g Agenda - Realscreen West 2023
Marriott Marquis | Washington, DC | Sunday, January 28 – Wednesday, January 31, 2023

Agenda

Monday, June 5

5:00pm

Tuesday, June 6

8:00am
8:15am

Registration (8AM - 6PM) (8:15am - 8:30am)

9:00am

Speed Networking (9:00am - 10:00am)

Sponsored by:

Dana 4

These networking sessions are designed for you to meet many like-minded potential partners in a short, speed-dating style. Speed Networking is open to all Realscreen West delegates and is NOT a pitch session.

Access to Speed Networking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is filled

10:00am

The Pitching Mindset (10:00am - 10:45am)

Dana 5-8

Welcome to Realscreen West!! Get fired up!! But the question is... are you ready to pitch?? Dave Noll has sold 200+ shows to just about every network in the past 20 years. In this hour, Dave will walk you through the pitching mindset. How a young Stephen King teaches us that in pitching... there is NO fear. How Oprah faced down every type of "No." And a pitching story about Walt Disney that Dave heard from Walt's own nephew, Roy Disney. Before you pitch... let's all get in the perfect headspace. Not to be missed!

Featuring:

Dave Noll

Co President

Keller/Noll

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10:45am

Networking Coffee Break (10:45am - 11:00am)

11:00am

In Conversation With: Heather Olander, The CW (11:00am - 12:00pm)

Dana 5-8

Earlier this year, veteran television executive Heather Olander – previously EVP of alternative development and programming for NBCUniversal’s USA Network, Syfy and Peacock – was named as the head of unscripted programming at The CW, a newly created position that signals an important shift in the strategy for the U.S. broadcast network. In this keynote conversation, Heather Olander will outline her plans for ramping up unscripted at The CW, and share her thoughts on the challenges and opportunities ahead for the genre.

Featuring:

Heather Olander

Head, Unscripted Programming

The CW Television Network

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Interviewer

Peter White

Executive Editor, Television

Deadline Hollywood

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12:30pm

Delegate Lunch (12:30PM - 1:45PM on Laguna Terrace)

Lunch With (12:30pm - 1:45pm)

Capistrano

Advance sign-up was required - You may reserve to meet one (1) Lunch With host.

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Lunch With should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late may result in losing your spot. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line.

An informal networking opportunity for delegates to meet with commissioning and development execs over lunch.  These are NOT pitch sessions — just a fantastic networking opportunity.

Sign-ups opened Wednesday, May 10th at 11:00 am ET and closed Friday, June 2nd at 5:00 pm ET.

Featuring:

Table host

Rachel Brenner

Sr. Director of Development

Investigation Discovery (ID)

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Table host

Julie Chang

EVP, Business Strategy & Co-Productions

Blue Ant Media Inc

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Table host

Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E Network

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Table host

Teri Kennedy

Head, Lifestyle Programming & Daytime Originals

Home.Made.Nation (A+E Networks)

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Table host

Falguni Lakhani Adams

Network Executive Producer

EXECUTIVE, VICETV

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Table host

Dana Volkmer-Jones

Director, Programming & Development Food Network

Food Network

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2:00pm

In Conversation With: CJ Yu, Amazon Studios (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

Dana 5-8

As part of his current role as Head of Unscripted Development, Global Formats, CJ Yu leads a team that oversees unscripted slates for newer Prime Video territories such as Australia, Canada, Middle East, and supports the development of unscripted originals across Europe, Asia, Africa and Latam. He drives the expansion of hit original franchises around the world, such as All Or Nothing, LOL: Last One Laughing, Luxe Listings, and Wild and Free. In this keynote conversation, CJ Yu will discuss what he and his team are looking to achieve with their producing partners on the local originals front, their strategy around global unscripted formats, and provide perspective on the kind of series they’re looking to put into the development pipeline.

