Festival Schedule
9:30 - 11:00 AM EST
Behind the Pitch
HOSTED BY
Sarah Griffin
LOCATION
The Halyard, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
More than just a pitch session, this exclusive gathering is open to Behind the Pitch pass holders and brings together emerging creators and seasoned industry professionals. In a collaborative, supportive setting, attendees present bold new ideas, receive constructive real-time feedback, and forge lasting connections that could shape the next wave of must-watch television.
PRICE
Available to Behind the Pitch pass holders only
11:45 AM EST
Doors Open To All Festival Pass Holders
12:00 PM EST
Indie Pilot Screening Session 1 - What Lies Beneath
featuring
So Dark The Sky and What Haunts Us
moderator
Artistic Director Mike Stern
panelists
Lukáš Hanulák (Director, What Haunts Us)
location
The Library, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
Journey into the darker corners of the human experience with two spine-tingling pilots that blend psychological suspense with striking visual storytelling. Then, stay for a compelling director Q&A that peels back the layers behind each chilling narrative.
PRICE
30$ per ticket
1:30 PM EST
Inside The Actors Studio: Rising Star Award Recipient Christopher Briney
moderator
Dade Hayes from Deadline
location
Piano Bar, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
From breakout fame to navigating rising stardom, Christopher Briney pulls back the curtain on his fast-moving career. In this candid conversation, he’ll reflect on the pivotal moments that launched him, the roles that have defined his voice, and the vision guiding his future on screen. Following the discussion, Christopher will be honored with the North Fork TV Festival's Rising Star Award, an accolade celebrating emerging talent whose performances have captivated audiences and signaled a bold new force in television. Join us as we spotlight a remarkable young actor at the turning point of a thrilling career.
about the actors studio
An exclusive, one-on-one conversation series where top TV talent reveal the real stories behind the screen in an intimate, off-the-cuff setting, where food and beverages are available for guests. Don't miss out on this exclusive backstage pass to the heart of the industry.
2:00 PM EST
PANEL
Creative Collaboration - Casting & Directing for TV
Speakers Craig Zobel, Allison Estrin, Tom Russo
moderator
Kyle Luker, Partner, Industry Entertainment
location
The Library, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
Step inside the creative engine room of television with an all-star panel led by premier talent manager Kyle Luker (Partner, Industry Entertainment). Hear from visionary director Craig Zobel (Penguin, Mare of Easttown, The Leftovers), Emmy-nominated casting director Allison Estrin (Billions, Inventing Anna, Mass), and Emmy-nominated producer Tom Russo (Frasier, Black-ish) as they unpack how great television gets made from casting and shaping standout performances to building iconic shows. This behind-the-scenes conversation reveals the high-level collaboration, instinct, and craft that bring unforgettable stories to life.
PRICE
$30 per ticket
3:00 PM EST
Inside The Actors Studio: Anna Chlumsky
moderator
Gracie Cashman, YES Network Host
location
Piano Bar, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
Emmy-nominated actress Anna Chlumsky reflects on a lifetime in television, sharing the evolution of her career from child star to celebrated performer.
about the actors studio
An exclusive, one-on-one conversation series where top TV talent reveal the real stories behind the screen in an intimate, off-the-cuff setting, where food and beverages are available for guests. Don't miss out on this exclusive backstage pass to the heart of the industry.
4:00 PM EST
Indie Pilot Screening Block #2 - Fierceness in Frame
featuring
$hare and The Rebel Girls
moderator
Artistic Director Mike Stern
panelists
Katja Meier (Creator, Writer and Producer, $hare), Kamila Gazda (Editor and Co-Producer, $hare), and Felicia Henderson (Director, Writer & Producer, The Rebel Girls)
location
The Library, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
Watch bold, uncompromising stories take center stage in this showcase of emerging indie talent. These powerful pilots tackle timely themes with originality and edge - then stay for a conversation with the creators as they share the inspirations, challenges, and bold decisions that brought their visions to life.
PRICE
30$ per ticket
4:30 PM EST
Inside The Actors Studio: Susan Kelechi Watson
moderator
Adrienne White, Actress and Screenwriter
location
Piano Bar, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
Acclaimed for her nuanced performances, Susan Kelechi Watson shares the emotional depth and discipline behind her most celebrated roles. This powerful conversation will explore her commitment to storytelling, the importance of representation, and how she’s helping shape the future of television.
about the actors studio
An exclusive, one-on-one conversation series where top TV talent reveal the real stories behind the screen in an intimate, off-the-cuff setting, where food and beverages are available for guests. Don't miss out on this exclusive backstage pass to the heart of the industry.
7:00 PM EST
RED CARPET
Red Carpet and Opening Night Dinner Honoring
Canopy Award Honoree Christopher Meloni at
The 10th Annual North Fork TV Festival
venue
The Halyard at Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
Step onto the red carpet, strike a pose and toast to an unforgettable evening as we honor this year's Canopy Award Recipient, Christopher Meloni. Enjoy an exclusive three-course dinner curated by the chefs at Sound View Greenport, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Long Island Sound. With local flavors, decadent cocktails, and sparkling conversation among industry luminaries, actors, and special guests, this unforgettable meal is as much about connection as it is about cuisine. It's a true centerpiece of the North Fork TV Festival experience you wont' want to miss.
Tribute to Indie Pilot Screening Winners
Hosted by Artistic Director Mike Stern
DESCRIPTION
A lively, insider look at the inspirations, challenges, and behind-the-scenes moments of this year's standout indie pilots. Join us as we honor the visionary creative teams behind these compelling works with an intimate, celebratory toast to bold, original storytelling that’s pushing the boundaries of television.
Canopy Award Presentation & Conversation: Christopher Meloni
host
Jenn Lyon
moderator
Jenny Maas (Variety)
DESCRIPTION
Join us for an unforgettable and celebratory evening as acclaimed actor Christopher Meloni receives the 2025 Canopy Award, the North Fork TV Festival’s highest honor. This award celebrates a member of the New York television community whose persistence, integrity, and collaborative spirit have elevated diverse storytelling and inspired generations of creative voices.
From his Emmy-nominated performance as Detective Elliot Stabler on Law & Order: SVU to his work reprising that role on Law & Order: Organized Crime to standout roles in Oz, True Blood, Veep, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Pose (among others), Meloni has consistently delivered unforgettable characters with grit, charisma, and emotional depth.
The evening will feature a live, in-depth conversation moderated by Variety’s Jenny Maas and hosted by actress Jenn Lyon, followed by an audience Q&A. Don’t miss this exclusive tribute to a television icon whose career continues to shape the television industry.
10:00 PM EST
After Party with Live Performance by Juna N Joey
location
Piano Bar, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
Keep the momentum going with a high-energy end to opening night at the official afterparty. Enjoy a vibrant live performance by rising country-pop duo Juna N Joey, sip cocktails by the Sound, and unwind in style with fellow guests and talent. With music, conversation, and a relaxed waterfront vibe, it's the perfect nightcap to an exhilarating first day at the festival.
PRICE
Complimentary for Dinner Guests
9:30 - 11:00 AM EST
Behind the Pitch
HOSTED BY
Sarah Griffin
LOCATION
The Halyard, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
A second session for Behind the Pitch pass holders, offering another opportunity to present fresh, bold concepts to leading TV professionals. This energizing morning is designed to help creators fine-tune their pitches, receive real-time industry feedback, and build the kind of connections that fuel careers and greenlight great television.
