Speakers
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Jon Adler is the Director of Program Development at CNN, based in New York City. In this position, he is responsible for cultivating relationships within the creative community and developing original programming across a variety of CNN platforms. As the Director of Program Development, Adler is accountable for the development...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Michael Agbabian is Co-President and Co-Founder of Mission Control Media, recently named by Realscreen as one of the top non-scripted production companies in the world. Mission Control has amassed an impressive array of credits spanning network and cable outlets while producing over 70 hours of premium content each year.
Agbabian is...show more
Speaking on: Game On: 75 Years of Game Shows
Jeff Apploff is the President and CEO of Apploff Entertainment, a cutting edge production company that specializes in creating, developing and producing world-class content and groundbreaking formats around the world. The company is well respected for its consistent work with all of the top broadcast networks, as well as creating...show more
Speaking on: Upping the game: Revitalizing competition formats
Betsy Ayala
Head of Content, Food Network, Interim Head of Content, HGTV
HGTV, DIY Network & Great American Country
Betsy Sanner Ayala recently joined the Scripps Networks Interactive home category team as Vice President of Programming. In her new role, Ayala manages the development and production of series and specials for HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country. She will be based in Knoxville, Tenn., reporting to John Feld,...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Brian Balthazar is Vice President of Programming and Development for Scripps Networks Interactive’s brands HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country. In this role, he is responsible for creating, developing and overseeing several new specials, pilots and series on the three networks. He previously held the position of Director of...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Sam Barcroft is CEO of hybrid independent TV and digital content producer / distributor Barcroft Media. Barcroft businesses create content for a global audience highlighting ‘the amazing side of life’.
With newsrooms in London, New Delhi and New York supplying video, images and editorial content to global media brands such as MSN, New...show more
Speaking on: Full Stream Ahead
Alex Baskin is Executive Vice President of Programming and Development and Partner at Evolution Media.
In his role, Alex Baskin is charged with overseeing Evolution’s development team and provide creative oversight for all Evolution productions, from pre-production through post, on a busy slate that includes hit series Real Housewives of Orange...show more
Speaking on: Happy Together - The Secret to Success in Ensemble Unscripted
Thom Beers, a three-time Emmy winner, is one of unscripted television's most successful, prolific and influential producers.
For the past 8 months he has been traveling the globe: riding a bicycle around Cuba, hiking the mountains of Myanmar, exploring the cenotes of Tulum, flying hot air balloons in San Miguel and...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Thom Beers (2:00 - 2:45)
Emmy Award-winning producer Jay Bienstock began his producing career on VH1’s signature series Behind the Music. In 2000, Bienstock was part of the original team that launched CBS’s Survivor and as showrunner, he garnered one Emmy and two additional nominations during his tenure on the first six seasons.
In...show more
Speaking on: Upping the game: Revitalizing competition formats
Bob Boden is an EMMY® Nominated Executive Producer, network/studio executive and international format consultant who is acknowledged as an industry leader in game show programming. He also possesses an unmatched encyclopedic knowledge of game show history and has worked closely with many of the pioneers of the genre.
Bob first made...show more
Speaking on: Game On: 75 Years of Game Shows
Joseph Boyle is Senior Director, Production and Development for Discovery Channel and has been with the network since 2013. Boyle oversees and Executive Produces a large slate of series for the network including Naked and Afraid and its spin off, Naked and Afraid XL, as well as Emmy Award-winning Deadliest...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Sean Boyle is Vice President, Development & Programming for HISTORY, overseeing the development and production of unscripted series and specials for the network. He joined the network in September 2015 and is based in HISTORY’s LA office.
Prior to joining HISTORY, Boyle served as Vice President of Development for Discovery where...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
As vice president of non-fiction and alternative programming for AMC and SundanceTV, Marco Bresaz helps oversee both networks’ original non-fiction programming development and their current portfolio of non-fiction programming. He first joined AMC Networks in 2010 as vice president of original programming and development for SundanceTV, and in 2013, moved...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
As the head of Programming and Development for Destination America and American Heroes Channel, Matthew Butler is responsible for cultivating original content for the network and managing their day-to-day program scheduling and ratings performances. At the heart of Butler’s responsibilities is overseeing a program’s shelf life from pitch to premiere....show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Axel Caballero, Executive Director of NALIP has extensive background in media production, community engagement and organizational development.
