Rafael Lessa

Rafael Lessa Email and Phone Number

New York, United States
Rafael Lessa's Location
Brooklyn, New York, United States, United States
Rafael Lessa's Contact Details

Rafael Lessa personal email

About Rafael Lessa

I'm a screenwriter, teacher, and executive producer with 14+ years of freelance and in-house experience working in the development of multiple projects for episodic and non-episodic narratives and branded content. I am privileged to be recognized for my passion, having received rewards and honors from the film community.As a head writer, manager, and mentor, I have built and worked with diverse teams to create inspiring scripted narratives for episodic series, films, documentaries, dramas, sitcoms, shorts, and features for multicultural global audiences. I am highly adept at managing production: overseeing budgets, resolving issues, and ensuring we translate concepts to screen. My work has been screened on Amazon, Netflix, and Globo and had theatrical releases all over the world. I've developed projects for players like Gaumont Studios and Turner Entertainment. Most recently, I co-wrote the film "Rule 34," which won the Golden Leopard for Best Film at the Locarno Film Festival. Projects I consulted on screened in festivals like Venice and won prestigious awards such as the Independent Spirit Awards.I am the recipient of grants from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, HFPA, festival awards, honorable mentions, and acclaim for creating content representing LGBTQ+ audiences. As a global citizen, I am fluent in English, French, Portuguese & intermediate Spanish.Reach out if you need a Head Writer or Executive Producer, a project consultant, or mentorship and advice. I'm always happy to chat and get great ideas rolling!EXCEPTIONAL SKILLSDevelopment: create show concepts, and write treatments, bibles, and pitch decks for companies such as Netflix, Amazon, and Globo. Leadership: I've supervised small teams of writers developing branded content and series of different genres and target audiences.Networking: I've gathered a great number of collaborators and colleagues in Brazil and the US, with whom I've developed from content for brands to short films to series and feature films.

