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Saturday, June 13
| 3:30 PM |
Registration
Curio Foyer 3:30 PM-5:30 PM |
Sunday, June 14
| 8:30 AM |
Registration
Curio Foyer 8:30 AM-7:00 PM |
| 10:00 AM |
¡Hola España! - Country of Honour Breakfast Panel
Cascade 10:00 AM-11:00 AM With nine of the ten most-watched series in Europe coming from Spain, the country has become one of the most important markets for anyone serious about international production, distribution, and co-financing. From the worldwide phenomenon Berlin to the critically acclaimed La mesías, Spanish creators, a major source of global hits, are reshaping the future of global television. Spain is the fourth-largest production hub in Europe and the EU leader in streaming investment. Delegates will gain essential insight over coffee and continental breakfast into where the opportunities are headed next: incentive structures, investment priorities, partnership models, talent pipelines, and what Spanish companies are actively seeking from global collaborators right now. Speaking
   
Cecilia Lera AstolfiExecutive, International Sales & External Relations RTVE Radio Television Espanola 
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| 11:30 AM |
The Questions Media Keeps Avoiding
Cascade 11:30 AM-12:15 PM Everyone agrees the industry is changing. Almost nobody agrees on what comes next. The polite version of that conversation is everywhere. This session is interested in the other version. In this provocative opening session, Adam Cunningham, CEO of Allied Global Marketing, takes on the questions the business too often avoids: from AI, advertising and audience fragmentation to cultural relevance, risk, collapsing assumptions and the growing disconnect between industry narratives and commercial reality. This is designed to challenge easy consensus, provoke debate and surface the questions executives are asking behind closed doors, but rarely on stage. This will not be a standard conference session or a polished talking-points exercise. It will be a sharp and honest opening conversation about where the industry is actually heading, what it is still pretending not to know, and what everyone should be talking about during the week ahead. Speaking
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| 1:00 PM |
Banff World Media Festival Address
Van Horne 1:00 PM-1:30 PM Join us for the Banff World Media Address, featuring special guests and important announcements. Speaking
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| 1:30 PM |
Main Character Energy: Canadian Actors MADE for the Global Stage
Van Horne 1:30 PM-2:15 PM Is it us, or is Canada really having a moment? Canadian actors are in the international spotlight perhaps like never before - from buzzy indies and prestige TV to massive global franchises and breakout streaming hits. Why now, and what’s it going to take to sustain and grow our star system at home - and around the world? To kick off BANFF 2026, George Stroumboulopoulos hosts a candid conversation with some of Canada’s hottest actors about the pressure, the hustle, the absurdity and the opportunity in building a career. What’s changing in the industry - and what still desperately needs to as Canadian entertainment takes its rightful place on the world’s stage? Why are Canadian actors suddenly everywhere? What does the industry still get wrong? And why does Canada feel culturally louder right now than it has in decades? This isn’t a victory lap. It’s a conversation about ambition, resilience, identity, and what happens next when a country known for playing it safe stops asking for permission. Speaking
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| 2:15 PM |
Networking Break
2:15 PM-2:30 PM |
| 2:30 PM |
In Conversation With Hon. Marc Miller and Valerie Creighton, CMF/FMC
Van Horne 2:30 PM-3:00 PM Speaking
Marc MillerMinister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages Government of Canada 
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| 3:00 PM |
Indigenous Screen Summit
Van Horne 3:00 PM-5:30 PM The Indigenous Screen Summit showcases First Nations, Métis and Inuit voices, creators and their unique stories, across a variety of genres. Join us as the selected producers present their projects and receive questions, comments, and expressions of interest from leading buyers, co-production partners and funders.
