Speakers
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As VP of original content for Fuse Media, Rene Aguirre plays an integral role in the development and production of original series for the independently owned multiplatform media company and it’s Fuse, FM and digital properties. This includes a slate that features nine new series along with returning programming, Fluffy’s Food Adventures and Big Freedia Bounces...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Simon Andreae is the founder and CEO of Naked Entertainment, set up in 2015 to produce non-fiction formats for television and other platforms. Its first slate of series includes 100% Hotter for 5Star, Celebrity 100% Hotter for Channel 5, The Week We Went Wild for Channel 5, Threesome Dating for...show more
Speaking on: Big Ideas and Breakthroughs
Maria Armstrong is CEO and Executive Producer at Big Coat Media. Prior to Big Coat, Maria was Director of Original Productions for W Network at Corus Entertainment, where she established a strong independent production department, and was responsible for all original productions for the network. Maria has over 40 years...show more
Speaking on: Unscripted International
Joshua Asen serves as Director of Development & Production for Science Channel. He has been involved with the development of Mythbusters competition spinoff, Mythbusters: the Search, as well as the network’s recently-announced prank show with Johnny Galecki, SciJinks (w/t), and their first crime-related series, Outlaw Tech. Asen previously served as...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Fenton Bailey is co-founder of the innovative and Emmy® Award winning production company, World of Wonder Productions.
Fenton – together with business partner Randy Barbato - has also produced and directed award-winning films and documentaries such as Mapplethorpe: Look At The Pictures, Inside Deep Throat, Wishful Drinking, Monica in Black and...show more
Speaking on: Opportunity 2018
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: Speed Pitching Three
Thom Beers is a 3-time Emmy award-winning television producer, industry veteran and creative visionary. He has an impressive resume of hit television series. As CEO and Executive Producer of Original Productions (OP) he was the driving force behind and creator of the Primetime Emmy® and Producer’s Guild of America Award-winning...show more
Speaking on: Let's Make a (New) Deal
Gary R. Benz is President and CEO of GRB Entertainment, a pioneering production and international distribution company, which he established in 1986. As an entrepreneur and seasoned leader of unscripted television programming, Benz has created and produced more than 3,000 hours of broadcast, cable and syndicated programming including live events,...show more
Speaking on: Diversifying Your Portfolio
EMMY Nominee Bob Boden's career in all forms of non-fiction and unscripted / alternative TV programming has included senior management and production functions for a variety of television studios, networks, and production companies. He is frequently acknowledged as an industry leader in the game and reality genres.
Bob is currently Executive...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Lighten Up!
James Bolosh is currently VP, 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, Food Porn and more.
Prior to joining FYI, Bolosh helped launch CNBC’s primetime alternative block of programming and...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Ted Bookstaver was named Lionsgate Senior Vice President of Alternative Programming Sales in 2016. He is responsible for licensing the Company’s growing slate of unscripted programming to broadcast, cable and digital platforms around the world.
Mr. Bookstaver recently helped negotiate format deals for Matt Kunitz’s survival competition series Kicking & Screaming...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
Joseph Boyle is VP, 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 Catch.
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Lauren Celinski ss Vice President, Unscripted Development and Programming for Lifetime, currently overseeing Growing Up Supermodel, Little Women: Dallas, Little Women: Atlanta and Little Women Atlanta: Monie Get Married. Celinski joined Lifetime in March 2017.
Based in Los Angeles, Celinski is charged with developing and overseeing non-fiction projects for the network. Prior to...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Dan Cesareo is founder and president of Big Fish Entertainment, one of the boldest independent producers of unscripted content, overseeing all facets of production and development for the company. Cesareo launched Big Fish in 2006, and has since produced more than 400 hours of programming for such networks as VH1,...show more
Speaking on: Big Ideas and Breakthroughs
Todd Christopher launched his entertainment career as an agent trainee in the William Morris Agency mailroom following graduation from Princeton University in 2000, then moving to the Gersh Agency in 2003. Currently, Todd heads and oversees the Alternative Packaging Department, a division that he created which includes under its purview...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
Sierra Cowan is the Manager of Program Development at CNN and HLN. She is responsible for cultivating relationships within the creative community and working with production companies, agencies, and potential talent to develop content for CNN and HLN from initial concept to series order.
