Represented: A Conversation with Managers and Agents

ABOUT THE EVENT:

Navigating the entertainment industry can look different with the right representation. How do you get there? In this panel, talent managers and agents will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how they help creatives—filmmakers, writers, and artists—build successful careers. Topics will include how representation works, what agents and managers look for in new clients, and how to establish and maintain a productive working relationship. If you’re seeking to understand the role of representation in advancing your career or are curious about how to get signed, this conversation will provide essential insights into the business side of the industry.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR:

Indeana Underhill

Indeana Underhill is a cinematographer, producer, and co-founder of Cinematography for Actors, a non-profit focused on empowering underrepresented filmmakers through education, community building and alternative financing methods. She holds a dual degree in Film Production from the University of Edinburgh/Edinburgh College of Art, studied at Universidad del Cine in Buenos Aires, and completed the Cinematography Program at Maine Media Workshops before graduating from the AFI Conservatory.

Her career began as a photographer, capturing campaigns for brands such as Corona, Mercedes, Marriott, and FC Barcelona across more than 80 international shoots. She first gained on-set experience in the Middle East as an operator on the TIFF-premiered feature CERTIFIED MAIL. Since then, she has shot over 40 projects, recently including a collaboration with AFI to film a Morgan Freeman tribute for the Nicole Kidman Lifetime Achievement Awards.

In addition to her work in film, Indeana has shared her expertise on collaboration and storytelling as a guest lecturer at institutions and festivals like Cornell, CSUN, HollyShorts, NAB Show, and Post Podcast Movement. Currently, she is in development on two independent features.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS:

Olivia Mascheroni

Olivia Mascheroni has been working in the entertainment industry since she was 14. She is currently an agent at Verve Ventures, the film finance and sales arm of Verve Talent and Literary Agency, where she works alongside Amy Beecroft and Ross Putman to bring high-quality, creator-driven films to life. Notable projects include KNOX GOES AWAY starring Michael Keaton, THE LISTENER with Steve Buscemi and Tessa Thompson, and EMILY THE CRIMINAL featuring Aubrey Plaza.  Before Verve, Olivia was the Director of Development at Madre Ventures, focusing on clean energy, health, wellness, and innovative technologies. She also founded Hawknose Productions, where she developed diverse film and television projects. Prior to this, Olivia worked at The Black List, co-producing COME AS YOU ARE and BREAKING NEWS IN YUBA COUNTY.  Earlier in her career, she served as Executive of New Media at Blumhouse Productions, contributing to projects like GET OUT and THE PURGE. Olivia began her career at CAA, working in both the Television and Motion Picture Literary Departments.  She holds a degree in Radio/Television/Film from Northwestern University and advises students in its Senior Directing Program. Passionate about discovering fresh voices, Olivia is dedicated to nurturing new talent in the industry.

Zack Zucker

Zack Zucker is a Literary Manager at Bellevue Productions. Prior to joining Bellevue, Zack worked at Google, United Talent Agency, and Twentieth Century Fox. He also produced independently.

On the feature side, his clients have placed #1 on the 2020 and 2021 Black Lists and had films premiere at Sundance, SXSW, TIFF, and Tribeca. On the TV side, his clients have sold to the likes of Fox, Hulu, Netflix, Sony, eOne, and Village Roadshow, and have written on such series as Fight Night, FBI: International, Frasier, Manifest, Flatbush Misdemeanors, and AJ & the Queen.

As a producer, his feature, THE NOVICE, premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, where it won multiple awards including Best US Narrative. The film went on to sell to IFC Films and was nominated for five Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Feature.

Zack attained a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California’s Peter Stark Producing Program and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.

Yasmin Morris

Yasmin Felice Morris is an independent manager operating through Sandstone Artists, a co-op offering an alternative approach to management compared to traditional firms. In addition to managing a diverse roster of talent, Yasmin works full-time with Showrunner/Producer Carla Waddles at Babycakes Productions, helping to oversee Carla’s overall deal with Universal Television. With experience spanning talent representation, project development, and production, Yasmin brings a unique perspective to navigating both the independent and studio sides of the industry.

Davina Hefflin

Davina Hefflin, from Pittsburgh PA, originally wanted to be a writer, graduating from Chapman University with a Masters in Screenwriting before realizing that her love for writing and passion for storytelling, coupled with her business acumen was better suited to representation. She started her career as an intern at Gersh, quickly climbing the ranks to agent before joining Verve’s television literary team in 2020. Hefflin has dedicated herself to identifying and protecting diverse and LGBTQ+ voices, building them up and guiding them as they tell new stories that she hopes will have a positive and lasting impact on the industry. Her clients include Tochi Onyebuchi, Justice Singleton, and Rob Hardy.