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Angel Annussek is vice president of original programming and development for truTV. In this position, she works closely with Chris Linn, truTV's president and head of programming, and Marissa Ronca, senior vice president original programming and development on the network's expanding and highly successful slate of programming. Annussek is based...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Angel Annussek, truTV (11:15am-11:45am)
Maria Armstrong became Executive Producer at Big Coat Productions in 2005 after serving as Director of Original Productions for the W Network-one of the top-rated specialty networks in Canada. There she established a strong independent production department and was responsible for overseeing all original productions for the W Network.
A creative...show more
Speaking on: Grace Under Pressure
Hayley Babcock is a highly respected senior entertainment executive with an extensive background in development, production, acquisition and management. She has wide-ranging experience in supervising productions, building brands, sourcing and managing IP and restructuring existing departments. She has particular expertise in sourcing IP, improving production quality and creative output, overseeing...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors
Doug Bailey is responsible for broadening Travel Channel programming by identifying and executing new pilots and series for the network and finding new ways to talk to audiences across multiple platforms. Using his background of launching successful entertainment series, Bailey has increased Travel Channel’s programming lineup with such projects asFollow...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Thom Beers is CEO of FremantleMedia North America (FMNA). As CEO, Beers is responsible for the overall management and business performance of FMNA and its portfolio of companies, including Original Productions and 495 Productions. Within these, Beers oversees the development, production and business operations of over 600 hours of network,...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Thom Beers, FremantleMedia North America (2:30pm-3:15pm)
An entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of unscripted television programming, Gary R. Benz established GRB Entertainment as a world-class television producer and international distributor, which now reaches more than 160 territories around the globe. Mr. Benz has created and produced more than 3,000 hours of broadcast, cable and syndicated programming, including live...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Gary R. Benz, GRB Entertainment (11:00am-11:45am)
Andy Berg serves as Vice President, Development, at Animal Planet where he helps oversee both the scripted and non-fiction development strategy as well as the conceptualization and creation of series, specials, stunts and other programming initiatives. He developed Alaskan Bush People for Discovery Channel, Animal Planet’s first “B” move, Blood...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Jim Berger is Chief Executive Officer of High Noon Entertainment.
In his role, Berger is charged with growing High Noon’s North and South American infrastructure through production and new initiatives. He oversees offices in Denver and Los Angeles that produce across all unscripted genres for broadcast and cable...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Keeping it Real
James Bolosh is currently Vice President Programming & Development for FYI. In his role, he oversees development and programming for the recently rebranded network, including the hit docuseries franchise “Tiny House Nation,” “Tiny House Hunting” and more.
Prior to joining FYI, Bolosh helped launch CNBC’s primetime alternative block of programming and...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: James Bolosh, FYI (11:00am-11:30am)
Michael Branton is an Emmy Award-winning television producer and the key creative at GRB Entertainment. Michael helped innovate a television genre with the critically acclaimed series,Intervention, as Executive Producer on the pilot and all 205 episodes of the groundbreaking A&E series.
Michael’s other credits as Executive Producer/Co-Creator include TLC’sSex Sent Me...show more
Speaking on: Living on the Edge
Paul Buccieri is President, A&E® and HISTORY®. In this role, Buccieri oversees all content creation, programming, brand development and marketing for A&E and HISTORYand their affiliated brands. Buccieri reports to Nancy Dubuc, President & CEO, A+E Networks®. A&E and HISTORY General Managers Robert Sharenow and Dirk Hoogstra report to Buccieri.
Buccieri...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation With Paul Buccieri, President, A&E and History
Paul Cabana was named Executive Vice President, Head of Programming for HISTORY and H2, in March 2015. In this role, Cabana leads the creative and strategic direction for HISTORY® and H2. He oversees the programming teams and is responsible for the development, creation and execution of all programming for the networks....show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Keeping it Real
Nicholas Caprio is executive vice president of production and current programming at Pilgrim Studios, one of television’s most prolific and successful independent production companies. Over the past 10 years, Caprio has contributed to hundreds of hours of television. Joining Pilgrim Studios in 2012, Caprio has worked on such hit series...show more
Speaking on: Let's Stick Together
Jason Carbone got his self-proclaimed PhD in comedic television as a latch key kid who engulfed himself in iconic characters and shows like The Brady Bunch, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Gilligan’s Island. Learning the art of storytelling at a young age has translated into three decades as a...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Driving a Hybrid
Courtny Catzel is an agent in the International Television & Media Department at ICM Partners, a talent and literary agency representing clients in the fields of motion pictures, television, publishing, music, theater branded entertainment, and digital media. ICM Partners, a privately held corporation, is one of the predominant agencies in...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents
Jeremy Chilnick is an Emmy-nominated film and television producer. He is a partner in Morgan Spurlock’s production company, Warrior Poets, where he currently runs all aspects of production. After co-producing the Shopocalpyse-chronicling documentary What Would Jesus Buy?, as well as the official Cannes selection The Third Wave, he went on...show more
Speaking on: Unscripted, Everywhere
Jeff Conroy was promoted to President and Executive Producer of Original Productions (OP), a FremantleMedia company, in November, 2012. He joined the Original Productions team in 2001, was promoted to Vice President, Programming in 2007, and Executive Vice President, Programming in 2011.