Speaking
Expert Commentator
Shelley MacDougallFeature Film Executive, Indigenous Content and Development Telefilm Canada 
|
| 5:30 PM |
BANFF Opening Reception
Riverview 5:30 PM-7:30 PM Join us for the BANFF Opening Reception in the Riverview Lounge, where we’ll raise a glass to toast the first day of the Festival. |
Monday, June 15
| 8:30 AM |
Registration
Curio Foyer 8:30 AM-6:00 PM |
| 9:00 AM |
Keynote Address: Vicky Eatrides, CRTC
Cascade 9:00 AM-9:15 AM Speaking
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| 9:30 AM |
Canadian Producers: The Work Of Now
Cascade 9:30 AM-10:15 AM Join these producers for an existential conversation about the state of the Canadian industry, exploring the challenges they face, the strategies they're using to move projects forward, and the opportunities they see emerging in the current regulatory and market landscape. This discussion will focus on the concerns, obstacles and successes Canadian producers are experiencing right now. Speaking
Making It Click: Brand-Funded Content
Ivor Petrak 9:30 AM-10:15 AM This panel will unpack the evolving relationship between creativity, technology, and accountability in brand storytelling. What happens when the mandate isn’t just to tell great stories — but to move product, protect shareholder value, keep it entertaining, and drive cultural relevance? The conversation explores how brand-funded entertainment can serve both art and enterprise without compromise. And when NOT to ‘go there. Speaking
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| 10:00 AM |
Meet a Filmmaker
Alhambra 10:00 AM-10:30 AM Advance sign up is required through BANFFXchange, see networking page for signup dates. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available. These 30-minute informal networking sessions are designed to connect you with top directors and filmmakers in a small-group setting. Discuss creative challenges, learn about where to find inspiration and receive valuable career advice from leading creative professionals. Sign up in advance; a maximum of 6 delegates at each table. Attendees who secured a spot in advance should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. There is a 5 minute grace period. If you show up more than 5 minutes after your session start time you will lose your spot. If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Speaking
Table host
David I. StrasserFilm & Television Director, Executive Producer DGCBC Directors Guild of Canada 
Table host
Alyson RichardsWriter, Director, Producer Alyson Richards Productions (co-hosted with Pat Mills)
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| 10:30 AM |
Keynote: Jinny Howe, Netflix
Cascade 10:30 AM-11:00 AM Speaking
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| 11:00 AM |
Speed Meetings: Unscripted
President's Hall 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Advance sign up is required through BANFFXchange, see networking page for signup dates. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available. Speed Meetings are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading development executives, distributors, programmers and funders. This is your opportunity to connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage. This program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content. One-on-one meetings are 8-minutes long. Attendees who secured a meeting in advance should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line. If you did not secure a meeting in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Speed Meetings are on the Conference Centre side of the hotel, on the 2nd floor. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meetings. *This session is for UNSCRIPTED pitches only. Please research each meeting host to be sure your pitches fit their remit. Speaking
Table host
Katie IsaacsonSenior Director, Program Development, CNN Original Series Warner Bros. Discovery 
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| 11:30 AM |
The Showrunner Superpanel
Cascade 11:30 AM-12:30 PM It’s more important than ever for a show to break through the noise and forge a real connection with audiences. What does it take to create series that don’t just get watched, but become must-see, conversation-driving “appointment television”? Join this award winning acclaimed group of showrunners, Nick Antosca (Cape Fear, The Act, Murdaugh: A Death In the Family), R. Scott Gemmill (The Pitt, NCIS, JAG, ER), Amy B. Harris (Every Year After, The Wilds, Carrie Diaries), Lee Sung Jin (BEEF), Glenn Kessler (Memory of A Killer, Damages, Bloodline), Oren Uziel (Spider-Noir, The Lost City, 22 Jump Street) and Aaron Zelman (Memory of A Killer, Damages, Last Thing He Told Her), for a candid conversation about the creative instincts and strategic decisions behind today’s most talked-about shows. Speaking
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| 1:00 PM |
In Conversation With: Doug Smith & Sally Catto, CBC
Cascade 1:00 PM-1:30 PM Alongside Sally Catto, join us for Doug Smith’s first public discussion of the new direction for CBC programming. In this conversation Smith and Catto will lay out their vision and priorities for the national broadcaster while directly challenging long-held assumptions about what public media should be, embracing a direction that “there are no rules.” They will discuss the content landscape and the necessary risks required to reshape original programming. Speaking