For well over a decade, Axel has been active on diverse media and campaign projects ranging from Latino media fairness and equality to immigration and human rights, with a particular emphasis in the development...show more
Speaking on: Make or Break: Understanding Your Audience
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: The Tentpoles and the Tent: What's Behind "Bigger, Better, Fewer"
Bryan Carmel is the VP of Development and Head of Comedy at Fusion across platforms. Since joining FUSION in March 2016, Bryan has made an immediate impact starting with the successful launch of The Chris Gethard Show, which made its national debut to critical acclaim last May and returned for...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Cara Casey serves as FremantleMedia North America’s (FMNA) Vice President of Alternative Programming. In her role, Casey is responsible for the development and production of reality competition, game show and other unscripted television programming. Since joining FMNA in early 2016, Casey has been developing multiple new formats and reimagining FremantleMedia’s...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
Todd Christopher launched his entertainment career as an agent trainee in the William Morris Agency mailroom following graduation from Princeton University in 2000. He then moved to the Gersh Agency in 2003. Currently, Todd heads and oversees the Alternative Packaging Department, a division that he created which includes under its...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents
Jacob Cohen-Holmes is Executive Vice President of Current Programming at ALL3 Media America and also the head of digital content.
He oversees all current projects for All3 Media and is one of the primary contacts for interfacing with the various operational companies, in house and in the UK, helping adapt and...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
Maitee Cueva joined OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in 2010 and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Programming and Development. She previously served as both Vice President and Executive Director of Programming and Development. In her role at OWN, Cueva is responsible for programming and development for the network’s popular...show more
Speaking on: Make or Break: Understanding Your Audience
Since establishing T Group in 2010, Daly has created, sold and produced over 50 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 Wicked Offer (CW), 24 to Life (LMN) among many...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Riding the Crime Wave
As President and 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 2015 with 26 shows...show more
Speaking on: Opening Remarks
Jill Dickerson serves as Senior Vice President of programming and development at OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. She was formerly Vice President of programming and development and has been with the network since 2009. Ms. Dickerson is a highly respected television executive and producer who has helped launch and oversee a...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
Bio Coming Soon...
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors
Mary Donahue is Senior Vice President, Non- Fiction at Lifetime, a position she assumed in September 2013. In that capacity, she develops series and stunts and oversees current series, including Project Runway, Bring It and Dance Moms. She supervises a team of programmers and is part of the network’s strategic...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Kids Get the Darndest Ratings
Mike Duffy is the co-founder of Ugly Brother Studios. In collaboration with his twin brother Tim, Ugly Brother creates and produces unscripted formats, comedy formats and documentary series including Startup U on Freeform, Life or Debt on Spike, The Goddamn Comedy Jam on Comedy Central and several soon-to-be announced series. Duffy is overseeing projects
...show moreSpeaking on: Trendwatch: Kids Get the Darndest Ratings
David Eilenberg is President of ITV Entertainment, part of ITV America, responsible for all development, programming and production across broadcast, cable and digital platforms. Current programming for ITV Entertainment includes FOX’s long-running Hell’s Kitchen, E!’s Rich Kids of Beverly Hills and the upcoming EJNYC, and A&E’s The First 48. Prior to ITV, Eilenberg was senior vice president of unscripted development, late night...show more
Speaking on: The Deal on Development
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...show more
Speaking on: The Tentpoles and the Tent: What's Behind "Bigger, Better, Fewer"
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
Scott Feeley is the lead creative voice behind the entire High Noon portfolio of current programming, including HGTV’s Fixer Upper, TLC’s Sweet 15 Quinceañera, Animal Planet’s Dr. Dee, Alaska Vet, and Weather Channel’s Prospectors – an active slate of more than fifteen series and specials. On the development side, Scott’s...show more
Speaking on: Breakouts: The Stories Behind the Hits
John Feld is the Senior Vice President of Original Programming and Production for Scripps Networks Interactive lifestyle brands HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country. In this role, he is responsible for developing and supervising specials, series and tent-pole events for the networks.
Feld came to Scripps Networks in 2012 from...show more
Speaking on: Breakouts: The Stories Behind the Hits
As Vice President, Development, Bravo Media, Joseph Ferraro is responsible for developing new original series for the network that define the Bravo brand. Based in Los Angeles, Ferraro reports to Lara Spotts, Senior Vice President, Development, Bravo Media.
Most recently Ferraro developed the newest installation to the hit franchise, The Real...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Liz Fine currently serves as Vice President Programming & Development for FYI. In her role, she oversees development and programming for the lifestyle-based network, including the hit docuseries franchise Married at First Sight, Man vs Child: Chef Showdown, Seven Year Switch and more.
