20th Century Fox signs Savage

Twentieth Century Fox Television has agreed an overall deal with Modern Family and Friends With Benefits director Fred Savage.

The two-year arrangement will see Savage write, direct and produce for the studio and could also include him acting, following his recent appearance on Fox series The Grinder, which has since been cancelled.

Savage, who starred as Kevin in ABC’s The Wonder Years during his early career, has been behind more than 200 TV show episodes and is known for directing Modern Family, 2 Broke Girls, Casual and Sons of Tucson, among others.

Jonnie Davis, the studio’s president of creative affairs, described Savage as “one of the most talented creative forces out there,” adding that the company “wanted to stay in business with Fred for the long haul.”

Earlier this month it was revealed that Marion Edwards, president of international television at 20th Century Fox Television Distribution, would be stepping down at the end of 2016 after 24 years at the studio.