Speakers
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The pioneer of the Israeli formats industry internationally, and the Founder and CEO of Armoza Formats, Avi Armoza is one of Israel's leading film and television producers.
Avi has been working in the television and film business for more than 20 years. He began his tenure at JCS in 1993 when...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Taking on the Tough Stuff; Meet a Mentor: Avi Armoza, Armoza Formats
Joshua Asen serves as Director of Development & Production for Science Channel. He has been instrumental in the development of entertainment-driven series for Science, including Mythbusters Jr., SciJinks with Johnny Galecki, and Battlebots; as well as true-crime series, Outlaw Tech and Deadly Intelligence. Asen previously served as VP of Development...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Deran is VP for development & current for Studio Lambert USA where he has developed and sold several projects across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms.
He previously worked at ICM Partners' Digital Strategy Division and Renegade 83, where he helped develop and sell projects for both broadcast and cable...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Jake Avnet is Chief Operating Officer of Indigenous Media, managing the day-to-day operations of the company and overseeing original content development for digital and emerging platforms as well as marketing, partnerships and distribution strategy. Jake has served as executive producer on such groundbreaking programming as Five Points, an original scripted drama series for Facebook...show more
Speaking on: The Surge of Social Entertainment
Hayley Babcock is a highly respected international television executive with an extensive background in formats, development, production, acquisition and management. She has wide-ranging experience overseeing multiple global franchises, acquiring programming and uniting diverse international partners to work as a cohesive team.
Currently, Ms. Babcock is Head of Formats, International Programming and...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Hayley Babcock, A+E Networks
Matthew Baskharoon is an Agent in the Non-Scripted Television department at WME where he specializes in television packaging and talent representation. He began his career at WME in August 2012 working with on-camera personalities, musicians, athletes, chefs, documentary filmmakers and lifestyle personalities. Some of his clients include: Nas, A$AP Ferg,...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
In the early 1980s, Marco Bassetti started working as executive producer for Mondadori's Rete Quattro, later moving to Mediaset. In 1986, he founded his own production company La Italiana Produzioni, and in 1989, he founded Aran. From 1994 to 1997, he was CEO of Pearson TV Italy. In December 1997,...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Marco Bassetti, Banijay Group
Andie Beckerman is a VP of Alternative Development at Syfy and USA Network, and reports to Heather Olander. At Syfy Andie oversaw FACE OFF, LIVE FROM COMIC-CON and developed GAME FACE, the spinoff of FACE OFF. At USA Andie developed the family sitcom, THE CROMARTIES and REAL COUNTRY. Prior to...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
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
New York native Dave Broome received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from New York’s Hofstra University. In 1986, the diehard East Coaster moved West to host a radio sports-talk show on XTRA-AM, broadcast in Los Angeles and San Diego.
He eventually segued into television, producing live music specials and award...show more
Speaking on: The FAANGs and the Formats
Brie Miranda Bryant is Senior Vice President, Unscripted Development and Programming for Lifetime. Currently, Bryant is overseeing production on the untitled R. Kelly documentary series that will shine a light on the women who are speaking out about their relationship with the mega R&B star. Other shows under Bryant’s privy...show more
As the leader of the program strategy team for Investigation Discovery (ID), Sara Burns is responsible for optimizing the networks’ program schedules while collaborating across multiple departments – working especially closely with the digital and development teams – to maximize content, guide current and long-range programming needs, and support strategic...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Jonathan Cane is Head of Development for Back Roads Entertainment.
In his role, Cane oversees the company’s development team of six and is charged with creating and developing original formats specifically tailored for the cable marketplace. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Development for BBC Worldwide Productions where he...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
David Collins is a three time Emmy Award winning producer and and co owner of Scout Productions, a film and television company. He is the creator and Executive Producer of the new Queer Eye which launched unscripted programming on Netflix worldwide and is one of the most buzzed about shows of 2018. Upon reinvigorating
...show moreSpeaking on: The FAANGs and the Formats
Justin Comins serves as vice president of development at Spoke Studios, a creative content company that operates under the banner of Wheelhouse Entertainment, the media enterprise forged in 2018 by producer and media entrepreneur Brent Montgomery. Creating engaging, provocative and talent-driven content across a variety of platforms, Spoke Studios explores...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
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 premiere.
