Spielberg, Hanks to produce series on World War II in the Pacific

Director Steven Spielberg(R) and actor Tom Hanks, seen here together in 2004, are reportedly producing a television miniseries focused on World War II battles in the Pacific.[AFP]

Director Steven Spielberg and actor Tom Hanks are producing a television miniseries focused on World War II battles in the Pacific, according to media in the industry.

According to entertainment daily Variety, shooting will begin next year in Australia for the series which will appear on the HBO cable channel in 2009.

Spielberg and Hanks previously produced the 2001 series "Band of Brothers," which recounted the experiences of American soldiers fighting in Europe during World War II.