Thirty-six participants. Nine networks. Three hours.
On December 4, NYWIFT brought together talented writers, producers, and directors with network and development executives for its first TV pitch fest.
These hopefuls presented their dream projects: scripted series, children shows, game shows, documentary films, and yes, the ever-evolving reality TV. They gained rare access to industry insiders to pitch their original ideas and receive direct, constructive feedback.
The panel included a select group of network and production companies looking to discover new projects:
Mark E. Downie, literary manager, film producer, and TV producer/creator at D&A Media Entertainment.
Abby Finer, co-founder ofFiner Thomas Productions, a full-service talent management and TV/digital media production company.
Francesca Francois-Grimaldi, managing partner and agent at Plaza 7 Talent Agency, a full-service entertainment agency.
Anne Hubbell, co-founder of Tangerine Entertainment.
Dana Offenbach, award-winning producer, and partner in the newly-formed independent film production company CinemaStreet, LLC.
Kristin Pisarcik, Senior Director of Development at NorthSouth Productions.
Greg Rhem,Director of Documentary Programming for HBO.
Dafina Roberts, Original Programming and Events atNickelodeon.
Ed Simpson, Head of Business Development at Leftfield Pictures.
The participants were energized by the TV pitch fest. Antonio Isadora, who pitched a project, rated the experience “excellent” and had set up several follow-up meetings.
Kudos to LeVera Sutton and Meghan Scibona for producing the event.
— ROZ MURPHY
Check out the NYWIFT calendar for more panels, workshops, and other events.
nywift
Related Posts
Tribeca Festival 2026: “The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony” Shines a Light on Courage, Community, and Opportunity
At the 2026 Tribeca Festival, audiences were introduced to an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and hope through The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony, a powerful documentary that follows a group of young girls in Pakistan who dare to dream beyond the limitations placed upon them. Directed and written by Habiba Nosheen with Mariska Hargitay as an executive producer, the film takes viewers into Machar Colony, a marginalized fishing community in Karachi where many residents live without official documentation, limiting access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Against these challenges, a gymnastics team emerges as a beacon of possibility for a group of girls determined to create a different future for themselves. Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee brings us exclusive red carpet interviews with Nosheen and Hargitay.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Jaime Schwarz
Welcome to NYWIFT, Jaime Schwarz! Jaime Schwarz grew up in NJ, the daughter of a Korean immigrant mother and son of Holocaust- survivors, father. Jaime earned her BFA in Acting from PACE University in NYC, appearing Off- Broadway in The Doctor at the Park Avenue Armory and on TV in Difficult People (Hulu), Younger (Paramount+), Jane the Virgin (The CW), Sorry for Your Loss, and Elsbeth (CBS). She is the director, writer, and star of the short film The Sandwich Line, which premiered at the Oscar-qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival, and her other writing work has been published in Mixed Asian Media and JoySauce. She’s currently developing several projects and is repped by Gersh + MJ Management. In our interview, Jaime discussed her journey from acting to directing and shared her experience of working in TV.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Tiána Lynn
Welcome to NYWIFT, Tiána Lynn! Tiána Lynn is the Founder and CEO of Wholistic Vibes Wellness (WVW), a neuroinclusive consulting and training firm focused on Black mental health, workplace culture, and systems-level change. With a background in case management, HR, and operations, she specializes in psychological safety frameworks, burnout prevention infrastructure, and trauma-aware leadership development. Through WVW Academy she is advancing accredited workforce training—particularly for Community Health Workers. Tiána is also the host of the Wholistic Vibes Podcast, where she explores Black mental health, identity, and healing through storytelling. Her work centers on building sustainable environments where people are supported, valued, and able to thrive. We spoke to her about her fascinating work at the intersection of media and wellness.
READ MORENYWIFT at Tribeca Festival: “APART” Animated Short Explores Friendship, Courage, and the Human Cost of Division
At the 25th Anniversary of the Tribeca Festival, the Shorts Program curated by Whoopi Goldberg delivered a powerful lineup of animated storytelling that continues to expand the boundaries of the medium. One of the standout selections, APART, made its world premiere at Spring Studios, offering audiences a deeply emotional lens into apartheid-era South Africa through the eyes of two young boys whose friendship is tested by a divided world. Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee bring us exclusive interviews with writer Spike Lee and director Pola Maneli.
READ MORE
