OUR TEAM

JEFF APPLOFF

PRESIDENT & CEO

Jeff Apploff is the President and CEO of Apploff Entertainment. In 2006, he created and executive-produced FOX’s DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS! which was hosted by Wayne Brady. Original versions of the series were produced in more than 25 countries. In France, the show is in its 12th season with more than 5,000 episodes aired. In 2009, the series also went into syndication across the country and was hosted by Sugar Ray frontman, Mark McGrath. In 2021, Apploff resold an all-new version of the series to FOX, hosted by Emmy Winner, Niecy Nash.

In 2017, Apploff created and executive produced FOX’s hit musical game show, BEAT SHAZAM, hosted and executive produced by Academy Award, Grammy, and Golden Globe winner, Jamie Foxx.

In 2023, Apploff created and sold LOTERÍA LOCA, an original game/variety show inspired by the incredibly popular Latin board game “Lotería.” The show will be hosted by Mexican comedian and actor, Jaime Camil.

Additional credits include WE ARE FAMILY, hosted by Anthony Anderson; MENTAL SAMURAI, hosted by Rob Lowe; THE WHEEL, hosted by Michael McIntyre; GAME OF TALENTS, hosted by Wayne Brady; BOOM hosted by Tom Papa; MILLION DOLLAR MONEY DROP hosted by Kevin Pollak; TAKE ME OUT hosted by George Lopez.

DANIELLE PERESS

VICE PRESIDENT, CURRENT & DEVELOPMENT

Working at Apploff Entertainment for over a decade, Danielle started as the Executive Assistant to Jeff Apploff and has worked her way up to Vice President of the company. Through the years, Danielle has become integral in creating, packaging, marketing and selling a number of series with the company to date.

In addition to her expert format development and pitch presentation contributions, Danielle is valued at the company as a resident expert in music and pop culture.

Danielle also serves as a Supervising Producer on all Apploff Entertainment shows, such as BEAT SHAZAM, DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS!, LOTERÍA LOCA, THE WHEEL and more.

ZACH GELFAND

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Zach Gelfand has been with Apploff Entertainment for over 2 years currently managing the latest developments in unscripted formats and beyond. Prior to his work at the company, Gelfand was making waves in virtual event production during the COVID pandemic, producing, hosting, and designing live game experiences. In addition, he brings years of experience as a strategist at multiple creative advertising agencies.

Zach is based in LA and originally hails from New York. He majored in mathematics from the University of Virginia (CLAS ’17). Go Hoos!