Queer authors writing film/tv/theatre and books (fiction and non-fiction). Untold stories from history, particularly from voices we don't get to hear very often. Stories that have the potential to serve as an ongoing series with long story engines.
Sports / Multi-cam / Faith-based / Action
International producer John-Paul Sarni most recently served as EVP, Head of International Content + IP Acquisitions at Stampede Ventures. In that post, he curated and looked after a development slate including a first-look deal with CBS Studios’ international division, a joint venture with Australia’s KOJO Studios (THE ALLIANCE), and projects across 15+ countries. He served as Executive Producer on the comedy series, GOLD DIGGERS for Australia’s ABC/CBS Studios (AACTA Nominee for Best Comedy Series), and THE DARKNESS for Iceland’s Síminn/CBS Studios from director Lasse Hallström.
He began in development at HBO Films before moving on to aid+abet as an executive working on such films as PARIAH (Sundance 2011) and UNA NOCHE (Berlinale 2012). As VP of Development & Literary Acquisitions at Sonar Entertainment, he oversaw an extensive slate of series, miniseries and feature films produced and acquired for the international market.
At Laurence Fishburne’s Cinema Gypsy Productions he served as Head of Development and Current, developing new properties for the company, including their award-winning ABC series, BLACK-ISH as well as Emmy winner, SNOWY DAY for Amazon.
He hosts the podcast PAGE & SCREEN WITH JOHN-PAUL SARNI (now in its 3rd season) in which he talks with authors, actors, historians and journalists.
Originally from Andover, Massachusetts, he lives between Italy and California. He is a member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Available Sessions With This Exec
