Miniseries begins filming in February

A long-gestating miniseries based on the prize-winning biography "John Adams" is ready to go at HBO.

Filming is set to begin in February on the seven-hour project, which stars Paul Giamatti ("Sideways," "Cinderella Man") as the nation's second president and Laura Linney ("The Squid and the Whale," "Kinsey") as his wife, Abigail. Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, who executive produced "Band of Brothers" for HBO, will serve in the same capacity on "John Adams."

"'John Adams' chronicles the stirring life journey of one of the most important Americans ever to grace the pages of history," says Colin Callender, president of HBO Films. "Set against the backdrop of a nation's stormy birth, this sweeping miniseries is a moving love story, a gripping narrative and a fascinating study of human nature."

The miniseries will use Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia as its primary shooting location. Shooting is scheduled to run through July, with a premiere date set for 2008.

It's based on David McCullough's Pulitzer-winning biography, which focuses on Adams' role in the American Revolution and his continued hand in shaping the early life of the republic. The miniseries also stars Stephen Dillane ("King Arthur") as Thomas Jefferson.

Kirk Ellis ("Anne Frank: The Whole Story," "Into the West") is writing the script and will co-exec produce. Tom Hooper ("Elizabeth I") will direct.