Before coming to CNN, Sierra was part...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
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...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Jenny Daly, T Group Productions
Over the span of seven years, Stephen David has established a bustling production and post-production company that has seen a meteoric rise and yearly growth. Launched in 2010 at the Realscreen Summit, Stephen David Entertainment (SDE) – a Banijay Group Company – has emerged as a leader in high-end television production, specializing in...show more
Speaking on: The New Deal on Dealmaking
Ed Davis is an Agent in the Non-Scripted Television Department at UTA where he specializes in packaging and talent representation. His clients include production companies, talent and showrunners. Ed joined UTA in 2009 after spending a number of years in the music industry and corporate world.
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
Joni Day is the Senior Vice President of Alternative Programming & Development at FremantleMedia North America (FMNA). In this role, she is responsible for development and production of reality competition, game show and other unscripted television programming. She also serves as an Executive Producer for the kids game shows The...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables; The Gamut of Game
Christy Dees is Bravo's Vice President of Development, a position she has held since October 2013. In her role, Dees develops new original series for the network while continuing to focus on the innovative concepts, memorable characters and high quality programming that defines the Bravo brand. Based in Los Angeles,...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Christy Dees, Bravo
Robert DeFranco is the Vice President, Sales and Development for The Future Group and a technology and media executive with 20+ years’ experience in film, TV, digital content, advertising, augmented reality and mobile applications. Robert has designed and developed mobile applications, games, software portals, run social media campaigns delivering millions of...show more
Speaking on: Media 2020
Erica Diaz-Gant is the Senior Director of Development for Investigation Discovery, America’s most-watched true crime network. Based in the NY office, Erica is responsible for developing gripping true crime content to feed a pipeline of more than 650 original hours created each year, most notably the newly-announced series In Pursuit with...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Kristina Edwards serves as Creative Development Consultant for Fuse Media, a cross-platform entertainment media brand for Latino and multicultural youth. Edwards is responsible for overseeing the development of linear programming for Fuse.
Kristina comes to Fuse from MTV Networks. As a network executive, Edwards supervised the full pipeline of development of unscripted series for...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
John Feld is the Senior Vice President of Original Programming and Production for Discovery, Inc.’s 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 Interactive (now Discovery, Inc.)...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: John Feld, HGTV
John Ford is general manager NPACT, the entertainment trade association dedicated to serving the producers of non-fiction entertainment content. With 100+ member companies, including production companies of all sizes, as well as allied services companies, NPACT serves as the voice for the non-fiction creative community, helping producers tackle the challenges they face in...show more
Speaking on: Media 2020
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: Trendwatch: Taking on the Tough Stuff
Harry Gamsu is VP of Non-Scripted at Red Arrow Studios International, working with the SVP of Acquisitions to acquire formats, factual and factual entertainment programming from third-party production companies around the world.
Harry is also responsible for Red Arrow Studio International’s management and international roll-out of formats created by Red Arrow...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
Jon Giegengack founded Hub in 2013 as the convergence of technology and entertainment was exploding. Giegengack’s aim was to provide real-time, customized insights about the changing world of television and digital entertainment, from connectivity and consumption to future usage and trend patterns. Giegengack and the Hub team work with leading...show more
Speaking on: Hub Entertainment Research Presents: Entertainment Explained
Archie Gips is president and partner of Unrealistic Ideas, a new, full service production company he created alongside actor/producer Mark Wahlberg and producer/writer/director Stephen Levinson. With a hard focus on working with the most talented partners, Unrealistic Ideas promises to be an industry leader in creativity and storytelling in non-scripted...show more
Speaking on: A-List Unscripted
Ethan Goldman is a producer/development executive with twenty years’ experience working in television, film and digital. Goldman recently was promoted to Partner at Anchor Worldwide, a global creative agency where he heads up the entertainment division in Los Angeles.
Most recently Goldman served as Head of Development at Warrior Poets, where...show more
Speaking on: The New Deal on Dealmaking
Gil Goldschein serves as Chairman and CEO of Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP) and is responsible for the continuing growth of the 31 year-old company as both a production studio and international business entity in addition to managing the daily operation. He has been instrumental in setting and guiding the company’s vision...show more
Speaking on: Inclusive Unscripted
Jennifer Gordon joined TLC in October 2014 and currently serves as Vice President of Development. In her role, Gordon creates and conceptualizes series, specials and programming initiatives for the network. She has brought in a variety of new series to the network, including hit shows OutDaughtered, Family By The Ton, Lost In Transition, and upcoming...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Sean Gottlieb is Vice President, Development and Programming 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...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Richard Gray is the Los Angeles Managing Director at ACF Investment Bank. He is a co-founder and co-owner with over 20 years’ investment banking experience, and has been honoured multiple times by Variety in its prestigious Dealmakers Impact Report.
