from variety
NBC taps Thompson to ride 'Knight'
'Furious' scribe inks two-year deal with UMS
By JOSEF ADALIAN
NBC is adding some fuel to its new "Knight Rider" series, signing
"Fast and the Furious" scribe Gary Scott Thompson to serve as exec
producer and showrunner.
Producer Universal Media Studios has also made a two-year overall deal
with the scribe, who most recently shepherded the Peacock's "Las
Vegas." Thompson will work alongside exec producers Doug Liman and
Dave Bartis, as well as scribe-producer Dave Andron, who wrote the
pilot and is remaining with the series.
Another "Las Vegas" vet, Matt Pyken, is also joining "Knight" as an
exec producer.
NBC confirmed a series order for "Knight" earlier this week (Daily
Variety, March 31).
UMS prexy Katherine Pope said that as soon as it became clear "Knight"
was headed to series, landing Thompson became a priority.
"The network and studio all came to this idea separately. There was a
list of one," Pope told Daily Variety.
Exec also said Thompson would help up the quality of special effects
on "Knight." "Action and effects are going to be a real priority for
us on this show," Pope said.
Deal for "Knight" comes as Thompson is still mourning the sudden death
of "Las Vegas," a staple of the Peacock sked that got an unexpected ax
after the strike. Skein had been a dependable performer on Friday
nights; there's been buzz that "Knight" could end up on Fridays as
well.
|
