Hollywood Swiss Army Knife
Recovering TV executive with 8+ years experience developing premium drama series. Writing and development consultant, teacher and script doctor. Triple threat performer with a passion for flamenco dance.
Writing Services
Screenwriting and development consultation, teaching, script doctoring and mentoring informed by 8+ years of developing premium TV dramas for Netflix, HBO, ABC, Amazon, CBS, TNT/tbs, AMC and internationally. I’m passionate about sharing knowledge, nurturing talent, and telling artistically and culturally strong stories.
Please get in touch for a quote, and to discuss the unique needs of your project.
I’ve started a free newsletter on Patreon, about storytelling and showbiz.
About me
I call myself a Hollywood Swiss army knife because by this point, I’ve worn all the hats. I went from actor to producer to TV executive, plus a half dozen stops in-between. After 8+ years developing drama series, I returned to my creative roots as writer-storyteller-helper, and actor-singer-dancer-flamenca. I’ve learned by now the tools all sharpen each other, so I carry them proudly.
Details at LinkedIn
Client Testimonials-
“The number one thing film and TV writers say they’re looking for is how to get representation. Now, someone with that insider knowledge is showing writers how to make their screenplays and pilots undeniable to managers and agents. Emily’s razor-sharp insights will have you returning to your scripts with a toolkit you just can’t get anywhere else – and writing your next projects with a newfound sense of what will make them absolutely stand out. I cannot recommend Emily and her workshop highly enough!” –E.R., filmmaker
“Emily! Thank you so so much! Hearing your thoughts on how to make the story stronger, as well as the nuggets of information about the way execs will pay attention, is truly amazing! Thank you for pouring so much of your knowledge onto us! And being so beautifully specific.” –V.N., filmmaker-actor
“I was amazed at how quickly Emily understood my story, what I was trying to say with it and even subtle things like style after only sharing my logline with her and answering a few character questions. Her intuition, instinct and insight married with her many years in the development world make her a formidable force.” –M.L., filmmaker-actor
“My projects always improved with your help and guidance.” –M.K., screenwriter-producer
“Emily, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this! It was so good and helpful. As I start constructing the screenplay and dismantling the novel I’ll keep in mind what you said about building it on relationships. That was incredibly insightful. I have no notes for you, the class size and how you conducted it was perfect!” –J.P., novelist-screenwriter-actor
My work
I’m proud to launch my new STORY-BUILDING CLASSES! (live via Zoom)
Designed to develop your TV series or screenplay (at any stage of completion) into the kind of vibrant, distinctive property that attracts representation, talent, producers and buyers. No rules or gimmicks. Just your story, your style, your voice: clearer, stronger and market-ready in this changing industry. With practical, anti-gatekeeping tools and advice from a recovering TV-lit VP who’s developed at Netflix, HBO, ABC/Hulu, Amazon, CBS, TNT/tbs, AMC and internationally. My details are below. I’ve helped many writers through this process: it’s not mysterious, it’s just hard, but there’s a lot of crap you can sidestep.
Learn at your preferred pace: tortoise or the hare.
2-DAY STORY-BUILDING INTENSIVE (live via Zoom) @ 2:00 PM PDT Sat-Sun
March 14-15, 2026 (two 2.5-hour sessions, with breaks)
5-WEEK STORY-BUILDING COURSE (live via Zoom) @ 6:00 PM PST Tuesdays
April 7, 14, 21, 28 + May 5, 2026 (five 90-minute sessions, with a break)
$245 USD each ($225 early bird pricing until February)
Please email emilina@duck.com to register.
-Emily Hardy
Writing/Development Consultant, Teacher, Script Doctor
Former VP Creative Affairs/Development Executive for TV Lit Manager/EP
THE LINCOLN LAWYER (Netflix) 4 seasons
BIG SKY (ABC/Hulu) 3 seasons
GOLIATH (Amazon) 4 seasons
Additional pilots developed at HBO, ABC, CBS, TNT/tbs, AMC and internationally
Recently on my Hollywood Swiss Army Knife newsletter-
–Adaptation in 2026 + new writing classes
–Netflix, Warner, Paramount (WTAF?)
–AI – unexpected part 2, correcting a mistake
–Has AI already peaked?
–Literalism & literacy (why so on-the-nose?)
–What if truth matters? (not only in Hollywood…)