Linda Gierahn and Mark Bracco serve as producers for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on Netflix. While not limited to live TV events, their work on the SAG Awards has become a hallmark of their company, Silent House Productions. Now in their second year, the producing pair, in addition to Silent House CEO and Founder Baz Halpin, are working with longtime SAG Awards producer Jon Brockett to bring the ceremony to life. Here, in an interview with The Contending, they detail their work on this year’s show. With years of experience, they still feel a sense of excitement and challenge that makes the work satisfying.
The Contending: This is your second SAG ceremony. Was there anything from last year that informed or changed how you approached this year’s ceremony?
Linda Gierahn: Every year is a learning experience. We evolve and change the show, and every show is different because of our concepts and themes. We always take guest experience into consideration and learn ways to improve on that.
The Contending: Jon, you have been involved with the SAG Awards for several years. How has switching to Netflix been for you?
Jon Brockett: It’s been wonderful collaborating with Netflix. They’ve been a great champion of the show, and now the SAG Awards is available on a global scale. They’ve helped us elevate every aspect of the show.”
The Contending: Coming up with the cast reunions last year made for some great viral moments. How do you decide on who to bring back for events like these?
Linda Gierahn: Selecting cast reunions is about creating nostalgic moments that resonate with both the audience and the cast. We focus on fan-favorite shows or movies that spark excitement while ensuring the reunion feels organic and meaningful. We look for chemistry, relevance to the present, and cultural conversations that can amplify the moment. Sometimes it’s about reuniting actors after years, or tying it into larger industry themes. Ultimately, we aim to create viral, memorable moments that fans will cherish while celebrating the lasting impact of those works.
The Contending: You have been involved in several live TV events. What attracts you to these kinds of shows and keeps you interested?
Mark Bracco: What I love about live TV events is the excitement and energy that comes with it. There’s this rush of knowing everything is happening in real time, and you have to be ready for anything. It keeps you on your toes, thinking fast, and problem-solving as things unfold. I also really enjoy the team collaboration and pulling things off with a team we may or may not have never worked with before. Everyone plays their part and we all work together to make TV magic. There’s no room for mistakes, but that’s what makes it so fun. You never know what might happen, and that’s what keeps things fresh and interesting.
The Contending: What can you tell us about your company, Silent House Productions, and how it works with these kind of TV programs?
Linda Gierahn: We work on live TV programs in a multitude of areas. This past year, we produced the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Noche UFC at Las Vegas Sphere, and this March, we are producing the live 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry special, Opry100. Between Mark and I, we have worked on numerous live awards shows and specials previously including but not limited to, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, Dick Clark New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, and so much more. Live shows are much of what we do but not all we do. We also produced the film Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour in partnership with Taylor Swift Productions and the Emmy Award winning special, Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love.
The Contending: Is there anything about producing the SAG Awards that stood out and/or was particularly challenging for you?
Mark Bracco: With any live show, it’s always a thrilling experience, but it’s also a challenge to try to keep it within the time constraints. From the moment the show begins, we’re working against the clock to deliver seamless transitions, capturing the essence of the night’s excitement. What truly stands out, though, is the sheer magic of bringing together such a talented community—actors, filmmakers, and crew. There’s a palpable sense of nostalgia, seeing legends in the room and our job is to make sure the audience at home feels that warmth too.
The SAG Awards stream live on Netflix Sunday, February 23, starting at 8pm ET / 5pm PT.