Featuring:

Interviewer

J.C. Mills

President and Head of Content

Cineflix Productions

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CJ Yu

Founder

Amazon Studios

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3:00pm

Networking Coffee Break (3:00pm - 3:15pm)

3:15pm

The Power Of Black Content In Unscripted: Moving Towards Growth (3:15pm - 4:00pm)

Sponsored by:

Dana 5-8

This session follows up on the discussion held at the Realscreen Summit regarding the power of Black content in the current unscripted climate with a focus on growth. We will discuss the ever shifting landscape and identify specific ways network partners and content creators are collaborating and can continue to work together to grow audiences for and further monetize Black content  -- pathways that have impact on both our industry and society at large. We will explore questions such as what is considered "Black content" in 2023, and should that definition change? How can opportunities for Black producers and content creators grow into new unscripted genres -- genres in which Black producers are currently underrepresented? And how can the priorities for buyers and sellers of programming in the current climate align with the need -- and desire from audiences -- for more inclusive content? 


Featuring:

Stevenson Greene

Senior Production and Development Executive

OUTTV

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Ri-Karlo Handy

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sunwise Media and Senior Vice President, Unscripted, Blink49 Studios

The Handy Foundation

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Ashley McFarlin

VP, Unscripted & Scripted Development and Production

WE TV

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Carri Twigg

Founding Partner & Head of Development

Culture House

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Moderating:


Valerie Idehen

Creator, Executive Producer & Development Consultant

Hot Snakes Media

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3:30pm

Masterclass: Production Risk (3:30pm - 4:15pm)

Pacific Learning Ctr

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

These 45-minute sessions are informal opportunities to connect, learn & grow for all career levels. Featuring top experts in various sectors of the unscripted space. Hosts will share practical information and inspiration to help you do your job better, and participate in live Q&A.

Seating is limited to 60 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Paul Hatcher

CEO

Merrill Herzog Group

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Speed Pitching (3:30pm - 4:30pm)

Laguna

Advance sign-up was required - A total of (3) Speed Pitching spots could be reserved at sign-up time. 

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Speed Pitching should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late will result in losing your spot.

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line.

Programming execs, each at their own table, will take one-on-one, three-minute pitches. Get coveted one-on-one time with executives who have the power to steer your project to a greenlight.

Sign-ups opened Wednesday, May 24th at 11:00 am ET and closed Friday, June 2nd at 5:00 pm ET.

Featuring:

Anna Bloomfield

VP, Development & Production

HGTV

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Havva Eisenbaum

VP, Development, Unscripted

Oprah Winfrey Network

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Zara Frankel

Senior Director, Programming & Development

PBS

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Sam Goff

Production & Development Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network

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Jennifer Gordon

VP, Development

TLC

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Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A&E Network

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Merrill Hendrickson

VP Entertainment Unscripted Content

NBCUniversal Television and Streaming

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Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

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Dana Volkmer-Jones

Director, Programming & Development Food Network

Food Network

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Laura Welch

Manager, Unscripted Programming & Development

Lifetime Television

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4:00pm

30 Minutes With: Laura Crowson (Discovery Channel, TNT &TBS) (4:00pm - 4:30pm)

Dana 1

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

Hear from some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, plans, and priorities in an intimate & interactive (and off the record) session.

Seating is limited to 50 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Laura Crowson

VP, Development

Discovery Channel, TNT and TBS

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4:15pm

The Big Questions … And Some Answers (4:15pm - 5:00pm)

Dana 5-8

How might a potential writers strike impact the unscripted business? What is the prognosis for linear networks in the near future? What are the opportunities for original content in the ever-evolving streaming world? And how can buyers and sellers of unscripted content best prepare for the twists and turns ahead? All these questions, and perhaps more, will be tackled by our team of top executives from across the industry in this “can’t miss” session.

Featuring:

Rupert Dobson

EVP of Development

Bunim Murray Productions

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Elaine Frontain Bryant

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

A&E Network

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Robyn Lattaker-Johnson

Agent, Media Consultant

A3 Artists Agency

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Loren Ruch

Head of Content HGTV

HGTV

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Moderating:


Joe Livecchi

Chief Executive Officer

Right On Content

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4:30pm

30 Minutes With: Nicole Silveira, Disney+ (4:30pm - 5:00pm)

Pacific Learning Ctr

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

Hear from some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, plans, and priorities in an intimate & interactive (and off the record) session.

