Walden Media Hires Benjamin Tappan as President of Production; Naia Cucukov Signs First-Look Producer Deal (EXCLUSIVE)
variety.comMichael Schneider Variety Editor at Large Former Epix exec Benjamin Tappan has joined Walden Media as president of production, overseeing the shingle’s TV and film development, as well as production.
Tappan’s hire comes as Walden Media also looks to broaden its programming mix. Tappan will report to Walden Media president and CEO Frank Smith, who announced the hire on Tuesday. “Ben’s vast experience as both a production executive and talent representative along with his great track record of making popular and critically praised content make him uniquely suited for leading our creative team,” Smith said in a statement. “We greatly look forward to his leadership and contributions as we build the Walden Media of the future.” Tappan most recently served as a consultant focused on scripted development and production at his Tap/In Entertainment.
He spent four years at Epix (now known as MGM+), joining in 2015 and helping launch the pay network’s first three straight-to-series productions.
Series developed under his watch included “Get Shorty,” “Berlin Station,” “Graves” and “Godfather of Harlem.” “I could not be more excited to join Walden, which has always stood for exceptional quality in storytelling,” Tappan said. “I’m grateful to be entrusted not only to lead Walden’s talented creative team but also to help Walden expand its comfort zone and create the kinds of series and features that reflect what audiences feel comfortable co-viewing today and into the future.” Also at Walden Media, the company announced that Naia Cucukov, exec VP of development and production, has signed a first-look deal to develop and produce a slate of new and existing TV and film projects. “Naia has been an incredible executive and colleague
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