He is Executive Producer onDeadliest Catch,which has been honored...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Keeping it Real
Jenny Daly is President of T Group Productions.
Since establishing T Group in 2010, Daly has created, sold and produced over 40 series, pilots and presentations to a wide range of networks. Daly oversees and manages a production slate that includes over 100 episodes of Mystery Diners (Food), Storage Hunters (truTV), Storage Hunters UK (Dave), Container Wars (truTV), Invention USA (History), The Xperiment (BET), A...show more
Speaking on: The Showrunner: Soldier, Savior or Spy?
As General Manager of TLC, Daniels oversees all aspects of the network programming, production, development, new media, communications and marketing. Based in the company’s Los Angeles office, she’s held this position since September 2013.
Since Daniels became GM, TLC has been breaking records, closing out 2014 with 30 shows that averaged...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Driving a Hybrid
Susanne Daniels is an award winning entertainment executive who has developed and produced some of the most memorable series on television. In her current role as President of Programming for MTV, she oversees all development and programming for the iconic youth brand. Her responsibilities include oversight of scripted and reality...show more
Speaking on: Making it to Season 2... And Beyond
Sarah Davies is Vice President of Production and Development for Discovery Family Channel, a joint venture of Discovery Communications and Hasbro.
Davies is responsible for executing programming strategies through the production and development process, and serves as a key network executive, contributing to strategic planning, direction, and channel management.
Previously, Davies was...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Christy Dees is Bravo's Vice President of Development, a position she has held since October 2013. In her role, Dees develops new original series for the network while continuing to focus on the innovative concepts, memorable characters and high quality programming that defines the Bravo brand. Based in Los Angeles,...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Nicole oversees the development and current series for all unscripted programming at the network. DeFusco is the creative executive behind the development of new concepts, innovative formats, and identifying strong talent for the network. Select Executive Producer credits include the Emmy Award Nominated seriesThe Writers’ Roomas well asDream School,The Approval...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Jill Dickerson, who has served as Vice President of programming and development at OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network since 2009, is a highly respected television executive and producer who has helped launch and oversee a slate of successful programs at the network, including “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,” “Deion’s Family Playbook” and...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Jill Dickerson, OWN (3:00pm-3:30pm)
Hayley Dickson
SVP, Head of Global Non-Scripted, Acquisitions & Development, Global Content
FremantleMedia International
Hayley Dickson currently serves as the Vice President of Acquisitions and Development for the North American branch of FremantleMedia International’s Global Content Group. In this role she leads a team responsible for acquiring programming for international distribution, across all genres and platforms. She also manages first-look relationships and overall partnerships, as well as overseeing new business...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors
Mary Donahue is Lifetime’s Senior Vice President, Non-Fiction Programming, responsible for managing all production of the network’s unscripted series.
Donahue joined Lifetime in 2013 from HISTORY, where she was Vice President, Development and Programming, and part of the team that launched Pawn Stars, executive producing nearly 200 episodes, and developing Counting Cars and American Restoration. ...show more
Speaking on: Let's Stick Together
Dubbed “‘legal Obi Wan Kenobi’ and fair use guru of the documentary film set” by the American Bar Association Journal, Michael C. Donaldson is an entertainment attorney who has been fighting for independent filmmakers for over thirty years. While President of the International Documentary Association, Michael negotiated with the cable networks...show more
Speaking on: Living on the Edge
A celebrated, Emmy® nominated actress and producer Roma Downey is best known for her nine seasons as the tender-hearted angel on the hit CBS television show "Touched by an Angel" for which Ms. Downey earned multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe® best actress nominations.
Born in Ireland and classically trained in London, Ms....show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Mark Burnett
Tim is Co-Bro at Ugly Brother Studios. A collaboration with his twin brother Mike, the production company focuses on creating and producing unscripted formats, docu-series and specials for US and International broadcasters.
Since its inception just two years ago, Ugly Brother, a Sky Vision partner, has developed a variety...show more
Speaking on: Let's Stick Together
David Eilenberg serves as senior vice president of unscripted development, late night and specials for TBS and TNT. In this role, he oversees all unscripted original programming for the networks, along with TBS's late-night hit CONAN, TNT and TBS's annual live simulcast of the Screen Actors Guild Awards® and TNT's Emmy®-winning AFI Life Achievement Award (Outstanding Variety...show more
Speaking on: Let's Stick Together; 30 Minutes With: David Eilenberg, TBS/TNT (11:00am-11:30am)
Alan Eyres is senior vice president of programming and development for the National Geographic Channel, where he has been responsible for developing and overseeing production of some of the highest rated series in the history of the network including Wicked Tuna, Brain Games, Life Below Zero, Ultimate Survival Alaska, and Mick Dodge in...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Keeping it Real
Lisa Fahrenholt was appointed Acquisitions Manager at Endemol Worldwide Distribution in 2013. In her current role, Lisa is responsible for sourcing and evaluating third party acquisitions for both scripted and non-scripted finished programs across all genres, throughout the United States and Canada. Prior to Endemol Worldwide Distribution, Lisa worked as...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors
Toby Faulkner currently serves as Vice President Programming & Development for FYI, where he oversees development and programming for the newly rebranded network. In his role, he has co-developed and co-produced “Tiny House Nation,” as well as several other successful series for the network including “Arranged” and “Late Nite Chef...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
John Feld is vice president of original programming and production for HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country. In this role, he is responsible for developing and supervising specials, series and tent-pole events for these Scripps Networks Interactive-owned media brands.
