MARRIOTT MARQUIS | WASHINGTON, DC | SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018
Marriott Marquis | Washington, DC | Sunday, January 28 – Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Agenda

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Sunday, January 28

8:00am
9:00am

MASTER CLASS: Social Media and The Three Cs: Content, Connection, Community (9:00am - 10:45am)

Salon C

Over the last several years, the importance of social media in building buzz for programming has exploded, to the point where social media platforms have become content distributors and "networks" unto themselves. But how can you maximize the outreach for your content and build a community of superfans via social? In this master class, headed by Jumpwire Media’s Gavin McGarry, you’ll discover how content producers can connect with audiences and build communities through social media platforms, refine your community building strategies and learn how to work with networks to help to build compelling content for your show, learn what platforms you need to focus on in 2018 and find out why more social media communities will move behind paywalls.


Featuring:


Fred Graver

SVP, Digital Content & Social

Discovery Communications

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Master Class Leader

Gavin McGarry

President

Jumpwire Media

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New to the Summit Tour (9:00am - 9:45am)

Salon I

Informal guided tours designed to help you make the most of your Realscreen Summit. Our team members will be on hand to guide you through the event features that will help you meet your business goals. Drop in only. No sign-up required.

10:00am

Networking Made Easy (10:00am - 10:45am)

Salon I

Maximize your experience at the Summit by attending this session designed specifically for those registered for the first time or those that haven’t been in a while. Summit veteran, Chris Palmer will provide you with some practical tips on how best to network with executives attending Realscreen Summit and how to make the most of the incredible networking opportunities available to you.


Featuring:


Chris Palmer

Professor & Director

American University

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10:45am
11:00am

MASTER CLASS: New Buyers, New Mandates - Upping Your Pitching Game (11:00am - 12:45pm)

Salon C

The good news is that, with the ever-expanding amount of platforms moving into the unscripted and non-fiction space, there are more buyers to pitch to. But that means there are more buyers with specific programming needs and requirements that you’ll need to research and more prep work necessary to make the pitch count. Join our panel of experts for a comprehensive overview of the development and pitching processes and how they’ve evolved, and learn the new parts of the equation necessary for a winning pitch.


Featuring:


Cara Casey

Development Lead

YouTube Red

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John Feld

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HGTV, DIY Network & Great American Country

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Marc Kamler

Head of Unscripted Packaging

APA

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Jacqui Pitman

CEO, Casting Director & Executive Producer

Pitman Casting Inc/ Partypit Productions Inc.

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Master Class Leader

Matt Shanfield

EVP, Development

Asylum Entertainment

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Speed Networking One - Lifestyle and Reality (11:00am - 12:00pm)

Supreme Court

These networking sessions are designed for you to meet many like-minded potential partners in a short time period. Speed Networking is open to all Realscreen Summit 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.

Speed Networking Two - History/Science/Natural History/Travel & Exploration (11:00am - 12:00pm)

Monument

These networking sessions are designed for you to meet many like-minded potential partners in a short time period. Speed Networking is open to all Realscreen Summit 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.

12:45pm

LUNCH (Delegates' Lounge (M2), Level M1) (12:45pm - 2:00pm)

Sponsored by

MASTER CLASS LUNCH (Salon D) (12:45pm - 2:00pm)

Salon C

2:00pm

MASTER CLASS: The More You Know - Structuring & Identifying Your Worker Relationships (2:00pm - 3:45pm)

Salon C

In the past decade, virtually every government agency with employee-related responsibilities has heightened its pursuit of employers which misclassify individuals as 1) independent contractors when they are actually employees or 2) as exempt employees when they are truly non-exempt. The government views such misclassifications as being unfair to the worker and depriving them (the government) of the revenue (taxes) it would ordinarily collect automatically if the worker is classified properly.  This master class will focus on several key areas and questions that any employer must consider in structuring its worker relationships including: the tests government entities apply to the independent contractor vs. employee question; determining if an employee is exempt or non-exempt from overtime; protection or liability factors when using staffing companies; the consequences of getting it wrong; and more. Come prepared to gain some practical answers and efficient solutions.


Featuring:


Bill Abrams

Senior Partner

Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP

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Dom Atteritano

SVP, Legal & Business Affairs

WE TV

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Richard Landau

Principal

Jackson Lewis P.C.

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Kari Thompson

Attorney

Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP

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Meet an Expert - Distributors (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

Chinatown

As part of our networking series designed to grow your connections, 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.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may choose two (2) Meet An Expert sessions; however, during this session you have the opportunity to meet and chat with up to three (3) table hosts (*please note; delegates will be asked to rotate in 20-minute increments).


Featuring:


Table host

Shirley Bowers

SVP, US Distribution

Red Arrow Studios International

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Table host

Julian Curtis

Founder

Lineup Industries

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Table host

Lisa Fahrenholt

SVP, Scripted Development

Endemol Shine North America

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Table host

Ronan Hand

SVP of Global Content

ITV Studios Global Entertainment

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Table host

Jimmy Humphrey

Director

Passion Distribution

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Table host

Maria Ishak

SVP, Sales North America

All3media International

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Table host

Betsy LeBlanc

Director, International

PBS International

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Table host

Cecilie Olsen

SVP, Global Content, Non-Scripted

Argonon International

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Table host

Gillian Rose

SVP, Television & Nee Media Distribution

Sky Vision

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Table host

Claire Runham

Head, Acquisitions

TCB Media Rights

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Table host

Will Stapley

Head of Acquisitions

TVF International

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Table host

Jessica Watson

Vice President, Global Sales & Strategic Partnerships

Boat Rocker Media

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Table host

Justina Wójtowicz

EVP, Acquisitions Co-Productions & Sales

eOne Television International

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2:15pm

30 Minutes With Carlyn Staudt, Love Nature (2:15pm - 2:45pm)

Capitol

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Carlyn Staudt

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

Blue Ant Media

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30 Minutes With Cynthia Fenneman, American Public Television & Create TV (2:15pm - 2:45pm)

