Fast-Track Your Career
as a TV/Film Executive

Story Training for Aspiring Executives
Identify Compelling Narratives & Talent
Provide Actionable Development Notes
Strengthen Executive-Writer Relationships
Facilitate Efficient Progression to Production

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:

Better collaboration
More efficient development cycles
More diverse and impactful content
Stronger storytelling within Hollywood.

COHORT I

CASSANDRA MANN is a screenwriter, author, and journalist from Clearwater, Florida. With a marketing degree from the University of Central Florida and over eight years of experience in marketing and television, she has contributed to the entertainment industry through both strategy and storytelling. As a writer, Cassandra has penned articles for top African American publications, including Sister 2 Sister, JET, Juicy and Sheen. She has also written four books and scripted films such as My Valentine Wedding, A Christmas Gift, and A Christmas Miracle, as well as the digital series Tough Love Atlanta. Her work has been featured on BET, BET+, TV One, and Cleo TV. Combining creativity with strategic storytelling, Cassandra continues to craft compelling narratives across multiple platforms.

Originally from Houston, Texas, CHRISTINA WITT has a background in both agency and TV production, having worked on hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Rookie, and multiple pilots. They earned their bachelor’s degree from Dillard University in New Orleans before furthering their education at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. With a passion for storytelling and content development, they aspire to become a Creative Executive in TV/Film, dedicated to bringing meaningful and diverse narratives to the screen. Their hands-on industry experience and commitment to excellence drives their goal of shaping impactful television and film projects.

DIONNE ROBERTS-EMEGHA is an attorney, federal mediator, and screenwriter based in Chicago with a career spanning public service, advocacy, and leadership. Dionne led the Partnership and Engagement Program for the U.S. Census Bureau, where she served as a principal liaison and subject matter expert focused on advancing equity and representation across diverse communities. Her work involved building strategic alliances with high-ranking officials, intergovernmental organizations, nonprofits, and underserved populations. Dionne is the founder of 1919 Media Company, an entertainment venture dedicated to championing diverse, character-driven stories that explore identity, power, love, and ambition. Rooted in lived experience, her storytelling invites audiences to embrace vulnerability and transformation while amplifying underrepresented voices with nuance and depth.

ERICA PITTS is a passionate production professional with many years of experience working on a variety of unscripted shows. As a Production Coordinator, she has supported several productions such as The Real Daytime Talk Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show (NBC), Roller Jam (MAX), and Celebrations with Lacey Chabert (Hallmark). Erica holds a B.A. in Television Production from California State University, Northridge where her excitement for storytelling grew throughout her educational journey. Driven by a desire to contribute to the creation of compelling stories, she is now eager to bridge her production background into development and collaborate with other creatives to bring captivating stories to life.

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.

MARY NUNEZ

SONA BASMADJIAN

PROGRAM

5-weeks of virtual sessions

WEEK 1

A Day in the Life of an Exec -
Executive Panel

Understand what it means to be a creative executive—get insights from industry professionals.

week 4

Practice What You Preach -
The First 15

Focus on the first 15 pages of a script and analyze the opening scenes of your favorite films/TV shows.

WEEK 2

Film 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 5

Juror 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 3

Speaking the Writers' Language -
Giving Notes

Master the art of giving constructive notes—we teach you TPP’s exclusive feedback techniques.

WEEK 6

Executive 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

ROSE CATHERINE PINKNEY: SVP of Scripted Programming and Development

MICHAEL MOSS: Director, Current Series (Live Action)

CASEY LARSON: Manager, Acquisitions + Co Productions

CHAVONNE LENOIR: Sr. Manager of Development

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 CANDIDATES

This program is best fit for:

Aspiring TV or Film Executives: Individuals who are looking to transition into executive roles in TV or film scripted development and/or current production but lack hands-on experience in the field.
Professionals Seeking Career Advancement: Those currently in roles like readers, assistants, coordinators, or junior executives looking to level-up their skill set and position themselves for growth in higher executive roles.
Leaders Focused on Diversity: Individuals committed to diversifying the executive suite in Hollywood to ensure inclusive and representative content creation.
Committed to Growth: Aspiring changemakers who want to fast-track their career and lead teams effectively, making key decisions in development while fostering strong relationships with writers and collaborators.

HOW TO APPLY

Enrollment 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!

ENROLLMENT IS CLOSED

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

FOR LESS THAN $12/DAY,

Accelerate your mastery of screenplay structure with a Master's level understanding.
Gain insight into executive roles and responsibilities to make informed career choices.
Learn how to provide constructive development notes effectively.
Deepen your understanding of the executive-writer relationship dynamics.

GETTING INVITED TO A SPACE FOR ASPIRING CREATIVE EXECS THAT LITERALLY DOESN'T EXIST

FOR JUST $399*

*Early bird deadline fee. Regular deadline fee $599.

ARE YOU READY TO CHANGE THE HOLLYWOOD LANDSCAPE AS A CREATIVE EXEC?

FAQ's

What is theExecutive Training Program?

The Executive Training Program at The Professional Pen is designed to equip aspiring executives with the skills and insights necessary for effective collaboration with writers. The program focuses on transforming participants into 'script whisperers,' enhancing their understanding of the creative process and improving communication. This comprehensive approach leads to better collaboration, more efficient development cycles, more diverse and impactful content, and stronger storytelling within Hollywood.

Is this a Career Placement Program?

The Executive Training Program is not a career placement program but rather a professional development initiative designed to enhance your skills and understanding of the industry. While we do not directly place participants in jobs, the program significantly improves your qualifications and readiness for executive roles in Hollywood, potentially increasing your career opportunities."

What does the program consist of?

The Executive Training Program is a 6-week immersive experience designed to train aspiring film and TV executives in the fundamentals and business of scripted content development. Participants learn how to analyze scripts, give actionable notes, understand story structure, tone, and format, and collaborate effectively with writers. They also gain a clear understanding of the development landscape—what executive titles mean, how the process works from concept to greenlight, and where they fit within it. The program culminates in real-world application as participants serve as jurors in a screenwriting competition, bridging the gap between creative instincts and executive-level execution.

Who leads the sessions?

Our CEO + Head Consultant Shannan E. Johnson, a former executive at the Syfy Channel turned script consultant is a storytelling expert with extensive experience in development and current programming from idea to production, leads the sessions in the Executive Training Program.

To further enhance the learning experience, we also feature a panel discussion with current industry executives, allowing participants to gain a well-rounded understanding of the field from seasoned professionals.

What qualifications or experience is required to enroll?

Enrollment in the Executive Training Program requires a foundational understanding of the film and television industry. While previous experience in an executive role is not mandatory, a keen interest in executive functions and a basic knowledge of script development processes will ensure you gain the most from the program.

What types of projects will we work on in the program?

Our Executive Training Program uniquely integrates real-world application with theoretical learning. Participants delve into the TPP methodology focusing on the critical analysis of the first 15 pages of a script—the typical extent that executives read before deciding on further engagement. Moreover, participants act as the jury in a live script competition, applying their skills to evaluate emerging talent scripts based on a detailed scoresheet. This includes assessment of structural dramatic beats such as the Inciting Incident, Goal, Tone, Premise, Characters, Dialogue, Storyline, Formatting, and Proofreading. They also provide recommendations like 'Consider,' 'Needs Development,' or 'Pass,' along with concise advice for next steps in the writer's process. This hands-on approach not only teaches the nuances of script evaluation but also prepares participants to make informed decisions and provide constructive feedback in their future executive roles.

How do I apply?