PRICE
Available to Behind the Pitch pass holders only
11:45 AM EST
Doors Open To All Festival Pass Holders
12:00 PM EST
PANEL
Inside the Minds of TV Showrunners: Speakers Joshua Brand &
Frank Pugliese
MODERATOR
Roy Ashton, Partner Gersh Agency
location
The Library, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
Take a front-row seat as Roy Ashton pulls back the curtain with Emmy, Golden Globe winner Joshua Brand, co-creator of legendary tv show St. Elsewhere plus A Year in the Life, Northern Exposure, I’ll Fly Away, and Going to Extremes. Together Roy and Joshua will discuss how influential showrunners are shaping the golden age of television. From developing high-concept ideas to navigating networks, writers' rooms, and casting, this session offers an unfiltered look at the creative hustle behind every hit TV show.
PRICE
$30 per ticket
12:30 PM EST
Inside The Actors Studio: Richard Kind
moderator
Elias Plagianos, Producer and Director
location
Piano Bar, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
With a career spanning decades and genres, Richard Kind shares the moments that shaped his most iconic roles, the lessons learned from comedy and drama alike, and what keeps him passionate about performance. Packed with laughter, insight, and a few surprises, this Actors Studio session is not to be missed.
about the actors studio
An exclusive, one-on-one conversation series where top TV talent reveal the real stories behind the screen in an intimate, off-the-cuff setting, where food and beverages are available for guests. Don't miss out on this exclusive backstage pass to the heart of the industry.
2:00 PM EST
Indie Pilot Screening Block #3 - A Mind for Murder
featuring
Settle and Hit Man: Secrets of Lies
moderator
Artistic Director Mike Stern
panelists
Elias Plagianos (Director, Writer & Producer, Hit Man: Secret of Lies), Richard Kind (Lead Actor, Hit Man: Secret of Lies)
location
The Library, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
Step into the shadows with A Mind for Murder, where chilling mysteries and psychological twists keep you guessing until the very end. Experience two gripping pilots that blur the lines between truth and deception, followed by an exclusive filmmaker Q&A that unravels the creative secrets behind these unforgettable stories.
PRICE
30$ per ticket
2:30 PM EST
Inside The Actors Studio: Jenn Lyon
moderator
Ken Biberaj, Coffee with Ken
location
Piano Bar, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
Known for her fearless, emotionally rich performances, Jenn Lyon opens up about the personal and professional choices that have shaped her career. In this intimate conversation, she’ll discuss the drive to tell authentic stories and her journey through the evolving entertainment industry.
about the actors studio
An exclusive, one-on-one conversation series where top TV talent reveal the real stories behind the screen in an intimate, off-the-cuff setting, where food and beverages are available for guests. Don't miss out on this exclusive backstage pass to the heart of the industry.
4:00 PM EST
Inside The Actors Studio: Breakout Performance Award Recipient
Tramell Tillman
moderator
Jenny Maas, Senior Business Writer, Variety
location
The Library, Sound View Greenport
DESCRIPTION
From commanding the stage to captivating the screen, Tramell Tillman shares the artistic journey that led to his breakout television success. Discover how his theatrical roots, disciplined approach, and emotional depth have fueled the performances that made him a standout on today's most talked-about series. Following the conversation, Tramell will be presented with the North Fork TV Festival's Breakout Performance Award—an honor recognizing rising talent whose performance has captivated audiences and defined a moment in television.
about the actors studio
An exclusive, one-on-one conversation series where top TV talent reveal the real stories behind the screen in an intimate, off-the-cuff setting, where food and beverages are available for guests. Don't miss out on this exclusive backstage pass to the heart of the industry.
6:00 PM EST
Closing Night Party
venue
Greenport Brewery
LOCATION
234 Carpenter Street, Greenport NY 11944
DESCRIPTION
Close out the North Fork TV Festival in style at the Greenport Brewery Tap Room's exclusive cocktail celebration. From 6PM to 9PM, enjoy a relaxed, festive atmosphere with one complimentary drink ticket, light bites, and great company. With local hospitality on full display, this lively evening is the perfect capstone to two unforgettable days of storytelling, talent, and connection.
PRICE
Complimentary Admission
