Speakers | 2025

David W. ZUCKER

Chief Creative Officer, SCOTT FREE

David W. Zucker is Chief Creative Officer for Scott Free and Executive Producer of the Ridley Scott pilot-directed crime drama, DOPE THIEF (Apple), starring Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura; the Leo Woodall-led international conspiracy thriller, PRIME TARGET (Apple); Noah Hawley's forthcoming series turn of the sci-fi classic, ALIEN: EARTH (FX); a fresh venture into the realm of BLADE RUNNER, 2099 (Amazon), featuring Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer; and the psychological horror series, THE TERROR: DEVIL IN SILVER (AMC), starring Dan Stevens and Judith Light.

During his tenure, Scott Free has produced a steady stream of highly acclaimed programs including seven seasons of the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated, Peabody-winning THE GOOD WIFE (CBS); six seasons of the acclaimed spin-off, THE GOOD FIGHT (Paramount+); RAISED BY WOLVES (HBO MAX); THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE (Amazon); GREAT EXPECTATIONS and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (FX/BBC); KALEIDOSCOPE (Netflix); THE HOT ZONE and THE HOT ZONE: ANTHRAX (National Geographic); Jean-Claude Van Damme's action-comedy, JCVJ (Amazon); MERCY STREET (PBS); and six seasons of NUMB3RS (CBS).

Additional standout programming includes the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH (Starz), WORLD WITHOUT END (Reelz), Emmy-nominated INTO THE STORM (HBO), Emmy-nominated THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN and COMA (A&E), the Golden Globe-nominated THE COMPANY (TNT), KLONDIKE (Discovery), and a feature-length series HALO: NIGHTFALL (X-Box/Microsoft).

Acclaimed non-fiction programs include AT WITT'S END (Hulu), STILL MISSING MORGAN (Hulu), CRIMES OF THE CENTURY (CNN) and the Emmy-winning documentary special GETTYSBURG (History Channel).

Rola BAUER

Executive Producer for, AMAZON MGM STUDIOS

Rola Bauer presently is Executive Producer for Amazon MGM Studios, focusing on their series TOTALLY SPIES! and POMPEII: A DAY OF FIRE, after recently exiting her Amazon role as Head of Pan-English Scripted TV, responsible for developing and commissioning English-language international TV series.

Bauer joined Amazon via MGM STUDIOS, where she was President International Television Productions. Her key series productions at MGM were Harlan Coben's Shelter, based on the #1 New York Times bestselling novel, and El Fin del Amor, based on author Tamara Tenenbaum's best-seller for Prime Video. For MGM+ she oversaw the structure on Billy the Kid by creator Michael Hirst, and FROM, created by John Griffin. Other MGM Studios series were Last Light, starring Matthew Fox and Joanne Froggatt and The Reunion, adapted from French author Guillaume Musso's bestselling novel.

A pioneer of international productions, Bauer previously was founding partner and creative force at STUDIOCANAL TV, (which she set up in 1999 as TANDEM COMMUNICATIONS). Here, she steered Studiocanal's TV content providing a full studio service covering international co-production strategy, business affairs, finance and worldwide sales to support Studiocanal's growing roster of production companies across the global market.

As an Executive Producer Bauer always managed complex co-production structures with multi-network partnerships, from the early TANDEM produced PILLARS OF THE EARTH to the later series CROSSING LINES, TAKE TWO, SHADOWPLAY and THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH. She also was shepherding premium scripted series for other Studiocanal Companies like YEARS AND YEARS, WAR OF THE WORLDS, MIDNIGHT SUN, THE LAST PANTHERS or BELOW THE SURFACE.

On the international coproduction front, she was instrumental in shaping the highly acclaimed ZeroZeroZero, as well as Harlan Coben's THE FIVE, SAFE and THE STRANGER, Julie Delpy's ON THE VERGE and Benedict Cumberbatch's THE CHILD IN TIME.

Early stages of her career were at the Canadian Alliance Communications, serving as President of their subsidiary and later at the Munich-based ProSieben TV Network, where she served as a buyer and built up their international series and co-production business before she set up her own production and distribution company TANDEM COMMUNICATIONS.

