MONDAY, JANUARY 27 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
SHERATON NEW ORLEANS
Marriott Marquis | Washington, DC | Sunday, January 28 – Wednesday, January 31, 2020

Agenda

Agenda is subject to change.

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Monday, January 27

8:00am

DELEGATES' LOUNGE (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Sponsored by

Napoleon Ballroom

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

Grand Ballroom A/B

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 Open (8:00 AM - 8:00 PM)

8:15am

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

Grand Ballroom A/B, Grand Ballroom C/D/E, Bayside A, Bayside B, Bayside C, Edgewood A/B, Rhythms I, Rhythms II & III, Rodrigue Gallery

9:00am

Speed Networking - History/Science/Natural History/Travel & Exploration (9:00am - 10:00am)

Rhythms II & III

These networking sessions are designed for you to meet many like-minded potential partners in a short time period, speed-dating style. 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 - 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-dating style. 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

Keynote Conversation: Dan Cutforth & Jane Lipsitz (10:00am - 10:45am)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

Kicking off this year’s edition of the Realscreen Summit is a special live taping of Jimmy Fox’s “Unscripted and Unprepared” podcast, featuring dynamic producing duo Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz, the team behind such iconic unscripted franchises as Bravo’s Top Chef and Project Runway, and 2020 inductees to the Realscreen Awards Hall of Fame.

 


Featuring:


Dan Cutforth

Co-Founder

Alfred Street Industries

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Interviewer

Jimmy Fox

Executive Vice President, Unscripted Development & Sales

Main Event Media

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Jane Lipsitz

CEO

Alfred Street Industries

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10:45am

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

Sponsored by

11:00am

Development: What's Hot, What's Not (11:00am - 12:00pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

Development execs at networks and prodcos always need to be in tune with – and preferably one step ahead of – the cultural zeitgeist in order to tap into what could be the next big TV trend. What might have been hot a month or two ago could cool off considerably by the time your project is ready to pitch. What are the big new development areas for 2020 and 2021, and what's on the way out? Top producers and buyers offer their views on where the unscripted market is heading and why.

Moderating:


Joe Livecchi

Chief Executive Officer

Noble Savages

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Featuring:


Wes Dening

Head of Global Formats

Eureka

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Tara Long

Global President, Unscripted Television

Entertainment One

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Gena McCarthy

Founder & President

A+E Networks

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Jason Sarlanis

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

TLC

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Meet an Expert - Distributors (11:00am - 12:00pm)

Rodrigue Gallery

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 11 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.

 


Featuring:


Table host

Loren Baxter

Head of Acquisitions

Off the Fence

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Table host

Nicola Davey

SVP, Acquisitions & Co-Productions

TCB Media Rights

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Table host

Emily Elisha

VP, Acquisitions

Banijay Rights

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Table host

Laetitia Giansily-Doyle

Development, Sales & Strategic Partnerships, North America

Terranoa

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Table host

Betsy LeBlanc

Director, International

PBS International

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Table host

Richard Life

SVP Acquisitions and Co-Productions

Cineflix Rights

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Table host

Diane Rankin

Executive Vice President, Content Development & Commercial Strategy

Distribution360

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Table host

Robert E Salvestrin

CEO

Lucky You

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Table host

Jessica Watson

Vice President, Global Sales & Strategic Partnerships

Boat Rocker Studios

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Table host

Pamela Welch

SVP, Development

GRB Studios

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Table host

Sean Wheatley

Head of Acquisitions

Passion Distribution

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11:15am

Meet a Mentor: Laura Marshall, Icon Films (11:15am - 12:00pm)

Bayside A

Icon Films co-founder and CEO Laura Marshall will talk about the importance of diversity, sustainability and resilience when building a business where people want to work.

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 three (3) Meet a Mentor sessions.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Laura Marshall

CEO

Icon Films

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11:30am

30 Minutes With: Cynthia Fenneman, American Public Television & Create TV (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Bayside B

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: Jenna Rosa, Bravo (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Edgewood A/B

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:


Jenna Rosa

SVP, Unscripted Development

Bravo Media & E! Entertainment

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30 Minutes With: Wayne Sampson, USA Network/Syfy (11:30am - 12:00pm)

Bayside C

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:


Table host

Wayne Sampson

Co-Head Rooster Teeth Studios

USA Network/Syfy

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12:00pm

LUNCH (12:00pm - 1:00pm)

1:00pm

Safe Sets: Best Practices for Duty of Care (1:00pm - 2:00pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

Part of the attraction for audiences, when it comes to unscripted entertainment, is seeing ordinary people experiencing extraordinary situations. When it comes to starring in, or even producing or crewing such programming, ensuring the psychological welfare of those in front of and behind the camera should be of paramount concern. Here, you’ll learn from producers, network executives, and others in the field about their efforts to establish and maintain duty of care protocol that will keep their sets, and shows, safe.