Richard specializes in the international media and entertainment sector and has advised...show more
Speaking on: Media 2020
ROBYN GREENE ARRINGTON…A Creative Spirit Living On Purpose
Robyn Greene Arrington has consistently brought quality images to the screen. She is a seasoned creative executive with varied experience in the entertainment industry. In her present role as Vice President of Original Programming & Production at TV One, Greene Arrington is a...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Robyn Greene Arrington, TV One
Kelly Hoover Greenway is an Executive Producer with both production and network experience in television and film. Having spent years in the format space of unscripted tv, she’s produced on notable long-running shows such as Hell’s Kitchen and Food Network Star, as well as helping to develop and launch new series...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
As Chief Operation Officer Michael Hammond oversees all aspects of Collins Avenue’s production roster, including day-to-day operations of the company. Hammond is Executive Producer on the hit Lifetime series Dance Moms, as well as its numerous spinoff series and specials, including Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, and the E! series The...show more
Speaking on: Inclusive Unscripted
Steve Harris began his filmmaking career directing music videos & documentaries. He was an executive at both TLC & A&E prior to co-founding and running Marlon Wayans reality production company, Workaholics Entertainment.
With his producing partners Marlon Wayans & Rick Alvarez, Harris executive produced the Netflix comedy special, Woke-ish, The NBC...show more
Speaking on: A-List Unscripted
Nate Hayden is Senior Vice President, Original Content at Jukin Media. Nate spent the early years of his career producing and directing unscripted series at places like MTV, Discovery, and NBC, before moving into development as VP of Cable Development at FremantleMedia North America. His most recent...show more
Speaking on: The Surge of Social Entertainment
Paul Heaney launched TCB Media Rights in October 2012 with a mission to achieve four things: to sell and pre sell at a high rate, to help producers co-create IP, establish a global commercial and creative network by facilitating international buyer’s briefs and to act as an agent where applicable...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
Noel Hedges (eOne’s Executive Vice President of Acquisitions, International Distribution) works closely with the company’s development, production and international distribution teams around the world, as well as third party independent producers, to acquire television product for distribution to all media outlets across scripted and non-scripted. Based in London, he sources...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Shakira Hedgpeth currently produces and provides creative support for TV One’s Original Programming & Production department. In this role, she develops and streamlines creative projects for a portfolio of true crime, factual, reality, scripted, award shows and film festival sponsorships.
In this support role, she is focused on building strong creative relationships...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
David Hillman currently serves as Vice President, Reality Programming, for Lifetime and is responsible for developing, overseeing and launching new primetime non-fiction series for the network.
His extensive work includes the Emmy® Award-nominated series, Project Runway, for which he served as an executive producer. Additionally, he oversaw all of the...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Eric Hoberman is vice president of development at ITV Entertainment, part of ITV America, focusing on creating innovative formats across a wide range of unscripted genres. Hoberman played a role in bringing the successful Armoza competition series format, The Four: Battle for Stardom, to FOX as well as Marcia Clark...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Will Horowitz is an agent in ICM Partners’ unscripted and broadcasting departments.
Horowitz represents top unscripted showrunners on series for Netflix, Apple, Amazon and a number of other networks. His clients run the gamut from personalities on NBC News and ESPN to production companies with series at Fox, Bravo and Facebook...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
Lilla launched Drive, the specialist pre-sales and co-production agency in partnership with Ben Barrett in 2013. They then went on to launch the distribution arm of the company in 2016. With unparalleled expertise in raising production finance from international channels, the company has gone on to achieve great results in...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
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 Mansion.
Since then he has...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
Camila Jimenez Villa is CEO of FMG Studios, Fusion Media Group’s (FMG) premium original content division. In this role Camila oversees FMG’s content strategy across the portfolio including the development and production of original premium IP for both internal and external platforms, leveraging the strength of our digital brands as...show more
Speaking on: The Surge of Social Entertainment
Ricky Kelehar is Senior Vice President of Development for Optomen Productions.
In his role, he oversees development teams in both the New York and Los Angeles offices and is responsible for generating original formats for cable networks, broadcast channels and streaming platforms.
