On Sunday, October 5th, the Directors Guild Theater in New York City hosted the State of the Story Conference, organized by Storytelling360. The full-day event brought together some of the industry’s leading voices in storytelling across three panels, a software demonstration, and a keynote Q&A. The program offered attendees both practical insights and candid reflections on the creative and professional realities of working in film and television today.

Opening with the Marketplace

The day began with Buyers and Sellers, a panel featuring producer Adam Kolbrenner, literary agent Noah Ballard, and manager-producer Kailey Marsh, moderated by career consultant Lee Zahavi Jessup. Together, they spoke candidly about the evolving relationship between writers, reps, and buyers. From the influence of streaming to the need for patience in navigating deals, the panelists emphasized the importance of building long-term careers rather than chasing short-term wins. For writers looking to break through, Kolbrenner, Ballard, and Marsh all stressed that resilience and originality remain the most valuable tools.

Showrunning: Highs and Lows

The conversation then shifted to television during Series Creators: Worlds and Universes, moderated by Stephanie McFarlane. Novelist Candace Bushnell reflected on translating her personal perspective into a cultural phenomenon with Sex and the City. Showrunners Robert and Michelle King spoke about how theme and character anchor their body of work, from The Good Wife to Evil. Warren Leight (known for Law & Order: SVU) and David Guggenheim (Designated Survivor) added insight into the pressures of serialized storytelling, describing the ups and downs of running a show over multiple seasons. Across the board, panelists acknowledged that while creating expansive universes is exciting, sustaining them requires leadership, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on characters that feel real.

Learning Tools of the Trade

At midday, attendees turned their attention to practical tools with a lunch-and-learn demonstration of Final Draft screenwriting software. The session showcased how the platform continues to evolve to support collaboration, streamline revisions, and give writers more time to focus on the work that matters most: the story.

Unforgettable Films

The afternoon’s panel, Unforgettable Films, brought together screenwriter Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine), director Lee Daniels (Precious), playwright and screenwriter Tony Kushner (Lincoln), and filmmaker Celine Song (Past Lives), moderated by director Craig Brewer. Arndt shared thoughts on how the structure of a story’s ending often defines how it lingers with audiences. Daniels spoke about the emotional truths that drive his approach to directing performances. Kushner discussed the discipline and rigor involved in researching and writing historical adaptations, while Song offered a fresh perspective on intimacy and memory in modern filmmaking. While their approaches differed, each panelist highlighted that the most memorable films are rooted in honesty and human experience.

Closing with Spike Lee

The event concluded with a keynote Q&A featuring Spike Lee, moderated by Cynthia Lopez. Known for his candid reflections, Lee urged emerging storytellers to remain true to their voices and to avoid bending their work to fit industry trends. He described the challenges of navigating a shifting industry but stressed that creative integrity and persistence remain essential for long-term impact.

Key Themes

Throughout the day, common themes surfaced: resilience in the face of industry changes, the balance between creative vision and professional demands, and the value of authenticity across mediums. Whether the conversation focused on the marketplace, the unique pressures of television, or the enduring craft of cinema, the message was consistent, strong storytelling endures because it is built on clarity, character, and truth.

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