Bauer received many international and US awards, including the prestigious Medaille d'Honneur for her outstanding contributions to the international television business, the C21 Editor's Choice award in general recognition of her career. For PILLARS OF THE EARTH she was nominated for the Emmys®, the Golden Globe and won the BavarianTV, Austrian and Canadian TV Awards.

Bauer has been named several times in Variety's International Women's Impact Report and has been honored by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the Most Powerful Women in Global Television on multiple occasions, including its most recent list in 2024., Bauer was also listed in the Variety 500 Top Entertainment Business Leaders.

She sits on the International Emmys Board, is member of the Primetime Television Academy (Emmys), the Producers Guild of America (PGA) and Advisor to the Monte Carlo Television Festival.

Tom JENNINGS

CEO, Executive Producer & Writer, 1895 FILMS

Tom Jennings has earned the reputation as one of the most compelling storytellers of our time. An award-winning content creator, he blends creativity and mastery of the filmmaking craft with curiosity to find story angles in places not previously considered. Throughout his career, he has delivered hundreds of hours of premium content and truly unforgettable moments for audiences across platforms. His work has received numerous honors, including an Emmy Award and several nominations, a Peabody Award, a Producers Guild of America Award for Outstanding Producer of Televised or Streamed Motion Pictures, and Television Business International's "Excellence in TV" Award.

Toma DE MATTEIS

Managing Director of Fiction, France.tv Studio, FRANCE TÉLÉVISIONS

Toma de Matteis is an experienced television production professional. After starting out at Marathon Productions, he became a content producer at Capa Entreprises. In 2006, he joined the teams at Telfrance Séries, where he became artistic producer of the daily soap opera 'Plus belle la vie'. In 2011, Toma de Matteis joined France Télévisions, helping to create a new daytime drama division. In 2012, he became a producer at Merlin Productions. In 2015, he joined France.tv Studio (a subsidiary of France Télévisions) where he created the daily series 'Un si grand soleil' and contributed to the creation of the Vendargues studios (16,000m2 of infrastructure dedicated to fiction filming). In 2019, he became Managing Director of the works division (Fiction / Documentaries) of France.tv Studio. He has also been President of the special effects subsidiary Les Tontons Truqueurs since 2023.

Graham BENSON

Chairman, GCB INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Graham Benson is an international media and business consultant working across film. television, theatre and sport - particularly cricket. He was for many years a producer and executive producer of television drama and feature films. Blue Heaven Productions the independent company he ran with his wife, Christine, produced several series of the hugely successful Ruth Rendell Mysteries. Graham also spent several years at the BBC where he learned his trade and produced Premiere the BBC2 film opportinty for 1st time directors as well as launching both Screen 1 and Screen 2 several years later on his return to the Corporation after spending time elsewhere. He was Controller of Drama at ITVs South of England franchise - TVS - from 1987-1992 where he was responsible for many international coproductions and has chaired both BAFTA and PACT. He lives on the Isle of Wight and in London and currently includes chairing Screen South and Wildfire Sport in his portfolio.
Graham and Christine have for many years supported and attended The Monte Carlo International Television Festival and participated in the preselection of programme awards nominations.'

Stewart CLARKE

SVP, Content, International, DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD

Stewart Clarke is SVP, Content, International at Deadline, representing the brand at Festivals and industry events, and writing news and features for the website. He joined Deadline in late 2023 after a four-year stint as Creative Director at the Edinburgh TV Festival, the largest event of its kind in the UK. Prior to that, Stewart was a London-based International Correspondent for Variety, reporting from events around the world for the trade publication. He started his career in film and TV journalism at Informa, where he was rose to the position of Editorial Director, Television Business International.

Matthew DEANER

CEO, SCREEN PRODUCERS AUSTRALIA

Matthew Deaner is Screen Producers Australia's Chief Executive Officer. Matthew oversees all aspects of SPA's advocacy work, industrial negotiations, events, and operational issues. He also works closely with our Council to set the organisation's strategic direction and identify and execute new business development opportunities.

