HBO Entertainment president Sue Naegle is bulking up her development team, bringing in a new VP of drama and promoting a key comedy exec.
Jocelyn Diaz, most recently at ABC, has been named VP of drama series for the premium cable network. And Casey Bloys, a five-year HBO vet, has been promoted to senior VP of comedy series.
Both executives report to Naegle, who announced the moves Tuesday.
Diaz will be in charge of developing and producing drama projects for HBO. At ABC, she worked on a wide range of series, including "Lost," "Ugly Betty" and "Pushing Daisies."
“Jocelyn’s approach to development is one that works to preserve and support the writer’s vision,” Naegle said. “She has excellent relationships in the creative community and is a great fit for HBO’s commitment to unique and innovative programming.”
As for Bloys, he will oversee development and production of half-hour scripted projects for HBO. During her tenure at the channel, she helped develop series such as "Hung," "Flight of the Conchords" and "Eastbound & Down."
“Comedy isn’t something you can teach; either you know it or you don’t,” Naegle said. “Casey has a natural ability and a great eye for talent. It’s hard to imagine HBO’s comedy department without his guidance and leadership.”
The changes at HBO come at a good time for the network, which seems to have shaken off its post-"Sopranos" creative blues with the launch of hits such as "True Blood" and "Hung."
