NATPE To Feature Reality And Formats Day

The NATPE 2015 market and conference in Miami will feature a full day of reality and formats panels, networking activities, reality development executives and special events on Tuesday, Jan. 20.  2015.

Developed in close collaboration with NATPE’s Reality and Formats Advisory Board, headed by Phil Gurin, The Gurin Co., and Hans Schiff, CAA, the day will include a varied and dynamic track of panels and case studies that feature today’s hottest programs and formats.

In addition to the conference lineup, a unique PRO Pitch event will offer participants an “unprecedented opportunity to pitch their ideas directly to top reality and formats development executives from the worlds of broadcast, cable and syndicated television, and both domestic and international distributors,” according to NATPE.

NATPE will also hold its Reality Breakthrough Awards during a networking mixer and luncheon to recognize today’s most innovative reality content in five categories: reality, reality competition, game shows, docusoap and factual.

Gurin said: “NATPE Reality makes NATPE more than a content market, it’s an idea market. This is an incredible opportunity to pitch original ideas to people who actually buy them and make them happen. NATPE has assembled a world class collection of creative producers, channel commissioners and distributors who are all looking for original ideas.”

Confirmed session speakers include international format executives including Mike Beale, director international formats, ITV Studios; Richard Ehrsam, head of entertainment formats, Televisa International; Grant Ross, EVP of global creative development and format acquisition, Zodiac Media Group; Michael Schmidt, chief creative officer, Red Arrow Entertainment Group; Mark Linsey, controller, entertainment commissioning, BBC; and Jennifer Dettman, executive director of studio and unscripted content, CBC Television.

A second panel focusing on reality shows in syndication will include Stephen Brown, EVP, programming and development, Fox Television Stations; Lonnie Burstein, EVP of programming, Debmar-Mercury; Hilary Estey McLoughlin, president, creative affairs, CBS Television Distribution; and Valerie Schaer EVP, creative affairs, NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution. 

Other conference component highlights will include a case study on ABC’s Shark Tank, featuring Executive Producer Clay Newbill. Additional speakers will be announced via www.natpe.com in the coming weeks.

 “NATPE Reality is an absolutely jam-packed day of programming and events tailored specifically to this thriving area of the business,” said NATPE CEO Rod Perth. “Our curated panels and interactive special events offer direct access to the people and companies who are defining the world of reality and formats, and it will without a doubt be one of the key highlights of NATPE Miami 2015.”

Offering the first opportunity of the year for content creators to get their reality projects in front of senior-level decision-makers PRO Pitch catcher companies currently confirmed include A&E Networks, ABC Entertainment Group,  AMC,  Bell Media Specialty Television, CBC Television, CBS Television Network, Debmar-Mercury, Endemol International, FremantleMedia Group Ltd., Global Agency, ITV Studios, Lifetime Networks, Red Arrow Entertainment Group, Scripps Networks, Small World IFT, SyFy, Televisa, The CW, The Weather Channel, truTV, Univision Communications Inc.,  USA Networks, Viasat Broadcasting, Warner Bros. International Television, WE tv, and Zodiak Media with more being added each week.  NATPE recommends signing up early as there are a limited number of meetings available.

Recognizing innovative reality content, the first NATPE Reality Breakthrough Awards winners will be announced during a celebration and networking luncheon on Tuesday, Jan, 20.  Tickets to this lunch will be available for purchase for $90 online. A blue-ribbon panel of judges will collectively select winners in each of the five categories.

An in-depth look at the NATPE Reality Day including NATPE Reality Breakthrough Awards, luncheon ticket sales and Pro Pitch Participation Packages & Pro Pitch Catcher updates can be found here.

The annual market and conference will once again be held at the Fontainebleau Resort, Miami Beach (Jan. 20-22, 2015) with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority.