Spielberg has made more than 100 movies during his career

On The Lot, to be screened on Fox later this year, will offer the winner a deal with the Dreamworks studio which was co-founded by the director.

Spielberg is expected to appear on screen, but the broadcaster said his role has yet to be determined.

The show is likely to follow the format of American Idol, with viewers deciding who should win each week.

A search across the US will be made to find 16 finalists who will come to Hollywood, split into teams, and given the task of making one short film each week.

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Each weekly project will cover a different genre and contestants will have professional writers and actors at their disposal.

"If the contestants are resourceful enough, they may even be able to land Hollywood celebrities to star in their films," said a spokesman for Fox.

All through my career I've done what I can to discover new talent and give them a start Steven Spielberg

The finished products will be screened before a studio audience and a panel of judges, which will include a film critic and movie executive.

The team member who directed the least successful film will face the chop.

Spielberg, who has made in excess of 100 films during his career, said the series would open "a much wider door".

"All through my career I've done what I can to discover new talent and give them a start," added the film-maker.

Television producer Mark Burnett, who is behind the series, is also responsible for The Apprentice and Survivor in the US.