{EXCLUSIVE} Manager Jeff Portnoy Joins Bellevue And Signs 2015 Launch Pad Pilot Writer Ben Kawaller!
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EXCLUSIVE
〉Kawaller is the 67th Launch Pad writer signed in two years
EXCLUSIVEJeff Portnoy has joined the management ranks alongside John Zaozirny over at fast-on-the-rise production & management house Bellevue Productions. Portnoy, a former agent at the now defunct Resolution, will close his own Heretic Literary, and bring all of his clients with him. In fact, he’s adding one more, as he has made the first signing in the 2015 Launch Pad Pilot Competition, by snagging writer Ben Kawaller, who wrote the current Top 25 Semi-Finalist The Next Best Thing.
Kawallar, a Harvard grad, moved to LA from his hometown of Brooklyn 3 years ago. Formerly a theater producer and director, he got his start in the UTA mailroom before moving up to work in the talent department. After UTA, he worked for film and TV producer Dan Jinks at CBS TV Studios, before he began to concentrate full time on writing.
His script, which is being pitched as a dark comedy in the vein of Looking meets Louie, tells the story a middle-aged gay man facing the fallout of his longest relationships when he chooses to start dating women for the first time since realizing he was gay.
A favorite amongst our judges, Best Thing is at once extremely topical and unique. With strong characterizations across the board and consistently funny tension, the script remains accessible even with its quirky, conflicted protagonist. And, landing the first signing this year, it’s no doubt we’re not alone in that line of thought.
By signing with Portnoy, Kawaller will join Young & Hungry List, Hit List and Black List writer Josh Golden, who wrote the spec Road To Oz, which is currently being fast-tracked at New Line.
Kawaller marks the 67th Launch Pad writer signed in two years!
Want your own shot at success? – Be sure to enter the 2015 Launch Pad Feature Competition before it ends tomorrow (September 15th) by clicking below:
