Speakers
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Mike Abend is Director, Business Development for New Form. In this capacity he leads international and domestic distribution, structures strategic partnerships for the studio, and identifies new business models for the next generation of talent and storytellers. Prior to working at New Form, Mike led business development for Studio71, a...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Francesca Accinelli
Senior Vice President, Program Strategy and Industry Development
Telefilm Canada
Francesca joined Telefilm in 2006 as the Deputy Director, English Market for the Canadian Television Fund (now Canada Media Fund), by 2008 she was promoted to Director of that team and is now very excited to be the Director of National Promotions and Communications. Francesca has always been a fan...show more
Speaking on: Partner Presentation: Discovering New Voices
Anthony Anderson is star and executive producer of ABC’s Emmy-nominated sitcom “black-ish”. He has won two NAACP Image Awards and earned two Emmy nominations for his role as Dre, a family man that struggles to gain a sense of cultural identity while raising his kids in a predominantly white, upper-middle-class...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: black-ish Featuring Anthony Anderson; Rockie Awards Gala
Nicolas joined Gaumont in March 2016 and serves as President of Animation. He is responsible for overseeing the expansion of Gaumont’s animated division which includes a new US presence, along with a focus on animated feature films and television series. Nicolas joined Gaumont from Splash Entertainment where he served as...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange; The Shifting State Of Kids TV
In her role as SVP, Blue Ant International, Solange Attwood oversees the strategic direction of Blue Ant Media’s global distribution arm, a leader in premium unscripted and 4K natural history content.
Attwood spearheads and oversees co-productions, pre-sales, and worldwide sales activities. Under her leadership, Solange has positioned the division as a...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Since 2004, Agnes Augustin has overseen the Shaw Rocket Fund with its ongoing commitment to be a champion of Canadian children’s and youth programming through the Fund’s investments in television and digital content and with the launch of the much celebrated Shaw Rocket Prize. Her dedication to increase the...show more
Speaking on: Kids Buyers Panel - Focus On 6-11s
Philip Barnsdall-Thompson
SVP Acquisitions, UK, Europe & North America - FACTUAL ONLY
Flame Distribution
Having joined Flame four years ago, Philip is attending Banff World Media Festival with the aim of sourcing high end factual content in multiple genres for Flame Distribution to assist with marketing internationally. Flame's experienced sales team are also able to assist our producers with pre-buys. Philip would also be...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Adam Benzine is a Toronto-based filmmaker and journalist. He is the Canadian Bureau Chief for entertainment trade publisher C21 Media, covering content in all genres across North America. Prior to joining C21, he served for four years as the Associate Editor for Realscreen, the international publisher of non-fiction film and television industry news....show more
Speaking on: International Scripted Buyers
Damon Berger has been a pioneer of the digital entertainment space, helping create some of the industry's earliest successes. As Global Head of Strategic Partnerships at Fullscreen, Berger works across Fullscreen's talent network, brand services organization and content units to build strategic partnerships.
"There are so many different ways to create new business...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Roundtable: Monetizing Content In The Digital Economy
Sharon Bordas joined Lifetime in 2016 as Vice President of Scripted Programming. In her unexpected new role as network executive, she has had the privilege of working on two critically acclaimed series: UnReal with A&E Studios and Mary Kills People with EOne. Upcoming premieres include the psychological drama You from Executive Producers Greg Berlanti & Sera...show more
Speaking on: International Scripted Buyers
Jordan Bortolotti is the EVP of Canada for Studio 71 LP, a subsidiary of German media group ProSiebenSat.1. In May 2015, Jordan founded the Canadian operation (formally known as Collective Digital Studio Canada), responsible for scaling S71’s network in Canada, building strategic partnerships and overseeing domestic media assets. Since then,...show more
Speaking on: Brands Creating Content
Cameron Boyce returns as Carlos, the tech-savvy teenage son of Cruella de Vil, in the highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie sequel "Descendants 2." Now instilled with a burgeoning sense of self-confidence from his new life on Auradon, Carlos has left his wicked ways behind him along with his fear...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Descendants 2
Mary Bredin is the EVP of Content & Strategy at Guru and is involved in all aspects of running the studio. As Executive Producer, she focuses on finding great properties, having createdJustin Time(52x11; 22x11; 2x22) for Family Jr. and Netflix; Dinopaws(52 x 11) for Treehouse and BBC, and the soon to...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
One of the leading voices on the North American media and television scene, Bill has worked as a Columnist for The Toronto Sun, Senior writer at TV Guide in Toronto and Los Angeles, and for the last 10 years as weekly Columnist for The Canadian Press.
A noted industry moderator, Bill...show more
Speaking on: Creative Unscripted: The Golden Era Of Prestige Factual Content; VR Content - Innovations And Strategies; Roundtable: Making A Place For Canada In The Global Media Market: International Comparisons; Master Class: The Revitalization Canadian Comedy Featuring Workin’ Moms, Letterkenny, And More!
John Brunton thinks TV. All the time. As the Globe and Mail writes, he “has airwaves between his ears.”
