Dick Wolf’s ex-development chief and “Chicago”-universe executive producer Danielle Claman Gelber has signed a first-look deal with Universal Television. There, the founder and president of Acoustic Productions will develop and executive produce new programming for a variety of platforms.
“I’ve known Danielle since we were colleagues at Showtime and she’s always had wonderful taste in material and a keen eye for writing talent,” Universal Television President Pearlena Igbokwe said. “I couldn’t be happier that she and I will get to continue our collaboration at Universal Television.”
“I’m thrilled to continue such an ongoing productive and fantastic relationship with longtime friends and colleagues, Bob, Jen and Pearlena through NBC and UTV,” Gelber added. “I could not feel more supported, and I’m excited to cover a wide swath of creative territory with them in broadcast, cable and streaming.”
From 2002-2011, Gelber was senior vice president of of Original Programming for Showtime Networks, Inc. Before that job, Gelber spent seven years at the Fox network, where the SVP of Drama Series Programming developed “The X-Files,” “Ally McBeal,” “Party of Five,” “Melrose Place,” “Beverly Hills: 90210” and “Boston Public.”
Prior to Fox, Gelber was Director of Television Development for Spelling Television, managing Aaron Spelling’s “Dynasty,” “Hotel” and “The Love Boat.”
Gelber developed the original pilot scripts for “The Sopranos” and “Dawson’s Creek.”