Kate Adler was named Executive Vice President, Comedy Development, CBS Television Studios in 2013. In her position, Adler oversees the development of all comedy series for broadcast, cable, and streaming.
New CBS comedies include “Carol’s Second Act” starring Patricia Heaton and “The Unicorn” starring Walton Goggins. “The Neighborhood” starring Cedric the Entertainer and Max Greenfield and “Man With A Plan” starring Matt LeBlanc both return to CBS this Fall. Adler developed the critically acclaimed Netflix series “Dead to Me” starring Christina Applegate, going into its second season, as well as the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and the Emmy nominated Netflix series, “American Vandal.”
Prior to CBS Television Studios, Adler served as a Producer for CBS’ “Survivor Palau,” “Survivor Guatemala” and “Crime & Punishment: Real-Life Law & Order” for NBC. In 2002, she was a producer on the Oscar-winning documentary, “Twin Towers” which told the story of the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit and their heroic acts on September 11th.
From 1997 to 2000, Adler was Vice President, Creative Affairs for Worldwide Pants Incorporated, where she supervised all-new series development, oversaw the production of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Ed,” and recruited writers for “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.” In 1994, Adler was Director, Comedy Development for Walt Disney Network Television where she developed network comedies as well as served as Current Programming Executive on “Ellen.”
Prior to Disney, Adler worked at Creative Artists Agency as an Assistant to the Head of the Television Literary Department.
Adler received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University.
BELA BAJARIA
Chief Content Officer, Netflix
Bela Bajaria was named Head of Global TV in 2020, overseeing English language and local language scripted and unscripted series around the world. Bajaria leads the team for all of television, responsible for hit series including Bridgerton, Squid Game, The Queen’s Gambit and Cobra Kai.
Previously, she oversaw local language originals, original series across Europe, the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, India, Asia, and Latin America as Vice President of Local Language Originals. In this role, she managed the teams behind shows such as La Casa de Papel (Spain), The Witcher (Poland), Lupin (France), Dark Desire (Mexico), Sacred Games (India), Kingdom (Korea), Blood & Water (South Africa), and Sintonia (Brazil).
Bajaria joined Netflix in November 2016 to oversee Netflix’s push into unscripted programming including the critically acclaimed Queer Eye, Nailed It!, and Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, as well as talk series with David Letterman and Hasan Minhaj. Bajaria also oversaw some scripted originals such as the hit series Never Have I Ever andYOU, and led the team responsible for working with studios to co-produce and co-license series internationally with Netflix, including Star Trek: Discovery (CBS), Bodyguard (BBC), Riverdale, and Good Girls (Universal Television).
Previously, Bajaria was President of Universal Television, where she made history as the first woman of color to oversee a studio. There she shepherded creative programming including the Emmy-nominated Netflix comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, as well as hit primetime broadcast series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Mindy Project, Bates Motel, Grimm and Chicago Fire. Earlier, she held two key posts simultaneously: Senior Vice President, Cable Programming for CBS TV Studios, and Senior Vice President of Movies and Miniseries for the CBS network.
Bajaria has been honored by THR’s Women in Entertainment list and Variety’s LA Women’s Impact Report. She was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022. She was named one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in 2020 and 2021. And in 2021, she was honored by the Asia Society as one of their Entertainment Game Changers of the Year. She currently serves on the Los Angeles Board of Governors for the Paley Center and the Board of Los Angeles’ Saban Community Clinic; she was honored with its Lenny Somberg Award in 2018. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for Meridian International Center. She was previously the President of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society and served on the boards of Women in Film and the executive board of the Television Academy. She is involved in a variety of philanthropic endeavors, including SAHARA, a non-profit organization that serves victims of domestic violence. Bajaria has been honored by the “I Have a Dream” Foundation of Los Angeles, The March of Dimes Foundation, and was given the Industry Leadership Award from the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. Bajaria resides in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.
PAUL BUCCIERI
President & Chairman A+E Networks Group
Paul Buccieri is President and Chairman of A+E Networks Group, encompassing A&E®, Lifetime®, HISTORY®, Lifetime Movies, FYI™ and VICELAND®. Other businesses in his portfolio include digital content and distribution; A+E Networks International; the company’s award-winning scripted division, A+E Studios®; unscripted division, A+E Originals™; award-winning Indie film entity, A&E Indie Films®; digital storytelling hub, 45th & Dean™; Brand Licensing and Experiences.
Buccieri became A+E Networks Group’s fourth President in the company’s 35-year history in July 2018. The company is now in over 335 million households in more than 200 territories and across a multitude of platforms.
Previously, Buccieri served as President, A+E Studios and A+E Networks Portfolio Group where he was responsible for all business aspects across A+E Networks’ entire brand portfolio; and oversaw A+E Studios.
Buccieri joined A+E Networks in 2015 as President, A&E, and HISTORY, overseeing all content creation, programming, brand development, and marketing for A&E and HISTORY and their affiliated brands. Some of A+E Networks’ hit shows Buccieri has overseen include HISTORY’s Vikings, Curse of Oak Island, Forged in Fire and American Pickers; and A&E’s Live PD, 60 Days In, and Emmy award-winning hits Leah Remini – Scientology and the Aftermath, and Intervention.
Buccieri is one of the leading television industry executives with extensive experience in worldwide production, distribution, syndication, and digital, both in scripted and non-scripted programming across a wide range of genres. He has a proven track record of driving forward both creative and commercial growth and implementing innovative business models.
Prior to A+E Networks, Buccieri served as Chairman, ITV Studios U.S. Group & ITV Studios Global Entertainment for the UK media company ITV, where he was responsible for building one of the largest independent content producers in the United States. He also led ITV’s international television distribution and consumer products business.
The ITV Studios U.S. Group is comprised of ITV Studios’ successful flagship U.S. production company, ITV Studios America, and the acquired businesses of Gurney Productions (Duck Dynasty), High Noon Entertainment (Cake Boss), Thinkfactory Media (Hatfields & McCoys), DiGa Vision (Teen Wolf) and Leftfield Entertainment, which is made up of Leftfield Pictures (Pawn Stars), Sirens Media (Real Housewives of New Jersey), Loud TV and Outpost Entertainment. The Group also includes Tomorrow Studios, which is a scripted joint venture studio between Marty Adelstein and ITV Studios.
Prior to joining ITV, Buccieri was President of Programming, Production, and Development at Fox Twentieth Television. Before that, he was an Executive Producer at Endemol, USA.
KATHRYN BUSBY
President Original Programming STARZ
Kathryn Busby is President of Original Programming for STARZ. Based in the company’s Santa Monica office, Busby is responsible for leading the programming and development team for the global premium streaming platform and delivering on its programming mandate committed to narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences.
