Poppins Speakers - Realscreen Summit 2023

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MONDAY, JANUARY 27 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 30
SHERATON NEW ORLEANS
Marriott Marquis | Washington, DC | Sunday, January 28 – Wednesday, January 31, 2023

Speakers

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Cori Abraham

SVP, Development, Documentary & Crime

NBCUniversal Television and Streaming

As Senior Vice President, Entertainment Unscripted Development, Crime and Documentary Development, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, Cori Abraham oversees all unscripted crime and documentary development across NBCU’s broadcast, cable and streaming platforms: NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, SYFY, USA and Peacock. She reports to Rachel Smith, Executive Vice President, Development, Entertainment Unscripted Content, NBCUniversal Television...show more

Speaking on: THE BUYERS’ VIEW: NAVIGATING THE ROAD AHEAD


Justin Anderson

Sr. Staff Writer

Realscreen Magazine

Justin Anderson joined Realscreen as senior staff writer in 2021, reporting and writing stories for the newsletter and magazine. During his 20-year career he’s filled a variety of roles as a writer and editor at a number of media organizations, covering news and current affairs as well as business, tech, the film...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - TRUE CRIME; GENRE JAMS - NATURAL HISTORY


Mallory Arkin

Senior Manager, Unscripted Development

Nickelodeon

As the Senior Manager of Unscripted Development, Mallory develops original unscripted formats for Nickelodeon linear, digital, and AwesomenessTV and leads creative efforts throughout production and post. In addition to her development work, she’s been a producer of Tooned InGroup Chat, and Unfiltered - all Nickelodeon series with multi-season orders. Other recent highlights include...show more

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING


Avi Armoza

CEO

Armoza Formats

Avi has been working in the television and film business for more than 20 years. He began his tenure when he founded JCS Productions, which has grown to be Israel's largest independent production house. Prior to Armoza, Avi was the VP of Content and Business Development at Israel’s leading Media Company,...show more

Speaking on: FORMAT FOCUS: IT’S ALL ABOUT IP


Solange Attwood

CEO & Co-Founder

Blue Ant Media Inc

In her role as EVP, Blue Ant International, Solange Attwood oversees the strategic direction of Blue Ant Media’s worldwide distribution arm. Attwood spearheads and manages co-productions for the sales division, pre-sales and worldwide sales activities while leading the business’ ongoing expansion and sales offices in Toronto (Canada), London (UK), and...show more

Speaking on: THE PROGNOSIS FOR PREMIUM DOCS


Betsy Ayala

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

Food Network

Betsy Sanner Ayala currently serves as Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery where she oversees all Food Network programming, development and operations. Series under her oversight include such long-running hits as Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Guy’s Grocery Games, as well as annual tentpoles such as BBQ
Brawl,...show more

Speaking on: SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION; LUNCH WITH...; 30 MINUTES WITH: BETSY AYALA, FOOD NETWORK


Alison Barrat

enior Vice President and Head, Content

Love Nature

As SVP, Production & Development, Love Nature, Alison Barrat provides a leading role in finding, developing and commissioning new projects for Love Nature’s growing slate and is responsible for executing programming strategies for the brand’s international channels through development and production. She also oversees all production management and post production...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - NATURAL HISTORY; 30 MINUTES WITH: ALISON BARRAT, LOVE NATURE


Alex Baskin

Executive Producer & CEO

32 Flavors Entertainment

Alex Baskin, CEO of the newly launched 32 Flavors Entertainment, is the Executive Producer of long-running hit shows including THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS, THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY, VANDERPUMP RULES and BOTCHED, as well as forthcoming series for, among others, Netflix, Hulu and Paramount+, as well as...show more

Speaking on: CASE STUDY: INSIDE THE ‘REAL HOUSEWIVES’ PHENOMENON


Zachary Behr

VP Programming

History

Zachary Behr is a seasoned network executive and creative who has been at The History Channel since 2011. During his tenure, he has overseen several key franchises for the network including Pawn Stars, Swamp People, Top Gear, and Counting Cars. Notably, he developed and continues to oversee the network’s hit survival format, ALONE. In addition, Behr spearheaded...show more

Speaking on: BORN AT REALSCREEN: THE STORY OF ‘ALONE’


Anna Bloomfield

VP, Development & Production

HGTV

Anna Bloomfield is Vice President, Development & Production for HGTV Network Originals and streaming content where she is responsible for developing new talent, series, and specials.  She has developed shows such as Married to Real Estate, Rico to the Rescue, Battle of the Bling, and Kendra Sells Hollywood on discovery+ in which she also...show more

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING; GENRE JAMS - LIFESTYLE; SLOW PITCHING (*NEW FOR 2023)


Kim Bondi

Senior Vice-President, Content and Development, Unscripted and Factual

Sphere Media Toronto


Simone Boyce

Journalist & Host

Journalist & Host

Simone Boyce is a nationally recognized TV host and journalist whose work has been featured on MSNBC, Access Hollywood, MTV, the Today Show, Nightly News and more. As a correspondent for NBC News NOW, Simone reported on social unrest, presidential elections, immigration, criminal justice reform and climate change from the front lines. Simone led MSNBC's live...show more

Speaking on: SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS; KEYNOTE CONVERSATION WITH CHIP & JOANNA GAINES


Scott Boyd

Vice President, Development, Television – Unscripted

eOne Television

Scott Boyd is Vice President, Development, Unscripted – Canada, Television. Since joining eOne in 2017, he’s helped build a diverse slate of premium unscripted series, specializing in true crime, factual and doc reality formats. He has steered the development and production of innovative and impactful projects such as Make it to the Moon...show more

Speaking on: PITCHING PARTNERS


Nancy-Wren Bradshaw

Manager of Development & Production, Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network

Nancy-Wren Bradshaw is a Manager of Development & Production for Magnolia Network. She has been with the network since 2019 and helped launch the network on streaming and linear cable. 

Bradshaw serves as the network programming executive on Magnolia Originals such as The Home Team with Britt and Annie, Art in...show more

Speaking on: LUNCH WITH...


Tom Brisley

CEO

Arrow Media

Tom Brisley, a BAFTA and RTS award-winning producer, is co-founder and Creative Director of Arrow Media. Tom’s creative vision and leadership have played an integral role in helping to establish Arrow Media as one of the world’s leading creators of factual content. 

Tom has creatively led all of Arrow Media’s...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - TRUE CRIME


Julie Bristow

Founder

Catalyst

Visionary media leader. Founder, entrepreneur, and angel investor. Creator and champion of women-led organizations. Her latest venture is dedicated to content creation for the global marketplace by powering women creators and investing in
their ideas.

Bristow has been influencing how people watch television for the past 25 years. She has created thousands...show more

Speaking on: BUCKLE UP! WEATHERING THE STORM


Allison Brough

VP, Unscripted Development

Blink49 Studios

Before joining Blink49 Studios, Allison Brough was Vice President of Development, Unscripted Television & Head of Podcast Network for eOne. She created, championed and maintained a ‘podcast to broadcast’ model in addition to managing a robust slate of unscripted television including the forthcoming, four-part series, Thunder Bay (CTV/Crave). Prior to...show more

Speaking on: PITCHING PARTNERS


Meghan Cassin

VP Content

Magnolia Network

Meghan Cassin is Vice President of Content for Magnolia Network, the media joint venture between Chip and Joanna Gaines’ home and lifestyle brand Magnolia and Discovery Inc. In this role, she oversees production and development of original series and specials in the lifestyle space. 

 

Previously, she was responsible for animal specials...show more

Speaking on: 30 MINUTES WITH: MEGHAN CASSIN, MAGNOLIA


Kim Chessler

VP, Unscripted Programming

Lifetime Television

Kimberly Chessler is Vice President, Unscripted Programming, of Lifetime. Based in New York, she is responsible for developing and overseeing production of non-fiction projects for the network.