In Conversation with Henry Winkler - introduced by A+E’s Sharon Scott
Ivor Petrak 1:00 PM-1:45 PM Join us for an intimate session with Emmy award-winning actor and Television Academy Hall of Fame inductee, Henry Winkler, host of Hazardous History. Winkler will discuss his remarkable career and the evolution of TV formats - and maybe offer a fly fishing tip or two. :) Featuring an insightful introduction by A+E’s President of Factual Studios, Sharon Scott exploring the forces shaping nonfiction television and how the studio is building hit content designed to travel across platforms and around the world. Speaking
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| 1:30 PM |
Meet an Unscripted Executive
Alhambra 1:30 PM-2:00 PM Advance sign up is required through BANFFXchange, see networking page for signup dates.There is a wait line on site if any openings become available. These 30-minute informal sessions are your opportunity to connect you with unscripted broadcasters, streamers, producers and development executives. These sessions are opportunities to build your network, discuss trends and spark potential partnerships in a small group setting. Sign up in advance; a maximum of 6 delegates at each table. Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet an Unscripted Executive should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. There is a 5 minute grace period. If you show up more than 5 minutes after your session start time you will lose your spot. If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Speaking
Table host
Katie IsaacsonSenior Director, Program Development, CNN Original Series Warner Bros. Discovery
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| 2:00 PM |
Optimists Only: Building Content Businesses in a “Shrinking” Market
Cascade 2:00 PM-2:45 PM Consolidation headlines suggest fewer buyers, fewer slots, and a tougher path to growth. So why are some companies still optimistic about the future? This conversation brings together operators who are actively building and backing content businesses across multiple fronts. Rather than retreating in the face of industry contraction, they’re rethinking what a scaled content business looks like in 2026 and beyond. Expect a candid discussion on where capital is really flowing, how business models are evolving, and where they are placing bets, including YouTube, vertical video, creator representation, as well as "traditional" high quality scripted and unscripted film and television. Where are the real opportunities right now? What’s overhyped? And what does a “successful” content company even look like today? Speaking
Speed Meetings: Scripted
President's Hall 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Advance sign up is required through BANFFXchange, see networking page for signup dates. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available. Speed Meetings are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading development executives, distributors, programmers and funders. This is your opportunity to connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage. This program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content. One-on-one meetings are 8-minutes long. Attendees who secured a meeting in advance should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line. If you did not secure a meeting in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Speed Meetings are on the Conference Centre side of the hotel, on the 2nd floor. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meetings. *This session is for SCRIPTED pitches only. Please research each meeting host to be sure your pitches fit their remit. Speaking
Table host
Samantha Morris-MastaiDirector of Development, Comedy CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation 
Table host
Zach MarcoviciExecutive in Charge of Development, Drama CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |
| 3:00 PM |
Co-Pro Connect
Alhambra 3:00 PM-3:45 PM Advance sign up is required through BANFFXchange, see networking page for signup dates. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available. CoPro Connect is a 45 minute roundtable session where you have the opportunity to meet with International producers, distributors, and funders to spark international creative and business partnerships. Driven by the industry’s booming demand for coproduction, this session is focused on connecting Canadian Producers with key players who are navigating and investing in this space. Up to 4 delegates can sign up in advance to join you at your table. Attendees who secured a spot in advance should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. There is a 5 minute grace period. If you show up more than 5 minutes after your session start time you will lose your spot. If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Speaking
The Future of Unscripted: Global, Social, Scalable
