“Boardwalk Empire” rising.

Casting has begun for the Scorsese-directed HBO series:

Steve Buscemi is in talks to star in “Boardwalk Empire,” Martin Scorsese’s drama pilot for HBO.

Kelly Macdonald also is in talks for a co-starring role in the project.

Written by Terrence Winter and to be directed by Scorsese, “Empire” is based on Nelson Johnson’s book, which chronicles the 1920s origins of Atlantic City, N.J.