Prior to joining FYI, Fine was a Co-Executive...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
John Ford serves as general manager of the Non-Fiction Producers Association (NPA), the first professional body created to represent the non-fiction content production business in the United States. Launched in 2014, the NPA’s membership currently includes 39 US production companies.
Ford served as president and GM of Discovery Channel from 2007...show more
Speaking on: The Deal on Development
Tom Forman is the Chief Executive Officer for Critical Content overseeing all creative and business operations for the company.
Forman previously served as CEO of Relativity Television, a position that he held for eight years since he founded the division in 2008. During his tenure, Forman received NATPE’s 2011 Innovator Award...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Riding the Crime Wave
Lizzie Fox is the Vice President of CNN Original Series, based in Los Angeles. In this position, she is responsible for cultivating relationships within the creative community, developing original programming across a variety of CNN platforms, and overseeing production on all CNN Original Series.
Some of the productions she manages include, Anthony...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Lizzie Fox, CNN (2:00pm-2:30pm)
Eden Gaha serves as President, Unscripted Television, Endemol Shine USA, since March 2015. Gaha, a veteran TV producer and executive, originally joined Shine America in May 2011 as President, Unscripted Television. He reports to Endemol Shine North America Co-CEOs and Co-Chairmen Cris Abrego and Charlie Corwin.
Gaha, a veteran...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Kids Get the Darndest Ratings
Bill Gardner oversees the acquisition, development and production of historical, cultural, current and world events, natural history and science programming for the PBS Primetime schedule as Vice President, Programming and Development.
Before joining PBS, Mr. Gardner was executive producer at Discovery Studios, where he developed projects in the reality,...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Rabih Gholam is the President of Non-Scripted Television at Studio 71. Gholam most recently served as EVP, Head of Unscripted Programming at Ryan Seacrest Productions. His more popular credits include The Surreal Life, Broken Skull Ranch, The Mole, I Love Kellie Pickler, and Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Following his entry...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm); Full Stream Ahead
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: The Deal on Development
Toby Gorman serves as FremantleMedia North America’s (FMNA) Executive Vice President of Alternative Programming. In his role, Gorman is charged with developing and launching the company’s entertainment programming and creating formats that travel globally. Gorman oversees the company’s current slate of alternative primetime programming, including the re-imagination of the beloved...show more
Speaking on: Game On: 75 Years of Game Shows
Johnny Gould is Chief Creative Officer at Pilgrim Media Group, heading up the production company’s original programming and development, along with international format sales and acquisitions.
Gould has been instrumental in developing an array of long-running hit series, including Discovery’s Fast N’ Loud and Street Outlaws, Lifetime’s Bring...show more
Speaking on: Upping the game: Revitalizing competition formats
Adam Greener is President of Maverick Television USA. In this role, Greener oversees all Maverick US operations while developing original programming domestically and adapting current formats from the UK headquarters. Greener is the creative force behind the hit series Chrisley Knows Best, which is in its fourth season on USA as well...show more
Speaking on: Breakouts: The Stories Behind the Hits
As EVP 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 competition. Hanna has been responsible for the development of Esquire’s popular series Friday Night...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Matt Hanna, Esquire Network (2:00pm-2:30pm)
Jordan Harman currently serves as an Executive Producer for FYI, where he helps oversee development and programming for the lifestyle-based network. In his role, Harman has co-developed and executive produced the hit series Man vs. Child: Chef Showdown and Zombie House Flipping.
Prior to joining FYI, Harman was Vice President of...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Pam Healey has served as General Manager, Shed Media (part of the Warner Bros. Unscripted and Alternative Programming department) since January 2013. In this role, Healey is responsible for supervising the development and production of original unscripted television series for the U.S. cable and broadcast network marketplace.
Under Healey’s leadership, Shed...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Pam Healey, Shed Media (1:45pm-2:30pm)
Heaney launched his own Distribution business, TCB Media Rights in September 2012. Putting the emphasis on the ability for strong pre sales and co creating shows with high revenue potential, he has initially started concentrating on the genres of factual, factual entertainment and formats. Heaney and his 8 strong team...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors
Sara Helman joined TLC in October 2015 as the Vice President of Production and Development. Helman helps oversee development strategy and programming initiatives for the network. She is based in the New York office and reports to Howard Lee, EVP Development and Production, TLC and General Manager of Discovery Life.
