Speakers at last year’s Content LA
Sarah Aubrey / Head of original content, HBO Max
Aubrey is head of original content at HBO Max, overseeing a distinctive slate of drama, comedy, unscripted, documentary and animation for the streamer. She was appointed to this position in January 2019.
Among Aubrey’s breakthrough Max Originals are the Emmy-winning Hacks with Jean Smart and the Kaley Cuoco starrer The Flight Attendant along with record-breaking hits And Just Like That…, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and Friends: The Reunion.
Aubrey is also part of the charge to expand the DC universe. She recently broke viewership records with Peacemaker and has established HBO Max as the home to Doom Patrol, Titans, Harley Quinn, and The Penguin, Matt Reeves’ forthcoming Batman spinoff starring Colin Farrell.
Aubrey’s slate also includes critically acclaimed fan-favorites Love Life, Station Eleven, It’s a Sin, Starstruck, Raised by Wolves, FBoy Island, Selena + Chef and Legendary as well as new 2022 titles Julia, about Julia Child and the advent of the cooking show genre; The Staircase, about the case that began the modern era of true crime; David E. Kelley’s Love and Death; and Issa Rae’s Rap Sh!t.
Prior to HBO Max, Aubrey, a former lawyer, was a film and television producer and EVP of original programming at TNT.
Aubrey is head of original content at HBO Max, overseeing a distinctive slate of drama, comedy, unscripted, documentary and animation for the streamer. She was appointed to this position in January 2019.
Among Aubrey’s breakthrough Max Originals are the Emmy-winning Hacks with Jean Smart and the Kaley Cuoco starrer The Flight Attendant along with record-breaking hits And Just Like That…, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and Friends: The Reunion.
Aubrey is also part of the charge to expand the DC universe. She recently broke viewership records with Peacemaker and has established HBO Max as the home to Doom Patrol, Titans, Harley Quinn, and The Penguin, Matt Reeves’ forthcoming Batman spinoff starring Colin Farrell.
Aubrey’s slate also includes critically acclaimed fan-favorites Love Life, Station Eleven, It’s a Sin, Starstruck, Raised by Wolves, FBoy Island, Selena + Chef and Legendary as well as new 2022 titles Julia, about Julia Child and the advent of the cooking show genre; The Staircase, about the case that began the modern era of true crime; David E. Kelley’s Love and Death; and Issa Rae’s Rap Sh!t.
Prior to HBO Max, Aubrey, a former lawyer, was a film and television producer and EVP of original programming at TNT.
Moderator: Hayley Babcock / Founder and CEO, Hayley Babcock Media Consulting
Babcock is a highly respected television executive known for her exceptional mix of creative and business skills, worldwide network of contacts and expertise in formats. Her extensive background is in unscripted development, production, acquisitions, management, business strategy and oversight of global franchises.
Babcock runs Hayley Babcock Media Consulting, which is built upon the foundation of her career developing and producing television in the US and abroad and her unique expertise building new business divisions within existing companies. Babcock’s career began at ABC Television, then she gained international experience in Germany at RTL Television and Fremantle Media. Once back in the US Babcock ran the global format production businesses at 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures Television and A+E Networks, overseeing global productions of iconic formats such as Shark Tank (aka Dragons’ Den); Who Wants to Be A Millionaire, Temptation Island; Wheel of Fortune, Beauty and The Geek, Joe Millionaire, Hollywood Squares and Seven Year Switch.
Babcock sits on the Advisory boards of Content London, FRAPA and The David Lyle Foundation. She is a member of the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences and is lead mentor for Horsepower, the Canadian format incubator from Media Ranch and TVA in Canada.
Babcock is a highly respected television executive known for her exceptional mix of creative and business skills, worldwide network of contacts and expertise in formats. Her extensive background is in unscripted development, production, acquisitions, management, business strategy and oversight of global franchises.
Babcock runs Hayley Babcock Media Consulting, which is built upon the foundation of her career developing and producing television in the US and abroad and her unique expertise building new business divisions within existing companies. Babcock’s career began at ABC Television, then she gained international experience in Germany at RTL Television and Fremantle Media. Once back in the US Babcock ran the global format production businesses at 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures Television and A+E Networks, overseeing global productions of iconic formats such as Shark Tank (aka Dragons’ Den); Who Wants to Be A Millionaire, Temptation Island; Wheel of Fortune, Beauty and The Geek, Joe Millionaire, Hollywood Squares and Seven Year Switch.
Babcock sits on the Advisory boards of Content London, FRAPA and The David Lyle Foundation. She is a member of the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences and is lead mentor for Horsepower, the Canadian format incubator from Media Ranch and TVA in Canada.
Rola Bauer / President of international television productions, MGM
As MGM’s president, international television productions, Bauer oversees development, production and co-productions for MGM’s International Television scripted content for international markets around the world.
Since joining MGM, Bauer has shepherded seven high-profile international projects to greenlight for the studio, including Last Light starring Matthew Fox and Joanne Froggatt, in association with Peacock and NENT Group, Shelter, based on the first novel in #1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben’s Mickey Bolitar trilogy with Amazon Studios, Billy the Kid from creator Michael Hirst with EPIX, From, created by John Griffin also with EPIX, The Reunion, adapted from French author Guillaume Musso’s bestselling novel in partnership with Make it Happen Studio and France Televisions, El Fin del Amor at Amazon Prime Video, and Mariachis with HBO Max and HIPPO Entertainment Group.
A Golden Globe® and two-time Emmy® nominated PGA producer, Bauer has earned the prestigious Medaille d’Honneur for her outstanding contributions to the international television business, has been named to Variety’s International Women’s Impact Report on five different occasions, including its most recent list in 2022. Additionally, Bauer has been named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television for several consecutive years. She sits on the international Emmys Board and NATPE board, and is a member of the PGA and Primetime Emmys.
As MGM’s president, international television productions, Bauer oversees development, production and co-productions for MGM’s International Television scripted content for international markets around the world.
Since joining MGM, Bauer has shepherded seven high-profile international projects to greenlight for the studio, including Last Light starring Matthew Fox and Joanne Froggatt, in association with Peacock and NENT Group, Shelter, based on the first novel in #1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben’s Mickey Bolitar trilogy with Amazon Studios, Billy the Kid from creator Michael Hirst with EPIX, From, created by John Griffin also with EPIX, The Reunion, adapted from French author Guillaume Musso’s bestselling novel in partnership with Make it Happen Studio and France Televisions, El Fin del Amor at Amazon Prime Video, and Mariachis with HBO Max and HIPPO Entertainment Group.
A Golden Globe® and two-time Emmy® nominated PGA producer, Bauer has earned the prestigious Medaille d’Honneur for her outstanding contributions to the international television business, has been named to Variety’s International Women’s Impact Report on five different occasions, including its most recent list in 2022. Additionally, Bauer has been named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television for several consecutive years. She sits on the international Emmys Board and NATPE board, and is a member of the PGA and Primetime Emmys.
David Boorstein / SVP, head of scripted TV, Westbrook Studios
Boorstein is currently the SVP, head of scripted TV for Jada and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios. Westbrook Studios is a subsidiary of Westbrook Inc., the media company launched in 2019 by founders Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Miguel Melendez and Ko Yada, led by Co-Presidents, Terence Carter (Television) and Jon Mone (Film). In scripted television, Westbrook Studios recently launched Bel-Air, the dramatic reboot of Will Smith’s iconic The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, on Peacock after receiving an unprecedented two-season order; season 4 of the beloved series Cobra Kai (Netflix); and the limited series Women Of The Movement (ABC). Next up is African Queens, a two-season order of the docu-scripted hybrid series for Netflix.
Boorstein was previously the president of television for Antoine Fuqua’s Fuqua Films, where he executive produced FOX’s, The Resident as well as Quibi’s Award Winning series, #Freerayshawn, starring Laurence Fishburne and Stephan James. Boorstein also served as Producer on Audience Network’s ICE and oversaw the TV adaption of Fuqua’s Film, Training Day, for Warner Bros. TV and CBS.
Boorstein also worked at Guy Walks Into a Bar, Dare to Pass and Film Engine.
Boorstein is a graduate of Indiana University and a Suburban Detroit native.
Boorstein is currently the SVP, head of scripted TV for Jada and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios. Westbrook Studios is a subsidiary of Westbrook Inc., the media company launched in 2019 by founders Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Miguel Melendez and Ko Yada, led by Co-Presidents, Terence Carter (Television) and Jon Mone (Film). In scripted television, Westbrook Studios recently launched Bel-Air, the dramatic reboot of Will Smith’s iconic The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, on Peacock after receiving an unprecedented two-season order; season 4 of the beloved series Cobra Kai (Netflix); and the limited series Women Of The Movement (ABC). Next up is African Queens, a two-season order of the docu-scripted hybrid series for Netflix.