Feld came to Scripps Networks from CMT, where he served as...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Based in Los Angeles, Joseph Ferraro is responsible for developing new original series for the network that define the Bravo brand and recently spearheaded “The Millionaire Matchmaker: Patti Uncensored.” Ferraro joined Bravo from Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP) where he was Vice President of Development working on “The Wanted Life” for...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Joseph Ferraro, Bravo (2:15pm-2:45pm)
Kathleen Finch was named president of Scripps Networks Interactive cable networks HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country in 2013. As president, Finch oversees the three cable networks as well as related ancillary businesses such asHGTV Magazine, a joint venture with Hearst Publishing. Prior to being named president, Finch was...show more
Speaking on: Between the Screens
Laura Fleury was appointed VP/Head of Programming & Development of LMN in 2013. She is responsible for overseeing the vision, development and production of all programming for LMN, including scripted and unscripted.
Previously as VP Nonfiction & Alternative Programming at A&E, Fleury developed, launched and served as Executive Producer for many...show more
Speaking on: Living on the Edge; Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Mariana Flynn is Vice President of Non-Fiction Programming of Lifetime, where she is responsible for developing and overseeing production of such non-fiction projects as the network’s hitLittle Womenfranchise, includingLittle Women: LA,Little Women: NYandLittle Women: Terra’s Little Family.
Flynn joined Lifetime from TLC, where she was Vice President of Development. In this...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Tom Forman has served as Chief Executive Officer of Relativity Television since the division was launched in 2008. He received NATPE’s 2011 Innovator Award for the company’s series “Coming Home,” which airs on Lifetime.
Before joining Relativity, Forman ran Tom Forman Productions, an independent television production company fully funded by CBS...show more
Speaking on: Living on the Edge
Since David established the company in 1997, Indigo Films has significantly expanded its range of non-fiction genres and formats, producing popular shows such as Investigation Discovery’s highly rated series, Wives with Knives and I (Almost) Got Away With It. Other recent productions include: Sex Sent Me to the Slammer, My Strange Criminal Addiction, as well...show more
Speaking on: Grace Under Pressure
Lauren Frasca is VP of Original Programming at The Weather Channel. In this capacity, she helps to oversee long-form originals from development through production and scheduling. She also manages the company’s international long-form business. A 12-year veteran of the media industry, Lauren has held positions with Bravo, Wall to Wall...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Eden Gaha was named President, Unscripted Television, Endemol Shine USA, in March 2015. Gaha, who was previously President, Unscripted Television, Shine America, reports to Endemol Shine North America Co-CEOS and Co-Chairmen Cris Abrego and Charlie Corwin.
Gaha, a veteran TV producer and executive, originally joined Shine America in May 2011. In...show more
Speaking on: Bringing Big Swings to Broadcast
David Garfinkle and Jay Renfroe founded Renegade in 1994. Since its inception, Renegade has been one of Hollywood's most prolific television production companies. Best known for rewriting the rules of reality television with the creation of the extraordinarily successful dating series, Blind Date, David and Jay most recently created Discovery’s...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Keeping it Real
Kelly arrives at SYFY from Craig Piligian’s Pilgrim Studios, where he was VP of Development & Original Programming. During his stint he sold shows to Discovery, History, Esquire, MTV, WE, A&E, Animal Planet & TLC. Before transitioning into development, Kelly was a producer and worked on LAST COMIC STANDING, AX...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
WE tv is viewed and talked about by more people than ever before. Lauren Gellert’s efforts as the network’s executive in charge of all unscripted production and development have played an integral role in that position.
She works closely with creative partners to find fresh unscripted series, likeSex Box,and develop shows...show more
Speaking on: The Showrunner: Soldier, Savior or Spy?
Gil Goldschein serves as Chairman and CEO of Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP) responsible for managing the daily operation as well as the growth of the company as both a production studio and international business entity. Prior to being elevated to Chairman and CEO in April 2015, Goldschein served as President.
Goldschein has...show more
Speaking on: Making it to Season 2... And Beyond
Toby Gorman joined FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) in April as EVP, Alternative Programming. One of his many upcoming projects include “Mat Franco’s Got Magic,” which will see the “America’s Got Talent” Season 9 winner return to NBC for a pair of primetime specials that will follow the magician’s journey as...show more
Speaking on: Bringing Big Swings to Broadcast
Deirdre Gurney co-founded Gurney Productions with Scott Gurney in 2005.
