North Fork TV Festival Marks 10 Years: 'A Celebration Of Everything We've Built Together'

NORTH FORK, NY — Some of the brightest lights in the industry will gather in Greenport this week as the beloved North Fork TV Festival unfolds and marks its 10th anniversary.

The festival takes place Tuesday and Wednesday at the Sound View Greenport. The two-day North Fork TV Festival will feature screenings, in-depth panels, and networking experiences. New this year, the festival will debut an exclusive Actor's Studio, offering intimate, masterclass-style sessions with industry experts to help performers refine their craft and navigate the evolving television landscape.

Guests include Chris Briney ("The Summer I Turned Pretty"), Anna Chlumsky ("Veep"), Richard Kind ("Only Murders in the Building"), Susan Kelechi Watson ("This Is Us" and "The Residence"), and Jenn Lyon ("Claws"), who will share behind the scenes insights and reflect on their artistic journey.

Emmy-nominated actor Christopher Meloni will also be spotlighted as the recipient of the 2025 Canopy Award. Meloni stars as Det. Elliot Stabler in the hit Peacock drama series "Law & Order: Organized Crime", now in its fifth season. He also serves as executive producer of the series. His list of accomplishments and credits is long. A formal ceremony will be held on Tuesday at The Halyard at the Sound View Greenport.

"Christopher Meloni is a powerhouse of talent whose dynamic performances and fearless storytelling have shaped the television and film industries," said Noah Doyle, founder of the North Fork TV Festival. "His dedication to bringing complex, unforgettable characters to life embodies the spirit of the Canopy Award, which honors those who champion diverse storytelling with persistence, integrity, and inclusivity. We are thrilled to recognize his extraordinary career and welcome him to the North Fork TV Festival."

The Canopy Award honors a member of the New York television community. The winner's persistence and integrity, bound by the "twin spirits of independence and collaboration, stoke the creative ambitions of diverse people who have important stories to tell," Doyle said. The ceremony will feature a conversation with Meloni and an audience Q & A to follow.

In addition, Tramell Tillman of "Severance" will be honored as the recipient of the 2025 Breakout Performance Award, celebrating his performance, which has captivated audiences and defined a moment in television.

"We are honored to present Tramell Tillman with this year’s Breakout Performance Award,” said Doyle. "The Breakout Performance Award was created to honor those rare performances that not only showcase exceptional talent, but also shift the way we experience television. Tramell Tillman embodies that spirit completely — his portrayal of Milchick in Severance is a masterclass in nuance, intensity, and innovation. We look forward to celebrating him at the 2025 festival."

In addition, the North Fork TV Festival's artistic director, television and film producer Mike Stern, has announced the winners of this year’s Independent Pilot Competition and Television Script Competition:

Pilot Competition Winners include

• "The Rebel Girls", directed by Felicia D Henderson
• "Settle", directed by Voy Bach
• "$hare", directed by Delia Mayer
• "So Dark the Sky," directed by Kyle Thomas & Eric Rose
• "What Haunts Us," directed by Lukáš Hanulák

Script Competition Winners

• "The Fortune Teller's Daughter," written by Raye Levine & Krista Donargo
• "Admissions," written by Sonali Mehta
• "Cascade," written by Nicholas Hawthorne
• "Stars and Stripes," written by Andra Vebell
• "Formerly Fat Housewife," written by Carolyn Getches & Hilary C. Gish

"This year’s script and pilot competitions were our most competitive yet, with dozens of exceptional submissions from around the world," said Stern. "Among the standouts: a psychic shop hiding criminal secrets, a cyber thriller during a global blackout, a Cold War-era drama about truth and censorship, and the inspiring true story of Weight Watchers founder Jean Nidetch. Our pilot winners were just as bold featuring rebellious civil rights activists, climate survivors, psychic detectives, and more. The breadth of imagination and originality on display this year reaffirms North Fork as a premier home for boundary-pushing, independent television storytelling."

Held annually in Greenport, the festival supports independent program development and embraces exciting, innovative voices from around the world. Founded in 2015, The North Fork TV Festival is a year-round 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Every year an expert panel selects the independent pilots to be screened at the festival and additionally mentored through development and eventual production of the pilots into on-air series.

