HBO has inked a two-year deal with director-producer Howie Deutch to direct and produce drama and comedy projects. This extends Deutch’s relationship with the network, where he is currently co-executive producer of True Blood, and has directed episodes of Getting On, Big Love, and Hung. Deutch recently set up at HBO the one-hour drama Stillwater, which he will direct and exec produce; Colin Farrell is attached as executive producer, with Mark Steven Johnson writing/executive producing. Stillwater follows a New York City cop as his life spirals out of control when he relocates his family to a small town in Minnesota.

“I’m so grateful and excited to continue my relationship with HBO who I consider to be the most creative and supportive company in the business,” Deutch said. Deutch’s directing highlights include the pilot to Fox’s Melrose Place, episodes of American Horror Story, and CSI: NY, the films Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, The Replacements and the CBS movie Gleason, for which he received a DGA nomination. A stage director and teacher, Deutch has had a long association with the Beverly Hills Playhouse. Deutch is represented by Verve, Echo Lake Entertainment and Thrive Entertainment.