Grab your badge during early registration for the Realscreen Summit and then head out to the Del Mar Pool to Join the UK Indies for a glass of wine or beer and start the networking early!

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.

Whether it's the result of the meteoric movement that has marked the shift of the entertainment business towards streaming, or the twists and turns created by the pandemic, there is no question that the unscripted and non-fiction content industry is, like its counterparts, in the midst of significant upheaval. But upheaval can lead to evolution, and challenge can pave the way for change. Here, in this incisive and informative discussion, you'll learn from top execs across the business about what changes will be welcome in the near future, and how to navigate the trickier ones.

Speaking

Elaine Frontain Bryant

EVP, Head of Programming, A&E, Lifetime & LMN

A+E Networks

Barry Walsh

Editor-in-Chief & Content Director

Realscreen

Fenton Bailey

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

World of Wonder

Amy Introcaso-Davis

EVP, Development & Production, Factual Programming

Warner Bros. Discovery

Robyn Lattaker-Johnson

Agent, Media Consultant

A3 Artists Agency

Even though the “unscripted prodco buying spree” of the previous decade seems to have cooled off in the 2020s, there is still substantial activity in the M&A space, and even some new potential buyers in the mix via the streaming world and private equity firms. But there are many factors to take into account before making a deal. Here, you’ll hear from those who have sold stakes in their businesses as well as those who advise on the deals and learn valuable lessons on valuing your company, picking the right time to sell, building the right team to seal the deal and much more

Speaking

Kate Beal

Chief Executive Officer

Woodcut Media

Samuel Kissous

President

Pernel Media

James Burstall

CEO

Argonon

Grant Mansfield

CEO & Founder

Plimsoll Productions Ltd

Richard Gray

Managing Director

ACF Investment Bank

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Mimi Blanchard

Senior Director, Current Programming

BET Networks

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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 Koehler

Vice President, Original Content

Tubi

The "Meet a Mentor" series is designed to give delegates rare access to top producers in unscripted programming. Much like the Summit’s trademark "30 Minutes With…" series, delegates attending "Meet a Mentor" sessions will be able to glean valuable information in an intimate, off-the-record setting, and have the opportunity to ask questions that will help guide you in your career.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may sign up for two (2) Meet a Mentor sessions.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, May 4 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, May 27 at 5:00 PM EST.

Speaking

D'Angela Proctor

Owner/Founder

Undaunted Content

In the television business, when a show was canceled, it was usually due to ratings. Now, with the advent of social media, viewers are able to send immediate feedback about a program, or its cast, far and wide. And conversely, cast members or others involved in the programming can derail a show -- and their careers -- with a tweet. As audiences come to expect more in the way of social responsibility from those who create content -- and star in it -- producers and programmers alike can be caught in the crossfire if those standards aren’t met. This session will explore the issue with various industry stakeholders, and will provide practical takeaway on best practices for avoiding or navigating potential challenges.

Speaking

Jacqui Pitman

CEO, Casting Director & Executive Producer

Pitman Casting Inc/ Partypit Productions Inc.

Kate Harrison

President

Cream Productions

Simone Boyce

Journalist & Host

Ethan Cohan

Partner, Head of Non-Fiction & Unscripted Practice Area

Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang

Hillary Povar Levinsohn

Executive Vice President

Smithhouse Strategy

Luncheon roundtables are an informal affair, and a chance for producers to learn a little more about programming needs of broadcasters who may meet the producer that will deliver their next big hit. These are NOT pitch sessions — just a fantastic networking opportunity.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may submit for one (1) Luncheon Roundtable host, which will be available through our lottery-style selection process.

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

Lottery opens on Wednesday, May 25 at 12:01 AM EST, and closes on Monday, May 30 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Wednesday, June 1. General sign-ups open Wednesday, June 1 at 3:00pm, and close on Friday, June 3 at 5:00 PM EST.

