Speakers

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2023 SPEAKERS

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Safia Abdigir

Program Director

Reelworld Screen Institute

Now in her third year at Reelworld Screen Institute, Safia Abdigir is a Toronto-based arts culture worker specifically interested in the facilitation of diverse perspectives in the Canadian film/visual arts industry. As Programming Manager at Reelworld, she oversees the screenings and industry panels for the film festival and two year-round...show more

Speaking on: Topic Tables; Topic Tables


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Kate Adler

Executive Vice President, Comedy Development, CBS Studios

Kate Adler serves as Executive Vice President, Comedy Development, CBS Studios, a title she has held since 2013 after joining the studio in 2005.

In her position, Adler oversees the development of all comedy series for broadcast, cable and streaming. Titles she has helped develop include GHOSTS for CBS, the new...show more

Speaking on: Comedies that travel


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Stacey Aglok MacDonald

Co-Creator, Executive Producer and Writer, upcoming Arctic comedy series for CBC, Netflix and APTN

Red Marrow Media

Stacey Aglok MacDonald is an Inuit film and television writer and producer originally from Kuglultuk, Nunavut. Aglok MacDonald formed Red Marrow Media with fellow Inuit filmmaker, Alethea Arnaquq-Baril in 2019. Aglok MacDonald is most widely known for her work on the Inuit fan-favourite comedy series, Qanurli, an Inuktut-language series that...show more

Speaking on: CBC Breakfast: telling Canada's stories; Defining Canadian Content: The future of the industry


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Victoria Ahearn

n/a

Playback


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Tayo Amos

Filmmaker

Tayo Amos is a Nigerian-American filmmaker from the Bay Area, now currently living in Los Angeles. She graduated from Stanford University with a double major BA in Science, Technology, & Society and Spanish Literature in 2014 and is a recent grad at USC's School of Cinematic Arts in the MFA...show more

Speaking on: Moving the dial forward for underrepresented communities in entertainment - successes and continued growth


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Victoria Anderson-Gardner

Executive Producer

Howah Productions Inc.



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Kerry Appleyard

Senior Vice President, Scripted & Unscripted

Boat Rocker Studios

Kerry Appleyard is Senior Vice President, Creative Affairs and responsible for scripted development and production at Boat Rocker Studios, Scripted, in Canada. She recently Executive Produced new dramas Robyn Hood created by Director X for Corus and the spinoff series Orphan Black: Echoes for AMC. Appleyard serves as Executive Producer...show more

Speaking on: Production Partners; Master Class: Robyn Hood


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Alethea Arnaquq-Baril

Co-Creator, Executive Producer and Writer, upcoming Arctic comedy series for CBC, Netflix and APTN

Red Marrow Media

Alethea Arnaquq-Baril is an Inuit filmmaker from the Canadian arctic where she has been producing and directing since 2005. In 2019, Arnaquq-Baril joined forces with fellow Inuk filmmaker Stacey Aglok MacDonald to launch Red Marrow Media.  Arnaquq-Baril directed and produced award-winning APTN documentary Tunniit: Retracing the Lines of Inuit Tattoos...show more

Speaking on: CBC Breakfast: telling Canada's stories


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Rob Aslett

Company Director, Artist Manager and Executive Producer

Avalon Television

Rob started at Avalon in 1991 as the Head of Live Promotions. He began to take on his own management clients in 1995 and has built a roster of supremely talented and successful comedians and actors which includes Lee Mack (BATFA winner whose BBC1 sitcom Not Going Out is currently...show more

Speaking on: Comedies that travel; Topic Tables


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Pat Atkins

Strategic Partner Lead, TV & Film, YouTube US

YouTube

Pat Atkins is a digital media & entertainment leader, with over a decade of experience at the intersection of content & technology. Pat joined YouTube in 2013, and currently oversees AVOD partnerships with many of the largest partners in the TV & Film industry. He focuses on providing effective content...show more

Speaking on: YouTube Presents: A Masterclass in Monetization (Ivor Petrak)


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Solange Attwood

CEO & Co-Founder

Blue Ant Media Inc


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Fenton Bailey

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

World of Wonder

For three decades, World of Wonder has introduced audiences to new worlds, talent and ideas; reshaping international pop culture, while earning 30 Emmys and inspiring Oscar®-winning performances. Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato first met as film students at NYU film school in the mid-80s before becoming creative and business partners...show more

Speaking on: In Conversation With: Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, Co-Founders, World of Wonder; Rockies Gala (Van Horne Ballroom)


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Courtenay Bainbridge

Agent

Meridian Artists Inc

As a Toronto-based filmmaker and alumni of both the Canadian Film Centre and Toronto Metropolitan University's Image Arts program, Courtenay has actively worked in the film industry for 20 + years in various roles on productions such as Spotlight, Pacific Rim, Robocop, and Being Erica. She produced a number of...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Agent


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Pahull Bains

Outreach & Marketing Manager

Reelworld Screen Institute

Pahull Bains is the Outreach and Marketing Manager at Reelworld Screen Institute, where she also works on partnerships and festival programming. Pahull is also an experienced magazine writer/editor, with bylines in publications like Vogue India, GQ India, Wired, FASHION and Billboard. Born and raised in India, she now resides in...show more


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Kerry Ball

Literary Agent and Head of Development

Meridian Artists Inc

Kerry Ball is a Literary Agent and Head of Development at Meridian Artists. Kerry joined the Meridian team in 2010 as an Associate where she worked closely with the Agents and roster to facilitate employment opportunities and project sales in both Canada and the USA. She transitioned to the role...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Agent


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Kim Ball

Chief Content & Communications Officer

Super Channel


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Robert Baltazar

Vice President, TV Programming DEI, NBCU Launch

NBCUniversal

Robert Baltazar is NBCU Launch's Vice President, TV Programming DEI, servicing NBC, NBCU's cable networks, streaming platform Peacock, as well as the Universal Studio Group. In this role, he oversees the TV creative talent development Launch programs for both scripted and unscripted, such as the NBC Launch TV Writers Program,...show more

Speaking on: Moving the dial forward for underrepresented communities in entertainment - successes and continued growth


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Randy Barbato

Co-Founder and Executive Producer

World of Wonder

For three decades, World of Wonder has introduced audiences to new worlds, talent and ideas; reshaping international pop culture, while earning 30 Emmys and inspiring Oscar®-winning performances. Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato first met as film students at NYU film school in the mid-80s before becoming creative and business partners...show more

Speaking on: In Conversation With: Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, Co-Founders, World of Wonder; Rockies Gala (Van Horne Ballroom)


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Chris Bell

Scripted Content

Entertainment One Television International

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 is...show more

Speaking on: Topic Tables


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Giuliana Benvenuto

Senior Manager, Acquisitions, North America

Cineflix Rights

With thirteen years of experience in film and television distribution, broadcasting, and financing, Giuliana Benvenuto has been part of the Cineflix Rights team since February 2018. Giuliana sources and acquires quality third-party programming content for the company’s distribution catalogue. With a focus on North American acquisitions, Giuliana’s current producer clients...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Distributor


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Suzanne Berger

VP of Production

NESHAMA Entertainment


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Bobby Berk

(Queer Eye, Blown Away: Christmas)


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Vibika Bianchi

Executive Producer

Catalyst

Vibika Bianchi is an award-winning content leader known for elevating popular entertainment for global audiences. As a founding Executive Producer at Catalyst, she champions women creators in the unscripted space - from development to greenlight and more. Her background includes spearheading original unscripted content and commissioning at Corus Entertainment and...show more

Speaking on: Production Partners; Home reno-ssance: what’s hot in property


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Mark Bishop

Co-President, Blue Ant Studios

marblemedia

Speaking on: Spotlight: Fremantle


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Colin Bohm

CEO

Corus Entertainment Inc

Colin Bohm is Executive Vice President, Content and Corporate Strategy at Corus Entertainment Inc., Canada’s leading media and content company, with responsibility for Corus’ industry leading original content businesses, as well as strategic planning and domestic and international business development.  Colin oversees Corus Studios, a global producer and distributor of...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker


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Annie Bradley

Director & Producer & Writer

The Heat Mansion/DGC Ontario Chair

Raised in the arresting landscapes of Muskoka, award winning writer/director Annie Bradley is known for her striking cinematic work and strong storytelling. She is a DGA/DGC member, an alumna of the Sundance Film Festival, TIFF, the TIFF Talent Lab, TIFF Pitch This!, the CFC Directors Lab, Film Fatales LA, AWD...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Showrunner + Director


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Elliott Brannon

Director, Acquisitions & Content Strategy

Lionsgate Entertainment

Elliott Brannon is a 7-year veteran of Lionsgate where he currently oversees the company’s international television series slate as Director, Acquisitions & Content Strategy. The slate consists of more than a dozen new and returning series originating from 9 different countries. Past and present projects include the Emmy-winning Hulu series...show more

Speaking on: Production Partners


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Catalina Briceno

Partner

La société des demains

Catalina Briceño has been examining the digital transition of the audiovisual and interactive media sectors for almost 25 years. After a career as a Television and Web producer followed by several management positions in government-related organizations,  she is now a Professor at the Media School of the Université du Québec...show more

Speaking on: Defining Canadian Content: The future of the industry


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Julie Bristow

Founder

Catalyst

Visionary media leader. Founder, entrepreneur, and angel investor. Creator and champion of women-led organizations. Her latest venture is dedicated to content creation for the global marketplace by powering women creators and investing in their ideas.

Bristow has been influencing how people watch television for the past 25 years. She has created thousands...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker; Closing Bubbles & Bites - Launching “The Knix Catalyst Docs for Change Project.”