A natural-born storyteller, Brunton is now celebrating over thirty years at the helm of Insight Production Company Ltd. As Chairman & CEO, Brunton’s entrepreneurial ingenuity, creative vision and passion for...show more
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Canadian Media Leaders
Paul Buccieri is President, A+E Studios and A+E Networks Portfolio Group. In this role, Buccieri is responsible for all aspects of A+E Studios and for leveraging synergies across the A+E Networks brand portfolio including A&E, HISTORY, LIFETIME, FYI and LMN. He is also responsible for all business aspects of the...show more
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Studio Competition In The Peak TV Era
Sean Buckley is a film and television veteran, and the driving force behind Buck Productions, a leading content creation company successful in feature films, television, branded content, documentaries, and commercials. As owner and CEO of one of the most diverse production houses in North America for more than 20 years,...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
experiences in production, marketing, and PR, Melissa started into the representation business at Plum Productions, helping to pioneer their branded and short-form entertainment division. She made the move to agency life in 2005, joining the Gersh Agency, and quickly gravitated to “Reality” television. She brought her varied client list to...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
JC Cangilla helms all business, operations and strategy for New Form. Cangilla oversees and executes distribution deals, partnership development, licensing agreements, operations, marketing, communications and legal for the studio. Leveraging New Form’s high-profile production partners and talent, Cangilla develops customized opportunities across multiple platforms that are redefining business models for...show more
Speaking on: Brands Creating Content
Kyle A. Carrozza is the creator of Cartoon Network'sMighty Magiswords. After starting his career at a small educational software studio called Funnybone Interactive, Carrozza went on to makeMooBeard the Cow Piratefor Nickelodeon'sRandom Cartoons. He also provided storyboards for Nickelodeon'sFanboy & Chum Chum, Disney Channels'sFish Hooks and Doc McStuffins: The Doc...show more
Speaking on: Roundtable: In Conversation With Cartoon Network’s Kyle Carrozza
Vanessa Case, EVP, Content, Blue Ant Media is a veteran in content creation and programming strategy for world renowned media brands.
In her role at Blue Ant Media, Case oversees the strategy and creation of original programming that embraces a multi-platform distribution approach. Her expertise in factual and lifestyle categories...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Creative Unscripted: The Golden Era Of Prestige Factual Content
Kidscreen Editor & Content Director Lana Castleman currently oversees all editorial planning for the magazine and the brand’s online and event content. Career highlights so far include having Oscar the Grouch wish her “a rotten day” and getting early peeks at a number of kids series and products before they...show more
Speaking on: The Shifting State Of Kids TV
Sally Catto is the General Manager, Programming for CBC English Television. She oversees the strategic direction and programming of original & acquired scripted and unscripted programming for the network. Prior to her return, Sally was Executive Vice-President, Cineflix Studios.
Sally has a long history at the CBC from her earliest days...show more
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Canadian Media Leaders
Chika Chukudebelu is the Director of Original Programming – Scripted at BET Networks, a Viacom flagship network, where she is responsible for shaping creative content for the network’s slate of scripted series, mini-series and event programming. Since joining the company in 2009, Chukudebelu has overseen the creative process for shows likeMadiba starring Laurence Fishburne, Being...show more
Speaking on: International Scripted Buyers; Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Sean Cohan is Executive Vice President, International for A+E Networks.
Mr. Cohan oversees A+E Networks’ International division, managing the company’s brands, content, and services outside the U.S. He manages staff in New York, London, Rome and Singapore, and venture teams across 20 more cities. The division’s activities...show more
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Strategies For Success in a Multi-Platform World
As Senior Director, Comedy, CBC Scripted Content, Michelle Daly leads the team responsible for managing the creative development and production of CBC’s slate of comedic programming. Michelle joined the CBC as Executive in Charge of Production in 2011, and has overseen such comedies as Workin’ Moms, Kim's Convenience, Baroness von Sketch Show, Schitt's Creek and This...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Master Class: The Revitalization Canadian Comedy Featuring Workin’ Moms, Letterkenny, And More!
Brenna D'Amico reprises the role of "Jane," the shy daughter of Fairy Godmother, in the Disney Channel Original Movie "Descendants 2," the highly anticipated sequel to the global hit "Descendants." In the story, Jane has outgrown her insecurities and fear of the villain kids and has taken on the responsibility...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Descendants 2
Mr. Danks started his career in the entertainment industry as an entertainment lawyer. He practiced in Vancouver for more than 12 years, practicing first at his own, and later at some of Canada’s most prestigious law firms. His work included hundreds of film and television productions, ranging from development and...show more
Speaking on: Carving Out Your Place: How To Succeed Amongst The OTT Giants
Lorenzo De Maio is a senior agent in the Global Television Department at WME, working on packaging, financing and selling US and international television shows. Lorenzo works with the agency’s content creators, US and international networks as well as third party financiers to create advantageous ownership and distribution solutions for...show more
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Building Partnerships For A Global Audience
Kristen Del Pero is Vice President, Scripted Programming for NBCUniversal International Studios. Based in LA, Kristen develops and produces scripted content for international audiences alongside Studios’ leading production companies in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.
