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We're diving into the Writers' Room Pitch Tank with special guest, Emmy-nominated Producer Sam Sokolow. Sam is a highly respected television executive and 2-time Emmy nominated Executive Producer with deep experience in developing and producing television series. He is currently Executive Producer of "GENIUS", a scripted series for National Geographic Network, which he developed from book to series. The first season of "GENIUS" depicted the life of Albert Einstein with Geoffrey Rush starring as Einstein and Ron Howard directing the pilot. "GENIUS: EINSTEIN" garnered ten 2017 Emmy nominations including a Best Limited Series nomination for Sam. The second season of "GENIUS" - "GENIUS: PICASSO" - depicted the life of Pablo Picasso with Antonio Banderas starring as Picasso and garnered seven 2018 Emmy nominations including a Best Limited Series nomination for Sam. The third season of "GENIUS" – "GENIUS: ARETHA" - depicts the life of “The Queen Of Soul” Aretha Franklin, with Cynthia Erivo portraying Aretha and Suzan-Lori Parks showrunning, and will premiere in 2021. Season 4 of "GENIUS" – "GENIUS: MARTIN LUTHER KING" – has been ordered and will premiere in 2022 on Disney+. Full Bio »
We're diving into the Writers' Room Pitch Tank with special guest, Emmy-nominated Producer Sam Sokolow.
Sam is a highly respected television executive and 2-time Emmy nominated Executive Producer with deep experience in developing and producing television series.
He is currently Executive Producer of "GENIUS", a scripted series for National Geographic Network, which he developed from book to series.
The first season of "GENIUS" depicted the life of Albert Einstein with Geoffrey Rush starring as Einstein and Ron Howard directing the pilot. "GENIUS: EINSTEIN" garnered ten 2017 Emmy nominations including a Best Limited Series nomination for Sam.
The second season of "GENIUS" - "GENIUS: PICASSO" - depicted the life of Pablo Picasso with Antonio Banderas starring as Picasso and garnered seven 2018 Emmy nominations including a Best Limited Series nomination for Sam.
The third season of "GENIUS" – "GENIUS: ARETHA" - depicts the life of “The Queen Of Soul” Aretha Franklin, with Cynthia Erivo portraying Aretha and Suzan-Lori Parks showrunning, and will premiere in 2021. Season 4 of "GENIUS" – "GENIUS: MARTIN LUTHER KING" – has been ordered and will premiere in 2022 on Disney+.
The Pitch Tank
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"This was great Jason. Always learn a lot." -Ricki L.
"I love this so much, great job, Roy" -Laurie A.
Welcome back to the Writers' Room Pitch Tank, hosted by Stage 32 Director of Development Geoffroy Faugérolas, with pitch panelist and Pitch Practice co-host John Mezes. We welcomed our special guest, Joe Smith, a development executive at ECLECTIC PICTURES. Joe's film credits include 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, alongside major brands such as NIKE, NFL, MLB, PGA, HASBRO, CAESAR'S ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, and co-producing the upcoming action epic RED SONJA (Fall 2025), Joe brought extensive production expertise to our LIVE 5-minute pitch volunteers, and offered constructive notes in a supportive environment meant to promote growth and professional integrity! This is an opportunity for members to hone their pitching skills, found only at Stage 32!
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Pitch Tank Webcast with Producer, Boman Modine. Boman Modine is an award winning Producer with a history of film and franchise development. As a director, Boman has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy for the show "DARK/WEB" on Amazon Prime and was both the showrunner and director for Warhammer 40,000's "ANGELS OF DEATH" and "THE EXODITE" currently running on Warhammer+. Boman started the company LOST LEGION STUDIOS to generate VFX materials as well as animated content for companies that include RIOT GAMES, WU-TANG CLAN as well as video games with SUNSCORCHED STUDIOS and AFFRAY INTERACTIVE. He is the former head of acquisitions and development for Mt. Hollywood where he also produced the BAFTA-nominated "THE PARTY's JUST BEGINNING" with Karen Gillan now on AMAZON PRIME. He has also consulted and produced with BRAIN ACADEMY, known for the Keanu Reeves/Peter Stormare show "SWEDISH DICKS", where he packaged both features and television shows.
We're back in the Writers' Room for The TV Pitch Tank with Anna Henry. Writers will have a precisely timed 5-minute window to present their pitches, while our seasoned experts meticulously dissect each presentation, providing constructive feedback. Step into a welcoming and supportive space where everyone is invited to participate and grow together. Elevate your pitching skills in an atmosphere dedicated to fostering growth and creativity!
During the December Pitch Tank, Director of Script Services Jason Mirch welcomes Literary Manager Jon Hersh of Housefire Management, a company that represents writers and directors in film, television, and digital content. They specialize in deep development, strong client relationships, and incendiary material that stands out like a house on fire. Jon's client list includes writers and filmmakers for film and TV including emerging writers with projects at Universal, Paramount, Lionsgate, Atlas Entertainment, and Gidden Media! Prior to forming Housefire, Jon was at CAA and Broad Green Pictures. He is a graduate of USC's School of Cinematic Arts. Jon and Jason listen to pitches from 4 members and offer their thoughts and feedback!
In this Writers' Room Pitch Tank we welcome special guest, Development Executive Drew Gatto of Captivate Entertainment. Captivate Entertainment is a production company behind the enormously popular JASON BOURNEfranchise, which has grossed over a billion dollars worldwide. At Captivate, Drew works closely with executives across the industry to source strong material and secure IP rights for projects in development. Last summer, he had the opportunity to travel to Budapest to work on Captivate's most recent TV project, "TREADSTONE", which aired on USA Network last fall. Drew started his career at the Gersh Agency where he worked with leading film and television talent, helping them secure roles and develop their careers. He then moved to Imagine Entertainment, where he had the distinct honor of working with Brian Grazer! During the Pitch Tank we hear pitches from members including period thrillers, female-driven dramedy, action, historically-based series, and Sci-Fi adventures!
We're back in the Writers' Room for the Pitch Tank Webcast with special guest, Michael Shanker - the Creative Executive behind BULLET TRAIN with Brad Pitt. Michael previously worked on films such as LATE NIGHT starring Mindy Kaling, DESTROYER starring Nicole Kidman, Reinaldo Marcus Green's directorial debut MONSTERS AND MEN with John David Washington, BAD EDUCATION starring Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney, and BAD HAIR for Hulu. During the webcast we hear pitches for Action-Comedies, Thrillers, Dramas, Sci-Fi, and even a "Mom Com". The pitches are fantastic and Michael lays out some great advice for how to improve further. By the way, did you know Michael will read your script and speak with you for an hour? You can send him your script and speak with him by clicking here.