TV: "True Blood" Loses Head Writer, Alan Ball Stepping Down...
Monday, February 27, 2012
By: EvanDickson


Alan Ball is stepping down as the head writer of "True Blood".

Not much reason has been given for Ball's departure from the position (he will remain on the show in some capacity, I'm guessing as a producer) except for "exhaustion".



Per Forbes:

"Sookie and her pals from HBO’s 'True Blood' are losing their creator. Alan Ball, I have confirmed, will step down from being head-writer of the show about sexy vampires mixing it up in New Orleans. Explanations include exhaustion, and maybe that the show seemed like it had tired blood last season.

Ball will still be with the show, I’m told, but a new regime will guide the fates of the characters into their new season. This could also very well be a money issue, as series tend to get more and more expensive as they drag on."

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/28525

Official Word From HBO on Alan Ball's Departure From "True Blood"
by Alyse Wax
February 28, 2012


HBO's Official Statement:

"When we extended our multi-year overall deal with Alan Ball in July 2011, we always intended that if we proceeded to 'True Blood's' sixth season that Alan would take a supervisory role on the series and not be the day-to-day showrunner.

If we proceed to season six, the show will remain in the very capable hands of the talented team of writers and producers who have been with the show for a number of years. This is the best possible world for both HBO and Alan Ball.

Alan will remain available as executive producer to consult and advise on 'True Blood' and he will be free to develop new shows for both HBO and Cinemax. 'Banshee', on which Alan serves as executive producer, is the first in-house series for Cinemax and is expected to begin production this spring."





Alan Ball also made a statement:

"'True Blood' has been, and will continue to be, a highlight of not only my career but my life and because of the fantastic cast, writers, producers and crew, with whom I have been lucky enough to work these past five years, I know I could step back and the show will continue to thrive as I look forward to new and exciting ventures."

http://www.fearnet.com/news/b25550_official_word_from_hbo_on_alan_balls.html