Since joining International Studios in [insert date], Kristen has developed and served as Executive Producer...show more
Speaking on: International Scripted Buyers
Jessalyn is also focused on building and strengthening relationships with screenwriters, broadcasters and other partners.
Development projects that have gone to production under her purview include the television movies Mayerthorpe and Borealis (aka Survival Code), the television series Wild Roses, Young Drunk Punk and Wynonna Earp, as well as ten seasons...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Dianne Doan stars as "Lonnie," the teenage daughter of Mulan in the Disney Channel Original Movie sequel "Descendants 2." She reprises the role she originated in the global hit "Descendants." In the sequel, Lonnie firmly establishes herself as a talented athlete and wants nothing more than to play on the...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Descendants 2
As Executive Vice President of Spin Master Entertainment, Jennifer Dodge leads the company’s thriving Entertainment group in developing evergreen global entertainment properties and overseeing the current production slate, including the global preschool hit, PAW Patrol, while focusing on creative strategies that position Spin Master for additional growth and success within...show more
Speaking on: Kids Buyers Panel - Focus On Preschool; The Shifting State Of Kids TV
Caressa Douglas serves as the Senior Vice President, Content & Branded Integration at BEN (Branded Entertainment Network), a Bill Gates Company. She is a founding member and contributor of BEN where she has a passion to seamlessly integrate brands into the fabric of Hollywood storytelling. With over two decades of...show more
Speaking on: Brands Creating Content
Christian Drobnyk
EVP Programming Disney Branded Television & National Geographic
Lifetime Television
Christian Drobnyk was named Senior Vice President, Programming Strategy and Acquisitions, of Lifetime Networks, in August 2011. Based in New York, he is responsible for overseeing all program acquisitions, co-productions and program planning for Lifetime & LMN. This includes developing and commissioning over 50 hours a year of Lifetime’s original...show more
As Vice President, Creative Affairs, Natalie Dumoulin is responsible for overseeing all creative aspects of 9 Story properties from inception to delivery. This includes sourcing and developing animated and live-action properties for kids of all ages, collaborating with 9 Story’s producers, writers, and animation teams and working closely with the...show more
Speaking on: Roundtable: In Conversation With Cartoon Network’s Kyle Carrozza; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Nne Ebong was named senior vice president, Drama Development, ABC Studios, in July 2013. In this position she recruits talent in the form of writers, directors and producers, and shepherds the creative development of new one-hour drama series. Ebong was previously vice president, Drama Development, ABC Studios, since August 2008....show more
Speaking on: Company of Distinction Keynote: Patrick Moran, President, ABC Studios, Featuring John Ridley & Regina King
Michael Edelstein is President of NBCUniversal International Studios. Based in London, he has strategic oversight of the international television production division, leading supplier of English language content originated outside of the United States.
Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning executive producer of the lobal phenomenon Desperate Housewives, Edelstein assumed his role in June 2010. Since that time, he has devised and...show more
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Studio Competition In The Peak TV Era
Jeffrey Engelen represents BETA FILM (www.betafilm.com) in North America and is responsible for its content distribution. He also provides acquisition and co-production support to the head office in Munich, Germany. Before Beta Film, Engelen was Senior Vice President, Distribution at Canadian production outfit Thunderbird Films where he was responsible...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Erin is an entertainment and intellectual property lawyer specializing in the areas of copyright, litigation, cultural policy development and broadcast regulatory policy in the Canadian film and television, music and book publishing industries. Erin is the Chief Legal Officer at the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) where she advises and...show more
Speaking on: Roundtable: Monetizing Content In The Digital Economy
Dave Forget is Director of Policy at the Directors Guild of Canada’s (DGC). Since joining the Guild in 2015, Dave’s mandate has been to promote the interests of the DGC’s 4,800 creative professionals and the importance of Canada’s screen-based industries. Prior to joining the DGC, Dave held a senior management...show more
Speaking on: Roundtable: Making A Place For Canada In The Global Media Market: International Comparisons
Nicky Forsman is Head of Creative for OUTtv, Canada’s only LGBTQ television network, a post she has held since 2013. After working as an independent producer, Nicky joined OUTtv’s Vancouver office in 2006 as part of the development team and since then has spearheaded the creation of over 200 hours of content. Not one...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Athena Georgaklis is the newly appointed Head of Content for Nelvana. Georgaklis, a highly respected animation executive, leads the acquisition of rights and the development of all original content for Nelvana, working with the studio’s producers, creators, and talent around the world.