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Kara Brown

Writer, Executive Producer

Kara Brown is currently a Co-Executive Producer on Boots Riley's I'm A Virgo. She was a writer and producer on Hulu's upcoming adaptation of the New York Times bestseller The Other Black Girl as well as Janine Nabers and Donald Glover's Amazon series, Swarm. Past credits also include Marvel's She-Hulk,...show more

Speaking on: Writer Superpanel: strike edition


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Jessica Callahan

Vice President, Development

Hallmark Media

Jessica Callahan is Vice President, Development at Hallmark Media. Callahan reports to Elizabeth Yost, Senior Vice President, Programming & Development, and is based in Los Angeles. In this role, Callahan pilots original programs and movies through every step of the development and production process, from conception to scripting to post....show more

Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Warren Campbell

Co-Founder

JOIN TV Network

Warren Campbell is an entertainment industry executive with a long history in music and television distribution. Together with Gordon Weiske he founded JOIN TV, (Just One Incredible Network),  a Canadian Entertainment Network that provides distribution and revenue generating solutions to OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms worldwide. We are an aggregator of F.A.S.T....show more

Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Matt Cansick

Senior Director, Creative Licensing – TV North America

BMG Production Music

Matt Cansick is Senior Director, Creative Licensing – TV North America at BMG Production Music. A native of London, UK, he joined BMG's Los Angeles office in 2019, initially overseeing their extensive work in TV marketing, before moving into his current position covering both promo and in-show music licensing for...show more

Speaking on: The power of music: in conversation with Nora Felder


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Dylan Casella

Head of Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Off the Fence


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Catherine Casey

Senior Creative Executive Global Unscripted Formats

Amazon Studios

Since joining Amazon Studios in 2017, Catherine Casey has spearheaded 30+ unscripted series in Canada, Australia, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa. From true crime to comedy to lifestyle to sports, she has a breadth of experience in both documentary filmmaking and large-scale reality formats. Many of Casey’s projects involve unprecedented...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker; Topic Tables


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Sally Catto

General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports

CBC

Sally Catto is the General Manager of Entertainment, Factual and Sports for CBC. She oversees the strategic direction for all Entertainment, Factual and Sports content across all platforms including CBC TV, CBC Gem and CBC Listen. Content includes drama, comedy, factual entertainment, arts, documentary, kids, sports, podcasts, books, radio &...show more

Speaking on: CBC Breakfast: telling Canada's stories


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Noah Centineo

(The Recruit, To All The Boys trilogy)


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George Cheeks

President and CEO, CBS and Chief Content Officer, News and Sports, Paramount+

CBS Entertainment

George Cheeks assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS in March 2020.

Cheeks oversees CBS-branded assets within Paramount Global, including the CBS Television Network, which encompasses CBS Entertainment, CBS News and CBS Sports, as well as CBS Studios, CBS Stations, CBS Media Ventures, its first-run...show more

Speaking on: Summit Series: George Cheeks, President and CEO, CBS and CCO, News and Sports, Paramount+


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Aubrey Clarke

Commissioning Executive | BBC Children’s 7+

BBC

Aubrey is a Commissioning Executive in the 7+ BBC Children’s Content team with a remit that covers Live Action scripted drama and animation. He is the executive producer on popular brands such as The Next Step, Home Sweet Rome, The Deep, Theodosia, Scream Street, Odd Squad, Tee & Mo, My...show more

Speaking on: Get in the sandbox with kids-biz experts; Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Lisa Clarkson

Executive Director, Business & Rights and Production Sustainability

CBC

Lisa Clarkson leads the Business & Rights team for Canada’s public broadcaster, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). She is responsible for business deals for all types of English-language content (whether acquired; produced by CBC or licenced) across all platforms.

Lisa sits on both CBC’s Environmental Governance Council and CBC’s Sustainability committee...show more

Speaking on: Partner Presentation: Telefilm - The Climate Cost of Production: Charting the Sustainability Path for the Screen Industry


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Jo Clinton-Davis

Controller of Factual

ITV

As ITV Factual Controller Jo's commissions include: BAFTA -winning Long Lost Family; Diana Our Mother; Queen's Green Planet; 56 & 63 Up; Crime & Punishment strand; Trevor McDonald's Mafia; Joanna Lumley's Silk Road; landmark singles e.g Kate Garraway Finding Derek; Kevin McDonald’s Story of Us.
At the BBC, Jo...show more


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Charles Cooper

President

Front Street Pictures

Charles Cooper is the President of Front Street Pictures (FSP) based in Vancouver, BC. Founded more than twenty years ago, FSP has produced 300+ projects comprising over 500 hours of scripted live action content. 

Charles has produced over 100 movies for a number of leading networks, studios and streamers including Hallmark,...show more

Speaking on: Spotlight: Hallmark Media


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Elise Cousineau

VP Development, Scripted English Content

Sphere Media Toronto


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Simon Cox

EVP Content & Acquisitions

Banijay Rights

Simon Cox serves as EVP Content & Acquisitions at Banijay Rights, where he leads the global distributor’s acquisitions team. Simon is responsible for setting the overall acquisition strategy for Banijay Rights, which includes determining the genre and type of programming to be acquired each year, selecting the best content for...show more

Speaking on: Global partnerships: we’re all in this together; Meet a Distributor


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Tom Cox

Executive Producer and Managing Director

SEVEN24 Films

Tom Cox has been producing original scripted content for Canadian and world audiences for over thirty years. His credits include award-winning feature films, dramatic series, mini-series and television movies. SEVEN24 Films, specializing in unique scripted content with global appeal, was recently named Playback Magazine’s Production Company of the Year.
Current...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker


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Myiea Coy

SVP of Television

Confluential Films

Myiea Coy is an EMMY award-winning Executive Producer and writer known for Executive producing Lizzo's Watch Out for The Big GRRRLs for Amazon Prime; she is currently the SVP of Television of Confluential Films covering both scripted and unscripted. She previously served as Vice President of Development at Bunim Murray...show more

Speaking on: Production Partners


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Valerie Creighton

President & CEO

Canada Media Fund

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 a period spanning close to four decades. An expert in organizational change, Valerie has been recognized as a visionary in promoting Canada’s cultural wealth.

Currently serving...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker; Defining Canadian Content: The future of the industry


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Josie Crimi

EVP Development and Production

Scott Brothers Entertainment

Josie Crimi has been the Executive Vice President of Development and Production for Scott Brothers Entertainment (SBE) since 2015. In her time at the company, Josie has experienced significant growth and is proud to have more than 100+ hours of original programming per year under her leadership. Titles include hit...show more

Speaking on: Home reno-ssance: what’s hot in property


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Tecca Crosby

Executive Vice President, Scripted Programming Canada, Television, eOne

eOne Television

As Executive Vice President of Scripted Programming, Tecca Crosby oversees current production for eOne Television in Canada as well as a robust development slate that includes numerous one-hour dramas, limited series and half-hour comedies in development with Canadian broadcasters.

She manages relationships with a variety of Canadian and international co-producing partners,...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker


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Sage Daniels

Writer-Producer

Code Breaker Films


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Brad Danks

CEO

OUTtv Network Inc

Since 2016, Brad Danks, J.D, has been the CEO of OUTtv Network Inc. and OUTtv Media Global Inc., (collectively "OMG") the world's largest producer and aggregator of original LGBTQ+ film and television content. Brad began his career as an entertainment lawyer with a distinguished practice that included working for many...show more

Speaking on: Canada: state of the nation


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Deniese Davis

Founder and CEO

Reform Media Group

Deniese Davis is a three-time Emmy nominated Producer and the Founder and CEO of Reform Media Group. She 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. Recent producing credits include: Co-Executive Producer on the HBO...show more

Speaking on: Comedies that travel; Global partnerships: we’re all in this together


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Saxon de Cocq

Writer/Creative Producer

3 Story Pictures


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Jennifer Dettman

Executive Director, Unscripted Content

CBC

Jennifer Dettman is an award-winning television executive with 15+ years of experience leading innovative television and digital content creation. She is one of the top female executives in the country and an internationally respected voice in the industry. Jennifer has played a leading role in the industry's ongoing digital transformation...show more

Speaking on: Spotlight: CBC


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Sara DeWitt

SVP & General Manager

PBS

As Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS, Sara DeWitt is responsible for the strategic direction of the dynamic PBS Kids media service that supports children ages 2-8, their parents, teachers and caregivers, and local communities.

Ms. DeWitt leads a cross-disciplinary team charged with making PBS KIDS –...show more

Speaking on: Get in the sandbox with kids-biz experts


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Michela Di Mondo

EVP Distribution and Sales, Canada

Fremantle

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: Spotlight: Fremantle


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Marina Di Pancrazio

Chief Content Revenue Officer

Just For Laughs Group

Marina Di Pancrazio is the Chief Content Revenue Officer of The Just for Laughs Group since early 2020. In her role, she leads teams based in Montréal, Toronto, and LA, in TV development, production, and distribution sales as well as serving as an Executive Producer on JFL shows.

In mid-2020, she...show more

Speaking on: Comedies that travel; Production Partners; Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #2: drama series


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Lisa Ducharme

Director of Online Content

APTN Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Inc.

Lisa Ducharme has dedicated her career to amplifying Indigenous storytellers through her various roles in the broadcasting industry and particularly at APTN. She is a proud member of Saddle Lake Cree Nation with family rooted in Goodfish Lake, Alberta. A graduate of the University of Alberta’s School of Business, Lisa...show more

Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Alexis Durand-Brault

Director

ALSO

Alexis Durand-Brault is a very famous and highly decorated Canadian director. He first broke out as a highly sought after cinematographer. On the big screen, he has directed notable films including Ma fille, mon ange, La petite reine et C’est le cœur qui meurt en dernier, Everywhere and The Factory....show more

Speaking on: Master Class: Club Illico’s Mégantic; Meet a Showrunner + Director


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Greig Dymond

Director of Development, Comedy

CBC

As Director of Development for CBC Comedy, Greig Dymond is responsible for driving and overseeing the quality and diversity of the network's comedy-development slate. Since 2013, Greig has served as Development Executive and/or Production Executive on a variety of CBC Comedy series, including Schitt's Creek, Baroness von Sketch Show, Son...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker; Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #3: comedy series; 30 minutes with... Lea Marin and Greig Dymond, CBC; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Vicky Eatrides

Chairperson and CEO

CRTC Canadian Radio Television & Telecommunications Commissions

Vicky began her career practising regulatory law at a national law firm in 2000. She joined the federal public service in 2005 and held a number of senior executive positions at the Competition Bureau, Natural Resources Canada, and the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Vicky has experience across...show more

Speaking on: Keynote speech: Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and CEO, CRTC


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David Eilenberg

Vice President and Head of Content

Roku

David Eilenberg is the Vice President and Head of Content for Roku Media. He is leading the charge to establish Roku’s free ad-supported streaming service The Roku Channel as a destination for both scripted and unscripted original content. He is responsible for overall vision, creative strategy, go-to-market execution, as well...show more

Speaking on: Spotlight: Roku


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John Elmes

International Editor

Broadcast

John Elmes is the international editor of UK TV trade publication Broadcast. He has been a journalist for 13 years and has worked in the TV trade press for the past six. Before Broadcast, he was a senior reporter at fellow trade publication C21Media. Prior to this, John spent six...show more

Speaking on: In Conversation With: Killing It’s Craig Robinson and Claudia O'Doherty; Trends in scripted programming; Master Class: Star Trek


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Simon Faber

Founder & Producer

Taiga Pictures

Simon Faber has over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, across the Film, Television, Music, Fashion and Gaming verticals. Prior to founding Taiga Pictures, he was a partner at the WME Agency where he worked with a number of artists including Martin Scorsese, Adam Sandler, Pharrell Williams, Andre...show more

Speaking on: Topic Tables; Production Partners


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Nora Felder

Music Supervisor

Picture Music Company

2X Grammy and 4 Time Emmy nominated Emmy Winner Music Supervisor, NORA FELDER’s tenure in music began booking artist events at a New York City lower eastside venue. It was there she met and began working with legendary music producer, Phil Ramone, coordinating and working closely on recording projects with...show more

Speaking on: The power of music: in conversation with Nora Felder; Topic Tables


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Nua Finau

Co-Founder, Executive Producer and Showrunner

Tavake Ltd

A proud Tongan, born and raised in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Halaifonua Finau, or Nua as he's more commonly known, is at the forefront of bringing Polynesian stories to our screens.

He is a writer and producer, with a mission to take his little corner of the Pacific to the world. He...show more

Speaking on: Production Partners; Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #2: drama series; Global partnerships: we’re all in this together


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Erin Finlay

Partner

Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Heim Finlay LLP

Erin is a partner with Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Heim Finlay 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...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker


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Bart Fisher

VP, Development - Programming

Hallmark Media

Bart Fisher is Senior Vice President of Development for Hallmark Media, home of three linear networks; Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama and subscription video on demand streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now. He is based in Los Angeles and reports to Randy Pope, Senior Vice President, Programming...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Courtney Fitzpatrick

Director, Worldwide TV & Distribution

Lionsgate Entertainment

Courtney Fitzpatrick is currently Director of Content Strategy, as part of Lionsgate’s Worldwide TV & Distribution Team based in Toronto, which opened in May 2017.  Prior to joining Lionsgate, Fitzpatrick was part of the Distribution team at Marble Media/Distribution360. Before that, she worked on a number of productions with a...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Distributor


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Sarah Fowlie

Head of Production, Original Programming

Bell Media

Sarah Fowlie leads the Production of Original Programming across Bell Media's English Language platforms including CTV, CTV Speciality and Crave. Fowlie began her career at Bell Media in 1997 at The Comedy Network and has developed strong relationships with the Canadian and International content industry. She has held a range...show more

Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers; Spotlight: Bell Media


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Lauren Frasca

SVP, Content

Magnolia Network - Warner Bros. Discovery

Lauren Frasca is SVP of Content and Strategy at Magnolia Network, where she has overseen hundreds of hours of content across linear, streaming and OTT, including the Emmy-nominated Fixer Upper: Welcome Home, Fixer Upper: The Castle and Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines.  She came to the role from Facebook’s Creative...show more

Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers; Home reno-ssance: what’s hot in property


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Antony Fraser

Managing Director

ACF Investment Bank

Antony Fraser is a Managing Director at ACF Investment Bank’s London office. He is one of the UK's most experienced media financiers, having acted as principal on over 20 sector transactions.

Recent deals include the securitization of Syco Entertainment’s Intellectual Property in the Got Talent Franchise - a deal raising $125m...show more

Speaking on: Int’l Media Leaders: big bang theories


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Peter Friedlander

Head of Scripted Series, U.S. and Canada

Netflix


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Chris Fry

Joint Creative Director of Scripted

Sister Pictures

Chris spent the early part of his career as a first assistant director. After making the move into producing, Chris accrued producer credits on numerous high-profile series including 8, 9 and 10 of Spooks (two of which were BAFTA nominated for best series) and The Smoke written by the award-winning...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker; Production Partners; Trends in scripted programming


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Bryan Gabourie

SVP, International Sales & Partnerships

Blue Ant International

Based in New York, Bryan Gabourie is SVP, International Sales & Partnerships. In this role he oversees all sales activities from originals, pre-sales, content licensing, co-productions and strategic partnerships in the U.S. and is focussed on growing the company’s business across all platforms in that market. Bryan has over 15...show more

Speaking on: Topic Tables


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Laura Gaines

Director, Development & Programming

Hallmark Media

Laura Gaines serves as the Director, Development & Programming at Hallmark Media. She works on original RomComs, Mysteries and Drama projects through every stage of production, working across all networks linear and non, including Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Movies Now. She brings diverse new talent, writers...show more

Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Mary Galloway

Filmmaker

Bright Shadow Productions Inc


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Adam Garnet Jones

Director of TV Content and Special Events

APTN - Aboriginal Peoples Television Network

Adam Garnet Jones is Cree-Métis and Danish from Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, AB.) With a degree in film production from Toronto Metropolitan University, Adam worked as a writer/director/producer for 14 years (Fire Song, Great Great Great, Amplify, Mohawk Girls, Cashing In). Throughout these years, Adam was involved in a number of committees...show more

Speaking on: Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #1: unscripted/documentary; Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #3: comedy series; Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #2: drama series; Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum: networking breakfast + opening ceremonies


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Kelly Garrett

Vice President, Development

Hallmark Media

Kelly Garrett is Vice President, Development for Hallmark Media. Garrett is based in Studio City and reports to Senior Vice President, Development Samantha DiPippo. Garrett plays an integral role in the development of Hallmark Media’s iconic holiday programming, sourcing material and spearheading projects from development to production to final delivery....show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Darren Giblin

Senior Vice President, Current & Co-Productions

Entertainment One Ltd.

As Vice President of Current Scripted Programming for Entertainment One, Darren Giblin oversees all creative across the studio’s wide-ranging slate of on-air and in-production scripted programs.  Past and present series under Darren’s supervision include Sheri Elwood’s CSA Nominated dramedy Moonshine (CBC/The CW), legal drama Burden of Truth (CBC/The CW), medical...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker


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Brenda Gilbert

Co-Founder and President

BRON Media Corporation

Brenda Gilbert is the President of BRON Media Corp, a company she co-founded and leads with her husband, Aaron L. Gilbert. BRON Media Corp. is the parent company to operating units BRON Studios, BRON Releasing, BRON Digital, and BRON Ventures (holds an interest in a portfolio of 10 content companies)....show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker; *PRIVATE* Co-Production Deep Dive: international financing and content trends (Diversity of Voices Program)


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Rachel Goldstein-Couto

Head of Development, Original Programming

Bell Media

As Head of Development, Rachel Goldstein-Couto oversees the scripted and unscripted program development for CTV, Crave and the Entertainment Specialty channels of Bell Media. Rachel and her team work closely with independent production partners, writers and creatives to develop a slate of factual and scripted projects that are diverse, culturally relevant...show more

Speaking on: Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #1: unscripted/documentary; Spotlight: Bell Media


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Celia Rose Gooding

Actor, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

"Star Trek: Strange New Worlds"

Celia Rose Gooding stars as the iconic role of 'Uhura' in the Paramount+ series STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS alongside Anson Mount, Ethan Peck and Rebecca Romjin. The series is a prequel to STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES that follows the crew of the USS Enterprise under Captain Christopher Pike....show more

Speaking on: Rockies Gala (Van Horne Ballroom); Master Class: Star Trek


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Michael Gordon

TV Global Scripted Agent

CAA Creative Artists Agency

Michael Gordon is a Global Scripted Television Agent at leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Gordon is based in the Los Angeles office and has put together and represented many critically acclaimed global shows, including Euphoria (HBO), Tehran (Apple), (Netflix), Fauda (Netflix), War of the Worlds (Epix),...show more

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Gwenllian Gravelle

Head of Scripted International

S4C International

After a successful and long standing career at the BBC, producing high-end, award-winning dramas such as Keep Faith; Gwenllian Gravelle is Head of Scripted for Welsh-language broadcaster S4C. Building on the recent renaissance of Welsh drama and the S4C-led invention of Celtic noir, Gwenllian is focused on commissioning original drama...show more

Speaking on: Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #3: comedy series; Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers; *PRIVATE* Co-Production Deep Dive: international financing and content trends (Diversity of Voices Program)


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Morgan Greco

Senior Vice President, Digital Business Development

A+E Networks

Morgan Greco is senior vice president of Digital Business Development for A+E Networks, a portfolio of global media brands including A&E ® , Lifetime ® , The HISTORY ® Channel and FYI. In this role, she is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of monetization strategies for the brands’...show more

Speaking on: Maximize the Value of Your IP on YouTube


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Käroli Grenman

Head of Operations, Producer

Virtual Production House by The Other End

Käroli Grenman is Head of Operations & Producer at Virtual Production House, a state-of-the-art production company offering traditional and virtual production stages and creative services in Toronto. Käroli leads the company’s business and creative operations and works directly with creators and producers in getting short and long-form narrative and commercial...show more

Speaking on: Topic Tables; Topic Tables


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Joanna Griffiths

Founder & President

Knix

Joanna Griffiths is the Founder and President of Knix and Kt by Knix the direct-to-consumer intimate apparel brands reinventing intimates for real life. Since launching the company in 2013, Joanna has built Knix into one of the fastest-growing intimate apparel brands globally. Through a focus on impact work and product...show more

Speaking on: Closing Bubbles & Bites - Launching “The Knix Catalyst Docs for Change Project.”


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Phil Gurin

President & CEO

Co-Chair of FRAPA

Award-winning Producer/Writer/Creator and President & CEO of The Gurin Company (www.gurinco.com), Phil Gurin creates, acquires, sells and produces entertainment programs all over the world.  Gurin has won four Prime Time Emmy Awards as an Executive Producer on ABC’s Shark Tank, and an international Rose d’Or (Golden Rose) for the comedy...show more


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Tyler Hagan

Producer

Experimental Forest Films

Tyler Hagan is a Michif and Canadian filmmaker based on unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations in Vancouver, B.C. His producing credits include the feature debut from Kathleen Hepburn Never Steady, Never Still (2017), The Body Remembers when the World Broke Open (2019) by...show more

Speaking on: Partner Presentation: Telefilm - The Climate Cost of Production: Charting the Sustainability Path for the Screen Industry


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Cathy Hare

Director of Acquisitions North America

Entertainment One Television International

Cathy Hare is the North American Director of Acquisitions for eOne.  Responsible for third-party scripted and unscripted acquisitions out of Canada and the US, Cathy acquires content for eOne’s international television distribution group.  She joined eOne in 2010.

