Sci-Fi Storm

Mark Stern leaving post at Syfy; USA’s Bill McGoldrick to take over original content

by on Nov.04, 2013, under Business

We learned today that Mark Stern, who has been in charge of original development at Syfy for the last 11 years and most recently was President, Original Content, Syfy and Co-Head, Original Content, Universal Cable Productions, is leaving the network. He isn’t vanishing completely, as he will be taking over as executive producer on an upcoming unnamed Syfy TV series. We’ve met Mark many times and wish him all the best.

From the press release:

NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment today elevated two of its senior programming executives to new roles. Bill McGoldrick was named Executive Vice President, Original Content, Syfy, and Jackie de Crinis was named Executive Vice President, Original Programming, USA Network. Effective immediately, McGoldrick will report to Syfy President Dave Howe and de Crinis will report to USA President Chris McCumber.


“Bill and Jackie both have uncanny instincts about quality content that resonates with audiences, and are incredibly brand savvy,” said Bonnie Hammer, Chairman, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. “With this move, Bill expands his development responsibilities while he gets to satisfy a not-so-secret passion for the genre. Jackie, who’s done a fantastic job at USA, gets to take on a well-deserved leadership role. It’s a win/win for Syfy, USA and the entire Cable Entertainment Group.”

In his new position, McGoldrick is responsible for the development and production of Syfy’s original programming, including scripted and unscripted series, as well as oversight of international co-productions. In partnership with Universal Pictures, he is also responsible for development of Syfy Films theatrical development. McGoldrick replaces departing development head Mark Stern. Stern, who helmed Syfy’s original development for the past 11 years, will become executive producer for a new Syfy series premiering in 2014. During his tenure, Mark led a creative team responsible for critically acclaimed and top rated hit series such as “Face Off,” “Warehouse 13,” “Defiance” and the Peabody Award winning “Battlestar Galactica.”

“Bill comes to Syfy at the perfect time as we refocus our efforts to deliver even more quality, stand-out event programming,” said Howe. “I’d also like to thank Mark for his years of passion, drive and dedication. He’s made incredible contributions to the success of the network and I’m delighted that we will continue to benefit from his extraordinary talent.”

McGoldrick most recently served as EVP, Original Scripted Programming, for USA, overseeing development of hit series such as the top-rated “Suits” and “Graceland,” as well as the network’s first-ever comedy projects, which include the upcoming “Sirens” and “Playing House.” He returned to USA in 2009 as SVP, Original Scripted Programming, after a four-year stint at Spike Television, where he oversaw the development and launch of the network’s first dramas, “Kill Point” and “Blade.” Prior to that, he was VP, series development, at USA, working on successful shows including “Psych” and “The 4400.” He originally joined the network as an executive assistant in 1998.

In her newly created role, de Crinis is responsible for all production and development of original programming for USA, including scripted and unscripted series. Most recently, de Crinis served as Senior Program Executive, responsible for all current scripted programming and pilot productions for the network. Since joining USA as SVP, Scripted Series, in 2000, she has overseen the development of hits such as “Burn Notice,” “Royal Pains,” “White Collar,” “Covert Affairs” and “Monk.” Previously, she was Vice President, Drama, at ABC, responsible for “Once and Again” and “Cupid,” among other series. Prior to that, she was an executive at 20th Century Fox and TriStar, where she oversaw such shows as “X-Files,” “The Practice,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Mad About You” and “Party of Five.” de Crinis began her career at New World Television as an assistant to the executive producers of “The Wonder Years.”

“USA has benefited from Jackie’s great taste and inspired creativity since the moment she joined the network, and it will be great to have her at the helm of the USA development team,” said McCumber. He added, “Bill has done an outstanding job at USA and I know he’ll continue his great run at Syfy, working in a genre he loves.”

NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment is made up of 12 leading cable networks – USA, Bravo, Syfy, E!, Oxygen, Esquire Network, G4, Sprout, Chiller, Cloo, TV One and Universal HD – as well as production entities Universal Cable Productions and Wilshire Studios. The portfolio engages a worldwide audience across multiple platforms through powerful award-winning scripted dramas, innovative reality, lifestyle and late night programming, popular acquired series, a rapidly expanding entertainment news division and aspirational children’s television.

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