Marriott Marquis | Washington, DC | Sunday, January 28 – Wednesday, January 31, 2020

Speakers

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Cori Abraham

SVP, Development, Documentary & Crime

Oxygen Media

As Senior Vice President, Development, Production and International, Oxygen Media, Cori Abraham is responsible for overseeing the development team as well as heads up International for the network. Based in Los Angeles, Abraham reports to Rod Aissa, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Development.

Abraham is the executive behind the development...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Cori Abraham, Oxygen


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Jon Adler

Head of Talent & Content Development

CNN

Jon Adler is Vice President for CNN Original Series at CNN, based in New York City. In this position, he is responsible for cultivating relationships within the creative community and developing original programming across a variety of CNN platforms. He is responsible for the development (and management/coordination thereof) of show...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Jon Adler, CNN


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Pamela Aguilar

SVP Head of Smithsonian Channel Content; MTV Entertainment Studios

PBS

Pamela A. Aguilar is Senior Director of Programming and Development for PBS. In this role she identifies, develops and oversees the production of original content and acquisitions for PBS Primetime in the genres of science, history, natural history, culture, and independent film. She works closely with Executive Producers of PBS’...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - MTV International, PBS, CNBC


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Rob Bagshaw

Executive VP, Creative

Nickelodeon

Rob Bagshaw is Executive Vice President of Unscripted Content for the Nickelodeon Group. In this role, he is in charge of development and production of unscripted content across all formats and platforms, ranging from reality competition shows to the network’s marquee live events like Kids’ Choice Awards and Kids’ Choice Sportsf or the...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Rob Bagshaw, Nickelodeon


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Alison Barrat

SVP, Production & Development

Love Nature

In her role as VP, Production & Development, Love Nature, Alison Barrat provides creative leadership on new projects for Love Nature’s growing slate and is responsible for executing programming strategies for the brand’s international channels through development and production. She serves as the main point of creative contact for both...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - CNN, Love Nature, BET


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James Bates

SVP US Factual

Raw TV

James joined Raw in 2010 for the first episode Gold Rush, Discovery’s highest rating show. Over 200 episodes later he still execs the show along with two spin off series that he developed. As a director and series producer his background is in arts, current affairs, anthropology and expeditions.

Speaking on: Reimagined reality: How we rescued our series


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Kate Beal

Chief Executive Officer

Woodcut Media

Kate Beal is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Woodcut Media, a member of the Anthology group of businesses and one of the fastest growing Indies in the UK, producing a broad range of unscripted programming. 

A leading true crime producer in the UK (The Killer in My Family,How I Caught...show more

Speaking on: The world is watching: The international outlook for acquisitions, copros and commissions


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Sean Boyle

SVP, Development

Discovery Channel

Sean Boyle is a veteran television producer and serves as Senior Vice President of Development for Discovery. In this role, Boyle guides the network’s strategic planning, content direction and executes programming strategies through the development process. 

Boyle previously served as Vice President of Development and Production at History from 2015-2018. During...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Sean Boyle, Discovery Channel


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Julie Bristow

Founder

The Bristow Media Project Inc.

Visionary media leader.  Founder and entrepreneur. Creator and champion of female-led organizations. Julie Bristow has been influencing how people watch television for the past 25 years. She has created over 1500 hours of original content, built entire entertainment divisions and content companies from the ground up, innovated new  ways to...show more

Speaking on: Propelling women in unscripted: facing challenging times, together


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Cooper J Brooks

Development Producer

National Geographic


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Brie Miranda Bryant

SVP, Original Programming

Lifetime

Brie Miranda Bryant is the Senior Vice President, Unscripted Development and Programming at Lifetime where she is responsible for development, series and specials for unscripted programming. A seasoned media and entertainment executive, she has shepherded a string of buzzy, critically-acclaimed series and specials including the record-breaking, Emmy-nominated documentary for Outstanding...show more


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Sylvia Bugg

Chief Programming Executive & General Manager

PBS

As Vice President of Programming for PBS, Sylvia Bugg oversees the General Audience Programming editorial team and lead PBS strategy across all genres— including news, public affairs, documentaries, history, science, natural history and arts programs. Previously Sylvia served as Vice President of Diversity and TV Content at the Corporation for...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Sylvia Bugg, PBS


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Rob Burk

Head of Original Content

CuriosityStream

Rob Burk is Head of Content for CuriosityStream, the award-winning streaming and on-demand destination for world-class factual features and series exploring science, history, nature, technology, lifestyle and more.