Speaking on: Meet a Distributor; Meet a Distributor


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Tom Hastings

Head of Original Programming in Canada, Paramount+

Paramount

Based in Toronto, Tom leads the commissioning strategy for Paramount+ Canadian originals. An industry veteran and former Director of Drama at Bell Media, Tom has extensive and long-standing relationships with Canada’s independent production and literary communities and is especially known for his respected relationships with Canadian writers, producers and agents.

Speaking on: Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #2: drama series; 30 minutes with... Tom Hastings, Katrina Kowalski and Stefania Scarfo, Paramount+ Canada; Defining Canadian Content: The future of the industry



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Brent Haynes

Head of Originals, Canada

Amazon Studios

Brent began his career lurking around the comedy and variety department at the CBC in Toronto. He then moved to CTV with the launch of The Comedy Network where he eventually oversaw programming, development and production. Brent then landed in New York as SVP of Comedy & Animation for MTV,...show more

Speaking on: 30 minutes with... Brent Haynes, Amazon Studios


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Steven He

Comedian, Actor, Producer and YouTuber

Steven He is a Chinese-Irish comedian, actor, Youtuber and TikToker. His renowned sketches and skits encompass his hilarious expression of Asian-American family life – one of his most impressionable characters being “Asian Dad,” not to mention his iconic and meme-worthy token phrase “Emotional Damage.”

Steven He was born in China, and...show more

Speaking on: Maximize the Value of Your IP on YouTube


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Sasha Leigh Henry

Showrunner, Director

Admiral Productions + Sunflower Studios

Sasha Leigh Henry is a writer, director, and producer based in Toronto. Recently named one of Variety's 10 to Watch for 2022, Henry is currently in post-production on BRIA MACK GETS A LIFE. The Crave original comedy series about a 25 year old Black woman and her imaginary hype girl...show more

Speaking on: Defining Canadian Content: The future of the industry


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Wendy Hill-Tout

Producer, Writer, Director

Voice Pictures Inc.

Ms. Hill-Tout has done a number of European co-productions and is currently directing, co-writing and co-producing on an Irish Canadian feature.  Recently she produced and co-wrote genre werewolf feature Bloodthirsty which received Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and was featured in some of the world’s best genre festivals.   It was...show more

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Brad Holcman

Senior Director, Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming

A+E Networks

Meet Brad Holcman, since joining A&E in 2012 as Senior Director of Non-Fiction and Alternative Programming, Brad has been overseeing some edge-of-your-seat shows like 60 Days In, Intervention, and Accused: Guilty or Innocent? But that's not all—Brad also heads up the home shows on A&E's Home.Made Nation block, which features...show more

Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Jimmy Holcomb

VP of Production

Hallmark Media

Jimmy Holcomb is Vice President of Production at Hallmark Media. He is based in Los Angeles and reports to Senior Vice President of Physical Production, Randall Pope. Holcomb oversees the physical production of MOWs, series, and specials for Hallmark Media’s broadcast channels Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark...show more

Speaking on: Spotlight: Hallmark Media


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Jennifer Hollyer

Agent

The Jennifer Hollyer Agency

Combining her life-long love of narrative, her honours BA in literature and classics, and being a natural people person, Jennifer is living her dream job as co-owner and agent of the Jennifer Hollyer Agency. Many of JHA’s clients are considered to be the best in the business. Jennifer has helped...show more

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Lisa Honig

Senior EVP Program Distribution, North America

Fremantle

Lisa Honig oversees Fremantle's distribution business across North America, leading teams based in New York, Miami and Canada. Lisa drives the sales strategy to secure partners and broadcasters for Fremantle's finished programming
across all genres.

Lisa joined Fremantle in 2003, and previously held roles at EuroArts and Primetime Entertainment.

Speaking on: Spotlight: Fremantle


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Sharon Horgan

Co-Founder

Merman

Sharon Horgan is a dynamic, witty, and talented multihyphenate whose exceptional storytelling skills has brought her international recognition. She is an award-winning creator, writer, producer, and actor who portrays the experiences of strong, female-driven stories.    

Sharon is the writer, co-creator, executive producer, and star of the ten-part comedy thriller series...show more

Speaking on: Rockies Gala (Van Horne Ballroom); Summit Series: Sharon Horgan, award-winning actress, writer, producer, director; co-founder, Merman


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Tasha Hubbard

Filmmaker

Katawak Productions


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Beth Iley

Senior Development Executive

Amazon Studios

Beth Iley is the Senior Development Executive for Amazon Studios, Canada. In her role, she sources, develops and oversees the production of original series for Amazon’s streaming service, Prime Video. Upcoming releases from the slate include season two of The Lake starring Jordan Gavaris and Julia Stiles, the revival of...show more

Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Judy Iseke

Producer

Turquoise Sky Entertainment


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Tiauna Jackson

Agent, Producer, Distributor

The Jackson Agency

Tiauna Jackson is the founder of The Jackson Agency (TJA), a Hollywood based talent agency that has been breaking barriers in the entertainment industry since 2014. TJA became a household name when Jackson was featured alongside other Black agents in a New York Times feature entitled, “Uphill Battles of Black...show more

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Richard Jean-Baptiste

Vice President, Business Innovation, Executive Producer

Attraction

Richard recently assumed the position of VP of Business Innovation and Executive Producer at Attraction, an industry-leading content production, creation, and distribution company established in 2002. As a key player in North America's entertainment sector, Attraction boasts numerous awards and distinctions. Before joining Attraction, Richard served as the lead production...show more

Speaking on: Production Partners; Topic Tables



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Christina Jennings

Chairman & President

Shaftesbury



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Tiara Johnny

Program Manager

Reelworld Screen Institute

Tiara Johnny is the Program Manager of the Reelworld Black Entrepreneurs Program - a training initiative for Black Producers, Casting Directors, Agents, and Managers in Canada. She is also an ACTRA Full Member and a creative in the film industry.

Speaking on: Topic Tables; Topic Tables


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Kevin Johnson

CEO

GroupM Canada

Kevin Johnson is a seasoned media professional who brought 25+ years of industry experience across agencies and categories with him when he joined GroupM Canada as Chief Executive Officer at the end of 2021. Previous to that role, he was the CEO of MediaCom Canada bring the agency tremendous success...show more

Speaking on: Int’l Media Leaders: big bang theories



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Kelly-Ann Jones

Senior Manager, Audience Research

Canada Media Fund

With over 25 years in film and television production, broadcast operations, and research analysis, Kelly-Ann is currently Senior Manager of Audience Research at the Canada Media Fund (CMF). She plays an integral role in the CMF’s annual calculations of production financing and leads several TV & digital media measurement initiatives.

Speaking on: Moving the dial forward for underrepresented communities in entertainment - successes and continued growth


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Barry Jossen

President, A+E Studios

A+E Studios

Barry Jossen is President and Head of A+E Studios. In his role, Jossen oversees all programming operations of this in-house scripted production arm of A+E Networks, including creative affairs, production, business operations, and strategy on all programming developed and produced by the studio.

Jossen's vision and execution have been integral to...show more

Speaking on: Trends in scripted programming


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Andrew Kelly

Vice President, Scripted Development

Entertainment One Television Productions Ltd.

As Director, Development – Scripted Programming for Entertainment One, Andrew develops premium scripted content out of Canada for the global marketplace. He has set up and worked on series at ABC, CBC, CTV, CityTV, Global, CTV Sci-Fi, Showcase, Starz, SyFy, and The CW. While developing a dynamic slate of projects...show more

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Cynthia Kennedy

BANFF Content Advisory Board

Incendo


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Carlyn Klebuc

General Manager, Original Programming

Bell Media


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Katrina Kowalski

Senior Vice President, International Content Programming & Acquisitions, Pluto TV

Paramount

Katrina Kowalski is the Vice-President, Content, Paramount+ and Pluto TV Canada, based in Toronto and the lead executive overseeing all Canada’s content acquisitions and originals. For the past two decades Kowalski has broadened the television landscape in Canada, programming the best from around the world and at home. In her...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker; Speed Meetings with Buyers; 30 minutes with... Tom Hastings, Katrina Kowalski and Stefania Scarfo, Paramount+ Canada


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Jennifer Kramer

Vice President, Development

Hallmark Media

Jennifer Kramer is the Vice President of Development at Hallmark Media. Kramer is based in Los Angeles and reports to Senior Vice President, Development, Samantha DiPippo. Specializing in the production of Hallmark Media’s original holiday movies, Kramer has overseen numerous projects including Hallmark Channel’s Three Wise Men and a Baby,...show more

Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Jenn Kuzmyk

Executive Director - BANFF, Publisher - Playback

Brunico Communications Ltd.


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Jean La Rose

General Manager

Animiki See Distribution Inc

Jean La Rose is a First Nations citizen from the Abenaki First Nation of Odanak in Québec. He was honoured with a traditional name by a respected Elder in Manitoba, Fred Kelly. The name Animiki was given to him as representing the spirit that drives him forward. Animiki is Thunderbird...show more

Speaking on: Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #2: drama series; Meet a Distributor; Meet a Distributor


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Julie Lacey

VP, Creative

Shaftesbury

Julie Lacey is a Gemini Award-winning writer who brings two decades of experience in writing, production and development to Shaftesbury. In her role as VP, Creative, Lacey manages Shaftesbury’s extensive scripted drama development slate, with an eye to expanding the company’s international partnerships. At Shaftesbury, Lacey has produced 17 seasons...show more

Speaking on: Production Partners


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Alex Lalonde

Chief Operating Officer

Amaze

She previously led Stratagem RX, The Stratagem Groups Global Production and Service arm and produced The Desperate Hour (Naomi Watt, Phillip Noyce, Director) and the Canadian shoot for Marvel's Hawkeye and Secret Invasion. Prior to that, she led Business Development and Operations as Vice President at New Metric Media and...show more

Speaking on: Production Partners; Topic Tables


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Philippe Lamarre

President

URBANIA

EN
Philippe Lamarre founded his creative studio in 2000 and in 2003, he creates URBANIA, a magazine with an audacious tone and design. The magazine evolved into a multimedia platform brand that produces award-winning audiovisual and interactive projects, for a variety of high-profile clients, such as the NFB, Radio-Canada, TV5,...show more

Speaking on: Defining Canadian Content: The future of the industry


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Marianne Lambert

Director,
Co-Productions

TFO

With many years of experience in television production and content creation, Marianne is an expert at creating content for kids that is fun and inviting. Fully bilingual, she has worked in many areas in kids tv: first as a host, then writer, director, producer, executive producer and broadcaster. In her...show more

Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Teza Lawrence

Executive Producer/Co-Owner

Amaze


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Nick Lee

Commercial Director, Drama & Comedy

Channel 4

Nick Lee is Head of Acquisitions and International for Channel 4. Leading the broadcaster in licensing on all acquired series and the theatrical film slate for both their linear portfolio and VOD platform. In addition, Lee is responsible for driving wider content partnership deals and prebuying drama from script to...show more

Speaking on: Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #3: comedy series; Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Adam Levine

Co-Founder/Partner

VERVE

Adam Levine is one of the Founding Partners of Verve, a premier full-service agency with offices in Los Angeles and New York. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Levine began his career as a Literary Agent at Endeavor before leaving to found Verve in 2010 alongside Bill Weinstein and Bryan Besser.

