ABC’s Creative Head Steps Down

BURBANK, April 10: Julia
Franz, the head of creative at ABC Studios, plans to leave her post in January
2009, after four years of overseeing the studio’s development and current
teams.

Franz will work with Mark
Pedowitz, the president of ABC Studios, and the creative team to finish this
year’s development slate and to ensure a smooth transition. She has not yet
announced her next plans and ABC Studios has not announced her successor.

Before being appointed as
the head of creative in June 2004, Franz spent 13 years at the studio as a
creative executive. She has been instrumental in the development of hit series,
including Scrubs, My Wife
and Kids, According to Jim, 8 Simple Rules, Less than Perfect and Hope & Faith. Franz began her career in the industry as an
intern at NBC.

“This has been the
greatest experience of my career. Leading my team and a massive slate of
projects has been incredibly gratifying,” said Franz. “I’m proud of what we’ve
built, but I miss the day-to-day creative work that has always been my passion.
I look forward to the chance to work on a smaller scale that allows deeper
personal involvement on individual projects.”

“Julia has been a
critically important part of our success,” commented Pedowitz. “She delivered
an impressive string of award-winning hits, backed by one of the strongest
creative teams in the business. We’re grateful for her creative leadership as
she leaves us in a strong position on all fronts, and we expect nothing but
success in her next venture.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski