HBO Max Adds to Premium Original Drama Team

HBO Max has bolstered its drama team with Roberto Alcantara, Chika Chukudebelu and Mark Tuohy, who will all serve as VP of drama for the platform.

All of the newly appointed executives will report to Joey Chavez, executive VP of drama for HBO Max, who oversees creative development. The group will create a rich slate of original dramas for WarnerMedia’s direct-to-consumer offering, which is scheduled to launch in the spring of 2020.

Alcantara’s remit will include developing premium original dramas. He most recently served as VP of comedy development and programming for FOX Entertainment. Chukudebelu, whose last post was as VP of development of NBCUniversal’s Universal Content Productions, will oversee developing dramatic series programming for the streaming platform. Tuohy, who is joining HBO Max following a VP of creative affairs role for A+E Studios, will be responsible for developing and producing original scripted programming.

Kevin Reilly, CCO of HBO Max and president of TNT, TBS and truTV, said: “The premium drama bar is set high, and I have no doubt this talented team will deliver and be great creative partners to great creators.”

Chavez added: “We are proud to have a drama team that reflects a variety of voices, tastes and points of view. Bringing together the best people who come from studios, networks and various genres, gives us a great mix of backgrounds to tap into. It’s this collection of skills and diversity that will create the kind of signature dramas that will be unique to HBO Max.”