A relentless...show more

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Jennifer Liang

Acquisitions Executive

Topic

Jennifer Liang is Vice President, Acquisitions, Programming Strategy & Sales at Topic. In this role, she oversees acquisitions, pre-buys and global co-production opportunities and manages the acquisitions & programming team. She is also responsible for sales of programming owned or controlled by Topic. Previously she has held positions in global...show more

Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers; *PRIVATE* Co-Production Deep Dive: international financing and content trends (Diversity of Voices Program)


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Vicki Liao

Director, Content Acquisition

Roku

Vicki Liao is the Director, Content Acquisition for The Roku Channel. She manages content licensing for The Roku Channel globally, including AVOD, linear and acquired Roku Originals. Prior to joining Roku, she was at Sony Pictures Television and Disney Media Networks doing content distribution with a focus on AVOD, SVOD...show more

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Richard Life

SVP Acquisitions and Co-productions

Cineflix Rights

For over twenty-five years, Richard Life has worked in the international television production, finance and distribution business with some of the leading creators of scripted and non-scripted content in the UK, North America, Australia and many other countries.

He joined Cineflix Rights as Head of Acquisitions in January 2019, managing the...show more

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Adele Lim

Writer-Producer and Director

Writer, Director

Adele is a Writer-Producer and Director whose screenwriting credits include Crazy Rich Asians (Warner Bros) and Oscar-nominated Raya and the Last Dragon (Disney Animation Studios). She made her feature directorial debut with Joyride for Lionsgate Studios (opening July 2023).

Adele came up in the entertainment industry as a TV writer-producer, then...show more

Speaking on: Writer Superpanel: strike edition; Meet a Showrunner + Director


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Mark Linsey

Managing Director, Scripted

BBC Studios

Mark Linsey is Managing Director, Scripted overseeing BBC Studios' teams in Drama Productions, Daytime, Continuing Drama Series and Comedy Productions, alongside its scripted labels (Lookout Point, Sid Gentle, Clerkenwell Films, Baby Cow Productions, House Productions), and the Scripted indie minority shareholdings and distribution relationships.

He took up the role...show more


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Sam Linton

VP, Production and Development, Global Media

Blue Ant Media Inc

Sam Linton, VP, Production and Development, Global Media, Blue Ant Media brings over 30 years of production expertise to the media company’s channel brands. Based in Canada, Sam leads commissioning for Blue Ant Media’s suite of specialty television channels and global FAST (free, ad-supported streaming TV) channels, including: Cottage Life,...show more

Speaking on: 30 minutes with... Samantha Linton, Blue Ant Media; Speed Meetings with Buyers



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Sophie Lorain

Producer/Showrunner

ALSO

Sophie Lorain started out in the performing arts while studying at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Since then, she has taken the stage several times, working with the biggest names in Quebec theater. In cinema, she has worked with many directors and has made a name...show more

Speaking on: Master Class: Club Illico’s Mégantic; Meet a Showrunner + Director


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Elaine Low

Staff Writer

The Ankler

Elaine Low is a staff writer at The Ankler, covering the evolution of Hollywood’s business model and work culture in the streaming age.

She was previously a senior entertainment reporter for Insider (fka Business Insider), where she uncovered the dramatic shift in Netflix's corporate culture leading up to its surprising...show more

Speaking on: Int’l Media Leaders: big bang theories


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Ryan Lowerre

President, Domestic Television & Digital Distribution

Lionsgate Entertainment

Ryan is President of Domestic Television and Digital Distribution for Lionsgate.  He is responsible for overseeing the distribution and licensing of Lionsgate’s 17,000-title film and TV library, its slate of feature films and line-up of first-run television series to clients in the SVOD, AVOD, basic cable, FAST and free TV...show more

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Graham Ludlow

Head of Development and Production

Incendo

Graham has been working with Incendo since January 2021. He has already been involved in the production of nine films for Incendo, as well as a limited series. Prior to joining Incendo, he served as an executive producer and production supervisor on numerous Canadian series and films, including the hit...show more

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Bill Lundy

SVP Comedy

New Metric Media

As Senior Vice President of Comedy, Bill Lundy is focused on broadening and strengthening the company’s slate of comedy brands and roster of comedy talent across scripted, sketch and stand up for multiple platforms including television, live entertainment, merchandise and licensing. Previously, Lundy was SVP for Pier 21 Films leading...show more

Speaking on: Comedies that travel; Production Partners; Topic Tables


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Jodi Mackie

Sr. Director, Content Sales & Co-productions Kids & Family

BBC Studios Canada

As Director of Content Sales & Co-Productions, Canada, Jodi Mackie is responsible for the distribution of Scripted and Unscripted catalogue and front list content to linear, digital, and emerging platforms and exploring coproduction and partnership opportunities in the Canadian market. She is also the BBC Studios lead on sales &...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Distributor; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Michael MacMillan

CEO and Co-Founder

Blue Ant Media Inc

Michael co-founded and is CEO of Blue Ant Media. Started in 2011, the global media company owns and operates numerous production companies in North America and Asia-Pacific, creating content for broadcasters and streaming platforms in multiple genres including factual entertainment, natural history, documentary and adult animation. Further, the company's distribution...show more


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Susan Makela

Sr Director, Acquisitions, Rights & Inventory

Paramount

Working closely with the senior executive team at Paramount Streaming, Susan is responsible for the content rights strategy and long-range business planning for the development and commissioning of Canadian content. She leads the financing strategies for commissioned programs and manages the business relationships with external partners and industry stakeholders. Specialized...show more

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Gurjeet S. Mann

Executive Producer/Director of Phtography

HeartHat Entertainment

He is currently executive producing and serving as Director of Photography on ‘WE BOUGHT A FUNERAL HOME for Discovery+. He is also Executive Producer/DOP and Co-Creator of BOLLYWED.

His body of work goes back almost 30 years. During that time, he has shot numerous series for CBC, CTV, Discovery, Food Network,...show more

Speaking on: CBC Breakfast: telling Canada's stories


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Lea Marin

Director of Development, Drama

CBC

Lea Marin is the Director of Development, Drama, for the CBC, and is responsible for driving and overseeing the quality and diversity of the drama development slate. A graduate of the Canadian Film Centre’s Producers’ Lab, prior to joining the CBC, Lea was a Senior Producer with the National Film...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker; 30 minutes with... Lea Marin and Greig Dymond, CBC; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Elan Mastai

Writer

In 2021, Elan was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work as a writer and co-executive producer of the hit series This Is Us. He won the Canadian Screen Award and Writers Guild of Canada Award for writing The F Word—released internationally as What If—starring Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan,...show more

Speaking on: Writer Superpanel: strike edition


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Scott McGillivray

CEO

MEM Inc

Scott McGillivray’s passion lies in educating people to make smart investment and renovation decisions and how to succeed in the uber-competitive world of real estate. Scott has been a top rated HGTV star in the US and Canada for over 15 years, starring in over 300 episodes of television, and...show more

Speaking on: Home reno-ssance: what’s hot in property


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Alexis McLaren

Development Executive, Original Programming, Scripted & Unscripted

Bell Media

As a Development Executive, Alexis McLaren works with industry writers and partners on the development of new projects for Bell Media's Original Programming Slate. Alexis' development portfolio covers both scripted and unscripted titles for national channels, including, Crave, CTV and CTV specialty channels. Announced titles include Bria Mack Gets A...show more

Speaking on: Moving the dial forward for underrepresented communities in entertainment - successes and continued growth


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Megan McNeill

Artist, Filmmaker

Megan Nicole illustration


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Lisa Meeches

Founder and Executive Producer

Eagle Vision

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 a Decision Maker; Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #2: drama series


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Kathleen Meek

Manager, Original Content, Scripted & Factual

Corus Entertainment Inc

Kathleen Meek is Manager, Original Content, Scripted and Factual for Corus Entertainment. In this capacity, she is responsible for a portfolio of original scripted and factual series for Global Television, History® Canada, Showcase, Adult Swim and W. She is Production Executive on Global’s highly-rated event drama Departure and upcoming original...show more

Speaking on: Master Class: Robyn Hood; Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Carolyn Meland

President & Executive Producer

HeartHat Entertainment

A passionate storyteller with an eye for casting great talent, Carolyn is a CSA, Realscreen, and Banff Rockie nominated Executive producer, writer, and series producer.

She has created, produced and directed numerous shows and formats including STYLE BY JURY, the number #1 makeover format in Canada, running for 9 seasons, with...show more

Speaking on: CBC Breakfast: telling Canada's stories


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Sohrab Merchant

Literary Agent

The Characters Talent Agency

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 wife and two cats.

