USA NETWORK NAMES SCOTT FRIEDMAN VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCTION, ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMMING
LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2012 - Scott Friedman joins USA Network as vice president, production, alternative programming, it was announced today by Mark Binke, senior vice president, cable and digital Production, Universal Cable Productions and Universal Television.
"As we expand our originals to include reality, this is the perfect time to add an experienced alternative production executive to the USA team," said Binke. "Scott has more than 20 years of experience in this genre and brings a wealth of knowledge as we push out into that genre."
Friedman most recently was a production executive for USA, spending the past year helping to start up and grow the alternative programming department. His experience includes budgeting and creatively producing shows ranging from hidden camera to re-creations, games, stunt shows, drama, live television, and reality competition.
As part of the network's expansion into reality, USA recently announced the pilot pick-up of BRIDE OR BEST MAN (working title) from Shed Media. In addition, ROMANCING THE GLOBE, a new relationship series is in development from acclaimed executive producer Mark Burnett. USA previously announced two projects - the pilot for THE CHOIR, which follows accomplished UK choirmaster Gareth Malone as he embraces various American communities and assembles a choir made up of the most unexpected mix of individuals also from Shed Media, and the recently greenlit series THE MOMENT, where each week the show's host, Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner, will give someone a second chance to pursue the career they've always wanted. Justin Hochberg and Charlie Ebersol of The Hochberg Ebersol Company (THE Company) produce.
Friedman previously was executive in charge of production at Morningstar Entertainment, where he oversaw production for many shows including: "Manhunters" on A&E Network, "The Deadliest Warrior" on Spike TV, as well as programming for The History Channel, The Travel Channel and a number of other cable networks. He was vice president of production finance for Twentieth Television, overseeing budgets and production for pilots and series, including "America's Most Wanted" and "Divorce Court." While at Twentieth, Friedman also oversaw production for all telenovela series, including "Fashion House," "Desire and Secret Obsessions" for My Network TV, Fox's new start up network. Friedman has also worked at Celador, one of the largest production companies in the UK, ITV Studios and Universal Media Studios. He was also the co-executive producer of "Oblivious," the weekly reality game show on Spike TV, where he also helped to develop the series.
Friedman attended The American Film Institute where he graduated with a Masters degree as a producing fellow. While attending the AFI, Scott produced the award winning short film "Colored Balloons." Friedman also helped develop and produce video games for GTE Interactive.
The #1 network in all of basic cable, USA Network is seen in 115 million U.S. homes. USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals including POLITICAL ANIMALS, SUITS, NECESSARY ROUGHNESS, WHITE COLLAR, ROYAL PAINS, BURN NOTICE, PSYCH, COVERT AFFAIRS, COMMON LAW, FAIRLY LEGAL and IN PLAIN SIGHT. The network offers 52 weeks of spectacular live television with WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events. A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV. USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.
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