[A] 1er DECEMBRE 2009 : MICHAEL SCHNEIDER (VARIETY)

"Glee" exec producer Brad Falchuk is in tune with 20th Century Fox TV.
Studio has sealed a new seven-figure, multi-year overall deal with the writer/producer/director, who will continue on the show and also develop new projects on the side.

Falchuk co-created "Glee" with Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. The trio have written all of "Glee's" initial 13 episodes, and will write the freshman season's back nine segs as well.

20th Century Fox TV chairman Dana Walden said Falchuk initially came highly recommended by Murphy -- and that was good enough for them.

"Brad is an extremely versatile and talented team player, and when Ryan went off to direct 'Eat, Pray, Love,' Brad stepped in -- and they didn't miss a beat," Walden said. "His partnership with Ryan is so meaningful. The fact that Ryan singled him out helped drive this deal."

Besides looking at Falchuk to develop new projects, Walden said the studio will look to take advantage of his directing skills, perhaps on future pilots.

Falchuk has directed several episodes of "Glee," including the well-received "Preggers" (in which the football team dances to Beyonce's "Single Ladies") and the fall finale "Sectionals," set to air next week.

"The tone of 'Glee' is so specific, it takes delicate balance," Walde said. "If you can direct 'Glee' successfully, you can probably direct anything."

Falchuk's collaboration with Murphy also includes "Nip/Tuck," which he also exec produced and directed.

Falchuk said he had appreciated the amount of freedom and support he had received from 20th on "Glee."

"The intent is to have me doing as much writing and directing and producing as possible," he said. "I'm excited for the opportunity."

As part of the deal, Falchuk said it was important that he remained on "Glee" -- a show he plans to stick with throughout its entire run.

"I'm very committed to 'Glee' and will work on it as long as it's around," he said. "It's done very well and hit a place in the culture, but it's obviously still in its infancy. There are a lot more stories to tell and a lot more to do... I feel it's very important that my voice is in there, and I'll keep committing to that."

As for future development, Falchuk said he's kicking around a few ideas in the pipeline, most of which are in the hour-long field.