Formerly,...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Sara Helman, TLC (11:30am-12:00pm)
Greg Henry is a founding partner at Lucky 8 TV. In their first two years in business, Greg has been an Executive Producer on roughly 100 hours of programming including cable’s #1 new unscripted series 60 Days In on A&E, Behind Bars: Rookie Year for A&E, Kids BBQ Championship...show more
Speaking on: Breakouts: The Stories Behind the Hits
Mark Herwick is Head of Current, U.S. Alternative Programming, Entertainment One Television. At eOne, he oversees and provides creative direction on all of eOne Television’s unscripted projects, as well as manages and further develops relationships with partner networks and talent. Herwick has a wide background in formatted shows, docu-series and hidden...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
Amy Introcaso-Davis joined GSN in November 2011 as EVP, Programming & Development, and is responsible for developing and acquiring programming designed to grow GSN's core audience of adult females. During Amy’s tenure, GSN launched the two biggest hits in its 18-year history, Skin Wars and The American Bible Challenge and...show more
Speaking on: Game On: 75 Years of Game Shows
Elliot Jacobson is Chief Content Officer for RLTV, with responsibility for the network's content and marketing strategy. Elliot oversees the development and production of all original programming as well as the network's acquisition, scheduling, marketing, PR and digital teams. As a founding executive, Elliot has been instrumental in the growth...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Marc Juris is a uniquely talented creative executive with a proven record of creating and developing brands and compelling original content for television and digital platforms.
As president and general manager of WE tv, Juris oversees all aspects of the network’s creative and business functions, including long and short-term...show more
Speaking on: Opening Remarks
Michael Kagan is a founding partner 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. Kagan oversees the agency’s International Television and Media Department. With offices in Los Angeles, New York and London,...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Kids Get the Darndest Ratings
Marc Kamler is a Partner in the Alternative & Factual Programming Department at Agency for the Performing Arts (APA), one of the world’s largest diversified talent agencies with offices in Beverly Hills, New York and Nashville.
Since joining APA in 2007, Kamler has been pivotal to the growth of the agency’s...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents
Ashley Kaplan
Executive VP of Unscripted, Nickelodeon, Awesomeness and Digital Franchise Studio
Fullscreen
Ashley Kaplan is Fullscreen’s head of content. Previously, she was vice president of digital content and strategy for the Magical Elves production company. In this role, Ashley oversaw the development, production, and content partnerships for all media adjacent to the company’s television properties—most notably the Emmy-winning series Last Chance Kitchen, which...show more
Speaking on: Full Stream Ahead
Michael E. Katz is the principal driving force behind an innovative international media consultancy that leverages a breadth of experience in both domestic US and global linear and digital channel building, programming strategy and planning, IP development, production, sales and distribution. His inaugural clients include an international production company and...show more
Speaking on: The Tentpoles and the Tent: What's Behind "Bigger, Better, Fewer"
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
Jef Kleeman (Executive Producer) graduated from Yale University with a B.A. in English. He curated exhibits at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and in 1987 joined Paramount Pictures where he was a development and production executive on Internal Affairs, The Hunt for Red October, Shirley Valentine and...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Kids Get the Darndest Ratings
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: Full Stream Ahead
Gil Kruger joined Fullscreen in November 2014 to develop scripted and unscripted content for the Fullscreen streaming video service, which launched in April 2016. To date, he has had a role in developing the original series Electra Woman & Dyna Girl, Jack & Dean of All Trades, Veitch 101, and...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Ra represents a variety of production companies, producers and on-air talent for network television, cable and syndication.
Prior to joining Bienstock, 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 Fox World.
"In a swiftly changing...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents
John Kuyk, brings over 20 years of experience and expertise in both the Canadian and International Media to his company.
Since he founded CMJ Productions II Inc. in 2001, the independent development and production company has gained a global reputation for its success in the factual series programming arena....show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Riding the Crime Wave
A 12-year veteran of programming and development at Discovery Communications, Jane Latman was elevated to general manager of Destination America in 2015 while also retaining her position as SVP, Development for Investigation Discovery (ID).
At ID, Latman is a driving force behind Discovery Communications’ efforts to become a leader in factual...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Riding the Crime Wave
Megan Lawrence is the Vice President of Programming and Development for both Food Network and Cooking Channel. Based out of Los Angeles, she oversees west coast development operations, including vetting all incoming submissions, generating internal concepts and spearheading production of original programming such as Cake Wars, Cupcake Wars and Halloween...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Megan Lawrence, Food Network (2:00pm-2:30pm)
As Chief Executive of the Twofour Group Melanie oversees nine companies producing a wide range of comedy, drama and unscripted television. Prior to being appointed as CEO in July 2014, Melanie was MD of Twofour Broadcast during which time the company was named Indie of the Year at the 2010...show more
Speaking on: Formats: What's Working Where, and Why?
