Leyla Hattabi

Please note: Leyla does not represent novelists or screen rights for authors not represented by Blake Friedmann or its co-agents.

Leyla is an Associate Agent and our Film & TV Department Assistant, supporting Julian Friedmann and Conrad Williams. With a post-graduate degree from UCLA in Screenwriting, and training in Script Reading at The Script Factory, she brings professional script analysis expertise to her role.

As a writer/director herself, she understands the creative process from both sides. Her dark comedy short DESSERT IS SERVED will premiere in Marrakesh this September, in competition for Best International Picture at Marrakesh Short Film Festival (supported by the CCM and the Kingdom of Morocco).

What I’m looking for: I’m drawn to writers with a unique perspective on life and experiences. I love writing that is emotionally powerful but disarms with humour. I’m also a huge horror enthusiast. I’m very interested in working-class, female, LGBTQ+, and global majority voices.

What I’m not looking for: I’m not actively looking for action or thrillers, unless they offer a unique perspective and/or from an under-represented voice.

Clients: Alex Helfrecht, Indigo Hinton, Grace Long, Leonie Watkins.

What I have enjoyed recently:

Films: OBSSESSION (2026), SEND HELP (2026), WEAPONS (2025), BRIDGET JONES: THE AGE OF REASON (2025), SINNERS (2025), THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG (2024).

TV: WIDOW’S BAY (2026), MARGO’S GOT MONEY TROUBLES (2026), THE PITT (2025-), ADULTS (2025).

Theatre: 1536 (2025), INSANE ASYLUM SEEKERS (2025), Natalie Palamides: WEER (2026), BRAINSLUTS (2026).