Zaid Sater

I am a filmmaker with experience in development, production, and script analysis. As a Development Intern at Rideback Rise (Founded by Chairman of Film at Netflix, Dan Lin), I provide script coverage for books and screenplays, evaluate narrative structure and character development, and support event planning for industry workshops, including mock writers' rooms and the Rise for Comedy show. Additionally, I conduct landscape analysis and maintain a database of executives, speakers, and creatives to support the company's strategic initiatives.

I am also the Founder & Creative Director of Obscura Films, a production company dedicated to supporting diasporic filmmakers and artists. Our mission is to bridge Middle Eastern and Western audiences through impactful storytelling. In this role, I facilitate connections between Middle Eastern investors and global production companies, fostering international collaboration.

Currently, my short film Mixed Signals—starring George Shakour (Aziz), Annalisa Plumb (Pillow Talk), and Sarah Himadeh (The Last of Us, Ramy) —is in the festival circuit, following a successful production. It will premiere at the Academy Award-qualifying Chicago International Film Festival's student showcase- The CineYouth Festival. Additionally, I served as an Executive Producer on Dearborn, a sci‑fi dramedy pilot selected as one of two advanced TV pilots produced by NYU Tisch and fiscally sponsored by the Arab Film & Media Institute. The project is set to premiere at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) 2025, where it has been jury‑nominated for “Best Episodic” project. Dearborn has also been selected for the Independent Pilot: Drama Competition at SeriesFest in Denver, Colorado, where it will compete for the festival’s Independent Pilot awards among a curated lineup of emerging episodic projects.

I was selected as an IMPACT Alum at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where I engaged in professional development in the entertainment industry, pitched documentary proposals to Showtime Basketball executive producer Eric Newman, and built a network with leaders across film, sports, and media.

Passionate about developing bold, boundary-pushing stories, I thrive at the intersection of film, creative strategy, and international collaboration.

Rideback Rise | Los Angeles, CA January 2025 – April 2025

Intern

● Spearheaded event planning and execution at Rideback Rise (founded by Dan Lin, Chairman of Film at

Netflix), coordinating writer roundtables, masterclasses, and the annual Rise for Comedy show while

directly collaborating with senior leaders such as General Manager April S. Chang and CEO Diana

Mogollón.

● Provided script coverage for materials, including books and scripts, evaluating narrative structure,

character development, and thematic relevance.

● Orchestrated research initiatives, including comprehensive landscape analysis and maintaining a

dynamic database of creative executives, speakers, writers, and writer-directors, alongside managing

day-to-day administrative responsibilities.

Emerson Independent Video | Boston, MA September 2023–February 2024

Director of Development

● Oversaw over 15 student projects in the development phase—from early outlines to first

drafts—ensuring readiness prior to pitching.

● Evaluated each project’s potential narrative strength and cohesion by analyzing elements such as plot

structure, character arcs, and thematic depth.

● Supported students throughout the process, leading to successful pitches and greenlighting for

funding.

Enspire Media Group | Los Angeles, CA (Remote) June 2023–January 2024

Script Analyst

● Provided comprehensive script coverage for a diverse range of prospective feature films and TV shows

● Evaluated plot development, character arcs, dialogue quality, and overall narrative coherence

● Assisted in the selection and refinement of scripts for production consideration

Plimsoll Productions | Bristol, United Kingdom December 2022

Intern

● Shadowed departments within the company, including Production, Development, and Operations

● Assisted staff in project ideation, creating prospective showreels and documentary proposals

● Archived and logged footage of current content being produced for clients

Emerson College | Boston, MA Expected Graduation May 2025

B.A. Media Production (Transfer) | Concentration in Producing and Directing

● “I nt r od uct i on t o P r od uci n g ”

- Taught by Academy Award-nominated producer Mike Ryan.

● Dean’s List (Spring & Fall 2024)

Impact Learning Institute- UCLA Anderson School of Management | Los Angeles, CA June-July 2023

● Selected for a professional development program for students wanting to break into the industries of

Film, Sports, and Media, mentored by executive showtime producer Eric Newman