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We're back in the Writers' Room for The Executive Hour with Alec Sokolow Alec Sokolow is an Oscar nominated screenwriter, storyteller and character creator who specializes in global branding and franchise creation. Alec regularly works as a screenwriter for all the major studios and various global independent producers. His feature film credits include "Toy Story", "Cheaper By the Dozen", "Garfield", "Garfield: A Tale Of Two Kitties", "Money Talks", "Evan Almighty", "Goodbye Lover" and "Daddy Day Camp." Alec has also written the meta video game storyline and user interface for Activision's billion dollar franchise "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure" and "Skylanders: Giants" Alec’s character creation and naming includes Buzz Lightyear (and his catch phrase “To Infinity & Beyond”) and Woody. He has also produced feature documentaries, directed animation shorts and written children's books. Alec’s storytelling has created global receipts of over 2 Billion Dollars. He is also currently an adjunct professor at NYU teaching screenwriting. Full Bio »

We're back in the Writers' Room for The Executive Hour with Alec Sokolow
Alec Sokolow is an Oscar nominated screenwriter, storyteller and character creator who specializes in global branding and franchise creation. Alec regularly works as a screenwriter for all the major studios and various global independent producers. His feature film credits include "Toy Story", "Cheaper By the Dozen", "Garfield", "Garfield: A Tale Of Two Kitties", "Money Talks", "Evan Almighty", "Goodbye Lover" and "Daddy Day Camp."
Alec has also written the meta video game storyline and user interface for Activision's billion dollar franchise "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure" and "Skylanders: Giants"
Alec’s character creation and naming includes Buzz Lightyear (and his catch phrase “To Infinity & Beyond”) and Woody.
He has also produced feature documentaries, directed animation shorts and written children's books.
Alec’s storytelling has created global receipts of over 2 Billion Dollars.
He is also currently an adjunct professor at NYU teaching screenwriting.
PRAISE FOR ALEX'S LESSIONS:
"Thank you for your time today, Alec, your advice was phenomenal!" -Caitlin Cahill
"Thank you, Sam and Stage 32, and most of all, Alec, for your writing wisdom." -Tony E.
"Thank you Alec, Sam and Stage 32. Fantastic discussions, today. Thank you for sharing your story and journey." -Lyndsay Sinclair
"Thanks, Alec! This webinar was EPIC!!!!!" -Bill B.

The Executive Hour
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Jonathan is known as "Oleg," the hilarious sex-crazed Ukrainian cook, opposite Kat Dennings & Beth Behrs on the CBS hit comedy, "2 Broke Girls." He's been in a number of notable supporting roles, including CBS's "NCIS."
Join us for another Executive Hour webcast with our special guest, Pia Chikiamco! Pia is the Programming Executive for such hits as HBO's Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning series Insecure, the Independent Spirit Award-winning HBO series The Rehearsal, as well as previous roles at ABC Entertainment and the production arm of the management company, Mosaic. Pia shared her wealth of knowledge and experiences in her career, and answered questions with our LIVE audience! This is your opportunity as a Writers' Room member to learn from an industry professional and apply Pia's practices to your own writing and production projects! This is education only found here at Stage 32!
In this Executive Hour webcast, the Writers' Room welcomes the President of Gidden Media, billion dollar producer & executive Amy Baer! Amy's experience in the entertainment Industry spans major studios, independent financiers, and producing. Collectively, the films she has supervised and/or produced have grossed nearly $2 billion in worldwide box office. Before starting Gidden Media, Baer served as President & CEO of CBS Films, launching the division for CBS Corp. In 2012, Baer raised a 7-figure development fund and launched Gidden Media, a content incubation and production company. Its first film was the romantic drama MARY SHELLEY, starring Elle Fanning. Amy spent the previous 17 years at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where she oversaw such hit films as MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING, Oscar nominated ADAPTATION, S.W.A.T., SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE, and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS, which earned Will Smith an Oscar nomination. She also developed the 2011 Oscar-nominated Sony hit MONEYBALL starring Brad Pitt. Amy became Board President of Women in Film in June 2018, stepping into the role at a critical juncture in Hollywood. During this webcast, Amy talks about the changing landscape of development and production in the industry, including what helps get a film made, the genres that she chooses to focus on, stories from developing MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING and other Sony classics, and how writers can gain momentum in a highly competitive business!
Stage 32 CEO and Founder, RB Botto is joining the Writers' Room for a special Happy Hour Webcast. He joined this exclusive Zoom session with Stage 32 Exec Nick Philip as host. RB to answered questions LIVE on Zoom for Writers' Room members! Watch as RB shares insights and inspirations, and celebrate the journey of writing and developing with us!
The Executive Hour Webcast with Producer & Development Executive at Eclectic Pictures, Joe Smith! Join our LIVE audience of Writers' Room members as we welcome Joe, whose credits include hit films like the HITMAN'S WIFE'S BODYGUARD and OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, which grossed over $240 million! With over a decade of experience collaborating with top-tier talent, including MARK WAHLBERG, MICHAEL BAY, and MRBEAST, and co-producing the upcoming action epic RED SONJA (Fall 2025), Joe brings extensive production expertise to the Executive Hour. Joe brought extensive production expertise to the Executive Hour as he spoke about his career and answered questions from our audience.
We’re back in the Writers’ Room for the Executive Hour with special guest Josh Mandel. Prepare to delve into Josh Mandel’s captivating journey and wealth of experience, as he generously imparts invaluable advice, all while eagerly responding to the burning questions YOU bring to the table. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to gain insights and inspiration from a seasoned professional in the industry!