Rafael Lessa Email & Phone Number

New York, United States

New York, United States

Screenwriting Professor in the MFA program in Film.

New York, United States

TV writing professor

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.

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

Business of Entertainment CertificateGPA 3.79Ibear Global Scholarship Recipient

Developed a robust workflow, leading a team of 3 writers to create eight one-hour long episodes, working remotely due to covid.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

São Paulo, Brazil

I wrote the 22-episode travel and culinary television show GPS - Guiados Pelo Sabor, which was aired on Glitz.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Did research and wrote the screenplay for documentary "Francisco Brennand"

Greater New York City Area

Script CoverageOffice Assistant

Greater New York City Area

Script CoverageOffice assistant

New York, United States

Assisted in office duties and Directing the actors class.

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)

Research, negotiation, and acquisition of content for Globosat Pay-TV channels.Developed key partnerships with Brazilian production companies.

Master Of Fine Arts, Film, Graduated With Honors

Mba, Business Of Entertainment, 3.79

Activities and Societies: Business of Entertainment Association Marshall Pride Elected Class Vice President from July 2021 to October.

Mba Specialization, Media Production, 4.00

John H. Mitchell Graduate Certificate in the Business of Entertainment