Disney Layoffs Hit TV Development & Casting Executive Ranks

Names of Disney TV executives impacted by today’s sweeping layoffs are starting to emerge. As Deadline reported exclusively today, several hundred employees are being laid off globally, with Disney Entertainment’s film and television marketing as well as television publicity, casting and development, as main targets.

According to sources, among those leaving is Eric Souliere, VP Casting for 20th Television, who had been working on Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story and 9-1-1 series. He is not going far, though, as the former casting director will be transitioning to casting on the new spinoff, 9-1-1: Nashville, I hear.

Also said to be departing is Tony Tompson, VP Content Development at Hulu Originals, who had been at the streamer for more than six years. He already is pursuing new opportunities and has been meeting for jobs. Lower-level development executives, including a manager of drama programming, ABC Hulu, also have been affected.

There has been some confusion today as several Disney TV executives are leaving or have just left though their exits are not part of today’s layoffs.

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That includes SVP Casting Dylann Brander Gunning, who departed after her contract was up last month, I hear. She was head of casting at ABC Signature before the casting departments of 20th TV and ABC Signature were merged in August under 20th TV Head of Casting Stephanie Levinson, with Gunning reporting to her.

Also no longer part of Disney is Crystal Holt, VP Series for 20th TV, as well as Collin Sapera, VP Drama Development, ABC Hulu, whose contract was up. Other recent Disney departures include Ashley Chang, who left as Hulu VP Content Development to join Amazon MGM Studios.