Development Executive (North America Film)

This is a Full Time Job

Wattpad WEBTOON Studios brings together technology, a diverse new generation of creators, and passionate global fandoms to create data-backed, audience-driven TV shows, films, and books. Leveraging incredible stories and insights from WEBTOON and Wattpad's combined audience of more than 166 million people, Wattpad WEBTOON Studios has pioneered a bold, global, fan-first approach to entertainment. Wattpad WEBTOON Studios has worked with Netflix, Sony Pictures Television, Crunchyroll, The Jim Henson Company, Vertigo Entertainment, Constantin Film, Penguin Random House, and many other leaders in entertainment and publishing.

On the heels of announcing its combined and fully-funded entertainment studio, Wattpad WEBTOON Studios seeks a Development Executive to join the Los Angeles-based Entertainment team in adapting Wattpad and WEBTOON's massive IP library into feature films for streaming and theatrical, while using its audience-driven approach to push the boundaries of the entertainment industry and empower storytellers who don't normally have a seat at the table.

We encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply; we embrace and celebrate diversity and inclusion at Wattpad. Wattpad's team is made up of these impressive numbers: 45% POC, 41% of our leadership team identify as a POC, 50% of our leadership team are women and 56% of our team identify as women.
What you'll be doing:
Work closely with a passionate team of seasoned executives to execute and build on a robust growing NA feature slate, based on Wattpad and WEBTOON's most valuable IP
Provide ongoing research of various distributors, independent financiers, film production companies, directors and writers, as well as attend film screenings and festivals
Maintain relationships w/ producers, agents, etc. through regular communication and meetings
Help oversee all aspects of development and production through post and delivery
Support the expansion of Wattpad WEBTOON's slate of self-funded feature projects
Shephard a diverse slate of projects set up at studios and various financiers throughout the industry
Be on the ground floor to launch the studio's burgeoning financing apparatus
Liaise with Wattpad and WEBTOON's various content and creator teams (Analytics, Talent Management, Legal, Content Team, and Content Strategy, among others) to identify, secure, and manage priority properties for adaptation
Find and pitch new IP to senior management with a creative point of view and an eye towards marketplace viability and development path
Shepherd a team of junior executives to support project management
Review and track submissions of scripts from agents and managers
Package value-add auspices, identifying and securing new talent for projects in development
Build and maintain relationships with studios, networks, writers, producers, pods, and directors
Track marketplace and competitive trends
Shepherd negotiations for IP rights, overall deals, and more
Guide development, crafting and delivering constructive notes on pitches, outlines, scripts, and cuts
Oversee creation of necessary development materials, including: decks, treatments, concept art, and other relevant sales materials
Attend shoots, table reads, casting, production, and post sessions
What we're looking for:
Creative and passionate about all genres of films
Knows the feature landscape well, including current releases, talent, and buyers
Ability to thrive in an innovative, entrepreneurial environment
Proven skills (3+ years) in an Executive role.
Deep understanding of Wattpad and WEBTOON's target demographic (i.e. Gen Z/Millennial, female-skewing, YA/New Adult, romance/rom-com, animation/anime)
Strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Experience in crafting or evaluating pitches at a production company or studio
Strong relationships with agents, managers, executives, producers, writers, and directors
Polished and effective communicator and pitcher (written and verbal)
Team player who works well with others
Assertive and enthusiastic
Avid reader
Creative and level-headed problem solver
Passion for entertainment, comics, film, TV and pop culture
Excellent presentation skills
What we offer:
Competitive salary
Career development; we believe in mentorship and investing in your learning, supporting you to achieve your goals
Health benefits, fully covered by us!
401K Contributions
Generous vacation and Parental Leave Top-up
Monthly home office allowance, choice of hardware, flexible hours, and remote work options
Corporate discount for gym membership for you and your family
Summer Fridays with afternoons off!
And a whole lot more!
Wattpad WEBTOON Studios is conducting all interviews in a distributed manner using applicable third party software where needed and using visual interface tools such as Google Hangouts and Zoom.