She is an attorney and also an executive producer and the creative force behind Duck Dynasty, the runaway cable TV hit and most buzzed about show on television. Her corporate background has been invaluable in strategically growing the company and negotiating contracts...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Driving a Hybrid
Scott Gurney is the co-founder and executive producer of Gurney Productions, which he established in 2005 with Deirdre Gurney. Together they have grown the company to become a leading full-service producer of large-scale returning series for U.S. Networks. Scott's skills as producer, director and editor has helped build the strong...show more
Speaking on: Grace Under Pressure
As Head of Original Programming for Esquire Network, Matt Hanna oversees the network’s current development slate for original series and specials, creating first-run programming for the network across all genres and dayparts, including formats, reality, docu-series and competition. Hanna’s slate is focused on diverse program categories that appeal to the...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Matt Hanna, Esquire Network (11:15am-11:45am)
Brent Hatherill fulfills a critical role on the core content strategy team for American Heroes Channel (AHC), overseeing the conceptualization and development of non-fiction programming and AHC’s original content. Prior to joining AHC, Hatherill served as VP of Development for Sirens Media (“Real Housewives of New Jersey”), part of Leftfield Entertainment,...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Nate Hayden, VP Originals and Branded Entertainment at AOL, is charged with the task of leading content creation and premium original programming for one of the commercial and critical global leaders in online video, and he is more than ready to take on the challenge.
Hayden proved himself to be an...show more
Speaking on: Unscripted, Everywhere
David Hillman serves as Vice President, Reality Programming, for Lifetime. He oversees the Emmy®-nominated seriesProject Runway,Project Runway All Stars,Project Runway: Threads andChild Genius, which centers on America’s most gifted children as they prepare for a national intelligence competition.
Hillman’s credits include serving as a supervising producer on SOAPnet’sI Wanna Be a...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: David Hillman, Lifetime (3:00pm-3:30pm)
Elliot Jacobson is Chief Content Officer for RLTV, with responsibility for the design and execution of the network's content strategy, Elliot oversees the development and production of all original programming as well as the network's acquisition, scheduling and digital media teams. As a founding executive, Elliot has been instrumental in...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Ashley Kaplan
Executive VP of Unscripted, Nickelodeon, Awesomeness and Digital Franchise Studio
Fullscreen
Ashley Kaplan is the Head of Content for Fullscreen, a next-generation media company that builds technology and provides premium services for its global network of brands and content creators. Recently, Kaplan was named one of Ad Age’s 2014 Media Mavens for her work in redefining the meaning of premium content in the...show more
Speaking on: Unscripted, Everywhere
Phil Keoghan
Executive Producer, Director, Writer, Host
The Amazing Race & Author, No Opportunity Wasted
Phil Keoghan has been telling stories in front of a television camera for almost 30 years. He has worked in over 100 countries as an actor, author, speaker, television host, producer, director and cameraman on thousands of program episodes. His work has earned me numerous awards including; ten prime-time Emmy...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation With Rich Ross, President, Discovery Channel
Anthony has worked in internationional sales, acquisitions and distribution for over 12 years – With experience garnered from the distribution, production and broadcast sectors.
Prior to Cineflix Rights Anthony was Head Of Co-productions at UK terrestrial Five, VP of Sales, Acquisitions and Co-productions at National Geographic Television International and also ran...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors
As Vice President of Programming and Development for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Endyia Kinney-Sterns oversees the day-to-day development of new original programming for the network.
Recently named one of the “Top Female Executives in Hollywood” by Essence Magazine, Kinney-Sterns has been instrumental in identifying and developing various new programming, including...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
As the President & Executive Producer of Atlas Media Corp, Bruce David Klein has been a recognized pioneer, industry leader, and creative force behind hundreds of hours of high-profile, award-winning unscripted series, specials and theatrical documentaries. He has created, written, produced and/or executive-produced series and specials such as HOTEL IMPOSSIBLE...show more
Speaking on: Unscripted, Everywhere
As Director of Development in CBC’s Unscripted Content group, Sandra is responsible for finding new formats, and overseeing development and production of formats and original series, with independent and in-house producers in the genres of factual entertainment, arts, and documentaries.
Sandra joined CBC Factual Entertainment when it was created in 2006...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Ra represents a variety of production companies, producers and on-air talent for network television, cable and syndication.
Prior to joining N.S. Bienstock / UTA, Ra spent the last decade working as a television packaging agent in Los Angeles. He also held various production positions with Warner Brothers Television and...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents
Justin Lacob serves as Vice President of Original Series at Spike TV. Lacob joined Spike in 2011 and currently oversees the development and production of several network series including one of Spike's top hits, the critically acclaimed “Bar Rescue,” now in its fourth season. He has also overseen other unscripted projects at...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Justin Lacob, Spike (3:00pm-3:30pm)
Andreas Lemos is a TV executive veteran with over 15 years experience in the business, having previously acquired programming for AETN UK (History Channel / Bio) and Virgin Media (Living TV, Virgin One). Lemos was also Director of Acquisitions at internet platform Babelgum, before joining Zodiak Rights as VP Programming...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors
Brian Leonard was named vice president of programming and development for Travel Channel in March 2015. In this role, he oversees the team of directors of programming and development as well as manages several of his own projects. Since joining Travel Channel in 2011, Leonard has served as executive producer...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Brian Leonard, Travel Channel (11:15am-11:45am)
Steven Lerner is the senior vice president of programming for Scripps Networks Interactive’s Home Category brands HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country. In this role, Lerner oversees the programming efforts at all three networks, as well as leads the New York and Knoxville-based programming teams. He is responsible for...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Steven Lerner, HGTV/DIY Network and Great American Country (2:15pm-2:45pm)
Since joining APA in 2008, Josh Levenbrown has played an integral role in the growth of the agency's AITV Department into to an industry leader in non-fiction television representation.