Howard Lee is the Executive Vice President, Development & Production for TLC and General Manager of Discovery Life. In 2015, President Nancy Daniels expanded Lee’s role to General Manager of Discovery Life and to oversee TLC’s entire production and development programming slate in the U.S. He is the No. 2...show more
Speaking on: The Deal on Development
As Senior Vice President, Current Production for Bravo Media, Jenn Levy spearheads production on some of the network’s biggest series including Shahs of Sunset and the Emmy-Nominated Million Dollar Listing franchise while also overseeing the executives in charge of production on the Emmy-Award winning Top Chef, Flipping Out, and many...show more
Speaking on: Happy Together - The Secret to Success in Ensemble Unscripted
As Vice President of Production for Blue Ant Media, Sam brings over 25 years of production expertise to services such as Cottage Life, T+E, Makeful and Smithsonian Canada. Sam oversees commissioning, in-house production and digital content for BAM’s portfolio of brands, excluding Love Nature. Sam has written, produced and directed...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
As President of PactUS, the organization representing independent U.S. content and TV producers, David Lyle brings 30 years of international experience in television production with a unique expertise in unscripted entertainment and time spent as both a program buyer and seller.
Before joining PactUS for its 2015 launch, Lyle served as...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with Nigel Lythgoe; Formats: What's Working Where, and Why?
Nigel Lythgoe was born in St. Helen’s, Lancashire, England. He and his family moved to Liverpool, where he began tap dancing at 11 years of age. He became the only person to dance in, choreograph, direct and produce the Royal Variety Performance for Her Majesty the Queen of England.
He has...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with Nigel Lythgoe
Russ McCarroll is a Senior Vice President of Programming and Development for HISTORY. He developed many of HISTORY’s biggest recent successes, including Sons of Liberty, The World Wars, Mountain Men, and The Men Who Built America. He is currently developing the upcoming scripted series Knightfall for HISTORY. Russ has overseen...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Russ McCarroll, HISTORY (11:30am-12:00pm)
Caitlin is Head of Acquisitions at Beyond Distribution. Beyond is a leading independent distributor of world-class television content, with a London and Sydney based sales team and a Dublin office. Beyond's name is synonymous with programmes of broad commercial appeal to television audiences worldwide and the catalogue comprises over 4,000...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors
J.C. Mills is an agent in ICM Partners’ International Television and Media Department’s New York office. He represents production companies, writers, directors and showrunners in the non-scripted/documentary space.
Before joining ICM, J.C. was the Director of Development at the National Geographic Channel in New York. There, he oversaw the development of...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents
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. She is currently an Executive Producer on WEtv series, LA Hair and Ex Isle.
Prior to WE tv,...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Angela Molloy, WEtv (11:30am-12:00pm)
Keith Nietupski is Manager, Unscripted Programming & Development, Freeform. He has been with the network for five years, first working in the Scripted department and has since transitioned into the Unscripted department, working in both Development and Current Series.
Current series include Monica the Medium (Lionsgate/ Trooper), The Letter (Leftfield/Sirens) and...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
DJ Nurre serves as executive vice president, programming and development, at 3 Ball Entertainment where he heads up all development for the production company, focusing on the creation of IP for broadcast, cable, digital and OTT, and managing 3 Ball’s growing casting and development team.
A seasoned showrunner,...show more
Speaking on: The Deal on Development
Deirdre “Didi” O’Hearn serves as Senior Vice President of Programming and Development for Scripps Networks Interactive’s brands, Food Network and Cooking Channel. In this role, she oversees the existing programming slate, both daytime and primetime, and the creation of new shows for both networks.
O’Hearn joined Scripps Networks from WE tv...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Kids Get the Darndest Ratings
As Senior Vice President, Alternative Series Development and Production, Entertainment Networks, for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, Heather Olander oversees USA and Syfy’s slate of unscripted series, including Syfy’s Critics Choice Award-winning reality competition series Face Off and USA’s hit series Chrisley Knows Best.
Olander’s duties were expanded to include oversight of alternative...show more
Speaking on: Breakouts: The Stories Behind the Hits
Charlie Parsons is Vice President of Development for the National Geographic Channel, 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 the Channel in 2010, Parsons has developed and overseen production of the popular...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Charlie Parsons, National Geographic Channel (11:30am-12:00pm)
Scott Paskoff was hired as Executive Acquisitions Consultant for DRG TV in 2016. In his role, Scott is responsible for sourcing third party acquisitions and series across the unscripted genre in the U.S. and Canada for rest of world distribution.