Before coming to CNN, Sierra was part...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Jenny Daly is President of T Group Productions.
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), Ozzy and Jack’s World Detour (History), Return of...show more
Speaking on: Diversifying Your Portfolio
One of the most highly regarded and influential figures in the history of reality TV programming, Mike Darnell serves as President of Warner Bros. Unscripted & Alternative Television. He joined the Studio in August 2013 and reports to Peter Roth, President and Chief Content Officer, Warner Bros. Television Group.
In this...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Mike Darnell, Warner Bros.
Charlie DeBevoise launched NorthSouth Productions 16 years ago with a mini series for Travel on the South Beach's party scene. That pretty much set the tone for the NYC-based company which has evolved into one of the largest and most respected non-scripted players in the country. His hit comedy series...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Lighten Up!
As Senior Vice President, Original Programming and Series Development for E!, Dogan is responsible for the development of series and specials for the global pop culture network. Dogan oversees on-air franchises, collaborates with the outside creative community, and forges key relationships within the entertainment industry on behalf of the network.
In...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Damla Dogan, E! Entertainment
Former studio executive Stephanie is the leading force behind 44 Blue’s dynamic slate of programming. During stints as Senior Vice President of Development for Warner Bros.Telepictures, and Disney’s Buena Vista TV unit, Stephanie developed for syndication Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and broadcast primetime The Bachelor. Her experience has...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Stephanie Drachkovitch, 44 Blue (2:00 - 2:45)
Denise Draper is an agent in ICM Partners’ International Television and Media Department in the Los Angeles office. She represents production companies, showrunners and talent in the non-scripted/documentary space.
Before joining ICM, Draper was an agent at Rebel Entertainment Partners, Inc. Draper graduated from the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
Mike Duffy is an Emmy-winning co-founder of Ugly Brother Studios, a production company based in Los Angeles.
In collaboration with his twin brother Tim, Ugly Brother creates and produces unscripted formats, comedy formats and documentary series including the two-time Emmy winning series Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse on Amazon, The Comedy Jam on...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Lighten Up!
With over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Michael Dugan serves as VP of Original Content for Fuse Media, a multiplatform media brand reflecting the wide-ranging tastes and attitudes of the fast-growing, Latino and multicultural 18-34 audience. Dugan is responsible for overseeing all linear programing and development for Fuse...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Amy Emmerich is the chief content officer at Refinery29, the leading digital media company for women with an audience footprint of over 500 million across all platforms. She has more than 20 years of experience developing content and programming for brands including Refinery29, MTV Networks, Travel Channel, and Vice Media....show more
Speaking on: Amping Up Unscripted: New Buyers Showcase
Scott Feeley is SVP of Programming for High Noon Entertainment.
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...show more
Speaking on: Opportunity 2018
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: 30 Minutes With: John Feld, HGTV, DIY Network & Great American Country
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 Rachel Smith, 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
Elaine Frontain Bryant is Executive Vice President and Head of Programming at A&E Network, a position she has held since March 2015. She manages the A&E programming team and is responsible for overseeing the development, creation and execution of all programming for the network. She is also charged with integrating...show more
Speaking on: Big Ideas and Breakthroughs
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.
Since taking...show more
Speaking on: Diversifying Your Portfolio
Jennifer joined TLC in October 2014. As Director of Development, she creates and conceptualizes series,specials and programming initiatives for the network. Since joining TLC, Jennifer has brought in a varietyof new series, including hit show Outdaughtered and upcoming series Meet the Putmans and The Healer.
Prior to her current position, Jennifer...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Sean Gottlieb is Executive Producer for A&E, where he oversees development and production of non-fiction programming for the network. He joined A&E in April 2014.
A seasoned producer with over 20 years’ experience, Gottlieb developed and is Executive Producer of Live PD, the new hit series that airs live from 9pm-12am...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Abby Greensfelder is Co-CEO and Executive Producer at Half Yard Productions. With business partner, Sean Gallagher, Greensfelder’s passion for compelling television, unforgettable storytelling and her interest in social anthropology spurred her to start independent production company Half Yard Productions in 2006. Since inception, Half Yard has made hit series for...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: All Access Unscripted
Jared Heinke is Head of Digital at Whalerock Industries, a media and technology company based in West Hollywood, California. In this position he oversees all digital and technology aspects of the company and leads a team of over 100 people.
