Trade Secrets

An insider guide to the decisions that shape the industry

Illustration for TheWrap's Trade Secrets series
Illustration for TheWrap’s Trade Secrets series (Chris Smith/TheWrap)

What Should Creators Look for in Representation? We Asked 7 Industry Experts

The questions around agents and managers is completely different for creators compared to more traditional Hollywood talent

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How Do You Break Into a Modern Writers’ Room? We Asked 14 Showrunners

They spill the details of assembling their writers and offer advice on how to make an impression

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How Does a Film Get on the Festival Circuit? We Asked 11 Programmers

Here are the tips and insight into what works and doesn’t work as a successful submission.

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Who Are the Actors With Greenlight Power?

From Brad Pitt to Michael B. Jordan, these are the actors who can walk into a studio and get their film approved.

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How Do Movies Get a Studio Green Light in 2026? We asked 9 Producers

It’s harder to get a green light from a Hollywood studio or streamer these days. How do you break through when star power isn’t enough? Who do you pitch when there are fewer buyers than before? Let’s dive in.

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How Do TV Shows Get a Green Light in 2026? We asked 7 Executives

In a market flooded with pitches, what separates a yes from a pass—and how do you even get in the room to begin with? We spoke to executives from the industry’s top networks and streamers to bring you the answers.

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