Apple adds Netflix exec to creative team

Tech giant Apple has tapped a development executive from rival digital player Netflix for its worldwide video team.

Layne Eskridge

Layne Eskridge has joined Apple as a creative executive, reporting to Matt Cherniss, head of development for worldwide video, according to a report in the US.

At Netflix, Eskridge oversaw a number of key productions including original crime series Ozark and Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It, as well as the forthcoming Top Boy, a revival of the UK Channel 4 drama, executive produced by Drake and Lebron James’ SpringHill Entertainment.

Prior to joining the streamer, she was an executive at Ellen DeGeneres’ company A Very Good Production and has also worked at Universal Cable Productions.

Eskridge is the latest addition to Apple’s expanding team of creative execs, joining former Paramount development VP Dana Tuinier, who moved over in January, Michelle Lee, Ali Woodruff and Max Aronson.

Cherniss, former president and general manager of WGN America and Tribune Studios, joined less than a year ago, at the same time the tech firm announced it would be investing over US$1bn in programming for its forthcoming video platform.

Her move comes as Apple continues to ramp up its programming slate.

The company recently agreed to develop a TV adaptation of Gregory David Roberts’ bestselling novel Shantaram, alongside an order for 10-episode thriller Are You Sleeping, from Reese Witherspoon’s prodco Hello Sunshine, and Amazing Stories from Steven Spielberg.