Meet Our Judges

Mohit Bakaya
Controller, BBC Radio 4
BBC

Rachel Goldstein-Couto
Head of Development, Original Programming
Bell Media

Carlos King
Executive Producer, Founder
Kingdom Reign Entertainment

Carlos King is one of the most sought after executive producers in reality television. With over ten years under his production belt, King has quickly created a niche for himself in the docu-soap arena. He has produced high-profile programs such as eight seasons of the Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes and The Four on Fox.

Under his production company Kingdom Reign Entertainment, King has created shows such as Styling Hollywood (Netflix) Love & Marriage: Huntsville (OWN) and Hollywood Divas (TV One); just to name a few.

King is affectionately regarded as the “record breaker” when it comes to his Midas touch. In early 2012, King co-executive produced Vh1’s successful docu-series Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, which shattered cable ratings when the show attracted 4.4 total million viewers in just one week, making it Vh1’s #1 cable program. During the sixth season of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, King executive produced the highest rated season ever for not only the franchise but for the Bravo network as well.Gucci Mane & Keyshia Ka’Oir’s wedding series, The Mane Event, debuted as the highest rated series premiere for the 2017-18 schedule.

Olivia LaRoche
Independent

Joseph Maxwell
Head of Unscripted
SBS Special Broadcasting Service

Joseph oversees commissioning for all unscripted content at Australian Public Service Broadcaster, SBS. This content ranges from cutting edge documentaries, to travel and food shows and big entertainment events. Joseph 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 2012 and became Head of Documentaries in 2016. His slate of shows at SBS ranges from returning series such as ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ ‘Filthy Rich and Homeless’ and ‘Every Family Has a Secret’ to landmark documentaries such as ‘Addicted’, ‘See what you made me do’ and the recent SBS series ‘The Australian Wars.’ He has also overseen the launch of a new single documentary strand “Australia Uncovered” from which a number of films have gone on to critical acclaim and to win major award such as “Strong Female Lead” and “Our African Roots”. He became Head of Unscripted at SBS in November 2022.

Lynn Ng
GVP, Head of Content Networks & Head of Content Strategy APAC
Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific

Carlyn Staudt
Senior Media Executive

Carlyn Staudt heads up Love Nature’s strategic direction and operations globally, including commissioning and development, programming, digital content, marketing and communications, as well as international affiliate sales. Carlyn is formerly EVP, Programming and Development for Love Nature, where she oversaw the global programming strategy of Love Nature’s linear platforms internationally and she commissioned original content to grow the brand’s extensive library of 4K natural history programming. Prior to joining Blue Ant Media, Carlyn held numerous leadership roles at National Geographic. As SVP, Global Programming and Managing Director for National Geographic Channels International’s operations in Washington DC, Carlyn was responsible for spearheading co-production partnerships and global acquisitions across NGCI’s suite of channels. Carlyn also served as Channel Manager for Nat Geo Wild internationally, charged with increasing the network’s footprint and managing all content, both commissioned and acquired.

Debbie Akinbola
Head of Production
Like a Shot Entertainment/Argonon

After a career in production at places such as the BBC, IT,  Debbie Joined Argonon Label Like A Shot in 2018, taking on the role of Head of Production in 2022. Debbie is responsible for overseeing all the company’s output from production through to delivery, ensuring best practices with budgeting, schedules, and compliance across hundreds of hours of content.

Koulla Anastasi
Managing Director, Woodcut International & Commercial Director, Woodcut Media
Woodcut Media

Koulla Anastasi is Commercial Director at Woodcut Media and MD of Woodcut International, the company’s global content sales business.  Working alongside CEO, Kate Beal, she is responsible for expanding the company’s global activities focusing on the strategic development of Woodcut’s content slate, building global partnerships, and new project co-development.  She also Executive Produces a number of Woodcut Media's successful productions includingWorld's Most Evil Killers, Murdered At First Sight and The Killer In My Family.

Prior to joining Woodcut, Anastasi was Channel Director for Crime + Investigation (CI) and Lifetime at A+E Networks® UK and responsible for developing and driving the brand and editorial strategy for CI and Lifetime across commissions and acquisitions in the UK & Ireland and EMEA.  She developed, commissioned and exec produced over 150 hours of programming, including some of the channels’ biggest hits, Britain’s Next Top Model and Crimes That Shook Britain.

Hali Anastopoulo
Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer
Get Me Out Productions

Hali Anastopoulo is the co-founder and chief creative officer of Get Me Out Productions, a company dedicated to producing premium unscripted television that reflects the unique Gen Z perspective. A multi-hyphenate creator, Hali co-directed and executive-produced Men of West Hollywood, a groundbreaking reality series that became Crackle's most successful original, topping social media charts and reaching audiences in Australia and Canada. Her expanding slate includes a partnership with acclaimed author Jon Krakauer on a premium nonfiction project, solidifying her focus on the intersection of prestige documentary and commercial storytelling. Hali also created and executive produces Recipe for Murder, a true-crime series that premiered in March 2025. With a global vision, Hali collaborates with Film Fixers Balkans, developing international IP and establishing offices in Athens and London. Recognized by leading media outlets, she was named one of Variety’s “Reality TV Power Players” in 2023 and Realscreen's "Global 100 for 2025.”

Tina Apostolopoulos-Moniz
President & Executive Producer
Maarte Entertainment

Irune Ariztoy
VP, Unscripted Development
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises

Irune Ariztoy is the Vice President of Unscripted Development at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, overseeing the creation and development of unscripted intellectual properties that align with the network’s strategic vision. With nearly 30 years of experience in media and entertainment, she drives idea generation, concept pitching, and project refinement, working collaboratively with internal teams and leadership to deliver impactful content. Most recently, Ariztoy served as Executive Producer for the highly anticipated scripted series 90 Minutes, debuting soon on Peacock. She reports directly to Ronald Day, President of Entertainment and Chief Content Officer.

Robin Ashbrook
CEO
theoldschool

Bianka Balazs
Head of Content Acquisitions
RTL Hungary

With more than 30 years of experience in the television industry, primarily in content acquisitions and programming, Bianka Balazs began her career when the commercial television business was first established in the Hungarian market. Following roles at TV2, MTVA, and Sony, she joined RTL Hungary nearly five years ago, where she currently serves as Head of Content Acquisitions. Bianka has had the opportunity to participate in the launch of two children's channels. During her time at MTVA, she contributed to the early development of M2, Hungary's national children's channel. A few years ago, RTL Hungary expanded its portfolio by launching a dedicated children's cable channel while simultaneously creating a children's section on RTL+, the company's SVOD platform. Together with her team, Bianka focuses on identifying fresh European animation and collaborating with Hungarian animation studios to ensure the channel's programming is not only popular but also of the highest quality.

Monique Barrett
Executive Producer & Development Consultant

Monique Barrett is a creative powerhouse who knows how to bring big ideas to life and land them with style, soul, and precision. With over 15 years in unscripted television, she’s carved her lane as a force who moves fluidly between field producing and show development, all while keeping the heart of the story front and center. Her breakthrough moment came with Ladies Who List: Atlanta, a bold and empowering docuseries she created and sold to OWN. As Creator and Executive Producer, she brought a fresh POV to the screen while meeting the high expectations of a major network, cementing her ability to both lead and deliver. She’s since developed projects with top companies including Sirens Media (ITV), Conveyor Media, Monami Entertainment, and Den of Thieves. Most recently Monique served as Head of Development for TeamSheed Productions, helping shape its growing slate in partnership with Wheelhouse Entertainment. In the field, she just wrapped 106 & Sports for BET, hosted by Cam Newton and Ashley Nicole Moss, and currently serves as Supervising Producer on Tubi’s We Got Time Today, hosted by Deion Sanders and Rocsi Diaz. Monique is passionate about creating content that entertains, explores unique perspectives, pushes boundaries, and champions diversity. She actively develops diverse concepts across formats, docuseries, competitions, live events, and documentaries, especially those that tap into culture, connection, and high-stakes storytelling. Monique is a former cohort member of Realscreen’s DIALOG Mentorship Program.

Jennifer Batty
Media Advisor
JJB Media

Jennifer Batty is an international media executive who helps media businesses turn industry change into commercial opportunity. With more than 25 years of leadership across North America, Europe and Asia, Jennifer has helped media companies grow by combining content strategy, commercial partnerships and business transformation to expand audiences, unlock new revenue and enter new markets. She has developed international content strategies, built transformative partnerships and pioneered new distribution models across streaming, broadcast and digital platforms, including launching the world's first live sports FAST channels featuring top-tier European football. A recognised industry leader, conference moderator and speaker, Jennifer brings a rare combination of strategic vision, commercial leadership and international experience to help organisations accelerate growth and build lasting competitive advantage.

Fanny Beaudry
Media Executive & Founder
March July Media

Fanny Baudry is a media executive and founder of March July Media, advising entertainment companies, creators and IP owners on growth, strategic partnerships and new business opportunities.

Previously, Fanny spent seven years at Wheelhouse, where she served as EVP of Business Development and Managing Director of Wheelhouse DNA. She helped build the company’s creator and digital businesses, developing partnerships with leading creators, talent, platforms and media companies including YouTube, Meta, Amazon, Spotify, iHeartMedia, Warner Bros. Discovery and Moonbug. She also helped launch Additive Creative, a management company representing more than 70 digital creators.

Earlier in her career, Fanny held leadership roles at SB Projects, Banijay and Endemol. 

Steven Berkowitz
TV Producer, Director & Podcaster
Big Play Productions

Bronwyn Berry
Co-Founder & Producer
Storyboard Studios

Bronwyn Berry, an award-winning producer, director and writer, leads the development and production of unscripted content through her company Storyboard Studios. Her credits range from character-driven, follow docu-series to investigative docs and archival biographies. She has created programming for HBO, CNN, Travel Channel, PBS, Discovery, Sesame Workshop, and Africa Channel. Her documentaries include Frontline’s BREAKDOWN IN MAINE, AFTER THE BITE, LOVE, GILDA and HEART & SOUL. Her international showrunner credits include the docu-series DURBAN BEACH RESCUE and SESAME STREET SOUTH AFRICA. She is currently working on a 10-episode docu-series for Paramount. She is a member of the Producers Guild (PGA), the WGAE and the Television Academy.

Ric Esther Bienstock
Producer
Good Soup Productions

Ric Esther Bienstock is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker renowned for her hard-hitting investigative documentaries. Her films and series, including Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (with Samuel L. Jackson), The Accountant of Auschwitz, Tales From the Organ Trade, Sex Slaves, and Ebola: Inside an Outbreak - have screened at more than eighty international festivals and aired worldwide on major broadcasters and streamers. In 2024, she received the Silver Circle Emmy Award in New York for 25 years of “significant and impactful contributions to the industry.” She was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, the nation’s highest civilian honour, for “her commitment to raising awareness of global events and conflicts through film.” Bienstock’s work has garnered dozens of prestigious awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Investigative Journalism, two Edward R. Murrow Awards, a Dupont-Columbia Award, the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism, and five Canadian Screen Awards, among many others.

Jason Bolicki
Founder & Executive Producer
Exit Four

Jason launched Exit Four after more than a decade heading up development and production at some of the industry's top unscripted companies. He's developed and produced more than 50 series for over a dozen major networks, including A&E’s award-winning 60 DAYS IN and UNDERCOVER HIGH, ID's PEOPLE MAGAZINE INVESTIGATES: CULTS and THE REAL STORY WITH MARIA ELENA SALINAS, Food Network's KIDS BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP, History's MANSON SPEAKS, Bravo's IN A MAN'S WORLD, TLC's long-running hit series MY STRANGE ADDICTION, and many more. At Exit Four, he's continued his success in long-form content (TLC's reboot of MY STRANGE ADDICTION, HGTV's HOARDING FOR THE HOLIDAYS, Hallmark's MOM'S THE BRIDE, BABY DRIVERS, PEOPLE MAGAZINE PRESENTS) while building out a digital division that creates viral content and series (LOVE HOTLINE, BUYING BACK HOME, MY UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE, DRAGGED) for a variety of platforms.