Mint

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Cynthia Fenneman

President Emeritus

American Public Television & Create TV

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30 Minutes With Loren Ruch, HGTV & DIY Network (2:15pm - 2:45pm)

Congress

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Loren Ruch

Head of Content HGTV

Scripps Networks Interactive

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3:15pm

30 Minutes With Steve Burns, CuriosityStream (3:15pm - 3:45pm)

Capitol

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Steve Burns

Executive Producer

CuriosityStream

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30 Minutes With Tolani Holmes, MTV + VH1 (3:15pm - 3:45pm)

Congress

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Tolani Holmes

SVP, Development, Unscripted Entertainment, MTV Entertainment and Paramount+

MTV & VH1

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30 Minutes With Winona Meringolo, Investigation Discovery (3:15pm - 3:45pm)

Mint

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Winona Meringolo

SVP, Development

Investigation Discovery

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3:45pm

MASTER CLASS NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK (3:45pm - 4:00pm)

Meet an Expert - Agents (3:45pm - 4:45pm)

Chinatown

As part of our networking series designed to grow your connections, we’ve assembled some of the top agencies 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.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may choose two (2) Meet An Expert sessions, however during this session you have the opportunity to meet and chat with up to 3 table hosts (*please note; delegates will be asked to rotate in twenty-minute increments).


Featuring:


Table host

Matt Chazen

Agent

Creative Artists Agency

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Table host

Debra Goldfarb

Head of Alternative Television

Gersh Agency

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Table host

Kevin Hill

Head, Television & Digital Development

WME

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Table host

Phil Irven

Partner

Rebel Entertainment Partners

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Table host

Kyle Komen

Agent, Alternative & Factual Programming

APA

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Table host

Babette Perry

Head of Broadcasting & Hosting

Innovative Artists

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Table host

Matt Sorger

Vice President, Alternative Television

ICM Partners

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4:15pm

30 Minutes With Brie Miranda Bryant, Lifetime (4:15pm - 4:45pm)

Mint

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Brie Miranda Bryant

SVP, Original Programming

Lifetime

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30 Minutes With Courtney White, Food Network & Travel Channel (4:15pm - 4:45pm)

Capitol

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Courtney White

President

Scripps Networks Interactive

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30 Minutes With Hamish Mykura, National Geographic Intl (4:15pm - 4:45pm)

Congress

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Hamish Mykura

EVP, Programming & Development

National Geographic Channel

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30 Minutes With Zara Frankel, PBS (4:15pm - 4:45pm)

Treasury

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Host

Zara Frankel

Senior Director, Programming & Development

PBS

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4:45pm

NETWORKING BREAK (4:45pm - 5:00pm)

5:00pm

Trendwatch: Tuning Up Music Competitions (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Salon I

With the return of one of the most successful TV series of all time — American Idol — coming soon, and with The Voice being the biggest global format in recent memory, the music competition genre is still super hot. But while new music series are making their way to broadcast schedules around the world, it’s important that they offer something new, or audiences will say “It’s the same old song” and tune out. Hear from producers and execs behind the new wave of music competition series as they discuss how they set out to hit the right notes with their shows.

Moderating:


Tim Duffy

Co-Bro

Ugly Brother Studios

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Featuring:


Avi Armoza

CEO

Armoza Formats

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John Brunton

Chair & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Producer

Insight Production Company Ltd.

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Spencer Thomas

Senior Producer

CJ E&M Corporation

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6:00pm

Monday, January 29

8:00am
8:15am

Coffee + Commissioners (8:15am - 9:15am)

Chinatown

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

*Advance sign-up is required.

NEW: Delegates can choose the host they wish to sit with for the entire session. You may submit for one (1) Coffee + Commissioners session, which will be available first-come, first-serve through our regular sign-up process on realXchange.

Information on how to sign up will be emailed to registered delegates prior to the opening date.


Featuring:


Table host

Tim Evans

Executive Producer

Smithsonian Channel

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Table host

Cynthia Fenneman

President Emeritus

American Public Television & Create TV

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Table host

Karin Heijink

SVP Content, Marketing & Products

Viasat World

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Table host

Nikolas Huelbusch

Director, Unscripted

ZDF Enterprises GmbH

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Table host

Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media

Blue Ant Media

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Table host

Bill Margol

Executive Producer

PBS

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Table host

Leila Mattimore

Director, Programming & Development

Viceland

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Table host

Caroline Perez

SVP, Development & Production

Science Channel

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Table host

Erin Wanner

SVP, Production

Animal Planet

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Table host

Jamie Watkins

Sr Manager, Content Sourcing

Discovery Networks EMEA

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8:30am
9:30am
9:45am

Pressure Points: Making the Model Work (9:45am - 11:00am)

Sponsored by

Salon L

This session brings together top executives in the unscripted and non-fiction TV industry to tackle the themes discussed during last year’s standing room only kick-off panel, Under Pressure. The discussion will examine what progress — if any — the industry has made in improving aspects of the current business model. But it will also shine the spotlight on key points brought to light in last year’s session, and through discussion and debate, uncover actionable ways to make improvements that will make business better for all concerned.

