The stars — and the people who put them on TV — will be out in full force at the Content Show, a two-day summit to be held during New York Television Week. This year’s show offers a window into how the hottest new shows are bought and sold. Attendees can hear from the biggest buyers, sellers and producers in the business, and get the latest on viewing trends. Producer Jonathan Verk, head of JVB Media Consulting, spoke with Multichannel News about what attendees can expect from the show.
MCN: Who are the keynoters for the Content Show?
Jonathan Verk: Our speakers represent a spectrum of some of the industry’s leading development, production, marketing and monetization executives. There are so many great speakers confirmed — I’m especially looking for Donny Deutsch as well as Mort (Marcus) and Ira (Bernstein, co-presidents, Debmar-Mercury), who are being interviewed by Wendy Williams! Henry Schleiff is always a great draw — so insightful, with an incredible view of the future.
MCN: What are the hottest topics of discussion?
JV: The Content Show is about putting Content in Context. Not only will you meet the development executives who can greenlight your show, but you’ll meet some of the most influential media executives who can help you understand how to more effectively represent your project by understanding its context of the larger industry.
“From Concept to Content” is a peek behind the curtains of the deal, with frank dialogue between three sets of partners — one representing the network, the other representing a production company. We’re also anticipating a great turnout with sessions like “Brand-Driven Development Process,” which helps producers know how to position their pitches with a more sophisticated marketing twist.
But among the most anticipated events are the “In Conversation With …” sessions. These are intimate and interactive small-room conversations with the industry’s leading executives. Whether you're pitching a show or looking for free legal advice, these sessions are the best value any conference can offer.
MCN: What’s different about the show this year?
JV: Lots. I think this year’s conference really puts content in a much broader context. While The Content Show certainly puts you in front of the biggest buyers In the business, it also provides a bigger framework of where content fits in the larger industry. The game has fundamentally changed, and today’s execs need more. And The Content Show is where they’ll get it.
MCN: What kinds of executives should be coming to this event?
JV: Network executives from development, production, marketing and monetization make up the bulk of our attendance. And, of course, the production community rounds out the crowd. And we’re expecting a couple of celebrities to make an appearance.
MCN: What will be the takeaway for attendees?
JV: Attendees will leave with a much better understanding of where the industry is today and how production companies can position themselves to capitalize on the emerging global trends in the future.
