TV Producer and Studio Executive David Gerber has Died

Archive interviewee David Gerber passed away Saturday at the age of 86. His prolific TV work includes overseeing such classic series as Police Woman, Batman, Room 222, and thirtysomething. A multiple Emmy Award nominee, he won the Emmy as the producer of Police Story in 1976. His interview will be placed online soon.

Obituary at TheWrap.com

Interview Description:
David Gerber was interviewed for nearly three-and-a-half hours in Bel Air, CA. Gerber talked about his start in television working at advertising agency BBDO as a television supervisor (on such accounts as Burgermeister beer) and as a packager at Famous Artists Agency. He talked about becoming familiar with network and agency executives and the importance of making vital career connections. He described his tenure as Senior Vice President of Television at General Artists Corporation (GAC) working with such television luminaries as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. He described his move to 20th Century Fox where he worked as Vice President in charge of television packaging. He talked about working with producer Irwin Allen on his many science-fiction series. He then related how he became affiliated with Columbia Pictures Television, and became Executive Vice President (and explained how he suggested that the name of the division be changed from “Screen Gems” to “Columbia Pictures Television”). He described the creation, issues covered, and production of the 1970s drama series Police Story. He also spoke in detail about spin-off series Police Woman (and working with star Angie Dickinson), and the highly-rated miniseries Beulah Land (and the controversy surrounding its production). He talked about becoming the President of MGM Television and discussed the series he oversaw including thirtysomething (and his initial excitement over the pilot script and fight to get the series financed) and In the Heat of the Night (and working with star Carroll O’Connor). He also talked about later series and television movies he produced. Throughout the interview, he noted his managerial style of expecting the best from people, his personal interest in the post-production process, and offered advice to aspiring producers. The interview was conducted by Karen Herman on September 13, 2006.