Rachel Smith

Smith’s January promotion has her focusing on creating new, high-quality content that fits the Bravo brand. Always looking for the next big thing, Smith already has developed new series including “Xscape: Still Kickin’ It” and “Getting Real Estate” (working title), and feels casting stereotype-defying women is one step toward eliminating gender discrimination within the industry. “We work to do this in our programming, whether it’s casting a female boss in an occu-soap or a female contractor in a design show. The more positive, surprising role models out there the better.”

What industry topic do you think will dominate industry headlines in 2018 and why?
Not only will OTT’s like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon dominate headlines in 2018, but also emerging players like Apple, YouTube and Facebook. Each of these brands has committed to BILLIONS in programming budgets. We’re coming off a year where Hulu and Netflix took home a combined 30 Emmy wins (including Creative Arts Emmys). These brands have big budgets and are producing high-quality originals. They will continue to be disruptive and will challenge us all to innovate.

What is one way the industry can still evolve in ridding itself of gender discrimination?
By pushing to cast smart, strong women in front of the camera who smash stereotypes. We work to do this in our programming whether it’s casting a female boss in an occu-soap or a female contractor in a design show. The more positive, surprising role models out there the better.

What famous woman, living or deceased, would you like to have dinner with?
Sticking with the living, I would have a dinner party with Amal Clooney, Malala and Tina Fey.

Best advice for relieving stress?
Dark chocolate, white wine and kickboxing in equal measures. At the end of the day, remember not to take the wrong things too seriously!

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