Speaking

Table host

Betsy Ayala

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

Warner Bros. Discovery

Table host

Andrea Brakke

VP, Programming Strategy & Acquisitions, VICE TV

VICE Media

Table host

Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E

Table host

Carolyn Gross

Director, Programming & Development

Food Network

Table host

Laurie Sharpe

Executive Producer, Development and Production

CNBC

Table host

Andrew Strauser

Sr Delivery Producer, Digital: Fifa World Cup 2026

Magnolia Network

Table host

Brandy Crawford-Uriu

Head, Unscripted & Formats

History

Table host

Zoe Rogovin

Head, Non-Fiction

Showtime Networks Inc

This new series is designed to help you understand what's on the horizon for some of the hottest unscripted genres. Hear about future plans and priorities from a mini panel of buyers and then participate in some Q&A.

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

Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A+E Networks

Cori Abraham

SVP, Unscripted Interim Head and Senior Vice President, Unscripted Content, EntertainmentDevelopment, Crime & Documentary

NBCUniversal Television & Streaming

Justin Anderson

Sr. Staff Writer

Realscreen

The advent of global streaming services has had an immeasurable impact upon the entertainment industry -- from content creators to audiences, from commissioners to distributors, streaming has revolutionized every aspect of screen entertainment. But now that the playing field has become more crowded with a wealth of services in the mix, the challenge for established and new players alike is all about growth -- growing subscribers and scale through growing the content offering. Here, executives from top streaming platforms discuss how their services plan to evolve in the months and years ahead, and what role unscripted content will play in that evolution.

Speaking

Jenny Falkoff

Sr. Unscripted Creative Executive

Amazon Freevee (formerly IMDb TV)

Toby Faulkner

SVP, Content discovery+

Warner Bros. Discovery

Brian Tannenbaum

Head of Originals

Roku

Rachel Koehler

Vice President, Original Content

Tubi

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Kyle Moffatt

Senior Director of Development

Paramount, Nickelodeon

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Wendy Llinas

Sr. Director, Programming & Development

PBS

Programming execs, each at their own table, will take one-on-one, three minute pitches. Get coveted one-on-one time with executives who have the power to steer your project to a greenlight.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may submit for up to two (2) Speed Pitching hosts, which will be available through our lottery-style selection process.

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

Lottery opens on Wednesday, May 25 at 12:01 AM EST, and closes on Monday, May 30 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Wednesday, June 1. General sign-ups open Wednesday, June 1 at 3:00 PM, and close on Friday, June 3 at 5:00 PM EST.

Some meeting hosts will require masks to be worn. Notes will be added to the hosts' table cards where this applies so that you may prepare before you sit down. As per the Realscreen Summit health & safety policy - Subject to change, delegates will also be encouraged to wear a mask in all indoor event spaces. Delegates must supply their own masks.

Speaking

Table host

Dana Volkmer-Jones

Director, Programming & Development Food Network

Food Network

Table host

Zara Frankel

Senior Director, Programming & Development

PBS

Table host

Maggie Zeltner

Director Programming and Development, HGTV

Warner Bros. Discovery

Table host

Rob Swartz

SVP, Development & Production

REELZ Channel

Table host

Cynthia Fenneman

President Emeritus

American Public Television & Create.tv

Table host

Jonathan Towers

VP, Fox Nation & Development

Fox News Media

Table host

Rachel Koehler

Vice President, Original Content

Tubi

Table host

Havva Eisenbaum

VP, Development, Unscripted

OWN Oprah Winfrey Network

Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Table host

Brandy Crawford-Uriu

Head, Unscripted & Formats

History

Table host

Jorge Franzini

VP Content

Curiosity Stream

Table host

Jessica Winchell

VP, Content & Development - Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network

Even though the unscripted genre has been a staple of cable and broadcast networks for decades, it is consistently evolving, and with each new series that breaks through the clutter with an innovative twist or a clever hybrid, the whole genre seems to undergo a renaissance. Now that global streamers have entered the picture, even more innovation and exploration is at hand. Here, you’ll hear from producers and programmers about the tech advancements, subgenre mashups and other approaches being undertaken to ‘refresh reality,’ with an eye towards what might be next to break through.

