adams

(BeansTalk one-time classmate and friend Kirk Ellis is the writer!)

As told through the eyes of Adams and his wife Abigail, John Adams is the story of the birth of the American republic and its first 50 years. Adams was the leader of the American independence movement, the nation's first ambassador to Holland and England, the first American Vice President, and the second American President.

" John Adams chronicles the stirring life journey of one of the most important Americans ever to grace the pages of history," notes Callender. "Set against the backdrop of a nation's stormy youth, this sweeping miniseries is a moving love story, a gripping narrative and a fascinating study of human nature. Above all, at a time when the nation is increasingly polarized politically, this story celebrates the shared values of liberty and freedom upon which this great country was built."

HBO and Playtone previously collaborated on the acclaimed 2001 miniseries "Band of Brothers," with Tom Hanks serving as an executive producer and Gary Goetzman as a co-executive producer. "Band of Brothers" received six Emmys(r), including Best Miniseries. In addition, Hanks was the executive producer of the 1998 HBO miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon." "From the Earth to the Moon" received three Emmys(r), including Best Miniseries.

The producers are Frank Doelger (HBO Films' "My House in Umbria") and David Coatsworth ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding"). Emmy(r)-nominated director Mick Jackson (HBO's "Live From Baghdad") will direct five episodes; additional directors will include Tom Hanks. The co-executive producer is Steven Shareshian ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding"); writer, Kirk Ellis ("Anne Frank: The Whole Story"). Kary Antholis is the HBO executive in charge of the production.

Production begins this fall on HBO Films' John Adams, an epic miniseries event based on David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of the American founding father, it was announced today by Colin Callender, president, HBO Films. Produced in association with Playtone, with Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman (HBO's Emmy(r)-winning miniseries "Band of Brothers") executive producing, the miniseries will film throughout 2005 and 2006, and debut on HBO in 2007.