Liz Brach
VP, Production
Warner Bros. Discovery

Matthew Braley
Executive Producer, Showrunner & Director
Bright North Studios

Christian Broadhurst
SVP, US Development & Production
Rare TV

Leading US development at Rare TV since 2016. Created and executive producers Paramount+ aviation franchise on Smithsonian Channel 'Ice Airport Alaska’ (SE7) and 'Extreme Airport Africa’ (SE3). He also oversee’s 'Life on the Edge' (SE4) for Outdoor Channel and created 'Egypts Unexplained Files' and 'Ancient Unexplained Files’ for Discovery Science. Previously at Raw Television, Arrow Media, and Windfall Films.

Signe Bruntse
Acquisitions Executive
DR TV/Danish Broadcasting Corporation

Becky Cadman
Head, Talent-Led Programming
Optomen

Becky's current slate at Optomen includes Secret Lives of Gypsy Wives for C4,  Damilola - The Untold Story for BBC2, and new commissions yet to be announced. She has over 20 years’ experience in the industry, and prior to her current position, she was Creative Director at Lime, where she played a key role in the creation and production of programs including Vinnie Jones in the Country for Discovery+ and Drama Queens for ITVBe. Before that, she spent four years as a Fact-Ent Commissioning Editor at C4, where her orders included The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan, Caroline Flack: Her Life and Death and Chatsworth House. She has also previously led format development on shows including Love Island, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and Got to Dance.

Carl Callam
Commissioning Editor, Documentaries
BBC

Carl has a strong track record of making and commissioning high quality and innovative factual programmes, currently commission across BBC1, BBC2 and BBC3.

Credits include the BAFTA and RTS award winning series Uprising (BBC1). The RTS award winning Anton Ferdinand: Football Racism and Me (BBC1). And the BAFTA nominated, and RTS award winning Hell Jumper (BBC2).

Commissions on BBC3 include singles such as the award winning Leigh Anne: Race Pop and Power, and the Broadcast Award winning documentary Krept and Konan: We Are England. And series including the Grierson nominated Glow Up.

Carl is currently working with a range of production companies on compelling, timely, high impact projects. These include high profile single films. As well as boxset series and innovative formats.

Nikki Cameron
VP, Unscripted Development
Bunim Murray Productions

Lynne Carter
Director, Original Programming
Corus Entertainment Inc

Geoff Clark
CEO, Documentary+ & acTVe, Founder, Free Live Sports
acTVe & Documentary+

Josh Cole
Executive Producer & Director
Badwood Projects

After making television for more than twenty years, Josh has concluded that almost everyone is fascinating for about six minutes, some people are fascinating for six episodes, and if you make it to six seasons, you should be getting residuals. His work has spanned documentary, competition, adventure, natural history, true crime, comedy, live events, and a handful of projects that simply refuse to fit into any recognizable genre. Those were not hits. Along the way he’s collaborated with Victoria’s Secret models, refugee children, survivalists, magicians, architects, smugglers, celebrities, fishermen, scientists, law enforcement, pretend law enforcement, suburban families, and murderers. Following a decade as a studio and network executive, Josh recently returned to independent producing, where he’s writing and developing a slate of scripted projects. But he just met a private military contractor who’s spent the last twenty-five years filming himself in war zones, and, against his better judgment, it feels suspiciously like the beginning of another documentary. Josh is honored to serve as a judge for this year’s Realscreen Awards. Years of producing “unscripted” television taught him that reality is endlessly malleable in the field and the edit bay, but the world itself continues to be stranger than non-fiction.

Miles Coleman
Producer & Head of Development
Ventureland

Shera Collins
Director, Production & Operations
TEGNA

Shera Collins is a longtime factual entertainment producer & development exec who joined True Crime Network in 2021. She develops and produces original true crime programming rooted in TEGNA’s exceptional investigative reporting, while also pursuing coproduction opportunities with new partners in the true crime space. In her operations role, Shera oversees the day-to-day workflow for the multicast networks, ensuring affiliate channels run smoothly, programs are delivered reliably, and promos air on schedule. Shera began her career in the early days of Animal Planet, later leading development for NHNZ’s Washington, D.C. office. She also served as Senior Producer at WebMD, creating award-winning health and medical series centered on human-driven storytelling.

Samantha Cooper
Head, International Licensing & Business Development
V10 Entertainment

Sam Cooper is a dynamic media and entertainment executive with over two decades of experience at the forefront of content distribution, global licensing strategy and industry transformation. Known for her sharp deal instincts and collaborative leadership, Sam currently oversees Global Content Licensing for V10 Entertainment, a private equity backed media company based in Los Angeles.  She oversees the distribution and monetization of V10s catalog, including 36 seasons of America's Funniest Videos, the Keanu Reeves docuseries Arch Racing and the global rights for the MotoAmerica racing circuits.

As a senior executive at Viacom and later Paramount Global, Sam generated over$10 billion in revenue across linear and streaming platforms and played a central role in shaping the future of media—from the 2007 transition of MTV Networks to Viacom, to the 2019 merger of Viacom and CBS. She led key negotiations with top distributors and streaming platforms globally and helped steer the company’s internal and third-party content licensing strategy.

Known for her “truth to power” leadership style, Sam brings a clear, candid perspective to every room—challenging conventional thinking while championing innovation and collaboration. Whether on stage, in the boardroom, or at the dinner table with friends and family, she is passionate about creating experiences that bring people together and spark meaningful connection.

Sam speaks on topics related to media strategy, distribution, leadership, and the streaming economy, and brings a mix of deep industry insight, warmth and practical takeaways to every engagement. 

Darryl Cordova
Senior Director of Development
Rose Rock

Darryl Cordova serves as the Senior Director of Development at Rose Rock Entertainment where he’s helped bring projects like HGTV’s Tropic Like It’s Hot to series. With new projects in development at HGTV, Netflix, and other streamers, he and his team continue to aim to bring new and exciting formats to the unscripted TV landscape. Before Rose Rock, he served as Director of Development at Wheelhouse's Spoke Studios. During this time, Cordova worked across internal development and funded projects for the company where he helped develop and sell multiple series including titles such as Hulu's Secret Chef, Magnolia's Inn the Works, and Netflix's Hype House.

Kalita Corrigan
Commissioning Editor, Documentary & Factual
ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation

As Commissioning Editor for Documentary & Specialist at the ABC, Kalita oversees a busy slate of true crime, history, arts, and contemporary titles, including high rating formats like Stuff The British Stole (a co-production with CBC), Eat The Invaders and Headliners, as well as festival winning feature documentaries including Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra, Songs Inside, and I’m Wanita.

Her career began in the UK, where she spent a decade working for London + Bristol’s best independents creating Factual + documentaries for the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5. After returning to Australia, Kalita continued as a freelance director and series producer before her transition to commissioning editor in 2018 where she is a passionate champion of original, bold, distinctive formats and features.

Randy Counsman
Executive Producer
Rearrange Media

Fiona Crago
Executive Producer & Head of Strategy
Last Word Entertainment

An industry veteran of more than 30 years, Fiona is Executive Producer and Head of Business Strategy at Last Word Entertainment, an independent production company creating premium character-driven documentaries built on rare access for platforms such as Netflix, Crave and SBS. Former Head of Beyond Distribution - one of the world's leading media distribution companies - for over 10 years, she also previously served as General Counsel for the Beyond International group of companies. Fiona was also a Board Member of Screenrights from 2011 to 2017. Fiona has helped finance, negotiate and sell thousands of hours of screen content locally and internationally. As Executive Producer, her credits include Kid Detectives and History Hunters (for ABC, Channel 7, Super RTL and TV Ontario), as well as the feature film 48 Shades, based on the novel by Nick Earls and released theatrically in Australia by Disney.

Amanda Culkowski
Executive Producer & Senior Media Executive

Amanda Culkowski is an Emmy-nominated Executive Producer and senior media executive with over 20 years of experience across film and television. Most recently serving as the Vice President of Music Program Development and Documentaries at Paramount & MTV, she was responsible for developing and overseeing the production of all original music series and documentaries for Paramount’s global linear channels and streaming premium content, including the platform's top two most-streamed documentaries to date: Ozzy: No Escape from Now and Eminem’s STANS (SXSW London 2025).

She was nominated for an Emmy in 2025 for As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, which was honored in 2024 as a Sundance Film Festival Best Doc Nominee. She additionally produced LOLLA: The Story of Lollapalooza (Sundance 2004) among others.

Prior to Paramount, Amanda was part of the WE tv development team and has held positions at HGTV and PBS member stations ThinkTV and WOUB. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Ohio University and is an alum of the Harvard Business School of Entertainment, Media and Sports.

Valentina Daley
VP, Acquisitions & Production Executive
Blue Ant Media

Alex Davies
Executive Producer
AD Productions

Alex Davies is an Emmy-nominated Executive Producer and Showrunner with more than 20 years of experience creating premium unscripted and branded content. She has led acclaimed series from development through delivery for Netflix, HBO Max, Roku, Amazon, Discovery+, FX, and other leading networks and platforms. Her work spans competition formats, premium docuseries, celebrity-driven franchises, and branded entertainment, including bilingual and international productions that connect audiences across cultures. Recent credits include Necaxa, House of Ho, Nailed It! Mexico, De Viaje con los Derbez, Everybody Loves Natti, Taste of the Border, and the Emmy-nominated Dime Cómo Hacerlo.

Elwin de Groot
Senior Unscripted Development Executive
Tokyo Broadcasting System International

With almost twenty years in unscripted television, Elwin has worked for and held senior positions at numerous companies including MTV Entertainment/ Paramount, Optomen Productions, Armoza Formats in Israel, Youngest Media Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment as well as John de Mol’s Talpa and Endemol Shine in The Netherlands. He currently serves as Senior Unscripted Development Executive for Tokyo Broadcasting System (the Japanese network) based in Los Angeles. During this time, he has developed and co-developed bold unscripted formats across almost all genres. Highlights include All Star Shore (Paramount+), singing show The Four (Fox etc.), entertainment format I Can Do That (NBC etc.), game show Babushka (ITV etc.), Sex Tape (Channel 4 etc.), Blacked Out (on Cut Youtube channel) to name but a few. He created his first format, a fashion competition called Beat the Top Designer (Net5, NL), whilst working at Talpa. Additionally, during his time at Armoza, Elwin served as senior flying-producer for many of the company’s formats, including I Can Do That – a part of the job that saw him work with some of the biggest channels around the world.

Kalbir Dhillon
Archive Producer & Archive Consultant

Erica Diaz-Gant
VP, Development
Investigation Discovery

Erika Dilday
Executive Producer
American Documentary | POV

Erika Dilday is Executive Director of American Documentary and Executive Producer of its multi award-winning series POV and America ReFramed. Previously, she was CEO of Futuro Media Group and Executive Director of the Maysles Documentary Center. She recently co-directed and co-produced Emancipation to Exodus with Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon. Her work centers on advancing independent nonfiction storytelling that reflects the breadth and complexity of the global experience. 

Courtney Dobbins
VP, Unscripted & Documentary
Muse Entertainment Inc

Oleg Dubson
Producer & Head of Productions
Film Manufacturers

Kevin Duncan
Chief Development Officer
Magilla Entertainment

Kevin is a veteran executive producer and development executive with more than 20 years of experience and over 100 green lights to his name. He previously served as EVP of Development at Bright North Studios, SVP of Development at Wheelhouse Entertainment, VP of Development at Leftfield Pictures/ITV, and VP of Development at Zodiak USA, where he developed and sold a wide range of hit series.

His credits include Everything on the Menu (USA Network), King of Collectibles (Netflix), Alone (History), Love Island (USA Network), the Emmy-winning Queer Eye (Netflix), American Grit with John Cena (Fox), Forged in Fire (History), High Hopes (Hulu), Nothin’ But a Good Time (Paramount+), Love & WWE (Hulu), Generation Gap (ABC), Once Upon A Time in Queens (ESPN), Rebound (Fox Nation), and the Emmy-nominated Becoming (Disney+), among many others.

