In renewing their contract with production company BermanBraun, NBC Universal has added a bit of stability to an otherwise uncertain future. NBC continues to struggle to get the network’s ratings out of fourth place, where they have been for several years. The recent shift of Jay Leno into the 10 p.m. time slot yielded disappointing results, and upset many NBC affiliates. Adding to the uncertainty is the Comcast acquisition of NBC Universal. Regulatory approval for that deal could take a year or more.
BermanBraun’s original contract with NBC Universal began in 2007, and was set to expire next summer. The new deal, which lasts for three years, allows BermanBraun to operate autonomously within NBC Universal, while giving NBC the chance to buy any of BermanBraun’s projects before they are pitched to other networks.
BermanBraun currently produces the NBC drama “Mercy”, which has been picked up for the fall. The company has had success at other networks, with “Accidentally on Purpose” at CBS and “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” at MTV. They are also producing a pilot for the series “Alphas” for Syfy.
BermanBraun was formed in 2007 by Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun. Gail Berman was president of entertainment for Fox TV when several popular shows, including “American Idol” and “House”, were introduced. Lloyd Braun, former chairman of ABC Entertainment, played a role in developing “Lost”, “Desperate Housewives”, and other series for ABC. NBC Universal is hoping Berman and Braun’s impressive list of hit series is still growing.