Speaking

Donna Clark

Managing Director

DSP Productions

Ari Mark

Co-Founder

Ample Entertainment

Nancy Glass

CEO

Glass Entertainment Group

Rupert Dobson

EVP of Development

Bunim/Murray Productions

Lauren Frasca

SVP, Content & Strategy, Magnolia Network

Warner Bros. Discovery

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Igal Svet

Executive Vice President

Warner Bros. Discovery

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

James DuBose

Founder, In the Black Network

Fox Soul

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Magnolia Network

This new series is designed to help you understand what's on the horizon for some of the hottest unscripted genres. Hear about future plans and priorities from a mini panel of buyers and then participate in some Q&A.

No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Speaking

Patrick McMahill

VP of Production and Programming

Intuitive Content

Patty Suh

VP, Programming & Development - Food Content

Food Network

Andrew Tracy

Associate Editor

Realscreen

Dan Goldsack

EVP of Development

Magical Elves Productions

From ESPN’s ground-breaking ‘30 to 30’ strand and the Michael Jordan docuseries, The Last Dance, to Ken Burn’s event series for PBS on boxing icon Muhammad Ali, sports-centered non-fiction content is hotter than ever. But it’s not just sports celeb stories that capture viewers, as docuseries capturing the ups and downs of icons-in-training have also scored with audiences. Here, you’ll learn some tips on how to craft winning content from the playbooks of major players in the Sports Non-Fiction space.

Speaking

Brian Lockhart

SVP, ESPN+ Original Content and ESPN Films

ESPN Films

Mike Tollin

Co-Chairman

Mandalay Sports Media

FredAnthony Smith

VP, Non-Scripted Development

SMAC Entertainment

Melanie Capacia Johnson

President

NEO Studios

Joe Livecchi

Chief Executive Officer

Noble Savages

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 host, which will be available first-come, first-serve through our regular sign-up process on realXchange.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, May 18 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, May 27 at 5:00 PM EST.

Some meeting hosts will require masks to be worn. Notes will be added to the hosts' table cards where this applies so that you may prepare before you sit down. As per the Realscreen Summit health & safety policy - Subject to change, delegates will also be encouraged to wear a mask in all indoor event spaces. Delegates must supply their own masks.

Speaking

Table host

Nikolas Huelbusch

Director, Unscripted

ZDF Studios

Table host

Polly Scates

Head of Acquisitions

Channel 4

Table host

Rachel Watson-Pass

VP, Program Development

Paramount, Smithsonian Channel

Table host

Lauren Whitelaw

Head of Programming

OUTtv Network Inc

Table host

Laura Crowson

VP, Development

Warner Bros. Discovery

Table host

Karin Heijink

SVP Content, Marketing & Products

Viasat World

Table host

Jonathan Towers

VP, Fox Nation & Development

Fox News Media

Table host

Alison Barrat

enior Vice President and Head, Content

Love Nature

Natural History

Ben is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? and co-creator and star of the MTV show The Buried Life. Ranked 3rd best motivational speaker behind Tony Robbins and Simon Sinek in 2022, Ben’s message of radical possibility has been featured in major media including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, CNN, NBC, FOX, ABC, CBS, and more. 

The MTV series The Buried Life saw Ben and three friends travel across North America in a purple transit bus named ‘Penelope’ to complete a list of ‘100 things to do before you die’. For every item they accomplished on their list, they also helped a stranger achieve something on their list.

It’s a mission that continues for Ben to this day, and on Tuesday, June 7, after several years of attending as a producer he returns to the Realscreen Summit to deliver an inspirational keynote presentation that will delve into the positive ripple effects of storytelling, and help you identify the ways that you can make the impossible possible for your business, and yourself.

