About the Book:

The Executive Chair is a useful and easy-to-understand book used in UCLA Extension's world-famous Writers' Program.

Make every pitch count. The television industry relies heavily on an influx of new voices and fresh ideas to create compelling programs. Veteran producer and creative executive Kelly Edwards has worked with every major studio in Hollywood and has developed hour and half-hour shows like Living Single, Girlfriends, The Parkers, Clueless, Two Guys and a Girl, as well as a one-hour TV drama series, and a Hallmark Christmas movie. While there are plenty of books about the mechanics of writing, this is the first time an insider has detailed the invaluable TV executive perspective.

As key pieces of the entertainment puzzle, executives hold institutional wisdom that seldom gets disseminated outside network walls. The Executive Chair: A Writer's Guide to TV Series Development breaks down the business from the gatekeeper's point of view, illuminating the creative process used by those who ultimately make the decisions.

Whether developing a project for the entertainment marketplace or merely probing the executive mindset, The Executive Chair dispels myths about the creative process and takes you through the development of a pilot script.

If you've always wanted an insider to tell you how to...
• break into Hollywood
• learn the industry ropes and
• get your project in front of people who matter
...this book is for you.

Written by a former HBO exec and TV producer, The Executive Chair is a quick and deep dive inside the entertainment industry that will help you better position yourself for success.

What people say:

"Kelly was in the room when I pitched my first TV series, Girlfriends. She immediately saw the value of the show, its impact on culture, and therefore was a key advocate for the greenlight that changed my life. Consider this book a gift, and soak up the insight and information she generously offers in these pages." — Mara Brock-Akil, Creator of Being Mary Jane and Girlfriends

"Everyone trying to break into writing for television is looking for the same thing: practical information and actionable advice. At last, the wait is over. Kelly Edwards has delivered an essential everything-you-need-to-know guide to the business of TV." — Craig Mazin, Creator and Writer of Chernobyl

"Knowing how to pitch well, take notes, and understand the business is the key to success in Hollywood. This book has all of that and more." — Malcolm Spellman, Executive Producer of Marvel's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

About the Author:

Kelly Edwards has worked for every major studio in Hollywood. Mentored by legendary director Garry Marshall at Disney and famed producer Laura Ziskin at Sony, she eventually shifted her focus to television, where she served as a comedy executive at Fox and headed up UPN's Comedy division. After producing a drama series for Paramount, she moved on to NBCUniversal, where she oversaw diversity for their twenty networks. She spent her final stint as the head of Talent Development for HBO, launching the careers of emerging artists. Along the way, she also produced a Christmas movie for Hallmark. After a long career as a film and television executive, she transitioned from inside the network ranks into a writing and producing.