Michael Edelstein takes over int’l production at NBC

NBCU has hired Desperate Housewives exec producer Michael Edelstein as president, international television production. He will relocate from LA to London to head up NBC’s international programming activities.

NBC launched its London-based international production hub in late 2007. It was initially run by Angela Bromstad, but she returned to the US as part of a management shake-up at the NBC broadcast network.

Edelstein will, NBC said, build a creative team that will seek to increase NBC’s local production activity in international markets. He will oversee activity at Carnival Films, the UK indie NBC acquired in 2008. He will also work with Working Title Television, the freshly-minted production JV between NBC and movie producer Working Title. It is currently making Love Bites for NBC.

His exec producer credits include the first season of Desperate Housewives and space-based drama Defying Gravity. He also helped launch CSI: Crime Scene Investigation while director, current programs, at CBS.

Peter Smith, president, NBC Universal International said: “Michael has a truly impressive range of experience in TV production and development, with a record of award-winning success on Desperate Housewives.  Over his distinguished career, he has built deep expertise and great talent relationships which mark him out as one of TV’s top creative executives.”

Edelstein said: “Pete has assembled a fantastic organization and, along with Carnival and WTTV, we will spearhead growth in TV production in the UK and around the world. Following Angela Bromstad’s lead, NBCU International will continue to be a home for the best and brightest creative talent to produce extraordinary content.”