Speaking

Ben Nemtin

#1 NY Times Bestselling Author & Speaker

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Bert Klasey

Sr Director Development, Discovery Channel

Warner Bros. Discovery

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Isaac Ahn

Senior Director, Unscripted Development

NBCUniversal Television & Streaming (Documentary and Crime)

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  You're welcome to squeeze in as many of these popular network briefings as you like. No sign-up required. We'll fill space on a first-come, first-seated basis until we reach room capacity. Inclusion in your personal agenda does NOT guarantee your spot, so be sure to show up a bit early.

Speaking

Loren Ruch

Head of Content HGTV

Warner Bros. Discovery

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Sydney Clover

Senior Director, Development

National Geographic

On one hand, the explosion of interest in documentaries from streamers, cable nets and commercial broadcasters provides incredible opportunities for doc-makers and a true renaissance for the genre. But with those opportunities come challenges for a medium that has traditionally prized authenticity and ethics above commercial concerns. From deepfaked audio clips (and the potential for deepfaked video) to navigating access and creative control when your subject is also an executive producer, documentarians are facing an evolving array of ethical concerns, in some part propelled by the success and increasing demand for docs. This panel will feature the perspectives of documentary filmmakers and programmers and shed light on how to balance art, authenticity and commerce.

Speaking

Richard Klein

Head of Documentaries

Plimsoll Productions Ltd

Adam Bullmore

Managing Director

October Films

Alexis Gomez-Garcia

Vice President and Head, Development, US

Lightbox

Laura Michalchyshyn

Executive Producer

Blue Ant Studios

Michael Cascio

CEO & President

M&C Media LLC

One of the most compelling and groundbreaking docuseries of the past couple of years has come in the form of Deaf U, produced by Hot Snakes Media and Nyle DMarco for Netflix. Following a group of students at Gallaudet University, a college primarily for the deaf and hard of hearing, the sow has gained critical accolades for what IndieWire calls its “relatable and compelling” approach to capturing the lives of its cast. Here, you’ll learn from the team behind the series about the process involved in crafting what’s being called “a serious step forward in representing deafness and disability.

Speaking

Naimah Holmes

Producer

Warner Bros. Discovery

Eric Evangelista

Executive Producer

Hot Snakes Media

Todd Shill

VP Business and Legal Affairs

Hot Snakes Media

Lauren Appelbaum

SVP, Entertainment & News Media

RespectAbility

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Bryan Terry

VP, Development

VICE Media

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, today's session is cancelled. Please check out the agenda for other 30 Minutes With session throughout the day.

Speaking

Rob Swartz

SVP, Development & Production

REELZ Channel

The "Meet a Mentor" series is designed to give delegates rare access to top producers in unscripted programming. Much like the Summit’s trademark "30 Minutes With…" series, delegates attending "Meet a Mentor" sessions will be able to glean valuable information in an intimate, off-the-record setting, and have the opportunity to ask questions that will help guide you in your career.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may sign up for two (2) Meet a Mentor sessions.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, May 4 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, May 27 at 5:00 PM EST.

Speaking

Derren Lawford

Founder

Dare Pictures

As part of our networking series designed to grow your connections, we're featuring some of the top agencies in unscripted and non-fiction entertainment and some of their reps are 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).

Boxed Lunches will be available.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, May 4 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, May 27 at 5:00 PM EST.

Speaking

Table host

Mike Gelles

Producer

VERVE Talent & Literary Agency

Table host

Phil Irven

President

Vital Artists Agency, LLC

Table host

Rabih Gholam

Head, Alternative & Unscripted Department

Innovative Artists

Table host

Braden Currier

Partner and Agent, Unscripted Television

WME

Table host

Robyn Lattaker-Johnson

Agent, Media Consultant

A3 Artists Agency

From the advent of AI production techniques and the arrival of NFTs to the impending Metaverse, technological advances are set to impact the way content is made, viewed and sold. How can all this activity potentially change the way you’ll do business? Here, you’ll meet tech experts and the unscripted industry execs partnering with them to learn more about the opportunities – and the learning curves – involved in the brave new world ahead.