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Laura Michalchyshyn

Chief Creative Officer Blue Ant Media

Blue Ant Media

Laura Michalchyshyn is Chief Creative Officer and Co-President of Global Production at Blue Ant Media. Based in the global media company’s New York office, sheoversees content creation and development across the business’ numerous production companies in North America and Asia-Pacific, with a focus on expanding content slates globally. Further, Michalchyshyn...show more

Speaking on: Spotlight: Blue Ant Media




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Ilana Miller

Literary Agent, Co-owner

The Jennifer Hollyer Agency

Born and raised in suburbia Toronto, Ilana graduated with a BA Honours in Film and Drama from Queens University in Kingston, Ontario.  In 2008, after seven years working in production, Ilana settled into the comfort and success of the Jennifer Hollyer Agency, one of Canada’s top literary agencies, becoming a...show more

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J.C. Mills

President and Head of Content

Cineflix Productions


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Hayden Mindell

Senior Vice President of Television

Rogers Sports & Media

Hayden Mindell is responsible for driving the strategy as well as overseeing the management and programming of Rogers Sports & Media's local and national news & entertainment television brands and platforms, including Citytv, Citytv+, FX/FXX, CityNews, CityNews 24/7 and CityNews 24/7 West, OLN, OMNI Television, and Rogers tv. As Senior...show more

Speaking on: Canada: state of the nation


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Robin Mirsky

Executive Director, Rogers Group of Funds

Rogers Communications Inc

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 $6 million equity...show more

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Kahstoserakwathe Paulette Moore

Filmmaker/Podcaster-Unscripted Documentary

The Aunties Dandelion


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John Morayniss

Chief Executive Officer

Blink49 Content Inc

John Morayniss is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blink49 Studios, overseeing all aspects of the company’s activities, which encompass the development, production, licensing, financing and monetization of all forms of television content.

Before launching Blink49 Studios, John served for a decade as the CEO of Entertainment One Television (eOne). Under...show more

Speaking on: Spotlight: Hallmark Media


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Nimisha Mukerji

Director

Shotglass Productions Inc.

An award-winning Writer, Director and Producer, Nimisha Mukerji's films have premiered at Tribeca and the Toronto International Film Festival. Her breakout feature, 65_RedRoses, was selected by Oprah Winfrey for her Documentary Club on OWN before being acquired by Netflix and Hulu. Subsequent features include Blood Relative and Tempest Storm, which...show more

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Drew Mullin

Executive in Charge of Production, Kids

CBC

Drew Mullin is an international award-winning writer, director and producer who joined CBC Kids team as an Executive in Charge of Production in 2016. At CBC, Drew has overseen several broadcast and digital series including Dot, Kingdom Force, Big Blue, Dino Ranch, Mitten & Pants, Addison, Napkin Man, Game Savers, Let's...show more

Speaking on: Get in the sandbox with kids-biz experts; Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Jennifer Mullin

Chief Executive Officer

Fremantle

As CEO of Fremantle (part of the RTL Group), one of the biggest production companies in the world, Mullin oversees a business that achieved revenues of €2.3 billion ($2.44 billion) in 2022. 

Under her leadership as Fremantle’s first American head, the creative powerhouse behind iconic entertainment franchises such as Idol, Got...show more

Speaking on: Summit Series: Jennifer Mullin, CEO, Fremantle


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Nekesa Mumbi Moody

Editorial Director

The Hollywood Reporter

Nekesa Mumbi Moody is the editorial director of The Hollywood Reporter, leading a dynamic team of journalists expertly covering the business of Hollywood, its personalities and its culture across platforms, from its print magazine to its website and video products. She joined in 2020 and is proud to continue its...show more

Speaking on: In Conversation With: Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, Co-Founders, World of Wonder; Summit Series: Sharon Horgan, award-winning actress, writer, producer, director; co-founder, Merman


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Paige Murray

Executive in Charge of Development, Drama

CBC

Paige Murray has worked at the CBC for over twelve years and is currently Executive in Charge of Development, Drama on the Scripted Content team. In this role, Paige oversees the development of one-hour drama series and actively looks for creators and stories that reflect the spectrum of the Canadian...show more

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Megan Nelles

Sales Manager

Fremantle

Megan Nelles is the Manager of Sales for Fremantle Canada. Currently responsible for expanding Fremantle’s FAST and AVOD footprint in Canada and contributing to licensing Fremantle’s slate across Canada. Megan joined Fremantle in 2016. Prior to Fremantle, she worked at eOne in the TV and Digital Distribution Team and began...show more

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Kathleen Newman-Bremang

Deputy Editor - Global of Refinery29 Unbothered

Refinery29 Unbothered

Kathleen Newman-Bremang is a Toronto-based editor, writer, producer, and the co-recipient of the inaugural Changemaker Canadian Screen Award. As the Deputy Editor - Global of Refinery29 Unbothered, Kathleen oversees the brand's UK and US editions, writes about pop culture, race, feminism and the intersection of all three, and champions other...show more

Speaking on: Moving the dial forward for underrepresented communities in entertainment - successes and continued growth; Master Class: Robyn Hood


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Dan Norton

Agent

CAA Creative Artists Agency

Dan Norton is an agent in the Television Scripted department at Creative Artists Agency, a talent and literary agency based in Los Angeles, California. Dan specializes in representing writers and directors in all areas of television. His top clients include Eric Guggenheim (creator/showrunner Magnum P.I.), Sian Heder (Coda, Little America),...show more

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Cara Nye

Director, Content Development & Production

Accessible Media Inc.

Since joining AMI-tv in 2012, Cara has moved from overseeing the channel’s internal productions to her current role as Director of Content Development and Production. She is now responsible for all of AMI’s current original content including Mind Your Own Business, Dish With Mary and returning series’ By Hook or...show more

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Alanis Obomsawin

Cultural Attaché, First Nations, and Producer-Writer-Director

NFB The National Film Board of Canada

A member of the Abenaki Nation and one of Canada’s most distinguished filmmakers, Alanis Obomsawin is a director and producer at the National Film Board of Canada, where she has worked since 1967.

Her upcoming films are Wabano: The Light of the Day and The Green Horse (working title). These will...show more

Speaking on: Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #1: unscripted/documentary; Rockies Gala (Van Horne Ballroom)


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Claudia O'Doherty

Actress and Comedian

Claudia O’Doherty is an actress and comedian. She previously starred as "Bertie" on the Netflix series Love. She appeared in Amy Schumer’s feature, Trainwreck, and has written for and appeared on Inside Amy Schumer (Comedy Central). In 2020 she
starred in the film Extra Ordinary opposite Will Forte and Maeve...show more

Speaking on: In Conversation With: Killing It’s Craig Robinson and Claudia O'Doherty


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Sean O'Neill

President

Visitor Media

Sean O’Neill is a producer, director, writer, and the founder of Visitor Media, where he leads the company’s strategy and creative development. Since founding Visitor in 2020, Sean has produced the feature film Crystal Pite: Angels’ Atlas (2022), which premiered at the Vancouver International Film Festival and won the festival’s...show more

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Gregory Pang

Lawyer

RedFrame Law

Gregory is an Alberta-based entertainment lawyer who has been practising since 2009. Before his law career, Gregory worked in film and television for five years in various roles from being a locations PA to a business coordinator in marketing/distribution. While Gregory takes his clients' matters seriously, he believes in having...show more

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Nadia Paulos

Senior Director of Distribution Operations

Fremantle

Nadia Paulos is the Senior Director, Distribution Operations at Fremantle and a founding team member of the Fremantle Canada office.  Nadia’s 20+ years of program distribution business experience spans across post-sales servicing, simulcasts, marketing, PR, French dubbing, sponsorships, budgeting, social strategies , tape and formats in English and French Canada’s...show more

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Ethan Peck

Actor, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

"Star Trek: Strange New Worlds"

Ethan Peck is an American actor who has been steadily making a name for himself in the entertainment industry.  

Peck stars in the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Strange New World after becoming the 3rd actor ever to portray the iconic character of ‘Spock’ on Paramount+’s Star Trek: Discovery. Strange New Worlds is a...show more

Speaking on: Rockies Gala (Van Horne Ballroom); Master Class: Star Trek


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Brook Peters

SVP, Sales & Business Development

Incendo

Brook Peters oversees sales and Ontario production operations out of Incendo’s Toronto office with a specific focus on expanding Canadian English-language production opportunities.  In addition to innovating domestic and global sales strategies, Brook is also credited as an Executive Producer where he contributes to the production of Incendo’s slate of...show more

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Andrew Peterson

Head of Canada

YouTube

Andrew Peterson is the Head of YouTube Canada, where he oversees the content, creator and viewer ecosystems for the country.

In his role, Andrew works with the next generation of independent content creators through to the largest media, entertainment and news publishers in the country. His team focuses on growing the...show more

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Stan Pham

Current Programming, CBS Studios

CBS Studios

Stan Pham serves as SVP, Current Programming at CBS Studios, first joining the company in  2017 as Director, Current Programming for CBS Network. In his various roles within CBS, Pham currently helps oversee the Star Trek franchise for the studio, as well as helped shepherd  Ghosts from its first episode through its...show more

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Quan Phung

SVP, Original Series, Topic Studios

Topic Studios

Quan Phung is SVP of Original Series for Topic Studios, where he further builds the studio’s presence in the television marketplace by sourcing, developing, and packaging premium ongoing and event series for the broadcast, cable, and streaming community. Before joining Topic Studios, he was a senior consultant for STXtv, the...show more

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Lido Pimienta

Creator & Showrunner

LIDO TV

Lido Pimienta is an award-winning musician, artist, and mother. She has performed and exhibited her work internationally for more than a decade, exploring the politics of gender, race, motherhood, identity and colonization through her visionary music, videos and artworks. Born in Colombia and based in Canada, Lido’s work questions the...show more


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Jordan Pinto

North American Editor

C21 Media

Jordan Pinto, based out of Toronto, is the North American editor for C21 Media, reporting on all aspects of the US and Canadian television sector. Prior to joining C21, he spent more than six years with Canadian trade publication Playback, most recently as associate editor, covering Canada's film and television industry.

Speaking on: Spotlight: Roku; CBC Breakfast: telling Canada's stories


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Dascha Polanco

(Orange is the New Black, Russian Doll S1)


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Angela Polk

Vice President, Development

Hallmark Media

Angie Polk is the Vice President of Dvelopment at Hallmark Media. Polk is based in Los Angeles and reports to Senior Vice President, Development, Samantha DiPippo. Polk oversees the creation of original premiere movies and specials, managing all aspects of pre-production, development, production, and post-production. With a focus on increased...show more

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Juan Ponce

SVP & General Manager for Telemundo Streaming Studios

NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises

Juan Ponce serves as Senior Vice President & General Manager of Telemundo Streaming Studios for NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. Launched in 2021, Telemundo Streaming Studios is the first-ever studio in Hispanic media exclusively dedicated to serving the growing Latino streaming audiences in the US and around the world.  

