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-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.

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.

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.

Speaking

Jane Lipsitz

CEO

Alfred Street Industries

Interviewer

Jimmy Fox

Executive Vice President, Unscripted Development & Sales

Main Event Media

Dan Cutforth

Co-Founder

Alfred Street Industries

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.

Speaking

Joe Livecchi

Chief Executive Officer

Noble Savages

Wesley Dening

Head of Global Formats

Eureka

Jason Sarlanis

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

TLC

Gena McCarthy

Founder & President

A+E Networks

Tara Long

Global President, Unscripted Television

Entertainment One

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.

Speaking

Table host

Diane Rankin

Executive Vice President, Content Development & Commercial Strategy

Distribution360

Table host

Laetitia Giansily-Doyle

Development, Sales & Strategic Partnerships, North America

Terranoa

Table host

Jessica Watson

Vice President, Global Sales & Strategic Partnerships

Boat Rocker Studios

Table host

Emily Elisha

VP, Acquisitions

Banijay Rights

Table host

Loren Baxter

Head of Acquisitions

Off the Fence

Table host

Nicola Davey

SVP, Acquisitions & Co-Productions

TCB Media Rights

Table host

Betsy LeBlanc

Director, International

PBS International

Table host

Sean Wheatley

Head of Acquisitions

Passion Distribution

Table host

Pamela Welch

SVP, Development

GRB Studios

Table host

Robert E Salvestrin

CEO

Lucky You

Table host

Richard Life

SVP Acquisitions and Co-Productions

Cineflix Rights

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.

Speaking

Laura Marshall

CEO

Icon Films

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

Jenna Rosa

SVP, Unscripted Development

Bravo Media & 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

Table host

Wayne Sampson

Co-Head Rooster Teeth Studios

USA Network/Syfy

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.

Speaking

Ghen Maynard

Producer

Danny Horan

Head of Factual

Channel 4

Nicole Page

Partner

Reavis Page Jump LLP

Drew Tappon

Head of Unscripted, Oprah Winfrey Network

495 Productions

Stephanie Drachkovitch

Co-CEO & Co-Founder

44 Blue Productions

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.

Speaking

Table host

Heather Budman

Agent, Unscripted

Kaplan Stahler Agency

Table host

Arielle Lever

Agent, International TV & Media

ICM Partners

Table host

Babette Perry

Head of Broadcasting & Hosting

Innovative Artists

Table host

Ivo Fischer

Head Of Unscripted Talent And Content

WME

Table host

Debra Goldfarb

Head of Alternative Television

Gersh Agency

Table host

Bill Thompson

Head, Alternative Television

Verve

Table host

Sophie Bressler

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

Abrams Artists Agency

Table host

Anthony DiBiase

Agent, Alternative & Factual Programming

APA

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.

Speaking

Mike Gunton

Creative Director, Factual & Natural History Unit

BBC 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

Amy Savitsky

SVP, Programming

History

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

Christian Barcellos

SVP Development & Production

CNBC

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

Marisa Levy

Chief Content Officer

BET Networks

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.

Speaking

Josh Bider

Partner, Non-scripted TV

WME

Steve Ascher

EVP, Head of Development

A+E Networks

Alex Piper

Head, Night Studios

YouTube Originals

Zena Van Ackeren

Owner, Casting & Development

MGM Studios

Jenny Daly

President

Critical Content Studios

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.

Speaking

Table host

Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

Table host

Sean Olsen

VP, Development

Game Show Network

Table host

Zara Frankel

Senior Director, Programming & Development

PBS

Table host

Mioshi Hill

President

Lifetime

Table host

Lauren Frasca

SVP, Content & Strategy, Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network

Table host

Pamela Duckworth

Head of Fubo Studios and Original Programming

fubo Sports Network

Table host

Krista Look

VP, Original Lifestyle Content

Corus Entertainment

Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC

Table host

Gold Morgan

Manager of Programming and Production

TV One

Table host

Patty Suh

VP, Programming & Development - Food Network & Cooking Channel

Food Network

Table host

Brittinee Royes

VP, Unscripted Lifestyle & Docuseries

Oxygen Media

Table host

Ashley McFarlin

VP, Unscripted & Scripted Development and Production

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

Devin Cheema

Founder

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

Toby Faulkner

SVP, Content discovery+

Facebook

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.

