Gail Berman Leaving Fox

[Xand]

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - In a stunning executive shake-up that affects both a major network and a top movie studio, Fox Broadcasting Co. entertainment president Gail Berman is leaving the network to take a top creative post at Paramount Pictures under newly appointed chairman and CEO Brad Grey.

 

Although her destination is clear, the specific details of Berman's new job at Paramount were not immediately available Tuesday.

In a statement, the studio would only confirm: "Paramount Pictures is in discussions with Gail Berman for a senior creative role at the studio. We hope to conclude the discussions shortly."

In an e-mail to studio employees, Grey reiterated: "I wanted to address what many of you are hearing or reading on the Internet. As reported, we are in discussions with Gail Berman to come to the studio in a senior role. While I don't have anything official to report yet, I hope the discussions with Gail will conclude very soon."

Representatives for Berman, Fox, Grey, Paramount and Viacom all declined further comment.

While some studio insiders initially were told that the negotiations could conclude this week, others predicted that they could take as long as two weeks.

The news of the Berman discussions caught even the most senior executives at Paramount by surprise Tuesday morning.

There is speculation that she'll take on an overarching post, overseeing creative aspects of film development for Paramount as well as its sister Viacom labels, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies.

Berman's role is expected to have the most direct impact on Paramount vice chairman Donald De Line, who reports to Grey. De Line, who was in London on Tuesday, first heard of the Berman discussions via calls from reporters and had no comment. Later in the morning, Grey reached him and, according to studio sources, reassured him that his future was secure.

But most observers anticipate that De Line's status will eventually change, and that in turn will affect producer Scott Rudin's relationship with the studio. Rudin has been a major supplier and something of a power behind the scenes. Before taking his current job, De Line produced "The Stepford Wives" with Rudin.

Observed one studio source: "De Line wants to stay. He's not the problem. He's done quite well given the parameters. When you aren't given the money, it's hard to make money. And Rudin is currently on cloud nine because his Broadway production of Edward Albee's 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' has opened to stellar reviews. Grey and company are trying very hard to keep him on the lot."

At the same time, many others are betting that De Line eventually will find a new home at Sony Pictures, where he has a long-standing relationship with Motion Picture Group chairman Amy Pascal. A Sony spokesman, however, denied any deal is in the works.

Insiders expect Berman to take on a role akin to that held by Sherry Lansing, who for the past 12 years oversaw the studio's creative side, while Grey would focus on the big picture and oversee business development as Jonathan Dolgen did in his role as chairman of the Viacom Entertainment Group before he resigned that post in June.

However, carving out a role for Berman in the current Paramount executive hierarchy, where title inflation runs rampant, could prove a tricky task.

When, in a surprise move, Viacom co-president and co-chief operating officer Tom Freston tapped Grey to take over Paramount Pictures in January, he gave him Lansing's old title -- chairman of the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group.

But to reflect Grey's added business responsibilities, he augmented the title by adding a CEO designation, making him chairman and CEO of the motion picture group.

In making Berman his creative No. 2, Grey, who began his new job March 1, could conceivably name Berman either president or vice chairman of the motion picture group. But there he faces an obstacle in that Lansing earlier awarded the vice chairman titles to De Line and Rob Friedman.

 

As head of production, De Line, who was appointed in early 2004, was given the titles of vice chairman of the Motion Picture Group and co-president of Paramount Pictures. Friedman, who oversees marketing and distribution as well as home video and the classics division, has been vice chairman of the motion picture group since 1996, and acquired the title of chief operating officer of Paramount Pictures in 2002.

There is widespread speculation throughout the industry that Berman's arrival will trigger a major housecleaning at Paramount. If anything, the Paramount hierarchy is only getting more complex at the moment.

The studio has entered discussions with Dimension Films co-president Brad Weston. Although Weston remains under contract to the Walt Disney Co. subsidiary, the inside line is that he eventually will join Paramount as a co-president of production along with Allison Brecker Shearmur, who is an exec vp production.

That could mean that the studio's president of production Karen Rosenfelt, as well as Tom Jacobson, who shares the title of co-president of Paramount Pictures with De Line, will soon exit. But a studio spokesman insisted no such changes are in the immediate future.

