|Kelly.Pancho|

Kelly Pancho is a Current Executive for CBS Studios. She is responsible for shows both on streaming and cable outlets.

Kelly has a lovely demeanor. She’s one of those executives that always appears to be calm and poised, which is a wonderful asset to possess, especially when you’re in a job that requires you to constantly put out fires. But who knew simmering under her executive armor was a writer/director just waiting to come out from under the surface? Recently she wrote and directed a short film called, GROUNDED, which made its screening debut at Comic Con this year for the San Diego Int’l Children’s Film Festival.

RS: Describe yourself in a logline.

KP: I currently work as a studio exec and have a passion for filmmaking, all things space-related, and ice cream.

RS: You moved from producing and development to current programming. What has been the biggest difference? Was there a learning curve? 

KP: Learning the internal responsibilities and processes that are unique to the studio has been a challenge. Moving to current (programming) also means you’re always in “go” mode because you’re constantly shooting. 

RS: Tell me something that’s not on your resume? 

KP: My first job working in production was at Nickelodeon: I still have fond memories of shooting in the scorching Florida heat and the sickly smell of slime.

What is a piece of advice you’d give both an emerging writer and established one?

Kelly:

I’d encourage any emerging writers to be open to collaboration. To seasoned writers, I’d say find something in every project that still gets you excited.

RS: From your perspective and after working in the industry as long as you have, what is a piece of advice you would give an emerging writer? What would you tell an established writer? 

KP: I’d encourage any emerging writers to be open to collaboration. I’ve encountered many writers newer to the process that are so protective of their concepts (asking producers to sign an NDA or not discussing ideas openly) that they miss an opportunity to engage. To seasoned writers, I’d say find something in every project that still gets you excited.

RS: What do you wish someone would have taught you early on?  

KP: That the industry is small and whatever lane you pick is the lane where you’ll find opportunities.

RS: How do you work with writers? Are you hands on or more of an arm’s length kind of executive? Do you have a particular process unique to you?  

KP: I think writers would describe me as hands-on. That said, I always try to be mindful of the big picture, no matter how detailed my notes may be: is the audience going to follow your story? Is your intent coming through? Are we servicing the character arcs in a meaningful way? I feel responsible for helping writers circumnavigate potential issues (i.e. getting ahead of notes we know the network will give) and be a sounding board. I’m also there to support the writer when they have to address a tricky note, yet preserve the creative integrity of their work.

When do you know a script won’t make it over the finish line?

Kelly:

The 2nd draft. That said, the first story area (will show) if there are going to be major script issues down the line.

RS: When do you reach the realization that a script is not going to make it over the finish line? After how many drafts?  

KP: The second draft, once you’ve seen how the notes have (or haven’t) been addressed. That said, it’s also clear right from the first story area if there are going to be major script issues down the line.

RS: It’s clear you have a propensity to create. What was the inspiration behind the story of your short film, GROUNDED?

KP: Despite having always worked on the exec side of things, I truly love directing and writing. At heart I’m a film geek, so I love cameras and rigs and editing and production design. I’ve started directing shorts in my spare time to feed that creative beast.

I wanted to shoot a short on a shoestring: one actor, using natural light, and only what I had on hand (in this case, my backyard). Our dilapidated shed reminded me of this cupboard that used to scare the crap out of me as a kid. It was dark, menacing, and made my young mind run wild. That provided the inspiration for the core conflict: the yard itself had to come to life!

RS: Being an executive, did you call upon a lot of favors re: casting, gathering a crew, etc.? 

KP: Yes, I definitely benefited by being surrounded with talented people in my working life. The actor was the son of my boss, several of my crew were former assistants, and my fantastic DP, Mika, came recommended from a DP I admired and worked with on a broadcast pilot.  

RS: Now that you have dipped your toe into the other side of the creative pond (writing and directing), are your colleagues looking at you in a different light?

KP: I’m not sure if it’s a different light, but it’s sparked a lot of conversations and reminded me there’s a lot of great creative minds out there.    

RS: Your short was invited to screen at Comic Con. Did you enjoy watching people watch it? 

