TheWrap has created a three-day virtual event that upholds the annual Grill experience while tailoring the format to today’s needs, fueled by a limited audience of C-Suite and high level attendees each day. Taking place September 22-24, TheGrill will feature afternoon segments of curated discussion, industry panels and virtual networking activations.
2020 Program
About TheGrill
The Leaders. The Deciders. The Disrupters. Revitalized.
For over a decade, TheWrap’s Grill event series, hosted by Sharon Waxman, has led the conversation on the convergence between entertainment, media and technology, bringing together newsmakers to debate the challenges and opportunities facing content in the digital age.
In addition to celebrating innovators from the last decade, the event’s new format will offer three tracks concentrating on Entertainment, Technology and Innovation. You can still expect top-tier talent and award-winning journalists asking the questions you want to know and leading conversations about the change that has transformed our industry.
Among the subjects TheGrill will cover this year:
- The Future of Theatrical
- Streaming Revolution
- Podcasting and Gaming
Fueled by a high-level crowd of industry game-changers, over three days this event is curated for the leaders, deciders and disruptors. Ticket holders to this year’s event will receive a three-month membership to WrapPRO, our premium service for daily coverage of digital entertainment. Current PRO subscribers will receive a unique code to attend TheGrill at a discounted rate.
Watch past highlights from TheGrill conferences!
2020 Speakers & Moderators
Kara Swisher
Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times & Editor At Large, New York MediaKara Swisher is the editor-at-large of New York Media, host of the Pivot podcast and executive producer of the Code Conference. She also is a contributing writer to the New…
Read MoreBrad Bird
Academy Award-Winning Writer & DirectorBrad Bird is a legendary animator, director and producer at Pixar. He has worked on such films as “The Incredibles and Ratatouille — and won Academy Awards for best animated…
Read MoreAntoine Fuqua
Award-Winning DirectorEsteemed director Antoine Fuqua is best known for his Oscar-winning film “Training Day.” Fuqua began his career directing music videos for popular artists such as Toni Braxton, Coolio, Stevie Wonder…
Read MoreCheo Hodari Coker
Executive Producer, “Luke Cage”CHEO HODARI COKER, 47, is the creator and former Showrunner and Executive Producer of Marvel’s Luke Cage. The critically acclaimed drama ran two seasons, from 2016-2018 and is popularly known…
Read MoreBen Smith
Media Columnist, The New York TimesBen Smith is the media columnist for the New York Times. He joined The Times in 2020 after eight years as founding editor in chief of BuzzFeed News. Before that,…
Read MoreShelli Taylor
CEO, Alamo DrafthouseShelli Taylor is the CEO of Alamo Drafthouse, an innovator in theatrical exhibition. Prior, Taylor served as president of United Planet Fitness Partners, overseeing over 169 facilities across the country….
Read MoreMiranda July
Filmmaker, Artist & WriterMiranda July is one of the most impressive cross-disciplinary artists of her generation. A filmmaker, artist, and writer, her daring, urgent, and inimitable voice persists in reflecting the poignancy and…
Read MoreGreg Foster
Owner, Principal, Foster + CrewGreg Foster was the longtime CEO of Imax Entertainment, where he was instrumental in growing the company’s content business and global brand. He is now a consultant and represents Apple…
Read MoreMichael Bosstick
CEO, Dear MediaMichael Bosstick is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Dear Media Podcast Network. Previously Michael built businesses in the direct to consumer retail, aviation, fashion, and wellness space and was…
Read MoreAndrew Cripps
President, Intl. Theatrical Distribution, Warner Bros.As president of international theatrical distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures, Andrew Cripps is responsible for overseeing all matters relating to the international theatrical distribution of the studio’s slate of motion…
Read MoreJohanna Faries
Commissioner of Call of Duty Esports, Activision BlizzardJohanna Faries serves as Commissioner of Call of Duty League for Activision Blizzard, Inc. overseeing league and business operations, product development, and general management of Call of Duty esports globally….
