Nikki Reed
While the future of the Hub Network remains uncertain, Reed’s track record certainly is not. During her tenure at the network, she has built a diverse development slate to expand on Hasbro programming that had been limited to animation, serving as executive producer on projects such as the new reality series “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and others in the pipeline for release this fall. Reed places a high value on mentorship, spending time in particular coaching other female executives.
Who was your most influential mentor?
Gary Marsh at Disney Channel. He was the perfect combination of producer and executive. He taught me about being tough but fair. His door was always open and even if he didn’t take your suggestion, he heard you out. He also has a strong work ethic that I admire. While work/life balance is definitely important, if you’re not in first place–you don’t get to leave at 6pm.
What’s one industry trend we should all have our eye on this year?
I hope it’s diversity in the shows about to launch this fall!
What’s the definition of diversity in 2014 and how can cable do better in the area of inclusion?
From a scripted television perspective, we need more diverse executives on staff at studios and networks. It really does start at the genesis of an idea that’s bought in the room. If no one is there raising their hand to say “hey, we need to think about making sure this has broad appeal and how can we do that?” then you end up with casts that all look exactly the same. Or it goes in the opposite direction–let’s just have an all black cast and not include any other diversity. Shonda Rhines really has it right with “Scandal” and “Grey’s Anatomy”. I’m a big fan if what she’s been able to get done at ABC.
Your company’s biggest innovation this year?
I would have to say that branching out into unscripted reality with shows like “Kid President”–an idea that appeals to adults and kids equally. In the kids space, it’s all about repeatable ideas which most reality doesn’t do very well, so finding content in that space that hopefully finds an audience beyond just the 6-11 demo was innovative for us.