CuriosityStream was created by Discovery Communications founder John Hendricks, and premiered in March 2015.  Mr. Burk has served as an Executive Producer for...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Rob Burk, CuriosityStream


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Meghan Cassin

VP Content

Nat Geo WILD

Bio Coming Soon...

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Meghan Cassin, Nat Geo WILD


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Lauren Celinski

Development Lead, YouTube Originals

YouTube

Lauren Celinski serves as Development Lead on the Personalities Vertical for YouTube Originals. She is responsible for developing unscripted content for the platform as well as overseeing projects through production. Since joining the team in January she has overseen MrBeast presents The Creator Games, the most watched YouTube Original Live...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - YouTube, VICE TV, OUTtv Network


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Julie Chang

EVP, Business Strategy & Co-Productions

Blue Ant Media

Julie Chang is focused on the identification, structuring and closing of content creation and financing opportunities for Blue Ant Media’s production businesses around the globe. Prior to joining Blue Ant Media, Julie was the Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs with Peace Point Rights and Peace Point Entertainment...show more

Speaking on: The world is watching: The international outlook for acquisitions, copros and commissions


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Dolyn Chasin

Sr. Director, Production & Development

CNBC

Dolyn Dobro is Director of Development for CNBC Primetime Alternative Programming, based in New York City. In her role at CNBC Prime group, Dolyn oversees development of original content with a business and money focus. She is responsible for finding new formats and working with independent production companies to bring...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - MTV International, PBS, CNBC


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Steven Cheskin

SVP, Programming

REELZ Channel

Steve Cheskin is Senior Vice President of Programming at REELZ— a leading independent cable and satellite general entertainment network that is home to factual entertainment, television events, miniseries, movies and series with a focus on the real lives and real stories of real celebrities. Programming ranges from the critically acclaimed...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Discovery Channel, Bell Media, REELZChannel


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Amanda Culkowski

Vice President, Music Program Development

MTV Networks International

As Senior Director of Music Program Development at MTV International, Amanda Culkowski is responsible for developing original music and talent driven long form series and specials for MTV’s 170+ global channels.

Prior to joining MTV, Amanda was a member of the WE tv development team in New York, where she oversaw the...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - MTV International, PBS, CNBC


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Nancy Daniels

Head of Discovery, Animal Planet, Science, TBS, TNT & truTV

Discovery, Inc.

Nancy Daniels is Chief Brand Officer, Discovery & Factual, where she oversees all creative and brand strategy, development, production, multiplatform, communications, marketing and day-to-day operations for Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Science Channel in the U.S. Previously Daniels was President of TLC, where she led the company's flagship female-focused channel,...show more

Speaking on: Navigating the new normal


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Stephanie Drachkovitch

Co-CEO & Co-Founder

44 Blue Productions

Stephanie Noonan Drachkovitch is Co-founder and President of Peabody, Emmy®, Gracie and GLAAD award-winning non-fiction producer 44 Blue Productions, a Red Arrow Studios company.

Former studio executive Stephanie Noonan Drachkovitch is the leading force behind 44 Blue’s dynamic slate of programming.

During stints as Senior Vice President of Development for Warner Bros....show more

Speaking on: Perfecting your virtual pitch


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Mike Duffy

CEO

Ugly Brother Studios

As a former standup comedian, Mike has a passion for creating and developing content with comedy talent. He has recently been working on projects at Netflix, E!, Quibi, Nickelodeon, Buzzfeed, and more. An industry veteran with nearly 2 decades of experience, Mike has created or co-created close to 20 shows...show more

Speaking on: Reimagined reality: How we rescued our series


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Toby Faulkner

SVP, Content discovery+

Facebook Watch

Based out of LA, Faulkner is the Unscripted Head for Facebook Watch Originals. Formerly a VP of programming and development with A+E Networks, he began his career as a journalist with BBC Radio and rose through the ranks at ITV UK before moving to the US 14 years ago as...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Toby Faulkner, Facebook Watch