Cascade 3:00 PM-3:45 PM Competition formats are being reimagined in an industry that's changing the definition of success. From IP-driven revivals and hybrid formats to shows built for social shareability, the next wave of unscripted hits is being built with global audiences in mind. This panel brings together top unscripted executives to share how formats are designed to travel and what viewers are looking for in great entertainment. Speaking
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| 3:15 PM |
Hawco Productions On Their Project-First Approach
Ivor Petrak 3:15 PM-4:00 PM How do you turn budget constraints into creative advantages instead of roadblocks? What makes a pitch stand out in today’s crowded film and TV landscape? Join the team from Hawco Productions as they dive into their business and development strategy, and their mission to bring “YES” to everything creative. Founded by actor, writer and producer Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle, In Cold Light), the company blends originality with a strategic approach to production — but how does that translate into a global success like Saint-Pierre? Don’t miss your chance to walk away with insights that could change how you approach your next project. **This is a partner presentation. Speaking
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| 4:00 PM |
View From The Top
Cascade 4:00 PM-4:45 PM The rules of the entertainment business are being rewritten in real time. As global streamers recalibrate, advertising models evolve, AI accelerates disruption, and creators become media companies unto themselves, the industry is entering a new phase defined by partnerships, profitability, and platform power. In this C-Suite executive conversation, some of the industry’s most influential leaders unpack where the business is headed next - and who is best positioned to thrive. From premium storytelling and franchise strategy to advertising innovation, sports, international expansion, and the future of distribution, this session offers a rare inside look at how top decision-makers are navigating one of the most consequential shifts in media history. Speaking
Brett PaulPresident, Warner Bros. Television Group and Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Networks Warner Bros. Discovery
Alberta Beyond Limits: Meet, Mingle, and Moving Forward
Van Horne C 4:00 PM-7:00 PM Come see what makes Alberta an industry leader – Join Alberta’s Film Commissions and creators for a conversation on what’s next in Alberta’s industry landscape followed by music, mingling and light refreshments.
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| 4:30 PM |
Spotlight: Disney+ Canada
Ivor Petrak 4:30 PM-5:00 PM BANFF’s Spotlight sessions are designed to give executives at the world's most exciting content platforms the stage to reveal their programming priorities and needs. Executives will reveal everything producers need to know – what they are looking for in content, what's working and what's not and how best to engage with them. Speaking
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| 5:00 PM |
Reception: Celebremos España!
Mt Stephen 5:00 PM-6:00 PM Join us in celebrating Spain as our 2026 Country of Honour with a glass of cava and some tapas. Meet the delegation. This event is on a first come, first served basis. |
| 9:30 PM |
Don’t F**k With Ghosts
Cascade 9:30 PM-11:00 PM For the first time ever at BANFF, step into an after-hours interactive experience where filmmaking meets the supernatural. Hosted by Adam Rodness and Stu Stone of 5’7 Films with Scare Tactics creator Kevin Healey and some special guests including Bridget Marquardt, Avery Pearson and Robb Wells. A live paranormal investigation will be conducted as we dive into the myths, the screams, and the wild edge of hybrid storytelling — making a REAL attempt to summon the spirits within the walls of the legendary Cascade Ballroom. Cocktails and scares to be served. *Event only open to festival attendees and Ghosts. Speaking
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Tuesday, June 16
| 8:30 AM |
Registration
Curio Foyer 8:30 AM-6:00 PM |
| 8:45 AM |
Topic Tables
Alhambra 8:45 AM-9:45 AM Drop-in on site - no previous sign up required. These popular 45-minute informal sessions are a great way to connect with the right people and add to your network. Hosted by industry experts, join these guided conversations to gain insight into specific topics including the creator economy, virtual production, vertical content, tax credits and more! Up to 6 delegates can join a topic table at one time; half way through the 45 minute session a bell will ring inviting delegates to move to another table as space allows. Space is filled and managed on a first come first served basis until we hit capacity. Speaking
Table host
Vanessa PiazzaPresident Piazza Entertainment TOPIC: Lights, Camera, Compassion: How to reduce risk, abuse and harm for animals onscreen and on set
Table host
Li YehDirector, Strategic Planning, Original Programming Bell Media TOPIC: Financing Canadian stories for Canada and the global market
Table host
Keri LevinskyHead of Content Acquisition, Canada Roku Inc TOPIC: Exploring streaming distribution
Table host
Richard Jean-BaptisteVP Business Innovation, EP, Partner Attraction TOPIC: Financing and distribution: Outside of the box thinking
Table host
Dan FillPresident Dark Slope TOPIC: Virtual production tricks that can elevate quality, boost tax credits and lower budgets.