In any event, insiders are anticipating a rough transition.

"I don't think they understand the depth of chaos that this creates," one producer said. "They were keeping it going under De Line, but I don't think they know the implications of all this until they've been through it."

Some of the producers on the lot were stunned that Grey, in his determination to shake up Paramount's culture, reached out to an exec with so little direct film experience.

"We are surprised that she has such little movie experience," said one producer, who declined to be identified. "But you have to understand that a lot of these jobs get circulated among the same people, so if you are going to think outside the box, you have to appoint outside the box."

For her part, Berman has had a hand in such TV series as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Malcolm in the Middle" and "24" that appeal to the younger demographic that Freston also wants to reach.

In the process, she also has begun to develop relations with filmmakers. "Buffy" creator Joss Whedon, for example, is developing a "Wonder Woman" film at Warner Bros. Pictures. Imagine Entertainment partner Brian Grazer is particularly close to Berman, who developed the Grazer-produced "24" and "Arrested Development" as two of Fox's signature series.

Grazer, who held a party recently to introduce Grey to his fellow moguls, is believed to have had a hand in talking up Berman's qualifications to Grey. Grazer was not available for comment.

Paramount does have a history of reaching out to TV execs -- with mixed results. Barry Diller, vp prime-time TV at ABC, joined Paramount Pictures as its president and chairman in 1974, and along with his fellow ABC alumnus Michael Eisner, oversaw one of the studio's most successful decades.

However, when Brandon Tartikoff, who served as chairman of the NBC Entertainment Group until 1991, took over as chairman of Paramount Pictures from 1991-92, he endured a troubled tenure.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

[Guest Ringmaster]

Wave good bye to Arrested Devellopment. The show had/has ratings lower than better (IMO) shows like Undeclared and Firefly, and it was only kept around because Berman liked it. Now, its likely that whoever is in charge will dump it.

Now people often focus simply on the bad things that FOX has done under Berman, but let's not forget that in the last few years, FOX has actually grown as a channel, ratings wise, and Berman has greenlighted such hits as 24, American Idol and the OC (although I'd say only the earlier is a good show).

However, FOX is said to (as Variety reports) try to shed its trashy/reality TV image and try to devellop various strong hourlongs and comedies, something Berman wasn't too keen on, prefering to focus on short-term cash cows instead, as evidenced by the rapid cancellation of Wonderfalls, for example.

So, in my opinion, this is a good thing. Berman had a hand in the success of FOX, but ultimately, despite the ratings that FOX had, it had very few long lasting quality programmes If they will focus on shows with greater quality, then I'm all for it.

Paramount, on the other hand, is having a profit loss every year, and I'm not surprised they brought in Berman, who has a strong sense of what appeals to various demographics.

[Fitzy]

What's weird is that Tru Calling, a show that only she seemed to be a fan of, is now going to have the six season two episodes air in the failed North Shore/Point Pleasant spot following the O.C.

Tru Calling had a better audience last year (4.55 million viewers) compared to the 4.05 million viewers for what North Shore and Point Pleasant were getting.

Why would they air this show if she is leaving? No one else but her wanted the show. Not that I care as I never watched it, but seems odd that they would air a show that is already cancelled.

[Guest Ringmaster]

To hype the DVD sets, for one. Then, the plug on Tru Calling has not been pulled so to speak. The show is in limbo, in that the crew's contracts are still valid, which means (and this is really far off) that the show could make an eventual return, should ratings prove well. Although I wouldn't count on it.

[Ananas]

People might think this is a great thing, but FOX is liable to replace her with McG or Joseph Kahn, so I'd save the going away party until we hear who's taking over. Personally I think she's done a decent job bringing back Family Guy and supporting shows like Arrested Development and The O.C.. The problem is that while she's shown some signs of confidence in the network's better half, FOX is practically non-existent on Fridays, and inconsistent on Mondays and Thursdays. Their Sunday lineup is losing it's lustre, the network doesn't become a factor until January, and it's probably a good time for a change.

[Xand]

The OC's FOX? I thought it was WB.

[Guest Cereal Killer]

I still hate FOX for cancelling Fastlane.

