FremantleMedia North America Adds Two VPs to Scripted Department

Craig Cegielski and Stefanie Berk join Fremantle as EVP and SVP of scripted

FremantleMedia North America, the production company behind such reality fare as "American Idol," "The X Factor" and "America's Got Talent," has bolstered its scripted department with two new hires, the company said Thursday.

Craig Cegielski (pictured left), of Open Circle Entertainment, has come aboard FremantleMedia North America in the newly created position of executive vice president, scripted programming and entertainment.

In addition to the independent television company Open Circle, which Cegielski started in January with Susan Gross, Cegielski has previously served as president of GK-tv, a division of Graham King's GK Films, and vice president, programming & sales for Lionsgate International Television. Cegielski will report to FremantleMedia North America CEO Thom Beers.

Also read: Thom Beers Named CEO of FremantleMedia North America

FMNA has also hired Stefanie Berk (below) as senior vice president, scripted programming and development. Berk, who starts with the company June 10, was previously head of development at Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman's Playtone, where she was involved with "American Idiot the Musical" and "In the Garden of Beasts." Prior to being made head of development in 2011, Berk was vice president of development. She will report to Cegielski in her new position.

"We’re thrilled to have these two wonderfully talented individuals join our team," Beers said of the hires. "Scripted programming is a huge priority for us and both Craig and Stefanie bring passion, great relationships and years of experience with them to FremantleMedia."

Though largely known for its unscripted fare, FremantleMedia North America is one of the producers on the upcoming CW drama "The Tomorrow People," and has overall development deals with Random House, Pukeko Pictures, producer Barry Josephson and Mike Tollin Productions.

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