Prior to joining STARZ, Busby was Executive Vice President of Sony’s TriStar Television where she developed and oversaw premium projects that featured diverse, authentic characters and that championed underrepresented voices. Some of her noteworthy projects include The After Party, starring Tiffany Haddish and Sam Richardson from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, a Malcolm X series based on the novels X: A Novel and The Awakening of Malcolm X from his daughter Ilyasah Shabazz and a series based on Kirstin Chen’s crime novel Counterfeit.
Busby previously served as Senior Vice President, Development for Sony Pictures Networks where she developed and produced numerous projects including “Absentia” – the critically acclaimed series that aired on Amazon for three seasons.
Before her role at Sony Pictures Networks, Busby served as Vice President, Original Programming for TBS where she shepherded original content. There, she partnered with Franklin Leonard, creator of “The Blacklist,” to create a joint initiative to identify diverse new writing talent for blind script deals and staffing consideration.
Busby was Senior Vice President, Production for New Line Cinema where she was an executive producer on the film Sex and the City. Prior to that, she held the role of Senior Vice President and Head of Development for The Carsey Werner Company where she oversaw the development of “Grounded for Life” and “The Tracy Morgan Show.” She also worked on “3rd Rock from The Sun” and “That 70’s Show.” She started her television career as Director, Comedy Development for Universal Television. With over 25 years of television experience, Busby is also an award-winning screenwriter, director and producer. She directed the short film Max and Josh which premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. In 2005, her debut film My Purple Fur Coat won Best Children’s Short at the Houston Black Film Festival.
She is Chair of BAFTA’s North American board that strengthens the British arts charity’s global mission to inspire, support and celebrate across film, games and television. Busby created a special BAFTA Masterclass for underprivileged students featuring industry leaders, and serves on the BAFTA Steering Group, whose initiatives resulted in the most diverse BAFTA nominations and wins in its history.
She also sits on the Board of Directors of PACE (Philanthropy and Community Engagement) and the Sony Pictures Action Council, which implements the studio’s racial equity and inclusion initiatives. In 2021, she was honored with an I Have Dream award. Busby is a graduate of Harvard University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in visual and entertainment studies.
ALBERT CHENG
VP, Head of Prime Video U.S. Amazon Studios
Albert Cheng is VP, Head of Prime Video U.S. In his role, he serves as a single-threaded leader overseeing the Prime Video business in the United States. He is responsible for the P&L and revenue growth and for driving and improving performance.
He leads the U.S. and global tentpole programming strategy and consumer insights, in addition to overseeing Prime Video’s brand strategy, brand social, influencer marketing, marketing operations, media and audience insights. Additionally, he is responsible for customer acquisition, retention, and engagement with the entertainment hub across SVOD, AVOD, and Marketplace.
He previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Amazon Studios, where he oversaw the general management of the company alongside Head of Amazon Studios, Jennifer Salke. Before that, he held dual roles as Co-Head of TV and COO from 2018-2021. Cheng came to Amazon Studios in 2015 as COO.
Prior to Amazon Studios, Cheng spent 15 years as an executive at The Walt Disney Company, most recently as Executive Vice President, Digital Media and Chief Product Officer for Disney/ABC Television Group. During that time, Cheng and his team won four Primetime Emmy Awards, and were the first in history to put TV episodes on iTunes in 2005, first to stream top broadcast shows online in 2006, stream in HD in 2007, first to launch an iPad app in 2010, and first to offer live broadcast network feeds in 2013.
Cheng has also held executive positions at Fox and board roles at BMI and Lifetime and was a strategy consultant with The Boston Consulting Group. Cheng earned a Bachelor’s degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration.
CHRISTINA DAVIS
Producer and Executive
Christina Davis is a veteran and accomplished television executive and producer. Most recently she served as President, Original Programming, Starz.
Prior to that, under the banner Maniac Productions, she had an overall deal at ABC Studios, developing content for all platforms: broadcast, streaming, cable and film. The projects include Code Black, Quantico, Cleopatra & Staties, among other projects in development.
During her 20 years in drama development at CBS, she helped develop such successful series as the CSI and NCIS franchises, Bull, MacGyver, Blue Bloods, Hawaii Five-0, Madam Secretary, Scorpion, Criminal Minds, Elementary, The Mentalist, and The Good Wife, among others.
BEN DAVIS
Partner, Co-Head WME Digital WME
Ben Davis is partner and co-head of digital at WME where he oversees the digital creator and podcast businesses.
From authors to athletes to TikTok stars, Davis leads a team that builds digital and podcast businesses for clients – while crossing talent and IP into other film, tv, books and touring. On the podcast side, Davis’ clients include Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Industries, Stephen Dubner’s “Freakonomics Radio,” “Pod Save America,” Jay Shetty, Brené Brown, Ronan Farrow, Glennon Doyle, Adam McKay, Stephen A. Smith, Amy Poehler, Rob Lowe, Last Podcast on the Left, TED and “Morbid”. His roster of digital creators includes Casey Neistat, “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans, and Marques Brownlee. Davis has been featured in both The Hollywood Reporter’s Next Gen (35 under 35) and Forbes’ 30 Under 30 lists. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Davis got his start at WME mailroom.
TARA DUNCAN
President Onyx Collective
Tara Duncan serves as President of Onyx Collective. She previously served as President, Freeform. Freeform is Walt Disney Television’s young adult network, where the force and momentum of its audience drives its quest for authentic, groundbreaking original series.
She joined the network from her overall deal at Hulu, where she curated a strong slate of projects, including an adaption of Zakiya Dalila Harris’ acclaimed novel, “The Other Black Girl,” which she won in a highly competitive bidding war. Before joining Hulu, she was a senior creative executive at Netflix overseeing the hit series “Orange Is the New Black” and “Narcos,” and launching series with directors Spike Lee, Baz Luhrmann, The Wachowskis and Justin Simien. Prior to that, she produced the pilot “Bosch,” Amazon’s first drama series, and was a key creative executive at AMC, developing “The Killing,” “Rubicon,” and the sci-fi miniseries “The Prisoner.” She is a founding member of Who’s In The Room, an executive mentorship program created to diversify the executive and leadership ranks in the entertainment industry. Duncan started her career at Section Eight, George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh’s production company, where she worked on the HBO series “Unscripted” and the Oscar-nominated film “Good Night, and Good Luck.”
DAVID EILENBERG
Head of Content Roku Media
DavidEilenbergis the Vice President and Head of Content for Roku Media. He is responsible for the overall vision, creative strategy, and go-to-market execution—both domestically and in international territories—for content across Roku Media, as well as for setting and achieving long-term growth goals and acquisition of target audiences.