Most recently, Kelehar developed and sold Employable Me to A&E and Aloha Builds to...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Taking on the Tough Stuff
Cleve Keller and Dave Noll began working together in 2004, when they created and Executive Produced AMC’s reality series FilmFakers. They officially joined together as Keller/Noll in 2007. Globally, Keller/Noll has created and sold over 2,000 episodes of television.
Their credits includes the daytime syndicated series Face the Truth with CBS, Dr. Phil and Entertainment One, starring Vivica...show more
Speaking on: The Gamut of Game
Suzanne Kolb is the Chief Brand Officer of Group Nine Media - a digital-first media company home to Thrillist, NowThis, The Dodo & Seeker. In her role, Kolb is responsible for the growth of the company's brands, expanded content creation and production, and business development across the organization. She also...show more
Speaking on: Aging Down Unscripted
Kyle Komen is an Agent in the Alternative & Factual Programming department at APA. A market leader, APA’s AFP department represents the creative and business interests of award-winning production companies, producers, directors, presenters, branded personalities and intellectual properties. Distinguished by their selectivity and unique business model that promotes unparalleled teamwork, the department provides...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
Mark Koops is the Managing Partner and Executive Producer at INE Entertainment. Throughout his career, Mark has been responsible for creating and developing a wide range of innovative programming and content for television and online audiences including some of televisions biggest franchises - notably NBC’s The Biggest Loser and the Fox franchise, MasterChef. With The Biggest Loser, Mark created a retail brand with...show more
Speaking on: The FAANGs and the Formats
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 UP, where he oversees all unscripted development and current programming,...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Robyn Lattaker-Johnson is a dynamic leader and creatively collaborative television executive responsible for developing and shepherding top-rated franchises for multiple networks. She is currently the Head of Content & Development at REVOLT Media & TV, where she oversees all original long form content across all linear and digital platforms, programming...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Robyn Lattaker-Johnson, REVOLT
20-year Discovery veteran Howard Lee is President and General Manager for TLC and Discovery Life. In this role, Lee oversees all aspects of the network’s programming, production, development, multiplatform, communications and marketing in the US. Since joining the TLC brand in 2008, Lee has served in increasingly senior creative positions,...show more
Speaking on: Returning Champions: Trading Spaces
Rob Lee is currently a senior agent at United Talent Agency specializing in unscripted television. Prior to that Lee was the President of Non-Scripted Programming at Keshet Studios U.S. (Homeland, Rising Star, Boom), a division of Keshet International (KI). In this capacity, Lee oversaw the company’s non-scripted and alternative programming...show more
Speaking on: The New Deal on Dealmaking
Max Levenson serves as vice president of Current & Creative Development at Electus, a multimedia entertainment studio owned by Barry Diller’s IAC, where he oversees the development and production of unscripted content for distribution across various broadcast, cable, and OTT platforms.
As a member of the Electus development team,...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
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: Returning Champions: Trading Spaces
Cynthia Littleton is Managing Editor, TV at Variety. She has covered the television beat for the past 20 years. She began her career at United Press International, followed by stints at Broadcasting & Cable magazine, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter, where she rose to Editor before rejoining Variety in 2007.
Cynthia is the author of TV on Strike: Why...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Leah Remini
Emmy-nominated programming executive, Gena McCarthy, serves as Executive Vice President, Head of Programming, Lifetime Unscripted & Head of Programming, FYI. She returned to Lifetime in March 2018 in an expanded role to oversee all non-fiction development and production. She developed and executive produces smash franchise Married at First Sight, now...show more
Speaking on: The New Deal on Dealmaking
Gavin is a social media specialist and his company, Jumpwire Media, advises many of the top entertainment brands in the world on social media strategy. The Jumpwire Media ‘Social Media Method’ has been implemented in many of the top entertainment brands in the world including: Sony, Fandango, Yahoo, BBC, etc.
Speaking on: The Surge of Social Entertainment
Jennifer McGovern joined Fuse Media in the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Current and Development last summer. Ms. McGovern is based in the company’s Los Angeles office and reports to Chief Content Officer, J-T Ladt. Fuse Media is a cross-platform entertainment media brand for multicultural youth.
Ms. McGovern is...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Jennifer McGovern, Fuse Media
Max Micallef serves as Director of Development for Discovery Channel. In this role, he works alongside international and domestic producers to develop prime-time series for the network, while helping to steer strategy for new projects.
