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Realscreen West 2023 Agenda - Print Version

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  • Tuesday, June 6, 2017
  • Wednesday, June 7, 2017
  • Thursday, June 8, 2017
  • k keynote
  • p panel
  • s speedpitching
  • 3 30minuteswith
  • m meetamentor
  • m meetanexpert
  • l luncheonroundtables
  • n networking
  • p pitchingpartners
  • 2 2017realscreenawards

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Tuesday, June 6


8:00 AM
Registration (8:00 - 5:45)
8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Delegates' Lounge (8:00 - 5:15)
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Continental Breakfast (Starlight Ballroom)
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
10:00 AM
Speed Pitching One
Wilshire I & II
10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Programming execs, each at their own table, will take one-on-one, three-minute pitches.
Participants who have successfully signed up for a speed pitching spot should check in at the session room for processing 20 minutes in advance of their scheduled time or risk forfeiting their slot. For those who did not secure a spot in advance, some space may become available due to no-shows. Arrive at the session 20 minutes before start time and check with the room monitor.

*Advance sign up is required - A total of (2) Speed Pitching spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

Sign ups open Wednesday, May 24th at 11:00am ET

Speaking


Table host

Rachel Tung

VP, Development

MTV + VH1

divider

Table host

Joshua Asen

Head of Television & Film

Science Channel

divider

Table host

Patrick Moses

Head of Development

Viceland

divider

Table host

Winona Meringolo

SVP, Development

Investigation Discovery

divider

Table host

Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A&E

divider

Table host

Steven Lerner

SVP, Programming & Development

HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Travel Channel and Great American Country

divider

Table host

Arun Maljaars

VP, Content & Channels

INSIGHT TV

divider

10:30 AM
30 Minutes With: Courtney White, Travel Channel, Food Network & Cooking Channel
Main House
10:30 AM-11:00 AM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Courtney White

President

Travel Channel, Food Network & Cooking Channel

divider

30 Minutes With: Mioshi Hill, Lifetime
The Study
10:30 AM-11:00 AM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Mioshi Hill

President

Lifetime

divider

11:00 AM
Networking Coffee Break
11:00 AM-11:15 AM
11:15 AM
Meet an Expert - Distributors
Bungalow Patio (The Deck)
11:15 AM-12:15 PM

As part of our networking series designed to grow your connections, we’ve assembled some of the top agents and distributors in factual entertainment and made them available for you to meet with. Sign up to find out what these industry experts can offer you and your production. 
 
*Advance sign up is required - One (1) Meet an Expert spot can be reserved at sign-up time.

Sign ups open Wednesday, May 17th at 11:00am ET 

Speaking


Table host

Andreas Lemos

VP of Acquisitions, Co-Productions & North America Sales

Banijay Rights

divider

Table host

Sam Harowitz

VP, Content Acquisition & Partnerships

FremantleMedia International

divider

Table host

Gillian Rose

SVP, Sales & Acquisitions, U.S.

Sky Vision

divider

Table host

Marielle Zuccarelli

President, Global Sales and Co-Productions

GRB Entertainment

divider

Table host

Sydni Naglie

Unscripted Acquisitions, North America

eOne Television International

divider

Table host

Lilla Hurst

Global Head of Acquisitions & Partnerships

Drive

divider

Table host

Adam Steinman

President & Founder

Warner Bros. International Television Production

divider

Table host

Ted Bookstaver

VP, Client Relations, N.A.

Lionsgate Entertainment

divider

11:30 AM
Meet a Mentor: Jonathan Murray, Bunim/Murray Productions
Ocean I & II
11:30 AM-12:15 PM

From the earliest beginnings of reality casting on The Real World in 1992, to how the process of reality casting has changed over the years, Jon Murray will take you through the ABC's of reality casting.

The "Meet a Mentor" series is designed to give delegates rare access to the top producers in non-fiction and unscripted programming. Much like the Summit’s trademark "30 Minutes With…" series, delegates attending "Meet a Mentor" sessions will be able to glean valuable information in an intimate, "off the record" setting, and hear from A-list producers about topics that can help them in their career. 