Thanks to their unique business philosophy which promotes unparalleled teamwork, Levenbrown and his colleagues provide their clients (and buyers)...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents
Marisa Levy joined the TLC team in 2011. In her role, Marisa engages domestic and international production companies to create and develop cutting edge formats and original programs for the TLC audience, while acting as the primary development liaison between TLC and Discovery Networks International. During her time at TLC,...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Jane Lipsitz grew up in New York City. She began her career in the music business, working first at ICM then at Polygram Diversified Entertainment, where she earned her stripes as a producer during the 40-hour television coverage of Woodstock. In the mid-‘90s, she was hired as an independent producer...show more
Speaking on: Living on the Edge
Greg Lipstone is a founding partner and board member at ICM Partners, a talent and literary agency representing clients in the fields of motion pictures, television, publishing, music, theater, branded entertainment and digital media. Mr. Lipstone oversees the agency’s international television and media department. ICM Partners is one of the...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation With Paul Buccieri, President, A&E and History
Michael Lolato
VP Sales Solutions, Unscripted Series, Global Distribution and International
GRB Entertainment
Michael Lolato has worked in all areas of the television program distribution business including affiliate sales, launching six channels in his original homeland Canada, and selling and marketing Pay-TV, VOD and SVOD. Over the years, Michael has included International Program Sales, Acquisitions, Development and Co-Productions to his expertise and continues...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors
As Senior Vice President Original Content, Marcia oversees all aspects of original content including development, production and co-production for Blue Ant Media’s Travel+Escape, Cottage Life, Smithsonian Channel, Love Nature, Bitetv, AUX TV, HIFIHD and RadxHD television channels.
Marcia has led both conception and execution of all aspects of TV production. As...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Russ McCarroll is a Vice President of Programming and Development for HISTORY. He developed many of HISTORY’s biggest recent successes, includingSons of Liberty, The World Wars, Mountain Men,andThe Men Who Built America. He is currently developing the scripted seriesKnightfallfor HISTORY. Russ has overseen some of the network’s most successful series includingPawn...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Emmy-nominated programming executive, Gena McCarthy, was appointed Senior Vice President, Programming and Development of FYI in September 2013. In her role, McCarthy oversees all programming and development of the recently rebranded network, including the hit docuseries “Married at First Sight,” “Tiny House Nation,” “B.O.R.N. to Style,” “Epic Meal Empire” and...show more
Speaking on: Making it to Season 2... And Beyond
Before founding social media agency Jumpwire Media in 2009, Gavin worked for Skype funded webvideo start up Joost and he was the Head of Cross Platform Business Development at global media company Endemol.
Jumpwire Media specializes in social media for media companies. The company has built over 30 social media ecosystems...show more
Speaking on: Between the Screens
Fernando Mills began his career in reality television 17 years ago at MTV, where he worked his way up the ranks on high-volume shows like FANatic and Making the Video. In 2000, he was one of the producers on the first Emmy-winning season of Survivor, which led to developing and...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Angela Molloy is WE tv’s vice president of development, based in the network’s Los Angeles office. She works closely with west coast based production partners and agencies to find fresh new unscripted programming for the network.
Prior to WE tv, Molloy worked as a production, development and acquisitions executive. She was...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Angela Molloy, WEtv (2:15pm-2:45pm)
Brent Montgomery is founder and CEO of media, entertainment and production company Leftfield Entertainment. Established by Montgomery in 2013, The Leftfield Entertainment portfolio currently encompasses Leftfield Pictures (Pawn Stars), Sirens Media (Real Housewives of New Jersey), Loud TV (Tiny House Nation), Outpost Entertainment (PBS’ Icons) and most recently Riot Creative. In May 2014, ITV Studios acquired Leftfield Entertainment.
Montgomery’s flagship Leftfield...show more
Speaking on: Grace Under Pressure
In 2014, Alan Moore was promoted to Vice President of the Alternative & International Television Division at APA, one of the largest diversified talent agencies with headquarters in Beverly Hills, New York and Nashville. Since first joining the agency in 2006, Moore has played a pivotal role in building its...show more
Speaking on: The Showrunner: Soldier, Savior or Spy?
Colin Nash is Senior Vice President for MTV Reality Series Development where he currently supervises development for unscripted programming and series for the network including current hits “Real World” and “Broke A$$ Game Show” as well as adding the upcoming season of “Challenges” to his responsibility, among others.
Since joining MTV in 2010,...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Colin Nash, MTV (2:15pm-2:45pm)
Executive Producer Todd A. Nelson serves as CEO of 3 Ball Entertainment, one of television’s most prolific producers of reality and unscripted television.