Moderating:


Marisa Guthrie

TV Editor

The Hollywood Reporter

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Featuring:


Kathleen Finch

Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, Warner Bros. Discovery

Scripps Networks Interactive

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John Ford

Head of Programming

NPACT

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Tom Forman

CEO

Critical Content

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Liz Gateley

Head of Creative Development

Lifetime

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Russ McCarroll

Executive Producer

Discovery Channel

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Brent Montgomery

CEO

ITV America

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11:00am

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK (11:00am - 11:15am)

11:15am

Trendwatch: OTT Evolution (11:15am - 12:15pm)

Sponsored by

Salon C

When the big OTT players started making big deals (with big money), the term “the new cable” was used to describe the growing wave of buyers entering the original content arena. As OTT has evolved, it has mirrored the niche approach that cable employed, making a huge range of content available for the streaming. This session brings together various execs in the space to discuss  the OTT explosion, and where the evolution is heading next.

Moderating:


Greg Rubidge

President

Syndicado

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Featuring:


Richard Au

Director, Head of Content Acquisition

Amazon Channels

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John Hendricks

Founder & Chairman

CuriosityStream

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Acquisitions and Copros: Trends and Takeaways (11:15am - 12:15pm)

Sponsored by

Salon I

Who’s buying what, why, and for how much? These may be basic questions, but they’re integral to the formation of business strategies for sellers and buyers alike. However, as the business of content creation and distribution becomes increasingly complex, and the range of content needed for linear and newer platforms increases, new questions — and strategies — emerge. In this session, you’ll hear from execs in the distribution, acquisitions and coproduction space about how the need for content that cuts through the clutter is impacting buying, selling, rights negotiations and financing of programming, and you’ll learn about emerging models that are altering the shape of the business.

Moderating:


Paul Heaney

CEO

TCB Media Rights

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Featuring:


Solange Attwood

CEO & Co-Founder

Blue Ant Media

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Christian Drobnyk

EVP Programming Disney Branded Television & National Geographic

National Geographic Channel

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Ronan Hand

SVP of Global Content

ITV Studios Global Entertainment

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Barnaby Shingleton

Director of Factual

Sky Vision

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Speed Pitching One (11:15am - 12:15pm)

Ledroit/Shaw

Programming execs, each at their own table, will take one-on-one, three minute pitches.
Advance sign-up is required.

You may submit for up to three (3) Speed Pitches, which will be available through our lottery-style selection process.

Information on how to sign up will be emailed to registered delegates prior to the opening date.


Featuring:


Table host

Lauren Celinski

Development Lead, YouTube Originals

Lifetime

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Table host

Robyn Greene Arrington

VP, Original Programming & Production

TV One

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Table host

Brent Hatherill

Senior Director, Development

Investigation Discovery

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Table host

Bill Margol

Executive Producer

PBS

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Table host

Jennifer Quainton

Head of Content Programming

Food Network, Cooking Channel & Travel Channel

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Table host

Susan Taylor

Executive in Charge of Production and Development, Unscripted

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

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Table host

Jonathan Unger

Director Current Series & Live Events

E! Entertainment

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Table host

Jamie Watkins

Sr Manager, Content Sourcing

Discovery Networks EMEA

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Table host

Fay Yu

Head of Current

Animal Planet

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11:30am

30 Minutes With David Royle, Smithsonian Channel (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Congress

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


David Royle

Chief Programming Officer & EVP, Production

Smithsonian Channel

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Meet a Mentor: Jonathan Murray, Bunim/Murray Productions (11:30am - 12:15pm)

Capitol

The "Meet a Mentor" series is designed to give delegates rare access to the top producers in unscripted programming. Much like the Summit’s trademark "30 Minutes With…" series, delegates attending "Meet a Mentor" sessions will be able to glean valuable information in an intimate, "off the record" setting, and have the opportunity to ask questions that will help guide you in your career.

Join Jon Murray as he shares his tips for successful pitching, from knowing the network and tailoring your pitch to match their brand.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may sign up for two (2) Meet a Mentor sessions.


Featuring:


Jonathan Murray

Founder & Executive Consultant

Bunim/Murray Productions

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12:15pm

LUNCH (Delegates' Lounge (M2), Level M1, Level 2 (Mezzanine)) (12:15pm - 1:30pm)

Luncheon Roundtables (12:15pm - 1:30pm)

Chinatown

Luncheon roundtables are an informal affair, and a chance for producers to learn a little more about programming needs of broadcasters who may meet the producer that will deliver their next big hit. These are NOT pitch sessions — just a fantastic networking opportunity.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may submit for one (1) Luncheon Roundtable, which will be available through our lottery-style selection process.

Information on how to sign up will be emailed to registered delegates prior to the opening date.


