As Head of Unscripted Programming at Viacom’s BET Networks, Marisa Levy oversees the development and production of all original non-fiction programming.  She is a consummate storyteller with an impressive track record of understanding diverse audiences and developing content that resonates with them. Marisa’s keen understanding of American and international audiences has allowed her to create successful, long-running programming around the world.
 
Marisa brings an extensive background in domestic and international television development and production. She most recently served as Creative Consultant at Viacom sister networks MTV and VH1, creating new programming and adapting international formats for the channels. Her projects included How Far is Tattoo Far and Border Life: Nogales. Prior to Viacom, Marisa served as Vice President of Content Development at TLC where she created and developed many of the network’s signature hit shows including My Big Fat Fabulous Life, Sex Sent Me to the ER, Extreme Cheapskates, Long Island Medium, and Unexpected.

Levy began her television career at Discovery Communications with Discovery Health Channel helping launch hit franchise Jon & Kate Plus 8 and The Duggars. She then served as Manager of Television & Digital Content Development at Brainbox Entertainment, producing hit programs for HGTV and Food Network. She then joined international production company Story House Productions as Vice President of Sales & Development, producing new projects for Fox, SyFy, A&E, Discovery Channel, MTV, History, Investigation Discovery, MSNBC, and National Geographic Channel. Prior to joining the television industry, she produced and directed award-winning independent documentaries.

Levy holds an undergraduate degree from Rice University, a Masters of the Arts degree from the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten, Utrecht in The Netherlands and studied towards a doctorate at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables