Tuesday, October 21st

10:45 AM - Noon

Track I: Salon I - Live Webcast from this Room

Hollywood and the Digital Consumer: How Technology, Content and Services Establish the Next Level of Consumer Entertainment Experience

Richard Berger, SVP Worldwide Digital Strategy and Advanced Platforms, SPHE

Mike Richards, Executive Producer, THE PRICE IS RIGHT and LET'S MAKE A DEAL

Richard Goldsmith, Executive Vice President, Global Distribution, The Jim Henson Company

Eric Carr, VP Exhibitor Relations, Fathom Events

Keyvan Peymani, Managing Director, Digital Strategy Division, ICM Partners

Eric Fitzgerald Reed, Vice President - Entertainment & Tech Policy, Verizon

Don Levy, President, Smith Brook Farm, Moderator

primetime specials, awards shows, game shows and cable news. Early on, Richards worked for television legend Dick Clark as his Vice President of Development and Current Programs. During his time with Clark, he produced several awards shows and primetime shows and was a correspondent on "The American Music Awards and "Primetime New Year's Rockin'  Eve." Richards did stand up after graduating from college and that lead to hosting multiple pilots. He hosted the WB's High School Reunion and later was the host of the reality phenomenon "Beauty and the Geek" for the CW. During that time he also hosted a movie news show called "Dailes" that launched the Reelz Channel. In 2008, Richards took over as co-executive producer of the "Price is Right," and became executive producer in 2009, the same year he helped sell the classic game franchise "Let's Make A Deal" to CBS. As the Executive Producer of "Price" and "Deal" Richards produces 365 hours of network programming a year. In addition, reality powerhouse, Fremantle North America, has teamed up with his company, Empire Avenue, to develop new shows in various genres. Richards can also be seen on GSN as the host of the rebooted gameshow "The Pyramid.” He can be heard on two podcasts; “The Randumb Show” where Mike discusses all things Price and Deal as well as current pop culture and “The Gentlemans” where Mike and improv genius, Wayne Brady, discuss what it means to be a gentleman in 2014. He has been nominated for five Daytime Emmy's and won one for his work as Executive Producer on the Price is Right.

Richard Goldsmith, Executive Vice President, Global Distribution, The Jim Henson Company: Richard Goldsmith joined The Jim Henson Company in 2011 in the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Global Distribution. He oversees worldwide distribution of both Henson-produced and HIP (Henson Independent Properties) brands in the domestic and international markets across all media, including television, home entertainment and digital platforms. In addition, he leads the Company's international consumer products business, secures international co-production partners for company projects and heads the digital channel Jim Henson Family TV with partners including YouTube and Hulu. Prior to joining the Company, Goldsmith was with Warner Bros. Entertainment where he most recently served as Executive Advisor for Strategic Distribution Initiatives for both the Digital Distribution and Consumer Products divisions. In that capacity, Goldsmith developed and acquired programming for transactional video-on-demand platforms and developed branded video-on-demand channels for clients including Comcast. He was also charged with oversight of distribution for Warner Bros. Animation's current television series (including Batman, Looney Tunes and Scooby-Doo!) in major international markets. Prior to that he served as Senior Vice President, New Initiatives and ACME Lab, where he led global business development initiatives and re-development of classic brands. Previously, Goldsmith served as Vice President for the investment company Chartwell Partners, leading program acquisitions of movies, series and specials for Univision Communications' three television networks - Univision, Galavision and Telefutura. Goldsmith was also President and Co-Owner of Hollywood Ventures Corporation, formerly a leading distributor of preschool television series worldwide, where he also produced the successful feature film Jack Frost for Warner Bros. and operated two music labels with Warner Bros. Records. Goldsmith has a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, Annenberg School for Communication. He also attended the University of Southern California Cinema-Television school.

Keyvan Peymani, Managing Director, Digital Strategy Division, ICM Partners: Keyvan Peymani is the managing director of the digital strategy division of ICM Partners, a talent and literary agency representing clients in the fields of motion pictures, television, publishing, music, theater, branded entertainment and digital media. ICM Partners, a privately held corporation, is one of the predominant agencies in the United States and Europe, with its principal offices in Los Angeles, New York and London. As head of digital strategy, Mr. Peymani's focus is the expansion of the agency's efforts across all aspects of the technology and digital sectors, bringing innovative opportunities to the agency and its clients, including the creation of new business and investments with long-term benefits. Prior to joining ICM Partners, Mr. Peymani served as Vice President of Direct-to-Consumer Business Planning and Operations at Warner Bros., where he led strategy, operations, planning and development for the DTC division within digital distribution. In addition, he oversaw the Media Manufacture on Demand, Mobile Applications and Out My Window business lines and worked on industry leading forays into the first fully digital movie application, the first screenings of movies through Facebook and the acquisition of Flixster. Previously, he served as the head of content acquisitions for catalog content and led the wholesales efforts at Netflix; he led alternative business development for Disney's music group; and he was the Chief Operating Officer at Nettwerk Music Group. Mr. Peymani began his career leading his own new media company and has advised Fortune 100 companies around the world. He currently serves on the faculty of USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, covering entertainment and emerging business models.

