What does a Development Executive actually do?

Once you have an agent or manager, they'll send you out to meet with producers and executives. It's helpful to have an understanding of what these people do all day so you know how they can help you.

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Otherwise, keep reading for my insights the Development Executive role.

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When you’re first getting started as a Screenwriter, the Entertainment Industry can feel like an enigmatic but exciting mountain to climb.

You open your Final Draft software and type away until you finish your script. Then your plan is to send it off to the powers that be, eventually someone likes it and offers to buy it from you. They will make it into a movie, and then… You’re accepting your Academy Award!

Or something like that.

You’re pretty sure that there are extra steps in there, but you don’t know what they are.

The unfortunate reality is that the path from hopeful newbie to successful Screenwriter is much more winding and much less direct than anyone wishes it was. And it isn’t a meritocracy. It involves a lot of networking and a lot of little jobs that don’t go anywhere but do lead to the next one.

It involves piecing together screenwriting opportunities for yourself through a series of meetings and conversations.

Who are these conversations with?

Enter the Development Executive.