Warner Bros. Discovery unveils 2024 class for unscripted TV showrunner program
A new wave of talent in unscripted television
Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the 2024 cohort for its second annual WBD Access Unlock Unscripted pipeline program, aimed at nurturing diverse, mid-level producers poised to become the next generation of unscripted TV showrunners. This year, the program has expanded significantly, welcoming thirteen producers from the US, Canada, the UK, and the APAC region, tripling the size of last year’s inaugural class.
An immersive week in New York
Participants embarked on a weeklong intensive in New York from August 23-29, engaging in a series of special events and programming from WBD’s suite of brands. The week was packed with workshops, panels, and networking opportunities designed to enhance their knowledge and skills across all stages of unscripted content production, from development to post-production. Returning partners such as Food Network, HGTV, OWN, and TLC were joined by new collaborators like Magnolia Network, Warner Bros. Unscripted Television, and Wall to Wall (UK).
New additions to the program
This year, the program introduced a private, two-day Avid editing workshop and provided each participant with a mentor—an established showrunner who will guide them over the next year. This mentorship aims to offer personalized insights and support, helping participants navigate the complexities of high-level production roles.
Engaging with industry leaders
The cohort had the opportunity to interact with industry executives and talent, including Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt, hosts of HGTV’s 100 Day Dream Home, Warner Bros. head of food content Betsy Ayala, and Food Network chef Jet Tila. A day at the Food Network included a tour of the famous Food Network Kitchen and hands-on cooking demos with culinary producers, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the network’s operations.
Meet the 2024 participants
The 2024 Access Unlock Unscripted Program includes a diverse group of talented producers:
- Tobi Abdul (“The Great Canadian Baking Show,” “Shine True”)
- Courtney Branch (“Dr. Phil,” “The Millennial”)
- Christopher Collins (“Married at First Sight,” “Sweet Life”)
- Jack Fox (“Farming for Love,” “History’s Most Haunted”)
- Jidi Guo (“Brain Fog,” “Behind the Belt”)
- Taylor Henriquez (Buzzfeed’s “Tasty,” “Christmas Cookie Showdown”)
- Mikaela King (“The Enchanted Rose,” “Gym Stars”)
- Danielle Latty (“Maine Cabin Masters,” “What Drives You With John Cena”)
- Meaghan Mascorro (“Little People, Big World,” “Outdaughtered”)
- Priscilla Rubio (“Flipping Showdown,” “Where We Call Home”)
- Oluwatoyin Salami (“Unfaithful,” “Real Housewives of Atlanta”)
- Rajveer Sihota (“Life and Birth,” “Anni: The Honeymoon Murder”)
- Ken Tsui (“First One in the Water,” “Woolly Mammoth”)
Success stories from the inaugural class
Last year’s Unlock Unscripted program saw participants placed in elevated roles on shows like Food Network’s Tournament of Champions, TLC’s Before the 90 Days, and HGTV’s House Hunters International. WBD Access aims to continue this trend, with this year’s graduates being considered for staffing on WBD’s unscripted shows.
Reflections from industry insiders
Chef Jet Tila expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “I am so glad I got to meet this next generation of producers and show them behind the scenes of my home away from home, Food Network. They have what it takes to excel in this business, and I have no doubt that I will be working with them soon.”
Grace Moss, vice president of DEI Pipeline Programs for Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighted the importance of unscripted programming within the WBD ecosystem. “Unscripted programming is an important part of the WBD ecosystem, and it is wonderful to kick off another year of Unlock Unscripted in collaboration with beloved brands like Food Network and HGTV,” she said.
Looking ahead
The WBD Access Unlock Unscripted pipeline program continues to be a beacon for emerging talent in the unscripted television industry. By providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, Warner Bros. Discovery is not only fostering the next generation of showrunners but also enriching the landscape of unscripted TV with diverse and innovative voices.