Television
November 5, 2007
Craig Erwich Named Executive Vice President, Warner Horizon Television
(November 5, 2007 - Burbank, CA) – Highly regarded television development and programming executive Craig Erwich has been named Executive Vice President, Warner Horizon Television, where he will also assume key creative responsibilities for original digital production, it was announced today by Peter Roth, President, Warner Bros. Television, who oversees Warner Horizon Television, and Bruce Rosenblum, President, Warner Bros. Television Group (WBTVG).
In the newly created position, Erwich will be responsible for all day-to-day aspects of Warner Horizon Television’s development and production operations, including scripted cable series and primetime reality series for both network and cable, reporting to Roth. In addition to his duties in the traditional television arena, Erwich will ramp up Warner Horizon Television’s broadband and new media efforts to produce original, shortform episodic content through Studio 2.0, WBTVG’s digital production and distribution unit. Erwich will report to Rosenblum on digital matters.
“Craig is an outstanding executive with whom I’ve worked closely and known for 12 years, and I’m so delighted to have him join us at the Studio to spearhead the daily operations of Warner Horizon Television,” said Roth. “The Warner Horizon team has done a remarkable job in the past year, and bringing Craig on board is the next logical step in the expansion of the unit.”
In joining Warner Horizon Television, Erwich becomes an integral part of one of the entertainment industry’s fastest-growing television companies, specializing in the creation of scripted series for the cable marketplace, and reality series for both network and cable. Founded in April 2006, this second primetime production entity allows WBTVG to expand its programming offerings and explore creative options made possible under a new business model. In its first year, Warner Horizon Television developed and produced three new original scripted series (“State of Mind” and “Side Order of Life” for Lifetime, as well as “Heartland” for TNT); established a new non-scripted franchise (“Pussycat Dolls Present” for The CW); and assumed the production reins on two others (the highly successful “The Bachelor” franchise for ABC and “High School Reunion” for TV Land).
“We launched Warner Horizon Television last year with an eye toward creating compelling programming under a different economic model, and also expanded into innovative digital production with Studio 2.0,” said Rosenblum. “Craig brings more than 15 years of experience in developing high-quality, hit programming to his role at Warner Horizon, and we look forward to benefiting from his expertise and creative relationships as the division expands into the digital arena.”
“I am thrilled to be joining the Warner Horizon Television team and to be working with Peter Roth, once again, and with Bruce Rosenblum,” said Erwich. “Warner Horizon has had tremendous success in a very short time, and the division is well-positioned for significant growth in both traditional television and digital production. I look forward to helping make these exciting opportunities a reality.”
Prior to joining the Studio, Erwich worked at FOX Broadcasting Company for 12 years, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, Programming, a position to which he was named in June 2003. In that role, he had overall responsibility for all current programming, as well as drama and comedy development. While at FOX, he was instrumental in the development of hit series such as “24,” “House,” “Prison Break” and Warner Bros. Television’s “The O.C.” He originally joined FOX in 1995 as Director of Current Drama Programming and went on to hold progressively more senior positions at the company. Other series on which he worked include the dramas “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Melrose Place,” as well as animated comedy “King of the Hill.”
Before FOX, Erwich worked for Stephen J. Cannell Productions, where he was involved in the development of the acclaimed drama series “Profit.”
# # #