He will meet former studio heads Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht at the tech giant.
Chris Parnell leaves Sony Pictures Television for a top programming job at Apple.
The SPT co-chair had been with the independent studio for 16 years and will now meet with former Apple-turned-video bosses Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht at the tech giant. In his new role as senior programmer on the national development team, the respected executive will brief Matt Cherniss, Apple’s current scripted and scripted development manager, and will be responsible for expanding Apple’s original series roster.
Parnell, during his time as co-chair on Sony TV alongside Jason Clodfelter, guided the creative aspects of the studio’s home television business. During her 16 years with Sony, she developed hits including Outlander, The Blacklist, The Boys, Preacher and the highly anticipated version of Amazon Time wheel. He also developed the Ron Moore space drama. For all humanity, which was one of four original series that helped launch Apple to the scripted originals. The space drama was quickly renewed for a second season.
Parnell’s departure will leave Clodfelter as co-president of Sony Pictures Television Studios at Sony, overseeing national projects as well as his banners, including the recently launched TriStar TV. She will continue to report to Sony Pictures Television Studios President Jeff Frost. Frost announced Parnell’s departure in a memo to staff. (Read that below)
Parnell comes to Apple as independent studio Sony TV continues to face an uphill battle in a climate where media conglomerates prioritize ownership over licensing deals. Sony TV also ditched its transmitter, Crackle, which is now majority-owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Good Morning,
I am writing to share some important news about our leadership team at Sony Pictures Television.
SPT Studios Co-President Chris Parnell will leave the company later this month to take a creative role on Apple TV. Chris has been a great partner, leader, collaborator, and friend during his 16+ years in the studio. You will be greatly missed. We have several projects with Apple and look forward to working closely with him in his new capacity.
I want to personally thank Chris for the contributions he has made to the studio over the years. He has been an innovator and advocate for bold new ideas, committed to finding and highlighting new voices, and has never shied away from stories that crossed the limits. Throughout his time on SPT, he has been instrumental in developing some of the studio’s most prolific and iconic series, such as Outlander, The Blacklist, Preacher, Breaking Bad, and The Boys.
After Chris’s departure, Jason Clodfelter will continue in his role, serving as co-president, SPT Studios. He will oversee the development of drama and comedy in the US from the studio, current and written US programming, Movies and Miniseries, talent and casting, as well as TriStar Television, Affirm Television and Gemstone Studios. SPT Studios’ unscripted business and our physical production unit will now inform me.
Join me in wishing Chris continued success as he embarks on the next chapter in his career. If you have any questions, please contact me or your respective P&O partners.
Jeff
