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What Networks Want: Documentary Programming
Non-fiction, reality, non-scripted, infotainment - with the proliferation of cable channels and their tremendous need for programming, is there a hybrid form of documentaries emerging?
In the last of our four-part series, senior executives will examine new trends on the horizon. What goes into the making of a hit documentary or series today, and what are executives currently looking for when considering new shows?
Nancy Abraham, VP of Documentary Programming for HBO, is responsible for development and production of HBO Documentary Films and Cinemax Reel Life programs that have garnered Primetime Emmy Awards, News and Documentary Emmy Awards, George Foster Peabody Awards and the Academy Award. Prior to joining the documentary division in 1995, Abraham was director of film acquisition for HBO, acquiring feature films and other programs for HBO’s international channels, and she spent three years in Budapest as Director of Programming for HBO Hungary. Prior to that, Abraham worked at Bravo Cable Network in both acquisition and production capacities.
Liz Brach serves as Director of Development for Discovery Channel. Bringing over 18 years experience as a producer and writer, she is fully versed in all aspects of series production, from concept development to air. Liz has credits on numerous cable networks including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, TLC and National Geographic Channel. Her experience includes domestic and international field production, multi-camera studio and field shoots, and all aspects of postproduction.
Liz started her career in New York on the Orion Pictures daily series Crimewatch Tonight before moving to Washington, D.C., in 1990 to work as a producer at Discovery Channel. In 1992 she left to pursue independent production work that included the series and specials King of the Jungle, Nurses, Science of HIV, The Pet Psychic, Curiosities Around the World, National Geographic Today, Mysteries of the Deep and Return to Titanic.
Since returning to Discovery Channel in February 2005 Liz has developed specials and series in history, natural history, science, invention, archaeology and forensics. Her recent projects include FUTUREWEAPONS, MOST EVIL, FUTURE CAR, ROGUE NATURE and SHARK WEEK.
Laura Fleury is Senior Director of Non-Fiction and Alternative Programming at A&E, responsible for the development and production of the justice programming area, as well as other non-fiction series and specials. As Executive Producer, she oversees many of A&E's top-rated series, including Dallas Swat, The First 48 and Cold Case Files, among others. She is currently developing a number of new series pilots and is preparing to launch the new series Confronting Justice later in 2007. Her awards include the 2002 Thurgood Marshall Journalism Award and numerous Emmy nominations.
Cynthia López is VP for American Documentary/P.O.V. Her responsibilities include overall development of the organization, programming, development, co-productions, communications and strategic planning. From 2000-2003, López served as Director of Communications. Under her leadership, coverage of P.O.V. documentaries in the media increased by 700 percent. She has built strategic partnerships with Pentagram, Inc., Harpo Studios, Netflix, ABC News’ Nightline, WNYC New York Public Radio and Ms. Magazine, among others. She received the Woman of the Year Award, (El Diario, La Prensa) for her innovative media collaborations.
As Executive Vice President & General Manager, Programming and Creative Affairs, Laura Michalchyshyn is responsible for all creative expressions of the Sundance Channel brand, both on and off-Channel, including original programming, film and documentary acquisition, program planning, on-air promotion and the creative strategy of all Channel branding. Since joining Sundance Channel in January 2005, Michalchyshyn has supervised the production of original programs, such as “One Punk Under God,” “House of Boateng,” “Iconoclasts 1 & 2,” “The Hill,” “TransGeneration” and “Festival Dailies” as well as numerous documentary features. She has also been responsible for the acquisition of television series including “Slings & Arrows,” “City of Men” “Signé Chanel,” “Monkey Dust,” “Kath & Kim” and “The Nominees” and films such as Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man, Darwin’s Nightmare, 40 Shades of Blue, Ellie Parker and The Corporation. Under her direction the network has launched new destinations such as Asia Extreme, Hangover Theater, Sonic Screen and the upcoming Sundance Channel Green.
Rosemary Sykes, moderator, supervised numerous documentary programs and non-fiction series while at Lifetime Television, working with many award-winning filmmakers. She has been the Executive in Charge of Production on a series for A&E's Biography Channel, a producer on an HBO documentary, an executive at Showtime Networks, a juror at the Miami Film Festival and faculty member at the School of Visual Arts.
Apr 24, 2007 
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