MONDAY, JANUARY 28 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 31
SHERATON NEW ORLEANS
Marriott Marquis | Washington, DC | Sunday, January 28 – Wednesday, January 31, 2019

Agenda

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Sunday, January 27

5:00pm

Early Registration Opens 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Fuse 2, Fuse 1, Grand Ballroom E, Blue Ant International, Blue Ant Studios, Blue Ant International 2, Blue Ant Studios 2, Rhythms I, Rhythms II & III, Waterbury, Napoleon Ballroom

Monday, January 28

8:00am

DISCOVERY DELEGATES' LOUNGE - THIRD FLOOR (Open 8:00am - 5:00pm)

Napoleon Ballroom

New to the Summit Tour (8:00am - 8:45am)

Fuse 2

An informal guided tour 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.

Registration Opens 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

8:15am

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST [8:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Delegates' Lounge (Third Floor)]

Fuse 1, Grand Ballroom E, Blue Ant International, Blue Ant Studios, Blue Ant International 2, Blue Ant Studios 2, Rhythms I, Rhythms II, Waterbury

9:00am

Speed Networking One - Lifestyle & Reality (9:00am - 10:00am)

Rhythms I

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 (9:00am - 10:00am)

Rhythms II

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.

10:00am

New Buyers. New Mandates: Upping Your Pitching Game (10:00am - 11:00am)

Sponsored by

Fuse 2

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. Here, a panel of experts will provide a comprehensive overview of the development and pitching processes and how they’ve evolved, and you’ll learn the new parts of the equation necessary for a winning pitch.

Moderating:


Matt Shanfield

EVP, Development

The Intellectual Property Corporation

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Featuring:


Sahara Bushue

Director, Unscripted Series

NBC Entertainment

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Toby Faulkner

SVP, Content discovery+

Facebook

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John Feld

.

HGTV, DIY Network & Great American Country

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Zoe Rogovin

Head, Non-Fiction

Bravo

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10:15am

30 Minutes With Carlyn Staudt, Love Nature (10:15am - 10:45am)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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

EVP Global Channels & Streaming

Love Nature

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30 Minutes With Cynthia Fenneman, American Public Television & Create TV (10:15am - 10:45am)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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 Jennifer McGovern, Fuse Media (10:15am - 10:45am)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Jennifer McGovern

SVP, Content & Development

Fuse Media

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30 Minutes With Winona Meringolo, Investigation Discovery (10:15am - 10:45am)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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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11:00am

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

Sponsored by

11:15am

Trendwatch: Podcast to Broadcast (11:15am - 12:15pm)

Fuse 2

Podcasts first made their mark in the early 2000s, as iPods and other portable digital music devices gave listeners the ability to enjoy storytelling on the go. But with the arrival of the true crime podcast Serial in 2014, non-fiction producers and network execs took notice and began trawling the eNet for adaptable IP. Now, production companies, agencies and networks are investing in podcasting to nurture talent across platforms, incubate IP and expand their brands. Here, youfll learn the latest developments in this exploding medium, and gain insight into how it could work for your business.

Moderating:


Joe Livecchi

Chief Executive Officer

Noble Savages

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Featuring:


Donald Albright

Co-Founder

Tenderfoot TV

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Stuart Coxe

President

Antica Productions

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Marissa Hurwitz

Agent

WME

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Brett-Patrick Jenkins

Executive Producer & Creator

Propagate Content

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Meet an Expert - Distributors (11:15am - 12:15pm)

Waterbury

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).

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 12 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Shirley Bowers

SVP, US Distribution

Red Arrow Studios International

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Table host

Philippa Chuter

Factual Acquisitions Manager

DCD Rights

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Table host

Maria Ishak

Head Of Content & Co-Productions

all3media international

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Table host

Tania Jacobson

SVP, Canada

Endemol Shine International

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Table host

Angela Neillis

SVP Non Scripted Content Commercial & International

Fremantle

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Table host

Cecilie Olsen

SVP, Global Content, Non-Scripted

ITV Studios Global Entertainment

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Table host

Scott Paskoff

Founder & President

Cedar Shore Productions

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Table host

Barnaby Shingleton

Director of Factual

Sky Vision

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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

Sean Wheatley

Head of Acquisitions

Passion Distribution

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Table host

Justina Wójtowicz

EVP, Acquisitions Co-Productions & Sales

Beyond Distribution

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11:30am

30 Minutes With Elliot Jacobson, RLTV & RLTV Digital Video Channels (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Elliot Jacobson

EVP of Programming & Chief Content Officer

RLTV & RLTV Digital Video Channels

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30 Minutes With Gold Morgan, TV One (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Gold Morgan

Manager of Programming and Production

TV One

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30 Minutes With Kate Presutti, Quibi (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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 Presutti

Content

Quibi

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30 Minutes With Mioshi Hill, Lifetime (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Mioshi Hill

President

Lifetime

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Meet a Mentor: Sara Geater, All3Media (11:30am - 12:15pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom E

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.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 12 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Sara Geater

Chief Operating Officer

All3Media

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12:00pm

LUNCH [Discovery Delegates' Lounge (Third Floor), Rodrigue Gallery (Lobby), Grand Ballroom D (Fifth Floor), Rhythms I (Second Floor)] (12:00pm - 1:30pm)

Sponsored by

Fuse 1, Grand Ballroom E, Blue Ant International, Blue Ant Studios, Blue Ant International 2, Blue Ant Studios 2, Rhythms I, Rhythms II

1:30pm

Happy Together? How SVODs Have Changed The Game (1:30pm - 2:30pm)

Sponsored by

Fuse 2

The content ecosystem continues to evolve and despite claims that the sky is falling, audiences still tune in — in respectable numbers —to their favorite TV shows. And the influx of newer buyers with deep pockets that can shell out for both original content and acquisitions should be cause for rejoicing for producers and, yes, even networks and distributors. But as all sectors of “traditional” screen-based media are finding out, the new players are, through business models shaped in the digital era, rewriting the rules of the game. Can producers and content creators accept losing rights for global reach? Can networks and SVODs continue to exist as “frenemies” or, as more media companies with global reach extend into the direct-to-consumer market, will the competition heat up to the boiling point? Hear different perspectives on the immediate future of the screen scene in this top-level talk.

Moderating:


Michael Bancroft

Co-Host & Executive Producer

Beyond Innovation and Co-Host of The Feed with Amber Mac and Michael B

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Featuring:


David Eilenberg

Head of Content

ITV America

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Lauren Gellert

EVP, Development & Original Programming

WE TV

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Jennifer O'Connell

Co-Founder & Co-CEO

Lionsgate

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Brian Speiser

Agent

APA

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Meet an Expert - Agents (1:30pm - 2:30pm)

Waterbury

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).

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 12 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Heather Budman

Agent, Unscripted

Kaplan Stahler Agency

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Table host

Nir Caspi

Partner, Unscripted Television

WME

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Table host

Stewart Cavanagh

Head of Unscripted and Documentary

Gersh Agency

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Table host

Matt Chazen

Agent

Creative Artists Agency

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Table host

Will Horowitz

Agent

ICM Partners

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Table host

Babette Perry

Head of Broadcasting & Hosting

Innovative Artists

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Table host

Mark Turner

Senior Vice President, Alternative Television

Abrams Artists Agency

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2:00pm

30 Minutes With Eliot Goldberg, AMC & SundanceTV (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Eliot Goldberg

Head, Unscripted & Documentary Programming

AMC Networks

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30 Minutes With Laura Fleury, A+E Networks (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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 Stephanie Steele, Oxygen (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Stephanie Steele

SVP, Current Production

Oxygen Media

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30 Minutes With Tori Socha, Paramount Network (2:00pm - 2:30pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Tori Socha

Chief Content Officer

Paramount Network

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2:30pm

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

Sponsored by

2:45pm

What Now? What Next? (2:45pm - 3:45pm)

Sponsored by

Fuse 2

Another year, and another onslaught of mega-mergers, executive shuffles and new buyers entering the fray has made its presence felt in the global unscripted and non-fiction content industry. Business models continue to shift both for “traditional” media and for the disruptors, and producers consistently need to adapt in order to navigate a road map that is constantly being redrawn. Here, top executives across different sectors of the industry offer their perspectives on the major changes underway – and those to come in the near future – that will impact your business, as well as their thoughts on how to best handle the twists and turns of a shape-shifting mediascape.

Moderating:


Barry Walsh

Editor-in-Chief & Content Director

Brunico Communications Ltd.

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Featuring:


Thomas Dey

CEO & Founder

ACF Investment Bank

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Jayson Dinsmore

Consulting Producer, America’s Got Talent

Fremantle

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John Ford

Head of Programming

NPACT

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Gena McCarthy

Founder & President

A+E Networks

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Jane Turton

Chief Executive Officer

all3media

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3:45pm

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

4:00pm

SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION (4:00pm - 5:15pm)

Sponsored by

Fuse 1


Featuring:


Judge

Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A&E

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Judge

Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E

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Host

Phil Keoghan

Executive Producer, Director, Writer, Host

NOW TV

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Judge

Angela Molloy

SVP, Development & Original Production AllBlk & WEtv, Unscripted

WE tv

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Judge

Amy Savitsky

SVP, Programming

A&E

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Judge

David Stefanou

Head of Unscripted Programming

WE tv

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Judge

Nicole Vogel

VP, Unscripted Programming & Development

WE tv

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5:15pm

Second Line Parade (5:15pm - 6:00pm)

