Blacklisted Matthew Dartnell
Dec 2, 2024
Matthew Dartnell, a literary manager at Writ Large, dives deep into the film and TV industry. He shares his journey from a sheltered upbringing to a thriving career, revealing how his love for horror films shaped his path. Matt discusses the balancing act of creativity and market demands in script development and the importance of networking. He also emphasizes the value of communication in screenwriting relationships and offers invaluable advice for emerging writers on completing projects and building key connections.
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Sheltered Childhood Sparks Film Passion
- Matthew Dartnell grew up in Bakersfield, California, raised in a Mormon family that restricted his exposure to movies and music.
- His passion for film ignited after leaving home for college, especially after watching films like Fight Club and exploring horror and genre films.
Assistant Job Reveals Career Path
- Matthew Dartnell's time working as an assistant at Gersh Agency was transformational, exposing him to different facets of the industry.
- Working for two different agents helped him discover his passion for management, involving more creative collaboration with writers.
Manager Focus over Producer Role
- Writ Large focuses on management over production, prioritizing client career development and script quality over producing projects themselves.
- The company selectively partners with producers who can effectively move projects forward rather than handling production internally.