Content LA 2023 Agenda

8am

REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING BREAKFAST

9am

CONTENT TRENDS REPORT

In this opening Content LA session, a panel of leading industry analysts will dissect the latest data coming out of North America, highlighting the defining shows, trends and genres and look ahead to the key drivers for change for the domestic and international business over the next 12 months and beyond.
Moderator: David Jenkinson, editor-in-chief & managing director, C21Media

Guy Bisson Executive director and co-founder, Ampere Analysis

Jack Thomas Director, 3Vision

Beatrice Rossmanith MD and head of global business, Tape Consultancy - Glance

Renee Engelhardt VP of partner insights, Parrot Analytics

Moderator: David Jenkinson Editor-in-chief & managing director, C21Media

9.45am

THE FRAPA SESSIONS: Formats for the world

A guide for independent creators, producers and distributors on creating, selling and protecting their IP internationally.
Moderator: Michael Schmidt, advisory board member, FRAPA

Sophie Ferron President, Media Ranch

Jin Woo Hwang President and executive producer, Something Special

Hayley Babcock Founder and CEO, Hayley Babcock Media Consulting

Phil Gurin President and CEO, The Gurin Company and co-chair of FRAPA

Moderator: Michael Schmidt Advisory board member, FRAPA

10.20am

CONTENT STRATEGIES: MGM+

Chris Brearton is vice president, corporate strategy, Prime Video & Studios and head of MGM unscripted & MGM+. In this role, Brearton oversees MGM’s global business operations, as well as the legendary studio’s business development and strategic growth initiatives. Michael Wright serves as head of MGM+ (formerly EPIX), a commercial-free premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of content, including quality original series and docuseries. In this content strategies session, Brearton and Wright will discuss the MGM+ domestic rebrand, international relaunch, their content strategies, opportunities for international partnerships, and the future vision for the service.
Moderator: Jordan Pinto, North American editor, C21Media

Chris Brearton VP, corporate strategy, PV and studios, head of MGM unscripted and MGM+, MGM

Michael Wright Head of MGM+, MGM

Moderator: Jordan Pinto North American editor, C21Media

10.55am

International scripted format adaptations

In this session we explore success in adapting scripted formats for the US and international markets. Leading creatives and producers discuss their creative and business approaches in making this work, and lessons learnt along the way.
Moderator: Carrie Stein, president, global scripted television, Dynamic Television

Rose Marie Vega President and founder, RMVISTAR

Sunder Aaron Managing partner, Locomotive Global

Angie Stephenson Senior VP, scripted development, BBC Studios Los Angeles

Moderator: Carrie Stein President, global scripted television, Dynamic Television

11.30am

CONTENT STRATEGIES: Toby Gorman, Universal Television Alternative

Toby Gorman is president of Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS), a division of Universal Studio Group. The studio develops and produces gameshows, competition programmes, true crime, documentaries and docuseries. Gorman has oversight over all aspects of the studio, including development, production, business and creative affairs. In this Content LA Content Strategies conversation he will discuss his vision and the approach driving opportunities for partnerships and coproduction as well as key titles from his upcoming slate.
Moderator: Claire Atkinson, chief media correspondent, Business Insider

Toby Gorman President of Universal Television Alternative Studio

Moderator: Claire Atkinson Chief media correspondent, Business Insider

12.00pm

Future of unscripted

Leading US executives discuss what the future for the unscripted business holds. Is the drama boom over and is now the age of the premium doc? What are the global ambitions for US producers and how do they realise them?
Moderator: Jordan Pinto, North American editor, C21Media

Ethan Goldman Founder and CEO, Anchor Entertainment

Patrick Reardon President, Jupiter Entertainment

Jennifer O’Connell Co-founder and co-CEO, Velvet Hammer Media

Pam Healey President, Spoke Studios

Santini Reali Agent, TV non-fiction, Creative Artists Agency

Moderator: Jordan Pinto North American editor, C21Media

12.30pm

SPONSORED PRESENTATION: OM-MA

In this short presentation OM-MA will outline regional finance & tax incentives available for international producers.

