
FILM, TELEVISION & Media CONSULTING
Ambition Needs A Real Strategy
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"Sam Sokolow is one of the most influential producers in the industry. Sam is a force of nature who consistently makes high-end content across every format. There are talkers and there are doers. Sam is a doer who has the energy and know how to get you into the game."
- Peter Micelli, CEO Range Media Partners and former partner at CAA
"Working with Sam was a dream come true. He took a chance on me when I was a young writer still living in Canada with no credits. Together, we developed the pilot and the pitch for Genius, and six months later, we got a series order in the room. A year and a half after that, we were going to the Emmys. That is what you call a producer." - Noah Pink, writer/Co-Executive Producer Nat Geo's "Genius", writer of Ron Howard's "Eden"
Whether you’re an individual building a career in entertainment, a company looking to succeed in today's global media marketplace, or a community looking to build a competitive media ecosystem, every ambition is different so the path forward isn’t always obvious. That’s where my unique experience comes in.
For over 25 years, I’ve independently produced across the global film, television, and digital media industry, developing, selling, producing and delivering. I've built successful production companies in Los Angeles and New York from the ground up, cultivating relationships deep in the current global media power centers. I've taken books and transformed them into Emmy Award-winning global event television series. I’ve taken original ideas and scripts and put them on the air, in theaters and on screens across the world. I’ve built and managed a global workforce development program that has supported more than 50 film commissions around the world. And as a Professor of Practice in film production, I’m building world-class experiential-learning curriculum and developing the next generation of media makers at one of America’s top universities.
I know how the industry works - from the inside. And now, I’m making that experience available to you.
ARTISTS & INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS - I work with filmmakers, writers, producers, executives, and emerging media professionals looking to develop their careers, sharpen their ideas, navigate the industry, or figure out what critical step should come next.
COMPANIES & ORGANIZATIONS - I work with production companies, studios, agencies, nonprofits, brands, and media organizations looking to develop projects or infrastructure, strengthen teams or slates, and create new opportunities.
COMMUNITIES & INDUSTRIES - I work with film commissions, cities, states, regions, and production communities looking to attract investment, develop talent, build infrastructure, create jobs, and establish themselves as serious players.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. What I bring is seeing how the pieces can fit together for you, how to fill those needs, how to turn potential into effective action.
I make independent projects. I make studio projects. I teach. I speak. I build. I advise. I connect people and ideas.
Now, I’m available to help you elevate yours. Your career. Your company. Your project. Your organization. Your community. Your place in the global media industry.
Let’s see what’s possible.
The best guidance comes from someone who has had to solve the problem before, protect the story at all cost, close the deal that matters, lead the team, and deliver the finished project better than you dreamt to begin with.
I am a two-time Emmy Award-nominated producer and award-winning filmmaker with more than 25 years of experience producing and selling premium television, feature films, and digital content. As an executive producer of Genius for National Geographic and Disney+, I have helped shape one of the most recognizable television franchises of the past decade.
I work across both the established and emerging sides of the business: studio and independent production, long-form storytelling and digital media, global series and a successful YouTube channel. I have also built and managed a workforce-training program serving film-production communities worldwide, and I serve as a Professor of Practice at Clemson University building an experiential-learning production curriculum.
Those experiences have given me a practical understanding of how to adapt to a marketplace that keeps changing and get results.
I bring that experience to a limited number of clients, collaborators, organizations, and events. The conversation begins with what you are trying to make possible
Every engagement begins with a focused, 25-minute consultation. This is not a casual introductory call. It is a working conversation designed to quickly identify the strength of your idea, the clarity of your goals, the obstacles in front of you, so we can gauge the most intelligent next steps.
I am accustomed to working with people whose time is limited, so we will get to the point.
Bring your project, grand ambition, entrepreneurial dream, or community opportunity that matters the most. I will evaluate it through a lens honed by more than 25 years in film, television, and global production that is still making movies and series and growing dreams.
We will consider creative viability, marketplace positioning, practical execution, potential partners, and long-term value.
If I believe I can be useful, I will outline a recommended scope of work and provide a clear proposal for continuing together.
