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Ever wonder what happens when you submit a script to a production company, manager or network? If your script gets read, well, chances are the first people to read your script aren’t VP’s or senior executives. To get to them, you have to go through the gatekeepers first.
But who are these gatekeepers? How do the gatekeepers evaluate what material they recommend to their boss? And can you establish a relationship with them without coming across as crazy or stalker-ish?
Well, don’t sweat it! Because Roadmap has assembled a panel of four gatekeepers to answer all these questions!
In this 90-Minute Webinar, the panelists will discuss:
- Who gets hired as assistants and coordinators
- What exactly their job entails
- Forming and maintaining relationships with writers
- How they evaluate writers and material to pass on up the ladder
- How and where they find scripts to read
- The most common reasons their bosses pass on scripts
- Tips on selling your story in 30 seconds
Maddie Breeland - First Assistant to the Head of Disney
Miranda Gontz - Executive Assistant to the Head of ABC Studios
Kegan Schell - Assistant to Literary Manager @ Echo Lake Entertainment
Chris Sarfin - Producer's Assistant @ NBCUniversal
Miranda Gontz is an LA native who grew up on sound stages and in editing bays. An alumna of a women's college with a film studies and philosophy degree, she loves pursuing projects that touch on greater conversations about humanity and "the human element." She currently works for Insurrection Media, developing series for digital and streaming platforms in a variety of genres, including Snapchat's first successful scripted series, DEAD GIRL'S DETECTIVE AGENCY, which garnered 14 million unique viewers in its first season. She previously worked for Covert Media and for ABC Studios for the president and the SVP of drama development.
A graduate of Boston’s Emerson College with a degree in producing for film and TV, Maddie Breeland recently joined Dean DeBlois’ (HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON) Anvil Pictures, as Director of Development. Maddie began her career as a development assistant at Fox 2000 Pictures (THE HATE U GIVE; HIDDEN FIGURES; LOVE, SIMON) before working for Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney live-action features, and eventually being promoted to development coordinator at Walt Disney Pictures (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; ALADDIN; MULAN). At Anvil, Maddie will develop and produce live-action and hybrid content as part of their deal with Universal (JURASSIC WORLD; THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS; FURIOUS 7), including upcoming projects, TREASURE ISLAND and MICRONAUTS. She’s a fan of all genres but personally loves action, adventure, sci-fi/fantasy, thrillers, and true-crime documentaries. Maddie is a huge advocate for diversity and inclusion and aims to make content that promotes underrepresented groups.
Chris Sarfin showed an interest in filmmaking at a very young age, using a toy projector to illustrate images of his talking animal characters against the living room wall. Growing up on Long Island, Chris wanted to be an illustrator or animator, but as a teenager, Chris took a liking to live action, using his dad's old tape recorder to create shorts and a feature film with his friends and family.
Chris went to Hofstra University where he earned his BA in Film Studies & Production. During this time, he continued making shorts, many of which often had an “uplifting" tone to them.
Two weeks after graduating, Chris moved to Los Angeles and began working for Paramount Pictures. During those few years, Chris got a crash course into all things Hollywood, learning the various aspects of filmmaking from development, production, marketing, publicity, and everything in between. He also had the opportunity to work and meet various reputable filmmakers and talent within the industry.
He then went on to work six years working in development at Zadan/Meron Productions under producers Neil Meron and the late Craig Zadan. Zadan/Meron is famous for producing numerous projects including CHICAGO, HAIRSPRAY, FOOTLOOSE, and all the recent live shows for NBC such as “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” and “Annie Live!” While working there, Chris got the chance to help develop and work on various features, tv shows, live shows, Broadway shows, limited series, tv movies, and more.
At the moment, Chris is focusing his energy on his own independent projects. He is looking for talented writers that can not only write, but also bring positive energy. He is a firm believer in unique storytelling, stunning visual aesthetics, and strong, positive themes in his work.
After receiving his BFA in Film Production from Chapman University, Kyle started his career at Paradigm Talent Agency. Kyle joined Echo Lake in 2016 and has worked in both the talent and production departments. As the Director of Development and Production, Kyle manages the company's development and production efforts in both film and television. He also works directly with clients including Forbes Magazine and Spycraft Entertainment to help develop and produce projects.
Maddie has a terrific, collaborative imagination! After integrating Maddie's notes, my Sci-Fi Pilot, SOLARPUNKS, became a Semifinalist in the 2021 ScreenCraft Sci-Fi & Fantasy Screenwriting Competition.
~ Bradford Richardson, Screenwriter
Questions?
If you have any questions or any trouble accessing the recording, email our Director of Education Alexandra Davies at alex@roadmapwriters.com!