NBC has invested in Lee Daniels' take on the classic '60s novel 'Valley of the Dolls,' Deadline reports, in what will be the 'Precious' helmer's small-screen debut. He'll write and direct the period drama, based on Jaqueline Susann's novel about the showbiz lives of three friends. The book's already been turned into a cult-classic movie (1967), a mini-series (1981) and a late-night soap (1994).

Elsewhere in TV land, 'The Vampire Diaries' and 'Secret Circle' creator Kevin Williamson has sold another project, this time to Fox. Though his two current hit series are both based on novels, Williamson's new pitch is an original story about a serial killer who creates a cult of like-minded murderers and the unlucky FBI agent attached to the case, Deadline reports. Williamson made his screenwriting debut in 1996 with 'Scream,' so he's as familiar with the horror genre as he is with teenagers and 'Dawson's Creek.' Williamson will write and executive-produce the project.