ACW EPS 174 - Shannan E. Johnson on Script Development, Pitching & the Business of Filmmaking

What makes a screenplay truly ready to shoot—and what should filmmakers fix before spending money on production? In this episode of A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr. , Shannan E.

Johnson—Development and Current Programming Executive, Screenwriter, and CEO + Head Consultant of The Professional Pen (TPP) — shares practical insight for filmmakers and screenwriters on developing stronger scripts, finding story problems before production, building a creative team, and understanding the business behind filmmaking. Shannan also breaks down why screenplay development matters, why the first 15 pages can make or break a read, how filmmakers can approach nontraditional pitching, and why your creative voice still matters in the age of AI.

She also discusses her immersive pitch experience for The Weight of Silence and how filmmakers can create stronger proof-of-concept opportunities. If you’re an independent filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, or creative developing a film or television project , this conversation offers valuable guidance on story development, production readiness, pitching, and treating your creative work like a business. #AConversationWithFloydMarshallJr #FloydMarshallJr #ShannanEJohnson #TheProfessionalPen #Filmmaking #Screenwriting #ScriptDevelopment #IndependentFilmmakers #FilmIndustry