KP: I found it simultaneously gratifying and terrifying, because you’re always hoping they’ll react in the way you intended (are they laughing, are they enjoying themselves?). I was surprised and honored for the film to have been invited to screen there – I had never been before and it was a blast!  

RS: What kinds of material do you gravitate towards?  

KP: I love anything with a strong story engine that makes me sit up in my seat. I tend to gravitate towards stories about people discovering their voices, their strengths, etc.

RS: What hobbies do you partake in – in order to destress?

KP: I enjoy playing piano, ice skating, and painting/crafty stuff, although I’m not sure any of those things necessarily help me to destress…I’m too much of a perfectionist. If I need to destress, it’s a day at the spa!

RS: It’s vacation time. Do you choose a beach, a mountain adventure, or a city with much culture to explore?

KP: The beach is my happy place.

If starting out today, how would you navigate as an executive?

Kelly:

Your network of people grows from those early relationships. I’d be more mindful about where in the industry I was planting my roots.

RS: If you were just starting out today, how would you go about navigating the executive dance? Anything you would do differently?

KP: If I were starting out again, I’d be more mindful about where in the industry I was planting my roots, as your network of people grows from those early relationships. The early part of my career was spent in an adjacent part of the industry and I didn’t transition into development/production until much later. That said, I’ve found real value in my background now (and also met my husband that way!), so I wouldn’t change anything.

RS: What job outside of the industry would you be drawn to?

KP: Theoretical physics. I like learning how the world works.

RS: It’s evident that TV continues to be an over-saturated market. What’s the good news for writers and producers? What’s the bad news? 

KP: The good news is that there’s always a market for great stories and talented people. However, it does feel like not as many projects are being bought as in years past, so there are times when even good projects may not be picked up because there’s simply not enough slots.

RS: Beyond agents and managers, do you have other means or resources as to how you find new voices? 

KP: I tend to let manager and agents introduce us because there is a vetting process there. That said, I’ve directly connected with writers through the WGA platform, have occasionally taken a cold-call general, and love meeting writers from the studio diversity programs. I’ll also lean on my assistant to flag any newer writers that are worth looking at.

RS: As a viewer, what’s your favorite type of show? Do you have a favorite Podcast?

KP: I feel like my taste varies, but in general I love shows with strong characters, some adventure, some comedy, and heart. I tend not to gravitate to anything on either end of the spectrum – nothing too dark or too fluffy. I love a fun ride and want to be entertained, but want to feel real stakes.

I don’t listen to a ton of podcasts, but I love Team Deakins, which my husband introduced me to. It’s hosted by the legendary DP Roger Deakins and his partner, James. They have these amazing, really honest, in-depth discussions with everyone — from other DPs, to Directors, and ADs.

RS: Name one of your idiosyncrasies.

KP: I fidget! I never realized how much until I was forced to stare at myself on zoom calls and noticed that everyone else can sit still properly for an hour. Also, I have to take off my shoes when I have to really concentrate. I have no idea why. 

(Side Note: I read that when we take off our shoes and our feet feel the ground beneath us, it reduces stress as well as grounds and focuses us. It also helps to curl your toes into the carpet, dirt, grass, etc.)

RS: When do you feel most creative and how do you stay creative?

KP: It randomly comes in spurts – sometimes I wake up and have to find a pen and scribble (down) an idea. In terms of staying creative, I think you have to stay curious and keep a sense of wonder about the world.

RS: Outside of the job, what’s the last thing you learned?

KP: That life will continually kick you in the ass if you let it. And also that my dog will eat anything if he sees me eat it first.

What are some of your pet peeves?

Kelly:

Arrogance and people who mistreat those who work for them. Also, (writers) don’t be sloppy, proof your scripts!

RS: Do you have any pet peeves?  

KP: Arrogance and people who mistreat those who work for them. There’s no excuse for either. Also, (writers) don’t be sloppy. Proof your scripts! 

RS: With general meetings, what are you looking for in a writer? 

KP: I want to get a sense of the writer’s personality and story sense. Are they collaborative? Quick on their feet? How do they approach character? What are their tastes, do they understand story structure? I usually don’t approach these questions head-on, but like to get a sense of them through the general course of conversation.