*Advance sign up is required - A total of (2) Meet a Mentor spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

Sign ups open Wednesday, May 17th at 11:00am ET

Speaking


Jonathan Murray

Founder & Executive Consultant

Bunim-Murray Productions

divider

30 Minutes With: Michael Bloom, TBS/TNT
Main House
11:30 AM-12:00 PM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Michael Bloom

Executive Vice President, Content

TBS/TNT

divider

30 Minutes With: John Feld, HGTV, DIY Network & Great American Country
The Study
11:30 AM-12:00 PM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


John Feld

.

HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country

divider

12:15 PM
Lunch (Starlight Ballroom + Garden)
12:15 PM-1:45 PM
1:45 PM
Amping Up Unscripted: New Buyers Showcase
Wedgewood Ballroom
1:45 PM-2:45 PM

With SVOD, VOD, social media platforms and myriad other outlets for unscripted content emerging rapidly, this session will bring several of these new buyers to the table to share insight and intel. What are they looking for in content? How much do they need? And how can you work with them? Find out all this and more through this panel.

Speaking


Amy Emmerich

Global President & Chief Content Officer

Refinery29

divider

Ivana Kirkbride

GM, OTT Entertainment

Verizon

divider

Scott Reich

SVP, Programming

Fullscreen Inc.

divider

Jay Levine

Executive VP

Warner Bros Digital Networks

divider

Speed Pitching Two
Wilshire I & II
1:45 PM-2:45 PM

Programming execs, each at their own table, will take one-on-one, three-minute pitches.
Participants who have successfully signed up for a speed pitching spot should check in at the session room for processing 20 minutes in advance of their scheduled time or risk forfeiting their slot. For those who did not secure a spot in advance, some space may become available due to no-shows. Arrive at the session 20 minutes before start time and check with the room monitor.

*Advance sign up is required - A total of (2) Speed Pitching spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

Sign ups open Wednesday, May 24th at 11:00am ET 

Speaking


Table host

Betsy Slenzak

VP, Unscripted Programming

E! Entertainment

divider

Table host

Todd Weiser

SVP, Programming & Development

Food Network & Cooking Channel

divider

Table host

Lauren Celinski

Development Lead, YouTube Originals

Lifetime

divider

Table host

Keith Wooten

Director, Creative Development

BET Networks

divider

Table host

Rene Aguirre

VP, Original Content

Fuse Media

divider

Table host

Jennifer Gordon

VP, Development

TLC

divider

Table host

Benny Reuven

VP Production & Development

Oxygen Media

divider

2:00 PM
30 Minutes With: Damla Dogan, E! Entertainment
Main House
2:00 PM-2:30 PM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Damla Dogan

SVP, Original Programming & Series Development

E! Entertainment

divider

30 Minutes With: Kurt Tondorf, Animal Planet & Science Channel
The Study
2:00 PM-2:30 PM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Kurt Tondorf

SVP, Development

Animal Planet & Science Channel

divider

2:45 PM
Networking Coffee Break
2:45 PM-3:00 PM
3:00 PM
Trendwatch: All Access Unscripted
Wedgewood Ballroom
3:00 PM-4:00 PM

Several of the top non-fiction series of the past year have taken viewers behind the scenes into worlds and lives that are captivating, exciting and mysterious. In all cases, gaining access is key, and that process can be rife with complications. Here, producers and network execs behind some of the top access driven hits will walk you through the potentially thorny but always fascinating world of becoming the fly on the wall as life - and in some cases, history - unfolds.