In February 2015, he and his team...show more
Speaking on: Diversifying Your Portfolio
Mioshi Hill is Vice President of Non-Fiction Programming for Lifetime, joining the network in December 2015. Hill managed the series, Vivica’s Black Magic and is currently overseeing Model Moms (working title) with Yolanda Hadid and Little Women: LA.
Prior to joining Lifetime, Hill was Senior Vice President of Development and Creative Affairs at...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Mioshi Hill, Lifetime
Eli Holzman
Ceo IPC Corp & President Sony Nonfiction Television
The Intellectual Property Corporation
Eli Holzman is the founder and CEO of The Intellectual Property Corporation. IPC launched in January 2016 and its inaugural series, A&E’s Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, was the highest rated cable premier of 2016. IPC has a diverse slate of series, pilots and projects in the works across broadcast, cable and...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
Lilla Hurst set up DRIVE with Ben Barrett in 2013 as an agency specialising in pre-sale & co-production finance for factual and scripted programming.
The team went on to launch their distribution business in 2016 and are now an 8 strong team with exemplary relationships in both co-production and finished programme
...show moreSpeaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
Philip Irven is the Senior Vice President for non-scripted programming at Rebel Entertainment Partners, Inc. He represents on-air talent, production companies, executive producers, and directors for talk, game, and reality television. In addition to servicing Rebel’s clients, Philip also sold and packaged shows for networks, cable, and syndicated television. His...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
Mark Itkin graduated Summa cum Laude & Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA and followed it with a JD from Boalt Hall, UC Berkeley. Mark was an associate in the music department of the law firm of Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp, and joined the William Morris Agency in 1982, to become...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Mike Darnell, Warner Bros.
Veteran television and media producer, Patrick Jager is CEO of CORE Innovation Group, a strategic content firm supporting the content and brand growth of both media and Fortune 500 clients. CORE-ig broadens the reach of content development well past linear TV, but also focuses on social, digital, branded and other distribution...show more
Speaking on: Diversifying Your Portfolio
Brett-Patrick Jenkins is a Critic’s Choice award winning producer and television executive based in Los Angeles, and the Head of Development at Propagate Content. After studying art at the University of Texas at Austin, Brett-Patrick joined Rick Baker’s Cinovation Studios and contributed to films including Hell Boy and The Haunted...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
Carlos King is one of the most sought after executive producers in reality television. With over ten years under his production belt, Carlos has quickly created a niche for himself in the docu-soap arena. He has produced high-profile programs such as Real Housewives of Atlanta Seasons 1-4 & 6-9, Season 25:...show more
Speaking on: Diversity: The Bigger Picture
Endyia Kinney-Sterns is an accomplished television producer and network executive with over 20 years of entertainment television experience. Named one of the “Top Female Executives in Hollywood” by Essence Magazine, Kinney-Sterns has been instrumental in identifying and developing various new programming for various networks.
Most recently as Vice President of...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Ivana Kirkbride is currently the Chief Content Officer for go90 where she oversees both creator relations, content acquisition, partner management and business development. Ivana is responsible for go90’s content strategy, development & programming, channel mix, editorial and merchandising strategy across live sports, originals, primetime and best-of-the-web. Previously, Ivana was the...show more
Speaking on: Amping Up Unscripted: New Buyers Showcase
Kyle Komen is an Agent in the Alternative & Factual Programming department at APA, one of the largest diversified talent agencies in the industry with offices in Beverly Hills, Nashville, Atlanta, New York and London. A market leader, APA’s AFP department represents the creative and business interests of award-winning production companies, producers, directors,...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
Tim Krubsack is executive vice president and head of programming at Z Living, a world-leading cable network offering health entertainment programming that caters to viewers’ rising focus and fascination with living well. Krubsack oversees all original programming, development, scheduling and acquisitions for the network.
A seasoned programmer and innovator of unscripted...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Tim Krubsack, Z Living
As an Emmy-nominated television executive, Timothy Kuryak has developed, produced and overseen thousands of hours of programming for both broadcast and cable networks here in the United States and abroad.
