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Annapurna Pictures Launches TV Division Headed By Former HBO Executive Sue Naegle

Annapurna Pictures has launched Annapurna Television, a production that will be led by former HBO president of entertainment Sue Naegle. She recently ended a production deal at the network that followed her executive stint.

Annapurna’s new division will focus on building out the label’s TV slate for broadcast, cable and digital platforms. Naegle will run the new enterprise alongside Annapurna founder Megan Ellison and will spearhead Annapurna’s TV production and development, focusing on projects that align with the company’s brand of smart and original programming in collaboration with top creative voices.

Prior to Annapurna, Naegle led her own television and film production company, Naegle Ink, where she serves as an EP on Robert Kirkman’s Cinemax series Outcast. In addition, Naegle has several projects in development with HBO and other cable networks. Various projects that Naegle Ink has in development will segue to Annapurna, and the label’s SVP Kit Giordano and VP Ali Krug will join Naegle at Annapurna. One particular project that Annapurna is shepherding for Epix centers on the intersecting lives of Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich, written by Angela Robinson and Alex Kondracke.

During her run as HBO’s entertainment president, Naegle was instrumental in shepherding such Emmy-winning series as Game of Thrones, Veep and Boardwalk Empire along with True Blood, Tremé, Eastbound & Down, Enlightened and Girls.

“We are thrilled to further expand our television business and continue our commitment to all forms of storytelling,” Ellison said in a statement. “I could not be more excited to have the opportunity to work with and learn from Sue Naegle. She has such a passion and understanding of this medium, and has truly approached it from every angle. As I’ve gotten to know Sue, not only is she brilliant with an astonishing expertise both creatively and for the business, but also, she’s an incredible person to invite into this close-knit group of individuals over here at Annapurna. Her track record speaks for itself and her values could not be more aligned with our goals as a company.”

Said Naegle: “I am so excited to join Annapurna and help spearhead the exciting future of Annapurna Television. Annapurna is a company that has been unwavering in their commitment to building distinctive and bold programming in a time of unprecedented production. Whether I’ve been an agent, network president or producer, defending and nurturing innovative, compelling narratives and aesthetic excellence has been my mission and privilege. I’m so thrilled to find partners like Megan and her incredible team that share the same core philosophy, and I hope that this alliance will yield indelible television shows that reflect and challenge our culture.”

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