Apple picks Paramount comedy exec

Apple is set to move into comedy programming after adding an executive from Viacom-owned Paramount Network to its expanding senior management team.

Dana Tuinier

Dana Tuinier has joined the tech giant’s worldwide video team as creative executive for comedy and will report to head of development Matt Cherniss.

Her remit is expected to include working on the forthcoming comedy from Reese Witherspoon’s prodco Hello Sunshine as well as developing and overseeing new comedy projects.

Tuinier was most recently VP for development and original programming at Paramount Network and TV Land, working on shows including Younger and Teachers.

She also oversaw an adaptation of 1996 movie First Wives Club, which remains in the works, and has had stints as director of current at Fox, working on New Girl and Almost Human.

Last week Apple expanded its originals slate with a drama series from Damien Chazelle, the Oscar-winning director of La La Land, which joins documentary series Home, futuristic drama See and a remake of Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi series Amazing Stories.

Apple’s content push follows the appointment of former Sony Pictures Television presidents Jamie Erlicht and Zach Van Amburg, who arrived in June to lead its programming strategy.

Other significant hires include Amazon’s Morgan Wandell as head of international creative development and former Channel 4 chief creative officer Jay Hunt, who is leading efforts in Europe.