TVSquad

Sometimes you can tell the importance of a pilot by who the network chooses to direct it. In the case of the Hamish Linklater script, The Prince of Motor City, ABC Studios has inked Jack Bender, a Lost helmer, to direct the pilot. To me, that means action and drama, not to mention enthusiasm from the parent company.

Lost may have been shut out at this year's Golden Globe awards, but the drama has another shot at victory at this year's BAFTA's. The nominations for the British Academy Television Awards were recently announced, and Lost received its first nomination ever. The Academy created a new International category this year, recognizing non-British series from every genre.

Lost is going up against a set of three American shows. The other nominees are Entourage, House, and My Name is Earl. Strange company. Executive producers J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, Carlton Cuse, and Jack Bender were named in the nominations earlier this week. The drama is also up for several Saturn awards; winners will be announced May 10.

The BAFTA winners will be announced in a ceremony in London on May 20.

Wizard Entertainment recently published an interview with Lost director-producer Jack Bender, who directed last week's episode "The Man From Tallahassee." Bender discusses the inspiration for the show's visual elements, and goes into detail about the filming of several popular episodes. The complete interview features tons of technical information, but here are the most relevant highlights:

• The Lost pilot was the most expensive television pilot ever made.
• Bender thinks that the show is more about the characters' internal "monsters" than the monsters that exist on the island.

Vincent the Dog had better not run afoul of the law anytime soon, because another dog has been added to the Lost cast. Lulu, an Airedale terrier mix, is an adopted pet of Jack Bender, an executive producer and director on the show. The dog, who was adopted locally from the Hawaiian Humane Society, has quickly become regarded as the show's mascot due to her frequent visits to the set.

Lulu's addition to the Lost cast came about through a technicality. Since animals are not normally allowed on set, Bender "cast" Lulu in an upcoming episode so she could come to work with him. Bender did not reveal the episode in which Lulu will make her acting debut. Vincent, however, will be seen in this week's 'Tricia Tanaka Is Dead.' Rumor has it that Vincent will reappear on the beach with an unusual surprise for Hurley.

Related:
Lost gets a "new" theme song - VIDEO