On Tuesday Nights, Hope Comes Alive

Austin City Council Member Brewster McCracken, former Mayor Kirk Watson and the Texas Film Commission jointly announced today that production of NBC's "Friday Night Lights," which was greenlighted back in February, will be headquartered in Austin.

"NBC Universal Television Studio's decision to come here is a big step for us as we capitalize on Austin's reputation as an emerging center for television and film production," says Mayor Will Wynn in today's Austin Business Journal. "This production will generate millions for the local economy and will give us the opportunity to further showcase our vibrant community and Texas for its love of football."

With a dozen episodes slated for the first season and at an estimated budget of over $1.5 million each, ABJ pegs the potential cash influx at over $20 million. "Hundreds" of job openings may result from this, according to NBC Universal Television Studio.

"Friday Night Lights" is based on Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist H.G. 'Buzz' Bissinger's book of the same name -- cousin Peter Berg directed a film adaptation of the tale of an West Texas high school football team. Some consider it the best football book ever written.

With the series pilot shot back in February, regular filming is scheduled to start in August. "Friday Night Lights" will be shown on NBC on Tuesday nights at 7pm.