Featuring:


Table host

Jeana Dill

Director, Original Programming

Oxygen Media

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Table host

Jennifer Gordon

VP, Development

TLC

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Table host

Robyn Greene Arrington

VP, Original Programming & Production

TV One

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Table host

Dane Joseph

VP, Unscripted Series

MTV & VH1

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Table host

Bert Klasey

Sr Director Development, Discovery Channel

History

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Table host

Neil Regan

VP Programming and Development,Food Network

Travel Channel

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Table host

Lynn Sadofsky

SVP, Food Network Programming & Development

Food Network, Cooking Channel & Travel Channel

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Table host

Joel Savitt

Director Google Developer Studio

YouTube

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Table host

Joseph Schneier

SVP, Production & Development, Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel

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Table host

Julie St. Aubin

SVP, Development & Production

E! Entertainment

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Table host

Nina Weinstein

Development Executive

MSNBC

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1:30pm

Unscripted and Unprepared with Legacy Award Recipient Jonathan Murray (1:30pm - 2:30pm)

Sponsored by

Salon L

Join Main Event Media’s Jimmy Fox, host of the popular podcast Unscripted and Unprepared, for a “live before a Summit audience” taping featuring a one-on-one interview with Bunim/Murray Productions co-founder and unscripted television legend Jon Murray. Since the launch of The Real World on MTV in 1992, Murray has created and executive produced some of the industry’s most innovative, unscripted, entertainment television programs, including, most recently A&E’s acclaimed and Emmy-winning Born This Way, about young adults with Down Syndrome and their families.

In recognition of his immeasurable and ongoing contribution to television, Murray will also be awarded during the session with a special Realscreen Legacy Award.


Featuring:


Host

Jimmy Fox

Executive Vice President, Unscripted Development & Sales

Main Event Media

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Jonathan Murray

Founder & Executive Consultant

Bunim/Murray Productions

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1:45pm

30 Minutes With Laura Fleury, A+E International (1:45pm - 2:15pm)

Capitol

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Laura Fleury

SVP, Category 6 Media™

A+E Networks

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30 Minutes With: Amy Entelis, CNN (1:45pm - 2:15pm)

Congress

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Amy Entelis

Executive Vice President, Talent & Creative Development, Originals,CNN

CNN

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2:30pm

NETWORKING BREAK (2:30pm - 2:45pm)

2:45pm

Real Talk: Redefining Relevance - What Success Looks Like in a Post-OTT World (2:45pm - 3:45pm)

Sponsored by

Salon L

Audience measurement methods and metrics have been bones of contention for some time now, but with the arrival of new platforms and their aggressive moves into premium content, retaining eyeballs and cultural relevance is a growing concern for cable nets and linear broadcasters. How is the disruption emerging from the big OTT players impacting “traditional” TV from a creative and business standpoint? How can, and should, different players from different platforms compete and collaborate? And how will content creators and producers benefit from the battle for audience?

Moderating:


Phil Fairclough

Executive Producer

Earth Touch USA

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Featuring:


Nancy Daniels

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

TLC

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Beth Hoppe

SVP, Long Form Programming

PBS

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Marc Juris

President & General Manager

WE tv

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Tim Pastore

CEO/Co-Founder

National Geographic

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Speed Pitching Two (2:45pm - 3:45pm)

Ledroit/Shaw

Programming execs, each at their own table, will take one-on-one, three minute pitches.
Advance sign-up is required.

You may submit for up to three (3) Speed Pitches, which will be available through our lottery-style selection process.

Information on how to sign up will be emailed to registered delegates prior to the opening date.


Featuring:


Table host

Jon Adler

Head of Talent & Content Development

CNN

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Table host

Dolyn Chasin

Sr. Director, Production & Development

CNBC

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Table host

Laura Crowson

VP, Development

Discovery Channel

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Table host

Amanda Culkowski

Vice President, Music Program Development

WE TV

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Table host

Molly Ebinger

Director, Unscripted Series

A&E

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Table host

Roger Henry

VP, Programming

Velocity

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Table host

Steven Lerner

SVP, Programming & Development

Scripps Networks Interactive

divider
Table host

Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media

Blue Ant Media

divider
Table host

Leila Mattimore

Director, Programming & Development

Viceland

divider
Table host

Caroline Perez

SVP, Development & Production

Science Channel

divider
Table host

Colleen Thomas

Senior Manager, Unscripted Development

BET Networks

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3:00pm

30 Minutes With Jason Sarlanis, TLC (3:00pm - 3:30pm)

Congress

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Jason Sarlanis

President, TBS, TNT, truTV, ID & HLN - Linear & Streaming

TLC

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Meet a Mentor: Drew Tappon, 495 Productions (3:00pm - 3:45pm)

Capitol

The "Meet a Mentor" series is designed to give delegates rare access to the top producers in unscripted programming. Much like the Summit’s trademark "30 Minutes With…" series, delegates attending "Meet a Mentor" sessions will be able to glean valuable information in an intimate, "off the record" setting, and have the opportunity to ask questions that will help guide you in your career.

Join Drew as he discusses finding your superpower in a crowded market, and how a great first impression can be your key to success.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may sign up for two (2) Meet a Mentor sessions.


Featuring:


Drew Tappon

Head of Unscripted, Oprah Winfrey Network

495 Productions

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3:45pm

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK (3:45pm - 4:00pm)

4:00pm

20th Anniversary Legacy Award + Keynote: Sheila Nevins, HBO Documentary Films (4:00pm - 5:00pm)

Sponsored by

Salon L

At the helm of HBO’s hugely influential documentary team, and as an executive producer, Sheila Nevins has produced over 1,000 documentaries for the premium cable network, and, among her many accolades, has won 32 individual Primetime Emmy Awards, more than any other person.