As the leader of Roku Media’s Content organization,Eilenbergis responsible for the overall content mix inside Roku’s proprietary AVOD service, The Roku Channel, and oversees the teams responsible for Roku Originals, Direct Licensing and Programming, AVOD/FAST, Sports, and “This Old House.” In his prior role as Head of Roku Originals,Eilenbergand his team brought highly anticipated titles, including “WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story,” “Meet Me in Paris,” “The Great American Baking Show,” “Die Harter,” and many more to millions of streamers to enjoy for free.
JAIME FELD
Co-Head, TV Talent CAA
Jaime Feld is the Co-Head of Television Talent at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Based in the agency’s Los Angeles office, Feld leads a team of more than two dozen agents, identifying and innovating opportunities for actors in broadcast, cable, and streaming series.
Feld personally represents many of the world’s leading actors and artists, including Connie Britton, Julianna Margulies, Diane Kruger, Mary-Louise Parker, Jonathan Groff, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Demi Moore, Lily Collins, Cazzie David, Sofía Vergara, Lola Tung, and Leslie Odom Jr., among others. Feld began her career at CAA in 2002 as an Assistant to CAA Co-Chairman Kevin Huvane. She was promoted to Agent in 2010. Feld graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Business.
RAFAEL GOMEZ
Head, Business Affairs AMC Networks
Rafael Gomez is the Head of Business Affairs for AMC Networks’ Entertainment Group, overseeing the development and execution of programming agreements across the entertainment brands AMC, BBC America, SundanceTV, and IFC as well as AMC Studios. Gomez, who is based in Los Angeles, reports to Ed Carroll, Chief Operating Officer of AMC Networks.
As Head of Business Affairs, Gomez oversees the team that negotiates original programming agreements for AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV, and AMC Studios. This includes deals for writers, producers, directors, and actors and contracts with outside studios and streaming platforms.
Prior to AMC Networks, Rafael served as the Senior Vice President of Business Affairs for Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, and Head of Business Affairs, Original Programming, at USA Network and SYFY, responsible for managing a team negotiating deals for scripted and unscripted original programming. He began his career in television as the production lawyer on “The Office” and “House, M.D.” As a business affairs executive, he also managed multiple TV series, including “Suits” and “Royal Pains” at NBCU.
Gomez is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Berkeley Law, where he teaches Entertainment Law for TV. Before entering the entertainment industry, Rafael was a management consultant at McKinsey & Company, focused on growth strategies for Fortune 500 companies. He started his career as a mergers & acquisitions attorney at Baker & McKenzie’s law firm in Chicago.
He is a graduate of Harvard Law School.
SCOTT HERVEY
Shareholder Weintraub Tobin Chediak Coleman Grodin Law Corporation
Scott Hervey is a partner with Weintraub Tobin. Scott represents studios, production companies, producers, directors, and showrunners in a wide variety of transactions, including network negotiations, development deals, and all forms of rights acquisitions.
He is the co-lead of the Weintraub Tobin’s Business & Legal Affairs group, which provides outsourced comprehensive business, legal, and production affairs to studios and production companies requiring either a full-service solution or an interim/project-based solution.
His practice also encompasses representingdigital media in rights acquisitions, distribution, licensing, and other general business transactions. He is the co-chair of the HRTS Unscripted Content Group, and served previously as an entertainment law professor at UC Davis School of Law.
Scott is the founder and host of The Briefing, amedia and intellectual property-focused podcast series. With over 100 episodes since 2021, Scott and his guests discuss current issues related to trademark, copyright, and entertainment.
FRANK JUNG
Co-Founder/Co-head of Digital Media CAA
Frank Jung is the Co-Founder and Co-Head of CAA Digital Media and is also a TV/Film Agent. He started at CAA in 2004 and became one of the first diverse leaders at the agency. Jung and his team work with traditional and digital endemic clients focusing in areas such as: selling series and movies, brand partnerships, representation, building new businesses, advising on investment and strategic partnerships, and has an advisory/consulting practice.
A snapshot of his diverse client lists include representing Joe Penna, who was a YouTube star turned filmmaker and his films, ARCTIC and STOWAWAY are currently Streaming on Amazon and Netflix respectfully. He represents Oscar Winning Writer/Director Graham Moore for THE IMITATION GAME and THE OUTFIT; Alex Tse who is a Writer/Showrunner/Producer (WU TANG, GRAN TURISMO); to directors such as Phil Abraham (FUBAR/DARE DEVIL/MAD MEN); and Hannah Macpherson (TIME CUT, PURE). Other multi-hyphenate talent he represents include: RZA (Wu Tang Clan), Eugenio Derbez (CODA, ACAPULCO); Anna Akana (JUPITER’S LEGACY, MILLON LITTLE THINGS), Ramit Sethi (HOW TO GET RICH) comedian Jo Koy (EASTER SUNDAY) and Actor, Writer, Director, Sung Kang (THE FAST AND FURIOUS/OBI WAN/SHAKY SHIVERS). He also started the TV business for Jason Blum, helping Blumhouse TV become a full-fledged studio in 2017. Jung has a unique eye for discovering new digital platforms for original programing and spearheading groundbreaking projects at places such as: Amazon, YouTube, Starz, Facebook, Quibi, and many more. Jung was key in putting together COBRA KAI, which was the first premium series launched on YouTube and also represents the Showrunners/Directors, Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg; and now the series airs on Netflix becoming one of the most watched show when it premiered. He led the initiative in starting Amazon’s original programming, including Amazon’s very first owned series HAND OF GOD; to launching Facebook’s first Drama series FIVE POINTS, which was produced by his client Kerry Washington. He has led the creation of new companies such as Jake and Jon Avnet’s Indigenous Media, which launched the Digital Media Platform 60 SECOND DOCS; Paul Feig’s company, POWDERKEG and many others. Jung also advises and has strategic partnerships with companies such as the next gen studio GUNPOWDER & SKY, a Gen Z Digital Media company SWEETY HIGH MEDIA, one of the largest media publishers FIRST MEDIA; Group Black’s HOLLER STUDIOS; Media Cartographer/Thought Leader, Evan Shapiro/ESHAP MEDIA and many more. Jung is from Seattle and graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in Political Science, Business, and Economics. He serves on the Boards of HRTS, CAPE, and THE BUCKLEY SCHOOL. He is based in Los Angeles.
LISA KATZ
President, Scripted Content NBC Universal
Lisa Katz is a veteran television executive who was elevated to the role of President of Scripted Content, NBCUniversal in 2020. In this capacity, Katz leads comedy development, drama development, current programming, casting and diversity initiatives for original scripted entertainment content across NBCU’s broadcast, cable and streaming platforms: NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen True Crime, SYFY, Universal Kids, USA Network and Peacock.
Katz oversees a dynamic portfolio of all scripted programming including NBC’s “Law & Order” and “Chicago” franchises, “Night Court,” “Quantum Leap,” and Peacock’s “Bel-Air,” “Poker Face,” and “Mrs. Davis.”