Moderating:


Nicole Page

Partner

Reavis Page Jump LLP

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Featuring:


Stephanie Drachkovitch

Co-CEO & Co-Founder

44 Blue Productions

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Danny Horan

Head of Factual

Channel 4

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Ghen Maynard

Producer

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Drew Tappon

Head of Unscripted, Oprah Winfrey Network

495 Productions

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Meet an Expert - Agents (1:00pm - 2:00pm)

Rodrigue Gallery

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 three (3) table hosts (*please note; delegates will be asked to rotate in 20-minute increments).

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Sophie Bressler

Senior Agent, Alternative Programming, Digital Media, Licensing & Branding

Abrams Artists Agency

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Table host

Heather Budman

Agent, Unscripted

Kaplan Stahler Agency

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Table host

Anthony DiBiase

Agent, Alternative & Factual Programming

APA

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Table host

Ivo Fischer

Head Of Unscripted Talent And Content

WME

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Table host

Debra Goldfarb

Head of Alternative Television

Gersh Agency

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Table host

Arielle Lever

Agent, International TV & Media

ICM Partners

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Table host

Babette Perry

Head of Broadcasting & Hosting

Innovative Artists

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Table host

Bill Thompson

Head, Alternative Television

Verve

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1:15pm

Meet a Mentor: Mike Gunton, BBC Natural History Unit (1:15pm - 2:00pm)

Bayside A

In this session Mike Gunton, award winning filmmaker (Planet Earth II, Dynasties) and Creative Director of BBC Studios Natural History Unit discusses how his personal approach to innovation and storytelling has adapted over the years and reveals some of the lessons he has learnt along the way.

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 three (3) Meet a Mentor sessions.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Mike Gunton

Creative Director, Factual & Natural History Unit

BBC Studios

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1:30pm

30 Minutes With: Amy Savitsky, HISTORY (1:30pm - 2:00pm)

Bayside C

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:


Amy Savitsky

SVP, Programming

History

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30 Minutes With: Christian Barcellos, CNBC (1:30pm - 2:00pm)

Edgewood A/B

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:


Christian Barcellos

SVP Development & Production

CNBC

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30 Minutes With: Marisa Levy, BET Networks (1:30pm - 2:00pm)

Bayside B

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:


Marisa Levy

Chief Content Officer

BET Networks

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2:00pm

NETWORKING BREAK (2:00pm - 2:15pm)

2:15pm

Talking Talent (2:15pm - 3:15pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

Conventional wisdom within the industry states that having the right talent attached to a project on-screen and behind the scenes is of the utmost importance when it comes to giving your project a fighting chance. But with content platforms multiplying at a feverish rate, so too are the opportunities for talent, making exclusivity harder to negotiate and changing the game considerably. And talent can come from practically every corner of culture today, with influencers being the experts for a generation of content consumers. This session brings together execs from across the industry to examine the evolving role of talent in the unscripted content equation.

Moderating:


Jenny Daly

President

Critical Content Studios

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Featuring:


Steve Ascher

EVP, Head of Development

A+E Networks

divider

Josh Bider

Partner, Non-scripted TV

WME

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Alex Piper

Head, Night Studios

YouTube Originals

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Zena Van Ackeren

Owner, Casting & Development

MGM Studios

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Speed Pitching One (2:15pm - 3:15pm)

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 Friday, January 10 at 12:01 AM EST, and closes on Wednesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Friday, January 17. General sign-ups open Friday, January 17 (time TBC), and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Pamela Duckworth

Head of Fubo Studios and Original Programming

fubo Sports Network

divider
Table host

Zara Frankel

Senior Director, Programming & Development

PBS

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Table host

Lauren Frasca

SVP, Content & Strategy, Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network

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Table host

Mioshi Hill

President

Lifetime

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Table host

Krista Look

VP, Original Lifestyle Content

Corus Entertainment

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Table host

Ashley McFarlin

VP, Unscripted & Scripted Development and Production

WE TV

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Table host

Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

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Table host

Gold Morgan

Manager of Programming and Production

TV One

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Table host

Sean Olsen

VP, Development

Game Show Network

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Table host

Brittinee Royes

VP, Unscripted Lifestyle & Docuseries

Oxygen Media

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Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC

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Table host

Patty Suh

VP, Programming & Development - Food Network & Cooking Channel

Food Network

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2:30pm

30 Minutes With: Devin Cheema, CuriosityStream (2:30pm - 3:00pm)

Bayside C

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:


Devin Cheema

Founder

CuriosityStream

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30 Minutes With: Toby Faulkner, Facebook Watch (2:30pm - 3:00pm)

Edgewood A/B

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:


Toby Faulkner

SVP, Content discovery+

Facebook

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Meet a Mentor: Robyn Lattaker-Johnson, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network (2:30pm - 3:15pm)

Bayside A

The veteran cable network executive breaks down the internal dynamics of how a network takes a concept from pitch to air.

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 three (3) Meet a Mentor sessions.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Robyn Lattaker-Johnson

Agent, Media Consultant

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

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3:15pm

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

Sponsored by

3:30pm

State of the Nation: Foresight is 2020 (3:30pm - 4:30pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

Gigantic content conglomerates entering the streaming fray, the pull towards direct-to-consumer for top broadcasters, more major mergers and acquisitions set to redraw the global production landscape… to quote Penny Lane from Almost Famous, “it’s all happening!” But what does all of this activity mean for the unscripted and non-fiction content community and its stakeholders? And what are the changes on the horizon that are set to shake up the status quo even further? Our annual “state of the nation” exploration brings together top execs from across the industry to discuss and debate what’s happening now, what’s coming next, and why it will matter to you and your business.


Featuring:


Shade Grant

Agent, Nonfiction Television

ICM Partners

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Eli Lehrer

Executive Vice President and Head, Programming Genres & Music Services

History

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Allison Page

Global President, Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network

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Tim Pastore

CEO/Co-Founder

All3Media America

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Edward Simpson

Chief Strategy Officer

Wheelhouse

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4:30pm

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

4:45pm

Summit Showdown: International Pitch Competition (4:45pm - 6:00pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom C/D/E

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


Featuring:


Betsy Ayala

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

HGTV

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Liz Brach

Senior Director of Programming

HGTV

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Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A&E Network

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Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E Network

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Jonathan Partridge

Senior Executive Producer

A&E Network

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Host

Michaela Pereira

Journalist

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Maggie Zeltner

Director Programming and Development, HGTV

HGTV

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6:15pm

Tuesday, January 28

8:00am
8:15am

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

Rodrigue Gallery

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.

You may submit for one (1) Coffee + Commissioners session, which will be available first-come, first-serve through our regular sign-up process on realXchange.

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

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, January 8 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.

 


Featuring:


Table host

Karin Heijink

SVP Content, Marketing & Products

Viasat World

divider
Table host

Kelly Hornsby

Head of Programme Acquisitions

A+E Networks EMEA

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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

Natalie Rose

Commissioner

UKTV

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Table host

Igal Svet

Executive Vice President

Discovery

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Table host

Lauren Whitelaw

Head of Programming

OUTtv Network

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CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B, Grand Ballroom C/D/E, Bayside A, Bayside B, Bayside C, Edgewood A/B, Rhythms I, Rhythms II & III

9:30am

Keynote Conversation: Kathleen Finch, Discovery Inc. (9:30am - 10:30am)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom C/D/E

Kathleen Finch, Chief Lifestyle Brands Officer for Discovery, Inc. oversees the management oversight of HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Cooking Channel, Discovery Life, American Heroes Channel, Destination America, Great American Country and the company's Digital Studios Group in the U.S. During her keynote conversation at the Summit, Finch will share her thoughts on how her role has evolved following the Discovery/Scripps merger, how the company itself has evolved and her take on the trends impacting the non-fiction screen content industry, and the television industry at large.


Featuring:


Keynote

Kathleen Finch

Chairman & CEO, US Networks

Discovery, Inc.

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Interviewer

Michael O'Connell

Senior Writer

The Hollywood Reporter

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10:30am

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

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B, Grand Ballroom C/D/E, Bayside A, Bayside B, Bayside C, Edgewood A/B, Rhythms I, Rhythms II & III, Rodrigue Gallery

10:45am

Natural History's Brave New World (10:45am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

Blue chip natural history and other specialist factual genres have proven to be hugely successful for broadcasters and streaming platforms alike, and now the major streamers are making significant investment in producing and owning such content. As the content ecosystem continues to evolve, with new streamers set to emerge and cable nets making bigger moves into OTT, will producers of this content be happy beneficiaries of an "arms race" for the biggest and best programming? How will this impact the broadcasting landscape? And how will specialist factual evolve under the spotlight?

