It’s not TV. It’s HBO.
In the early 2000s, I was hired as Art Director of HBO.com. At the time Chris Albrecht was the Head of Programming, and Carolyn Strauss was the Executive Producer; together they developed and launched a string of shows including "The Sopranos", "Six Feet Under", "The Wire", "Sex and the City" and "Deadwood." Many critics cite this era and these shows as the golden age of television.
“Those who want Respect, Give Respect.”
Tony Soprano
Working Together.
I was responsible for building, managing and the leading a cross-discipline team of designers and developers from concept to creation. Together our focus ranged from working with key art to the creation of original content that supported user engagement across all of HBO’s Original Series, Mini-Series and Movies.
Expanding the Offering.
As the website grew in scope we created a standard ‘Episode Guide Console’ across the Original Series and to other HBO Properties, Films and HBO Family where users would find links to exclusive Video, iTunes, Episode Guide. We also supported the launch of the HBO store.
Inside and Out.
I collaborated with Show Creators on exclusive content such as Behind the Scenes, Inside the Script and Opening Titles. I also hired and worked with external studios to create additional features. Site traffic increased from 500K to 5MM unique users. Newsletter subscriptions increased from 400K to 1.8MM
“You come at the king, you best not miss.”
Omar Little
The Law and The Street.
It was wonderful to be at HBO while The Wire, a Peabody Award-Winning Series, was on air. It’s regarded as one of television’s most critically acclaimed programs and brainstorming ideas for the website was thrilling. We monitored feedback from users and responded to their confusion about characters and hierarchy by designing boldly colored Organization Charts which were a welcome and effective solution.
It all Started with Boxing.
Pay Per View and More.
Perhaps even more than other HBO properties HBO Boxing fans are ardent and passionate so it made sense to also update that property. Template standards were incorporated and implemented. A cross between reality tv and documentary launched as 24/7 covering the boxers for a period of weeks in the lead-up to their fight beginning with De La Hoya vs Mayweather.