Georgaklis has worked in Canadian broadcast and production for more than...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Tilusha Ghelani commissions and executive produces scripted comedy titles for Sky Television. Operating across Sky1, Sky Atlantic and Sky Arts, plus On Demand (home of Sky’s award-winning Comedy Shorts), Tilusha works on established brands such as Stella and Trollied. She is also briefed to unearth the most exciting new shows...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; International Scripted Buyers; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Robert Ghiz is President and CEO of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) and Chair of the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada. Twice elected Premier of Prince Edward Island, Robert’s many accomplishments at the province’s helm include his successful stewardship of its economy through the 2008 global financial collapse and his...show more
Speaking on: Roundtable: The Next Generation of Content Distribution
James Glasscock, the Senior VP of Strategy and Business Development for Machinima, manages Machinima’s relationships with strategic platform partners and coordinates internal and external resources to develop and launch Machinima’s strategic initiatives. James is leading Machinima efforts to become a multi-platform entertainment programmer of heroes, esports and gaming content. Building...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Lisa Godfrey has 25 years experience in the television industry both in production and broadcasting. As VP of Original Content at Corus Entertainment, Lisa oversees Original Content development and production for Global, all Women and Lifestyle channels including HGTV Canada, FOOD Network Canada, W Network, Slice, OWN and CMT, and...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; International Unscripted Buyers
James Goldston was named President of ABC News in April 2014. He oversees all aspects of the news division, including broadcast, digital and radio, a combined audience that is unmatched in the United States.
During Goldston’s tenure leading ABC News, the network has responded rapidly to cover breaking news...show more
Speaking on: Media In The Age Of Trump With ABC News President James Goldston
Jane Gould, an accomplished leader in generational, lifestyle and media research, serves as senior vice president, Consumer Insights, for the Disney/ABC Television Group’s four cable networks – Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD and Freeform – as well as Radio Disney.
In this role, she has oversight of all consumer insights,...show more
Speaking on: Keeping Up With Kid Culture: A Disney Research Presentation
As Co-Anchor for CTV’s ETALK – Canada’s #1 Entertainment Show, Danielle Graham’s role and charming personality has put her face-to-face with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, covering high-profile events both here at home and around the world. In recent years, Graham has interviewed the likes of Matt Damon, Julia Roberts,...show more
Speaking on: Rockie Awards Program Competition Ceremony
Larry Grimaldi is Vice President of Development & Production at MarVista Entertainment, where he helps create, develop and produce entertainment programming in the television movie, scripted and unscripted series and digital spaces. Before joining MVE, Larry spent considerable time as an independent producer. His career includes work for CBS, Disney,...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
In January 2015, Fred Grinstein joined Vice Media as Vice President of TV Development, collaborating with Co-Presidents Eddy Moretti and Spike Jonze to start up and launch Viceland, playing a key role in navigating the company’s digital and print brand transition into the new medium and market.
After the network launch...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Content Specialist for the Acquisitions Department of eOne TV International, acting as point person for all scripted third party acquisitions out of North America.
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
As the Director of Drama in Bell Media’s Independent Production Unit, Tom Hastings supervises the development and production of original Canadian dramatic series across Bell Media’s family of channels including CTV, Space, Bravo, The Movie Network, and HBO Canada.
He is the former Creative Head of CBC Drama. He previously served...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Libby Hill is an entertainment reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Her TV analysis has appeared at Salon, Vulture, Rolling Stone and the New York Times. Hill, a native of South Dakota, has a passel of cats, too many books and a perpetually full DVR.
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Studio Competition In The Peak TV Era
Combining her life-long love of narrative, her honours BA in literature and classics, and being a natural people person, Jennifer is living her dream job as owner and principal agent of the Jennifer Hollyer Agency. Many of Jennifer’s clients have been with her since she established the agency in...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Wendy Japhet is executive producer of "Descendants 2," the sequel to the global smash hit Disney's "Descendants" that introduced audiences around the world to the teenage sons and daughters of Disney's most infamous villains.
Japhet has executive produced multiple award-winning films, including "An Education," "The Brothers Bloom" and "I'm Not There,"...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Descendants 2
As Director, Independent Production, Factual & Reality at Bell Media, Robin Johnston works with Canadian production companies to develop and oversee production of unscripted projects for CTV, CraveTV, and Bell Media’s slate of specialty and digital channels.
Based in Halifax, Johnston is a member of Bell Media’s national independent production team,...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
From his first job working as a theatre usher on a Canadian Military base in Germany, J has spent close to three decades working in media. During his undergraduate program at Queen's University he founded a rock group that recorded two albums and toured with acts that included The Tragically...show more
Speaking on: Partner Presentation: Discovering New Voices
Chris Jones
Director of Regulatory Affairs, Policy and Research
Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association
Chris Jones is the Director of Regulatory Affairs, Policy and Research for CWTA. Chris has seventeen years of advocacy and lobbying experience in transport, tourism, technology, education, health and sports sectors. He has an extensive background in executive management and leadership, was also ministerial aide to two Federal Cabinet Ministers...show more
Speaking on: Roundtable: The Next Generation of Content Distribution
Ziba Kaboli-Gerbrands is an innovative and dynamic business development executive with over 20 years experience in entertainment and technology.
Ms. Kaboli is currently the Director of Content Acquisition at Roku, where she leads negotiations with top content partners. In her four years at Roku, Ms. Kaboli has successfully negotiated licensing and...show more
Speaking on: Digital Innovators In The Content Industry
Thanks to roles in a number of prominent films, Regina King’s distinguished talents have not gone unnoticed by Hollywood. She has been seen in recurring roles on CBS’s hit show “The Big Bang Theory,” Showtime’s critically acclaimed series “Shameless” and FX’s thriller “The Strain,” from Guillermo del Toro and Chuck...show more
Speaking on: Company of Distinction Keynote: Patrick Moran, President, ABC Studios, Featuring John Ridley & Regina King
Roma Kojima is Senior Director for OTT Video at CBC, English Services. Her mandate is to oversee the evolution and growth of the OTT platform as part of the CBC's Digital Strategy.