Boorstein was previously the president of television for Antoine Fuqua’s Fuqua Films, where he executive produced FOX’s, The Resident as well as Quibi’s Award Winning series, #Freerayshawn, starring Laurence Fishburne and Stephan James. Boorstein also served as Producer on Audience Network’s ICE and oversaw the TV adaption of Fuqua’s Film, Training Day, for Warner Bros. TV and CBS.
Boorstein also worked at Guy Walks Into a Bar, Dare to Pass and Film Engine.
Boorstein is a graduate of Indiana University and a Suburban Detroit native.
Kathryn Busby / President, original programming, STARZ
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 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.
Nicole Clemens / President of Paramount+ original scripted series and president of Paramount Television Studios
Clemens serves in the dual role as of president of paramount television studios (PTVS) and Paramount+ Original scripted series. She joined PTVS in 2018 and added the Paramount+ position to her portfolio in 2021.
Clemens’ primary responsibility is to shepherd original series and formulate programming strategy for the streaming platform. Paramount+ projects include the global hit series Halo, as well as, The Offer, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Fatal Attraction, Evil, The Good Fight, The Game and Why Women Kill. Also among the top highlights are multiple entries from the Star Trek franchises – Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – along with Long Slow Exhale and Joe Pickett for Charter and Paramount+.
In addition, as president of PTVS, Clemens oversees a robust slate of shows for buyers across multiple platforms, including Reacher and Jack Ryan for Amazon Prime, Made for Love and Station Eleven for HBO Max, The Devil in the White City for Hulu, American Gigolo for SHOWTIME, The Haunting of Bly Manor for Netflix, and Defending Jacob, Shantaram and Time Bandits for Apple TV+.
Before coming to Paramount, Clemens was a producer at Anonymous Content. Previously, she served as executive vice president and head of series development for FX Networks, with a roster of original series including Atlanta, Better Things, You’re the Worst, Baskets, Snowfall, Tyrant and Mayans MC.
Clemens was a partner and head of the motion picture literary department at ICM Partners for 16 years, preceded by tenures running Rod Holcomb Productions and as a television executive at Spelling Television.
Clemens serves in the dual role as of president of paramount television studios (PTVS) and Paramount+ Original scripted series. She joined PTVS in 2018 and added the Paramount+ position to her portfolio in 2021.
Clemens’ primary responsibility is to shepherd original series and formulate programming strategy for the streaming platform. Paramount+ projects include the global hit series Halo, as well as, The Offer, Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Fatal Attraction, Evil, The Good Fight, The Game and Why Women Kill. Also among the top highlights are multiple entries from the Star Trek franchises – Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – along with Long Slow Exhale and Joe Pickett for Charter and Paramount+.
In addition, as president of PTVS, Clemens oversees a robust slate of shows for buyers across multiple platforms, including Reacher and Jack Ryan for Amazon Prime, Made for Love and Station Eleven for HBO Max, The Devil in the White City for Hulu, American Gigolo for SHOWTIME, The Haunting of Bly Manor for Netflix, and Defending Jacob, Shantaram and Time Bandits for Apple TV+.
Before coming to Paramount, Clemens was a producer at Anonymous Content. Previously, she served as executive vice president and head of series development for FX Networks, with a roster of original series including Atlanta, Better Things, You’re the Worst, Baskets, Snowfall, Tyrant and Mayans MC.
Clemens was a partner and head of the motion picture literary department at ICM Partners for 16 years, preceded by tenures running Rod Holcomb Productions and as a television executive at Spelling Television.
Stephen Cornwell / Co-founder, The Ink Factory
Stephen Cornwell co-founded The Ink Factory with his brother Simon.
Recently with The Ink Factory, Cornwell executive produced the AMC and BBC limited series The Little Drummer Girl, directed by Park Chan-wook and starring Florence Pugh, Alexander Skarsgärd, and Michael Shannon. Cornwell executive produced 2016’s award-winning mini-series The Night Manager, based on John le Carré’s best-selling novel. Also in 2016, Cornwell produced the film Our Kind of Traitor, directed by Susanna White and starring Ewan McGregor, Damian Lewis, Stellan Skarsgärd and Naomie Harris; he co-wrote and produced Netflix Original Message from the King, directed by Fabrice du Welz and starring Chadwick Boseman, Luke Evans, Teresa Palmer and Alfred Molina; and he produced Ang Lee’s Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, based on the novel by Ben Fountain and starring Joe Alwyn, Steve Martin, Kristen Stewart, Garret Hedlund, Chris Tucker and Vin Diesel. Additionally, Cornwell produced Anton Corbijn’s 2014 feature film adaptation of A Most Wanted Man, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, and in 2018, Stephen produced Drew Pearce’s original feature, Hotel Artemis, starring Jodie Foster, Sterling K. Brown, Dave Bautista, Jeff Goldblum and Sofia Boutella. Upcoming projects for Cornwell include executive producing a series adaptation of The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, based on the best-selling novel of the same name. With The Ink Factory’s sister company, Giant Squid, Cornwell produced Abzû, the twice BAFTA® nominated narrative interactive video game from multi-award-winning creator Matt Nava. 2019 will bring Giant Squid’s follow-up fantasy adventure game, The Pathless to multiple gaming platforms. After working as an award-winning photojournalist, Cornwell moved to California in the late 1980’s to join the MA program at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema. His graduate film led him to direct two independent feature films and a TV movie for Showtime before he focused on his work as a screenwriter. In the following 15 years, Cornwell wrote for most of the major Hollywood studios, working with directors and producers including Ridley Scott, Guy Ritchie, Kathleen Kennedy, Joel Silver, Doug Liman, Frank Marshall, Thomas Tull and Lorenzo di Bonaventura. With his writing partner Oliver Butcher; Cornwell co-wrote 2011’s Unknown, starring Liam Neeson.
Stephen Cornwell co-founded The Ink Factory with his brother Simon.
Recently with The Ink Factory, Cornwell executive produced the AMC and BBC limited series The Little Drummer Girl, directed by Park Chan-wook and starring Florence Pugh, Alexander Skarsgärd, and Michael Shannon. Cornwell executive produced 2016’s award-winning mini-series The Night Manager, based on John le Carré’s best-selling novel. Also in 2016, Cornwell produced the film Our Kind of Traitor, directed by Susanna White and starring Ewan McGregor, Damian Lewis, Stellan Skarsgärd and Naomie Harris; he co-wrote and produced Netflix Original Message from the King, directed by Fabrice du Welz and starring Chadwick Boseman, Luke Evans, Teresa Palmer and Alfred Molina; and he produced Ang Lee’s Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, based on the novel by Ben Fountain and starring Joe Alwyn, Steve Martin, Kristen Stewart, Garret Hedlund, Chris Tucker and Vin Diesel. Additionally, Cornwell produced Anton Corbijn’s 2014 feature film adaptation of A Most Wanted Man, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, and in 2018, Stephen produced Drew Pearce’s original feature, Hotel Artemis, starring Jodie Foster, Sterling K. Brown, Dave Bautista, Jeff Goldblum and Sofia Boutella. Upcoming projects for Cornwell include executive producing a series adaptation of The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, based on the best-selling novel of the same name. With The Ink Factory’s sister company, Giant Squid, Cornwell produced Abzû, the twice BAFTA® nominated narrative interactive video game from multi-award-winning creator Matt Nava. 2019 will bring Giant Squid’s follow-up fantasy adventure game, The Pathless to multiple gaming platforms. After working as an award-winning photojournalist, Cornwell moved to California in the late 1980’s to join the MA program at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema. His graduate film led him to direct two independent feature films and a TV movie for Showtime before he focused on his work as a screenwriter. In the following 15 years, Cornwell wrote for most of the major Hollywood studios, working with directors and producers including Ridley Scott, Guy Ritchie, Kathleen Kennedy, Joel Silver, Doug Liman, Frank Marshall, Thomas Tull and Lorenzo di Bonaventura. With his writing partner Oliver Butcher; Cornwell co-wrote 2011’s Unknown, starring Liam Neeson.
Colin Davis / Head of scripted originals, The Roku Channel, Roku
Colin Davis is head of scripted originals at The Roku Channel, Roku’s free ad-supported streaming service, presiding over a diverse slate of programming across drama, comedy and animation. He is in charge of Roku’s scripted content strategy, including volume, genre, and talent for future original commissions leading a team of strategic creatives that are setting the standard for what audiences can expect out of the free streaming experience. Davis spearheaded the rollout of successful series including Die Hart seasons 1-2 starring Kevin Hart, Reno 911! Defunded, Emmy-award winning series Mapleworth Murders, Most Dangerous Game starring Liam Hemsworth and Christoph Waltz and more. Under Davis’ oversight, The Roku Channel has greenlit several highly anticipated productions including Weird: The Al Yankovic Story starring Daniel Radcliffe, female-driven comedy Slip staring, directed and created by Zoe Lister-Jones, comedy Children Ruin Everything created by Schitt’s Creek alum Kurt Smeaton, and more. He oversaw many “Roku firsts” including the launch of the company’s first original feature film Zoey’s Original Christmas and Doomlands, the company’s first-ever animated scripted series.
