SeriesFest Unveils Lineup for Milestone Season 10

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

In this modern world, sustainability is no easy task. Especially when it comes to festivals and conventions. Simply because there are new events popping up every single year that want a piece of the action, and if the convention/festival doesn’t stay one step ahead with the best guests and the best programming, they are quickly left in the dust. But sustainability in this market is possible, and for proof, look no further than SeriesFest. For the premier celebration of episodic storytelling uses that core mission statement to keep fans coming back every year. Because that edict means that amazing programming is present every single year, the kind that explores the state of the union of television, and harbors amazing discussions, and gives rise to amazing voices. 

For every single year, creatives can enter their own episodic story into the mix, and be seen, and the chance to see incredible indie programming and be part of amazing conversations are what keep this festival going and well, their incredible programming is top of mind today, because we now know what lies ahead for Season 10. For earlier, SeriesFest released the lineup for this year’s ‘fest and it’s impressive to say the least. For it will include the season three premiere of the beloved Acorn TV/AMC Networks series, Harry Wild, and discussions of course with incredible folks from the industry. Including a powerhouse panel featuring Ashley Michel Hoban and Patrick Macmanus, the brain trust behind the Dr. Death franchise and well… to properly pay respect to this year’s festival, here are all the details on the upcoming lineup, to kickoff a proper countdown to SeriesFest: Season 10. 

‘SeriesFest, the esteemed international festival and non-profit organization dedicated to elevating emerging and underrepresented voices in episodic storytelling, is thrilled to announce the full lineup forSeriesFest: Season 10. Set to take place from May 1 to May 5 in the vibrant city of Denver, Colorado, this five-day extravaganza promises to commemorate a decade of success with an array of captivating in-competition screenings, enriching panels, dynamic workshops, and exclusive television premieres.
 
In collaboration with Liberty Global, SeriesFest continues its commitment to emerging storytellers from around the world with an International Spotlight program. Showcasing original works from over nine countries, this highly-anticipated part of the festival will feature global, US and Colorado premieres.. Titles include “This is Not Sweden” (Spain, Sweden, Germany, Finland), “Zorro” (Spain, Mexico), “Estonia” (Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Estonia), “Haven of Grace” (France), “Lost Boys and Fairies” (United Kingdom), and “Split” (France).
 
SeriesFest’s signature Innovation Talk series in partnership with Liberty Global also returns. Season 10 continues the in-depth one on one executive conversations with Beatrice Springborn, President, UCP and Universal International Studios, Betsy Beers, groundbreaking producer and longtime producing partner of Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” “Private Practice,” “How to Get Away with Murder”), who is receiving an “Impact Award” at the SeriesFest Soiree (previously announced), and Mark Duplass, award-winning actor, screenwriter, producer and creator of “Penelope,” the new TV series with producing partner Mel Eslyn (co-creator, showrunner and director). 
 
Festival attendees can expect an immersive experience, delving into crucial and timely topics through network screenings, engaging Q&A sessions, and thought-provoking panels. Highlights of the program include:

• Special Premiere - "Harry Wild" Season Three: AMC Networks’ streamer Acorn TV's beloved series, "Harry Wild," will unveil its third season with a special premiere screening followed by an illuminating Q&A session featuring the award-winning actress Jane Seymour.
• Debut Screening - "Unconventional": SeriesFest alumni Kit Williamson presents "Unconventional," an original series featuring a stellar cast including James Bland (also producer; “Giants”), Aubrey Shea (“Nashville”), Brianna Venskus (“The Walking Dead”) and Miranda Bailey (also executive producer, owner of Cold Irons Pictures) offering audiences a fresh perspective on storytelling.
• Screening & Panel- "A Brief History of the Future": PBS presents an episode of "Brief History of the Future," followed by an enlightening Q&A session with host Ari Wallach.
• Special Screening & Panel - Dropping Gems: How New Amsterdam Used Masterful Storytelling to Inform its Audience: Star Jocko Sims, creator/showrunner David Schulner, esteemed medical professionals Dr. Nia Mitchell, Dr. Michelle Albert and Jandel Allen-Davis will be led in a compelling conversation by TV personality, podcast host and Academy Award-winning producer, Van Lathan, to explore race disparities in medicine following a screening of the special episode, "Righteous Right Hand."
• Panel - The Methods of Multi-Hyphenates: Alysia Reiner (“Orange is the New Black”), Christy Carlson Romano (“Kim Possible”), Michelle Hurd (“Anyone But You,” “Star Trek: Picard”) share insights on pursuing passions through multiple avenues and leveraging storytelling for social change.
• Panel - State of The Industry: Industry leaders Jocelyn Sabo (SVP, Television Development, Lionsgate), Tom Verica (Head of Creative Production, Executive Producer, Director, Shondaland), Melissa Myers (Producer/Manager) and Jennifer Loren (Senior Director, Cherokee Film) and discuss emerging trends, what’s resonating with distributors and overall predictions of what’s next! 
• Panel - Celebrating Women in Showrunning: Join Nkechi Okoro Carroll (“All American,” “All American: Homecoming”), Ashley Michel Hoban (“The Girl from Plainville,” “Dr. Death”) and Michelle Paradise (“Star Trek: Discovery”) as they discuss the challenges, triumphs, and aspirations of female showrunners shaping the television landscape.
• Panel - It's In the Details: Costume Design for Television: Emmy-Award winner Terry Dresbach (“Outlander,” “Rounders”), Emmy-Award winner Lyn Elizabeth Paolo (“Queen Charlotte,” “Scandal”), Johnetta Boone (“Yellowstone”), and Salvador Perez (“The Mindy Project,” “Hocus Pocus 2,” “Never Have I Ever”) offer a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous craft of costume design and its impact on character development.
• Panel - Mentorship and Collaboration: A Conversation with the Team Behind "Dr. Death": Explore the making of "Dr. Death" Season Two and the significance of mentorship in the television industry with seriescreator/executive producer Patrick Macmanus, series showrunner/executive producer Ashley Michel Hoban, Beatrice Springborn, President, UCP and Universal International Studios, and Kelly Funke, President, Littleton Road Productions. 
• Panel - A Conversation with Universal Studio Group’s TV Development Executives: Gain insights into the television development process from Universal Studio Group's esteemed executives, including Kelsey Balance, Vivian Cannon, Jim Donnelly, Monica Rodman, and Marc Velez.

