August 8-9: Abby Ex (HeyDay Films) and DanTram Nguyen (Donners' Co.)
Friday, August 8, Join NWSG President, Aadip Desai, as he sits down for a candid conversation and Q&A with execs, Abby Ex at HeyDay Films and DanTram Nguyen, Creative Exec at The Donners' Company.
Saturday, August 9, Abby and DanTram will hear pitches from Compendium Members only. They are looking for similar movies.
HeyDay films is looking for big, 4-quandrant studio movies that will serve as tent-poles, but that also have solid character development. They are also specifically looking for smart comedy and a political thriller.
Donners' Co is looking to develop high-concept and character driven action, thriller, horror and comedies. Budget is not an issue, as both companies are shooting or actively developing projects that range from $10 million to $200 million.
ABBY EX is a Production Executive at Heyday Films, a production company led by David Heyman, based on the Warner Brothers lot. Heyday Films is best known for producing the HARRY POTTER franchise, but have the Jim Carrey comedy YES MAN coming out later this year, as well as two films, BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS for Miramax and IS THERE ANY BODY THERE? directed by John Crowley that were filmed out of the UK. Heyday has films in development at several studios/financiers including Disney, Focus Features and Mandate and continue to look for material that will appeal to the filmmakers we are passionate about. Abby has previously experience working in the production & development department of Focus Features, and the celebrity public relations company PMK/HBH out of New York.
DANTRAM NGUYEN is the Creative Executive at The Donners’ Company, run by esteemed producer Lauren Shuler Donner and legendary director Richard Donner. Richard's credits include: 16 BLOCKS, the LETHAL WEAPON series, SUPERMAN, THE GOONIES, CONSPIRACY THEORY, MAVERICK, RADIO FLYER, SCROOGED. Lauren’s credits include: X-MEN 1-3, SHE’S THE MAN, CONSTANTINE, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, YOU’VE GOT MAIL. We are currently in production or post-production on HOTEL FOR DOGS (Dreamworks), WOLVERINE (Fox), THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES (Fox 2000) and CIRQUE DU FREAK (Universal).
General Meeting:
Date: Friday, August 8th
Time:
Doors: 6:45PM
Schmooze: 7PM
Meeting: 7:30-9:30PM
Location:
Clear Channel Building
351 Elliott Ave West
Seattle, WA 98119
Cost:
NWSG Members: FREE
Partner Film Org Members: $10
General Public/Non-Members: $15
Compendium Pitch Sessions:
Date: Saturday, August 9th
Time: 11AM-4PM
Location:
Clear Channel Building
351 Elliott Ave West
Seattle, WA 98119
September 12-13: Susan Johnston, President of Select Services Films
Friday, September 12, NWSG is proud to host Susan Johnson, President of Select Service Films. Susan has optioned two films from NWSG Board Member and Treasurer, Michael DiMartino. On Friday, she'll sit down with NWSG President, Aadip Desai, to discuss what happens to your script once it's optioned or sold, and how it makes it through the production process and onto the screen.
Saturday, September 13, Susan will hear pitches from Compendium Members only. She is actively looking for the following scripts:
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Genre: Action
Budget: Under $1 million
Notes: Heroine in distress from the beginning of the picture. -
Genre: Gay
Budget: Under $1 million
Notes: Not looking for a gay-themed script for general audiences.
Should include explicit type of sex scenes a la HBO films. -
Genre: High Concept Action Thriller
Budget: Between $3 and $20 million
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Genre: High Concept Comedy
Budget: Between $3 and $20 million
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Genre: High Concept Romantic Comedy
Budget: Between $3 and $20 million
ABOUT SUSAN JOHNSTON: President of Select Service Films, a New England native, worked with the Providence and Rhode Island Film Commissions to build the infrastructure used by the Farrelly brothers, director Michael Corrente, NBC's hit TV series "Providence" and Context Media Studios for their international productions, garnering funds before Senate Committee hearings and creating the 25% tax incentive for investors of films in RI.
Upon relocating to Los Angeles, Susan Johnston worked on projects as International co-producing, talent producing, directing TV Development and collaborating on innovative projects such as:
- The first series ever produced for cell phones, Mini-Bikers, as producer, in conjunction with Fun Little Movies.
- Developing the SAG Internet contract with Pierre Debs of SAG and Frank Chindamo of FLM.
- The Hidden Realm, one of the first HD TV Pilots utilizing the Panasonic Varicam.
- Shooting Another Day, Forbidden Fruit and Extra Sensory which are some of the first music videos to use the Panasonic Varicam.
Susan is currently working with projects using cutting edge technology such as the Red Camera and virtual 3 D technology. Recently Susan was interviewed for the second edition of Jan Yager's book "Career Opportunities in the Film Industry."
Susan has relationships and access to experienced on-camera and creative talent, craft and technical crew, include Oscar nominees, as well as Emmy, Telly, and Cleo winners. Our clients include ABC Family Channel, NBC/Universal, Fox, Kaiser Permanente, NATPE, "The Hollywood Reporter."
General Meeting:
Date: Friday, September 12th
Time:
Doors: 6:45PM
Schmooze: 7PM
Meeting: 7:30-9:30PM
Location:
Clear Channel Building
351 Elliott Ave West
Seattle, WA 98119
Cost:
NWSG Members: FREE
Partner Film Org Members: $10
General Public/Non-Members: $15
Compendium Pitch Sessions:
Date: Friday, September 13th
Time: 11AM-4PM
Location:
Clear Channel Building
351 Elliott Ave West
Seattle, WA 98119