My clients include studios, networks, streaming platforms, production companies, film commissions, educational institutions, and individual creators.
I remain active in production, and I take on a limited number of clients. Reserve Your Initial Consultation
"In all the years I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Sam Sokolow, the one thing I appreciate the most is his enthusiasm and passion for the creative material. Because when you finally get through the impossible process of someone agreeing to make your project, having a partner who truly, truly loves making movies and television in your corner makes all the difference in the world. Sam is just that guy… and he’s also one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet." - Craig Doyle, Showrunner/Executive Producer Freeform's "Grown-ish"

In our initial consultation, we will define what you are trying to achieve, whether that is advancing a specific project, strengthening a production company, navigating a career decision, or building capacity within a film and television community.
For projects and companies, we will assess creative and commercial viability, identify the materialʼs strongest market position, and clarify what must happen before it is ready to compete. That may include refining the concept, strengthening the script or pitch, identifying appropriate talent and producing partners, identifying potential buyers, financiers, distributors, or platforms, and creating a practical development plan.
For communities, we will examine the existing assets, gaps, talent pipeline, partnerships, financing, and opportunities required to grow a credible production ecosystem.
The ultimate goal is to create a specific strategic roadmap tailored to your ambition. And then get to work.
My standard is high because the marketplace is demanding. Together, we will set realistic goals and make them happen.

If, after your initial consultation, we agree that there is a meaningful opportunity to work together, the next step is a customized plan and engagement.
For a film, television, or digital project, steps may include creative development, script and concept notes, advising on pitch materials, market research and positioning, packaging strategy, budget and production considerations, and preparation for conversations with appropriate producers, talent, financiers, distributors, studios, networks, streamers, and other outlets.
For a production company, the work may focus on a cornerstone project, a slate strategy, company identity, business development, relationships, operational growth, and a plan for competing more effectively in the marketplace.
For a film commission, institution, or community, it may include workforce development, partnerships, programming, industry outreach, hands-on education, and long-term ecosystem planning. Every engagement is designed around the actual opportunity and ambition, never a generic template.
We will build the plan, then do the work required to give your ambition its very best chance of success.
"I have worked with Sam through the majority of my career in TV and feel lucky as hell. Sam is a fabulous creative partner, tenacious salesman and one of the most positive people I’ve ever met. His knowledge of all aspects of this nutball business combined with his primary purpose to make art rather than talk about it, makes him utterly unique. Listen to this man! I have." - John Lehr, writer/Executive Producer Hulu's "Quick Draw"
"Sam Sokolow’s thorough and focused development skills immediately put me at ease the first day we began working together on our limited series, and I’ve always appreciated his creative vision as a producer to help shape my work to be as strong as possible. He gives detailed and thoughtful notes each step of the way – from concept to outline to script – and now that we’re ready to take the project to market, I feel confident with an established and knowledgeable producer shepherding it through." - Dana Brawer, writer on Hallmark Channel's "When Calls The Heart"
Upstate South Carolina is an emerging film & TV production hub because we're building it from the ground up... here's how.
Discussing the choice to develop Albert Einstein's life as a limited series for Television.
Award-winning producer Sam Sokolow joins David Sanford Wyatt for an inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and building a film industry in South Carolina.
Part 2 of award-winning producer Sam Sokolow's conversation with David Sanford Wyatt about creativity, perseverance, inspiration, and building a film industry in South Carolina.
Speaking about my producer's journey and the development process.
A video on independent TV production that includes clips from an indie proof-of-concept sizzle reel for a TV comedy series that I produced with Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell & Don Cheadle.
Nat Geo's GENIUS is an Emmy Award winning television series that I developed from book to global hit series and that I executive producer.
"As a relatively new writer, I had the privilege of benefiting from the depth of Sam’s experience, knowledge, and position in the industry as we developed one of my projects together. My work as a writer matured immensely as he lent his expertise to the shape and scope of the project. I am truly grateful for his thoroughness, focus, and creative energy as a producer." - Liz Cotone, writer/MFA Writing program at USC's School of Cinematic Arts
Let's set up a time to meet online to discuss your company or career goals or your television show, film or digital media idea.
By appointment only.