Speakers
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McG is a filmmaker, producer and songwriter who has been at the forefront of pop culture across film, TV and music for decades. He is most well known for directing CHARLIE’S ANGELS and TERMINATOR SALVATION (both of which have grossed over $1.2 billion at the box office) and is the...show more
Speaking on: From the Director's Chair: Latoya Raveneau, Molly McGlynn, McG
Elamin Abdelmahmoud is the host of CBC’s weekly pop culture podcast POP CHAT, co-host of CBC’s political podcast PARTY LINES, and a frequent culture commentator for CBC News. He's a culture writer for BuzzFeed News, where he also writes Incoming, the daily morning newsletter. His work has appeared in the...show more
Speaking on: TV for good: using the power of content to shift humanity
Adams was appointed to the new role of Director of Current Production, Drama in February 2021. Adams has served as Executive in Charge of Production, Drama since 2012, overseeing the development and production of a number of CBC original dramas including Feudal, Coroner and X Company. Prior to joining CBC,...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: CBC Drama
Lorraine Ali is television critic of the Los Angeles Times. Previously, she was a senior writer for the Calendar section where she covered culture at large, entertainment and American Muslim issues. Ali is an award-winning journalist and Los Angeles native who has written in publications ranging from the New York...show more
Speaking on: Showrunner Superpanel: making content for the new world
Harriet Allen is currently the Commercial Executive in the Non-Scripted Content team at All3Media International, leading on the commercial functions for their non-scripted slate.
Harriet joined A3MI in February 2021 from BBC Studios Distribution where she was part of Content Partnerships, working across all sub-genres in their unscripted slate and more...show more
Speaking on: Coffee With: Endeavor, All3Media; Chatroom: Matchmaker - Producers seeking Distributors
Jayme Alter is a partner in Dentons' Media, Entertainment and Sports practice group. Based in Toronto, Jayme advises clients involved in a variety of industries, including film, television, music and advertising. She represents producers, artists, broadcasters, distributors and creators in negotiating agreements in connection with the development, financing, production and...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Lawyers - Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Richmond LLP, Lewis Birnberg Hanet, Dentons
Hussain Amarshi is the Founder and President of Mongrel Media – Canada’s leading arthouse film distribution company. A graduate of the University of Toronto and Queen’s University, Hussain has been involved in film for over 30 years; he founded the Kingston International Film Festival in 1989; ran the Euclid Theatre...show more
Speaking on: Window into the ‘Feature’: the new strategies for releasing films
6 May 2019 – 5 May 2024
ABC Managing Director David Anderson’s career in the broadcast television and media industry spans more than 30 years.
A leader in television production who has been responsible for commissioning successful programs across all genres as well as overseeing the corporation’s digital transformation, he joined the...show more
Speaking on: What it means to run a public broadcaster in 2021 (and beyond)
The Boston-born, Calgary-bred Andras has a diverse list of television credits to her name. Currently, she is the Creator and Showrunner of SYFY’s hit series Wynonna Earp. Previously, she spent three seasons as the Showrunner and Executive Producer of Lost Girl, and recently worked as the Supervising Producer on Killjoys,...show more
Speaking on: Showrunner Screen Time: Emily Andras, Frank Spotnitz, Anna Winger, Anthony Farrell, Loren Bouchard; Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Roy Ashton is the Head of the TV Literary Dept. at The Gersh Agency, with offices in Los Angeles and New York. Prior to joining Gersh as Partner in November 2011, Ashton spent 13 years at Creative Artists Agency. Starting in the mailroom, Ashton worked his way up the corporate...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents - Gersh, CAA, The Characters
Luke Azevedo
Vice President, Creative Industries, Operations & Film Commissioner
Calgary Economic Development Ltd.
Speaking on: ALBERTA: We’ve Arrived (Partner Presentation)
Bilal Baig (they/them) is a queer, trans-feminine, Muslim playwright, performer and workshop facilitator. Bilal's first play, Acha Bacha, had its world premiere in 2018 and has been published by Playwrights Canada Press. Other written work in development includes Kainchee Lagaa, Kitne Saare Laloo Yahan Pey Hain, and I want that free mind! Bilal is a...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Sort Of
Rebecca Brown is Commercial Manager for unscripted content within the Content Partnerships division. She specialises in specialist factual, and her slate ranges from current affairs to popular factual content.
BBC Studios is a global content company with British creativity at its heart, and is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group....show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors - 9 Story Media Group, BBC Studios, Spin Master Entertainment; Chatroom: Matchmaker - Producers seeking Distributors
As SVP, Production & Development, Love Nature, Alison Barrat provides a leading role in finding, developing and commissioning new projects for Love Nature’s growing slate and is responsible for executing programming strategies for the brand’s international channels through development and production. She also oversees all production management and post production...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Love Nature
Dave Padbury joined the Guru development team seven years ago to help guide development on the Netflix Original series True and the Rainbow Kingdom. Since then, he has worked across several of Guru’s properties, including its newest preschool series Pikwik Pack which airs on Disney Junior US, Hulu and Treehouse...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Producer Life; Chatroom: Matchmaker - Writers and Directors seeking Producers
Kevin Beggs is Chairman of the Lionsgate Television Group, overseeing development and production of all scripted and non-scripted programming. A 20-year veteran of the Company and a member of its corporate senior management team, he has spearheaded the strategic expansion of Lionsgate’s television production operations into one of the largest...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Chris Bell is VP, Scripted Development, Television at Entertainment One. Based in Toronto, Chris oversees eOne’s active development slate out of Canada, with a focus on partnering with top writing talent on the development of original series concepts as well as targeting high value IP. Under his leadership, the team...show more
Speaking on: Coffee With: Amazon Studios, Nickelodeon, eOne; Production Partners: Keshet International, TVF International, eOne
André Béraud
Head of Scripted Programs and Feature Films/Premier Directeur, Emissions Dramatiques et Longs Metrages, Radio-Canada
ICI RADIO-CANADA TÉLÉ
Depuis 12 ans, André occupe le poste de Premier Directeur, dramatiques et longs métrages chez ICI Radio-Canada Télé. À ce titre, André a piloté l’arrivée à l’antenne et sur le numérique de nombreuses fictions dont District 31, Feux, Nouvelle adresse, Hubert et Fanny, Le Clan, 5e rang, Une autre histoire,...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: CBC/Radio-Canada; Speed Meetings with Buyers: APTN, Netflix, Radio-Canada
Allison Berkley and Joseph Freed are the founders of Marwar Junction Productions, and are the creators and Executive Producers of original content for television and streaming services.
Career highlights include: the comedic late-night comedy series Earth to Ned (Disney+), acclaimed documentary series Eli Roth’s History of Horror (AMC), documentary anthology...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Creative Conversations
Greg Berlanti
Founder, Berlanti Productions and Executive Producer, The Flight Attendant
Berlanti Productions
Emmy®, Golden Globe, Writers Guild (WGA) and Directors Guild Award (DGA)–nominated writer, director and producer Greg Berlanti is the creative force behind some of the most inventive and acclaimed works in film and television. As of March 2021, he is producing nearly 20 television series through his Berlanti Productions, a record...show more
Speaking on: Summit Series: Channing Dungey, Greg Berlanti and Kaley Cuoco
Tyler Bern is Head of Content for Prime Video Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. He has been at Amazon for 5 years in this role for 2 years and oversees Amazon’s content strategy for Prime Video in CA and ANZ. Prior to Amazon, Tyler was working in Dish Network’s Programming group...show more
Speaking on: Coffee With: Amazon Studios, Nickelodeon, eOne; Cocktails With: PBS, Amazon Studios, CBC Drama & Comedy
Peter Bevan is a Vice President at WarnerMedia Latin America, and head of the original movie banner, Particular Crowd. Responsible for the strategy and day-to-day operations of the banner, including development, production, acquisitions, business strategy/affairs and distribution, Peter manages an output of over 60 movies a year. Prior to joining the group, Peter served as Vice...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: WarnerMedia Latin America
WGA Award-winner Steve Blackman is currently the showrunner, creator, writer and executive producer of the critically acclaimed Netflix show, The Umbrella Academy, which is an adaption of Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá’s comic book series of the same name. The show revolves around estranged siblings with extraordinary powers, who reunite following...show more
Speaking on: Showrunner Screen Time: Steve Blackman, Alena Smith
Mimi Blanchard has worked in entertainment in some capacity her entire life. Spending her early career as a performer at Disneyland, she decided to retire her jazz shoes and move on to the world of television.
Her television career has spanned twenty years and has included unscripted development and current programming,...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: BET
Award-Winning Commercial Director and Brand Marketing Strategist Brandon Bloch has more than ten years of experience creating branded video content and commercials for some of the world's leading brands including Apple, NBC, HBO, Samsung, T-Mobile and more.
Bloch currently serves as Founding Partner and Executive Producer at Hometeam where he works...show more
Speaking on: Borderless production: exploring the latest technologies
A member of the Ontario Bar, Karla Bobadilla represents clients in the areas of entertainment and media law, practicing primarily in film, television and new media rights acquisition, production and distribution/exploitation.
Karla has acted for film and television producers, distributors, broadcasters and film festivals. Karla is also...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Lawyers - Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Richmond LLP, Lewis Birnberg Hanet, Dentons
Colin Bohm is Executive Vice President Content and Corporate Strategy at Corus Entertainment Inc.
Colin oversees Corus’ original content businesses Nelvana, Corus Studios, Kids Can Press and Toon Boom, and is responsible for the company’s business development and strategic planning activities, including the development of global strategic partnerships and Corus’ mergers...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Kim oversees the company’s unscripted production slate, with a focus on lifestyle programming. She also develops factual content for networks in North America. Kim’s executive producer credits include Rock Solid Builds, Girl Scout Cookie Championship, Property Brothers, Property Brothers: Buying & Selling, Flipping Virgins, Hours to Kill Season 2, Bizarre...show more
Speaking on: Pitch Doctors: Warner Bros International Television Production, SEVEN24, Cineflix
Loren Bouchard is creator and showrunner of Fox's long-running hit animated series Bob’s Burgers, which recently celebrated 200 episodes, and has been renewed for a 12th and 13th season. The series earned two Emmy Awards for Best Primetime Animated Program and has been nominated in the category for nine...show more
Speaking on: Showrunner Screen Time: Emily Andras, Frank Spotnitz, Anna Winger, Anthony Farrell, Loren Bouchard; Showrunner Superpanel: making content for the new world
Kelly Boutsalis is a freelance writer. She's written about film and television for NOW Magazine, Elle Canada, Flare, POV Magazine and more. She's also written about lifestyle, design, and culture for publications including the Toronto Star, Chatelaine, VICE and Toronto Life. Originally from the Six Nations reserve, she lives in Toronto with...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Reservation Dogs
Sarah Bremner is President of Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY Filmworks where she oversees a growing production slate encompassing film (including Oscar-nominated The White Tiger), television (including Queen Sugar, Cherish the Day, Home Sweet Home, One Perfect Shot) and animation (Wings of Fire) projects. Prior to joining ARRAY, the UK-born Bremner spent...show more
Speaking on: Tales from the hitmakers: strategies for the streaming era
Alison Brower is Insider's LA bureau chief, launching a new vertical centered on the business of entertainment. Previously, she was the deputy editor for arts and entertainment at the Los Angeles Times, where she spearheaded cultural and business coverage as well as investigative features on celebrities and longstanding L.A. institutions. From 2014-2019,...show more
Speaking on: Media leaders 2021: sharing strategies for the future
Debbie Brown has been creating content for two decades. For the last 9 years she has been a Production Executive, Original Content for Corus Entertainment, overseeing hundreds of hours of lifestyle and reality series including series like Property Brothers, Property Brothers: Forever Home, Masters of Flip, Fire Masters, The Big Bake, Say...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Bell Media, PBS, Corus Entertainment, CNN; Speed Meetings with Buyers: Sesame Workshop, Corus Entertainment, HISTORY
As Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, Sylvia Bugg oversees all non-children’s content and leads PBS’s programming strategy across its broadcast and digital platforms. She is also responsible for the acquisition and development of world-class programming for PBS and its member stations, with a particular focus on sharing important stories that reflect...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board; What it means to run a public broadcaster in 2021 (and beyond)
An award-winning business journalist and media commentator who appears on camera, on stage, online and in print. Kate moderates public and corporate events and writes regularly for specialist publications, including DTVE (formerly Cable & Satellite Europe) and Broadcast Magazine in the UK. She tweets @KateComments
Kate is the Awards...show more
Speaking on: What it means to run a public broadcaster in 2021 (and beyond)
Sarah Burney is Director of Programming at REELZ— a leading independent cable and satellite general entertainment network that is home to factual entertainment, television events, miniseries, movies and series with a focus on the real lives and real stories of real celebrities. Programming ranges from the critically acclaimed and award-winning The Kennedys and The...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails With: CNN, Corus Entertainment, Reelz Channel; Speed Meetings with Buyers: Netflix, Reelz Channel, Cartoon Network
STEVEN CANALS is the Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning co-creator, showrunner, executive producer, director and writer of FX’s groundbreaking drama series, Pose, which just ended its third and final season to universal raves. He directed and co-wrote the series finale, which brought the series to a heartbreaking and hopeful conclusion.
A groundbreaking queer, Afro Latinx...show more
Speaking on: TV for good: using the power of content to shift humanity
Kelley L. Carter is the Sr. Entertainment Reporter for ESPN's The Undefeated where she covers the intersection of race, pop culture and sports. She's also worked for outlets including USA Today, Vibe, BuzzFeed, Ebony, Essence, ESPN.com, MTV News, the Chicago Tribune, and the Detroit Free Press. Carter is a Michigan State University alum.
Speaking on: Summit Series: Kevin Feige and Kari Skogland
In her role as Manager, Original Content, Lifestyle at Corus Entertainment, Lynne oversees the development and production of a slate of series for Food Network Canada, HGTV Canada, and Global, managing a team of Production Executives driving the day-to-day operation of the Original Content, Lifestyle department.
With over 30 years of...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Bell Media, Corus Entertainment; Cocktails With: CNN, Corus Entertainment, Reelz Channel
Maverick Carter, an entrepreneur and CEO, has significantly impacted the sports and media landscape and helped usher in a new era of athlete empowerment. As LeBron James’ longtime business partner and CEO of The SpringHill Company, Carter has channeled his passionate curiosity and determination to uplift others into building brands...show more
Speaking on: Summit Series: Maverick Carter, CEO, The SpringHill Company
Sally Catto is the General Manager of Entertainment, Factual and Sports for CBC. She oversees the strategic direction for all programming across all platforms including CBC TV and CBC Gem, and all entertainment and factual genres including drama, comedy, factual entertainment, arts, documentary, sports and podcasts. This includes a wide...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Nathalie Chamberland
Director Youth Programming & Directrice Planification Gestion Et Acquisition De Contenus Jeunesse
CBC Radio-Canada
Over her many years working in production and broadcasting in both the public and private sectors, Nathalie Chamberland has been involved in all phases of content creation.
Since 2017, Ms. Chamberland has overseen the development and production of kids content at Radio-Canada as Director of Youth Programming, where she is in...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Corus Entertainment, MTV, Radio-Canada; Speed Meetings with Buyers: iQIYI, OWN, Radio-Canada
In her role as EVP, International Co-Productions, Julie Chang initiates and leads co-productions for Blue Ant Media across the company’s core integrated business units. This includes identifying, structuring and closing content creation deals and leveraging financing opportunities with international partners for the company’s global production arm, Blue Ant Studios; its...show more
Speaking on: Business as unusual: the future of co-production and distribution
Elaine Chin is a respected entertainment creative executive who has developed franchises and launched feature and TV series across the United States, China and in Asian markets. She is the Senior Vice President, Scripted Content of Stage 13, the award-winning studio brand that is a part of Warner Bros./Warner Bros....show more
Speaking on: Coffee With: RTG Features, APTN, Stage 13; Production Partners: RTG Features, MGM Studios, Stage 13; Perfecting your Virtual Pitch
Johnny is a Manager in the Drama Current team at Netflix. He works on shows such as Firefly Lane, Feel Good, Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias. Prior to Netflix he was at 3AD (The Good Doctor) and Universal Cable Productions.
Andrew Cividino is a writer / director hailing from Toronto. His debut feature film SLEEPING GIANT had its world premiere at Critics’ Week in Cannes and went on to win prizes at TIFF, Munich, and Mumbai. Andrew was a frequent director on the POPTV/CBC series SCHITT’S CREEK, for which he...show more
Speaking on: Director Superpanel: a vision for the future; From the Director's Chair: Clement Virgo, Andrew Cividino, Matt Shakman
Aubrey has worked for the BBC Children’s Animation and Acquisitions team for 8 years. As Senior Programme Executive, he is editorially across co-productions, pre-buys and Off the Shelf acquisitions for Cbeebies and CBBC.
He is the channel executive on The Next Step, Scream Street, My Perfect Landing, The Zoo and Tee & Mo plus brand manages shows such as Odd Squad, Holly...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: YouTube Originals, CBBC, M6
Sean Cohan is Nielsen Global Media’s Chief Growth Officer and President, International. He joined Nielsen in March 2020 and is responsible for overseeing Nielsen’s Growth Strategy, Strategic Partnerships, Corporate and Business Development, and its range of businesses outside the U.S., including Measurement, Outcomes, Sports and Metadata.
Sean comes to Nielsen having...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
A graduate of the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, I’ve been living and working Los Angeles, CA for just over a decade. Initially got my start in production working for Nickelodeon on iCarly and Victorious before moving into Talent Management. Eventually, I received an opportunity to work at Paramount Pictures in Film Development, and...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails With: Ubisoft, HISTORY, CBC
Tom Cox is Managing Director of SEVEN24 Films. His productions span thirty years and include award-winning feature films, dramatic series, mini-series and television movies.
In addition to Fortunate Son, in production this year for the CBC and NBCU International, current productions include Jann, a half-hour comedy for CTV, Dark Cargo, a noir thriller pilot for...show more
Speaking on: ALBERTA: We’ve Arrived (Partner Presentation); Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Doug Craig is Senior Vice President, Content Strategy & Acquisitions for ViacomCBS Networks International’s (VCNI’s) Streaming Division.
Craig leads international content strategy, acquisitions, programming and operations for VCNI’s portfolio of international streaming services across all international markets. Craig is focused on leading the development and execution of VCNI’s content proposition and...show more
Speaking on: Streaming the future forward
Valerie Creighton is an industry leader in arts, culture and media, recognized for reenergizing some of the country’s most important organizations in the sector over the last thirty-five years. An expert in organizational change, Valerie has been recognized as a visionary in promoting Canada’s cultural wealth.
Currently serving as President and...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board; State of the Nation: Canadian industry at a crossroads
As Senior Director of Music Program Development at MTV International, Amanda Culkowski is responsible for developing original music and talent driven long form series and specials for MTV’s 170+ global channels. Prior to joining MTV, Amanda was a member of the WE tv development team in New York, where she...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Corus Entertainment, MTV, Radio-Canada; Cocktails With: Warner Bros Television Production, TVO Kids, MTV
Kaley Cuoco most recently starred and executive produced the breakout hit comedic thriller The Flight Attendant. Season one of the series was based on the novel of the same name by Chris Bohjalian and told the story of how an entire life can change in one night. Flight attendant Cassie...show more
Speaking on: Summit Series: Channing Dungey, Greg Berlanti and Kaley Cuoco
D'Cruz is the executive producer of CBC Arts, CBC Life and the CBC Creator Network. He's been building and running websites since the late ’90s, and is (still) passionate about finding new ways to tell stories online. D'Cruz previously executive produced CBC Arts: Exhibitionists, led CBC's Canada 150 vertical and...show more
From a very young age, Alia J. Daniels recognized the power of representation within the media. Quickly identifying how few women looked like her across entertainment, business and politics, Alia became determined to make an impact. She equipped herself with bachelor's degrees in Music and Communications Studies with a Mass...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Creating a healthier and more inclusive industry
Tim Davie became Director-General of the BBC on 1 September 2020. He is the 17th Director-General of the Corporation.
Prior to this, Tim was Chief Executive of BBC Studios, the BBC’s principal commercial subsidiary. Responsible for creating and distributing leading British content globally; Tim led BBC Studios from April 2013. Whilst...show more
Speaking on: What it means to run a public broadcaster in 2021 (and beyond)
Deniese Davis began her career producing music videos, short films and digital content including Issa Rae's award-winning web series The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl. She is currently an Co-Executive Producer on the HBO Emmy-nominated comedy series Insecure and a Producer on HBO’s Emmy-nominated A Black Lady Sketch Show. After 8 years of producing for Hoorae Media (fka Issa Rae Productions), Deniese...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board; Expanding your audience through the power of diverse storytelling (panel + mixer)
Keith Dawkins is a strategic, creative, award-winning Chief Executive Officer with 25+ years of experience in the media/entertainment, professional sports, and philanthropic industries. Keith is a results-oriented executive with a global business acumen evidenced across all operations; setting company strategy; leadership and management; deal negotiations; international sales; P&L oversight; and...show more
Speaking on: Trend report: what’s hot with kids now
Elyse Delmore is the Executive Director of Unscripted Development at MGM Studios, the studio that produces CBS’s Survivor, ABC’s Shark Tank, and NBC’s The Voice plus many more. She develops and produces game shows, competition formats, variety shows and everything in between for broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Elyse started her career on the buying...show more
Speaking on: Perfecting your Virtual Pitch
Austin Denesuk is an Agent at leading entertainment and sports agency (CAA), working in both the Scripted Television and Books departments. The Dallas native and Lafayette College graduate nearly pursued a career in law before joining CAA in 2014.
Promoted to Agent in 2017, Denesuk has built a client list that includes...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents - Gersh, CAA, The Characters
Tanya Denning-Orman, a proud Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman from Central and North Queensland, has led NITV since it joined SBS in 2012, and more recently became SBS’s first Director of Indigenous Content.
Tanya manages NITV as a channel dedicated to Indigenous voices, overseeing its diverse and innovative multiplatform content. She...show more
Speaking on: A cultural conversation: the future of Indigenous broadcasting and streaming
In her role as VP Scripted, Jessalyn manages SEVEN24’s extensive scripted development slate as well as consulting on a number of shows in production.
Recent development projects that have gone to production under her purview include the upcoming one-hour series for Global (Corus) Family Law, four seasons of the sci-fi western...show more
Speaking on: Pitch Doctors: Warner Bros International Television Production, SEVEN24, Cineflix
Meaghan Denomme is a Literary Agent at GGA. Based in Toronto, this prestigious boutique agency is well-known as a home for many of Canada’s top Artists. Initially an Assistant in the Playwrights’ Licensing Department, Meaghan accelerated quickly within the company and now represents Screenwriters, Directors and Producers. Meaghan began her...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents - CAA, United Talent Agency, Gary Goddard Agency
Jocelyn Deschênes
President, Chef Producteur Executif-Contenu Original Fiction-Internationale
Sphere Media International Inc.
A prominent figure in the Quebec television industry from 1988 onward, Jocelyn Deschênes founded in 1997 SPHERE MEDIA PLUS, now part of Sphere Media. As a passionate producer always on the lookout for new series, Jocelyn Deschênes is constantly developing projects for the Quebec, Canadian and international television markets. With...show more
Speaking on: Visée internationale: Comment les contenus francophones réussissent à captiver les publics du monde entier?
Until 1/31/2021, Sandra Dewey served as President of Business Operations and Productions for WarnerMedia Entertainment’s streaming service HBO Max as well as TNT, TBS and truTV.
In her role, Sandra oversaw the business affairs and production teams for HBO Max originals. Sandra and her team established policy and process for the HBO...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Michela Di Mondo heads up Fremantle’s Canadian office and is responsible for developing and maximizing prospects for Fremantle IP. Michela works across finished tape, formats, brand integrations and co-productions in both English and French Canada, which is key to driving Fremantle’s growth in the market’s evolving media landscape. Prior to...show more
Speaking on: Business as unusual: the future of co-production and distribution
Kim Diaz has spent the past 14 years in preschool television as a development exec, writer, and producer. In her current role, Kim oversees Sesame’s Creative Development pipeline, which includes original series, Sesame Street spinoffs, and animated specials for partners such as HBO Max.
She also runs shorts production and development...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Sesame Workshop, iQIYI; 30 Minutes With: Sesame Workshop; Speed Meetings with Buyers: Sesame Workshop, Corus Entertainment, HISTORY
Christa Dickenson is the Executive Director & CEO of Telefilm Canada. She has over two decades of experience spanning broadcast television, technology, telecommunications and interactive digital media, having worked at CTV, CPAC, Rogers and Interactive Ontario. Ms. Dickenson possesses an un-paralleled talent for innovation coupled with a strong business acumen....show more
Speaking on: State of the Nation: Canadian industry at a crossroads
Kadon Douglas is the inaugural executive director of BIPOC TV & Film, a Toronto-based grassroots nonprofit organization advocating for greater equity for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour professionals working—at all levels, in front of and behind the camera—in Canada's film and TV industry. Kadon brings to BIPOC TV &...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Creating a healthier and more inclusive industry; Systemic solutions: breaking barriers and rebuilding a better entertainment industry
Ludo Dufour leads co-productions, co-ventures, pre-sales, new business development and distribution licensing for Blue Ant Media’s distribution company, Blue Ant International.
Dufour’s previous work includes senior roles within sales, marketing, business affairs and acquisitions. He was previously managing director at Off the Fence. While there, Dufour focused on sales and co-financing...show more
Highly esteemed TV industry leader Channing Dungey was named Chairman, Warner Bros. Television Group, in October 2020, and started her tenure at the Studio in January 2021. In this role, she has creative responsibility for all of Warner Bros.’ unrivaled television production activities, including production of scripted and unscripted/alternative series...show more
Speaking on: Summit Series: Channing Dungey, Greg Berlanti and Kaley Cuoco
Marion Edwards is an Emmy® -award-winning executive producer with many years’ experience overseeing large-scale animation productions. She began working with Gutsy Animations as a consultant in 2018 prior to joining the team permanent in 2020.
Prior to this, Marion ran European TV production for DreamWorks Television for two years and production...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Moominvalley
With his extensive pop culture knowledge and an innate ability to ease his guests into intimate and candid conversation, Tyrone Edwards brings his expertise to Canada’s most-watched entertainment program as ETALK Anchor.
Edwards began his television career as the host of RAPCITY, before becoming a host on Much and E!, where...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Transplant
Havva Eisenbaum is OWN’s Vice President, Development for Unscripted Programming, and reports to Robyn Lattaker-Johnson, Head of OWN Unscripted Development, Programming & Specials. Eisenbaum oversees the development of the network’s unscripted slate of African American female-focused programming, including series, special programming, and TV movies.
