Members

Prior to launching Words + Pictures, award-winning producer Connor Schell spent his career at ESPN, where he created the documentary brand 30 for 30, and most recently ran Content at the company. In that role, Schell oversaw all of ESPN’s event production domestically and internationally, and was responsible for management of all original content, including studio and audio programming, on and off-platform digital content creation, ESPN Films, and The ESPYS. Schell served as an executive producer on 30 for 30, as well as the 2017 Academy Award-winning documentary O.J.: Made in America and the 2020 cultural phenomena, The Last Dance.

Libby Geist is responsible for overseeing all documentaries and docuseries at Words + Pictures. Prior to joining W+P, Libby worked as the vice president & executive producer of ESPN Films and Original Content, overseeing all projects under the ESPN Films banner including “30 for 30,” docuseries, podcasts, and short films, as well as original content on ESPN+. During her 12 years at ESPN, she pushed the company’s long-form storytelling to new heights, launching “30 for 30 Podcasts,” creating “Nine for IX,” and serving as the executive producer of such groundbreaking projects as The Last Dance and O.J.: Made in America, which won an Academy Award in 2017. A three-time Peabody Award winner, Libby has spent her entire career in documentary film, from the trenches at Shoot the Moon Productions, to development executive and producer at ESPN, and now, executive producer at W+P.

Aaron Cohen is the Chief Creative Officer at Words + Pictures and Full Day. Aaron is one of the most decorated writers and producers in the documentary and sports television space, winning 32 Emmys and a Peabody Award, including the Dick Schaap Award for Outstanding Writing at the Sports Emmys nine times. He’s long been at the forefront of the growing field of documentary and docu-reality programs in sports, beginning with his groundbreaking work on the boxing series 24/7 for HBO, and continuing on with dozens of critically acclaimed and award-winning documentaries and docuseries at ESPN, HBO, NBC, Netflix, and more. In the live space, Aaron has also worked on the broadcasts of the biggest events in sports and entertainment, including 12 Olympic Games, five Super Bowls, and more than a dozen ESPY Awards.

David Chamberlin leads Full Day and the team focused on creating high-energy entertainment specials as well as dynamic, character-based unscripted series at Words + Pictures. Dave is a veteran executive producer who has deep experience producing and showrunning specials like the ESPYS, NFL Honors, the Oscars Red Carpet Show, and the Savage x Fenty Show, as well as unscripted series for a wide range of partners including Disney+, Netflix, ESPN+, LucasFilm, NBC, HBO, and more. Dave has won Emmys for his work on multiple 30 for 30 films, Monday Night Football, the Olympics, and the ESPY Awards. His work on The Confession earned him a Webby, and the short film Rick Was Here for Rolling Stone was nominated for an ASME Award.

Michael Newburger leads all strategy, finance, and operations at Words + Pictures. He came to W+P from Broadway Video, where he served as CFO, responsible for the company’s finance and operations. Prior to that, he worked at Time Warner in its mergers and acquisitions group, advising and executing on transactions across the company. Michael began his career in investment banking at Barclays, covering media and telecom companies.

Jennifer Aiello is the Senior VP, Talent Management at Full Day Productions. With decades of experience and an industry-leading Rolodex, she can reach anyone and everyone. Jennifer has worked on over 1,000 sports and entertainment shows including the ESPYS, NFL Honors, the Super Bowl, NBA, first WNBA game, four Olympic Games, Olympic Trials, Tennis, Disney’s Marvel Hero Project, Time Kid of the Year, Time Person of the Year, Monday Night Football’s ManningCast and booked all athletes for Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon for six years.

Prior to joining Full Day, Jennifer was a Talent Producer for ESPN’s SportsCentury, where her work was honored with both a Peabody and an Emmy. During her three-year tenure on the program’s senior staff, she booked over 3,000 athletes, celebrities, politicians, and historians. Jen has also worked at NBC Sports for nine years as a Producer’s Assistant and DGA Stage Manager.

Paria Sadighi is a seasoned expert in entertainment PR, communications, and marketing, with extensive experience driving impactful campaigns that elevate talent and captivate audiences. She holds key roles at industry-leading companies, including Kinetic Content, where she successfully spearheads promotional strategies for high-profile television series and projects. With a passion for storytelling and a talent for blending creativity with strategic insight, Paria thrives in this fast-paced industry. Her work is defined by passion, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering excellence.

Alexa Conway is currently overseeing all production for Words + Pictures. Prior to joining W+P, Alexa was the Co-Head of TIME Studios where she oversaw Emmy and Peabody winning films that brought in $100m, accounting for a quarter of TIME’s overall revenue. She worked on projects including Jeen-Yuhs for Netflix, HBO’s Katrina Babies and an upcoming Megan Thee Stallion documentary, and has run productions for all major streamers and networks. Before her six years at TIME, Alexa was a founding partner of Blackfin Productions and an Executive in Charge at Red Line Films. Her career began at CBS college sports, formerly CSTV.

Nick is responsible for overseeing Post Production across all projects at Words + Pictures. Specializing in live event turnaround, archival, and follow-doc productions, he has over 15 years of experience producing and delivering award winning content for the industry’s biggest brands. A five-time Emmy-winning Producer, Nick is driven by an unwavering passion for documentary storytelling.

Brandon Harrison has experience in non-fiction content as a producer, filmmaker, and programmer. He has curated features, shorts, and series at Brooklyn Film Festival, DOC NYC, and Tribeca as well as produced branded content and served on various documentary juries and committees.