Turner shuffles production team

Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) has restructured its in-house production unit as it shifts focus to more homegrown content on US cable networks TNT and TBS.

Lillah McCarthy, currently senior VP of original programming, will move to the new role of senior VP of TNT and TBS original productions. She has previously developed and produced comedy for TBS and drama for TNT, and her credits include The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles, Falling Skies and Franklin & Bash.

Brett Weitz, meanwhile, has been promoted to senior VP of scripted development for TNT and TBS, having previously been VP of development for TNT. He will continue to oversee scripted development for the network while taking on the same role at TBS.

Furthermore, Kathy Busby will take on a new role as VP of TNT and TBS original productions, reporting to McCarthy. She was previously VP of comedy development for TBS.

The moves follow the announcement yesterday that David Eilenberg had been named senior VP of unscripted development for TNT and TBS. All four execs are based in Los Angeles. McCarthy, Weitz and Eilenberg report to Michael Wright, recently promoted president and head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies.

Completing the original programming team are Sam Linsky, who continues as senior VP of current programmes, and David Hudson, senior VP of late-night and specials.

In other news, TNT has ordered a third season of futuristic sci-fi drama Falling Skies. The show, which follows a group of people struggling to survive the aftermath of an alien attack, will return in 2013 with 10 new episodes. The second season premiered last month.

Falling Skies is made for TNT by Dreamworks Television and is exec produced by Steven Spielberg, Justin Falvey, Remi Aubuchon and Greg Beeman. It was created by Robert Rodat.