ABC orders 'Nashville,' 'Americana' aircraft pilots

ABC purchased a set of drama aircraft pilots Friday from screenwriters trying their hands at TV cleaning soap operas. Callie Khouri, who had been an Oscar for the best original script in 1992 for "Thelma & Louise," is joining with documentary filmmaker R.J. Cutler ("The September Problem") on "Nashville,' a household cleaning soap set from the backdrop from the Nashville music scene that follows one star at her peak and something increasing. Cutler will direct the pilot. Steve Buchanan of Gaylord Entertainment will even executive produce with Khouri and Cutler. This pickup is contingent on closing the co-production deal between ABC Galleries and Lionsgate. Additionally, Michael Seitzman ("North Country") is writing and executive creating "Americana," a cleaning soap set around popular designer and the family and business, with Mark Gordon and Nicholas Pepper of Mark Gordon Co. and ABC Galleries. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com