In 2017, the president of HBO Documentary Films added “author” to her list of accomplishments, with the publication of her New York Times best-selling book, You Don’t Look Your Age… and Other Fairy Tales (Flatiron Books). With characteristic candor, Nevins provides readers with what Meryl Streep (just one of the narrators in the audio books version) calls “an honest excavation of the process of living.”

Sheila Nevins will be presented with a special Realscreen Legacy Award during her keynote conversation with Washington Post TV critic Hank Stuever. Here, she will discuss the process of penning her stories, and of course, her career as one of the most influential figures in documentary.


Featuring:


Sheila Nevins

Head of Documentary Films

HBO

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Interviewer

Hank Stuever

Television Critic

The Washington Post

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5:00pm

Cocktails With Chris Rantamaki, Discovery Channel (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Mint

Chat over drinks with leading unscripted and non-fiction networks in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy unscripted and non-fiction programming. These are NOT pitch sessions — just a fantastic networking opportunity.

Space is limited to 25 delegates and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we hit room capacity.


Featuring:


Chris Rantamaki

Head of TV & Film

Discovery Channel

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Cocktails With Elaine Frontain Bryant, A&E (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Treasury

Chat over drinks with leading unscripted and non-fiction networks in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy unscripted and non-fiction programming. These are NOT pitch sessions — just a fantastic networking opportunity.

Space is limited to 25 delegates and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we hit room capacity.


Featuring:


Elaine Frontain Bryant

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

A&E

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Cocktails With: Allison Page, Scripps Networks Interactive (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Congress

Chat over drinks with leading unscripted and non-fiction networks in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy unscripted and non-fiction programming. These are NOT pitch sessions — just a fantastic networking opportunity.

Space is limited to 25 delegates and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we hit room capacity.


Featuring:


Host

Allison Page

Global President, Magnolia Network

Scripps Networks Interactive

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Cocktails With: Toby Faulkner, Facebook (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Capitol

Chat over drinks with leading unscripted and non-fiction networks in this brand-new format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy unscripted and non-fiction programming. These are NOT pitch sessions — just a fantastic networking opportunity.

Space is limited to 25 delegates and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we hit room capacity.


Featuring:


Host

Toby Faulkner

SVP, Content discovery+

Facebook

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9:00pm

Tuesday, January 30

8:00am
8:15am

Coffee + Commissioners (8:15am - 9:15am)

Chinatown

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

*Advance sign-up is required.

NEW: Delegates can choose the host they wish to sit with for the entire session. You may submit for one (1) Coffee + Commissioners session, which will be available first-come, first-serve through our regular sign-up process on realXchange.

Information on how to sign up will be emailed to registered delegates prior to the opening date.



Featuring:


Table host

Jon Adler

Head of Talent & Content Development

CNN

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Table host

Marco Bresaz

Founder & CEO

AMC and SundanceTV

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Table host

Dolyn Chasin

Sr. Director, Production & Development

CNBC

divider
Table host

Hilary Estey McLoughlin

Senior Exectuive Producer

ABC News

divider
Table host

Edwina Follows

Executive Producer

Discovery Networks Canada

divider
Table host

John Godfrey

Head of Commissioning

SBS Television

divider
Table host

Roger Henry

VP, Programming

Velocity

divider
Table host

Elliot Jacobson

EVP of Programming & Chief Content Officer

RLTV

divider
Table host

Craig Orr

VP, Commissioning & Development

MTV International

divider
Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

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CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (8:00AM - 10:00AM - Delegates' Lounge (M2))

Sponsored by

9:30am

The Business of Unscripted: A Global View (9:30am - 10:30am)

Sponsored by

Salon L

For content businesses, the proliferation of glowing screens can be a double-edged sword, with more buyers entering the picture, but a further fragmentation of audiences. And as the buyers themselves look at opportunities to build scale through merger and acquisition, the transformation of the global media landscape is taking yet another interesting turn. In this top-level discussion, we will learn the strategies that global content producer-distributors are employing to navigate the changing tides. Where do they see opportunity for not only companies of their size, but producers in general? And what is their outlook for the industry, for the years ahead?

Moderating:


Jane Root

Founder & CEO

Nutopia

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Featuring:


James Burstall

CEO

Argonon

divider

Jan David Frouman

Chairman & CEO

Red Arrow Studios

divider

David George

CEO

ITV America

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10:30am

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK (10:30am - 10:45am)

10:45am

Small Companies, Big Ideas (10:45am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Salon C

Conventional wisdom says that it is the company with the most resources — financial and otherwise —to throw at development that walks away with the most greenlights, and in turn, more hits. But every so often, a smaller, younger company knocks it out of the park and comes up with the show that will define its brand, and maybe the brand of the network airing it. This session will showcase several “ones to watch” behind some of the bigger hits in unscripted today, and reveal how they innovate and thrive in an industry that is more competitive than ever.

Moderating:


Colleen Steward

President & CEO

Tremendous! Entertainment

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Featuring:


Mike Duffy

CEO

Ugly Brother Studios

divider

Joe Livecchi

Chief Executive Officer

Noble Savages

divider

Ari Mark

Co-Founder

AMPLE

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Rob Shaftel

Founder & Executive Producer

Hit + Run

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View from the Corner Office (10:45am - 11:45am)

Salon I

Who better to provide a frank, candid and captivating window into the process behind the programming than someone who spent some quality time in the corner office? In this session, former top-level executives reveal insights about their time as toppers, and their perspectives on how the industry has changed, and is changing.