Chessler, who joined Lifetime in 2010, has been responsible for overseeing the development and production of the network’s hit docusoap Dance Moms, now in...show more

Speaking on: LUNCH WITH...


Julie Choi

Head, Unscripted Talent & Content

Buchwald

Julie Choi represents the top showrunners and talent including Ross Mathews, Stephen tWitch Boss and Allison Holker Boss, and Shangela at the well-respected talent agency Buchwald.

Prior to being a talent agent, Julie was an executive at Game Show Network, where she developed and over saw hits such...show more

Speaking on: THE RETURN OF THE AGENTS ROUNDTABLE


Neil A. Cohen

Agent

United Talent Agency Company

Neil A. Cohen joined the United Talent Agency as a talent and packaging agent in 2015. His client roster includes top nonfiction production companies, traditional and non-traditional talent, as well as producers and directors who specialize in documentary and nonfiction storytelling.

Before joining UTA, Cohen worked at A+E Networks for over...show more

Speaking on: THE RETURN OF THE AGENTS ROUNDTABLE


Brandy Crawford-Uriu

Head, Unscripted & Formats

History

Speaking on: BREAKFAST WITH...


Laura Crowson

VP, Development

Warner Bros. Discovery

Laura Crowson is Vice President, Development for Discovery Channel, TNT and TBS. In this role she is responsible for bringing new series and specials to the three networks while supervising the development and production of concepts to green light. Crowson also helps set development strategy for the networks. 

During her tenure...show more

Speaking on: 30 MINUTES WITH: LAURA CROWSON, DISCOVERY


Jenny Daly

President

Critical Content

Jenny Daly is currently serving as the President of Critical Content. Before joining Critical Content, Jenny Daly was the founder and president of T Group, which produced shows Mystery Diners (over 100 episodes on Food Network), Storage Hunters (truTV), A Wicked Offer (CW), Hollywood and Football (E!),Very Cavallari (E!), Ozzy...show more

Speaking on: SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW UNSCRIPTED?


Christine Diakos

Vice President, Development, Television – Unscripted

eOne Television

As VP of Unscripted Development, Christine spearheads development, creation and pitching of non-scripted content for eOne in Canada, with a focus on lifestyle, reality and competition series. With more than two decades of experience in Canadian television, Christine has a keen understanding of the business, and an eye for great stories and...show more

Speaking on: LUNCH WITH...


Erica Diaz-Gant

VP, Development

ID, Warner Bros. Discovery

As the vice president of development for ID , Erica Diaz-Gant is charged with conceptualizing and creating content for television’s preeminent true crime destination. In 2022 to date, ID ranks #5 for Women 25-54 in Total Day (#6 for W18-49). Diaz-Gant is tasked with creating breakthrough and thought-provoking new content in the booming...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - TRUE CRIME; 30 MINUTES WITH: ERICA DIAZ-GANT, INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY; SPEED PITCHING


Ashleigh DiTonto

SVP, Development

Trailblazer Studios

Ashleigh Di Tonto is Senior Vice President of Development for Trailblazer Studios. 

In her role, Di Tonto is responsible for the company’s talented team of creatives and producers, developing original blue-chip, natural-history and premium documentaries, including the groundbreaking documentary Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer, which premiered on National Geographic...show more

Speaking on: MEET A MENTOR: ASHLEIGH DITONTO, TRAILBLAZER


Havva Eisenbaum

VP, Development, Unscripted

OWN

Havva Eisenbaum is OWN’s Vice President, Development for Unscripted Programming, and reports to Drew Tappon, Head of OWN Unscripted Development, Programming & Specials. Eisenbaum oversees the development of the network’s unscripted slate of African American female focused programming, including series, special programming, and TV movies. 

Prior to OWN, Eisenbaum was Head...show more

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING; LUNCH WITH...


Shane Ertter

Manager of Development, VICE TV

VICE

Shane Ertter serves as the Manager of Content Development for VICE TV, the joint venture with A+E Networks, formerly known as VICELAND. Shane joined VICE in 2019, working as Network Production Coordinator for all internal projects, liaising with 3rd party production companies on series and one-offs. In his current role,...show more

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING


Kelsey Espensen

Senior Director of Unscripted Entertainment

marblemedia

Kelsey Espensen is a Development Producer at marblemedia who focuses on Unscripted Entertainment and Formats. She developed Race Against The Tide for CBC and CBC Gem, created Best In Miniature for CBC Gem and Discovery+ UK & Ireland and created A Cut Above for Discovery Canada, Discovery US and A&E...show more

Speaking on: PITCHING PARTNERS


Rebecca Evans

EVP, Non-Fiction Content

Campfire Studios

Emmy Award-winning producer, Rebecca Evans is executive vice president of non-fiction content at Campfire Studios, a premium scripted and non-fiction production company run by prolific film producer and CEO Ross Dinerstein. Evans has produced across all genres of non-fiction television, from shiny-floor shows to reality TV and premium documentaries. Her...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - PREMIUM DOCS


Alan Eyres

Head of Plimsoll, USA

Plimsoll Productions

Alan Eyres is Head of Plimsoll USA.

In his role, Eyres is responsible for expanding the company’s US footprint and serves as a chief point of contact for all of Plimsoll’s factual US-based business. Since joining the company, he has executive produced multiple projects including The Devil’s Climb with Alex Honnold...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - NATURAL HISTORY


Phil Fairclough

Executive Producer

Two Wise Monkeys Entertainment


Kathleen Finch

Chairman & CEO, US Networks

Warner Bros. Discovery

Kathleen Finch assumed the newly created role of Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, at Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. in April 2022. The new consolidated organization comprises close to 30 US networks that reached more than 127 million viewers per month and held six of the top 10...show more

Speaking on: KEYNOTE CONVERSATION: KATHLEEN FINCH


Zara Frankel

Senior Director, Programming & Development

PBS

Zara Frankel works in PBS Programming as the Director of Programming and Development. She collaborates extensively with filmmakers, production companies, and new talent to develop interesting and innovative content across genres for PBS. Prior to her current role, Zara served as the Development Manager for PBS Programming, evaluating submissions and...show more

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING; LUNCH WITH...


Kathleen French

SVP, Current Production

NBCUniversal Television and Streaming

As Senior Vice President, Entertainment Unscripted Current Production, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, Kathleen French spearheads production on several unscripted series across NBCUniveral’s entertainment portfolio including “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” “Real Housewives of Miami,” “Married to Medicine,” “Southern Charm,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Miz & Mrs,” “Race For the Championship,” “Austin Dillon’s...show more

Speaking on: CASE STUDY: INSIDE THE ‘REAL HOUSEWIVES’ PHENOMENON


Bryan Gabourie

SVP, International Sales & Partnerships

Blue Ant Media

Speaking on: MEET A DISTRIBUTOR...


Peter Gaffney

President Vice TV

VICE TV

Pete Gaffney is a veteran TV programming strategist, with over 25 years running programming departments at a variety of cable networks, including The History Channel, VH1, A&E, AMC, and currently Vice TV.  Pete has launched some of the biggest cable programs ever,  including Pawn Stars, Ice Road Truckers, Behind The Music, Hatfields...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - PREMIUM DOCS


Chip Gaines

Chief Creative Officer

Magnolia Network

For the Gaineses, what started more than a decade ago as a tiny home decor shop has since grown into an expansive home and lifestyle brand that includes Magnolia Market at the Silos, Magnolia Table, Silos Baking Co., Magnolia Press and five New York Times best...show more

Speaking on: KEYNOTE CONVERSATION WITH CHIP & JOANNA GAINES


Joanna Gaines

Chief Creative Officer

Magnolia Network

For the Gaineses, what started more than a decade ago as a tiny home decor shop has since grown into an expansive home and lifestyle brand that includes Magnolia Market at the Silos, Magnolia Table, Silos Baking Co., Magnolia Press and five New York Times best...show more

Speaking on: KEYNOTE CONVERSATION WITH CHIP & JOANNA GAINES


David George

CEO

ITV America

David George is CEO of ITV America, encompassing production companies ITV Entertainment, Leftfield Pictures, Sirens Media, Thinkfactory Media, High Noon Entertainment and Good Caper Content, with responsibility for the group’s creative development, production and operations.