Among the numerous hit series executive produced by Nelson are ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss, currently airing its fifth season and gearing up for season six; ratings winners Bar Rescue, Catch a...show more
Speaking on: Grace Under Pressure
Nicholas Oakley-Tilley joined HLN as Senior Director, Development in July 2014. He leads the network’s Los Angeles-based development team.
In this role, Oakley-Tilley supervises the development of concepts through to series, serves as Executive In Charge on multiple current projects, and manages pitches from the creative community. He reports to Kari...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Bonnie Pan serves as Executive Vice President of Programming at Maker, overseeing the company’s four business units across the Gaming + Sports, Life + Style, Family and Entertainment divisions along with editorial content on Maker’s proprietary platform Maker.tv. Maker is the world’s largest network of short-form online video bringing together...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Bonnie Pan, Maker Studios (11:15am-11:45am); Unscripted, Everywhere
Charlie Parsons is Vice President of Global Development and Production for National Geographic Channel (NGC), responsible for developing new projects, discovering new talent and serving as one of the network's main points of contact for the global production community. Since joining NGC in 2010, Parsons has developed and overseen production of
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Driving a Hybrid; Speed Pitching One
Kristin Peace is in the Alternative Department at the Kaplan Stahler Agency where she packages shows, represents production companies and content creators in the unscripted space.
Before joining Kaplan Stahler in 2012, Kristin was a programming and development executive at TLC, TV Guide Network, Paramount Domestic Television, GSN and Fox Studios....show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents
Caroline Perez serves as Vice President, Production & Development for Destination America. She oversees production, develops new content and is part of the creative team behind the channel's programming initiatives. Perez reports directly to Marc Etkind, General Manager of Destination America.
In 2011, Perez joined Destination America as Director of Production...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Brant Pinvidic serves as Chief Creative Officer at 3 Ball Entertainment, overseeing all of the company’s programming and development.
Pinvidic has developed more than three dozen series for 3 Ball, including ABC’s long-running hitExtreme Weight Loss, Spike’sBar Rescueand Animal Planet’sMy Cat from Hell, as well as the recently announcedIf I Wasn’t...show more
Speaking on: Making it to Season 2... And Beyond
As Senior Vice President, Programming & Development, Noah Pollack is responsible for E!’s series development and original programming across a variety of genres for the global pop culture brand. Pollack joined E! in late 2013.
Prior to E!, Pollack served as Vice President, Reality Programming for Lifetime. In this role, he...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Leela Pon is Vice President of Original Programming and Series Development at E! Entertainment, where she oversees the network’s popular series, #RichKids of Beverly Hills and the hit plastic surgery series Botched. Pon is also overseeing the Lance Bass Wedding Special set to air this February.
Furthermore, Pon helps to head...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Josh Pyatt is partner and agent in the non-scripted television department at WME. Working with some of the most prolific production companies in television, including Magical Elves, Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes, “Law and Order” creator Dick Wolf, Original Productions, Eli Frankel’s Rogue Atlas, Ugly Brother Media, and Left/Right Productions. Pyatt...show more
Speaking on: Bringing Big Swings to Broadcast
Chanel Carmona serves as Manager of Development, Original Series for CNN, where she helps oversee creative development strategy on the West Coast. In this role, she is responsible for expanding CNN’s Original Series roster by identifying and executing new non-fiction projects. Chanel has increased CNN’s programming lineup with such series...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Jennifer Quainton currently serves as vice president of programming for Food Network and Cooking Channel. Part of the Food Network programming team since 2000, Quainton has overseen key day-part scheduling for the brand and been an invaluable member of the programming and production team for over a decade. Since 2009,...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Chris Rantamaki is Senior Vice President of Production and Development for Discovery Channel, responsible for executing production strategies as well as further expanding and diversifying Discovery’s slate and acquisitions.
Before joining Discovery Chanel in 2015, Rantamaki served as Senior Vice President of Original Series at Spike TV. His contributions there helped...show more
Speaking on: The Showrunner: Soldier, Savior or Spy?
Nicole Reed is Vice President of Development at National Geographic Channels (NGC) based in New York City. Reed is responsible for the development and the greenlight of new series and specials for the network, as well as building relationships with east coast- and U.K.-based production companies.
From 2011 to 2014, Reed...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Nick Rigg is president of full-service production company Loud TV, part of the Leftfield Entertainment group. Established in May 2013, and leveraging Rigg’s two decades of content development and production expertise, Loud TV has sold 11 series in just two years.
Loud TV produces FYI’s hit series Tiny House Nation (currently in season two)...show more
Speaking on: Making it to Season 2... And Beyond
Emmy-winning producer Rick Ringbakk, along with his producing partner, Craig Armstrong, co-founded 5X5 Media in 2009. Currently serving as 5X5’s CEO, Ringbakk’s passion for adventure and his desire to find real, human stories has led him to film in more than 60 countries on six continents over the course of...show more
Speaking on: Let's Stick Together
As Chief Digital Officer of Bunim/Murray Productions, Roberts focuses on increasing the company’s digital productions, including multi-platform and digital programming for the web, mobile devices and other online and connected device distribution platforms. He also oversees business and investment opportunities relevant to BMP’s digital initiatives.
