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.

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.

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.

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.

Speaking

Toby Faulkner

SVP, Content discovery+

Facebook

Sahara Bushue

Director, Unscripted Series

NBC Entertainment

Matt Shanfield

EVP, Development

The Intellectual Property Corporation

Zoe Rogovin

Head, Non-Fiction

Bravo

John Feld

.

HGTV, DIY Network & Great American Country

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.

Speaking

Carlyn Staudt

President, Global Channels & Streaming

Love Nature

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.

Speaking

Cynthia Fenneman

President Emeritus

American Public Television & Create TV

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.

Speaking

Jennifer McGovern

SVP, Content & Development

Fuse Media

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.

Speaking

Winona Meringolo

SVP, Development

Investigation Discovery

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.

Speaking

Stuart Coxe

President

Antica Productions

Brett-Patrick Jenkins

Executive Producer & Creator

Propagate Content

Marissa Hurwitz

Agent

WME

Joe Livecchi

Chief Executive Officer

Noble Savages

Donald Albright

Co-Founder

Tenderfoot TV

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.

Speaking

Table host

Tania Jacobson

SVP, Canada

Endemol Shine International

Table host

Sean Wheatley

Head of Acquisitions

Passion Distribution

Table host

Jessica Watson

Vice President, Global Sales & Strategic Partnerships

Boat Rocker Media

Table host

Barnaby Shingleton

Director of Factual

Sky Vision

Table host

Will Stapley

Head of Acquisitions

TVF International

Table host

Philippa Chuter

Factual Acquisitions Manager

DCD Rights

Table host

Justina Wójtowicz

EVP, Acquisitions, Co-Productions & Sales

Beyond Distribution

Table host

Cecilie Olsen

SVP, Global Content, Non-Scripted

ITV Studios Global Entertainment

Table host

Maria Ishak

Head Of Content & Co-Productions

all3media international

Table host

Shirley Bowers

SVP, US Distribution

Red Arrow Studios International

Table host

Angela Neillis

SVP Non Scripted Content Commercial & International

Fremantle

Table host

Scott Paskoff

Founder & President

Cedar Shore Productions

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.

Speaking

Elliot Jacobson

EVP of Programming & Chief Content Officer

RLTV & RLTV Digital Video Channels

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.

Speaking

Gold Morgan

Manager of Programming and Production

TV One

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.

Speaking

Kate Presutti

Content

Quibi

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.

Speaking

Mioshi Hill

President

Lifetime

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.

Speaking

Sara Geater

Chief Operating Officer

All3Media

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.

Speaking

Lauren Gellert

Media Executive

WE TV

David Eilenberg

Creative Director

ITV America

Brian Speiser

Agent

APA

Michael Bancroft

Host & Executive Producer, Beyond Innovation (Bloomberg TV); Founder & CEO

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

Jennifer O'Connell

Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Velvet Hammer Media and Chief Executive Officer, Pantheon Media Group

Lionsgate

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.

Speaking

Table host

Mark Turner

Senior Vice President, Alternative Television

Abrams Artists Agency

Table host

Babette Perry

Head of Broadcasting & Hosting

Innovative Artists

Table host

Matt Chazen

Agent

Creative Artists Agency

Table host

Nir Caspi

Partner, Unscripted Television

WME

Table host

Will Horowitz

Agent

ICM Partners

Table host

Stewart Cavanagh

Co-Head of Unscripted and Documentary

Gersh Agency

Table host

Heather Budman

Agent, Unscripted

Kaplan Stahler Agency

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.

Speaking

Eliot Goldberg

Head, Unscripted & Documentary Programming

AMC Networks

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.

Speaking

Laura Fleury

SVP, Category 6 Media™

A+E Networks

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.

Speaking

Stephanie Steele

SVP, Current Production

Oxygen Media

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.

Speaking

Tori Socha

Chief Content Officer

Paramount Network

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.

Speaking

Jayson Dinsmore

Consulting Producer, America’s Got Talent

Fremantle

Jane Turton

Chief Executive Officer

all3media

Gena McCarthy

Founder & President

A+E Networks

Barry Walsh

Editor-in-Chief & Content Director

Brunico Communications Ltd.

John Ford

Head of Programming

NPACT

Thomas Dey

CEO & Founder

ACF Investment Bank

Speaking

Judge

David Stefanou

Head of Unscripted Programming

WE tv

Judge

Angela Molloy

SVP, Development & Original Production AllBlk & WEtv, Unscripted

WE tv

Judge

Nicole Vogel

VP, Unscripted Programming & Development

WE tv

Judge

Amy Savitsky

SVP, Programming

A&E

Judge

Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A&E

Judge

Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E

Host

Phil Keoghan

Executive Producer, Director, Writer, Host

NOW TV

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.