Let's just hope that whoever takes over doesn't cancel Family Guy (again).

[Ananas]

Wave good bye to Arrested Devellopment. The show had/has ratings lower than better (IMO) shows like Undeclared and Firefly, and it was only kept around because Berman liked it. Now, its likely that whoever is in charge will dump it.

←

[zero]

FOX needs to take this as an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and make amends to many fans who have been burned in the past. They're doing the right thing with Tru Calling, even if it is just six episodes and the show likely won't get a proper series finale. They're doing the right thing with Family Guy as well. With the Reality TV boom dying (Survivor, Amazing Race, and American Idol are the only ones I can see keeping an audience), now is the time to start building strong new franchises. Yeah, they fucked up bad with Firefly and Wonderfalls, but they could make it up to the hardcore fans with shows like House (which I have yet to see, but hear good things). If they keep cancelling all the quality programming for shit like Who Wants To Suck My Midget's Cock, they're gonna get their asses handed to them by the other networks. ABC is already shifting gears back to quality dramas with the one-two punch of Lost and Alias and of course you can't forget the big hit Desperate Housewives. FOX needs to realize that they have the show to end all shows with American Idol (though I can't fucking stand it) and build their shows around that. If they keep it up with these mind-numbing reality shows, they're never gonna be a legit network.

[Heel Turn]

Arrested Development is one of only three shows I give a shit about right now (Lost and the Shield are the other two, not counting Sportscenter), and the reason it's doing horribly is that they're NOT FUCKING ADVERTISING IT. AT ALL. I was talking with my sister yesterday, and mentioned AD to her as something she might like.

Her: "What's that? I've never heard of it."

She's about as pop-culture savvy as they come, I should point out. And in the meantime, I can't fucking turn on the TV without seeing a commercial for 24, American Idol, or the Simpsons. Fuck you, Fox, for mishandling AD almost as badly as you did Family Guy. It looks like another brilliant comedy is set to be flushed down the tubes by Rupert Murdoch's gang of retarded chimps.

Edited March 24, 2005 by Heel Turn

[Ananas]

FOX needs to realize that they have the show to end all shows with American Idol (though I can't fucking stand it) and build their shows around that.  If they keep it up with these mind-numbing reality shows, they're never gonna be a legit network.

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[apsham]

I love Arrested Development, I cannot believe that more people are not watching this show religously... urgh, it angers up the blood worse than the newspapers. But seriously, it's an amazing show, in all respects.

[Guest Ringmaster]

Wave good bye to Arrested Devellopment. The show had/has ratings lower than better (IMO) shows like Undeclared and Firefly, and it was only kept around because Berman liked it. Now, its likely that whoever is in charge will dump it.

←

I have to take exception with you there. This is from TheFutonCritic's "Needs Wants and Haves: FOX" feature:

SUNDAYS - I'm probably in the minority here but you can't say FOX hasn't tried to save "Arrested Development" this season. The post-"Simpsons" slot is FOX's most prime real estate outside of the "American Idol" franchise and yet despite moving there "Arrested" isn't doing any better than last season (up an invisible 0.18%). In its defense "The Simpsons" is down a surprising 21.55% from last season, but when you factor in that "Arrested" is doing 27% worse than what "The Bernie Mac Show" did in the post-"Simpsons" slot last season - that's a net 5% loss in the time period. The reality is though FOX would be nuts to throw away an Emmy-winning comedy over a 5% audience loss.

[Toe]

Arrested Development is the best show on TV, in my opinion. It's smart, intelligent humour, and one of the characters is a fuckin' magician! How can people not love this! I own Season One on DVD, and I will get #2 the day it comes out.

BUT...I find myself missing it on Sundays. I am usually out or busy, and it slips my mind that it is on. Plus, the Simpsons (which some see as a draw) is a show I detest now as the new episodes have really sucked. If they really don't think AD is doing well, I hope they at least give it a chance at another time slot first before pulling the plug.

[Psicosis]

I love Arrested Development, I cannot believe that more people are not watching this show religously... urgh, it angers up the blood worse than the newspapers. But seriously, it's an amazing show, in all respects.