Speaking


Aaron Saidman

Co-President, Sony Pictures Television Non Fiction

The Intellectual Property Corporation

divider

Abby Greensfelder

Founder & CEO

Half Yard Productions

divider

Charlie Parsons

VP, Development

National Geographic Channel

divider

Knute Walker

SVP, Programming and Production / Executive Producer

Peacock Productions

divider

Nicole Page

Partner

Reavis Parent Lehrer LLP

divider

30 Minutes With: Chris Rantamaki, Discovery Channel
Main House
3:00 PM-3:30 PM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Chris Rantamaki

Head of TV & Film

Discovery Channel

divider

30 Minutes With: Justin Lacob, Paramount Network
The Study
3:00 PM-3:30 PM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Justin Lacob

Head of Development

Paramount Network

divider

Meet an Expert - Agents
Bungalow Patio (The Deck)
3:00 PM-4:00 PM

As part of our networking series designed to grow your connections, we’ve assembled some of the top agents and distributors in factual entertainment and made them available for you to meet with. Sign up to find out what these industry experts can offer you and your production. 
 
*Advance sign up is required - One (1) Meet an Expert spot can be reserved at sign-up time.

Sign ups open Wednesday, May 17th at 11:00am ET 

Speaking


Jake Dexter

Unscripted Agent

Paradigm Talent Agency

divider

Table host

Ross Raphael

Partner, Uncripted Television

WME

divider

Table host

Denise Draper

Partner, Unscripted Television, Range Media Partners

ICM Partners

divider

Table host

Todd Christopher

Partner

Gersh Agency

divider

Table host

Kyle Komen

Agent, Alternative & Factual Programming

APA

divider

Table host

Miles Lozano

Agent

Abrams Artists Agency

divider

Table host

Phil Irven

Partner

Rebel Entertainment Partners

divider

Table host

Babette Perry

Head of Broadcasting & Hosting

Innovative Artists

divider

4:00 PM
Networking Break
4:00 PM-4:15 PM
4:15 PM
Let's Make a (New) Deal
Wedgewood Ballroom
4:15 PM-5:15 PM

Following up on our standing-room-only discussion at the Realscreen Summit titled "Under Pressure: The State of the Unscripted Nation," Let's Make a (New) Deal brings together various viewpoints and perspectives from different sectors of the industry to take on the following challenges: reducing the hoop-jumping in development and production practices, and forging deals that effectively incentivize producers while protecting profits for all parties. Come early for what promises to be an enlightening, provocative discussion.

And as part of the audience, you can be part of the action, as the panel incorporates real-time audience feedback with the help of our friends at Dialsmith. Make your voice heard!

Speaking


Brent Montgomery

CEO

ITV America

divider

Michael O'Connell

Senior Writer

The Hollywood Reporter

divider

Gena McCarthy

Founder and President

A+E Networks

divider

Thom Beers

Partner

BoBCat

divider

Howard Lee

President & General Manager

Discovery Communications

divider

SallyAnn Salsano

Founder, Executive Producer & CEO

495 Productions

divider

5:15 PM
Opening Cocktail Reception (Garden + Pool)
5:15 PM-6:30 PM

Wednesday, June 7


8:00 AM
Registration (8:00 - 5:00)
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Delegates' Lounge (8:00 - 4:00)
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Continental Breakfast (Starlight Ballroom)
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
10:00 AM
Keynote Conversation: Conrad Riggs, Amazon Prime Video
Wedgewood Ballroom
10:00 AM-11:00 AM

In a keynote conversation at Realscreen West, Conrad Riggs will discuss Amazon Prime Video's move into unscripted, the projects he and his team have underway and the process behind bringing these and other productions to Prime members, and his take on where the unscripted industry is headed, as powerful new players such as Amazon take to the field.

Speaking


Conrad Riggs

Head of Unscripted Programming

Amazon Prime Video

divider

Michael Schneider

TV Editor

Variety

divider

11:00 AM
Networking Coffee Break
11:00 AM-11:15 AM
11:15 AM
Diversifying Your Portfolio
Wedgewood Ballroom
11:15 AM-12:15 PM

In an ever-expanding content universe, diversifying your business and areas of expertise is an increasingly wise plan of action. But how do you ramp up your business for such expansion? And what are the areas that are ripe for exploration? From eSports to apps and many points between, this session will explore how to take your production company, and your productions, beyond the world of the linear TV show.