During his tenure, he has developed such breakthrough series as the reimagined Queer Eye for Netflix...show more

Speaking on: BORN AT REALSCREEN: THE STORY OF ‘ALONE’


Laetitia Giansily-Doyle

Development, Sales & Strategic Partnerships, North America

Terranoa-US Office & GDMC

Speaking on: MEET A DISTRIBUTOR...


Alex Gibney

President

Jigsaw Productions

Director Alex Gibney called “the most important documentarian of our time” by Esquire Magazine has a signature cinematic style that lends itself to penetrating, gripping, and deeply insightful documentaries. His work has been the recipient of an Academy Award, multiple Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, several Peabody Awards, the DuPont-Columbia...show more

Speaking on: KEYNOTE CONVERSATION: ALEX GIBNEY


Pamela Gimenez

VP, Unscripted Current Production

NBCUniversal Television and Streaming

Pamela Gimenez is Vice President of Unscripted Current Production at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. Gimenez is charged with creative production oversight on select documentary and lifestyle unscripted programming across the NBCU Television and Streaming entertainment portfolio, which includes NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Syfy, Universal Kids, USA Network and Peacock.

Gimenez joined...show more

Speaking on: CASE STUDY: INSIDE THE ‘REAL HOUSEWIVES’ PHENOMENON


Nancy Glass

CEO

Glass Entertainment Group

A six-time Emmy award winning journalist and television host, Nancy Glass is CEO and Executive Producer of Glass Entertainment Group (GEG).

Headquartered in Philadelphia, GEG specializes in unscripted television, film production, new media content and podcasts. Since launching 20 years ago, the company has produced over 3,000 hours of programming. Currently,...show more

Speaking on: SUCCESS 2.0: WHAT IS A HIT IN A MULTI-PLATFORM WORLD?


Ethan Goldman

Founder & CEO

Anchor Entertainment

Ethan Goldman is founder and CEO of Anchor Entertainment.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Anchor Entertainment is a full-service production company that is dedicated to creating compelling and impactful premium character-driven stories. The team is committed to supporting the vision of partnering filmmakers, always prioritizing an art-forward, highly crafted stylized approach across all...show more

Speaking on: THE PROGNOSIS FOR PREMIUM DOCS


Alana Goldstein

VP of Development

Crazy Legs Productions

Recently named to the Variety Reality TV Impact Report’s list of “unscripted titans,” Alana Goldstein is vice president of development for Crazy Legs Productions. A producer and director with a background in commercial photography, Goldstein brings a detailed eye and unique vision to the development of television series and documentaries....show more

Speaking on: PITCHING PARTNERS


Jennifer Gordon

VP, Development

TLC

Jennifer Gordon joined TLC in October 2014. As Vice President of Development, she creates  and conceptualizes series, specials and programming initiatives for the linear network as well as  love and relationship, family and lifestyle content for discovery+. Since joining TLC, Jennifer  has developed a variety of new series, such as...show more

Speaking on: 30 MINUTES WITH: JENNIFER GORDON, TLC


Sean Gottlieb

VP, Head of Development

A&E Network

Sean Gottlieb is Vice President, Development and Programming for A&E, where he oversees development and production of non-fiction programming for the network. He joined A&E in April 2014.

An Emmy® Award-winning producer with over 20 years’ experience, Gottlieb developed and is Executive Producer of I Survived A Serial Killer, Taking the Stand, and Court...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - TRUE CRIME; SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION


Richard Gray

Managing Director

ACF Investment Bank

Richard Gray is a Managing Director at ACF Investment Bank. We specialize in selling, buying, fundraising, and pre and post deal services for businesses in intellectual property, content creation, international distribution, and we work at the intersection of talent and brands.

He is a co-founder and co-owner of the business with over...show more


Abby Greensfelder

Founder & CEO

Everywoman Studios

Abby Greensfelder is the founder and CEO of Everywoman Studios, a full-service media company with a mission to tell female-focused, female-driven stories creating positive cultural impact.

A former network executive and production company head, Greensfelder launched Everywoman after seeing the massive gender gap in the entertainment ecosystem. She founded Everywoman Studios...show more

Speaking on: WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON: BROADENING ACCESS DURING A TIME OF UPHEAVAL


Leslie Greif

President

Big Dreams Entertainment


Danielle Hammer

Agent, WME, Non-Scripted TV

WME


Kate Harrison

President

Cream Productions Inc.

Based in Toronto, Cream develops, finances and produces distinctive and award-winning content across a wide range of TV and digital platforms in North America and internationally.

Among the company’s many credits include Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan (Netflix), The Story of Late Night (CNN),Fear Thy Neighbor (ID), History of Sitcom (CNN), All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs (Amazon) as well as...show more

Speaking on: SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS


Lorraine Haughton Lawson

SVP, Programming

Truly Original

Lorraine Haughton-Lawson is a 20 plus years television veteran, commencing her career at NBCUniversal in the prestigious Page Program. From there, she moved on to the NBC promotions department, producing affiliate promos with the likes of Katie Couric, Al Roker and Tom Brokaw.  Since NBCUniversal, she has worked for various...show more

Speaking on: CASE STUDY: INSIDE THE ‘REAL HOUSEWIVES’ PHENOMENON


Paul Heaney

CEO

BossaNova Media

Paul Heaney is co-founder and CEO of BossaNova, a company that brings together the producers and buyers of TV entertainment in an integrated hub, creating a community that enables all of the stake-holders in the content chain to meet, create and do business. Heaney has a strong track record in...show more

Speaking on: MEET A DISTRIBUTOR...


Sara Helman

VP, Production & Development, TLC

TLC

Sara Helman joined TLC in October 2015 as the Vice President of Program Development. She helps to oversee development strategy and programming initiatives for the linear network, based in the NYC office. Helman has worked on a wide variety of shows, including all the 90 Day Fiancé spinoff series, Milf...show more

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING


Roger Henry

VP, Programming

MotorTrend Network

Roger Henry is Vice President of Programming for MotorTrend TV (formerly Velocity), responsible for overseeing strategy and scheduling of all content on MotorTrend TV and MotorTrend FAST Channels.

Henry joined MotorTrend in November 2018 when Discovery’s Velocity Channel was rebranded. Prior to this, he led Velocity as Vice President of...show more

Speaking on: SLOW PITCHING (*NEW FOR 2023); BREAKFAST WITH...


Mioshi Hill

President

Sirens Media (ITV America)

Mioshi Hill is president of Sirens Media, the award-winning ITV America company behind unscripted hits including Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey and many others. Hill leads all creative development and production for the Los Angeles-based label, overseeing a roster of content that encompasses a variety of unscripted genres...show more

Speaking on: WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON: BROADENING ACCESS DURING A TIME OF UPHEAVAL


Naimah Holmes

President

Hot Snakes Media

Speaking on: SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS


David Hooper

Managing Director

Espresso Media

David founded Espresso Media International in 2000 as an International documentary and factual entertainment distributor. Our catalogue of over 950 hours spans a wide range of non-fiction genres, including a high-level of award-winning feature documentaries to best-selling TV documentaries in the Fact-Ent, Crime, History, Science, Space, Music, Human Interest, Mystery fields in particular.
show more

Speaking on: MEET A DISTRIBUTOR...


Ashley Hoppin

Head of Content & Owner

Red Rock Films

Hoppin steers content creation for Red Rock Films, one of the world's most recognized producers of wildlife content, including the Emmy-winning "Secrets of the Whales," and "Penguin Town." Prior to coming on board, Hoppin oversaw animal-based programming for Nat Geo Channel, Nat Geo WILD and Disney+ as National Geographic’s VP...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - NATURAL HISTORY


Nate Houghteling

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

Portal A

Nate Houghteling is co-founder and executive producer at Portal A, an award-winning content company that creates original series, feature films, podcasts and digital entertainment in partnership with today’s most influential talent.