←

[Ananas]

I love Arrested Development, I cannot believe that more people are not watching this show religously... urgh, it angers up the blood worse than the newspapers. But seriously, it's an amazing show, in all respects.

←

AD is simply too clever for network tv.

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[Xand]

An American Remake staying as close to the original?

Please.

[Ananas]

An American Remake staying as close to the original?

Please.

←

[ROC]

An American Remake staying as close to the original?

Please.

←

From what I've seen of it so far, it does.

←

Edited March 24, 2005 by TheROC-Revolt

[Ananas]

PETER LIGOURI NAMED PRESIDENT, ENTERTAINMENT FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY

Released by FOX

PETER LIGOURI NAMED PRESIDENT, ENTERTAINMENT FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY

Los Angeles, CA, March 24, 2005 - Peter Liguori has been named President, Entertainment for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The announcement was made by Peter Chernin, President and Chief Operating Officer of News Corporation. Mr. Liguori will be responsible for all FOX program development and scheduling, as well as marketing, business affairs and promotions.

Prior to today's appointment, Mr. Liguori served as President and CEO of News Corp.'s FX Networks since 1998, where he oversaw business and programming operations for FX and the Fox Movie Channel. Under his leadership, FX rose from a nascent network to one of the top five basic cable networks with critically acclaimed programs like "Nip/Tuck," "The Shield" and "Rescue Me" and the award-winning FX Original Movies franchise, home to highly-regarded films including "Redemption," "The Pentagon Papers" and "44 Minutes."

"Peter has done an extraordinary job with FX," Mr. Chernin said. "He took what was largely a blank slate and turned it into arguably the hottest network in cable. He's produced more quality cable programming in the past three years than anyone in the business and has raised the bar for distinctive television. Peter is taking over FBC at a time when the network is in as good a competitive position as it's ever been, and that's thanks in large part to the leadership and creative instincts Gail Berman demonstrated in her five years at FOX. I look forward to seeing Peter make his own mark on the network."

"I'm delighted with the opportunity Peter has given me to take the helm of a network that has always been at the forefront of original, ambitious programming," Mr. Liguori said. "FOX's exceptional team of creative executives has succeeded in breaking the mold with a year-round programming model and I could not be more excited to work with them to roll out the network's impressive new development slate."

The critically acclaimed original programming that has been the heart of Mr. Liguori's strategy for FX has helped boost its subscriber base from 39 to more than 84 million homes in five years. This growth, coupled with historically high ratings, has led FX to all-time highs in advertising and affiliate revenues. In the past three years, FX has been honored with more industry awards than any other basic cable network for its original movies like "The Pentagon Papers," "RFK" and "Redemption and its original series, "Rescue Me," "The Shield," and "Nip/Tuck."

Most recently, Mr. Liguori and the FX team, led by John Landgraf, have developed several new series scheduled to premiere later this year, including "30 Days," a new documentary series from Academy Award nominee Morgan Spurlock ("Super Size Me"); scripted comedies

"Starved" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia;" the battle drama "Over There," from Stephen Bochco; and "Thief," starring Emmy Award winner Andre Braugher.

An executive with broad consumer marketing as well as programming experience, Mr. Liguori joined FOX/Liberty Networks in 1996 as Senior Vice President, Marketing for a new joint venture, which today includes Fox Sports Net, FX, Fox Sports World, SPEED and the National Geographic Channel.

Prior to joining Fox, Mr. Liguori was Vice President, Consumer Marketing at HBO. He also held several positions in HBO's Home Video division, including Vice President, Marketing and Senior Vice President, Marketing, where his duties included the creation and implementation of marketing programs for all HBO Home Video product expansion and development of its programming line-up.

Mr. Liguori also has experience in the feature film business as a producer of the well-known independent film "Big Night." Before HBO, he worked in advertising at Ogilvy & Mather and Saatchi & Saatchi.

News Corporation had total assets as of December 31, 2004 of approximately US$53 billion and total annual revenues of approximately US$22 billion. News Corporation is a diversified international media and entertainment company with operations in eight industry segments: filmed entertainment; television; cable network programming; direct broadcast satellite television; magazines and inserts; newspapers; book publishing; and other. The activities of News Corporation are conducted principally in the United States, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and the Pacific Basin.