Book to Film: What Hollywood Looks for in Children's Literature with Eddie Gamarra

Want to turn your book into a movie or television show? Production companies always look to books as a source of material. When you look at the history of the Oscars, about half of all Best Picture–winning movies have been based on books. There's a lot of growth in publishing in the young adult market and children's book markets, and Hollywood has turned to young adult and children’s books to find great projects. In this presentation, Eddie Gamarra, former literary manger and producer for The Gotham Group, discusses what Hollywood looks for in children's literature and young adult fiction when picking film projects, including unique world building, casting potential, a powerful concept, and a strong author platform.

Eddie will offer pitch critiques for a limited number of attendees for an extra fee of $35 (premium members) or $40 (non-members/registered users). Attendees will submit their pitches (up to 500 words) to Fanely at [email protected] by the 1st of October, and critiques will be send back to you on the 11th of October.

Eddie will also consider pitch submissions from attendees for a limited time after the webinar!

The webinar will be recorded for those you can't attend live.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER: Wednesday September 18 at midnight (Amsterdam time).

Date: Thursday September 19

Time: 8:00 PM (Amsterdam time)

Duration: 1 1/2 hours

Where: Zoom

Price: $17 members, $22 registered users

For those based in Europe and elsewhere, do not worry. The system will automatically change the currency to dollars when you send payment.

Event Highlights:

• Gain inside into what Hollywood looks for in children's literature and implement these elements to further improve your chances of catching the eye of an agent or editor.
• Expertise Sharing: Benefit from Eddie's experience in Hollywood with Paramount's Nickelodeon, as well as with Disney and Netflix, and as former Literary Manager/Producer at The Gotham Group, gaining insights from multiple perspectives.
• Q&A Session: Have questions? Stick around for a Q&A segment at the end of the event.

Event Schedule:

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Presentation

9:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Q&A with Eddie

Questions? Email Fanely at [email protected] or Mayra at [email protected]

Former college professor and now media right consultant/IP creator, Eddie runs Gamarra Media helping book folks navigate Hollywood. Prior he was VP, Literary Affairs where he scouted & acquired books & other IP for Paramount's Nickelodeon & Awesomeness brands. He was also a Literary Manager/Producer at The Gotham Group representing screenwriters, directors, animators, authors, illustrators, & publishers. Clients included NYT best-selling storytellers as well as Oscar, Emmy, Annie, Caldecott, Newbery, & Geisel winners/nominees. As Executive Producer, he worked on THE MAZE RUNNER trilogy which grossed almost $1 Billion dollars. He also EP'd Jerry Spinelli's iconic STARGIRL for Disney+ and Jordan Peele's WENDELL & WILD for Netflix. Eduction: BA, Vassar; MA, NYU/Tisch; MA/PhD, Emory.