Ponce's...show more

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Randy Pope

SVP, Physical Production

Hallmark Media

Randy Pope is the Senior Vice President, Physical Production for Hallmark Media, home of three linear networks, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama; and subscription video on demand streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now.

Based in Los Angeles, Pope reports to Lisa Hamilton-Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming. In this...show more

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Manori Ravindran

Executive Editor, International & Senior Writer

Variety

Manori Ravindran is Executive Editor of International and Senior Writer at Variety magazine. Based out of London, she manages the global team of correspondents, in addition to reporting on the international film and TV markets. She is a frequent presence at major film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Berlin and...show more

Speaking on: Spotlight: Blue Ant Media; Writer Superpanel: strike edition


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Justin Rebelo

Chief Executive Officer

Vortex Media

Justin was formerly at Entertainment One overseeing television and digital distribution for English Canada since 2014 where he had great success with placing content in Canada and globally until the end of 2019. He spent fifteen plus years in programming at various broadcasters including HBO Canada, Super Channel, EPIX (US)...show more

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Troy Reeb

EVP, Networks and Content

Corus Entertainment Inc

As Executive Vice President, Broadcast Networks, Troy Reeb oversees programming and operations for Global Television and its 15 local stations; 33 specialty television services including HGTV, Food, W Network, YTV and History; 39 radio stations; and all online and streaming platforms, including STACKTV.

Troy was previously Senior VP of News, Radio...show more

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Tyler Reynolds

Partner and Head, Television Directing

VERVE

Tyler Reynolds joined Verve in 2021 as part of Verve’s acquisition of New Deal Mfg. Co. where he had worked for seven years alongside Founder Paul Alan Smith as they built one of the most successful television director businesses in town, a business he has continued to service and grow...show more

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Jens Richter

CEO Commercial and International

Fremantle

Jens Richter is Chief Executive Officer, International, Fremantle.

Richter oversees the global distribution of Fremantle’s finished programme catalogue and the company’s international content and acquisitions strategy. He also oversees Fremantle’s growing FAST channel D2C business and leads the international team who are based in ten local sales offices around the world.

Since...show more

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Andrew Robinson

Principal, Sustainability Strategy and Engagement

Green Spark Group

Andrew Robinson, Principal, Sustainability Strategy and Engagement, Green Spark Group - Andrew accelerates the implementation of sustainable production practices in the motion picture industry through company-wide strategy development and training. Recent clients include WB Discovery, CBC/Radio-Canada, Disney, Telefilm Canada, William F. Whites, Vancouver Film Studios, CreativeBC and Independent Production Fund....show more

Speaking on: Topic Tables; Partner Presentation: Telefilm - The Climate Cost of Production: Charting the Sustainability Path for the Screen Industry


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Craig Robinson

Star and Executive Producer, Killing It

Universal Studio Group

Beginning as a stand-up comedian, Craig Robinson first made his mark on the comedy circuit at the 1998 Montreal “Just For Laughs” Festival. Now headlining venues and festivals across the country, he does both solo acts, as well as full-band sets with his band, “The Nasty Delicious.” Before deciding to...show more

Speaking on: In Conversation With: Killing It’s Craig Robinson and Claudia O'Doherty; Rockies Gala (Van Horne Ballroom)


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Nataline Rodrigues

SVP of Development

Vortex Media

Nataline Rodrigues is a strategic, results driven, entertainment executive with a proven track record in production and programming. With a solid foundation in independent production and seasoned experience as a broadcast executive, Nataline is known for her commitment to creative excellence and delivering compelling cross platform content in all genres...show more

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Pablo Rodriguez

Minister of Canadian Heritage

Canadian Heritage

A respected political figure, the Hon. Pablo Rodriguez is the Member of Parliament for Honoré-Mercier.

He was first elected Member of Parliament for Honoré-Mercier in 2004, and was re-elected in 2006 and 2008. During these years, he took on many important roles, including Chair of the Standing Committee of Official Languages...show more

Speaking on: An address from the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage


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Janet Rogers

Producer/Writer

Ojistoh Publishing and Productions


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Jessye Romeo

Actress and Writer

Jessye Romeo is an actress and writer born and raised in London.  She gained attention by winning Best Actress at the 2020 British Independent Film Festival for her lead role in Lucky Break (BAFTA nominated for Best British Short 2021). Jessye has just wrapped the titular role in Robyn Hood...show more

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Sarah Rose

President, Channel 5 and Regional Lead, U.K., Paramount Global

Sarah Rose is Paramount’s Chief Operating & Commercial Officer for Broadcast UK & International Studios. Based in London, she reports into Maria Kyriacou, Paramount’s President of Broadcast & Studios for International Markets.

Rose also serves as the Regional Lead for the UK, Canada and Israel, reporting into Katherine Liu, Executive VP...show more


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Greg Rubidge

President

Syndicado

Rubidge started his career at CIBC in commercial banking as an analyst and after two years he migrated in to entertainment, getting his start at the Canadian Film Centre. In 1995 he started an online games and interactive agency and sold it to a US venture firm in 2000.

In 2004...show more

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Justin Rutsky

Director, Nonfiction Original Series

Netflix

Rutsky joined Netflix from Hulu in 2018 and manages the streamer's Nonfiction co-production strategy, where he collaborates with networks and producers around the globe. He has reinvented the co-production business into a hybrid model that combines business savvy, great relationships with producers, and strong creative involvement. In shaping and guiding...show more

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Jacqueline Sacerio

Executive Vice President & Co-Head, Development, Scripted Television, U.S.

Entertainment One Television

As EVP & Co-Head of Scripted Development for eOne, Sacerio oversees priority projects in development at networks and streamers, as well as the company’s extensive roster of first-look and pod deals, including partnerships with Viola Davis and Julius Tennon's JuVee Productions, Alexi Hawley's Perfectman Pictures, Constance Wu's Rubatope Pictures, Niecy...show more

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Kate Sanagan

Head of Sales & Distribution

Sinking Ship Entertainment

Kate Sanagan is the Head of Sales and Distribution at Sinking Ship Entertainment, a multiple Emmy® Award winning production, distribution and interactive company specializing in kids’ and family content. Since its launch in 2004, Sinking Ship has rapidly earned a reputation for high quality, ground-breaking original series. Kate oversees the...show more

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Kulbinder Saran Caldwell

CEO & Founder

Reallife Pictures Inc.

Kulbinder Saran Caldwell is a creative entrepreneur and global storyteller.  She is an award-winning producer/literary agent, certified professional coach, an active community builder and dedicated diversity advocate. She believes there is a profound lack of diverse stories and points-of-view making it onto television and cinema screens.

In 2017, she created...show more

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Stefania Scarfo

Head of Content Strategy & Planning

Paramount+ Canada

Stefania Scarfo is the Head of Content Strategy for Paramount+, Canada’s newest streaming service. As lead of the content team, she oversees the programming strategy. Scarfo is tasked with making strategic content acquisitions and commissioning decisions in alignment with the streaming services strategy to ensure Paramount+ offers a mountain of entertainment...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker; Speed Meetings with Buyers; 30 minutes with... Tom Hastings, Katrina Kowalski and Stefania Scarfo, Paramount+ Canada


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Polly Scates

Head of Acquisitions

Channel 4

Based in London, Polly leads on non-scripted presales and acquisitions for both the linear portfolio (C4, M4, E4 & E4 Extra) and VOD platform. Polly has been instrumental in developing C4’s unscripted pre-buy strategy, delivering successes such as, Chernobyl: The New Evidence, Griff’s Canadian Adventure and Grierson Award winner The...show more

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Jessica Schmiedchen

Director of Development, Unscripted Content

CBC

Jessica Schmiedchen oversees development of original content and formats in the genres of factual, entertainment and documentary series at CBC - on both linear television and on the public broadcaster's streaming service, CBC Gem. She is responsible for sourcing the best new formats from around the world, and working with...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Decision Maker; Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #1: unscripted/documentary; Speed Meetings with Buyers; 30 minutes with... Jessica Schmiedchen, CBC Factual Entertainment


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Jamie Schouela

President, Global Channels and Media

Blue Ant Media Inc

Jamie Schouela serves as President, Global Channels and Media at Blue Ant Media, where he leads the strategic direction and operations of the company’s free streaming and pay-TV television networks around the world. In this role, he manages content development and acquisitions, scheduling, marketing and communications for all international channels...show more

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Brad Schwartz

President of Entertainment

The CW Television Network

Brad Schwartz has been listed among Broadcasting and Cable’s “Next Wave of Leaders”, The Hollywood Reporter’s “Next Generation”, CableFax’s “Top 100 Power Players”, named one of “Canada’s Top 40 Under 40” Leaders and was inducted into the CableFax Hall of Fame.

He is currently the President of Entertainment at The CW,...show more

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Bryan Seabury

EVP, Drama Development

CBS Studios

In his position as EVP, Drama Development, Seabury oversees the development and creation of all drama series for broadcast, cable and streaming on behalf of CBS Studios. Seabury has developed dozens of successful series, including this season's most watched new drama, Fire Country for CBS, Your Honor for Showtime, Rabbit...show more

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Stephen Shinn

Public Relations & Communications

Shinn Communications Canada Inc.


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Larry Shuman

President/Literary Manager

The Shuman Company

Larry Shuman is founder of The Shuman Company, an entertainment management/production firm specializing in the development of television & film writers since 1991. His many long-time clients have gone on to become some of the highest-level writers in the industry, including Shawn Ryan, Creator of The Shield, S.W.A.T, and the...show more

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Ryan Singh

Producer, Director

Ryan Singh Productions Ltd.


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Doug Smith

SVP Streaming & Content Licensing - Paramount Global - Canada

Paramount

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Nick Solowski

Senior Director, International Sales and Acquisitions

Blue Ant Media Inc

Nick Solowski is Senior Director, International Sales & Acquisitions at Blue Ant Media. In this role he is responsible for strategically placing Blue Ant International’s portfolio of premium programming into both the domestic and international marketplace as well as developing and acquiring content with production partners. He is focussed on...show more

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David Stapf

President, CBS Television Studios

CBS Studios

David Stapf was named President, CBS Studios in September 2004.  In his position, Stapf is responsible for overseeing all of the Studio’s program development and production. 