Seating is limited to 50 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Nicole Silveira

VP, Unscripted, Disney Branded Television

Disney+, The Walt Disney Company

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5:00pm

Opening Night Cocktail (Vue Lawn) (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Connect with partners or friends old and new while taking in stunning ocean views. 


Wednesday, June 7

8:00am
8:15am

Registration (8AM - 6PM) (8:15am - 8:30am)

9:00am

After the Reset: Challenges and Opportunities for Content Creators (9:00am - 9:45am)

Pacific Learning Ctr

2022 saw myriad pivotal shifts in the screen content business. The metrics for success shifted substantially for streaming, with profitability usurping subscription numbers. Mergers of major legacy media companies led to cutbacks and uncertainty for content buyers and sellers alike. And while the changes aren’t over yet, the dust might be clearing enough to get a clearer picture of the trends that will shape the industry in the near future. Join Parrot Analytics’ Monica Trujillo-Jamison as she explores the outlook for the screen content business, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities ahead for the unscripted sector.

Featuring:

Monica Trujillo-Jamison

Partner Insights Director

Parrot Analytics

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Speed Networking (9:00am - 10:00am)

Sponsored by:

Dana 4

These networking sessions are designed for you to meet many like-minded potential partners in a short, speed-dating style. Speed Networking is open to all Realscreen West delegates and is NOT a pitch session.

Access to Speed Networking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is filled

10:00am

In Conversation With: Arthur Smith (10:00am - 11:00am)

Dana 5-8

Join us for a conversation with the founder of A. Smith & Co. and chairman of Tinopolis USA, as he reflects on 30+ years in the unscripted television business.

Smith's keynote conversation will also come directly on the heels of the launch of his non-fiction book, Reach (Blackstone Publishing), which chronicles his career in television thus far and takes the reader behind the scenes of dozens of pivotal moments in sports and television history.

Join Arthur for a special book signing in the Foyer immediately following the keynote conversation

Featuring:

Interviewer

Matt Iseman

Comedian, Actor, and Television Host

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Arthur Smith

Chairman

A. Smith & Co. Productions

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11:00am

Book Signing: Arthur Smith (In Foyer) (11:00am - 11:30am)

Dana 5-8

Immediately following his featured Keynote Conversation, legendary producer Arthur Smith will be signing copies of his newly released book Reach (Blackstone Publishing), which chronicles his career in television thus far and takes the reader behind the scenes of dozens of pivotal moments in sports and television history.


Books will be available for purchase & signing. This event will take place in the foyer outside of the Richard Henry Dana Ballroom.

Networking Coffee Break (11:00am - 11:15am)

11:15am

Masterclass: Casting for Unscripted (11:15am - 12:00pm)

Pacific Learning Ctr

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

These 45-minute sessions are informal opportunities to connect, learn & grow for all career levels. Featuring top experts in various sectors of the unscripted space. Hosts will share practical information and inspiration to help you do your job better, and participate in live Q&A.

Seating is limited to 60 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Jacqui Pitman

CEO, Casting Director & Executive Producer

Pitman Casting Inc/Partypit Productions Inc.

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11:45am

THE FRAPA SESSIONS: East Meets West: The Route To Success? (11:45am - 12:30pm)

Sponsored by:

Dana 5-8

There’s no doubt that when it comes to formats, Asian territories have been in the forefront of marrying innovation and entertainment, creating wildly inventive global hits in the process. And increasingly, production companies in the West are collaborating with Eastern format powerhouses to craft content for wider audiences. Hear from top format executives from the East and West to learn more about how to foster such partnerships, and what each side can bring to the table.

Featuring:

Danny Fenton

CEO

Zig Zag Productions

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Sophie Ferron

President

Media Ranch Inc

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Diane Min

Head of Format Sales + Development

CJ ENM

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Wonwoo Park

Founder, Show Director & CEO

diTurn

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Yasmin Rawji

EVP, Unscripted - Network

FOX Entertainment

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12:00pm

30 Minutes With: Sean Olsen, Game Show Network (12:00pm - 12:30pm)

Dana 1

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

Hear from some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, plans, and priorities in an intimate & interactive (and off the record) session.

