FILM/TV
ILANA PEÑA
Showrunner
Ilana Peña is creator, showrunner, executive producer, and director of the critically-acclaimed, Emmy-nominated "Diary of a Future President" on Disney+. The two-season series has been called a “must-watch” by Parade, “wholly charming” by The AV Club, “consistently sweet, authentic and humorous” by Remezcla, won "Best Latinx Show" from the Latino Media Awards in 2021, and was nominated for a GLAAD Award in 2021 and 2022. Ilana directed episode 209 of "Diary" as well as an episode of the HBOmax comedy "Gordita Chronicles." Peña was named as a 2020 recipient of Forbes 30 Under 30: Hollywood and Entertainment, and honored in Variety's 2021 Inclusion Impact Report. She served as a writer on the CW series “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” where she wrote and produced multiple episodes, contributed song lyrics, and was featured both onscreen and on the soundtrack. Ilana is continuing to develop projects through her overall deal at CBS Television Studios in addition to writing features for Universal Studios, Disney+, and 20th Century Studios, where she is penning the reboot of the 1988 film "Working Girl" produced by Selena Gomez.
"Getting selected for this program in the first place felt close to winning the lottery. The entertainment industry can feel like such a haze, so I'm lucky to have someone so close to help clear the fog. Beyond being someone I can go to for answers on industry questions and hesitations, beyond looking over my resume and recommending me for programs — which is already more than enough — it’s clear this is a connection that extends beyond just career advice, and I’m grateful to have it."
— Jordan