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Cynthia Fenneman

President Emeritus

APT Worldwide/American Public Television

Cynthia A. Fenneman is President and CEO of American Public Television (APT), the leading syndicator of high quality programs to U.S. public television's 356 stations. APT Worldwide, a division of American Public Television, is a major provider of quality, non-fiction content to the worldwide market.  With 40 years of broadcasting...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - WEtv, American Public Television


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Sophie Ferron

President

Media Ranch

Sophie Ferron launched her successful Canadian-based Format agency, Media Ranch, in 2008 to develop, produce and distribute original and existing television formats around the world, specializing in factual, reality tv, docu-reality and lifestyle. The company portfolio includes internationally renowned companies such as Danish Radio (DR), Endemol Shine Group, among others....show more

Speaking on: The world is watching: The international outlook for acquisitions, copros and commissions


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Carter Figueroa

Executive Producer

Discovery Channel


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Jorge Franzini

VP Content

CuriosityStream

Jorge Franzini has produced and written a wide range of highly acclaimed documentaries for CuriosityStream, including its first original seriesDestination: Pluto, its first 4K seriesUnderwater Wonders of the National Parks, the award-nominated Jason Silva specialTranshumanism, as well as the successful CuriosityStream strandBreakthroughs.Outside of his duties as a writer and executive...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Nickelodeon, OWN, CuriosityStream


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Lauren Frasca

SVP, Content

Magnolia Network

Lauren Frasca joins the Discovery Joint Venture as VP of Production and Development. She comes to the role from Facebook’s Creative Shop Studio team, where she worked with networks, studios and other IP owners such as Conde Nast, Disney, Group 9, and Refinery29 to create and monetize innovative content across...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Lauren Frasca, Magnolia Network


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Angela Freedman

Director of Development

Travel Channel

Bio Coming Soon...

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Travel Channel, Facebook Watch


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Elaine Frontain Bryant

EVP, Head of Programming Genres for A&E, Lifetime and LMN

A&E

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 new...show more


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Dolores Gavin

Senior Executive Production & Development

A&E

Dolores Gavin is Senior Executive, Development & Production for A&E, a role she assumed in November 2019.  She is responsible for developing and executing new nonfiction franchises and formats.

Gavin was previously Senior Executive, Development & Production at HISTORY.  She joined the network in September 2016, and spearheaded a development team...show more


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Lauren Gellert

EVP, Development & Original Programming

WEtv

As WE tv’s executive vice president of development & original programming, Lauren Gellert is responsible for developing and producing brand-defining original series’ that drive viewership, build buzz and support the network’s overall business and revenue goals. She leads the network’s efforts in finding fresh new unscripted originals and oversees the...show more

Speaking on: Reimagined reality: How we rescued our series


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David George

CEO

ITV America

David George serves as CEO of ITV America, encompassing production companies ITV Entertainment, Leftfield Pictures, Sirens Media, Thinkfactory Media, High Noon Entertainment and Good Caper Content, with responsibility for the group’s creative development, production and operations. 

During his tenure he has developed such breakthrough series as the reimagined Queer Eye for Netflix –...show more

Speaking on: Navigating the new normal


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Tim Gerhartz

President and Managing Director

Red Arrow Studios International

Tim Gerhartz is SVP Global Sales at Red Arrow Studios International, the distribution arm of Red Arrow Studios. Tim is responsible for leading the company’s international sales team and is based in Munich.

Tim’s previous roles include Head of Sales & Business Development for Germany, Austria and Switzerland for international music...show more

Speaking on: The world is watching: The international outlook for acquisitions, copros and commissions


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Jennifer Gordon

VP, Development

TLC

Jennifer joined TLC in October 2014. As Vice President of Development, she creates and conceptualizes series, specials and programming initiatives for the network. Since joining TLC, Jennifer has brought in a variety of new series, such asOutDaughtered,Family by the TonandLost in Transitionand has worked on returning series including hit showFour Weddings.She...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Jennifer Gordon, TLC


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Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A+E Networks

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 hit series that airs live...show more


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Abby Greensfelder

Founder & CEO

Everywoman Studios

Abby Greensfelder is the founder and CEO of Everywoman Studios, a purpose-built media company whose mission is to tell female-focused stories that might not otherwise be told, and that can have a positive impact on our culture.