Prior to his consultant job with DRG, Scott was the VP,...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors
Shauna Phelan
Co-Head and EVP, Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Live-Action Series and Films
AwesomenessTV
Shauna Phelan is Head of Development and Production at AwesomenessTV, a leading multi-platform media company serving the global Gen Z audience. Phelan oversees scripted and non-scripted series for AwesomenessTV.
Phelan’s credits include SMOSH: The Movie, which debuted summer 2015 as the #1 comedy movie on iTunes; Expelled, the #1 Social Movie of...show more
Speaking on: Full Stream Ahead
As E!’s Senior Vice President, Programming & Development, Noah Pollack is responsible for series development and original programming across a variety of genres for the global pop culture brand. Since joining the network in late 2013, Pollack has developed and stewarded projects with celebrities and brands including Mariah Carey, Britney...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Noah Pollack, E! (11:30am-12:00pm)
Barry Poznick founded ZOO Productions in 1994 and built it into a multi-million dollar, international brand which was acquired by All3 Media. Currently he serves as MGM's President of Unscripted Television under Mark Burnett.
Poznick captures the attention of networks and viewers by creating and producing a wide-range of series that...show more
Speaking on: The Deal on Development
Neil Regan joined Scripps Networks Interactive as Vice President of Programming for Travel Channel in January 2016. He reports directly to Courtney White, who was recently promoted to Senior Vice President of Programming at the network. In this position, Regan will manage the development and production of series and specials...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Ben Relles is Head of Comedy and Unscripted Programming for YouTube Originals. In this role Ben oversees development of new content from some of YouTube's top talent, including new YouTube Red Originals from CollegeHumor, PewDiePie, Lilly Singh and Matthew Patrick. Prior to joining the YouTube Originals team, Ben served as...show more
Speaking on: Full Stream Ahead
As Vice President, Development, Oxygen Media, Benny Reuven is charged with developing lifestyle programming that speaks to the passions and interests of the network’s young, multicultural female audience. Reuven joined Oxygen Media in 2015 from Wilshire Studios where he served as Vice President, Development and Programming. Prior to joining Wilshire...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Mike Richards started his career hosting, writing and producing a late night comedy talk show called The Randumb Show at Pepperdine University. This weekly comedy show won multiple college broadcasting awards.
Richards has created, produced and hosted several shows throughout his career. He's produced talk shows, dating shows,...show more
Speaking on: Game On: 75 Years of Game Shows
With over 35 years’ of experience, knowledge and connections in the television industry, Michel offers a comprehensive consultancy on all aspects of the business, from building TV networks to executive-mentoring, global market analysis to bespoke format purchase and distribution, keynote lectures to international workshops and seminars.
With partner Justin Scroggie, Michel...show more
Speaking on: Upping the game: Revitalizing competition formats
The founder of the independent production company Evolution Media, Douglas Ross heads up the company’s varied slate of reality programs.
Currently, Ross is Executive Producer of Bravo’s hit franchise The Real Housewives of Orange County and the spinoffs The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules, as well as the E!...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Douglas Ross, Evolution Media (3:00pm-3:45pm)
Loren Ruch is the Vice President of Programming, Partnerships and Special Events for HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country, where he oversees many of the networks’ high-profile specials and series including Ellen’s Design Challenge, Property Brothers, Rehab Addict: Detroit, Brother vs Brother, White House Christmas, HGTV Dream Home, HGTV...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Loren Ruch, HGTV, DIY Network & Great American Country (11:30am-12:00pm)
Tim Rummel is the Executive Director of Development at the Esquire Network, where he has developed and overseen production on a wide variety of series including Team Ninja Warrior, Brew Dogs, Knife Fight and the docuseries Friday Night Tykes. Prior to the launch of the Esquire Network, Tim was...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Amy Savitsky was appointed Senior Vice President of Development and Programming for A&E Network in 2015. In this position, Savitsky is responsible for driving development and production of A&E’s nonfiction series.
Savitsky joined A&E after more than a decade at Discovery Communications, where she served as Senior Vice President...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Riding the Crime Wave
As Chief Creative Officer, Michael oversees Red Arrow's global format development, acquisitions, creative partnerships, and international production rollouts worldwide.
Michael has worked in the television industry for more than 20 years, specifically in the fields of broadcasting, producing, commissioning and development. He started his career while still in school as a...show more
Speaking on: Formats: What's Working Where, and Why?