Outside of television, Kevin has built a social following of more than three million on TikTok — proof that middle-child energy can, in fact, become a business model.

Louise Eberhardt
Acquisitions Executive
SVT Swedish Television

Zachary Edwin
VP, Unscripted
Hasbro

Mary-Jo Enyori
Development Executive Producer, APAC
Getty Images

Mary-Jo is an experienced International Development Executive Producer based in Australasia, following a successful career in London where she held senior development roles, including Head of Development, UK & International. She specialises in developing high-quality factual content across feature documentaries, history, true crime, crime-adjacent, and specialist factual programming, with a particular focus on the APAC, US, and UK markets. Mary-Jo has held in-house development positions at Perpetual Entertainment, CJZ, Woodcut Media, the BBC, ITV, and several leading independent production companies across the UK and ANZ bringing extensive expertise in identifying, shaping, and delivering compelling international content. Mary-Jo is a member of BAFTA.

Akos Erdos
Chief Executive Officer
Paprika Studios Group

Ákos Erdős has spent over 10 years at the helm of Paprika Studios Group, building it into the leading independent production house in Central and Eastern Europe. Under his leadership, the group grew to operate across nine CEE countries, producing content in 17 languages for more than 30 major broadcasters and global streaming platforms—including Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime. The company genuinely believes in quality storytelling, which lies at the heart of all its productions — whether that's a gripping true crime documentary, a big glossy shiny-floor show, an exciting, fresh reality or a full-blown drama series. In 2024, Ákos led a successful management buyout from Viaplay Group to make the company fully independent once again. Reclaiming entrepreneurial freedom places creative control and strategic direction entirely back in the hands of the team that knows the region best. Previously, Ákos served as CEO of Raleigh Studios Budapest, where he supported high-profile international productions including 47 Ronin and A Good Day to Die Hard. He brings deep cross-border production expertise to this year's jury panel.

Kyle Espinosa
VP, Global Channel Programming & Data Analytics
Fremantle

Erik Felderhof
Co-Founder & Producer
Original Bear

Erik Felderhof is an award-winning TV and Film producer, director. In addition, Erik serves as the co-founder, alongside Alexander Woronovich, at Original Bear. Where he develops and funds underdog stories - backing creators before it’s safe, closing the gaps that others leave open, and helping meaningful projects get made with real creative partnership and aligned capital.

Joey Femia
SVP, Alternative Programming
Universal Television Alternative Studio

Joey Femia is Senior Vice President of Alternative Programming for Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS), a division of Universal Studio Group. In this role, he manages day-to-day development and current programming for the studio’s powerhouse slate of bold, culture-shaping unscripted series and formats across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms. He reports directly to Monica Rodman, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, UTAS. Femia’s current portfolio includes the Emmy® Award-nominated “The Americas,” a landmark wildlife event narrated by Tom Hanks; “Destination X,” a high-stakes travel competition hosted by Jeffrey Dean Morgan; and Jordan Peele’s “High Horse: The Black Cowboy” for Peacock. He has also championed some of the studio’s most successful franchises, including the Emmy-nominated “That’s My Jam,” “Weakest Link,” LeBron James’ “The Wall” and the Emmy Award-winning hits “Hollywood Game Night” and “World of Dance.” Femia began his career in Disney’s coveted management internship program before moving through production roles at Blue Man Group and ABC’s “The View.” After relocating to Los Angeles, Femia quickly rose through the ranks – from production assistant on “The Voice,” “The Oscars” and “The Grammy Awards” to becoming a key creative executive at NBCUniversal. Femia has been recognized as one of the industry's rising stars, named to Realscreen’s Factual Under 40 in 2024 and LA TV Week’s 40 Under 40 in 2022. He holds dual degrees – a B.A. in Radio and Television Production and a B.S. in Event Management – from the University of Central Florida

Andrea Florence
Executive Producer
Aquila Films

Emmy award–winning Executive Producer with a strong track record of high rating factual shows for broadcasters and platforms worldwide. 

Trained in Natural Science at Cambridge University she has a passion for sharing the wonder of science and wildlife. Spent many years travelling to remote locations across the globe to capture breathtaking visuals and compelling stories. Three years living on a river boat in the Amazon, several years in the rainforests of Indonesia and Belize resulted in a raft of successful films including blue chip wildlife shows, powerful ob-doc series, engaging A-list celebrity and presenter-led factual entertainment, innovative computer graphic specials as well as landmark 3D ventures.

She is founder member of Aquila Films, aboutique production company specialising in extraordinary standout adventure, wildlife, and science shows with innovation at their heart.

Darlene Forst
President, CEO & Senior Producer
Vrai Media

Darlene Forst is a Canadian television producer and director specializing in unscripted series and documentaries. She has been making magic on screen for over 20 years. Her productions have been seen across Canada, the United States, Australia, the Middle East, and China. Originally from Saskatchewan, Forst started out in television news then branched out to independent production and longer-form storytelling. She is now based in Vancouver, BC, heading up Vrai Media, a Canadian production company.

Zara Frankel
Senior Director, Programming & Development
PBS Distribution

Rebecca Gibson
Partner
Eagle Vision

Rebecca Gibson is a partner at Eagle Vision, where she spearheaded development during the most productive period in its 25-year history. With her partners, she won the Innovative Producer Award at the Banff World Media Festival. As a writer, director, producer, series creator, showrunner, story editor and actor, Rebecca's work has played on screens around the world. As CEO of the newly launched Live From Winnipeg, Rebecca is blazing new content trails across multiple genres and platforms. Throughout her career, Rebecca has been dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers through mentorship and training, as well as to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion. She was recently named to the Order of Manitoba in recognition of her contributions to the arts and advocacy. Credits include her ACTRA Award-winning role in The Pinkertons (Netflix), serving as co-creator, executive producer, showrunner, a writer, and director for five seasons of the international award-winning series Taken, producing the feature films H&G, Diaspora, Finality of Dusk, executive producing and story editing Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On (for which the team won an International Emmy Award).

Joris Gijsbertse
Founder & MD
Thirtyfour Media

Nancy Glass
CEO
Glass Entertainment Group

A six-time Emmy Award-winning producer, writer, and journalist, Nancy Glass is CEO of Glass Entertainment Group, an award-winning media company that has produced more than 4,000 hours of television shows, documentaries, and podcasts. For the past five years, Glass Entertainment Group has been listed as one of the top 100 production companies in the world by Realscreen magazine, and Glass is included on the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 Variety list of Titans of Unscripted Television. Previously, she spent twenty years as an anchor, host and reporter for several national television shows. Glass Podcasts has had 200 million listens and consistently has shows on Apple Podcasts' list of top 10 series. Among their hits are Betrayal, Love Trapped and Burden of Guilt. 

Glass has earned several distinctions as an industry pioneer, including being the first woman to be the solo host of a nationally syndicated news show, the first person in syndication to be nominated for a national news Emmy, and the first person in cable to be nominated for an Emmy for Best Daytime Talk Show Host.

Daniel Glynn
Co-Founder & Producer

Dan Glynn co-founded UK indie Ad Hoc Films and has spent more than twenty years making documentaries and factual films across sport, politics, history and culture, driven by a lifelong love of cinema and character-led storytelling. His credits include I Am Durán for Universal Pictures, two series of Mission to Burnley for Sky Documentaries, Elizabeth Windsor for Amazon Originals, The United Way with Eric Cantona for Embankment Films, The Four Year Plan for the BBC, 48 Hours with Muhammad Ali and Lionesses: How Football Came Home for Altitude Film Entertainment. His work has won, been shortlisted or screened at, amongst others, the Grierson Awards, Sheffield DocFest, IDFA, Tribeca, LA Film Fest, AmDocs and the FOCAL International Awards. Now working independently across production, executive production and consultancy, Dan brings particular depth in shaping character-led stories with scale, combining access, archive, creative development, financing strategy and a clear instinct for what makes a project work on screen and in the market. He is drawn to ambitious projects — and to the people making them — where craft, commercial instinct, finance and strong creative vision all need to come together to get great work made.

Gema Granados
Head of International Content & Development
Topanga Crea

Gema Granados is Head of International Content and Development at Topanga Crea, with nearly two decades of experience in Spanish television production and content development. Her career spans leading production companies, including MBC Audiovisuales and Boomerang TV, where she has worked across production, development, and strategic roles. Her expertise centers on international format acquisition: identifying new business opportunities, negotiating rights with global distributors, adapting international IP for the Spanish market, and developing original entertainment concepts. She has attended international television markets throughout her career and contributed to a wide range of formats for major Spanish networks, overseeing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating content, production, and creative processes from concept through delivery. Alongside her audiovisual background, Gema holds a degree in Psychology, which complements her professional expertise with a strong understanding of group dynamics, communication, and talent management — an asset in leading teams and managing complex productions. Curious, adaptable, and highly collaborative, she is passionate about storytelling and the development of compelling formats for domestic and international audiences.

Helen Greatorex
Head of Format Acquisitions
Banijay Entertainment

Helen Greatorex, Head of Format Acquisitions at Banijay Entertainment, has played a central role in shaping the company’s global format strategy, stepping into the role in December 2022 to lead the company’s acquisitions vision, identifying high-potential formats to complement Banijay’s burgeoning catalogue of brands. During her time at Banijay, Greatorex has worked across creative and strategic development positions. As Senior Global Development Producer, she collaborated across key territories to strengthen unscripted pipelines and unlock the potential of their IP within the wider footprint. Prior to this, she spent a year as a Format Manager across superbrand titles such as Big Brother, Hunted and Temptation Island. Earlier in her career, she spent six years as Group Acquisitions Manager for Endemol Shine Group, where she built a track record in identifying unscripted titles with hit potential and negotiating international format deals. Her industry foundation was established at K7 Media, where she spent nearly a decade, leaving as Director of Operations in 2014 with a deep knowledge of global content trends and market intelligence.

Beth Greenwald
VP, Development
A+E Factual Studios

Beth Greenwald is Vice President of Development at A+E Factual Studios, where she is responsible for developing unscripted formats, reality series, and documentary programming for both internal brands as well as external networks and streamers. Previously, Greenwald was a network executive at Showtime, MTV, and E!, and has worked for studios and production companies including RDF USA, New Line Cinema, and Fishbowl Worldwide Media. She also founded Wax World Media, a multi-media production and consulting company where she produced documentaries, podcasts, and branded content, including HUSTLE—produced with Alicia Keys and Marcus Samuelsson in partnership with Cadillac for Viceland. She has helped develop and executive produced projects for a wide range of networks and platforms, including Amazon, Bravo, MTV, Discovery, Oxygen, and Animal Planet, with credits spanning genres such as Insane Pools: Off the Deep End, Pimp My Ride, Next, and the award-winning documentary Sound and Fury.

Arun Gulati
Director of Development, Non-Fiction
Jigsaw Productions

Arun Gulati is a producer and creative executive who joined Alex Gibney's award-winning production company, Jigsaw, in 2025. He has developed premium nonfiction and narrative films & television series for HBO, Netflix, Apple TV+, Paramount+, and Hulu, including premieres at Tribeca Festival and SXSW. His credits include An Update on Our Family, a three-part series for HBO, and Wild Boys: Strangers in Town, a two-part series for Paramount+. Previously, he was director of development at Vox Media Studios, one of the industry's premier production companies and I.P. brokers across nonfiction and narrative film, television, and podcasts. He is based in Los Angeles.

Andrea Gunning
VP, Business Affairs & Podcast Development
Glass Entertainment Group

Andrea Gunning is the Head of Podcast Production and Development for Glass Podcasts. Andrea spent ten years as a television executive before following her passion for spoken word audio. To date, she has executive produced each of the Glass Podcasts audio series, including American Homicide, Love Trapped and Burden of Guilt. In addition to running and producing GP’s slate, she is the well known voice and face of Betrayal, one of the most powerful franchises in modern media with over 100 million lifetime listens, eight podcast seasons, and five seasons of television, including four Hulu docuseries and an eight-part ABC News primetime series. Betrayal won Best Crime podcast at the iHeartPodcast Awards in 2025, and most recently was awarded Outstanding Podcast Series at CrimeCon's CLUE awards in 2026. Andrea is currently in production on season six of the hit podcast.

