Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage Partner on New Entertainment Company, Fake Empire

March 23, 2010

Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage have partnered to launch a new entertainment company, Fake Empire. Fake Empire will develop and produce television series through an overall deal with Warner Bros. Television, as well as projects for other platforms, including motion pictures, web content, music and publishing. All of the company's projects will reflect the principals' interest in speaking to young audiences about contemporary culture. Fake Empire represents the formalization of a creative partnership that Schwartz and Savage have had since meeting on The O.C. and developing Gossip Girl for television. The company will be housed on the Warner Bros. Studios lot, continuing the relationship Schwartz and Savage have had with the Studio for many years.

"Josh and Stephanie are an outstanding creative team, responsible for two of the most iconic television series in recent history in 'Gossip Girl' and 'The O.C.' We're all so pleased to be continuing the Studio's long and highly successful relationship with them as they embark upon this new and very exciting venture," said Peter Roth, President, Warner Bros. Television.

Through Warner Bros. Television, Schwartz created the hit FOX drama The O.C. � produced with McG's Wonderland Sound and Vision � in 2003, when he became the youngest person in television history to create and run a primetime series. Along with Savage, he developed and executive produces The CW's pop culture phenomenon Gossip Girl, which was just picked up for its fourth season. He also co-created with Chris Fedak the NBC series Chuck, now in its third season. Additionally, Schwartz created the music-centric web series Rockville CA. His love of music has also led to producing � with Savage � several soundtrack albums for his series. On the feature side, Schwarz has written X-Men: First Class, an upcoming installment of the hit franchise, and will write and direct an updated version of the seminal Jay McInerney novel Bright Lights, Big City.

"Stephanie started out as kinda my boss on 'The O.C.,' crossing her arms while making me write and timing my naps. Then I got to be kinda her boss on 'Gossip Girl,' watching her develop from a great producer to a terrific writer. Whenever one of us had an idea, the first thing we'd do is tell the other person," said Schwartz. "Now those conversations will be morning staff meetings as we start to build a company with a distinct brand and recognizable point of view. We're thrilled to build that here at Warner Bros. TV, under Peter Roth's passion and guidance."

Gossip Girl executive producer Savage began her career as vice president of Development at Flower Films, Drew Barrymore's production company. While at Flower, she helped develop the feature films Never Been Kissed, Charlie's Angels and Donnie Darko. Savage then joined director McG at his Wonderland Sound and Vision production company. Wonderland's first film was Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. The company also produced the FOX shows Fastlane and The O.C., as well as The WB's The Mountain, all through Warner Bros. Television. Savage helped Schwartz develop The O.C. and wrote the series' classic episode The Best Chrismukkah Ever, which was her first television script. She eventually became an executive producer on the series. On the feature side, Savage is producing Schwartz's Bright Lights, Big City retelling.

"Josh and I have a unique relationship where we can wear different hats with each other," said Savage. "It's not about job descriptions, it's about collaborating on a shared vision and trying to connect with an audience."