American Hustle director David O Russell writes TV drama

David O Russell's American Hustle is a leading contender for the Oscars

David O Russell, the Oscar-nominated director of American Hustle, is to make his first drama for US television.

The filmmaker has co-written a 13-part series for the ABC network about a private country club and will also act as executive producer.

The drama has already been scheduled for a serial without a pilot episode.

Russell is in contention for best director and best original screenplay at the Academy Awards, which take place in Los Angeles on 2 March.

Last year, he scored nominations for best director and adapted screenplay for Silver Linings Playbook.

In 2011, The Fighter gained him nods for best picture and director.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Russell co-wrote the story for the new TV series with Erin Brockovich screenwriter Susannah Grant. The legal drama which won Julia Roberts a best actress Oscar in 2001.

The industry magazine also reported that Russell was previously attached to a television drama which did not air.

ABC has yet to announce casting and a broadcast date for the drama, described as telling the lives of both the staff and members of the country club.

US TV networks have started to dispense with pilot episodes - which determine whether a show is granted a full run - in a bid to attract higher profile talent to produce programmes for them.

The US television calendar is also shifting to create more original programming all year round.