Speaking

Robyn Lattaker-Johnson

Agent, Media Consultant

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

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.

Speaking

Eli Lehrer

Executive Vice President and Head, Programming Genres & Music Services

History

Shade Grant

President

ICM Partners

Edward Simpson

Chief Strategy Officer

Wheelhouse

Tim Pastore

CEO/Co-Founder

All3Media America

Allison Page

Global President, Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network

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.

Speaking

Maggie Zeltner

Director Programming and Development, HGTV

HGTV

Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A&E Network

Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E Network

Jonathan Partridge

Senior Executive Producer

A&E Network

Betsy Ayala

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

HGTV

Liz Brach

Senior Director of Programming

HGTV

Host

Michaela Pereira

Journalist

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.

Speaking

Table host

Karin Heijink

SVP Content, Marketing & Products

Viasat World

Table host

Krista Look

VP, Original Lifestyle Content

Corus Entertainment

Table host

Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media

Blue Ant Media

Table host

Igal Svet

Executive Vice President

Discovery

Table host

Lauren Whitelaw

Head of Programming

OUTtv Network

Table host

Natalie Rose

Commissioner

UKTV

Table host

Kelly Hornsby

Head of Programme Acquisitions

A+E Networks EMEA

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.

Speaking

Interviewer

Michael O'Connell

Senior Writer

The Hollywood Reporter

Keynote

Kathleen Finch

Chairman & CEO, US Networks

Discovery, Inc.

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?

Speaking

Al Berman

President & Executive Producer

Berman Productions

Mike Gunton

Creative Director, Factual & Natural History Unit

BBC Studios

Laura Marshall

CEO

Icon Films

Andrew Jackson

Non Executive Director

Plimsoll Productions

Janet Han Vissering

SVP, Development & Production

Nat Geo Wild

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.

Speaking

Table host

Robyn Lattaker-Johnson

Agent, Media Consultant

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

Table host

Jonathan Partridge

Senior Executive Producer

A&E Network

Table host

Mandel Ilagan

Vice President, Current & Development, Game Shows

Nickelodeon

Table host

Alison Barrat

enior Vice President and Head, Content

Love Nature

Table host

Matt Trierweiler

Director, Original Programming & Development

HGTV

Table host

Emily Baustien

Development, Discovery Factual

Discovery, Inc.

Table host

Keith Wooten

Director, Creative Development

BET Networks

Table host

Bengt Anderson

Executive Producer

National Geographic

Table host

Nina Weinstein

Executive Producer

MSNBC

Table host

Karin Heijink

SVP Content, Marketing & Products

Viasat World

Table host

Tara Nadolny

Associate Director, Development, VICE TV

VICE TV

Table host

Katie Isaacson

Senior Director CNN Original Series

CNN

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

Alex Piper

Head, Night Studios

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

Charlie Parsons

SVP, Global Development

National Geographic

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

Danny Horan

Head of Factual

Channel 4

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

MotorTrend Network

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.

Speaking

Nikolas Huelbusch

Director, Unscripted

ZDF Enterprises

Danny Fenton

CEO

Zig Zag Productions

Amanda Groom

Managing Director

The Bridge

Lisa Godfrey

SVP Original Content and Corus Studios

Corus Entertainment

Lilla Hurst

Global Head of Acquisitions

Drive

Dawn McCarthy-Simpson

Managing Director of Global Strategy

Pact

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.

