Epix adds Tappan as scripted efforts expand

US premium cable channel Epix has appointed former Landscape Entertainment (Raven Rock) executive Ben Tappan to a new post of VP, scripted programming.

This comes as the firm pushes firmly into original scripted series production under former Walt Disney and HBO drama executive Jocelyn Diaz.

In the post, Tappan will report to executive VP, original programming Diaz, and work on Epix’s first two originals, Graves and Berlin Station, which are heading into production this autumn.

He will be based in LA, working on development and production, and look at new projects for the Epix slate.

Tappan joins having previously overseen the day-to-day operations of indie Landscape’s TV department, including a first-look deal with Entertainment One Television and a limited series deal with US broadcast network Fox.

“Ben’s passion and dedication for quality scripted content is exactly the type of talent we look to bring into our company,” said Diaz.

“The opportunity to get in on the ground floor in scripted development for a premium network is a dream come true,” said Tappan. “From the moment I sat down with Jocelyn and the team at Epix, I was sold on their passion and their vision to expand into creating scripted content that was daring and distinctive.”

Epix, a joint venture of Viacom and subsidiary Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate Entertainment and MGM Studios, is moving into original programming, but is best known for its movie broadcasts.

Earlier this month, Epix became the first US network to allow subscribers to download movies to mobile devices to watch offline.