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James began his career in entertainment on CRAZY EX GIRLFRIEND, LET’S MAKE A DEAL, and BRIGHT for Netflix. He was then hired by Unfound Content as a production coordinator and later a UPM, working on various indie features and commercials with producer Bernie Stern. Previously, James worked in development at Universal Television as a development coordinator, working on an overall deal with UTV for scripted and unscripted TV series. Currently, James is a Director of Development at an A-List production company with an ABC Studios/Disney Television Deal focused on television projects. The principal of the company is an A-List actress with several feature films in the Marvel Universe for The Walt Disney Company, working on AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, AVENGERS: END GAME, BLACK PANTHER, BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER, ALL EYEZ ON ME, MOTHER GEORGE, Wes Craven's MY SOUL TO TAKE, and THE WALKING DEAD franchise. James develops television projects across all genres, evaluating concepts and crafting pitches for the market. He guides sold projects through development with buyers, championing underrepresented voices through provocative storytelling. His mission is delivering barrier-breaking narratives that introduce diverse faces and cultural perspectives to global audiences, using specific stories to explore universal themes that unite us all. Full Bio »
Our guest this week is James Leighton, Director of Development at an A-List production company with an ABC Studios/Disney Television Deal focused on television projects! James' credits include working on AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, AVENGERS: END GAME, BLACK PANTHER, BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER, ALL EYEZ ON ME, MOTHER GEORGE, Wes Craven's MY SOUL TO TAKE, and THE WALKING DEAD franchise! He began his career in entertainment on CRAZY EX GIRLFRIEND, LET’S MAKE A DEAL, and BRIGHT for Netflix. James develops television projects across all genres, evaluating concepts and crafting pitches for the market, and is eager to find stories that serve the mandates for ABC Studios/Disney by reading scripts from the Stage 32 community! James is interested in TV pilots across all genres, especially for comedies in both TV and feature films, and for Features, James looks for genre-blended comedy projects (horror, action, sci-fi, etc.) or high-concept ideas that could serve as star vehicles for comedic talent. Join in the educational fun right here on Stage 32!
Attend this webcast and learn to own any executive's room with your pitch! Volunteer Writers' Room Members pitch their projects in 5-minute intervals directly to industry experts who will break their pitches down and offer feedback!
The Pitch Tank
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In this Writers' Room Pitch Tank we welcome special guest, Development Executive Drew Gatto of Captivate Entertainment. Captivate Entertainment is a production company behind the enormously popular JASON BOURNEfranchise, which has grossed over a billion dollars worldwide. At Captivate, Drew works closely with executives across the industry to source strong material and secure IP rights for projects in development. Last summer, he had the opportunity to travel to Budapest to work on Captivate's most recent TV project, "TREADSTONE", which aired on USA Network last fall. Drew started his career at the Gersh Agency where he worked with leading film and television talent, helping them secure roles and develop their careers. He then moved to Imagine Entertainment, where he had the distinct honor of working with Brian Grazer! During the Pitch Tank we hear pitches from members including period thrillers, female-driven dramedy, action, historically-based series, and Sci-Fi adventures!
During the December Pitch Tank, Director of Script Services Jason Mirch welcomes Literary Manager Jon Hersh of Housefire Management, a company that represents writers and directors in film, television, and digital content. They specialize in deep development, strong client relationships, and incendiary material that stands out like a house on fire. Jon's client list includes writers and filmmakers for film and TV including emerging writers with projects at Universal, Paramount, Lionsgate, Atlas Entertainment, and Gidden Media! Prior to forming Housefire, Jon was at CAA and Broad Green Pictures. He is a graduate of USC's School of Cinematic Arts. Jon and Jason listen to pitches from 4 members and offer their thoughts and feedback!
We're diving into the first Writers' Room Pitch Tank of 2021 and welcoming special guest, Literary Manager Audrey Knox of The Cartel to critique members' pitches! Audrey worked her way up from receptionist in 2016 to Manager in 2018. Audrey has experience in both scripted and unscripted television, on set, in production, and in writers’ rooms. She has a BFA in Screenwriting from Chapman University. Prior to joining The Cartel Audrey worked in development at WME and Lighthearted Entertainment and in the literary department at Gersh. Last year, Untitled Entertainment and The Cartel - two huge management companies - joined forces to produce films for television and theatrical release. Both companies continue to look for new scripts from writers that offer "escapism to broad audiences." During the webcast, we hear pitches for Action-Adventure, Supernatural Rom Com, Supernatural Procedural Drama, and more!
Our guest is Myra Model, principal and creative head of Myra Model Management, a management company that identifies, curates, and develops premium writing talent and bold emerging voices across television, film, and new media. Myra's years of experience include broadcast programming as an executive and producer, with credits including Mario Puzo's THE LAST DON, BLONDE, AMERICAN TRAGEDY, IN COLD BLOOD, GLEASON, RUBY RIDGE, ALEX HALEY'S MAMA FLORA'S FAMILY, and the adaptation of the acclaimed BBC mini-series RECKLESS. Myra launched the television careers of Sundance and Humanitas prize winners and playwrights, including Ellen Fairey (American Classic), Marisa Wegrzyn (AMAZON'S GOLIATH), Caitlin Parrish (CBS's SUPERGIRL), Adam Scott Weissman (THE GOOD DOCTOR), Rosie Kaller, Nick Baker (HOMELAND), Cami Delavigne (AMERICAN GIGOLO), Deborah Swisher (THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY), and Humanitas New Voices winners Josh Corey and Brian Kratz (WELCOME TO FLATCH). Our Writers' Room Members brought their A-Game pitches and enthusiasm, and Myra shared insightful gems about pitching in her feedback! Watch the webcast and join in the educational fun right here on Stage 32!
We're back in the Writers' Room for The Pitch Tank. Writers will have a precisely timed 5-minute window to present their pitches, while our seasoned experts meticulously dissect each presentation, providing constructive feedback. Step into a welcoming and supportive space where everyone is invited to participate and grow together. Elevate your pitching skills in an atmosphere dedicated to fostering growth and creativity!
Jake Martin is the Head of Scripted Development for Happy Place, Inc. an internationally-recognized, full-service creative studio dedicated to best-in-class, bespoke content creation. The company began as a production company that produced projects for TAYLOR SWIFT, TRAVIS SCOTT, JENNIFER LOPEZ, JAY-Z, JUSTIN BIEBER and TYLER THE CREATOR. Jake is working to lead the company into the Film and TV space with scripted entertainment for Apple+, Amazon, Netflix, and more. Prior to his role at Happy Place, Jake has had a prolific career - working as the Creative Executive for Director James Gunn (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Franchise), Guillermo del Toro, and as Pierre Morel’s creative executive during the filming of PEPPERMINT starring Jennifer Garner. He also served as the Director of Development for Sentient Pictures International, developing, packaging, and selling TV/Film including FREELANCE currently in post-production, directed by Pierre Morel and starring John Cena and Alison Brie.