During his time with the network, Micallef has been an instrumental part of the Discovery team...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Angela Molloy is WE tv’s vice president of development, based in the network’s Los Angeles office. She works closely with west coast based production partners and agencies to find fresh new unscripted programming for the network. She is currently an Executive Producer on WE tv series Marriage Boot Camp and Bridezillas,...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Brent Montgomery is CEO of Wheelhouse Entertainment, a media group he launched in 2018 that focuses on high-profile content and talent around which it creates and builds “360” businesses. Under the Wheelhouse banner is also Spoke Studios, the content arm of Wheelhouse, which creates top-quality programming across a variety of...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Heather Schuster, Amazon Studios
Melanie Moreau is Head of Premium Content Development at Complex Networks where she is responsible for the development and oversight of scripted and unscripted premium content for Complex and Rated Red. Most recently she produced Going Cambo, Why We Fight, QB1 and Top Grier currently airing on Verizon’s go90. Prior to joining Complex Networks...show more
Speaking on: The Surge of Social Entertainment
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: Luncheon Roundtables
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 innovative,...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Marco Bassetti, Banijay Group
Kelly Nash currently serves as the Director of Nonfiction at AMC and SundanceTV. She oversees the current series on AMC, James Cameron's Story of Science Fiction, Unapologetic with Aisha Tyler and the upcoming series Eli Roth's History of Horror and a limited documentary series event, Ministry of Evil: The Twisted Cult of...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Tony Nguyen is a Development Executive at Complex Networks working under the Premium Content team overseeing scripted and unscripted series from pitch through launch. Most recently he’s Executive Produced Droppin’ Cash, Inst@famous, Slobby’s World, That White People Sh!t, and Rules to This Sh!t.
Prior to his current stint at Complex Networks...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Charles Nordlander joined Travel Channel as director of development and programming in early 2016. His work as developer and executive producer of hit series including Bizarre Foods, Delicious Destinations, The Zimmern List and Man v Food has helped Travel achieve its strongest growth and best ratings in years, on track...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
As Executive Vice President of Alternative Programming, Jennifer O’Connell oversees the development and production of Lionsgate’s unscripted slate across all platforms. Ms. O’Connell is charged with growing the Company’s alternative television business and has secured deals with acclaimed reality producers Matt Kunitz (Kevin Hart: What The Fit, Fear Factor), Adam...show more
Speaking on: The FAANGs and the Formats
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: Returning Champions: Trading Spaces
Cecilie Olsen is the SVP Sales and Acquisitions at Argonon International, the distribution arm of the Argonon group that consists of 12 production companies based in London, Manchester, Glasgow, New York and Vancouver. In this position, she is responsible for heading up the sales division as well as acquiring third...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
Ty Pennington first won national attention as the quirky and creative carpenter on the groundbreaking home improvement series Trading Spaces. Later, as host of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Pennington helped transform the lives of thousands, while inspiring millions more around the world to volunteer their time to help others. The...show more
Speaking on: Returning Champions: Trading Spaces
Dan Pine has been an agent at CAA in TV dept since 2016. Prior to that he was an agent at Peleton Entertainment, a boutique agency that represented Leftfield Pictures (Pawn Stars) and Screaming Flea Productions (Hoarders) among others, Pine helped strike deals for the Buying franchise for Destination America...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
Jacqui Pitman
CEO, Casting Director & Executive Producer
Pitman Casting Inc/ Partypit Productions Inc.
Currently, Jacqui Pitman is the Executive Producer of a reality TV docu-series that she created and casted, in partnership with Asylum Entertainment for the Bravo Television Network, called To Rome for Love. In addition, Pitman created and developed MTV’s relationship game show Next! As a producer, she has worked on Fox’s The...show more
Speaking on: The Gamut of Game
Leela Pon is the SVP of Development for E! Entertainment, where she is responsible for daily oversight of the team that works to develop and create new hit shows and formats for the global pop culture network.
Pon has been integral in developing and overseeing E!’s hit series including Botched and past shows...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Leela Pon, E!
Chanel Carmona serves as Director of Development for CNN Original Series, where she oversees creative development strategy on the West Coast. In this role, she is responsible for expanding CNN and HLN’s Original Series rosters by identifying and executing new non-fiction projects from development through series greenlight. Chanel has increased...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Ben Relles is Head of Unscripted Programming for YouTube Originals. In this role he is responsible for the development of unscripted series such as What the Fit starring Kevin Hart, Mind Field starring Michael Stevens and Katy Perry: World Wide Witness. He has also overseen the launch of several documentaries...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Ben Relles, YouTube Originals; The FAANGs and the Formats
With a career spanning over 20 years, Emmy Award winner, New York Times Best Selling author, actress and producer Leah Remini continues to grow her breadth of work, most recently as creator and executive producer of A&E Network’s hit nonfiction docuseries Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath.