Speaking


Gary R. Benz

President & CEO

GRB Entertainment

divider

Shawn Moffatt

CEO

Go To Team

divider

Gil Goldschein

Chairman & CEO

Bunim/Murray Productions

divider

Jared Heinke

Head of Digital

Whalerock Industries

divider

Patrick Jager

CEO

CORE Innovation Group

divider

Jenny Daly

President

T Group Productions

divider

Speed Pitching Three
Wilshire I & II
11:15 AM-12:15 PM

Programming execs, each at their own table, will take one-on-one, three-minute pitches.
Participants who have successfully signed up for a speed pitching spot should check in at the session room for processing 20 minutes in advance of their scheduled time or risk forfeiting their slot. For those who did not secure a spot in advance, some space may become available due to no-shows. Arrive at the session 20 minutes before start time and check with the room monitor.

*Advance sign up is required - A total of (2) Speed Pitching spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

Sign ups open Wednesday, May 24th at 11:00am ET 

Speaking


Table host

Brian Balthazar

President

HGTV, DIY Network & Great American Country

divider

Table host

Sierra Cowan

Director

CNN

divider

Table host

Melinda Toporoff

Co-Executive Producer & Writer, Kids' Media & Education

History

divider

Table host

Joseph Boyle

SVP, Production & Development

Discovery Channel

divider

Table host

John Miller-Monzon

Director, Development & Production

CMT

divider

Table host

Erica Winograd

VP, West Coast Development

Refinery29

divider

Table host

Deb Puchalla

SVP, Digital Programming & Video

Scripps Networks Interactive

divider

11:30 AM
30 Minutes With: Ben Relles, YouTube Originals
Main House
11:30 AM-12:00 PM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Ben Relles

Content Strategy - Office of Reid Hoffman

YouTube Originals

divider

30 Minutes With: Tim Krubsack, Z Living
The Study
11:30 AM-12:00 PM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Tim Krubsack

Executive Producer

Z Living

divider

12:15 PM
Lunch (Starlight Ballroom + Garden)
12:15 PM-1:45 PM
12:30 PM
Luncheon Roundtables
Bungalow Patio (The Deck)
12:30 PM-1:45 PM

You have the option over lunch to sign up for a luncheon roundtable hosted by select network executives. Luncheon Roundtables are an informal affair and a chance for producers to learn a little more about programming needs of  broadcasters who may meet the producer that will deliver their next big hit. These are NOT pitch sessions – just a fantastic networking opportunity. Arrive at the session 15 minutes before start time and check in with the room monitor.
 
*Advance sign up is required - One (1) Luncheon Roundtable spot can be reserved at sign-up time.
Sign ups open Wednesday, May 10th at 11:00am ET 

Speaking


Table host

David Schiff

Head, Game/Format Think Tank

GSN

divider

Table host

Stephanie Steele

SVP, Current Production

Oxygen Media

divider

Table host

D'Angela Proctor

Owner/Founder

TV One

divider

Table host

Joseph Ferraro

VP, Development

Bravo Media

divider

Table host

Rob Swartz

SVP, Development & Production

REELZ Channel

divider

Table host

Loren Ruch

Group SVP, Production & Development

HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country

divider

Table host

Tracey Lentz

Head, Unscripted Development

Amazon Studios

divider

Table host

James Bolosh

President & Partner

FYI

divider

1:45 PM
Big Ideas and Breakthroughs
Wedgewood Ballroom
1:45 PM-2:45 PM

In unscripted television, originality and creativity still make a difference when it comes to cutting through the clutter. This session will highlight several of the most original and creative programs to air over the past year, with those behind the scenes detailing the development and greenlight processes for each, while sharing how they found the twist that made each show the success it is. You'll also learn about the trends and sub-genres emerging from these successes, and how they might impact the programming of the immediate future.