Moderating:


Al Berman

President & Executive Producer

Berman Productions

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Featuring:


Mike Gunton

Creative Director, Factual & Natural History Unit

BBC Studios

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Janet Han Vissering

SVP, Development & Production

Nat Geo Wild

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Andrew Jackson

Non Executive Director

Plimsoll Productions

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Laura Marshall

CEO

Icon Films

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Speed Pitching Two (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 Friday, January 10 at 12:01 AM EST, and closes on Wednesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Friday, January 17. General sign-ups open Friday, January 17 (time TBC), and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Bengt Anderson

Executive Producer

National Geographic

divider
Table host

Alison Barrat

enior Vice President and Head, Content

Love Nature

divider
Table host

Emily Baustien

Development, Discovery Factual

Discovery, Inc.

divider
Table host

Karin Heijink

SVP Content, Marketing & Products

Viasat World

divider
Table host

Mandel Ilagan

Vice President, Current & Development, Game Shows

Nickelodeon

divider
Table host

Katie Isaacson

Senior Director CNN Original Series

CNN

divider
Table host

Robyn Lattaker-Johnson

Agent, Media Consultant

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

divider
Table host

Tara Nadolny

Associate Director, Development, VICE TV

VICE TV

divider
Table host

Jonathan Partridge

Senior Executive Producer

A&E Network

divider
Table host

Matt Trierweiler

Director, Original Programming & Development

HGTV

divider
Table host

Nina Weinstein

Executive Producer

MSNBC

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Table host

Keith Wooten

Director, Creative Development

BET Networks

divider
11:15am

30 Minutes With: Alex Piper, YouTube (11:15am - 11:45am)

Bayside B

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:


Alex Piper

Head, Night Studios

YouTube Originals

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30 Minutes With: Charlie Parsons, National Geographic (11:15am - 11:45am)

Bayside C

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

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30 Minutes With: Danny Horan, Channel 4 (11:15am - 11:45am)

Bayside A

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:


Danny Horan

Head of Factual

Channel 4

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30 Minutes With: David Lee, Motor Trend Network (11:15am - 11:45am)

Edgewood A/B

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

MotorTrend Network

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11:45am

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

Grand Ballroom A/B, Grand Ballroom C/D/E, Bayside A, Bayside B, Bayside C, Edgewood A/B, Rhythms I, Rhythms II & III, Rodrigue Gallery

12:00pm

Cooking Up Copros: What’s Working, Where (12:00pm - 1:00pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

Facing ever-declining budgets and licensing fees, producers across myriad genres of non-fiction have had to get creative to fund their projects. But factoring in a growing number of potential international buyers, copros are no longer strictly the domain of big-budget, blue chip content, and creative partnerships are ensuring that various segments of the industry have skin in the game. This session navigates the coproduction landscape in 2020, and deciphers what’s working now, how it’s working, and where it’s working.

Moderating:


Dawn McCarthy-Simpson

Managing Director of Global Strategy

Pact

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Featuring:


Danny Fenton

CEO

Zig Zag Productions

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Lisa Godfrey

SVP Original Content and Corus Studios

Corus Entertainment

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Amanda Groom

Managing Director

The Bridge

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Nikolas Huelbusch

Director, Unscripted

ZDF Enterprises

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Lilla Hurst

Global Head of Acquisitions

Drive

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12:15pm

Meet a Mentor: Stephen Land, Jupiter Entertainment (12:15pm - 1:00pm)

Bayside A

Veteran television producer Stephen Land will discuss why it’s important to hyper focus on a genre and how to double down on your successes to stay afloat in a crowded marketplace.

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 three (3) Meet a Mentor sessions.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Stephen Land

Managing Partner, A3 Content

Jupiter Entertainment

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12:30pm

30 Minutes With: Angela Molloy, WEtv (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Bayside B

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:


Angela Molloy

SVP, Development & Original Production AllBlk & WEtv, Unscripted

WE TV

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30 Minutes With: Joseph Schneier, Discovery Channel (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Bayside C

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:


Joseph Schneier

SVP, Production & Development, Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel

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30 Minutes With: Mark Levine, Magnolia Network (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Edgewood A/B

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:


Mark Levine

VP, Television, Digital Video & Podcasts

Magnolia Network

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1:00pm

LUNCH (1:00pm - 2:30pm)

Sponsored by

1:15pm

Food for Thought: Making Diversity and Inclusion a Priority (1:15pm - 2:30pm)

Rhythms I

In this special interview session, you’ll hear from Deborah Williams, executive director of the UK-based Creative Diversity Network, or CDN. The organization is funded by the UK’s main broadcasters and coordinates the ground-breaking Diamond diversity monitoring and reporting project, and while Williams oversees the implementation of all of CDN’s current projects, she also meets and consults with network and production executives in North America concerning diversity and inclusion initiatives. Here, you’ll learn about how the Diamond project has educated and inspired broadcasters in the UK to make diversity and inclusion a top priority, and how North American networks and producers can follow suit.