Read MoreMichael Barker
Co-President & Co-Founder, Sony Pictures ClassicsAs Co-President and Co-Founder of Sony Pictures Classics, Michael Barker (with Tom Bernard) has distributed (and quite often produced) some of the finest independent movies over the past 30 years. …
Read MoreLisa Schwartz
Co-President, IFC FilmsLisa Schwartz is the co-president of IFC Films, a division of AMC Networks, and manages the company’s day to day operations, including oversight of all domestic and foreign distribution for…
Read MoreJulie Uhrman
Founder & President, Angel CityJulie Uhrman is a Founder and President of Angel City, the recently-announced professional women’s soccer team she and a group of mostly women, are bringing to LA as part of the…
Read MoreBobby Sarnevesht
Executive Chairman & Owner, TrillerExecutive Chairman and Owner of Triller, Bobby Sarnevesht, is a highly accomplished figure in the tech and finance industry with over 20 years of experience. Having earned a B.S. in Computer Information…
Read MoreAndrew Sugerman
Co-Founder, Invisible Narratives & Producer, “Songbird”Andrew is a strategic and collaborative global executive whose broad experience, creative curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit drive standout results which outpace the market. Andrew’s ability to identify, design and commercialize…
Read MoreDawn Porter
Director, "John Lewis: Good Trouble"Dawn Porter is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose 2013 documentary, Gideon’s Army, won the Sundance Film Festival Editing Award, the Tribeca All Access Creative Promise Award, and was nominated for…
Read MoreJeff Orlowski
Director & Writer, ‘The Social Dilemma’Filmmaker Jeff Orlowski served as director, producer, and cinematographer of the Sundance Award-Winning films, Chasing Ice and Chasing Coral. He is a two-time Emmy-Award winning filmmaker, and founder of the award-winning…
Read MoreJes Wolfe
CEO, Rebel GirlsJes Wolfe is the CEO of Rebel Girls, a girl-driven edutainment company on a mission to inspire and instill confidence in 50 million girls over the next 5 years. To…
Read MoreKathleen McInnis
Festival Strategist, Producer, PublicistDrawing from thirty years experience in festival programming, film publicity and producing, Kathleen McInnis helps world cinema filmmakers merge their creative and business development via the film festival circuit. As…
Read MoreDom Roberts
Host, “The Uncomfortable Podcast”Dom Roberts is a graphic design creative and activist based out of Los Angeles, CA. In the wake of the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Dom noticed many people in…
Read MoreRachel Ghiazza
EVP, Head of US Content, AudibleRachel Ghiazza joined Audible in 2019 as SVP for Content Acquisition and Development and became EVP, Head of US Content in 2020. Prior to Audible, Rachel was at Spotify where…
Read MoreColin Petrie-Norris
Chief Executive Officer, XUMOColin Petrie-Norris serves as chief executive officer of XUMO, the leading, free ad-supported TV (FAST) service in the United States. XUMO delivers a personal, valuable media experience through everyday touch…
Read MoreKeith Le Goy
President, Worldwide Networks & Distribution, Sony Pictures TelevisionKeith Le Goy is President of Worldwide Networks & Distribution for Sony Pictures Television (SPT). In this role, he manages all distribution for the company’s television and home entertainment divisions. Based…
Read MoreOlivia Morris
Founder & CEO, Black Monarch EntertainmentOlivia began her career specializing in comedy development on the business side of children’s animated television. She was a development executive of Original Scripted Programming at TBS (WarnerMedia). Olivia was…
Read MoreAmy Kuessner
SVP of Content Strategy & Global Partnerships, Pluto TVAmy Kuessner is the Senior Vice President, Content Strategy & Global Partnerships for Pluto TV where she employs extensive experience creating and implementing growth strategies, developing partnerships, licensing and negotiations,…
Read MoreJesse Sisgold
President & Chief Operating Officer, Skydance MediaAs President and Chief Operating Officer of Skydance Media, Jesse Sisgold helps to set and execute the overall strategy and growth plan for the company, while managing key operations across…
Read MoreRob Holmes
VP of Programming, RokuRob is the Vice President of Programming at Roku, where he oversees the development and growth of The Roku Channel as well as the programming strategy for the company. Prior…
Read MoreJohn Sloss
Principal, Cinetic MediaJohn Sloss is a principal at the media advisory firm, Cinetic and partner in Sloss Eckhouse LawCo. Through Cinetic, he produces motion pictures and television, provides various content sales and…
Read MoreBill Baggelaar
EVP & CTO, Sony Pictures Entertainment | EVP & GM, Sony Innovation StudiosBill Baggelaar is Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Sony Pictures Entertainment, as well as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sony Innovation Studios. As CTO,…
Read MoreLinda Berman
Head of Scripted, Lincoln Square Productions at ABCAs a television producer and former network and studio executive, Linda has had extensive experience in the television world. She is the Head of Scripted Drama for Lincoln Square Productions,…
Read MoreAdrian Montgomery
CEO, Enthusiast GamingAdrian has been a senior officer and director of several public and private companies in the fields of media, sports and entertainment, finance and industrial services. Most recently, he served…
Read MoreRoss Garner
SVP, Entertainment, NFPRoss manages the entertainment portion of NFP’s Sports and Entertainment Specialty Practice. He has over 18 years’ experience working as an insurance underwriter and broker for entertainment-related companies. From $500,000…
Read MoreDominique Butler
Assistant VP, Entertainment, NFPDominique has been in the insurance industry since 1998. Her area of expertise is entertainment insurance with focus on film, television, commercial/music video producers, new media and touring entertainers. Some…
Read MoreLilly Burns
Co-Founder, Jax MediaLilly Burns is an Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning creative producer and founding member of Jax Media. She served as an executive producer and director on Broad City (Comedy Central) and Search…
Read MoreDanny Fisher
CEO, FilmRiseA veteran film and television producer, financier and distributor, Danny Fisher co-founded FilmRise, a leading film and TV distribution studio and streaming network. Danny developed a proprietary data analytics methodology…
Read MoreTabitha Jackson
Director, Sundance Film FestivalTabitha Jackson was appointed Director of the Sundance Film Festival in February 2020, having previously served as Director of the Documentary Film Program at Sundance Institute since 2013. Throughout her career…
Read MoreMark Rieder
Head of Innovation, NFPAs Head of Innovation, Mark champions, develops and institutionalizes the innovation process for NFP both inside and outside the organization. As a catalyst for “what if” thinking Mark helps the…
Read MoreMyKhanh Shelton
SVP, Enterprise Inclusion, WarnerMediaMyKhanh Shelton is Senior Vice President, Enterprise Inclusion for WarnerMedia where she is responsible for leading workforce and production safety initiatives and working closely with the Human Resources team and…
Read MoreJane Rosenthal
Oscar and Emmy Nominated Producer & CEO and Co-Founder of Tribeca EnterprisesJane Rosenthal is an Oscar and Emmy nominated producer and CEO and Co-Founder of Tribeca Enterprises, a global media company that encompasses the Tribeca Film Festival and award-winning branded content…
Read MoreMaz Jobrani
Actor & ComedianMaz Jobrani was born in Iran, and relocated to Tiburon in the San Francisco Bay area after his family was forced to flee during the revolution. He went on to receive a B.A….