Table host
Rachel NelsonVP, Original Programming & Head of Corus Studios Corus Entertainment Inc TOPIC: Lifestyle Originals at Corus: What we’re looking for now
Table host
Nick NantellEVP, Head of Scripted Creative Boat Rocker Studios TOPIC: A creative how-to on working in both the US and Canada
Table host
Stephanie Wilson ChapinStrategic Partner Lead for TV & Film, Sports, News, YouTube Canada YouTube TOPIC: Harnessing the power of YouTube
Table host
Samantha De FranceHead, Production & Post-Production, International Originals, Canada Amazon MGM Studios TOPIC: Working with Amazon MGM Studios in Canada, from development to delivery
Table host
Jo MarrWriter/Showrunner Film Tiger TOPIC: The Indie TV model: Making a TV series without a broadcasting commissioner or streamer attached
Table host
Frédéric Pittoors D'HaveskerckeBusiness Affairs Baradal TOPIC: What's next in European programming
Table host
Manny GroneveldtDirector, Bell Media Studios & Executive Producer Bell Media TOPIC: A practical look at how content is produced and monetized across platforms, and what it takes day to day to make that work
Table host
Victoria ValiusVP Marketing & Co-Country Manager Sony Pictures Entertainment Canada TOPIC: Content distribution marketing
Table host
Susan MakelaSr Director, Content Compliance Paramount Entertainment Canada, ULC TOPIC: Explore a range of models to finance Canadian content in partnership with streaming platforms
Table host
Till DerenbachCEO and Executive Producer Zeitsprung Pictures GmbH TOPIC: Building Europe’s next co-production hub: Creative producing with NRW/Germany
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| 9:00 AM |
The International Commissioners
Cascade 9:00 AM-9:45 AM As international partnerships become crucial to developing a show, knowing what it takes to make fruitful screen partnerships that travel across the globe is the name of the game. Join these leading commissioners to hear what they are looking for and how cross-border partnerships are being structured. This conversation provides a brass-tacks read on who’s buying and where the strongest opportunities exist for producers seeking international collaboration. Speaking
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| 9:30 AM |
Speed Meetings: Scripted
President's Hall 9:30 AM-10:30 AM Advance sign up is required through BANFFXchange, see networking page for signup dates. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available. Speed Meetings are a fantastic opportunity for content creators and producers to meet one-on-one with leading development executives, distributors, programmers and funders. This is your opportunity to connect with partners who can help take your screen-based project to the next stage. This program has facilitated thousands of partnerships and has led to millions of dollars in new content. One-on-one meetings are 8-minutes long. Attendees who secured a meeting in advance should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line. If you did not secure a meeting in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Speed Meetings are on the Conference Centre side of the hotel, on the 2nd floor. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meetings. *This session is for SCRIPTED pitches only. Please research each meeting host to be sure your pitches fit their remit. Speaking
Table host
Zach MarcoviciExecutive in Charge of Development, Drama CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |
| 9:45 AM |
Keynote: Jesse Armstrong
Ivor Petrak 9:45 AM-10:45 AM Join award-winning creator, writer and director Jesse Armstrong (Peep Show, Succession, Mountainhead) for a keynote discussion. Jesse Armstrong will be interviewed by Tom Power as a special taping of Q with Tom Power, to be broadcast on CBC at a later date. Speaking
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| 11:00 AM |
Spotlight: Bell Media
Cascade 11:00 AM-11:30 AM BANFF’s Spotlight sessions are designed to give executives at the world's most exciting content platforms the stage to reveal their programming priorities and needs. Executives will reveal everything producers need to know – what they are looking for in content, what's working and what's not and how best to engage with them – and delegates can participate in a Q&A at the end. Speaking
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| 11:30 AM |
Meet a Decision Maker
Alhambra 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
These 30-minute informal networking sessions are designed to connect you with top decision makers in a small group setting. This is your opportunity to connect, build your network, discuss trends and spark potential partnerships. Sign up in advance; a maximum of 6 delegates at each table. Attendees who secured a spot in advance should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. There is a 5 minute grace period. If you show up more than 5 minutes after your session start time you will lose your spot. If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Speaking
