Marshall Herskovitz, Ed Zwick Set First-Look Pact with Lionsgate TV
Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick are returning their focus to TV, signing a first-look pact for scripted projects with Lionsgate Television.
The pair are known for their prestige ABC dramas from the late 1980s through the early 200os, including “Thirtysomething,” “My So-Called Life,” “Relativity” and “Once and Again.” More recently Herskovitz and Zwick have concentrated on films, both projects produced together through their Bedford Falls banner and separately as writers and directors.
“They are brilliant storytellers with a track record of creating compelling and memorable scripted shows, and we’re excited about exploring new creative opportunities together as we continue to expand our Lionsgate TV brand across multiple platforms,” said Lionsgate TV Group chairman Kevin Beggs.
Bedford Falls experimented with short-form scripted web content nearly a decade ago when it launched the ensemble drama “quarterlife” in partnership with MySpace.com. Segments of the show were strung together as hourlong episodes for NBC in early 2008 during the programming drought caused by the writers strike, but with no advance promotion the program barely registered on the radar and wound up finishing its brief run on Bravo.
In the past Bedford Falls was known for delivering the kind of shows that drew critical plaudits and hard-core fans but rarely mass audiences. The increasing emphasis on social engagement and binge-worthy programming makes this a ripe moment for the pair’s return to TV.
“There’s a revolution in television right now, and Lionsgate is helping to lead the way,” Herskovitz and Zwick said in a statement. “Its emphasis on innovation and artistic vision makes it the perfect home for the kind of personal and passionate filmmaking we’ve always pursued. We’re thrilled to be here.”
Herskovitz also served as president the Producers Guild of America from 2006-2010.
(Pictured: Marshall Herskovitz, Ed Zwick)
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