Speaking

Raja Khanna

Executive Chair

Dark Slope

Steve Ezell

SVP, Current Programming

Bunim Murray Productions

Jamal Dauda

VP, Creative Strategy

Blockchain Creative Labs

Christina Martin

President

Sator.io Corp.

Kitty Walshe

CEO

Remarkable Factual and RDF

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Brian Tannenbaum

Head of Originals

Roku

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Gabriel VanHuss

VP, Development & Programming

MotorTrend Network

Programming execs, each at their own table, will take one-on-one, three minute pitches. Get coveted one-on-one time with executives who have the power to steer your project to a greenlight.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may submit for up to two (2) Speed Pitching hosts, which will be available through our lottery-style selection process.

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

Lottery opens on Wednesday, May 25 at 12:01 AM EST, and closes on Monday, May 30 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Wednesday, June 1. General sign-ups open Wednesday, June 1 at 3:00 PM, and close on Friday, June 3 at 5:00 PM EST.

Some meeting hosts will require masks to be worn. Notes will be added to the hosts' table cards where this applies so that you may prepare before you sit down. As per the Realscreen Summit health & safety policy - Subject to change, delegates will also be encouraged to wear a mask in all indoor event spaces. Delegates must supply their own masks.

Speaking

Table host

Jonathan Partridge

Senior Executive Producer

A&E

Table host

Mallory Arkin

Senior Manager, Unscripted Development

Paramount, Nickelodeon

Table host

Sierra London McDonald

Manager of Development and Original Programming

WEtv

Table host

Laura Crowson

VP, Development

Warner Bros. Discovery

Table host

Andrew Lessner

Sr. Manager, Development and Production Tentpoles, Events and Live Discovery, TBS, TNT, SCI, APL, Tru

Warner Bros. Discovery

Table host

Isabelle Mills

Manager, Program Development

Paramount, Smithsonian Channel

Table host

Laurie Sharpe

Executive Producer, Development and Production

CNBC

Table host

Sean Olsen

VP, Development

Game Show Network

Table host

Shane Ertter

Manager of Development, VICE TV

VICE Media

Table host

Shaan Akbar

Founder

MotorTrend Network

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

Table host

Havva Eisenbaum

VP, Development, Unscripted

OWN Oprah Winfrey Network

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

Table host

Bryan Terry

VP, Development

VICE Media

Table host

Shane Ertter

Manager of Development, VICE TV

VICE Media

Table host

Andrea Brakke

VP, Programming Strategy & Acquisitions, VICE TV

VICE Media

This new series is designed to help you understand what's on the horizon for some of the hottest unscripted genres. Hear about future plans and priorities from a mini panel of buyers and then participate in some Q&A.

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

Adriana Garcia

Director of Development

National Geographic

Barry Walsh

Editor-in-Chief & Content Director

Realscreen

John Wesley Chisholm

Creative Director

Arcadia Entertainment

Michael Gara

Executive Producer

Warner Bros. Discovery

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

Host

Carson Kressley

TV personality, style expert, fashion designer and New York Times best-selling author

Judge

Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A+E Networks

Judge

Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E

Judge

Jonathan Partridge

Senior Executive Producer

A&E

Judge

Anna Bloomfield

VP, Development & Production

Warner Bros. Discovery

Judge

Betsy Ayala

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

Warner Bros. Discovery

Judge

Maggie Zeltner

Director Programming and Development, HGTV

Warner Bros. Discovery

Trailblazers in the reality programming space with series like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy for Bravo and Netflix’s reboot Queer Eye, Scout Productions has always prided themselves in authentic storytelling. Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, paved the way for LGBTQ+ visibility in television, so series like HBO Max’s Legendary could thrive. David Collins (Co-Founder, Scout Productions) and Rob Eric (Chief Creative Officer, Scout Productions) discuss the evolution of storytelling on television – from the Original Queer Eye to HBO Max’s Legendary - alongside Jennifer O'Connell, EVP of non-fiction and live-action kids programming at HBO Max, and Dashaun Wesley, host of Legendary. They will discuss how content creators and buyers have become increasingly interested in producing content that is reflective of diverse audiences

