Variety True Crime Summit

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM CT

Keynote Conversation with Nancy Grace, Journalist and Host, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Nancy Grace - Journalist and Host, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

10:30 AM - 11:10 AM CT

Masters of Investigative Reporting

Valerie Bauerlein - National Affairs Reporter, Wall Street Journal
Karolina Waclawiak - Head of Documentary, BuzzFeed Studios
Elizabeth Chambers - Host and Executive Producer, Toxic
Tyson Wrensch - Citizen Detective, (True Crime Presents: American Hustlers, Dateline NBC)
Andrew Goldman - Journalist, Writer and Creator, Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder
Natalie Morales - Correspondent, 48 Hours

What does it take to translate true crime events into a compelling narrative for audiences?
What are the latest trends in investigative work – from collaborating with law enforcement to engaging audiences for tips?

11:10 AM - 11:40 AM CT

How ID’s Docbusters are Redefining the True Crime Genre

Jason Sarlanis - President, TNT, TBS, TruTV, ID & HLN, Linear & Streaming, Warner Bros. Discovery
Mary Robertson - Founder & President, Maxine Productions
Christina Douglas - CEO & Founder, Momentum Content
Elli Hakami - Principal, Talos Films

An exploration of Investigation Discovery’s (ID) programming strategy ‘Docbuster,’ which is redefining what an event level documentary can be: informative, impactful, and urgent, yet rooted in empathy and shaped by the voices most affected. Hear from the minds behind such breakout hits like Quiet on Set, House of Hammer, The Fall of Diddy, The Cult Behind the Killer, the Lost Women franchise, and many more. Find out how ID develops and executes a forward-thinking approach to true crime storytelling – and shine a spotlight on the women who are redefining the true crime genre.

11:40 AM - 12:00 PM CT

Networking Break

12:00 PM - 12:25 PM CT

Fireside Chat with John Allen (MrBallen) Host, Strange, Dark and Mysterious Stories

John Allen (MrBallen) - Host & Creator, MrBallen's Strange, Dark, & Mysterious Stories

12:25 PM - 1:05 PM CT

The Booming Business of True Crime Storytelling

Jonathan Hirsch - VP, Global Podcasts, Sony Music Entertainment (Host, Dear Franklin)
Kate Navin - Head of Creative Development, North America, Audible
Eric Sandler - Chief Strategy Officer, Pushkin Industries
David Karabinas - Co-Founder & CEO, Texas Crew Productions

An exploration of the booming popularity of the true crime genre for the entertainment industry. What are strategies to continue to connect with audiences - as the field becomes more crowded, how are media leaders looking at ways to continue to break through?

1:05 PM - 1:25 PM CT

Closer Look at “The Red Weather”

Rider Strong - Actor, Filmmaker and Podcaster

Go behind the scenes of this podcast created by Rider Strong (Boy Meets World, Cabin Fever) blending a personal real-life narrative with a fictional true-crime mystery.

1:25 PM - 1:45 PM CT

Empowering Fans of True Crime

Hooman Shahidi - Chief Product Officer, SimpliSafe

Find out about state-of-the-art innovations to protect yourself at home, from a home security company often consulted with on high-profile criminal investigations. Learn about the future of proactive crime prevention.

1:45 PM - 2:25 PM CT

Breaking Through: True Crime at SXSW

Chloé Rochereuil - Director, Crafting Crimes: The Mona Lisa Heist
Bayan Joonam - Director, Phoenix Jones: The Rise and Fall of a Real Life Superhero
Rachel Mason - Director, My Brother’s Killer
Sidney Fussell - Director, While Black
Jennifer Holness - Director, While Black
Patricia E. Gillespie - Director, #Skyking

A look at top true crime projects premiering at SXSW. What true crime will be talking about through 2026?

2:25 PM - 3:05 PM CT

True Crime TV Fan Favorites

Jane Lipsitz - Co-Founder, Alfred Street Industries, and Executive Producer, Homicide: LA and Homicide: NY
Patrick MacManus - Executive Producer, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy
Michael D. Fuller - Showrunner, Murdaugh: Death in the Family
Beth Karas - Host and Legal Analyst, Curious Case of..
Kevin Fitzpatrick - Executive Producer, Evil Lives Here
Donald Albright - CEO, Tenderfoot TV

A look at the hottest true crime series that continue to make waves with audiences. How are producers deciding on the topics to pursue? How are they balancing getting to the truth and considering respect for victims’ families? Leading producers of true crime share how they creatively shape their stories.

Agenda