RS: Do you have a piece of advice a parent or a best friend gave you that has been helpful through out the years? Words to live by when life gets hard?

KP: You won’t know if you don’t try.

RS: Has anyone ever told you that you look like someone famous? If so, who?

KP: Nope. I’m half-asian and half-caucasian, so there aren’t a ton of us out there. I hope that changes.

What is the secret to a successful pitch?

Kelly:

In my experience, it’s when the writer has cracked what the show is “about” on a deep level and it’s baked into the character arcs and story engine. It doesn’t matter if you have the most amazing visuals or a fantastic package…

If you don’t have a clear theme that is woven into the execution of the story, you don’t have a show.

RS: In your opinion, what’s the secret to a successful pitch? 

KP: In my experience, it’s when the writer has really cracked what the show is “about” on a deep level, and it’s baked into the character arcs and story engine. That applies to both comedies and dramas. It doesn’t matter if you have the most amazing visuals or a fantastic package – if you don’t have a clear theme that is woven into the execution of the story, you don’t have a show.

RS: How do you define failure?

KP: Never trying in the first place.

RS: What does taking a risk look like for you?

KP: It’s doing something out of your comfort zone.

RS: Is there a line from a movie or TV show that you often quote?

KP: Clever girl.

(SIDE NOTE: If you don’t know this quote it’s said by the raptor hunter, Muldoon – from Jurassic Park. I LOVE this quote and use it all the time.)

RS: What inspires you? 

KP: People who are passionate about and really good at their craft.

RS: The material you’ve loved — what specific things did the script include that made it so good? 

KP: Get me invested in a character and I’m along for the ride. I love stories that balance drama and comedy. I’m also a sucker for a strong story structure – not in the sense of something being formulaic, but in planning out a story in such a way that the characters are constantly being challenged and struggling and learning and growing. That’s the good stuff.

RS: Is there a showrunner out there you’d love to work with? What do you love about them?

KP: Jon Favreau! He’s found a way to take the heart of what people love about the massive Star Wars franchise and plays to it. In every interview, he’s obviously such a fan and has done his homework. Not to mention he produced a show utilizing a new technology and workflow, which must have been challenging.

I also recently re-watched the pilot of Orphan Black and have admired Graeme Manson from afar.

RS: What’s the biggest compliment you’ve ever received? 

KP: A showrunner I developed with told me that I should be a writer – I can’t think of a higher compliment.

RS: What’s the hardest piece of criticism you’ve ever received?

KP: Someone I admired felt I wasn’t being respectful of them. I was so taken aback, but it made me reflect on my approach to different people.

RS: Describe your favorite meal.

KP: One shared with my family and friends and ending with something sweet!

RS: What is next for you on the writing/directing side of your life? 

KP: I’m steadily working on shorts in my spare time as a labor of love. I shot another short during the height of the pandemic in my house with only myself, my husband, and my sister.  It was a challenge and a great reminder that even when shooting on an iPhone with basically no crew, you can still create an engaging story. I’m editing that now and am currently writing a short that I hope to shoot during a long weekend in the spring.  

RS: Ok. What question do you wish I would have asked? What question are you glad I didn’t?

KP: Hmmm…you didn’t ask what my favorite movies are! I love movies as much as TV and could wax poetic about them for days. I’m glad you didn’t ask where I’m from. Because I’m from Florida… Yeah, I know. 

And there you have it. The “K”aptivating Kelly Pancho! For the record, I would never shame her for where she’s from. That said, it does go to show you — generalizations are just that and there are always exceptions to the rule! 

And btw… the picture with Kelly and the fake rabbit? Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Only a creative mind, right? Priceless. 

If you liked this post, you might like: https://rebecca-stay.com/eric-kim-current-executive-extraordinaire

Bio: 

Kelly Pancho is a VP of Streaming & Cable Current Series for CBS Studios. She was previously the Head of Development at CannyLads Productions and produced the comedy series I FEEL BAD. Before working in development, Pancho oversaw the creative team at Deluxe, and produced behind-the-scenes featurettes and games. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two Shar Peis.