Scorsese Spending Big For Small Screen Project

The legendary auteur is turning his attentions to the small screen, bringing 1920s gangland New Jersey to life in the story of America's Prohibition Era.

And the Oscar-winning director hasn't scrimped on costs for his TV debut - the first hour-long episode of the lavish drama has set HBO bosses back $50 million, according to New York gossip column PageSix.

An insider tells the publication, "It's a huge period piece with a gigantic cast. Obviously, the rest of the episodes are cheaper because they'll reuse props, sets and costumes, but the first one was really pricey."

The show, which stars Steve Buscemi and Kelly MACdonald, is scheduled to launch in late 2010.