The Real Power Players: Secrets from the Industry Frontline

Date: Saturday, 26 April
Time: 11:20
Room: Tuke Hall
Filmed: YES

Everyone wants to meet the executives, but the smartest writers know the truth: it’s the assistants who truly control access in this industry. In this revealing session, the people who read your scripts and assess you pull back the curtain on how material really moves up the chain – and what makes them fight for certain writers while passing on others.

Through candid conversation and real-world war stories, our panel of current and former assistants share the unvarnished truth about life on the front lines of talent discovery. You’ll learn what makes a script stand out in the daily deluge, how coverage really works, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that can make or break your submission’s chances.

Beyond just script evaluation, these industry insiders reveal the networking dos and don’ts that writers need to know. How do you build relationships with assistants without coming across as opportunistic? What makes them remember a writer months after reading their work? What common mistakes instantly mark you as an amateur? Our panel shares the kind of practical wisdom that only comes from years of being the first – and often final – eyes on countless submissions.

Whether you’re trying to get your material read or looking to better understand how the industry really works, this session offers invaluable insights from the people who quietly keep Hollywood’s wheels turning. Come ready to learn how to make these crucial gatekeepers your allies in the journey from submission to success.