Speaking


Melanie Leach

CEO

Twofour Group

divider

Dan Cesareo

Founder & President

Big Fish Entertainment

divider

Elaine Frontain Bryant

EVP, Head of Programming

A&E

divider

Simon Andreae

CEO Fremantle UK

Naked Entertainment

divider

Robert Smith

Director, Unscripted T

Endemol Shine North America

divider

2:00 PM
Meet a Mentor: Lauren Lexton, Authentic Entertainment (2:00 - 2:45)
Ocean I & II
2:00 PM-2:45 PM

Join Authentic Entertainment's Lauren Lexton as she speaks to her experiences in "Keeping it Real," and how to help your stories and characters remain true through the development and producing process.

The "Meet a Mentor" series is designed to give delegates rare access to the top producers in non-fiction and unscripted programming. Much like the Summit’s trademark "30 Minutes With…" series, delegates attending "Meet a Mentor" sessions will be able to glean valuable information in an intimate, "off the record" setting, and hear from A-list producers about topics that can help them in their career. 

 

*Advance sign up is required - A total of (2) Meet a Mentor spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

Sign ups open Wednesday, May 17th at 11:00am ET 

Speaking


Lauren Lexton

Co-Founder & CEO

Authentic Entertainment

divider

30 Minutes With: Jason Sarlanis, TLC
Main House
2:00 PM-2:30 PM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Jason Sarlanis

President, Crime & Investigation Content, Linear and Streaming

TLC

divider

30 Minutes With: Steve Woolf, go90
The Study
2:00 PM-2:30 PM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Steve Woolf

Head of Programming, OTT Video

go90

divider

2:45 PM
Networking Coffee Break
2:45 PM-3:00 PM
3:00 PM
Keynote Conversation: Mike Darnell, Warner Bros.
Wedgewood Ballroom
3:00 PM-4:00 PM

As president of unscripted and alternative television at Warner Bros., Darnell runs three Warner Bros. companies — Warner Horizon Unscripted Television, Telepictures Productions and Shed Media — and currently oversees more than 35 series in broadcast, cable and syndication. Darnell’s division produces such primetime hits as Little Big Shots starring Steve Harvey (NBC), plus the upcoming spin-off Little Big Shots: Forever Young; the top unscripted series, The Voice (NBC); the longest-running relationship franchise with The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise (ABC); and First Dates (NBC). In addition, Darnell’s division is producing the primetime revival of Love Connection on FOX, hosted by Andy Cohen, as well as NBC’s upcoming Genius Junior, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, and the Ellen DeGeneres–hosted Ellen’s Game of Games, among others.

Before Warner Bros., Darnell cemented his status as one of the most influential executives in television history through his 19-year career at Fox Broadcasting Company, where, as president of alternative programming for the network, he was responsible for hundreds of series and specials, including Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, So You Think You Can Dance, Kitchen Nightmares, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, Temptation Island, The Simple Life, Joe Millionaire, Family Guy and, of course, the mega-hit American Idol.

In this special keynote conversation, Darnell will be joined by longtime friend and fellow unscripted television veteran Mark Itkin. Over the course of a 34-year career, the veteran WME agent whom Darnell regards as “simply the best in the business,” packaged such staples as The Real World, Project Runway, Deal or No Deal and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and was also a trailblazing force when it came to bringing international formats such as Big Brother and Hell’s Kitchen to the U.S. After retiring from the agency business in 2015, Itkin recently announced that he is joining the board of Santa Monica-based streaming television company TV4 as a senior advisor.