Sponsored by

Fuse 2, Fuse 1, Grand Ballroom E, Blue Ant International, Blue Ant Studios, Blue Ant International 2, Blue Ant Studios 2, Rhythms I, Rhythms II, Waterbury, Napoleon Ballroom

Celebrate New Orleans' traditions of lively music and parades with the Realscreen Summit's Second Line Parade, brought to you by Extreme Reach Crew Services. Grab your go-cup filled with a locally-themed cocktail, and two high school marching brass bands will lead you through the French Quarter, while you enjoy the experience at dusk, with winged stilt walkers, silver revellers and more. With your safety in mind, the parade route is controlled by parade staff and the NOPD. The route ends at the official opening night party hosted by A+E Networks, in the Armstrong Ballroom, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.

Please congregate by the main entrance (porte-cochère) to the Sheraton Hotel at 5:15 sharp.

6:00pm

Tuesday, January 29

8:00am
8:15am

Reality of Mindfulness (8:15am - 9:15am)

Fuse 2

The unscripted business is changing by the minute. In the midst of all this change and uncertainty, how do we find happiness? Whether you’re a seasoned producer, a rookie show creator or a hardened network executive, Mindfulness techniques can transform your shows, your career, your business and your life. 25 year meditator and Emmy Winner Tim Duffy (Ugly Brother Studios) is presenting the simple basics of Mindfulness in a 1 hour format that’s adapted from a program he created at MTV Networks.


Featuring:


Tim Duffy

Co-Bro

Ugly Brother Studios

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

Waterbury

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.

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

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, January 9 at 1:00 PM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

John Cavanagh

Executive Producer

Smithsonian Channel

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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

Jean-Pierre Laurendeau

Senior Director, Programming

Bell Media

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Table host

Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media

Blue Ant Media

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Table host

Krista Look

VP, Original Lifestyle Content

Corus Entertainment

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Table host

Andrew O'Connell

VP Development & Production Discovery Channel and Science Channel

Discovery Channel & Discovery Science

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Table host

Troels Branth Pedersen

Acquisitions Executive

TV2 Denmark

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CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST [8:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Delegates' Lounge (Third Floor)]

Sponsored by

Fuse 1, Grand Ballroom E, Blue Ant International, Blue Ant Studios, Blue Ant International 2, Blue Ant Studios 2, Rhythms I, Rhythms II & III

9:30am

Keynote Conversation: Nancy Daniels, Chief Brand Officer, Discovery & Factual (9:30am - 10:30am)

Sponsored by

Fuse 1

In this special keynote conversation, Nancy Daniels will discuss how Discovery, and the unscripted entertainment industry, have evolved over the past decade, her contribution to that evolution, and her vision for the network and her factual remit going forward, following this past year’s merger with Scripps Networks Interactive.

 


Featuring:


Nancy Daniels

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

Discovery, Inc.

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Interviewer

Phil Keoghan

Executive Producer, Director, Writer, Host

NOW TV

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10:30am

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

Sponsored by

10:45am

Inclusion in Unscripted: Vive La Difference (10:45am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Fuse 2

With the success of such series as A&E’s Born This Way and formats such as All3Media’s Employable Me, unscripted television programmers and producers are casting their nets wider in terms of subject matter and characters, and reflecting disability through a positive, life-affirming lens. But for the content to ring true, such inclusion requires authenticity, sensitivity and representation behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera. In this session, those behind such groundbreaking series will discuss the process of bringing these important stories to the screen —from pitching to producing and to finding the right partners to tell the stories.

Moderating:


Jenn Kuzmyk

Executive Director - BANFF, Publisher - Playback

Banff World Media Festival

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Featuring:


Lauren Appelbaum

SVP, Entertainment & News Media

RespectAbility

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Sara Geater

Chief Operating Officer

All3Media

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Jonathan Murray

Founder & Executive Consultant

Bunim/Murray Productions

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

Rhythms II & III

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 Pitching hosts, 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.

Lottery opens on Wednesday, January 9 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Tuesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Thursday, January 17. General sign-ups open Friday, January 18 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

James Bolosh

President & Partner

Lifetime & FYI

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Table host

Zara Frankel

Senior Director, Programming & Development

PBS

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Table host

Brent Hatherill

Senior Director, Development

Investigation Discovery

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Table host

Krista Look

VP, Original Lifestyle Content

Corus Entertainment

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Table host

Erin Mechanic

VP of Development

GSN Programming

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Table host

Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

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Table host

Ben Relles

Content Strategy - Office of Reid Hoffman

YouTube Originals

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Table host

Betsy Slenzak

VP, Unscripted Programming

E! Entertainment

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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