Speaking on: Carving Out Your Place: How To Succeed Amongst The OTT Giants
Jean La Rose is a First Nations citizen from the Abenakis First Nation of Odanak. He was raised in Ottawa where he studied Journalism at Algonquin College and obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Social Communication at the University of Ottawa/Université St. Paul. Mr. La Rose later began his Masters...show more
Speaking on: Keynote: The Honourable Mélanie Joly
Joan Lambur is the Executive Producer for animation and kids’ live action and family programming at Breakthrough Entertainment. Joan handles acquisitions of projects in these areas as well as oversees creative development and financing. She also oversees all licensing and merchandising activities for the company that are driven by television...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; The Shifting State Of Kids TV
Bob Leighton joined Liberty Global in 2005. He is currently SVP, Programming US, maintaining senior relationships with US major studio program suppliers and cable and satellite distributors.
Mr. Leighton is nearly a 40 year veteran of the television industry.
Prior to Liberty Global, Bob headed content for 7 years with Starz, as...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Media Leaders Series: Building Partnerships For A Global Audience
VP Acquisitions & Sales, North America, for Banijay Rights, overseeing all finished programme and format sales and co-productions into North America, as well as acquiring content from North American producers for distribution worldwide. Previous roles have included Acquisitions roles at Virgin Media and A&E channels in the UK.
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Previously,
...show moreSpeaking on: Partner Presentation: Discovering New Voices
Ira Levy is Co-Founder and Executive Producer at Breakthrough Films & Television, Breakthrough Entertainment and Breakthrough New Media. His current projects include the animated series JIMMY TWO-SHOES for Teletoon and Jetix; PRODUCING PARKER, the animated prime-time series for TVtropolis starring Kim Cattrall; and a new season of THINK BIG the...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Greg Lipstone joined All3Media America as CEO in 2015. Prior to joining All3Media America, Lipstone was a founding partner and board member at ICM Partners, a talent and literary agency representing clients in the fields of motion pictures, television, publishing, music, theater, branded entertainment and digital media. Lipstone oversaw the...show more
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Studio Competition In The Peak TV Era
Warren Littlefield is the executive producer of the television series The Handmaid’s Tale, based on the classic Margaret Atwood novel, for MGM Television and airing on Hulu in the United States and Bravo in Canada. He is also the executive producer of Fargo, currently airing installment three on FX in the United...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: The Handmaid’s Tale
Krista Look is the Director of Original Content for the Women and Lifestyle division of Corus Entertainment in Toronto. In this role, she is responsible for steering the original linear and digital content strategies and slates for networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, W Network and Slice.
A born leader...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Ellen Lovejoy is Vice President, Head of Sales, Americas and Formats for A+E Networks.
Ms. Lovejoy oversees off-network sales of A+E Networks’ content to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market. She is responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies for the A+E Networks’ programming catalogue, including...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Loze joined BBC Worldwide Productions as Head of Scripted in 2017. Here he sets and implements a scripted program strategy, which focuses on reformats of BBC and other British IP for digital and linear network partners. He oversees every facet - from development to production to delivery.
With over 20 years...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Jeff oversees all day-to-day operations for eOne Television on a global basis. He also leads business development for the division, establishing and structuring new business relationships for eOne Television across production, distribution and digital.
Prior to his current role as Chief Operating Officer, Jeff served as Senior Vice President, Operations &...show more
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Building Partnerships For A Global Audience
Tom Mazza is a 25-year veteran of the television industry with extensive experience in television development, production, distribution, research and marketing. He has led large studio based divisions including Paramount and Sony Television, smaller boutique companies and his own independent production company EveryWhere Studios. He also currently sits on the...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Marie McCann is the Senior Director of Children's Content for CBC Kids. CBC Kids creates and acquires entertaining and inspiring media for children 2 - 12. As Canada’s national public broadcaster we continue our tradition of excellence and innovation in children’s content and reach our audience through CBC Television, our websites...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Kids Buyers Panel - Focus On Preschool
Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott are the writers of the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie "Descendants 2," deepening the story of the teenage sons and daughters of Disney's most infamous villains. They also serve as executive producers on the highly anticipated sequel.
McGibbon and Parriott received a Writers Guild Award for...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Descendants 2
Patrick McGuire is a journalist and documentary producer who is currently VICE Canada's Head of Content. As VICE launched their Canadian TV network VICELAND this year, Patrick has been on the team overseeing original television production, alongside the youth-targeted digital and print journalism the brand is known for, which spans...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Nicola Merola, President and Executive Producer, has extensively developed Pixcom’s international television, steering the company to become one of Canada’s top independent producers of entertaining, high production value series. As President, he oversees all of the company’s productions, in English and French, including scripted, factual, magazines, variety and kids.
Speaking on: From A Best-Seller To A SVOD Success Ready To Conquer The World
A 25-year industry veteran, Miazga has built a reputation for her expertise in creating, producing, and selling premium factual and drama content. Prior to joining BGM, Miazga was Co-President and Founder of Newroad Media, where she developed, produced and sold original content for both the domestic and global marketplace. Her...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Born in 1970 and based in Montreal, Martin Michaud practiced business law for 20 years before devoting himself entirely to writing. Martin’s novels featuring Detective Sergeant Victor Lessard of the Montreal police —a tormented, rebellious cop with high morals— were a dazzling literary success, have earned him critical acclaimed as...show more
Speaking on: From A Best-Seller To A SVOD Success Ready To Conquer The World
Born and raised in suburbia Toronto, Ilana toiled between her love of the theatre and her passion for film before deciding that it was the film and television industry that was her calling – who could resist 14 hr days.
After seven years on the front lines in...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
James Milward is the founder of two time Emmy® Award-winning Secret Location, a content studio for emerging platforms.
As Executive Producer at Secret Location, James has built numerous award-winning, large-scale digital entertainment and brand projects. In just eight short years, he has taken Secret Location from a small boutique to...show more
Speaking on: VR Content - Innovations And Strategies
Terri Minsky has an extensive career in the television and media industry as a producer, writer, creator and journalist. Over 16 years ago, she created "Lizzie McGuire," a defining hit live-action and animated series for Disney Channel that resonated with a generation of kids and tweens. Continuing her track record...show more
Speaking on: Company Of Distinction Keynote: Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide
Tara Montgomery serves as executive vice president, head of Programming for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, overseeing non-scripted (“Welcome to Sweetie Pies,” “For Peete’s Sake,” “The Book of John Gray,” “Home Made Simple”) and Oprah branded content (“Super Soul Sunday,” Oprah’s Book Club). Prior to her work for OWN, Montgomery served...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
John Morayniss oversees all aspects of eOne Television's activities which encompass the development, production, licensing, financing and worldwide distribution of live action drama and comedy series, reality and documentary series, television movies and mini-series, prime time animation and family programming.
John oversees the strategic growth of eOne’s television...show more
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Studio Competition In The Peak TV Era
Andrew Morris is a development and production executive with AMI-tv, a national English language television station serving more than five million Canadians who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, hard of hearing, mobility or print restricted. With an eye for storytelling and a collaborative spirit, he oversees all commissioned content from...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Widely credited with helping to usher in the modern reality television genre with his late partner Mary-Ellis Bunim, Jonathan Murray continues to inspire, influence and entertain television audiences worldwide. Since the launch of The Real World on MTV in 1992, Murray has created and executive produced some of the industry’s most...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Born This Way With Diversity Award Recipient Jonathan Murray
Sydni Naglie oversees North American unscripted Acquisitions at Entertainment One (eOne), based in the Company’s Toronto office. There, Sydni is responsible for acquiring unscripted content for television distribution to all media outlets around the world. Sydni joined eOne 4 years ago with several years of television production and distribution administrative...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
As Manager of Original Content, Scripted and Factual for Corus Entertainment, Robin Neinstein works closely with the independent production community to cultivate signature Scripted and Factual programming for Corus channels including Global, History, Showcase and W. He manages a team of production executives and directly supervises VIKINGS, the blockbuster Canadian-Irish...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Jenny Olson serves as Lead Content Strategist at BEN (Branded Entertainment Network), a Bill Gates company. She drives strategic outreach with content partners across the entertainment landscape to maximize impact for BEN clients. Jenny founded BEN’s Digital and OTT division in 2012 after identifying the industry shift towards streaming content. ...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Kenny Ortega is the acclaimed Emmy Award-winning executive producer, director and choreographer of the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie "Descendants 2," the sequel to the global smash hit "Descendants."
Ortega served as director and choreographer on Disney's "Descendants" and the hit "High School Musical" franchise, which launched the entertainment careers of...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Descendants 2
Leveraging the tremendous experience garnered through various executive positions he has held with traditional television companies like Sony Pictures Television, DIC Entertainment, Starz and RHI Entertainment over the past 30 years, it’s David Ozer’s passion for the creative process and commitment to collaboration with the authors, writers, directors, artists, actors,...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott are the writers of the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie "Descendants 2," deepening the story of the teenage sons and daughters of Disney's most infamous villains. They also serve as executive producers on the highly anticipated sequel.
McGibbon and Parriott received a Writers Guild Award for...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Descendants 2
As CRO, Pratte oversees Boat Rocker’s Rights, Brands, Digital Revenue and Ventures divisions while also leading the company’s M&A and corporate development activity. Pratte was integral to the exponential growth of Boat Rocker’s family and kids division in 2016, including leading the acquisitions of Radical Sheep and Jam Filled Entertainment and overseeing Jam Filled’s purchase of...show more
Speaking on: Digital Innovators In The Content Industry
Rohit is an Associate Partner within EY’s Global Telecommunication Centre and Leads the telecommunications sector for EY in Canada
Rohit previously lead the development and implementation of the EY Global Telecoms Center strategy.
He brings over 15 years of professional services experience focusing on telecoms finance and business strategy.
