HBO Taps Francesca Orsi, David Levine To Head Drama Series

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

RELATED: Casey Bloys named HBO programming president 

HBO Thursday continued to reorganize its executive ranks, naming Francesca Orsi and David Levine as co-heads of the network's drama series, announced Casey Bloys, president, HBO Programming, to whom they directly report.  Together Orsi and Levine will oversee the development and production of all drama series for the network.

“Francesca and David have long histories at HBO,” said the recently appointed Bloys in a statement. “They understand the brand intimately and enjoy strong, respected relationships with the creative community.”

Orsi, currently senior vice president of HBO programming who joined HBO in 2003, currently oversees development for Big Little Lies and Vinyl, as well as dramas The Leftovers, Boardwalk Empire and Big Love.

Levine, who is currently senior vice president of HBO programming, oversees Game Of Thrones and the upcoming series Westworld. Levine joined HBO as a consultant in 2009.

“In this new structure, two talented executives are in a position to quickly green light HBO’s next great slate of drama series,” added Bloys.   

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.