Diversifying Your Perspective: A Special Panel Event with Davina Hefflin, Maddie Breeland, and Stacey Stanley

Webinars ~ Perspective Series
Hosted By:
Davina Hefflin - Agent, Verve
$0.00

If you've been keeping an ear on the trades, then you've heard about the efforts to diversify Hollywood for a while now. As a result, we've seen a wave of diverse creators take center stage and films like CRAZY RICH ASIANS, BLACK PANTHER, PARASITE, and THE FAREWELL that have proven there is a desire for more diverse stories, perspectives, and characters on both the big and small screens. The continued push to show diversity both in front of and behind the camera is an ongoing endeavor. But is it enough?

In honor of Black History Month, Roadmap has put together a special webinar event with three brilliant panelists to discuss the state of the industry, diverse voices, and representation! 

This 90-Minute Panel Will Cover: 

  • Diversity in front and behind of the camera
  • Writing diverse characters 
  • Authenticity  
  • Audience Q&A
More about
Davina Hefflin
Agent
Verve

Davina Hefflin, originally from Pittsburgh, PA, moved to California to pursue a MFA in Screenwriting at Chapman University. It was there that she got introduced to the agency world and discovered a passion in helping young, diverse creatives achieve their dreams in the film industry. After two years of working with Sean Barclay in the TV Lit department, she was promoted, realizing a hidden talent of developing projects with clients from the agent perspective. From script to screen, Davina works with her clients to bring their ideas to fruition and map out a strategy for their long-term careers.

Maddie Breeland
Director of Development
Anvil Pictures

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.

Stacey Stanley
Consultant
Smart Stanley Group

Stacey Jade Stanley began her entertainment career working as the executive assistant and right hand to veteran distribution executive and Oscar winner John W. Hyde’s Producer Sales Organization. She then followed him to Film Roman Productions (FAMILY GUY; JACKASS 3D) and Anchor Bay Entertainment (47 METERS DOWN; THE FOUNDER; THE HATEFUL EIGHT). After two years, she was given the opportunity to head the company’s new live-action division, New Arc Entertainment (THE TOOTH FAIRY; IT WAITS), where she produced more than 55 hours of programming in the following 20 months, including the Emmy-nominated series MASTERS OF HORROR as well as MASTERS OF SCIENCE FICTION and PAINKILLER JANE. As part of Starz Media, she managed series including the Emmy-nominated STARZ INSIDE and FIRST AMENDMENT, and then, as director of development for Indomina Productions (CABIN FEVER 3: PATIENT ZERO), she oversaw creative development, including the Samuel L. Jackson feature adaptation of AFRO SAMURAI, and a multi-year, multi-picture Lionsgate/Televisa deal. Although retired from production, Stacey continues to consult on scripts for studios and work with up-and-coming writers.

Testimonials

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

How it Works

Questions?

If you have any questions or any trouble accessing the recording, email our Director of Education Alexandra Davies at alex@roadmapwriters.com!

The Roadmap Promise

Roadmap Writers prides itself on the quality of executives we bring to our programs and we work hard to get you the best feedback possible.

Our vetted executives are chosen by the legitimacy of the companies they work for and their ability to evaluate pitches and pages.

Only the executives you sign up for will be provided with your materials.