Denton switches off television career Andrew Denton has retired from the television industry, confirming his departure from the production company he founded in 1989 and used to launch a slew of TV hits including Enough Rope and The Gruen Transfer. Denton's decision puts an end to speculation which has been building since the radio and TV identity anounced he was taking a "sabbatical" from the company last year. Denton's company, Zapruder's Other Films, and the production company Cordell Jigsaw merged 18 months ago. Media talent: Andrew Denton says if he returns to television, CJZ "will always be the first port of call." Photo: Tim Bauer The resulting entity, Cordell Jigsaw Zapruder (CJZ), is Australia's largest locally-owned production company. Its rivals - RTL's Fremantle, Endemol's Southern Star, ITV Studios and Shine - are all foreign-owned. "When we shook hands and merged 18 months ago, it was on the understanding that I was keen to take a long break," Denton, 53, said. Now I've decided to make that a break from television altogether. "I'm excited for the company's future as a place for creative people to continue to flourish," Denton said, adding that if he returns to television, "[CJZ] will always be the first port of call." The announcement of Denton's retirement will send shockwaves through the industry. Denton is regarded as one of the industry's most innovative talents. Denton said he is proud of what he leaves behind. "The measures of success in our industry are ratings and awards and we have racked up our share of both," he said. I take great pleasure from the fact that, every year of the last ten, Zapruders has supplied among the most-watched, locally made, programs on the ABC. Denton said he took particular satisfaction from the new talent the company nurtured, including The Chaser team, the Hungry Beast team and the discovery of Todd Sampson and Russel Howcroft on The Gruen Transfer. "Not to mention the many who have worked with us off-camera and whose stars have also risen; [that] has been a reward that outstrips the more public ones," Denton said. Denton's co-principals at CJZ, veteran producers Nick Murray and Michael Cordell, praised their former colleague as a rare talent in the television industry. "The goal with the merger was to create a company greater than the sum of its parts and that's proved to be the case," Murray said. Added Cordell: "We're sad to see Andrew go but his DNA will always remain embedded in CJZ. The proof of that is a roll call of great shows that take risks, excite and make a difference. The company's current production slate includes Bondi Rescue, Go Back To Where You Came From, Gruen Planet, The Checkout, Dumb, Drunk and Racist and Can of Worms. Denton, the son of author Kit Denton, began his career in radio but has worked in television - in front and behind the camera - for much of his adult life. "My desire now is to live, work and think differently for a while," he said. I leave with great memories and a sense of excitement about the road ahead, even if I don't yet have a road map. It's been a full-on 13 years and, for the next little while at least, I am going to try my hand at being Australia's most unlikely, least-laid-back, hippie. In television, though, every farewell kiss comes with an exit clause. CJZ effectively buys out Denton's remaining shareholding in the company, but retains a "first look" arrangement on any new television projects Denton may hatch in future, should his retirement be short-lived. Cordell said the company sent Andrew "its best wishes as he follows the beat of a different drum. We've installed web cams throughout his house and will monitor his every move with interest. Maybe there's even a show in it.