Breaking In: How to get started as a Writer, Director, or Showrunner

Breaking In: How to get started as a Writer, Director, or Showrunner

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Breaking In: How to get started as a Writer, Director, or Showrunner

Details

THIS CIRCLE IS PERFECT FOR

  • Students
  • Recent Graduates
  • People looking to make a career change

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • What networking and branding is really all about
  • Interview best practices
  • How to create resumes, cover letters, and portfolio websites
  • How to put together an original series/feature pitch
  • Negotiating/advocacy basics
  • How/when to get representation
  • How/when to partner with a producer/studio

WHAT NOT TO EXPECT

  • Software demonstrations
  • Animation pipeline discussions
  • Production management
  • Fundamentals of CG/2D skills

*(Note: entry into this circle is not a promise for potential representation, and Siobhan is unable to accept unsolicited submissions on behalf of Gotham’s production team)

CIRCLE DESCRIPTION

Are you looking to build a career as a Writer, Director, or Showrunner? If so, it’s imperative that you understand the business basics of this industry that will set you up for success. In this circle, we will get you up to speed with your peers and future colleagues by discussing industry norms that aspiring professionals are expected to know before their first day on the job. From networking and branding to pitching and negotiating, consider this a 101 class that will be part lecture, part guest speaker Q&A.

Topics covered:

  • Professional Development in Animation: this includes understanding the path from an entry-level job to becoming a Writer, Director, or Showrunner, networking and branding essentials, interview best practices, and creating effective resumes, cover letters, and portfolio websites)
  • Pitching and Producing:
    guidance on how to develop and present an original series or feature pitch, along with insights into partnering with producers or studios.
  • Career Advancement Strategies: basics of negotiating and advocacy, and advice on when and how to seek representation in the animation industry.

Near the end of the circle, mentees will have a choice to practice pitch an original series or feature pitch for feedback.

(NOTE: Entry and participation in this circle is not a promise for potential representation, and Siobhan is unable to accept unsolicited submissions on behalf of Gotham’s production team).

Qualification Criteria

Student (final year)
Aspiring Professional (0 yrs of experience)

Day / Time

Times Per Month:  Twice 
Day / Time:  Thursdays at 5 PM
Timezone: PST

ADDITIONAL Application requirementS

Please submit the following: 

  • Cover letter with your immediate goal and your 10-year goal
  • List of 5 TV or film inspirations (ex, Spirited Away, SpongeBob, Game of Thrones)
  • Resume
  • Original script (if you’re an aspiring writer)
  • Reel/website portfolio (if you’re an aspiring director)

Circle Leader

siobhan murphy

Siobhan Murphy studied animation and film at DePaul University in Chicago. Gravitating towards mentorship and advocacy, she got her start at boutique talent agencies in Chicago before learning the ropes at Creative Artists Agency in Los Angeles as a mailroom clerk turned assistant.

She joined The Gotham Group as an assistant in 2019 and quickly rose through the ranks to become a manager. Siobhan is overjoyed to collaborate with the top animation creatives in the business and has built a global list of writers, artists, directors, and producers. An advocate for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices, Siobhan represents award-winning creatives and fresh new voices. Signing Oscar-nominated Director Sara Gunnarsdóttir (My Year of Dicks), Co-EP/Writer Halima Lucas (Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur), EP/Creator, Natasha Kline (Primos), EP/Co-Creator, Melissa Shepherd (Lego Dreamzzz), and student academy award-winning Director, Chenglin Xie (Life Smartphone), among others. Additionally, Siobhan is instrumental in representing the prolific children and YA titles of publishing juggernaut Simon & Schuster.

Most recently, Siobhan was honored on The Tracking Boards’ “Industry Next List” for her work championing and advocating emerging and underrepresented voices. She was a panelist at AfroAnimation and moderated a panel at 2023 Comic Con. In her spare time, she mentors rising talent through Woman in Animation and Stage32.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Current Title:  Manager

Studio / Employer:  The Gotham Group

Link:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanmurph/

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