Meet Bela Levin | Film & TV Development

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bela Levin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bela, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
I don’t believe I have an end goal – I’m focused on where I want to be next month, next year, and what I still want to accomplish as someone working in Film & Television development. The entertainment industry has changed considerably since the Covid Pandemic. Streaming services exploded during lockdown and audiences now have the opportunity to enjoy an enormous variety of content that became even more accessible. What that means is that there are more opportunities for diverse stories to be told with even bigger chances that broader audiences will see them. I believe that entertainment can and should portray different social and cultural realities as valuable teaching tools and can generate meaningful conversation and expand inclusivity awareness. My goal is to make a difference, make content that can not only entertain people and let them escape from the difficulties of our reality but also teach them how to be better without feeling like medicine.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Nothing has been easy in my story, but every step has been worth it. I moved to Los Angeles from Rio, Brazil, in 2015, very aware that it would not be easy, but it was easier to dream when I was not sure what the obstacles would be. It was once I had to face them that I had to decide if my dream was worth pursuing or not. But that only made me want a career here even more because I had to look at my life and decide if that was really the path I wanted to take. I always wanted to work in entertainment, in Hollywood, but as an immigrant I had to face a lot of challenges, just to get that first shot. There were not a lot of doors open for me, just tiny windows. It is why networking was so important. It is not just about proving you can do the job, but it is about building relationships and having people wanting you around for as long as possible. I have been lucky – and worked hard on it – to be surrounded by people that I want to help and that want to help me, and that I want to take with me for life, not just professionally.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I would push for them to come for a visit any time between June and September. Yes, Los Angeles is a city without seasons and good weather pretty much all year, but during the summer it can get pretty special. A quick trip to Manhattan Beach, followed by lunch or drinks anywhere close by can make for the perfect summer day. I would definitely add to the list: brunch at Figaro Bistrot or the Alcove Cafe, an afternoon picnic at the Griffith or Lake Hollywood Park, catch the sunset from one of the Mulholland Drive viewpoints, and a bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I was able to build an incredibly supportive group of friends in LA, and I don’t even think I can name one because I would leave out all the others that made a difference and have an impact in my life. When you work in entertainment, it is easy not to be taken seriously so it is important to surround yourself with people that believe in your work. I not only have my family, but I have friends in the business and outside the business, all who support what I do and believe in my goals.

Instagram: instagram.com/zz.belalevin

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/bela-levin-909b8064