Elissa Dauria Smith

Elissa Dauria Smith is an established book scout with 15 years’ experience in the film and television industry, and an indie bookseller.

As a consultant, Elissa has scouted for Elizabeth Banks, Paul Feig, Keshet Studios, and BET Studios to source top-quality books and other IP for film and TV adaptations.

Previously, Elissa worked in-house at Lionsgate, collaborating with all divisions (the movie studio, Lionsgate TV, UK TV, and Starz) to acquire several high-profile books, including Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green, and London by Jo Nesbø.

Before joining Lionsgate, she was an associate scout, sourcing material for Amblin, NBC, Original Film, and Illumination. Elissa also has development experience from her earlier roles at Sony TV and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Today she also works one-on-one with writers through author consulting, and is the co-founder of Book Club Concierge, which throws book events at hotels and restaurants across the country.