In Conversation With: Georgie Holt, FlightStory
Ivor Petrak 11:30 AM-12:15 PM What if the biggest mistake in media right now... is waiting for permission? While much of the entertainment industry is still chasing commissions, FlightStory is building something else entirely: an audience-first machine that doesn’t ask what platforms want... it tests what audiences can't ignore. FlightStory’s Diary of a CEO, led by superstar Steven Bartlett, is now the world’s #2 podcast with nearly 16 million subscribers on YouTube and 80 million monthly views and listens – economics that rival legacy media. What Bartlett, Holt and their team have built is a system. Not just for content, but for predicting culture. And according to Holt, that system points toward a very different future. One where the next billion-dollar media company is... built around a single human. In this conversation, Holt pulls back the curtain on how FlightStory identifies what matters before it trends, turns creators into scalable franchises, and uses the internet not as a distribution channel, but as a live testing ground. This isn’t about making content. It’s about engineering demand. Inside the session:
Because what looks like storytelling… is actually data. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Speaking
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| 12:00 PM |
Premium Spain: High-End Content for Global Audiences
Cascade 12:00 PM-12:45 PM For producers, commissioners, streamers, creators, and executives looking to build meaningful relationships with Spain’s top studios and broadcasters, this is essential BANFF intel. Featuring the executives and creative leaders behind worldwide phenomenon Money Heist (Atresmedia), the iconic The Department of Time (Onza), and acclaimed originals from public broadcaster RTVE and pay-TV giant Movistar Plus+, this session delivers direct access to the companies redefining the international television landscape. Speaking
Cecilia Lera AstolfiExecutive, International Sales & External Relations RTVE Radio Television Espanola 
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| 12:30 PM |
YouTube: The Speed of Culture and Storytelling
Ivor Petrak 12:30 PM-1:00 PM The days of the top-down, carefully curated celebrity rollout or the predictable television premieres are over - so how do you tell a story that actually sticks? Join Nicole Bell (Head of YouTube Canada) and Lainey Lui (Senior Correspondent, Etalk and Founder, LaineyGossip.com) as they discuss the changing rules of pop culture and storytelling. They will explore how modern fame is built, why niche audiences have replaced the mainstream, and how creators and stories cut through the noise to build lasting cultural resonance. Speaking
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| 1:00 PM |
Producing with Netflix
Cascade 1:00 PM-1:30 PM This conversation will take a deeper look into the strategies and decision making behind physical production at Netflix. Participants will share best practices on how producers can work with Netflix across local and inbound productions in Canada. Speaking
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| 1:30 PM |
Meet a Scripted Executive
Alhambra 1:30 PM-2:00 PM Advance sign up is required through BANFFXchange, see networking page for signup dates. There is a wait line on site if any openings become available. These 30-minute informal sessions are your opportunity to connect you with unscripted broadcasters, streamers, producers and development executives. These sessions are opportunities to build your network, discuss trends and spark potential partnerships in a small group setting. Sign up in advance; a maximum of 6 delegates at each table. Attendees who secured a spot in advance for Meet a Scripted Executive should arrive at the session room 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. There is a 5 minute grace period. If you show up more than 5 minutes after your session start time you will lose your spot. If you did not secure a spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 20-30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Speaking
Table host
Samantha De FranceHead, Production & Post-Production, International Originals, Canada Amazon MGM Studios
Table host
Zach MarcoviciExecutive in Charge of Development, Drama CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Table host
Samantha Morris-MastaiDirector of Development, Comedy CBC Canadian Broadcasting Corporation The Director’s Cut: AI, Automation, and the Value of Human Creativity
