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 By Dave Ferrara, HRTS Executive Director
In my June column I spoke in some generality about a few of the things that we at HRTS have in the works for the coming year. Since then, at our mid-summer board meeting we fleshed a lot of these “ideas” out into some more concrete (and I do say rather exciting) plans for the 2009-2010 HRTS Newsmaker Luncheon Season and beyond. Let’s start with our signature HRTS Newsmaker Luncheon Series.
The lead article in this month’s newsletter warns you to “Save The Date” for a very special Newsmaker discussion focusing on the changing face of our media content business in the digital age. In just a few days we will be announcing specifics including some amazing panelists as well as a moderator that…let’s just say is…surprising! Can’t give anything away just yet but suffice to say you should mark your calendars for Tuesday September 8th at the Century Plaza for a Season kickoff that will be remembered.
Beyond that, for the first time in many years we have set a full calendar for the upcoming Newsmaker Luncheon Season. Specific dates will be forthcoming but the lineup is set:
Thursday October 29: The Broadcast Network Chiefs – Presented by Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
The HRTS’ annual Fall ritual returns with a new, fresh approach to the business of programming for the broadcast networks. Expect a more “up close and personal” approach to the discussion with the intent that HRTS members can better understand what goes into the programming choices these network honchos make.
Late November/Early December: The Hitmakers
Our annual showrunners panel where we go in depth into the development process, learn something about what it takes to create and produce a hit show, and discover how these successful executive producers deal with the demands and challenges inherent in the creation and implementation of a hit!
February 2010: The Cable Chiefs
This year we welcome to the panel heads of programming for many of the major cable networks. Last year was all about the business…this year; it’s all about the content! Programming and development strategies; creating, maintaining and strengthening the brand; all are on the table as we pick the brains of some of our leading cable programmers.
April 2010: The Reality Hitmakers-Cable
The top creators/executive producers of reality programming for cable discuss the ins and outs of the genre from the cable viewpoint.
June 2010: The State of the Industry Panel
A post-upfronts discussion of the current state of affairs in the media business from the top of the organizational ladder. Broadcast, Cable, Advertising, New Media, Agencies…Industry leaders discuss the business from each of their unique and distinctive viewpoints.
And of course, throughout the year HRTS will be presenting additional events and activities for our membership. Look for the annual Jr. HRTS Holiday Party Benefit, our quarterly Members Mixers, special morning or evening educational meetings, as well as the entire schedule of mentoring and educational events targeted at the next generation of industry leaders, our junior membership, the JHRTS.
And speaking of mentoring…We have just launched the JHRTS/HRTS Mentorship Program that is pairing exceptional JHRTS members with seasoned executives from the ranks of the HRTS Membership. Some of your fellow HRTS members participating include Lionsgate’s Kevin Beggs, TNT/TBS’ Michael Wright, Warner Bros.’ Len Goldstein, Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Gersh Agency’s Rob Golenberg, Abrams Artist’s Harry Abrams, Red Varden Studios’ Zig Gauthier and more.
HRTS will be adding to this charter group in the next mentorship cycle and I encourage any interested HRTS member to contact me to be considered for this opportunity to share your experience and skills with our junior membership.
We also announced our new Charitable Partnership with Hollywood’s My Friend’s Place, a leading resource center for at risk individuals under 25 years of age in Hollywood. In the coming months HRTS and our members and member companies will be spearheading opportunities to assist, contribute and volunteer in partnership with this amazing organization.
FYI…They are in constant need of new or gently worn clothing for young adults. Both casual and interview type clothing items are needed and I encourage you to join me in cleaning out the closet and helping in this simple yet very effective way. We have more info on this and other ways to get involved elsewhere in our newsletter. If you are interested in getting more involved in organizing any of these initiatives, please contact me directly to discuss.
There’s actually a lot more coming down the pipe but I want to save something for next month’s article. In the meantime, I hope you are having a spectacular summer and I look forward to seeing and hearing from all of you in the coming months as we dive into a new season. Until then…
See you at the next luncheon!
Dave Ferrara
Executive Director
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