Moderating:


Michael Cascio

CEO & President

M&C Media LLC

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Featuring:


Brooke Bailey Johnson

Television Executive

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W. Clark Bunting

Chairman & CEO

Digital Circus Media

divider

John Ford

Head of Programming

NPACT

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Speed Pitching Three (10:45am - 11:45am)

Ledroit/Shaw

Programming execs, each at their own table, will take one-on-one, three minute pitches.
Advance sign-up is required.

You may submit for up to three (3) Speed Pitches, which will be available through our lottery-style selection process.

Information on how to sign up will be emailed to registered delegates prior to the opening date.


Featuring:


Table host

Betsy Ayala

SVP Production & Development

HGTV, DIY Network & Great American Country

divider
Table host

Andie Beckerman

Head of Development

Syfy/USA

divider
Table host

Meghan Cassin

VP Content

Nat Geo Wild

divider
Table host

Cynthia Fenneman

President Emeritus

American Public Television & Create TV

divider
Table host

Edwina Follows

Executive Producer

Discovery Networks Canada

divider
Table host

Brian Gaffney

Director, Special Programming

Fox News Channel/Fox Business Network

divider
Table host

Elliot Jacobson

EVP of Programming & Chief Content Officer

RLTV

divider
Table host

Bert Klasey

Sr Director Development, Discovery Channel

History

divider
Table host

Danielle Ostroske-D'Ingillo

Senior Director, Development

TLC

divider
Table host

Joe Rivadeneira

SVP, Development & Production

mitú

divider
Table host

Monica Valdes

Director, Programming & Development

Oxygen Media

divider
11:30am

30 Minutes With Kurt Tondorf, Animal Planet (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Congress

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Kurt Tondorf

SVP, Development

Discovery Communications

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30 Minutes With Nomi Ernst Leidner, Viceland (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Mint

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Nomi Ernst Leidner

SVP, Development

Viceland

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30 Minutes With Rachel Smith, Bravo (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Capitol

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Rachel Smith

Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content, Lifestyle & Documentaries

Bravo

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11:45am

NETWORKING BREAK (11:45am - 12:00pm)

12:00pm

Crime Time: The Evolution of a Genre (12:00pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Salon C

True crime programming has been a television staple for decades, but like television itself, it has seen its share of changes. With the rise of cable, the emergence of unscripted, and now, the dawn of the OTT era, crime content has remained a leader of the pack. But how has it changed with the times, and what changes are ahead? From renowned documentarians to podcasters, from Cops to Live PD, we will take you on a ride through the evolution of the crime genre, and see where it may be headed in the near future. 

Moderating:


Nancy Glass

CEO

Glass Entertainment Group

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Featuring:


Dan Cesareo

Founder & President

Big Fish Entertainment

divider

Jane Latman

President

Discovery Communications

divider

Justin Wilkes

President

RadicalMedia

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Unscripted: The Shocking Truth (12:00pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Salon I

Amidst the headlines about the “golden age of scripted,” there’s a simple fact that seems to be left out of the story. Even in the Peak TV era, when it comes to ratings and buzz, unscripted and non-fiction still provides the best bang for the buck for networks. The proven performers are still among the strongest franchises on the air, regardless of genre, and new hits are still emerging. Here, you’ll hear some of the shocking good news about the current state of unscripted, and find out how its continued success is ushering in a new era of authentic, “premium” unscripted content.

Moderating:


Jim Berger

CEO

High Noon Entertainment

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Featuring:


Elaine Frontain Bryant

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

A&E

divider

Lauren Gellert

EVP, Development & Original Programming

WE TV

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Amy Introcaso-Davis

EVP, Development & Production, Factual Programming

E! Entertainment

divider

Howard Lee

President & General Manager

TLC

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12:15pm

30 Minutes With Janet Han Vissering, Nat Geo WILD (12:15pm - 12:45pm)

Congress

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Janet Han Vissering

SVP, Development & Production

Nat Geo Wild

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30 Minutes With Jennifer Wagman, History Channel (12:15pm - 12:45pm)

Mint

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Jen Wagman

VP, Programming, History

History

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30 Minutes With Kate Gold, Scripps Lifestyle Studios (12:15pm - 12:45pm)

Treasury

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Kate Gold

VP Digital Food Brands

Scripps Lifestyle Studios

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Meet a Mentor: Jane Root, Nutopia (12:15pm - 1:00pm)

Capitol

The "Meet a Mentor" series is designed to give delegates rare access to the top producers in unscripted programming. Much like the Summit’s trademark "30 Minutes With…" series, delegates attending "Meet a Mentor" sessions will be able to glean valuable information in an intimate, "off the record" setting, and have the opportunity to ask questions that will help guide you in your career.

Here, Jane Root will discuss her experiences starting her own company – an insider's story from someone who has done it twice – with Wall to Wall and Nutopia.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may sign up for two (2) Meet a Mentor sessions.


Featuring:


Jane Root

Founder & CEO

Nutopia

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1:00pm

LUNCH (Delegates' Lounge (M2), Level M1, Level 2 (Mezzanine)) (1:00pm - 2:15pm)

Sponsored by

Luncheon Roundtables (1:00pm - 2:15pm)

Chinatown

Luncheon roundtables are an informal affair, and a chance for producers to learn a little more about programming needs of broadcasters who may meet the producer that will deliver their next big hit. These are NOT pitch sessions — just a fantastic networking opportunity.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may submit for one (1) Luncheon Roundtable, which will be available through our lottery-style selection process.

Information on how to sign up will be emailed to registered delegates prior to the opening date.