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.

Speaking

Tim Duffy

Co-Bro

Ugly Brother Studios

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.

Speaking

Table host

Jean-Pierre Laurendeau

Senior Director, Programming

Bell Media

Table host

Krista Look

VP, Original Lifestyle Content

Corus Entertainment

Table host

John Cavanagh

Executive Producer

Smithsonian Channel

Table host

Nikolas Huelbusch

Director, Unscripted

ZDF Enterprises GmbH

Table host

Karin Heijink

SVP Content, Marketing & Products

Viasat World

Table host

Troels Branth Pedersen

Acquisitions Executive

TV2 Denmark

Table host

Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media

Blue Ant Media

Table host

Andrew O'Connell

VP Development & Production Discovery Channel and Science Channel

Discovery Channel & Discovery Science

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.

Speaking

Nancy Daniels

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

Discovery, Inc.

Interviewer

Phil Keoghan

Executive Producer, Director, Writer, Host

NOW TV

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.

Speaking

Sara Geater

Chief Operating Officer

All3Media

Jenn Kuzmyk

Executive Director - BANFF, Publisher - Playback

Banff World Media Festival

Jonathan Murray

Founder & Executive Consultant

Bunim/Murray Productions

Lauren Appelbaum

SVP, Entertainment & News Media

RespectAbility

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.

Speaking

Table host

Fay Yu

Head of Content

Animal Planet

Table host

Erin Mechanic

VP of Development

GSN Programming

Table host

Zara Frankel

Senior Director, Programming & Development

PBS

Table host

Brent Hatherill

Senior Director, Development

Investigation Discovery

Table host

Betsy Slenzak

VP, Unscripted Programming

E! Entertainment

Table host

Ben Relles

Content Strategy - Office of Reid Hoffman

YouTube Originals

Table host

James Bolosh

President & Partner

Lifetime & FYI

Table host

Krista Look

VP, Original Lifestyle Content

Corus Entertainment

Table host

Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

Table host

Susan Taylor

Executive in Charge of Production and Development, Unscripted

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Table host

Nicole Vogel

VP, Unscripted Programming & Development

WE tv

Table host

Todd Weiser

SVP, Programming & Development

Food Network & Cooking Channel

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.

Speaking

David Royle

Chief Programming Officer & EVP, Production

Smithsonian Channel

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.

Speaking

David Stefanou

Head of Unscripted Programming

WE tv

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.

Speaking

Jay James

EVP, Development & Production

Game Show Network

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.

Speaking

Matthew Butler

Head of Programming & Scheduling, FAST

Travel Channel

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.

Speaking

Candace Rice

Floribama Shore

Evan Shapiro

Producer/Owner

eshapTV

Alec Shankman

Senior Partner and Head, Alternative

Abrams Artists Agency

Pam Silverstein

Supervising Producer Film & TV, Shopify Studios

Shopify Studios

Lucas Green

Chief Content Officer, Operations

Banijay Group

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.

Speaking

Stephanie Drachkovitch

Co-CEO & Co-Founder

44 Blue Productions

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.

Speaking

Ben Relles

Content Strategy - Office of Reid Hoffman

YouTube Originals

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.

Speaking

Jenny Ramirez

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

TNT & TBS (Turner)

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.

Speaking

Steve Burns

Executive Producer

CuriosityStream

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.

Speaking

Timothy Kuryak

Executive Producer

UP TV

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.

Speaking

Table host

Sean Olsen

VP, Development

Game Show Network

Table host

Kristina Edwards

VP, Current Series and Development, Unscripted Formats

Facebook Watch

Table host

Marisa Weinstein

VP, Development

MTV & VH1

Table host

Daniel Schwartz

Vice President, Production and Development

Travel Channel

Table host

Joseph Schneier

SVP, Production & Development, Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel

Table host

Jennifer Gordon

VP, Development

TLC

Table host

Marco Bresaz

Founder & CEO

AMC & SundanceTV

Table host

Jon Adler

Head of Talent & Content Development

CNN

Table host

Stephanie Steele

SVP, Current Production

Oxygen Media

Table host

Meghan Cassin

VP Content

Nat Geo Wild

Table host

Bill Margol

Programming & Development

PBS

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.

Speaking

Jonathan Skogmo

CEO

Jukin Media

Pierre Brogan

Agent, Alternative Programming, Licensing & Branding

Paradigm Talent Agency

Sean Cohan

President

Wheelhouse

Jenny Daly

President

Critical Content Studios

Sam Barcroft

CEO

Barcroft Productions

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.

Speaking

Howard Swartz

EVP Development

Discovery Channel

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.

Speaking

Rachel Brill

Development Consultant

Epix

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.