Prior to joining Roku, Davis led scripted programming for the short-form streaming service Quibi, where he was tasked with quickly ushering and developing high quality original shows with Hollywood’s biggest talent.
During his time as senior director of original programming at TBS, he was a key contributor to the network rebrand and is recognized as a champion of the critical darling Search Party and the most watched original cable show of 2016, Wrecked.
Davis began his career at Fox Broadcasting Company in their inaugural Opportunity Fox program as a full-time apprentice to the Chairman of Entertainment (Kevin Reilly).
Colin Davis is head of scripted originals at The Roku Channel, Roku’s free ad-supported streaming service, presiding over a diverse slate of programming across drama, comedy and animation. He is in charge of Roku’s scripted content strategy, including volume, genre, and talent for future original commissions leading a team of strategic creatives that are setting the standard for what audiences can expect out of the free streaming experience. Davis spearheaded the rollout of successful series including Die Hart seasons 1-2 starring Kevin Hart, Reno 911! Defunded, Emmy-award winning series Mapleworth Murders, Most Dangerous Game starring Liam Hemsworth and Christoph Waltz and more. Under Davis’ oversight, The Roku Channel has greenlit several highly anticipated productions including Weird: The Al Yankovic Story starring Daniel Radcliffe, female-driven comedy Slip staring, directed and created by Zoe Lister-Jones, comedy Children Ruin Everything created by Schitt’s Creek alum Kurt Smeaton, and more. He oversaw many “Roku firsts” including the launch of the company’s first original feature film Zoey’s Original Christmas and Doomlands, the company’s first-ever animated scripted series.
Prior to joining Roku, Davis led scripted programming for the short-form streaming service Quibi, where he was tasked with quickly ushering and developing high quality original shows with Hollywood’s biggest talent.
During his time as senior director of original programming at TBS, he was a key contributor to the network rebrand and is recognized as a champion of the critical darling Search Party and the most watched original cable show of 2016, Wrecked.
Davis began his career at Fox Broadcasting Company in their inaugural Opportunity Fox program as a full-time apprentice to the Chairman of Entertainment (Kevin Reilly).
Moderator: Kelly Edwards / writer, author and producer, Edwardian Pictures
Edwards recently transitioned from inside the network ranks into a writing and producing deal with HBO under her Edwardian Pictures banner.
In her former executive role, she oversaw all of the emerging artists programs for HBO, HBOMax, and Turner. The pilots she produced through the HBOAccess writing and directing
fellowships have screened at major film festivals including Tribeca and SXSW, and garnered multiple awards. Prior to HBO, Edwards was a key corporate diversity executive at Comcast/NBCUniversal for over five years where she oversaw over 20 divisions, launched employee resource groups, and introduced diverse creative talent to NBC, USA, Syfy, Bravo, and Telemundo.
Edwards’ career spans both television and film. Early in her career, she worked as a creative executive in features at both Disney and Sony under such talents as Garry Marshall and Laura Ziskin. After moving to television, she served as a senior executive at FOX where she developed Living Single, Clueless, and The Wild Thornberrys. While heading up UPN’s comedy division as the SVP of comedy development, she developed Girlfriends, The Parkers, and Malcolm In The Middle.
Edwards also produced the movie of the week A Christmas Detour for Hallmark and the one-hour drama series Sex, Love, and Secrets.
In 2000, Edwards co-founded the non-profit organization Colour Entertainment, a networking group for diverse creative executives in TV, Film, Digital, as well as assistants, all designed to connect current and future industry executives with one another.
Edwards graduated from Vassar College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater and an MFA in writing for film and TV at Emerson College. She served on the Annenberg Inclusion Board and is a 2019 Sundance Episodic Lab fellow. Her book, The Executive Chair: A Writer’s Guide to TV Development, debuted as an instant Amazon Best Seller. She currently writes for the FOX drama Our Kind of People and splits her time between Los Angeles and Missoula, Montana.
Edwards recently transitioned from inside the network ranks into a writing and producing deal with HBO under her Edwardian Pictures banner.
In her former executive role, she oversaw all of the emerging artists programs for HBO, HBOMax, and Turner. The pilots she produced through the HBOAccess writing and directing
fellowships have screened at major film festivals including Tribeca and SXSW, and garnered multiple awards. Prior to HBO, Edwards was a key corporate diversity executive at Comcast/NBCUniversal for over five years where she oversaw over 20 divisions, launched employee resource groups, and introduced diverse creative talent to NBC, USA, Syfy, Bravo, and Telemundo.
Edwards’ career spans both television and film. Early in her career, she worked as a creative executive in features at both Disney and Sony under such talents as Garry Marshall and Laura Ziskin. After moving to television, she served as a senior executive at FOX where she developed Living Single, Clueless, and The Wild Thornberrys. While heading up UPN’s comedy division as the SVP of comedy development, she developed Girlfriends, The Parkers, and Malcolm In The Middle.
Edwards also produced the movie of the week A Christmas Detour for Hallmark and the one-hour drama series Sex, Love, and Secrets.
In 2000, Edwards co-founded the non-profit organization Colour Entertainment, a networking group for diverse creative executives in TV, Film, Digital, as well as assistants, all designed to connect current and future industry executives with one another.
Edwards graduated from Vassar College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater and an MFA in writing for film and TV at Emerson College. She served on the Annenberg Inclusion Board and is a 2019 Sundance Episodic Lab fellow. Her book, The Executive Chair: A Writer’s Guide to TV Development, debuted as an instant Amazon Best Seller. She currently writes for the FOX drama Our Kind of People and splits her time between Los Angeles and Missoula, Montana.
Jinny Howe / Head of drama series development and content acquisition, Netflix
Howe is head of drama series development and content acquisition at Netflix. She is responsible for setting the strategic direction for original and licensed programming, leading a team focused on acquiring, developing and greenlighting a rich slate of series.
Howe has played an integral role on such critically-acclaimed series as Bridgerton, MAID and Inventing Anna. Upcoming series include From Scratch starring and executive produced by Zoe Saldana and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, based on Tembi Locke’s best-selling memoir; Partner Track starring Arden Cho, from Georgia Lee based on the Helen Wan’s novel; The Diplomat starring Keri Russell from Debora Cahn; and XO Kitty starring Anna Cathcart in the spinoff to the To All To The Boys I Loved Before franchise.
Prior to Netflix, she was executive vice president of television at John Wells Productions where she spearheaded comedy and drama projects via a first-look deal with Warner Bros. Television. Throughout her 13-year tenure at John Wells, Howe worked on renowned series, Shameless, Southland, American Woman and Animal Kingdom
Having emigrated to the US from South Korea, Howe is focused on championing emerging underrepresented voices in television. She holds a B.A. in Theater, Film and Television from UCLA.
Howe is head of drama series development and content acquisition at Netflix. She is responsible for setting the strategic direction for original and licensed programming, leading a team focused on acquiring, developing and greenlighting a rich slate of series.
Howe has played an integral role on such critically-acclaimed series as Bridgerton, MAID and Inventing Anna. Upcoming series include From Scratch starring and executive produced by Zoe Saldana and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, based on Tembi Locke’s best-selling memoir; Partner Track starring Arden Cho, from Georgia Lee based on the Helen Wan’s novel; The Diplomat starring Keri Russell from Debora Cahn; and XO Kitty starring Anna Cathcart in the spinoff to the To All To The Boys I Loved Before franchise.
Prior to Netflix, she was executive vice president of television at John Wells Productions where she spearheaded comedy and drama projects via a first-look deal with Warner Bros. Television. Throughout her 13-year tenure at John Wells, Howe worked on renowned series, Shameless, Southland, American Woman and Animal Kingdom
Having emigrated to the US from South Korea, Howe is focused on championing emerging underrepresented voices in television. She holds a B.A. in Theater, Film and Television from UCLA.
Soo Hugh / Writer and producer
Hugh serves as showrunner, executive producer, writer and visionary behind the drama series Pachinko, which received critical acclaim with reviews calling it, “masterpiece tv”, “one of the best things on tv”, “Apple’s Best TV Show So Far”, and “one of the best adaptations of not just this year but of all time”.
Following the success of Pachinko, Hugh is continuing her fruitful partnership with Apple TV+ as co-showrunner of The White Darkness based on David Grann’s nonfiction book of the same name, the project is inspired by Henry Worsley, played by Tom Hiddleston. Hugh recently signed a multi-year overall deal with UCP to develop, write and produce projects in addition to launching an incubator program, The Thousand Miles Project, to help bring more AAPI stories to cinematic life and jumpstart fruitful careers in the entertainment industry.