Prior to Ernst &...show more
Speaking on: Roundtable: Monetizing Content In The Digital Economy
Ollie Rankin is VP and Head of VR Production at Uncorporeal Systems, Inc., developers of industry-leading software that digitizes people, places and objects from the real world, to be featured in virtual and augmented reality experiences. He is particularly focused on the storytelling potential of these emerging new media, championing...show more
Speaking on: VR Content - Innovations And Strategies
Speaking on: Master Class: The Revitalization Canadian Comedy Featuring Workin’ Moms, Letterkenny, And More!
Lynette has covered the television business since 1999 for Entertainment Weekly. She also hosts two shows for EW Radio on Sirius XM: Inside TV and Outlander Live! Prior to EW, she worked for the Hollywood Reporter and Broadcasting and Cable.
Speaking on: Company Of Distinction Keynote: Channing Dungey, President, ABC Entertainment; Company Of Distinction Keynote: Tom Ascheim, President, Freeform; Master Class: Descendants 2
John Ridley
Writer / Director/Executive Producer, American Crime, Guerrilla, Let It Fall and Oscar Winner for 12 Years a Slave
ABC Studios
John Ridley won an Oscar® for writing “12 Years a Slave”and is the creator, director, and executive producer of ABC’s Emmy-winning series “American Crime.” His limited series “Guerilla,” with Idris Elba, Freida Pinto, and Babou Ceesay, recently aired on Showtime and Sky. LET IT FALL: LOS ANGELES 1982-1992, his...show more
Speaking on: Company of Distinction Keynote: Patrick Moran, President, ABC Studios, Featuring John Ridley & Regina King
Jane Rimer is founder of independent Media Consultancy, NYLON LIFE LLC, based in New York. Her consultancy focuses on the areas of strategic business planning, brand development in the television and multimedia platform space, and executive production and distribution with active clients in the US, Canada and the UK.
Prior to...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Frank Saperstein oversees all aspects of development, production, programming, distribution, digital and licensing opportunities for his boutique shingle, Surprise Bag, Inc. Previously, Frank served as EVP of Tricon’s Kids, Family & Animation business where he launched the division leveraging the company's extensive development, production and distribution expertise, while expanding strategic...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
As President, BBC Worldwide North America, Ann Sarnoff is responsible for driving growth and profit across the company’s business divisions in the U.S. and Canada including Los Angeles-based studios BBC Worldwide Productions and Adjacent Productions, linear and digital program sales, home entertainment, licensing, theatrical and live events. She also oversees...show more
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Studio Competition In The Peak TV Era
Patrice Sauvé is known as an audacious visual master. Following cinematic studies at Concordia University, he broadened his horizons by working on cultural shows, public affairs magazines and documentaries. However, it was in 2001 that he found his true voice with the cult series "La vie, la vie", which was...show more
Speaking on: From A Best-Seller To A SVOD Success Ready To Conquer The World
A well respected veteran in the television industry, Rebecca Segal has worked extensively in the acquisition and marketing of U.S. programming, both through the development stage and on air.
She has successfully identified programming trends, provided market intelligence, and maintained relationships with U.S. networks (network and cable), studios, as well as...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Lloyd Segan is currently serving as Executive Producer on Canada’s #1 Original Drama, “Private Eyes”, which recently began airing it’s second season on Global. He made his television series debut with “The Dead Zone,” based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. Following that, Lloyd executive-produced “Wildfire,” along with...show more
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Building Partnerships For A Global Audience
Sarah Sharkey Pearce is the Creative Director of Content in eOne’s Unscripted division. Most recently he was the show runner of CBC’s documentary series This Is High School. Prior to her work on This Is High School, she was the showrunner on the hit series Yukon Gold for HISTORY CANADA and NATGEO US.
With over 15 years experience...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Larry Shuman is founder of The Shuman Company, an entertainment management/production firm specializing in the development of television & film writers since 1991. His many long-time clients have gone on to become some of the highest-level writers in the industry, including Shawn Ryan, creator of The Shield;David Shore, creator of House; Tim...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
As Vice President of Children’s Programming at PBS, Linda Simensky collaborates with producers, co-production partners, PBS station programmers, and distributors throughout the development, production, post-production, and broadcast phases for PBS KIDS programming. Since joining PBS in 2003, Linda has worked with renowned producers to develop hit shows such as CURIOUS...show more
Speaking on: Kids Buyers Panel - Focus On Preschool; The Shifting State Of Kids TV; Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Jeanne Pappas Simon has been a producer, writer, and content creator for the major TV networks and studios in the entertainment industry for more than 30 years.
She has produced more than 400 television series episodes such as Nickelodeon’s Clarissa Explains It All, Roundhouse, Weinerville, Gullah Gullah Island, and Allegra’s...show more
Speaking on: BANFF 101: Turn A Blind Date Pitch Meeting Into A Hot Love Story
Mark Simon is 30-year in the entertainment industry as a producer, director and story artist for live action and animation, amassing over 4,000 production credits. Recent credits include the movies Woody Woodpecker and Chucky 7 for Universal.
