Laura Dern comedy gets green light from HBO

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - An HBO comedy project from Laura Dern and director Mike White has received a pilot order from the network.

The single-camera comedy, tentatively titled "Enlightened," stars Dern as a self-destructive woman who has a spiritual awakening and becomes determined to live an enlightened life, creating havoc at home and work.

The project stems from Dern's standout performance as Katherine Harris in the 2008 HBO film "Recount," which got the attention of HBO brass, and her close relationship with White, who directed her in the 2007 film "Year of the Dog."

Production on the pilot is scheduled to begin in December. "Enlightened" has enjoyed a quick turnaround, comparable to the fast-tracked development of another HBO comedy, the breakout summer hit "Hung." HBO is readying two other new comedy series: "Bored to Death," which bows September 20, and "How to Make It in America."

(Editing by Sheri Linden at Reuters)