Paulilu Productions Expands with Tara Dorfman as Head of TV Development

Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs, co-creators of the acclaimed series “Hacks,” have appointed Tara Dorfman as the head of TV development at their production company, Paulilu Productions. Dorfman will collaborate closely with Aniello and Downs to identify, develop, and produce television series across various genres. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance the company's creative output.

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Before joining Paulilu Productions, Tara Dorfman worked as an independent producer, notably partnering with Australia’s Easy Tiger Productions to establish an international comedy incubator. This initiative has led to collaborations on projects such as Paramount+’s “Colin from Accounts,” Netflix’s “Territory,” and Australian ABC’s “Optics.” Dorfman’s extensive experience in the industry includes nearly eight years at Creative Artists Agency, where she served as a scripted television and comedy agent until May 2023. Her recognition as one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30 in Entertainment” in 2018 underscores her influence in the field.

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In a joint statement, Aniello and Downs expressed their enthusiasm for Dorfman's appointment, stating, “Tara has impeccable taste in comedy and we couldn’t be more excited to build something special together.” Dorfman reflected on her relationship with Aniello and Downs, describing them as “the ultimate trifecta — smart, funny, and thoughtful.” She emphasized the significance of working with individuals who share her values and vision, stating, “Getting to work with people who care about the same things I do feels very special.”

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The addition of Dorfman is expected to bolster Paulilu Productions' capacity to produce character-driven comedy, a hallmark of the company since its inception in 2007. With successful projects like “Hacks” and Netflix’s “The Baby Sitters’ Club” under its belt, the company aims to continue its trajectory of creating engaging content for both digital and linear television platforms. The partnership with Warner Bros. Television Group further solidifies its position in the industry.

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As Dorfman steps into her new role, the focus will be on expanding the company’s portfolio and exploring innovative comedic narratives. The collaboration between Aniello, Downs, and Dorfman is anticipated to yield new projects that resonate with audiences, reflecting their shared commitment to quality storytelling in comedy.

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• “Tara has impeccable taste in comedy and we couldn’t be more excited to build something special together,” — Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs, Co-Creators of “Hacks.”

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