Prior to OWN, Eisenbaum was Head of...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: iQIYI, OWN, Radio-Canada; Pitch Doctors: PBS, Fresh TV, OWN
John Elmes is the international editor of Broadcast. He has been a journalist for 10 years and has worked in the TV trade press for the past four. Before joining Broadcast he was a senior reporter at fellow TV trade publication C21Media. Prior to this, John spent six years at...show more
Speaking on: Business as unusual: the future of co-production and distribution
Sheri is best known for her work as an Executive Producer-Writer on the hit dramedy Lucifer (Fox/ Netflix) and as creator of the award-winning Call Me Fitz (HBO Canada). She is currently developing the dark half-hour comedy Bitches for WBTV and the 1-hr drama Shitshowfor Elizabeth Banks and her Brownstone...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Creative Conversations; Showrunner Screen Time: Vera Santamaria, Sheri Elwood
Alan Esslemont was born in Braemar in Scotland and holds an MA in French from Edinburgh University and a postgraduate MBA from the Open University in the UK. After working in France, Switzerland and the Isle of Skye, Alan moved to Ireland in 1984 to a teaching position at University...show more
Speaking on: A cultural conversation: the future of Indigenous broadcasting and streaming
Frank Falcone has been bringing film and television projects to life as an animator, director and executive producer for over 25 years. Under his creative vision, Guru Studio has become a leader in character-driven storytelling and high-quality animated entertainment for kids and families around the world. Guru’s roster of hit...show more
Speaking on: Production Partners: Red Bull Originals, Guru Studio; Trend report: what’s hot with kids now
Anthony has served as Showrunner for THE PARKER ANDERSONS, AMELIA PARKER, and the BAFTA-winning CBBC series SECRET LIFE OF BOYS, which he also created. Currently, Anthony is the Showrunner and Executive Producer of the sci-fi primetime comedy OVERLORD & THE UNDERWOODS. In the past, he has written for NBC’s THE...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Creative Conversations; Showrunner Screen Time: Emily Andras, Frank Spotnitz, Anna Winger, Anthony Farrell, Loren Bouchard
As Development Producer at Saloon Media, a Blue Ant Studios company, Matt Faulknor is part of a talented team that develops and produces compelling and entertaining factual series including Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer, Life Below Zero: Canada, Cold Valley, Hotel Paranormal, Canada's Drag Race, award-winning documentary 9/11 Kids, Mysteries...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Producer Life; Production Partners: Saloon Media, ZDF, All3Media
Kevin Feige is the driving creative force behind several billion-dollar franchises and an unprecedented number of blockbuster feature films, all connected within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A hands-on producer, Feige oversees Marvel Studios’ feature film productions, with 23 film releases that have all opened No. 1 at the box office...show more
Speaking on: Summit Series: Kevin Feige and Kari Skogland
With over a decade of experience pioneering the intersection of TV and digital, Zach Feldberg has navigated the content business from many different angles. At CBC, he oversees the YA Digital Originals strategy and programming team, developing and commissioning Gen Z-targeted series for CBC Gem and branded social platforms. This...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Commissioning FAQ
Daniel Fienberg is chief television critic for The Hollywood Reporter and co-host of the weekly TV's Top 5 podcast, covering the industry's biggest news and interviewing its biggest creative players. A former president and longtime board member of the Television Critics Association, Fienberg previously wrote for Tribune's Zap2it website and was part...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: David Makes Man
Fab is an award-winning actor, screenwriter, playwright and director. Most recently he wrote and directed the critically acclaimed and award-winning series Save Me, which was nominated for 20 international festival awards and a Webby alongside The Daily Show, and Jimmy Kimmel. He has over 20 episodes of true crime under his...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Sort Of
Erin is a partner with Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Richmond LLP where she practises in the areas of entertainment law, copyright, privacy, broadcast regulatory and cultural policy. She provides a wide range of legal services and strategic direction to producers, artists, musicians, authors, publishers, trade associations, copyright collectives and cultural businesses in the development, production,...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Lawyers - Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Richmond LLP, Lewis Birnberg Hanet, Dentons
Zara Frankel works in PBS Programming as the Director of Programming and Development. She collaborates extensively with filmmakers, production companies, and new talent to develop interesting and innovative content across genres for PBS. Prior to her current role, Zara served as the Development Manager for PBS Programming, evaluating submissions and...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails With: PBS, Amazon Studios, CBC Drama & Comedy; Pitch Doctors: PBS, Fresh TV, OWN
Allison Berkley and Joseph Freed are the founders of Marwar Junction Productions, and are the creators and Executive Producers of original content for television and streaming services.
Career highlights include: the comedic late-night comedy series Earth to Ned (Disney+), acclaimed documentary series Eli Roth’s History of Horror (AMC), documentary anthology...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Creative Conversations
Angela Freedman joined the Travel Channel team in early 2019. As Director of Development, she collaborates with producers to develop breakout series for the network, as well as helping to steer strategy for future programming.
Prior to Travel Channel, Freedman was at Mic Productions, where she developed and produced documentaries and...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Netflix, Corus Kids, TRVL Channel, APTN; Coffee With: CNN, TRVL Channel, ZDF
Amy Friedman is Head of Kids & Family Programming, Warner Bros. responsible for the creative and strategic guidance on kids and family programming for Cartoon Network and Boomerang, as well as the development and production of kids and family content for HBO Max.
Friedman oversees strategy for new and current series,...show more
Speaking on: Trend report: what’s hot with kids now
Kitty Gambel is Vice President of Unscripted Television at MGM. In her role, she manages a large slate of development projects, serves as point on current series including Beat Shazam and the recently announced ABC series Generation Gap, and oversees a robust slate of podcasts.
Prior to joining MGM, Gambel served as...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails With: Starz, MGM Studios
As Vice President, Programming & Development Bill Gardner focuses on multiplatform content strategy and production in the genres of history, culture, natural history and science. He works closely with flagship PBS strands such as NATURE and NOVA as well as managing a large portfolio of independent series and premier documentaries.
Since...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Commissioning FAQ
Tammy Garnes is the Vice President of Education & Understanding, ARRAY, overseeing education and social impact projects. Garnes also oversees ARRAY Crew, a personnel database for Hollywood’s below-the-line (BTL) crew members with a special focus on the amplification of women, people of color and other underrepresented film and television professionals....show more
A champion for Indigenous creators, Adam Garnet Jones is Cree-Métis and Danish from Amiskwacîwâskahikan, the traditional name for Edmonton, Alta. With a degree in film production from Ryerson University, Adam worked in the film industry for 14 years, notably as director of Amplify, story editor for a season of Mohawk...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Corus Kids, APTN, Corus Entertainment; Speed Meetings with Buyers: Netflix, Corus Kids, TRVL Channel, APTN; Nations to Nations: Canadian Indigenous stories on a global stage
Sara Geater was appointed Chief Operating Officer of All3Media in 2015, joining the senior executive team created after the acquisition of the business by Discovery and Liberty Global. Sara works closely with the businesses in the Group to drive growth, both organically and through acquisition. She brings her expertise as...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Mr. Leo Geng is a Master’s candidate at the School of Journalism & Communication at Tsinghua University. He is the Senior Vice President of iQIYI.
From 1998 to 2009, Mr. Leo Geng was working in SOHU. In 2007, Mr. Leo Geng worked as the General Manager of Focus Network. In March...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Sesame Workshop, iQIYI; Speed Meetings with Buyers: iQIYI, OWN, Radio-Canada
Athena Georgaklis is the Head of Development for Nelvana. A highly respected animation executive, Athena leads the acquisition of rights and the development of all original content for Nelvana. Athena is committed to develop creator-driven content, working with the studio’s producers, creators, and talent around the world that will resonate...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board; 30 Minutes With: Nelvana
Brenda Gilbert is the Co-Founder & President of BRON Media Corporation. She is part of the executive team that manages the various BRON offices and senior staff members, while directly producing and/or executive producing several animated and live-action films, including the recent Netflix hit The Willoughbys. Currently, her focus is on...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board; Media leaders 2021: sharing strategies for the future
Prem Gill is Chief Executive Officer of Creative BC. The organization is designated by the Province of British Columbia to focus on uniting, sustaining and growing British Columbia’s dynamic and diverse creative sector including motion picture, music and sound recording, interactive and digital media, and magazine and book publishing.
Prem has...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation With: Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault
As Director of Children’s Programming, Tommy leads the strategic rollout of video content for PBS KIDS, including scheduling and content planning for the U.S. public broadcaster’s national children’s service and the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and livestream. He is also the production executive on several PBS KIDS series, including the...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: PBS, Blue Ant Studios, Discovery; Coffee With: PBS, WildBrain, PBS
Carrie Gillogly is the Co-Head and SVP of Scripted Programming at AMC Networks. In this role she oversees the development and production of AMC scripted series. Since joining the company in 2012, Gillogly has notably overseen such AMC series as Into The Badlands, The Terror, The Son, and the recent...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: AMC
As President, BBC Studios – Americas, Rebecca Glashow is responsible for leading the strategy to further develop BBC Studios’ distribution activities in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, driving profitable long-term growth in a core commercial market for the BBC Group. With a focus on bringing BBC content and services...show more
Speaking on: Streaming the future forward
Speaking on: Trend report: what’s hot with kids now
Michael Gordon is a TV Global Scripted Agent at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA). At CAA he has put together and represented many critically acclaimed global shows including Fauda (Netflix), Tehran (Apple), Euphoria (HBO), How to Sell Drugs Online (FAST) (Netflix), Feel Good (Netflix), War of the Worlds (Epix) and...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents - CAA, United Talent Agency, Gary Goddard Agency; Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Mara Gourd-Mercado
Directrice Generale
Académie canadienne du cinéma et de la télévision - section Québec
Mara Gourd-Mercado is an Argentinean-Canadian arts manager, specializing in film, television and digital media. For a decade, she used her expertise and energy to promote films from Quebec and around the world as a publicist. In 2011, she entered the advertising industry and created the communications manager position at one...show more
Speaking on: Visée internationale: Comment les contenus francophones réussissent à captiver les publics du monde entier?
Jay Grace is an award winning director and animator with over 25 years of experience in the animation industry. He's known predominantly for his work with the Oscar-winning animation studio Aardman, where he was involved in many TV and Feature film projects.
His notable credits include Key Character Animator on the...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Moominvalley
As Head of Prime Video Canada, Magda Grace is responsible for the company’s development and expansion efforts into Canada. She previously held positions at Starz and ICM Partners. Magda has a Master of Laws from UCLA School of Law and a Juris Doctor degree from McGill Law.
Speaking on: Streaming the future forward
Karen Gray is Executive Vice President, Human Resources for A+E Networks® Group, which encompasses A&E®, Lifetime®, HISTORY®, Lifetime® Movies, FYI,™ and Vice TV. She was named to the role in June 2019 and has oversight of the company’s human resource functions globally, including culture, diversity, inclusion and all people-focused initiatives.
Gray came to A+E Networks® from Christie’s...show more
Speaking on: Systemic solutions: breaking barriers and rebuilding a better entertainment industry
Greg Greenwald is Manager of Program Development for CNN Original Series and is based out of CNN’s New York office. He is responsible for developing original programming across a variety of CNN platforms as well as cultivating relationships within the entertainment industry. Prior to joining CNN, Greg worked as a development...show more
Speaking on: Coffee With: CNN, TRVL Channel, ZDF; Cocktails With: CNN, Corus Entertainment, Reelz Channel
Ash joined YouTube Originals in 2020 as Creative Executive EMEA, overseeing active productions and building on the YTO development slate. During his tenure at YouTube Originals, he has worked across projects such as Hello 2021 and A Day In The Live: Wizkid, as well as several upcoming series yet to be...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: YouTube Originals, CBBC, M6; Speed Meetings with Buyers: DeAgostini Editore Spa, YouTube, Blue Ant Media
Before being appointed as EVP of Sales and Co-Production for the Americas, Sally was most recently VP of International Programming, Operations and Research at A&E Networks. Here she was responsible in developing strategies for ownership, maximising the exploitation of content across branded and third party platforms, development of original programming...show more
Speaking on: Production Partners: Saloon Media, ZDF, All3Media; Business as unusual: the future of co-production and distribution
Melanie is an Ojibway Woman and member of Pine Creek First Nation. Growing up in an underrepresented community, she has the unique life experience to give her the drive, ambition, and perseverance to explore the power of change through storytelling.
In her 15+ years working in the entertainment industry in Canada she...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board; Chatroom: Creating a healthier and more inclusive industry
Nina Hahn is Senior Vice President of International Production & Development for Nickelodeon International and Head of ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) Kids.
Based in London, Hahn oversees international content development and co-production partnerships for all ViacomCBS kids’ content outside of the United States. Hahn coordinates and drives the development process, spearheads...show more
Speaking on: Trend report: what’s hot with kids now
Poppy Hanks is the Senior Vice President of Development and Production at MACRO, the next generation multi-platform
media company founded by former WME Partner/Agent Charles D. King, where she manages the company’s slate of film
and television projects.
