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We're back in the Writers' Room for The Executive Hour with John Dunne. John is a literary manager at Independent Artists Media, a management and production company with clients such as Patton Oswalt, Janeane Garofolo, and Pete Holmes. John was a co-producer on Patton Oswalt's film, I LOVE MY DAD. Prior to joining Independent Artists Media, John worked at Aperture Entertainment, whose films include MY FRIEND DAHMER, EXTRACTION, and THE LAST WITCH HUNTER. John previously worked at APA in business and legal affairs. Full Bio »
We’re back in the Writers’ Room for the Executive Hour with special guest John Dunne. Prepare to delve into John’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!
The Executive Hour
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"Thanks, John. Love how you totally work for your clients. Thanks for emphasizing the logline.. Thanks for your questions" -Laurie W.
"Great advice and insights, thank you!" -Ingrid W.
"Thanks, John! This was a GREAT hour!" -Bill B.
Jason Mirch interviews Alexia Melocchi, a producer and film executive with more than more than 25 films and series credits to her name! With more than twenty years in the industry, Alexia has worked in nearly every aspect of the entertainment industry. Working at Little Studio Films since 2000, Alexia serves as Partner and Producer, involved in all aspects of company operations, including distribution and co-production deals, managing production activities, and film and television marketing. Little Studio Films, created by Alexia and Alexandra Yacovlef, is a multilingual boutique consulting, distribution and production company with an extensive background in all areas of the Entertainment Business. It provides services to a variety of clients including producers, production companies, authors, screenwriters, directors, international distributors and Wall Street Companies.During the webcast, Alexia and Jason discuss her career, the state of the global markets, what types of scripts writers should be in the current market, how to find a producer and if the "dollar option" is really a good idea.
Rene Veilleux and Donald Roman Lopez talk about how they built Verite Entertainment from the ground up, how they develop original IP, what it means to be "Glocal" and the time we worked with comedy legend Mel Brooks!
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!
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Executive Hour Webcast with Nathan Varni the Director, Current Programming, Disney-ABC Television Group. Nathan oversees all creative on ABC series including the hit Grey’s Anatomy and General Hospital. He as also worked on How to Get Away with Murder, The Conners, Grand Hotel, Once Upon A Time, Scandal, and The Middle. Mr. Varni oversees all creative and day-to-day management on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, The Conners, Grand Hotel and long running daytime drama series, General Hospital. In past seasons, Mr. Varni served as the covering executive on Once Upon A Time, Scandal, The Middle, Greys Anatomy, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World and the revival of Roseanne. Mr. Varni joined ABC in November, 2006 as an assistant in comedy current programming and also spent time working as a coordinator in comedy development and current programming working on a vast number of both comedy and drama series including According to Jim, Samantha Who?, Better off Ted, Cougar Town, Castle, V, 666 Park Avenue and three seasons covering Happy Endings.
Watch another terrific Executive Hour webcast with our special guest, Producer & Manager Brendan Kenny! Our live audience members were able to ask career-oriented questions to Brendan as he shared his experience over a decade in the industry, working on the development of dozens of films and TV series, and the productions of the films WILD, HOT PURSUIT, and the Emmy-winning HBO show BIG LITTLE LIES, and talk about the industry marketplace and development in 2026! Brendan collaborates with leading studios and networks such as FOX, MGM, HBO, and Amazon. He has projects currently set up with FIFTH SEASON (Formerly Endeavor Content), MADE UP STORIES, JOHN WELLS PRODUCTIONS, CLUBHOUSE PICTURES, WISE ENTERTAINMENT, FLOWER FILMS, and H2L MEDIA. Brendan requested six scripts from his last pitch session, showing how much he loves working with undiscovered writers and tapping them into his expansive network! Join us for educational fun right here on Stage 32!
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.