The series, on A&E...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Leah Remini
Christmas Rini was named Executive Vice President, Development, Unscripted Original Series in March 2018.
Rini now oversees all unscripted development efforts for the studio, reporting to Sharon Levy, President, Unscripted and Scripted Television, Endemol Shine North America.
Rini was previously Executive Vice President of Development for A. Smith & Company, where she...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
An experienced show runner, development executive, and executive producer, Steven Robillard rejoined the ranks of Original Productions as Senior Vice President in 2015 after a two-year stint in the United Kingdom. A Philadelphia native, Robillard has developed and overseen projects for Fremantle UK, Entertainment One, and Original Productions including Netflix’s The...show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
Monica Rodman is Senior Vice President, Development, Universal Television Alternative Studio.
Rodman, who joined Universal Television in 2015 as Vice President of Development and curates the development for many of its top-tier producer deals, has played a significant role in the studio's diverse development slate of global formats, including World of Dance, executive...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Monica Rodman, Universal Television Alternative Studio
Jane Root is a leading creative executive who has transformed major networks on both sides of the Atlantic. She has built a reputation for innovation, determination and delivery in both television and digital.
In 2008, Root set up her own TV production company Nutopia. With offices in London and Washington DC,...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Taking on the Tough Stuff
Lynn Sadofsky currently serves as Vice President of Programming and Development for Discovery, Inc.’s Food Network and Cooking Channel. In this role, Sadofsky works with programmers to develop new series, manage show production and cultivate new talent for the two networks. She also serves as one of the senior liaisons for the...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Lynn Sadofsky, Food Network
Wayne Sampson serves as Vice President of Programming & Development for USA Network & Syfy and is based in Los Angeles. In this role, Sampson works with programmers to develop new series, manage show production and cultivate new talent for the two networks.
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Amy Savitsky joined A&E Network in 2015 as Senior Vice President of Programming. Savitsky is responsible for driving development and production of A&E’s nonfiction, alternative and reality series. Among the programs she oversees are the Emmy Award®-winning Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, Marcia Clark Investigates The First 48, and...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Amy Savitsky, A&E
Heather Schuster is Head of Unscripted TV for Amazon Studios, where she oversees documentary series, unscripted formats, and alternative comedy. In her first six months at Amazon, she has overseen the launch of the larger ‘All or Nothing’ sports programming brand and Will Ferrell’s live comedy special on New Year’s...show more
Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Heather Schuster, Amazon Studios
When partner and co-founder of SMAC Entertainment Constance Schwartz says that she can handle anything, she isn’t kidding. In the early 1990s, Schwartz spent a decade working as a marketing and branding executive at the NFL. Considered the ultimate “boys club,” she worked hard to earn her stripes, which has...show more
Speaking on: A-List Unscripted
Matthew Segal is the co-founder of ATTN:. Since launching ATTN: in the fall of 2014, he has built the company's content operation into an award-winning, global media brand reaching more than 500 million video viewers per month. Segal has also been instrumental in spearheading the company's partnerships with Apple, ABC...show more
Speaking on: Aging Down Unscripted
As Paramount Network’s Senior Vice President, Alternative Series and Development, Chachi Senior leads the network’s non-scripted development team, overseeing hits like Ink Master, Bar Rescue, and Ink Angels, as well as the Peabody award-winning documentary series, TIME:The Kalief Browder Story and Gone: The Forgotten Women of Ohio. Senior is currently leading...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Chachi Senior, Paramount Network
Evan Shapiro (independent showrunner/writer/producer) has run IFC, Sundance Channel, Pivot and Seeso. He has produced or co-created comedies such as Portlandia (Peabody Award), Take My Wife, Please Like Me, Shrink, Harmonquest, Dinner For Five (Emmy Nomination), Trapped In The Closet, There’s Johnny!, My Brother My Brother and Me, HitRecord (Emmy Award), and Bajillion Dollar Propertie$; as well...show more
Speaking on: Aging Down Unscripted
Fran Shea is currently Executive Vice President of Programming and Marketing for GSN with a mandate to revitalize the Game Show Network’s brand and content line-up. She is an audience development specialist, having served as president of E! Entertainment Television and founded HBOlab, a digital platform within HBO. Additionally, she...show more
Speaking on: The Gamut of Game
Betsy Slenzak is the Vice President of Development at E! Entertainment, where she is responsible for the daily management of a multitude of unscripted development projects and creating new hit shows and formats for the global pop culture network.
