HBO and BBC, partnering the Weinstein Company, have ordered a 13 part TV series based on Alexander McCall Smith's NO. 1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY books. The two hour pilot, filmed on location on Botswana, will be broadcast on the BBC during Easter 2008 and is directed by Anthony Minghella from a script by Minghella and Richard Curtis. The producers are Sydney Pollack, Tomothy Bricknell (Mirage) and Amy Moore (Cinechicks). HBO have obtained US and Canadian TV and video rights and BBC take UK TV rights.