*Advance sign-up is required. A three-course plated lunch will be provided.

Sign-up closes on Friday, January 17 at 5:00 PM EST.


Moderating:


Mioshi Hill

President

Lifetime

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Featuring:


Deborah Williams OBE

Chief Executive

Creative Diversity Network

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

Rodrigue Gallery

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 Friday, January 10 at 12:01 AM EST, and closes on Wednesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Friday, January 17. General sign-ups open Friday, January 17 (Time TBC), and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Brandon Allen

Manager, Linear & Digital Development

Fuse Media

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Table host

Betsy Ayala

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

HGTV

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Table host

Sydney Clover

Senior Director, Development

National Geographic

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Table host

Pamela Duckworth

Head of Fubo Studios and Original Programming

fubo Sports Network

divider
Table host

Kelly Hornsby

Head of Programme Acquisitions

A+E Networks EMEA

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Table host

Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

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Table host

Kelly Nash

VP, Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming AMC, Sundance TV, BBCA

AMC, BBC America & SundanceTV

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Table host

Lynn Sadofsky

SVP, Food Network Programming & Development

Food Network

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Table host

Igal Svet

Executive Vice President

Discovery

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2:30pm

Entertainment As Call To Action (2:30pm - 3:30pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

Call it the “Blue Planet effect.”  When Blue Planet II aired in October 2017, it provided all the sumptuous wonder of the original BBC series and another incredible window into the marine world, but it also served as a wake-up call concerning the alarming rise in plastic pollution. The program prompted action across generations, and has spurred a wealth of hard-hitting documentaries examining the issue. Does this signal a sea change in how factual programming can tackle the big issues such as climate change and conservation, or is there still a line to walk when considering entertaining and educating audiences? Hear from producers and networks who are determined to do both, and learn how you can do the same with your content.

Moderating:


Jane Root

Founder & CEO

Nutopia

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Featuring:


Geoff Daniels

Vice President, Development & Production

National Geographic Channel

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Liesel Evans

Creative Director, UK Factual

Raw TV

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Cecilie Olsen

SVP, Global Content, Non-Scripted

ITV Studios

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Perry Simon

Chief Programming Executive & General Manager General Audience Programming

PBS

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Speed Pitching Three (2:30pm - 3:30pm)

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 Friday, January 10 at 12:01 AM EST, and closes on Wednesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Friday, January 17. General sign-ups open Friday, January 17 (time TBC), and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Brandon Allen

Manager, Linear & Digital Development

Fuse Media

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Table host

Camille Bernier-Green

Head, Development, A Touch More

Facebook Watch

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Table host

Amanda Culkowski

Vice President, Music Program Development

MTV International

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Table host

Gretchen Eisele

Director of Development and Production

Science Channel

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Table host

Cynthia Fenneman

President Emeritus

American Public Television & Create TV

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Table host

Sara Helman

VP, Production & Development, TLC

TLC

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Table host

Roger Henry

VP, Programming

MotorTrend Network

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Table host

Alex Leibow

Sr. Development Manager

Snap Inc

divider
Table host

Lucy Perez

Director, Alternative Programming

USA Network/Syfy

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Table host

Polly Scates

Head of Acquisitions

Channel 4

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Table host

Jessie Springer

Manager of Development, Nat Geo WILD

Nat Geo WILD

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2:45pm

30 Minutes With: Rachel Smith, E! Entertainment (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Bayside C

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 Smith

Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content, Lifestyle & Documentaries

NBCUniversal

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30 Minutes With: Rob Bagshaw, Nickelodeon (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Bayside B

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 Bagshaw

Executive VP, Creative

Nickelodeon

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30 Minutes With: Winona Meringolo, Investigation Discovery (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Edgewood A/B

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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Meet a Mentor: David Brady, Cream Productions (2:45pm - 3:30pm)

Bayside A

Veteran executive producer David Brady will give his tricks of the trade as to how to build and scale an independent production company in a ever-changing and crowded marketplace.

