Two networks, same idea

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- Two separate castaway projects are slated for screening on two competing TV networks, Daily Variety reports.

ABC's pilot "Lost" covers a group of people who are marooned on a Pacific island after surviving a plane crash and are forced to build a new society.

NBC's "Eden," from "Survivor" executive producer Mark Burnett, is about young people on a summer study cruise who end up shipwrecked on a remote island. Oscar-nominated Douglas Day Steward ("An Officer and a Gentleman") will write the series that is expected to run in 13 installments. NBC has ordered a pilot script, a backup script and a series bible.

ABC originally developed the concept with Jeff Lieber and Spelling TV. When the project failed, they turned to "Alias" producer J.J. Abrams, who will executive produce the one-hour project with Damon Lindelof.

Both teams emphasized their projects were dramatically different and that similar-sounding projects were common at this time of year.