Hollywood Networking Breakfast Talks New Media With 'HACKING HOLLYWOOD' Panel Today

Sandra Lord, founder of The Hollywood Networking Breakfast (HNB), has announced an amazing and insightful panel of top new media power players. The event takes place today, July 31, 2014 from 8am to 10:30pm at Raleigh Studios, Soundstage 7, 5300, Melrose Ave, LA, CA 90038. Tickets: $45 - $55 Call (323) 465-9800 or visit HollywoodNetworkingBreakfast.com.

CONFIRMED PANELISTS:

LAURA ALLEN: Head of Production, 3rd Party Video & Original Programming, Yahoo! and New Media Council at Producers Guild of America. In this position, Ms. Allen is responsible for overseeing production and creative for scripted and un-scripted original series as well as assisting Y! Studios with initiatives produced by outside production companies.

JAKE AVNET: COO, WIGS: Before helping to bring WIGS, the YouTube original drama channel, to life, JAKE AVNET was an early adopter in the digital content space, producing viral web content, music videos and web series for companies such as Warner Brothers, FOX and the Sundance Film Festival. He has been on the forefront of producing premium content with writers, directors and actors from traditional media, in the online space. Avnet has also produced television pilots for TNT, Warner Horizon Television, FOX and 20th Century Fox Television. He was recently named as one of Hollywood's New Leaders by Variety.

DAVID BEEBE: The Emmy Award winning digital media executive, producer, and entrepreneur and founder of Idea to Screen, Beebe was recognized by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for leading the digital video group that produced the Emmy-winning 83rd Oscars Digital Experience and the Emmy-winning Full Episode Player for ABC.com. Beebe founded and led the Disney/ABC Television Group Digital Studio, launched ABC Mobile and led the development and production of the first ever-scripted webisode series for Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives, Scrubs, Cougar Town, and LOST.

JOE WEHINGER: The "Daily O" Founder & Producer is an Executive Producer and media entrepreneur whose Ideea Factory has become a leading producer of online original content and a central force in connecting people internationally. Joe now leads a team of filmmakers, web designers and artists to support and guide companies bringing their stories, products and services to audiences in remarkable ways. His finance work has helped bring independent films, digital series and animation projects from development through release.

PAUL SNOW: Head of West Coast Entertainment Partnerships, YouTube: Paul Snow and his team represent video content at Google, focusing on entertainment partners across each of the company's business lines, including ad support content, funded channels, paid subscriptions and transactional opportunities. Based in Beverly Hills, he works with studios, production companies and creators in the western United States. Before joining YouTube, Paul worked in management consulting with Booz & Company. In addition, he holds a MBA from Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business and lives along with his wife and four children in Los Angeles.

In addition, BETSY KOCH: Executive Producer, Funny or Die has just joined the panel.

HBN was founded on the Paramount Studios Lot in 1993 by Sandra Lord, as a means to providing opportunities for industry professionals and emerging talent. Some of the most respected individuals, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, have offered patrons insight and advise. For the last 19 years the event has hosted Academy, Golden Globe, Peabody and Emmy Award winners and nominees, as well as top Hollywood Studio Heads and Production Company Presidents. HNB benefits Changing Images in America (www.ChangingImagesInAmerica.org).

A partial list of esteemed speakers includes, Ron Meyer, Craig Zadan & Neil Meron, Stan Lee, Wes Craven, Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Henry Winkler, John Singleton, Lynda Obst, Eric McLeod, Debra Martin Chase, Mike Medavoy, Reuben Cannon, Anthony Zuiker, David E. Kelley, John Sacret Young, Simon Kinberg, James Burrows, Ron Schwary, John Lee Hancock, Mario Van Peebles, Bryce Dallas Howard, among others.

The breakfast benefits Changing Images in America -- a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting diversity in American culture, with a focus on the entertainment industry. The event attracts a diverse group of writers, producers, actors, directors, financiers, attorneys, talent reps, crew and others at various levels of experience and achievement. HNB has proven to be a valuable resource for professional and aspiring industry members. The event has facilitated many collaborations and networking opportunities. A very popular feature for attendees and speakers alike has been the facilitation of a one-time mentorship, wherein speakers take a general meeting, "do lunch" or agree to be shadowed for part of their day by a promising "lucky attendee." This opportunity is all in keeping with Ms. Lord's goal to continue facilitating opportunities of access for attendees - especially those who are prepared and need a "leg up."

To post a comment, you must register and login.