Michael Edelstein to Lead NBCU’s International TV Production

LONDON: Michael Edelstein has been appointed as president of international television production at NBC Universal International, effective immediately.

In the post, Edelstein succeeds Denise O’Donoghue. Edelstein will relocate from Los Angeles to London. He will lead television production and strategic TV content partnerships across territories outside of the U.S. He will work to dive growth through increased local productions, expanding NBCU’s international TV production footprint, building an internal creative team and launching new business ventures. Within his new remit is Carnival Film & Television, which for 2010 is producing Any Human Heart for C4 and Downton Abbey as well as a second season of ITV’s drama Whitechapel. Edelstein will also oversee the expansion of NBC Universal’s international formats licensing business, headed by Yvonne Pilkington, the VP of international sales for formats.

Edelstein has more than 20 years of experience in developing, producing and marketing prime-time programming. As founder and executive producer of the Edelstein Company, he received two Golden Globes for best comedy series and received an Emmy nomination as an original executive producer on Desperate Housewives. He previously served as executive producer at Industry Entertainment and at CBS Entertainment as director of current programs.

On his new role, Edelstein commented, “I am delighted to be joining NBC Universal International at this moment in time. Pete has assembled a fantastic organization and, along with Carnival and WTTV, we will spearhead growth in TV production in the UK and around the world. Following Angela Bromstad’s lead, NBCU International will continue to be a home for the best and brightest creative talent to produce extraordinary content.”

Peter Smith, the president of NBC Universal International, to whom Edelstein will report, said: “Michael has a truly impressive range of experience in TV production and development, with a record of award-winning success on Desperate Housewives. Over his distinguished career, he has built deep expertise and great talent relationships which mark him out as one of TV’s top creative executives. We are delighted that his impeccable skills and instinct will help to drive our ongoing growth plans.”