Rafael Lessa's Current Company Details
NYU Tisch School of the Arts

Nyu Tisch School Of The Arts

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Teacher
New York, United States
Employees:
25
Rafael Lessa Work Experience Details
  • Nyu Tisch School Of The Arts
    Teacher
    Nyu Tisch School Of The Arts
    New York, United States
  • Rt Features
    Screenwriter
    Rt Features Aug 2024 - Present
  • Columbia University
    Adjunct Professor
    Columbia University Jan 2023 - Present
    New York, United States
    Screenwriting Professor in the MFA program in Film.
  • New York Film Academy
    Instructor
    New York Film Academy Jan 2023 - Present
    New York, United States
    TV writing professor
  • Self-Employed
    Multimedia Consultant | Script Doctor
    Self-Employed Nov 2016 - Present
    Consulting as a Producer on different projects for film and tv such as "7 Prisoners" (Netflix) and “Sócrates” produced under $ 20k and winner of Someone to Watch from the Independent Spirit Awards. Worked closely with writer-director from screenplay to the final cut. Also helped develop several scripts in different phases of production for companies like LB Entertainment. Assisted in negotiation of salaries, contract writing, and budgeting.
  • University Of Southern California
    One Year Ft Mid-Career Mba Candidate
    University Of Southern California Jul 2021 - Apr 2022
    Los Angeles Metropolitan Area
    Business of Entertainment CertificateGPA 3.79Ibear Global Scholarship Recipient
  • Globo
    Head Writer
    Globo Jul 2020 - Jul 2021
    Developed a robust workflow, leading a team of 3 writers to create eight one-hour long episodes, working remotely due to covid.
  • Amazon Studios
    Head Writer | Co-Executive Producer
    Amazon Studios Sep 2018 - Jul 2021
    São Paulo Area, Brazil
    "LOV3"I led a team of six writers to create the script for the dramedy series "LOV3", which is currently in post-production with LB Entertainment (Losbragas Producoes). I setup an inspiring work environment and worked with Amazon's inhouse team to meet deadlines, present them with ideas, plot points and character development cues. I was responsible for scouting shoot locations, and hiring cast and crew.
  • Losbragas Producoes
    In-House Writer And Development Manager
    Losbragas Producoes Nov 2013 - Jun 2021
    São Paulo Area, Brazil
    Developed several shows as an in-house screenwriter, and prepared series bibles and pitch decks. Supported many facets of this production company, taking on additional team writing projects and production responsibilities such as analyzing contracts and developing partnerships with different stakeholders. Collaborated cross-functionally preparing budgets and leveraging relationships with SVOD players and stakeholders including contract negotiation resulting in competitive deals; recommended changes in business model, optimizing the workflow, resulting in a 25% cost reduction and a new brand identity for the company Assisted in film shoots. Met new talent, and influenced hiring where necessary. Coordinated the intern selection and job appointment process, in partnership with the NGO Criar.
  • Academia Internacional De Cinema
    Screenwriting Teacher
    Academia Internacional De Cinema Mar 2013 - Dec 2020
    São Paulo, Brazil
    I mentored future screenplay writers to find their storytelling spark, and feel confident to tell original narrative-driven stories. In partnership with Arvore Immersive, we brought innovative storytelling solutions and their latest innovations into the classrooms, proposing and mentoring immersive experiences with students in virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality.
  • Netflix
    Screenwriter
    Netflix Feb 2017 - Jan 2019
    São Paulo Area, Brazil
    "Samantha!"I developed, wrote and story-edited seasons one and two of the compelling situational comedy "Samantha!", which was co-produced by LB Entertainment, and had Alice Braga as executive producer.• Helped secure a second season for the show.
  • Latam Airlines
    Director | Copywriter | Co-Producer
    Latam Airlines Jul 2013 - Nov 2016
    São Paulo, Brazil | Chile
    With LATAM AIRLINES, while working with NEW CONTENT company, I supervised the creative process from screenplay to post-production of the VAMOS/LATAM entertainment platform. I worked closely with very different segments such as the camera department, marketing, and animation teams both in Chile and Brazil. I also collaborated with the business strategy of the company giving inputs in weekly meetings with C-suite teams. I got a taste of what technology could do, especially when working with 3D and on multiple screens (cellphone, airplane screens, and YouTube) to develop the most cutting-edge products. The result was the new entertainment platform launched in just 3 months in airplanes all over the world in May 2016.
  • Lacuna Filmes
    Director | Screenwriter | Producer | Actor
    Lacuna Filmes Sep 2015 - Dec 2015
    São Paulo, Brazil
    I shot this short film using the SnapChat app on an iPhone, staying within a $100 budget.• The film screened in over 20 festivals worldwide, was sold to a major cable channel in Brazil, and generated over 24K views on YouTube.• I won the Felix Jury Award for Best LGBT Short at the Rio International Film Festival, 2016 and Best Screenplay at Mix Brazil Film Festival, 2016.
  • Globosat
    Screenwriter
    Globosat Jan 2012 - Dec 2014
    São Paulo, Brazil
    I wrote the sitcom "Vai Que Cola" and the game show "Tudo Pela Audiência."• The sitcom "Vai Que Cola" was considered a hit, raking in 11M views.
  • Turner Brasil
    Head Writer
    Turner Brasil Oct 2013 - Mar 2014
    São Paulo, Brazil
    I wrote the 22-episode travel and culinary television show GPS - Guiados Pelo Sabor, which was aired on Glitz.
  • Videofilmes
    Researcher And Writer
    Videofilmes Jun 2011 - Jul 2012
    Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
    Did research and wrote the screenplay for documentary "Francisco Brennand"
  • Jean Doumanian Productions
    Executive Assistant
    Jean Doumanian Productions Jan 2011 - Apr 2011
    Greater New York City Area
    Script CoverageOffice Assistant
  • Jean Doumanian Productions
    Executive Assistant
    Jean Doumanian Productions Aug 2009 - Dec 2009
    Greater New York City Area
    Script CoverageOffice assistant
  • Columbia University
    Fellowship - Film Division Assistant
    Columbia University Sep 2008 - May 2009
    New York, United States
    Assisted in office duties and Directing the actors class.
  • Abril
    Reporter
    Abril Jan 2006 - Jul 2008
    Reporter - Viagem e Turismo Magazine (january 2005-july 2006)Free lance editor and online reporter - Viagem e Turismo magazine, Viaje Aqui website (july 2006-july 2008)
  • Globo
    Analyst - Research And Acquisition Of Content
    Globo May 2003 - Dec 2005
    Research, negotiation, and acquisition of content for Globosat Pay-TV channels.Developed key partnerships with Brazilian production companies.

Rafael Lessa Skills

Film Screenwriting Television Video Production Directing Journalism Final Cut Pro Post Production Short Films Editing Creative Writing Feature Films Social Media New Media Entertainment Blogging Editorial Cinema Creative Content Production Script Coverage English Content Production Drama Portuguese Spanish Writer Screenplays Reader

Rafael Lessa Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Rafael Lessa

What company does Rafael Lessa work for?

Rafael Lessa works for Nyu Tisch School Of The Arts

What is Rafael Lessa's role at the current company?

Rafael Lessa's current role is Teacher.

What is Rafael Lessa's email address?

Rafael Lessa's email address is le****@****ail.com

What schools did Rafael Lessa attend?

Rafael Lessa attended Columbia University In The City Of New York, University Of Southern California, Usc School Of Cinematic Arts.

What skills is Rafael Lessa known for?

Rafael Lessa has skills like Film, Screenwriting, Television, Video Production, Directing, Journalism, Final Cut Pro, Post Production, Short Films, Editing, Creative Writing, Feature Films.

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