SeriesFest Announces Final Programming Lineup for SeriesFest: Season 10

Written by John Edward Betancourt

April really is quite the exciting time to be television fan. In part, because the summer television season is on the horizon and that has become quite the event. But more so because… SeriesFest is always on the horizon in April, and it really is the premier celebration of episodic storytelling and it never fails to impress with its programming lineup and well… there’s just excitement hanging in the air for anyone that plans to attend this amazing festival, and well, it just so happens that SeriesFest added a little fuel to the excitement fire today.

For earlier, SeriesFest released its final lineup for SeriesFest: Season 10 and wow… is that lineup impressive. Because more amazing screenings have been added to the lineup, the kind that will allow for fans that attend this event to experience even more diverse storytelling through and through. Not to mention, there are some powerful celebrations on the horizon and even more fun to be had during this year’s closing ceremonies, and well… since you’re here because you’re likely counting down the days to SeriesFest: Season 10, here is that final lineup, to help you properly plan for one incredible festival.   

'Denver, Colorado - April 18, 2024 - SeriesFest, the esteemed international festival and non-profit organization dedicated to championing emerging and underrepresented voices in episodic storytelling, today revealed new additions rounding out its full lineup for Season 10, May 1-5, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. 

Mark Duplass, award-winning actor, filmmaker and producer, will receive the “Excellence in Acting” Award during his previously announced “Innovation Talk.” As an actor, Mark has appeared in a wide range of film and television projects including the Apple TV+ series “The Morning Show” for which he received a 2020 Emmy nomination and a 2022 Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Mark was also one of the stars of the acclaimed HBO show “Togetherness,” a series he co-created with his brother Jay. Under their banner Duplass Brothers Productions, Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass and Mel Eslyn create original projects for film, television, and digital media.

“Mark Duplass's exceptional talent and contributions to the industry make him a fitting recipient of our 'Excellence in Acting' Award, symbolizing the caliber of creativity we celebrate,” comments Randi Kleiner, CEO and Co-Founder, SeriesFest.  

Also joining the Season 10 lineup:  

• Innovation Talk with Daymond John and Independent Creator Emil Pinnock:  An insightful conversation with the CEO of The Shark Group and star of ABC's Shark Tank on his career and strategy when navigating the intersections between entrepreneurship and storytelling.

 

• Screening & Panel - “Acapulco” Season Three: Apple TV+ presents a special  season three screening followed by a Q&A session featuring cast Camilla Perez and Fernando Carsa; co-creator & showrunner Austin Winsberg and showrunner Sam Laybourne.  

 

• Screening & Panel - “Resident Alien” Season Three: Universal Content Productions presents a season three screening followed by a Q&A with star Sara Tomko and creator, executive Producer, writer Chris Sheridan.

 

• Panel - Spotlight on SAG-AFTRA Leadership: Featuring a unique conversation with actors Linda Powell (SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President), Shari Belafonte (SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Actors/Performers) and Jodi Long ( SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Los Angeles and Los Angeles Local President) about how standing in solidarity forged a new path for the union.

 

• Special Event - Storyteller’s Live Read of “Grave Affairs” written by Harold Abrams with Denzel Whitaker (“The Great Debaters”) directing and performances by actor Chiké Okonkwo (“La Brea”) and others. 

 

• International Spotlight Screening & Panel - “C*A*U*G*H*T”:  An Australian comedy series produced by Deeper Water Films, Little Bird Films, Sean Penn and Stan in association with Fremantle. A screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring director, producer, creator, star Kick Gurry, stars Lincoln Younes and Alexander England, composer Richard Breakspear and editor Eric Von Doymi.

 

• Special Event - How to Build a Pitch Deck with EP Michael Rucker and Canva: Executive Producer Michael Rucker (“101 Places to Party Before You Die”, “Project Runway”) shares insights on the pitch process as Canva works with the audience to build a pitch deck in real time

 

• Special Event/Closing Night - “Cowboy Carter” Dance Party at iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre featuring Young Guru and special guests. 

Kleiner adds: "As we approach this monumental tenth season, SeriesFest remains steadfast in our commitment to amplifying diverse voices and leaders breaking boundaries in the entertainment industry.”  

SeriesFest is a non-profit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling. With year-round educational programs, initiatives supporting underserved voices, and professional development opportunities, SeriesFest inspires, educates, and connects a worldwide community of creators. Each year, SeriesFest culminates in a highly curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival also includes in-competition independent pilot screenings, network television premieres, panels, workshops, international series, networking events, parties and a Closing Night Event at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. 

SeriesFest: Season 10, May 1-5, 2024 is presented with generous support from the following sponsors: Canva, Once Upon A Time Productions, Liberty Global, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Denver Film, Caz Matthews, Xfinity, and United Airlines, along with generous support from the SCFD. SeriesFest’s Closing Night Event at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is supported by Deadline Hollywood.

SeriesFest: Season 10 badges and Gala Tickets are on sale now and available here. 


For up-to-date information, please sign up for the newsletter at www.seriesfest.com.'

ERIESFEST: SEASON 10 SCHEDULE 
*Run Date Order; New Events Listed First*

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2024

“UNCONVENTIONAL” - INDEPENDENT ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT SCREENING AND PANEL - SPECIAL EVENT
In Attendance: Creator Kit Williamson, executive producer/actor Miranda Bailey, producer/actor James Bland and actor Aubrey Shea  

From Kit Williamson, creator of the Emmy-winning series EastSiders on Netflix, Unconventional follows two eccentric, queer siblings and their significant others, as they try to start an unconventional family, try to stay sane in an unstable world and, most importantly, try to hold onto the bonds they share.

“ESTONIA” (FINLAND, SWEDEN, BELGIUM, ESTONIA) - INTL SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL SCREENING - *COLORADO PREMIERE* 

A gripping drama based on the sinking of the MS Estonia, one of the deadliest maritime disasters in European history. 

“A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE” (PBS) - OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL EVENT - NETWORK SCREENING AND PANEL
In Attendance: Host, Ari Wallach, co-founder of Futurific 
 
Hosted by futurist Ari Wallach, the non-fiction documentary series challenges the dystopian framework embraced by popular culture by offering a refreshing take on the future exploring potential solutions to our existential threats. The program invites viewers to imagine a world that is full of discovery, hope, and possibility – inspiring each of us to understand our power to shape the future that future generations need us to so they can flourish.


THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024

*NEW ADDITION: ACAPULCO, SEASON 3 (APPLE TV+) - NETWORK SCREENING AND PANEL 
In Attendance: Camilla Perez (Cast), Fernando Carsa (Cast), Austin Winsberg (Co-Creator & Showrunner) and Sam Laybourne (Showrunner)

In season three of “Acapulco,” it’s time to reconcile past mistakes and exciting new beginnings. In the present story, older Máximo finds himself returning to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. While in 1985, younger Máximo continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build.

STORYTELLER’S INITIATIVE LIVE READ OF “GRAVE AFFAIRS” - SPECIAL EVENT
In Attendance: Denzel Whitaker (“The Great Debaters”) and Chiké Okonkwo (“La Brea”)

A dramady about a disgraced funeral planner who returns home to rebuild her reputation and reclaim her dominance in the competitive and sometimes funny death business. 

A CONVERSATION WITH UNIVERSAL STUDIO GROUP’S TV DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVES - PANEL
In Attendance: Kelsey Balance (SVP, Global Scripted Series, Universal International Studios),Vivian Cannon (EVP, Drama Development, Universal Television), Jim Donnelly (EVP, Comedy Development, Universal Television), Monica Rodman (EVP, Development, Universal Television Alternative Studio), Marc Velez (SVP and Head of Development, UCP)
 
From assessing pitches to staffing writers' rooms to offering script notes and more, Universal Studio Group's television executives dive deep into their development processes and share what makes for a strong, mutually advantageous relationship between creators and a studio.

IT'S IN THE DETAILS: COSTUME DESIGN FOR TELEVISION - PANEL
In Attendance: Terry Dresbach (“Outlander,” “Rounders”), Lyn Elizabeth Paolo (“Queen Charlotte”), Johnetta Boone (“Yellowstone”), Salvador Perez (“The Mindy Project,” “Hocus Pocus 2,” “Never Have I Ever”)
  
No matter the genre or time period, costumes are key in conveying the core of the story in TV drama and comedies. Driven by the details, Costume Designers tirelessly research contemporary and vintage fashion trends and lifestyles in the pursuit of deepening the connection to the character for both the performer and the audience. Join SeriesFest for an in depth conversation into this unsung art form with Costume Designers from some of your favorite series. 

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY - PANEL
In Attendance:  Jocelyn Sabo (SVP, Television Development, Lionsgate), Tom Verica (Head of Creative Production, Executive Producer, Director, Shondaland), Melissa Myers (Producer/Manager), Jennifer Loren (Senior Director, Cherokee Film), Diana Williams (CEO & Co-founder of Kinetic Energy Entertainment) and Jennifer Gwartz (Executive VP, UCP) 

Episodic storytelling has seen epic levels of success in recent years, but with streaming wars, corporate mergers, and an overwhelming amount of available content, the landscape is constantly shifting. Join entertainment industry leaders for a discussion on emerging trends, what distributors are currently looking for, and predictions for what’s next.

“SPLIT” (FRANCE) - INTL SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL SCREENING AND PANEL *NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE*
In Attendance: Ralph Amoussou (star)  

Anna, a 30-year-old stuntwoman, meets Ève, the movie star she doubles. A trouble sits on the movie set. The meeting with Ève turns Anna's whole life upside down, is she ready to leave heterosexuality?

THE METHODS OF MULTI-HYPHENATES - PANEL
In Attendance: Alysia Reiner (“Orange is the New Black”), Christy Carlson Romano (“Kim Possible”), Michelle Hurd (“Anyone But You,” “Star Trek: Picard”)
 
Pursuing their passions through multiple avenues, these Multi-Hyphenates are taking on the entertainment industry and beyond. It can't be denied that the combination of creativity, entrepreneurial drive, and social platforms is impacting the business of television and forging new pathways for artists onscreen and behind the camera. Join SeriesFest for a BTS conversation with a versatile group of Multi-Hyphenates on navigating the business and using the power of storytelling to create change.


FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024

INNOVATION TALK: BEATRICE SPRINGBORN - PANEL 
In Attendance: Beatrice Springborn, President, UCP and Universal International Studios

Join SeriesFest for a one-on-one conversation with Beatrice Springborn, President of two renowned global television studios, UCP and Universal International Studios. Springborn will shine a light on the creative strategy behind the studios’ acclaimed programming, her team’s collaborative process with best-in-class storytellers and what’s next on the horizon.

DROPPING GEMS: HOW “NEW AMSTERDAM” USED MASTERFUL STORYTELLING TO INFORM ITS AUDIENCE- NETWORK SCREENING & PANEL 
In Attendance: Star, Jocko Sims, creator/showrunner David Schulner, esteemed medical professionals Dr. Nia Mitchell (Mile High Medical Society), Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis (President and CEO of Craig Hospital), Dr. Michelle Albert (immediate-past president American Heart Association); Moderator: Van Lathan, TV personality, Podcast host and Academy Award-winning producer 
Join us for a conversation with star, Jocko Sims, and creator, David Schulner along with Dr. Nia Mitchell, Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis, and Dr. Michelle Albert as we watch one of New Amsterdam’s most memorable episodes, and discuss how the lack of black doctors in America’s healthcare system impacts everyone. Author and Academy Award winner, Van Lathan moderates as television creators and real medical professionals bring insight, as we move ever closer towards answering the famous New Amsterdam mantra, “How can I help?”
LEGACY IN TELEVISION: “GREY'S ANATOMY” - PANEL
In Attendance: showrunner Meg Marinis, actors Kim Raver, James Pickens Jr, Kevin McKidd, Camilla Luddingon and Caterina Scorsone

For almost two decades, audiences have immersed themselves in the sweepingly romantic and operatic lives of the staff at Seattle Grace Hospital. Shondaland’s “Grey’s Anatomy” has consistently tackled hot-button issues through the eyes of its compelling characters navigating moral and ethical quandaries we can all relate to.

At SeriesFest: Season 10, we will invite fans and filmmakers to celebrate the impact of “Grey’s Anatomy” with the cast and creators at the inaugural Legacy in Television Panel.

MENTORSHIP AND COLLABORATION: A CONVERSATION WITH THE TEAM BEHIND "DR. DEATH" - PANEL
In Attendance: Patrick Macmanus (Creator/Executive Producer, “Dr. Death”), Ashley Michel Hoban (Showrunner/Executive Producer, “Dr. Death”), Beatrice Springborn (President, UCP and Universal International Studios), Kelly Funke (President, Littleton Road Productions)

Join the team behind “Dr. Death” for a discussion on the making of the show’s second season, the importance of mentorship in the television industry and the collaborative development process between UCP and Littleton Road Productions.

“THIS IS NOT SWEDEN” (SPAIN, SWEDEN, GERMANY, FINLAND) - INTL SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL SCREENING AND PANEL - *NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE*
In Attendance: Aina Clotet (Director/Executive Producer/Writer/Star), Marcel Borràs (Star), Marta Baldó (Executive Producer) 

THIS IS NOT SWEDEN shows the contradictions faced by a young couple when it comes to protecting their children from the dangers of life. Winner of the Prix Europa Award for Best TV Fiction and selected in Official Competition in Cannes Series.

SERIESFEST SOIREE - SPECIAL EVENT 
A special night marking the festival’s momentous 10th anniversary. The prestigious gala will honor Shondaland & Betsy Beers, SAG-AFTRA and Minnie Driver with “Impact in Television,” “Luminaries in Television,” and “Excellence in Acting” Awards. SeriesFest’s esteemed Advisory Board, notable talent and industry executives will be in attendance. 

SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024

*NEW ADDITION: C*A*U*G*H*T (AUSTRALIA) -  INTL SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL SCREENING AND PANEL *U.S. PREMIERE*
In Attendance: Kick Gurry (Director, Producer, Creator and Cast), Lincoln Younes (Cast), Alexander England (Cast), Richard Breakspear (Composer) and Eric Von Doymi (Editor). 

Starring Sean Penn, Kick Gurry, Matthew Fox and Ben O’Toole, C*A*U*G*H*T follows four Australian soldiers sent on a secret mission to a war-torn country. Mistaken for Americans, they are captured by freedom fighters and produce a hostage video that goes viral. When the soldiers reach celebrity status, they realise that being caught might just be the best thing that could’ve happened to them. 


*NEW ADDITION: “RESIDENT ALIEN” SEASON 3 (SYFY/PEACOCK) -  NETWORK SCREENING AND Q&A
In Attendance: Chris Sheridan (Creator, Executive Producer, Writer) and Sara Tomko (Cast)

Based on the Dark Horse comics, SYFY’s “Resident Alien” follows a crash-landed alien named Harry (Alan Tudyk) whose secret mission is to kill all humans. In season three, Harry is vowing to work with General McCallister (Linda Hamilton) to rid the Earth of the Grey aliens – a task made more difficult when he discovers that the Grey Hybrid Joseph (Enver Gjokaj) has taken a job in town as the new Deputy.  Joseph isn’t Harry’s only obstacle – Harry struggles to balance business and his personal life when he falls in love for the first time.  Meanwhile, Asta (Sara Tomko) and D’arcy (Alice Wetterlund) move in together and struggle to discover their purpose in the world, Sheriff Mike (Corey Reynolds) and Deputy Liv (Elizabeth Bowen) continue their quest to find out who killed the Alien Tracker, and Ben (Levi Fiehler) and Kate (Meredith Garretson) are forced to deal with the subconscious repercussions of their alien abductions.

*NEW ADDITION:  SPOTLIGHT ON SAG-AFTRA LEADERSHIP - PANEL  
In Attendance: Linda Powell (SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President), Shari Belafonte (SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Actors/Performers) and Jodi Long (SAG AFTRA Vice President, Los Angeles and Los Angeles Local President)

Last year was an unprecedented period for the entertainment industry as a whole, but through incredible strength and perseverance, actors were afforded necessary advancements to maintain their position in the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood. Throughout the 2023 strike, the Leadership team of SAG-AFTRA fearlessly navigated key issues and fought for equitable practices on behalf of 160,000+ members of their union. Join us for a special conversation spotlighting the elected leaders of SAG-AFTRA and how standing in solidarity forged a new path for its members.

*NEW ADDITION: HOW TO BUILD A PITCH DECK WITH EP MICHAEL RUCKER AND CANVA- PANEL + WORKSHOP

Ever wondered how easy it is to build a Pitch Deck with Canva? Join Executive Producer Michael Rucker (“101 Places to Party Before You Die”, “Project Runway”) and Canva for this interactive breakfast session, where Michael shares insights on the pitch process and we work with the audience to come up with our next TV pilot idea...bringing it to life in less than 30 minutes using Canva’s entertainment templates and Magic features.

INNOVATION TALK: BETSY BEERS - PANEL
In Attendance: Betsy Beers, television and film producer, “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” “Private Practice,” “How to Get Away with Murder”

Join SeriesFest for our signature Innovation Talk series as we celebrate the incredible career of Shondaland's trailblazing Creative Partner, Betsy Beers. As a longtime producing partner of Shonda Rhimes, there is no shortage of the groundbreaking series they have created together under the Shondaland banner. This special event will highlight Beers' unique approach to storytelling and how she navigates the shifting landscape of the entertainment industry.

