Horton to direct 'Philanthropist' pilot

Move follows Fontana and Levinson's departure

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

Peter Horton has been tapped to helm and exec produce the pilot to NBC's midseason drama "The Philanthropist."

Horton joins the production following a change at the top, as David Eick took over as showrunner and exec producer earlier this month (after the departure of Tom Fontana and Barry Levinson).

Horton most recently directed and exec produced ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money." The thesp's extensive directing credits also include "Grey's Anatomy," "Six Degrees," "One Tree Hill," "The Shield' and "Once and Again."

Universal Media Studios is behind "The Philanthropist," which revolves around a billionaire who uses his money to help people.