- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
20th Century Fox Television has elevated two executives, upping Jonnie Davis to the newly created role of president of creative affairs. The development exec, who joined 20th TV in 2008, now has oversight of four of the studio’s creative departments. Additionally, drama senior vp Michael Thorn has been promoted to executive vp development, adding comedy to his purview.
“Our creative departments have never been more prolific or successful, and the time was right to recognize these two exceptional executives and make structural changes that take full advantage of their considerable talents,” commented 20th TV chairs Dana Walden and Gary Newman.
The move puts Davis in charge of comedy development, drama development, animation and current programming. In his six years with the studio, he has risen from senior vp comedy development to executive vp comedy and animation. He helped developed flagship hit Modern Family with Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, as well as New Girl, Raising Hope and Last Man Standing.
“Jonnie has grown into one of the best executives in our business; his quick thinking, creativity and enthusiasm for the business are undeniable,” said Walden and Newman in a joint statement. “He’s both entrepreneurial and collaborative, and has been incredibly successful at both anticipating and seizing opportunities the moment they present themselves. Most importantly, he has forged meaningful relationships with our creators who trust him with their ideas and talent. Promoting him to president of creative affairs leverages his formidable skills and boundless energy across all the creative areas of our company and gives him even more latitude to influence the studio’s programming and business.”
As for Thorn, his four-year tenure with the studio saw him develop Fox breakout drama Sleepy Hollow this past season, as well as midseason entries Gang Related (Fox), Mind Games (ABC) and Crisis (NBC).
“Michael is a wonderful creative executive who is both incredibly smart and enormously respected in the community,” Newman and Walden added. “Writers love him and he’s managed to attract top-level talent and land distinctive projects year after year at every network. This expansion of his responsibilities both recognizes his contributions as well as allows an additional team of executives to benefit from his guidance as we continue to look for that next hit, whether it be a comedy or a drama.”
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day