OM-MA consultancy provides strategic advice on tax incentive structures, production hub development support and raising private funding for film, TV, live events/streaming.

12:30pm

LUNCH BREAK

Lunch is not included, but there is an extended break in the conference programme and links to a number of recommended nearby places to book for lunch is below.

Click here for a list of restaurants and cafes nearby.

2pm

KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: Media Res

Media Res founder and chairman, Michael Ellenberg leads the motion picture production and finance company and television studio, developing, producing and financing premium content for global markets. He is joined in this keynote interview by Lars Blomgren, who recently joined Media Res to launch an international TV unit, to develop premium TV series from a range of genres by combining talent and material from outside the US. The pair will set out their future vision for Media Res and discuss opportunities for international collaboration.
Moderator: Carrie Stein, president, global scripted television, Dynamic Television

Michael Ellenberg CEO, Media Res

Lars Blomgren Head of Media Res International

Moderator: Carrie Stein President, global scripted television, Dynamic Television

2.40pm

CONTENT STRATEGIES: Universal Studios Group scripted

Key executives responsible for scripted development across Universal Studios Group, Margaret Schatzel, Vivian Cannon and Marc Velez, will discuss their content strategies for the next 12 months and the opportunities for partnerships.
Moderator: Jordan Pinto, North American editor, C21Media

Margaret Schatzel Senior VP, global scripted series, Universal International Studios

Vivian Cannon Executive VP, drama development, Universal Television

Marc Velez Senior VP, head of development, UCP

Moderator: Jordan Pinto North American editor, C21Media

3.20pm

FAST FORWARD: FAST, the fastest growing streaming sector

With the exponential growth in FAST we hear from some of the major studios and players about why this is the business model to back, what their strategies and approaches are to FAST and what FAST will look like in 12 to 18 months time.
Moderator: Guy Bisson, executive director, Ampere Analysis

Bryan Mu Senior VP, research & insights, Universal Studio Group

Beth Anderson Senior VP/general manager, FAST channels and VOD sales, North America and Lat AM, BBC Studios

Daniel Gagliardi VP digital distribution and business development, FilmRise

Larry Schwartz Chief revenue officer, OTTera TV

Will Gurman VP, global partnerships and content strategy, Paramount Streaming

Moderator: Guy Bisson Executive director, Ampere Analysis

4pm

FUNDAMENTALS: Indie distributors – where’s the money?

Leading independent US distributors will discuss how the domestic and global landscape is changing and how they are adapting their business models, to take advantage of new opportunities. They will also discuss what they are looking to back and how and when they are investing.
More speakers to be announced.
Moderator: Hayley Babcock, founder and CEO, Hayley Babcock Media Consulting

Scott Kirkpatrick Executive VP, distribution and co-productions, Nicely Entertainment

Catalina Ramírez Chaves Co-head of Propagate International, Propagate Content

Richard Goldsmith President, global distribution and consumer products, Thunderbird Entertainment

Moderator: Hayley Babcock Founder and CEO, Hayley Babcock Media Consulting

4.45pm

CONTENT STRATEGIES: CBS Studios

Key CBS Studios executives, Bryan Seabury, EVP of drama development, Lindsey Martin, head of international co-productions, Kate Adler, head of comedy development and Alec Botnick, EVP of comedy development and head of animation and alternative, discuss their content strategies, areas for partnership and collaboration, and key new titles.
Moderator: Pippa Lambert, producer and founder, Hellcat

Bryan Seabury Executive VP, drama development, CBS Studios

Kate Adler Executive VP, comedy development, CBS Studios

Lindsey Martin VP, international coproductions and development, CBS Studios International

Alec Botnick Executive VP, comedy development, head of animation and alternative, CBS Studios

