Panels & Presentations

Sunday, June 9

2:45 PM

BANFF 2024 Opening Ceremonies (2:45pm - 3:00pm)

Cascade

Join us as we officially open the 2024 edition of the Banff World Media Festival, featuring special guests and important announcements.

Featuring:

Kevin Beggs

Chair and Chief Creative Officer, Television Group

Lionsgate Entertainment

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Jenn Kuzmyk

Executive Director - BANFF, Publisher - Playback

Banff World Media Festival

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3:00 PM

In Conversation With the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage (3:00pm - 3:30pm)

In Partnership With

Cascade

Join us for a conversation with the Hon. Minister of Canadian Heritage as she discusses issues affecting Canadian content

Moderating:


Valerie Creighton

President & CEO

Canada Media Fund

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Featuring:

Hon. Pascale St-Onge

Minister of Canadian Heritage

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3:45 PM

International Media Leaders: Charting the Course Forward (3:45pm - 4:30pm)

In Partnership With

Cascade

Join our esteemed international media leaders as they delve into the currents reshaping the media landscape. From technological convergence to the imperative of diversity and inclusion, they'll navigate the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving industry, sharing innovative strategies driving success in the face of disruption.


Moderating:


Elaine Low

Staff Writer

The Ankler

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Featuring:

Bing Chen

CEO & Co-Founder

Gold House

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Sandra Dewey

Chief Operating Officer

Media Res Studio

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Lisa Kramer

President, International TV Licensing

Paramount Global Content Distribution

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Asif Sadiq

Chief Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Warner Bros. Discovery

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Cori Wellins

Partner, Scripted TV

WME

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Monday, June 10

8:30 AM

Partner Presentation - In Conversation With Julie Roy, Telefilm (8:30am - 9:00am)

In Partnership With

Cascade

Join us for an insightful discussion with Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada, as she delves into the organization’s strategic plan for the next three years. After comprehensive meetings and consultations, Telefilm is proud to present their priorities for the next strategic action cycle. The plan was built with the goal of maximizing Telefilm’s impact for the greatest benefit of the industry while strengthening the mobilizing power of Canadian and Indigenous cinema as it adapts to the ever- evolving means of distribution and consumption.

This discussion will explore how they intend to drive collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, shaping the future of the Canadian cinematic landscape to ensure that it thrives nationally and internationally. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in Telefilm’s vision to continue to shape an inclusive, sustainable and prosperous path for the audiovisual industry.


Moderating:


Kelly Townsend

Editor

Playback

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Featuring:

Julie Roy

Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director

Telefilm Canada

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9:00 AM

Best Case Scenario: Canadian Industry Perspectives (9:00am - 9:45am)

In Partnership With

Cascade

As regulatory decisions begin to roll out following the passing of the Online Streaming Act, the Canadian film and TV sector hangs in the balance. How will the new funding system work? Can we find equilibrium between promoting Canadian culture and maintaining a competitive market environment? While the CRTC moves forward on its consultation process -- ranging from the definition of Canadian content to Indigenous broadcasting policy to matters of public interest and how small, medium and large players should work together -- this senior industry panel representing multiple perspectives will discuss where things stand, what recent decisions mean for the industry, and the way forward.

Moderating:


Glenn Cockburn

President

Meridian Artists

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Featuring:

Anthony Q. Farrell

Creator, Showrunner

Canfro Productions, ULC

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Jocelyn Hamilton

President,Television

Lionsgate Canada

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Monika Ille

Chief Executive Officer

APTN Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Inc.

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Troy Reeb

Co-CEO

Corus Entertainment Inc

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10:00 AM

Navigating Global Co-Financing: Strategies for Premium Content (10:00am - 10:45am)

In Partnership With

Cascade

In an increasingly challenged industry environment, securing greenlights for premium content is a critical endeavor.  Top players in international financing will unveil their strategies for tackling big-budget projects: from navigating territory interests to leveraging pre-sales and exploring the rise of non-English content, how are these experts crafting deals and driving innovation and getting global content made?

Moderating:


John Elmes

Deputy News Editor & International Editor

Broadcast

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Featuring:

Javiera Balmaceda

Head of Originals, Latin America, Canada & Australia

Amazon MGM Studios

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Janet Brown

President, Content Distribution, North America & LatAm

BBC Studios Americas Inc.