Eric Fitzgerald Reed, Vice President – Entertainment and Tech Policy for Verizon Communications in San Francisco, CA, is responsible for analyzing entertainment industry trends, managing telecommunications developments and emerging high-tech matters as they relate to public policy. Mr. Reed leads Verizon’s outreach to an array of Silicon Valley and Hollywood-based stakeholders in content and entertainment, digital media, information technology, and major sports leagues with vested interests in telecommunications policy, regulatory and legislative matters. In this role, he advances the company’s positions and analyzes emerging technologies, consumer and industry trends and related telecommunications policy issues.  In addition to his entertainment, high-tech and digital media responsibilities, Eric manages relations with telecommunications equipment manufacturers and suppliers, business and tech associations, consumer device and electronics companies, strategic partners, government agencies and industry groups important to the policy process.  He began his career at Verizon in November 2000 and has worked in various government affairs and legal functions since joining the company. Eric was promoted to his current position in the State Public Affairs, Policy and Communications organization in June 2012.  In the community, Mr. Reed joined the Tumml Mentorship Board in July 2013 and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation Board of Directors in March 2013. Eric previously served as Chairman on the Board of Directors of JUST TRYAN IT, a non-profit organization supporting families fighting childhood cancer, from October 2011 – March 2013. He joined the JUST TRYAN IT Board of Directors in June 2010.  Eric is a member of the Consumer Electronics Association Board of Industry Leaders and is also a member of the Digital Hollywood Board of Advisors to the OTT-ConnectedTV – Hollywood Alliance.  Mr. Reed received his Masters in Business Administration from University of Maryland University College in May 2005. He also received a Masters of Science in Telecommunications Management from University of Maryland University College in 2001 and his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American University in 1996. Mr. Reed has also completed executive management coursework at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and the University of Virginia - Darden Graduate School of Business.

Richard Berger, SVP Worldwide Digital Strategy and Advanced Platforms, SPHE:  Berger is responsible for SPHE's worldwide digital strategy and drives new business initiatives with a focus on emerging digital distribution platforms.   He drives innovation in the home entertainment division by creating new digital consumer experiences and licensing next generation formats like 4K, enabling consumers to enjoy our movies in new ways. He leads the studio's UltraViolet strategy and works with retail partners to enable new digital offerings like enhanced digital extras and disc-to-digital services. Berger also oversees SPHE's direct-to-consumer digital platform and digital supply chain services.  Before SPHE Berger served as SVP of new media and technology at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he was one of the original creators of UltraViolet and helped form the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem cross-industry consortium.  Berger previously worked in the Sony Digital Entertainment department and the office of the CTO at Sony Corporation of America (SCA), where he was responsible for digital media strategy and anti-piracy efforts. He also worked in SCA’s Interactive Services Group and Sony Music Entertainment’s New Media Department where he developed Sony Music’s first Enhanced CDs.  Before joining Sony, Berger worked in the Interactive Multimedia Practice at Anderson Consulting (now Accenture) and at Bell Communications Research as a Member of the Technical Staff. He has a Master’s Degree in Interactive Telecommunications from NYU’s Tisch Graduate School of the Arts and a BA in Computer Science from Rutgers College.