Mathilde FIQUET

Secretary General, CEPI - EUROPEAN AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION

Since January 2021, Mathilde Fiquet is the Secretary General of CEPI, the European Audiovisual Production association, representing independent television and film producers. CEPI's role is to supports the activities of its film and television producers, helping them to inform and engage with European policy makers and promoting the importance of sustainable cultural and economic growth in the European Audiovisual sector. Before joining CEPI, Mathilde spend 10 years, at FEDMA, the Federation of European Data and marketing, dealing with privacy, data protection and digital advertising.

Brendan FITZGERALD

Directeur Général de Secuoya Studios/CEO Secuoya Studios, SECUOYA STUDIOS

Brendan Fitzgerald is an internationally renowned executive in the content industry, with a career spanning over two decades of experience in key markets such as the United States, Latin America, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Throughout his distinguished career, he has played crucial roles in the creation and development of premium content, establishing himself as a key figure in the evolution and expansion of the global audiovisual sector.
Since January 2024, Brendan Fitzgerald has served as the CEO of Secuoya Studios, a leading Spanish studio committed to producing high-level content, aiming to become a global leader in creating premium projects for television, film, and OTT platforms. Under his leadership, Secuoya Studios has launched an ambitious expansion strategy, seeking to diversify its catalog across various areas, including series, films, unscripted content, and long-form productions.
Before assuming his role at Secuoya Studios, Fitzgerald was Senior Vice President of English-language International Co-Productions at Sony Pictures Television, where he played a key role in managing co-productions and building business relationships between major studios and international networks. During his time at Sony Pictures, he helped establish key agreements that strengthened the company's presence in international markets and contributed to the success of various productions.
Fitzgerald is also recognized for his contribution to the audiovisual sector in Spain, having been named Honorary Ambassador of the Spain Film Commission. This recognition highlights his impact on the global industry and his commitment to international collaboration in content creation and distribution.

Tonje HESSEN SCHEI

Director, DOX DIVISION

Tonje Hessen Schei is an internationally acclaimed documentary filmmaker, whose films take on issues of power that shape our world. Through a bold and pioneering lens, Tonje is renowned for films that examine the interplay of power, technology, and climate on a global scale.

From the covert CIA drone war and the sweeping impacts of artificial intelligence to ourdisconnection from nature Tonjes films are distinguished by compelling storytelling and a unique ability to challenge and inspire audiences.

Leif HOLST JENSEN

Dean, TV & Games, INN UNIVERSITY

Leif Holst Jensen is Dean of faculty Audiovisual Media and Creative technology at the Inland University of Applied Sciences and a partner in UpNorth Film. A former CEO Oslo Film fund, Dean/Head of department Westerdals institute of film and media, Kristiania University College Oslo, General secretary, Norwegian Film, TV and Games Producers Association, Head of Arts and Culture, Danish Broadcasting Company, DR, Program director, Metropol TV, Norway, and held several positions in NRK, Norwegian Broadcasting Company. Leif also has experience as a journalist, director, producer and executive director/producer including more than 200 productions.

Marrianne LEVY

Hybrid Rom Com Author, NOVELIST & SCREENWRITER

Marianne Levy is a hybrid rom com author. She is a novelist and a screenwriter. She has published three rom com novels La Malédiction de la zone de confort (on going adaptation), Chaussures à son pied and Dress Code et petits secrets (Pygmalion), an essay about TV series characters Ces héros qui ratent leur vie pour que tu réussisses la tienne (Pygmalion) and a book about rom coms Les Comédies romantiques (Hoëbeke-Gallimard). In 2021, she co-created and co-wrote her first TV series Christmas Flow, a Christmas special romantic comedy, for Netflix France.

Judith LIGHT

Actrice/Actress, FICTION JURY PRESIDENT

Judith Light is known for her extensive body of work onstage, as well as in television and film, recently receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of fame.
Her recent projects include Peter Hedge's film The Same Storm, "Julia," HBO Max's drama series on Julia Child, Starz' horror comedy "Shining Vale" and Searchlight's dark comedy The Menu, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Fiennes. Second seasons of both "Shining Vale" and "Julia" are currently available for streaming. Light starred in The Young Wife and Down Low for FilmNation, both of which premiered at SXSW, and Out of My Mind for Disney+ which premiered at Sundance and can now be streamed on Disney+.
Her 2019 film Ms. White Light also premiered at SXSW.
She can also be seen in the second season of "American Horror Stories" and Rian Johnson's series "Poker Face" for Peacock, for which she won the Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Primetime Emmy.