Ronan Hand
Creative Director, Global Content
Big Media

Naomi Harvey
Producer & Development Executive
Golden Possum Productions

Aleksander Herresthal
Chief Content Officer
Seefood TV

Aleksander Herresthal is an award-winning producer, format creator, and showrunner whose work has made waves across the international entertainment scene. For over 15 years, he’s been a driving force behind original programming in Norway and beyond. Since coming on board as Head of Creative and partner at Seefood TV in 2008, Aleksander has helped shape the company into one of Norway’s top production companies, working alongside Espen Eckbo and Kristian Ødegård. As the creative engine behind Seefood, Aleksander has been essential in developing a slate of in-house originals - many of which have become national hits and found success abroad.

Some of the standout titles abroad include Kompani Lauritzen/Celebrity Task Force, The Know Show, Couples Therapy, Still Looking, and The Box. The Box was picked up in 10 countries, including ITV in the UK and TF1 in France, even before its first season finished airing in Norway. This marked it as one of the fastest multi-territory launches for a Nordic unscripted format in recent years, and Deadline called it “the show everyone is talking about” in 2025.

Kristina Hollstein
Director Acquisitions & Co-Production Documentaries
ZDF Studios

Before joining ZDF Enterprises in 1996 as Director Documentary Coproduction, Kristina Hollstein studied science of information and economics in Saarbrücken and Paris. She finished her studies with a doctor's degree and a thesis on film financing and funding in Germany and France. 1988 she started working for an independent production and distribution company in the field of programming, coproduction and development. At ZDF Enterprises she is responsible for documentary coproductions for ZDF and ZDF Enterprises.

Alex Hryniewicz
Managing Director, Network Social Platforms
Little Dot Studios

Alex Hryniewicz is Managing Director, Network Social Platforms at Little Dot Studios, a multi-platform production company, social media agency and digital media network. He leads the delivery and monetisation of premium digital content across major video and social platforms, driving revenue growth and wider strategic initiatives for the Little Dot Studios Network. Alex manages a portfolio of 250+ Little Dot Studios-owned and operated YouTube channels, and most recently served as Executive Producer on the digital content created during the search for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s lost ship, Endurance. Previously, Alex was Head of Multiplatform at Maverick Television, working across award-winning cross-platform projects for major UK broadcasters and commercial partners.

Nicky Huggett
Strategic Development Consultant

Nicky is Head of Development at HiddenLight, an independent production company founded in 2020 by Hillary Clinton, her daughter Chelsea and Sam Branson, specialising in documentaries and scripted programming for an international audience. HiddenLight’s programmes include Gutsy, an AppleTV+ series presented by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, featuring the world’s most inspirational women, from Amy Schumer to Jane Goodall. They have also made the award-winning feature docs In Her Hands (Netflix) The Cranes Call (premiered at Tribeca 2024) and Lyra (Channel 4).

HiddenLight was previously known as Sundog Pictures, where Nicky ran development for over four years. They were known for their talent-led programming, including a special for YouTube with Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Previously she ran development at Windfall Films, working on award-winning shows like Inside Nature’s Giants (Nat Geo) and Strip The City (Discovery).

Francis Humble
Consultant

Over 35 years in programme acquisitions, half-Catalan Yorkshireman and M.A.(Cantab) Francis has evaluated, negotiated and contracted thousands of programmes for Catalonia's public network and streamer TV3-3Cat, as well as working in programming, international coproductions and formats, presenting a slot showcasing innovative programmes, and localising iconic series such as The Young Ones, Eastenders and Teletubbies. He has served as a Creative Europe Master Buyer, and on numerous local and international juries, including Prix Europa, International Emmys, and Rockies, coordinated the PILOTS workshops for long-running series, and written and translated for TV and theatre.

Carolina Iacia
Content Director
Skeelo

Figs Jackman
EVP & Executive Producer
Planet Octopus Studios

Figs is EVP at Planet Octopus Studios, the global network of award-winning creatives. Formed from the Oscar-nominated, Emmy, BAFTA, Peabody, and Grierson-winning Spring Films, recent work includes Underland. Co-produced with Sandbox Films in NY, and Protozoa Pictures with Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel, the film premiered at Tribeca with a US theatrical release following. Critically acclaimed, it won Best Adventure Film at the Banff Film Festival and sold out London’s IMAX in under two days. Figs has produced films across networks, streamers and worldwide broadcasters, including Last Exit Space for Discovery+ and the Emmy-nominated City 40; working with talent such as Sir David Frost and Werner Herzog.

Nickolas James
Executive Producer
Sinclair Broadcast Group

Nickolas James has spent the last 20 years developing and producing content for broadcast and digital platforms. He began his career at E!, but pivoted to digital content when he joined Condé Nast Entertainment in 2013. While at CNE, he produced more than 35 original short-form series, including Vogue’s 73 Questions. In his current role at Sinclair Broadcast Group, Nickolas oversees the development and production of original content for the company's growing list of digital brands, including Criminally Obsessed and Amazing America.

Gorana Jelovina
Deputy Head, Development
ITN Productions

Gorana Jelovina is Deputy Head of Development at ITN Productions where she works across the company's UK premium documentary development slate. Development Credits include: The Investigation of Lucy Letby (Netflix), In Dispute: Lively vs Baldoni (ID), Abused by Mum: The Ruby Franke Scandal(Peacock), Forensics: Murder Scene (Channel 5), Swipe, Match, Murder: The Disappearance of Grace Millane (Paramount+) and The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe: The Real Story (ITV).

Eric Johnson
SVP, Partnerships & Engagement
Trailblazer Studios

Eric Johnson serves as SVP, Head of Partnerships and Engagement at Trailblazer Studios, where he works closely with filmmakers, producers, networks, and streamers on documentary and unscripted projects from development through final delivery. Over the years, Trailblazer has supported content for Netflix, HBO, Amazon, Hulu, PBS, Discovery, and numerous festival and broadcast releases, with services spanning post supervision, color, sound, online finishing, and workflow strategy.

Francesca Johnson
Head of Acquisitions
BossaNova Media

Francesca is Head of Acquisitions at BossaNova, where she leads acquisitions strategy, deal-making and financing, working closely with producers and platforms to build a commercially strong, high-quality slate. Prior to joining BossaNova, Francesca founded Table41 Entertainment, a development, consultancy and finance company working with indies to secure greenlights with major broadcasters and brands, including The Infinite Explorer for Disney’s National Geographic and DNA Kitchen for Ancestry. Previously, Francesca was EVP of Content at Anyway Content, where she built the company’s non-scripted division and executive produced Vacation by Design for Magnolia Network (Warner Bros. Discovery). She also served as Director of Development and Production at National Geographic, overseeing projects for linear channels and Disney+, and executive producing titles including India From Above, narrated by Dev Patel.

Marc Kamler
Co-Head, Unscripted & Documentary
Evoke Entertainment

Marc Kamler is a producer, manager, and entertainment executive whose work spans television, Broadway, sports, and live entertainment. As Co-Head of Unscripted & Documentary at Evoke Entertainment, a vertically integrated management, production and financing company backed by significant institutional production capital, he develops, packages, finances, and produces original programming, bringing together creators, talent, buyers, strategic partners, and investors to move projects from concept to production.

Beyond television, Marc has expanded his work across Broadway, sports, and other entertainment ventures, including producing a growing slate of acclaimed revivals, original musicals, and family entertainment. That reflects a broader approach to entertainment, one that brings together creative development, financing, partnerships, and audience strategy across multiple platforms.

For more than 25 years, Marc has represented many of the industry’s leading television personalities and production companies. More recently, he has expanded that experience into producing and building projects of his own. Throughout his career, he has focused on identifying compelling ideas, bringing together the right creative and business partners, and finding the path that turns an opportunity into something real.

Steve Katz
CEO & Executive Producer
Maximum Sunshine Productions

Steve Katz’s career has literally spanned the globe. In his days as a foreign correspondent, Steve covered wars, terrorism, international diplomacy, even a royal wedding. After a stint as a network news bureau chief, Steve moved to Fox TV’s iconic, genre-defining true crime series, America’s Most Wanted, where he spent more than a decade, first as Supervising Producer, then Co-Executive Producer and Show Runner. Now, with Maximum Sunshine Productions, his own development and production shop, Steve continues to create compelling non-fiction television. He developed and was Executive Producer for the Investigation Discovery series Truth Is Stranger Than Florida, and has worked with Blackfin, ITV, Texas Crew Productions, Renegade 83, Blumhouse, Intellectual Property Corp., Engel Entertainment and other top production companies as EP/Showrunner for series including ID’s I Am Homicide and Primal Instinct, Oxygen’s Buried In The Backyard, Killer Motive, Final Moments, Injustice with Nancy Grace, and Floribama Murders, and the limited episode investigative series The Girl Scout Murders for Fox Nation, along with several other projects.

Eoin Kavanagh
Head of Unscripted Development & Executive Producer
Avalon Television

Peter Kiss
Channel Director
Media Vivantis ZRT

Agnieszka Kubiak
Director of Programming & Creative, CEE
Hearst Networks

Nishat Kurwa
SVP & Executive Producer, Audio
Vox Media

Timothy Kuryak
Senior Manager, Originals
LG Electronics USA

Kim Larson
Global Managing Director & Head of Creators
YouTube

As a Managing Director and Head of YouTube’s Creator and Gaming team, Kim is responsible for managing the growth of our largest, most influential creators on the platform. This includes the critical ecosystem of companies that surround creators including service providers, talent partners, game publishers and influencer marketing agencies. In her previous roles at Google, she launched the Google BrandLab, an immersive strategy experience designed for top advertisers to develop their YouTube strategy. She went on to manage the global brand services function which included creative effectiveness, media measurement, and consumer insights. Her team pioneered the use of machine learning to build data-driven creative best practices for YouTube ads. Kim joined Google in 2012 with 20+ years experience leading marketing teams at the intersection of technology and brand at Nike, Jamba Juice, and Prophet. Kim holds a BS in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from the University of Virginia. Kim serves on the Creator Board for the IAB, on the Advisory Board for Women in Games International, is an Executive Member and judge for the Webbys as part of the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences (IADAS) and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Effies.

Lucy Le Gruiec
Head of Sales & Acquisitions
Kwanza

Andreas Lemos
Director, International Content
Warner Bros. Discovery

Reporting to Myriam Lopez-Otazu, as Director - International Content, I focus on internal and external co-productions and pre-sales, for both the international linear networks, and our growing streaming footprint. Previously VP Acquisitions & Sales, North America, for Banijay Rights, overseeing all finished programme and format sales and co-productions into North America, as well as acquiring content from North American producers for distribution worldwide. Prior to that, roles have included Acquisitions roles at Virgin Media and A&E channels in the UK.

Remco Lentjes
Managing Director
Monday Media

Josh Levenbrown
Unscripted Television Agent
United Talent Agency

Josh Levenbrown is an Agent in the Unscripted Television department at leading global talent, entertainment, sports and advisory company, United Talent Agency (UTA). Prior to joining UTA, Levenbrown was the Vice President of Alternative & Factual Programming at APA where he was for more than a decade. Levenbrown, a Los Angeles native, graduated with a BA in History from the University of California Irvine.

Marisa Levy
Creative Development Lead & Executive Producer
Amazon Live FAST Channel

Amira Lewally
Head of Originals
E.W. Scripps

Amira Lewally is the Head of Originals at E.W. Scripps and an acclaimed producer with years of experience developing and overseeing premium series, specials, documentaries, and video podcasting that center powerful, culturally resonant storytelling.