Currently, Timothy serves as the SVP of Production & Development for UPtv, where he oversees all unscripted development and current programming,...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
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: Big Ideas and Breakthroughs
Howard Lee
President and Head, Content, TLC and Discovery and Chief Creative Officer, U.S. Networks
Discovery Communications
Howard Lee is the Executive Vice President, Development & Production for TLC. In 2015, Lee’s role expanded to General Manager of Discovery Life in addition to overseeing TLC’s entire development and programming slate, originating from the Los Angeles, New York and Silver Spring, MD offices. A Discovery veteran, he joined...show more
Speaking on: Let's Make a (New) Deal
Andreas Leoms is VP Acquisitions & Sales, North America, for Banijay Rights, overseeing all finished programme and format sales and co-productions into North America, as well as acquiring content from North American producers for distribution worldwide. Previous roles have included Acquisitions roles at Virgin Media and A&E channels in the...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
Steven Lerner
SVP, Programming & Development
HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Travel Channel and Great American Country
Steven Lerner is the Senior Vice president of Programming for Scripps Networks Interactive’s brands – HGTV, DIY Network, Travel Channel 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...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
B.J. Levin is Senior Vice President, Development, Wilshire Studios. He oversees all development and sales of original, non-scripted programming for the studio and reports to Dawn Olmstead, EVP of Development, Universal Cable Productions and Wilshire Studios. He joined NBCUniversal in June 2016.
Levin is a two-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
Jay Levine is Executive Vice President, Warner Bros. Digital Networks Group (WBDNG). Founded in June 2016, Warner Bros. Digital Networks Group is charged with aggressively creating and building OTT services, producing digital native content, growing Warner Bros.’ direct-to-consumer capabilities and building a digital-first team at the Studio. As part of...show more
Speaking on: Amping Up Unscripted: New Buyers Showcase
Lauren Lexton co-founded Authentic Entertainment in 2000. An Emmy-Award winning producer, Lexton leads the company as CEO, while also serving as an executive producer on all productions. Over the course of the company’s history, Lexton worked on thousands of hours of programming that spans more than 80 shows for over...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Lauren Lexton, Authentic Entertainment (2:00 - 2:45)
Since launching eOne's U.S. Reality division in 2012, Tara Long has rapidly expanded the division’s scope, having developed and produced an impressive slate of programs, which include, but not limited to, Growing Up Hip Hop now in season 3 on WeTV, which has now franchised out to Growing Up Hip...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
Miles Lozano is an Agent in the Alternative Programming, Licensing and Digital Media Department at Abrams Artists Agency representing talent and producers from such shows as National Geographic’s Wicked Tuna, Discovery’s Edge of Alaska and Misfit Garage, Animal Planet’s My Fat Pet, Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures, CBS’ The Doctors, and...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
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 as its president in 2015, Lyle served as CEO of National Geographic Channels; president of Fox LOOK, a business unit...show more
Two years ago, Mark formed AMPLE with seasoned showrunner Phil Lott (The Pitch, Undercover Boss, Locked up Abroad, Mayday Bering Sea) with a vision to create content that’s surprising, smart, and is committed to what’s next. In that short time, AMPLE has delivered on that vision as one of the...show more
Speaking on: Opportunity 2018
Amber Mazzola is the Chief Executive Officer, Founder and Executive Producer of Machete Productions, a full service unscripted production company which she established in 2011. In an industry that is predominately run by men, her company is one of the few reality companies that is headed up by a woman.
Machete...show more
Speaking on: Opportunity 2018
Emmy-nominated programming executive, Gena McCarthy, is the Executive Vice President of Programming and Development for FYI. In her role, McCarthy developed and formatted original global format hits Seven Year Switch and Bride and Prejudice, docu-series Married at First Sight and Married at First Sight: Second Chances, Tiny House Nation, Zombie...show more
Speaking on: Let's Make a (New) Deal
Winona Meringolo is the Vice President of Development for Investigation Discovery and American Heroes Channel. ID is the preeminent true crime destination; delivering over 650 premiere hours a year of mystery and suspense programming that fully immerses and engages audiences. Winona plays a critical role developing original content for the...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
John Miller-Monzon is a veteran producer and creative executive for film & tv, and currently the director of development for Viacom’s CMT network where he develops and exec produces unscripted series & long-form documentaries.