Speaking

David Collins

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

Scout Productions

Rob Eric

Chief Creative Officer

Scout Productions

Dashaun Wesley

Host, Legendary

Jean Bentley

Journalist

Jennifer O'Connell

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

HBO Max

Each year the Realscreen Hall of Fame awards are presented to individuals who have made their mark on the unscripted and non-fiction content landscape. 

Join us for a special presentation to honor this year’s recipients

Speaking

Hall of Fame Honoree

Jane Root

Founder & CEO

Nutopia

Hall of Fame Honoree

Paul Buccieri

President & Chairman

A+E Networks

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

As part of our networking series designed to grow your connections, we’re featuring 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).

Boxed Lunches will be available.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, May 4 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, May 27 at 5:00 PM EST.

Speaking

Table host

Natalie Vinet

SVP, Global Distribution

Boat Rocker Media

Table host

Nicola Davey

SVP, Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Beyond Rights

Table host

Diane Rankin

Executive Vice President, Content Development & Commercial Strategy

Distribution360

Table host

Tracy Beckett

Commissioning Editor, Co-Productions & Acquisitions

PBS International

Table host

Richard Life

SVP, Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Cineflix Rights

Table host

Paul Heaney

CEO

BossaNova Media

Table host

Alexandra Böhm

Head of International Coproduction

Autentic GmbH

Table host

Loren Baxter

Head of Acquisitions

Off the Fence

Table host

Rachel Job

SVP, Unscripted Content

All3Media International

Table host

Lindsey Ayotte

Head of Global Sales & Acquisitions

TVF International

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Jorge Franzini

VP Content

Curiosity Stream

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E

This new series is designed to help you understand what's on the horizon for some of the hottest unscripted genres. Hear about future plans and priorities from a mini panel of buyers and then participate in some Q&A.

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

Alison Barrat

enior Vice President and Head, Content

Love Nature

Natural History

Howard Swartz

EVP Development

Warner Bros. Discovery

Andrew Jeffrey

n/a

Realscreen

The "Meet a Mentor" series is designed to give delegates rare access to top producers in unscripted programming. Much like the Summit’s trademark "30 Minutes With…" series, delegates attending "Meet a Mentor" sessions will be able to glean valuable information in an intimate, off-the-record setting, and have the opportunity to ask questions that will help guide you in your career.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may sign up for two (2) Meet a Mentor sessions.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, May 4 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, May 27 at 5:00 PM EST.

Speaking

Jodi Flynn

President & Chief Content Officer

The Content Group

With new players and platforms joining the content landscape on an almost weekly basis, the battle for eyeballs has never been more competitive. And as a result, the push for premium content is even more aggressive. More and more, it’s become apparent that there is strength in numbers -- both in terms of the production partners that can join a project to make it all it can be, and the dollars that can wind up on screen with the right copro arrangement. Here, you’ll learn about how the coproduction space is evolving, how deals are being made in this evolving ecosystem, and the range of players and partners available.

Speaking

Rachel Job

SVP, Unscripted Content

All3Media International

Michelle Bagliebter

VP of Business Operations and Strategy

Love Nature

Camilla Cope

Commercial Director

Greenbird Media Ltd

Nikolas Huelbusch

Director, Unscripted

ZDF Studios

Sebastian Burkhardt

Head, Commercial Partnerships & Strategy

Red Bull Studios

Much like our signature Speed Pitching sessions, production execs, each at their own tables, will take one-on-one, three-minute pitches from potential production partners.

