THE MERGE SUMMIT 2010

Schedule (Revised 7/23/10)

All Events Held at The Millennium Biltmore Hotel

Friday, August 27, 2010

The Wellness Lounge 9:00 a.m. until Noon; 1:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. (by appointment only)
Private, complimentary retreat sessions that introduce ancient therapies,
innovative treatments such as acupuncture, reflexology, massage therapy, ear
candling, and antioxidant screening. Enjoy up to two treatments per day, all
presented in a warm and relaxing environment and performed by licensed
therapists.

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Morning Inspiration

8:30 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. Opening Session

With Dr. Holly Carter and Robi Reed

8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. The Faith Lane

An interactive session that will inform, inspire and empower attendees on
merging the lanes of faith and entertainment.
With Devon Franklin, Vice President, Production, Columbia Pictures

10:00 a.m. -11:15 a.m. The Writer's Institute - Television

A special intensive writer's development class in crafting compelling television
programs and scripts
With Felicia D. Henderson, Writer/Director, Waterwalk Productions

10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. “Acting Up”: The Actors Panel

This class will provide actors with performance approaches and the skills to
work in all styles of theater, television and film.
With Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tia Mowry, Harry Lennix and Niecy Nash

11: 15 a.m. - 12: 15 p.m. Sharing My Journey - Following The Dream

An up-close and personal conversation with Niecy Nash about her road to
success. She discusses steps, techniques, trials, and triumph— all a part of her
journey.

12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. The Music Business 2010

This session will offer attendees insights, perspectives, advice and strategies for
succeeding in today's ever changing music business.
With Jazzy Jordan, President, Verity Records; Larry Blackwell, Vice
President/General Manager, EMI Gospel; Jay Brown, President, Roc Nation

12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. The Image of Success, Marketing and Public Relations
A session in marketing and promoting your gift, your product, and your brand,
with insights and advice from some of the industry's best.
With Gwendolyn Quinn, President, GQ Media and Public Relations; Natalya
Davis, Marketing Director, Columbia Records; Ava Duvernay, President, The
Duvernay Agency
2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. A Message for the Masses
A conversation on faith in Hollywood and leveraging your platform to get your
message to the masses.
With top film producer Ralph Winter (“X-Men,” “Fantastic Four,” “Star Trek”)

3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Writers Institute – Film

A special, intensive writer's development class in crafting quality stories and
films.
With writer/director Reggie Rock-Bythewood

3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Music Producers, Songwriters, and Music Supervisors: Creating
Music That Sells
Learn how to create music success in the ever changing media environment
from people who've done it.
With Warryn Campbell, Producer/President, My Block Records; Recording
Artist Chrisette Michele; Leotis Clyburn, Senior Creative Director, East Coast
Urban, EMI Music Publishing

5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. So You Wanna Work In Television?

This session exposes attendees to the processes of developing a TV show. It
explores the roles of writer-producers, executive producers and development
executives and talent.
With Charlie Jordan-Brookins, Vice President, Programming Operations,
BET; Pearlena Igbokwe, Vice President, Original Programming, Showtime
Networks; and Sharla Sumpter, Partner, Varsity Pictures

5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Film Producer’s Workshop: The Development Process of Film Making
This session explores the role of a film producer, your interaction with studio
executives and getting a green light on your project.
With Zola Mashariki, Senior Vice President, Production, Fox Searchlight; and
Jenna Block, Creative Executive, Escape Artists

6:15 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. Dinner Break

7:00 p.m. Music Showcase, hosted by Hezekiah Walker

Saturday, August 28, 2010

The Wellness Lounge 10:00 a.m. until Noon; 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. (by appointment only)
Private, complimentary retreat sessions that introduce ancient therapies,
innovative treatments such as acupuncture, reflexology, massage therapy, ear
candling, and antioxidant screening. Enjoy up to two treatments per day, all
presented in a warm and relaxing environment and performed by licensed
therapists.

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Morning Inspiration

8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. The Journey of A Legend

Behind-the-scene is a powerful place. Learn secrets and techniques on
developing, fostering and leveraging your personal "brand" towards creating a
legendary career. Join entertainment industry legend Suzanne DePasse as she
retraces the steps of her amazing journey in building careers of such artist as:
The Jackson Five, The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and
others.

10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Leadership Forum

An impactful and provocative session that unites, synergizes, and engages
corporate America, the entertainment industry and the church. Featuring
leaders from entertainment industry, popular brands, and renowned ministries.
Hosted by Monique Nelson Butts, Vice President, Brand Integration and
Entertainment, Uniworld Group, Inc.

10:00 a.m. - 11: 15 a.m. Finance Your Vision

In this special session, learn to create and shape projects that are financially
viable and how to present your material in a way that engages investors.
With John Dellaverson (Producer, Lionsgate), and attorneys Darrell
Thompson and Cedric Watkins

11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Aspiring Actors, It Starts Here!

A special session in mentoring, training, cold reading and audition techniques.
With veteran actress Sheryl Lee Ralph

11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. “Anatomy of An Artist”

Take advantage of these power players to get your questions answered and to get
advice that will help you achieve your goals in the music industry. With Monica
Bacon, President, Sovereign Agency; Warryn Campbell, President, My Block
Records; and Carla Williams, President, FoYoSoul Entertainment

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Luncheon

With performance by special guest Brian Courtney Wilson
2:45 p.m.. - 3:45 p.m. Faith & Sugar: The Michael Elliot Story
Inspired by Michael's romantic comedy "Brown Sugar," a conversation of how
he went from homeless to Hollywood and how faith played in his success. Few
know the story behind how Michael went from reading a book on screenwriting
one weekend, to selling his first script to a major studio - without representation
- for $250,000.

3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Making of A Reality Show

An interactive, Q&A driven session discussing the ins and outs of producing
reality programming. As a bonus, five participants will be selected to pitch their
very own concept for possible development.
With Reality TV super producer James Dubose (Tiny & Toya; Trez Songz My
Moment; Monica Still Standing)

5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. The Glam Squad

A panel on imaging, style, originality and brand creation.
With celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble, celebrity stylist Stacy Gibson and
celebrity photographer Derek Blanks

5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Talent Connection: Agents, Managers and Casting Directors
The right representation is key to your success in Hollywood. Learn what agents
and managers are looking for and get tips on cracking the audition process by
leading casting and talent executives.
With Ayo Davis, Vice President, Casting, ABC Networks; Tracy “Twinkie”
Byrd, President, In the Twink of an Eye Casting; Dee Brathwaite, Talent
Agent, International Creative Management; and Everly Lee, Talent Agent,
APA

6:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. Dinner Break

7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. FREEDOM, The Merge Concert Experience

With Kirk Franklin, J. Moss, Mali Music, Tammi Haddon, and special guests,
The Freedom Travelers

*Panel sessions and times are subject to change