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Prentiss Fraser

President, TV Distribution

Fifth Season

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Jack Oliver

Head of Co-Productions

Sky TV

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Patrick Vien

Group Managing Director, International

A+E Networks

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More than a Great Playlist: The Business of Music Supervision (10:00am - 10:45am)

In Partnership With

Theatre

Join these top-tier Music Supervisors who have shaped the sonic landscape of your favourite films and shows. Yes, Music Supervisors have great taste in music, but there’s much more to it. There is a dynamic collaboration between music supervisors, producers, directors and showrunners. Let’s discuss the art of soundtrack selection, licensing hurdles, keeping budgets and timelines in check and the influence of emerging technologies – all the while working to enhance the storytelling and creating memorable moments that have the audience hitting “Shazam” and “download."

Moderating:


Kathleen Newman-Bremang

Deputy Editor - Global of Refinery29 Unbothered

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Featuring:

Natasha Duprey

Music Supervisor

Must be Nice Productions


The L Word, The Terror, Continuum, The Order, Tiny Pretty Things
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Andrea Higgins

Music Supervisor

AHA Sound & Vision


Workin’ Moms, JANN, Coroner, Wynonna Earp, Heartland
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Michael Perlmutter

Music Supervisor

Instinct Entertainment


Fellow Travelers, FROM, Wild Cards, Billy the Kid, Degrassi
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Lindsay Wolfington

Owner, Music Supervisor

Lone Wolf Music Supervision


Theater Camp, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Virgin River, Sullivan’s Crossing
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12:00 PM

Moving Mountains: Canadian Producers Tackle the Rocky Landscape (12:00pm - 12:45pm)

In Partnership With

Theatre

Canada’s indie producers face a litany of challenges when it comes to producing film and TV, including high interest rates and uncertain regulatory conditions at home, and a fast-changing content buying market abroad. So, how exactly do you get a show off the ground in Canada these days? Our panel of producers unpack the current obstacles indie production companies are contending with, and what they’re doing to overcome them.

Moderating:


Jordan Pinto

North American Editor

C21 Media

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Featuring:

Erin Haskett

President

Lark Productions

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Lisa Meeches

Founder and Executive Producer

Eagle Vision

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Carolyn Newman

Executive Vice President, Global Scripted

Blink49 Studios

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Jordy Randall

Executive Producer

SEVEN24 Films

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Richard Speer

President

Attraction

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1:00 PM

Dealmaking and Investment Post-Correction: Implications for M&A, Private Equity, and Value Creation in Content Businesses (1:00pm - 1:45pm)

In Partnership With

Theatre

For several years, the general entertainment streamers had seemingly endless content budgets, we saw massive growth in license fees and the number of shows produced - great for content sellers and for those that invested in them. However, now this era is over and as new platforms compete for consumers' attention, what is the future for investment in the IP and production space? Have investors cooled? Or are the savvy ones recognizing there are more opportunities now than ever before? Hear from our panelists, who have been active dealmakers in this robust environment.

Moderating:


Sam Sniderman

Senior Consultant & Advisor

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Featuring:

Xavier Kochhar

CEO & General Partner

XKE Capital

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John Morayniss

Chief Executive Officer

Blink49 Studios

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Kerry Tucker

Strategic Advisor & Board Director

Vice Media

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3:00 PM

Who Runs This Mutha: Showrunner Superpanel (3:00pm - 3:45pm)

In Partnership With

Cascade

Formats, IP, renewals, AI and strikes: join this powerhouse panel of creators - each boasting decades of writing on and helming some of the biggest shows - as they discuss the craft and business of making hit series in 2024.

Moderating:


Elaine Low

Staff Writer

The Ankler

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Featuring:

Tassie Cameron

Showrunner & Executive Producer

Cameron Pictures

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Anna Fishko

Showrunner & Executive Producer

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Barbie Kligman

Showrunner, Executive Producer

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Nkechi Okoro Carroll

Showrunner, Executive Producer

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Meredith Scardino

Showrunner, Executive Producer

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4:00 PM

Beyond the Backlash: Addressing the Retreat of DEI in the Entertainment Industry (4:00pm - 4:45pm)

Cascade

In 2020, many businesses expressed public statements against racism and injustice, and voiced a desire to boost support by creating DEI leadership roles in response to the movement ignited after George Floyd’s death. Cut to 2024 and we’ve witnessed the mass exodus of Black women executives from major Hollywood studios and DEI efforts in the entertainment industry are waning. Were the promises for inclusive hiring practices, diverse partnerships, and financial commitments sustainable or performative? How do we do more than increase awareness and change attitudes, but change behaviors and decision-making to improve entertainment studio bottom-lines? Hear from some of the Black women executives who led the change – their wins and losses, and why they ultimately left - and other DEI executives and practitioners who continue to champion a more inclusive culture, including increased representation in their storytellers and content at their entertainment companies.

