From Vision to Screen: The Dynamic World of Development Executives in Entertainment

If you aspire to contribute to the creation of fully produced movies or television shows, a career as a Development Executive might be the path for you. Development executives operate behind the scenes within television studios or film production companies. Understanding the distinct responsibilities of this role can aid you in determining if this is a career path you would like to explore.

What is a Film & TV Development?

TV and film development refers to the process of taking a concept or idea and shaping it into a fully realized script or project suitable for production. This process typically involves several stages:

• Conceptualization: This is the initial stage where ideas are brainstormed, concepts are developed, and potential storylines are explored. It may involve discussions between writers, producers, and other creatives to flesh out the basic premise of a project.
• Pitching: Once a concept has been developed, it is pitched to potential buyers such as television networks, streaming platforms, or film studios. This involves presenting the idea in a compelling way to generate interest and secure financing or a production deal.
• Development: If a project is greenlit, it moves into the development phase. This involves further refining the concept, writing a script, and creating detailed plans for production. Development executives play a key role during this phase, providing feedback to writers, overseeing script revisions, and making decisions about casting, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Pre-production: Once the script is finalized, the project enters pre-production. This involves hiring key crew members, scouting locations, building sets, and planning the logistics of the shoot. Development executives may continue to be involved during this stage, liaising between creative and production teams to ensure that the project stays on track and within budget.
• Production: During the production phase, the script is brought to life through filming or recording. This is where actors perform scenes, shots are captured, and special effects are created. Development executives may have a less hands-on role during this stage but still oversee the project to ensure that it remains faithful to the original vision and objectives.
• Post-production: After filming is complete, the project enters post-production, where footage is edited, sound is mixed, visual effects are added, and the final product is polished. Development executives may provide input during the editing process and participate in marketing and distribution discussions to help ensure the project\\\’s success once it is released to audiences.

What does a Development Executive do?

A Development Executive in the television and film industry is primarily responsible for identifying potential projects, nurturing them through the development process, and overseeing their progress until they are ready for production. Development Executives play a crucial role in the creative and commercial success of television shows and films by identifying promising projects, nurturing them through the development process, and ultimately bringing them to fruition on screen. Here are some key tasks and responsibilities typically associated with this role:

• Scouting for Talent and Content: Development executives actively seek out new talent, including writers, directors, and actors, as well as promising scripts, pitches, or book adaptations that have the potential to be turned into successful TV shows or movies.
• Evaluating Pitches and Scripts: They review and evaluate pitches and scripts submitted by writers, agents, or other industry professionals. This involves assessing the commercial viability, originality, and quality of the ideas presented and deciding whether they are worth pursuing further.
• Providing Feedback and Development Notes: Development executives work closely with writers and other creatives to provide constructive feedback and development notes aimed at refining and improving scripts or concepts. This may involve brainstorming ideas, suggesting revisions, and helping to shape the overall direction of a project.
• Collaborating with Creatives: They collaborate with writers, directors, producers, and other creative professionals throughout the development process to ensure that projects are aligned with the vision and objectives of the studio or production company.
• Negotiating Deals and Contracts: Development executives negotiate deals and contracts with writers, directors, and other key talent, as well as with literary agents, publishers, and rights holders. This may involve securing rights to intellectual property, optioning books or articles for adaptation, and finalizing agreements for script development and production.
• Project Management: They oversee the development of multiple projects simultaneously, managing timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure that each project progresses smoothly and meets its deadlines.
• Pitching Projects to Buyers: Development executives pitch developed projects to potential buyers such as television networks, streaming platforms, or film studios. This involves presenting the project in a compelling way and negotiating deals to secure financing or production agreements.
• Market Research and Trend Analysis: They stay informed about current market trends, audience preferences, and industry developments to identify opportunities for new projects and ensure that the studio or production company remains competitive in the marketplace.

Education

While a degree, certificate, or formal education isn\\\’t necessary to become a development executive, engaging in relevant courses can offer advantages. These courses facilitate networking within the entertainment industry, skill refinement, and bolster your appeal as a job candidate. Many aspiring development executives opt for formal education in areas such as scriptwriting, film, or television production. Such courses provide insights into the elements of compelling screenplays and the intricacies of film and television production. Additionally, those interested in pursuing a career in film and TV development might consider classes in marketing or advertising, finance, psychology, and/or media studies. These courses provide valuable knowledge and skills that can complement the understanding of scriptwriting and production, offering a well-rounded education for aspiring development executives.

Experience

As a development executive role represents an advanced position within the film and television industry, most professionals typically begin their careers in other capacities before progressing. For those aspiring to become development executives with limited experience, seeking script-reading roles at television networks or film studios is a common starting point.

Script readers play a crucial role in reviewing numerous scripts submitted by agents and aspiring writers, aiding networks and studios in identifying promising projects for further development. If a script reader identifies a screenplay or telescript with potential, they escalate it to their superiors, such as development assistants or executives, for further consideration.

For individuals embarking on their careers in the entertainment industry, opportunities such as assistant positions or internships at studios and networks can also provide valuable experience and insights.

Skills

Development executives generally exhibit a blend of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are acquired through formal training or education, encompassing areas like script analysis and finance management. Conversely, soft skills pertain to personal traits and behaviors that influence professional interactions. To excel as a development executive, it\\\’s essential to cultivate the following hard and soft skills: communication, industry knowledge, organization, script analysis, creative thinking, business acumen, teamwork, financial management, fundraising, and adaptability.

Film & TV Development Executives

Check out some of the development executive\\\’s LinkedIn resumes to better understand their career journeys. These are just a few examples of the diverse career paths that development executives can take in the entertainment industry. Each individual brings their unique blend of skills, experiences, and passions to their role, contributing to the vibrant ecosystem of content creation and storytelling.

Tony Bullock
TV Development Executive | Emmy Award Winning Producer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonibullock/

Courtney Branch
Development Executive
https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-l-branch-396a2738/details/experience/

Tara Bohn
Development and Programming Executive, Global Scripted Series I ex-Amazon Studios & Prime Video
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarabohn33/

Steven Jackson
Head of Development & Production @ 40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stjac7/

Benjamin Thorton
Development Executive at Warner Bros International Television Production
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-thornton-5239a17/

Jeffrey Wank
Film and Television Development
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-wank-61b0211/

Ashley Whitaker
Film & TV Development Executive
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-whitaker-b97b3a2b/

In conclusion, the role of a Film & TV Development Executive is multifaceted and pivotal in the entertainment industry. Charged with identifying and nurturing promising projects from concept to production, these professionals wield a diverse skill set encompassing both hard and soft skills. From evaluating scripts and fostering creative talent to navigating industry trends and negotiating deals, development executives play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of film and television. Their ability to blend analytical prowess with creative vision and interpersonal finesse is instrumental in bringing captivating stories to life on screen, ultimately contributing to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of entertainment.