Summary
Learn from a top literary manager and former script reader at CAA Jon Hersh!
Get an exclusive handout from Jon featuring query examples that have proven to work!
Screenwriting is one of the most impactful ways to bring your voice, ideas, and stories to audiences worldwide! As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, there is an unprecedented demand for fresh perspectives and unique narratives in both film and television. With new platforms and production opportunities, now is the time to explore a career as a screenwriter. Whether you're driven by a passion for storytelling or looking to enter the industry professionally, understanding how to navigate this field can unlock endless possibilities for a lasting, rewarding career.
Many aspiring screenwriters focus solely on mastering the craft of writing, overlooking the critical business and strategic elements required to establish and sustain a career. From deciphering the differences between spec scripts and open writing assignments to knowing how to network effectively or navigate union versus non-union projects, the journey can be overwhelming without guidance. Without a roadmap, creatives often struggle with building a strong portfolio, finding work without representation, or understanding their role in a project’s development and production lifecycle. This exclusive Stage 32 webinar will address these challenges, empowering you with actionable insights to avoid missteps and stay ahead of the competition!
Your educator, Jon Hersh, is a highly regarded literary manager and the founder of Housefire Management, where he excels at discovering and nurturing bold, creative voices. His clients have worked with leading industry giants like Netflix, Universal, Disney, and Amazon and consistently make waves on prestigious lists like The Black List. Before management, Jon honed his expertise as a Development Executive at Broad Green Pictures and as a story analyst at Creative Artists Agency, where he evaluated thousands of screenplays and provided guidance to top-tier clients. With Jon’s extensive experience and proven track record, you’ll gain invaluable insider knowledge and practical tools to kick-start your screenwriting career.
By the end of this webinar, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the essentials needed to launch your career as a screenwriter. From mastering the craft of storytelling to navigating the business side of the industry, you’ll gain valuable insights into building a portfolio that stands out. Whether you’re looking to find work, secure representation, or grow your network, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to take the first steps toward success. Walk away with actionable strategies to kick-start your journey and thrive!
Please Note: You will be viewing a recording of this previously live event!
PLUS! You will receive the following handouts to help you:
- Screenwriter's Role Breakdown: Expectations and Involvement
- Building a Professional Screenwriting Portfolio: A Guide
- Networking Cheat Sheet for Aspiring Screenwriters
Praise for Jon from the webinar attendees:
What You'll Learn
The role of the screenwriter
- The overview
- Expectations-Hours/project scope and compensation
- Your involvement (or not) in development, prep, production and post
- The key skills needed for success
Understanding different facets of the job
- Your script vs a Work for Hire (specs vs. OWAs)
- Film vs. TV
- Union vs. Non-Union
- Original work vs. Adaptations
- Rewrites (and being rewritten)
How to get started in the industry
- Do you need an Agent or Manger
- Finding work without representation
- Getting in a room and working your way up
- Networking with other writers (and execs)
- Reading other people's scripts (and doing coverage)
- Learning other roles to enhance your marketability and expertise
- To spec or not to spec?
- Getting noticed via competitions, screenplay contests and script reads
- Query Letters
Creating your Portfolio
- What should your portfolio include
- How to diversify while staying on brand
Other Steps for Success
- The importance of Networking- Tips & Tricks
- The key to having a reliable Entertainment attorney for your contracts
Q&A
Please Note: You will be viewing a recording of this previously live event!
Who Should Attend
This webinar is perfect for aspiring screenwriters, filmmakers looking to expand their skills, and anyone interested in breaking into the film and television industry. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to refine your approach to launching a screenwriting career, this session will provide valuable insights and actionable strategies for success.
Executive
Jon Hersh is the Manager at Housefire Management, a boutique literary management company based in Los Angeles that represents writers and directors in film, television, and digital content. Housefire specializes in deep development, strong client relationships, and incendiary material that stands out like a house on fire.
Jon's client list includes writers and writer/directors for film and TV including emerging writers Hayley Easton-Street, whose project THIS IS AFRICA is in development with Eclipse Films (FINDING YOUR FEET, URBAN HYMN); Casey Giltner, whose project FELIX is in development at Conquistador Entertainment (CAKE, RESCUE DAWN); and Marc Bloom, whose title RUNT is in development at the Traveling Picture Show Company (JOSIE, A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES). Jon is also working with a writer he discovered in a pitch session and is setting up his TV series with a major production company he's excited to announce soon!
After graduating from USC's School of Cinematic Arts, Jon Hersh went on to become a full-time story analyst at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). During his tenure there, he evaluated thousands of screenplays, pilots, and books, and gave detailed story notes to high-level clients of the agency. After four years at CAA, Jon moved on to the fledgling mini-studio Broad Green Pictures (THE LOST CITY OF Z, JUST GETTING STARTED) where he helped found a new and innovative Story Department and had a hand in developing a slate of quality projects for the company.
Testimonials
Praise for Jon from the webinar attendees: