SCADFILM Presents SCAD TVfest: Reality
Industry Pros Go Behind the Scenes on Creating Compelling Reality Content
New Programming Series Debuts on January 19
ATLANTA, January 11, 2024 — Inspired by the success of Savannah College of Art and Design’s signature event SCAD TVfest—Georgia's only festival dedicated to television that connects students, fans, and professionals with industry innovators and leaders— SCADFILM presents SCAD TVfest: Reality, a deeper look at the expansive world of unscripted television.
This January 19, the day of industry panels will be hosted at SCAD’s new state-of-the-art 700-seat theater SCADshow, located in Midtown Atlanta. Tickets for each session are free for SCAD students, faculty, and staff, $5 for SCAD alumni, and $10 for the general public.
Schedule:
12:30 p.m. | Finding the Faces: Reality Casting Secrets
The top question viewers ask when watching reality TV: "Where do they find these people?" Find the answer by going behind the scenes with casting executives as they dive into the decisions that charm audiences around the world into falling in love with ordinary people and places.
Panelists: Heather Hylton Bivens, creative director and owner, Hylton Casting; Christine Cowan, senior vice president of talent and casting, NBCUniversal; Jacqui Pitman, owner and CEO, Pitman Casting. Moderated by Alpha Tyler, professor of acting and SCAD Atlanta casting director.
2:30 p.m. | Keeping it Real: Production Secrets of Reality TV
Hundreds of people are involved in the production of a reality show, from concept to completion. Hear from producers across an array of reality show genres as they break down how to keep production on track when there's no script to follow.
Panelists: Brady Connell (The Amazing Race, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Great Christmas Light Fight); Jay Blumenfield (Stupid Pet Tricks, Late Nite Chef Fight, Restaurant Stakeout); John Gunn (American Ninja Warrior, The Ultimate Fighter, Shark Week); Lorraine Haughton-Lawson (The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Basketball Wives, The Real Housewives of Potomac); Natalee Watts (Dancing with the Stars, Tough as Nails, The Bachelor). Moderated by Leigh Seaman, Sr. Executive Director of SCADFILM.
5:30 p.m. | Redefining Reality: A Conversation with Bravo
Bravo's binge worthy slate of reality TV shows has made its mark on the genre. In this conversation, SCADFILM talks with production and marketing executives about how the Bravo brand has evolved and continues to be a pop culture phenomenon with a passionate and loyal fanbase.
Panelists: Kemar Bassaragh, vice president of current production and entertainment content, NBCUniversal; Lorraine Haughton-Lawson, senior vice president of current production and executive producer, Truly Original; Shalina Mansharamani, vice president of brand growth and innovation, Bravo. Moderated by Quinn Orear, SCAD associate chair, film and television.
SCAD TVfest: Reality is the first in a new programming series from SCADFILM, the leading producer of premier events for students and professionals working in the entertainment arts, that will feature new industry sessions for SCAD students, alumni, faculty and the public. The series will welcome industry luminaries and special guests each quarter for one-day spotlights of TV production and trending TV topics. Future editions will go behind the scenes on news, documentaries, game shows, true crime filmmaking, sketch comedy, and more.
For more information and to purchase tickets for these panels, visit the official event site.
SCADFILM
SCADFILM produces premier events for students and professionals working in film, television, animation, gaming, AR/VR, performing arts, and video production. Audiences experience year-round programming that includes screenings, master classes, and behind-the-scenes presentations from industry luminaries. SCADFILM’s events calendar includes SCAD AnimationFest, SCAD TVfest, and Storytelling Series.
The preeminent authority in film and television with the only university-run casting office in the country, SCAD is driving the multibillion-dollar film and television industry in Atlanta, Business Facilities Magazine’s No. 1 city for film production, and Savannah, MovieMaker’s No. 1 small city for filmmaking. SCAD students, alumni, and faculty have
won Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, Golden Reels, Tonys, Annies, and more. More than 8,100 SCAD students and alumni work in the fields of animation, entertainment, motion pictures, media production, writing, editing, broadcast media, and performing arts, with over 2,800 in Georgia alone.
SCAD: The University for Creative Careers
SCAD is a private, nonprofit, accredited university, offering 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs across locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and online via SCADnow. SCAD enrolls more than 17,500 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 120 countries. The future-minded SCAD curriculum engages professional-level technology and myriad advanced learning resources, affording students opportunities for internships, professional certifications, and real-world assignments with corporate partners through SCADpro, the university’s renowned research lab and prototype generator. SCAD also has earned top rankings for degree programs in interior design, architecture, film, fashion, digital media, and more. Career success is woven into every fiber of the university, resulting in a superior alumni employment rate. According to a recent study, 99% of SCAD graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or both within 10 months of graduation. SCAD provides students and alumni with ongoing career support through personal coaching, alumni programs, a professional presentation studio, and more.