Speaking


Mike Darnell

President, Unscripted and Alternative Television

Warner Bros

divider

Interviewer

Mark Itkin

CEO

divider

4:00 PM
2017 Realscreen Awards + Cocktail Reception (Front Drive)
4:00 PM-6:30 PM

Thursday, June 8


8:00 AM
Registration (8:00 - 4:00)
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Delegates' Lounge (8:00 - 4:00)
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
Continental Breakfast (Starlight Ballroom)
8:00 AM-10:00 AM
10:00 AM
Diversity: The Bigger Picture
Wedgewood Ballroom
10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Some of the biggest shows on TV today, both unscripted and scripted, feature diverse casts and stories that connect with diverse audiences. In order to craft authentic TV about and for the real world, diverse talent is needed at the executive level. Here, you'll meet execs who are shaping TV schedules - and culture - with diversity as a priority. What more can be done to ensure that there is more diverse talent behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera?

Speaking


Jonathan Sinclair

EVP, Programing & Development

OWN Oprah Winfrey Network

divider

Rachel Tung

VP, Development

MTV + VH1

divider

D'Angela Proctor

Owner/Founder

TV One

divider

Carlos King

Executive Producer, Founder

Kingdom Reign Entertainment

divider

Adam Reed

CEO

Thinkfactory Media

divider

11:00 AM
Networking Coffee Break
11:00 AM-11:15 AM
11:15 AM
Trendwatch: Lighten Up!
Wedgewood Ballroom
11:15 AM-12:15 PM

Television has always been about escapism - after a long day, there is no better tonic than to watch your favorite programs and forget your troubles for a while. And when it comes to preferred programming to escape with, light entertainment - ranging from comedy to variety to game formats - is enjoying a resurgence. Here, you'll hear from producers and network executives behind some of the top unscripted comedy and light entertainment titles about how to craft clever and comedic content, when and how to attach talent, and what works for the demo you're targeting.


Speaking


Chachi Senior

Head of Development

Paramount Network

divider

Courtney White

President

Travel Channel, Food Network & Cooking Channel

divider

Mike Duffy

Co-Bro

Ugly Brother Studios

divider

Charlie DeBevoise

CEO

NorthSouth Productions

divider

Bob Boden

EVP, Production & Development

Entertainment Studios

divider

Pitching Partners
Wilshire I & II
11:15 AM-12:15 PM

Much like our signature Speed Pitching sessions, production execs, each at their own table, will take one-on-one three-minute pitches from potential production partners. Slots are limited, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

*Advance sign up is required - A total of one (1) pitching spot can be reserved.

Sign ups open Wednesday, May 24th at 11:00am ET.

Speaking


Table host

Eli Holzman

Ceo IPC Corp & President Sony Nonfiction Television

The Intellectual Property Corporation

divider

Table host

Adam Reed

CEO

Thinkfactory Media

divider

Table host

Bruce Robertson

Head of Creative Strategy & Development

Lucky 8 TV

divider

Table host

Cynthia Stockhammer

EP

Critical Content

divider

Table host

B.J. Levin

EVP, Non-Fiction Content

Wilshire Studios

divider

Table host

Tara Long

President, Global Unscripted Television

Entertainment One Television

divider

Table host

Brett-Patrick Jenkins

Executive Producer & Creator

Propagate Content

divider

Table host

Joe Weinstock

CEO

Leftfield Pictures

divider

11:30 AM
30 Minutes With: Amy Savitsky, A&E
Main House
11:30 AM-12:00 PM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Amy Savitsky

SVP, Programming

A&E

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30 Minutes With: Wayne Sampson, Syfy & USA Network
The Study
11:30 AM-12:00 PM

These intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe. No advance sign-up required. We’ll fill space on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity. NOTE: inclusion in your personal agenda does not guarantee a spot in these sessions, so show up early!

Speaking


Wayne Sampson

Co-Head Rooster Teeth Studios

Syfy/USA Network

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12:15 PM
Lunch (Starlight Ballroom)
12:15 PM-1:45 PM
12:30 PM
Luncheon Roundtables
Bungalow Patio (The Deck)
12:30 PM-1:45 PM

You have the option over lunch to sign up for a luncheon roundtable hosted by select network executives. Luncheon Roundtables are an informal affair and a chance for producers to learn a little more about programming needs of  broadcasters who may meet the producer that will deliver their next big hit. These are NOT pitch sessions – just a fantastic networking opportunity. Arrive at the session 15 minutes before start time and check in with the room monitor.
 
