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Since being named president, ABC Studios, in April 2004 (then Touchstone Television), Mark Pedowitz has overseen the creative and business operations for the studio's most successful seasons, shepherding an impressive slate of programming for network, cable, mobile and broadband outlets. Mr. Pedowitz's role also includes oversight of Music for the Disney-ABC Television Group. He reports to Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks Unit and president, Disney-ABC Television Group.
Under Mr. Pedowitz's leadership, ABC Studios has established itself as one of Hollywood's leading studios, developing and producing critically acclaimed, quality entertainment to the television industry. He was instrumental in expanding the studio's brand identity as a haven for filmmakers for both broadcast and cable networks with an impressive slate of series, including international hit franchises "Grey's Anatomy," "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost," and freshman successes "Brothers & Sisters," "Ugly Betty" and "October Road." Productions for third-parties include sophomore seasons of "Criminal Minds" and "Ghost Whisperer" on CBS, a sixth season of the Emmy-nominated "Scrubs" on NBC, the new Courteney Cox drama "Dirt" on FX, "Army Wives" on Lifetime, and a second season of ABC Family's number one scripted series, "Kyle XY." Additionally the studio produces ABC's late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live." ABC Studios is part of Disney-ABC Television Group, a division of The Walt Disney Company.
Mr. Pedowitz joined ABC in August 1991 as senior vice president, Business Affairs and Contracts, where he negotiated deals to acquire programming for Primetime, Daytime, Late-Night and the Saturday Morning Children's block. He was promoted to head of the department in 1996. He was promoted to executive vice president, ABC Entertainment Television Group, in 1999 wherein he oversaw all business, legal and financial affairs for ABC Primetime and Touchstone Television, as well as business/legal affairs for ABC Daytime.
Prior to joining ABC, he was senior vice president, Business Affairs and Administration, MGM/UA Television Production Group, a position he had held since 1987. He began his career in the entertainment industry in 1979 as an attorney at MCA, Inc., and from 1980-85 was vice president, Business Affairs, Reeves Entertainment Group/Alan Landsburg Productions. From 1985-87 Mr. Pedowitz was vice president, Business Affairs and general counsel, The Landsburg Company.
Mr. Pedowitz currently sits on the BMI Board of Directors, the Board of the Foundation for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS), and has served on the Executive Board of both the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) and the Hollywood Radio and Television Society (HRTS).
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Pedowitz is a graduate of the John Marshall Law School in Chicago and holds a bachelor's degree in History from Rockford College in Illinois. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Carolyn Martin, two Basset Hounds and a Bloodhound. | 