Doyle, who lives with his wife and two children both on the North Fork and in New York City, spoke with Patch about this year's event and the festival's 10-year journey.

"This year marks a decade of stories, voices, and community — and we’re pulling out all the stops. The 2025 Festival is a celebration of everything we’ve built together," he said. "Expect exclusive screenings, powerful panels, immersive experiences, and a stronger-than-ever focus on emerging talent. We’re especially proud of how intimate the festival remains, even as it grows — it’s a place where real conversations happen, where art is honored, and where creators connect in meaningful ways."

This year's honorees, Meloni and Tillman, exhibit the essence of the festival, Doyle said. "Christopher Meloni and Tramell Tillman embody everything we value: bold choices, transformative storytelling, and deep integrity. Meloni has been a pillar in television for decades, constantly evolving his craft while pushing boundaries. Tramell is a revelation, his performances are layered, vulnerable, and intelligent. Both actors represent a fearless commitment to character and a passion for the medium that inspires audiences and fellow artists alike."

This year, more than 150 submissions were received from around the globe, Doyle said, with three winners chosen. "Our team reviewed each with care, looking for originality, emotional depth, and a unique point of view. The winners stood out for their storytelling courage and the clarity of their creative voice. They represent where TV is going: bold, diverse, and boundary-breaking."

The festival provides a place for the arts to thrive.

"In a world of constant noise and division, creative expression provides clarity, empathy, and connection," Doyle said. "The arts challenge us to see differently, to feel deeply, and to imagine a better way forward."

This year, the new "Behind the Pitch" addition is designed to get a glimpse into the development process, Doyle said.

"Participants can receive access to meetings with showrunners, producers, and execs. They get real-world feedback, networking opportunities, and insider tools to refine their pitch. We created it because we saw a gap — too many talented people with great ideas but no roadmap. This program is our way of saying: here’s your map."

And, for guests who attend the "Inside the Actors Studio" sessions "can expect unfiltered insight into the actor’s process — everything from preparation and vulnerability to navigating fame and failure. It’s not just for aspiring actors; it’s for anyone who wants to understand what it takes to bring a story to life from the inside out," Doyle said.

Looking back over 10 years, Doyle reflects on the most important life lessons this festival has imbued.

"Stay open and never underestimate the power of community. The most impactful moments came from unlikely places — quiet conversations, shared meals, unscripted connections. This festival taught me that when you create space for truth and talent, magic happens."

There are defining moments that stand out as the quintessential examples of why the festival is so meaningful, Doyle said.

"There are countless moments that come to mind, but a few always stand out. One of the most powerful was seeing the community come together during the COVID pandemic for drive-in screenings. It was a reminder of how deeply people value connection, and how this work creates space for those connections to thrive. Moments like that where people unite around shared experiences really reinforce why this work matters so much to me."

The North Fork, Doyle said, remains the perfect spot for the festival to continue to flourish.

"The North Fork has a soul. It’s scenic, yes — but it’s also rooted in community, creativity, and authenticity. There’s something about this place that slows you down and lets you breathe. It’s the perfect backdrop for reflection, inspiration, and meaningful dialogue."

For those who dream of working in television, Doyle offers insight into why they should keep reaching for the proverbial stars, even when the odds seem daunting.

"Because your story matters," he said. "Because no one else can tell it the way you can. Yes, it’s hard — but every single person who’s 'made it' started with uncertainty. The key is persistence, humility, and a relentless belief in your voice. Keep showing up. We’re waiting for you."

In previous years, the North Fork TV Festival welcomed noted actors Marcia Gay Harden, Richard Schiff, Stephen Moyer, John Turturro, Kelsey Grammer, Chris Noth, Bridget Moynahan, Aida Turturro, Carrie Preston, Constance Wu and others. Full schedule to be announced.

Tickets for the 2025 North Fork TV Festival are now on sale, offering three exclusive levels: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. For additional information and a full schedule, click here and follow @NorthForkTV on Twitter and Instagram.

To buy festival passes, click here.