Good For
Her
make contact
Liquid Gold
written and directed by Francesca Mirabella
Cassandra, a young, single mother desperate for a supportive village, finds work on a utopian dairy farm, only to discover that the seemingly idyllic setting hides an unusual and sinister operation.
in development
Present
Past
Reflections
Intentions
Jess Smith is a producer who creates and advocates for projects with an independent voice and a universal resonance across genres. Recently, she was the Director of Development at Nickelodeon/Awesomeness Live Action Studio, where she spearheaded projects for Paramount+ under the Nickelodeon and Awesomeness brands. Highlights include a four-quadrant movie in collaboration with The Springhill Company and Genius Entertainment, where Jess played a key role as both studio executive and executive producer.
Before diving back into creative development, Jess was an agent at United Talent Agency. There, she played a crucial role as an Agent in packaging, financing, and selling films, working with acclaimed projects like Emerald Fennell’s PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN and Susanna Fogel’s WINNER. Her earlier work at Roadside Attractions saw her involved in the development and distribution of notable films like HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, and LADY MACBETH to name a few of Roadside’s award-winning titles.
Jess's career began in Portland, Oregon, where she gained hands-on experience in independent films, television, and commercials. Now based in Los Angeles with her husband and son, she also co-runs HollywoodWEST, a women’s empowerment organization dedicated to building authentic connections and supporting women in reaching their professional aspirations.
Whether you’re looking for creative guidance on your script or strategy for your finished film, Jess brings a wealth of expertise in development, sales, and acquisition to help you navigate the film industry.
Producer/Manager
JessICA Smith
Los Angeles, CA
Experienced professional with a robust background in film, television, and podcast development, as well as a former Agent. Adept at elevating universal stories by independent voices with a strong emphasis on marketing, branding, and project management. Known for efficient execution, quick decision-making, and innovative thinking. Demonstrates a proven track record in executive and creative producing, with expertise in team strategy development, implementation, and translating business goals into actionable plans. Highly skilled in team building, motivation, and cultivating strong relationships with industry professionals.
Work Experience
Good For Her
Jan 2023 - Present
Somefriends Media
Sept 2022- Nov 2022
Paramount
Global
Nickelodeon | AwesomenessTV
Sept 2021 – May 2022
Founder, Producer, Manager
Created a production company specializing in innovative genre cinema that features bold and diverse female characters, bringing their unique stories to life across film, tv, podcast and digital media.
Development Consultant
Provided creative development and packaging insight for podcasts centering on IP with BIPOC creators with an eye toward adaptation to television and film.
- Developed a mighty slate of narrative podcasts with partners such as Bad Robot, Spotify, Salt and QCode.
Director, Development
Acted as Studio Executive on a slate of 10 family and YA films for Paramount+ as a division of Nickelodeon and Awesomeness, which was created and overseen by Brian Robbins.
- Managed development, pre-production, and production for FANTASY FOOTBALL (Paramount +).
- Heard and responded to pitches; evaluated new project submissions to assess their value as it relates to the creative direction of the brand and intended audience.
- Lead the entire development phases from original pitch to execution, providing notes in line with the vision of the project.
- Reviewed all aspects of production: budget, casting, scripts, communications, final delivery, and critique.
- Created and maintained active relationships within the creative community – agents, writers, producers, talent, etc.
- Liaised with all supporting departments including Marketing, Press, Research, Digital, Social and Business and Legal Affairs.
United Talent
Agency
Sept 2017 – Sept 2021
Agent, UTA Independent Group
Developed, packaged, financed and sold feature films and television series to studios, streamers, and award-winning independent distribution companies.Travelled internationally to film festivals, participated in panels and mentorship opportunities.
- Negotiated financing deals for development and production of film packages and finished films including PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN (W/D Emerald Fennell), WINNER (W/D Susanna Fogel).
- Sought and secured financing for narrative features and documentaries from 1M to 25M budget.
- Forged meaningful personal relationships with talent, executives at top agencies, management companies, studios, and independent distributors.
Jessica Smith Cont.
Los Angeles, CA
Roadside Attractions
July 2014 – Sept 2017
Manager, Co-Productions and Development for Film/TV
Built and collaborated on a development slate including television and film including MR. HOLMES starring Ian McKellen, CIRCUMSTANCE (BBC America Pilot based on the film Roadside distributed with Participant), HUNTING EICHMANN directed by Ed Berger (with Likely Story and sold to FX), and PROFESSIONALS starring Brendan Fraser (based on an action film in our library and produced by Lionsgate, currently on Roku).
Coordinator, Office of the CEOs
Worked closely with founders and CEOs, Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff, coordinates film festival strategies, travel arrangements, and managed the acquisitions, marketing and distribution of notable films including
HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, LADY MACBETH, MANCHESTER BY THE SEA and many others.
Organizations/Coalitions
HollywoodWEST
Founder, Board Member
2013-present
Founded and sustained organization with over 300 members across film, television, and digital media platforms for over a decade. The authentic connections, relationships and supportive spirit of the group have united likeminded professionals and helped women reach their professional goals. Created and organized strategic networking events and gatherings virtually and live in-person.
Education
Emory
University
2003-2007
Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies
Filmová a televizní fakulta Akademie múzických umění
Prague, Czech Republic
FAMU
The Baldwin
School
Bryn Mawr, PA
High School Diploma
Areas of expertise
- Client Management
- Project Management
- Executive Producing
- Brand Storytelling
- Team Leadership
- Mentorship
- Event Organization
- Artist Representation
- Film Development
- TV Development
- Podcast Development
- IP Strategy
- Packaging
- Financing
- Production
- Festival Strategy
- International Sales
- Domestic Sales
- Distribution
- Marketing
- Social Impact