Nicole Vogel

VP, Unscripted Programming & Development

WE tv

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Table host

Todd Weiser

SVP, Programming & Development

Food Network & Cooking Channel

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Table host

Fay Yu

Head of Content

Animal Planet

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11:15am

30 Minutes With David Royle, Smithsonian Channel (11:15am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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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30 Minutes With David Stefanou, WE TV (11:15am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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

Head of Unscripted Programming

WE tv

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30 Minutes With Jay James, Game Show Network (11:15am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Jay James

EVP, Development & Production

Game Show Network

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30 Minutes With Matt Butler, Travel Channel (11:15am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Matthew Butler

Head of Programming & Scheduling, FAST

Travel Channel

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11:45am

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

12:00pm

Fighting the Brain Drain (12:00pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Fuse 2

There has been a considerable amount of conjecture and hand-wringing concerning attracting millennial audiences to linear television in the wake of the SVOD revolution, but there’s another big area of concern when it comes to that demographic — having it represented behind the scenes. Does TV have a branding problem? Does the online/SVOD world offer more opportunity creatively and financially to younger content creators? With assorted media pundits lamenting a hastening “demise of television”,how can the medium attract the young creative talent that will lead the screen content industry in the years ahead? In this session, executives from various sectors within the business will examine the issue, with an aim towards fighting the notion that TV is yesterday’s news.

Moderating:


Evan Shapiro

Producer/Owner

eshapTV

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Featuring:


Lucas Green

Chief Content Officer, Operations

Banijay Group

divider

Candace Rice

Floribama Shore

divider

Alec Shankman

Senior Partner and Head, Alternative

Abrams Artists Agency

divider

Pam Silverstein

Supervising Producer Film & TV, Shopify Studios

Shopify Studios

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12:15pm

Meet a Mentor: Stephanie Drachkovitch, 44 Blue (12:15pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom E

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.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 12 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Stephanie Drachkovitch

Co-CEO & Co-Founder

44 Blue Productions

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12:30pm

30 Minutes With Ben Relles, YouTube Originals (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Ben Relles

Content Strategy - Office of Reid Hoffman

YouTube Originals

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30 Minutes With Jenny Ramirez, TBS & TNT (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Jenny Ramirez

Senior Vice President, Entertainment Unscripted Alternative Programming, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming

TNT & TBS (Turner)

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30 Minutes With Steve Burns, CuriosityStream (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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 Timothy Kuryak, UP TV (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Timothy Kuryak

Executive Producer

UP TV

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1:00pm
1:15pm

Luncheon Roundtables (1:15pm - 2:30pm)

Waterbury

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 host, 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.

Lottery opens on Wednesday, January 9 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Tuesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Thursday, January 17. General sign-ups open Friday, January 18 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Jon Adler

Head of Talent & Content Development

CNN

divider
Table host

Marco Bresaz

Founder & CEO

AMC & SundanceTV

divider
Table host

Meghan Cassin

VP Content

Nat Geo Wild

divider
Table host

Kristina Edwards

VP, Current Series and Development, Unscripted Formats

Facebook Watch

divider
Table host

Jennifer Gordon

VP, Development

TLC

divider
Table host

Bill Margol

Executive Producer

PBS

divider
Table host

Sean Olsen

VP, Development

Game Show Network

divider
Table host

Joseph Schneier

SVP, Production & Development, Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel

divider
Table host

Daniel Schwartz

Vice President, Production and Development

Travel Channel

divider
Table host

Stephanie Steele

SVP, Current Production

Oxygen Media

divider
Table host

Marisa Weinstein

VP, Development

MTV & VH1

divider
2:30pm

The Way We Work: Evolving the Prodco Model (2:30pm - 3:30pm)

Sponsored by

Fuse 2

TV, film, SVOD, AVOD… on the whole, the screen entertainment industry is in the thick of radical change, with rapid advancements in tech, continuing consolidation and new generations of talent rewriting the rulebook on a regular basis. As a result, producers need to examine their business models from top to bottom to see what practices and structures still work in this new age, and what is outmoded at best, and potentially lethal at worst. Here, you’ll hear from producers who are embracing change, remaining nimble and developing new definitions for what it means to be a production company.

Moderating:


Pierre Brogan

Agent, Alternative Programming, Licensing & Branding

Paradigm Talent Agency

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Featuring:


Sam Barcroft

CEO

Barcroft Productions

divider

Sean Cohan

President

Wheelhouse

divider

Jenny Daly

President

Critical Content Studios

divider

Jonathan Skogmo

CEO

Jukin Media

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2:45pm

30 Minutes With Howard Swartz, Discovery Channel (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Howard Swartz

EVP Development

Discovery Channel

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30 Minutes With Rachel Brill, Epix (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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 Brill

Development Consultant

Epix

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30 Minutes With Wayne Sampson, Syfy & USA Network (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Wayne Sampson