After launching his freelance producing career with Comedy Central's cult sitcom, Strangers With Candy, Miller-Monzon’s first notable...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Shawn Moffatt is COO and Managing Partner of Go To Team, an elite group of Staff camera crews built to shoot high-end content for major networks, production companies, agencies and brands across the US. Their list of clients is a who’s who of traditional linear broadcast outlets to cutting-edge digital...show more
Speaking on: Diversifying Your Portfolio
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 WE tv series L.A. Hair among others.
Prior to WE...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Ben Monié is the Director of Unscripted Original Content for the premium digital studio Studio71, the company behind hits like Epic Meal Time and Rhett & Link. Currently, Studio71 is engaged in the unscripted space with both traditional and digital networks including TruTV, GSN, Facebook, YouTube Red, CW Seed and...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Brent Montgomery is CEO of ITV America, with oversight of ITV’s US portfolio, including Leftfield Pictures, ITV Entertainment, Sirens Media, Loud TV, Outpost Entertainment, Thinkfactory Media, High Noon Entertainment, DiGa, Gurney Productions, Red Bandit Media and Kingdom Reign. As the largest independent producer of non-scripted content in the US, ITV...show more
Speaking on: Let's Make a (New) Deal
Patrick Moses helped Viceland to launch their new channel, Executive Producing Noisey, Cyberwar, The Therapist, Emmy nominated Gaycation and top rated Black Market with Michael K. Williams. He is also overseeing Viceland’s first all-original Snapchat series Hungry Hearts With Action Bronson. He is developing new series with third party production...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Widely credited with helping to usher in the modern reality television genre with his late partner Mary-Ellis Bunim, Jonathan Murray continues to inspire, influence and entertain television audiences worldwide. Since the launch of The Real World on MTV in 1992, Murray has created and executive produced some of the industry’s most...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Jonathan Murray, Bunim/Murray Productions
Sydni Naglie oversees North American unscripted Acquisitions at Entertainment One (eOne), based in the Company’s Toronto office. There, Sydni is responsible for acquiring unscripted content for television distribution to all media outlets around the world. Sydni joined eOne 4 years ago with several years of television production and distribution administrative...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
A TV enthusiast and expert, O'Connell has chronicled the medium's evolution since joining The Hollywood Reporter in 2011. His purview at the ASME-winning magazine includes ratings, alternative programming, awards coverage, celebrity profile and many areas in between. He seldom tweets, and his parents think he is criminally underrated.
Speaking on: Let's Make a (New) Deal
Nicole Page is a Partner at Reavis Parent Lehrer LLP and specializes in entertainment, intellectual property and employment law (www.rpllaw.com). Nicole works with film and television producers in connection with issues ranging from financing, rights acquisition, production and talent agreements, exploitation of ancillary rights, content licensing, fair use...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: All Access Unscripted
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: Trendwatch: All Access Unscripted
Babette Perry graduated from UCLA as a Communications Major. She was the head of Broadcasting at ICM for many years before leaving to run the west coast Broadcasting division at IMG. Perry is now the head of Alternative/broadcasting and a Partner at Innovative Artists. She specializes in representing entertainment hosts,...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
D’Angela Proctor is TV One’s SVP of Original Programming & Production. In this role, she provides strategic direction for all original programming and oversees all development and current production for the network.
Since joining TV One in 2014, Proctor launched the country’s first and only daily news program dedicated to the...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables; Opportunity 2018; Diversity: The Bigger Picture
Deb Puchalla
SVP, Digital Programming & Video, Food Network, TLC & Discovery
Scripps Networks Interactive
Bio Coming Soon...
