Speaker Laura Gaines


Laura Gaines is Director of Development at Hallmark Media. She is based in Los Angeles and reports to Vice President, Development, Bart Fisher. Gaines manages elevated and high concept tentpole projects through every stage of production, working across the company’s broadcast channels Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama. She brings diverse new talent, writers, and creatives to Hallmark Media, focused on the expansion of the company’s reach and representation while also maintaining current relationships. Gaines helped bring to life Hallmark Media’s first female director mentorship program, “Make Her Mark”, which strives to increase representation of women behind the camera.
Prior to Hallmark Media, Gaines served as an independent producer, where she optioned IP and source material from Wired Magazine, Scholastic, Webtoon and more. Previously, Gaines served in series development roles at Amazon Studios, Astrid Entertainment, and Skybound Entertainment. She began her career as an assistant in creative development at DreamWorks Animation. Gaines is an associate member of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society and Women In Film. She received her bachelor’s degree in television and master’s in business administration from Pepperdine University.