Everywoman Studios is Greensfelder’s second entrepreneurial venture. She is also a co-founder of Half...show more

Speaking on: Propelling women in unscripted: facing challenging times, together


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Jenny Groom

EVP, Unscripted Content

NBC Entertainment

Jenny Groom serves as Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming and Development for NBC. As head of the network’s alternative department, Groom oversees programming strategy, development and current series. She is tasked with identifying key development areas as well as potential talent partners both behind and in front of the camera....show more

Speaking on: Reimagined reality: How we rescued our series


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Brent Hatherill

Senior Director, Development

Investigation Discovery

Brent Hatherill serves on the content strategy team for Investigation Discovery, overseeing the development of ID’s original programming. Since joining ID in 2016, Hatherill has been responsible for developing projects with A-list talent, from famed novelist “James Patterson’s Murder is Forever” to self-proclaimed “ID Addict” Khloé Kardashian’s “Twisted Sisters.” Hatherill...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Game Show Network, Investigation Discovery, Corus Entertainment


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Morgan Hertzan

President, Vice TV

VICE TV

As Executive Vice President and General Manager, Hertzan oversees the global programming strategy and operations for VICE Media Group’s international television business which reaches 160 million households.

Prior to VICE, Hertzan was a partner at Efran Films where he created many series and specials for History, Lifetime, Oxygen, ID, Food Network,...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Morgan Hertzan, VICE TV


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Mioshi Hill

President

Lifetime

Mioshi Hill currently serves as Vice President of Non-Fiction Programming and Development for Lifetime and is responsible for developing and overseeing production of non-fiction projects for the network.

Hill, who joined Lifetime in 2015, is responsible for overseeing the development and production of multiple docu-series and non-fiction programs on the network’s...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Mioshi Hill, Lifetime


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Mandel Ilagan

Vice President, Current & Development, Game Shows

Nickelodeon

Mandel Ilagan is the VP of unscripted development at Nickelodeon, where he’s helped launch shows such as “The Crystal Maze,” “The Substitute,” “Top Elf,” “Paradise Run,” and the recent reboots of the Emmy® Award-nominated “Double Dare” and Emmy® Award-nominated “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader.” 

Prior to Nickelodeon, Ilagan served as...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Nickelodeon, OWN, CuriosityStream


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Katie Isaacson

Director of Development, CNN

CNN

Katie Isaacson is Senior Manager for CNN Original Series based in New York City. She is responsible for cultivating relationships within the creative community and developing original programming across a variety of CNN platforms.

She served as coordinating producer for CNN Original Series The Windsors and HLN Original Series Hell in...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - CNN, Love Nature, BET


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Jay James

EVP, Programming & Development

Game Show Network

Jay James is Senior Vice President, Programming and Development of Game Show Network. Jay and his team have developed ‘America Says’, ‘Common Knowledge’, the update of ‘Catch 21’ and the upcoming ‘People Puzzler,’ and created ‘Master Minds’ and ‘Get A Clue.’

James joined Game Show Network in 2017 from Conveyor Media, where he...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Jay James, Game Show Network


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Brett-Patrick Jenkins

Executive Producer & Creator

Propagate Content

Brett-Patrick Jenkins is a Critic’s Choice award-winning producer, television executive and futurist based in Los Angeles.

After studying art at the University of Texas at Austin, Brett-Patrick joined Rick Baker's Cinovation Studios and created special FX on films including Hell Boy and The Haunted Mansion.

Since then he has created, developed and...show more

Speaking on: Perfecting your virtual pitch


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Robin Johnston

Director, Original Programming, Factual & Reality

Bell Media

As Director, Original Programming - Factual & Reality at Bell Media, Robin Johnston develops and oversees the production of unscripted projects for all of Bell Media’s services including, CTV, CRAVE, and Discovery Canada.

Robin and her team of production executives are part of Bell Media’s national Original Programming team,...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Discovery Channel, Bell Media, REELZChannel


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Trish Kinane

Executive Producer and Consultant, American Idol

Fremantle

Trish Kinane serves as President of Entertainment Programming for Fremantle, as well as Executive Producer & Showrunner for “American Idol” on ABC. Kinane also serves as Executive Producer on “America’s Got Talent” and “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.” 