Co-Head Rooster Teeth Studios

Syfy & USA Network

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Meet a Mentor: Thom Beers, BoBCat (2:45pm - 3:30pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom E

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.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 12 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Thom Beers

Partner

BoBCat

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3:30pm

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK (3:30pm - 3:45pm)

Sponsored by

3:45pm

The Agent’s-eye View (3:45pm - 4:45pm)

Sponsored by

Fuse 2

A few years back, the Realscreen Summit hosted an eye-opening, rip-roaring session featuring agents from a variety of ten-percenters offering their take on the health of the unscripted industry. A lot has changed even since then, so it’s time to bring the agents away from the negotiating table (or the lobby bar) and back onto the Summit stage. Get the agents’ perspective on the current state of affairs for their clients, the challenges and opportunities that exist for unscripted producers today, and a look at the interesting moves being made within the agency business itself.

Moderating:


Leslie Greif

President

Big Dreams Entertainment

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Featuring:


Courtny Catzel

Agent, Non-Fiction Television

ICM Partners

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Debra Goldfarb

Head of Alternative Television

Gersh Agency

divider

Hayden K. Meyer

Agency Partner, EVP, Head of Alternative & Factual Programming, Senior Agent

APA

divider

Maggie Pisacane

Partner, Non-Scripted TV

WME

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Speed Pitching Two (3:45pm - 4:45pm)

Rhythms II & III

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 Pitching hosts, 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.

Lottery opens on Wednesday, January 9 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Tuesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Thursday, January 17. General sign-ups open Friday, January 18 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Dolyn Chasin

Sr. Director, Production & Development

CNBC

divider
Table host

Roger Henry

VP, Programming

Motor Trend Network

divider
Table host

Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E

divider
Table host

Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media

Blue Ant Media

divider
Table host

Alex Montalvo

Head of Series Development & Programming

Quibi

divider
Table host

Patrick Moses

Head of Development

Viceland

divider
Table host

Charles Nordlander

Owner & President

Travel Channel

divider
Table host

Caroline Perez

SVP, Development & Production

Science Channel

divider
Table host

Chanel Pysnik

Head of Unscripted

CNN

divider
Table host

Jason Ryan

Executive Producer

TV One

divider
Table host

Marisa Weinstein

VP, Development

MTV & VH1

divider
Table host

Keith Wooten

Director, Creative Development

BET Networks

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5:00pm

Cocktails With Marc Etkind, Science Channel (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Blue Ant International 2

Chat over drinks with leading unscripted and non-fiction networks in this 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:


Marc Etkind

Associate Administrator to Communications

Science Channel

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Cocktails With Marc Juris, WE tv (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Blue Ant Studios

Chat over drinks with leading unscripted and non-fiction networks in this 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:


Marc Juris

President & General Manager

WE tv

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Cocktails With Mary Donahue, History Channel (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Blue Ant Studios 2

Chat over drinks with leading unscripted and non-fiction networks in this 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:


Mary Donahue

SVP, Development & Programming

History

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Cocktails With Seth Goolnik, Snapchat (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Blue Ant International

Chat over drinks with leading unscripted and non-fiction networks in this 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:


Seth Goolnik

Content

Snapchat

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Discovery Happy Hour (Delegates' Lounge) (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Sponsored by

6:00pm

2019 Realscreen Awards (Fuse 1) (6:00pm - 7:30pm)


Featuring:


Host

Matt Iseman

Comedian, Actor, and Television Host

American Ninja Warrior

divider
7:30pm

Wednesday, January 30

8:00am
8:15am

The More You Know: Avoiding Liability in the Production Workplace (8:15am - 9:15am)

Fuse 2

Over the past few years, and especially in the aftermath of #MeToo, New York and California have led the way in legislation aimed at providing more protection for employees in the U.S.  Thus, production companies operating in these states, and increasingly in others, must get up to speed on new legal requirements in order to ensure compliance with the law and avoid liability.  This session will cover the new laws on sexual harassment, paid family leave, pay equity and worker misclassification, and is a must attend for production companies who want to stay ahead of the game.

Moderating:


Nicole Page

Partner

Reavis Page Jump LLP

divider

Featuring:


Darrell Miller

Founder/Partner

Fox Rothschild LLP

divider

Jessica Winchell

VP, Content & Development - Magnolia Network

Consultant

divider

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

Waterbury

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.