Most recently, Hanks was an executive producer on the MACRO produced and co-financed...show more
Speaking on: Expanding your audience through the power of diverse storytelling (panel + mixer)
Named one of Canada's Rising Stars by The Hollywood Reporter in 2017, Hamza Haq stars as Bashir “Bash” Hamed in CTV medical dramaTRANSPLANTfor which he earned a 2021 Canadian Screen Award win for Best Lead Actor. The series, a 2021 Canadian Screen Award winner for Best Drama series, and currently...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Transplant
Jennifer Harkness’ key focus is developing, selling and producing unscripted series for Blue Ant Studios within the US and international markets. Most recently, she executive produced Epstein's Shadow: Ghislaine Maxwell(Peacock, Sky). Previously, Harkness was SVP of Sales & Development USA for Cream Productions, where her final project in her tenure...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Blue Ant Studios, Corus Entertainment, CBC; Speed Meetings with Buyers: PBS, Blue Ant Studios, Discovery
Andy Harries is Chief Executive and co-founder of Left Bank Pictures, a multi award-winning UK-based film and television production company. Established in 2007, and a majority stake acquired by Sony in 2012, Left Bank Pictures has produced a huge range of TV and film including Wallander, Mad Dogs and Strike...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board; Tales from the hitmakers: strategies for the streaming era
Denitria“Dee” Harris-Lawrence serves as executive producer/showrunner on the Warner Bros. Television drama series “All Rise” for CBS and executive producer/showrunner on the Peabody Award-winning lyrical drama “David Makes Man” for OWN. For her work on the critically acclaimed first season of “David Makes Man,” she and the show’s creative team...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: David Makes Man
Leslye Headland is an Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and director. She began her career writing and directing the SEVEN DEADLY PLAYS series (IAMA Theatre Company), including Bachelorette and Assistance, which both had successful runs in New York. Bachelorette was the basis for her directorial film debut starring Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, and Rebel Wilson. The...show more
Speaking on: TV for good: using the power of content to shift humanity
Christina is the CEO of Metastage. Metastage specializes in holographic capture of people from all walks of life - athletes, musicians, celebrities, executives and training instructors. Metastage's capture system uses 106 cameras and the Microsoft Mixed Reality Capture software to create beautiful 3D captures at very small file sizes. We can...show more
Speaking on: Borderless production: exploring the latest technologies
Most recently as Vice-President, Communications at Bell Media, Scott Henderson led the strategic day to day operations of program and talent publicity, internal and corporate communications, public affairs and community investment for Bell Media.
Henderson was responsible for all communications efforts for the company’s two conventional networks, CTV and CTV...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Patricia Hidalgo is Director of Children’s & Education at the BBC. She is responsible for developing and implementing creative and editorial strategy for BBC Children’s services across all platforms, with a focus on the strategic future direction of media consumption and business models.
Patricia also heads up the two most popular...show more
With a passion for pop culture and entertainment, Morgan Hoffman joined ET Canada in 2019 with over 10 years of experience in the television industry. In addition to writing and reporting on breaking entertainment stories, Morgan hosts some of ET Canada's most popular digital series including Bachelor Breakdown, dedicated to all things "Bachelor Nation," and Royal Rewind, covering...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with Emily Mortimer
Brad Holcman joined A&E in 2012 as Senior Director, Non-Fiction and Alternative Programming. In this role, Holcman oversees the development and production of many of A&E’s unscripted critically acclaimed projects including “60 Days In," “Intervention (4-time Emmy Nominee – 2015-2018),” “Accused: Guilty or Innocent?,” “America’s Top Dog (A&E’s first competition...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: A&E
Matt Hornburg is co-founder and executive producer of the international award-winning production company, marblemedia. Over the last 20 years, Hornburg and business partner Mark Bishop have diversified marblemedia’s content slate into becoming one of Canada’s leading and most highly-respected independent production, distribution and digital media companies. With head offices in...show more
Speaking on: Where does the future of Canadian content production lie?
Speaking on: Window into the ‘Feature’: the new strategies for releasing films
Lauren Howes (non-binary) is the newly appointed Executive Director of Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival. Inside Out is one of the largest 2SLGBTQ+ festivals in North America and the single largest promoter of 2SLGBTQ+ content in Canada. Howes has more than 20 years of Executive not-for-profit management experience. Previous to...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Sort Of
Kim Howitt is Senior Creative Executive for WarnerMedia Kids & Family. She is responsible for overseeing the creative development of third-party animation, co-production, and live-action across preschool, kids and family. As part of her role, Howitt works closely with the development teams across Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation.
An...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: WarnerMedia Kids & Family
Tiffany Hsiung is a Peabody award-winning filmmaker based in Toronto, Canada and is listed as one of DOC NYC’s 40 under 40.
She is a two-time Canadian Screen Award winner; her recent win was for her film ‘Sing Me a Lullaby’ (2020) which also won the Oscar-qualifying Grand Jury Prize at...show more
Speaking on: From the Director's Chair: Simcha Jacobovici, Tiffany Hsuing
A veteran of kids' television for over 25 years, Holly Huckins is a multi-nominated Emmy and Annie Award series creator, writer and producer whose love of animation is matched only by her love for comedy and music. If you’re a fan of 90s animation, you know Holly from her writing...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Creative Conversations
Rose is an international media and sales executive with a strong track record across formats and tape in scripted and non-scripted content through development, co-productions, pre-buys, and international distribution.
At Keshet International, Rose is responsible for the sales of all formats and finished series across North America, Western Europe plus Global and Regional SVODs....show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Producer Life; Production Partners: Keshet International, TVF International, eOne
Marcie Hume is Senior Executive Producer for A&E, responsible for creating and developing new series for the network. She joined A&E in August 2017.
Hume began her documentary career at the BBC in London, and has created and produced a range of series for the BBC and Channel 4...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails With: REELZ, A&E; Pitch Doctors: A&E, CBC, Guru Studio
Luke Hyams joined YouTube Originals in 2017 as Head of Originals EMEA, overseeing the platform's original content productions and development slate. During his tenure, his projects at YouTube Originals have included the documentary Terms and Conditions: A UK Drill Story, Together We Rise, Virtually History, How to be: Behzinga and Birthday Song.
Prior...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: YouTube EMEA
Mandel Ilagan is the VP of unscripted development at Nickelodeon, where he’s helped launch shows such as Unleashed, The Crystal Maze, The Substitute, Top Elf, Paradise Run and the recent reboots of the Emmy® Award-nominated Double Dare and Emmy® Award-nominated Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader.
Prior to Nickelodeon, Ilagan served as an exec at Hasbro Studios...show more
Speaking on: Coffee With: Amazon Studios, Nickelodeon, eOne; 30 Minutes With: Nickelodeon
Monika Ille is a member of the Abenaki First Nation of Odanak. She has built a rich and diverse portfolio over the course of nearly 30 years in the broadcasting industry. After graduating with distinction from the Université du Québec à Montréal, she entered the industry by working for the...show more
Speaking on: A cultural conversation: the future of Indigenous broadcasting and streaming; Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board; In Conversation With: Canadian Media Leaders - APTN
A partner in Indigenous owned Eagle Vision, Kyle Irving O.M. has produced more than 230 hours of film and television content over 20 years. He just delivered a fourth season of Eagle Vision, ICF and eOne’s drama series Burden of Truth for CBC, The CW, Hulu and Universal UK as...show more
Speaking on: Where does the future of Canadian content production lie?
Katie Isaacson is Senior Manager of Development for CNN Original Series at CNN, based in New York City. In this position, she is responsible for cultivating relationships within the creative community and developing original programming across a variety of CNN platforms. She is responsible for the development of show concepts...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Commissioning FAQ
Speaking on: Nations to Nations: Canadian Indigenous stories on a global stage
Simcha Jacobovici is a documentary film director and producer. Among Jacobovici’s many awards are an unprecedented three US Emmys for "Outstanding Investigative Journalism." He is also an internationally acclaimed journalist and a New York Times bestselling author. Jacobovici has produced non-scripted programming for practically every major broadcaster in the world....show more
Speaking on: From the Director's Chair: Simcha Jacobovici, Tiffany Hsuing
Angela is Managing Director of Lifted Entertainment (FKA: ITV Studios Entertainment), the largest producer of entertainment programmes in the UK. The label produces a wide variety of award-winning and acclaimed shows for all of the UK broadcasters and increasingly internationally too. Ranging from University Challenge, to Love Island to Ant...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
A visionary producer with a track record for delivering award-winning scripted content for audiences around the world, Christina Jennings is founder, chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury, a content company known for innovative storytelling and building successful brands. Spanning the production of TV, feature film and digital content, Shaftesbury titles are sold...show more
Speaking on: Tales from the hitmakers: strategies for the streaming era
Andrew Johnson helps develop and commission factual programming for Corus channels HISTORY and Global. He has overseen programs such as Rust Valley Restorers, Cheating Hitler, Big Timber, History Erased, Fight to the Finish, D-Day in 14 Stories, Border Security, Hunting Nazi Treasure, Yukon Gold, and Ice Pilots.
Previously, he was Commissioning...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Netflix, Corus Entertainment; Speed Meetings with Buyers: Blue Ant Studios, Corus Entertainment, CBC
As a Drama and Feature Film Production Executive for Bell Media’s Original Programming team, Gosia Kamela is responsible for the development and production of original drama series across Bell Media’s portfolio of channels and platforms, including CTV, CTV Sci-Fi, CTV Drama, and CRAVE. Gosia also oversees the Canadian Feature Film slate for Crave. Notable projects...show more
Floyd Kane started his career as an entertainment lawyer working on productions such as the long-running satirical news program "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" and the Oscar-winning documentary, "Bowling For Columbine". He transitioned into writing with his creation of the half-hour CBC drama "North/South". Since that time, Floyd has written...show more
Speaking on: Where does the future of Canadian content production lie?
After serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Quebecor from 1999 to 2013, Pierre Karl Péladeau returned to that position on February 16, 2017 and also became President and CEO of Quebecor Sports and Entertainment Group.
At a young age, Pierre Karl Péladeau showed a keen interest in...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation With: Canadian Media Leaders - Quebecor
Marta Kauffman is an Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning television writer, producer, and showrunner behind the hit series Friends and Grace & Frankie. After graduating from Brandeis University, Kauffman got her big break alongside David Crane when their pilots Dream On (1990) and The Powers That Be (1992) were greenlit. The...show more
Speaking on: Showrunner Superpanel: making content for the new world
Jennifer Kawaja
President, Executive Producer - English Fiction Content, Sphere Media (Formerly Sienna Films)
Sienna Films
Jennifer Kawaja is president of scripted content at Sienna Films/Sphere Media. The company’s recent credits include: the Hot Docs 2021 jury prize winner for the feature length documentary ONE OF OURS by Yasmine Mathrin, CBC series TRICKSTER (TIFF 2020, Official Selection), airing on platforms internationally including SyFy (UK), Canal +, CW and...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Sort Of
Joseph Kay is a writer and creator of series television. Prior to creating and executive producing the drama series TRANSPLANT for Bell Media and NBC Universal, he served as showrunner on the CBC drama THIS LIFE. Previous credits include the WW2 drama BOMB GIRLS for Global TV and CBC's hit...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Transplant
Maria Kennedy is owner of Little Engine Moving Pictures, an award-winning, creator-driven media production company specializing in live-action CGI hybrid, animated series and companion interactive content for an international audience. She and the Little Engine team produce and distribute original, progressive kids and family series that travel the world, like...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Creating a healthier and more inclusive industry
Brooke Kessler is a Director of Original Series, Comedy at Netflix. She has most recently overseen the development of Mindy Kaling's hit series Never Have I Ever and the critically-acclaimed The Baby-Sitters Club. Her upcoming series include multi-cam sitcom The Upshaws starring Mike Epps and Wanda Sykes as well as single-cam comedy Boo, Bitch starring Lana Condor.
Prior to Netflix, Brooke...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Netflix
Showrunner, writer, and director Nahnatchka Khan has become one of the most sought-after creators in film and television. Khan is the founder of her film and TV production company, Fierce Baby, which focuses on amplifying new voices and perspectives in both comedy and drama. In 2019, she made her feature directorial debut with...show more
Speaking on: Showrunner Superpanel: making content for the new world
Raja is the co-founder, board chair and CEO of Dark Slope Inc, the parent company of Dark Slope Studios and Lumeto. Raja is the Former CEO, Television & Digital, for Blue Ant Media Inc. where he oversaw the company’s growth from inception to becoming a global media producer, distributor and...show more
Speaking on: Borderless production: exploring the latest technologies
Jeniffer Kim is Senior Vice President, International Originals for HBO Max, responsible for leading International content for the streaming platform. In this role, Jeniffer is responsible for commissioning original series and co-productions for the platform in international markets targeted for U.S. and global audiences. In collaboration with some of the...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Becca Kinskey is Vice President of Long Form Programming at Funny or Die. She just returned to the US, having been in Calgary with Funny Or Die’s upcoming series Guilty Party, which stars Kate Beckinsale and will air on Paramount + later this year. Becca is an Executive Producer of...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Matchmaker - Writers and Directors seeking Producers
Based in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Joana Klaus is Kids Content Specialist at Grupo Globo. In the broadcasting business for more than 10 years, she is the curator of animation and live-action streaming content for children at Grupo Globo's newly restructured digital department.
Prior to moving to the streaming...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Netflix, Bell Media, Globoplay
As General Manager, Carlyn Klebuc oversees development and production of all of Bell Media’s award-winning English-language independent programming and original digital content.
Klebuc and her team work closely on productions commissioned from independent producers, as well as original digital production for Bell Media’s multiple English-language linear and digital properties and platforms.
Klebuc...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Bell Media; Master Class: Transplant
Sandra has been Senior Director of Documentary for CBC Television for the past 5 years, overseeing the network’s documentary strands The Nature of Things, CBC Docs POV, CBC Short Docs, and the subscription based documentary Channel, of which CBC is the majority owner.
Her career as a broadcast executive encompasses...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: CBC Docs & Unscripted
Jarmo Lampela is currently the Head of Drama at YLE and has been since 2015, with the aim to increase the international co-productions before 2020. At current, YLE has over 11 different series that have been produced or in production with 9 different countries.
He has worked as scriptwriter...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: YLE, SUPER RTL, M6 Group; Speed Meetings with Buyers: OUTtv, YLE, CBC Docs & Unscripted; Master Class: Moominvalley
Kim Larsen is the Head of Television and Production at the national broadcasting corporation of Greenland, Kalaallit Nunaata Radio, also known as KNR Radio/TV. He’s held the position since 2016. Kim has worked for more than 40 years in live video and audio production and has three decades of leadership...show more
Speaking on: A cultural conversation: the future of Indigenous broadcasting and streaming
Long time staff member at SND – M6 Group, Olivier Lebraud successively held positions in sales and marketing departments for theatrical distribution.
