Shelli Margheritis

Shelli Margheritis is a partner at Independent Artist Entertainment (IAE), where she oversees the Creatives, Literary, and Development divisions and represents a curated roster of established writers, directors, and creative directors working across film, television, live stage, and large-scale entertainment. Her work centers on packaging and positioning projects that are market-aware, development-ready, and aligned with today’s financing and distribution realities.

Shelli collaborates closely with creatives who bring a distinct point of view, disciplined storytelling, and a practical understanding of audience, budget, and execution. Many of the projects she shepherds are designed with production strategy in mind from the outset—ranging from contained features and scalable series to event-driven and cross-platform concepts. She is particularly known for engaging executives early in the development process, helping shape material before it is overworked, while still ensuring it is commercially viable and positioned to move forward.

In addition to representation, Shelli holds mutual rights to select intellectual properties and serves as a producer and executive producer on multiple film projects in active development. Her approach is rooted in long-term relationships, thoughtful development, and collaborations that respect both the creative process and the business behind it.

With over 35 years of experience across the entertainment industry, Shelli’s background spans talent representation, production, education, and creative strategy. She began her career as a professional dancer, a foundation that informs her cross-disciplinary fluency and creative instincts. She also made industry history as the first agent to develop a teaching division within a talent agency, creating new professional pathways for educators in the arts.

A three-time published author—Making The Move, Brain Snacks, and Making It Werk—Shelli is a sought-after keynote speaker and respected business entrepreneur. She authored the Commercial Dance BFA curriculum for Studio School/Relativity School (later Hussian College – In Studio LA), the first college to operate from a working film lot, and served on its academic adjunct faculty throughout the institution’s tenure.

Shelli holds a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Mary’s College of California. She is a member of the Television Academy and serves as a judge for both the Primetime and College Television Emmy® Awards. Her professional affiliations include the Princess Grace Foundation (Guild Member), the International Documentary Association, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She sits on the Advisory Boards for Saint Mary’s College’s LEAP Program and The Colony Theatre, and has been recognized by Americans for the Arts for her ongoing advocacy and contributions to the arts community.