The Schedule

Why the Future of Film & TV Is Being Built in Newark

Breaking Into Hollywood

Desiree Hadley — Executive Director, Newark Office of Film & Television / Newark Film Works

Jon Crowley — Executive Director, New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission

Councilman Dupré Kelly — Newark Municipal Council

Keisha Katz — Director of Workforce & External Partnerships, Reel Works

Ken Gifford — Founder, Newark International Film Festival

Newark and New Jersey are quickly emerging as major destinations for film, television, and creative innovation. This conversation explores the investments, partnerships, and workforce initiatives helping to build a thriving entertainment ecosystem in the Garden State.

The New Rules of Influence

Leshelle Sargent — PR Executive, Amazon MGM Studios / Prime Video

Jahylin McKee — Founder & CEO, J. McKee & Co.

Yahnnica Tate — Senior Public Relations & Brand Marketing Executive; Former Senior Public Relations Manager, Paramount

Christina Richardson — Creator of Besties the Series and Founder, Bronx Film Initiative

Moderated by Jasmine Ellis Cooper — Influencer, Storyteller, and Social Entrepreneur

A conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, authenticity, and why relationships remain the most valuable currency in entertainment.

Audible Presents

Betting on Yourself

Joy Reid

Bevy Smith

Moderated by Aisha Glover — Head of Urban Innovation, Audible

A candid conversation about taking risks, building a personal brand, embracing reinvention, and creating opportunities where none previously existed. Audience Ask Me Anything to follow.

Presented in partnership with MENtour

The Power of Relationships

Two Lewis — Founder, MENtour; Co-Founder, Take Two Entertainment; Executive Producer, The Nowhere Man

Omar J. Dorsey — Actor, Selma, Queen Sugar, Bookie, The Blind Side

Taylor Selé — Actor and former NFL athlete, P-Valley, Godfather of Harlem, Survival of the Thickest

David Mars — Managing Partner, White Owl Capital Partners

Emmai Alaquiva — 3x Cannes & 6x Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and Director of The Ebony Canal

The conversation begins with an exclusive trailer presentation for STARZ’s upcoming series, The Nowhere Man. A candid conversation about mentorship, leadership, investing in others, and creating opportunities that empower the next generation.

Broadway to Hollywood

Lamar Richardson — Three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer and film & television producer

Phylicia Pearl Mpasi — Actor, The Color Purple and The Lion King; writer on Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies

Dominique Thorne — Actor, Ironheart, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Judas and the Black Messiah, and Broadway’s Jaja’s African Hair Braiding

Moderated by Kayla Janel

From Broadway stages to blockbuster films and hit television series, this conversation explores the journeys of artists who have successfully navigated multiple corners of the entertainment industry and built careers that transcend mediums.

Fresh off starring as Riri Williams (aka Ironheart) in Marvel’s hit Disney+ series Ironheart, Dominique Thorne joins the conversation to discuss her journey from Cornell University to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and her acclaimed Broadway debut in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Alongside fellow artists and producers, she’ll share insights on building a multidimensional career across stage, television, and film.