Speakers
Melissa Ahlstrand
Marketing Director, Americas, Hayu, NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-to-Consumer (NBCUIN & DTC)
NBCUniversal
Melissa Ahlstrand is Marketing Director, Americas, Hayu, NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-to-Consumer (NBCUIN & DTC), where she is a regional marketing lead for Hayu, the all-reality streaming service. Based in Toronto, she is responsible for marketing strategies that drive Canadian audience growth, engagement and retention.
In her role, Ahlstrand oversees the...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Kevin Beggs
Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Lionsgate Television Group and Chairman, International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Lionsgate Entertainment
Kevin is Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Lionsgate Television Group and Chairman, International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He has spearheaded the strategic expansion of Lionsgate’s television production operations into one of the largest independent television businesses in the world.
Kevin has shepherded iconic series including eight seasons of the multiple...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Mark Bishop is Co-President of Blue Ant Studios. He joined Blue Ant Media after its acquisition of the award-winning production and distribution company, marblemedia and its distribution company, D360, which he co-founded with Matthew Hornburg and served as co-CEO for over 20 years.
Mark is responsible for overseeing and growing the...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Drew Buckley, Group President, Chief Operating Officer and board member of Propagate Content. Buckley, was the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Electus (NASDAQ:IAC), which was acquired by Propagate Content in late 2018.
Buckley oversees all business affairs, corporate development, finance, production, operations, and direct-to-consumer offerings. Buckley is also responsible for...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Bing Chen is Executive Chairman and Founder of AU holdings, CEO and Co-Founder of Gold House and General Partner and Co Founder of Aum Group. Bing’s work focuses on incubating and investing in multicultural creators, companies, and communities to rebalance socioeconomic equity. Previously, he was YouTube's Global Head of Creator Development and...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Aubrey Clarke is a Commissioning Executive in the BBC Children’s 7+ Commissioning team with a remit that covers scripted drama and animation with a focus on international co-productions. He is the executive producer on popular shows such as The Next Step, The Next Step: Cheer, Home Sweet Rome, Little Lunch:...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Appointed President of Bell Media, Canada’s premier media company, in 2023, Cohan is responsible for Bell Media’s globally unique portfolio of video, audio, digital, and out-of-home advertising assets, brands, and content. These include Canada’s #1 broadcast network (CTV), its leading sports properties (TSN & RDS), #1 national and local news...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Tom Cox has been producing original scripted content for Canadian and world audiences for more than thirty years. SEVEN24 Films, specializing in unique scripted content with global appeal, was recently named Playback Magazine’s Production Company of the Year.
Current productions include; Family Law for Corus and CW, JANN for CTV, RIDE...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
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: Banff World Media Festival
Till Derenbach is CEO and Executive Producer of Zeitsprung Pictures, the Cologne-based production company founded in 1985 by producer Michael Souvignier. Since 2008, Derenbach has jointly overseen the company’s productions and has played a key role in shaping its creative direction and strategic growth.
He began his...show more
James Farr oversees development strategy and leads the creation of premium unscripted series and specials for major global broadcasters and streaming platforms at Cream Productions. A long-time member of the company’s senior leadership team, he has built and guided a diverse slate spanning history, science, pop culture, and true crime.
His...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Two-time Grammy and five-time Emmy nominated Emmy Winner, Music Supervisor, Nora Felder’s tenure in music began working with legendary music producer, Phil Ramone, spearheading recording projects as Vice President of Phil Ramone Inc. with artist greats, such as Paul Simon, Sinead O'Connor, Malcolm McLaren, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and Iggy Pop.
Fast-forward...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Prentiss Fraser is President, FOX Entertainment Global, overseeing worldwide distribution, formats and off-platform sales for the FOX Television Network and FOX Entertainment Studios’ entire portfolio of in-house production engines, including its scripted content unit, FOX Alternative Entertainment, award-winning animation studio Bento Box Entertainment, Studio Ramsay Global in partnership with culinary...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Brendan Gaul is Global Chief Entertainment Officer at McCann, where he develops original narrative, unscripted, and theatrical projects under the TRAVERSE32 banner, a New York based global branded entertainment production company and development studio that he co-founded and where he serves as Co-President. An award-winning producer, his work has been honored at...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Brenda Gilbert is a Producer, Executive Producer, Mentor, and Entrepreneur. As former President of BRON Media Corporation she had co-founded and built an independent studio with her husband that had been part of over 130 projects, earning over 250 Film Festival Award nominations and 38 Academy Award nominations (with 6...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Chief Creative Officer | Executive Producer | Creator | Director
Emmy Award • Cannes Lions • Critics Choice Award • NAACP Award Winner
Kevin S. Healey is one of the most successful creators of hidden-camera and alternative entertainment formats working today, with a career spanning globally recognized television franchises, hit streaming films,...show more
Richard Jean-Baptiste is a Montreal-based executive producer and business innovation leader with over 25 years of experience in film, television, and digital storytelling. He currently leads Attria Media, part of the Attraction group, where he develops original fiction and documentary projects while supporting diverse voices, particularly BIPOC creators, across both...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Kevin Johnson is the CEO of WPP Media Canada and President of WPP Canada, bringing over two decades of leadership to drive growth for WPP Media (Formerly GroupM) in one of the world’s largest advertising markets. A seasoned media executive, Kevin is a passionate advocate for inclusion, mentorship, and equity—championing...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Gwen Jones is a senior media executive with nearly 30 years of experience in domestic and international content distribution. Currently, she serves as the Director, Distribution at CBC/Radio-Canada, where she manages domestic content sales, overseeing the licensing and distribution of their extensive content library to Canadian media platforms.