She was instrumental in the development of NBCU’s groundbreaking Female Forward directors’ initiative. Launched in 2017, Female Forward aims to systemically increase the number of female directors in scripted television with the goal of reaching gender parity. It is the first scripted directing initiative in the television industry to guarantee that participants will helm at least one episode by the culmination of the program.
Prior to her current role, Katz served as Co-President, Scripted Programming for NBC Entertainment. She joined NBC as Executive Vice President of Drama in 2016 and had since been overseeing the buying and development of all one-hour projects as well as shepherding the pilots and first seasons of all new dramas. In her role at NBC, she has been instrumental in developing hit series including “Manifest,” “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” “New Amsterdam,” “Good Girls” and “Mr. Mayor.”
In her previous capacity at 20th Century Fox Television, Katz developed two of the most successful recent broadcast hits with Dan Fogelman’s “This Is Us” for NBC and Lee Daniels and Danny Strong’s “Empire” for Fox (with Imagine TV). During her 12 years at the studio, Katz developed many long-running global hits including “Bones” (Fox, Hart Hanson, Barry Josephson).
Before joining 20th, Katz started her career at Brillstein-Grey where she worked for seven years on both comedy and drama series, including “The Sopranos,” “Just Shoot Me” and “The Steve Harvey Show.”
Katz is a graduate of Duke University, where she majored in English. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Dan, and their two sons.
MARC KORMAN
Partner & Agent WME Entertainment
Marc Korman is a partner in WME’s scripted television department. Korman works closely with television and feature writers, playwrights, and filmmakers to package scripted drama series.
Korman has been involved in several successful shows of the past two decades including Glee, American Horror Story, NBC’s Chicago franchise as well as Arrow, Riverdale, Pose, Fosse/Verdon, Sabrina, and Our Boys. He is also involved in the upcoming Epix series Godfather of Harlem, Netflix’s The Politician, and Apple’s Servant. Korman joined Endeavor as a partner in March 2008 and transitioned to WME following the agency’s merger with William Morris in 2009. He was previously a partner in the television department at United Talent Agency. He began his career as a public defender in Chicago and currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and three children.
JORDAN LEVIN
General Manager Rooster Teeth
A proven creator, operator and strategist in both traditional and new media, Levin has been instrumental in launching numerous entertainment franchises that have left a lasting impact on popular culture over the past three decades as an enterprising network and studio executive, Emmy-award winning producer, director, and digital entrepreneur.
Acknowledged for his insightful understanding of youthful audiences, Levin’s experience spans a broad range of content genres. Considered a prominent thought leader, innovative builder and collaborative partner, Levin has been recognized by many publications and organizations for his forward-thinking influence across the entertainment, sports, advertising, and technology communities.
Currently a strategic advisor and business consultant, Levin most recently served as CEO of Awesomeness, a multiplatform media company and premier entertainment brand serving the global Gen-Z audience. Comcast NBCUniversal recruited Levin to evaluate the majority stake in Awesomeness it acquired following its purchase of DreamWorks Animation. In this capacity, Levin oversaw the growth of the company’s leading digital networks, its world-class film and television studio, and its full-fledged creative agency, before successfully initiating and facilitating the company’s sale to Viacom. Before joining Awesomeness, Levin became the NFL’s first Chief Content Officer, managing the league’s content portfolio across the NFL Network, NFL Films, NFL.com, NFL Mobile, its social media channels, newsroom, event programming, including the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and external partnerships. Prior to the NFL, Levin joined Microsoft’s nascent Xbox Entertainment Studios division as Executive Vice President, General Manager tasked with coordinating the launch of an interactive, video-on-demand programming service creating original premium content for the global, over-the-top Xbox platform. In 2005, Levin built Generate, a pioneering studio, and talent management company. He sold the company to Alloy Digital in 2011 and served as President of the new entity, during which time Alloy Digital subsequently merged with Break Media to form Defy Media. Previously, Levin joined The WB Television Network (now The CW) in 1994 as part of its founding executive team where he spent a decade helping to build and brand America’s most successful broadcast network targeting young-adults. He became the sole President of Programming in 2001, included oversight of ‘Kids’ WB,’ and two years later became the youngest CEO in broadcast television history. Earlier, Levin spent five years as a member of the creative team that revitalized the Disney brand in network television.
A frequent keynote speaker, moderator, panelist and presenter, Levin is also a published author and adjunct professor at USC in the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. He has lent his strategic acumen to a variety of boards: including non-profit organizations, industry associations, academic institutions, political advocacy groups, and early-stage media companies, such as NATPE, for which he is a past Chairman, HRTS, for which he is a past President, the Los Angeles Board of Governors for the Paley Center for Media, the Austin Television Festival, the Austin Film Society, the University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication Advisory Council and the Los Angeles Network for Moody College, for which he is Chair. He was named the College’s Alumnus of the Year in 2002, was the University Alumni Organization’s 2004 Outstanding Young Texas-Ex Award recipient, and selected as one of the University’s 125 Extraordinary Exes in 2010.
GREG LIPSTONE
President & COO Voxovation, CEO, Stockholm Syndrome
Greg Lipstone is the President & COO of Voxovation as well as the CEO of Stockholm Syndrome. Prior to this, he served as the President of Propagate, a fast-growing global content production and distribution studio.
Prior to joining Propagate, Lipstone was CEO of All3Media America. Earlier, he was a founding partner and board member at ICM Partners, a leading talent and literary agency representing clients in the fields of motion pictures, television, publishing, music, theater, branded entertainment, and digital media. Lipstone oversaw the agency’s international television and media department.
While an agent, Lipstone’s clients included All3Media America, Studio Lambert, Lime Pictures, North One, Bentley Productions, MME-Filmpool, South Pacific Pictures, Lion Television, Objective Productions, Optomen Production and Zoo Productions, Nigel Lythgoe and Nigel Lythgoe Productions, Leftfield Pictures, LMNO Productions, Original Media, Jane Street Entertainment, Hoodlum, David Young’s Hindsight Productions, Ken Mok, Conrad Green, Audrey Morrissey, Alycia Rossiter, Sam Donnelly, Rupert Thompson, Ping Pong Productions, Bodega Pictures, ZnakJones, Greenbird, Collins Avenue, Arnold Shapiro Productions, Gurney Productions, Bogner Content, and Matt Kunitz, among others.
Lipstone is credited with packaging numerous successful television series including Dancing with the Stars (ABC), The Office (NBC), Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares (FOX), Undercover Boss (CBS), Million Second Quiz (NBC), Secrets and Lies (ABC), Wilfred (F/X), Skins (MTV), Ugly Betty (ABC), I Can Do That (NBC), Beyond Scared Straight (A&E), The People’s Couch (Bravo), Top Gear (History), Chrisley Knows Best (USA), Prime Suspect (NBC), Nanny 911 (FOX), The Chase (GSN), Money From Strangers (MTV), Secret Princes (TLC), Guinness World Records Gone Wild (TruTV), Kids Say the Darndest Things (CBS), Last Comic Standing (NBC) and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (ABC).
