Fast-Track Your Career
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PURPOSE |
The Executive Training Program at The Professional Pen equips aspiring executives with the skills and insights necessary to effectively collaborate with writers. By teaching them to become 'script whisperers,' the program aims to enhance their understanding of the creative process and improve communication. Ultimately, this leads to:
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COHORT I |

PIERCE WHITNEY is a social-first storyteller with roots in San Francisco and St. Louis, currently pursuing her BFA in television writing and screenwriting at New York University. Her love for storytelling began with shows like Flapjack and Shameless, which explored untraditional family dynamics in the media and interweaved social issues with a unique blend of comedy or the fantastical. Throughout her academic career, Pierce has interned for companies such as FX Networks, Marvel, Juvee, EA Games, and Disney Imagineering. These experiences have equipped her with a diverse toolkit that will empower her to bring unconventional narratives to the forefront of entertainment.
PROGRAM |
5-weeks of virtual sessions |
WEEK 1
week 4
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WEEK 2Film School Fast Track -
Story Structure Learn the ins and outs of story structure—how to recognize major beats in both 2-act and 3-act structures. WEEK 5Juror Prep –
First 15 Feedback Evaluate the first 15 pages of a script using TPP’s development rubric. Build confidence in identifying structure, tone, and character while crafting actionable, objective notes that support the writer’s growth. |
WEEK 3Speaking the Writers' Language -
Giving Notes Master the art of giving constructive notes—we teach you TPP’s exclusive feedback techniques. WEEK 6Executive Coaching -
Notes on Your Notes Step into the writer’s seat and receive professional feedback on your development notes. Strengthen your communication skills and learn how to revise feedback with clarity and care—because great execs know how to support great writers. |
PANELISTS |
FETLE NEGASH: Vice President of Production
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ROSE CATHERINE PINKNEY: SVP of Scripted Programming and Development
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MICHAEL MOSS: Director, Current Series (Live Action)
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CASEY LARSON: Manager, Acquisitions + Co Productions
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CHAVONNE LENOIR: Sr. Manager of Development
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Fetle Negash is an emerging filmmaker and accomplished production executive with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. She began her career in Public Relations, working with A-list talent including Michael B. Jordan, Jay Ellis, and DeVon Franklin. In 2015, she transitioned into filmmaking and joined BET as a Production Executive, contributing to hit scripted series like The New Edition Story, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and Twenties.
Fetle's AMC Networks credits include Dark Winds, Interview With the Vampire, Mayfair Witches, and Parish starring Giancarlo Esposito. Fetle holds a B.A. in Communications Studies with a minor in African American Studies from California State University, Northridge, and is a proud member of the Television Academy and the Producers Guild of America. |
Rose Catherine Pinkney is charged with developing scripted series and movies and overseeing current shows for the network and its sister streamer BET+. During her tenure, she and her team have developed and/or covered a multitude of projects including Kingdom Business, First Wives Club, Family Business, Bigger, Twenties, Real Husbands of Hollywood, The New Edition Story miniseries, Being Mary Jane series and the finale movie, The Comedy Get Down, Lil Kev, and more. Rose Catherine has also managed co-productions with international and domestic partners including the critically acclaimed period drama The Porter.
Rose Catherine currently oversees the critically acclaimed darkly comedic drama, Average Joe, starring Deon Cole. Average Joe garnered the network’s first national reviews. Her work on the long running sitcom The Ms. Pat Show brought the network its first primetime Emmy nominations. |
Michael Moss serves as lead creative executive overseeing Disney Channel and Disney+ series such as Vampirina: Teenage Vampire, Bunk’d, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Saturdays, Crossover, and more.
Prior to Disney, Michael held key positions at BET Networks and ABC Studios. A proud Howard University graduate, he is dedicated to bridging the gap between emerging voices and television networks, helping to elevate the next generation of storytellers. Raised in Miami, Florida, with deep roots in Pontiac, Michigan, Michael now calls Los Angeles home. In his free time, he enjoys DJing and spending time with his family as a proud #GirlDad. |
Casey Larson is a seasoned creative executive with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. She oversees television and film projects across genres for Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, and Hallmark+.
Her previous roles in TV development and current programming at Paramount Television Studios, Hello Sunshine, wiip, and Disney/ABC Studios have included work on high-profile projects such as The Summer I Turned Pretty (Amazon), Bodkin (Netflix), and White House Plumbers (HBO). Casey holds an MFA from the University of Southern California and a BA from Saint Mary’s College. A champion for emerging talent, she has also served as a board member of JHRTS and remains passionate about developing innovative, meaningful content for today’s audiences. |
Chavonne LeNoir develops television and film projects across both scripted and unscripted content. Her most recent projects include the upcoming comedy features Rolling Loud, starring Matt Rife and Owen Wilson, and Green Day's New Year's Rev.
Prior to Live Nation Productions, Chavonne led development at Hana Kuma, producing content for four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in partnership with The SpringHill Company. Her work there included the Emmy-nominated short film MINK!. She has also held roles at VICE Studios as Manager of Unscripted and at MGM, where she supported the development of series such as Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, Eco-Challenge: World’s Toughest Race, and Unprotected Sets. Chavonne brings a strong commitment to storytelling that entertains, informs, and inspires across genres and platforms. |
PARTICIPANTS |
WHO ARE THE IDEAL CANDIDATESThis program is best fit for:
HOW TO APPLYEnrollment for TPP's Executive Training Program is invite-only. Follow our LinkedIn page, engage with the content, and show us why you're ready for this exclusive opportunity. We want aspiring executives who are open, willing, and brave enough to have a voice in this industry in this program. It starts by sharing your thoughts on the topics of discussion on our LinkedIn page. If you’ve been actively engaging and are passionate about the work we do, you just might receive an invitation to join!
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PROOF FROM THE PROCESS |
This is one of the most insightful and generous training programs I’ve ever participated in. The level of behind-the-scenes access, real-world application, and executive-level insight is unmatched — the kind of knowledge aspiring creatives and execs rarely receive, let alone in such a passionate, accessible format. Shannan is a phenomenal instructor, and the team is incredibly giving with their time, feedback, and wisdom. You can feel how deeply they care about your growth. This is a top-caliber program that not only sharpens your eye to executive function but also elevates your sense of what’s possible. - Dionne
I would certainly recommend this program to someone who is interested in becoming a development executive because I support The Professional Pen brand. The owner, Shannan Johnson, doesn't know this, but I used her services when I started out writing features in 2021, and the script she gave some good marks to, has now been produced and is starring some amazing talent. I credit her services, along with other outside training, that helped jumpstart my confidence in my journey as a writer. Now I look forward to using this training to one day guide my journey to one day becoming a development executive. - Cassandra
This program gave me a look into something I always wanted to do. It gave me a little confidence in my ability to pursue a career as a creative executive and to see myself on the development side of storytelling. Shannan Johnson’s insight, guidance, and practical breakdown of what it truly means to be a creative executive was invaluable. The course not only demystified the role, but also helped me understand how my existing skills could translate into this space. I walked away feeling informed, empowered, and part of a community of emerging professionals who are just as passionate about shaping stories behind the scenes as they are about getting them made. - Christina
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