Michael Schneider is the Executive Editor of Indiewire, the leading digital brand devoted to curating, reporting, and celebrating the best in film, TV and entertainment. He is also an Editor-At-Large for Variety, the nation’s premiere brand covering the entertainment industry, and a regular contributor to Los Angeles public radio station...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Paul Telegdy, NBC Entertainment
Joseph Schneier, Vice President, Development and Production, Discovery Channel
Joseph Schneier serves as Vice President, Development and Production at Discovery Channel and is based out of the Silver Spring office. Schneier has executive produced more than 200 hours of Discovery Channel programming, including brand staples Alaska Bush People and Moonshiners. Most...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Sharon Scott is the President and General Manager of Peacock Productions, a division of NBC News. Peacock Productions is NBCUniversal’s non-fiction production company specializing in all genres of non-scripted programming, including live events, such as Nik Wallenda’s Skywalk, docu-dramas, narrative crime series, breaking news specials, and documentaries.
The team at Peacock...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Riding the Crime Wave
Jubba is the Senior Director of Programming & Production at TV One where he oversees network reality hits R&B DIVAS, UNSUNG, and gospel gala, THE STELLAR AWARDS. He is also at the helm of several of the Network’s successful original feature films, including White Water, Second Sight, and soon to...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Alec Shankman is the Senior Vice President and Head of Alternative Programming, Digital Media and Licensing at Abrams Artists Agency. He started his career in Hollywood at AAA in 2003 where he personally launched the department. Alec ran the successful division for 6 years, representing the stars of many popular...show more
Speaking on: The Tentpoles and the Tent: What's Behind "Bigger, Better, Fewer"
Jean Shi serves as Vice President of Development, Oxygen Media. Based in Los Angeles, she is responsible for curating and developing original concepts, unique formats, and fresh new talent targeting the network’s young, modern female audience. Since joining Oxygen in 2014, Shi has served as a creative executive behind the...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Barnaby joined Sky Vison in 2014, prior to this he held the position of Head of Entertainment at Zodiak Rights.
At Sky Vision, he oversees the development and acquisition of entertainment and factual programming from both third party producers and Sky.
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors
Benjamin Simoné is an agent in WME’s Non-Scripted department. Based in the agency’s New York office, he represents a variety of lifestyle personalities, production companies and brands. Simoné’s clients include Camilla Alves, W. Kamau Bell, Hannah Bronfman, Emily Henderson, Steve Nash, Adam Richman, Marcus Samuelson, Michael Symon, Neil deGrasse Tyson and...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents
Betsy Slenzak is the Director of Original Programming and Series Development at E! Entertainment, where she is responsible for the daily management of the network’s hit plastic surgery show, Botched. Slenzak also oversees Botched by Nature and Fashion Police, as well as one of E!’s most recent greenlit series The Abbey Diaries.
Furthermore, Slenzak helps develop...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Faye Stapleton is a uniquely talented executive producer with a career that spans formats from arced competition, and shiny floor performance to documentary.
She has produced hundreds of hours of television including Big Brother, Cupid and The Briefcase for CBS, Skating with Celebrities, Celebrity Duets and 8 seasons of the hit...show more
Speaking on: Make or Break: Understanding Your Audience
As the Vice President, Development at WE tv, David Stefanou is responsible for scouting and developing fresh, new unscripted series that fit with the network’s existing slate of popular shows including Braxton Family Values, Mary Mary, Kendra on Top and the hit Marriage Boot Camp franchise.
Stefanou comes to WE tv...show more
Speaking on: Happy Together - The Secret to Success in Ensemble Unscripted
Cynthia Stockhammer is the Senior Vice President of Development at Critical Content, where she oversees the development of non-scripted programming for Broadcast, Cable, and Digital networks.
Stockhammer was previously on the network/studio side of the business and served as Senior Director of Development at ABC both in the unscripted studio, ABC...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
As Pop’s VP of Development, Surovell handles both development and current series, playing an instrumental role in the network's entire slate of original programming: Rock this Boat: New Kids on the Block, Queens of Drama, Sing it On, Easiest Game Show Ever and Nightcap. Prior to Pop, she served as...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
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: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Drew Tappon is Senior Vice President of Development & Programming for A&E Network. He is responsible for the development and production of A&E’s nonfiction, alternative and reality series. Tappon also oversees several current series for the network. He is based in A&E’s New York City headquarters.