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 three (3) Meet a Mentor sessions.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


David Brady

CEO

Cream Productions

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3:30pm

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

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B, Grand Ballroom C/D/E, Bayside A, Bayside B, Bayside C, Edgewood A/B, Rhythms I, Rhythms II & III, Rodrigue Gallery

3:45pm

Keynote Conversation: Paula Kerger, PBS (3:45pm - 4:45pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

In a one-on-one keynote conversation at the Realscreen Summit, PBS president and CEO and Realscreen Hall of Fame 2020 inductee Paula Kerger will discuss her career and achievements to date, as well as her views on the present and future state of public broadcasting, and non-fiction programming.


Featuring:


Interviewer

Eric Deggans

TV Critic

National Public Radio (NPR)

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Keynote

Paula Kerger

President & CEO

PBS

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5:00pm

Cocktails With... Caroline Perez, Science Channel (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Edgewood A/B

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:


Host

Caroline Perez

SVP, Development & Production

Science Channel

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Cocktails with...Brie Miranda Bryant, Lifetime (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Bayside A

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:


Host

Brie Miranda Bryant

SVP, Original Programming

Lifetime

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Cocktails with...Loren Ruch, HGTV (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Bayside C

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:


Loren Ruch

Head of Content HGTV

HGTV

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Cocktails with...Marco Bresaz, AMC, SundanceTV & BBC America (5:00pm - 6:00pm)

Bayside B

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:


Marco Bresaz

Founder & CEO

AMC, SundanceTV & BBC America

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

Sponsored by

6:15pm

2020 REALSCREEN AWARDS (6:15pm - 7:30pm)


Featuring:


Host

Ross Mathews

TV Personality, Host & Pop Culture Expert

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Wednesday, January 29

8:00am
8:15am

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

Rodrigue Gallery

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.

You may submit for one (1) Coffee + Commissioners session, which will be available first-come, first-serve through our regular sign-up process on realXchange.

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

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, January 8 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

John Cavanagh

Executive Producer

Smithsonian Channel

divider
Table host

Nikolas Huelbusch

Director, Unscripted

ZDF Enterprises

divider
Table host

Susie Jones

Head of Factual

SBS Television

divider
Table host

Caroline Perez

SVP, Development & Production

Science Channel

divider
Table host

Polly Scates

Head of Acquisitions

Channel 4

divider
Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC

divider
Table host

Nicole Vogel

VP, Unscripted Programming & Development

Lifetime

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CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

9:30am

Linear: Alive and Well (9:30am - 10:30am)

Grand Ballroom C/D/E

As SVOD, and increasingly, AVOD platforms proliferate and vie for market share, the current refrain regarding linear networks — and specifically linear cable nets — is that the future won’t be kind. Ratings declines, cord-cutting and commissioning challenges all contribute to that narrative. However, just as the advent of cable networks didn’t decimate the broadcast TV giants but rather forced them to both evolve and capitalize on their strengths, cable networks can also turn disruption into opportunity. Here, several top cable network execs will discuss how they’re “fighting back” through honing their offerings, maximizing their franchises, commissioning “on brand” content and more. 

Moderating:


Bruce David Klein

President & Executive Producer

Atlas Media Corp

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Featuring:


Rob Bagshaw

Executive VP, Creative

Nickelodeon

divider

Dolores Gavin

Senior Executive Production & Development

A&E Network

divider

Lauren Gellert

EVP, Development & Original Programming

WE TV

divider

Howard Swartz

EVP Development

Discovery Channel

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10:30am

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

Sponsored by

10:45am

Disney+: A Closer Look (10:45am - 11:45am)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

The launch of Disney+ in November 2019 was met with fervent anticipation from fans and the global entertainment industry. From being the most-Googled term of the year, to the explosion of “Baby Yoda” memes, interest in the platform and its content remains at fever pitch. This session brings together the head of Disney+ Unscripted Originals and top creative talent working with the service to illustrate the range of content under its umbrella — from high-end documentaries and docuseries to epic formats, profile and portrait series, and lighter fare geared towards a younger audience. Here’s your chance to gain an enlightening look at this exciting platform, and its ambitions for unscripted and non-fiction content.