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

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, January 9 at 1:00 PM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Roger Henry

VP, Programming

Motor Trend Network

divider
Table host

Elliot Jacobson

EVP of Programming & Chief Content Officer

RLTV & RLTV Digital Video Channels

divider
Table host

Blake Levin

VP, Unscripted Development

Syfy & USA Network

divider
Table host

Joseph Maxwell

Head of Unscripted

SBS International

divider
Table host

Mikael Osterby

Head of Factual

SVT Swedish Television

divider
Table host

Caroline Perez

SVP, Development & Production

Science Channel

divider
Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

divider
Table host

Nina Weinstein

Executive Producer

MSNBC

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CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST [8:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Delegates' Lounge (Third Floor)]

9:30am

Streamer Wars: AVOD Strikes Back (9:30am - 10:30am)

Fuse 1

While many eyes on the industry are on the upcoming arrival of SVOD services from major media players, established and emerging AVOD services are making waves by bulking up their libraries and, in some cases, grabbing eyeballs with original content. But where is it going from here, and what opportunities exist for content producers and creators in the ever-evolving AVOD market?  Hear from leading AVOD services about where they’re heading in the immediate future, and how your content could fit into the picture.

Moderating:


Melissa Grego

CEO

Hollywood Radio & Television Society (HRTS)

divider

Featuring:


Adam Lewinson

Chief Content Officer

Tubi

divider

Caitlin Meek-O'Connor

Director, Night Train Digital

Little Dot Studios

divider

Sarah North

VP, Head of TV and Long-Form Content

SoulPancake

divider

Ben Relles

Content Strategy - Office of Reid Hoffman

YouTube Originals

divider

Jeff Shultz

Chief Business Officer

Pluto TV

divider
10:30am

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

Sponsored by

10:45am

Trendwatch: Factual Comes Alive! (10:45am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Fuse 2

As audiences migrate to multiple platforms for their entertainment fix and younger viewers seem harder to reach, live content is resuscitating the concept of “appointment television.” Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime, one-off event or an engrossing, all-access series, live is hot once again. But embarking on live production is not for the faint of heart, and it’s not always the right route for your idea. This session will bring together producers and network partners behind some of the most innovative and popular live programming on air today and reveal what it takes to bring “live” to life.

Moderating:


Phil Fairclough

Executive Producer

divider

Featuring:


Geoff Daniels

Vice President, Development & Production

National Geographic Channels

divider

Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A&E

divider

Allison Grodner

Founder & Executive Producer

Fly on the Wall Entertainment

divider

Maria Norman

Head of Production

BBC Studios' Natural History Unit

divider

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

Rhythms II & III

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 Pitching hosts, 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.

Lottery opens on Wednesday, January 9 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Tuesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Thursday, January 17. General sign-ups open Friday, January 18 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Brandon Allen

Manager, Linear & Digital Development

Fuse Media

divider
Table host

Betsy Ayala

Head of Content, Food Network, Interim Head of Content, HGTV

HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country

divider
Table host

Michelle Byars

SVP, Development

TNT & TBS

divider
Table host

Meghan Cassin

VP Content

Nat Geo Wild

divider
Table host

Kristina Edwards

VP, Current Series and Development, Unscripted Formats

Facebook Watch

divider
Table host

Cynthia Fenneman

President Emeritus

American Public Television & Create TV

divider
Table host

Jennifer Gordon

VP, Development

TLC

divider
Table host

Elliot Jacobson

EVP of Programming & Chief Content Officer

RLTV & RLTV Digital Video Channels

divider
Table host

Blake Levin

VP, Unscripted Development

Syfy & USA Network

divider
Table host

Joe Rivadeneira

SVP, Development & Production

mitú

divider
Table host

Stephanie Steele

SVP, Current Production

Oxygen Media

divider
11:15am

30 Minutes With Kurt Tondorf, Animal Planet (11:15am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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

Animal Planet

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30 Minutes With Loren Ruch, HGTV (11:15am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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

HGTV

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30 Minutes With Patrick Moses, Viceland (11:15am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Patrick Moses

Head of Development

Viceland

divider

30 Minutes With Sahara Bushue, NBC (11:15am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Sahara Bushue

Director, Unscripted Series

NBC Entertainment

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11:45am

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

12:00pm

50 Shades of Premium (12:00pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Fuse 2

It’s been one of the big buzzwords in the non-fiction genre for the past few years, but as more networks tout some of their programming as “premium,” it’s apparent that the term isn’t a “one size fits all” descriptor. This session will examine how premium content can differ from network to network, the range of what can be considered premium, as well as the challenges and opportunities in pitching and producing such programming. It will also aim to answer the important, if mildly irreverent question: How can anything be “premium” when everything is “premium”?

Moderating:


Abby Greensfelder

Founder & CEO

Half Yard Productions

divider

Featuring:


Mary Donahue

SVP, Development & Programming

History

divider

Julian Hobbs

Co-President

Talos Films

divider

Erik Nelson

President

Creative Differences

divider

Jane Root

Founder & CEO

Nutopia

divider

Meet a Mentor: Jenny Daly, Critical Content Studios (12:00pm - 12:45pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom E

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.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 12 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Jenny Daly

President

Critical Content Studios

divider
12:30pm

30 Minutes With Beth Hoppe, ABC News (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Beth Hoppe

SVP, Long Form Programming

ABC News

divider

30 Minutes With Janet Han Vissering, Nat Geo WILD (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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

divider

30 Minutes With Neil Regan, Food Network (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Blue Ant International

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Neil Regan

VP Programming and Development,Food Network

Discovery, Inc.

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30 Minutes With Sara Helman, TLC (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Sara Helman

VP, Production & Development, TLC

TLC

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1:00pm
1:15pm

Luncheon Roundtables (1:15pm - 2:30pm)

Waterbury

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 host, 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.

Lottery opens on Wednesday, January 9 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Tuesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Thursday, January 17. General sign-ups open Friday, January 18 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

John Feld

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HGTV, DIY Network & Great American Country

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Table host

Cynthia Fenneman

President Emeritus

American Public Television & Create TV

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Table host

Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A&E

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Table host

Mioshi Hill

President

Lifetime

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Table host

Marisa Levy

Chief Content Officer

BET Networks

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Table host

Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

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Table host

Angela Molloy

SVP, Development & Original Production AllBlk & WEtv, Unscripted

WE tv

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Table host

Melanie Moreau

Strategic Advisor

Complex Networks

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Table host

Lynn Sadofsky

SVP, Food Network Programming & Development

Food Network & Cooking Channel

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Table host

Tori Socha

Chief Content Officer

Paramount Network

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Table host

Igal Svet

Founder, Night Owl Pictures

National Geographic

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2:30pm

Content Without Borders (2:30pm - 3:30pm)

Sponsored by

Fuse 2

At a time in the industry when change is rapid and rampant, the global coproduction climate is undergoing transformation as well. Both networks and producers are trying to adapt to changes in their business models and financing structures, and that means a greater need for creative approaches to both content and funding. Hear from producers and commissioners in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK about how the co-pro scene has shifted for them, and learn some of the strategies for success they’re now employing to get their projects funded and on the air across borders.

Moderating:


Ed Hersh

Principal & Chief Creative Officer

StoryCentric

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Featuring:


Tom Brisley

CEO

Arrow Media

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Julie Chang

EVP, Business Strategy & Co-Productions

Blue Ant Media

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Joseph Maxwell

Head of Unscripted

SBS International

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David Royle

Chief Programming Officer & EVP, Production

Smithsonian Channel

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Charles Tremayne

President First Story Productions

Cineflix

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Meet a Mentor: David Shadrack Smith, Part2 Pictures (2:30pm - 3:15pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom E

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.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 12 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


David Shadrack Smith

President

Part2 Pictures

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Pitching Partners (2:30pm - 3:30pm)

Rhythms II & III

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.

*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.

Lottery opens on Wednesday, January 9 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Tuesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Thursday, January 17. General sign-ups open Friday, January 18 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 25 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Amy Bucher

Executive Producer

Part2 Pictures

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Table host

Toby Dormer

EVP, Unscripted Television

Entertainment One Television

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Table host

Havva Eisenbaum

VP, Development, Unscripted

Monami Productions

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Table host

Jennifer Harkness

SVP, Factual Entertainment and Production

Cream Productions

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Table host

Harrison Land

President

Jupiter Entertainment

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Table host

Daniel Markell

SVP, Development

Big Fish Entertainment

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Table host

George McTeague

Senior Vice President, Development

Optomen Productions

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Table host

Brian Pargac

Freelancer

Authentic Entertainment

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Table host

Jean Shi

SVP, Unscripted Television

Fremantle

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Table host

Nicole Sorrenti

Executive Vice President, Development

Half Yard Productions

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Table host

Adam Steinman

Production and Development

Warner Bros. International Television Production

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Table host

Matt Zien

SR VP Development & Creative Director

The Intellectual Property Corporation

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2:45pm

30 Minutes With David Lee, Motor Trend Group (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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 Lee

VP, Content & Development

Motor Trend Network

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30 Minutes With Leela Pon, E! (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Leela Pon

SVP, Content

E! Entertainment

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30 Minutes With Rob Swartz, Reelzchannel (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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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3:30pm

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK (3:30pm - 3:45pm)

Sponsored by

3:45pm

Format Future: Global Trends and Takeaways (3:45pm - 4:45pm)

Fuse 2

The global formats industry continues to make waves across the entertainment landscape, and as new regional players and powerful global platforms enter the mix, the formats scene itself is in the midst of transformation. In this session, top executives working in the field share their insights on what unscripted format genres will heat up in the immediate future, which are cooling down, and discuss how the business itself is transforming as the globalization of content accelerates.

Moderating:


Will Hanrahan

Creative Director

FirstLookTV

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Featuring:


Avi Armoza

CEO

Armoza Formats

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Hayley Babcock

Founder and CEO

A+E Networks

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Julie Bristow

Founder

Bristow Global Media Inc.