Previously, Kinane was President of Worldwide Entertainment for Fremantle in the UK and...show more

Speaking on: Reimagined reality: How we rescued our series


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Robyn Lattaker-Johnson

Agent, Media Consultant

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

Robyn Lattaker-Johnson is Head of OWN Unscripted Development, Programming & Specials. She reports to OWN president, Tina Perry, in this role and focuses on developing a variety of unscripted programs for the network’s core African-American female audience.

Prior to OWN, Lattaker-Johnson was at REVOLT Media & TV, where she was Head...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Nickelodeon, OWN, CuriosityStream


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Clare Laycock

SVP Planning & Insights and Head of Entertainment

Discovery Networks UK

Clare Laycock is SVP, Head of Lifestyle and Entertainment Brands, overseeing content, communications and digital strategy for Discovery’s lifestyle and entertainment portfolio in the UK.  Following the completion of deals with UKTV and Scripps Networks, her portfolio has expanded to now include 7 channel brands: Quest Red, TLC, Really, Food...show more

Speaking on: The world is watching: The international outlook for acquisitions, copros and commissions


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Mark Levine

VP, Television, Digital Video & Podcasts

Magnolia Network

Mark Levine serves as Vice President, Content & Programming for the forthcoming Magnolia Network with Discovery, Inc. Formerly, Levine created and launched hit series at Food Network such as Kids Baking Championship and Supermarket Stakeout while overseeing franchises like Food Network Star, Iron Chef and Cutthroat Kitchen. He created the first kids programming for Food Network, Rachael vs. Guy: Kid’s Cook-Off, which served as a...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Magnolia Network, Smithsonian Channel, Blue Ant Media


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Sharon Levy

Chief Executive Officer

Endemol Shine North America

Sharon Levy was named President, Unscripted and Scripted Television, Endemol Shine North America, in August 2017.

Levy currently oversees all of Endemol Shine North America’s unscripted and scripted programming efforts from the company’s North Hollywood, Ca., headquarters. Since joining Endemol Shine North America, Levy has transformed the studio’s production team and...show more

Speaking on: Navigating the new normal


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Todd Lichten

Head of Emerging Content

Facebook Watch

Todd Lichten is a development executive for Facebook Watch. Since joining the streaming platform, he’s overseen development and production of the Emmy-nominated franchise Red Table Talk, as well as Facebook and Instagram’s first-ever joint production, #Graduation2020, a multi-hour commencement livestream with Oprah Winfrey. Todd also spearheaded the international reboot of Real World in the...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Travel Channel, Facebook Watch


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Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media

Blue Ant Media

Sam Linton brings over 30 years of production expertise to her role as Head of Original Content for Blue Ant Media’s Canadian specialty television channels including Cottage Life, T+E, Smithsonian Channel Canada and Makeful. In her role, Sam oversees commissioning and production of original series such as Blown Away, Hotel...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Magnolia Network, Smithsonian Channel, Blue Ant Media


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Joe Livecchi

Chief Executive Officer

Noble Savages

Joe Livecchi is the founder of Noble Savages and a seasoned media professional with over 25 years experience in content creation, programming and marketing. In its first three years, Noble Savages has produced just under 100 hours of programming, including the recently renewed A&E hit series, Alaska PD, an investigative...show more

Speaking on: Perfecting your virtual pitch


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Krista Look

VP, Original Lifestyle Content

Corus Entertainment

Krista Look is the Director of Original Lifestyle Content for Corus Entertainment in Toronto. In this role, she is responsible for steering the original content strategies and reality/lifestyle slates for some of Canada’s most-watched networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Slice and Global Television.

Krista’s Corus Studios lifestyle team is...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Game Show Network, Investigation Discovery, Corus Entertainment


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Geno McDermott

President, US Alternative Programming, Unscripted Television

Entertainment One

Bio Coming Soon...

Speaking on: Perfecting your virtual pitch


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Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

Max Micallef is Vice President, Nonfiction Programming for HISTORY.  In this role, Micallef spearheads the development and production of some of HISTORY’s main nonfiction programming.  He joined the network in December 2018, and is based in Los Angeles. 