Read MoreTim Zajaros
Co-Founder, Producer, Armory FilmsTim Zajaros is a producer and co-founder of Armory Films, a film finance and production company that creates, develops, produces, and finances high concept and commercially viable content. With the ability…
Read MoreNika King
Actor, “Euphoria”Nika King is a stand-up comedian, actress, and writer. She can currently be seen in the HBO series EUPHORIA as the role of Leslie, a loving and caring mother who…
Read MoreEffie Brown
Award-Winning Producer & CEO, Gamechanger FilmsEffie T. Brown is the CEO of Gamechanger, which launched in 2013 as the first film fund for women filmmakers and now under Brown’s leadership includes projects by and about people…
Read MoreJLove Calderón
Activist, Co-founder of Inspire Justice & Managing Partner of BWA StudiosJLove is a coach, trainer, creative and lifelong antiracist activist. She has been a professional coach for over 15 years, and was certified by the Empowerment Institute. She went on…
Read MoreEirene Donohue
WriterEirene Donohue is the youngest of seven children born to a Vietnamese mother and an American Naval officer father. She grew up in RI and after graduating from Brown University spent…
Read MoreWilliam Catlett
Actor, “Charm City Kings,” “Lovecraft Country”Actor, Writer, Director and Producer, Will Catlett was born and raised in Alexandria, VA where he attended the legendary T.C. Williams High School whose football team was the subject of…
Read MorePage Hurowitz
Producer & Co-Owner, Push-It ProductionsPage Hurwitz began her career as a stand-up comedian at the legendary Josie’s Cabaret in San Francisco’s Castro district. She spent the next several years performing at clubs and colleges,…
Read MoreRoss Gerber
President & CEO, Gerber KawasakiRoss is the Co-Founder, President and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management. Ross oversees Gerber Kawasaki’s corporate and investment management operations as well as serves individual clients. Ross…
Read MoreYoshio Osaki
President and CEO, IDG ConsultingAs President and CEO of IDG Consulting – a leading research, consulting and analytics firm in the games market – Yoshio has been a trusted advisor, angel investor, and thought…
Read MoreCarla Renata
Film Critic & Producer/Host of “The Curvy Critic with Carla Renata”Carla Renata aka The Curvy Film Critic is a graduate of Howard University and named one of 2018’s Underrepresented Critics of Color by the Los Angeles Times. Her reviews have…
Read MoreTim Baysinger
Senior TV Reporter, TheWrapTim Baysinger has been Senior TV reporter at TheWrap since 2018, covering the business-side of television, streaming and the entertainment industry at large. He graduated from Hofstra University in 2009…
Read MoreSmriti Mundhra
Creator, “Indian Matchmaking”Smriti Mundhra is an Academy Award-nominated director/producer and one of DOC NYC’s 40 Under 40 Filmmakers to Watch. Her latest film, St. Louis Superman, has been nominated for a 2020…
Read MoreSonari Glinton
CEO, Executive Producer, DeLite Media!A reporter and producer, Sonari served as a correspondent on NPR’s business desk and the ground-breaking NPR podcast Planet Money. He began in journalism as a producer at WBEZ, followed by…
Read MoreSteve Pond
Steve Pond, Awards Editor, TheWrapSteve Pond, Awards Editor and Columnist, joined TheWrap to lead its awards season coverage, and stayed on. His column is an informed, bemused, skeptical and authoritative look at all aspects of…
Read MoreKalen Allen
TV PersonalityAt just 24 years old, award-nominated actor, producer, and television personality Kalen Allen has catapulted into the mainstream media, reaching millions of people worldwide across his social media platforms and…
Read MoreSharon Waxman
Founder and Editor in Chief, TheWrapSharon Waxman, CEO and Editor in Chief, is an award-winning journalist, best-selling author and the founder of TheWrap. She is also the creator of TheGrill business conference on convergence, and…
Read More2020 Sponsors
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General Information
Sponsorship Inquiries: Please contact Sarah Lindsay at 424-273-4787 or via email [email protected]