Phil Kubel is an eight-time Emmy Award–winning Producer, Director, and Media Executive with more than 30 years of experience across film, television, and technology innovation. He began his career in Northern California in news and production roles with CBS before moving into film development at Walt Disney Studios, and later shaping sports media as a founding executive of HRTV, where he pioneered subscription streaming platforms and produced the acclaimed Inside Information series, earning multiple Emmys, Tellys, and Eclipse Awards. As Vice President of Digital at The Stronach Group, he launched XBTV and oversaw the development of multi-coast broadcast and studio operations that introduced groundbreaking workflows and technologies for sports and live venue productions. Today, as Executive Director of the Hollywood Professional Association (HPA), Phil leads the organization’s expansion and innovation, elevating the renowned HPA Tech Retreat into a globally recognized hub for technology, creativity, and industry leadership while advancing HPA’s broader initiatives to new levels of growth and influence.
How many years have you been a judge?
10+ years
What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
I started in the industry as an event videographer. I learned quickly to reinvest my earnings into better gear so I could scale my operations.
What project are you most proud to have worked on?
It is hard to name just one since I have been fortunate to have worked on so many great productions over my career, but one of my favorites is a documentary on a 100-mile, 24- hour , endurance horse race called the “Tevis Cup.” It took months of intense planning with only a crew of six. No sleep for 36 hours during the shoot, harsh weather conditions, and traversing elevations that went from snow to 100 degrees.
What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?
The most challenging part now is adapting to the rapid change in the media and entertainment industry. We are at a major turning point with AI and content creation, which will prompt most playbooks to be rewritten as we witness the next chapter of technology’s impact on storytelling. The challenge for all of us will be how we choose to adapt to these new tools.
What do you look for to determine excellence in video?
A strong story produced in a way that exemplifies core principles in the art of filmmaking, science, and technology.
How do you unwind from work mode?
Do we ever turn off in this industry!?
What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?
As the Executive Director of a Non-Profit, overseeing both operations and the coordination of volunteers, while often challenging, the rewards of giving back to the community with unique events that advance both personal and professional growth for our members is what puts a smile on my face :)
What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?
The HPA Tech Retreat is unique among entertainment industry events, where world-class leaders in engineering, technology, and creativity step away from their daily routines to explore and experience the most compelling topics in content creation, management, and dissemination. This exclusive gathering fosters authentic discussions among experts, offering insights and debates that you won’t find anywhere else.
