[09/12/08 - 07:03 PM] Development Update: Friday, September 12 By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC)
LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- The latest development news, culled from recent wire reports:
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THE EX LIST (CBS) - Executive producer Diane Ruggiero has departed the series as showrunner after just six episodes. The writer/producer cited creative differences with the network and producer 20th Century Fox Television. It's understood Ruggiero was looking to put a more original stamp on the show however the Eye wanted a more faithful adaptation of the original Israeli format. Rick Eid, who also serves as an executive producer, will assume the showrunner role and production apparently won't be affected (episode seven began filming today). "We are sorry that she has decided to leave the show but have tremendous confidence in Rick Eid and his strong team, which includes Segahl Avin, the creator of the original Israeli format who will continue to be a consultant. We expect no disruption in production and remain excited about the upcoming premiere of 'The Ex-List' on CBS," CBS and 20th said in a join statement released to the press.
HOUSE (FOX) - Hugh Laurie has inked a new deal with Universal Media Studios that is on track to make him one of TV's highest-paid actors of all time. The pact, which covers his services through the 2011-12 season, reportedly is valued at $400,000 an episode or more than $9 million a year. In addition, Laurie will receive an executive producer credit on the series. Prior to said deal, Laurie was earning $250,000-$300,000 an episode. It's not clear if FOX, who kicks in part the aforementioned salary, will do the same for the increase. Currently, only "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation's" William Petersen ($600,000 per episode) and "24's" Kiefer Sutherland (around $500,000) make more than Laurie (each are also executive producers of their shows).
LOST & FOUND (NBC) - "Battlestar Galactica" alum Katee Sackhoff has been tapped for the lead role on the drama pilot, about Tessa (Sackhoff), an offbeat female LAPD detective who, after butting heads with the higher-ups, is sent as a punishment to the basement to work on John Doe and Jane Doe cases. Sackhoff's casting lifts said contingency off the pilot's production. Chris Levinson is behind the hour, which is set up at Dick Wolf's Universal Media Studios-based Wolf Films.
UNTITLED CARL HIAASEN/MIKE LUPICA PROJECT (HBO, New!) - Miami Herald columnist/author Carl Hiaasen and The Daily News sports columnist/author Mike Lupica have landed a script commitment at the pay channel for a new series about a Florida-based pro golfer forced to enter the witness protection program. Hiaasen credits Lupica for urging him to rediscover the game after 32 years, the experience of which informed the basis of his book "The Downhill Lie." No other details about the project however were given.