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Keren Shahar

Chief Executive Officer

Keshet International

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Bo Stehmeier

CEO

Red Arrow Studios International

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Case Study: How Surviving R. Kelly is Igniting Conversation (3:45pm - 4:45pm)

Grand Ballroom E

Earlier this month, Lifetime aired Surviving R. Kelly, a six-part docuseries detailing allegations of sexual abuse against R&B musician R. Kelly. The series, which featured many individuals speaking publicly for the first time, has reached over 24.5 million viewers and became the network’s most-watched non-fiction series in seven years, sparking a national conversation that continues now. This session will bring together executive producers, network executives and a survivor participant in the series to discuss the 18-month process of putting it together, the challenges along the way, and the controversy and cultural conversation ignited by their efforts.

Moderating:


Noah Pollack

VP, Original Content, Unscripted

M.A.P. Media & Consulting

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Featuring:


Brie Miranda Bryant

SVP, Original Programming

Lifetime

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Jesse Daniels

Executive Producer

Kreativ Inc.

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Kitti Jones

Survivor and Author

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Tamra Simmons

CEO and Executive Producer

The Tamra Simmons Brand Agency

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Kannie Yu LaPack

Executive Vice President, Publicity, Public Affairs & Social Media, Lifetime, LMN and A+E Studios

Lifetime

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4:00pm

30 Minutes With Charlie Parsons, National Geographic (4:00pm - 4:30pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant Studios 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Charlie Parsons

SVP, Global Development

National Geographic Channel

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30 Minutes With Jon Sinclair, OWN (4:00pm - 4:30pm)

Sponsored by

Blue Ant International 2

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 50 delegates to maintain an up-close-and-personal vibe.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network 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:


Jonathan Sinclair

EVP, Programing & Development

OWN Oprah Winfrey Network

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4:45pm

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

5:00pm

Unscripted and Unprepared with World of Wonder (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Fuse 2

Join Main Event Media founder and president Jimmy Fox, host of the popular podcast Unscripted and Unprepared, for a “live before a Summit audience” taping featuring World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. Join Jimmy, Fenton and Randy as they dive deep into the history and achievements of the award-winning, multi-platform production company behind RuPaul’s Drag Race, the Million Dollar Listing franchise, Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures, and over 20 years of groundbreaking unscripted, scripted and documentary content.

Moderating:


Jimmy Fox

Executive Vice President, Unscripted Development & Sales

Main Event Media

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Featuring:


Fenton Bailey

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

World of Wonder

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Thursday, January 31

8:00am
8:15am
9:45am

Crime TV: How To Stand Out In The (Police) Line-up (9:45am - 10:45am)

Fuse 2

At the Realscreen Summit, we’ve been examining the rise of true crime content for several years, and this year is no exception. That proves the enduring strength and growth of the genre. But at a time when the majority of buyers in the non-fiction and unscripted space —cable, SVOD and broadcast alike — are looking to slot more suspenseful series and specials into their schedules, how can you ensure that your idea rises to the top of the pitch pile? And once you get the greenlight, what will set your crime and investigation project apart from the pack? Here, you’ll hear from producers and network execs that are crafting and looking for creative crime content and learn how they’re innovating and evolving the genre.

Moderating:


Ari Mark

Co-Founder

AMPLE

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Featuring:


Kate Harrison

President

Cream Productions Inc.

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Jane Latman

President

EVP, Development & Research, Investigation Discovery & American Heroes Channel

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Stephanie Steele

SVP, Current Production

Oxygen Media

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Kathryn Vaughan

Senior Vice President and Head, Production Investigation Discovery

Good Caper Content

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10:45am

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

Sponsored by

11:00am

The Doc Boom: Can It Last? (11:00am - 12:00pm)

Fuse 2

It seems like the stars have truly aligned for the documentary genre, with the premium content craze bringing more cable nets to the space, major SVODs still on the hunt for great stories to drive subscriptions, and yes, even success at the box office for a select few. But as many veteran doc-makers know, it’s a cyclical business, and feast can turn to famine, and boom to bust, once a hit from another genre (hello, reality TV) crashes into the zeitgeist and cools commissioners’ enthusiasm. Here, established and newer documentarians as well as those who buy and shop their work, discuss the genre’s current hot status, what’s behind it from a content and cultural perspective, and offer their takes on how to keep documentary on the upswing.

Moderating:


Barry Walsh

Editor-in-Chief & Content Director

Brunico Communications Ltd.

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Featuring:


Rachel Brill

Development Consultant

Epix

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Adam Hawkins

U.S. Creative Director

Raw TV

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Richard Klein

Head of Documentaries

Plimsoll Productions

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Amanda Spain

VP, Longform Acquisitions

Giving Voice Films

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