Slenzak has played an essential role in developing and overseeing E!’s hit...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Sabrina Soto is a new designer for this season of Trading Spaces. She is one of the world’s most sought after lifestyle experts. From home décor and design, food, beauty and fashion, Sabrina covers it all. Her unique ability to curate in a variety of spaces, providing outlets for people...show more
Speaking on: Returning Champions: Trading Spaces
As senior vice president of original programming and development for WE tv, David Stefanou is responsible for discovering and developing fresh, unscripted series that align with the network’s original programming slate. Stefanou has been instrumental in leading the development team and creating brand-defining hits like Hustle & Soul and 2017’s...show more
Speaking on: Inclusive Unscripted; 30 Minutes With: David Stefanou, WE TV
Emmy Award Winning producer Scott Sternberg is CEO and Founder of Scott Sternberg Productions, No Studio Entertainment, SSP Digital and the Spanish language production group, Spanglish Entertainment.
Based at Raleigh Studios Hollywood, The Sternberg companies specialize in unscripted programming and provide content to all broadcast and cable networks.
Currently airing its 16th...show more
Speaking on: The Gamut of Game
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
Jared Thompson is a Talent Agent with Abrams Artists Agency in the Alternative Programming Department where he focuses his work in the unscripted TV & Digital packaging space. His clients include top showrunners, production companies, and on-camera talent in the broadcast, cable, syndication, and digital markets. Originally from Denver, CO, Jared...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents
As Manager, Original Programming & Development, Oxygen Media, Monica Valdes is responsible for expanding the networks growing slate of true crime programming. She is a member of both the current and development teams lead by Rod Aissa (EVP, Programming & Development) and Cori Abraham (SVP, Development & International). Valdes joined...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Michael von Würden is Managing Director of Snowman Productions, a Red Arrow Studios company. Snowman Productions is a market leader in the development and production of entertainment formats for the Scandinavian market and worldwide, with productions including the international hit Married at First Sight.
Michael has worked in the television industry...show more
Speaking on: Trendwatch: Taking on the Tough Stuff
Kristin Wendell brings a decade of development and production experience to her role steering all of part2’s development slate and ventures. Kristin started her TV career in syndicated talk shows. She worked on multiple pilots and was on the team that launched The Tony Danza Show and The Tyra Banks Show in New York....show more
Speaking on: Pitching Partners
Justina joined Beyond Distribution in 2018 as Head of Acquisitions. Prior to Beyond she was Director of Acquisitions eOne TV International. She held a similar role at ITV Studios Global Entertainment focusing on the acquisition of non-scripted content, and has also spent time at All3Media International and RDF Rights in...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
Tom Wright serves as CEO of Vertical Networks, a mobile-first content studio that publishes and produces editorial and video properties driven by real-time insights. The company is behind some of the hottest content on Snapchat and Facebook including Brother, PhoneSwap, Ghost Hunt and I Have A Secret . C umulatively, Vertical Networks has...show more
Speaking on: Aging Down Unscripted
Natalka Znak is President of Znak&Co.
With offices in Los Angeles and London, Znak&Co has co-production partnerships with Spun Gold in the UK, Electus International, A&E, and Jenny Daly's T Group Productions. The company has over a dozen projects in production and development with a wide range of networks in both the...show more
She previously served as GRB’s president of international from 2003-2012, leading P&L efforts and running...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors
2018 Advisory Board
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Stephen David
CEO
Stephen David Entertainment
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Elaine Frontain Bryant
EVP, Head of Programming Genres for A&E, Lifetime and LMN
A&E
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Seth Goolnik
Content
Snapchat
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Ronan Hand
SVP of Global Content
UKTV
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Camila Jimenez Villa
CEO & Co-Founder
FMG Studios
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Howard Lee
President of Disco Channel
Discovery Inc.
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Rob Lee
Partner and Producer and Manager-Mainstay Entertainment
United Talent Agency
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Jennifer O'Connell
Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Lionsgate
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D'Angela Proctor
Owner/Founder
Marquee
Official Music Sponsor
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Delegations
