USG Restructures: UCP and UIS Merge into Global TV

Universal Studio Group has initiated a significant restructuring, merging UCP and Universal International Studios into a new entity named Universal Global Television. Beatrice Springborn, formerly President of both UCP and Universal International Studios, will now lead Universal Global Television alongside UTV President Erin Underhill and Universal Television Alternative Studio President Toby Gorman. This consolidation is part of a larger realignment within NBCUniversal's television operations, leading to the elimination of six positions from the merger and impacting 22 jobs across USG, NBC, and Peacock.

Key departures resulting from this restructuring include development executives Jennifer Gwartz and Marc Velez, as well as EVP Steven O'Neill. Existing overall and first-look deals will transfer to Universal Global Television, encompassing talent such as Seth MacFarlane and Nick Antosca. The new division will also oversee Carnival Films and Working Title Television. The merger is seen as a strategic step, drawing parallels to Disney's past consolidation efforts, aiming to align production slates and strengthen global market focus.

Casting and talent development functions are being consolidated under Kimberly Hope. Springborn has appointed Kelsey Balance as EVP of Global Series for Universal Global Television, supported by Margaret Schatzel and Amy Suh. Rebecca Franko and Mark Binke will lead Current Series and Production, respectively. Rob Howard will manage day-to-day operations in the UK. The integration of UCP and UIS is driven by the increasing fluidity between their production slates, blurring the lines between US-centric and globally-focused content.