 
"Season 10 of SeriesFest marks a milestone in our journey to elevate emerging and underrepresented voices in episodic storytelling. As we honor a decade of success, we are thrilled to present an unforgettable lineup that embodies creativity, diversity, and innovation,” commented Randi Kleiner, CEO and Co-Founder. “We can’t wait to bring this incredible community of storytellers and industry luminaries around the world back together in Denver to inspire, inform and celebrate!”  
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As previously announced, Hasan Minhaj will headline the Season 10 closing night at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Sunday, May 5. SeriesFest also welcomes Betsy Beers, Shondaland, cast and creators from “Grey’s Anatomy,” SAG-AFTRA and award-winning Minnie Driver, honorees at the inaugural SeriesFest Soiree, a special night celebrating their impact on television. “Grey’s Anatomy’s” showrunner Meg Marinis, actor James Pickens Jr, Kevin McKidd, Caterina Scorsone and Kim Raver will also take part in a one-of-a-kind panel earlier that day, Legacy in Television: Grey’s Anatomy, reflecting on the impact of the two decades of the iconic medical drama. 
 
SeriesFest: Season 10 promises to be a memorable celebration of creativity, diversity, and innovation in episodic storytelling.  Please see below for a detailed list of scheduled events.  
 
SeriesFest: Season 10 badges and Gala Tickets are on sale now and available here. General Public tickets for Hasan Minhaj at Red Rocks will be available starting March 28.   For up-to-date information, please sign up for the newsletter at www.seriesfest.com. 
 
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. Red Rocks Evening of Comedy is supported by Deadline Hollywood.’

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SERIESFEST: SEASON 10 SCHEDULE 
​ *Subject to change*

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2024
“UNCONVENTIONAL” - INDEPENDENT ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT SCREENING AND PANEL
In Attendance: Creator Kit Williamson, executive producer/actor Miranda Bailey, producer/actor James Bland, actors Aubrey Shea and Brianna Venskus
​
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. 
 
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024
“A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE” (PBS) - 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.
 
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. 
 
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.
 
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) and Jennifer Loren (Senior Director, Cherokee Film) 
 
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.
 
“HAVEN OF GRACE” (FRANCE) - INTL SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL SCREENING AND PANEL - *U.S. PREMIERE*
In Attendance: TBA
 
While celebrating his 60th birthday with his family, Pierre's sons are arrested for drug trafficking.
 
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024
DROPPING GEMS: HOW ‘NEW AMSTERDAM’ USED MASTERFUL STORYTELLING TO INFORM ITS AUDIENCE- 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?”
​
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.
 
LEGACY IN TELEVISION: GREY'S ANATOMY - PANEL
In Attendance: showrunner Meg Marinis, actors Kim Raver, James Pickens Jr, Kevin McKidd 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.
 
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?
 
“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 (*PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED 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
“HARRY WILD” SEASON 3 (AMC AND ACORN TV) - 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.
 
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.
 
“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
 
INNOVATION TALK: MARK DUPLASS & MEL ESLYN WITH SPECIAL SCREENING OF ‘PENELOPE’ 
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 “Innovators 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: TBA 
 
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.
 
CLOSING NIGHT: A NIGHT OF COMEDY WITH HASAN MINHAJ AT RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE (*PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED SPECIAL EVENT)

The Emmy and two-time Peabody Award-winning comedian Hasan Minhaj, best known for his breakout Netflix special “Homecoming King” and his critically-acclaimed, political satire show, “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj,” will headline at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the very first time on the festival’s closing night. Named on TIME's "100 Most Influential People in the World," Minhaj originally rose to prominence as a senior correspondent on “The Daily Show” and hosted the White House Correspondents' Dinner. He’s also the co-founder and chief executive officer of 186KFilms that’s producing its first feature “For the Culture” with Amazon Studios.