The panel session featuring showrunners Mara Brock Akil, Mindy Kaling, Molly Smith Metzler, Eric Newman, and Michael Schur at Netflix’s Tudum Theater in Hollywood delved into the intricacies of the pitching and development process. Moderated by Peter Friedlander, the head of scripted series for the U.S. and Canada at Netflix, the session provided insights into the creative rituals and experiences of these seasoned professionals.
The event was particularly special for Akil, as it coincided with her birthday, and for Schur, who had recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Reflecting on his star, Schur humorously shared his initial disbelief at being recognized and the surreal experience of attending an event that felt like his own funeral, with friends saying kind things about him.
Discussing their personal rituals before pitch meetings, Akil mentioned listening to music to set the tone and relax before the presentation. In contrast, Kaling, known for her acting prowess, finds pitching to be a form of performance that allows her to tap into her comedic skills. Smith Metzler revealed her minimalist approach of bringing nothing to avoid distractions during a pitch.
Schur highlighted the importance of feedback from his in-house consultant and wife, J.J. Philbin, whose candid reactions help him refine his pitches. Newman, a veteran at Netflix, emphasized the challenges of pitching to executives who often default to saying no for safety reasons, making it crucial for creators to craft compelling pitches that stand out.
The panel session provided a glimpse into the world of showrunning and the intricate dance of pitching ideas to networks and streaming platforms. With each showrunner bringing their unique perspective and experiences to the table, the discussion shed light on the magic of storytelling and the challenges of navigating the industry landscape. As these creative minds continue to steer high-wattage series for Netflix, their insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring writers and producers in the entertainment industry. In the realm of Zoom pitch meetings, it is essential for individuals like Peter Friedlander to advocate for creative ideas and provide reasons why they should be pursued. Friedlander emphasized the importance of showing undivided attention during video calls, opting to keep both hands in the frame to demonstrate focus and dedication to the conversation.
Acknowledging Netflix’s support for their creative endeavors, show creators like Mara Brock Akil expressed gratitude for the platform’s backing and generous budgets. Akil, known for her adaptation of Judy Blume’s “Forever” set in 2018 Los Angeles, highlighted the challenges and beauty of telling an intimate love story against the backdrop of the city.
During the panel discussion, other notable moments included Ryan Murphy thanking Friedlander for his unwavering support and Michael Schur advocating for casting seasoned actors over 75 in his projects. Schur’s experience with working on “A Man on the Inside” showcased the talent and professionalism of older actors, emphasizing their precision and dedication to their craft.
Akil emphasized the importance of staying true to the spirit of Blume’s novel while adapting it for Netflix’s young adult audience. She praised Blume’s approach of not talking down to young readers and treating them as full human beings with valid concerns and emotions, a principle she aimed to uphold in her adaptation.
Overall, the panel discussion highlighted the collaborative and supportive nature of the industry, with creators, showrunners, and executives coming together to celebrate creativity and innovation. The dedication to storytelling and honoring the source material while adapting it for a new audience was a recurring theme throughout the conversation, showcasing the passion and talent behind some of Netflix’s most engaging content.