Speaking

Stephen Land

Managing Partner, A3 Content

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

Angela Molloy

SVP, Development & Original Production AllBlk & WEtv, Unscripted

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

Joseph Schneier

SVP, Production & Development, Discovery Channel

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

Mark Levine

VP, Television, Digital Video & Podcasts

Magnolia Network

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.

Speaking

Mioshi Hill

President

Lifetime

Deborah Williams OBE

Chief Executive

Creative Diversity Network

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.

Speaking

Table host

Kelly Nash

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

AMC, BBC America & SundanceTV

Table host

Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

Table host

Lynn Sadofsky

SVP, Food Network Programming & Development

Food Network

Table host

Pamela Duckworth

Head of Fubo Studios and Original Programming

fubo Sports Network

Table host

Sydney Clover

Senior Director, Development

National Geographic

Table host

Brandon Allen

Manager, Linear & Digital Development

Fuse Media

Table host

Igal Svet

Executive Vice President

Discovery

Table host

Kelly Hornsby

Head of Programme Acquisitions

A+E Networks EMEA

Table host

Betsy Ayala

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

HGTV

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.

Speaking

Jane Root

Founder & CEO

Nutopia

Perry Simon

Chief Programming Executive & General Manager General Audience Programming

PBS

Geoff Daniels

Vice President, Development & Production

National Geographic Channel

Liesel Evans

Creative Director, UK Factual

Raw TV

Cecilie Olsen

SVP, Global Content, Non-Scripted

ITV Studios

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.

Speaking

Table host

Alex Leibow

Sr. Development Manager

Snap Inc

Table host

Brandon Allen

Manager, Linear & Digital Development

Fuse Media

Table host

Amanda Culkowski

Vice President, Music Program Development

MTV International

Table host

Gretchen Eisele

Director of Development and Production

Science Channel

Table host

Sara Helman

VP, Production & Development, TLC

TLC

Table host

Camille Bernier-Green

Head, Development, A Touch More

Facebook Watch

Table host

Jessie Springer

Manager of Development, Nat Geo WILD

Nat Geo WILD

Table host

Lucy Perez

Director, Alternative Programming

USA Network/Syfy

Table host

Roger Henry

VP, Programming

MotorTrend Network

Table host

Polly Scates

Head of Acquisitions

Channel 4

Table host

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

Rachel Smith

Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content, Lifestyle & Documentaries

NBCUniversal

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 Bagshaw

Executive VP, Creative

Nickelodeon

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

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.

Speaking

David Brady

CEO

Cream Productions

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.

Speaking

Keynote

Paula Kerger

President & CEO

PBS

Interviewer

Eric Deggans

TV Critic

National Public Radio (NPR)

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

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

Host

Brie Miranda Bryant

SVP, Original Programming

Lifetime

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

Loren Ruch

Head of Content HGTV

HGTV

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

Marco Bresaz

Founder & CEO

AMC, SundanceTV & BBC America

Speaking

Host

Ross Mathews

TV Personality, Host & Pop Culture Expert

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.

Speaking

Table host

Caroline Perez

SVP, Development & Production

Science Channel

Table host

Susie Jones

Head of Factual

SBS Television

Table host

John Cavanagh

Executive Producer

Smithsonian Channel

Table host

Nikolas Huelbusch

Director, Unscripted

ZDF Enterprises

Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC

Table host

Nicole Vogel

VP, Unscripted Programming & Development

Lifetime

Table host

Polly Scates

Head of Acquisitions

Channel 4

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. 

Speaking

Lauren Gellert

EVP, Development & Original Programming

WE TV

Howard Swartz

EVP Development

Discovery Channel

Dolores Gavin

Senior Executive Production & Development

A&E Network

Bruce David Klein

President & Executive Producer

Atlas Media Corp

Rob Bagshaw

Executive VP, Creative

Nickelodeon

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.