Ira Rubenstein, SVP & GM PBS Digital, Moderator: Rubenstein most recently served as Executive Vice President, Global Digital Media Group for Marvel Entertainment, where he led all digital strategy. He was instrumental in advancing Marvel's social media strategies and developing new digital platforms and distribution outlets for Marvel's comic book titles, as well as expanding Marvel game products. At Marvel, Rubenstein's leadership resulted in numerous deals with leading app, video game and media companies, including the offering of Marvel comics on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch and Sony's PlayStation digital reader device. He expanded Marvel's digital subscription service to feature more than 8,000 comics, spearheaded the formation of Marvel Digital Video channels on Netflix, YouTube, iTunes, Hulu, Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network, and oversaw the company's increased presence across Facebook and Twitter. Before joining Marvel, Rubenstein was Executive Vice President, Content Strategy and Acquisitions for Sony Corp of America, where he led the initial efforts for acquiring content for all Sony devices and to secure deals with major networks, movie studios and record labels. Prior to Sony, Rubenstein served as the EVP of Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, where he developed worldwide digital marketing, product and distribution strategies and lead the expansion of Sony properties into the digital marketplace through SonyPictures.com, mobile games, personalization products and innovative strategic partnerships. His efforts generated the first ever ticketing service on a mobile device and the establishment of Movielink, an on-demand program that digitally delivered theatrically released films to broadband Internet users. Rubenstein began his marketing career at Twentieth Century Fox as Manager of Film Research and New Media, where he had the distinction of building Fox's first movie websites for “Die Hard with a Vengeance” and “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.” Rubenstein was recently included on the Producers Guild of America's "Digital 50" and The Hollywood Reporter's “Digital Power 50” lists. Recognition for his work also includes multiple Webby Awards, a Mobie award for games, a Gold Clio and several Key Art Award.

Eric Carr, VP Exhibitor Relations, Fathom Events:  For 18 years, Eric has worked in the film and entertainment industries. He has built a network in domestic film distribution, exhibition and a broader network of entertainment colleagues, from cable, broadcast and the theater world.  For 10 years, at Focus Features, Eric oversaw the execution of the in-theatre marketing campaigns for a diverse slate of films that included, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, PARANORMAN, THE WORLD’S END (the final installment in THE CORNETTO TRILOGY) and ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, among many other titles.  The Focus slate ranged from wide releases of 2500+ theatres, to films that have had successful releases in 100+ theatres.  In Eric’s role,  he was able to identify how we can maximize awareness and interest for moviegoers with Focus’ films, leverage relationships to create the best execution and strategize on how to best distribute and display our marketing materials in the theatre environment.  This included creating a presence for Focus films via exhibitors’ social media platforms and websites.   Currently, Eric is now working with the Fathom Events team, exploring ways to strengthen Fathom’s marketing partnerships with exhibition and working with the Fathom team to discuss the best ways to expand the Fathom network as we head toward the DCDC technology.

Don Levy, President, Smith Brook Farm: on Levy has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry’s digital transformation, developing “the intersection of entertainment and technology” throughout his career and at Sony Pictures Entertainment (Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Digital) from 1995-2012.  He founded Smith Brook Farm in 2012 as a creative consultancy and is also the co-founder of Spud Media, LLC, a new entertainment venture serving the family market.  During his tenure at SPE, he was a key member of Sony Pictures Digital’s senior executive team, involved in the management, marketing, communications, public relations, organizational development and digital policy functions of his division and the company. He was instrumental in the growth of SPE’s visual effects, animation, post-production and digital entertainment businesses.  Levy originally joined Sony Pictures as the studio’s awards campaign consultant where his efforts resulted in a Best Picture nomination for “Sense and Sensibility” and the Academy Award for its screenplay adaptation by Emma Thompson.  At Sony Pictures Imageworks and for Sony Pictures Animation, he helped earn more than a dozen Oscar™ nominations and Academy Awards for Best Animated Short (The ChubbChubbs) and Best Visual Effects (Spider-Man 2).  Don is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, serving on its feature animation nominating committee and recently chaired a working group for the Science and Technology Council. He also is a member of The Television Academy’s Interactive Peer Group, The Visual Effects Society, ASIFA Hollywood, the International Photographers Guild and METAL, the Media, Entertainment and Technology Alpha Leaders organization.  Levy is a frequent speaker on the subjects of innovation, digital creativity, education and visual effects. His 2012 talk on the principles and evolution of visual effects at the TED Conference in Long Beach, CA was posted on TED.com in January 2013. He is active in local education issues and organizes TEDxConejo in association with the Conejo Valley (Thousand Oaks, Ca) Unified School District.  Levy is on the faculty of Boston University’s L.A. Program, where he teaches Entertainment Marketing.  He holds a visiting scholar post at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, exploring collaborative production models, and he is a consultant to USC’s Entertainment Technology Center.  He is an advisor to Cosmic Forces, a content start-up specializing in animation and mobile applications, Smartoonz, an animation production company, and serves on the board of advisors for BLUE, the Ocean Film Festival and Conference, a leading forum for  filmmakers, researchers and individuals actively engaged in the study and protection of the oceans.  Levy attended New York University,  received his B.A. from the University of Denver and earned  certificates from UCLA’s Anderson School of Business.

Day Two - SuperSession Day