Lipstone is the third generation of a family that has devoted over 100 years working in the entertainment business. Lipstone worked at the William Morris Agency for 21 years, initially as a trainee and subsequently rising through the ranks to head the agency’s network television department.
Lipstone is a member of the Board of Governors for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, an Associate Member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and on the board of directors for NATPE and the Hollywood Radio & Television Society (HRTS). Born and raised in L.A., he received a BA from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
DAVID MADDEN
Head of Global Entertainment Wattpad Webtoon Studios
An accomplished and highly regarded programming executive, David Madden was named President, Berlanti Productions in February 2020.
Previously, he served as AMC Networks’ President of Programming, Entertainment Networks, overseeing all scripted and non-fiction content development for AMC, BBC AMERICA, IFC, Sundance TV, and AMC Studios, brands that deliver some of the most popular and culturally relevant shows on television as well as an expanding studio operation.
Madden joined AMC Networks in late 2017 after nearly two decades at Fox, where he most recently was President of Entertainment for the Fox Broadcasting Company, responsible for all programming and development, including series such as “Empire,” “911,” “Brooklyn 99,” “Masterchef Junior” and “Grease Live.” Prior to that, Madden was President of Fox Television Studios, which developed and produced programming for a variety of broadcast and cable networks in the U.S. and internationally. Series produced by FTVS during Madden’s tenure at the studio included “The Shield” and “The Americans” for FX, “The Killing,” for AMC and later Netflix, “White Collar,” “Graceland” and “Burn Notice” for USA, and many others.
At AMC Networks, Madden has most recently overseen a new slate of programming for AMC that includes the “Dispatches from Elsewhere,” from actor and writer Jason Segel and producer Scott Rudin, “NOS4A2,” a supernatural horror series, season two of the popular anthology series, “The Terror” and critically hailed drama “Lodge 49.” Current programming on AMC includes “The Walking Dead,” “Fear The Walking Dead,” “Better Call Saul,” and “Preacher.” AMC has also recently greenlit its first episodic anthology series about the intersection of love and science from Will Bridges (“Black Mirror”) and Brett Goldstein.
On the unscripted side, AMC is home to original series such as “Talking Dead,” “Talking With Chris Hardwick,” “Ride with Norman Reedus” and year-round documentary series “AMC Visionaries,” which immerses fans in favorite topics and subcultures like comics, horror, rap, and science fiction all led by the masters themselves, such as Robert Kirkman, Eli Roth, Questlove, and James Cameron.
At BBC America, Madden oversees programming that includes the critically acclaimed “Killing Eve;” top-rated phenomenon “Doctor Who;” Emmy® IDA-winning “Planet Earth II” and the producers’ next epic story of our planet, “Dynasties;” Emmy®-winning “Blue Planet II;” acclaimed drama “Luther;” ground-breaking unscripted series “Top Gear;” the buzzy and hilarious “The Graham Norton Show;” and the world’s largest darts championships. Upcoming series for BBC America include the punk rock thriller “The Watch,” based on Sir Terry Pratchett’s wildly popular “Discworld” novels.
Madden heads programming and development for IFC, home to offbeat comedies such as “Documentary Now!,” created by Bill Hader, Seth Meyers and Fred Armisen, and produced by Broadway Video, “Brockmire,” starring Hank Azaria and produced with Funny Or Die, the fast-paced and irreverent “Baroness von Sketch Show,” and “Sherman’s Showcase,” an original musical variety sketch from “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” comedy duo Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle and executive produced by John Legend. Upcoming series include “Year of the Rabbit,” a co-production with the UK’s Channel 4, starring Matt Berry as a drunk sleuth investigating crimes inspired by the world of Sherlock Holmes’ Victorian-era London.
At SundanceTV, Madden oversees a lineup of high-caliber dramas and documentary programming, including the Peabody Award-winning series “Deutschland 86,” the Leonardo DiCaprio executive produced the documentary “Jonestown: Terror In The Jungle,” and critically acclaimed dramas “The Split” and “Liar.” SundanceTV’s newest series is “State of The Union,” a ten-part short-form comedy written by the Academy Award®-nominated and BAFTA-winning writer Nick Hornby (“Brooklyn,” “An Education”) and starring Academy Award® and BAFTA-nominated Rosamund Pike (“Gone Girl,” “Hostiles”) and BAFTA-nominated Chris O’Dowd (“Bridesmaids,” “Get Shorty”).
Also central to his role at AMC Networks is Madden’s oversight of programming for the company’s expanding AMC Studios business, which allows the company to own and control more of the content it brings to fans on its national networks and emerging platforms. AMC Studios produces “The Walking Dead,” the highest-rated series in cable history, and a wide variety of popular and acclaimed originals including “Fear the Walking Dead,” “The Terror,” “Into the Badlands,” “Lodge 49” and others. The studio has also produced the Peabody Award-winning “Rectify,” and “Hap and Leonard,” as well as unscripted series “Cold Blooded: The Clutter Family Murders” and “The Jonestown Massacre” for SundanceTV.
Prior to his tenure at Fox, Madden was a producer and partner with the Paramount Pictures-based Cort/Madden Company, with more than 20 films to his credit. “Something the Lord Made,” featuring Alan Rickman and Mos Def, for HBO, won the 2004 Emmy Award for Outstanding Made for Television Movie and the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television. Madden also produced “Save the Last Dance,” starring Julia Stiles, which grossed $90+ million domestically and sold three million soundtrack units. The Cort/Madden Company also developed a series version for FOX.
While at the Cort/Madden Company, Madden and his partner produced “Against the Ropes,” with Meg Ryan, and “The Out of Towners,” with Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn, among other films. Madden also executive-produced “Runaway Bride,” starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The film grossed more than $150 million domestically.
Before Paramount, Madden was a producer and partner with Interscope Communications, where he developed and produced such films as the thriller “The Hand that Rocks the Cradle,” with Rebecca De Mornay; “The Associate,” starring Whoopi Goldberg; “Operation Dumbo Drop,” featuring Danny Glover and Ray Liotta; “Renegades,” starring Kiefer Sutherland; and “Blind Fury,” starring Rutger Hauer.
Prior to becoming an executive at Interscope Communications, Madden was Vice President of Production at Paramount Pictures, supervising such hit films as “The Untouchables,” “Fatal Attraction,” “The Naked Gun,” “The Accused” and “Children of a Lesser God.” He also served as Vice President of Production at Twentieth Century Fox, where he supervised “Romancing the Stone,” “Jewel of the Nile,” “Revenge of the Nerds” and “The Fly.”