In her role, Lewally oversees all original content development for the broadcast group’s portfolio of national networks, including Ion, Bounce, Grit, Laff, and Ion Mystery, as well as its local TV stations. She also leads efforts to align creative talent with network brand strategies, foster audience engagement, and deliver compelling programming for viewers nationwide. She has produced and supervised more than 400 hours of programming spanning live events, long form series, documentaries, and digital and video podcast platforms. Her work includes leadership across marquee franchises and umbrellas such as Secrets Of and Biography, where she has helped shape impactful, audience-driven content.

Her slate includes Secrets of Playboy, Biography: Bobby Brown, The Judd Family: Truth Be Told, TLC Forever, Biography: Garth Brooks, Biography: Biggie, Born This Way, Origins of Hip Hop, Biography: WWE Legends, Taking The Stand, Exposing Parchman, James Brown: Say It Loud, and 60 Days In. Her work has premiered at major festivals including Tribeca, the American Black Film Festival, and Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, and has earned nominations from organizations such as the Critics Choice Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and the IDA Documentary Awards.

In addition to her television work, Lewally has a strong background in podcast development and production. She is the co-creator, producer, and co-host of The Table Is Ours, a Lifetime Network podcast that explores legacy building, identity, and culture through intimate, conversation-driven storytelling. Featuring conversations with culture movers and leaders across industries, the podcast further expands her cross platform storytelling footprint.

Lewally earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in Film from Baylor University and a Master’s degree in Writing and Producing for Television from Long Island University Brooklyn. She has been recognized as Baylor University’s Alumna of the Year and was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Hollywood and Entertainment list and Cablefax’s Thrivers Under 30.

Jennifer Liang
Advisor & Board Member
JoySauce

Jennifer Liang is an experienced TV and Film Acquisitions, Sales, Programming and Content Strategy Executive with expertise managing acquisitions teams and global program sales, as well as co-production and co-financing opportunities, contract negotiation, international strategy, and brand/franchise management. She has extensive experience sourcing and acquiring documentaries, international scripted drama, and feature films. Current projects include leading acquisitions for JoySauce, a new TV platform, as well as advising on programming and content strategy. As VP of Acquisitions, Programming Strategy & Sales for Topic/FLM, Jennifer was a key member of the SVOD platform launch and management team from pre-launch in 2018 until its acquisition by Kino Lorber in 2023. Other roles include global program sales and strategy at Paramount (Viacom), HBO and National Geographic, and consulting projects in content strategy and valuation, acquisitions and programming, and global distribution for clients including Kino Lorber, AMC Networks International, Viacom, NBCUniversal, Sesame Workshop, and Whistle Sports, Inc. She is a member of the Advisory Board of JoySauce, and a BAFTA member. She holds a BA from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business, and speaks French fluently and Spanish proficiently. Jennifer lives in New York City with her husband and two children.

Claire Macdonald
VP

Nanci MacLean
President
MEM

Nanci MacLean builds cultural platforms that celebrate national talent. At Bell Media, she co-created The Social and Your Morning, and oversaw network favorites including Etalk, The Marilyn Denis Show, the MuchMusic Video Awards, and the Mighty franchise. As President of Pinewood Toronto Studios, she positioned Canada as a global production hub. Today, as President of MEM, she delivers homegrown versions of international franchises such as Master Chef Canada and Canada’s Got Talent, alongside originals like Renovation Resort. A Harvard Business School alumna, Nanci balances creativity with fiscal discipline, setting a benchmark for Canadian television that is both ambitious and sustainable.

Emily Mayer
Executive Vice President, Development
B-17 Entertainment

Emily Mayer is Executive Vice President of Development at B17 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television (SPT), where she has spent the past seven years leading the company’s development efforts across broadcast, cable, streaming and the international marketplace. During her tenure, she has spearheaded the sale of almost 40 original series including Fox’s Extracted, Netflix’s upcoming Clue and Gabby’s Dollhouse: Maker’s & Bakers, NBC’s On Brand with Jimmy Fallon, and ABC’s The Final Straw, among others. Emily has helped expand B17’s slate of unscripted formats and premium nonfiction programming, helping the company to become a go to vendor across all buying platforms. Mayer oversees the company’s development strategy, identifying emerging trends and creating original concepts across competition, social experiment, game, reality, and documentary genres. She also works closely with SPT’s international partners on adapting foreign formats as well as developing new ideas for sales in other territories. Before joining B17, Mayer held executive development positions at All3 Media’s Maverick Television, NBCU’s Wilshire Studios, and 44 Blue Productions, after beginning her career at United Talent Agency. 

Gena McCarthy
Founder & President
Unconventional Entertainment

Emmy-nominated programming executive Gena McCarthy was named Senior Vice President, Programming of FYI in September 2013. In this role, McCarthy is head of all programming and development for the recently rebranded network.

Previously, McCarthy was Senior Vice President, Reality and Alternative Programming for Lifetime Networks. In this position, she led all development and production of the network’s unscripted programming. McCarthy oversaw the development and creation of the wildly popular hit series “Dance Moms” and its spin-off “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition,” “Preachers’ Daughters,” “Project Runway All-Stars,” “Pretty Wicked Moms,” “Double Divas” and the upcoming “Kim of Queens.” McCarthy also led production of the Emmy-nominated smash hit “Project Runway” and the award-winning “Coming Home,” among others.

Prior to joining Lifetime, McCarthy was Senior Vice President Development and Production for Discovery Channel, where she managed the creation and execution of more than 500 primetime series and specials, including the innovative hits “Pitchmen,” “Dual Survivor” and “The Colony.” She also oversaw the development and production teams across all content, including blockbusters “Deadliest Catch,” “Life,” “Stormchasers” and “Man vs. Wild.” In an earlier tenure at Discovery, McCarthy was Executive Producer of brand-definitional hit series and stunts including “Dirty Jobs,” “Mythbusters” and “Shark Week.”

From 2006 to 2008, McCarthy was Vice President, Development and Production at WE-tv, where she launched successful series and specials for the women’s network. She created the hit series “My Fair Wedding,” oversaw its staple show “Bridezillas” to record growth, and co-created and ran the network’s signature prime-time wedding block. McCarthy also developed key hit series including “The Locator,” “High School Confidential” and “Women Behind Bars.”

A six-year veteran of TLC’s programming and production units from 1998-2004, McCarthy co-developed and executive produced multiple successful series and specials for the network. She co-developed the groundbreaking genre-buster “Junkyard Wars” and executive produced series including “Mostly True Stories: Urban Legends Revealed,” “In a Fix,” “For Better or For Worse” and “Faking It.”

McCarthy began her career at WQED Pittsburgh, where in 1993 she started as a Copywriter and Publicist, and was eventually named Manager of Development and Production, National Projects on the children’s series “Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego” and the “Wonderworks” family movie franchise.

McCarthy graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in English Writing and History. She currently resides in Montclair, New Jersey.

Julie Meldal-Johnsen
EVP, Global Content
ITV Studios

Julie Meldal-Johnsen leads ITV Studios Global Distribution division’s programme acquisitions, co-productions and content strategy across all genres, along with managing the distributor’s relationships with producers.

Prior to this, Julie was based in the Los Angeles office as Senior EVP of Scripted and Business Development, ITV Studios America with responsibility for driving the growth strategy and business operations of the company’s US scripted business. This included the management of ITV Studios America’s first look deals with producers and overseeing the development and production of scripted projects across ITV America’s group of companies. Before this Julie held a variety of senior roles within ITV Studios in distribution and production, having initially joined the ITV PLC central legal team upon the merger of Carlton and Granada.

Jason Mitchell
Founder
The Connected Set

Jason Mitchell founded The Connected Set in 2011, a television and online video producer operating at the intersection of TV and emerging technology. At The Connected Set Jason has produced factual entertainment, documentaries and educational content for broadcasters including BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5. He has also created and consulted on several entertainment and reality formats for clients including NBCU, WBD, Paramount, Hallmark and Versant. Jason is a leading expert in the practical uses of AI tools in development and production, delivering workshops at major conferences including Content London, Content Americas in Miami, PrimeTime Canada and South Korea's Global Content Conference. He also co-founded Mashed, one of YouTube's biggest animation channels, with 5.5 million subscribers and over 3 billion cross-platform views.

Vivienne Molokwu
Senior Commissioning Editor
Channel 4

Catherine Murnane
Director & Producer

Catherine is an Irish documentary filmmaker. She has produced a range of primetime documentaries, including Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action for Netflix, Louis Theroux Interviews for the BBC and Sex Actually with Alice Levine for Channel 4. She also produced the award-winning podcast series Grounded with Louis Theroux for BBC Sounds and is currently undertaking her first directing role on a yet-to-be-announced Channel 4 series.

Proinsias Ni Ghrainne
Commissioning Editor
TG4

Proinsias commissions, co produces and curates primetime content in factual and other genres as well as managing the channels landmark music, arts and culture output.

Her work spans a range of content in various factual genres, working with experienced talent and is adept at spotting, nurturing and inspiring new and diverse talent.  

She has brought many major co productions to TG4 and was exec producer on BAFTA, PRIX EUROPA, and OSCAR award winning titles, most recent titles being Lyra and Kneecap.

She is a member of the EBU Factual Experts panel and represents TG4 at international markets and co production fora.

Tiffany Nicholson-Horton
Head of Unscripted Development
Pantheon Media Group/Tyler Perry Studios

Tiffany Nicholson-Horton is a senior television executive with more than 15 years of experience developing and scaling premium unscripted content across broadcast, streaming, and cable. Her expertise spans slate strategy, franchise development, talent-led formats, and culturally driven storytelling.

Throughout her career, Tiffany has launched original series, developed commercially scalable formats, and helped generate multimillion-dollar value through innovative IP development and strategic partnerships. She is known for identifying audience-first ideas, translating cultural trends into compelling entertainment, and building concepts designed to grow into enduring franchises.

Tiffany currently leads unscripted development for the joint venture between Pantheon Media Group and Tyler Perry Studios, where she is spearheading Tyler Perry Studios’ expansion into unscripted television and building a premium slate for today’s evolving marketplace.

Combining creative instincts with a strong understanding of the business of television, Tiffany brings a distinctive perspective on what makes an idea not only creatively compelling, but culturally resonant, marketable, and built to last.

Arif Noorani
Executive Producer & Director
CBC Podcasts

Arif Noorani is the Director of CBC Podcasts, where he leads the content strategy and creative vision for one of the world’s most successful public podcast studios. A co-founder of the division in 2015, Arif has spent over 25 years at the intersection of storytelling and digital innovation. Under his leadership, the studio has produced over 60 award-winning series, generating tens of millions of downloads annually. His portfolio includes global hits like Someone Knows Something and more than 40 seasons of the investigative powerhouse Uncover. Arif is known for an "audience-first" approach, championing high-stakes narrative that resonate across borders and frequently land at the top of international charts.

Cara Nye
Director, Content Development & Production
AMI-tv

Cara Nye is a media executive dedicated to authentic, inclusive storytelling. Since joining AMI-tv in 2012, she has built a strong track record in Canadian broadcasting, developing a range of impactful series including Pretty Blind, We Were Broncos, Crip Trip, and Underdog Inc. Cara is responsible for screening pitches, show development, and ensuring that all content meets AMI’s standard bearing qualities with respect to disability storytelling and inclusivity in all areas of original production – both on camera and behind the scenes. Cara and AMI’s work continuously champions content that challenges norms and reflects the richness of the lived experience of underrepresented voices in the disability community. Cara has over 35 years of production experience, having previously worked at networks such as MuchMusic, Citytv, OMNI, FX Canada, OLN and Bio.

Daniel O'Connor
Development Executive
Nutopia

Jack Oliver
Executive Producer
Dash Pictures

Jack Oliver is a senior broadcast executive and producer with more than two decades of experience commissioning, acquiring and developing distinctive international content across factual, film and entertainment. As Head of Development and Executive Producer at Dash Pictures, he is helping drive the company’s growth across scripted and unscripted projects, championing ambitious stories with global appeal, emotional depth and strong visual identity. Before joining Dash, Jack spent over a decade at Sky, where he played a key role in the launch and evolution of Sky Documentaries, Sky Arts, Sky Nature and Sky Crime, while also overseeing content strategy and acquisitions for Sky Cinema. As Head of Co Productions, he helped build an acclaimed slate of feature documentaries and series known for cinematic scale and powerful storytelling. His credits include I am Chevy Chase and You're Not, Tina, The United Way, Exterminate All the Brutes, The Princess, Spector, Mission to Burnley, The Return: Life After Isis, Kingdom of Dreams, Poly Styrene: I Am Cliché, The Ghost of Richard Harris and Dating Death: The Rodney Alcala Story. Prior to Sky, Jack spent nearly two decades at the BBC, working across major international titles including 24, Heroes, Damages and Family Guy.