*Advance sign-up is required. 

You may submit for one (1) Pitching Partners session, which will be available through our lottery-style selection process.

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

Lottery opens on Wednesday, May 25 at 12:01 AM EST, and closes on Monday, May 30 at 5:00 PM EST. Lottery results will be emailed to participants on Wednesday, June 1. General sign-ups open Wednesday, June 1 at 3:00 PM, and close on Friday, June 3 at 5:00 PM EST.

Some meeting hosts will require masks to be worn. Notes will be added to the hosts' table cards where this applies so that you may prepare before you sit down. As per the Realscreen Summit health & safety policy - Subject to change, delegates will also be encouraged to wear a mask in all indoor event spaces. Delegates must supply their own masks.

Speaking

Table host

Ed de Rivaz

SVP, Factual & Series

Great Pacific Media Inc.

Table host

Justin Sprague

Development Executive

Critical Content

Table host

Liz Tang

Executive Director, Acquisitions

Endeavor Content

Table host

Casey Kelly

VP of Development, Unscripted Development

Blue Ant Media

Table host

Spencer Griffin

President

Just For Laughs

Table host

Breonna Carrera

Senior Vice President, Development

World of Wonder

Table host

Dominique Cutts

Head of Unscripted

Red Bull Studios GmbH

Table host

Christian Broadhurst

VP of US Development

Rare TV

Table host

James Farr

EVP, Development

Cream Productions Inc.

Table host

Lauren Lemieux

Senior Vice President and Head of Development

Pilgrim Media Group

Table host

Adam Steinman

EVP, Global Formats & Aquisitions

Warner Bros. International Television Production

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Michael Winter

SVP, Programming & Development

Chicken Soup for the Soul Studios

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Pamela Aguilar

SVP Head of Smithsonian Channel Content; MTV Entertainment Studios

Paramount

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Patty Suh

VP, Programming & Development - Food Content

Food Network

The "Meet a Mentor" series is designed to give delegates rare access to top producers in unscripted programming. Much like the Summit’s trademark "30 Minutes With…" series, delegates attending "Meet a Mentor" sessions will be able to glean valuable information in an intimate, off-the-record setting, and have the opportunity to ask questions that will help guide you in your career.

*Advance sign-up is required.

You may sign up for two (2) Meet a Mentor sessions.

Sign-up opens on Wednesday, May 4 at 11:00 AM EST, and closes on Friday, May 27 at 5:00 PM EST.

Speaking

Jim Casey

President

Painless Productions

A Realscreen Summit staple, these intimate, interactive and off-the-record 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 40 delegates.  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

Alison Barrat

enior Vice President and Head, Content

Love Nature

Natural History

Chat over drinks with leading unscripted and non-fiction networks in this format that aims to loosen up the networking vibe and help you make deeper connections at channels that buy unscripted and non-fiction programming. These are NOT pitch sessions — just a fantastic networking opportunity.

Space is limited to 25 delegates and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis until we hit room capacity.

Speaking

Table host

Ia Ayame Robinson

Senior Director, Unscripted Programming & Development

BET Networks

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

Table host

Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

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

Table host

Sean Olsen

VP, Development

Game Show Network

For 10 years, FORMAGINATION has served as a unique format competition and a launching pad for international creativity with previous entries going on to become hit international format brands. 

Three prizes are up for grabs at the live presentation of FORMAGINATION at Realscreen Summit including the Audience Choice award.  Join us to cheer on your favorite pitch contestant!

Speaking

Host

Kalen Allen

Actor, Producer, Singer, Digital Media Star & Television Personality

Judge

Yasmin Rawji

EVP, Unscripted Programming

FOX Entertainment

Judge

Mioshi Hill

President

Sirens Media

Judge

Avi Armoza

CEO

Armoza Formats