Today, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced the programming for its 2025 Entertainment Industry Conference, presented by Variety, on Dec. 4, including Commitment to California Awards for Drew Goddard, Sarah Esberg and Abe Sylvia.
Goddard and Esberg will receive the Commitment to California Award primarily in recognition of their work on “High Potential,” ABC’s record-breaking #1 hit series starring Kaitlin Olson, which shoots in Los Angeles. Goddard created the show and Executive Produces it with Esberg, who is also President of their production company, Goddard Textiles. Other projects under their banner include the upcoming Hulu series “Phony” starring Connie Britton and Sam Nivola, a series adaptation of Louis Sachar’s “Holes” for Disney+, and the upcoming feature adaptation of “Project Hail Mary,” which Goddard penned for Amazon MGM and will debut in March of 2026.
Sylvia, the creator, showrunner, and executive producer of the critically acclaimed comedy series “Palm Royale,” will also be honored with a Commitment to California Award. The debut season of “Palm Royale” earned 11 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and the second season is currently rolling out weekly on Apple TV+. Slyvia also created and executive produced Showtime’s hit limited series “George & Tammy,” starring Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon as the legendary country duo. His other credits include “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” “Nurse Jackie,” “The Affair” and “Dead to Me.”
The Commitment to California Award honors individuals or companies that have made significant investments in California and demonstrated a dedication to the advancement of entertainment and production in the region. Previous honorees include Ted Sarandos, Steve Levitan, Chuck Lorre, Michael Schur and Eva Longoria.
Additional programming at the conference includes the FilmLA Production Report by Philip Sokoloski, VP of Integrated Communications, Film LA. The event will also feature a conversation with daredevil and content creator Michelle Khare moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety’s Deputy Awards and Features Editor.
Variety’s TV Editor Michael Schneider will moderate the Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Entertainment Industry panel. Speakers include Jesse Ehrman, President of Development and Production, Warner Bros. Pictures; Melissa Aouate, President, Blumhouse Television; Rena Ronson, Partner & Head of UTA Independent Film Group, UTA; Jermaine Johnson, Partner, 3 Arts Entertainment; and Lisa Holme, Head of Content, Roku Media.
Joining the announced talent will be Jerry Neuman, Board Chair, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce; Steve Nissen, President & CEO, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce; and Dea Lawrence, Co-President and Publisher, Variety.
