Discover How Zack Gutin Unites The World’s Top Storytellers
From Baby Reindeer to Bridgerton: Why Zack Gutin Is Bringing Britain’s Biggest Storytellers Together
Television and film are changing at breakneck speed. Algorithms influence viewing habits, streamers compete for attention, and new technology continues to reshape the entertainment landscape. Yet amid all the disruption, one thing remains constant: audiences still crave great stories.
That belief is at the heart of Storytelling360, the conference series founded by Zack Gutin, which has quickly become one of the most exciting gatherings of filmmakers, writers, producers, agents, and creative leaders working today.
On July 12, Storytelling360 will make its UK debut at London’s BFI Southbank, bringing together an impressive roster of storytellers whose work has defined modern film and television. The lineup includes Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer), Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham), Philip Barantini (Adolescence), Joe Barton (Black Doves), Matt Charman (Bridge of Spies), Neil Marshall (Game of Thrones), Joy C. Mitchell (Bridgerton), Monica Beletsky (Fargo), Tony Grisoni (The Man Who Killed Don Quixote), and leading UK agent Abby Singer of Casarotto Ramsay.
The event follows acclaimed editions in Los Angeles and New York, where audiences heard directly from some of the industry’s most influential creative voices, including Spike Lee, Tony Kushner, Kevin Smith, Diablo Cody, Cord Jefferson, Marta Kauffman, Celine Song, Franklin Leonard, and many others.
For Gutin, however, the mission extends beyond celebrity appearances.
“We only feature people who are actively doing the work,” he explains. “These are real professionals creating major films and television series right now. That’s who aspiring storytellers should be learning from.”
Why Storytelling360 Is Crossing the Atlantic
The decision to launch a UK edition wasn’t simply about expansion. According to Gutin, the demand was already there.
“Our first event in Los Angeles attracted attendees from the UK, Germany, Canada, Mexico, and fourteen different states across America,” he says. “We’ve consistently seen interest from the UK, which has a phenomenally active film community.”
The move arrives at a moment when British storytelling is enjoying extraordinary global influence. Shows like Baby Reindeer, Adolescence, Black Doves, and Bridgerton have demonstrated that uniquely British voices can resonate with audiences worldwide.
Despite their vastly different genres and styles, Gutin sees common ground among this year’s speakers.
“They’re all incredibly unique people, but they’ve found ways to connect with audiences through relatable characters, universal themes, and an extraordinary commitment to their craft. The common denominator is the work ethic.”
Peel Back: Five Minutes with Zack Gutin
Storytelling360 has gone from Los Angeles and New York to London in just over a year. What convinced you the UK was the right next step?
Zack Gutin: Our first event in Los Angeles had attendees from all over the world, including the UK. We’ve seen consistent interest from British creatives, and the UK has such a vibrant film and television community that London felt like the obvious next step.
What lessons from the American events influenced how you’re building the UK conference?
Zack Gutin: The biggest surprise has been how much people value the community aspect. They come for the speakers, but they leave talking about the people they met. Writers spend so much of their lives working alone. Once you put passionate storytellers in the same room, they immediately connect. That’s why we’ve built dedicated networking breaks into the schedule and why we’re encouraging people to engage with one another throughout the day.
In an era dominated by algorithms and audience data, what worries you most about the future of storytelling?
Zack Gutin: Honestly, I’m more excited than worried. Storytelling has survived every technological evolution in history. From the printing press to the internet, technology changes but stories remain. Technology needs storytellers. Storytellers don’t need permission from technology.
What conversations does the industry need to be having right now?
Zack Gutin: The biggest challenge today is misinformation. There’s so much advice online from people who present themselves as experts without actually doing the work. We focus on bringing together genuine professionals who are actively creating major productions. Whether they agree or disagree, those are the voices worth listening to.
What’s the most common piece of advice your speakers share?
Zack Gutin: Stop waiting for permission. Build your own opportunities. Create your own work. Find your community. Whether that’s a short film shot on an iPhone, a YouTube channel, live performance, whatever it takes—successful storytellers don’t sit around waiting for someone else to launch their careers.
The Richard Gadd Factor
Among the most anticipated guests is Richard Gadd, whose Emmy-winning Baby Reindeer became one of the defining television events of the past year.
Its success wasn’t driven by spectacle or franchise branding. Instead, audiences connected with its emotional honesty, vulnerability, and deeply personal storytelling.
Those qualities make Gadd a particularly compelling voice at a conference focused on craft.
Among the questions many aspiring writers hope to hear him address are:
At a time when many creators feel pressured to chase trends, Gadd’s success offers a reminder that originality and authenticity remain powerful creative currencies.
More Than an Industry Conference
Storytelling360 is also unusual in that philanthropy forms part of its mission.
Gutin had envisioned the conference long before it became reality, but events such as the Los Angeles wildfires reinforced his desire to support artists beyond the stage.
Through its partnership with the Entertainment Community Fund, Storytelling360 donated $10,000 to the organization last year, helping support film and television professionals facing hardship.
For Gutin, the conference’s impact isn’t measured solely by ticket sales or attendance figures.
Asked how he would determine whether the London event succeeded, his answer focuses on something far more lasting.
“Is a relationship you made or a piece of information you learned on July 12 still affecting your creative life a year later? If the answer is yes, then we’ve succeeded.”
It’s a simple benchmark, but one that reflects the larger philosophy behind Storytelling360: meaningful careers are built through knowledge, community, and great storytelling.
The inaugural UK edition of Storytelling360’s State of the Story Conference takes place July 12 at BFI Southbank in London.