Speaking

Wayne Sampson

Co-Head Rooster Teeth Studios

Syfy & USA Network

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.

Speaking

Thom Beers

Partner

BoBCat

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.

Speaking

Maggie Pisacane

Partner, Non-Scripted TV

WME

Debra Goldfarb

Head of Alternative Television

Gersh Agency

Courtny Catzel

Agent, Non-Fiction Television

ICM Partners

Leslie Greif

President

Big Dreams Entertainment

Hayden K. Meyer

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

APA

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.

Speaking

Table host

Alex Montalvo

Head of Series Development & Programming

Quibi

Table host

Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E

Table host

Charles Nordlander

Owner & President

Travel Channel

Table host

Patrick Moses

Head of Development

Viceland

Table host

Marisa Weinstein

VP, Development

MTV & VH1

Table host

Chanel Pysnik

Head of Unscripted

CNN

Table host

Jason Ryan

Executive Producer

TV One

Table host

Dolyn Chasin

Sr. Director, Production & Development

CNBC

Table host

Keith Wooten

Director, Creative Development

BET Networks

Table host

Roger Henry

VP, Programming

Motor Trend Network

Table host

Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media

Blue Ant Media

Table host

Caroline Perez

SVP, Development & Production

Science Channel

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.

Speaking

Marc Etkind

Associate Administrator to Communications

Science Channel

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.

Speaking

Marc Juris

President & General Manager

WE tv

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.

Speaking

Mary Donahue

SVP, Development & Programming

History

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.

Speaking

Seth Goolnik

Content

Snapchat

Speaking

Host

Matt Iseman

Comedian, Actor, and Television Host

American Ninja Warrior

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.

Speaking

Darrell Miller

Founder/Partner

Fox Rothschild LLP

Jessica Winchell

VP, Content & Development - Magnolia Network

Consultant

Nicole Page

Partner

Reavis Page Jump LLP

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.

Speaking

Table host

Nina Weinstein

Executive Producer

MSNBC

Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Table host

Mikael Osterby

Head of Factual

SVT Swedish Television

Table host

Blake Levin

VP, Unscripted Development

Syfy & USA Network

Table host

Joseph Maxwell

Head of Unscripted

SBS International

Table host

Elliot Jacobson

EVP of Programming & Chief Content Officer

RLTV & RLTV Digital Video Channels

Table host

Roger Henry

VP, Programming

Motor Trend Network

Table host

Caroline Perez

SVP, Development & Production

Science Channel

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.

Speaking

Melissa Grego

CEO

Hollywood Radio & Television Society (HRTS)

Ben Relles

Content Strategy - Office of Reid Hoffman

YouTube Originals

Adam Lewinson

Chief Content Officer

Tubi

Jeff Shultz

Chief Business Officer

Pluto TV

Caitlin Meek-O'Connor

Director, Night Train Digital

Little Dot Studios

Sarah North

VP, Head of TV and Long-Form Content

SoulPancake

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.

Speaking

Geoff Daniels

Vice President, Development & Production

National Geographic Channels

Phil Fairclough

Executive Producer

Maria Norman

Head of Production

BBC Studios' Natural History Unit

Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A&E

Allison Grodner

Founder & Executive Producer

Fly on the Wall Entertainment

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.

Speaking

Table host

Kristina Edwards

VP, Current Series and Development, Unscripted Formats

Facebook Watch

Table host

Betsy Ayala

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

HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country

Table host

Michelle Byars

SVP, Development

TNT & TBS

Table host

Jennifer Gordon

VP, Development

TLC

Table host

Joe Rivadeneira

SVP, Development & Production

mitú

Table host

Brandon Allen

Manager, Linear & Digital Development

Fuse Media

Table host

Cynthia Fenneman

President Emeritus

American Public Television & Create TV

Table host

Blake Levin

VP, Unscripted Development

Syfy & USA Network

Table host

Elliot Jacobson

EVP of Programming & Chief Content Officer

RLTV & RLTV Digital Video Channels

Table host

Stephanie Steele

SVP, Current Production

Oxygen Media

Table host

Meghan Cassin

VP Content

Nat Geo Wild

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.

Speaking

Kurt Tondorf

SVP, Development

Animal Planet

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.

Speaking

Loren Ruch

Head of Content HGTV

HGTV

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.

Speaking

Patrick Moses

Head of Development

Viceland

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.

Speaking

Sahara Bushue

Director, Unscripted Series

NBC Entertainment

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”?

Speaking

Mary Donahue

SVP, Development & Programming

History

Julian Hobbs

Co-President

Talos Films

Jane Root

Founder & CEO

Nutopia

Abby Greensfelder

Founder & CEO

Half Yard Productions

Erik Nelson

President

Creative Differences

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.

