Hi all! I'm an Emmy-winning TV marketer based in NYC. During my time at HBO, I worked on 360 marketing campaigns for Game of Thrones, Euphoria, Westworld, and more. I was recently impacted by the major layoffs at WBD. Now after six years at HBO, I finally have time to focus on TV writing full-time and plan my next move.
I've written two pilots and a spec and actively working to prepare to reach out to reps with the hope of landing a script coordinator, writer's assistant, or junior writing staff role.
Looking to connect with others who have pivoted from the business to the creative side of the industry.
I identify as bisexual and gender-queer and am extremely passionate about telling stories that highlight marginalized communities.
Excited to connect!
1 person likes this
Hello, nice to meet you. Welcome to Stage 32.
1 person likes this
Welcome Marissa
2 people like this
That's such a great background Marissa - given your background specifically the business end - you are probably a wealth of knowledge on here!
2 people like this
Welcome to the community, Marissa Blanchard. Congratulations on the Emmy!!!
Sorry about the layoff. I'm glad you have time to focus on TV writing full-time and planning your next move.
Stage 32 is a great place to build relationships with industry professionals, pitch your projects, and find jobs. I HIGHLY recommend these features on Stage 32:
Lounges: https://www.stage32.com/lounge
Writers' Room: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room
Blogs: https://www.stage32.com/blog
Job Section: https://www.stage32.com/find-jobs
Script Services: https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices
Education: https://www.stage32.com/education
Hope you have a great time on Stage 32 and find a lot of opportunities!
4 people like this
Hi Marissa - So nice to meet you, and welcome to Stage 32! You've found the best place to jump right in midst a job change. I started my career in social service non-profits and made the pivot to the creative side when I discovered improv comedy. But I still stick to my people-loving roots here at Stage 32! I've always found lay-offs to be a blessing in disguise - I'm excited to see you follow a new direction!
4 people like this
Hi Marissa, awesome to meet you. I also started in the TV marketing world (promos, trailers, etc.). The ability to tell stories in :30 or less is a skill that will serve you well. Congratulations on finding Stage 32. I am a part of the education team, so let me know if I can help you develop or hone your skills. Welcome!
2 people like this
Sorry about the layoff, Marissa. I personally know quite a few fantastic people who have been impacted by the goings on at WBD. I'll echo what many have already said in this thread, you're in the right place and I very much look forward to seeing you around the community.
4 people like this
Hi Marissa, excited to see what you accomplish in this next phase of your career! I run Development Services for Stage 32 (https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices). Please don't hesitate to reach out to discover all of the amazing resources we offer screenwriters to connect with reps and execs. Cheers!
1 person likes this
Marissa Blanchard after 8 years as a stockbroker I made a major change around the turn of the millennium and reinvented myself as a self-employed visual artist and been doing it ever since,
now continuing with screenwriting feature specs since 2009 from the sidelines and developing plans to reinvent myself once again.
I learned so much from working inside the machinery of the 9-to-5, and I think continuing creative expansion is a wonderful adventure, which also forces us to make plenty of sacrifices and leave many things behind in order to return to beginner's mind.
Great to see you here and best wishes for abundant continuing creative success!
2 people like this
Hello, Marissa . Welcome to STAGE32!
2 people like this
Hello Marissa!
Congratulations on your achievements so far, and I really do hope that you land a script coordinator, writer's assistant, or junior writing staff role. Maybe all of those roles if it is possible to do all three.
2 people like this
Welcome Marissa! Nice to meet you. Glad you're here.
1 person likes this
Hi Marissa Blanchard! I'm sorry to hear you were impacted by the major layoffs at WBD, but that's great you're having the time now to focus on your writing. I hope that's going well and best of luck with all of it! I'm not pivoting from the business to the creative side of the industry, just trying to get into the creative side haha But still would be happy to connect!