Seating is limited to 50 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Sean Olsen

VP, Development

Game Show Network

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12:30pm

Delegate Lunch (12:30PM - 1:45PM on Laguna Terrace)

Meet A Distributor (12:30pm - 1:45pm)

Capistrano

Advance sign-up was required - You may reserve to meet with one (1) Distributor. 

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Distributor should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late may result in losing your spot. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line.

 

We’ve assembled some of the top distributors in unscripted and non-fiction entertainment and made them available for you to meet with. Sign up to find out what these industry experts can offer you and your production.

Sign-ups opened Wednesday, May 10th at 11:00 am ET and closed Friday, June 2nd at 5:00 pm ET.

Featuring:

Table host

Bryan Gabourie

SVP, International Sales & Partnerships

Blue Ant International

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Table host

Philip Kalin-hajdu

Head of Content & Storytelling

Media Ranch Inc

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Table host

Liz Levenson

Sales & Acquisitions

Cactus Tree Entertainment

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Table host

Felicia Litovitz

VP, Acquisitions, North America

Cineflix Rights

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1:45pm

AI AI OH! (1:45pm - 2:45pm)

Dana 5-8

Everyone is talking about AI, and most agree that it will transform practically every aspect of entertainment. But it’s not just the scripted world that will be impacted – there are myriad opportunities to integrate these evolving technologies into your processes and your productions. This session will serve as a “show and tell” in which you’ll see what’s happening now in AI and how it can impact your storytelling, while also offering a glimpse of what’s just around the corner.

Featuring:

Souki Mehdaoui

Co-Founder

Bell & Whistle

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Marc Scarpa

Co-Founder

DeFiance Media

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Shelby Ward

Co-Founder

Curious Refuge

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Caleb Ward

CEO

Curious Refuge

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Moderating:


Ben Relles

Content Strategy - Office of Reid Hoffman

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THE FRAPA SESSIONS: A Masterclass on Formats and Protecting Your IP (1:45pm - 2:30pm)

Sponsored by:

Pacific Learning Ctr

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

These 45-minute sessions are informal opportunities to connect, learn & grow for all career levels. Featuring top experts in various sectors of the unscripted space. Hosts
will share practical information and inspiration to help you do your job better, and participate in live Q&A.

Seating is limited to 60 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Moderating:


Hayley Babcock

Founder and CEO

Hayley Babcock Media Consulting

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2:15pm

30 Minutes With: Lynn Sadofsky, Food Network (2:15pm - 2:45pm)

Dana 1

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

Hear from some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, plans, and priorities in an intimate & interactive (and off the record) session.

Seating is limited to 50 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Lynn Sadofsky

SVP, Food Network Programming & Development

Food Network & Cooking Channel

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2:45pm

Networking Coffee Break (2:45pm - 3:00pm)

3:00pm

What We’ll Be Watching: Trends In Unscripted (3:00pm - 3:45pm)

Dana 5-8

Unscripted programming is a truly versatile genre – not only is it capable of truly reflecting the times in which it’s made, but it can also provide escapist entertainment that can transform into cultural phenomena. In this session, you’ll hear from top programming and production executives about the trends they expect to impact unscripted programming for the near future, and the content they’ll be looking to entertain audiences with.

Featuring:

David Collins

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

Scout Productions

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Naimah Holmes

President

Hot Snakes Media

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Joseph Schneier

SVP, Production & Development, Discovery Channel

Warner Bros. Discovery

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Amy Winter

EVP, Head of Programming

Lifetime Television

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Moderating:


Jodi Flynn

President & Chief Content Officer

Asylum Entertainment Group

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30 Minutes With: Havva Eisenbaum, OWN (3:00pm - 3:30pm)

Dana 1

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

Hear from some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, plans, and priorities in an intimate & interactive (and off the record) session.

Seating is limited to 50 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Havva Eisenbaum

VP, Development, Unscripted

Oprah Winfrey Network

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30 Minutes With: Max Micallef, HISTORY (3:00pm - 3:30pm)

Pacific Learning Ctr

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

Hear from some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, plans, and priorities in an intimate & interactive (and off the record) session.

Seating is limited to 50 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

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3:30pm

Slow Pitching (3:30pm - 4:30pm)

Laguna

Advance sign-up was required - A total of (3) Slow Pitching spots could be reserved at sign-up time. 

