Contained (small cast, fewer locations), budget-friendly projects. Preferably high-concept. To me, "high-concept" does not mean big budget with no character development -- it means that the concept is punchy and memorable when stated as a single sentence or image. I'm looking for strong characters and an emotional arc for the protagonist. I particularly respond to writing that generates an emotional response in readers and showcases an understanding of story structure. I love when the power of someone's writing can draw me into a story that I wouldn't expect to find interesting.
Prior to co-founding the management/production company Fictional Entity in early 2017, Chris Deckard spent over seven years working with and representing talent at the major agencies ICM Partners and WME. While at WME, Chris worked in the media rights department, selling books for series and film adaptations before moving into the talent department, where he worked closely with high level actors in film, television, and the then-emerging digital space. While at ICM Partners, he again worked with high level actors and worked closely with the packaging and sales department and the digital media group. For over a decade, Chris has worked closely with traditional and new media buyers to find and develop content for domestic and international audiences. In addition to helping cast and package numerous features and series, he has evaluated thousands of scripts for actors and directors. Chris graduated from Cornell University and earned his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School.
Chris helps his clients navigate the evolving entertainment landscape in the United States and abroad. He has negotiated deals for features, series, and podcasts in several international territories. His clients have been named to The Black List, The Hit List, The Young & Hungry List, The Blood List and been lauded by the PAGE Awards, the International Emmys, and The GLAAD Awards. Clients have also earned nominations and placements from The Heath Ledger Scholarship, The Academy Nicholl Screenwriting Awards, the AWG, ADG, SPA, and AACTA. Clients have written, directed, starred, and produced in numerous formats, including features, TV, virtual reality, and podcasts, independently and for companies like Netflix, Lucasfilm, NBCUniversal, Legendary, Marvel, Fremantle, SyFy, the CW, Warner Bros., Amazon, Blumhouse, Hulu, XYZ, The BBC, Comedy Central, the ABC Australia, Foxtel, TruTV, Super Deluxe, Hallmark, Lifetime, CBS, Facebook, E!, and MSNBC.
Several of Chris’ clients had films shoot in 2021, including one for Netflix, and another which sold to XYZ Films, both of which are slated for 2022 release. Within the past year, clients have sold series to Amazon, Netflix, eOne, and Hulu. Chris, along with his business partner, is also an Executive Producer on a scripted series project alongside two writing EPs from New Amsterdam which sold to Universal Television in 2021.
Chris is one of my FAVE execs! He was professional, kind, truthful, helpful, and encouraging. He offered suggestions for elements that did not work so well and kudos for those that did. He provided detailed feedback that helped me have options going forward and encouraged me to submit an improved script for a longer feedback session. He was interested in my project from a perspective of helping me be a better writer vs. just trying to get through the meeting and move on. I appreciated his manner and excellent tips and I will definitely be seeking his feedback in the future. I HIGHLY recommend him!
~ Anonymous Screenwriter
Chris is truly terrific: organized, concise, knowledgeable, and full of good advice always. His guidance really helped me get my portfolio ready for prime time!
~ Michael Conniff, Screenwriter
I've never met someone who knows story as well as Chris. His insights into the state of my writing and useful suggestions are backed up by his expansive knowledge of film. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor.
~ David Karner, Screenwriter
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