Speaking

Sarah Amos

VP Development & Production, Non-Fiction TV & Documentaries

Marvel Entertainment

Brian McGinn

Partner

Supper Club

Dan Silver

VP, Originals-Non-Fiction

Disney+

Michael Schneider

TV Editor

Variety

Geoff Daniels

Vice President, Development & Production

National Geographic Channel

Bertram van Munster

Executive Producer

The New Media Collective

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.

Speaking

Table host

Pete Ross

SVP of Development

Left/Right

Table host

Adam Steinman

Production and Development

Warner Bros. International Television Production

Table host

Toby Dormer

EVP, Unscripted Television

Entertainment One Television

Table host

Jennifer Harkness

SVP, Factual Entertainment and Production

Blue Ant Studios

Table host

Maria Ishak

Head Of Content & Co-Productions

All3media International

Table host

Elyse Delmore

VP, Unscripted Development

MGM Television

Table host

Tony Nguyen

VP, Development

Bright Bay Creative

Table host

Jeff Conroy

Co-Founder/Partner

BoBCat Studios

Table host

Alison Dammann

Head, Development

Good Caper Content

Table host

Jessie Surovell

Head of TV Development

ATTN:

Table host

Matt Wrablik

SVP, Development

Critical Content

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

EVP 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

Jon Adler

Head of Talent & Content Development

CNN

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.

Speaking

Patrick Jager

Founder

CORE Innovation Group

Shawn Moffatt

Co-Owner & CEO

Go To Team

Amber Howard

Agent, Alternative Programming, Digital Media, Licensing & Branding

Abrams Artists Agency

Felix LaHaye

Founder & CEO

United Esports

Greg Kampanis

SVP & General Manager

Omnia Media

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.

Speaking

Colleen Steward

President & CEO

Tremendous! 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

Jennifer Gordon

VP, Development

TLC

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

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

Rob Swartz

SVP, Development & Production

REELZ Channel

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.

Speaking

Table host

Sean Olsen

VP, Development

Game Show Network

Table host

Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E Network

Table host

Gretchen Eisele

Director of Development and Production

Science Channel

Table host

Camille Bernier-Green

Head, Development, A Touch More

Facebook Watch

Table host

Tara Nadolny

Associate Director, Development, VICE TV

VICE TV

Table host

Danielle Ostroske-D'Ingillo

Senior Director, Development

TLC

Table host

Nina Weinstein

Executive Producer

MSNBC

Table host

Wayne Sampson

Co-Head Rooster Teeth Studios

USA Network/Syfy

Table host

Ashley McFarlin

VP, Unscripted & Scripted Development and Production

WE TV

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.

Speaking

Matt Sharp

CEO

Sharp Entertainment

Shaun Robinson

Host

90 Day Fiance Tell All

Michael Schneider

TV Editor

Variety

Howard Lee

President of Disco Channel

TLC

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

Speaking

Joe Sungkur

SVP, Current, Alternative

Fox Broadcasting Company

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

Susan Henry

Senior Director, Original Programming & 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

Todd Weiser

SVP, Programming & Development

Food Network

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. 

Speaking

Arun Maljaars

VP, Content & Channels

INSIGHT TV

Ryan Chanatry

General Manager

Topic

Gregor Angus

Chief Executive

TrueRoyalty.tv

Jennifer Corbett

Head of Audience Development and Brand

Crunchyroll

Noah Pollack

VP, Original Content, Unscripted

M.A.P Media & Consulting

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.

Speaking

Glen Freyer

SVP, TV & Digital Content

Alkemy X

Sarita Alami

Director of Programming

MailChimp

Rob Shaftel

Founder & Executive Producer

Hit + Run Creative

Tony Tackaberry

CEO + Founder

Lion Television USA

Jen Kavanagh

SVP, Marketing & Media

Philadelphia Eagles

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.

Speaking

Rose Hughes

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

Keshet International

Hayley Babcock

Founder and CEO

A+E Networks

Avi Armoza

CEO

Armoza Formats

Diane Min

Head of Format Sales + Development

CJ ENM

Hayden K. Meyer

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

APA