Now in charge of development and production of TV scripted content, he works at sourcing and developing new projects for third party broadcasters.
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: YLE, SUPER RTL, M6 Group; Speed Meetings with Buyers: YouTube Originals, CBBC, M6
Named as The Hollywood Reporter’s 2018 Canada’s Rising Stars, Sherren is the award-winning director of short film BENJAMIN (2015) and web series SOMEONE NOT THERE (2014). Her latest short, THE THINGS YOU THINK I’M THINKING (2017) has screened at over eighty film festivals across the globe, won a dozen awards,...show more
Sook-Yin Lee is an award-winning Canadian multimedia artist, filmmaker, musician, actor, and broadcaster (CBC, BBC, MuchMusic). She starred in John Cameron Mitchell's groundbreaking LGBTQ movie Shortbus which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Year of the Carnivore, Lee's feature film debut as writer-director starring Cristin Milioti, premiered at TIFF....show more
Speaking on: CMF Partner Presentation: In Conversation with Simu Liu
Franklin Leonard is a film and television producer, cultural commentator, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of the Black List, the company that celebrates and supports great screenwriting and the writers who do it via film production, its annual survey of best unproduced screenplays, online marketplace, and screenwriter labs. More than 400...show more
Speaking on: Window into the ‘Feature’: the new strategies for releasing films
Nathalie Lethbridge is the Founder and Managing Director of Atonik Digital, an international boutique advisory firm focusing on streamed entertainment and content strategy and monetisation based in London. Highly experienced at monetisation and growth strategies across the content ecosystem, Nathalie is passionate about the growth opportunities presented by changing audience behaviour across the traditional and digital/OTT content ecosystem....show more
Speaking on: Streaming the future forward
As Chief Content Officer, Lewinson is responsible for content strategy and acquisitions for Tubi. Lewinson heads up Tubi’s Los Angeles office where he manages one of the largest libraries in streaming (larger than Netflix). He oversees more than 200 content partners including Lionsgate, Paramount and MGM.
Most recently, Lewinson was the...show more
Speaking on: AVOD and FAST channels: executives weigh in on opportunities for growth
Gave has over a decade of experience as a lawyer, executive, and board director within the media and cultural sectors where he has commissioned, structured, or advised on a range of projects across film, television, digital content, gaming, festivals, and live theatre. He is currently leading the content strategy for...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: TikTok
Felicia Litovitz is a seasoned acquisitions executive, with more than 15 years of experience in various roles across the TV and film industry. As VP, Acquisitions, North America, Felicia is responsible for building Cineflix Rights’ catalogue of factual and scripted content from US and Canadian producer partners. She also focuses...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Matchmaker - Producers seeking Distributors
Simu Liu is a Canadian-Chinese talent who is Marvel's next leading man in SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS opposite Tony Leung and Awkwafina. He most recently wrapped a leading role opposite Mark Wahlberg in Simon Cellan Jones/Lionsgate's ARTHUR THE KING. He can be seen in Lissette Feliciano's SXSW...show more
Speaking on: CMF Partner Presentation: In Conversation with Simu Liu
Krista Look is the Director of Original Lifestyle Content for Corus Entertainment in Toronto. In this role, she is responsible for steering the original content strategies and reality/lifestyle slates for some of Canada’s most-watched networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Slice and Global Television.
Krista’s Corus Studios lifestyle team is...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Corus Entertainment
Judy Lung is a communications expert and innovator, committed to building a more inclusive and equitable screen industry. With 20+ years of experience creating PR, marketing, and social media campaigns for Canada's leading arts & entertainment organizations, Lung is known for developing data-driven audience-building strategies and championing Canadian content and...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Producer Life
MacDonald oversees the A+E Networks global multiplatform and library content licensing initiatives, as well as the company’s international activities.
MacDonald, a 24-year veteran of Fox, joins A+E Networks from Twentieth Television. Most recently he was Executive Vice President, General Sales Manager, Basic Cable with oversight of broadcast syndication. During his...show more
Speaking on: Media leaders 2021: sharing strategies for the future; Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Christine Maestracci is Vice President Acquisitions & International Distribution at Quebecor Content. In this role, she is responsible for devising content acquisition strategy for all the platforms of the group, developing partnerships with studios and distributors, and growing the distribution of original productions abroad. She leads a team that scouts...show more
Brenda Maffuchi joined De Agostini Editore in December 2012 as Head of Acquisitions & Property Development; is responsible for analyzing, negotiating and managing all content acquisition and all international co-productions for De Agostini’s channels in Italy. At this role, she also supervises the complete development process for the local and...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: DeAgostini Editore Spa, YouTube, Blue Ant Media; Speed Meetings with Buyers: DeAgostini Editore Spa, Tv2, Globo
Marika Makaroff is an award-winning content creator, producer and creative director hailing from Finland. Currently the Creative Creative Officer and founder of Gutsy Animations, Makaroff has worked in media for over 20 years with past roles including creative director at Fremantle Media and Filmlance International and additionally, CEO at Fremantle...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board; Master Class: Moominvalley
Marc Malkin is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces on the red carpet. An award-winning and Emmy-nominated journalist with more than two decades of experience working across broadcast, print and digital media, Marc is Variety’s senior editor of culture and events. He pens the weekly “Just for Variety” column and...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: It’s a Sin
Rachel Reade Marcus is the VP of Creative Development at Guru Studio where she leads the company’s development of new original IP. Her passion is creating innovative, quality animated content for all ages through nurturing and mentoring new talent, and fostering long-term creative partnerships. Rachel has played a pivotal role...show more
Speaking on: Pitch Doctors: A&E, CBC, Guru Studio; Perfecting your Virtual Pitch
With unique expertise at the intersection of the entertainment and nonprofit industries, Kristen is skilled at translating social issues from communities on the ground into film, TV, and advertising projects. She’s worked with big brands like Nike and consulted on popular television shows like ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and the Emmy-winning...show more
Speaking on: Expanding your audience through the power of diverse storytelling (panel + mixer)
Reynolds Mastin works on behalf of our members to ensure the continued success of Canada’s independent production sector and a vibrant future for Canadian content. Reynolds leads the execution of the CMPA’s strategic priorities and oversees the organization’s operations in its Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver offices. Central to his role...show more
Speaking on: State of the Nation: Canadian industry at a crossroads
Based in Los Angeles, Joe Mazzeo is the Coordinator for the Documentaries and Specials team at Discovery Channel where he plays an integral role in development, production, and acquisitions of premium content including natural history, documentaries, and limited series airing on Discovery Channel and discovery+. Prior to Discovery Channel Mazzeo...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Discovery, Bell Media, WildBrain; Speed Meetings with Buyers: PBS, Blue Ant Studios, Discovery
Tarell Alvin McCraney is an acclaimed writer. His script IN MOONLIGHT BLACK BOYS LOOK BLUE is the basis for the Oscar-winning film MOONLIGHT directed by Barry Jenkins, for which McCraney and Jenkins won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. McCraney is currently working on the second season of OWN: Oprah...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: David Makes Man
Akili McDowell is an American actor born Akili Johnre AnyikaMcDowell on December 30, 2002, in San Francisco, CA. He began acting at the age of 9 years old, starring in both local and national commercials before landing his first major network credit as Zavier Gibbs in ABC’s The Astronaut Wives...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: David Makes Man
An Emmy® Award-winning executive producer, series creator and writer of YA entertainment, McGillis is the co-creator of such international hits as the Total Drama franchise, My Babysitter’s a Vampire and 6teen.
Early 2018 saw Fresh TV acquire the rights to YouTube sensation Lucas The Spider. Production is underway on a new...show more
Speaking on: Pitch Doctors: PBS, Fresh TV, OWN
Molly McGlynn is a writer and director who was born in Montreal and grew up in the United States. She currently lives in Los Angeles, although Toronto will always be home.
Molly graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario with a BA(H) in Film Studies and has a graduate certificate from...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Creative Conversations; From the Director's Chair: Latoya Raveneau, Molly McGlynn, McG; Director Superpanel: a vision for the future
A born and bred New Yorker turned Torontonian who has lived on 3 continents; Matt has worked alongside many of the world's best-known and thousands of lesser-known corporations including brands, agencies, and technology companies.
Matt is the Director and General Manager of Snapchat Canada, the camera company that owns Snapchat, Spectacles,...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Montrel McKay currently serves as the President of Development & Production at Hoorae Media (fka Issa Rae Productions). In this role McKay manages and oversees the content slate for the company in both television and feature film.
Prior to joining Hoorae, McKay served as Senior Vice President of Apex Entertainment Ventures,...show more
Speaking on: Tales from the hitmakers: strategies for the streaming era
Lisa Meeches is one of the most dynamic and respected producers in the film industry. Lisa is Anishinaabe from Long Plain First Nation. After studying broadcasting in North Dakota, Lisa began her career in 1986 with the Native Media Network. She later began news reporting for Craig Broadcasting Systems in...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Sohrab Merchant has been a literary agent at The Characters Talent Agency since 2016, where he represents a diverse group of writers, directors, and key creative department heads in Canada, the United States, and around the world. He currently lives in Toronto with his fiancee and two cats.
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents - Gersh, CAA, The Characters
Ahmad Meree is an actor and writer born in Aleppo, Syria. He is a graduate from the Higher Institute of Theatre Arts in Cairo. Winner of an emerging artist award at Arts Awards Waterloo Region (2019) and the Best Actor Award at the Central Theatre Festival in Syria (2008), he...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Transplant
Seth Meyers is an Emmy Award-winning writer and host of “Late Night with Seth Meyers.”
Meyers hosted the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2014 and was Emmy nominated in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. In 2018 he hosted the 75th Golden Globe Awards, which...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation With: Kenan Thompson and Seth Meyers
Max Micallef is Vice President, Nonfiction Programming for HISTORY. In this role, Micallef spearheads the development and production of some of HISTORY’s main nonfiction programming. He joined the network in December 2018, and is based in Los Angeles.
Among the HISTORY series he is Executive Producing is Assembly Required, which reunites...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: The HISTORY Channel
Robin Mirsky is Executive Director of the Rogers Group of Funds. Robin joined Rogers Communications in 1989.
She is responsible for the Rogers Group of Funds, which includes the Rogers Telefund, a $32 million interim financing fund for Canadian independent productions, the Rogers Cable Network Fund, a $9 million equity investment...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Agents - CAA, United Talent Agency, Gary Goddard Agency
Neta Mor Guri, graduated with a BA in Media and Modern Literature at Goldsmith University of London. In 2014, she began her career with London based production and international sales company, WestEnd Films. She worked on films such: Academy Award-nominee Foot Notes, Una by Benedict Andrews starring Rooney Mara, Green...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: HOT Telecommunications Systems
Andrew Morris is the Manager of Independent Production at Accessible Media Inc., where he oversees the development, production and business affairs of commissioned content for AMI-tv, a not-for-profit broadcaster that establishes and supports a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through accessible media, reflection and...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Creating a healthier and more inclusive industry
A talented and charming actress, writer, director and producer, Emily Mortimer continues to challenge herself with a variety of creative endeavors, leaving audiences captivated on the big and small screens alike.
Upcoming, Mortimer will make her directorial debut with The Pursuit of Love, a three-part mini-series she adapted from...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with Emily Mortimer
Karine Moses
Senior Vice President, Content Development and News and Vice Chair, Québec
BCE Bell Canada Enterprises Inc
As Senior Vice President, Content Development & News, Karine Moses oversees programming creation and delivery for all Bell’s English and French language TV, radio and digital platforms across Canada, including Crave and local and national news. As Vice Chair, Québec, Ms. Moses leads all Bell’s public affairs, community and other...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation With: Canadian Media Leaders - Bell Media
Recently awarded with an Innovation and Inclusion Award by the Digital Diversity Network, Mauricio Mota is the founder and co- president of Wise Entertainment. He served as executive producer of East Los High, an award-winning drama series that earned 6 Emmy nominations during its run on Hulu for its realistic...show more
Speaking on: Expanding your audience through the power of diverse storytelling (panel + mixer)
Sarah Muller re-joined BBC Children’s in 2019 and has recently been appointed the new Lead Commissioning Editor, Children’s Content 7-12. Previously she was Vice President of Children’s and Youth Programming at Sony Pictures Television with responsibility for the Pop and Sony Music Channels and before that, Sarah was Head of Children’s at Channel 5 where she was responsible for...show more
Speaking on: Trend report: what’s hot with kids now
Doug Murphy is President and Chief Executive Officer of Corus Entertainment Inc. Corus is a leading Canadian-based media and content company with a portfolio of multimedia offerings encompassing 33 specialty television services, 39 radio stations, 15 conventional television stations, a suite of digital assets, a full-service social digital agency, animation...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation With: Canadian Media Leaders - Corus Entertainment
Margaret Mary Murray is from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. She is a native Gaelic speaker and a Celtic Studies (Hons) graduate of the University of Glasgow. She has worked in the BBC for over 30 years in a range of production and leadership roles. She has an extensive...show more
Murray has worked in programming at CBC for over nine years, and was recently appointed to the newly created role of Executive in Charge of Development for the new CBC scripted development team. Prior to that, Murray oversaw the production and development of CBC’s YA Digital Originals, including short and...show more
Speaking on: Pitch Doctors: A&E, CBC, Guru Studio
JJ Neepin is an Indigenous writer & DGC director based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is a member of the Fox Lake Cree Nation, born and raised in the nickel-mining town of Thompson. JJ has written, directed and produced several short films with her company JJNeepinFilms INC alongside her sister and...show more
Speaking on: Nations to Nations: Canadian Indigenous stories on a global stage
Rachel Nelson is Director, Original Content, Scripted and Factual, at Corus Entertainment. In this role, Rachel leads the strategy of the company’s scripted drama and comedy as well as factual programming in both production and development. Rachel manages a team overseeing content for several of the company’s national specialty channels...show more
Speaking on: Exclusive Q&A: FAMILY LAW; 30 Minutes With: Corus Entertainment
As WildBrain’s Development Manager, Holly Nichols is the key contact for all incoming content submissions. Holly ensures WildBrain’s creative-slate needs and content strategy are communicated clearly to external producers and creators. Working closely with WildBrain’s development teams covering animation, live-action and short-form digital content, Holly seeks to find distinct creative...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Discovery, Bell Media, WildBrain
Dayna Lynne North is a film and television writer, producer, cultural curator, and self-described ‘Delightful Disruptor’ of the status quo. Currently, she is co-creating and executive producing THE BEST MAN: FINAL CHAPTERS, the adaptation of the iconic Best Man film franchise by Malcolm D. Lee. Dayna recently signed a two-year overall...show more
Speaking on: Expanding your audience through the power of diverse storytelling (panel + mixer)
Charles Ohayon œuvre dans les milieux télévisuel, publicitaire et cinématographique depuis 1979.
