After helping launch the hit comedy series “Workaholics” and building a career selling television and film projects in Hollywood, why did showrunner and AI story consultant Connor Pritchard decide the future of storytelling might lie outside the traditional studio system?
With only a small fraction of Hollywood projects now based on original ideas, can AI open the door to a new era of independent filmmaking and creative freedom? Will AI become an engine for endless addictive content—or a tool that democratizes storytelling and gives new voices access to filmmaking for the first time? What happens when creators no longer need $100 million budgets to build expansive sci-fi and fantasy worlds? How are actors, writers, and producers reacting to the rise of generative AI? Could the next great franchise emerge from a garage rather than a studio lot? And is Hollywood destined to become a curator of legacy intellectual property while innovation shifts to independent creators?
In this conversation, Pritchard explores the changing economics of entertainment, the collapse of traditional development models, the promise and risks of AI-powered storytelling, and why he believes the next wave of creative breakthroughs may come from outside the gates of Hollywood.
“The TVOT Show provides ample opportunities to meet industry leaders in a relaxing and intimate setting while learning about the important issues and changes that are driving our industry. Tracy does a great job of ensuring attendees can meet, speak, and connect without feeling rushed off to the next session. I’ve spoken on panels over the past few years and cannot say enough positive things about Tracy’s organization and support. She does an incredible job and is always available to talk and help connect people. Needless to say, our team has TVOT on our annual must-attend event list.”
Brian Kline / President
“Thank you for putting on such a great conference for our industry. It was an honor to participate. And valuable to hear from our industry peers on such important topics. It felt intimate and the space was fantastic! “
Andrea Zapata / Head of Research, Data and Insights
“Another fantastic TVOT event you, and the team ran – bravo!”
Inderpreet Sandhu / Head of TV Ads Platform
“Thanks for inviting me to the TVOT show this year. It was great to be with people and I found the panels enlightening (as always).”
Reed Barker / Head of Advertising
“Amazingly great event as always. “
Zane Vella / Co-Founder
“It was a Great event, lots of informative panels, networking and a spectacular location. “
Liz Huszarik / Former Chief Research Officer
“It was a cool after party, and a really nice chance to chat to a few people I hadn’t yet met. Thank you, you have a great community at TVOT!”
Pip Brignall / Co-Founder & CCO
“What a wonderful TVOT you put together. I really enjoyed the speakers, content, networking, venue…the whole deal!”
Rick Ducey / Managing Director
“Congratulations on an incredible event. Really enjoyed being a part of it,”
Sarah Bolton / EVP of Business Intelligence
“I love visiting and participating in your events. The panels, people, and groups were mostly spot-on and beyond informative, plus, I made a few good connections that will likely yield new opportunities for our team. “
Jae Scarborough / VP of Enterprise and Channel Sales
“I really enjoyed the event. Thank you.”
Marcien Jenckes / President of Advertising
“Enjoyed the conversation and certainly made a few connections that I think will have some value to Philo in the future.”
Nii Addy / CMO
“Fantastic as always.”
Mark Garner / EVP Content Sales, Licensing and Business Development
“Super event this year! The topics where spot on and the discussions informative and fresh.”
Anne Schelle / Managing Director
“Everything was so well organized.”
Sona Pehlivanian / VP of Addressable Campaign Management
“We get a lot of great contacts and a lot of great opportunities that come out of participating in your events.”
Steve Reynolds / President
“We have partnered with TVOT for several years now and have had a great experience. From panel development and promotional elements through to day-of readiness, Tracy and her team were helpful, accommodating and very responsive. We look forward to more collaborations in the future.”
Marianne Vita / SVP, Director of Integrated Strategy & Marketing
“TVOT makes me happy!”
Zane Vella / VP of Product, Interactivity and Advertising
“I appreciated you having me as a panelist for the conference. Very professionally done and it was a great conversation.”
Andrew Flemming / COO
“You guys do a terrific job of organizing, curating, and enlightening the industry..plus it was fun!”
Jeffrey Imberman / Head of Sales and Brand Partnerships
“It was incredibly smoothly organized.”
Liz Corbin / Deputy Director Media and Head of News
“I did enjoy participating at TVOT.”
Evan Nisselson / General Partner
“The show has been really really impressive! Not easy to pull all this off. Platform looks great. The whole interface is great! Nicely done!!! “
Adam Ware / Vice-President and General Manager National Networks and Platforms
“We truly appreciate the opportunity that you gave us [ at TVOT ].”
Joanna Drews / Co-Founder & CEO
49 Sessions on AI, Streaming, Advertising, Measurement and Media Innovation Missed a session? Want to revisit a conversation that sparked new ideas? Audio recordings from
Here are the photos from the sessions, now available for social media use. Original high-resolution images are also available for an additional fee. Please
We are proud to announce the Corporate Winners of the 22nd Annual ITVT/TVOT Awards for Leadership in Interactive and Multiplatform Television. These prestigious awards honor
THE SWEDLOW SHOW with Tracy Swedlow
Monday June 15, 2026
Interviewed at the @magnific_ai Upscale conference May 2026. After helping launch the hit comedy series “Workaholics” and building a career selling television and film projects
More
Friday Fireside with Rick Howe
Friday June 12, 2026
On this week’s Friday Fireside, we invited Origin Media Co-Founder and CEO, Fred Godfrey, to join us with his unique blend of humor and cutting
More
