Michael Levitt

A veteran television producer who has, within the past decade, Michael Levitt emerged as one of the entertainment industry's most successful and sought-after producers of music and event television programming. Levitt has reinvented the staple "awards show," infusing his projects with creativity and a sense of fun that has long been lacking from the genre. He is one of those rare producers who has earned the respect of performers and programmers alike. Levitt's specials deliver strong ratings, while providing talent with the best possible performance showcase, and viewers with an entertainment experience unlike anything else in the genre. Levitt's latest pair of triumphs are network specials reuniting the casts of two long running series:"Dallas" and "Happy Days." Filmed on location at Southfork Ranch in Dallas where J.R. Ewing and company took up residence for 13 seasons, Dallas Reunion: The Return To Southfork (CBS) found the cast touring the grounds and reminiscing about how they collectively created television history. Similarly, Ron Howard, Garry Marshall and the whole "Happy Days" gang returned to the set of Arnold's Diner to reflect back on 11 successful seasons for "The Happy Days' 30th Anniversary Reunion" (ABC). In 2003, Levitt created The TV Land Awards: A Celebration of Classic TV, for which he served as Executive Producer. In 2003, the inaugural TV Land Awards show drew some 15 million viewers, and stands as the channel's highest-rated broadcast ever. The third annual celebration tapes March 2005. Levitt created and Executive Produced the first-ever Nick @ Nite Holiday Special. His debut into the world of holiday shows was a unique reinvention of the classic Christmas specials of the 1960s. It was broadcast in December 2003. In 2002, Levitt partnered with veteran actor/producer Henry Winkler when the pair were approached by King World Productions to revamp and update Hollywood Squares, the company's classic game show. Togther, they completely redesigned the show's look and feel, and the series flourished, earning five Emmy Award nominations for the 2002-2003 season (including Best Game Show). As Producer of the Billboard Music Awards for the past ten years, Levitt has built the annual awards show into a powerhouse entertainment special for Fox. Each year, the show attracts the industry's hottest acts and, under Levitt's leadership, has featured live performances by Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Aerosmith, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Metallica, Sting, Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, N'Sync and Jennifer Lopez, to name but a few. Levitt has produced the Teen Choice Awards for Fox since its inception. What began as a niche special six years ago has grown into an annual ratings bonanza for the network, attracting especially large numbers of young viewers. In a relatively short time, the Teen Choice Awards has become one of the most talked-about awards shows on the air, thanks largely to Levitt's innovative approach, as evidenced by popular spoof segments included in the show, such as Old-Town and Moulin Huge. For six years, he has produced the Blockbuster Awards, first for UPN and, subsequently, for Fox. Avoiding the stodginess so apparent in other awards shows, Levitt's Blockbuster Awards displays a lighter attitude, bringing fun to the forefront. Having served as Co-Producer for the 1993-94 season of the Mickey Mouse Club, Levitt re-teamed with former mouseketeer Britney Spears in April of 2000, producing, under his Michael Levitt Productions banner, her Fox television special, Britney in Hawaii, again scoring a ratings coup for the network. Later that same year, Michael Levitt Productions produced two more specials for Fox: Britney Spears: There's No Place Like Home and The `NSYNC `Ntimate Holiday Special. In 2001, Levitt's company produced the VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards, garnering the show's highest-ever ratings and bringing the annual special to a new level of critical and popular acclaim. With a string of successes which resonate with broadcasters and audiences alike, Levitt's dedication to the marriage of creative excellence and fiscal responsibility ensures that, whether through his own Michael Levitt Productions, or via strategic partnerships with others, Levitt's future as a prolific and innovative programmer seems certain.