Hugh was previously the co-showrunner for the critically-lauded first season of AMC’s The Terror, creator of The Whispers for ABC, and other television credits include writing on The Killing (AMC) and Under The Dome (CBS).
Hugh serves as showrunner, executive producer, writer and visionary behind the drama series Pachinko, which received critical acclaim with reviews calling it, “masterpiece tv”, “one of the best things on tv”, “Apple’s Best TV Show So Far”, and “one of the best adaptations of not just this year but of all time”.
Following the success of Pachinko, Hugh is continuing her fruitful partnership with Apple TV+ as co-showrunner of The White Darkness based on David Grann’s nonfiction book of the same name, the project is inspired by Henry Worsley, played by Tom Hiddleston. Hugh recently signed a multi-year overall deal with UCP to develop, write and produce projects in addition to launching an incubator program, The Thousand Miles Project, to help bring more AAPI stories to cinematic life and jumpstart fruitful careers in the entertainment industry.
Hugh was previously the co-showrunner for the critically-lauded first season of AMC’s The Terror, creator of The Whispers for ABC, and other television credits include writing on The Killing (AMC) and Under The Dome (CBS).
Tariq Jalil / CEO, Globi
Jalil is the founder and CEO of Globi, the first U.S. streaming service to exclusively feature foreign content. Jalil first started his career at Disney and later transitioned to NBC/Telemundo. Shortly after, he launched his production company, Intrigue, which produced over 200 hours of content for NBC, FOX, ABC and Turner Networks, as well as feature films for studios like Fox. An author and investor, Jalil invests in several companies in the entertainment and tech industries while also launching several tech companies himself.
He is involved in several philanthropic endeavors benefiting impoverished people in Los Angeles and around the world.
Jalil is the founder and CEO of Globi, the first U.S. streaming service to exclusively feature foreign content. Jalil first started his career at Disney and later transitioned to NBC/Telemundo. Shortly after, he launched his production company, Intrigue, which produced over 200 hours of content for NBC, FOX, ABC and Turner Networks, as well as feature films for studios like Fox. An author and investor, Jalil invests in several companies in the entertainment and tech industries while also launching several tech companies himself.
He is involved in several philanthropic endeavors benefiting impoverished people in Los Angeles and around the world.
Moderator: David Jenkinson / Editor-in-chief and managing director, C21Media
Jenkinson is an award-winning journalist, publisher and content industry executive.
Having held senior editorial positions at Haymarket, International Thomson, EMAP and Cahners’ Moving Pictures International, he created and co-founded C21Media in 1997, one of the world’s first digital media businesses.
He is also CEO of Studio21, a development producer with a mission to discover, and connect new voices with the global television business.
Jenkinson also leads C21Media Enterprises, the C21-backed investment company that supports high-growth potential businesses within the content sector. Investments include Blonde Mamba, ContentAcademy.TV, Rose d’Or and WritersRoom.net.
He was previously editor-in-chief of Moving Pictures International, running daily, weekly and monthly publications within the film business and led EMAP’s TV World to win the prestigious PPA International Business Magazine of the Year award in 1993
Jenkinson is an award-winning journalist, publisher and content industry executive.
Having held senior editorial positions at Haymarket, International Thomson, EMAP and Cahners’ Moving Pictures International, he created and co-founded C21Media in 1997, one of the world’s first digital media businesses.
He is also CEO of Studio21, a development producer with a mission to discover, and connect new voices with the global television business.
Jenkinson also leads C21Media Enterprises, the C21-backed investment company that supports high-growth potential businesses within the content sector. Investments include Blonde Mamba, ContentAcademy.TV, Rose d’Or and WritersRoom.net.
He was previously editor-in-chief of Moving Pictures International, running daily, weekly and monthly publications within the film business and led EMAP’s TV World to win the prestigious PPA International Business Magazine of the Year award in 1993
Moderator: Roma Khanna / Executive chair, HiddenLight Productions
Khanna is a content innovator, executive and entrepreneur, with proven success growing global businesses in TV, broadcast, digital, film and distribution. She believes in the opportunities that content provides when it intersects with technology across infinite platforms.
From 2017 to 2020 Roma was the CEO at REVOLT Media and TV, responsible for leading strategy and operations of the real-time, multi-platform brand and network, reporting directly to the Chairman, Sean Combs, and the Board. She remained on as advisor to the board after she chose to step down as CEO.
From 2011 to 2015, Khanna was president of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) Television Group and Digital where she oversaw creative development and production as well as worldwide TV and digital distribution for branded channels. Under Khanna’s leadership, MGM Television developed and delivered several award-winning series, including The Handmaid’s Tale to Hulu, Fargo to FX, Vikings to HISTORY and Teen Wolf to MTV. Before joining MGM, Khanna served as president, Universal Networks International & Digital Initiatives, with NBC Universal, where she oversaw and grew a portfolio of 70+ NBC Universal international television channels, including the Syfy Channel, 13th Street, Universal Channel, Hallmark Channel, Divatv and Movies24 brands. Khanna has also served as senior vice president, content and co-head of television for CHUM in Canada. Khanna began her career in digital media with Snap Media and in music at Sony Music Canada.
Khanna has received The Euro 50 award from Eurodata and was the first recipient of Reed MIDEM’s “MIPCube Media Architect of the Future Award” for her pioneering work in the use of new digital platforms.
Khanna is a content innovator, executive and entrepreneur, with proven success growing global businesses in TV, broadcast, digital, film and distribution. She believes in the opportunities that content provides when it intersects with technology across infinite platforms.
From 2017 to 2020 Roma was the CEO at REVOLT Media and TV, responsible for leading strategy and operations of the real-time, multi-platform brand and network, reporting directly to the Chairman, Sean Combs, and the Board. She remained on as advisor to the board after she chose to step down as CEO.
From 2011 to 2015, Khanna was president of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM) Television Group and Digital where she oversaw creative development and production as well as worldwide TV and digital distribution for branded channels. Under Khanna’s leadership, MGM Television developed and delivered several award-winning series, including The Handmaid’s Tale to Hulu, Fargo to FX, Vikings to HISTORY and Teen Wolf to MTV. Before joining MGM, Khanna served as president, Universal Networks International & Digital Initiatives, with NBC Universal, where she oversaw and grew a portfolio of 70+ NBC Universal international television channels, including the Syfy Channel, 13th Street, Universal Channel, Hallmark Channel, Divatv and Movies24 brands. Khanna has also served as senior vice president, content and co-head of television for CHUM in Canada. Khanna began her career in digital media with Snap Media and in music at Sony Music Canada.
Khanna has received The Euro 50 award from Eurodata and was the first recipient of Reed MIDEM’s “MIPCube Media Architect of the Future Award” for her pioneering work in the use of new digital platforms.
Moderator: Kattie Kotok / EVP, US Production, British Film Commission
Kotok leads the effort in the US to build upon the excellent levels of international productions coming into the UK and ensures the US film & television industry continues to utilize the UK’s world-class production infrastructure and talent base. Kotok works with studios, producers, agencies and executives to identify projects best suited for the UK and fully support them throughout their time in Britain. She functions as a key liaison between the UK and US film & television industries on a number of other levels by participating on panels, attending festivals/markets and partnering with relevant organizations to support the BFC’s mission.
Prior to her work at the BFC, Kotok spent nine years working with National Geographic Films (NGF) as vice president of acquisitions and production. Kotok’s early film career included working in development at Fox Searchlight Pictures and in marketing at Paramount Pictures.
She began her professional career in Chicago as a consultant with Andersen Consulting after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia.
Kotok leads the effort in the US to build upon the excellent levels of international productions coming into the UK and ensures the US film & television industry continues to utilize the UK’s world-class production infrastructure and talent base. Kotok works with studios, producers, agencies and executives to identify projects best suited for the UK and fully support them throughout their time in Britain. She functions as a key liaison between the UK and US film & television industries on a number of other levels by participating on panels, attending festivals/markets and partnering with relevant organizations to support the BFC’s mission.
Prior to her work at the BFC, Kotok spent nine years working with National Geographic Films (NGF) as vice president of acquisitions and production. Kotok’s early film career included working in development at Fox Searchlight Pictures and in marketing at Paramount Pictures.
She began her professional career in Chicago as a consultant with Andersen Consulting after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia.
