Michael Fresco, Scott Ellis & Todd Holland To Direct ABC Comedy Pilots

Michael Fresco is set to direct the pilot for ABC’s untitled Johnny Knoxville comedy pilot, written/executive produced by his brother, comedy writer-producer Victor Fresco. Narrated by Knoxville and based on his life, the single-camera project follows the exploits of 12-year-old Johnny navigating the “outlaw culture” of his family and small hometown of Knoxville, TN, and documents the childhood experiences that inspired him to become one of the greatest pranksters of a generation. This marks a reunion of the Fresco brothers — Michael also helmed the pilot for Victor’s ABC series Better Off Ted. ESA-repped Michael also has directed the pilots for such series as Raising Hope, Suburgatory, Benched and Manhattan Love Story.

Scott Ellis will direct multi-camera pilot Dr. Ken. Written by Jared Stern, Mike O’Connell and Ken Jeong, the multi-camera project stars Jeong as a frustrated HMO doctor juggling medicine, marriage and parenting, and succeeding at none of them. Ellis also is directing the CBS Tommy Johnagin comedy pilot and helmed the pilot for the NBC series Undateable, which is returning for a second season.

Emmy winner Todd Holland will direct Family Of The Year, ABC’s comedy pilot from Dan Savage. Written by David Windsor and  Casey Johnson, the single-camera project is about a picture perfect family that is turned upside down when the youngest son comes out of the closet. Holland most recently directed the pilot for upcoming ABC Family drama series Stitchers.