New York Festivals Television & Film Awards Grand Jury 2020 Interview profiles prominent award-winning Broadcast executives from around the globe. As industry leaders, they understand the elements that go into creating compelling award-winning nonfiction content.

Brian Lockhart currently serves as vice president ESPN+ Original Content and ESPN Films. He is responsible for overseeing strategy and development for all ESPN+ original programming initiatives, including new projects as well as existing shows. Prior to his role at ESPN, Brian was vice president and executive producer of Original Content for NFL Media. He was responsible for overseeing the development and production of a wide array of content on multiple platforms, from long-form documentary series to digital media ventures and features. Among the highlights of his tenure were digital/broadcast hybrid projects that earned him three of his eight career Emmy Awards: the groundbreaking multi-platform experience JFK: The Untold Story of That Day in Dallas and the digital series The NFL Season: A Biography. 

NYF: Where do you see the industry evolving in the next 5 years? 

Brian M. Lockhart: The next half-decade is a big blank canvas - and that's the fun part. I believe that those who are able to learn, adapt, and be flexible will find themselves in the best position to do great things in a rapidly changing industry.

NYF: What are the biggest challenges facing content creators in today’s world? 

Brian M. Lockhart: Technology has made everyone a filmmaker - but not everyone is a storyteller. The biggest challenge today is differentiating yourself - showing the world a distinguished, unique point of view.

NYF: What would you love to do as your next project? 

Brian M. Lockhart: I love working with storytellers, those who really have something to say. What excites me is less about a specific project, and more about how to collaborate with storytellers in new and innovative ways - from new formats to encouraging points of view and perspectives that we haven't seen before."

For more information or to enter the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards, please visit: www.newyorkfestivals.com/tvfilm/ or view the 2019 Winners Showcase.