Michael Eisner Working on Newspaper Comedy Starring Alessandra Torresani

Attention fellow journalists: Our time to shine is now! ... sort of.

Let me explain: Ex-Disney chief Michael Eisner's Tornante Co. is preparing a short pilot presentation for a comedy about a young journalist.

According to Deadline Hollywood, 'Caprica' star Alessandra Torresani will headline 'Circling the Drain.' Her character, a young reporter in the style section at a newspaper, loses her cushy position and winds up at the obituary desk.

Eisner was involved in the development of the project. "He loved the idea of a young girl who is starting out life writing about death against the backdrop of an industry that may also be circling the drain," Cohen said.

Josh Brand of 'Northern Exposure' fame will write the project, with 'Lost' and 'Terriers' veteran Tucker Gates on board to direct. Eisner, Brand, Gates, Tornante's head of development Steve Cohen and head of production Noel Bright will executive produce.

"We're placing bets that we can develop presentations internally and make smart disciplined choices," Cohen said.

'Circling the Drain' will be completed by Jan. 1, ahead of broadcast pilot season. The project was originally developed as a cable show, however, the producers are now looking at different venues.