Au sein de Films 24, il a été actionnaire et producteur de nombreux films publicitaires qui ont remporté plusieurs prix dont un Lion d’argent au Festival du Film Publicitaire de Cannes et un Clio Award à New York. À...show more
Speaking on: Visée internationale: Comment les contenus francophones réussissent à captiver les publics du monde entier?
Melanie is a very intuitive director who maintains her vision while allowing the time to approach the material naturally with her actors. She is a highly valued multi platform director with extraordinary achievements. In 2019, she received her first EMMY NOMINATION for Outstanding Direction in a Children’s Program for her...show more
Speaking on: From the Director's Chair: Dawn Wilkinson, Mina Shum, Melanie Orr
Speaking on: Production Partners: 9 Story Media Group, Red Bull Originals, Propogate Content
Michael Ouweleen is the president of Adult Swim, WarnerMedia’s network offering original and acquired animated and live action series for young adults. In this role, Ouweleen is responsible for all aspects of content planning, development, windowing, marketing and creative for Adult Swim and its properties globally. He also oversees linear...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Adult Swim
Tara Parker is a partner in the Entertainment Law Group at Goodmans. She represents major US and Canadian studios, broadcasters, independent producers, and a range of creative and business clients in the development, production, financing, and exploitation of film, television, and other new media projects. Tara is recognized as a...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Lawyers - Goodmans, RedFrame Law, Three60Legal
With 20 years of production experience, Jonathan (JP) Partridge joined A&E as Senior Executive Producer in 2019. He is responsible for overseeing current programming and developing original unscripted content for the network. Prior to joining A&E, JP served as Vice President of Development at MTV and VH1, where he managed the...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: PBS, A&E, Bell Media
This year, as most recently seen opposite Kristen Wiig, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Jamie Dornan in Lionsgate’s comedy “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” (February 20210). He also appeared opposite Scott Eastwood and Orlando Bloom in Screen Media Films’ war drama “The Outpost,” based on the 2012 non-fiction book...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: David Makes Man
Cathy Payne serves as Chief Executive, Banijay Rights. Setting and executing the business’ global strategy, she oversees all distribution activity for Banijay’s burgeoning catalogue of 100,000+ hours, which includes landmark brands, Survivor, Big Brother, MasterChef, Temptation Island, Grantchester, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Deal or No Deal, Versailles, Biggest Loser, Home and Away,...show more
Speaking on: Media leaders 2021: sharing strategies for the future
Having worked as a writer for Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit, Troels Branth Pedersen joined the Acquisitions team with Danish state broadcaster TV 2 in 2007. Three years later he took on the role as Acquisitions Executive within the genres of documentary, factual entertainment and lifestyle procuring programming for Denmark’s leading...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: SuperRTL, Tv2; Speed Meetings with Buyers: DeAgostini Editore Spa, Tv2, Globo
Ivan Pehar is the Head of Canada Ad Sales at Spotify. He is an accomplished strategic digital marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience in brand building, media innovation, and technology for some of the world’s most respected brands.
Ivan is responsible for developing the Spotify Canada go-to-market strategy that assists...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Speaking on: Borderless production: exploring the latest technologies
Rick Perotto, Vice President of Business Development, joined William F. White Intl. (WFW) over 10 years ago, following an illustrious 13-year career as Business Representative of IATSE Local 667, representing over 900 members in the motion picture industry across six provinces, from Ontario to Newfoundland. As past Chair of a...show more
Speaking on: Borderless production: exploring the latest technologies
Named president of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in 2019, Tina Perry oversees all operations and creative areas of the network, reporting to OWN Chairman and CEO Oprah Winfrey. Her leadership is a driving force behind the network’s ongoing evolution to become the leading destination for Black audiences. She also oversees...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: David Makes Man
Tim Peterson is the senior media editor at Digiday. In addition to co-hosting the weekly Digiday Podcast, he leads the publication's coverage of the TV, streaming and digital video industry as well as oversees its weekly Future of TV Briefing and Media Briefing newsletters. Prior to joining Digiday, he worked...show more
Speaking on: AVOD and FAST channels: executives weigh in on opportunities for growth
Aron Phillips is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SLAM, a legacy basketball magazine turned modern media company and global lifestyle brand, and RTG Features, their newly established sister studio. RTG, which stands for “Respect the Game,” is focused on original development and financing projects ranging from feature films and...show more
Speaking on: Production Partners: RTG Features, MGM Studios, Stage 13; Coffee With: RTG Features, APTN, Stage 13
Picheca was appointed to the new role of Director of Current Production, Comedy in February 2021. Picheca has served as Executive in Charge of Production, Comedy since 2012, overseeing the development and production of such acclaimed and award-winning CBC original comedies as Kim's Convenience, Workin' Moms, Sort Of, Mr. D...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: CBC Comedy
Adina Pitt
VP, Content Acquisitions, Partnerships and Co-Productions for the Americas, Kids and Family
WarnerMedia
Adina Pitt is Vice President, Content Acquisitions and Co-productions for Cartoon Network and Boomerang. She is responsible for identifying, negotiating and acquiring pre-produced series, specials, movies and short-form product that fit the Cartoon Network and Boomerang brands for exposure across all platforms. She continues to oversee those programs once they...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: WarnerMedia
Dr. Tasmin Plater is the Head of HR for Endeavor Content (EC), a leader in the development, financing, and sales of premium film, television, theater, audio, and live content. As the Head of Human Resources at Endeavor Content, Plater’s goal of building a “Studio with a Soul” has made an...show more
Speaking on: Systemic solutions: breaking barriers and rebuilding a better entertainment industry
Jennifer Podemski is a director, writer, producer and actor. Born and raised in Toronto, Jennifer makes her home in Barrie, Ontario.
Of mixed Anishinaabe (First Nation) and Ashkenazi (Jewish) decent, Jennifer’s professional acting career began when she was 17. Her breakout role was Sadie, in Bruce McDonald’s iconic film, Dance Me...show more
Robert Prinz is a Director of Original Series, Comedy at Netflix. His coverage includes the Kevin James' comedy The Crew, Family Reunion, and the upcoming Dad Stop Embarrassing Me starring Jamie Foxx.
Prior to Netflix, Robert spent 10 years developing YA-focused comedy and drama series in his roles as Vice President of Scripted...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Netflix, Corus Kids, TRVL Channel, APTN; Speed Meetings with Buyers: Netflix, Bell Media, Globoplay
David Pritikin is Head of Unscripted at Red Bull Originals, he is based in Los Angeles, California. Red Bull Originals is a commissioning and financing hub for premium filmmakers, broadcasters, streamers and studios.
An innovative and award-winning Producer, Development and Production Executive, most recently Pritikin paved new ground as the Head...show more
Speaking on: Production Partners: Red Bull Originals, Guru Studio; Production Partners: 9 Story Media Group, Red Bull Originals, Propogate Content
Yi Qiao is Director for Drama at ZDF Enterprises, the commerical arm of German public broadcaster ZDF. There, she is responsible for sales and acquisitions of scripted projects across Scandinavia and the English-speaking territories. Prior to joining ZDFE, Yi Qiao has worked as a senior sales manager for Red Arrow...show more
Speaking on: Coffee With: CNN, TRVL Channel, ZDF; Production Partners: Saloon Media, ZDF, All3Media
Quan recently joined the new CBC scripted development team from Northwood Entertainment, where she oversaw the day-to-day creative and logistical development of over 20 television and feature film projects in development and production as a Creative Executive. An award-winning film producer and creative executive with over five years of experience...show more
Lucie Quenneville joined Bell Media in July 2020 as General Manager, Programming Strategies and Acquisitions. She has 25 years of experience in the television industry and was most recently Senior Manager, Youth Acquisitions and Content Monitoring, at Radio-Canada, where she put in place the first strategic content intelligence unit.
Before that, she...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Rishi Rajani joined Hillman Grad Productions in 2018 and currently serves as President of Production and Development. Since then he has been an Executive Producer on the shows Boomerang and Twenties, produced the Sundance award-winning film The 40-Year-Old Version, and continues to manage Hillman Grad’s ever-growing slate of films, TV shows, podcasts, commercials,...show more
Speaking on: Tales from the hitmakers: strategies for the streaming era
Speaking on: Streaming the future forward
Latoya Raveneau is an executive producer, director and writer in animated television. She is currently working as director on the upcoming Disney+ series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder and writer on Disney Junior’s Eureka! Latoya will also act as executive producer alongside Questlove and Black Thought of The Roots...show more
Speaking on: From the Director's Chair: Latoya Raveneau, Molly McGlynn, McG
Manori Ravindran is International Editor of Variety, based out of London, where she manages the global team of correspondents, in addition to reporting on the international film and TV markets. She was previously Editor of Television Business International magazine, and prior to that, International Editor of U.K. trade weekly Broadcast....show more
In his role at Netflix as Director, Chris Regina oversees upcoming global original sci-fi genre series like Warrior Nun, Another Life, Wu Assassins, The Order, and Black Summer.
Previously he was Senior Vice President, Original Co-Productions, Syfy, USA & Chiller, focusing on original Syfy movies like the pop culture sensation Sharknado and original scripted...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: APTN, Netflix, Radio-Canada
Amber joined All3Media International in 2019 and has since gained significant insight into the non-scripted genre and the acquisitions process. After graduating from university in Leeds, her experience in project management combined with a love for television led her to pursue a career in programme acquisitions where she is now...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors - All3Media, Blue Ant, Endeavor Content
Jane has over 20 years’ experience in the international media and entertainment space. Prior to her current role with Banijay Rights – largest independent global content creation and distribution entity - overseeing all sales and content partnership opportunities in Canada, she was Chief, International Strategy at Insight Productions. Based in...show more
Speaking on: Business as unusual: the future of co-production and distribution
Ryan Robinson is Manager of Development for CNN Original Series and Films. Robinson joined CNN in 2016 and works in development and current across both series and films content. During her CNN tenure, she’s worked on a variety of new and returning original series including United Shades of America with W....show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: TVO Kids, CNN, CBC Docs & Unscripted; Speed Meetings with Buyers: Bell Media, PBS, Corus Entertainment, CNN
Jacinto Roca (Barcelona, Gavà, 1976) is a Spanish entrepreneur and cofounder of video-on-demand platform Wuaki.tv (2009) and current CEO of Rakuten TV (2012). Roca graduated at ESADE Business & Law School and at PIM International Management UCLA. He started his career in 1999 as a telecom strategic consultant at Diamond...show more
Speaking on: AVOD and FAST channels: executives weigh in on opportunities for growth
Maramena Roderick has been recognised as a Woman of Influence in New Zealand. A multi-award winning practitioner, she began her career in newsrooms and became New Zealand’s first Māori foreign correspondent in Europe and first NZ female journalist sent into war zones. She has produced and directed critically acclaimed programmes...show more
Speaking on: A cultural conversation: the future of Indigenous broadcasting and streaming
Nataline Rodrigues is a strategic and creative thinker with extensive experience in content creation at all stages and in all genres, for broadcast television and digital media platforms. In her current role as Director of Original Programming, Nataline Rodrigues oversees the submission, development and production, of original Canadian programming for non-sports...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Rogers Sports & Media; Chatroom: Commissioning FAQ
Christina Rogers is Director, Original Independent Film at Netflix where she oversees a slate of Original Netflix female-focused films in the Romance, Thriller, and Inspirational genres that have garnered hits like The Princess Switch, Holiday In the Wild, Falling Inn Love, Secret Obsession and Dangerous Lies. During her 4 years...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Netflix, Corus Entertainment; Speed Meetings with Buyers: Netflix, Reelz Channel, Cartoon Network
As VP of Animation Production and Development, Chris Rose heads up the internal and external animation development and production teams for Nickelodeon International. In addition to identifying and developing new IP for Nick Toons, Nickelodeon, and Nick Jr, Rose works across Nick International’s original animated content production slate and manages...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Commissioning FAQ
Orion Ross is based in London and is responsible for the creative development and production of original animated series for Disney's Europe and Africa media networks including Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney+.
Current and recent projects include Chip 'N' Dale, 101 Dalmatian Street, Miraculous Ladybug, PJ Masks, Furiki Wheels, Gigantosaurus, Best...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Disney EMEA
One of the most exciting and in-demand young actors in the UK, Jack Rowan has taken the acting world by storm in the past couple of years.
