J.J. Abrams on getting Alcatraz started

Obvious comparisons can be drawn between J.J. Abrams' hit series Lost and his upcoming release Alcatraz; an island, a mystery, Jorge Garcia... But, according to Abrams, there was a difference in FOX's interest to invest in Alcatraz than there was for Lost but this skepticism, Abrams states, was instrumental for determining the story's backbone structure and the fact that FOX had a much clearer idea of where the show was heading (the direction of Lost after its pilot was completely unknown to studio execs) made it easier for FOX to invest in the series.