Steve Lescroart / President of scripted and chief operating officer of TV, Boat Rocker Studios
Lescroart is the president of the scripted division at Boat Rocker Studios and COO for the combined television division (which includes Scripted and Unscripted). He joined the predecessor company, Platform One Media, shortly after its launch in 2017 and helped build the indie studio, structuring the licensing, producing, and financing deals for its growing slate (current series including Invasion at Apple and American Rust at Showtime, and upcoming series including Mrs. American Pie at Apple and Beacon 23 at Spectrum/AMC Networks). Lescroart previously served as vice president at Legendary Entertainment, where he held various strategic and operational roles. Prior to Legendary, he worked in private equity at Paine Schwartz Partners and investment banking at Lazard Freres & Co. Lescroart graduated summa cum laude from the University of San Diego and earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
Lescroart is the president of the scripted division at Boat Rocker Studios and COO for the combined television division (which includes Scripted and Unscripted). He joined the predecessor company, Platform One Media, shortly after its launch in 2017 and helped build the indie studio, structuring the licensing, producing, and financing deals for its growing slate (current series including Invasion at Apple and American Rust at Showtime, and upcoming series including Mrs. American Pie at Apple and Beacon 23 at Spectrum/AMC Networks). Lescroart previously served as vice president at Legendary Entertainment, where he held various strategic and operational roles. Prior to Legendary, he worked in private equity at Paine Schwartz Partners and investment banking at Lazard Freres & Co. Lescroart graduated summa cum laude from the University of San Diego and earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
Adam Lewinson / Chief content officer, Tubi
As chief content officer, Lewinson is responsible for content strategy and acquisitions for Tubi, a division of FOX Entertainment and a free streaming service with 40,000+ titles from every major Hollywood studio. Lewinson heads up Tubi’s Los Angeles office where he oversees more than 250 content partners including Lionsgate, Paramount and MGM.
Most recently, Lewinson was the senior vice president of programming & marketing at Sony Pictures Television and the streaming platform Crackle where he oversaw the programming strategy and content slate for Crackle. He was also instrumental in the launch of Crackle Original Series and Movies, including Mad Families (Charlie Sheen), StartUp (Martin Freeman) and Snatch (Rupert Grint). Lewinson was also the programming executive on Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (2016 Emmy Nominee).
Previously, Lewinson spent more than a decade at FX Networks, most recently as senior vice president, programming & production. Before that, Lewinson served as the vice president of studio entertainment at Lifetime Television and also held positions at The Walt Disney Company and Columbia Pictures.
Lewinson is an Emmy award-winning producer for FX’s A Tribute to Mel Brooks and produced the acclaimed series Fox Legacy alongside former Fox studio chairman Tom Rothman.
As chief content officer, Lewinson is responsible for content strategy and acquisitions for Tubi, a division of FOX Entertainment and a free streaming service with 40,000+ titles from every major Hollywood studio. Lewinson heads up Tubi’s Los Angeles office where he oversees more than 250 content partners including Lionsgate, Paramount and MGM.
Most recently, Lewinson was the senior vice president of programming & marketing at Sony Pictures Television and the streaming platform Crackle where he oversaw the programming strategy and content slate for Crackle. He was also instrumental in the launch of Crackle Original Series and Movies, including Mad Families (Charlie Sheen), StartUp (Martin Freeman) and Snatch (Rupert Grint). Lewinson was also the programming executive on Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (2016 Emmy Nominee).
Previously, Lewinson spent more than a decade at FX Networks, most recently as senior vice president, programming & production. Before that, Lewinson served as the vice president of studio entertainment at Lifetime Television and also held positions at The Walt Disney Company and Columbia Pictures.
Lewinson is an Emmy award-winning producer for FX’s A Tribute to Mel Brooks and produced the acclaimed series Fox Legacy alongside former Fox studio chairman Tom Rothman.
Catherine Mackin / MD, Acorn Media Enterprises
From linear channels to acquisitions to streaming. Mackin started off her channels career running Bravo, part of the Flextech Group of channels in the late 90’s. A stint running UKTV GOLD as it was called at the time, (when it was also the fifth biggest channel in the UK), led Makin to TV3, (now Virgin Media) in Ireland, as deputy director of programming, Ireland’s most successful commercial broadcaster. Returning to the UK in 2009 she joined UKTV as director of acquisitions, delivering, with her team, over 7,000 of content across 10 channels, via content pipelines ranging from the BBC Worldwide/Studios multi-million-pound output deal, US studios, international indies deals, pre-sales and co-pros were all under her remit.
Mackin joined AME in July 2018, her remit was to build up Acorn TV’s drama co-commissioning and commissioning output and strategy. To date this strategy has delivered over 16 dramas including Dalgliesh, The Chelsea Detective, Signora Volpe, Under The Vines and Harry Wild with more announcements to follow.
From linear channels to acquisitions to streaming. Mackin started off her channels career running Bravo, part of the Flextech Group of channels in the late 90’s. A stint running UKTV GOLD as it was called at the time, (when it was also the fifth biggest channel in the UK), led Makin to TV3, (now Virgin Media) in Ireland, as deputy director of programming, Ireland’s most successful commercial broadcaster. Returning to the UK in 2009 she joined UKTV as director of acquisitions, delivering, with her team, over 7,000 of content across 10 channels, via content pipelines ranging from the BBC Worldwide/Studios multi-million-pound output deal, US studios, international indies deals, pre-sales and co-pros were all under her remit.
Mackin joined AME in July 2018, her remit was to build up Acorn TV’s drama co-commissioning and commissioning output and strategy. To date this strategy has delivered over 16 dramas including Dalgliesh, The Chelsea Detective, Signora Volpe, Under The Vines and Harry Wild with more announcements to follow.
Dan McDermott / President of entertainment and AMC Studios, AMC Networks
As president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, McDermott is responsible for content creation and a variety of key related functions across the company’s linear networks, targeted streaming services and AMC Studios. In his role, he oversees business affairs, public relations, scheduling, content creation and acquisitions across the company’s AMC, BBC America, IFC and SundanceTV linear television networks and its fast-growing targeted streaming platforms including AMC+, Shudder, Sundance Now and Acorn TV.
Based in Los Angeles, McDermott’s universe includes the development, production and distribution of more than 50 active original series across AMC Networks’ platforms, a significant acquisitions effort across both films and television and the continued management and expansion of The Walking Dead Universe and a new programming franchise and universe based on the iconic works of Anne Rice. The first two series in this new Anne Rice Universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, will come to AMC+ and AMC later this year.
AMC Networks ended 2021 with 9 million combined streaming subscribers across its portfolio of targeted services, and has estimated it will reach between 20 and 25 million subscribers in 2025.
McDermott is a multifaceted media executive with an industry-wide reputation for achievements in content creation, development and distribution, combined with skilled management of complex creative partnerships and network organizations. His proven business and creative acumen at top media firms such as Lionsgate, BBC Studios, DreamWorks and Fox, along with his deep roots in the creative community, make him both a valued media executive as well as a prolific and respected creator of content.
Before joining AMC Networks, McDermott was head of the Lionsgate and BBC Studios scripted TV partnership, where he oversaw all aspects of dealmaking, sales, development, production and distribution. Previously, McDermott was a successful producer, writer and partner in Di Bonaventura Pictures Television, with notable credits including The Real O’Neals, Jupiter’s Legacy, and more. For almost a decade, he served as DreamWorks’ first president of television, where he oversaw shows like Spin City, Freaks and Geeks, the award-winning miniseries Band of Brothers, and more. He also held various roles at the Fox Broadcasting Network, where he developed and oversaw such series as In Living Color, Melrose Place, The X-Files, The Simpsons, Married…with Children, Martin, Party of Five, Mad TV, and Beverly Hills, 90210. He was also responsible for overseeing The Emmys, The Billboard Awards and dozens of other specials on the network.
McDermott received his B.A. in film and television from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and continued his education as a screenwriting fellow at the American Film Institute.
As president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, McDermott is responsible for content creation and a variety of key related functions across the company’s linear networks, targeted streaming services and AMC Studios. In his role, he oversees business affairs, public relations, scheduling, content creation and acquisitions across the company’s AMC, BBC America, IFC and SundanceTV linear television networks and its fast-growing targeted streaming platforms including AMC+, Shudder, Sundance Now and Acorn TV.
Based in Los Angeles, McDermott’s universe includes the development, production and distribution of more than 50 active original series across AMC Networks’ platforms, a significant acquisitions effort across both films and television and the continued management and expansion of The Walking Dead Universe and a new programming franchise and universe based on the iconic works of Anne Rice. The first two series in this new Anne Rice Universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, will come to AMC+ and AMC later this year.
AMC Networks ended 2021 with 9 million combined streaming subscribers across its portfolio of targeted services, and has estimated it will reach between 20 and 25 million subscribers in 2025.
McDermott is a multifaceted media executive with an industry-wide reputation for achievements in content creation, development and distribution, combined with skilled management of complex creative partnerships and network organizations. His proven business and creative acumen at top media firms such as Lionsgate, BBC Studios, DreamWorks and Fox, along with his deep roots in the creative community, make him both a valued media executive as well as a prolific and respected creator of content.
