NBCU Academy Next Level Summit: We Are All Storytellers

Masterful storytelling is critical to success in journalism, entertainment, sports broadcasting and creative careers. Your ability to weave a narrative for the audience is a key skill whether you are engineering a live news broadcast, directing a blockbuster film, writing a press release or even designing a theme park attraction.   

This virtual summit includes industry leaders and innovators such as John Leguizamo, NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde, Executive Producer Will Packer, MSNBC President Rashida Jones, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort Karen Irwin, brand marketing expert Donny Deutsch and a special one-on-one with Universal Studio Group Chairman Pearlena Igbokwe. NBCU News Group hosts Lester Holt, Sheinelle Jones, Gadi Schwartz, Joe Fryer, Yasmin Vossoughian, Richard Lui, Silvana Henao and David Ushery discuss the power of storytelling and how to take your talents to the next level to succeed in the new media, tech and digital landscape.

Watch a special message from John Leguizamo, Executive Producer and Host of MSNBC Films & NBC News Studios’ “Leguizamo Does America.”

NBCUniversal leaders share how their work centers around storytelling and why sharpening your storytelling skills is essential to succeeding in the new media, tech and digital landscape. They also share how to lead fearlessly to tell stories that reflect and reach all the communities we serve. 

From the magical rides at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal’s brand-new Super Nintendo World, the power of storytelling is central to the theme park experience. Meet the creative team behind Universal Studios Hollywood’s latest attraction and learn about the skills needed to weave a thrilling theme park narrative. 

The art of storytelling is essential for any role – whether you’re a director for a blockbuster film or a producer for a groundbreaking documentary. Learn from industry leaders what it takes to be a masterful storyteller in film or television at any stage in your career. 

With so many ways for people to get their news, compelling storytelling is essential to engaging and informing your audience.  Hear from the pros from NBC News, TODAY, Telemundo and NBC Sports about how to make your stories more engaging. 

Get a close-up look at storytelling through the director’s lens from some of the best in the business. Learn how directors use their storytelling skills, creativity and technical expertise, making split-second decisions to bring a show to life. 

In media and entertainment, perhaps nothing is more important than how your brand’s story is presented to the audience. Hear how top executives at NBCUniversal creatively use storytelling in marketing, public relations and communications. 

Hear from the chairman of Universal Studio Group about how she leads four powerhouse studios and a slate of ambitious storytellers who produce over 3,000 hours of programming currently airing and streaming across the globe. A master storyteller in her own right, Pearlena Igbokwe has developed top-rated drama series, including “This is Us”, “Dexter” and “Nurse Jackie.” Learn what it takes to be a blockbuster storyteller in the entertainment world. 

Is your passion documentary filmmaking? Hear how award-winning documentarians have grown their careers while elevating marginalized voices. Plus, learn about the NBCU Academy and NBC News Studios Original Voices Fellowship. 

How would you put your best foot forward if you had to craft an elevator pitch for yourself? Recruiters from our NBCU Talent & Acquisition team share their best advice for selling yourself in a challenging job market. 

Are you interested in joining the team behind the magic of theme-park storytelling? Explore potential careers and find out how to land a job that excites your imagination at one of Universal’s parks around the world.