Ivor Petrak 1:30 PM-2:15 PM Artificial intelligence is already reshaping the creative process, raising a central question: under what conditions should it be used? In this session, the Directors Guild of Canada introduces two initiatives: the Filmmakers Manifesto on the Value of Human Creativity and the Low-Carbon GenAI Toolkit, developed with support from Telefilm Canada, which measures generative AI’s carbon footprint. Together, they argue that guilds do not simply respond to technological change, they help define it. Through discussion with directors, funders, and producers, this session explores what responsible AI adoption looks like in practice. Speaking
Sebastien PigeonVice President, Legal Services, Information Technologies and Corporate Secretary Telefilm |
| 2:00 PM |
The Decision Makers
Cascade 2:00 PM-2:45 PM Sitting at the crossroads of content, distribution, and audience strategy - these executives are deciding what gets made, where it lives, and how it reaches viewers around the world. Join us for an honest conversation about where commissioning, licensing and distribution strategies are… and where they’re going. Speaking
Production Partners
President's Hall 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Advance sign up is required through BANFFXchange, see networking page for signup dates.There is a wait line on site if any openings become available. Pitch your projects directly to producer development executives. This is your chance to showcase your ideas, build relationships, and explore potential collaborations. One-on-one meetings are 8-minutes long. Attendees who secured a meeting in advance should arrive at the session room 30 minutes prior to the session start time to check in with the room monitor and get processed. Showing up late for your scheduled time slot will result in losing your spot to the wait line. If you did not secure a Production Partners spot in advance, we recommend showing up to the session room 30 minutes early to join the wait line. The wait line operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Production Partners is on the Conference Centre side of the hotel, on the 2nd floor. Give yourself extra time to make your way over from the main lobby of the hotel so that you are not late for your scheduled meeting. Speaking
Table host
Jennifer HarknessSenior Vice President, Global Development & Partnerships Muse Entertainment 
Table host
Kim BondiSenior Vice-President, Content and Development, Unscripted and Factual Sphere Media Toronto
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| 3:00 PM |
Topic Tables
Alhambra 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Drop-in on site - no previous sign up required. These popular 45-minute informal sessions are a great way to connect with the right people and add to your network. Hosted by industry experts, join these guided conversations to gain insight into specific topics including the creator economy, virtual production, vertical content, tax credits and more! Up to 6 delegates can join a topic table at one time; half way through the 45 minute session a bell will ring inviting delegates to move to another table as space allows. Space is filled and managed on a first come first served basis until we hit capacity. Speaking
Table host
Meghan DuffyCEO/Executive Producer Black Watch Entertainment TOPIC: Unlocking North America's strongest tax credit
Table host
Ellen DohertyCCO & Executive Producer Fred Rogers Productions TOPIC: Mission-driven content for kids and families (co-hosted with Kristin DiQuollo)
Table host
Kristin DiQuolloCo-Executive Producer Fred Rogers Productions TOPIC: Mission-driven content for kids and families (co-hosted with Ellen Doherty)
Table host
Stephen ShinnPublic Relations & Communications Shinn Communications Canada Inc. TOPIC: The Power of PR: From conception to completion
Table host
Frédéric Pittoors D'HaveskerckeBusiness Affairs Baradal TOPIC: How to bring your project to Europe
Table host
Catherine WarrenPresident FanTrust Entertainment Strategies TOPIC: Truth & Consequences: Documentary in the age of AI
Table host
Felicia LitovitzVP, Acquisitions, North America Cineflix Rights TOPIC: Think like a distributor: The unscripted acquisitions process decoded
Table host
Jeanne MauExecutive Vice President, TV Programming Inclusion, NBCU Launch NBCUniversal TOPIC: Discovering career paths behind the camera
Table host
Nicole MendesVP, Scripted Devlopment Lark Productions TOPIC: Reaching new audiences through familiar formats – developing projects for the current marketplace
Table host
Yolanda Garcia CuevasAcquisitions Manager, Films RTVE TOPIC: Market trends, how to become more attractive to the audience
Table host
Kirsten HurdCommissioning Editor TVOkids TOPIC: How can public broadcasters stand apart from deep-pocketed streamers?