Most recently, Roberts served as Senior...show more
Speaking on: Between the Screens
An Emmy and Murrow Award winning producer, Anna Robertson, Vice President and Head of Video at Yahoo, oversees all development, production and programming of Yahoo’s video content, which includes Yahoo Studios, Yahoo Originals and Yahoo Screen.
Robertson’s team is responsible for more than 45 short-form original video series for Yahoo’s Digital...show more
Speaking on: Unscripted, Everywhere
Bruce Robertson oversees the development and the expanded creative direction for ITV Studios America's non-scripted programming and manages teams on both the West and East Coasts. He also manages all the non-scripted overall and first look deals for the company. Since he took on the role in 2011, the company's...show more
Speaking on: Bringing Big Swings to Broadcast
Jane Root is CEO and founder of Nutopia, a television company with offices in the UK and US and best known as creators of the ‘mega doc’. Most recently they have produced The 90’s: The Last Great Decade for National Geographic. Nutopia’s forthcoming production How We Got To Now is a new...show more
Speaking on: Living on the Edge
Rich Ross
Group President, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel & Velocity
Discovery Channel
Rich Ross is president of Discovery Channel. Based in the company’s LA office, Ross oversees creative and brand strategy, development, production, marketing and all day-to-day operations for the network. He reports to David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications.
Ross joins Discovery from Shine America, where in his role as...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation With Rich Ross, President, Discovery Channel
SallyAnn Salsanois Founder and President of 495 Productions and the creative force behind each of the company’s shows.
As one of the most successful women producers in the entertainment industry, Salsano brings her personal passion and energy to every show she works on. In a short time since its inception, Salsano...show more
Speaking on: Grace Under Pressure
As Vice President, Alternative Series, Jason is charged with leading all development and current primetime programming in the alternative department of ABC, collaborating with the outside creative community, attracting talent, and forging key relationships within the entertainment industry.
Prior to ABC, Sarlanis served as Senior Vice President, Unscripted Development at Ryan...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Jason Sarlanis, ABC (1:30pm-2:00pm)
David Schiff serves as GSN's senior vice president of programming and development, overseeing all original production and development for the network. Since joining the network, Schiff has lead GSN's effort to expand its core viewership across a wide variety of genres.
Schiff helped develop and launch GSN's newest hits Skin Wars, hosted...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Michael Schneider is TV Guide Magazine's Chief Content Officer, overseeing the magazine, managing breaking news and feature coverage. He also helps overseeTVInsider.com(the TV website fromTV Guide Magazine’s parent company). Michael is a regular contributor to Los Angeles public radio stationKCRW, where he hostsThe Spin-Off,a podcast about the TV industry, and also appears...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Mark Burnett
Sharon Scott is the President and General Manager of Peacock Productions, NBCUniversal’s non-fiction production company specializing in all genres of non-scripted programming, including live events (Nik Wallenda’s Skywalk and Virgin Galactic’s Space Flight), docu-dramas, narrative crime series, breaking news specials and documentaries.
The team at Peacock Productions produces multiple series and...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Keeping it Real
Mona Scott-Young is a successful talent manager, television producer, publisher, TV host and CEO and Founder of multi-media entertainment company Monami Entertainment (www.monamient.com) - home to Grammy Award-winning artist Missy Elliott, publishing imprint Monami Books and VH1’s most popular docu-franchiseLove & Hip Hop.
Scott-Young is executive producer ofLove...show more
Speaking on: Making it to Season 2... And Beyond
As SVP, Current Unscripted Programming at BBC Worldwide Productions and Adjacent Productions, Shakespeare oversees the creative development and execution of multiple unscripted shows currently in production under both labels.
Shakespeare has served as the executive producer on Adjacent Productions’ Life Below Zero (National Geographic Channel) which recently premiered as the network’s number one...show more
Speaking on: Grace Under Pressure
Alec Shankman started his career in Hollywood in 2003 upon joining the West coast office of Abrams Artists Agency where he launched the agency’s renowned Alternative Programming & Digital Media Department. He ran the successful division for 6 years, representing the stars of many popular TV shows such as SyFy's...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents
Jean Shi is the Senior Director of Development for Oxygen Media. In this role, she is responsible for developing new programming for the network’s lineup of unscripted series. Before joining Oxygen, Jean served as Vice President of Development and Co-Executive Producer for GRB Entertainment, where she created, developed and sold multiple...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Arthur Smith founded A. Smith & Co. Productions in 2000, producing well over 2,500 hours of programming for 43 networks with budgets totaling over a billion dollars since. Arthur has served as executive producer on all productions, including the Emmy® and People’s Choice Award nominated hit show “Hell’s Kitchen;” “Kitchen Nightmares,”...show more
Speaking on: The Showrunner: Soldier, Savior or Spy?
Michael Sorensen serves as Vice President, Development and Production for Discovery Channel. In this role he is responsible for bringing new series to Discovery while supervising the development and production of concepts to green light, in addition to maintaining the quality of current series through production and delivery. Additionally, Sorensen...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
David Stefanou is responsible for finding fresh, new unscripted series that align with WE tv’s slate, which includes Braxton Family Values, Kendra on Top and the hit Marriage Boot Camp franchise.