 

Among the HISTORY series he is Executive Producing is the upcomingThe Final Hunt...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - History, Lifetime


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J.C. Mills

President and Head of Content

Cineflix Productions

As President of Cineflix Productions, J.C. leads innovative content strategies and the expansion of the group’s community of talented creatives.  As Commercial Director, he’s part of the Cineflix Media executive team, driving new business opportunities across the company.

Previously, J.C. was President and General Manager of Glass Entertainment Group, increasing its...show more

Speaking on: The world is watching: The international outlook for acquisitions, copros and commissions


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Angela Molloy

SVP, Development & Original Production AllBlk & WEtv, Unscripted

WEtv

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 the Marriage Boot Camp franchise and Bridezillas, among others.

Prior to...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - WEtv, American Public Television


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Tara Nadolny

Associate Director, Development, VICE TV

VICE TV

Tara joined VICE in 2015, and after working in roles across production and post for the network, she joined the TV development team in 2018. During her time at VICE she's worked on series like Dark Side of the Ring, Noisey, Gaycation, King of the Road, Bong Appetit, Hate Thy Neighbor, and Never Too...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - YouTube, VICE TV, OUTtv Network


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Jennifer O'Connell

Co-Founder & Co-CEO

HBO Max

Jennifer O’Connell leads original non-fiction and kids programming at HBO Max, where she is developing a unique slate for the new streaming platform that encompasses live action, animation, scripted and unscripted fare, with a broad range of compelling original feature-length documentaries, docuseries, and reality programming, as well as kids and...show more

Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Jennifer O'Connell, HBO Max


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Sean Olsen

VP, Development

Game Show Network

Sean Olsen joined the GSN team as Vice President of Development in December 2017. Olsen hails from Conveyor Media where he served as Vice President of Production directly responsible for generating and managing the creative vision on series and pilots.

Previously, Olsen made his name as a freelance Executive Producer & showrunner for...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Game Show Network, Investigation Discovery, Corus Entertainment


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Danielle Ostroske-D'Ingillo

Senior Director, Development

TLC

Danielle Ostroske D’Ingillo joined the TLC team as Director of Development in August 2013. Based in New York, she plays an instrumental role in the development of all series across TLC’s slate of programming including such shows as 90 DAY FIANCÉ: BEFORE THE 90 DAYS, sMOTHERED and new series MY...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - National Geographic Channel, TLC, TV One


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Allison Page

Global President, Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network

Allison Page is President of Magnolia Network, the recently announced joint venture between Discovery, Inc. and Magnolia, the Waco, Texas-based home and lifestyle brand led by Chip and Joanna Gaines. The multiplatform media company will comprise a linear television network and a subscription streaming service.

Prior to her current role, Page...show more

Speaking on: Propelling women in unscripted: facing challenging times, together


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Laura Palumbo Johnson

Co-Founder and Executive Producer

Magilla Entertainment

Laura Palumbo Johnson is Executive Producer and co-owner of Magilla Entertainment in NYC.  Founded in 2009, Magilla Entertainment grew to one of the largest independently owned non-scripted production in the US producing hits across a variety of genres.

Magilla Entertainment has enjoyed near unparalleled success from a diverse portfolio of over...show more

Speaking on: Reimagined reality: How we rescued our series


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Charlie Parsons

SVP, Global Development

National Geographic Channel

Charlie Parsonsis 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 premium series“Inside Combat Rescue”,“Mars”,“One Strange Rock”,...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Charlie Parsons, National Geographic Channel


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Tim Pastore

CEO/Co-Founder

All3Media America

Tim Pastore is Chief Executive Officer of All3Media America, the U.S. arm of one of the largest independent television, film, and digital production groups in the world. A multiple Emmy Award-winning producer who brings his content development and production expertise to the leadership role, Pastore is driving the growth of...show more

Speaking on: Navigating the new normal


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Alex Piper

Head, Night Studios

YouTube

Alex Piper is YouTube’s Head of Unscripted, North & South America, reporting into Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content.  In this role, Piper will lead all efforts in conjunction with top creators to develop and produce unscripted programming across a myriad of genres including, talk, action, romance, horror, sci-fi...show more


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Yasmin Rawji

EVP, Unscripted - Network

FOX Entertainment

Yasmin Rawji is Vice President, Alternative Entertainment, of FOX Entertainment.  Based in Los Angeles, she is responsible for the development and production of unscripted series that air on the network. 