In addition to his producing career, Madden directed the Trimark feature “Separate Lives,” starring Linda Hamilton and James Belushi, and wrote and directed the Lifetime movie “A Part of the Family,” starring Robert Carradine and Ronny Cox.
Madden received a Bachelor’s Degree from Harvard University and a Master’s Degree from the University of California Los Angeles.
PHILIPPE MAIGRET
President ITV Studios America
Philippe Maigret – President, ITV Studios America – manages ITV Studios’ U.S. scripted TV studio operations and oversees the company’s U.S. joint-ventures and growth strategy across all platforms. He also serves as an advisor on ITV Studios’ worldwide scripted programming strategy, and represents ITV on the boards of Quibi, Tomorrow Studios (its JV with Marty Adelstein), Work Friends (a JV between Nick Weidenfeld and Tomorrow Studios), Bedrock Entertainment (its JV with Dan Sackheim and Tony To), and Circle of Confusion Television Studios (its JV with talent management and production company Circle of Confusion).
ITV Studios’ scripted TV production output in North America currently includes Snowpiercer (TNT in the U.S., Netflix internationally), Physical (Apple TV+), One Piece and Cowboy Bebop (Netflix) from Tomorrow Studios, 10-Year-Old Tom (HBO Max) from Work Friends and Good Witch (Hallmark Channel) from ITV Studios America, as well as a growing development slate with multiple broadcast, cable and OTT services.
A seasoned creative entrepreneur with wide-ranging expertise in launching and growing international media brands, Maigret has extensive experience in production, global distribution, digital, business strategy and development across the entertainment landscape. He has a proven track-record of driving creative and commercial growth for television programming that continues to engage audiences worldwide. With his extensive international experience, Maigret has successfully assumed leadership positions and managed diverse teams within global organizations.
Prior to joining ITV Studios America, Maigret served as CEO, Endemol Studios, where he launched and managed Endemol’s scripted television studio operations and acquisitions in North America. Under his leadership, Endemol Studios quickly established a strong position as an independent TV studio, with a scripted portfolio that included the original hit series “Hell on Wheels” (AMC), the critically‐acclaimed Drama “Kingdom” (DirecTV Audience Network) and scripted formats adapted for U.S. broadcast including “Red Widow” (ABC) and “Low Winter Sun” (AMC). Maigret joined Endemol in March 2010 as Executive Vice President, Acquisitions and delivered the acquired series “Hot in Cleveland” (TV Land) and “Leverage” (TNT).
Before he joined Endemol, Maigret was the SVP, Business Strategy & Development, International, Disney Media Networks, where he was responsible for the distribution of Disney ABC ESPN motion pictures and television programming to 200+ clients in the EMEA. Earlier in his career, he was an executive at Centropolis Entertainment, Dreamworks SKG and Canal +. His production credits include “Kingdom” (Executive Producer), “The Young Americans” (Executive Producer) and “Boiling Point” (Co‐Executive Producer). Maigret serves on the board of the Hollywood Radio & TV Society.
A graduate of Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris, Maigret currently resides in Los Angeles, California where he is actively involved in fundraising, mentoring, guest-lecturing and can frequently be found either on the tennis court, running a marathon or playing with his two dogs.
TIM MCNEAL
SVP of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion Disney Entertainment
Tim McNeal, senior vice president of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion for Disney Television Studios at Disney Entertainment, oversees the Creative Talent Development & Inclusion Team responsible for implementing innovative programs and initiatives, from hiring events and programs to community relationship-building to tracking and reporting the company’s progress toward more inclusive hiring. He reports to Walt Disney Television President Eric Schrier.
A veteran of television programming development, McNeal transitioned into talent development as vice president of Talent Development & Diversity in 2006. With the 2013 restructuring of the team, he was promoted to head of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion. In his role, McNeal oversees Disney Entertainment’s Creative Talent Development hiring referrals and events, professional development offerings and talent programs, including the Disney Writing Program, Disney Directing Program, Disney PA program and National Latino Media Council (NLMC)/National Hispanic Media Coalition’s (NHMC) Latino Television Writers Program, among others. He is also responsible for further expanding the scope of these programs across Disney Entertainment. Additionally, McNeal serves as a primary liaison between Disney Entertainment and diversity-related coalitions, nonprofit arts institutions and entertainment industry guilds; and he leads the strategic planning for the Company’s diversity agenda across Disney Entertainment business units.
Prior to Disney Entertainment, McNeal joined the programming team that launched The WB Television Network in 1995. As vice president, Drama Development, McNeal developed such groundbreaking series as “Dawson’s Creek,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “7th Heaven” and “Felicity” – all of which were instrumental in building the success of the new network. After working in development for several years, McNeal had a first-look writing deal at The WB. He eventually returned to the executive ranks as senior vice president, Development, Tom Lynch Company, where he led the production company’s expansion from kid-centered daytime entertainment to primetime television. Prior to making the move into development at The WB, McNeal was a literary agent at InterTalent and ICM Agencies.
A California native, McNeal is active in a variety of community groups. He received his Bachelor of Arts in political science from UCLA.
ANDREW MILLER
Agent, Television Department CAA
Andrew Miller is a Scripted Television Agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Based in Los Angeles, Miller is a key member of the senior leadership team that oversees the efforts of the Television department.
He works with many leading creators, executive producers, directors, and production companies, and his clients have included the creators and executive producers of such critically-acclaimed shows as Ozark, Kidding, Power, Dead to Me, Snowfall, Seal Team, and Perpetual Grace, among others.
A graduate of The University of Michigan, Miller began his career as a trainee at UTA and joined CAA in 2004. Miller played baseball at The University of Michigan from 1996-1998 and remains an avid baseball fan.
DJ NURRE
Executive Vice President, Unscripted Endemol Shine North America
Nurre oversees all unscripted current programming, as well as pilots and presentations for the Los Angeles-based production company. He leads all efforts on such series as FOX’s wildly-successful and Emmy Award-nominated LEGO Masters, MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, TBS’ revamped Wipeout, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for ABC, Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge and upcoming series Deal or No Deal Island for NBC.
Before joining Endemol Shine North America, Nurre was an award winning editor and seasoned showrunner.
BRETT PAUL
President Warner Bros Discovery
Brett A. Paul is President of Warner Bros. Television and has served in this role since 2019.
As WBTV’s top business executive, Brett is tasked with mapping and implementing its strategic direction and has direct day-to-day operational oversight of all studio business activities.
Brett began his career at WBTV in 1995 as a Business Affairs executive and has served in multiple capacities leading to his current position, including President of the Warner Horizon Scripted Television division from May 2014 until its merger with WBTV in 2020.
