EP 207: Buying and Selling

Top Black List manager & producer Adam Kolbrenner (Lit Entertainment Group) breaks down buying and selling in Hollywood, discovering fresh voices, balancing producing, and why building a writing career takes true blue-collar hustle. Top Black List manager & producer Adam Kolbrenner (Lit Entertainment Group) breaks down buying and selling in Hollywood, discovering fresh voices, balancing producing, and why building a writing career takes true blue-collar hustle. Chatmosa Session - EP 207: Buying and Selling

In the latest installment of the Catch A Break Podcast, host Julie Harris Walker engages in a rich dialogue with Adam Cole-Brenner, founder of Lit Entertainment Group, whose insights illuminate the nuanced dynamics of buying and selling in the entertainment industry. As the discussion unfolds, we delve into the critical components of representing writers, uncovering new talent, and navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Cole-Brenner opens up about his own journey in the entertainment field, reminiscing about his first job in the mailroom at William Morris and the advice he received along the way. "I wanted to be happy, and that was really what it was," he reflects on his decision to leave the agency for a career in literary management. His trajectory offers a fascinating backdrop for understanding the delicate balance of artistic passion and market viability.

A key highlight of the discussion is Cole-Brenner's approach to discovering and nurturing new voices. "I consistently find voices from all over the world," he states, attributing his success as a top representative of Blacklist screenwriters to his dedication to unearthing unique stories. His method emphasizes the importance of authenticity, urging writers to remain true to their creative vision rather than chasing market trends. "You can't read an algorithm; you have to write true stories," he advises.

Further into their conversation, Cole-Brenner shares actionable insights for aspiring writers. He emphasizes the necessity of continuous output, advising them to "keep writing" to stay relevant. He articulates that for successful careers, writers must generate new material consistently: "You have to show up to the party with party favors." This idea of relentless creativity serves as a motivating mantra for those seeking to break into the industry.

When discussing the mechanics of selling scripts, Cole-Brenner highlights the strategic planning that goes into marketing a new writer's work. He explains, "You have to choose wisely in terms of who your advocates are," indicating the value of meaningful relationships in the industry. He elaborates on the process of developing writers and their ideas collaboratively, ensuring their work resonates within the current market while retaining their distinctive voice.

The session also tackles the importance of genre, with Cole-Brenner advising writers to find their niche rather than dilute their talents across multiple forms. "Pick your favorite thing," he insists, reinforcing the idea that specialization can lead to stronger career trajectories.

As they round out the conversation, Cole-Brenner offers an important reminder for aspiring creatives: "Treat breaking in as a career. Give yourself enough economic freedom to be creatively free." This notion underlines the realities many in the industry face, encouraging new writers to approach their aspirations wi Click to https://chatmosa.com/live/summary/WFKGF27SOD2RDNIANC0PCEID15048 to learn more about this episode and see the visuals being shared on the jumbotron.