Featuring:


Table host

Brian Balthazar

President

HGTV, DIY Network & Great American Country

divider
Table host

Meghan Cassin

VP Content

Nat Geo Wild

divider
Table host

Kim Chessler

VP, Unscripted Programming

Lifetime Television

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Table host

Kristina Edwards

VP, Current Series and Development, Unscripted Formats

Fuse Media

divider
Table host

Toby Faulkner

SVP, Content discovery+

Facebook

divider
Table host

Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A&E

divider
Table host

Anne Loder

Senior Director of Development

Fusion Media Network

divider
Table host

Angela Molloy

SVP, Development & Original Production AllBlk & WEtv, Unscripted

WE TV

divider
Table host

Melanie Moreau

Strategic Advisor

Complex Networks

divider
Table host

Charles Poe

SVP Global Production and Emerging Technology

Smithsonian Channel

divider
Table host

Keith Wooten

Director, Creative Development

BET Networks

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2:15pm

The Deep Development Data Dive (2:15pm - 3:15pm)

Salon C

This session brings together two top research experts, exploring the current state of affairs for the unscripted and television industries. Join Courtney Williams of Parrot Analytics as, via a live demonstration of Parrot's global audience demand measurement system, he shows how top unscripted content in major markets around the world is faring across platforms, with interest and engagement measured in real time. You will also learn how this data can be used in the development process, and how gauging audience interest in certain titles, genres and niches can guide you creatively.

A+E’s Don Robert, meanwhile, will take aim at stories concerning the death of TV, and the creative slump in reality programming. This presentation debunks the many myths surfacing across the landscape, including fake news headlines such as: “Millennials aren’t watching TV anymore,” “Lead-ins are meaningless,” and “Cord cutting is killing TV.” Amidst all the fun, however, there is acknowledgment that TV, like most things, is evolving. Thus, he’ll explore what those in the biz should be doing to maximize success moving forward.


Featuring:


Don Robert

EVP, Research

A+E Networks

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Courtney Williams

Managing Director

Parrot Analytics

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Reality Check: After #MeToo, What Now? (2:15pm - 3:15pm)

Sponsored by

Salon I

The past year has seen an unprecedented wave of awareness and attention given to the prevalence of sexual harassment within myriad industries, with the television and entertainment business figuring prominently in the picture. This session will bring together female executives from the production, network and legal sectors to discuss how the unscripted and non-fiction content community can use this moment as a catalyst for change, while also examining what needs to happen to create and ensure respectful workplaces for all.

Moderating:


Nicole Page

Partner

Reavis Page Jump LLP

divider

Featuring:


Jenny Daly

President

T Group Productions

divider

Allison Page

Global President, Magnolia Network

Scripps Networks Interactive

divider

Gretchen Palek

Head of Alternative

Leftfield Entertainment

divider

Laura Palumbo Johnson

Co-Founder and Executive Producer

Magilla Entertainment, LLC

divider

Maggie Pisacane

Partner, Non-Scripted TV

WME

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Pitching Partners (2:15pm - 3:15pm)

Ledroit/Shaw

Much like our signature Speed Pitching sessions, production execs, each at their own table, will take one-on-one, three-minute pitches from potential production partners. You may sign up for one (1) pitch, which will be available through our lottery-style selection process.

*Advance sign-up is required. You may submit for one (1) Pitching Partners session, which will be available through our lottery-style selection process.

Information on how to sign up will be emailed to registered delegates prior to the opening date.


Featuring:


Table host

Joni Day

Executive Vice President, Entertainment

FremantleMedia North America

divider
Table host

Lee Jacobs

VP Premium Programming & Development Complex Networks

Loud Television

divider
Table host

Brent Jacoby

EVP, Head of Development

Outpost Entertainment

divider
Table host

Brett-Patrick Jenkins

Executive Producer & Creator

Propagate Content

divider
Table host

B.J. Levin

EVP, Non-Fiction Content

Wilshire Studios

divider
Table host

Joe Livecchi

Chief Executive Officer

Noble Savages

divider
Table host

Ben Megargel

SVP, Unscripted Development - US, Television

Entertainment One Television

divider
Table host

Steve Robillard

Development

Original Productions

divider
Table host

Adam Steinman

Production and Development

Warner Bros. International Television Production

divider
Table host

Cynthia Stockhammer

EP

Critical Content

divider
2:30pm

30 Minutes With Damla Dogan, E! Entertainment (2:30pm - 3:00pm)

Treasury

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Damla Dogan

SVP, Original Programming & Series Development

E! Entertainment

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30 Minutes With David Stefanou, WE TV (2:30pm - 3:00pm)

Congress

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


David Stefanou

Unscripted Programming

WE TV

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30 Minutes With Endyia Kinney-Sterns, BET (2:30pm - 3:00pm)

Capitol

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Endyia Kinney-Sterns

CEO & President

BET Networks

divider

30 Minutes With Rob Swartz, Reelzchannel (2:30pm - 3:00pm)

Mint

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Rob Swartz

SVP, Development & Production

REELZ Channel

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3:15pm

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK (3:15pm - 3:30pm)

3:30pm

To Tell the Truth: The Intersection of Non-Fiction and News (3:30pm - 4:30pm)

Sponsored by

Salon C

Documentary filmmakers and non-fiction producers working on current affairs content have joined the ranks of top news journalists as trusted voices and valued perspectives in recent years. 24/7 news networks creating slates of long form originals vie for buzzworthy, topical content with general entertainment OTT players and major cable nets expanding their brand offerings. This session will explore the current affairs renaissance while examining how networks and content creators navigate challenges - from political divides to polarizing issues - to deliver challenging programming that rates.

