Renowned Figures to Grace Variety's Entertainment and Technology Summit

Shaping Tomorrow: Visionaries Converge at the Entertainment and Technology Frontier

Exploring Narrative Craft and Audience Connection

Bill Hader, celebrated for his award-winning work as co-creator of 'Barry' and his upcoming role in 'The Cat in the Hat,' is slated to share his insights into fostering deep connections with audiences through compelling narratives. His journey from beloved comedic actor to a respected filmmaker in genres spanning comedy to horror will undoubtedly offer a rich perspective on engaging viewers.

The Art of Cinematic Universe Building

Master filmmaker James Wan will delve into his expertise in creating expansive and successful cinematic universes. Known for blockbusters like 'Aquaman' and the 'Conjuring' series, Wan will discuss his approach to world-building and his prolific production slate, including upcoming horror titles, showcasing his continued impact on popular culture.

Innovating Interactive Entertainment Experiences

Devon Pritchard, President and COO of Nintendo of America, is scheduled to discuss the strategies behind delivering captivating interactive experiences to Nintendo's vast North American audience. Her presentation will highlight the fusion of iconic characters, immersive worlds, and innovative gameplay that defines Nintendo's enduring appeal.

A Multifaceted Creative's Journey

Comedian, writer, producer, and actor Nick Kroll will offer a glimpse into his diverse creative endeavors. From his executive producer role on FX's 'Adults' to his voice work and co-creation of popular Netflix animated series like 'Big Mouth,' Kroll's discussion will cover his expansive vision across various entertainment platforms.

Steering Global Television Programming

Keith Le Goy, Chairman of Sony Pictures Television, will articulate his strategic vision for leading one of the world's foremost television production and distribution powerhouses. He will elaborate on the breadth of Sony's programming, encompassing beloved game shows and critically acclaimed series that reach global audiences across all major platforms.

AI's Transformative Role in Entertainment

A dedicated panel titled 'Beyond the Screen: How AI is the Catalyst for Next-Gen Experiences' will feature technology leaders like Vamsi Duvvuri from EY and Simon Robinson from Warner Bros. Discovery. This session will explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing content creation, distribution, and audience engagement, ushering in new frontiers for immersive experiences.

Navigating the AI Era in Media

Another insightful discussion, 'Entertainment and Media in the Age of AI,' will convene industry experts such as Kathleen Grace of Lionsgate, Roberta Thomson of Sixth Wall, Mira Lane of Google, Hannah Elsakr of Adobe, Girish Balakrishnan of Netflix, and Annaka Vasquez of Teads. They will examine successful AI integrations that are driving new business opportunities and unprecedented growth within the media and entertainment sectors.

EY's Commitment to Industry Innovation

Javi Borges, EY Global and EY Americas media and entertainment leader, underscores EY's pride in supporting the summit. He emphasizes the critical timing of these conversations, as AI, gaming, streaming, and immersive technologies continue to reshape audience interaction with content, signaling a pivotal moment for industry leaders to define the future.

Pioneering Content Across Platforms

The 'Trailblazers of the Content Industry' panel will feature prominent executives including Clancy Collins White from Warner Bros. Television, Simran Sethi from Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, Rahul Purini from Crunchyroll, and Abhijay Prakash from Blumhouse Atomic Monster. They will discuss adapting programming strategies to connect effectively with today's diverse audiences across multiple screens.

The Evolving Landscape of Television Business

'The New Era of the TV Business' will bring together key figures such as Jimmy White from Samsung Ads, Puja Vohra from Fox Corporation, Gina Reduto from NBCUniversal, and Josh Mattison from Disney Advertising. This session will dissect the latest trends and challenges in television advertising, pricing, planning, and operations.

Diverse Voices and Industry Leaders

The summit will also host a variety of other distinguished speakers, including Natalia Premovic from Mattel, Ed Bobrin from EY, Maya Rogers from Tetris, Nicole Wyskoarko from Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Ivo Gerscovich from SEGA Brands, and Sean Atkins from Dhar Mann Studios, all contributing to a rich tapestry of perspectives on the future of entertainment and technology.