Among the programs she oversees are the hit singing-competition series THE MASKED SINGER, which ranks as television’s #1 entertainment program among...show more

Speaking on: Perfecting your virtual pitch


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Ben Relles

Content Strategy - Office of Reid Hoffman

Google/YouTube


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Cat Rodriguez

VP, Unscripted Development & Programming

Lifetime

A highly sought-after show-runner with over 20 years of experience in the unscripted space,  Rodriguez began her career helping to mold some of MTV’s most seminal shows likeNext,Date My Mom,Parental Control, andBam’s Unholy Union.  Rodriguez then went on to produce two stand-out seasons on the critically acclaimedLA Inkwith Kat Von D, before...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - History, Lifetime


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Jane Root

Founder & CEO

Nutopia

In 2008 Jane Root founded Nutopia, a ground-breaking production company known for premium specialist factual content on a global scale. Root pioneered a new genre of television – the megadoc – combining action-driven drama with high-end documentary and A-list talent. Recent critical successes include Babies for Netflix, a landmark series that explores the...show more

Speaking on: Propelling women in unscripted: facing challenging times, together


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David Royle

Chief Programming Officer & EVP, Production

Smithsonian Channel

David Royle leads the Smithsonian Channel editorial team, overseeing commissioning, acquiring, producing and scheduling. He has also been responsible for Smithsonian Networks’ international business development and channel distribution. Smithsonian Channel launched in Canada in 2013, Singapore in 2016, Latin America in 2018, UK and Ireland in 2019, and Brazil in...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: David Royle, Smithsonian Channel


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Loren Ruch

Head of Content HGTV

HGTV

Loren Ruch is the Group Senior Vice President of Development and Production for HGTV where he oversees the programming and development team along with many of the networks’ high-profile series and pilots includingCelebrity IOU,A Very Brady Renovation,Property Brothers: Forever Home, My Lottery Dream Home, Bargain MansionsandExtreme Makeover: Home Edition.  Prior...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Loren Ruch, HGTV


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Jason Ryan

Executive Producer

TV One/CLEO TV

Jason Ryan is a Media Professional with over 2 decades of experience in television and film production. Jason first fell in love with filmmaking when producing and starring in a short film for a high school film study class then later that year as an Intern at BET. He began...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - National Geographic Channel, TLC, TV One


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Lynn Sadofsky

SVP, Food Network Programming & Development

Food Network

Lynn Sadofsky currently serves as Senior Vice President of Programming and Development for Food Network and Cooking Channel. She is responsible for developing new series, managing current programming and cultivating new talent for both of Discovery Inc’s lifestyle brands.

Sadofsky has more than 20 years of television experience, working on both...show more

Speaking on: Perfecting your virtual pitch


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Wayne Sampson

Co-Head Rooster Teeth Studios

USA Network/Syfy

Wayne Sampson serves as Vice President of Programming & Development for USA Networks & 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. Sampson also helps set development strategy...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Wayne Sampson, USA Network & Syfy


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Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Jessica oversees development of original content and formats in the genres of factual entertainment and doc series at CBC - on both linear television and on the broadcaster's streaming service, CBC Gem. She is responsible for sourcing the best new formats from around the world, and working with the independent...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Nat Geo WILD, CBC


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Jessie Springer

Manager of Development, Nat Geo WILD

Nat Geo WILD

Jessie Springer is an Associate Manager of Development for the WILD creative team. In this role, she is responsible for idea generation with an emphasis on SharkfestBig Cat Week and character-led series for Nat Geo WILD. Jessie started as an intern for Nat Geo WILD in 2015 and came on board full time in 2017 as...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Nat Geo WILD, CBC


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Carlyn Staudt

General Manager, Love Nature & Head of Commissioning, Global Media

Love Nature

Carlyn Staudt is responsible for leading the global programming strategy of Love Nature’s linear and streaming video platforms internationally, with the exception of North America. Her role also includes commissioning original content to grow the brand’s extensive library of 4K natural history programming. Working out of Washington, D.C., Staudt is...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Carlyn Staudt, Love Nature