Before joining WBTV, Brett served as both corporate counsel and business affairs executive at All American Communications, and in private legal practice at both Hill Wynne Troop & Meisinger in Southern California and at Cahill, Gordon & Reindel in New York. He has proudly served on the Board of Directors of the Forum on Law, Culture & Society (www.folcs.org) since 2008 and on the Board of UCLA Health since 2019.
TINA PERRY
President OWN
Named president of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in 2019, Tina Perry oversees all operations and creative areas of the network, reporting to OWN Chairman and CEO Oprah Winfrey. Her leadership is a driving force behind the network’s ongoing evolution to become the leading destination for African American viewers.
She also oversees OWN’s robust digital division including the Watch OWN app, the network’s award-winning website Oprah.com, and its growing podcast business.
Perry was instrumental in OWN’s successful launch into scripted programming with popular drama series Queen Sugar, Cherish the Day, Greenleaf, The Haves and the Have Nots, the Peabody Award-winning David Makes Man, and the upcoming Delilah. She oversees the continuing success of the network’s lineup of unscripted hits that includes Iyanla: Fix My Life, Love & Marriage: Huntsville, Black Women OWN the Conversation, Family or Fiancé, Black Love, Put A Ring On It, and Ready to Love in addition to the Daytime Emmy-award winning Super Soul Sunday. Perry has spearheaded the development of OWN’s first food programming block of cooking shows including Tregaye’s Way and Lovely Bites, as well as the first holiday movies on OWN. She has also shepherded the creation of special OWN spotlight programming that tackles important issues affecting Black women today. Oprah’s two-night town hall on racism in America simulcast across all of Discovery’s networks and platforms reaching over 25 million viewers worldwide.
Perry serves on the OWN Board of Directors, The Paley Center for Media’s Los Angeles Board of Governors, The Television Academy Foundation’s Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors of The Friends of the Saban Community Clinic.
Perry was named to Ebony magazine’s Power 100 list, was honored at the Multichannel News Wonder Woman Awards in 2020, as one of the Cablefax 2020 Most Powerful Women “Wavemakers,” and received the Women in Cable Telecommunication’s LEA Award in 2019.
RHONDA PRICE
Managing Partner The Gersh Agency
Hailing from Flint, Michigan, post a degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in Journalism, Rhonda has only known Agency life. Starting at William Morris with a brief stint at Susan Smith and Associates, she found her place at The Gersh Agency.
Price has been building careers for over 27 years, with a client list that includes, among others, Oscar Winner Sam Rockwell, Oscar Nominee and Emmy winner Richard Jenkins, Oscar Winner Tom McCarthy, Elizabeth Olsen and rising stars Briana Middleton, Tom Pelphrey and Tom Blyth among others.The Majority of her client list have been with her throughout their careers.
KIM ROZENFELD
President Half Full Studios
As President of Half Full Studios, Kim Rozenfeld produces both scripted and nonfiction series. He is currently Executive Producer on the second season of critically acclaimed docuseries, Home and the Untitled Mark Ronson series which he also created. Both shows are for Apple TV+ where Kim has a first look deal. Kim is also the executive producer on a scripted, limited series starring Michelle Pfeiffer and based on the NY Times best-selling novel, “Did You Ever Have A Family.”
Formerly Head of Nonfiction Development and Current Programming for Apple TV+, Kim was responsible for managing all scripted and nonfiction series, as well as all Oprah content spanning across the streaming service. Hired as employee number 4, Kim was a key conduit between the creative team in Culver City and the Strategy, Platform, Business Operations, Product, Design and Cross Media Marketing teams in Cupertino.
He joined Apple after segueing from Sony Pictures Television where he served as Executive VP of Scripted Programs for Sony Pictures Television. There he was responsible for all of the studio’s scripted comedy and drama series (including Better Call Saul, Blacklist and Outlander) spanning across a dozen broadcast, cable and digital networks.
Kim re-entered the executive ranks after having completed a multi-year development deal as an Executive Producer at ABC Studios. There, he developed all genres of television and produced the drama series, Huge. Previously, he produced and directed the hit television comedy Two Guys And A Girl, produced the comedies Baby Talk and Dinosaurs as well as the Emmy Award Winning non-fiction series, American High. Additionally, he developed and Executive Produced the award-winning reality series, Bands Reunited and the controversial Breaking Bonaduce.
Previously Kim had served as the Senior VP of Current Series Programs for the ABC, having supervised over 400 hour of scripted programming annually. He’s also served as the VP of Series Development and Programming for VH1. Involved in the re-branding of the cable network, he engineered and managed the channel’s development think tank – The Launch Pad – from which came the popular comedy/reality hybrids Motormouth and Home James, both of which Kim executive produced. Additionally, he developed and executive produced such acclaimed series as Military Diaries and Rock The House among others.
Kim previously held the roles of VP – Comedy Programs for ABC, developing and supervising such shows as Dharma And Greg and Sports Night. He was also Dir. of Series Development for Columbia/TriStar Television.
ROBIN SCHWARTZ
President Working Bird Inc/Executive Producer
WORKING BIRD is a television and film production company founded by Robin Schwartz with a mandate to help singular voices excavate and execute their boldest ideas. Robin is the executive producer of the PGA-nominated What the Constitution Means to Me – the Marielle Heller-helmed filmed special of Heidi Schreck’s Pulitzer Prize finalist hit Broadway play for Amazon – as well as Central Park (Apple), Invitation to a Bonfire (AMC), the critically acclaimed Elizabeth Olsen series Sorry for Your Loss (Facebook Watch), and Tanya Saracho’s SXSW and GLAAD award-winning series Vida (Starz).
Working Bird’s current slate includes a limited series based on Joan Didion’s The White Album and Slouching towards Bethlehem, with Sarah Gubbins and Heidi Schreck adapting and Griffin Dunne and John Lyons attached to produce. Michelle Williams will also produce and star as Didion. Other upcoming projects: We Set the Dark on Fire for Amazon, adapted by Felicia Hilario and Jaquén Castellanos from Tehlor Kay Mejia’s novel and produced by Melissa Barrera, Horse, from acclaimed playwright Ming Peiffer based the Amy Bonnaffons short story, an adaptation of Matt Young’s kaleidoscopic war memoir Eat the Apple from Andrew Neel and Mike Roberts, neowestern cli-fi epic American Refugee from Perry Janes and Pat Charles with Melina Matsoukas attached to direct, Ashley Skidmore’s animated bible camp comedy Holier than Thou starring Cristin Milioti, and Jihan Crowther’s transatlantic rom-com The London Assignment starring Sasheer Zamata.
CHRIS SELAK
President and Chief Content Officer End of Episode
In 2018, Chris Selak joined Courtney A. Kemp’s production company, End of Episode, as President and Executive Producer. Kemp is the Emmy-nominated creator, showrunner and producer of the Starz hit series, Power.