CBS Studios is one of the industry’s leading suppliers of programming with more than 70 series currently in production around the world or airing across...show more

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Mal Stares

Senior VP, Global Scripted

Blink49 Studios

Mal Stares was born in Toronto, Canada but split her childhood between Germany, France and England. While majoring in English Literature at the University of British Columbia she started working in the Vancouver film industry. After graduating, she continued to gain experience in the business in a variety of positions...show more

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Adam Steinman

Production and Development

Walt Disney Television Alternative

Adam Steinman is President and founder of Mount Royal Films LLC, A Global TV and Film Format Lab based in Los Angeles. He is currently on a multi-year overall deal with a major media and entertainment conglomerate (details soon to be announced). Steinman is focused on creating and identifying new...show more

Speaking on: Production Partners; *PRIVATE* Co-Production Deep Dive: international financing and content trends (Diversity of Voices Program)


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Kale Stockwell

Head of Original Programming

Rogers Sports & Media

Kale has worked in film and television for over a decade and is the Head of Original
Programming for Rogers Sports & Media.

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Hannah Sung

Co founder, Media Girlfriends

Hannah Sung is a co-founder of the award-winning Media Girlfriends, a production company led by journalists of colour who prioritize inclusion, diversity and perspectives in media. She is also founder of At The End Of the Day newsletter and podcast, an Apple Podcasts Best of 2022. Previously, she worked at...show more

Speaking on: Closing Bubbles & Bites - Launching “The Knix Catalyst Docs for Change Project.”



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Brian Tannenbaum

Head, Roku Originals

Roku

Brian Tannenbaum is Head of Originals, Roku Media, where he leads all aspects of original programming for The Roku Channel, including scripted series, unscripted series, and feature films. A key member of the team behind the launch of the Roku Originals banner, he manages Roku’s content strategy across all original...show more

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Benjamin Tappan

President, Production

Walden Media

Benjamin Tappan is President of Production for Walden Media where he leads all television and film development and production. Tappan has spent more than 20 years as a senior executive in programming development, production and talent management. Tappan was hired by EPIX (now MGM+) in 2015 as the premium cable...show more

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Mary-Anne Taylor

Head of Content Distribution, Canada

Roku

Mary-Anne Taylor is the Head of Content Distribution Canada for Roku, responsible for building and nurturing content distribution partnerships with Canadian publishers and launching local channels diversifying content on the Roku platform. A seasoned entertainment executive with 20+ years of industry experience in studio content licensing, broadcast affiliate sales and...show more

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Benjamin Thornton

Development Executive

Warner Bros. Discovery

Benjamin Thornton is a Development Executive for the North American branch at Warner Bros International Television Production. During his tenure he has helped establish quality programming in the scripted, and non-scripted format space along with developing premium documentaries. WBITVP’s production operations are responsible for both original programming as well as...show more

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Kelly Townsend

Editor

Playback

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Neegan Trudel

Director/Producer

Cayenne Medias


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Karen Tsang

SVP Creative Affairs/Executive Producer

Pier 21 Films

As SVP of Creative Affairs at Pier 21 Films, Karen Tsang works with some of Canada’s most exciting talent to develop comedy and drama series for the Canadian and international marketplace. She’s passionate about creator-driven stories and fostering shows that explore characters and themes that have been underrepresented on screen....show more

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Kathryn Tyus-Adair

SVP Original Programming

STARZ

Kathryn Tyus-Adair is Senior Vice President of Original Programming at Starz where she has recently championed, developed and overseen the production of series: BMF, Blindspotting, Run The World, The Serpent Queen, Step Up and Vida.  She has also developed and served as a production executive on Outlander, Power and The...show more

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Jennifer Vaux

VP, Content Acquisition & Programming

Roku

Jennifer Vaux oversees content strategy, acquisition, programming and scheduling 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...show more

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Patrick Vien

Group Managing Director, International

A+E Networks

Patrick Vien is Group Managing Director, International at A+E Networks, a global media and entertainment company with a collection of culture brands that includes A&E, HISTORY, HISTORY2, BLAZE, Crime & Investigation, Lifetime, Lifetime Movies, FYI, VICELAND and BIOGRAPHY. Patrick, in collaboration with his teams and A+E’s various partners around the...show more

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Odetta Watkins

Head, Drama Series

Amazon Studios

The Head of Drama Series for Amazon Studios, Odetta Watkins is a veteran of the Television Industry. In her role at Amazon, she currently oversees shows such as Reacher, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Jack Ryan, and With Love, to name a few.

Through jobs at Fox and CBS Productions, Odetta decided to...show more

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Peter White

Television Editor

Deadline Hollywood

Peter joined Deadline in 2017, initially as International TV Editor based in London, before moving to LA to become Television Editor. He covers all aspects of TV programming, development and executive moves, as well as the business of late-night television, podcasting and music documentaries. He was previously News Editor of...show more

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Lauren Whitelaw

Head of Programming

OUTtv Network Inc

Lauren is the Head of Programming for OUTtv, currently with services in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.  With servicing multiple territories, she has successfully negotiated contracts with companies worldwide.  Lauren is part of the development team at the network and continues to work closely with...show more

Speaking on: Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #1: unscripted/documentary; Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Ashley Williams

Director

Hallmark Media

Ashley Williams is a versatile actress in film, television and theatre.  She has amassed a long list of credits including 200+ episodes of television, a dozen pilots and numerous feature films but Sister Swap: A Hometown Holiday and its companion movie Sister Swap: Christmas in the City mark the first...show more

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Barbara Williams

Executive Vice-President

CBC

Barbara Williams became CBC’s Executive Vice-President English Services, on May 1, 2019.

In this role, Barbara oversees all of the public broadcaster’s English language programming services, including CBC News and CBC Newsworld, CBC Television, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Sports, CBC Kids, CBC Gem, CBC Listen, the documentary Channel, as...show more

Speaking on: Canada: state of the nation; CBC Breakfast: telling Canada's stories



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Trish Williams

Executive Director, Scripted Content

CBC

As Executive Director, Scripted Content at CBC, Trish Williams has creative oversight of the public broadcaster’s distinctive slate of drama, comedy, film, radio comedy and scripted GEM original programming. Working with the best Canadian talent from around the country, CBC strives to create entertaining, distinctive, diverse programming. Recent highlights on...show more

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Stephanie Wilson Chapin

Strategic Partner Lead for TV, Sports, News, YouTube Canada

YouTube

Stephanie Wilson Chapin is a dynamic and passionate leader who has been immersed in the media industry for over two decades. With an extensive background in digital strategy, product management, marketing, consumer research, and editorial strategy, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise in transforming ideas into tangible, data-driven solutions that...show more

Speaking on: Maximize the Value of Your IP on YouTube; YouTube Presents: A Masterclass in Monetization (Ivor Petrak)


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Melanie Windle

Executive Director

Sustainable Entertainment Society

Melanie Windle (BFA, MFA) is an award-winning producer, mentor, and media entrepreneur. She was recently appointed the Executive Director of The Sustainable Production Forum (SPF), a global event that accelerates decarbonization in content creation. Most recently, she served as Director of Industry Programming at Whistler Film Festival. Her favourite pieces...show more

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Tara Woodbury

Director, Content-Canada

Netflix-Toronto

Tara was tapped as the first content executive for Netflix Canada, where she develops and commissions English and French-language scripted series with Canadian talent. She previously served as an Executive Producer & VP of Development for Montreal-based production company Sphere Media Plus. She was an Executive Producer on the smash...show more

Speaking on: Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #3: comedy series; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Danielle Woodrow

Director, Content-Canada

Netflix-Toronto

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 Eyes, Pieces of Her and Lincon...show more


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Jay Carolyn Wu

Head of Development

Bell Media

Jay (Carolyn) Wu –they/them– is a development executive with a focus on scripted original series as part of Bell Media's Original Programming team. They take pitches and develop projects for CTV, Crave, and the Entertainment Specialty channels of Bell Media across both comedy and drama. They collaborate with everyone from...show more

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Llinos Wynne

Head Documentaries and Specialist Factual

S4C

Llinos Wynne joined S4C in 2017 as Factual Commissioner and is currently Head of Documentaries and Specialist Factual. Before joining the Channel she spent 20 years with the BBC and then became a freelance PD. She has produced both factual and fact ent content, winning the BAFTA Cymru for best...show more

Speaking on: Indigenous Screen Summit Pitch Forum #1: unscripted/documentary; Meet a Decision Maker; Speed Meetings with Buyers


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Director X

Founder

Creative Rain

An inductee of Canada’s Walk of Fame, the country’s crowning jewel of excellence and achievement, Julien is one of the most iconic music video directors of our time, known for his work with Drake, Rihanna, Rosalia, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West, to name a few.

As a filmmaker, Julien debuted his...show more

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CJ Yu

Founder

Amazon Studios

Since joining Amazon Studios in 2017, CJ Yu has spearheaded some of the first unscripted originals in Amazon’s international territories, building from the ground up a slate of local original content across Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Many of Yu’s projects involve unprecedented partnerships with top celebrity talent, athletes,...show more

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Michele Zatta

Commissioning Editor in Charge of International Co-productions

RAI Fiction - RAI - Radiotelevisione Italiana

Michele Zatta started his career in Rai as co-headwriter of Italy's first soap Un Posto al Sole, which has been on air since 1996. He's also been showrunner for the soap Agrodolce. Since 2008 he has been the Commissioning Editor and Head of International Coproductions. In that position he has developed...show more

Speaking on: Speed Meetings with Buyers; Speed Meetings with Buyers; *PRIVATE* Co-Production Deep Dive: international financing and content trends (Diversity of Voices Program)


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Cyle Zezo

Program Lead, Executive Producer

Solarpunk Village

Cyle Zezo is an executive producer and former Head of Alternative Programming at The CW Network, where he oversaw series such as Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Whose Line Is It Anyway, Mysteries Decoded and Recipe for Disaster, specials including the Critics Choice Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival and iHeartRadio Jingle...show more

Speaking on: Production Partners; Topic Tables; Partner Presentation: Telefilm - The Climate Cost of Production: Charting the Sustainability Path for the Screen Industry


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Tanner Zurkoski

Writer, Creator, Producer

Two Hounds Media

“Life changing. What I learned and who I met in such a short period of time was Amazing.”
- Joy Haskell, Writer/Director/Producer
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