Jack Rowan’s screen career blew up when the incredibly talented, and naturally gifted young actor from London was catapulted into the limelight as one...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Moominvalley
Jennifer Sandoval is a sustainability consultant to the film industry. She has worked with many large episodic television productions such as the X-Files, (Season 11); Man in the High Castle, (Season 4), Get Shorty, Sacred Lies as well as feature films like Togo and Timmy Failure. Jennifer is also the...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Producer Life
Vera Santamaria is a screenwriter working in both features and television. Most recently she was an Executive Producer on Hulu's critically acclaimed second season of PEN15. Her work can also be seen on Apple's upcoming star-studded female-driven anthology series, ROAR. Prior to this, she was a Co-Executive Producer on the...show more
Speaking on: Showrunner Screen Time: Vera Santamaria, Sheri Elwood; Chatroom: Creative Conversations
Ted Sarandos serves as Chief Content Officer and co-CEO at Netflix. He oversees the teams responsible for the acquisition and creation of all Netflix content including original series from around the world such as Stranger Things, Dark (Germany) La Casa de Papel (Spain), Sacred Games (India) and The Witcher (Poland),...show more
Speaking on: Summit Series: Ted Sarandos, co-CEO and Chief Content Officer, Netflix
As SVP of Digital Distribution and Strategy at NBCUniversal, Nicholas Savage heads up the company’s international AVOD strategy. Covering distribution for all short-form and long-form distribution to global platforms including YouTube, Facebook and Twitch. To this role he brings a wealth of executive leadership and commercial experience in the ad-funded digital...show more
Speaking on: AVOD and FAST channels: executives weigh in on opportunities for growth
Jessica oversees development of original content and formats in the genres of factual entertainment and doc series at CBC - on both linear television and on the broadcaster's streaming service, CBC Gem. She is responsible for sourcing the best new formats from around the world, and working with the independent...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: CBC Docs & Unscripted; Speed Meetings with Buyers: OUTtv, YLE, CBC Docs & Unscripted; Speed Meetings with Buyers: TVO Kids, CNN, CBC Docs & Unscripted
Michael Schneider has been covering the business of television for more than 25 years — most of that time at Variety, where he's Deputy TV Editor. He also hosts Screengrab, a weekly segment about the TV industry, for KCRW. He was previously Executive Editor at IndieWire; the Chief Content Officer...show more
Speaking on: Tales from the hitmakers: strategies for the streaming era
Jamie Schouela serves as President, Global Channels and Media at Blue Ant Media. He is charged with leading the strategic direction and operations of the company’s streaming and linear television networks, digital, print and consumer event properties around the world. The company’s brands include Love Nature, BBC Earth Canada, Cottage...show more
Speaking on: AVOD and FAST channels: executives weigh in on opportunities for growth; In Conversation With: Canadian Media Leaders - Blue Ant Media
Academy Award® winning producer Cathy Schulman began her career in film in 1987 and is currently the President and CEO of Welle Entertainment, a film and television production company committed to producing content that appeals to diverse audiences, with an emphasis on women and girls. Welle has sold over fifteen...show more
Speaking on: Tales from the hitmakers: strategies for the streaming era
As Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Ian Scott supervises and directs the work and staff of the Commission. He also chairs Commission meetings and participates in public hearings and consultations.
Ian has over 25 years of policy and regulatory experience in broadcasting and telecommunications both in the public and private sectors.
After...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation with: CRTC Chairperson and CEO Ian Scott
Award-winning writer-director and producer Kiel Adrian Scott's filmic works have screened internationally, won numerable awards and distinctions, and aired HBO, HBOmax, PBS, OWN, BET, BET +, CineMAX, and ShortsTV. Scott most recently directed five episodes of the second season of OWN’s critically acclaimed series David Makes Man from Academy Award-winning...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: David Makes Man
Dan Selig is Senior Vice President, Americas for Endeavor Content and oversees all sales activity for the international television group in the United States, Canada and across Latin America.
Before joining EC, Selig was senior vice president, Worldwide Distribution, for HBO, responsible for all off-network TV sales of HBO original programming...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors - All3Media, Blue Ant, Endeavor Content
Ana Serrano joined OCAD University – Canada’s largest art and design university – as President and Vice-Chancellor on July 1, 2020.
An innovator and global visionary leader in digital media, Ana has a strong sense of the value of art and design education and research coupled with a record of success...show more
Speaking on: Borderless production: exploring the latest technologies
MATT SHAKMAN just finished directing and executive producing Marvel's WANDAVISION, starring Elizabeth Olson and Paul Bettany (DGA nomination, Limited Series). He previously helmed the MRC/Hulu pilot THE GREAT, starring Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning, for which he received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series. His two episodes from season...show more
Speaking on: Director Superpanel: a vision for the future; From the Director's Chair: Clement Virgo, Andrew Cividino, Matt Shakman
Mina Shum has written and directed award-winning films that have premiered at Sundance, Toronto, and Berlin. Her features are Double Happiness (94), which won Best Canadian Feature at TIFF, and Best First Feature at Berlin and an audience award at Torino; Drive, She Said (97); Long Life, Happiness & Prosperity (02); Ninth Floor (15); and Meditation Park (17), which won...show more
Speaking on: From the Director's Chair: Dawn Wilkinson, Mina Shum, Melanie Orr
As the Head of PBS KIDS Content, Linda Simensky collaborates with producers, co-production partners, PBS station programmers, and distributors throughout the development, production, post-production, broadcast, and digital phases for PBS KIDS content. She leads the development of a multi-platform video content strategy, designed to respond to the quickly evolving media...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: PBS, A&E, Bell Media; 30 Minutes With: PBS
Who is Tamra Simmons?
Tamra Simmons is an internationally acclaimed CEO, producer, writer, talent director, and entrepreneur. She is most recognized for her work as the creator and executive producer of the ground-breaking Lifetime documentary series, Surviving R. Kelly. The docuseries has reached over 26.8 million viewers & over 20 million...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
One of the world’s most prolific female directors of one-hour dramas and feature films, Kari Skogland is committed to producing high-end one-hour dramas for the international market while she continues her award-winning work. Most recently, she was pilot, multiple episode director and an executive producer of Showtime’s Golden Globe Nominated...show more
Speaking on: Summit Series: Kevin Feige and Kari Skogland
John Sloss is a principal at the media advisory firm, Cinetic and partner in Sloss Eckhouse Dasti Haynes LawCo. Through Cinetic, he produces motion pictures and television, provides various content sales and corporate advisory services, and presides over a rapidly growing talent management division. The films he has produced or...show more
Speaking on: Window into the ‘Feature’: the new strategies for releasing films
Alena Smith is a playwright and TV writer. She is the creator, showrunner and executive producer of the critically-acclaimed series Dickinson starring Hailee Steinfeld as Emily Dickinson, which recently aired its second season on Apple TV+, and has been renewed for a third.
Dickinson won a Peabody Award in the category...show more
Speaking on: Showrunner Superpanel: making content for the new world; Showrunner Screen Time: Steve Blackman, Alena Smith
Emily Smith is the Senior Director of International Originals at HBO Max, which launched in May of 2020. Since joining, she has been involved with a number of international series, working with writers, producers, and directors to deliver quality content on the popular streaming service. Prior to joining, Max, Emily was an Executive...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board; Chatroom: Commissioning FAQ
Carlos Soldevila is the co-founder of the Montreal-based production house Trio Orange. Established in 2008, their innovative television and digital content appeals to audiences all over the world. Trio’s latest fiction series, Can You Hear Me? (Télé-Québec) is the first Québec drama to be produced for Netflix. The beloved program...show more
Speaking on: Visée internationale: Comment les contenus francophones réussissent à captiver les publics du monde entier?
Seventeen years experience in the Canadian entertainment industry specializing in film and television. Currently at Blue Ant Media, a globally placed channel operator, producer and distributor. In the position of Director, International Sales & Acquisitions, responsible for strategically placing Blue Ant International's 4000+ hours into both the domestic and international...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors - All3Media, Blue Ant, Endeavor Content
BAFTA and CSA-winning and Emmy nominated filmmaker Warren P. Sonoda is known for directing his feature films Things I Do For Money, Coopers’ Camera, Swearnet: The Movie, the iconic TV shows Trailer Park Boys, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Murdoch Mysteries, Odd Squad, Utopia Falls and over 160 music videos,...show more
Martin Soudan is in charge of the development and production of TV scripted content at SND (Groupe M6). He is working with agents, writers and producing partners to source, develop and oversee the scripted projects, for Groupe M6 TV channels as well as third-party broadcasters.
Prior to joining SND, he had...show more
Award-winning writer and producer Frank Spotnitz founded Big Light Productions, a London and Paris-based production company, in 2013 with a vision to create distinctive and ambitious TV drama series.
As CEO Spotnitz oversees the development and production of the company’s television slate. Under Spotnitz’s stewardship, Big Light has produced a number...show more
Speaking on: Showrunner Screen Time: Emily Andras, Frank Spotnitz, Anna Winger, Anthony Farrell, Loren Bouchard
Jessie Springer is the Associate Manager of Development for the WILD creative team. She manages the development of wildlife and animal content for national geographic channels with an emphasis on Sharkfest and character-led series for Nat Geo WILD. Previously, Jessie worked in Development and Production for Red Rock Films and...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Corus Entertainment, Nat Geo WILD, WarnerMedia Kids EMEA
Will is responsible for managing and developing the acquisitions strategy at TVF International, the UK's leading and longest-standing independent distributor of documentary and unscripted programming. Will has worked in international distribution for over ten years on both the sales and acquisitions side in all territories worldwide. He has acquired more...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Matchmaker - Producers seeking Distributors; Production Partners: Keshet International, TVF International, eOne
Mal Stares was born in Toronto, Canada before moving to Germany at the age of seven. Her unusual childhood helped her secure her first job, translating the website for a popular New Zealand kid's show into German. While majoring in English Literature at the University of British Columbia she started...show more
Speaking on: Production Partners: Endeavor Content, Warner Bros Television and Production, Saloon Media
Adam Steinman
VP, Creative, Format, Development & Sales
Warner Bros. International Television Production
Adam Steinman served as Vice President, Non-Scripted International Development & Sales from October 2010 until October 2016 and in November 2016 was promoted to Vice President, Creative, Format, Development & Sales at Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP), where scripted formats have been added to his remit.
In this position, Steinman...show more
Speaking on: Pitch Doctors: Warner Bros International Television Production, SEVEN24, Cineflix; Production Partners: Endeavor Content, Warner Bros Television and Production, Saloon Media
Sandra Stern is President of the Lionsgate Television Group and has been a key member of the Company’s senior management team for the past 18 years. She has helped guide Lionsgate’s television business to record-breaking revenue growth during nearly every year of her tenure and has been instrumental in tripling the...show more
Speaking on: Media leaders 2021: sharing strategies for the future
Kirstine Stewart has spent a ground-breaking career working at the intersection of media and technology working with platforms, networks and content creators internationally.
As VP Media at Twitter in New York, Kirstine led teams across the US driving partnerships in Entertainment, News and Sports. Kirstine transitioned to this role from her position as...show more
Speaking on: Summit Series: Ted Sarandos, co-CEO and Chief Content Officer, Netflix
Mike Stiller is a veteran programmer known for commissioning and developing a wide range of hits and critically acclaimed documentaries. At History Channel, he developed The Curse of Oak Island, the #1 rated series on cable as of Spring 2021. He developed the world-wide hit Ancient Aliens, MonsterQuest, and Only...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails With: Ubisoft, HISTORY, CBC
Alec Strum joined EPIX in April 2020 as Vice President, Original Series, working on the development and execution of the network's slate of scripted original content. He most recently served as Director, Drama Programming & Development at Fox Entertainment where he started in 2015 as an assistant. While at Fox,...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: EPIX
Igal Svet serves as Vice President of Documentaries at discovery+ where he spearheads development of the creative vision and strategy behind original documentaries. He is responsible for the ideation and creation of a wide range of projects and oversees the documentary content acquisition from filmmakers around the globe. In his...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Discovery+
Howard Swartz
Senior Vice President Docs and Specials, Factual Networks & Streaming
Discovery Channel
Howard Swartz is Senior Vice President Docs and Specials, Factual Networks & Streaming, Discovery. In his current role, Swartz is responsible for developing and executing production strategies for documentaries, specials and event programming for both Discovery Channel and the newly launched discovery+.
During his current tenure at Discovery, Swartz has overseen...show more
Speaking on: Booming doc market: what’s next for high-end factual features and limited series?
Rob Swartz is Sr. Vice President of Development and Production at REELZ, a leading independent cable and satellite general entertainment network focused on celebrity culture with poignant stories about Hollywood in revealing documentaries and character profiles of the famous and infamous. Swartz leads creative execution of the network’s development and...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails With: REELZ, A&E; Chatroom: Commissioning FAQ
Kara Swisher
Sway and Pivot podcaster, NYT opinion writer and executive producer of the Code Conference
Host of the Sway and Pivot podcasts, Editor-At-Large of Recode, former host of the Recode Decode podcast, weekly contributing Opinion writer for the New York Times and executive producer of the Code conference.
Kara Swisher is good at what she does. And she knows it.
Considered the top...show more
Speaking on: Window into the ‘Feature’: the new strategies for releasing films
Catherine Tait was appointed President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada on April 3, 2018, for a five-year term. She began her mandate on July 3, 2018. Catherine is also the Chair of the Global Task Force for Public Media, an initiative of the Public Media Alliance launched in September 2019.
