I toldja about it yesterday. (See my previous, HBO Locks Up UTA's Sue Naegle and HBO Goes After UTA's Sue Naegle To Hire). Meanwhile UTA replaced Naegle as head of the agency's TV department with Matt Rice, who's been a UTA partner since 2002 in the television area. Here's the official HBO announcement:
LOS ANGELES, April 9, 2008 - Sue Naegle has been named president, HBO Entertainment, overseeing all series programming and specials, it was announced today by Richard Plepler, co-president, HBO, and Michael Lombardo, president, programming group and West Coast operations, HBO.
Most recently a partner and co-head of the television department at United Talent Agency, where she has worked for 16 years, Naegle will begin her new position later this month in Los Angeles, reporting to Lombardo.
"We just think it's a perfect fit," said Plepler and Lombardo. "Sue has great taste, superb relationships in the creative community and an innate sense of what makes a great HBO show. We are thrilled to welcome her into the family."
Added HBO chairman & CEO Bill Nelson, "Series programming has long been at the heart and soul of HBO's program lineup. To bring in someone of Sue's caliber to oversee a new generation of HBO programming is truly exciting."
"I am delighted to be joining the team at HBO," said Naegle. "I work in television, but I am also a great fan of television. At UTA, I was part of an amazing team dedicated to helping writers fulfill their creative ambitions. HBO has always set the standard for excellence in programming and as the leading place for artists to do what they do best. The opportunity to be a part of that process from development to execution was something I could not pass up."
While at UTA, Naegle was responsible for packaging TV series such as HBO's Six Feet Under, Men in Trees, The Bernie Mac Show, Aliens in America, Swingtown and the upcoming HBO series True Blood. She began her career there in the mailroom, becoming an agent in 1994, and a co-head of the TV department and partner in 1999.
Hollywood needs more women and miniroty decision makers to level the playing field and Sue Naegle is a step in the right direction. Sue Naegle being named president, HBO Entertainment is a great way to continue the lagacy of building HBO’s brand by reflecting the melting pot that is America.
I pray that Ms. Naegle can somehow channel Chris Albrecht’s passion and vision in finding and developing new talent from the African American, Native American, Asian American, Latin American creative communities.
When Chris Albrecht was an agent at ICM, he would always take the time out to read scripts from novice miniority writers. I know this because he has done this for me several times. He would always pick up the phone and talk to me as well encourage me and other to keep writing and doing comedy.
Chris Rock once stated to me that it was Chris Albrecht who gave him his first holding deal at HBO. That holding deal allowed him to develop into one of the greatest comics of all time. But for, Chris Albrecht there would be no Chris Rock. Yes, Eddie Murphy helped but it was HBO that gave Rock the platform/soapbox.
Godspeed to Sue Naegle
Comment by Chris Jackson — April 9, 2008 @ 11:40 am
All I can offer is a hearty “good luck” and some unrequested advice: Don’t look for shows that have to fit some sort of “HBO mindset” just stick to picking good shows, and you won’t fail.
Comment by Furious D — April 9, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
Sue is one of the classiest, smartest, and coolest people in town, and she’ll definitely improve HBO.
Comment by Sammy Glick — April 9, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
She has the best taste and she’s the strongest advocate for talented writers with a vision. This is huge for HBO and even better for television overall. Everyone working in TV will benefit.
Comment by It'sShaft! — April 9, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
Matt Rice is the best TV agent in town (at least for comedy.)
Smart move by UTA putting him in charge.
Comment by George Glass — April 9, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
I agree George Glass!
Comment by It'sShaft! — April 9, 2008 @ 4:33 pm