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Tuesday, June 11, 2002
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The Creators -- Gail Berman
From 'Bernie Mac' to 'American Idol' -- she's
the creative mind behind some of TV's most innovative programming.
'Extra' catches up with Fox executive Gail Berman.
"The Simpsons," "Married with Children," "Bernie Mac," "24" -- they are the signature shows that have made Fox the super-successful fourth network. And now, with the cancellation of "The X-Files," Fox president Gail Berman is hard at work searching for the network's next big hit.
She says, "When we say 'Fox' to somebody, they understand the kind of programming we do…What we have to do is always be open to where the next idea is coming from."
And Berman knows how to turn those ideas into ratings gold. Before becoming president at Fox 2 years ago, she was executive producer of the WB's monster hit, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
Then, she helped shape the idea that Fox made into "Malcolm in the Middle".
She says, "Very distinctive point of view programs that appeal to a young adult audience - that's our goal all the time when we're in development."
What does she think is going to be the next big thing in television?
Berman says, "I'd like to believe it's going to be 'American Idol.' [It] is a really big talent search that we narrow down to one person. And that one person will receive a $2 million recording contract."
Berman hopes reality shows like "American Idol" and "Bacherlorettes in Alaska" will help Fox win the ratings race this summer. And, as president of the network, Berman will continue her search for cutting-edge programming, and TV's next big thing.
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