This session format is available only to writers in our Top Tier Program.
Exec will review the pages provided by the writer before each meeting and meet the writer for 3 x 30-minute meetings via Zoom to assist the writer with developing a new project.
I've heard every type of pitch but what I really enjoy is hearing how a writer is personally connected to a story. It doesn't need to be based on anything in their real life, but I like to hear why it resonated with them as the story they wanted to tell.
At the moment I'm particularly interested in serialized comedies (like THE BEAR), comedies with big characters (like ALWAYS SUNNY), and one hour dramas with a bit of comedy (like SIX FEET UNDER or my all time favorite BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER) in them. I'm also interested in pilots that feel like they could have worked in the prime of original programming on basic cable (something you might have watched on USA, FX or TNT). And I'm always looking for action comedy.
I love high concept projects, but I do try to steer away from anything that would be physically very hard to produce...
Jonny Gutman is currently a TV Agent at Paradigm Talent Agency.
Prior to that he served as Vice President of Original Series for IDW Entertainment where he led the live action department responsible for the development and licensing of film and television projects based on original IP from IDW Publishing and graphic novel subsidiary Top Shelf Productions.
Gutman joined IDW Entertainment in October 2020 from Funny Or Die, where he served as Senior Director of Longform Premium Content for the popular independent comedy studio and was involved in content development and sales working alongside teams of writers and creators.
Prior to Funny or Die, Gutman served for over a decade at the William Morris Endeavor Agency as a TV Literary and Packaging Agent. While at WME, he packaged and sold new television series, negotiated deals on behalf of writer, director and producer clients, and helped them build strategies for successful careers in the film and television industry.
Gutman is a A Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Sciences where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree.
After registering, your confirmation email will contain a link that says "CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS" that will take you to a form where you will submit your material within 24 hours of registering.