Moderator: Pippa Lambert Producer and founder, Hellcat

5.30pm

CONTENT STRATEGIES: Ad-supported streaming platforms

Executives from leading international platforms, AVoDs and FAST channels discuss their content strategies, opportunities for collaboration and the key titles from their new slates.
Moderator: Mary Ann Halford, partner, Altman Solon

Phil Oppenheim Chief content officer, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment

Yolanda Macías Chief content officer, Cinedigm

Rachel Koehler VP, original content, Tubi

Ava Hall Head of content and brand, The Africa Channel

Moderator: Mary Ann Halford Partner, Altman Solon

6pm

NETWORKING COCKTAIL

9am

State of the scripted nation

With budgets under further pressure, the US writers’ strike, changing studio landscape and demand for more global content, how is the US scripted business preparing for the next 12 months? Leading executives working across the scripted space dissect the latest challenges and opportunities facing an ever evolving business.
Moderator: Pat Quinn, partner, manager, Quinn Media Management

Mark Linsey President, scripted, BBC Studios

Ellen Goldsmith-Vein CEO, The Gotham Group

Effie T. Brown CEO, Gamechanger Films

Ted Miller Television agent, Creative Artists Agency

Moderator: Pat Quinn Partner, manager, Quinn Media Management

9.50am

KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: Meredith Gertler, HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery

Meredith Gertler, executive VP, global content strategy, planning and analysis works across HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming products, including HBO Max and Discovery+. In this keynote interview, Gertler will discuss the Max platform, launching May 23, and how it will assemble and showcase the best in category content across genres to serve as the leading global streaming destination for quality content for everyone in the household. She’ll also delve into Max’s merchandising and curation strategies, offering insights into how the streamer will couple human curation and machine learning to deepen viewer engagement across a variety of genres. And lastly, Gertler will explain how Max is tapping into data to strengthen its programming offering.
Moderator: Jordan Pinto, North American editor, C21Media

Meredith Gertler Executive VP, global content strategy, planning and analysis, HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery

Moderator: Jordan Pinto North American editor, C21Media

10.30am

FUNDAMENTALS: International coproduction renaissance

As the walls come crumbling down, leading international studios discuss the new opportunities for coproductions and partnerships between the US and global business.
Moderator: Ed Waller, editorial director, C21Media

Sally Habbershaw Executive VP Americas, All3Media International

Matt Creasey Executive VP sales, coproductions and acquisitions, Banijay Rights

Julie Meldal-Johnsen Executive VP global content, ITV Studios

Alistair Jennings Senior VP sales, APAC, Fifth Season

Kattie Kotok Executive VP, US production, British Film Commission

Moderator: Ed Waller Editorial director, C21Media

11.10pm

KEYNOTE SESSION: Amazon Studios

Lauren Anderson is the head of AVoD original content and programming for Amazon Studios, overseeing all programming, including creative development, production, licensing, scheduling, research, and strategy for Amazon Freevee and Prime Video’s ad-supported FAST linear channels. Additionally, Anderson oversees the unscripted programming strategy across all of studios, including SVoD and AVoD programming. Lauren Anderson is the head of AVoD original content and programming for Amazon Studios, overseeing all programming, including creative development, production, licensing, scheduling, research, and strategy for Amazon Freevee and Prime Video’s ad-supported FAST linear channels. Additionally, Anderson oversees the unscripted programming strategy across all of studios, including SVoD and AVoD programming. Lauren Anderson is the head of AVoD original content and programming for Amazon Studios, overseeing all programming, including creative development, production, licensing, scheduling, research, and strategy for Amazon Freevee and Prime Video’s ad-supported FAST linear channels. Additionally, Anderson oversees the unscripted programming strategy across all of studios, including SVoD and AVoD programming.
In this keynote session, Anderson will be joined by Amazon Freevee’s Jenny Falkoff to discuss their unscripted strategy approach, how they look at projects as a whole and how they evaluate which project is best for SVoD, AVoD or both.
Moderator: Jordan Pinto, North American editor, C21Media

Lauren Anderson Head of AVoD originals, unscripted and targeted programming, Amazon Studios

