So You Wanna Write for TV?
This panel will look inside the most mysterious of places - the Writers' Room. We describe the process of staffing a show from start to finish from the perspective of network executive, literary manager, and a showrunner. We’ll discuss the role of representatives in the hiring process, studio desires and network hires, the TV calendar, staffing process, and the hierarchy of the TV ladder. If you’ve ever wanted to write on a television show, or are just curious how to get a foot in that door, this panel is a must.
Panelists:
Kaila York:
Kaila York is a literary manager and producer with over 15 years experience in film and television. Prior to forming Headlong Entertainment, Kaila worked for various companies, including Genesis Literary Agency, Paradigm Talent Agency, and Martin Chase Productions. Kaila formed Headlong Entertainment, a literary management and production company, in 2007 and has since produced eight films and developed and sold both scripted and unscripted television. Most recently, she produced THE EVIL GENE starring Richard Speight Jr, and HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL starring Bruce Campbell and Annabeth Gish. Upcoming films include KILL RATIO starring Tom Hopper (Black Sails). She is an advisory Board Member of the aTVfest hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
Sandra Leviton:
Under The Stairs Entertainment founder, Sandra Leviton, is a writer/ producer with over fifteen years of experience in TV/ film development and production. The company's first film, ZONE 2, is an official selection of top horror film festivals, including Screamfest and the Etheria World Tour. Prior to starting Under The Stairs, Sandra spent five years working in Current Programming at top cable network FX, working on over 20 original series. Previously, she worked in the TV Literary department at Paradigm Talent and Literary Agency, was a production coordinator, and a music video producer. She also provides script & book analysis for private and corporate clients, including writers on Narcos (Netflix) and Star (FOX), and the AMC Network.
Erica Montolfo-Bura
In 1997, Erica left a lucrative marketing position after being accepted into the prestigious Walt Disney Studios Writers Fellowship Program. Upon completing the program, she was promptly hired as a Staff Writer on the long-running ABC series BOY MEETS WORLD. After completing three seasons on the show, she moved on to another ABC hit, MY WIFE AND KIDS, and then on to several UPN hit series’, including ONE ON ONE where she served as Consulting Producer. During this time, Erica turned her sights to developing her own show, selling to and Executive Producing pilots for CBS, UPN, Disney and HBO.
In the summer of 2006, Erica joined the staff of THE GAME for The CW network, becoming Executive Producer in the show’s sixth season. In 2007, she won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for her episode “White Coats and White Lies and another in 2011 when the show won for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Currently, Erica serves as creator and Executive Producer of the half-hour comedy, Zoe Ever After, starring R&B star, Brandy.
Panelists:
Kaila York:
Kaila York is a literary manager and producer with over 15 years experience in film and television. Prior to forming Headlong Entertainment, Kaila worked for various companies, including Genesis Literary Agency, Paradigm Talent Agency, and Martin Chase Productions. Kaila formed Headlong Entertainment, a literary management and production company, in 2007 and has since produced eight films and developed and sold both scripted and unscripted television. Most recently, she produced THE EVIL GENE starring Richard Speight Jr, and HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL starring Bruce Campbell and Annabeth Gish. Upcoming films include KILL RATIO starring Tom Hopper (Black Sails). She is an advisory Board Member of the aTVfest hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
Sandra Leviton:
Under The Stairs Entertainment founder, Sandra Leviton, is a writer/ producer with over fifteen years of experience in TV/ film development and production. The company's first film, ZONE 2, is an official selection of top horror film festivals, including Screamfest and the Etheria World Tour. Prior to starting Under The Stairs, Sandra spent five years working in Current Programming at top cable network FX, working on over 20 original series. Previously, she worked in the TV Literary department at Paradigm Talent and Literary Agency, was a production coordinator, and a music video producer. She also provides script & book analysis for private and corporate clients, including writers on Narcos (Netflix) and Star (FOX), and the AMC Network.
Erica Montolfo-Bura
In 1997, Erica left a lucrative marketing position after being accepted into the prestigious Walt Disney Studios Writers Fellowship Program. Upon completing the program, she was promptly hired as a Staff Writer on the long-running ABC series BOY MEETS WORLD. After completing three seasons on the show, she moved on to another ABC hit, MY WIFE AND KIDS, and then on to several UPN hit series’, including ONE ON ONE where she served as Consulting Producer. During this time, Erica turned her sights to developing her own show, selling to and Executive Producing pilots for CBS, UPN, Disney and HBO.
In the summer of 2006, Erica joined the staff of THE GAME for The CW network, becoming Executive Producer in the show’s sixth season. In 2007, she won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for her episode “White Coats and White Lies and another in 2011 when the show won for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Currently, Erica serves as creator and Executive Producer of the half-hour comedy, Zoe Ever After, starring R&B star, Brandy.
