Raleigh Studios Invites Academy Award-Winning Producer Dede Gardner for Next HNB Today

Academy Award-Winning Producer, DEDE GARDNER (President of Brad Pitt's Production Company, PLAN B ENTERTAINMENT), will be the next celebrated networking guest offering advise to experts and novice alike at The Hollywood Networking Breakfast. Tickets: $45 (advance) and $55 (late) by calling 323-465-9800 or http://HollywoodNetworkingBreakfast.com

Most recently, Ms. Gardner produced Ryan Murphys The Normal Heart; Steve McQueen's Academy Award nominated 12 Years a Slave; Marc Forster's World War Z; Andrew Dominik's Killing Them Softly; and is currently in post-production on Rupert Goold's first feature True Story. She also produced Terence Mallicks 2011 Palme d'Or-winning The Tree of Life. The film was also nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Previously, Gardner produced Ryan Murphys Eat, Pray, Love based on the best-selling book by Elizabeth Gilbert, Robert Schwentke's The Time Travelers Wife, and Rebecca Millers The Private Lives of Pippa Lee. In 2007, she produced the acclaimed drama The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Directed by Andrew Dominik, the film received Best Film nominations from the Empire Awards and the London Film Critics Circle. That same year, Gardner produced the real-life drama A Mighty Heart. Directed by Michael Winterbottom, the film was an official selection at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. Gardner's producing credits also include indie features Running with Scissors, directed by Ryan Murphy, and Year of the Dog, directed by Mike White. Currently, she is preparing to go into pre-production on Ava DuVernays Selma, a film Plan B Entertainment is producing in association with OPRAH WINFREY. Gardner is also working with ABC, HBO, and Starz on several TV projects as well as developing films with directors David Fincher, James Gray, and Greg Mottola.

HNB was founded on the Paramount Studios Lot in 1993 by Sandra Lord, as a means to providing opportunities for industry professionals and emerging talent. Some of the most respected individuals, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, have offered patrons insight and advise. For the last 19 years the event has hosted Academy®, Golden Globe, Peabody and Emmy® Award winners and nominees, as well as top Hollywood Studio Heads and Production Company Presidents. HNB benefits Changing Images in America (www.ChangingImagesInAmerica.org).

A partial list of past esteemed speakers includes, Ron Meyer, Craig Zadan & Neil Meron, Stan Lee, Wes Craven, Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Henry Winkler, John Singleton, Lynda Obst, Eric McLeod, Debra Martin Chase, Mike Medavoy, Reuben Cannon, Anthony Zuiker, David E. Kelley, John Sacret Young, Simon Kinberg, James Burrows, Ron Schwary, John Lee Hancock, Mario Van Peebles, among many others.

The breakfast benefits Changing Images in America -- a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting diversity in American culture, with a focus on the entertainment industry. The event attracts a diverse group of writers, producers, actors, directors, financiers, attorneys, talent reps, crew and others at various levels of experience and achievement. HNB has proven to be a valuable resource for professional and aspiring industry members. The event has facilitated many collaborations and networking opportunities. A very popular feature for attendees and speakers alike has been the facilitation of a one-time mentorship, wherein speakers take a general meeting, "do lunch" or agree to be shadowed for part of their day by a promising "lucky attendee." This opportunity is all in keeping with Ms. Lord's goal to continue facilitating opportunities of access for attendees - especially those who are prepared and need a "leg up."

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