In their exclusive multiyear deal with global content leader, Lionsgate, Selak is developing and producing a variety of new content across multiple platforms through Kemp’s End of Episode banner, which encompasses multiple projects inspired by the world of Power, led by the recently announced Power Book II: Ghost, as well as dirty cop drama Dirty Thirty in development at HBO.
Before joining End of Episode, Ms. Selak was Executive Vice President and Head of Worldwide Scripted Television for Lionsgate, where she oversaw creative development and programming for all Lionsgate scripted television projects. In her tenure, she built on Lionsgate’s legacy series like Mad Men (AMC), Nurse Jackie (Showtime) and Weeds (Showtime) with ground-breaking shows like Orange is the New Black (Netflix), Nashville (CMT/Hulu), The Royals (E!), Step Up: High Water (YouTube Red), Dear White People (Netflix), and The Rook (Starz). She continued to expand scripted programming with upcoming shows like The Continental based on the John Wick feature franchise (Starz), Kingkiller Chronicle (Showtime), and Jerusalem (Starz).
Ms. Selak also spearheaded the Lionsgate Television Group’s collaboration with the Lionsgate UK television business, led by UK CEO Zygi Kamasa and UK Television Creative Director Steve November.
Prior to joining Lionsgate in 2011, Ms. Selak served as SVP at John Wells Productions, where she worked on shows including ER, The West Wing, Shameless, and Southland. Prior to that, Ms. Selak was VP at Mandalay Television, a Peter Guber Company, serving as a producer on the Showtime series Rude Awakening. She also oversaw the development and production of the ABC series Cupid and The WB’s Young Americans.
LAUREN STEIN
EVP, Drama Development Sony Pictures Television
Lauren Stein serves as Executive Vice President, Drama Development for Sony Pictures Television Studios (SPTS), the production side of SPE’s television business. In this role since 2017, she guides the development of scripted programming for drama series, working with over 30 partners across all broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms and manages a team of 10.
Stein joined SPTS in 2015 as a Senior Vice President and was promoted to her current position in senior management in July of 2017. During her tenure at SPTS, she’s worked closely with the studio’s top talent including, Howard Gordan and Alex Gansa, Alex Cary, Graham Yost, David Shore, Shawn Ryan, Carla Kettner, and Michelle Maclaren. Stein is responsible for the development of shows including The GOOD DOCTOR, THE BOYS, THE NIGHT AGENT, WHEEL OF TIME, among many others.
Prior to her time at SPTS, Stein served as Senior Vice President of Drama Development at CHERNIN ENTERTAINMENT. As one of the first employees at Peter Chernin’s new venture, Stein was instrumental in the company’s growth sheparding such series as TOUCH (written by Tim Kring and starring Kiefer Sutherland) on FOX, TERRA NOVA (co-produced with Steven Spielberg) on FOX, and BREAKOUT KINGS (from Matt Olmstead and Nick Santora) on A&E. Additionally, Stein developed and produced pilots for NBC, CBS, SHOWTIME, FX, SYFY, and LIFETIME.
Before joining CHERNIN, Stein served as Vice President, Drama Programming, Universal Media Studios. She served in that position from June 2006 to December 2008. As a senior studio executive, Stein worked with top talent, including Rand Ravich, Paul Haggis, Oliver Goldstick, Liz Heldens, John Eisendrath, David Semel, Clark Johnson, Kerry Ehrin, and Lawrence O’Donnell, among many others. In this role, Stein sold projects to NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, The CW, USA and LIFETIME.
At UMS, Stein was the key studio executive responsible for developing, packaging and overseeing the production of the award-winning NBC show LIFE (from Rand Ravich), which won an AFI award, LIPSTICK JUNGLE (based on SEX AND THE CITY author Candace Bushnell’s best-selling novel) and MY OWN WORST ENEMY (starring Christian Slater). Stein also worked on KNIGHT RIDER, RAINES (starring Jeff Goldblum and created by Graham Yost), LAS VEGAS and THE BLACK DONNELLYS (from Oscar winners Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco).
Stein served as Director, Drama Programs, NBC Universal Television Studio, from February 2004 to June 2006 (she was first appointed when the studio was known as NBC Studios just prior to the NBC-Universal merger that formed NBC Universal Television Studios in May 2004).
While at the former NBC Studios, Stein oversaw such series as MEDICAL INVESTIGATION, AMERICAN DREAMS and CROSSING JORDAN. She also was involved in the development of new drama series at that time.
Stein was Manager, Current Series, for the NBC Network from August 2002 to January 2004. During her term, she was responsible for such series as BOOMTOWN, MISS MATCH, KINGPIN, THE LYON’S DEN, MISTER STERLING and CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.
While at the NBC Network, Stein headed up the Diversity Writer Program where she worked with diversity coalitions and showrunners to add minority writers to their staffs.
A graduate of the University of Delaware, Stein came to Los Angeles in 1998 from Philadelphia where she supervised a juvenile crime study for the city. She was born and raised in Rockville, Maryland.
ERIN UNDERHILL
President, Universal Television NBCUniversal
Erin Underhill is President of Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group (USG), where she oversees all aspects—creative affairs, casting, production and more—of one of the most successful television studios in the world. She reports directly to Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, USG.
With Underhill at the helm, Universal Television currently produces more than 50 primetime comedies and dramas for a variety of broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Acclaimed series produced by Universal Television include Dick Wolf’s enormously successful “Law & Order,” “One Chicago” and “FBI”-branded series, “Hacks,” “Never Have I Ever,” “The Equalizer,” “The Best Man: The Final Chapters,” “Quantum Leap,” “Girls5eva,” “Schmigadoon!,” “Bupkis,” “Harlem” and “Bel-Air.”
Over the years, Underhill has shepherded many critically acclaimed and popular drama series, including “ER,” “The West Wing,” “American Dreams,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Parenthood,” “Bates Motel,” “The Bold Type,” “Good Girls” and “New Amsterdam.” She has also attracted top creative talent to the studio, including Julie Plec, Jenna Bans, Lisa Cullen, Mike Daniels, David Frankel, Dean Georgaris, Martin Gero, Jessica Goldberg, Bill Krebs, Nahnatchka Khan, Larry Wilmore, Amber Ruffin, Justin Spitzer and
Carla Banks-Waddles.
Prior to her current role, Underhill headed Universal Television’s drama development department as Executive Vice President and was previously Senior Vice President, Drama. Before that, she was Senior Vice President, Current Programming for NBC and Universal Media Studios (renamed Universal Television) and was responsible for creative oversight of drama series such as “Heroes,” “Southland,” “Parenthood” and “Chicago Fire,” among many others. On the network side, Underhill, who began her career as an Associate in NBC’s Drama Development department in 2000, was previously Vice President of Drama Development and Vice President of Current Series at NBC.
Underhill currently serves on the board of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society. She resides with her family in Los Angeles and is a graduate of UCLA.