Speaking

Jenny Daly

President

Critical Content 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.

Speaking

Beth Hoppe

SVP, Long Form Programming

ABC News

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.

Speaking

Janet Han Vissering

SVP, Development & Production

Nat Geo Wild

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.

Speaking

Neil Regan

VP Programming and Development,Food Network

Discovery, Inc.

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.

Speaking

Sara Helman

VP, Production & Development, TLC

TLC

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.

Speaking

Table host

Cynthia Fenneman

President Emeritus

American Public Television & Create TV

Table host

Marisa Levy

Chief Content Officer

BET Networks

Table host

Mioshi Hill

President

Lifetime

Table host

Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

Table host

Igal Svet

Founder, Night Owl Pictures

National Geographic

Table host

Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A&E

Table host

Tori Socha

Chief Content Officer

Paramount Network

Table host

Melanie Moreau

Strategic Advisor

Complex Networks

Table host

John Feld

.

HGTV, DIY Network & Great American Country

Table host

Angela Molloy

SVP, Development & Original Production AllBlk & WEtv, Unscripted

WE tv

Table host

Lynn Sadofsky

SVP, Food Network Programming & Development

Food Network & Cooking Channel

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.

Speaking

Tom Brisley

CEO

Arrow Media

Julie Chang

COO & EP

Blue Ant Media

Charles Tremayne

President First Story Productions

Cineflix

Joseph Maxwell

Head of Unscripted

SBS International

Ed Hersh

Principal & Chief Creative Officer

StoryCentric

David Royle

Chief Programming Officer & EVP, Production

Smithsonian Channel

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.

Speaking

David Shadrack Smith

President

Part2 Pictures

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.

Speaking

Table host

Brian Pargac

Freelancer

Authentic Entertainment

Table host

Jean Shi

SVP, Unscripted Television

Fremantle

Table host

Havva Eisenbaum

VP, Development, Unscripted

Monami Productions

Table host

Adam Steinman

EVP, Global Formats & Aquisitions

Warner Bros. International Television Production

Table host

George McTeague

Senior Vice President, Development

Optomen Productions

Table host

Toby Dormer

EVP, Unscripted Television

Entertainment One Television

Table host

Jennifer Harkness

SVP, Factual Entertainment and Production

Cream Productions

Table host

Nicole Sorrenti

Executive Vice President, Development

Half Yard Productions

Table host

Amy Bucher

Executive Producer

Part2 Pictures

Table host

Daniel Markell

SVP, Development

Big Fish Entertainment

Table host

Matt Zien

SR VP Development & Creative Director

The Intellectual Property Corporation

Table host

Harrison Land

President

Jupiter Entertainment

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.

Speaking

David Lee

VP, Content & Development

Motor Trend Network

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.

Speaking

Leela Pon

SVP, Content

E! Entertainment

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.

Speaking

Rob Swartz

SVP, Development & Production

REELZ Channel

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.

Speaking

Hayley Babcock

Founder and CEO

A+E Networks

Avi Armoza

CEO

Armoza Formats

Will Hanrahan

Creative Director

FirstLookTV

Julie Bristow

Founder

Bristow Global Media Inc.

Keren Shahar

Chief Executive Officer

Keshet International

Bo Stehmeier

CEO

Red Arrow Studios International

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.

Speaking

Noah Pollack

VP, Original Content, Unscripted

M.A.P. Media & Consulting

Kannie Yu LaPack

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

Lifetime

Jesse Daniels

Senior Vice President, Development & Current

Kreativ Inc.

Tamra Simmons

CEO and Executive Producer

The Tamra Simmons Brand Agency

Brie Miranda Bryant

SVP, Original Programming

Lifetime

Kitti Jones

Survivor and Author

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.

Speaking

Charlie Parsons

SVP, Global Development

National Geographic Channel

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.

Speaking

Jonathan Sinclair

EVP, Programing & Development

OWN Oprah Winfrey Network

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.

Speaking

Jimmy Fox

Executive Vice President, Unscripted Development & Sales

Main Event Media

Fenton Bailey

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

World of Wonder

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.

Speaking

Ari Mark

Co-Founder

AMPLE

Kathryn Vaughan

Senior Vice President and Head, Production Investigation Discovery

Good Caper Content

Stephanie Steele

SVP, Current Production

Oxygen Media

Kate Harrison

President

Cream Productions Inc.

Jane Latman

President

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

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.

Speaking

Richard Klein

Head of Documentaries

Plimsoll Productions

Rachel Brill

Development Consultant

Epix

Adam Hawkins

U.S. Creative Director

Raw TV

Barry Walsh

Editor-in-Chief & Content Director

Brunico Communications Ltd.

Amanda Spain

Head, Documentary

Giving Voice Films