Fall 2025 “Made in NY” Talks

Signature Series with Focus on Job Opportunities for New Yorkers Returns; Full Schedule Available at https://www.centerforcommunication.org/calendar

The NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) is pleased to announce the Fall 2025 schedule for the “Made in NY” Talks series. Presented in partnership with the Center for Communication, the series brings together industry leaders to share insights, information and news with New Yorkers looking to work in the media and entertainment industries. The talks are in-person, free and open to the public.

Fall 2025 panels include:

Execs and the City: Meet the Producers Behind HBO’s And Just Like That 
Monday, October 6, 6:30 to 8:00 PM 
SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues) 
Longtime collaborators Elisa Zuritsky and Julie Rottenberg have worked behind the scenes of Sex and the City, Smash, Odd Mom Out, and most recently And Just Like That. Hear about how they first came to work on Sex and the City, their writing process, and what they love about seeing their characters come to life in front of the iconic backdrop of NYC. Moderated by Raeshem Nijhon, Founder and Executive Producer, Culture House (Black Twitter: A People’s History; The Hair Tales).

RSVP to attend Execs and the City: Meet the Producers Behind HBO’s And Just Like That

Where the Jobs Are: Sports Media 
Tuesday, October 21, 6:00 to 7:30 PM 
SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues) 
The business of professional sports offers many different pathways to a media career, from reporting, producing, and podcasting to marketing, management, and licensing. Hear from top flight pros about how they followed their passion and got their start in this dynamic media arena.

Panelists:

• David Hollander, Assistant Dean of Real World, NYU School of Professional Studies; Clinical Professor, Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport
• Jon McLeod, Multimedia Producer & Chairman of ESPN T.R.U.S.T., ESPN
• Dana Nathanson, Director, Strategy, Initiative, Nike

Other panelists to be announced

RSVP to attend Where the Jobs Are: Sports Media

Navigating the Infodemic: Public Safety, Health & the Environment 
Monday, October 27, 6:00 to 7:30 PM 
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, 7 Stories Up, 455 Fifth Avenue 
Social media allows anyone to dole out dubious advice on climate change and other vital areas of health and safety. With medical and science information readily available, it’s easy to be vulnerable to misinformation and be put at risk, especially when the message is fear-based. A panel of experts shares how reliable scientific studies and public health information can successfully reach the public and counteract the torrent of disinformation. Learn how you might find meaningful media career opportunities in this crucial area of public discourse.

Panelists:

• Melanie Evans, Reporter & Producer, Tradeoffs
• Dr. Andrea Love, Immunologist and Microbiologist; Author, Immunologic
• Kyle Pope, Co-founder, Covering Climate Now

Moderator: Micah Loewinger, Co-Host, On the Media

Other panelists to be announced

Registration opens soon

Life Stories: The Art of Unscripted Programming 
Monday, November 3, 6:30 to 8:00 PM 
Fordham University, McNally Amphitheater, 140 W 62nd Street 
From dating and drag competitions to real estate and commercial fishing, contemporary life offers a virtually unlimited supply of subjects for unscripted entertainment. But why do some topics work better than others—and how do creators of unscripted shows turn audiences into devoted fans. Hear from top producers of unscripted programs about how they turn real people and everyday events into compelling characters and engaging storylines, what work roles are involved, and where you can find opportunities to break in.

Panelists:

• Brian Balthazar, Founder and Executive Producer, Balthazar Entertainment

Other panelists to be announced

RSVP to attend Life Stories: The Art of Unscripted Programming

How to Succeed Solo: Freelance Media Careers
Thursday, November 13, 6:30 to 8:00 PM 
BRIC Arts Media, 647 Fulton Street, Brooklyn 
While landing a full-time job is the primary goal for many early-career professionals, freelance work can be an equally viable and fulfilling pathway—particularly for careers in media. Hear from independent contractors and other freelance media workers about the risks and advantages of self-employment and how to know when you’re ready to go it alone.

Panelists:

• Rafael Espinal, Executive Director, Freelancers Union
• Tim Herrera, Editor, Freelancing with Tim

Moderator: Syreeta Gates, Archivist & Founder, Most Incredible Studio

Other panelists to be announced

RSVP to attend How to Succeed Solo: Freelance Media Careers

Previous “Made in NY” Talks can be viewed on MOME’s website here.