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Chris Rantamaki is Discovery Channel’s Senior Vice President of Production and Development. Based in Los Angeles, Rantamaki oversees the east and west coast teams responsible for the network’s non-fiction slate, which includes such hits as Gold Rush, Deadliest Catch, Fast n’ Loud, Naked and Afraid and Killing Fields, among others. Currently, Discovery is...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Chris Rantamaki, Discovery Channel
Ross Raphael is an agent in the Non-Scripted Television department at WME. Ross represents an accomplished roster of production companies including Blackfin (I Am Homicide), Cakehouse Media (Cooks vs. Cons), Duffkat Media (Lara Spencer), Eureka (The Voice Australia), High Noon Entertainment (Fixer Upper), Keller/Noll (Chopped), and Part2 Pictures (This is...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
Adam Reed has been collaborating with Thinkfactory Media Founder & CEO, Leslie Greif, since 2004 and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production for Thinkfactory Media including both creative and business development, along with day-to-day production across all series. Reed has been instrumental in transitioning the company into a thriving...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners; Diversity: The Bigger Picture
Scott Reich is the Senior Vice President, Programming for Fullscreen. Based in Los Angeles, Reich oversees the development and execution of Fullscreen programming including the development of scripted and unscripted projects and content acquisition for the company’s subscription video on demand service. Since joining the company in July 2016, Reich...show more
Speaking on: Amping Up Unscripted: New Buyers Showcase
Ben Relles is Head of Unscripted Programming for YouTube Originals. In this role, Ben oversees development of new shows from some of YouTube's top talent, including YouTube Red Originals from PewDiePie, Buzzfeed and Rhett & Link. Prior to joining the YouTube Originals team, Ben served as Global Head of Creative...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Ben Relles, YouTube Originals
As Vice President, Development, Oxygen Media, Benny Reuven is charged with continuing to develop lifestyle programming that speaks to the passions and interests of the network’s young, multicultural female audience. Based in Los Angeles, Reuven reports to Cori Abraham, Senior Vice President of Development & International, Oxygen Media.
Reuven joined Oxygen...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
As Head of Unscripted Programming for Amazon Prime Video, Conrad Riggs is leading a global business to deliver Prime members world-class content that matches the high-caliber of the award-winning original programming that has built Amazon’s Prime Video service.
Based at Amazon Studios headquarters in Los Angeles, Riggs and his team...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Conrad Riggs, Amazon Prime Video
Bruce Robertson is executive vice president of creative strategy at Lucky 8 TV, overseeing development and creative direction at the production company, and working with its partners to support the creative culture of the business as it continues to grow. Robertson manages the company’s development team in New York while...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
Gillian Rose is Senior Vice President, US Sales and Acquisitions, for Sky Vision, the wholly owned production and distribution business of Sky (UK). She joined the company recently and is based in New York. Prior to this she was Managing Director, PBS Distribution, the commercial arm of PBS and WGBH...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
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 Property Brothers, Brother vs Brother, My Lottery Dream Home, Restored, White House Christmas and all of the sweepstakes-related home...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Aaron Saidman
Co-President, Sony Pictures Television Non Fiction
The Intellectual Property Corporation
IPC launched in January 2016 and soon thereafter went into production on its inaugural series, A&E’s Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. Saidman executive produced the show, which was the highest rated cable premiere of 2016. As President of the company, Saidman oversees IPC’s diverse slate of series, pilots and projects...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: All Access Unscripted
SallyAnn Salsano is the Founder, Executive Producer and CEO of the bona fide hit factory, 495 Productions. They boast one of the most diverse, entertaining and commercially successful rosters of reality programming on television, with hit series spanning multiple networks.
Since its inception in 2007, Salsano has been the creative force...show more
Speaking on: Let's Make a (New) Deal
Wayne Sampson serves as Vice President of Programming & Development for USA Network & Syfy and is based in Los Angeles. He is responsible for bringing new series and specials to USA/ Syfy while supervising the development and production of concepts to green light. His latest series launches include Cosplay...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Wayne Sampson, Syfy & USA Network
Jason Sarlanis joined TLC in December 2016 as Senior Vice President, Development. Based out of the Los Angeles office, Sarlanis oversees development teams on both coasts and reports directly to Howard Lee, EVP Development and Production, TLC.
Sarlanis joined the network from ABC where he was charged with leading development and...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Jason Sarlanis, TLC
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 female viewership across a wide variety of genres and competition formats.
