#24: Holly Mae Gibson, Script Developer - Fostering Writer Relationships & Building Success in TV

In this episode of Filmmaking Framed, we sit down with Holly Mae Gibson, a development and script editor with Big Light Productions, to discuss her six years of experience in the industry. Holly delves into the intricacies of her role, highlighting the importance of nurturing writer relationships, managing various personalities, and developing scripts that captivate commissioners. She offers invaluable insights into the day-to-day tasks of a development editor, from overseeing reader panels to identifying emerging writing talent. Aspiring writers and development executives will gain a deeper understanding of the collaborative nature of TV production and the strategies for building a successful career in this dynamic field. Don’t miss Holly’s practical advice on breaking into the industry, making connections, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Tune in to learn how to turn your passion for storytelling into a thriving career.

Key Lessons

• Building Strong Writer Relationships: Holly emphasizes the importance of nurturing and maintaining strong relationships with writers. She explains that understanding a writer's style and vision is crucial for developing scripts that resonate with commissioners and audiences alike. This involves regular communication, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a collaborative environment.

• Navigating Industry Competitiveness: Holly discusses the challenges of attaching big names to projects and the overall competitiveness in the TV production industry. She advises on the importance of connections and networking, suggesting that building a solid network can open doors and create opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible.

• Gaining Diverse Experience: Holly highlights the significance of gaining experience across various roles within the industry. She explains that understanding different aspects of production, from development to legal agreements, can provide a well-rounded perspective that is invaluable in navigating the complexities of TV production. This diverse experience can also help individuals adapt to different roles and responsibilities as their careers progress.

Resources

Facebook Groups: Holly recommends joining Facebook groups tailored to the development side of TV production. These groups can offer job opportunities, networking possibilities, and industry insights.

Creative Access: Holly suggests using Creative Access, a platform that provides entry-level roles such as development assistant positions. It's a great resource for finding opportunities and gaining initial experience in the industry.

https://creativeaccess.org.uk/

ScreenSkills: Holly mentions ScreenSkills, an organization that offers training, information, and resources for people looking to get into the TV and film industry. This can include courses, workshops, and networking events.

https://www.screenskills.com/training/

Regional Film Offices: Holly advises looking into regional film offices for local opportunities and support. These offices can provide information on available jobs, local productions, and networking events in your area.

Email Outreach: Holly encourages reaching out to production companies, producers, and development editors directly via email. She suggests personalising these emails by mentioning specific projects you admire and expressing genuine interest in learning more about their roles and potential opportunities.

If you would like to get in touch with Holly, reach out to her via Big Light Productions

Filmmaking Framed is proudly supported by Centroid Motion Capture, a leader in providing state-of-the-art motion capture technology to the entertainment industry.