Moderating:


Evan Shapiro

Producer/Owner

eShap.tv

divider

Featuring:


Amy Entelis

Executive Vice President, Talent & Creative Development, Originals,CNN

CNN

divider

Marie Nelson

President

PBS

divider

Simon Ostrovsky

Investigations Editor

Coda Story

divider

Banks Tarver

Co-Founder & Co-President

Left/Right

divider

Realscreen's Diversity & Inclusion Award Presentation & Case Study (3:30pm - 4:30pm)

Sponsored by

Salon I

Join us as we explore the story behind Is Australia Racist?, the winner of Realscreen’s inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. In a case study, John Godfrey, head of unscripted at SBS, will discuss the program’s creation and impact upon audiences, as well as the special ‘Face Up to Racism’ series of programs aired on SBS.


Featuring:


John Godfrey

Head of Commissioning

SBS Television

divider
3:45pm

30 Minutes With Andie Beckerman, Syfy/USA Network (3:45pm - 4:15pm)

Treasury

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Andie Beckerman

Head of Development

Syfy/USA

divider

30 Minutes With Josh Berkley, Velocity (3:45pm - 4:15pm)

Mint

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Josh Berkley

Senior Executive Producer

Velocity

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30 Minutes With Taj Paxton, Logo (3:45pm - 4:15pm)

Congress

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate and interactive sessions feature some of the most in-demand unscripted buyers and commissioners talking candidly about their programming strategies, future plans and priorities. Seating is limited to 40 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular broadcaster briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.


Featuring:


Tajamika Paxton

VP, Documentaries

Logo

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Meet a Mentor: Abby Greensfelder, Half Yard Productions (3:45pm - 4:30pm)

Capitol

The "Meet a Mentor" series is designed to give delegates rare access to the top producers in unscripted programming. Much like the Summit’s trademark "30 Minutes With…" series, delegates attending "Meet a Mentor" sessions will be able to glean valuable information in an intimate, "off the record" setting, and have the opportunity to ask questions that will help guide you in your career.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may sign up for two (2) Meet a Mentor sessions.


Featuring:


Abby Greensfelder

Founder & CEO

Half Yard Productions

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4:30pm

NETWORKING BREAK (4:30pm - 4:45pm)

4:45pm

SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION (4:45pm - 6:00pm)

Salon L

Realscreen Summit's annual international pitch competition returns, providing delegates the opportunity to pitch their non-fiction or unscripted program or series to a panel of esteemed network judges.  This year, National Geographic and WE TV are on board, and will each provide one winning pitch a $20,000 development deal, to be presented live at the Showdown.


Featuring:


Judge

Amanda Culkowski

Vice President, Music Program Development

WE TV

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Judge

Alan Eyres

Head of Plimsoll, USA

National Geographic Channel

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Judge

Angela Molloy

SVP, Development & Original Production AllBlk & WEtv, Unscripted

WE TV

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Judge

Charlie Parsons

SVP, Global Development

National Geographic Channel

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Judge

David Stefanou

Unscripted Programming

WE TV

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Judge

Igal Svet

Founder, Night Owl Pictures

National Geographic Channel

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Scott Wolf

Host

Summit Showdown

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6:00pm

Discovery Happy Hour (Delegates' Lounge) (6:00pm - 7:00pm)

Sponsored by

Wednesday, January 31

8:00am
8:45am
9:45am

Where's the Big Idea? (9:45am - 10:45am)

Salon C

In our media saturated world, that big idea that seems tailor made for TV might come from a game designer, or a podcaster. And the best way to tell the story might involve VR, AR or an immersive technology we are still on the cusp of creating. This inspiring session will bring top creatives from myriad disciplines to discuss the big ideas they're bringing to networks and audiences worldwide, and encourage you to look at the wider world outside the box when developing your next game changer.


Featuring:


Robert DeFranco

CEO

The Future Group

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Anthony Geffen

CEO & Creative Director

Atlantic Productions

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Brett-Patrick Jenkins

Executive Producer & Creator

Propagate Content

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10:45am

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK (10:45am - 11:00am)

11:00am

Inspiration/Perspiration (11:00am - 12:00pm)

Salon C

Changing times require flexibility, adaptability and creativity in order to navigate the twists and turns in the road ahead. While the visual media landscape may be fragmenting, the process is bringing more buyers into the picture, and therefore more opportunities for growth. But as new models for the content industry are being shaped along the way, traditional methods of doing business are changing – in some cases, dramatically. This session beings together seasoned pross to put the exhilarating if occasionally excruciating challenges and triumphs into perspective, as we ask them: What are the challenges in your role that keep you up at night? And what is inspiring you today to push toward greatness?  


Featuring:


Mary Donahue

SVP, Development & Programming

History

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Colby Gaines

Founder

Back Roads Entertainment

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Tara Long

Global President, Unscripted Television

Entertainment One Television

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Geno McDermott

President, US Alternative Programming, Unscripted Television

Blackfin

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Erik Nelson

President

Creative Differences

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D'Angela Proctor

Owner/Founder

TV One

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David Royle

Chief Programming Officer & EVP, Production

Smithsonian Channel

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Eric Schotz

CEO

Anvil 1893

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