Sean O'Riordan
Chief Creative Officer
BiggerStage

Celine Payot Lehmann
International Executive Producer
Pernel Media

Céline Payot Lehmann is a documentary producer at Pernel Media, an international production company with offices in London and Paris. She began her career in international documentary distribution, spending eighteen years at ZED and ARTE France, where she developed an in-depth knowledge of international markets and co-production. As a producer, she focuses on history, science, archaeology and nature series conceived from the outset for the international market, working with broadcasters including France Télévisions, ARTE, Canal +, RMC, ZDF, NHK, PBS, National Geographic. Her credits include Rise and Fall of the Maya (RMC, Histoire TV, ZDFI, National Geographic, Disney +, TV5 Quebec, Banijay) , The magical world of Amphibians (ARTE, NDR, RTS, ITVS), Dinobirds (France TV, Ushuaia TV, PBS NOVA, NHK, CCTV9, Radio Canada, ZDF) and Mysteries on the Nile with David Suchet (SBS, Toute l’Histoire, ITVS).

Danielle Pearson
Senior Production Executive
Bell Media

Danielle Pearson got her start in “show-biz” at Blockbuster Video. Later, she pivoted to the small-screen, producing and field directing across many series and live events. In her current role as Production Executive, she has the privilege of working with some of Canada’s top Producers, Directors, Crews, and Casts across documentaries, docuseries, lifestyle programs, and reality competition formats. Some of her credits include, Billionaire Murders, Mafia Most Wanted, I Have Nothing, You Are Here: A Come From Away Story, MasterChef Canada, Project Runway Canada, Canada’s Drag Race, and The Amazing Race Canada, where she also serves as Executive Producer. Despite collaborating on some of the most-watched and awarded series and films, Pearson still refers to the ‘TV remote’ as a ‘converter’.

Troels Pedersen
Acquisitions Executive
TV2 Denmark

Having worked as a writer for Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit, Troels Branth Pedersen joined the Acquisitions team with Danish state broadcaster TV 2 in 2007. Three years later he took on the role as Acquisitions Executive within the genres of documentary, factual entertainment and lifestyle procuring programming for Denmark’s leading broadcaster. In addition to the buying role Pedersen has worked with developing and defining individual channel brands of the secondary channels in TV 2 Denmark’s portfolio, not least partaking in building and developing lifestyle channel TV 2 FRI. 

Pedersen holds a Master’s degree in Art History and Rhetoric.

Daysun Perkins
SVP, Development
NHNZ Worldwide

Daysun Perkins is a veteran television development executive and creative leader with nearly 30 years of experience across unscripted, documentary, docuseries, competition, game show, talk, dating, format, and comedy programming. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Development and Head of U.S. Creative at NHNZ Worldwide, where he works with global teams to develop and shape premium unscripted, reality, factual, true crime, and documentary content for buyers around the world. Over the course of his career, Daysun has held development and programming roles at Remedy Television, 44 Blue Productions, GSN, Eyeworks USA, King World Productions/CBS Television Distribution, Telepictures, and ABC. His work spans broadcast, cable, syndication, and streaming, with experience building successful formats, developing original IP, packaging talent-led projects, and guiding concepts from early creative through pitch and production. With extensive experience across virtually every genre of unscripted television, Daysun brings a rare blend of creative instinct, marketplace fluency, and practical development expertise, helping turn ambitious ideas into clear, compelling, and sellable series.

Babette Perry
Head of Broadcasting & Hosting
Innovative Artists

Babette Perry is a partner at Innovative Artists Talent & Literary Agency where she runs the Broadcast/Hosting division. She was the Head of Broadcasting at ICM for many years before becoming the Senior Vice President of the West Coast Broadcasting division at IMG. She represents anchors, hosts, experts, athletes, coaches, politicians, actors, comedians, producers, and directors in the unscripted area. She's working with all of the national cable networks, broadcast networks, streamers, syndicators, local stations, radio stations, and podcast companies. She was recognized as Broadcast&Cable's Women in the Game in 2013. Perry represents Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race and Tough as Nails), Rachel Smith (Entertainment Tonight), Judge Lauren Lake (We the People With Judge Lauren Lake and formerly on Paternity Court), Judge Greg Mathis (Judge Mathis’ and Court Night Live), Ollie Pettigrew and Charity Bailey (formerly on Right This Minute), Michaela Pereira (formerly on Good Day LA), Garcelle Beauvais (The Real and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Jon Fortt (CNBC), Emmy Award-winning Giselle Fernandez (Anchor for Spectrum), Elex Michaelson (anchor for FOX 11 News), Atari IP in the unscripted area and Wade Rosen (Atari’s CEO), Alyssa Farah (Co-host of ABC's The View), along with other celebrities such as David Alan Grier and Scott Wolf. Babette graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Communications from UCLA where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Agatha Pezzi
Head of TLN Studios
TLN

Agatha Pezzi is an award-winning broadcast executive with more than three decades of experience in television production, programming and content development. Her production credits span live television event specials, original scripted drama and documentary projects, weekly variety and sports programming, and on-air hosting.

A graduate of the University of Toronto and the Rotman School of Management, Agatha’s career has included senior leadership positions across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. She is currently Senior Vice President, Productions & Partnerships at TLN Media Group, one of Canada’s leading multicultural media companies, and Head of TLN Studios, the company’s in-house production arm.

Since joining TLN in 1999, Agatha has played an integral leadership role in the growth and evolution of the company, helping expand TLN from a single television channel into a national multicultural media organization operating 11 television channels in 2026.

Agatha has also spearheaded the growth of TLN Studios, helping establish it as one of Canada’s most prolific producers of original multicultural content. Its growing slate includes documentaries, original scripted dramas and comedies, children’s and family programming, variety productions, and performing arts specials.

Central to Agatha’s professional mandate is a longstanding commitment to diverse, inclusive and authentic storytelling that reflects the people, cultures and communities that make up Canada. She has championed stories and creative voices that have traditionally been underrepresented on Canadian screens, with a particular focus on multicultural, immigrant and cross-cultural experiences.

Through her work, Agatha continues to advance TLN Media Group’s commitment to creating Canadian content that reflects the country’s diversity while bringing compelling, culturally relevant stories to audiences across Canada and beyond.

Tom Phillips
Producer
G Street Productions

Jutta Pinzler
Producer
Sagamedia

Jutta Pinzler, born 1968, studied Romance philology, English and Latin-American
History in Cologne, Buenos Aires and La Plata. Following her graduation, she
completed an internship at the German TV broadcaster VOX and worked as an
assistant to the editor-in-chief. In her position as writer and managing editor, she
developed and produced various programs and series for VOX. After working as a
freelance producer for arte, ZDF, WDR and RTL Jutta Pinzler co-founded sagamedia
in 2005 and has since produced features and documentaries for ZDF, RTL, VOX,
WDR, National Geographic and ARTE. In her investigative documentaries, Jutta
Pinzler repeatedly takes up current political issues. Since 2018 sagamedia produces
the weekly magazine “Life” which is broadcasted on RTL. sagamedia’s productions
are often focused on challenging and sensitive issues and are regularly
acknowledged by the audience with high TV ratings.

Jacqueline Pitman
CEO, Casting Director & Executive Producer
Pitman Casting Inc/Partypit Productions Inc.

CEO –Pitman Casting, PartyPit Productions Inc. and Black Rice Media Inc.
Executive Producer/Content Creator/Casting Director
Member of Television Academy/ Producers & Reality Programming

2024 Emmy Nominee

2025 Member of Television Academy Peer Group Executive Commitee

Jacqui Pitman is Owner of Pitman Casting Inc., a full service, reality television casting company in Los Angeles. As one of the go-to casting directors in the reality industry, Pitman’s recent casting credits include ABC’s The Golden Bachelor, The Golden Bachelorette, Netflix’s Age of Attraction and Later Daters, Fox’s America's Most Wanted, CBS’ Raid the Cage, Price is Right, Let's Make a Deal, Kids Say The Darndest Things, Big Brother 2, NBCU’s Blind Date, Syfy’s Face Off (seasons 1-13), Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge, Bravo’s Who Wants to be a Supermodel?, and Discovery’s Dual Survival, and I, Caveman.
Under her shingle, PartyPit Productions Inc., Pitman created, executive produced, and cast, in partnership with Asylum Entertainment “To Rome for Love” for Bravo Television network. To Rome for Love followed five single, African-American women as they head to Italy to find
themselves while searching for love. Pitman also developed and co-executive produced ABC’s Hit Plastic Surgery show, the original “Extreme Makeover” while working for thirteen years as the VP of Development for Lighthearted Entertainment. She also created and executive produced the MTV hit dating show “NEXT!”
Pitman is represented by Marc Kamler of Evoke, Tara Senior of Weinstein Senior

Christopher Potts
Co-Founder
Nobody's Hero

Christopher Potts is what they generally refer to in the industry as an unscripted veteran, with over 20 years' experience in creating, developing and producing unscripted formats in the UK, the US and beyond. While in the UK, he developed the BAFTA-winning series Made In Chelsea before moving to the US, where he developed shows including Nailed It! And Sugar Rush for Netflix. In 2020, he co-founded Nobody's Hero and has created and produced shows including Bullshit The Game Show, Snack Vs Chef, Sneaky Links, Clash of the Cookbooks and Nobody's Fool.

Jessica Radburn
Head of Audio On Demand
ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Jessica Radburn, Head of Audio On Demand for ABC Australia, leads ABC digital audio and the ABC listen app. Jessica also oversees the ABC’s podcast strategy and Audio Studios, the original podcast team behind Mushroom Case Daily, Unravel, Ladies We Need to Talk and No Feeling Is Final. Prior to joining the ABC, Jessica was the Head of International Podcast Content for Wondery, an Amazon Company.  Jessica oversaw Wondery’s original podcasts outside of the US, including #1 shows such as Ambie Award winning Ghost Story, Price of Paradise and Kurt Krömer - Feelings.

Ricardo Ramos
Freelance Producer

Jess Rampling
Commissioning Editor & Executive Producer, True Crime
AMC Global Media United Kingdom

Jess Rampling is Commissioning Editor and Executive Producer for TRUE CRIME channel, which is owned by AMC Global Media – UK and Paramount. Since joining in 2017, she has overseen more than 650 hours of factual programming, specialising in expert-led investigations that centre victims and guide audiences through each case with clarity and care. She is an ALBERT representative, sits on the advisory board of the Association of True Crime Producers (ATCP), and co-chairs ELEVATE, AMC’s women’s employee resource group. She is also a founding board member of WAME, a cross-industry network supporting women in media.

Chris Reindorp
VP, US Development
Spark Media

Chris started his career at the BBC in London, working initially in Current Affairs and World Service Television before moving into entertainment. In his 15-year-career, he has worked across development, production and commissioning for a wide variety of programming from documentaries through to gameshows, latterly working in development for unscripted, with a particular focus on US cable, linear and SVoDs. 

Currently a VP, Development at Spark Media Partners, Chris previously worked as a Development Executive at Brinkworth Productions, as well as Zinc Media where he led development for the popular factual label, Rex TV. He has also held senior roles at Plimsoll Productions and Amazing Productions, as well as stints at Spun Gold, Channel 4 and Hat Trick Productions. 

His recent credits include the BAFTA-winning ‘Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour’, ‘Get Your Eurovision On’, and ‘Reagan & Thatcher: A Very Special Relationship’.  

