Naegle to lead Annapurna TV arm

Former HBO programming chief Sue Naegle will establish a television division for Annapurna Pictures, the LA film producer behind American Hustle, Foxcatcher and Zero Dark Thirty.

Naegle left HBO, where she was president of entertainment, in 2013 and went on to launch prodco Naegle Ink with a deal with the cable network. That ended recently.

She will now establish Annapurna Television, which will focus on a slate of broadcast, cable and digital programmes. Various projects from Naegle Ink will transfer to Annapurna, including one for premium cable network Epix about the intersecting lives of Hollywood rivals Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich.

Naegle will run the division alongside Annapurna founder Megan Ellison, who has led her company to coproduce various successful movies, including the upcoming adult animation Sausage Party.

“We are thrilled to further expand our television business and continue our commitment to all forms of storytelling,” said Ellison. “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.

“Annapurna is a company that has been unwavering in their commitment to building distinctive and bold programming in a time of unprecedented production,” said Naegle. “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.”

While at HBO, Naegle commissioned shows such as Game of Thrones, Veep and Boardwalk Empire. She is currently an executive producer on Outcast, which is for HBO sister network Cinemax.