Houghteling oversees Portal A’s Originals slate, shepherding projects from conception through development and production. Most recently, he developed and executive produced...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - SPORTS DOC


Nikolas Huelbusch

Director, Unscripted

ZDF Studios GmbH

Nikolas Hülbusch studied Film history  and Slavic languages at Bochum (Germany) and Katowice (Poland) Universities. He published several articles and two books  (including his PhD thesis) on documentary and feature film history.

He joined ZDF Enterprises in 1997. In 2001, he took over a new position as project manager for documentary...show more

Speaking on: LUNCH WITH...; BREAKFAST WITH...


Marcie Hume

VP, Programming

A&E Network

Marcie Hume is Senior Executive Producer for A&E, responsible for creating and developing new series for the network. She joined A&E in August 2017.
 
Hume began her documentary career at the BBC in London, and has created and produced a range of series for the BBC and Channel 4...show more

Speaking on: SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION; 30 MINUTES WITH: MARCIE HUME, A&E NETWORKS; SPEED PITCHING


Aneka Hylton-Donelson

Director of Development

National Geographic Partners

Aneka Hylton-Donelson serves as a Director of Development for National Geographic Channel, where she does internal and external development of factual and general entertainment series concepts and formats for National Geographic linear and the Disney+ platforms. Most recently she creatively developed the new series, Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins and 7 Toughest Days on...show more

Speaking on: AFTER GEORGE FLOYD: THE POWER OF BLACK CONTENT IN UNSCRIPTED


Valerie Idehen

Creator, Executive Producer & Development Consultant

Hot Snakes Media


Donny Jackson

Executive Producer

This Machine Filmworks

Dr. Donny Jackson is an Executive Producer for This Machine Filmworks. With over 2 decades of experience in the unscripted arena, Jackson is a multiple Emmy award-winning showrunner and NAACP Image Award-winning producer across a variety of outlets, including AppleTV+, CNN, A&E, BET, TV One, Fuse, and most recently, YouTube....show more

Speaking on: AFTER GEORGE FLOYD: THE POWER OF BLACK CONTENT IN UNSCRIPTED


Andrew Jeffrey

n/a

Brunico Communications Ltd.

Andrew Jeffrey is Realscreen’s news editor, and has worked with the magazine since April 2021. He joined the publication after working as a reporter and associate producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) office in his hometown of Edmonton. Prior to that, Jeffrey worked as a reporter for the StarMetro Calgary, a...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - LIFESTYLE


Rachel Job

SVP, Unscripted Content

All3Media International


Francesca Johnson

Development Executive & Executive Producer

Anyway Content

As Executive Vice President of Content, Francesca is responsible for building Anyway Content’s non-scripted business and driving the company’s scripted and non-scripted development slate.

Previously she was Director, Development and Production at National Geographic. She worked at the factual giant for eleven
years and oversaw London based projects in...show more

Speaking on: PITCHING PARTNERS


Melanie Capacia Johnson

President

NEO Studios

Emmy Award-winning producer, Melanie Capacia Johnson is the president of full-service global production studio NEO Studios U.S., where she leads all IP development and production for the company. NEO Studios, part of Aser Venture’s Group, is a full-service global production studio dedicated to creating premium entertainment content, IP and original...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - SPORTS DOC; MEET A MENTOR: MELANIE CAPACIA JOHNSON, NEO STUDIOS



Dane Joseph

VP, Unscripted Series

Hulu

Dane Joseph currently serves as Vice President of Unscripted Series for Hulu, where he serves as the day-to-day current exec on The Kardashians as well as oversees development and current for new and returning shows. Upcoming projects include returning series THE D’AMELIO SHOW and TASTE THE NATION, as well as the Neil Patrick Harris/David Burtka helmed DRAG...show more

Speaking on: AFTER GEORGE FLOYD: THE POWER OF BLACK CONTENT IN UNSCRIPTED


Marc Kamler

Head of Unscripted Packaging

A3 Artists Agency

Marc Kamler serves as Partner, Head of Unscripted Content at A3 Artists Agency, one of the world’s leading talent and literary agencies known for fostering careers and building the personal brands of some of today’s most notable actors, writers, artists, and content creators across a broad spectrum of the entertainment industry. 

Kamler...show more

Speaking on: THE RETURN OF THE AGENTS ROUNDTABLE


Nicole Kaye

Sr. Manager, Development

TBS, TNT & Discovery


Liza Keckler

SVP Alternative & Unscripted

Archer Gray

Archer Gray is a female-owned and operated media company dedicated to creating quality content in both scripted and unscripted film and television. Founded by Amy Nauiokas in 2011, Archer Gray is best known for producing the
Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-nominated CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? written by Jeff Whitty...show more

Speaking on: PITCHING PARTNERS


Casey Kelly

VP of Development, Unscripted Development

Blue Ant Media

Speaking on: PITCHING PARTNERS


Luke Kelly-Clyne

Head of Production and Independent Film

Hartbeat Independent Studios

Luke is a writer, director, producer, and Co-Head of Hartbeat Independent. Before joining Hartbeat, Luke served as President at Propagate Content’s comedy studio, Big Breakfast where he was Executive Producer of many scripted and unscripted feature, TV, and digital and digital projects including Discovery+’s “Million Dollar Wheels,” truTV’s “Double Cross with...show more

Speaking on: SUCCESS 2.0: WHAT IS A HIT IN A MULTI-PLATFORM WORLD?


Gerrit Kemming

Owner

Quintus Media GmbH

Gerrit is founder and Managing Director of Quintus Studios, a next generation channel operator and distribution business. Quintus has a strong factual content catalogue and owns and operates a portfolio of leading factual AVOD channels with over 6 million subscribers including ‘Free Documentary’. The company offers a unique new partnership...show more

Speaking on: MEET A DISTRIBUTOR...


Carson Kressley

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

Carson Kressley - Emmy-Award winning TV personality, style expert, fashion designer and New York Times best-selling author are some of the credits of the multi- talented and unforgettable Carson Kressley. He can currently be seen as a judge on RU PAUL’S DRAG RACE. Carson can currently be seen reunited with...show more

Speaking on: SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION


Michael Krupat

EVP, Development & Production

Beyond Productions

Speaking on: PITCHING PARTNERS


Sarah Kuban

SVP, Content & Special Projects, Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network

Sarah Kuban is the Senior Vice President of Content and Special Projects for Magnolia Network, Discovery’s joint venture with Magnolia, the home and lifestyle brand led by Chip and Joanna Gaines. In this role, she develops programming for the multiplatform media company.

As a production executive with Magnolia Network, Kuban has...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - LIFESTYLE


Robyn Lattaker-Johnson

Agent, Media Consultant

A3 Artists Agency

Robyn Lattaker-Johnson is an alternative programming agent at A3 Artists Agency. With more than 20 years as a senior network executive, content creator, producer and team leader, Lattaker-Johnson is harnessing her abilities to navigate network operations, identify top talent, close the trickiest of deals, and give her signature care to...show more

Speaking on: SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS


Lucy Le Gruiec

Head of Distribution

ZED

Lucy Le Gruiec is Senior Sales and Acquisitions Manager at Paris based factual content house ZED. The company focuses on high-quality documentaries and factual series for the French and international market. ZED covers all stages of the factual genre, from production, coproductions and traditional distribution, to the operation of its own VOD...show more

Speaking on: MEET A DISTRIBUTOR...


