In Person: TV Hosting / Personal Branding / Unscripted Weekend Connection with Leila Sbitani, TV Host/Media Coach and Risa Tanania, Casting Director / Producer, The House That Casting Built PLUS Showcase to our HUGE PANEL!

Saturday, December 2, 2023, 10am ET / 7am PT

TWO DAY SPECIAL EVENT! Saturday, Dec 2 - 10am - 4pm & Sunday, Dec 3 - 10am - 5pm

Location: 

Saturday 12/2: Pearl Studios at 519 Eighth Ave, Studio G (12th Floor)

Sunday 12/3: Pearl Studios at 519 Eighth Ave, Studio B (12th Floor)

Showcase to our HUGE Panel of TV Host/Broadcast Talent Agents and Casting Directors!

Do You Want to be a TV Host, Broadcaster, or On-Air Expert? Do You Have an Idea for a Great New Show or Segment?

The TV Host / TV Expert Connection Weekend is the best way to learn today's current trends in broadcast and digital hosting, on camera technique, and connect with the movers and shakers in the Hosting & Broadcasting World.

This exclusive on-camera workshop offers a unique experience for aspiring TV Hosts, Digital Influencers and TV experts to network with others, perfect their craft in a positive, supportive environment and be coached TV Host and Media Coach Leila Sbitani. Joined by TV Host Casting Director - Risa Tanania on day two of the training event. 

Some of Risa's favorite shows to cast have been Dating Around on Netflix, Coming Out on Snapchat, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for ABC and the Origin of Everything on PBS. Her office specializes in hosts, brand ambassadors, contestants and all around authenticity in the landscape we call TV.  

You'll have TWO full days to polish your hosting skills, discover your brand, learn how to work with audition scripts, co-host banter, and write show copy.  You also learn how to improve your audition skills to book TV hosting jobs and/or establish yourself as a on-air expert. You'll come up with your own show or segment concept and we'll help you prepare to bring it to life on Sunday in front of some of NY's top Hosting Agents, Casting Directors and talent executives.

Top Host and Media Coach Leila Sbitani and Casting Director Risa Tanania will mentor you with their extensive knowledge and unique coaching styles. They will focus on the essentials of hosting, connecting with your audience, discovering what sets you apart from the competition, and finding your dynamic presence in front of the camera.

This exclusive on-camera workshop offers a unique experience to network, pitch yourself, and perfect your craft in a positive and supportive environment.

The weekend will culminate with a showcase to a panel of FIVE incredible Television Broadcast Talent Agents and TV Casting Directors.The showcase will begin with your ON CAMERA show or segment pitch in front of the panel, followed by their feedback.  After everyone has showcased their work, there will be a Q & A where you'll have YOUR chance to ask specific questions all about the TV hosting/broadcast industry. 

Confirmed guests include:

- Matt Trierweiler, Casting Director, Original Programming & Development, HGTV - FIRST TIME GUEST!

- Brett Bennett, Agent, A3 Artists Agency - FIRST TIME GUEST!

- Anthony Lucente, Casting Director, The House That Casting Built

- Seth Mayeri, Agent, Napoli Management Group / Division of Paradigm Media 

- Risa Tanania, Casting Director, The House That Casting Built

Advice and feedback will be brilliant and will immediately affect your audition results.
 

Please note that this in person two day event will be at:

Pearl Studios NYC

You will be emailed your assigned studio the morning of your event.

Pearl Studios has two addresses:

500 8th Avenue, 3rd and 4th floors
and across the street
519 8th Avenue, 12th floor
(between 35th and 36th)

All studios labeled with numbers are at 500 8th Avenue, 3rd and 4th floors.
All studios labeled with letters are at 519 8th Avenue, 12th floor.

WHAT TO PREPARE:

Please follow the procedures listed below:

• Please update your headshot and fill out the MY INFO section of your AC account upon registration.

• The room will be open 30 minutes before the event is scheduled to start. Please arrive at least 10 MINUTES before your event begins as your host will give important information about the event at this time.

Additional Information:

Our online office hours are 9am-6pm Monday-Friday

If you have an emergency for a class you are participating in outside of these hours, please email help@actorsconnection.com and your host will be able to respond.

