CARA GROOM
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
I'm a creative television executive with over a decade of experience leading development, production, and global distribution across Lionsgate and Starz. I specialize in format creation and access-driven storytelling, with a passion for discovering new talent and transforming IP into large-scale concepts. I’ve developed and launched unscripted concepts across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Development
Pilgrim Media / Lionsgate Alternative Television
04.2021 - Current
- Ideated, developed, and pitched unscripted concepts across all genres with a focus on premium docuseries, competition formats, and IP based hybrids
- Sold series, specials and paid development steps (Netflix, HBO Max, Discovery, CW, OWN, NBCU, Roku, BET, Paramount +, History)
- Oversaw series from early-stage development through post, including budgets, schedules, shoots and interfacing with external producers and buyers
- Created development and pitch materials: treatments, sizzles, format breakdowns, and casting reels
- Field produced network funded presentations: conducted interviews, shaped scene work, managed talent and facilitated all aspects of production and post
- Sourced talent and conducted casting interviews ranging from celebrity, expert, non-celeb characters, and digital creators
- Led full-funnel TikTok content partnership strategy, identifying creators to drive brand storytelling and cultural relevance; secured partnership deals, including a $100K content development agreement with NBCUniversal
- Vetted over 200 external concepts annually to option, curating a competitive slate, and oversaw producing partners
- Packaged projects with EPs and talent attachments, while strategizing brand integration opportunities, including collaborations with Hasbro
- Worked closely with all Lionsgate departments to execute a 360-company wide approach on exploiting studio IP and strategic partnerships
- Created and fostered relationships with network executives and agents
- Evaluated both domestic and international market trends/industry shifts and it's implications for development strategy
Director of Development, Alternative Programming
STARZ Network
11.2019 - 04.2021
- Provided in-depth feedback and creative guidance on treatments, pilots, and all cuts of current series, contributing to the success of acclaimed series such as Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult and Confronting a Serial Killer
- Fielded pitch meetings and evaluated the viability of formats for Starz development slate
- Established and maintained strong relationships with top producers, production companies, agents, managers, and on-screen talent
- Represented Starz at major international markets and industry events, including Realscreen Summit, to source new talent, foster strategic partnerships, and expand brand visibility
Director of Development
Lionsgate
11.2015 - 04.2021
- Managed Lionsgate’s internal development slate and oversaw relationships with production companies under overall deals, ensuring alignment with the studio’s creative and strategic goals
- Ideated, developed, and pitched unscripted concepts across all genres for both linear and digital platforms
- Investigated new characters through active research and casting interviews
- Evaluated third party pitches, international formats and IP acquisition opportunities
- Spearheaded creation of proper sales materials including sizzles, decks, and one-sheets
- Produced paid development pilots and presentations
- Established and maintained strong relationships with producers/production companies, agents/managers and talent
- Strategized brand integration opportunities and collaborated with brand partners to create concepts around their needs
- Worked closely with all Lionsgate departments to execute a 360-companywide approach on exploiting studio IP, strategic partnerships, and overall deals in scripted and features
- Earned four promotions since 2015, advancing from Senior Coordinator to Director of Development
Executive Assistant to Head of US Television
Lionsgate
04.2014 - 11.2015
- Supported Head of US Television and 4 other high-level execs during Core Media Group's merger into Endemol Shine, tracking slates, managing deal flow, and coordinating executive travel, events, and department opportunities across a global TV portfolio
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Scottsdale, AZSkills And Certificates
- Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, iMovie, Riverside
- UCLA Extension Certificate in Photoshop I
- UCLA Extension Certificate in Photoshop II
Timeline
Senior Director of Development
Pilgrim Media / Lionsgate Alternative Television
04.2021 - Current
Director of Development, Alternative Programming
STARZ Network
11.2019 - 04.2021
Director of Development
Lionsgate
11.2015 - 04.2021
Executive Assistant to Head of US Television
Lionsgate
04.2014 - 11.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
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