Moderating:


Michael Schneider

TV Editor

Variety

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Featuring:


Sarah Amos

VP Development & Production, Non-Fiction TV & Documentaries

Marvel Entertainment

divider

Geoff Daniels

Vice President, Development & Production

National Geographic Channel

divider

Brian McGinn

Partner

Supper Club

divider

Dan Silver

VP, Originals-Non-Fiction

Disney+

divider

Bertram van Munster

Executive Producer

The New Media Collective

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Pitching Partners (10:45am - 11:45am)

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 Friday, January 10 at 12:01 AM EST, and closes on Wednesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Friday, January 17. General sign-ups open Friday, January 17 (time TBC), and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Jeff Conroy

Co-Founder/Partner

BoBCat Studios

divider
Table host

Alison Dammann

Head, Development

Good Caper Content

divider
Table host

Elyse Delmore

VP, Unscripted Development

MGM Television

divider
Table host

Toby Dormer

EVP, Unscripted Television

Entertainment One Television

divider
Table host

Jennifer Harkness

SVP, Factual Entertainment and Production

Blue Ant Studios

divider
Table host

Maria Ishak

SVP, Sales North America

All3media International

divider
Table host

Tony Nguyen

VP, Development

Bright Bay Creative

divider
Table host

Pete Ross

SVP of Development

Left/Right

divider
Table host

Adam Steinman

Production and Development

Warner Bros. International Television Production

divider
Table host

Jessie Surovell

Head of TV Development

ATTN:

divider
Table host

Matt Wrablik

SVP, Development

Critical Content

divider
11:15am

30 Minutes With: Carlyn Staudt, Love Nature (11:15am - 11:45am)

Edgewood A/B

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: Jon Adler, CNN (11:15am - 11:45am)

Bayside C

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:


Jon Adler

Head of Talent & Content Development

CNN

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11:45am

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

12:00pm

Trendwatch: Getting Into the Game (12:00pm - 1:00pm)

Grand Ballroom A/B

The global audience for Esports is said to be in the neighborhood of more than 450 million people. And when you add in mobile gaming, console gaming, PC gaming…  global gaming revenue reaches close to $150 billion. As the numbers confirm, gaming is capturing the attention and wallets of growing multitudes internationally. But how can a more “traditional” form of media — television — crack this market? Gaming channels and the gamers who appear on them are hugely popular on platforms such as YouTube, but can they work on linear TV? How? This session will ask these questions while also providing a glimpse into this lucrative market, and some of the key media-friendly figures working within it.

Moderating:


Patrick Jager

Founder

CORE Innovation Group

divider

Featuring:


Amber Howard

Agent, Alternative Programming, Digital Media, Licensing & Branding

Abrams Artists Agency

divider

Greg Kampanis

SVP & General Manager

Omnia Media

divider

Felix LaHaye

Founder & CEO

United Esports

divider

Shawn Moffatt

Co-Owner & CEO

Go To Team

divider
12:15pm

Meet a Mentor: Colleen Needles Steward, Tremendous Entertainment (12:15pm - 1:00pm)

Bayside A

Join Colleen Needles Steward as she helps you navigate how to be a good partner; not only to the networks you work with but also to talent and production partners.

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 three (3) Meet a Mentor sessions.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Colleen Steward

President & CEO

Tremendous! Entertainment

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12:30pm

30 Minutes With: Jennifer Gordon, TLC (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Bayside C

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 Gordon

VP, Development

TLC

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30 Minutes With: Meghan Cassin, Nat Geo WILD (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Bayside B

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:


Meghan Cassin

VP Content

Nat Geo Wild

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30 Minutes With: Rob Swartz, Reelz Channel (12:30pm - 1:00pm)

Edgewood A/B

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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1:00pm

LUNCH (1:00pm - 2:30pm)

1:15pm

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

Rodrigue Gallery

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 Friday, January 10 at 12:01 AM EST, and closes on Wednesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Friday, January 17. General sign-ups open Friday, January 17 (Time TBC), and closes on Friday, January 24 at 5:00 PM EST.


Featuring:


Table host

Camille Bernier-Green

Head, Development, A Touch More

Facebook Watch

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Table host

Gretchen Eisele

Director of Development and Production

Science Channel

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Table host

Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E Network

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Table host

Ashley McFarlin

VP, Unscripted & Scripted Development and Production

WE TV

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Table host

Tara Nadolny

Associate Director, Development, VICE TV

VICE TV

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Table host

Sean Olsen

VP, Development

Game Show Network

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Table host

Danielle Ostroske-D'Ingillo

Senior Director, Development

TLC

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Table host

Wayne Sampson

Co-Head Rooster Teeth Studios

USA Network/Syfy

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Table host

Nina Weinstein

Executive Producer

MSNBC

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2:30pm

Born At Realscreen: 90 Day Fiancé’s Franchise Phenomenon (2:30pm - 3:30pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

In 2013, Matt Sharp, CEO and founder of New York-based Sharp Entertainment, met with TLC’s Howard Lee at Realscreen Summit in Washington and showed him a sizzle reel featuring people searching for their love matches across countries and, in some cases, continents. Lee was hooked instantly. Fast forward to Realscreen Summit 2020, where we will take a deep dive into the 90 Day Fiancé franchise phenomenon and how the production and network teams transformed what was “born at Realscreen” into a brand unto itself — six spinoff series, and seven seasons and counting for the original.

