Television
March 24, 2010
Leonard Goldstein To Join Fake Empire, The New Production Company Formed By Josh Schwartz And Stephanie Savage
(March 24, 2010 – Burbank, CA) – Leonard Goldstein, currently Executive Vice President of Creative Affairs at Warner Bros. Television (WBTV), will be leaving the Studio in June after 13 years for a new role as head of television at Fake Empire, the recently formed WBTV–based production company of acclaimed writer/producers Josh Schwartz (“Gossip Girl,” “Chuck,” “The O.C.”) and Stephanie Savage (“Gossip Girl,” “The O.C.”). At Fake Empire, Goldstein will spearhead development of new television projects, oversee current programming and executive produce new series alongside Schwartz and Savage, who made the announcement today.
“We couldn’t be more honored to have Len Goldstein join us,” said Schwartz. “His experience, talent and taste are unparalleled. He’s done it all – developing for one-hour, half-hour, broadcast, cable, the web. He knows how to take an idea from a one-line pitch to a hit series. Having spent time with him on set and in the editing room, I know he will make a great producer as well.”
Warner Bros. Television President Peter Roth said, “Len has been an invaluable contributor to the success of Warner Bros. Television over the last decade, and he has made an indelible mark on our company. He has been instrumental in the development of long-running hits such as ‘Smallville’ and supervised the creative efforts that have ultimately resulted in hit series like ‘The Mentalist,’ ‘Gossip Girl,’ ‘Chuck’ and many others. While we will sorely miss Len, we are delighted about his new venture with Josh and Stephanie. Collectively, they will make a very creative and powerful producing team.”
Savage said, “We have a great shorthand with Len, with whom we’ve worked closely with for years, and look forward to benefiting from his strong relationships within the television community.”
“Since I have already been working with Josh and Stephanie for the past decade, this new company represents a natural extension of the great relationships we have already enjoyed,” said Goldstein. “With each new series Josh has created, he continually demonstrates the strength and versatility of his distinct voice, while Stephanie shines as a proven producer and creative force. We all have a shared sensibility, and together we hope to attract a wide range of talented artists as we look to both emphasize and expand the brand that they have successfully established.”
Goldstein added, “For me, it was important to remain at Warner Bros., where Peter Roth has been a true mentor. Peter, Bruce Rosenblum and Craig Hunegs have been incredibly supportive throughout my 13 years at the Studio and in forming this new venture. We look forward to contributing new series and continuing what has been a terrific relationship for all of us.”
Since 2004, Goldstein has been WBTV’s Executive Vice President, Creative Affairs, overseeing the Studio’s comedy and drama development teams. Additional primetime series developed by WBTV during his tenure include “Two and a Half Men,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “V,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “The Middle” and “Human Target,” among others. Goldstein also helped develop original Internet series for the Warner Bros. Television Group’s digital destination TheWB.com, including Schwartz’s “Rockville CA” and “Childrens Hospital,” which has since received a television series order from Adult Swim and is now in production.
Prior to his current position, Goldstein was Senior Vice President, Comedy Development, for two years, after having served as Senior Vice President, Drama Development. He originally joined WBTV in 1997.
Before joining WBTV, Goldstein served as Director of Development, Series and Longform, at the Kushner-Locke Company. # # #