As President...show more
Speaking on: What it means to run a public broadcaster in 2021 (and beyond)
Tanya Talaga is an Anishinaabe journalist and speaker. Talaga’s mother’s family is from Fort William First Nation and her father was Polish-Canadian.
Talaga is an award winning journalist and currently a columnist at The Globe and Mail.
Her first book, Seven Fallen Feathers, is a national bestseller, winning the RBC Taylor Prize, the...show more
Speaking on: Booming doc market: what’s next for high-end factual features and limited series?
As Senior Vice-President of Strategy, Data, & Products at Rogers Sports & Media, Alfredo Tan leads the critical functions responsible for driving acceleration of the industry’s digital transformation. A thought-leader, change agent, and an impact focused innovator, Tan is focused on building world-class consumer experiences through integrated digital strategies, creating...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation With: Canadian Media Leaders - Rogers Sports & Media
Liz Tang has over a decade of experience in acquisitions and co-productions at leading international broadcasters, including the BBC, ViacomCBS and Discovery. As Director, Content, she is responsible for building Endeavor Content’s scripted and non-scripted premium content offering, working closely with producer partners, and leading the content team. Prior to...show more
Speaking on: Coffee With: Endeavor, All3Media; Chatroom: Matchmaker - Producers seeking Distributors
Mary-Anne Taylor is the Head of Content Distribution Canada for Roku, responsible for building and nurturing content distribution partnerships with Canadian publishers. A seasoned entertainment executive with 20+ years of industry experience in content licensing, affiliate sales and product management, Mary-Anne’s work has spanned broadcast, subscription, video on demand, and...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Matchmaker - Producers seeking Distributors; Coffee With: OUTtv, Blue Ant Media, Roku
Taylor is an experienced media executive with an expertise in unscripted content. Taylor currently oversees The Great Canadian Baking Show, Family Feud Canada and the JUNO Awards, and is also responsible for overseeing one of CBC’s fastest-growing digital verticals, CBC Life, as well as Q with Tom Power and Under...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails With: Ubisoft, HISTORY, CBC
Sierra Ornelas is a Navajo and Mexican American creator, writer, producer and showrunner and has become a comedic force to be reckoned within the industry.
Sierra is the co-creator, showrunner, writer and executive producer of the new Peacock comedy series, RUTHERFORD FALLS. She is reuniting with Michael Schur to create the...show more
Speaking on: TV for good: using the power of content to shift humanity
Kenan Thompson is currently in his 18th season on “Saturday Night Live” as the show’s longest-running cast member. He also stars in and executive produces the new NBC comedy “Kenan.”
Thompson has made numerous contributions to “SNL” with his slew of hilarious impressions that include Rev. Al Sharpton, Charles Barkley, Steve...show more
Speaking on: In Conversation With: Kenan Thompson and Seth Meyers
Benjamin Thornton is the Non-scripted Development Associate for the North American branch at Warner Bros International Television Production. During his tenure he has helped establish quality programming in the non-scripted format space along with developing premium documentaries as well as branching out into the narrative format space. WBITVP’s production operations are responsible...show more
Speaking on: Cocktails With: Warner Bros Television Production, TVO Kids, MTV
Loretta Sarah Todd is a visionary leader in Indigenous media, considered a true artist with entrepreneurial energy and deep cultural knowledge. Her first dramatic feature, Monkey Beach, based on the iconic novel by Eden Robinson, recently launched to strong audience and critical response, screening at TIFF (Industry Selects), opening the...show more
Speaking on: Nations to Nations: Canadian Indigenous stories on a global stage
Brooke Townsend is a Director of Nonfiction Programming and Development for The HISTORY Channel. In this role, Townsend oversees multiple hit programs, including Pawn Stars, Lost Gold of World War II and Swamp People: Serpent Invasion, as well as maintaining a robust development slate.
A 7-year veteran of A+E Networks, Townsend began her tenure...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Sesame Workshop, Corus Entertainment, HISTORY
Karine Tremblay, Manager of OTT Programming, is responsible for executing all language program acquisitions and original productions for APTN’s OTT service, curating platform assets and assisting with the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of OTT programming strategies.
Speaking on: Coffee With: RTG Features, APTN, Stage 13; Speed Meetings with Buyers: APTN, Netflix, Radio-Canada
Lucy Tulugarjuk is the Managing Director of Uvagut TV – Canada's first Indigneous language television channel which launched in January 2021. A seasoned producer, director, actor, creative performer and television host, Lucy has worked in film/television for the past 20 years. Born in Churchill, MB, and raised in Igloolik and...show more
Speaking on: A cultural conversation: the future of Indigenous broadcasting and streaming
As a STARZ Senior Vice President of Original Programming, Kathryn Tyus-Adair has championed the development and production of a wide range of programming for the network's premium cable audience, including new series BLINDSPOTTING, RUN THE WORLD, BMF, THE SERPENT QUEEN, STEP UP and DANGEROUS LIAISONS, as well as Starz’ favorites...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Starz; Cocktails With: Starz, MGM Studios
I graduated in Social Communications – Audiovisual Media and specialized in Film & TV Business. Started my career in 2008 as a journalist and movie critic at an online portal. After that I shifted to audiovisual production, working on independent projects in different positions. At that time I also wrote,...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: SUPER RTL, Globo
Jennifer Vaux oversees content acquisition for the ad-supported component of Roku’s owned and operated channel, The Roku Channel. She is responsible for sourcing and executing innovative programming acquisition deals across a range of content and business models. She works to license content for The Roku Channel in United States, Canada...show more
Speaking on: AVOD and FAST channels: executives weigh in on opportunities for growth
Kerstin Viehbach
Head of Commissioning & Development (Fiction)
SUPER RTL/RTL DISNEY Fernsehen GmbH & Co.KG
For 20 years now Kerstin has been working at Super RTL and still finds it anything but boring. As head of the commissioning & development department, she and her team search for the greatest fictional series for children between 3 and 13.
In this role, Kerstin is also responsible for the...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: YLE, SUPER RTL, M6 Group; Speed Meetings with Buyers: SUPER RTL, Globo
Patrick Vien is Group Managing Director, International at A+E Networks. A+E Networks is a global media and entertainment brand portfolio that finds, cultivates, illuminates and markets entertainment content to worldwide audiences with a collection of culture brands that includes A&E, HISTORY, HISTORY2, BLAZE, Crime & Investigation, Lifetime, Lifetime Movies, FYI,™, VICELAND and BIOGRAPHY.
Cumulatively,...show more
Speaking on: Business as unusual: the future of co-production and distribution
Clement Virgo is one of Canada's foremost film directors. His TV directing credits include The Wire, Billions, American Crime, Empire, and Greenleaf, on which he served as Director and Executive Producer with Oprah Winfrey. Greenleaf won the NAACP award for best drama series in 2019.
In 2015 he directed, wrote, and...show more
Speaking on: From the Director's Chair: Clement Virgo, Andrew Cividino, Matt Shakman; Director Superpanel: a vision for the future
Vinay Virmani is a graduate of Toronto’s York University, known for its progressive programs in media, arts and performance. Also a student of the esteemed Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York City, Vinay is the Founder of the Toronto film and TV production company First Take Entertainment.
His...show more
Speaking on: Meet the BANFF Board of Directors and Content Advisory Board
Sapna Vyas currently serves as Senior Director, Original Movies for Lifetime. Based in New York, Vyas, who joined the network in 2008, is responsible for developing and overseeing feature and original movies.
This is Vyas’ second year overseeing the network’s It’s a Wonderful Lifetime holiday slate that includes over 30 original...show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: Lifetime Movies
Chris Wagner is an Executive Producer and EIC with 20 years of experience in all genres of television across all platforms around the world. As Founder & CEO of White Label Productions, Wagner has overseen high-profile series such as The Masked Singer for FOX, Impractical Jokers: Dinner Party for TruTV,...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Matchmaker - Writers and Directors seeking Producers
Jesse Wente
Outgoing Co-Executive Director Indigenous Screen Office
Canada’s Indigenous Screen Office
Jesse Wente is an Anishinaabe writer, broadcaster, speaker, and arts leader. Born and raised in Toronto, he is a member of the Serpent River First Nation. Jesse is best known for his 24 years as a columnist for CBC Radio’s Metro Morning. Jesse spent 11 years with the Toronto International...show more
Speaking on: State of the Nation: Canadian industry at a crossroads
Lauren is the Head of Programming for OUTtv, currently with services in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, UK and the US. Servicing multiple territories, she has successfully negotiated contracts with companies worldwide. Lauren recently joined the development team at the network and continues to work closely with producers globally to find...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: OUTtv, YLE, CBC Docs & Unscripted; Coffee With: OUTtv, Blue Ant Media, Roku
DAWN WILKINSON was born in Montreal and raised in Toronto and is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the Canadian Film Centre’s Director's Lab and Short Dramatic Film Program. Dawn directed the award-winning feature film DEVOTION and shorts INSTANT DREAD, DANDELIONS, WILDERNESS, and GIRLS WHO SAY YES. Since being awarded the...show more
Speaking on: From the Director's Chair: Dawn Wilkinson, Mina Shum, Melanie Orr; Director Superpanel: a vision for the future
Tonya Williams is an award-winning actress and the Founder, Executive and Artistic Director of Reelworld Screen Institute and Reelworld Film Festival, now celebrating its 20th year. With over 40 years in the entertainment industry, she is a passionate and tenacious advocate for Canadian BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) Canadian...show more
Speaking on: Systemic solutions: breaking barriers and rebuilding a better entertainment industry; Reelworld Partner Presentation: Enriching the Production Landscape with Diversity and Inclusion Through Co-Productions and Partnerships; Chatroom: Creating a healthier and more inclusive industry
As Production Executive for Bell Media’s Original Programming, Factual and Reality, Heather Williamson oversees a production and development slate that includes the Discovery Canada hit series HIGHWAY THRU HELL, HEAVY RESCUE: 401, JADE FEVER, past projects have included LAST STOP GARAGE, MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS, WILD BEAR RESCUE, and DR. KERI PRAIRIE...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Bell Media, Corus Entertainment
Melissa Williamson oversees the development and production of all scripted series across comedy and drama for Saloon Media. Her role is vital to Saloon Media’s strategic growth into the scripted space as well as bolstering and diversifying its overall production slate. Saloon Media’s position as part of Blue Ant Studios...show more
Speaking on: Chatroom: Producer Life; Production Partners: Endeavor Content, Warner Bros Television and Production, Saloon Media
Katie Wilson, Vice President, Channels and Curation, WildBrain Television, is responsible for curating content and providing editorial direction across WildBrain’s portfolio of Canadian broadcast channels – Family Channel, Family CHRGD, Family Jr., Télémagino and their multiplatform/VOD extensions. Central to her role, Wilson spearheads WildBrain Television’s content acquisition and original production program....show more
Speaking on: 30 Minutes With: WildBrain; Coffee With: PBS, WildBrain, PBS
Ellen is the CEO of WaterBear Network, overseeing the strategy and direction of the new interactive video-on-demand platform dedicated to storytelling around the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
WaterBear is already partnered with nearly 100 global NGO's and is currently available in 10 countries. Prior to founding WaterBear, Ellen was and still is...show more
Speaking on: Booming doc market: what’s next for high-end factual features and limited series?
Anna Winger
Creator, Writer, Showrunner, Executive Producer: Unorthodox (Netflix), Deutschland83/86/89 (Amazon)
Studio Airlift
Anna Winger is a British-American writer, producer, creator of the television shows Deutschland83/86/89 and Unorthodox, and founder of STUDIO AIRLIFT, a production company in Berlin. Winger was raised in Kenya, Massachusetts and Mexico, and studied at Columbia University in New York. She has received Emmy, Peabody and Adolf Grimme awards for her work.
Speaking on: Showrunner Screen Time: Emily Andras, Frank Spotnitz, Anna Winger, Anthony Farrell, Loren Bouchard
Marion Winter
Senior Manager, Acquisitions & Co-Productions
SUPER RTL/RTL DISNEY Fernsehen GmbH & Co.KG
Marion Winter joined Super RTL in April 2011 as Senior Manager of Acquisitions and Co-Productions. Previously, she held numerous positions within the Program Acquisitions and Sales department of parent network RTL Television, and worked as Manager of Content Sourcing for RTL Interactive’s online, mobile and VOD platforms.
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: SuperRTL, Tv2
Speaking on: Meet an Expert: Distributors - 9 Story Media Group, BBC Studios, Spin Master Entertainment; Business as unusual: the future of co-production and distribution
Tara is currently serving as Vice President of Development for the Toronto-based production company Sphere Media, where she oversees domestic and international development. In her role, she manages a robust slate of projects recently selling shows to Fox, NBC, Amazon and CBC. She is an Executive Producer on the smash hit...show more
Speaking on: Master Class: Transplant
Danielle Woodrow is Director of UCAN Scripted Series, focusing on drama development. Since joining Netflix in 2018, she built the “Soap, Thriller and Romance” strategy, championed the acquisition of dramedy EMILY IN PARIS and has overseen development and production on a number of launched and upcoming series including BEHIND HER...show more
Keith Wooten is a Los Angeles native, but he left the city for 15 years to attend college and get his start in the entertainment business. While a freshman in college at Clark Atlanta University he began interning in the music business and eventually landed an assistant position in the...show more
Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers: Corus Entertainment, CBC, BET; Speed Meetings with Buyers: BET
Grace Wu currently serves as Executive Vice President, Entertainment Casting, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, in a role which was created for her in early 2021. In this post, Wu is responsible for overseeing both scripted and unscripted casting and talent across the division’s Entertainment platforms, including broadcast network NBC, six...show more
Speaking on: Systemic solutions: breaking barriers and rebuilding a better entertainment industry
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