Fox looks to Balian as Tal Yguado joins Amazon

Fox Networks Group has handed control of its global programming initiative to FX Networks executive VP Gina Balian, as global scripted chief Sharon Tal Yguado joins Amazon Studios.

Balian was recently promoted to EVP of series development at US cable channel FX Networks and its production arm, FX Productions, and is now adding the FNG programming post to her responsibilities.

Fox’s global programming initiative, which launched last year, reports into FX Productions, which is run by presidents of original programming Eric Schrier and Nick Grad. It houses Fox International Studios, which Tal Yguado led as head along with her post as EVP, global scripted programming at FNG.

However, she has been poached to join Roy Price’s Amazon Studios, where she will be its first head of event series.

This will see her overseeing development and production of one-hour science fiction, action, fantasy and horror series.

During her 13 years at Fox, she was behind the studio’s early stage investment in The Walking Dead (pictured), which has broken ratings records around the world on Fox-owned channels. Fox bought day-and-date rights to show before it launched and has continued its involvement in the production.

Balian will now oversee those international duties, in charge of acquiring and developing programmes that will launch simultaneously in the US and on FNG-owned networks in Europe, Latin America and Asia – the same model used for The Walking Dead.

FX Productions VP, scripted programming Andie Green and director of development Amy Suh will now report to Balian, who has been with FX since 2012.

“Over the past year, we have been working on a strategic plan to advance and expand the FNG Global Programming Initiative,” said Schrier. “Gina has played a key role in the growth and success of FXP and she is the perfect choice to lead this group.”

Balian is credited with developing Fargo, American Crime Story and the Marvel Television coproduction Legion.

She had joined from HBO, where as senior VP, drama series she developed Game of Thrones and In Treatment.