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Slow Pitching should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late will result in losing your spot. 

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line.

Programming execs, each at their own table, will take one-on-one, eight-minute pitches. Get coveted one-on-one time with executives who have the power to steer your project to a greenlight.

Sign-ups opened Wednesday, May 24th at 11:00 am ET and closed Friday, June 2nd at 5:00 pm ET.

Featuring:

Rachel Brenner

Sr. Director of Development

Investigation Discovery (ID)

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Noella Charles

VP Development & Original Production, Unscripted

AllBlk/WEtv

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Shane Ertter

Manager of Development, VICE TV

VICE

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Stevenson Greene

Senior Production and Development Executive

OUTTV

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Brad Holcman

Senior Director, Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming

Home.Made.Nation (A+E Networks)

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Jay James

EVP, Programming & Development

Game Show Network

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Andrew Lessner

Sr. Manager, Development and Production Tentpoles, Events and Live Discovery, TBS, TNT, SCI, APL, Tru

Warner Bros. Discovery

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Rob Swartz

SVP, Development & Production

REELZ Channel

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4:00pm

30 Minutes With: Jessica Winchell, Magnolia Network (4:00pm - 4:30pm)

Pacific Learning Ctr

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

Hear from some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, plans, and priorities in an intimate & interactive (and off the record) session.

Seating is limited to 50 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Jessica Winchell

VP, Content & Development - Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network

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30 Minutes With: Loren Ruch, HGTV (4:00pm - 4:30pm)

Dana 1

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

Hear from some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, plans, and priorities in an intimate & interactive (and off the record) session.

Seating is limited to 50 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Loren Ruch

Head of Content HGTV

HGTV

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5:00pm

Formagination (5:00pm - 6:15pm)

Dana 5-8

For over 10 years, FORMAGINATION has served as a unique format competition and a launching pad for international creativity with previous entries going on to become hit international format brands. 

Three prizes are up for grabs at the live presentation of FORMAGINATION at Realscreen West including the Audience Choice award.  Join us to cheer on your favorite pitch contestant!

Featuring:

Judge

Avi Armoza

CEO

Armoza Formats

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Host

Simone Boyce

Journalist & Host

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Judge

Laura Crowson

VP, Development

Discovery Channel, TNT and TBS

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Judge

Havva Eisenbaum

VP, Development, Unscripted

Oprah Winfrey Network

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Judge

Jay James

EVP, Programming & Development

Game Show Network

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Judge

Sitarah Pendelton

Head of Unscripted Series

Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios

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Thursday, June 8

8:00am
8:15am

Registration (8AM - 4PM) (8:15am - 8:30am)

10:00am

Town Hall: The Power Of The Pivot – A Survivor’s Guide To The Next Few Years (10:00am - 10:45am)

Sponsored by:

Dana 5-8

Yes, these are challenging times. But there are innumerable instances of executives in the unscripted business who have reinvented themselves in times of disruption, and through a mix of creativity, courage and “can do” spirit, have pivoted into exciting new chapters of their professional lives, propelling the industry forward in the process. This session brings together such execs who will share their stories, including their tips on how to make transformative transitions that will take you, and your business, to new heights.

Featuring:

Rhett Bachner

Founder/Executive Producer

B17 Entertainment

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Matt Hornburg

Co-President

marblemedia

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Alex Piper

Head, Night Studios

Night, Inc.

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Aliza Rosen

Owner

AYR Media

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Moderating:


D'Angela Proctor

Owner/Founder

Undaunted Content

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11:00am

Networking Coffee Break (11:00am - 11:15am)

11:15am

Masterclass: Climate Change & Sustainability in Unscripted (11:15am - 12:00pm)

Pacific Learning Ctr

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

These 45-minute sessions are informal opportunities to connect, learn & grow for all career levels. Featuring top experts in various sectors of the unscripted space. Hosts will share practical information and inspiration to help you do your job better, and participate in live Q&A.

Seating is limited to 60 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Cyle Zezo

President

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11:30am

Pitching Partners (11:30am - 12:30pm)

Laguna

Advance sign-up was required - A total of (3) Pitching Partner spots could be reserved at sign-up time. 

Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Pitching Partners should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late will result in losing your spot.

If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line.

Production execs, each at their own tables, will take one-on-one, three-minute pitches from potential production partners.

Sign-ups opened Wednesday, May 24th at 11:00 am ET and closed Friday, June 2nd at 5:00 pm ET.


Featuring:

Eli Baldrige

SVP, Development

A. Smith & Co. Productions

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Ben Barrett

Global Head, Content Financing & Partnerships

Blue Ant International

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Nick Crowe

Head, Unscripted Development

Saloon Media

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Harry Gamsu

VP, Creative, Format, Development and Sales

Warner Bros. International Television Production

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Jimmy Guido

Director of Development

The Intellectual Property Corporation

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David Hale

EVP, Programming

44 Blue Productions

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Valerie Idehen

Creator, Executive Producer & Development Consultant

Hot Snakes Media

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Megan Jacobi

Director, Alternative Development

Fremantle

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Ben Megargel

SVP, Unscripted Development - US, Television

eOne

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Alison Shurter

Vice President of Development

Citizen Jones

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Adam Steinman

Production and Development

Mount Royal Films

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11:45am

Time For Change: Representing Latinx Communities In Unscripted (11:45am - 12:30pm)

Dana 5-8

A study conducted last September by non-profit The Latino Donor Collective found that while Latinx communities make up close to 19% of the U.S. population – a number that will surely grow in the years ahead – the number of Latino leads in unscripted programming came in at a mere 0.9%, and Latino showrunners at 0.4%.

This session brings together NBCUniversal executives as well as showrunners and producers from top-rated unscripted series to share their process in bringing a modern lens to Latinx representation in front and behind the camera on lifestyle/documentary series. They will discuss their approach to producing nuanced stories, the often overlooked spaces behind-the-camera where increased representation will make for more captivating storytelling, and the specific examples of how Latinx inclusion benefitted their shows.

Featuring:

Pamela Gimenez

VP, Unscripted Current Production

NBCUniversal Television and Streaming

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Cristina Lopez

Executive Producer/Showrunner

Below Deck

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Romina Rosado

EVP & General Manager, Hispanic Streaming

NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises

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Moderating:


Ana Valdez

President & CEO

Latino Donor Collaborative

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12:00pm

30 Minutes With: Betsy Slenzak, The CW Network (12:00pm - 12:30pm)

Dana 1

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

Hear from some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, plans, and priorities in an intimate & interactive (and off the record) session.

Seating is limited to 50 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Betsy Slenzak

VP, Unscripted Programming

The CW Television Network

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12:30pm
2:00pm

30 Minutes With: Angela Molloy, Allblk/WEtv (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Dana 1

No sign-up is required, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach room capacity.

Hear from some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, plans, and priorities in an intimate & interactive (and off the record) session.

Seating is limited to 50 delegates

Adding this session to your agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Featuring:

Angela Molloy

SVP, Development & Original Production AllBlk & WEtv, Unscripted

AllBlk/WEtv

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2:15pm

Global Visions, International Insights (2:15pm - 3:00pm)

Dana 5-8

From networks to streamers to production companies, everyone is looking at ways to maximize the reach – and hopefully, the success – of content. What might have been seen as a hit in a local market in years past now has the potential to become a global smash. But in such an environment, understanding the evolution of the international unscripted market – including the needs and business processes of the platforms driving it – is key. This session will provide an overview of how content is traveling across borders in today’s media landscape, what content is connecting with global audiences, and how to establish international partnerships at a time when they might be more relevant than ever.

Featuring:

Eden Gaha

President

Eureka

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Ryann Lauckner

Chief Strategy & Operating Officer

Fulwell 73

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Tara Long

Global President, Unscripted Television

Entertainment One

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Edward Simpson

Chief Strategy Officer

Wheelhouse

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Moderating:


Ilan Arboleda

Co-Founder & Producer

CreativeChaos vmg

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2:45pm

Closing Cocktail (on Laguna Terrace) (2:45pm - 3:45pm)

Toast with us as we wrap another great Realscreen West.

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