Among the...show more
Speaking on: Breakouts: The Stories Behind the Hits; 30 Minutes With: Drew Tappon, A&E (2:00pm-2:30pm)
Amanda Taylor is the CEO and co-founder of DanceOn, the number one digital media company and network celebrating music and dance in pop culture. Amanda founded DanceOn along with Madonna, Guy Oseary and Allen DeBevoise. Through multi-platform storytelling and diverse, influencer-driven programming, DanceOn reaches engaged, global audiences seeking on-demand music...show more
Speaking on: Upping the game: Revitalizing competition formats
Paul Telegdy was promoted to the newly created position of President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment, in September 2011.
Telegdy previously was Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Television, since December 2008.
Telegdy oversees NBC's unscripted series and specials programming, including such major franchises as The Voice, America's...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Paul Telegdy, NBC Entertainment
Kurt Tondorf is Animal Planet’s vice president of development. In this role he oversees the development strategy and slate for the network and creates and curates series, stunts and other programming initiatives.
Since joining Animal Planet in 2012, Tondorf has developed several multi-season series including The Last Alaskans, Ice Cold Gold,...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
Screenz is a technology and entertainment company that was founded in 2013. At the core of Screenz lies the Real Time Entertainment Platform, a robust award winning SAAS platform that connects broadcasters with their audiences. Enabling them to create interactive and personalized experience for users across all channels.
The first version...show more
Speaking on: Upping the game: Revitalizing competition formats
As Vice President of TLC’s west coast development, 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 includes Love at First Swipe...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Nicole Vogel is director of development at WEtv. She is based in the NYC headquarters where she works with production companies, agencies, and potential talent to find and develop new unscripted formats and docuseries.
She most recently served as senior director of development at Optomen Productions where she worked on the...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Mark L. Walberg is an actor, television personality and game show host. He is currently the host of Antiques Roadshow on PBS, and recently exec produced and hosted a pilot for a new PBS series Buried History with Mark Walberg that will air in spring of 2017.
Walberg started his television career...show more
Speaking on: Game On: 75 Years of Game Shows
Vasha Wallace is EVP Global Acquisitions & Development at FremantleMedia, one of the world's largest and most successful producers of outstanding entertainment brands, encompassing hit formats from Idols, The X Factor, to Got Talent, The Price Is Right, Let’s Make a Deal and Family Feud.
Vasha’s role encompasses the acquisition, development,...show more
Speaking on: Formats: What's Working Where, and Why?
Based in Jupiter’s New York office, Allison leads the charge in expanding Jupiter’s content portfolio into new genres and distribution platforms. Previously, Wallach represented Jupiter among other successful production companies as an Agent in UTA’s alternative television department, where she helped grow, develop and expand the agency’s international, talent and...show more
Speaking on: The Tentpoles and the Tent: What's Behind "Bigger, Better, Fewer"
Katy Wallin is the CEO and Founder of award-winning multi-faceted entertainment company MysticArt Pictures. She is the creative force behind delivering well over 5000 hours of scripted and unscripted television including series, pilots and presentations for every major broadcast and cable network.
Katy has spent two decades creating, developing, and...show more
Speaking on: Happy Together - The Secret to Success in Ensemble Unscripted
Todd Weiser is Vice President of Programming and Development for Food Network and Cooking Channel. In this role, he oversees a talented team developing new series, specials and tentpoles for Scripps Networks Interactive’s food category. In addition to creating new content, he and his team oversee all of Food Network...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Courtney White was promoted to Senior Vice President of Programming for Travel Channel in December 2015. Prior to her current role, she served as Vice President of Program Development and Production for HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country, where she managed several series and pilots. White was also charged...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Courtney White, Travel Channel (2:00pm-2:30pm)
Alan Wieder, vice president of series development for MTV, has a unique background in both unscripted and scripted content. He began his career as a staff producer at Rocket Science Labs, where he worked on some the reality genre’s earliest hits, including Joe Millionaire, Temptation Island, and My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé (which he co-created)....show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables (12:30pm-1:45pm)
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
Sean Zeid is an agent at Paradigm Talent Agency. Sean moved to Paradigm in 2015 to head their domestic alternative television department. He spent the seven years prior leading the reality department at Kaplan Stahler Agency and before that was at Endeavor. Voted to Variety’s “Reality Impact List” last year,...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents
Vivi Zigler serves as President, Digital, Brand & Audience Development, Endemol Shine North America, since March 2015. Zigler originally joined Shine America in August 2012 as President, Shine 360° & Digital.
Zigler now oversees all brand, marketing, research and digital activity for Endemol Shine North America, including its premium...show more
Speaking on: Make or Break: Understanding Your Audience