“HARRY WILD” SEASON 3 (AMC AND ACORN TV) - NETWORK SCREENING AND Q&A
In Attendance: Award-winning Jane Seymour

Star and executive producer Jane Seymour returns as Harriet “Harry” Wild, a retiring university literature professor who is finding herself at one of life’s crossroads. In season three, Harry and Fergus are back to solve a collection of intriguing crimes. This season, the pair are hired to prove the lead singer of Ireland’s hottest boy band didn’t kill himself, find out who decapitated a woman in a busy restaurant, discover who murdered a despotic director on the set of Ireland’s leading daytime soap opera, work out how a mystery writer managed to shoot himself in a locked panic room without a gun, and more. Meanwhile, with the agency still as busy as ever, Harry and Fergus have to find a way to balance work and life as Fergus plans to contest Paula’s custody claim to his sister. 

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN SHOWRUNNING - PANEL
In Attendance: Nkechi Okoro Carroll (“All American,” “All American: Homecoming”), Ashley Michel Hoban (“The Girl from Plainville,“ “Dr. Death”) and Michelle Paradise (“Star Trek: Discovery”) 

Back by popular demand, SeriesFest is proud to present a special panel conversation in celebration of women Showrunners breaking the glass ceiling of the television industry. These Showrunners are forging new paths for storytellers of all generations and genders by championing new perspectives that reflect shared experiences on our screens. Join us for a powerful conversation spotlighting the challenges, triumphs, and hopes of the revolutionary Female showrunners behind some of your favorite series.

“ZORRO”  (SPAIN, MEXICO) - INTL SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL SCREENING AND PANEL - *WORLD PREMIERE* 
In Attendance: Javier Quintas (Director) & Sergio Pizzolante (Executive Producer and President, Secuoya Studios Commercial & Distribution) 

Determined to find out who killed his father, Diego de la Vega will assume the title of Zorro and discover family secrets that will change his destiny forever.

SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2024

*NEW ADDITION: INNOVATION TALK: DAYMOND JOHN AND INDEPENDENT CREATOR EMIL PINNOCK  - PANEL
In Attendance: Daymond John, CEO of The Shark Group, and independent creator Emil Pinnock

Best known as the impeccably dressed star investor of ABC’s Shark Tank, Daymond John is the face of American entrepreneurship, managing a multi-million-dollar empire that encompasses fashion, philanthropy and media. Join SeriesFest for an insightful conversation with the CEO of The Shark Group about his career and how he is working with independent creators to navigate the natural intersections between entrepreneurship and storytelling.

*NEW ADDITION: “COWBOY CARTER” DANCE PARTY - SPECIAL EVENT FOR CLOSING NIGHT
In Attendance: Young Guru (DJ)

It’s a wrap! Celebrate Season 10 at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre! Grab your friends for a “real life hoedown” celebrating Beyonce’s record breaking album, “Cowboy Carter,” alongside her greatest hits. Featuring Young Guru and special guests, the event promises to be an unforgettable night of dancing and music under the stars.

INNOVATION TALK: MARK DUPLASS & MEL ESLYN WITH SPECIAL SCREENING OF “PENELOPE” - SCREENING AND PANEL
In Attendance: Award-winning actor, screenwriter, producer, Mark Duplass and Mel Eslyn (PENELOPE co-creator, showrunner, director)

Making independent film and tv is hard work and doesn’t come with a “how to” handbook but, fortunately, SeriesFest has a conversation to help. Join us for an in-depth conversation with Duplass Brothers Productions on how their innovative approach to production and packaging independent content is leading a revolution. Plus, Duplass will receive an inaugural “Excellence in Acting” Award for his pioneering work in independent television and film.

“LOST BOYS & FAIRIES” (UNITED KINGDOM) -  INTL SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL SCREENING AND PANEL - *NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE* 
In Attendance: Daf James (Creator, Writer, Executive Producer, Music Director), Sion Daniel Young (actor)

A glittering and ground-breaking drama, exploring the themes of parents, children and gay
adoption. Fusing queer culture with a powerful family drama, this is a bold, heart-wrenching
story, filled with humour and love.

“HAVEN OF GRACE” (FRANCE) - INTL SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL SCREENING AND PANEL - *U.S. PREMIERE*
In Attendance: Actor Astrid Whettnall, Creator, Maxime Crupaux

While celebrating his 60th birthday with his family, Pierre's sons are arrested for drug trafficking.​​

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SeriesFest: Season 10 Teaser