Television
August 17, 2000
Award-Winning Producer/Director Thomas Schlamme Signs Exclusive Deal With Warner Bros. Television
(August 17, 2000 – Burbank, CA) – Thomas Schlamme, executive producer of television’s award-winning new drama “The West Wing” and the critically-acclaimed “Sports Night,” has signed an exclusive one-year production and development deal with Warner Bros. Television, it was announced today by Peter Roth, President, Warner Bros. Television. Under the new deal, Schlamme will continue to serve as executive producer for “The West Wing,” while developing and producing new television projects for the studio. In addition, Schlamme will continue directing episodes of “The West Wing” as well as other series.
“Tommy is an outstanding producer and director,” said Roth. “He has served as the visual architect of ‘The West Wing’ and we are thrilled to have him on our team.”
“Peter Roth and Warner Bros. have nurtured ‘The West Wing,’ playing an enormous role in the show’s success, said Schlamme.” “Since I cannot imagine having done this without their support, I am happy and proud to be a member of their team.”
In its freshman year, “The West Wing” has garnered 18 Primetime Emmy nominations, including ‘Outstanding Drama Series.’ Schlamme received an Emmy nomination for ‘Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series’ for “The West Wing” pilot.
Schlamme also received a DGA nomination for his direction of “The West Wing” and a DGA Award for the “Sports Night” pilot. He produced and directed “Tracey Takes On,” for which he received an Emmy Award. He received an Emmy nomination for his direction of the “ER” live episode and has directed numerous episodes of hit series such as “Friends,” “Mad About You,” “Ally McBeal,” “Spin City” and “The Larry Sanders Show.”
Schlamme directed the feature films “So, I Married An Ax Murderer,” “You So Crazy” and “Miss Firecracker.”
John Wells and Aaron Sorkin also serve as executive producers on “The West Wing,” a John Wells production in association with Warner Bros. Television. # # #