Moderating:


Elita Fielder Adjei

Vice President, Communications, CBS Stations/Paramount

CBS

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Featuring:

Jeanell English

Founder and CEO

Elizabeth, LLC.

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Karen Horne

Founder

The Karen Horne Company

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Tuesday, June 11

9:00 AM

FAST Revolution: The New Era Of Ad-Supported Streaming (9:00am - 9:45am)

Cascade

Get up to speed on the rapidly evolving landscape of Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels. This session will dive deep into the strategies that industry leaders are implementing to capitalize on this growing platform, the challenges they face, and the opportunities they foresee in the realm of digital streaming.

Moderating:


John Elmes

Deputy News Editor & International Editor

Broadcast

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Featuring:

Sean Cohan

President

Bell Media

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Daniel Mekinda

EVP, Head of GroupM Motion Entertainment Canada

GroupM Canada Inc.

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Jim Packer

President of Worldwide Television Distribution

Lionsgate

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10:00 AM

Disrupt Or Be Disrupted: The Media Industry In The Age of Enshittification (10:00am - 10:45am)

In Partnership With

Cascade

Enshittification, the gradual decline into irrelevance faced by media platforms that fail to evolve with their audience, is the sword hanging over every media owner's head. This era, characterized by rapid tech growth, domination and control, threatens to diminish your value, compelling an urgent shift from legacy approaches to innovative engagement. In this gritty guide, we challenge you to overhaul your strategy, placing the audience's preferences at the core. It's a clear call: disrupt your own models or be side-lined by those who will. For those daring to adapt, the future is bright; for the rest, irrelevance awaits.

Featuring:

Adam Cunningham

Chief Strategy Officer

Allied Global Marketing

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11:00 AM

Empowering Human Creativity: Pushing the Boundaries of Expression with AI (11:00am - 11:45am)

In Partnership With

Theatre

Through online platforms like YouTube, the distribution playing field has been leveled and Canadian storytellers have thrived on the global stage. Now, countries, companies and creatives are grappling with the possibilities and impacts of generative AI. This panel will explore the real experiences of creators and producers in how they create today, how AI has influenced the creative process, and whether AI can push creative expression, and become the tool that gives rise to equal opportunities in production

Moderating:


Andrew Peterson

Head of Canada

YouTube

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Featuring:

Wayne Davison

Chief Revenue Officer

Little Dot Studios

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Charlotte Dobre

Actress, Comedian, Writer, Producer

YouTube

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12:00 PM

Working With Canada: Unscripted Buyers Go Cross-Border Shopping (12:00pm - 12:45pm)

Cascade

Bigger budgets, commissioning crunches and the need for global appeal mean collaboration between international networks and Canadian producers is essential. This panel of unscripted execs will reveal how cross-border partnerships can merge creativity, talent, and resources to get to greenlight.  Find out their programming needs and gain valuable insights into what it takes to become their ideal production partner.

Moderating:


Richard Jean-Baptiste

Vice President, Business Innovation, Executive Producer

Attraction


Topic Tables session: New Financing Models and Strategic Partnerships
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Featuring:

Lyle Gamm

SVP, Original Series, CNN

Warner Bros. Discovery

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Kate Phillips

Director of Unscripted

BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation)

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Mike Stiller

Head of East Coast Development

A+E Networks/The HISTORY Channel

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Claire Urquhart

Head of Commercial Content Fund

S4C International

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Disrupting Racism: A Call to Action for Media Leaders and Industry Mentors (12:00pm - 1:00pm)

Ivor Petrak

It’s 2024 - yet the fight against racism, particularly anti-Black racism, remains an urgent issue in the industry. While progress has been made, much work remains to embed anti-racism strategies deeply into organizational frameworks, production practices, and mentorship programs. This professional development session, led by Natasha Tony, an expert in combating anti-Black racism, offers practical insights for creating meaningful change within your organization and personal practice. Join to learn how to effectively challenge and transform the underlying structures perpetuating racism.

Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Featuring:

Natasha Tony

CEO

Elevate Inclusion Strategies

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Super Serving Kids Content (12:00pm - 12:45pm)

In Partnership With

Theatre

Some big questions have arisen in the post-pandemic era. Are we contributing to the wellness of kids through the content they are immersed in? How is content evolving to super serve young minds with positive messages, mindfulness and entertainment at its core? Join our panel of kids commissioners as we discuss how they are programming, how they are engaging audiences, and what they're commissioning.

