HBO Films' Len Amato Appears at 2015 Hollywood Networking Breakfast Today

This very unique event, known as The Hollywood Networking Breakfast, is now celebrating more than 20 years advising, supporting and educating both novice and established members of the entertainment community. The gathering usually attracts a diverse group of writers, producers, actors, directors, financiers, attorneys, talent reps, crew and others at various levels of experience and achievement. Having been established for 20+ years, the breakfast has proven to be a valuable resource for professional and aspiring talent, as well as guest speakers.

The HNB 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. Sandra Lord's (HNB Founder), goal to continue facilitating opportunities of access for attendees - especially those who are prepared and need a "leg up."

HBO Films' Len Amato will attend the event today, March 26, 2015 from 8 to 10:30 AM at Raleigh Studios Hollywood, 5300 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Calif. Reservations: Early bird through March 20; $45 per person (full buffet breakfast) by visiting www.HollywoodNetworkingBreakfast.com or calling 323-465-9800. First-time attendees: $5 discount - Pay $40 (mail-in only) by March 20. Late reservations as of 5:01 PM on March 20, 2015.

The Hollywood Networking Breakfast (HNB) was founded on the Paramount Studios Lot in 1993 by Ms. Lord, as a means to providing opportunities for industry professionals and emerging talent. Paramount Studios served as the event's home base for almost 12 years. Some of the most respected individuals, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, have offered patrons insight and advice. Backstage named the HNB "The Best Networking Event in L.A." in its "Best of LA" issue, a title that has continued to hold true. 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) and is proud to announce their next speaker will be Emmy-Award Winner, Len Amato is president, HBO Films, for Home Box Office, responsible for overseeing the development and production of HBO Films for the network.

With Amato at the helm since October 2008, HBO Films has garnered numerous awards and accolades. The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded HBO Films the Best Movie Emmy 20 times since 1993. The 2009-2014 award seasons produced 39 Emmy Awards and 12 Golden Globes. The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded HBO Films the Outstanding Made For Television Movie Emmy in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014 (Grey Gardens, Temple Grandin, Game Change, Behind the Candelabra and The Normal Heart, respectively), adding to its successful streak. Behind the Candelabra, with 11 wins and 15 nominations, was the most awarded program at the 2013 Emmys. Before becoming president, Amato served as HBO program executive and executive producer on 2008's Outstanding Made for Television Movie and multiple Emmy-winning film Recount, starring Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and Oscar nominee Tom Wilkinson. Recount garnered Amato his first Emmy Award win and also began his association with director Jay Roach and writer Danny Strong who would later repeat their creative collaboration on Game Change. Amato joined HBO in March 2007 as senior vice president, HBO Films, continuing his long relationship with the network which began in 1997 in New York when he produced Charles Dutton's directorial debut First Time Felon starring Omar Epps and Delroy Lindo; and executive produced Iron Jawed Angels starring Academy Award winners Hilary Swank and Anjelica Huston in 2004. Prior to joining HBO, Amato was president, Spring Creek Productions. His producer/executive producer credits include: the Golden Globe and Oscar nominated Blood Diamond starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou and Academy Award winner Jennifer Connelly; Analyze This and Analyze That starring Academy Award winner Robert De Niro; Possession featuring Oscar winner Gywneth Paltrow; Deliver Us From Eva with LL Cool J and Gabrielle Union; Rumor Has It featuring Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner and Oscar winner Shirley MacLaine; as well as The Astronaut Farmer with Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton and Virginia Madsen. Amato began his association with Spring Creek Productions in the mid 90's as vice president, Development, running the company's New York City office. In 1998 he moved to Los Angeles to serve as executive vice president of Baltimore/Spring Creek Pictures, when producer Weinstein partnered with director Barry Levinson to create the company. Earlier, Amato was a story editor for Robert De Niro's newly formed Tribeca Productions in New York where he worked on such films as Michael Apted's Thunderheart and Irwin Winkler's Night in the City. Amato began his film career in New York as a story analyst for various independent producers and studios. Prior to his career in the film industry, Amato was a musician and actor, performing at such renowned downtown venues as CBGB's and La Mama Experimental Theatre in New York City. He is a member of the Producers Guild of America. Amato is a graduate of Columbia College in Chicago.

The esteemed list of past speakers includes, Ron Meyer, Nancy Utley, Mark Sourian & Christine Birch, John Singleton, Debra Martin Chase, Bill Abbott, Craig Zadan & Neil Meron, Mark Johnson, Anthony Zuiker, David E. Kelley, Paula Wagner, Laura Ziskin, Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Henry Winkler, John Lee Hancock, Stan Lee, Wes Craven, Richard Gladstein, George Tillman & Bob Teitel, David Nevins, Tom Ortenberg, J.C. Spink, Eric McLeod, Lynda Obst, Mike Medavoy, Ron Schwary, Ashok Amritraj, Greg Berlanti, Kevin Hooks, Marty Katz, James Burrows, Peter Block, Jeremy Zimmer, Simon Kinberg, Reuben Cannon, John Sacret Young, 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 programs attract a diverse group of entertainment industry professionals. For more information, visit www.HollywoodNetworkingBreakfast.com.

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