Curious about how to safeguard your creative ideas as you launch your career in entertainment? Wondering how copyrights, trademarks, and “unscripted” formats are navigated in today’s rapidly changing entertainment world? Join UGA alumni Michelle Davis and Stephanie Skinner for a candid conversation about the real-world challenges and opportunities of intellectual property in media.

Drawing from their own experiences in the industry, Michelle and Stephanie will share practical advice for protecting your creations, pitching projects, and building your brand—especially in the evolving landscape of unscripted entertainment. Expect an interactive dialogue, first-hand stories, and actionable tips on navigating IP as a creator. There will be time for Q&A and informal networking—bring your questions!

Discussion highlights may include:

• How to protect your scripts, shows, and digital projects
• What “ownership” really means for creators in 2025’s converged media landscape
• Strategies for pitching and safeguarding your work in unscripted formats
• Real stories about rights disputes, content licensing, and leveraging IP for new opportunities
• Steps for building your brand and portfolio with intellectual property in mind
• Open to all majors; especially recommended for Entertainment & Media Studies, business, and aspiring creative professionals.

Alumni Guests:

Stephanie Skinner (ABJ ’93) – Co-founder- EP/writer, The Wondermnt

Michelle Davis (ABJ ‘05, JD ’15), Associate Attorney · Arnall Golden Gregory LLC – commercial contracts attorney specializing in technology transactions, entertainment law, and intellectual property

Moderator: Laurena Bernabo is an assistant professor at UGA’s Grady College specializing in television’s cultural forum and production practices, and her forthcoming book explores how and why broadcast networks have incorporated the #BlackLivesMatter movement into entertainment programming.

** Update the RSVP info on the current networking night event

Students should RSVP here on Handshake: https://uga.joinhandshake.com/stu/events/1790034

Industry professionals interested in attending should email Samantha Meyer at sam610@uga.edu.