Moderating:


Mark Bishop

Co-President, Blue Ant Studios

Blue Ant Media

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Featuring:

Lisa Cinelli

Executive in Charge of Production, Children & Youth

CBC Kids

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Tommy Gillespie

Senior Director, Content Production

PBS Kids

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Kirsten Hurd

Commissioning Editor

TVOkids


Topic Tables session: Amplifying Diverse Voices in and Through Kids TV
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Neil Wade

Executive-In-Charge for Animated Current Series

Nickelodeon Animation Studios

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2:00 PM

TV Soundtrack Stories with Award Winning Music Supervisor: Nora Felder (2:00pm - 2:45pm)

In Partnership With

Cascade

Dive into the world of music supervision with one of Hollywood’s most sought-after music supervisors, the multi-nominated Grammy and Emmy award-winning Nora Felder, known for her work on Stranger Things, Yellowjackets, Ray Donovan, Californication, Better Things, to name a few. In this exclusive intimate and interactive session, join Nora as she shares her creative approach from ideation to execution, offering insights into how she helps select the ideal musical accompaniment  for her filmmakers. 

Drawing from her extensive experience, Nora will shine a spotlight on some  of her personal favorite standout moments from two of her acclaimed series: the gripping drama Yellowjackets and the hilariously dark comedy What We Do In The Shadows. Through these case studies, you will gain a deeper understanding of the pivotal role music plays in enhancing narrative depth and emotional resonance within television.

Featuring:

Nora Felder

Music Supervisor/Executive Music Producer/Producer

Picture Music Company Inc.


Topic Tables session: Assessing Music Needs for Your Projects
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Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

In Partnership With

Ivor Petrak

The Government of Alberta Film and Television Tax Credit Program team will provide an overview of the exciting changes to the Alberta FTTC Program.

3:00 PM

Beyond the Frame: The Pink Paper’s Blueprint for 2SLGBTQ+ Representation (3:00pm - 3:45pm)

In Partnership With

Cascade

How do we cultivate environments where trans and non-binary individuals feel a true sense of belonging on set? How do we guarantee that queer stories are not just told, but told authentically? And how do we empower 2SLGBTQ+ creatives to be the architects of their own narratives? These pressing questions lie at the heart of the first-ever 2024 Pink Paper, which will be unveiled exclusively at the Banff World Media Festival by Pink Triangle Press. This pioneering report offers a comprehensive analysis of LGBTQ2S+ representation within the Canadian media landscape, spanning film, television, gaming, and streaming services. It encapsulates the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ professionals and evaluates the community’s depiction in leading screen productions. Join our all-star panel of Canadian industry luminaries—from celebrated actors to influential broadcasters, writers, and producers—as they unpack the report’s findings and discuss the strides and challenges toward a more inclusive media world.

Moderating:


Michael Serapio

Anchor, PrimeTime Politics

CPAC The Cable Public Affairs Channel

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Featuring:

Emily Hampshire

Actor, Writer, Producer

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Cassandra James

Actress

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Michelle Mama

Co-Founder

GAY AGENDA

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Alexander Nunez

Writer, Actor, Producer

Border2Border Entertainment

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Research Presentation

David Walberg

Executive Director

Pink Triangle Press

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Wednesday, June 12

9:00 AM

Going Global (Netflix - BANFF Diversity of Voices Session) (9:00am - 9:45am)

In Partnership With

Cascade

With an increased demand for content that has worldwide appeal, how can local stories access the international marketplace? Our panel of top producers and distributors offer their insights on the path from local to global including financing scenarios and production considerations to get to greenlight.  

Priority seating for DOV participants.  Please let us know if you have accessibility needs or require accommodations to fully and meaningfully attend this panel at bwmfcustomercare@brunico.com.


Moderating:


Nua Finau

Co-Founder, Executive Producer and Showrunner

Tavake Ltd

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Featuring:

Brenda Gilbert

Co-Founder

BRON Media

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Chris Irvine

Head of Commercial & Production

SBS

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Ava Mustos

Associate Director, Acquisitions

FIFTH SEASON

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Jane Rimer

Senior Vice President, Canada

Banijay Rights

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Nichole T Roberts

Head of Unscripted

Hoorae Film & TV

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Grace Tran

Director of Global Scripted Programming

NBCUniversal International Studios

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