FX Networks is restructuring its development and current operations, expanding the roles of two of its key original programming executives, EVPs Gina Balian and Jonathan Frank. The move comes as the company’s third programming EVP, Nicole Clemens, is departing to return to the representation side of the business with a job at Anonymous Content.
Balian, previously EVP Limited Series, is being named EVP of Series Development for FX Networks and FX Productions, overseeing all original series development for FX Networks. She will take over Clemens’ duties of drama and comedy series development in addition to limited series. On the studio side, she will work with producers and writers under deals at FXP to develop series for FX Networks and other Fox Networks Group outlets.
Frank, previously EVP Current Series, becomes EVP of FX Current Programming and FX Productions. He will oversee the development and selling of FXP original series for non-FNG outlets and will have business operation responsibilities for FXP. Additionally, Frank will continue to shepherd day-to-day production for FX Networks’ original programming.
Balian and Frank will continue to report to Nick Grad and Eric Schrier, Presidents of Original Programming for FX Networks and FX Productions.
“Gina Balian is one of the smartest and most talented development executives in the industry,” said Schrier. “Her track record of success speaks for itself, which is a direct reflection of the trust and respect producers and writers have for her. We are truly looking forward to Gina having oversight of all original series development for FX Networks and FXP.”
FX Productions
Said Grad, “For almost a decade, Jonathan Frank has played a vital role in the success of FX Networks, doing an extraordinary job of the day-to-day management and oversight of our current series. It is only fitting that he will now expand his role to include the management and distribution of FXP original series produced for non-FNG outlets, as he so ably has done with the acclaimed FXP comedy series One Mississippi for Amazon.”
Balian, a rising star at FX, joined the network four years ago as the first executive hired by a network to oversee a push into limited series when the area was just starting to heat up. FX, which kicked off the current anthology series renaissance with American Horror Story, has been been a leader in the limited series field. Since joining FX in 2012, Balian developed FX Networks’ first limited series, Fargo, which won three Emmy awards, including Outstanding Miniseries. She also developed the hit new limited series American Crime Story, whose first installment, The People v. O.J. Simpson, won nine Emmys.
Additionally, Balian developed the drama series Legion from Fargo Executive Producer/Showrunner Noah Hawley, which marks FX’s first co-production with Marvel Television, and she also oversees the upcoming drama series Taboo for FX, a 19th Century period piece starring Tom Hardy, and previously oversaw the limited series Wayward Pines, which was produced by FXP for Fox Broadcasting Company. Before joining FX in 2012, Balian served as SVP of Drama Series at HBO where she developed many projects including Game of Thrones, In Treatment and Flight of the Conchords.
In his role as head of current series, Frank oversees day-to-day production for the entire slate of FX Networks’ original programming, including the dramas The Americans, The Strain, the anthology series American Horror Story, and FX comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Archer, Louie, The League, Man Seeking Woman, Baskets, Better Things and Atlanta. Beyond that, Frank oversaw the development of the FXP comedy series One Mississippi starring Tig Notaro for Amazon, which was recently renewed for a second season. Additionally, Frank is overseeing FX Networks’ initiative to grow the roster of women and people of color to direct episodes of FX Networks series. In just over a year since taking on that role, the percentage of women and people of color booked to direct all episodes of FX Networks’ series has increased to over 50% from approximately 12%. Frank joined FX in 2008 as VP of Current Programming and was promoted to SVP in 2011. Prior to joining FX, Frank was with Mark Johnson Productions as head of television development and Caryn Mandabach Productions as VP of Television Development.