Mark has pitched and landed more than 35 production and distribution deals for his...show more
Speaking on: BANFF 101: Turn A Blind Date Pitch Meeting Into A Hot Love Story
Jonathan Sinclair currently serves as executive vice president of Programming and Development for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. In this role, Sinclair develops and delivers new and inspirational programming that aligns with Oprah Winfrey’s legacy and expands the first-rate content of the network.
Sinclair first joined Harpo Studios in 1996 as a...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Creative Unscripted: The Golden Era Of Prestige Factual Content; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Adam Steinman served as Vice President, Non-Scripted International Development & Sales from October 2010 until October 2016 and has been Vice President, Creative, Format, Development & Sales at Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP), since November 2016.
In this position, Steinman is charged with overseeing the adaptation, development, and sale of...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange; International Unscripted Buyers
As Vice-President, Pay and OTT Services, Bell Media, Justin Stockman oversees strategy and management of CraveTV andThe Movie Network, including HBO Canada. He is responsible for digital video, branded entertainment, and channel-driven digital content, including Much Digital Studios. He also oversees execution of program priorities and new channel and business...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Yvonne Strahovski stars in Hulu’s critically acclaimed original series, THE HANDMAID’S TALE, which premiered April 26th, 2017. Upcoming films include Shane Black’s THE PREDATOR, Dennis Iliadis’ HE’S OUT THERE, and Marc Forster’s ALL IS SEE IS YOU. Past TV credits include Showtime’s DEXTER, NBC’s CHUCK, ABC’s THE ASTRONAUT WIVES, and...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: The Handmaid’s Tale
Igal Svet is Senior Director, Development at National Geographic Partners. Based in New York City, Svet is responsible for the development and the greenlight of premium content in the forms of original series, specials and documentaries. Over the past year the National Geographic premiered sweeping original series and documentaries such as Mars, The Story of God with Morgan...show more
Speaking on: Creative Unscripted: The Golden Era Of Prestige Factual Content
Jonathan Taplin is Director Emeritus of the Annenberg Innovation Lab at the University of Southern California. he was a Professor at the USC Annenberg School from 2003-2016. Taplin's areas of specialization are in international communication management and the field of digital media entertainment. Taplin began his entertainment career in 1969...show more
Speaking on: Move Fast And Break Things With Jonathan Taplin; Roundtable: Monetizing Content In The Digital Economy
Cheryl is the Controller of CBBC and is responsible for an annual 4,000 hours of programming for 6-12s. She commissions all CBBC content for television and online - including factual, drama, comedy, entertainment, news, games and apps. CBBC continues to be the most popular channel for its age group in...show more
Speaking on: Kids Buyers Panel - Focus On 6-11s; Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Brian Tolleson (aka BT) is BARK BARK’s Head of Content and Managing Partner. Founding BARK BARK 10 years ago was his idea, but it’s the incredibly smart and talented people he works with that make what he ignited grow brighter every day. At BARK BARK, Brian has led the team...show more
Speaking on: Brands Creating Content
Todd VanDerWerff is the critic-at- large for Vox and the first TV Editor of The A.V. Club, where he reviewed every episode of many, many TV shows (including some he has forgotten about entirely). His work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Salon, and Grantland. He lives in...show more
Speaking on: Digital Innovators In The Content Industry; Carving Out Your Place: How To Succeed Amongst The OTT Giants
Ginette Viens, Vice-President, Brand Management & Content, Quebecor Content since 2013, is responsible for developing powerful multiplatform strategies and acquiring the best original content in all genres: scripted, non-scripted, lifestyle and documentary. Since joining the Corporation 17 years ago, Ginette has occupied a number of positions, including Director Entertainment, and...show more
Speaking on: From A Best-Seller To A SVOD Success Ready To Conquer The World
Former U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) player, two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup™ athlete, Aly Wagner brings her extensive experience as both athlete and reporter to Lifetime in her role as NWSL Game Analyst.
A hands-on Producer and Executive Producer, Ian has produced close to 100 hours of scripted TV and is as comfortable on set as he is in the writer’s room or post house. Keen collaborator, team builder, and always story-focused, Ian has worked on award-winning episodic series, miniseries, TV movies and...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Barbara Williams is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Corus Entertainment Inc., where she oversees all strategic and operational aspects of Corus’ content across conventional and specialty television, Nelvana, digital, and radio properties.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Williams served as Shaw Media’s President, overseeing all aspects of the company’s...show more
Speaking on: Media Leaders Series: Canadian Media Leaders
At Amazon Studios, Melissa Wolfe leads development for the 6-11 animation demo as well as manages a robust slate of animated projects currently in series production. She got her start as an executive at Frederator Studios where she helped to develop 39 animated shorts for Nickelodeon'sRandom! Cartoons and produced over 100...show more
Speaking on: Kids Buyers Panel - Focus On 6-11s; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
Drew Worobow serves as Vice President, Original Programming for IFC. In this role, he is responsible for managing and overseeing all phases of West Coast based development, production, and creative execution of IFC’s growing slate of series. These series include “Maron,” “Stan Against Evil,” and “Brockmire.”
Worobow previously served as Director...show more
Speaking on: Face To Face Meeting Exchange; International Scripted Buyers; Face To Face Meeting Exchange