Her latest project was the Apple TV+ series "Before" alongside Billy Crystal. The full season can now be streamed.
Next up, she stars in "The Terror: Devil in Silver" for AMC and Scott Free Productions.

Additionally, she is working on a series of producing projects with her production company and Brillstein Creative Partners.
Light also co-starred in Ryan Murphy's "Impeachment: American Crime Story" on FX, appeared in Lin Manuel Miranda's film, tick, tick...Boom! for Netflix as well as "The Accidental Wolf", created by Arian Moyad and now streaming on Topic.
In addition to her current projects, Light starred in the anthology series "Manhunt: Deadly Games," which can currently be found on Netflix, as well as Ryan Murphy's Netflix series "The Politician," and in the musical finale series of "Transparent," Amazon Prime's Golden Globe-winning show, created by Joey Soloway, for which Light received a Golden Globe nomination and multiple Emmy and Critics' Choice nominations. Her role in Ryan Murphy's "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" garnered her an Emmy nomination and Critics Choice nomination.
In 2012 and 2013, Light won two consecutive Tony and Drama Desk awards for her performances in Other Desert Cities and The Assembled Parties; these two performances made her the first actress in nearly two decades to win consecutive Tony Awards. Light also received the 2019 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for her extensive philanthropy work. She was also recently awarded the Excellence in Media Award from GLAAD in May 2022. Light sits on the board of directors of the MCC Theater in New York.

Judy LUNG

VP, Strategy, Communications, & Stakeholder Relations, TIFF - TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

In a 25-year career that has unfolded against a backdrop of seismic change, Judy Lung has
worked with major media companies, cultural institutions, and award-winning filmmakers in
leadership, PR, and marketing roles across the sector, from distribution, exhibition, broadcasting
to production.
Currently, as Vice President of Strategy, Communications & Stakeholder Relations, Lung leads
strategic planning for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), tapping into her deep
understanding of the entertainment business and long-standing relationships across the global
industry. Her focus is on the long-term relevance and reach  of the organization, ensuring it
continues to deliver on its mission and vision in a fast-changing entertainment ecosystem.
In 2023, she was appointed to the newly created Golden Globes Membership Board where her
extensive experience in publicity and media relations, and commitment to representation and
inclusion, is critical to the Board's mandate of rebuilding the international voting membership of
the awards organization.
Over the course of her career, Lung had led Canadian and international publicity campaigns for
hundreds of series and films. Prior to joining

Alan NIEROB

Chairman of Entertainment, ROGERS & COWAN PMK

lan Nierob began his career at Rogers & Cowan as an assistant following an internship he had previously fulfilled. Mr. Nierob is currently the Chairman of Entertainment at R&CPMK.

Over the years, Mr. Nierob has represented talent including: Chris Pratt, Caitlyn Jenner, Denzel Washington, Mel Gibson, Katy Perry, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Jamie Foxx, Jeremy Renner, Liam Neeson, Robert Downey Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Hugh Jackman, Beyoncé, Shakira ,Steve Martin, Matthew McConaughey, Richard Gere, Vince Vaughn, Ray Romano, Rob Lowe, Jeff Daniels, Victoria Principal, Jennifer Lopez, Robert Wagner, Garry Shandling, Ali MacGraw, Taylor Lautner, , Shaquille O'Neal, Indianapolis 500 champion Danny Sullivan, baseball Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, and fashion icon Giorgio Armani. In addition, he has worked with producers and directors including Antoine Fuqua, Jerry Bruckheimer, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, M. Night Shyamalan, Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington, Andrew Davis and Mike Newell, and films such as the Academy Award-winning Braveheart, Ransom, Blue Chips, Conspiracy Theory, Lethal Weapon 4, Payback, What Women Want, The Passion of The Christ, Apocalypto and, Dreamgirls among others.

In 2007, Mr. Nierob was awarded the Les Mason Award, which honors those in the field of public relations, whose achievements have been outstanding; whose work reflects the highest professional ideals worthy of being singled out by his or her peers for the highest honor the Publicists Guild can bestow on one of its own members.