Moderating:


Michael Schneider

TV Editor

Variety

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Featuring:


Howard Lee

President of Disco Channel

TLC

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Shaun Robinson

Host

90 Day Fiance Tell All

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Matt Sharp

CEO

Sharp Entertainment

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2:45pm

30 Minutes With: David Royle, Smithsonian Channel (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Edgewood A/B

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: Joe Sungkur, FOX Entertainment (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Bayside A


Featuring:


Joe Sungkur

SVP, Current, Alternative

Fox Broadcasting Company

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30 Minutes With: Susan Henry, TV One (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Bayside C

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:


Susan Henry

Senior Director, Original Programming & Production

TV One

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30 Minutes With: Todd Weiser, Food Network & Cooking Channel (2:45pm - 3:15pm)

Bayside B

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:


Todd Weiser

SVP, Programming & Development

Food Network

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3:30pm

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

Sponsored by

3:45pm

Variety on Demand: Niche Streamers Spotlight (3:45pm - 4:45pm)

Grand Ballroom A/B

Just as with the cable explosion of decades before, the emergence of the VOD era is providing practically unlimited choice for viewers, and myriad opportunities for content creators and platforms to tap into superfans of niche programming. In this session, you'll meet executives behind some of the niche VOD players, and learn more about their programming strategies, reach, and buying needs. 

Moderating:


Noah Pollack

VP, Original Content, Unscripted

M.A.P Media & Consulting

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Featuring:


Gregor Angus

Chief Executive

TrueRoyalty.tv

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Ryan Chanatry

General Manager

Topic

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Jennifer Corbett

Head of Audience Development and Brand

Crunchyroll

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Arun Maljaars

VP, Content & Channels

INSIGHT TV

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Thursday, January 30

8:00am
8:15am

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

Grand Ballroom A/B, Grand Ballroom C/D/E, Bayside A, Bayside B, Bayside C, Edgewood A/B, Rhythms I, Rhythms II & III, Rodrigue Gallery

9:45am

Brand on Board: Partnering with Brands for Non-fiction (9:45am - 10:45am)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

Branded content, or ad-funded content, has been part of the production mix for decades now. And while brands, and their marketing teams, have partnered with producers and networks in myriad ways for projects, multinational visibility for such programming is now easier to attain through streaming platforms and cable groups with global reach. What are the opportunities for producers and brands in this new content paradigm, and how can each party find the right partner for their projects? Here, you’ll learn from producers and marketers about how they work together to bring their content to life, and what each partner needs to bring to the table to make the relationship productive.

Moderating:


Tony Tackaberry

CEO + Founder

Lion Television USA

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Featuring:


Sarita Alami

Director of Programming

MailChimp

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Glen Freyer

SVP, TV & Digital Content

Alkemy X

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Jen Kavanagh

SVP, Marketing & Media

Philadelphia Eagles

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Rob Shaftel

Founder & Executive Producer

Hit + Run Creative

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10:45am

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

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B, Grand Ballroom C/D/E, Bayside A, Bayside B, Bayside C, Edgewood A/B, Rhythms I, Rhythms II & III, Rodrigue Gallery

11:00am

Format-Forward: The Challenges and Opportunities Ahead (11:00am - 12:00pm)

Sponsored by

Grand Ballroom A/B

From talent competitions that enthrall the world to physical competition series that defy description, and many points between, the formats business is still in substantial growth mode around the world as producers in more territories harness their creativity to unleash bold ideas that can travel. But as viewers are given more and more choice in how and where to consume content, creating a global hit is an even greater challenge. Here, you’ll hear from a range of experts in the formats business about how it is evolving, what genres are exploding and which are cooling, and what opportunities exist for your big, bold idea in an ever-evolving mediascape.


Featuring:


Avi Armoza

CEO

Armoza Formats

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Hayley Babcock

Founder and CEO

A+E Networks

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Rose Hughes

Vice President, Sales, UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

Keshet International

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Hayden K. Meyer

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

APA

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Diane Min

Head of Format Sales + Development

CJ ENM

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