'Luck' Preview Delivers

"The racetrack is a place of incomparable beauty, but it is a rough racket. As a setting for storytelling, you couldn't ask for anything more."

After having made headlines with announcements of new players for its now star-studded cast, news had been relatively quiet on the front of 'Luck,' the David Milch-written and Michael Mann-directed HBO series about the world of thoroughbred horse racing.

Things had been quiet until a short, in-production feature for Luck was released this week. Although the one-minute and thirty-two second feature has proved more of a teaser than anything else, its impact has been felt, as hardcore racing fans and avid television viewers have since each professed their desire to take in the series once it hits the airways.

The collaborative mindset behind the undertaking couldn't be much better, as Emmy Award-winning writer David Milch (Deadwood, NYPD Blue) has teamed up with four-time Academy Award nominee Michael Mann (Heat, The Last of the Mohicans), highly regarded throughout the world for his stunning visual style.

As indicated in his quote to kick off this note, Milch knows full well that the raceway can be a breeding ground for intriguing storylines and unequalled beauty. Paired up with what Mann brings to the table, the series looks to be a heavy favourite with its sights on delivering.

"Most of the crew and I worked together on numerous films before Luck, going back 10 or 15 years," Mann states during the feature. "We're motivated by the challenge of innovation. With horse racing, it is not to observe racing, but to place the audience within the experience."

In addition to Mann, other directors involved in the series include Terry George and Allen Coulter, both of which are considered industry heavyweights. George’s professional credits include 'Hotel Rwanda,' 'Reservation Road' and 'In the Name of the Father.' Coulter has directed episodes of 'The Sopranos,' 'Sex in the City,' 'Law and Order,' 'Boardwalk Empire' and 'Rubicon.'

The stellar cast includes Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte, Dennis Farina and Tom Payne along with many others, including retired jockey Gary Stevens, active rider Chantal Sutherland.