Outside of TV, Chris has written a best-selling biography, Never Shaken Never Stirred, published in 2022 and enjoys running, swimming, tennis and, of course, consuming huge amounts of TV.

Josh Reynolds
Executive Producer
Zandland

Josh Reynolds is a BAFTA, Grierson, and RTS award-winning filmmaker and journalist. Specialising in complex access, undercover filming, and high-stakes international shoots, his work centers on exposing hidden systems and holding institutions to account. Working alongside founder Ben Zand, Josh has helped build Zandland into one of the UK’s most dynamic independent production companies, creating raw, high-impact content with global reach.

Joe Rivadeneira
SVP, Development & Production
Beyond Productions

Joe Rivadeneira is a seasoned television executive with almost two decades of experience in developing, producing, and selling premium unscripted content. He specializes in non-scripted formats and talent packaging, with a proven track record of delivering compelling programming across major platforms and networks.

He currently serves as Senior Vice President of development & production at Beyond Productions, where he oversees a diverse slate of projects for leading partners including Amazon, NBCUniversal, HGTV, Hulu, ID and others.

Previously, Rivadeneira led the premium unscripted slate at Vox Media Studios and Group Nine Studios, forging strategic creative partnerships with Netflix, Hulu, Discovery+, HBO Max, Food Network, and others. Prior to that, he oversaw premium unscripted development at mitú, where he successfully sold original series to Paramount, Netflix, Verizon Go90, Spotify, and Facebook Watch.

Earlier in his career, he held key development roles at Wilshire Studios and FremantleMedia North America, where he contributed to notable series such as The X Factor (FOX), Caraoke Showdown with Craig Robinson (Paramount), The Science of Stupid (National Geographic), Baggage on the Road (GSN), and That Awkward Game Show (Spike).

Rivadeneira’s work reflects a strong creative vision, deep industry relationships, and a commitment to producing impactful content that resonates with diverse audiences worldwide.

Aysu Saliba
Supervising Producer
See It Now Studios

Aysu Saliba is an Emmy-winning senior producer and journalist with nearly 20 years of experience developing, producing, and managing groundbreaking documentary specials and unscripted series across all media platforms. Her work spans a wide spectrum of challenging subject matters and complex personalities, brought to life through a diverse skill set that includes pitching and developing ideas, filming, research, booking guests, conducting interviews, writing and structuring acts, managing production teams, and overseeing simultaneous edits. Saliba spent a decade at ABC News as a shooter/producer and story supervisor on various vérité projects, embedding with first responders to capture stories from the ground up. She went on to co-found a production company, where she developed and pitched original series to major platforms. Today, Saliba serves as a supervising producer at See It Now Studios, where she oversees the development, production, and distribution of original documentaries and docuseries for Paramount+, CBS, and Paramount Global networks, as well as third-party platforms — managing a slate of more than 10 programs a year.

Lisette Schlippe
Global VP, Content & FAST
Insight TV

Lisette is an accomplished media executive with over 20 years of experience in the international TV and media industry. In 2024, she joined Insight TV as Global VP, Content & FAST, where she leads the company’s content investment strategy, including commissioning, co-productions, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. She also oversees Insight TV’s expanding portfolio of five thematic FAST channels spanning Travel & Food, Wildlife, Factual, Sports, and Auto.

As part of the leadership team at Insight TV, a global media network, producer, distributor, and broadcaster of premium factual and lifestyle content, Lisette plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s content vision and international growth. Headquartered in Amsterdam, Insight TV is available on 185+ platforms across 61 countries and in 12 languages, reaching an average monthly audience of over 90 million viewers.

Renowned for developing innovative deal structures and unlocking value through strategic collaboration, Lisette brings a wealth of experience from some of the world’s most respected media brands, including her role as Head of Global Content Partnerships at Red Bull Media House, and senior leadership positions at Turner and Endemol Shine.

Chris Schmidt
Co-Executive Producer, NOVA
GBH

Chris Schmidt, along with Co-Ep Julia Cort oversees the PBS science series NOVA, including Decoding the Universe, Inside China’s Tech Boom, Einstein’s Quantum Riddle, Beyond the Elements and Building Stuff. His work has received the Best Science and Technology Documentary Emmy, the prestigious Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Award, the AAAS Gold Kavli Science Journalism Award, and the Cine Golden Eagle.

Luisa Schwamborn
Sales Manager
NEW DOCS

Jon Sechrist
Production & Development Consultant
Jon Sechrist

Sechrist, with a 20-plus-year media career is an award-winning producer and development executive with 1,300+ hours of linear, digital, and OTT experience - spanning unscripted and documentary work, scripted series, and branded content across Amazon, ABC/Disney, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount+, Twitch, and Warner Bros./Discovery. Titles include “Murder Has Two Faces,” “Legacy List,” “The Jane Doe Murders,” “Cake Boss,” “Sister Wives,” “BBQ Pitmasters,” "Body Bizarre,” “All My Children,” “Noah’s Arc,” and "CBS News on Logo”. A former network exec at Discovery, ABC and MTV, today through his shingle Bald-Faced Storytellers, he works with networks, streamers, and production companies on development strategy, packaging, and go-to-market positioning. Clients have included Cali 10 Management, SONY, Cortés Filmworks, Blue Ant Media, Beach House Pictures, Shutterstock Studios, Radical Media and the Museum City of New York.

Denise Seneviratne
Commissioning Editor, Non-Scripted UK Originals
Channel 5

Denise Seneviratne is Commissioning Editor for Non-Scripted UK Originals at 5, reporting to Chief Content Officer, Ben Frow. In her role, she is responsible for growing and shaping the broadcaster’s factual slate, driven by a passion for stories that surprise, inspire, and connect with audiences. Her recent commissions include Diana’s Wedding Dress, Volcano, Wonders of the Moon, Wonders of the Sun, and Mysteries of the Pyramids with Dara O’Briain. She also commissioned the BAFTA-nominated Endurance: Race to the Pole with Ben Fogle and Dwayne Fields, along with its follow-up series Livingstone: Search for the Nile. In Natural History, her work includes two-part series Killer Crocs and Hippos with Steve Backshall. Seneviratne oversees 5’s medical output, commissioning Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death and the recent The Operation: Changing Lives. Her True Crime slate includes Murder in the Family: The Thomas Kwan Affair, The Pelicot Trial, and The Killer Makes a Call, which launched the channel’s “Streamer First” model. In addition, she manages popular factual brands including the long-running hit The Yorkshire Vet, its spin-off The Greens, and newcomers such as Yorkshire’s Poshest Hotel. She has also been instrumental in growing the popular Bargain Loving Brits franchise. Before joining Paramount in 2019, Seneviratne worked as a Producer/Director on landmark series including Undercover Boss and Embarrassing Illnesses for Channel 4, and Fat Club and Real Lives for ITV. As a Series Editor and Executive Producer, she launched Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes for ITV, Michael Mosley’s Meet the Humans, Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents for the BBC, Reverse Missionaries for BBC Two, and Channel 4’s Secret Life of 4 Year‑Olds.

Ann Shin
CEO & Executive Producer
Fathom Film Group

Ann Shin is the CEO of Fathom Film Group and an award-winning writer and executive producer celebrated for character-driven storytelling. As a Series Producer over the past 19 years, Ann has delivered premium unscripted series including Stay Tooned (CBC), KPop Evolution (YouTube Originals), The List (CTV), and is currently exec producing Pig Farm Killer (AMAZON) and Dark Horse (Crave/Bell Media). Ann has helmed co-productions with Germany, France, and China, and has collaborated with platforms including Amazon, AMC, CBC, TVO, ARTE, ZDF, Crave/Bell Media, Discovery, History, HGTV, SBS, and others. 

Her feature My Enemy, My Brother was shortlisted for an Academy Award, received an Emmy nomination, and won the Grand Jury Prize at SDAIFF. The Defector won Best Documentary and Best Director at the Canadian Screen Awards and Best Interactive Project at SXSW. As a writer, her novel Last Exiles was translated and published in eight different languages, winning a Trillium Award. Ann is a Korean-Canadian who is still explaining to her father what an executive producer actually does.

Rob Sixsmith
Head of Factual
Beach House Pictures

Bryan Smiley
President & Chief Content Officer
Hartbeat

Nick Smith
EVP, Formats & Licensing
All3Media International

Nick Smith, Executive Vice President, Formats at all3media international has over fifteen years’ experience of working with television formats. He has spent time developing formats (part of the development team that devised Strictly Come Dancing AKA Dancing with the Stars), producing formats, and the international distribution of formats. He’s previously worked for Sony Pictures Television International, the BBC, and a number of independent production companies. He looks after all3media’s international productions, including over 30 versions each of Gogglebox, Kitchen Nightmares, Cash Cab and Undercover Boss, along with format acquisition and strategy. He is the Visiting Professor of TV Formats at Sunderland University and a founder member of Reed Midem’s diversity advisory board.

Kevin Soares
EVP, International Formats
IDTV Film & Video Productions BV

Kevin has been working in the Dutch television industry for more than 20 years. Originally started in production at companies such as Endemol, NPO, and RTL Netherlands. For the last 8 years, he has been an Executive Producer, Head of Television, and is currently EVP International Formats at IDTV.

He’s experienced in both reality and studio formats such as Topchef, Undercover Boss, Snackmasters, and Flirty Dancing. In 2020, he was responsible for the re-launch of one of IDTV's oldest and most successful formats, LINGO! He also produced many music-related concerts and shows, with the highlight being the Eurovision Song Contest postcards in 2021.

In 2022, Kevin took on the role of EVP International Formats. His first priority was to oversee the worldwide implementation of hit tv show ‘The Traitors’. In the first 1,5 years the format launched in more than 16 territories. Since then, IDTV has launched another new psychological reality format called ‘The Unknown’. Together with IDTV’s management, Kevin continuously works on strategy focused on bringing new IDTV’s formats to the international market.

Hollann Sobers
Production Executive
Hollann Sobers

Hollann Sobers is a multidisciplinary leader and Production Executive overseeing cross-platform entertainment from conception through distribution in television, short film, documentaries, promos, and events. Hollann rose to the position of Production Executive in her time at Viacom, where she worked on documentaries under VH1's award-winning Rock Docs franchise and various original series, including the launches of Love and Hip Hop and Black Ink Crew. After VH1, she worked at Al Jazeera America and Sundance TV before joining Complex Networks in 2017 as the Director of Production. Hollann worked across all original programming brands while building an infrastructure to support 30-plus series per year, including some licensed by Netflix, Hulu, and Roku. Before leaving Complex, she executive produced the ComplexCon(versations) series and was Senior Director of Integrated Development and Programming Operations, which entailed a combination of innovative content development, original programming, and operational excellence. Most recently, Hollann was a Production Executive at Amazon Studios overseeing their unscripted programming. Currently, she is the first Chair of the newly created East Coast Committee for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and Emmys. Recently, she served as the Production Executive Governor (2022-2025), Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee, and member of the Televerse Festival and Budget committees. In addition, she is an active member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA), New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), and a judge for the Rockie Awards (2025-present) and Realscreen Awards (2022-2025).

Laura St. Clair
SVP, International Formats
Sony Pictures Entertainment

Andy Stabile
Agent
VERVE

Andy Stabile is a Partner and Head of Non-Fiction Television at the Verve. Stabile represents a broad array of clients including production companies, on-camera personalities, showrunners, and documentary filmmakers across non-fiction film, television, and digital. Clients include Terminal B TV (Unknown Number), Message Pictures (The Perfect Neighbor), and Lee Metzger and country music star Blake Shelton’s Lucky Horseshoe Productions (Barmageddon). Stabile also represents on-camera personalities ranging from X-Games host Selema Masekela to celebrity chefs like Food Network’s Duff Goldman, Antonia Lofaso, and Molly Yeh. This year, Verve’s Non-Fiction team brokered deals for the new Taylor Sheridan-produced country music competition series The Road on CBS, Patricia E. GIllespie’s feature documentary #Skyking On Hulu, and celebrated client Coach Jackie being named to TIME100 Creators List. Previously Stabile spent 6 years at ICM Partners and 14 years at CAA, where he was part of the team behind hits like American Idol, The Bachelor, and The Amazing Race. Stabile lives in Hermosa Beach California with his wife Tara, and children Cole, Riley, and Tate.

