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DeShaun Thompson

@deshaunthompson

Experienced managing high-volume development slates, anticipating and solving operational challenges, and translating creative vision.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead scripted content and IP development, evaluate commercially viable stories, shape projects from concept through production, and partner with writers, producers, talent, and studio teams.

Program management and workforce development professional with experience spanning the entertainment and nonprofit sectors, designing and leading high-impact initiatives that connect emerging talent with meaningful career opportunities and empower professionals to build lasting careers in the entertainment industry. Proven ability to build strategic partnerships, engage diverse stakeholders, manage complex programs from planning through execution, and improve operational processes. Combines deep entertainment industry knowledge with expertise in participant engagement, talent development, and program operations to deliver measurable outcomes through strategic leadership and operational excellence.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Executive Assistant / Coordinator

Handy Foundation

Jan 2025 - Jan 2026 (1 year)

Coordinated executive scheduling, cross-functional meetings, and industry programming for leadership. Managed participant data and program workflows within Airtable and Insightly, and developed presentation decks and program materials.

Airtable Insightly Google Workspace Canva Project Management Cross functional Leadership

Director, Development

CBS Television Network

Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 (1 year)

Steered the creative development pipeline for approximately 30 scripted television projects selected from 100+ pitches, driving cross-functional coordination from pitch through pilot. Identified commercially viable stories by evaluating scripts, pilot cuts, pitches, and original concepts.

Creative Development Script Evaluation Content Strategy Pitch Development Project Management Cross functional Leadership Talent Relations

Manager, Development

Jesse Collins Entertainment

Jan 2018 - Jan 2022 (4 years)

Directed the day-to-day management of a 20+ project scripted development slate, overseeing original IP from ideation through development. Discovered, evaluated, pitched, and developed original television IP from scripts, books, articles, life rights, and original concepts.

IP Development Creative Development Script Evaluation Content Ideation Television Development Content Strategy Pitch Development Project Management Cross functional Leadership Audience Insights

Executive Assistant

Broad Green Pictures

Jan 2016 - Jan 2017 (1 year)

Served as the operational backbone for the Senior Vice President of Development & Production, ensuring executive priorities and creative materials advanced efficiently. Synthesized scripts, submissions, and market intelligence into organized development resources.

Project Management Script Evaluation Content Strategy Cross functional Leadership

Executive Assistant

Paradigm Talent Agency

Jan 2015 - Jan 2016 (1 year)

Managed a high-volume literary desk supporting television clients, coordinating complex schedules and communications across studios, producers, attorneys, and writers. Protected client business interests by tracking contractual compensation milestones and partnering with Business Affairs.

Project Management Cross functional Leadership Talent Relations