Celebrating Creative Voices: A Summit for the Future of Storytelling

Setting the Stage for Innovation

On September 17th, Los Angeles will play host to a transformative event in the entertainment world: Variety's Entertainment & Technology Summit, presented by EY. This year's gathering promises to be one of the most compelling yet, with a lineup of luminaries from across the creative spectrum. From actors and comedians to music supervisors and executives from major media companies, the summit aims to illuminate how technology is redefining storytelling for the next generation.

"We're entering a new era where AI is transforming how content is created, discovered, monetized and experienced," said Vamsi Duvvuri, EY Americas Technology, Media & Entertainment and Telecommunications AI Leader. "What excites me most is the opportunity to help creators and media companies get more value from their IP, tell richer stories, and create more personal relationships with audiences. We're moving beyond simply watching content to experiencing it across digital and physical worlds."

The summit's theme—"The Future of Storytelling"—reflects our collective journey into an era where narratives no longer exist in isolation but rather inhabit the intersection of human creativity and technological innovation. It's a space where tradition meets transformation, where legacy creators are reimagining their craft for tomorrow.

A Gathering of Vanguards

Among the most anticipated panelists is Owen Thiele, whose acclaimed podcast "In Your Dreams" has captured audiences with its intimate exploration of personal stories and cultural moments. As a host who seamlessly weaves together humor, introspection, and insight, Thiele brings a unique lens to discussions about storytelling in the digital age.

Joining him are Este Haim, musician, composer, and music supervisor whose musical genius has enriched countless projects—from film soundtracks to award-winning TV shows. Kate Berlant, Lisa Gilroy, and Joel Kim Booster represent another wave of comedic brilliance and narrative strength that defines modern entertainment.

Their panel, titled "Storytelling Vanguards," will delve into how today's most dynamic creators are navigating the shifting tides of content consumption. They'll share their perspectives on where the future of storytelling lies—whether in serialized television, podcasting, interactive media, or even artificial intelligence-generated narratives.

Leaders from the Frontlines

The summit isn't just about voices in creative industries—it's also a platform for those shaping business strategies and global media landscapes. Nancy Hall, U.S. CEO of WPP Media, and Liz Jenkins, chief business officer of NBCUniversal Entertainment, will contribute insights on how major corporations are leveraging technology to reach new audiences.

In addition, industry heavyweights like Jeremy Helfand, Global VP of Prime Video Advertising at Amazon; Marie Marks, SVP of global experiences at Paramount; and Darren Abbott, president of Hallmark Media, will join discussions about the evolving TV business. These conversations are crucial as streaming services continue to redefine how content is consumed, monetized, and distributed worldwide.

One particularly exciting session, "The Future of IRL: Trends in Event and Experiential Entertainment," brings together leaders from Mattel, EY Americas, and SEGA Brands. The panel explores how physical experiences are being reimagined for the digital age—offering a rare look at the emerging frontier where entertainment meets immersive environments.

Stories Beyond Screens

Perhaps most telling of all is the summit's commitment to exploring what lies beyond traditional screen-based narratives. With panels on "When Stories Speak: Reaching Audiences in the Next Era of Entertainment," and "Titans of Innovation Roundtable," we're not just discussing technology—we're examining how storytelling itself is evolving.

The inclusion of speakers like Billy Parks from FOX Creator Studios and Christina Kothari from Reddit signals an understanding that tomorrow's storytellers must be agile, adaptive, and deeply attuned to real-time audience interaction. These leaders will discuss initiatives that push the boundaries of content creation, from AI-powered personalization to live-streamed experiences that blur the line between performer and audience.

Creating a Legacy

What strikes me most about this gathering is its underlying purpose: honoring the voices that have shaped culture while embracing those who will define the next chapter. This summit isn't just a conference—it's a tribute to storytelling itself, recognizing that creativity thrives not in isolation but through collaboration across disciplines.

As we move deeper into an age where AI and machine learning are increasingly integral to content production, it becomes more important than ever to preserve the human element in narrative. These conversations, these stories shared among creators, technologists, and executives, remind us why storytelling matters so deeply—because it connects us all.

Join us at Variety's Entertainment & Technology Summit on September 17th as we celebrate the enduring power of story, and explore how it will evolve in our rapidly changing world. Whether you're a creator, investor, or simply someone who loves great narratives, this is an event that should not be missed.