Schiff helped develop and launch GSN's newest...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Michael Schneider is the Executive Editor for Indiewire, Editor-At- Large for Variety
and a contributor to Los Angeles public radio station KCRW, where he hosts The Spin-
Off, a podcast about the TV industry, and contributes to The Business. Prior to that, he
was the Chief Content Officer for TV Guide Magazine, where...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Conrad Riggs, Amazon Prime Video
Eric Schotz, president and CEO of production company Anvil 1893, is a nine-time Emmy-award winner whose innovative style and creativity has established him as one of the television industry’s foremost producers/directors of non-fiction and reality-based programming.
Schotz launched his new Anvil 1893 shingle in 2016, with credits including the two-hour newsworthy...show more
Speaking on: Opportunity 2018
As Paramount Network's Senior Vice President, Original Series, Chachi Senior leads the network’s non-scripted development team, where he oversees the day-to-day operations of the department responsible for continuing to broaden and expand the network's growing audience with its hit original programming. In addition to the network’s established hits, Ink Master...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Lighten Up!
Jonathan Sinclair currently serves as executive vice president of Programming and Development for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. In this role, Sinclair develops and delivers new and inspirational programming that aligns with Oprah Winfrey’s legacy and expands the first-rate content of the network.
Sinclair first joined Harpo Studios in 1996 as...show more
Speaking on: Diversity: The Bigger Picture
Betsy Slenzak is the Vice President 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 Fashion Police, as well as one of E!’s most recent greenlit series What Happens At The Abbey.
Furthermore, Slenzak helps...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Rob Smith serves as Executive Vice President/Head of Unscripted, Endemol Shine North America, since March 2015.
Smith recently oversaw the production of Endemol Shine’s series Hunted for CBS and he’s leading the company’s efforts with Ryan Seacrest Productions on upcoming series Best.Cover.Ever for YouTube, a revamped Fear Factor for MTV and Superhuman...show more
Speaking on: Big Ideas and Breakthroughs
Adam Steinman served as Vice President, Non-Scripted International Development & Sales from October 2010 until October 2016 and has been Vice President, Creative, Format, Development & Sales at Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP), since November 2016.
In this position, Steinman is charged with overseeing the adaptation, development, and sale of...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
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.
Cynthia 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
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
Kurt Tondorf is Senior Vice President, Development for Animal Planet and Science Channel. Tondorf oversees Animal Planet and Science Channel’s development slate and is responsible for bringing new series and specials to the networks while supervising the development of concepts to green light. Additionally, he identifies writers and talent necessary...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Kurt Tondorf, Animal Planet & Science Channel
Melinda Toporoff is Executive Producer for HISTORY, overseeing development and production of unscripted series and specials for the network. She joined HISTORY in September 2016.
At HISTORY, Toporoff is responsible for the creative oversight of several of the network’s most successful franchises. Her impact was felt immediately when her first series...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables; Speed Pitching Three
Rachel is an MTV veteran and started her career at MTV producing shows such as Fanatic and Biorhythm. Rachel also worked in late night television on Jimmy Kimmel Live, but mostly carved her producing career in non scripted shows such as Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares. She worked as an...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One; Diversity: The Bigger Picture
Knute Walker is an award winning producer, writer and executive bringing 25 years of production and editorial experience to his current role as SVP Production/Executive Producer of Peacock Productions. He directly oversees all aspects of production including budget, editorial and client relations. He is involved in all areas of long-term...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: All Access 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 Two
Courtney White currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Programming for Scripps Networks Interactive’s Travel Channel, Food Network and Cooking Channel. She was given the additional responsibility of overseeing all series development for both Food Network and Cooking Channel in 2017 after serving as Senior Vice President of Programming...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Courtney White, Travel Channel, Food Network & Cooking Channel; Trendwatch: Lighten Up!
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Steve Woolf, go90
Natalka Znak is President for Znak&Co.
With offices in Los Angeles and London, Znak&Co has co-production partnerships with Electus International, A&E, Jenny Daly's T Group Productions, and a development deal with music icon will.i.am. The company has over a dozen projects in production and development with a wide range...show more
Speaking on: Opportunity 2018
Marielle Zuccarelli is Chief Operating Officer of GRB Entertainment, managing the company’s growth and profitability with oversight of program development, international distribution and acquisitions, corporate strategy and business development, including GRB’s branded entertainment division.
She previously served as GRB’s president of international from 2003-2012, leading P&L efforts and running global program...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
