About: Who I Am
As yours might, my story began by working with someone who truly believed in me. Mentored by Aaron Spelling, one of the most extraordinary executives and prolific producers in the business, I learned early on how to develop a story and make a script the best it could be before it hit the air. I worked with the executive producers, showrunners, and staff of over 15 primetime shows. I had the unique opportunity to give script notes daily and see them implemented weekly on shows like 90210, Melrose Place, Charmed, Medium, Numbers, NCIS, The 4400, and Girlfriends. As a three-year mentor in the CBS/Diversity Program and a panelist for the WGA and DGA, I helped other creative talents see the business through the eyes of an executive.
I know how important it is to work with someone who believes in you. Strong mentors, passion, and talent have carried me to the top of my game. I launched Jen Grisanti, Inc. to give back what Aaron and many other business names gave me: experience and attention that will help others achieve their dreams.
My passion for what I do is evident in my work with writers. I approach each project with care, experience, and a deep love for storytelling. In an industry that often prioritizes speed over quality, I am committed to ensuring that both the writer and the story are honored as a script develops. I provide the personal attention that is often lacking in our industry, serving as your dedicated Personal Executive and guiding you every step of the way. To date, 117 pilots and several features have been sold by the writers I work with, a testament to the effectiveness of this personalized approach.
Bio
International speaker Jen Grisanti is an acclaimed Story/Career Consultant at Jen Grisanti Consultancy Inc., 13-year Writing Instructor for Writers on the Verge at NBC, and a former 12-year studio executive. Her last studio job was VP of Current Programming at CBS/Paramount. Jen is the author of three books, Story Line: Finding Gold in Your Life Story, TV Writing Tool Kit: How To Write a Script That Sells, Change Your Story, Change Your Life: A Path To Your Success.
Grisanti started her career in 1992 as an assistant to Aaron Spelling. He served as her mentor for 12 years. She quickly climbed the ranks and eventually ran Current Programs at Spelling Television Inc., covering all Spelling’s shows, including Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, and Charmed. In 2004, Grisanti received a promotion to Vice President of Current Programs at CBS/Paramount, where she covered numerous shows, including Medium, Numbers, NCIS, 4400, and Girlfriends.
In January 2008, Grisanti launched Jen Grisanti Consultancy Inc., a highly successful consulting firm dedicated to helping talented writers break into the industry. Drawing on her experience as a studio executive, where she gave daily notes to executive producers/showrunners, Grisanti personally guides writers to shape their material, hone their pitches, and focus their careers. Since launching the consulting firm, Grisanti has worked with over 2,000 writers specializing in television, features, and novels. Due to her expertise and mentorship, over one hundred and seventy-seven of her writers have staffed on television shows, and one hundred and eighteen pilots have sold from the writers she’s worked with, including ten that went to series.
In June of 2009, The Huffington Post invited me to be a blogger.
Grisanti’s brand focus is “Telling and Selling Your Story and Developing From Within.”
After surviving and learning from two major turning points in her life — a long-term relationship that ended after a short marriage and a beloved job after 15 years with the same company — Grisanti draws from her own story and uses it to create her success. From the podium, she empowers others to do the same.
Grisanti’s speaking points include: how to tell and sell your story, how to add fiction to your truth in your writing, how to define your voice, and how to be the author of your life.
Grisanti has taught classes for the Screenwriters Safari (South Africa), Rocaberti Writers’ Retreat (Spain, France, and Italy), Alta Yoga/Writing Retreat (Nicaragua), TV Writers Summit (in LA and London), The TV Writers Studio (in Australia), The Big Island Film Festival, Chicago Screenwriters Network, Scriptwriters Network, Screenwriting Expo, the Great American Pitchfest, the Northwestern Screenwriter’s Guild in Seattle, and the Alameda’s Writer’s Group. Also, she has served on panels for the WGA, iTVFest, UFVA, PGA, and The Writer’s Bootcamp, telling her story to inspire others.
Grisanti spoke at the ERG for Google in April of 2014.
Grisanti attended USC, where she received a B.A. in Communications.
Story and Script Consulting Background
As a Current Programs Executive for 12 years, I worked through the entire creative process, which means I know what the studio wants, what the network looks for, and what kind of material you need to get hired. I have read over 10,000 scripts and given notes on most of them, so I know how to make a script the best it can be.
Aaron Spelling was an extraordinary mentor. Other great mentors I worked with include Glenn Gordon Caron, Barry Schindel, E. Duke Vincent, Ira Behr, Ken Sanzel, Mara Brock Akil, John Eisendrath, Jorge Zamacona, Brad Kern, Chuck Pratt, and Brenda Hampton.
Over the years, I have developed numerous industry relationships with successful writers, directors, and executives who have supported me along the way. You can see some of their testimonials here.