Before joining AMC Networks, McDermott was head of the Lionsgate and BBC Studios scripted TV partnership, where he oversaw all aspects of dealmaking, sales, development, production and distribution. Previously, McDermott was a successful producer, writer and partner in Di Bonaventura Pictures Television, with notable credits including The Real O’Neals, Jupiter’s Legacy, and more. For almost a decade, he served as DreamWorks’ first president of television, where he oversaw shows like Spin City, Freaks and Geeks, the award-winning miniseries Band of Brothers, and more. He also held various roles at the Fox Broadcasting Network, where he developed and oversaw such series as In Living Color, Melrose Place, The X-Files, The Simpsons, Married…with Children, Martin, Party of Five, Mad TV, and Beverly Hills, 90210. He was also responsible for overseeing The Emmys, The Billboard Awards and dozens of other specials on the network.
McDermott received his B.A. in film and television from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and continued his education as a screenwriting fellow at the American Film Institute.
Flavio Morales / Executive vice president, Endemol Shine Latino, U.S. Initiatives, Endemol Shine North America
Morales has served as executive vice president, Endemol Shine Latino, U.S. Initiatives, since November 2015.
Morales, an experienced programming executive and producer, develops unscripted, scripted and digital content aimed at the U.S. Hispanic/English-speaking marketplace.
He’s currently serving as an executive producer on The Beautiful Lie, Endemol Shine Boomdog and Cholawood Production’s upcoming series starring Kate Del Castillo for streamer Pantaya and the third season of LOL: Last One Laughing for Amazon Prime. And he recently was an associate producer on Endemol Shine Boomdog’s acclaimed drama series Nicky Jam: El Ganador for Netflix.
Prior to joining Endemol Shine Latino, Morales was executive vice president at BIG VIDA Entertainment, where he oversaw production of the NCLR ALMA Awards, along with executive producer Eva Longoria and he produced the Gerardo Ortiz concert film Como Un Sueno.
Previously, Morales was a top programming executive at NBCUniversal’s Telemundo’s cable network mun2 (now NBCUniverso), where he spent nearly a decade developing the network’s bilingual/millennial programming mix of series including hits like I Love Jenni, Fugitivos de la Ley, and Larrymania. While at mun2, Morales helped lead the network to the top of the U.S. Hispanic cable network ratings, ending Galavision’s 30-year run.
In 2008, Morales was honored with a prestigious NAMIC Vision Award, which celebrates and recognizes the cable industry’s commitment to quality and diversity, and in 2009, he was selected as one of Multichannel News’ 40 Under 40 visionaries. In 2006, Morales won a Peabody Award for his work on the documentary, For My Country? Latinos in the Military.
Morales, a Los Angeles native, began creating programming for bicultural Latinos in high school when he created ILLEGAL Interns, a public access show in East LA, which showcased music, film, poetry, comedy and political activism. The show received critical acclaim and its programming was displayed at The Geffen Museum of Modern Art.
Morales has served as executive vice president, Endemol Shine Latino, U.S. Initiatives, since November 2015.
Morales, an experienced programming executive and producer, develops unscripted, scripted and digital content aimed at the U.S. Hispanic/English-speaking marketplace.
He’s currently serving as an executive producer on The Beautiful Lie, Endemol Shine Boomdog and Cholawood Production’s upcoming series starring Kate Del Castillo for streamer Pantaya and the third season of LOL: Last One Laughing for Amazon Prime. And he recently was an associate producer on Endemol Shine Boomdog’s acclaimed drama series Nicky Jam: El Ganador for Netflix.
Prior to joining Endemol Shine Latino, Morales was executive vice president at BIG VIDA Entertainment, where he oversaw production of the NCLR ALMA Awards, along with executive producer Eva Longoria and he produced the Gerardo Ortiz concert film Como Un Sueno.
Previously, Morales was a top programming executive at NBCUniversal’s Telemundo’s cable network mun2 (now NBCUniverso), where he spent nearly a decade developing the network’s bilingual/millennial programming mix of series including hits like I Love Jenni, Fugitivos de la Ley, and Larrymania. While at mun2, Morales helped lead the network to the top of the U.S. Hispanic cable network ratings, ending Galavision’s 30-year run.
In 2008, Morales was honored with a prestigious NAMIC Vision Award, which celebrates and recognizes the cable industry’s commitment to quality and diversity, and in 2009, he was selected as one of Multichannel News’ 40 Under 40 visionaries. In 2006, Morales won a Peabody Award for his work on the documentary, For My Country? Latinos in the Military.
Morales, a Los Angeles native, began creating programming for bicultural Latinos in high school when he created ILLEGAL Interns, a public access show in East LA, which showcased music, film, poetry, comedy and political activism. The show received critical acclaim and its programming was displayed at The Geffen Museum of Modern Art.
Carolyn Newman / Executive vice president of global scripted, Blink49 Studios
Newman is the executive vice president of global scripted for Blink49 Studios. Previously, she served as head of scripted television and production at Will Packer Media where she sold more than five shows into development to both streamers and broadcasters in just under a year. Prior to that, Newman was director of original series for Netflix where she developed 17 original titles such as Clickbait, The Serpent, Echoes, Partner Track, Anatomy of a Scandal and Feel Good. In addition, she served as senior vice president of scripted programming at Entertainment One, expanding the company’s scripted television business with high-profile titles like Run, Sharp Objects and Gentleman in Moscow. Newman also worked at Amazon Studios, where she was in charge of development and production on more than 15 series including Bosh, Hand of God, Britannia and Good Girls Revolt. She previously worked at Canadian production company Sphere Media Plus as the vice president, English development and production /executive producer on 19-2.
Newman is the executive vice president of global scripted for Blink49 Studios. Previously, she served as head of scripted television and production at Will Packer Media where she sold more than five shows into development to both streamers and broadcasters in just under a year. Prior to that, Newman was director of original series for Netflix where she developed 17 original titles such as Clickbait, The Serpent, Echoes, Partner Track, Anatomy of a Scandal and Feel Good. In addition, she served as senior vice president of scripted programming at Entertainment One, expanding the company’s scripted television business with high-profile titles like Run, Sharp Objects and Gentleman in Moscow. Newman also worked at Amazon Studios, where she was in charge of development and production on more than 15 series including Bosh, Hand of God, Britannia and Good Girls Revolt. She previously worked at Canadian production company Sphere Media Plus as the vice president, English development and production /executive producer on 19-2.
Hyun Park / Global division head, Studio Dragon
Prior to joining Studio Dragon, Park was co-head of Warner Bros. Korea’s Local TV Production Division, where he led the company’s scripted co-production and original production efforts. He was also co-founder and vice president of US based OTT platform DramaFever, where he oversaw content strategy and content acquisitions. Park has over 20 years of media and M&A experience in the Americas, Europe and Asia, including Grupo PRISA and Morgan Stanley. At Studio Dragon, CJENM’s scripted television subsidiary, Park is spearheading the company’s international expansion through original productions and co-productions with major US and Asian platforms, production companies and studios. Studio Dragon, one of Asia’s largest television studios, produces more than 25 scripted series per year and has accumulated an IP library of more than 150 titles, including titles such as Twenty Five, Twenty One, Crash Landing on You, Goblin, Hotel Del Luna, Vincenzo and Mr. Sunshine, which represent some of the most iconic Korean dramas of all time. Park holds a BA in Economics and B.A. in East Asian Studies from Yale University.
Prior to joining Studio Dragon, Park was co-head of Warner Bros. Korea’s Local TV Production Division, where he led the company’s scripted co-production and original production efforts. He was also co-founder and vice president of US based OTT platform DramaFever, where he oversaw content strategy and content acquisitions. Park has over 20 years of media and M&A experience in the Americas, Europe and Asia, including Grupo PRISA and Morgan Stanley. At Studio Dragon, CJENM’s scripted television subsidiary, Park is spearheading the company’s international expansion through original productions and co-productions with major US and Asian platforms, production companies and studios. Studio Dragon, one of Asia’s largest television studios, produces more than 25 scripted series per year and has accumulated an IP library of more than 150 titles, including titles such as Twenty Five, Twenty One, Crash Landing on You, Goblin, Hotel Del Luna, Vincenzo and Mr. Sunshine, which represent some of the most iconic Korean dramas of all time. Park holds a BA in Economics and B.A. in East Asian Studies from Yale University.
Ilana Peña / Co-showrunner
Peña Is the creator and executive producer of Diary of a Future President, which follows a Cuban-American 13-year-old girl as she navigates the ups and downs of middle school and her journey to becoming the future president of the United States. For the series’ second season, Peña also serves as co-showrunner. Peña most recently served as a writer on the critically-acclaimed series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on the CW, and co-writer of Her Shorts with Rachel Bloom, produced by Refinery29 and Planned Parenthood. In the past year, Peña was listed In Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List, as well as on Variety’s Inclusion Impact Report. Peña’s plays have been produced professionally In Chicago (Goodman Theatre Latino Theater Festival) and New York (INTAR Theatre), among others. She Is also the co-founder of See What Sticks, a monthly workshop with an audience In Los Angeles.