Eli Lehrer

Executive Vice President and Head, Programming Genres & Music Services

History

Eli Lehrer is Executive Vice President and Head of Programming of The HISTORY Channel, a position he’s held since 2017. He oversees the development, creation, and execution of a broad slate of documentaries and non-fiction programming for the brand. Recent programming includes the highly rated “Grant” and “Washington” miniseries, the...show more

Speaking on: THE PROGNOSIS FOR PREMIUM DOCS


Andrew Lessner

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

TBS, TNT, SCI, APL, Tru


B.J. Levin

EVP, Non-Fiction Content

AGC Studios

Speaking on: PITCHING PARTNERS


Blake Levin

VP, Unscripted Development

NBCU

Blake Levin serves as Vice President, Entertainment Unscripted Development, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming where he is responsible for discovering and supervising the development of documentary, true crime, lifestyle and docuseries programming for the Entertainment portfolio which includes Bravo, E!, NBC, Oxygen, SYFY, USA, Universal Kids and Peacock. He reports to...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - TRUE CRIME


Richard Life

SVP Acquisitions and Co-Productions

Cineflix Rights

Richard Life spearheads acquisitions for Cineflix Rights and the expansion of the company’s catalogue of factual and scripted programming through producer partnerships, development and first-look deals, and co-productions.

Richard is one of the UK’s most experienced TV distribution executives, and previously held the roles of Head of Acquisitions and Co-productions at ITV...show more

Speaking on: MEET A DISTRIBUTOR...


Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media

Blue Ant Media

Sam brings over 30 years of production expertise to the media company’s specialty television channels including Cottage Life, T+E, Makeful,  Smithsonian Canada and BBC Earth Canada. In her role, Sam oversees commissioning and production of original series such as Blown Away, Hotel Paranormal, Life Below Zero Canada, Hope For Wildlife...show more

Speaking on: 30 MINUTES WITH: SAM LINTON, BLUE ANT MEDIA


Joe Livecchi

Chief Executive Officer

Right On Content

Joe Livecchi is the founder of Noble Savages and a seasoned media professional with over 25 years experience in original content creation, programming and marketing. In 2022, Noble Savages is having its best year ever, selling a pair of cutting edge true crime series, a podcast series and five other...show more

Speaking on: THE BUYERS’ VIEW: NAVIGATING THE ROAD AHEAD


Claire Macdonald

SVP, Executive Director

REALSCREEN

Speaking on: OPENING REMARKS


James Manfull

Commissioning Editor

Love Nature

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING


Stephen Mann

Senior Director Unscripted Formats Television & Streaming

NBCUniversal Television and Streaming

Stephen Mann is Director, Entertainment Unscripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.  

In his role, Mann oversees reality competition, talent competition and game show formats across the company’s entertainment portfolio including NBC, Peacock, Bravo, E! and USA Network. His purview includes managing a robust development slate and hit series including NBC’s “That’s My...show more

Speaking on: 30 MINUTES WITH: BETSY SLENZAK & STEPHEN MANN (NBCU - GAME SHOW & COMPETITION); SPEED PITCHING


Ross Mason

VP of Content

EarthxTV

Ross Mason is Vice President of Content at EarthxTV where he is part of the leadership team overseeing content development and acquisitions for the environmentally focused television network. Mason is also responsible for scheduling network programming across the U.S., U.K, Ireland and Europe. Prior to his role at EarthxTV, Mason...show more

Speaking on: BREAKFAST WITH...


Joseph Maxwell

Head of Unscripted

SBS

Joseph has developed, directed and produced high end, prime time documentaries for most of the major broadcasters in Britain. He started as Commissioning Editor for SBS in January 2012 and became Head of Documentaries in June 2016. His slate of shows at SBS range from returning series such as Who Do...show more

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING; LUNCH WITH...


Poppy McAlister

Division Head of TVF International

TVF International

Speaking on: MEET A DISTRIBUTOR...


Russ McCarroll

Executive Producer

Pocket Square Productions


Geno McDermott

President, US Alternative Programming, Unscripted Television

Entertainment One

Geno McDermott serves as eOne’s President of U.S. Unscripted Television under global leader Tara Long. The company’s slate of unscripted programming includes Impact, a documentary series for Nat Geo, with executive producer the Gal Gadot and Mary J. Blige’s My Life for Amazon, from Oscar-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth.

 McDermott's diverse slate of past and current...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - PREMIUM DOCS


Sierra London McDonald

Manager of Development and Original Programming

WE TV

Sierra London McDonald is WE tv’s Manager of Development and Original Programming, based in New York. In this role, she helps create and develop fresh new unscripted programming for the network. Prior to joining WE tv, Sierra worked across development, programming and production for Discovery (Science Channel), NBCUniversal (Wilshire Studios)...show more

Speaking on: SLOW PITCHING (*NEW FOR 2023); SPEED PITCHING


Alejandro Melendez

Vice President, Unscripted Development

BBC Studios, Los Angeles Productions

As Vice President, Unscripted Development, BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions, Alejandro Melendez holds a key creative role, actively working to develop, package, and produce top international formats for US audiences, as well as original series.

Melendez was instrumental in leading development for the critically acclaimed, true crime documentary series...show more

Speaking on: LUNCH WITH...


Hayden K. Meyer

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

APA

Meyer is a Partner, Executive Vice President and the Head of Alternative & Factual Programming at APA, one of the largest diversified talent agencies in the entertainment industry (with offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, New York, Toronto and London).

Since joining APA in 2006, Meyer has led the growth of...show more

Speaking on: THE RETURN OF THE AGENTS ROUNDTABLE


Max Micallef

VP, Head of West Coast Development

History

Max Micallef is Vice President, Nonfiction Programming for HISTORY.  In this role, Micallef spearheads the development and production of some of HISTORY’s main nonfiction programming.  He joined the network in December 2018, and is based in Los Angeles.  

Among the HISTORY series he is Executive Producing is Great Escapes with Morgan Freeman....show more

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING; 30 MINUTES WITH: MAX MICALLEF, HISTORY


J.C. Mills

President and Head of Content

Cineflix Productions

J.C. leads scripted and unscripted content strategy for Cineflix Productions and oversees the deal making process with networks and third parties. He curates the development slate, boosting growth through internally generated ideas as well as partnerships with outside creatives, and is responsible for building the division’s emerging feature doc business. As part of the...show more

Speaking on: SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW UNSCRIPTED?


Kyle Moffatt

Senior Director of Development

Nickelodeon

Kyle Moffatt is the Senior Director of Development for Nickelodeon and Awesomeness TV, responsible for developing new talent, series and specials across both digital and linear platforms and leading creative efforts through production and post. In addition to his development work, Kyle is a producer of NFL SlimetimeTooned Inand Nickelodeon’s Treasure Truckas...show more

Speaking on: COCKTAILS WITH... NICKELODEON; LUNCH WITH...


Angela Molloy

SVP, Development & Original Production AllBlk & WEtv, Unscripted

WE TV

Angela Molloy is WE tv’s vice president of development, based in the network’s Los Angeles office.  She works closely with west coast based production partners and agencies to find fresh new unscripted programming for the network. She is currently an Executive Producer on the Marriage Boot Camp franchise, Bridezillas, and Mama June:...show more

Speaking on: BREAKFAST WITH...; COCKTAILS WITH... WE TV


Joel Morgan

VP Unscripted, Programming and Development

BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions

As Vice President, Unscripted Development, BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions, Joel Morgan creates, develops and packages high-concept factual and unscripted game shows and entertainment series, spanning a wide range of content from originals to fresh adaptations of hit global formats for the US market. Morgan had a central role in...show more

Speaking on: BREAKFAST WITH...


Anne Morrison

CEO & Creative Director

Nevision

Anne Morrison is a BAFTA and RTS award winning executive producer with a long and distinguished career in documentaries and factual programme making.

Having been a producer/director, she rose within BBC Television to run factual programme departments for over 20 years, including Documentaries and Contemporary Factual, and was responsible for many award...show more

Speaking on: SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS


Abigail Neugebauer

Senior Director and Executive Producer of Content

Magnolia Network

Abigail Neugebauer is the Senior Director and Executive Producer of Content for Magnolia Network under Warner Brothers Discovery. Neugebauer develops and produces original programming for the multiplatform media company. 

In this role, Neugebauer has led a team that develops streaming midform stories such as Where We Call Home, Diary of an...show more

Speaking on: BREAKFAST WITH...


Dave Noll

Co President

Keller/Noll


Nicholas Oakley

Senior Vice President, Unscripted Development

BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions

As Senior Vice President, Unscripted Development, Nicholas Oakley is a key leader responsible for working with the LA Productions Unscripted team to conceive and develop original content ideas and build domestic and global formats across
entertainment and factual for BBC Studios’ fast-growing unscripted production business.

Oakley has established himself on...show more

Speaking on: FORMAT FOCUS: IT’S ALL ABOUT IP


Allison Page

Global President, Magnolia Network

Warner Bros. Discovery

Allison Page, Global President, Magnolia Network and DTC, leads Warner Bros. Discovery’s joint-venture with Fixer Upper’s Chip and Joanna Gaines. In this role, Page is responsible for growing and overseeing all operations for the venture—managing teams based in Knoxville, New York, Austin and Waco, Texas.

Under Page’s leadership, Magnolia Network launched...show more

Speaking on: KEYNOTE CONVERSATION WITH CHIP & JOANNA GAINES


Laura Palumbo Johnson

Co-Founder and Executive Producer

Magilla Entertainment, LLC

Laura Palumbo Johnson is co-founder and executive producer at Magilla Entertainment, one of the unscripted industry’s biggest suppliers of reality and nonfiction television content. She oversees all financial and operational aspects of the business as well as production, facilities and business strategy.

Magilla is home to a diverse portfolio of series,...show more

Speaking on: WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON: BROADENING ACCESS DURING A TIME OF UPHEAVAL; BUCKLE UP! WEATHERING THE STORM


Alex Piper

Head, Night Studios

Night, Inc


Noah Pollack

VP, Original Content, Unscripted

Tubi

Noah Pollack is Tubi’s newly appointed Vice President Original Content, Unscripted - launching and overseeing a robust slate of docs, series and specials for the Fox owned streamer. Prior to joining Tubi, Pollack founded and ran MAP Media, a media consulting business which provided key insights and learnings for numerous...show more

Speaking on: SUCCESS 2.0: WHAT IS A HIT IN A MULTI-PLATFORM WORLD?


Ann Pornel

Actress & Television Host

Described by The Globe and Mail as “a right hot blast of funny,” Ann Pornel cut her comedy teeth as a regular cast member on Sunday Night Live, a weekly sketch show in Toronto, and continued creating biting satire at the venerated Second City Toronto Mainstage where she wrote three critically-acclaimed shows. She...show more

Speaking on: 2023 REALSCREEN AWARDS


Dawn Porter

Founder & Director

Trilogy Films

Award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter has emerged in the entertainment industry as a leader in the art of storytelling; directing and producing critically acclaimed projects that have impacted generations of people from all walks of life.

In 2021, Porter directed and executive produced the Apple TV+ mental health documentary series...show more

Speaking on: THE PROGNOSIS FOR PREMIUM DOCS


D'Angela Proctor

Owner/Founder

Undaunted Content

D’Angela Proctor’s career spans from being an attorney, entrepreneur, showrunner and Executive Producer to a network, studio and c-suite executive. In 2019, Proctor tapped into her entrepreneurial roots with the launch of Undaunted Content, a film and television production company and media consulting firm. Proctor recently executive produced OWN’s Eggs...show more

Speaking on: BUCKLE UP! WEATHERING THE STORM


Evan Real

Senior TV Reporter, Page Six

New York Post

Evan Real is a passionate journalist and host who loves all things entertainment, but especially “The Real Housewives” and Britney Spears. He currently serves as Senior TV Reporter at Page Six, where he interviews top reality talent and co-hosts the "Virtual Reali-Tea" podcast. Evan has provided his expertise on shows like “Entertainment Tonight" and “The Wendy...show more

Speaking on: CASE STUDY: INSIDE THE ‘REAL HOUSEWIVES’ PHENOMENON


Patrick Reardon

President

Jupiter Entertainment


Andrew Rezin

Director on Content

Warner Bros. Discovery

Andrew Rezin is the Supervising Producer of Content for Magnolia Network part Warner Bros. Discovery's joint venture with Chip and Joanna Gaines' home and lifestyle brand Magnolia. He develops programming for the multiplatform media company.  

As a programming executive, he has developed and produced series such as Makeover by Monday, Beach...show more

Speaking on: COCKTAILS WITH... MAGNOLIA NETWORK


Ia Ayame Robinson

Senior Director, Unscripted Programming & Development

BET Networks

a A. Robinson is Senior Director of Unscripted Development for BET Networks.  In this role, her focus is on developing new programming for both linear and streaming platforms.  

Previously, Robinson was Director of Programming & Development at Discovery Networks developing her original concepts from pilots through to series franchises such as Cutthroat Kitchen, Holiday...show more

Speaking on: BREAKFAST WITH...


David Rocco

Celebrity Chef | Television Host | Bestselling Author

Rockhead Entertainment

International Celebrity Chef and Executive Producer David Rocco brings his passion for food, travel and adventure to millions of homes through his worldwide hit television programs David Rocco's Dolce Vita, and his spin-off shows; Dolce India, Dolce AfricaDolce Italia, Dolce SE Asia and David Rocco's Dolce HomeMade coming this fall.

Author...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - LIFESTYLE


Monica Rodman

EVP, Alternative Development

Universal Television Alternative Studio

Monica Rodman is Executive Vice President, Development, Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS), a division of Universal Studio Group. In this role, she oversees series development across all platforms and works closely with the studio’s talent roster, which includes Dwayne Johnson, Jimmy Fallon and Amy Poehler. She reports directly to Toby...show more

Speaking on: FORMAT FOCUS: IT’S ALL ABOUT IP


Jenna Rosa

SVP, Unscripted Development

NBCUniversal

As Senior Vice President of Entertainment Unscripted Development at NBCUniversal TV and Streaming, Jenna Rosa oversees docu-series and lifestyle formats across 5 networks and Peacock, working throughout NBCU’s combined and rapidly expanding portfolio of entertainment platforms. 

Rosa spearheaded the development of unscripted series including the breakout hit “Real Housewives of Salt Lake...show more

Speaking on: 30 MINUTES WITH: JENNA ROSA, NBCU - LIFESTYLE & DOCUSERIES


Jordan Rosenblum

SVP, Nonfiction Series & Documentaries

eOne Television

Jordan Rosenblum is a primetime Emmy-nominated producer, executive and screenwriter who works
across both scripted and nonfiction programming. As SVP of Unscripted Development, Jordan is
responsible for leading development of eOne's nonfiction series and documentary film slate, as well as
crafting original content across all genres and platforms for the...show more

Speaking on: COCKTAILS WITH... ENTERTAINMENT ONE


Phil Rosenthal

Award-winning Creator, Executive Producer and Television Host

Phil Rosenthal is the award-winning creator, executive producer, and host of “Somebody Feed Phil,” as well as a New York Times Best Selling Author. “Somebody Feed Phil” – one of Netflix’s most popular food and travel shows, – recently premiered its sixth season on October 18, 2022.

This Emmy-nominated...show more


Beatrice Rossmanith

Managing Director

TAPE Consultancy

Beatrice has spent over fifteen years working in international programme and format distribution across a wide variety of genres and territories. She has held multiple positions within content distribution at companies such as Journeyman Pictures, Passion Distribution, AwesomenessTV and Red Bull Media House. Prior to joining TAPE in September 2021, Beatrice set up her...show more

Speaking on: FORMAT FOCUS: IT’S ALL ABOUT IP


Greg Rubidge

President

Syndicado

In 2009 Greg Rubidge founded Syndicado Inc., a North American film and television distribution company based out of Toronto, ON. The company has become one of the top digital distributors of independent documentaries, arthouse features and factual TV series, with over 5000 hours of content launched globally on all major...show more

Speaking on: MEET A DISTRIBUTOR...


