New York, New York, United States
Welcome to the world of Isabel Schultz, a seasoned creative executive and tastemaker with over a decade of experience developing standout television content at major studios. I most recently worked as Director of Content Distribution and US Operations at Digital Smiles, a dynamic startup where I oversee the company’s television slate and spearhead its US growth and distribution partnerships. Previously, I was Director of Creative Development at Frederator Studios—home to Emmy-winning hits like Adventure Time, The Fairly OddParents, Bee and Puppycat, and Castlevania—where I led efforts to expand the studio’s acclaimed kids programming into adult animation. My career began at NBCUniversal, where I played a key role in developing 10 adult animated series for Peacock. Known for my energy and relationship-building skills, I excel at discovering emerging talent, developing original IP, and forging high-profile industry partnerships. My strong communication skills have made me an effective project manager and a valuable asset to each production. As a highly motivated and detail-oriented person, I seek to cultivate my passion for learning in an environment which openly welcomes new opinions and allows creative thinkers to turn their ideas into action.
• Develop and execute a strategy to pitch and sell our IP to Linear-TV, AVOD, SVOD, FVOD and On-Demand • Build and maintain a robust network of distribution partners, industry contacts, broadcasters, streamers, and potential co-production partners • Represent the company at major industry events (e.g., Kidscreen, MIPCOM, MIFA, etc.). • Collaborate with our creative teams worldwide to align the portfolio strategy with our sales efforts • Set up the operational aspects of our U.S. subsidiary, including potential recruitment and office establishment • Identify new business opportunities and strategic partnerships to expand our reach in the U.S. market • Build and nurture a network of U.S.-based investors, including venture capitalists and private equity firms • Represent the company in investor meetings, presenting our vision and growth strategy • Collaborate with company leadership to prepare materials for funding rounds, including pitch decks and financial projections
• Head of Development (all age demos) at Frederator Studios (Adventure Time, Castlevania, The Fairly OddParents, Bee & PuppyCat, etc.) • Develops and presents series pitches for sale to distributors from concept through pilot delivery to series greenlight • Works with show creators to build worlds, flesh out characters, develop story engines, and establish designs • Manages the creation of pitch bibles, scripts, animatics, art, and pitch presentations • Seeks out original ideas, diverse creators, and pre-existing IP for development • Hosts, attends, and speaks at frequent industry events on behalf of studio • Reviews and gives feedback on pitches • Maintains relationships with artists, writers, executives, producers, agents, and managers
• Acquired, developed, and produced comedic short-form animated content for SYFY’s on-air and digital platforms • Pre-screened over 20 series submissions weekly, providing high quality coverage on scripts and taking pitch meetings with writers and producers • Developed voiceover idea lists for shows in the casting phase and scheduled recording sessions for selected actors • Sourced emerging underrepresented talent in alignment with the company’s diversity initiatives, increasing SYFY’s 18-49 demographic by 13% • Designed and distributed pitch decks and one-sheets for cross-departmental communication and press announcements • Reviewed production budgets and schedules for cost efficiency and liaised with the Legal team on Standards and Practices to regulate profanity • Interviewed, hired, and trained our NBC Pages on the development and production of animated series • Assumed executive responsibility by sourcing the script acquisition and development process for a $20,000 pilot commission
• Provided high-level administrative support, managing the President’s schedule and assisting the Digital Enterprises team • Identified growth opportunities for the NBC portfolio and connected the President with domestic and international C-Suite partners • Compiled and distributed relevant industry news for the Bluprint and Digital Enterprises teams • Participated in Partnership and Marketing department meetings to brainstorm pitch strategy and content production
• Handled a high volume of phone calls, emails, scheduling, and travel for a senior television agent • Initiated and processed time-sensitive financial contracts, client payments, expense reports and company commissions • Collaborated internally with departments to coordinate deadline-driven services for worldwide clients • Developed, updated, and maintained multiple project trackers for the TV department
• Assisted producers, cast, and writing staff with the development of sketches by researching archived and current media sources • Served as a special liaison between writing staff and production staff, implementing real-time, on-air script changes for distribution