Quinn Taylor is set to follow former ABC colleague Jeff Bader to NBC.
He has left his post as SVP of movies, miniseries and acquisitions at the ABC Entertainment Group, and joined the rival network as executive VP of movie, miniseries and international co-productions. In the new position, Taylor will oversee all development and programming of original movies, miniseries and long-form acquisitions. Additionally, he will become a key programming executive of series that have an international co-production element (think Hannibal, Crossbones), either in concert with the NBC International division or with outside suppliers.
“NBC is committed to a programming strategy that will include creating competitive, award-winning event television and there is no one else we'd rather have than Quinn to head up this initiative. NBC is excited to be back in the longform programming business – an area where the network has played a leadership role in the past – and we are thrilled that Quinn will be bringing his vision, experience and creative talent to the development of movies and miniseries for NBC,” said NBC Entertainment President Jennifer Salke, to whom Taylor will report.
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The move comes as NBC, like other broadcast networks, looks to beef up its output of limited series and co-productions in an effort to line the schedule with original programming without breaking the bank. Co-productions, in particular, can come at a particularly attractive price tag, with episodic license fees costing as little as $250,000, depending on the network's level of involvement. NBC, with Bader's encouragement, will roll out two co-pros, Siberia and Crossing Lines, later this summer.
It is a world that Taylor knows well. The ABC veteran has been in his most recent position since 2009, where he has been integrally involved in such co-productions as long-running Rookie Blue as well as newer Canadian entry Motive. He also was hands on in developing ABC's low-budget summer series Mistresses, and oversaw the Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise as well as Stephen King's miniseries. Other Taylor credits include: A Raisin in the Sun, The Path to 9/11 and Julian Fellows' Titanic.
