The MediaMKRS Summit
Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Paramount Global, NYC
The Second Annual MediaMKRS Summit will bring together 200 industry leaders, employers, union officials, educators, and policymakers to discuss the future of the media sector and how to build an inclusive workforce in film and television.
The inaugural MediaMRKS Summit was held in person at Paramount Global on April 12th, 2024.
The Summit featured speakers who engaged in solution-driven conversations about the state of the media industry.
FIRESIDE CHAT
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Mara Brock Akil
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
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Shawn Finnie
Executive Vice President, CULTURAL AGENCY
SUMMIT CO-CHAIRS
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Dayo Harewood
SVP, Creative, Paramount Brand Studio
Vice Chair, Reel Works Board Member
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Euan Lampitt
VP, Corporate Social Responsibility, Warner Bros. Discovery
Reel Works Board Member
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Dee Murray
VP, Human Resources, NBCUniversal
Reel Works Board Member
SPEAKERS
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Jonathon Yormak
Moderator | Founder and Managing Principal, East End Studios
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Euan Lampitt
VP, Corporate Social Responsibility, Warner Bros. Discovery, Reel Works Board Member
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Meeckel Beecher
Global Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Responsibility, Shutterstock
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Mara Brock Akil
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
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Pamala Buzick Kim
Moderator | Founder/Agent, MAVEN
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Shawn Finnie
Keynote Speaker | Executive Vice President, CULTURAL AGENCY
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John Gibson
Moderator | Vice President, External and Multicultural Affairs, Motion Picture Association
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Katie Irish
Education, Apprenticeship, and Training Fund Director, United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829
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Rohan Juneja
Managing Director, Media Services, Jefferies
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Erica Kay
Executive Producer
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Jarret Kleppél
VP, Talent, and Organizational Development, NBCUniversal
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Kevin Lopez
Founding Principal, Motion Picture Technical High School, CTE School
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Sarah May Guenther
National Executive Board, Local 600
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Tommy O’Donnell
President of Theatrical Teamsters Local 817
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Christina O'Shea‑Daly
Vice President, Great Point Studios
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Jason Rosario
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, BBDO Worldwide
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Santiago Quiñones
Film & TV Producer, Co-Chair of the New York Film/TV Production Industry Council
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Shirley Vernae Williams
Moderator | Founder, Willie B. Studios
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Jjay Krishnan
Production Coordinator, SPIN VFX
Reel Works Alumni
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Alicia Rosado
Lead Prep Tech, Panavision
Reel Works Alumni
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Alexa James-Cardenas
Costumer, Motion Picture Costumers, IATSE Local 705
Reel Works Alumni
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Alondra Jiminez
Executive Assistant, A+E
Reel Works Alumni
PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE
Doors Open & Check-in
9:00 AM
Opening Remarks
10:00 AM
Reimagining Production: Studios as Drivers of Regional Innovation
10:15 AM
As the media and entertainment industry continues to transform, the development of state-of-the-art studio campuses and shifting tax incentive programs in NY/NJ continue to reshape both the creative and economic landscape. This panel brings together leaders in studio development, investment, and production to discuss the future of the Film/TV industry and how these developments will impact the NY/NJ region.
Next-Gen Workforce: The Impact of Early Talent Investment
11:00 AM
As the industry evolves, being competitive means thinking differently about talent development. This panel brings together leaders from education, corporate social responsibility and inclusion, and organizational development to discuss the transformative value of investing in young talent. Panelists will explore how mentorship, industry exposure, and inclusive hiring strategies not only empower the next generation but also drive innovation in their organizations.
Fireside Chat with Mara Brock Akil - Producer, Screenwriter and Director
12:30 PM
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Mara Brock Akil, a trailblazing television producer, screenwriter, and director, and Shawn Finnie, the MediaMKRS Summit keynote speaker, as they discuss the power of storytelling, representation, and cultural impact. With over 400 episodes of iconic shows like "Girlfriends," "The Game," and "Being Mary Jane," Mara continues to shape narratives through her non-profit Writers' Colony, which is a launching pad for the next generation of Black screenwriters. This conversation will offer insights into building a lasting legacy, using art as a tool for transformation, and inspiring the next generation of media professionals. Attendees will also catch a preview of Mara's highly anticipated adaptation of "Forever" A reimagination of the 1975 novel by Judy Blume. The romantic drama follows the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities coming to Netflix this year.
Investing in Impact: Why These Programs Matter
1:00 PM
Join us for an inspiring Alumni Spotlight panel featuring graduates of our program who are making waves across the media and entertainment industry, from New York and Los Angeles to Toronto. Hear how their experiences in the program shaped their career journeys and gain valuable insights from their advice to industry leaders dedicated to supporting and investing in the next generation.
Collaborative Impact: Strategic Partnerships Driving Workforce Innovation
2:00 PM
How innovative collaborations create groundbreaking workforce opportunities in the media industry. Featuring insights from partnerships like HBO’s The Gilded Age and IATSE Local 600 Loader Training– panelists will share strategies and best practices for fostering inclusivity while addressing the evolving needs of the industry.
Networking Reception
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Presenting Sponsor Remarks
Exclusive access to signature year-round events to network and recruit students and alumni
Presenting Sponsor inclusion on badge
Presenting Sponsor mention on social media
Logo placement on all materials
Full-page digital ad
Eight all-day access pass and post-reception
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Logo placement on all festival materials
Recognition on-screen during the festival
Full-page digital ad
Six all-day access pass and post-reception
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Logo placement on the website
Half-page digital ad
Four all-day access pass and post-reception
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Logo placement on the website
Quarter-page digital ad
Two all-day access pass and post-reception
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Full-Page: 1920 x 1080 Pixels
Half-Page: 960 x 1080 Pixels
Contact Information: For more information about sponsoring the MediaMKRS Summit, email Christiamilda Correa, Director, Development & Communications at Development@reelworks.org.
About MediaMKRS
MediaMKRS by Reel Works educates and empowers individuals to succeed in the media industry. Our program offers comprehensive training, hands-on work experiences, networking opportunities, and unparalleled access to industry professionals needed for a thriving career.