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David Stefanou

Unscripted Programming

WEtv

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 in creating brand-defining hits like theLove After Lockupfranchise,Growing Up Hip...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: David Stefanou, WEtv


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Michael Stiller

VP, Development & Programming

History

As Vice President, Development and Programming for History, Mike Stiller has commissioned and developed some of History’s biggest series, including the mega-hit The Curse of Oak Island, and the world-wide hit Ancient Aliens. Stiller developed History’s upcoming premium series, History’s Greatest Mysteries, hosted by Laurence Fishburne. Other recent commissions include...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Mike Stiller, History


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Rob Swartz

SVP, Development & Production

REELZ Channel

Rob Swartz is Sr. Vice President of Development and Production at REELZ, a leading independent cable and satellite general entertainment network that is home to factual entertainment, television events, miniseries, movies and series featuring big stories and big stars. Swartz leads creative execution of the network’s development and production slate including documentaries...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Rob Swartz, Reelzchannel


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Brian Tannenbaum

Head, Roku Originals

Quibi

Brian Tannenbaum joined Quibi, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman’s mobile, premium start-up venture in the fall of 2018. Quibi brings together the best of Silicon Valley and Hollywood to create the first entertainment platform built for easy, on-the-go viewing. A key member of the content team, Tannenbaum guides the alternative programming...show more

Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Jennifer O'Connell, HBO Max


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Monica Valdes

Director, Programming & Development

HGTV

As Director, Programming & Development, HGTV, Monica Valdes is responsible for managing the development and production of series and specials for the home and lifestyle network. Valdes joined the HGTV team in January 2019 and is the executive behind the network’s smash hit new series, Celebrity IOU. She also oversees the...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - MSNBC, HGTV


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Barry Walsh

Editor-in-Chief & Content Director

Realscreen Magazine

Barry Walsh is editor and content director for Realscreen, and has served as editor of the publication since 2009. With a career in entertainment media that spans two decades, prior to Realscreen, he held the associate editor post for now defunct sister publication Boards, which focused on the advertising and...show more

Speaking on: Navigating the new normal


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Rachel Watson-Pass

VP, Program Development

Smithsonian Channel

Rachel is the Director of Program Development for the Smithsonian Channel. While working in DC, Los Angeles and Philadelphia she has produced for National Geographic, Discovery, Lifetime and Tastemade. Some favorites include Naked and Afraid, The Incredible Dr. Pol and Intervention. Rachel graduated from Baylor University with a degree in...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - Magnolia Network, Smithsonian Channel, Blue Ant Media


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Philip Webb

COO

OUTtv Network

Philip Webb, OUTtv’s COO, is originally from the UK where he worked at ITV Productions on a number of factual reality hits. Since moving to Canada he has produced over 150 hours of documentary, lifestyle and reality programming. At OUTtv, Philip is responsible for the operations of the company and...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - YouTube, VICE TV, OUTtv Network


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Nina Weinstein

Development Executive

MSNBC

Nina Weinstein is the Director of Development for MSNBC Longform programming. She joined NBC NEWS in 2015, bringing an extensive background in non-fiction television production and development. Prior to joining NBC, she served as Senior Producer for RocknRobin, Robin Roberts’ production company and was a programming consultant for Fusion Television.

Previously...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - MSNBC, HGTV


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Todd Weiser

SVP, Programming & Development

Food Network & Cooking Channel

Todd Weiser is Senior Vice President of Programming and Development for Food Network and Cooking Channel, charged with developing new series and specials for both networks as well as overseeing current programming. Weiser joined Food Network in 2013 as Vice President, Programming and Development where he launched multiple hit franchise offerings,...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Todd Weiser, Food Network


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Tiffany Williams

EVP, Unscripted Programming & Development

BET Networks

Tiffany Lea Williams is Executive Vice President of Unscripted Programming and Development at  ViacomCBS’s BET Networks. As head of unscripted, Williams leads all of BET’s unscripted programming functions, including Development and Production for BET linear as well as the SVOD service BET+.

Williams received her Bachelor in Media Arts from the University...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Tiffany Williams, BET


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Keith Wooten

Director, Creative Development

BET Networks

Bio Coming Soon...

Speaking on: Speed Pitching - CNN, Love Nature, BET

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