Diversifying Your Perspective: A Special Panel Event with Davina Hefflin, Maddie Breeland, and Stacey Stanley

Davina Hefflin, originally from Pittsburgh, PA, moved to California to pursue a MFA in Screenwriting at Chapman University. It was there that she got introduced to the agency world and discovered a passion in helping young, diverse creatives achieve their dreams in the film industry. After two years of working with Sean Barclay in the TV Lit department, she was promoted, realizing a hidden talent of developing projects with clients from the agent perspective. From script to screen, Davina works with her clients to bring their ideas to fruition and map out a strategy for their long-term careers.

A graduate of Boston’s Emerson College with a degree in producing for film and TV, Maddie Breeland recently joined Dean DeBlois’ (HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON) Anvil Pictures, as Director of Development. Maddie began her career as a development assistant at Fox 2000 Pictures (THE HATE U GIVE; HIDDEN FIGURES; LOVE, SIMON) before working for Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney live-action features, and eventually being promoted to development coordinator at Walt Disney Pictures (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; ALADDIN; MULAN). At Anvil, Maddie will develop and produce live-action and hybrid content as part of their deal with Universal (JURASSIC WORLD; THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS; FURIOUS 7), including upcoming projects, TREASURE ISLAND and MICRONAUTS. She’s a fan of all genres but personally loves action, adventure, sci-fi/fantasy, thrillers, and true-crime documentaries. Maddie is a huge advocate for diversity and inclusion and aims to make content that promotes underrepresented groups.

Stacey Jade Stanley began her entertainment career working as the executive assistant and right hand to veteran distribution executive and Oscar winner John W. Hyde’s Producer Sales Organization. She then followed him to Film Roman Productions (FAMILY GUY; JACKASS 3D) and Anchor Bay Entertainment (47 METERS DOWN; THE FOUNDER; THE HATEFUL EIGHT). After two years, she was given the opportunity to head the company’s new live-action division, New Arc Entertainment (THE TOOTH FAIRY; IT WAITS), where she produced more than 55 hours of programming in the following 20 months, including the Emmy-nominated series MASTERS OF HORROR as well as MASTERS OF SCIENCE FICTION and PAINKILLER JANE. As part of Starz Media, she managed series including the Emmy-nominated STARZ INSIDE and FIRST AMENDMENT, and then, as director of development for Indomina Productions (CABIN FEVER 3: PATIENT ZERO), she oversaw creative development, including the Samuel L. Jackson feature adaptation of AFRO SAMURAI, and a multi-year, multi-picture Lionsgate/Televisa deal. Although retired from production, Stacey continues to consult on scripts for studios and work with up-and-coming writers.