Jenny Falkoff Senior unscripted creative executive, Amazon Freevee

Moderator: Jordan Pinto North American editor, C21Media

12pm

KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: Allison Wallach, Fox Entertainment

Allison Wallach is president, unscripted programming, Fox Entertainment, responsible for overseeing Fox’s unscripted programming, specials and alternative development slate; Gordon Ramsay’s production entity, Studio Ramsay Global; the entertainment brand TMZ; and the in-house unscripted studio, Fox Alternative Entertainment (FAE). In this Keynote Interview, Wallach will discuss her vision for Fox Entertainment and how her content strategy is impacting partnership opportunities.
Moderator: Claire Atkinson, chief media correspondent, Business Insider

Allison Wallach President, unscripted programming, Fox Entertainment

Moderator: Claire Atkinson Chief media correspondent, Business Insider

12.30pm

LUNCH BREAK

Lunch is not included, but there is an extended break in the conference programme and links to a number of recommended nearby places to book for lunch is below.

Click here for a list of restaurants and cafes nearby.

2pm

CONTENT STRATEGIES: Roku

David Eilenberg is VP and head of content for Roku Media, leading the charge to establish Roku’s free ad-supported streaming service The Roku Channel as a destination for both scripted and unscripted original content. In this Content Strategies session, Eilenberg is joined by Brian Tannenbaum, head of originals, who leads all aspects of original programming and Jennifer Vaux, who oversees content strategy, acquisition, programming and scheduling, to discuss how Roku content is evolving and the partnership opportunities this opens up to the business.
Moderator: Hayley Babcock, founder and CEO, Hayley Babcock Media Consulting

David Eilenberg VP and head of content, Roku Media

Brian Tannenbaum Head of originals, Roku Media

Jennifer Vaux VP content acquisition and programming, Roku Media

Moderator: Hayley Babcock Founder and CEO, Hayley Babcock Media Consulting

2.40pm

CONTENT STRATEGIES: David Madden, Wattpad Webtoon

David Madden is head of global entertainment for Wattpad Webtoon Studios, the fan-driven global entertainment and publishing arm for Webtoon and Wattpad. He oversees development, production, and sales for the company’s global TV, feature film, and animation businesses. In this conversation Madden will discuss the content strategy leading his decision making and areas he’s looking to partner in.
Moderator: Jordan Pinto, North American editor, C21Media

David Madden Head of global entertainment, Wattpad WEBTOON Studios

Moderator: Jordan Pinto North American editor, C21Media

3.20pm

CONTENT TRENDS: The changing streaming landscape

As the global streamers change their positions and international and local windows start to open up again, what opportunities and challenges does this create? How do producers and content makers put together deals with global streamers and local platforms and broadcasters?
Moderator: Mary Ann Halford, partner, Altman Solon

Valerie Bruce General manager, BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions

Danny Wilk President, Big Media

Dermot Horan Director of acquisitions and co-productions, RTÉ

Jessica Pavão Senior VP, creative affairs, Boat Rocker

Moderator: Mary Ann Halford Partner, Altman Solon

4.00pm

BIG PICTURE: Next-generation storytelling for global audiences

Leading creatives and executives discuss how they are finding new ways to tell stories on screen that speak to and reflect both audiences around the world as well as local and niche communities.
Moderator: Diana Mogollon, senior entertainment business leader and cross-cultural catalyst

Anthony Hemingway Director, producer, Anthony Hemingway Productions

Talitha Watkins President, ColorCreative

Rashad Robinson President, Color Of Change

Nando Vila Head of studio, Exile Content Studio

Moderator: Diana Mogollón Senior entertainment business leader and cross-cultural catalyst

5pm

ITV STUDIOS SCREENING

Join us for the exclusive world premiere screening of Fifteen-Love, from the producers behind global hits Vigil and Line of Duty. If that wasn’t enough, the ITV Studios team will also be giving you an exclusive look ahead at what else is coming up.

6pm

ITV STUDIOS COCKTAIL

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