Table host
Camilla MacEachernFilm Commissioner Northwest Territories Film Commission TOPIC: Filming in Canada’s North: How producers are successfully working in smaller and remote jurisdictions
Spotlight: Blue Ant Media
Cascade 3:00 PM-3:30 PM BANFF’s Spotlight sessions are designed to give executives at the world's most exciting content platforms the stage to reveal their programming priorities and needs. Executives will reveal everything producers need to know – what they are looking for in content, what's working and what's not and how best to engage with them – and delegates can participate in a Q&A at the end. Speaking
Becoming Creator-Savvy: Making the Affordable Hit
Ivor Petrak 3:00 PM-3:45 PM As budgets shrink and episode orders tighten, the rules of storytelling, packaging, and distribution are being rewritten. For established creators, it’s a moment to adapt; for emerging voices — especially those from platforms like YouTube — it’s a chance to break through with a platform-aware approach from the start. What can traditional TV learn from digital-native creators? How are projects being built to move across platforms? And how is Canada’s low-cost, resourceful model shaping a more agile, globally relevant industry? This panel explores how a creator-savvy mindset — grounded in agility, ownership, and platform awareness — can help content not just get made, but get seen and stand out. **This is a partner presentation. Speaking
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| 5:00 PM |
2026 Rockie Awards Lionsgate Canada Cocktail Reception
Van Horne Foyer 5:00 PM-6:00 PM |
| 6:00 PM |
Rockie Awards
Van Horne 6:00 PM-8:30 PM Join us to celebrate the 47th annual Rockie Awards at BANFF, recognizing outstanding content, talent and executives from across the globe. Entries were received from 45 countries, and now you get to see this year's Rockie Awards nominees, representing the best in international productions. Watch the live show as we reveal the winners. Be entertained and inspired as we also honour prestigious talent with the Rockies Gala Honours throughout the night. All BANFF delegates are welcome to the Rockie Awards. Seating is first-come, first-served. Attire: Cocktail. Speaking
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| 9:00 PM |
Late Night Rockie Awards After Party - Sponsored by Netflix
Cascade 9:00 PM-11:30 PM The Cascade Ballroom will transform into a late night dance party. It's the official after-party for the Rockie Awards. Bring your badge for entry. Get ready to network and dance the night away. Featuring food stations, drinks and fun. *Late-night buses are provided on our regular shuttle route.
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Wednesday, June 17
| 9:00 AM |
Registration
Curio Foyer 9:00 AM-12:00 PM |
| 9:30 AM |
The Power Of Fandom
Cascade 9:30 AM-10:15 AM How do you know if a property will translate into longform content? Just as important, how do you nurture the flywheel and keep the love (and revenue) flowing between seasons? These visionaries have harnessed fan fervor to build massive global juggernauts from Heated Rivalry and Culpa Mía to reality TV super-hits, including The Real Housewives franchise. Our panelists will share how they cultivate deeply engaged fans to extend stories beyond the screen through experiences, building and monetizing IP to drive loyalty, engagement and reach. This is your insider blueprint for finding your next mega fandom-fuelled hit. Speaking
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| 10:30 AM |
Scaling Stories: Inside Prime Video's Originals Playbook
Cascade 10:30 AM-11:15 AM Prime Video has built serious buzz around its local and YA slate thanks to the viral popularity of The Summer I Turned Pretty and its brand-new smash hit series Off Campus. Now the global entertainment powerhouse is doubling down on Canadian originals and homegrown storytelling with Every Year After—adapted from best-selling Canadian author Carley Fortune's debut novel Every Summer After. This session will feature discussion from Prime Video executives on the streamer’s evolving approach to local production and international audience growth, alongside Every Year After author and showrunner sharing the creative vision behind bringing a beloved Canadian novel to audiences worldwide. Speaking
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| 11:15 AM |
Bubbles & Bites Closing Reception
Cascade 11:15 AM-12:00 PM Wrap up your week in the Rockies with a toast and final gathering of friends, collaborators and new connections. Join us for our famous Bubbles & Bites reception - a celebratory send-off featuring mimosas, gourmet treats, great tunes, and of course, 'delicious cheese sandwiches,' (IYKYK). |