HBO promotes to fill drama roles

US premium cablenet HBO has made further changes to its programming department following the exit of president Michael Lombardo and his replacement by Casey Bloys.

Francesca Orsi and David Levine, who were previously senior VP’s of programming, have both been promoted to co-heads of drama series, with a remit across development and production of the broadcaster’s scripted efforts.

The duo report to Bloys, who became president of HBO series, late-night and specials earlier this year when Michael Ellenberg, previously head of drama series, left.

Bloys then took Lombardo’s role last month and now oversees all programming from HBO and Cinemax.

He said the Orsi and Levine “understand the brand intimately and enjoy strong, respected relationships with the creative community.”

Orsi, who joined in 2003, and had worked on Boardwalk Empire and The Leftovers along with forthcoming shows Big Little Lies and Vinyl.

Levine’s credits include Game of Thrones and True Detective, as well as True Blood. He joined in 2009, later becoming head of entertainment and since working on JJ Abrams’ Westworld.

Lombardo’s exit came after overseeing hits like Girls, Boardwalk Empire and Veep, although more recent series such as The Brink and Vinyl have met less success.

Production on recent drama Westworld was halted earlier this year, while other projects, including Lewis & Clark and Utopia, were paused in 2015.