*Advance sign up is required - One (1) Luncheon Roundtable spot can be reserved at sign-up time.

Sign ups open Wednesday, May 10th at 11:00am ET 

Speaking


Table host

Benjamin Monie

Director of Unscripted Original Content

Studio71

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Table host

Timothy Kuryak

Executive Producer

UP TV

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Table host

Angela Molloy

SVP, Development & Original Production AllBlk/WEtv, Unscripted

WE TV

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Table host

Chanel Pysnik

Head of Unscripted

CNN

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Melinda Toporoff

Co-Executive Producer & Writer, Kids' Media & Education

History

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Table host

Endyia Kinney-Sterns

CEO & President

BET Networks

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Table host

Michael Dugan

VP, Original Content

Fuse Media

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1:45 PM
Unscripted International
Wedgewood Ballroom
1:45 PM-2:45 PM

Selling content internationally is an attractive and potentially lucrative endeavor, and a successful global format is still the Holy Grail for content creators and buyers alike. So where are the new ones, and what are the genres and trends behind the programs that are traveling well now? This session will unpack the vital ingredients needed to take your great idea around the world, and examine the creative and business climates currently impacting the global formats business.


Speaking


Sally Habbershaw

EVP, Americas

all3media International

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Maria Armstrong

CEO & Executive Producer

Big Coat Productions

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David Eilenberg

Vice President and Head of Content

ITV Entertainment

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Jane Millichip

Chief Executive Officer, BAFTA

Sky Vision

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2:00 PM
Meet a Mentor: Stephanie Drachkovitch, 44 Blue (2:00 - 2:45)
Ocean I & II
2:00 PM-2:45 PM

Join 44 Blue’s President and Co-Founder, Stephanie Drachkovitch, as she discusses the difference between a good idea and great one, the power of curiosity, the importance of details, and the significance of starting with “why."

The "Meet a Mentor" series is designed to give delegates rare access to the top producers in non-fiction and unscripted programming. Much like the Summit’s trademark "30 Minutes With…" series, delegates attending "Meet a Mentor" sessions will be able to glean valuable information in an intimate, "off the record" setting, and hear from A-list producers about topics that can help them in their career. 

 

*Advance sign up is required - A total of (2) Meet a Mentor spots can be reserved at sign-up time.

Sign ups open Wednesday, May 17th at 11:00am ET 

Speaking


Stephanie Drachkovitch

Co-CEO & Co-Founder

44 Blue Productions

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2:45 PM
Networking Coffee Break
2:45 PM-3:00 PM
3:00 PM
Opportunity 2018
Wedgewood Ballroom
3:00 PM-4:00 PM

Change is the only constant, and in the television business this is consistently apparent. What are the changes that some of the best in the business are anticipating, and how will they turn them into opportunities? What are the uncharted territories that are ripe for exploration? This session will inspire, inform and entertain as top producers, buyers and stakeholders in the unscripted TV industry share their thoughts on where real opportunity lies in the immediate future.


Speaking


D'Angela Proctor

Owner/Founder

TV One

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Natalka Znak

President

Znak&Co

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Ari Mark

Co-Founder

AMPLE

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Phil Fairclough

Executive Producer

Earth Touch USA

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Nick Catliff

Managing Director & Co-Founder

Lion Television

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Amber Mazzola

CEO, Founder & Executive Producer

Machete Productions

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Scott Feeley

President

High Noon Entertainment

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Fenton Bailey

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

World of Wonder

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Eric Schotz

CEO

Anvil 1893

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Mary Donahue

SVP, Development & Programming

Lifetime Television

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4:00 PM
Closing Cocktail (Sunset Terrace + Garden)
4:00 PM-5:00 PM

Special musical guest Meghan Linsey (Season 8, The Voice) will perform live, accompanied by renowned producer and musician Tyler Cain.