Gelber ankling Fox TV
Fox prexy Berman tabs Erwich to fill shoes
Gelber's move is one of a number of executive departures expected in the coming weeks as new Fox Entertainment prexy Gail Berman firms up her new programming team. Craig Erwich, Fox's vice president of current drama, is expected to assume Gelber's duties.
As an eight-year veteran at the web, Gelber has helped develop every drama currently on the Fox sked. Hired by former Fox Entertainment prexy Peter Chernin in 1992, Gelber has lasted through six different administrations at the network.
"I've had quite a run at Fox," Gelber said. "It's been an incredible experience. It's just one of those things where a new regime is coming in, and it's time for me to make that next step. (Fox Television Entertainment chair) Sandy (Grushow) and Gail have been amazing in letting it go down this way."
Gelber (who until recently used her maiden name, Claman) most recently landed five new series on the fall sked: "Boston Public," "Dark Angel," "The Street," "Freakylinks" and "Night Visions."
"I feel like I'm going out at the right time," she said. "Now I'm ready to learn another aspect of the business."
Sources said Gelber's possible next steps include striking a production deal with a News Corp. studio. The exec may also turn up as a programming developer for a cable net such as FX or USA. Gelber, who wouldn't comment on where she might land, would say only that she has a number of options in play.
No immediate plans
"I'm excited about really figuring out what the right one will be," she said. "I don't have to make an immediate decision."
Besides developing Fox series such as "The X-Files" and "Party of Five," Gelber said she's most proud of helping develop "The Sopranos" in its early stages. Fox later passed on the mob drama, which ended up on HBO.
On the flip side, Gelber was disappointed by the lack of interest in the short-lived Fox drama "Profit."
Gelber came to Fox from Spelling, where she began as Aaron Spelling's assistant and eventually helped develop "Beverly Hills, 90210" as head of development.
