“ER” veteran Anthony Edwards is operating in a new arena, setting up a New York-based TV production company and signing an overall deal with CBS Paramount Network Television.
Mr. Edwards is partnering with former NBC comedy executive Cheryl Dolins to form Grand Central Entertainment, which will produce, create and develop for all TV genres and across multiple platforms. The decision to locate Grand Central in New York makes it one of the few studio-based production shingles not headquartered in Hollywood.
The agreement with CBS Paramount reunites Mr. Edwards with David Stapf, president of the studio. Mr. Stapf was head of publicity for “ER” producer Warner Bros. Television and helped launch the medical drama.
“Anthony is the ultimate artist,” Mr. Stapf told TelevisionWeek. “And he and Cheryl are both extremely talented, very well connected and tapped into the artist-writer-performer community, not only in New York but also in Los Angeles. His creativity coupled with her executive skills make for a really terrific production team.”
While the deal does not call on Mr. Edwards to star in any of the projects Grand Central produces, he’s leaving the door open to that possibility.
“I am excited about working with writers, directors and fellow actors to develop projects that have original voices,” Mr. Edwards said. “I want to apply myself where I am needed depending on the project—acting, directing or producing.”
Ms. Dolins said she and Mr. Edwards are planning to “build on past relationships” in order to establish “a hub for talent that want to live and work in New York.”
Mr. Edwards said he and Ms. Dolins have complementary skill sets.
“Cheryl and I have both succeeded in very different parts of the business, and together we have a broad spectrum of resources to draw from as we form this new company,” he said.
Mr. Edwards has been developing feature film projects via his Aviator Films banner. He made his directorial debut with 1994’s “Charlie’s Ghost Story.”
On the acting front, Mr. Edwards appeared in last year’s “Zodiac.” He’s also making a return visit to “ER” this year, appearing in flashback as Dr. Mark Greene in the series’ final season. He’ll next be seen in the film “Motherhood,” which stars Uma Thurman.
Before leaving NBC, Ms. Dolins was senior VP of comedy at the network. She helped develop “My Name Is Earl,” “The Office” and “30 Rock.” She previously worked at NBC Studios and Grammnet Productions.