Steven Spielberg has admitted that most people wouldn't think of him in connection to a programme about Broadway musicals, but insists he has always had an interest in the stage.
The legendary filmmaker is an executive producer on NBC's upcoming musical series Smash, which premieres following The Voice on Monday, February 6 at 10/9c on NBC.
Speaking to the official website about the project, Spielberg said: "I've worked in a lot of genres and I'm sure I'm not the first person who comes to mind when you think of Broadway musical theatre. The truth is I've always had an interest in theatre, but what goes on behind all of that, before the curtain even goes up, is something that's all together different.
"It's that creative process that really fascinated me. [I thought] the competition, the creativity, the fights, arguments, dreams, egos, disappointments, energy would make a very compelling story, and a compelling story on a weekly basis, one that a television series could probably most effectively tell."
War Horse director Spielberg added that audiences will be able to relate to Smash whether or not they have ever seen a Broadway show because it's "about the drama of the characters" rather than the show.
Smash, which stars Debra Messing, Katharine McPhee and Anjelica Huston, revolves around preparations to stage a new Broadway musical focusing on the life of Marilyn Monroe.
Smash premieres February 6 at 10/9c on NBC.