In 2015, he received the Prism Award, given by the Public Relations Society of America, Los Angeles Chapter, for the Outstanding Achievement in Publicity.

A graduate of UCLA, Mr. Nierob is a frequent guest lecturer at his alma mater as well as the American Film Institute. He delivered the Commencement Address to the 2010 Communication Studies graduating class at UCLA's Royce Hall. In 2017 Mr. Nierob became a founding member of the UCLA Department of Communication Studies Board of Visitors.

Michael PICKARD

Editor, Drama Quarterly, C21 MEDIA

Michael Pickard is editor of C21 Media's Drama Quarterly magazine and website, which is focused on the creative side of international television drama, speaking to the people who make the shows we want to watch and finding out how they do it. He previously worked as a senior reporter for C21 Media, covering the international television drama business for C21Media.net and flagship magazine C21 International, and has experience as a reporter and editor working for local and national newspapers.

Laurent PUONS

Directeur Général de Monaco Mediax, MONACO MEDIAX SAM

Laurent Puons has been head of Monaco Mediax since 2012, the event management organisation which produces the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, and the leading sports business convention and conference SPORTEL Monaco, SPORTEL Rendez-vous international series, SPORTEL Awards and Monaco Mediax Events among other projects.

Kristin STASIOWSKI

Independent Producer & Consultant / Assoc. Dean of International Programs, KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D. is the Associate Dean of International Programs and Education Abroad for the College of Arts and Sciences and is also an Associate Professor of Italian Language and Literature in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Kent State University. She received her Ph.D from Yale University in Italian Language and Literature and has taught Italian language, literature, cinema, history and culture in both the United States and Florence, Italy prior to arriving at Kent State. Kristin also works on documentary film projects as an independent producer and consultant.

Rémi TERESZKIEWICZ

CSO, BETASERIES

Rémi Tereszkiewicz is an expert of AI, OTT services and TV series marketing. He is currently CEO of Betaseries, a media platform running recommendation services for a community of 5 million monthly TV series fans and analysing TV series & OTT usages for the media industry. Previously he held positions as VP/SVP in sales and marketing for various orgnanisations such as Warner Brothers, Lagardère Studios Netgem and Eurosport and led the creation and launching of numerous TV services and xVOD offers.

Vance VAN PETTEN

Adjunct Professor, DODGE FILM SCHOOL, CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

Vance is Adj. Prof. at Dodge Film School, Chapman University.
From 2000 until 2021, Vance served as the National Executive Director/COO of the Producers Guild of America. Under the auspices of the PGA's Board of Directors, he oversaw the Guild's strategic initiatives on behalf of producers, including its institution of the "Producers Mark" certification process for theatrical motion pictures, as well as directing the PGA's member services and acting as principal executive liaison to studios, networks, guilds and other entertainment industry organizations. Under his stewardship, the Guild's membership grew from 350 to 8500 members.

Prior to the PGA, Vance was in charge of the business and legal affairs departments at Universal Television (1997-1999), Twentieth Television (1992-1997, launching the FX Cable Channel in 1994), and at Paramount Television (1983-1992). And before he worked at the studios, Vance was an associate at an entertainment law firm representing producers, writers and specializing in comics & comedy groups such as The Groundlings and Second City. In 1978, he received his J.D. and M.P.A. from the University of Southern California, and in 1975 he received his B.A. from UCLA.

Michel ZGARKA

President & CEO, HITLAB

Michel Zgarka is an experienced executive with a successful career of over 35 years in the productions, (films, TV and music), communications (Guest speakers/keynote in over 25 int'l trade events), marketing, financial engineering (media) and business development fields. He is highly skilled in strategic and creative planning, marketing and personnel management for the media industry. Mr. Zgarka has produced, directed and distributed numerous film and television productions for the international marketplace, including "GUMMYBAR" which has garnered over 6 billion views on YouTube. He was the Delegate general of several film festivals. He is persuasive and possesses excellent communication skills that help build strong local and global relationships. Mr. Zgarka holds a B. ED. (McGill University), B.A. (Concordia University) & a Master in International Communications (University of Nice). Michel leads for the past 10 years 1 of the 1st AI original patented AI technology company.