Loren Ruch

Head of Content HGTV

HGTV

Loren Ruch is Group Senior Vice President, Production & Development, HGTV, where he oversees the programming and development team responsible for hit series including Celebrity IOU, A Very Brady Renovation, Property Brothers: Forever Home, My Lottery Dream Home, Flip or Flop, as well as the discovery+ series Trixie Motel.

HGTV is one the biggest...show more

Speaking on: 30 MINUTES WITH: LOREN RUCH, HGTV; BREAKFAST WITH...


Angela Rye

Award-Winning Host, Social Justice Advocate, Lawyer, Commentator, and Self-Described Empowermenteur

Angela Rye, award-winning host, social justice advocate, lawyer, commentator, and self-described empowermenteur, embodies what it means to be a “bringer of truth”. Named and raised accordingly, the attorney’s no holds barred commentary has resonated with demographics all over the world. Her thoughtful yet incisive commentary and real talk about social justice, politics, culture, and...show more

Speaking on: AFTER GEORGE FLOYD: THE POWER OF BLACK CONTENT IN UNSCRIPTED



Ameeth Sankaran

CEO

Religion of Sports

Ameeth Sankaran is CEO of Religion of Sports, an Emmy Award winning Media company co-founded by Tom Brady, Michael Strahan and Gotham Chopra, built on the thesis that sports are religion. The company produces content focused on a single narrative of ‘Why Sports Matter’ to explore themes such as greatness...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - SPORTS DOC


Jacy Schleier

Agent, Non-Fiction

CAA Creative Artists Agency


Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Jessica Schmiedchen is an innovative media executive with close to 20 years experience in content development.

Jessica oversees development of original content and formats in the genres of factual entertainment and doc series at CBC - on both linear television and on the broadcaster's streaming service, CBC Gem. She...show more

Speaking on: 30 MINUTES WITH: JESSICA SCHMIEDCHEN, CBC


Joseph Schneier

SVP, Production & Development, Discovery Channel

Warner Bros. Discovery


Eric Schotz

CEO

Anvil 1893

Eric Schotz, president and CEO of production company Anvil 1893, is a nine-time Emmy® Award winner whose innovative style and creativity has established him as one of the industry’s foremost producers/directors of non-fiction and reality programming. 
 
Schotz created and executive produces the series Money Court for CNBC, with hosts and entrepreneurs...show more

Speaking on: SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW UNSCRIPTED?


Jon Sechrist

Production & Development Consultant

Blue Ant Media / Cortés Filmworks

Jon Sechrist is an independent consultant currently working with production companies focusing on Production, Development, Strategy and Sales implementing 20 years of experience honed at Disney, Viacom, and Discovery. His clients include Blue Ant Media, Twitch, Netflix, Radical Media, the Museum of the City of New York and premium directors, Joe...show more

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING; LUNCH WITH...


Chachi Senior

Head of Development

Truly Original

Emmy Award-winning producer Chachi Senior is head of development at Truly Original, with creative oversight of the unscripted behemoth’s robust development roster, encompassing documentary, reality, big formats, competition, game and more.
 
Senior was previously head of alternative development and original programming at Paramount Network, overseeing franchises including Ink Master (produced by Truly Original) and Bar Rescue. Senior also...show more

Speaking on: SUCCESS 2.0: WHAT IS A HIT IN A MULTI-PLATFORM WORLD?


Cecilia Shakerley

VP, Development for BBC Studios – Natural History Unit.

BBC Studios

Cecilia is Vice President of Development for BBC Studios Natural History Unit. Based in Los Angeles, Cecilia works closely with the NHU’s development team in the UK and is responsible for developing original series and features from the globally renowned Unit for the US market.

Cecilia has over a decade of...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - NATURAL HISTORY


Evan Shapiro

Producer/Owner

ESHAP

Evan Shapiro is an Emmy and Peabody winning producer of TV, film and podcasts. He is a professor of Media Studies at Fordham University and NYU. His charting of Media's evolution has made him known by some as the official unofficial cartographer of the Media Universe. He writes the newsletter Media...show more

Speaking on: MEDIA'S NEW ABNORMAL


Betsy Slenzak

VP, Unscripted Programming

NBCUniversal Television and Streaming

Betsy Slenzak is Vice President, Entertainment Unscripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.  

In her role, Slenzak oversees reality competition, talent competition and game show formats across the company’s entertainment portfolio including NBC, Peacock, Bravo, E! and USA Network. Her purview includes managing a robust development slate and hit series including NBC’s “American...show more

Speaking on: 30 MINUTES WITH: BETSY SLENZAK & STEPHEN MANN (NBCU - GAME SHOW & COMPETITION)


Bryan Smiley

President & Chief Content Officer

Hartbeat

Bryan Smiley, President & Chief Content Officer of HARTBEAT oversees the production division of the company: HARTBEAT Studios. Smiley oversees all financing, development and productions for the company’s thriving TV and Film business. A powerhouse producer, Smiley has made a name for himself negotiating deals with best-in-class studios and talent...show more


Alison Smith

Artistic Producer/Programmer

Pesky People

Alison brings 30 years of equalities expertise working across the arts, creative industries, film festivals and productions a project manager, producer,equalities diversity and inclusion consultant, digital accessibility activist/campaigner (as @peskypeople) and she is also a performance poet/filmmaker. Currently trained as one of twelve Access Coordinators available to work in the

...show more

Speaking on: UNLOCKING AUDIENCE: DELIVERING CONTENT FOR, AND WITH, EVERYONE


FredAnthony Smith

VP, Non-Scripted Development

SMAC Entertainment

FredAnthony Smith is an Emmy and NAACP Image Award-winning director and producer. He is currently vice president and head of non-scripted developed at SMAC Productions, a division of SMAC Entertainment, the content creator, cultural connector, and business incubator founded by Constance Schwartz-Morini and Michael Strahan. In his role, FredAnthony is currently producing...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - SPORTS DOC


Jessie Springer

Manager of Development, Nat Geo WILD

National Geographic Channel

Jessie Springer is a Development Manager for National Geographic Channels. Her team commissions wildlife and nature programming for Disney +, National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD.  

Speaking on: 30 MINUTES WITH: JESSIE SPRINGER, NAT GEO WILD


Scott Sternberg

President

Scott Sternberg Productions


Cameron Stracher

Owner

Cameron Stracher - Media & Entertainment Law


Patty Suh

VP, Programming & Development - Food Network & Cooking Channel

Food Network

Patty Suh is Vice President of Programming & Development for Food Network & Cooking Channel at Discovery, Inc. In this role, she is focused on developing new original programming ideas and identifying new on-air talent. She is based in Los Angeles, where she is also charged with facilitating and fostering...show more

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING; SLOW PITCHING (*NEW FOR 2023); SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION


Rob Swartz

SVP, Development & Production

REELZ Channel


Tony Tackaberry

CEO + Founder

Station 6 Productions

Tony Tackaberry is founder and CEO of Station 6 Productions.  

 

Founded less than a year ago, Station 6 develops and produces unscripted series, premium documentaries and a diverse array of formats. The company has a first-look deal and broad creative partnership with award-winning production company Blue Ant Studios, a Blue Ant...show more

Speaking on: THE PROGNOSIS FOR PREMIUM DOCS


Liz Tang

Executive Director, Acquisitions

Fifth Season

Speaking on: PITCHING PARTNERS


Brian Tannenbaum

Head of Originals

Roku

Brian Tannenbaum is Head of Alternative Originals for Roku Originals, where he leads all aspects of original unscripted, format, and documentary series for Roku. A key member of the team behind the launch of Roku Originals, he manages Roku’s alternative content strategy across all series commissions and development for The Roku Channel. Tannenbaum...show more

Speaking on: THE BUYERS’ VIEW: NAVIGATING THE ROAD AHEAD


Marissa Thompson

Sr. Unscripted Creative Executive

Amazon Studios

Speaking on: BREAKFAST WITH...