Silvia Stefanescu
Channel Manager, Antena 1
Antena TV Group

Scott Sternberg
President
Scott Sternberg Productions

Emmy award-winning and Realscreen winner Scott Sternberg and his company, SSP, have been leaders in the unscripted world. Their programs span the entire genre, with work in reality, Music, Lifestyle, Game Shows, Talk Shows, Documentaries, true crime, and podcasts.

Sternberg is the creator of On the Case with Paula Zahn, now in its 29th season, Killer Siblings, Crime Exposé With Nancy O’Dell, season three of iCrime with Elizabeth Vargas, season five of Live From Daryl's House, The Shatner Project, the kids' versions of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, Rock & Roll Jeopardy!, and more. He also created the Netflix reality series, Buried by the Bernards.

The podcast company Panga Media produces The Paula Zahn Podcast and We’re Knot Done Yet with Donna Mills, Michele Lee, and Joan Van Ark. Its roster also includes So Unanchored with Steve Edwards, Dorothy Lucey, and Jillian Barberie, as well as the upcoming Millionaire Matchmaker with Patti Stanger.

Christine Stirrat
VP of Development
Garden Slate Productions

Christine Stirrat is a highly accomplished development executive with a passion for crafting compelling television. She possesses a proven track record of creating distinctive formats and identifying captivating characters, fueled by her keen instincts and deep understanding of the industry. This has led to continued success across diverse genres, ranging from lifestyle and food to true crime and docu-series. Currently serving as VP of Development at Garden Slate Productions, Christine spearheads the creation and execution of their dynamic lifestyle slate. Her extensive career is marked by significant contributions to renowned production companies, consistently delivering hit programming for top-tier networks. As Executive Director of Development at Warm Springs Productions, she spearheaded strategic growth, securing commissions from major networks including MTV, HGTV, History, and Fox Nation, solidifying their position as a leading content provider. Prior to that, she served as Executive Director of Development for The Jay & Tony Show, where she played a pivotal role in the creation of new series, notably "Stupid Pet Tricks" for TBS, showcasing her ability to translate comedic concepts into successful television formats. Christine also served as Director of Development for Bobby Flay's Rock Shrimp Productions, where she contributed to the development of numerous hit series, including "The Flay List" (Food Network), "Flipping Exes" (Bravo), "Bobby and Giada In Italy" (Discovery+), and "In The Mix with Matt FX" (Genius Kitchen), demonstrating her expertise in the culinary and lifestyle genres. Earlier in her career, she was instrumental in launching a new lifestyle production banner with Leopard USA and began her journey with Bray Entertainment, where she honed her skills in both casting and development, contributing to the success of shows like "American Diner Revival" (Food Network), "All American Makers" (Science Channel), "Mansions & Murders" (ID), and "Single Dad Seeking" (TLC).

Rachel Stockman
President
Law&Crime Network

Anna Stumpf
VP of Development
iHeartMedia, Inc.

Anna Stumpf is currently VP of Development, iHeartPodcast Network. Previously Creative Director of iHeart’s New York podcast studio, and EP of Call Your Grandmother, In Retrospect, The Healthy Baby Show, Fierce, Wall & Broadcast, among others. Anna composes music for podcasts with her husband Hamilton Leithauser – together they’ve composed the music for Supreme: The Battle for Roe, The Deciding Decade with Pete Buttigieg, Connections with Eva Longoria, The Bright Side, She Wants More, Wall & Broadcast, and others. Anna has written/directed/edited/produced/acted in various theatrical productions and independent films. She periodically plays live with her husband’s band on piano and vocals, and appears on the album ‘Lisbon’ (by The Walkmen), and the albums ‘Black Hours’ and 'The Loves of Your Life' (by Hamilton Leithauser).

Liz Tang
VP, UK Content & Acquisitions
Fox Entertainment Global

As the head of the acquisitions team at Fifth Season, Tang seeks out and secures best-in-class unscripted and scripted content for the company’s global TV distribution slate, building partnerships with producers and financing projects at all stages of production. Notable unscripted titles developed on her watch include Netflix’s top-rating feature doc, The Pez Outlaw, from Sidestilt Films; celeb-hairdresser docusoap Blowing L.A., from Fulwell 73; the acclaimed investigative docuseries Victoria’s Secret: Angels & Demons, from Film 45 and Altimeter; Lightbox’s premium limited docuseries Spector and Curse of the Chippendales; and Hulu’s Emmy-winning WeWork: Or the Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn. Prior to joining Fifth Season, Tang managed series acquisition for Sky UK, with a special focus on the US Studios, and she has over a decade of experience in acquisitions and co-productions at leading international broadcasters and network groups, including the BBC, ViacomCBS, and Discovery. 

TJ Tracy-Jean
Commissioning Executive, Factual & Factual Entertainment
UKTV

In 2023 TJ joined UKTV’s factual commissioning team, bringing her decades of experience in all unscripted genres in roles spanning production, development and acquisitions.  In her most recent position, she spent a year as an International Format and Development Executive for Sony Pictures Entertainment in their LA gameshow division, where she acquired their first international unscripted format and played a key role in securing the commission of the newly launched US version of Raid the Cage. Prior to this, TJ worked in the Global Sony Entertainment team in London, where she contributed to the brand management of flagship formats Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Dragon's Den.  Projects she co-created and launched include property factual series Goodbye House for RTE, digital destination The Pet Collective that continues to be Fremantle’s most successful online original and factual series Triple Zero Heroes that resulted in a child saving his sister’s life when he replicated what he’d seen on the show.  She has worked for Discovery, Fremantle and BBC Worldwide, and unscripted formats she developed have aired in Argentina, India, Germany, France, Australia and the US and UK.

Justin Turner
Director, Development
Scott Brothers Entertainment

Justin Turner is the Director of Development at Scott Brothers Entertainment and has been part of the SBE team since 2019. He has spearheaded some of the team’s most exciting projects like Trixie Motel for Discovery+ and Breaking New Ground for OWN, among others. 

Justin began his career with a focus on talent, first at one of Canada’s most respected talent agencies, and then with years in scripted casting, where his experience led him to a career in New York. While in the U.S., Justin worked for some of the top production companies, developing and casting projects for network partners like E!, TLC, HGTV, Food Network and MTV.

Anouk van Dijk
Head of Sales & Co-Productions
Quintus Studios

Anouk is a senior executive with deep expertise in factual content strategy. In her role as Head of Sales and Co-Productions at Quintus Studios, Anouk focuses on co-financing unscripted content for both linear and digital platforms. She joined Quintus Studios, a next-generation broadcaster and distribution agency, in late 2020, and has been working on new partnerships between broadcasters and platforms, including the recent partnership with A+E UK for Missing Presumed Dead (10 x 60 by Spirit Studios). Previously, Anouk was Head of Sales at Zoomin (MTG Company), handling co-production with international platforms such as iQiyi, BilliBilli and Insight TV. Before that, she was Sales Director at Off the Fence (ZDF Studios' company), where she was focused on Sales an co-financing factual series with partners such as Viasat, ZDF Studios, Red Bull and Canal+. Amongst others, she worked on financing the Oscar-winning project ‘My Octopus Teacher.'

Natalie Vinet
SVP, Global Sales & Content, Unscripted
Boat Rocker Studios

As Boat Rocker’s Senior Vice President, Global Distribution, Natalie Vinet oversees non-scripted/factual content distribution and leads strategy on international programme sales, acquisitions and pre-sales. In addition, Vinet manages television and digital media rights sales for Boat Rocker in the Americas, UK, Spain, Italy, and France. Natalie’s role includes distribution team management, greenlight submissions, and general operational needs regarding marketing and event planning for Boat Rocker’s scripted and unscripted business. Vinet joined Boat Rocker in 2017 as VP, Global Sales, Unscripted following the company’s acquisition of Proper Television, where she was head of distribution for its international content sales arm, Proper Rights. Prior to joining Boat Rocker, Vinet was Co-President and Co-Founder of Canadian factual distributor BuzzTaxi Communications, before selling the business to Proper Television in 2013. In addition to her winning sales record Vinet, is fluent in French, Spanish and English. Vinet is based in Boat Rocker’s Toronto office.

Viktor Vokjan
Commissioning Editor
Dramedy Productions

Trish Ward-Torres
Consultant

Trish Ward-Torres is a creative executive and producer with 20+ years of experience driving
award-winning nonfiction and narrative content. Her work spans premium feature
documentaries, series, animation and big-budget narrative films.
Trish is currently consulting for several feature documentaries with Universal Music Group
including SELENA Y LOS DINOS, and several new distribution/production start-ups launched at
Sundance 2025. Trish was a proud Participant for seven years before their closure in 2024,
under the guidance of Chief Content Officer, Diane Weyermann. She has had the privilege to
work on Academy Award winning and nominated films- AMERICAN FACTORY, RBG and ALL THE
BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED.

Prior to Participant, Trish was at Netflix where she managed original productions and partners
FOX, NBCU, Miramax, and PBS. She has held positions at Lionsgate/CBS, Viacom, Disney Studios and DreamWorks Animation. She has produced and directed documentary shorts and multi-season episodic series, as well as music videos, national commercials and cross-promotionalpartner content.

A native of Philadelphia, Trish received a Bachelor of Arts from Sarah Lawrence College and
holds a master’s degree in documentary film making from the University of Pennsylvania. She
currently lives in Los Angeles with her daughter, husband and 3 year old pup.

Lauren Whitelaw
Head of Programming
OUTtv Network

Lauren is the Head of Programming for OUTtv, currently with services in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.  With servicing multiple territories, she has successfully negotiated contracts with companies worldwide.  Lauren recently joined the development team at the network and continues to work closely with Producers globally to find the best LGBTQ+ programming.

Before becoming OUTtv in 2006, Lauren helped launched the service PrideVision TV in 2001.  Prior to 2001, she worked for companies including The Movie Network, CBC and Vision TV.

In 2016, for OUTtv, Lauren co-created the OUTtv Original series Knock Knock Ghost which went on to have two nominations for a Canadian Screen Award in the category of Best Reality Series.

Lindsay Wilkinson
Head of Production
Dropout TV

Peter Wyles
Founder & Creative Director
Nuntius Studios

Llinos Wynne
Head of Documentaries & Specialist Factual
S4C

Llinos Wynne is currently Head of Documentaries and Specialist Factual at S4C https://www.s4c.cymru/en where she commissions a wide range of factual content across both digital and linear platforms. Her remit spans multiple genres and formats, including history, lifestyle, nature, true crime, and premium single documentaries. At S4C, Llinos has commissioned a number of successful Welsh-language original formats, including Am Dro (Take a Hike) and Gwesty Aduniad (The Reunion Hotel), both of which were picked up by the BBC, as well as Tŷ am Ddim (The Great House Giveaway), which aired on Channel 4. She also created the acclaimed single-documentary strand Drych (Mirror), with many of its ambitious films receiving nominations and awards from BAFTA, the Celtic Media Festival, RTS and the Grierson Awards. She has further expanded S4C’s documentary slate with feature-length films, including Y Côr/Men Who Sing, which premiered at Sheffield Doc/Fest, and most recently Y Crwydryn (The Wanderer). Before joining S4C, she spent 20 years at the BBC and later worked as a freelance producer-director. She has produced across factual and factual entertainment genres and is an award-winning documentary maker.

Yundi Zhu
Chief Editor, Bilibili Factual
Bilibili

Yundi (Jude) Zhu, Chief Editor of Bilibili Factual, oversees the documentary channel’s overall programming promotion, content evaluation, and commercial execution. A creative force with journalistic grit and design insight, she has spearheaded campaigns for The Glorious Pediatricians season four (2026), Kingdom (2025), Solar System (2025), The Sinking of Lisbon Maru (2024), Planet Earth III (2023), The Green Planet (2022), Killers of the Cosmos (2021), and more.