Realscreen West 2023 Agenda - Print Version

Tuesday, June 6

11:00 AM	In Conversation With: Heather Olander, The CW Dana 5-8 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Earlier this year, veteran television executive Heather Olander – previously EVP of alternative development and programming for NBCUniversal’s USA Network, Syfy and Peacock – was named as the head of unscripted programming at The CW, a newly created position that signals an important shift in the strategy for the U.S. broadcast network. In this keynote conversation, Heather Olander will outline her plans for ramping up unscripted at The CW, and share her thoughts on the challenges and opportunities ahead for the genre. Speaking Interviewer Peter White Executive Editor, Television Deadline Hollywood Heather Olander Head, Unscripted Programming The CW Television Network
3:15 PM	The Power Of Black Content In Unscripted: Moving Towards Growth Dana 5-8 3:15 PM-4:00 PM This session follows up on the discussion held at the Realscreen Summit regarding the power of Black content in the current unscripted climate with a focus on growth. We will discuss the ever shifting landscape and identify specific ways network partners and content creators are collaborating and can continue to work together to grow audiences for and further monetize Black content -- pathways that have impact on both our industry and society at large. We will explore questions such as what is considered "Black content" in 2023, and should that definition change? How can opportunities for Black producers and content creators grow into new unscripted genres -- genres in which Black producers are currently underrepresented? And how can the priorities for buyers and sellers of programming in the current climate align with the need -- and desire from audiences -- for more inclusive content? Speaking Ri-Karlo Handy Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sunwise Media and Senior Vice President, Unscripted, Blink49 Studios The Handy Foundation Ashley McFarlin VP, Unscripted & Scripted Development and Production WE TV Valerie Idehen Creator, Executive Producer & Development Consultant Hot Snakes Media Stevenson Greene Senior Production and Development Executive OUTTV Carri Twigg Founding Partner & Head of Development Culture House
4:15 PM	The Big Questions … And Some Answers Dana 5-8 4:15 PM-5:00 PM How might a potential writers strike impact the unscripted business? What is the prognosis for linear networks in the near future? What are the opportunities for original content in the ever-evolving streaming world? And how can buyers and sellers of unscripted content best prepare for the twists and turns ahead? All these questions, and perhaps more, will be tackled by our team of top executives from across the industry in this “can’t miss” session. Speaking Loren Ruch Head of Content HGTV HGTV Robyn Lattaker-Johnson Agent, Media Consultant A3 Artists Agency Joe Livecchi Chief Executive Officer Right On Content Elaine Frontain Bryant EVP, Head of Programming, A&E, Lifetime & LMN A&E Network Rupert Dobson EVP of Development Bunim Murray Productions

Wednesday, June 7

9:00 AM	After the Reset: Challenges and Opportunities for Content Creators Pacific Learning Ctr 9:00 AM-9:45 AM 2022 saw myriad pivotal shifts in the screen content business. The metrics for success shifted substantially for streaming, with profitability usurping subscription numbers. Mergers of major legacy media companies led to cutbacks and uncertainty for content buyers and sellers alike. And while the changes aren’t over yet, the dust might be clearing enough to get a clearer picture of the trends that will shape the industry in the near future. Join Parrot Analytics’ Monica Trujillo-Jamison as she explores the outlook for the screen content business, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities ahead for the unscripted sector. Speaking Monica Trujillo-Jamison Partner Insights Director Parrot Analytics
10:00 AM	In Conversation With: Arthur Smith Dana 5-8 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Join us for a conversation with the founder of A. Smith & Co. and chairman of Tinopolis USA, as he reflects on 30+ years in the unscripted television business. Smith's keynote conversation will also come directly on the heels of the launch of his non-fiction book, Reach (Blackstone Publishing), which chronicles his career in television thus far and takes the reader behind the scenes of dozens of pivotal moments in sports and television history. Join Arthur for a special book signing in the Foyer immediately following the keynote conversation Speaking Arthur Smith Chairman A. Smith & Co. Productions Interviewer Matt Iseman Comedian, Actor, and Television Host
1:45 PM	AI AI OH! Dana 5-8 1:45 PM-2:45 PM Everyone is talking about AI, and most agree that it will transform practically every aspect of entertainment. But it’s not just the scripted world that will be impacted – there are myriad opportunities to integrate these evolving technologies into your processes and your productions. This session will serve as a “show and tell” in which you’ll see what’s happening now in AI and how it can impact your storytelling, while also offering a glimpse of what’s just around the corner. Speaking Shelby Ward Co-Founder Curious Refuge Caleb Ward CEO Curious Refuge Souki Mehdaoui Co-Founder Bell & Whistle Ben Relles Content Strategy - Office of Reid Hoffman Marc Scarpa Co-Founder DeFiance Media
3:00 PM	What We’ll Be Watching: Trends In Unscripted Dana 5-8 3:00 PM-3:45 PM Unscripted programming is a truly versatile genre – not only is it capable of truly reflecting the times in which it’s made, but it can also provide escapist entertainment that can transform into cultural phenomena. In this session, you’ll hear from top programming and production executives about the trends they expect to impact unscripted programming for the near future, and the content they’ll be looking to entertain audiences with. Speaking Amy Winter EVP, Head of Programming Lifetime Television Naimah Holmes Producer Hot Snakes Media Jodi Flynn President & Chief Content Officer Asylum Entertainment Group David Collins Co-Founder & Executive Producer Scout Productions Joseph Schneier SVP, Production & Development, Discovery Channel Warner Bros. Discovery

Thursday, June 8

10:00 AM

Town Hall: The Power Of The Pivot – A Survivor’s Guide To The Next Few Years
Dana 5-8
10:00 AM-10:45 AM

Yes, these are challenging times. But there are innumerable instances of executives in the unscripted business who have reinvented themselves in times of disruption, and through a mix of creativity, courage and “can do” spirit, have pivoted into exciting new chapters of their professional lives, propelling the industry forward in the process. This session brings together such execs who will share their stories, including their tips on how to make transformative transitions that will take you, and your business, to new heights.

Speaking

Aliza Rosen

Owner

AYR Media

D'Angela Proctor

Owner/Founder

Undaunted Content

Rhett Bachner

Founder/Executive Producer

B17 Entertainment

Matt Hornburg

Co-President

marblemedia

Alex Piper

Head, Night Studios

Night, Inc.

2:15 PM

Global Visions, International Insights
Dana 5-8
2:15 PM-3:00 PM

From networks to streamers to production companies, everyone is looking at ways to maximize the reach – and hopefully, the success – of content. What might have been seen as a hit in a local market in years past now has the potential to become a global smash. But in such an environment, understanding the evolution of the international unscripted market – including the needs and business processes of the platforms driving it – is key. This session will provide an overview of how content is traveling across borders in today’s media landscape, what content is connecting with global audiences, and how to establish international partnerships at a time when they might be more relevant than ever.