As SVP, programming at True Entertainment he oversaw Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes (OWN), Too Cute (Animal Planet) and The A List franchise (Logo), as well as series for Bravo,...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Colleen Needles Steward is always on the hunt for the next brilliant idea and has discovered that the ones scribbled on the back of cocktail napkins are usually the best. With more than 30 years of television experience, she spearheads the company’s new show development and oversees the production of...show more
Speaking on: Grace Under Pressure
Mike Stiller is Vice President, Development and Programming for History. In this capacity he leads a team of executives developing and overseeing a wide range of programming, including reality and non-fiction series, special events, and some scripted dramas. The past year, he also oversaw development and production at H2.
During his...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Howard Swartz serves as Vice President, Documentaries and Specials for Discovery Channel. In this role he is responsible for helping develop the slate of programming, supervising editorial content and helping manage the phases of production for Discovery’s documentary films and specials, including Shark Week.
Swartz earlier served as Vice President of Development...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Howard Swartz, Discovery Channel (3:00pm-3:30pm)
Rob Swartz is Sr. Vice President of Development and Current Programming at REELZ, a leading independent cable and satellite general entertainment network connecting its viewers to Hollywood wherever it happens. Swartz leads creative execution of the network’s development and production slate.
Prior to joining REELZ, Swartz served as President of production company...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Rob Swartz, Reelzchannel (2:15pm-2:45pm)
Billy Taylor is currently executive producer/ showrunner for the Emmy nominated Bravo showFlipping Out. Now in its eight season,Flipping Outis set to premiere in the summer of 2015.
Mr. Taylor started his career at MTV in 1994. In 2009, he executive produced T.I.’s Road to Redemption: 45 Days to Go, a...show more
Speaking on: The Showrunner: Soldier, Savior or Spy?
Employing what he’s labeled “hard funny,” Christopher Titus has released six ninety-minute albums in as many years. He has five one-hour comedy specials currently running on Comedy Central, and his sixth special, Angry Pursuit of Happiness, is set to premiere on Comedy Central on May 9th. After years of experimentation...show more
Speaking on: 2015 Realscreen Awards + Cocktail Reception
Rebecca Toth Diefenbach is co-president of Sirens Media, a full-service television production company, which she founded in 2005 with producing partner Valerie Haselton. Creating innovative, bold, and compelling content, Sirens Media has produced hundreds of hours of top-rated programming for major cable networks, including Bravo’s hit series The Real Housewives of...show more
Speaking on: The Showrunner: Soldier, Savior or Spy?
In her role of Vice President, Development – West Coast, Elvia Van Es Oliva leads her team in creating original concepts for the network, as well as working with the external creative community to add to TLC’s slate of programming. Some of the programming that Elvia has developed include the...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Elvia Van Es Oliva, TLC (1:30pm-2:00pm)
Bertram van Munster is a ten-time Emmy® award-winning producer, director and television pioneer. With more than four decades spent developing and producing entertainment content across the globe, he is one of the industry’s most respected and creative forces.
Together with Elise Doganieri, his producing partner, van Munster runs Profiles Television, an...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Driving a Hybrid
Scott W. Wachs is a Non-Scripted Television Agent at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. He specializes in the representation of broadcast and host talent and works with production company clients to package and sell their non-scripted content to the broadcast and cable networks. Prior to joining the former William Morris Agency in...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents
Kayo Washio is the Head of U.S. operations for WOWOW, Japan’s leading premium pay TV broadcaster.
Based in Los Angeles since 2011, Washio re-located from her home country of Japan where, for the last 18 years, she held various senior executive posts at WOWOW since joining the company in 1995.
As the...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Jessica Watson is the Manager, Acquisitions at Entertainment One (eOne). Based in the Company’s Toronto office, Watson is responsible for acquiring scripted and non-scripted television product for distribution to all media outlets around the world. Over the past two years, Watson has been responsible for strategically increasing eOne’s catalogue of third party television content.
Watson joined...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors
Todd Weiser is vice president of programming and development for Food Network and Cooking Channel. He is responsible for developing new series, specials and tentpoles, and overseeing current programming for both of Scripps Networks Interactive’s lifestyle food brands. Weiser’s projects includeRestaurant Stakeout,Guilty Pleasures,Holiday Baking ChampionshipandThe Valerie Bertinelli Project
Previously, Weiser served...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Keith Wooten is a Los Angeles native, but he left the city for 15 years to attend college and get his start in the entertainment business. While a freshman in college at Clark Atlanta University he began interning in the music business and eventually landed an assistant position in the...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Vivi Zigler was named President, Digital, Brand & Audience Development, Endemol Shine North America, in March 2015.
Zigler now oversees all brand, marketing, research and digital activity for Endemol Shine North America, including its premium content network Endemol Beyond USA. Under Zigler, six different disciplines unite to define and enhance the...show more
Speaking on: Between the Screens
Natalka Znak is co-founder and Chief Creative Officer for Znak&Jones.
With offices in London, LA and Atlanta, Znak&Jones is currently remaking the classic musical gameshow Name That Tune for ITV, has two unannounced pilots for Channel 4 and has projects in production and development with a number of US networks, including...show more
Speaking on: Grace Under Pressure