Peña Is the creator and executive producer of Diary of a Future President, which follows a Cuban-American 13-year-old girl as she navigates the ups and downs of middle school and her journey to becoming the future president of the United States. For the series’ second season, Peña also serves as co-showrunner. Peña most recently served as a writer on the critically-acclaimed series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend on the CW, and co-writer of Her Shorts with Rachel Bloom, produced by Refinery29 and Planned Parenthood. In the past year, Peña was listed In Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List, as well as on Variety’s Inclusion Impact Report. Peña’s plays have been produced professionally In Chicago (Goodman Theatre Latino Theater Festival) and New York (INTAR Theatre), among others. She Is also the co-founder of See What Sticks, a monthly workshop with an audience In Los Angeles.
Quan Phung / SVP original series, Topic Studios
Phung is senior vice president, original series at Topic Studios, the award-winning entertainment studio from First Look Media that develops, finances and produces provocative and entertaining content for all platforms including theatrical, streaming, television and podcasts. Since October, 2019, he has led the company’s scripted television division, and has set up limited and returning series at Amazon, Netflix, and IMDBTV.
Previously, he was president, scripted television at Slingshot Global Media and was head of television, Bluegrass Films, where he was an executive producer of NBC’s Whitney. He spent nine years at News Corporation as a network and studio executive, rising to senior vice president, creative affairs at 20th Television. Some of the acclaimed series he helped develop include House, How I Met Your Mother, and Arrested Development. He started his entertainment career in children’s television at NBC Entertainment.
He serves on the board of directors for the Diasporic Vietnamese Artist Network (DVAN), and previously served as chair of the board of directors for visual communications, the first non-profit organization in the US dedicated to the honest portrayals of the Asian Pacific Americans in media arts. He graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies.
Phung is senior vice president, original series at Topic Studios, the award-winning entertainment studio from First Look Media that develops, finances and produces provocative and entertaining content for all platforms including theatrical, streaming, television and podcasts. Since October, 2019, he has led the company’s scripted television division, and has set up limited and returning series at Amazon, Netflix, and IMDBTV.
Previously, he was president, scripted television at Slingshot Global Media and was head of television, Bluegrass Films, where he was an executive producer of NBC’s Whitney. He spent nine years at News Corporation as a network and studio executive, rising to senior vice president, creative affairs at 20th Television. Some of the acclaimed series he helped develop include House, How I Met Your Mother, and Arrested Development. He started his entertainment career in children’s television at NBC Entertainment.
He serves on the board of directors for the Diasporic Vietnamese Artist Network (DVAN), and previously served as chair of the board of directors for visual communications, the first non-profit organization in the US dedicated to the honest portrayals of the Asian Pacific Americans in media arts. He graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies.
Moderator: Jordan Pinto / North American editor, C21Media
Pinto, based out of Toronto, is the North American editor for C21 Media, reporting on all aspects of the US and Canadian television sector. Prior to joining C21, he spent more than six years with Canadian trade publication Playback, most recently as associate editor, covering Canada’s film and television industry.
Pinto, based out of Toronto, is the North American editor for C21 Media, reporting on all aspects of the US and Canadian television sector. Prior to joining C21, he spent more than six years with Canadian trade publication Playback, most recently as associate editor, covering Canada’s film and television industry.
Rishi Rajani / CEO, Hillman Grad Productions
Rajani is the CEO for Hillman Grad Productions, the multi-platform entertainment company founded by actor, producer, and Emmy-winning writer Lena Waithe. In his role, Rajani oversees all divisions across Hillman Grad, guiding the company’s strategic and creative direction, while developing new business partnerships.
Since joining the company in 2018 as president of film and television, Rajani has played a key role in furthering Hillman Grad’s mission to “create art that redefines the status quo by amplifying and celebrating the stories and voices of diverse, historically marginalized communities across all industries.”
Rajani works strategically to produce award-winning content and expand Hillman Grad’s burgeoning business, playing an integral role in launching the company’s various divisions alongside Waithe. He also has worked to secure strategic partnership deals with the likes of Warner Bros. Television Group, a joint venture partnership with Def Jam Recordings to launch Hillman Grad Records, a multi-project development deal with Audible to launch the company’s podcast division and Zando Projects to create Hillman Grad books with additional projects in the works for branded content, fashion, cannabis and kids, to name a few. Moreover, Rajani also originated the company’s Rising Voices director fellowship with Indeed, serves as an executive mentor for the Hillman Grad Mentorship lab, and launched a South Asian mentorship program under “The Salon.”
Under the Hillman Grad production banner, Rajani executive produced the series The Chi, Twenties, and Boomerang, as well as the Sundance award-winning film, The Forty-Year-Old Version. His upcoming feature film projects include A Thousand and One starring singer-songwriter Teyana Taylor for Focus Features; Disney+’s original, live-action Chang Can Dunk, featuring an AAPI actor as the lead; Being Mary: The Mary Tyler Moore documentary, the first authorized biography of the iconic actor and producer; and the Verzuz documentary, Gifted & Black for Amazon Prime.
Since its inception in 2015, and under Rajani’s leadership, Hillman Grad has grown to include six divisions and twenty employees, rising to become one of the most prominent companies in entertainment.
Born in London, and raised in upstate New York and Portland, Ore., Rajani graduated from NYU before rising through the ranks as a film and television development executive at 20th Century Fox, UTA, Paradigm and Studio 8.
Rajani is the CEO for Hillman Grad Productions, the multi-platform entertainment company founded by actor, producer, and Emmy-winning writer Lena Waithe. In his role, Rajani oversees all divisions across Hillman Grad, guiding the company’s strategic and creative direction, while developing new business partnerships.
Since joining the company in 2018 as president of film and television, Rajani has played a key role in furthering Hillman Grad’s mission to “create art that redefines the status quo by amplifying and celebrating the stories and voices of diverse, historically marginalized communities across all industries.”
Rajani works strategically to produce award-winning content and expand Hillman Grad’s burgeoning business, playing an integral role in launching the company’s various divisions alongside Waithe. He also has worked to secure strategic partnership deals with the likes of Warner Bros. Television Group, a joint venture partnership with Def Jam Recordings to launch Hillman Grad Records, a multi-project development deal with Audible to launch the company’s podcast division and Zando Projects to create Hillman Grad books with additional projects in the works for branded content, fashion, cannabis and kids, to name a few. Moreover, Rajani also originated the company’s Rising Voices director fellowship with Indeed, serves as an executive mentor for the Hillman Grad Mentorship lab, and launched a South Asian mentorship program under “The Salon.”
Under the Hillman Grad production banner, Rajani executive produced the series The Chi, Twenties, and Boomerang, as well as the Sundance award-winning film, The Forty-Year-Old Version. His upcoming feature film projects include A Thousand and One starring singer-songwriter Teyana Taylor for Focus Features; Disney+’s original, live-action Chang Can Dunk, featuring an AAPI actor as the lead; Being Mary: The Mary Tyler Moore documentary, the first authorized biography of the iconic actor and producer; and the Verzuz documentary, Gifted & Black for Amazon Prime.
Since its inception in 2015, and under Rajani’s leadership, Hillman Grad has grown to include six divisions and twenty employees, rising to become one of the most prominent companies in entertainment.
Born in London, and raised in upstate New York and Portland, Ore., Rajani graduated from NYU before rising through the ranks as a film and television development executive at 20th Century Fox, UTA, Paradigm and Studio 8.
Kevin Richardson / EVP and head of original content, JusticeRx
Richardson, JusticeRx’s EVP & head of original content, is a 20-year creative executive and champion of inclusive storytelling who helped develop Fox’s Empire and 24: Live Another Day. JusticeRx, founded by Dr. Phillip Atiba Goff, a respected expert on racism, sexism and public safety, has a multi-year exclusive overall deal with Warner Bros Television. JusticeRx’s goal is to help storytellers “untell the lies we tell about ourselves”. Their collaboration with Warner Media has resulted in a robust slate of scripted and unscripted projects, as well as landing co-productions with industry heavy hitters such as Stephanie Allain Bray’s Homegrown Pictures, Dee Harris Lawrence and Berlanti Productions.
Richardson, JusticeRx’s EVP & head of original content, is a 20-year creative executive and champion of inclusive storytelling who helped develop Fox’s Empire and 24: Live Another Day. JusticeRx, founded by Dr. Phillip Atiba Goff, a respected expert on racism, sexism and public safety, has a multi-year exclusive overall deal with Warner Bros Television. JusticeRx’s goal is to help storytellers “untell the lies we tell about ourselves”. Their collaboration with Warner Media has resulted in a robust slate of scripted and unscripted projects, as well as landing co-productions with industry heavy hitters such as Stephanie Allain Bray’s Homegrown Pictures, Dee Harris Lawrence and Berlanti Productions.