Benjamin Thornton

Development Executive

Warner Bros. Discovery

Speaking on: PITCHING PARTNERS


James Townley

Chief Content Officer, Development

Banijay Group

James Townley is Banijay’s Global Head of Content Development, responsible for driving the development and creation of original non-scripted IP and format acquisition across the 22-territory group and its production entities. Co-leading Creative Networks and the group’s central marketing activity, he supports and champions a strong pipeline of new formats...show more

Speaking on: FORMAT FOCUS: IT’S ALL ABOUT IP


Andrew Tracy

Associate Editor

Brunico - PB Pub marketing

Andrew Tracy joined Realscreen as associate editor in 2021, following 17 years as managing editor of the award-winning international film magazine Cinema Scope. From 2010 to 2020 he also held the position of senior editor at the Toronto International Film Festival, where he oversaw the flagship publication for the organization’s year-round Cinematheque programming...show more

Speaking on: GENRE JAMS - PREMIUM DOCS


Adaora Udoji

Vice President, Programming & Operations

PBS

ADAORA is an award-winning producer and media executive with expertise in emerging technology.  Currently, she is Vice President of Programming and Operations at PBS.   She leads editorial, strategy, production management, and program operations teams for news, current affairs, documentaries, indie films, and docu-series on tv, streaming, and other digital...show more

Speaking on: THE PROGNOSIS FOR PREMIUM DOCS


Amanda Upson

Interim Director, Producer

FWD-Doc


Nikki Van Schyndel

Adventurer / Survival Expert

Nikki van Schyndel is an adventurer, survival expert and wilderness guide who has always sought out the experiences that scare her the most. It’s an instinct that has led her on  unbelievable adventures in the wild, including her 52-day experience on Season 6 of History Channel’s hit survival series Alone.  

Following her...show more

Speaking on: BORN AT REALSCREEN: THE STORY OF ‘ALONE’


Natalie Vinet

SVP, Global Distribution

Boat Rocker Media

As VP Global Factual Sales at Boat Rocker Studios, Natalie oversees non-scripted/factual content distribution and leads strategy on international programme sales, acquisitions and pre-sales, whilst also managing television and digital media rights sales in the Americas, UK, Spain, Italy, and France.

Prior to joining the Boat Rocker team Natalie was VP...show more

Speaking on: MEET A DISTRIBUTOR...


Barry Walsh

Editor-in-Chief & Content Director

Realscreen Magazine

Barry Walsh is editor-in-chief and content director for Realscreen, and has served as editor of the publication since 2009. With a career in entertainment media that spans two decades, prior to Realscreen, he held the associate editor post for now defunct sister publication Boards, which focused on the advertising and commercial production industries....show more

Speaking on: OPENING REMARKS


Philip Webb

COO

OUTtv Network Inc



Peter White

Executive Editor, Television

Deadline Hollywood

Peter joined Deadline in 2017, initially as International TV Editor based in London, before moving to LA to become Television Editor. He covers all aspects of TV programming, development and executive moves, as well as the business of late-night television, podcasting and music documentaries. He was previously News Editor of UK-based Broadcast and Deputy...show more

Speaking on: KEYNOTE CONVERSATION: KATHLEEN FINCH; KEYNOTE CONVERSATION: ALEX GIBNEY


Lauren Whitelaw

Head of Programming

OUTtv Network Inc

Speaking on: BREAKFAST WITH...


Tiffany Williams

EVP, Unscripted Programming & Development

BET Networks

Bio coming soon ... 

Speaking on: THE BUYERS’ VIEW: NAVIGATING THE ROAD AHEAD


Deborah Williams OBE

Chief Executive

Creative Diversity Network

Deborah Williams is Executive Director of The Creative Diversity Network (CDN), the body funded by the UK’s major broadcasters, which brings together organisations across the UK television industry to promote, celebrate and share good practice around the diversity agenda.

As Executive Director, Deborah is responsible for delivering all aspects of the...show more

Speaking on: UNLOCKING AUDIENCE: DELIVERING CONTENT FOR, AND WITH, EVERYONE


Jessica Winchell

VP, Content & Development - Magnolia Network

Magnolia Network

Jessica Winchell is an executive producer, developer and showrunner with experience in factual entertainment on all platforms. Prior to joining Magnolia Network as a Director, Development and Content, Jessica was VP of Development for acclaimed producers Lucky 8. At Lucky 8 Jessica oversaw a deep slate of development (and a...show more

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING; SLOW PITCHING (*NEW FOR 2023)


Amy Winter

EVP, Head of Programming

Lifetime Television

Amy Winter is Executive Vice President, Head of Programming, Lifetime. In this role, Winter oversees the development, creation and execution of all programming (movies, scripted and unscripted) for both Lifetime and LMN® networks. A multiplatform brand and content strategist, Winter has experience guiding cable networks to new heights: lifting ratings, reenergizing...show more

Speaking on: SURVIVORS AND THRIVERS


Michael Winter

SVP, Programming & Development

Chicken Soup for the Soul Studios (Crackle)

Michael Winteris SVP of programming and development for Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Studios which he launched with a slate of original programming including Vacation Rental Potential (A&E), Being Dad (Netflix), Going For Broke (Crackle) and the Emmy-nominatedHidden Heroes (CBS).  As Chicken Soup has become majority owner of Crackle, one of the leading AVOD services in the...show more

Speaking on: LUNCH WITH...; SLOW PITCHING (*NEW FOR 2023)


Shawn Witt

President

Leftfield Pictures

Shawn Witt is president of ITV America’s Leftfield Pictures, the prolific unscripted producer
behind reality staples such as HISTORY's survival competition Alone and cultural
phenomenon Pawn Stars, as well as ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30: Year of the Scab, among many others. 
 
He oversees Leftfield’s production and development slate, encompassing projects from every corner of...show more

Speaking on: BORN AT REALSCREEN: THE STORY OF ‘ALONE’


Justina Wójtowicz

EVP, Acquisitions Co-Productions & Sales

Rive Gauche Television

Speaking on: MEET A DISTRIBUTOR...


Jin Woo Hwang

Executive Producer & President

Something Special

Jin Woo Hwang is co-Founder, Executive Producer and President of Something Special, Korea’s first ever Format Production Agency. He is an award-winning global Format expert, producing more than 40 primetime television shows; developing 112 original Formats at CJ ENM and has been a production consultant in 22 territories. Jin Woo...show more

Speaking on: FORMAT FOCUS: IT’S ALL ABOUT IP


Keith Wooten

Director, Creative Development

Audible

Keith Wooten is a Los Angeles native who left for Atlanta in the mid-nineties to attend college and begin his entertainment career. While a freshman at Clark Atlanta University, he began interning in the music business, eventually becoming an assistant in the Video Production and Marketing departments at LaFace Records, a record label...show more

Speaking on: SPEED PITCHING


CJ Yu

Founder

Amazon Studios | The Culver Studios

Since joining Amazon Studios in 2017, CJ Yu has spearheaded some of the first unscripted originals in Amazon’s international territories, building from the ground up a slate of local original content across Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Many of Yu’s projects involve unprecedented partnerships with top celebrity talent, athletes,...show more

Speaking on: SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW UNSCRIPTED?


Cyle Zezo

President

The CW Television Network

Cyle Zezo is Vice President and head of Alternative and Digital Programming at The CW Network, where he has worked for nearly a decade and, prior to the company’s acquisition by Nexstar Media Group, oversaw a threefold increase in unscripted programming hours. He is responsible for the network's current unscripted series and...show more

Speaking on: THE BUYERS’ VIEW: NAVIGATING THE ROAD AHEAD

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