Hollywood writer and producer David Goyer — known for “Blade,” “Foundation” and his writing on Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” Trilogy — will explore the new formats of collaborative storytelling that are bridging the gap between AI and traditional entertainment through his latest franchise project “Emergence” and the AI-powered platform Incention. In conversation with producer Erik Barmack, author of The Ankler’s Reel AI newsletter, Goyer will unpack how collaborative storytelling can activate fandoms, develop AI’s creative potential, and transform traditional IP structures to reach new audiences everywhere.

The robust launches of a new generation of television’s traditional procedural have helped to power a broadcast renaissance and sent the streamers hustling to add their entries to the genre. CBS, the leader in primetime for 21 of the last 22 seasons, has been at the forefront of developing and programming procedural dramas and expanding show universes from CSI to NCIS and more. Tony Phelan and Joan Rater, the creators and executive producers of CBS’ Fire Country and its upcoming spinoff, Sheriff Country, join CBS Entertainment’s Yelena Chak, EVP scripted development, and Bryan Seabury, EVP, head of content strategy and drama development, CBS Studios, for a conversation about the process behind the successful procedural — from the creative seeds of a show to the strategy for spinoffs and expansions.

The prolific creator of the groundbreaking TV comedy Black-ish and its multiple spinoffs, the innovative Netflix animated special Entergalactic and iconic films including Girls Trip, You People and Coming 2 America, joins The Ankler’s Katey Rich for a conversation about his disruptive journey in Hollywood. Working with a wide range of co-creators and stars across live action (Eddie Murphy to Rashida Jones), animation (Kid Cudi), reality (Tyra Banks), podcasting (The Unusual Suspects with Malcolm Gladwell), branded content and more, Barris continues to innovate as a creator, producer and performer. Expect insight, honesty, and a glimpse into what’s next from one of the most influential voices in entertainment.
 

How can filmmakers and producers harness new formats while staying true to authentic storytelling? Jane Rosenthal, Oscar- and Emmy-nominated producer and co-founder/CEO of Tribeca Enterprises (The Irishman, Meet the Parents), and Lesli Linka Glatter, multi DGA Award-winning and multi Emmy-nominated director, producer and DGA president (Homeland, Zero Day, Mad Men), will dive into the hot topic as the aperture of entertainment widens. From big-screen blockbusters and prestige TV to immersive experiences at Sphere in Las Vegas, including Darren Aronofsky’s Postcard from Earth, Rosenthal has been at the forefront of expanding creative frontiers, while Glatter has shaped some of the most acclaimed narratives of our time. Together, they’ll explore the opportunities and disruptions brought by new technologies and platforms — and how authentic storytelling remains at the core.

From sold-out arenas to award-winning films, documentaries, and the soundtracks of our social media lives, music remains at the heart of culture and the forefront of storytelling. Jody Gerson, pioneering chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, works with the world’s biggest superstars—Elton John, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and countless more—while securing the priceless catalogs of icons like Bob Dylan, Sting, and Neil Diamond to preserve and enhance their enduring legacies. She joins Ankler Media CEO and editor-in-chief Janice Min for a deep dive into the narrative power of popular song, how UMPG collaborates with artists, songwriters, and producers to push creative boundaries, and how the music industry’s evolving relationship with Hollywood continues to shape entertainment and media.

Hollywood is in the midst of generational shifts in business models and consumer habits. Media company consolidation, the lingering effects of the writers’ and actors’ strikes, and ongoing migration of consumers to social platforms, including TikTok which is grappling with its own existential crisis. Add to that the challenges of an unpredictable economy and an ever-changing global political chessboard, the emergence of AI as a powerful yet disruptive tool, and even real-world crises like the devastating L.A. fires — the future is full of uncertainty. But innovators often find that the largest opportunities emerge during the most uncertain of times. Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, Candle Media Co-founders and Co-CEOs,  share insights on how major Hollywood players are recalibrating, the future of content investment and distribution, how production methodologies and form factors may change over the next decade, and what it takes for leaders and organizations to get ahead of and capitalize on these seismic shifts. Join us for a candid discussion on the next era of entertainment.

Join Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, co-founders of World of Wonder and executive producers of the culture-defining RuPaul’s Drag Race global franchise, for an intimate conversation exploring how they bet on themselves, fostered a unique direct-to-fan community, and built their independently owned and operated SVOD WOW Presents Plus to upend the traditional development model. As WOW Presents Plus spans 190 territories around the globe with a 30% year-over-year increase in watch time, explore how they took the international Drag Race franchise to over 20 countries and counting, turned down a 7-figure deal from a major streamer to retain rights to the series for WOWPP, and how their fan-first approach, bolstered by live events and a dynamic online presence, has redefined the entertainment model and continues to shape the future of the industry.

WEBTOON Entertainment has built a global IP & Creator Ecosystem, spanning storytelling platforms, studios, publishing, merch, and more. But it all starts with incredible stories, shared by a global creator community on its WEBTOON and Wattpad platforms. Today, the company is the source of hits on Crunchyroll (Tower of God), Netflix (All of Us Are Dead, Through My Window), Disney+ (Vigilante), Tubi (Sidelined: The QB and Me), and other entertainment destinations all over the world. Hear from WEBTOON Entertainment global COO David J. Lee and Wattpad WEBTOON Studios global head of entertainment David Madden about the new fandoms exploding across genres, how AI is changing the ecosystem, why talents from Diablo Cody to Margot Robbie are adapting webcomics and webnovels, and how these formats are remaking the landscape around IP.

From reality competitions to docuseries and social experiment shows, unscripted television continues to evolve in the post-peak TV environment. With shifting viewer habits, the rise of AI-powered content, and an increasingly globalized market, how are creators adapting to stay ahead? This panel brings together industry leaders to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping non-fiction TV. Topics will include the impact of short-form content and platforms, monetization strategies in the streaming age, and the next frontier of interactive and AI-enhanced storytelling in a social media economy. Whether you’re a producer, network executive, or content creator, this conversation will provide valuable insights into the future of unscripted entertainment.

With WWE entering a bold new chapter, President Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque are at the helm, shaping its evolution in an ever-changing media and entertainment landscape. This panel delves into WWE’s future—from global expansion and talent development to innovative storytelling and the integration of new technologies. How is WWE adapting to streaming, live event experiences, and fan engagement in the digital age? What’s next for the company’s creative direction and business strategy? Join us for an exclusive conversation with WWE’s leadership as they discuss their vision for the next generation of sports entertainment.