Join Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, director, and showrunner Michael Patrick King for an in-depth conversation exploring his legendary career at the helm of some of TV’s most influential and enduring series. In this master class Q&A, King will reflect on his work as a showrunner and the evolution of his and Lisa Kudrow’s series The Comeback, which has unfolded over more than 20 years and three seasons.

Hear from renowned costume designers from acclaimed TV series, who will take you on a journey through the meticulous artistry of crafting iconic onscreen looks and styles. From retro fantasies to contemporary intrigue, this panel unveils the stories behind the costumes that define characters and contribute to the visual storytelling of the medium. Sharing their insights and inspirations, these artisans will walk through their creative processes that bring beloved characters to life.

Calling all SCAD students: You're invited to join NBCUniversal from 9–10:30 a.m. at the Coffee Lounge for Future Filmmakers, where you'll hear from executives about the company’s new Atlanta production facility (Assembly Studios), NBCU LAUNCH’s talent initiatives across the company’s entertainment television portfolio, and Universal Studio Group, the company's television production arm comprised of four powerhouse studios. Stop by for a red carpet morning featuring giveaways, networking, and special photo ops! 

Breaking into the entertainment industry takes more than talent and hustle — it takes the right team and a clear understanding of the market you’re working in. Join a panel of Atlanta-based casting directors, managers, and agents for an insider conversation on navigating Georgia’s film and television industry. Panelists will explore how talent can effectively connect with local and regional representation, build relationships within Atlanta’s casting ecosystem, and position themselves for opportunities in film, television, and streaming projects filming across the Southeast.

Get an inside look at the casting process from the executives shaping some of today’s most successful television series, produced by one of the industry’s most prolific and successful studios. This panel brings together senior casting leaders from Warner Bros. Television for a candid conversation about how talent is discovered, developed, and cast. Panelists will discuss what they look for in actors, how casting decisions are made at the studio level, and how performers can best position themselves in an increasingly competitive industry.

In this master class conversation, Jordan Moblo, executive vice president of creative acquisitions and IP management at Universal Studio Group, offers an inside look at how to identify fresh stories that can be adapted into compelling television hits. Moblo will explore key topics such as building strategic partnerships, packaging book adaptations for the screen, developing award-winning podcasts and using innovative methods to discover emerging talent and voices.

In this panel hosted by festival media partner Entertainment Weekly, the breakout stars of today discuss their current projects, how they got their start in entertainment, and what's next in their careers.

Panelists
Taylor Dearden, The Pitt, For All Mankind
Amirah J, High Potential, Shameless
Sean Kaufman, For All Mankind, The Summer I Turned Pretty
Michelle Randolph, 1923, Landman
Moderator: Gerrad Hall, editorial director of movies, awards, and music, Entertainment Weekly

Step behind the scenes and venture into the creative hub where storytelling comes to life: the writers room. This open conversation digs into the dynamic and collaborative world of writers and those leading the rooms as they navigate the intricacies of crafting narratives that captivate audiences in an ever-changing media landscape — and, while industry demands may continually evolve, the power of good writing springs eternal. If you've ever wanted to write for a television show or are curious how to get a foot in the writers' room door, this panel is a must-attend!

The showrunner is the driving force behind every great TV show — the mastermind balancing creative vision, storylines, scripts, production, and more. Showrunners seamlessly juggle artistic and managerial duties to keep all the moving pieces of a production in sync. Welcome this panel of acclaimed creatives who helm some of your favorite (and soon-to-be favorite) shows and get a behind-the-scenes look at how they make the magic happen.

The TV’s Creative Toolbox panel brings together passionate below-the-line talent working in a variety of crafts behind the scenes on TV, spotlighting the multitude of essential creative forces behind your favorite shows as they collaborate to bring stories to life onscreen.