Beatrice Springborn / President, UCP and Universal International Studios
Springborn is president of UCP and Universal International Studios, divisions of Universal Studio Group. She reports to Pearlena Igbokwe, chairman, Universal Studio Group. Springborn oversees all aspects of UCP and Universal International Studios’ award-winning slate, with a primary focus on growing the studios’ global production output.
UCP is responsible for commercially successful and critically acclaimed scripted and unscripted docuseries programming, including The Act, Chucky, Dr. Death, Homecoming, Mr. Robot, One of Us Is Lying, Psych, The Sinner, The Umbrella Academy, Joe vs Carole, and the upcoming limited series Gaslit starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn. Universal International Studios’ productions include recent global Netflix hit Clickbait, acclaimed music comedy We Are Lady Parts, BAFTA-winning reality show Made In Chelsea, Emmy-nominated series Hanna, the worldwide TV phenomenon Downton Abbey and Dodger for the BBC.
Springborn joined UCP in November 2020 following a six-year run at Hulu, where she led comedy and drama development, co-productions and casting across the streamer’s acclaimed and award-winning slate of originals. She is known for implementing the creative strategy on strong book-based IP such as the Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning The Handmaid’s Tale, Normal People,
Little Fires Everywhere, High Fidelity, The Looming Tower, Nine Perfect Strangers, Shrill and Conversations with Friends. Her slate also included The Great, Ramy, Castle Rock, Future Man, Pen15, Dollface, Casual, Wu Tang: An American Saga, Harlots, The First, and the animated series Crossing Swords and Solar Opposites.
Additionally, Springborn is no stranger to Universal Studio Group, having overseen UCP’s
The Act and the Julie Klausner/Billy Eichner comedy Difficult People, along with Universal Television’s The Mindy Project, Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Path. Prior to joining Hulu, she was head of television for Craig Zadan and Neil Meron’s Storyline Entertainment, which had deals with Universal Television and NBC International.
Springborn has also served as senior vice president for Caryn Mandabach Productions
(Peaky Blinders), executive vice president of television/film production and development at Valhalla (The Walking Dead) and vice president of production and development at FilmNation Entertainment. She started her executive career in development at Pixar, where she worked on films including Ratatouille and Finding Nemo.
She has an MFA from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television.
Springborn is president of UCP and Universal International Studios, divisions of Universal Studio Group. She reports to Pearlena Igbokwe, chairman, Universal Studio Group. Springborn oversees all aspects of UCP and Universal International Studios’ award-winning slate, with a primary focus on growing the studios’ global production output.
UCP is responsible for commercially successful and critically acclaimed scripted and unscripted docuseries programming, including The Act, Chucky, Dr. Death, Homecoming, Mr. Robot, One of Us Is Lying, Psych, The Sinner, The Umbrella Academy, Joe vs Carole, and the upcoming limited series Gaslit starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn. Universal International Studios’ productions include recent global Netflix hit Clickbait, acclaimed music comedy We Are Lady Parts, BAFTA-winning reality show Made In Chelsea, Emmy-nominated series Hanna, the worldwide TV phenomenon Downton Abbey and Dodger for the BBC.
Springborn joined UCP in November 2020 following a six-year run at Hulu, where she led comedy and drama development, co-productions and casting across the streamer’s acclaimed and award-winning slate of originals. She is known for implementing the creative strategy on strong book-based IP such as the Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning The Handmaid’s Tale, Normal People,
Little Fires Everywhere, High Fidelity, The Looming Tower, Nine Perfect Strangers, Shrill and Conversations with Friends. Her slate also included The Great, Ramy, Castle Rock, Future Man, Pen15, Dollface, Casual, Wu Tang: An American Saga, Harlots, The First, and the animated series Crossing Swords and Solar Opposites.
Additionally, Springborn is no stranger to Universal Studio Group, having overseen UCP’s
The Act and the Julie Klausner/Billy Eichner comedy Difficult People, along with Universal Television’s The Mindy Project, Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Path. Prior to joining Hulu, she was head of television for Craig Zadan and Neil Meron’s Storyline Entertainment, which had deals with Universal Television and NBC International.
Springborn has also served as senior vice president for Caryn Mandabach Productions
(Peaky Blinders), executive vice president of television/film production and development at Valhalla (The Walking Dead) and vice president of production and development at FilmNation Entertainment. She started her executive career in development at Pixar, where she worked on films including Ratatouille and Finding Nemo.
She has an MFA from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television.
Moderator: Carrie Stein / head of global scripted film & television, Aftershock Media
Stein has worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years in all phases of the business, including film, television development, packaging and financing, and production. Stein’s specialty over the last 15 years has been developing and packaging scripted series for the global market, including co-productions, pre- sales and original production in local markets. She is one of few executives who can navigate the US, UK, Canadian and European markets both creatively and commercially. Stein is currently heading up the Global Film and TV business for AfterShock Media, charged with expanding their comic book slate globally, forging relationships with producers, writers and platforms. She also consults for Dynamic Television, working across their global slate in sourcing, developing and packaging TV Series. Prior to this, Stein was EVP of global scripted content for eOne where she was responsible for expanding the company both corporately and commercially in the global space, forging strategic alliances with global producers as well as packaging and overseeing production for international co-productions.
Stein has worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years in all phases of the business, including film, television development, packaging and financing, and production. Stein’s specialty over the last 15 years has been developing and packaging scripted series for the global market, including co-productions, pre- sales and original production in local markets. She is one of few executives who can navigate the US, UK, Canadian and European markets both creatively and commercially. Stein is currently heading up the Global Film and TV business for AfterShock Media, charged with expanding their comic book slate globally, forging relationships with producers, writers and platforms. She also consults for Dynamic Television, working across their global slate in sourcing, developing and packaging TV Series. Prior to this, Stein was EVP of global scripted content for eOne where she was responsible for expanding the company both corporately and commercially in the global space, forging strategic alliances with global producers as well as packaging and overseeing production for international co-productions.
Jana Winograde / President of entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc
Winograde serves as president of entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc. She is responsible for developing and supervising all aspects of Showtime Networks programming across all genres, including comedy, drama, unscripted, documentaries and films. In addition, Winograde oversees the company’s production, program operations, business affairs, casting, scheduling, research and home entertainment, and serves as liaison to ViacomCBS Global Distribution. She works closely on all programming related matters with the network’s marketing, creative, digital media, acquisitions and entertainment communications departments.
Winograde joined Showtime in 2017 as president, business operations, West Coast, and had oversight of business affairs, production, distribution operations and the financial and business strategy relating to the acquisition, development and distribution of SHOWTIME content. She also held key responsibilities with respect to the development of new business models and content monetization domestically and internationally.
Winograde previously spent 23 years at ABC Entertainment in numerous senior roles, most recently as executive vice president, head of business operations. There, she oversaw the network’s business endeavors, including managing the network’s operating, development and programming budgets and playing a key role in strategic planning. She also oversaw business related to the development and acquisition of all primetime, daytime and late-night programming for the ABC Television Network and first-run syndication, as well as all related deals and agreements, including marketing, digital and music. Prior to joining ABC, Winograde was an associate at Munger, Tolles & Olson. Born and raised in California, Winograde graduated Order of the Coif from Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California at Berkeley and holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego.
Winograde serves as president of entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc. She is responsible for developing and supervising all aspects of Showtime Networks programming across all genres, including comedy, drama, unscripted, documentaries and films. In addition, Winograde oversees the company’s production, program operations, business affairs, casting, scheduling, research and home entertainment, and serves as liaison to ViacomCBS Global Distribution. She works closely on all programming related matters with the network’s marketing, creative, digital media, acquisitions and entertainment communications departments.
Winograde joined Showtime in 2017 as president, business operations, West Coast, and had oversight of business affairs, production, distribution operations and the financial and business strategy relating to the acquisition, development and distribution of SHOWTIME content. She also held key responsibilities with respect to the development of new business models and content monetization domestically and internationally.
Winograde previously spent 23 years at ABC Entertainment in numerous senior roles, most recently as executive vice president, head of business operations. There, she oversaw the network’s business endeavors, including managing the network’s operating, development and programming budgets and playing a key role in strategic planning. She also oversaw business related to the development and acquisition of all primetime, daytime and late-night programming for the ABC Television Network and first-run syndication, as well as all related deals and agreements, including marketing, digital and music. Prior to joining ABC, Winograde was an associate at Munger, Tolles & Olson. Born and raised in California, Winograde graduated Order of the Coif from Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California at Berkeley and holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego.
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