Business

Emmy-nominated Sean Evans will give a behind-the-scenes view of how he fired up the celebrity interview show Hot Ones to become a cultural phenomenon when he takes the Main Stage at the 2024 NAB Show.

Hot Ones, which features celebrities interviewed by Evans as they progressively work their way through a lineup of increasingly hot wings, has more than 300 episodes, 9-million followers and hundreds of millions of views. Evans will discuss the creation and rise of Hot Ones, core creative choices, the business behind the wings and his personal interview process.

“We’re thrilled to have Sean present a playbook for creating intellectual property that’s a hit,” said Chris Brown, executive vice president and managing director, NAB Global Connections and Events. “That’s something content creators strive to do – craft a product that resonates with audiences, cut through the noise, leave a lasting impression and, ultimately, becomes part of pop culture.”

Hot Ones, the flagship property for First We Feast and Complex Media, has helped launch a host of other content, merchandise and hot sauces, and has celebrities and audiences gravitating to it. Interviews have included Steph Curry, Bobby Flay, Jake Gyllenhaal, LL Cool J, Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Melissa McCarthy.

Heating Up the Zeitgeist with Sean Evans is set for Tuesday, April 16 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

From Evans’ talk examining the production elements and creative spark that drive a show’s success, to honing your personal brand and the future of collaboration in Hollywood, NAB Show’s Main Stage is set to be a vibrant hub of inspiration and practical knowledge for creators of all stripes.

This year’s sessions offer a diverse lineup from established industry leaders to rising stars, all tackling the ever-changing creative landscape:

–Trailblazing Innovation: Renowned creator and innovator Shira Lazar, Main Stage Host, sets the tone for celebrating fresh ideas and cutting-edge approaches.
–Robotic Collaborator: Autonomously AI-powered humanoid robot, Ameca, will co-present with Futuri CEO Daniel Anstandig during the NAB Show Welcome Session as they deliver study findings pivotal to the industry’s future.
–Authenticity is Key: Actress and activist Jameela Jamil will delve into using a genuine voice.
–Shifting Power Dynamics: A panel discussion with Decentralized Pictures and the makers of “Holy Smokes” will explore the evolving power dynamic between creators and audiences, and offer a screening of the award-winning film.
–Unconventional Thinking: YouTube sensation Casey Neistat will ignite the Main Stage with his signature approach to content creation.
–Empowering Collaboration: Matt Cimaglia, Co-founder and CEO of Alteon.io, together with industry experts, will guide the audience through an interactive exploration of the future of media production and post-production. The keynote will also cover discussions on Content Provenance, Generative AI and the boundaries being expanded through quantum computing.
–Celebrating Excellence: Honor the broadcast professionals, companies and products/services that go above and beyond during the Excellence in Sustainability Awards, Broadcasting Hall of Fame, We Are Broadcasters and the Product of the Year Awards sessions.