Photo Source: TNT
The networks announced Wednesday that Lillah McCarthy, who had been their VP of original programming, will now lead the networks’ in-house production company, TBS Original Productions, with the title of SVP.
Moreover, TNT VP for development Brett Weitz has been promoted to SVP of scripted development for both nets. And Kathy Busby, who was in charge of comedy for TBS, will take on a new role as VP of TNT and TBS Original Productions, reporting to McCarthy.
“With an increased emphasis on building up our in-house production arm, we needed an executive who could bring true experience and great taste to the task,” President Michael Wright, head of programming for TNT, TBS, and Turner Classic Movies, said in a statement.
“Lillah McCarthy has been a powerful force behind some of our most popular original series, making her an ideal choice to head up TBS and TNT Original Productions, an important and growing part of our business.”
The hires were announced the same day TNT revealed it's ordered a third season of the sci-fi series "Falling Skies," which is produced by Steven Spielberg. The series, which stars "ER" alum Noah Wyle, was the top new cable show in 2011, its debut year, averaging 5.9 million viewers. TNT ordered 10 episodes for the third season, slated to air in 2013.
These announcements came a day after Turner Broadcasting System, the parent company of TNT and TBS, announced the hiring of David Eilenberg as its senior vice president of unscripted development. Eilenberg was head of development and current programming for Mark Burnett Productions.