**No recording of any kind is permitted by participants during class.**

**Actors Connection classes and programming are for ADULTS (18+). Unless it is disclosed above, with permission, some teens (14+) are allowed to take adult programming. To inquire about getting permission, please send an email to: info@actorsconnection.com**

**Please keep in mind that all programs at Actors Connection are for educational and professional development purposes. Participating in any class or event is not a promise of employment.**

Leila Sbitani

Leila Sbitani is a TV Host/Media Coach who has hosted a wide variety of TV Shows that have taken her all over the world and enabled her to work with numerous celebrities, including (most recently), Jennifer Lawrence, Hugh Jackman, Mark Wahlberg, and Jamie Foxx. Leila has hosted on Entertainment Tonight, E!, Style, WE, Metro TV, Oxgen, Nick@Nite, TV Land and many more. She also has extensive experience as an actress in film, theater, commercials, voice-overs and industrials. Leila has been working as a media coach and teacher for over 15 years, teaching master classes at Colleges, Universities, High schools, and workshops in New York City. She also works with several production companies, networks, PR firms and independently takes on clients for private coaching. Leila has coached talent that have appeared on various networks including The Dr. Oz Show, The Today Show, VHI, BET, HGTV, NBC, CBS, FX, and Universal Kids. Check out Leila's website for more info: leilasbitani.com

Check out Leila's YouTube Channel for tons of valuable tips on TV Hosting

Check out Leila's Hosting Demo:

Testimonials:

"Leila goes beyond the nuts and bolts to instill in her students and clients the secrets of an on-air presence. They say that can't be taught, but amazingly, this woman can teach it."-Victoria Moran Host Main Street Vegan, Peta's Sexiest Vegan Over 50

"Leila taught me how being on camera, like many other things in life, is a learned skill. A skill that is best nurtured by someone who gets it. She gets it. Leila's easy laid back approach helped build my confidence without me feeling flustered or intimidated. This is one of the best things I did to jumpstart my career!"
-Tyler Wisler, Interior Designer / On-Air Expert

"Leila does a really great job at finding what makes each person a unique host, it's not just a one size fits all class. She takes the time to understand you, what you have to offer and helps you showcase it!"
-Callie Bundy Fitness Model / On-Air Personality

"Leila has taught me how to connect with my audience on camera. Even after public speaking for more than two decades, I sure had a lot to learn about being in front of the camera. Leila helps you rediscover your most authentic self and to be more engaging, entertaining, and worthy of your audience's attention. She's awesome and I highly recommend you connect with her in any way possible."
-Bill Carmody, "The Marketing Whisperer" CEO of Trepoint

Risa Tanania

Risa Tanania is the owner and co-founder of The House that Casting Built (est. 2011) – a successful, boutique casting company that focuses on diversity, inclusivity and representation for large scale, unscripted television on platforms like HBO, Bravo, AMC and TBS.

Some of her favorite shows to cast have been Dating Around on Netflix, Coming Out on Snapchat, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for ABC and the Origin of Everything on PBS. The House specializes in hosts, brand ambassadors, contestants and all around authenticity in the landscape we call TV.

Anthony Lucente

With 20 years of experience, Anthony has worked in all facets of the television industry. From production to writing to development and casting in both scripted and unscripted platforms. For the last 11 years, he's been co-owner and Supervising Casting Director at The House that Casting Built which is a boutique casting house for all things authentic, including non-scripted TV series, development casting, hosts/experts, ad campaigns, commercials, brand ambassadors as well as celebrity bookings. They find real people with real stories and pair them beautifully with international brands.

Seth Mayeri

Seth serves as both a talent agent and the head of Napoli’s New York City office. He has been representing talent in sports, TV news and entertainment for 28 years.

Seth began his career in 1993 at Athletes and Artists, a prominent boutique management firm that represented high-profile broadcasters and professional athletes. He remained an agent with the company as it grew to become Marquee Group and eventually SFX. Seth left SFX in 2005 and soon after he founded Evolution Media Talent with several business partners.

Seth focuses on representing talent in network, cable, regional and local TV markets, as well as hosts, correspondents, and analysts for established and emerging digital outlets.  He has launched the careers of numerous prominent television personalities.

Seth resides in New York City with his wife and daughter.

Matt Trierweiler

Matt Trierweiler serves as Director of Original Programming and Development for HGTV. In this role, he is responsible for supervising current series, developing new projects and talent.  

Since joining HGTV in 2017 he has executive produced multiple original series including Fixer to Fabulous, Windy City Rehab, Maine Cabin Masters, Married to Real Estate, and Ugliest Home in America. He has overseen 67 seasons and over 700 episodes of content in his time at the WBD network.  

Prior to joining Warner Bros Discovery, he was VP of Program Development at CMT.  

Trierweiler is a graduate of Michigan State University. 

Brett Bennett

Brett Bennett, a dedicated member of the Unscripted Department, at A3 Artists Agency, discovered his passion for talent representation while studying at The Ohio State University, where he managed a friend's music career. After graduating, Brett began his agency career at ICM Partners and later smoothly transitioned to A3 Artists Agency following the CAA-ICM merger.

Brett's expertise lies in Unscripted TV, particularly in talent and sports broadcasting. He also plays a role in the digital division, where he secures and negotiates major brand deals across various departments. Known for his commitment to clients and a keen eye for talent, Brett is making his mark in the entertainment industry. His dedication to nurturing talent and creating opportunities has made him an invaluable member of the A3 Artists Agency team, serving both the agency and the talents he represents with integrity and skill.