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Development Executive

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April 28, 2024 3 minute read

As a Development Executive, you will be responsible for overseeing the development of creative content for film and television. You will work with writers, directors, and producers to develop and produce projects that meet the needs of your organization. You will also be responsible for managing budgets, schedules, and other aspects of the production process.

Responsibilities

Some of the key responsibilities of a Development Executive include:

  • Developing and producing creative content for film and television
  • Working with writers, directors, and producers to develop and produce projects
  • Managing budgets, schedules, and other aspects of the production process
  • Identifying and acquiring new projects
  • Working with marketing and distribution teams to ensure that projects are successful

Skills Required

To be successful as a Development Executive, you will need to have a strong understanding of the film and television industry. You will also need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Other skills that are important for Development Executives include:

  • Creativity
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Negotiation skills
  • Business acumen
  • Project management skills

Education and Training

Most Development Executives have a bachelor's degree in film, television, or a related field. However, some Development Executives have a master's degree in film or business.

There are a number of online courses that can help you prepare for a career as a Development Executive. These courses can teach you the skills that you need to develop and produce creative content for film and television.

Career Growth

With experience, Development Executives can move up to more senior positions, such as Vice President of Development or President of Development. They may also move into other roles in the film and television industry, such as producer or director.

Challenges of the Job

One of the challenges of being a Development Executive is that the work can be very demanding. You will often have to work long hours and meet tight deadlines. Additionally, the film and television industry is very competitive, so you will need to be able to compete with other Development Executives for projects.

Personal Growth

Being a Development Executive can be a very rewarding career. You will have the opportunity to work on creative projects that have the potential to reach a wide audience. You will also have the opportunity to learn from and work with some of the most talented people in the film and television industry.

Personality Traits and Interests

People who are successful in this career tend to be creative, motivated, and organized. They also have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Additionally, they are passionate about film and television and have a deep understanding of the industry.

Self-Guided Projects to Prepare for This Role

If you are interested in a career as a Development Executive, there are a number of things that you can do to prepare yourself.

  • Take online courses in film, television, and business.
  • Read books and articles about the film and television industry.
  • Attend film and television festivals and events.
  • Network with people in the film and television industry.
  • Create a portfolio of your work.

How Online Courses Can Help You Prepare for This Career

Online courses can be a great way to prepare for a career as a Development Executive. These courses can teach you the skills that you need to develop and produce creative content.

Through lecture videos, projects, assignments, quizzes, exams, discussions, and interactive labs, online courses can help you learn about the film and television industry. You will also have the opportunity to develop your skills in areas such as creativity, writing, problem solving, and negotiation.

Are Online Courses Alone Enough to Follow a Path to This Career?

Online courses can be a helpful learning tool for people who are interested in a career as a Development Executive. However, online courses alone are not enough to guarantee success in this career. In addition to taking online courses, you will also need to gain experience in the film and television industry.

One way to gain experience is to volunteer on film or television sets. You can also work as a production assistant or intern for a production company.

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Salaries for Development Executive

City
Median
New York
$200,000
San Francisco
$214,000
Austin
$150,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$200,000
San Francisco
$214,000
Austin
$150,000
Toronto
$117,000
London
£97,000
Paris
€75,000
Berlin
€122,000
Tel Aviv
₪412,000
Singapore
S$136,000
Beijing
¥148,000
Shanghai
¥152,000
Bengalaru
₹745,000
Bengalaru
₹2,370,000
Delhi
₹742,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Is considered a foundational text in screenwriting and is often referred to as the 'bible' of the craft. It provides a clear, step-by-step guide to screenplay structure, character development, and scene writing. It's an excellent starting point for beginners and a valuable reference for writers at any level, offering a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of screenwriting.
This classic work provides a deep dive into the principles of dramatic writing, exploring the nature of conflict, the construction of scenes, and the use of language in creating powerful scripts.
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This in-depth book is based on McKee's renowned screenwriting семинар (seminar) and is considered a comprehensive exploration of story and its application to screenwriting. It delves into the underlying principles of dramatic writing, offering a rigorous approach to understanding structure, character, and theme. It's highly valuable for those looking to deepen their understanding of the craft beyond basic formulas.
Is an essential reference for understanding and implementing professional screenplay formatting. Adhering to industry standards is crucial for a script to be taken seriously, and this guide provides clear rules and examples. It's a must-have tool for any aspiring or working screenwriter.
This seminal work explores the archetypal patterns that underlie storytelling across cultures, providing insights into the universal themes and structures that shape scripts.
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This comprehensive book by Robert McKee covers all aspects of storytelling, from developing a compelling premise to writing a satisfying ending. It is an essential resource for screenwriters who want to master the craft of storytelling.
Provides a series of exercises and strategies for writing dynamic, cinematic, and saleable screenplays. It great resource for anyone who wants to improve their screenwriting skills.
Features interviews with five of the most successful screenwriters of all time. It provides a unique insight into the creative process of screenwriting and great resource for anyone who wants to learn from the masters.
Save the Cat! popular and accessible guide that breaks down screenplay structure into ten key 'beats'. It offers a practical template for plotting and is particularly useful for understanding genre conventions. While some find its formulaic approach limiting, it's widely read and provides a clear framework for developing a story, making it great for those seeking a practical method.
This best-selling book provides a step-by-step guide to writing a successful screenplay. Snyder's unique approach to story structure has helped countless screenwriters to create compelling and engaging narratives.
Must-read for anyone who wants to write great dialogue. It covers everything from the basics of dialogue to the more advanced techniques of subtext and counterpoint.
John Truby's book offers a detailed and comprehensive approach to story structure and character development, going beyond traditional three-act structures. It provides tools for analyzing and building complex narratives and is highly regarded by many professionals. is particularly useful for those who want to deepen their understanding of story mechanics.
A follow-up to McKee's 'Story,' this book provides an in-depth analysis of writing effective and compelling dialogue for visual and theatrical mediums. It examines the function of dialogue in revealing character, advancing plot, and creating subtext. This valuable resource for honing a crucial screenwriting skill.
Applies Joseph Campbell's work on the hero's journey to screenwriting, providing a framework for understanding common narrative patterns and character archetypes. It's excellent for adding depth and universal resonance to stories. It serves as a valuable reference for exploring character arcs and plot points through a mythological lens.
Beyond the craft, this book addresses the practical realities of the screenwriting industry. It covers topics such as finding an agent, networking, pitching ideas, and navigating the business side of Hollywood and television. This crucial resource for anyone looking to make a career out of screenwriting.
Another specialized text from Robert McKee, this book focuses specifically on the creation and development of compelling characters and the dynamics of ensembles. It offers a detailed framework for understanding character function and arc within a narrative. is essential for writers looking to create memorable and believable characters.
Provides a practical guide to writing screenplays with a focus on marketability and emotional impact. Michael Hauge outlines a clear approach to story structure and character arc that is popular with many working writers. It's particularly helpful for those interested in the commercial aspects of screenwriting.
Explores the enduring shapes of stories across various media, drawing on examples from television, film, and theater. It argues for a five-act structure rooted in Shakespearean drama and provides a compelling analysis of narrative patterns. It offers a broader perspective on storytelling that can enrich a screenwriter's understanding of form.
This comprehensive manual provides a step-by-step approach to scriptwriting, with a focus on developing strong characters, creating engaging plots, and mastering the craft of dialogue.
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