She also leads...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Formerly the Senior Vice President, International Originals for HBO Max, Jeniffer Kim was responsible for commissioning original series and co-productions for the platform in international markets targeted for U.S. and global audiences.
Among her HBO Max titles include the critically acclaimed original It’s a Sin from screenwriter Russell T. Davies, Spanish...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Morad Koufane holds a degree from the Institute of Political Studies in Lyon and a DESS in audiovisual communication law from Paris-Sorbonne. He began his career at the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel (1994), before joining the French Embassy in New York as assistant audiovisual attaché (1995–1998), then serving as Audiovisual...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Lisa Kramer is President of International Content Licensing for Paramount Global Content Distribution, where she leads international licensing and marketing teams for the division. With her oversight spanning 20 offices around the world, she leads the team distributing an extensive portfolio of film and television content outside the U.S. to...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Keri Levinsky is a senior media executive with deep expertise in content acquisition, distribution strategy, and partnership development across the Canadian entertainment landscape. Currently she leads Content Acquisition for Canada at Roku, where she leads strategic content partnerships for the territory.
Prior to joining Roku, Keri spent more than a...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Felicia Litovitz is a seasoned acquisitions executive, with 20 years of experience in various roles across the TV and film industry. As VP, Acquisitions, North America, Felicia is responsible for building Cineflix Rights’ catalogue of factual content from US and Canadian producer partners. She also focuses on securing distribution rights
...show moreSpeaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Nikki Love is Senior Vice President of Development and Production, Scripted, for WE tv and ALLBLK, AMC Networks’ premier streaming service for Black television and film. In this role, she serves as the primary liaison between the networks and content partners across all phases of scripted development, production, and...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
David Madden currently serves as President of WEBTOON Productions, the fan-driven studio and IP business from WEBTOON Entertainment. He oversees development, production, and sales for the company’s global TV, feature film, and animation businesses. Madden serves as Executive Producer on the studio’s adaptations of popular Wattpad webnovels and WEBTOON webcomics.
Previously,...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Zach Marcovici is currently Executive in Charge of Development for CBC Drama, where he is responsible for developing high quality original drama series.
Prior to joining CBC, he was Director of Development & Production at BentFrame Film & TV, overseeing a slate of female-driven TV projects for the Canadian and international...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Marie McCann is the Senior Director of Children's Content at CBC, Canada’s national public broadcaster. CBC Kids' mandate is to create and curate content that entertains, informs and reflects the diversity of kids in Canada from two to teen.
McCann's career in children's media began at TVOntario as a writer/producer where...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Anishinaabe filmmaker Lisa Meeches is one of the most respected producers in the film industry, and is a Member of the Order of Canada and Order of Manitoba. Originally from Long Plain First Nation, Sandy Bay First Nation, and Ebb and Flow First Nation, Lisa studied broadcasting in North Dakota,...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
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 Series Fund, a $6 million equity investment...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
As Director of Development for CBC Comedy, Samantha Morris Mastai is responsible for driving and overseeing the quality and diversity of the comedy development slate.
Before joining CBC, Samantha was an Executive Producer and VP of Scripted at Lark Productions/Universal International Studios, leading development and production of scripted television for the...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
With over 25 years of experience across the industry, Rachel Nelson spearheads a diverse portfolio of Scripted and Unscripted content as Vice President of Original Programming and Head of Corus Studios at Corus Entertainment. In this role, Rachel leads strategies for commissioning, developing, and producing first class series for Corus’...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Proinsias Ní Ghráinne commissions, co-produces and curates primetime content in factual and other genres as well as managing the channel's landmark music, arts and culture output.
Her work spans a range of content in various factual genres, working with experienced talent and is adept at spotting, nurturing and inspiring new and...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Cara Nye is a media executive dedicated to authentic, inclusive storytelling. Since joining AMI-tv in 2012, she has built a strong track record in Canadian broadcasting, developing a range of impactful series including Pretty Blind, We Were Broncos, Crip Trip, and Underdog Inc.
She is responsible for screening pitches, show development,...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
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...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Adam Puchalsky is a leading voice at the intersection of entertainment, marketing, and brand storytelling. As President of the Brand Studio at Blink49 Studios, he is spearheading the development of high-impact, culturally resonant content designed to connect brands with audiences through premium entertainment. With over 20 years of experience, Adam...show more
Jane Rimer was appointed SVP, Canada, at Banijay Rights in early 2020, following Banijay’s acquisition of Endemol Shine Group.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the international media and entertainment sector, Jane today oversees all sales and content partnership opportunities in Canada for Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Adam Rodness is a producer, actor, and writer and the co-founder of Toronto-based production company 5’7 Films. Rodness began his career producing music videos for major recording artists including Eminem, Drake, Usher, and The Black Eyed Peas, before transitioning into film and television. Rodness co-created and produced the Rockie Award–nominated CBC...show more
Jessica Schmiedchen oversees development of original content and formats in the factual, entertainment and documentary series genres at CBC and CBC Gem. She is responsible for sourcing the best new formats from around the world, and working with Canada's independent production community to bring their original ideas to life.
Since joining...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Denise Seneviratne is Commissioning Editor for NonScripted UK Originals at 5, reporting to Chief Content Officer, Ben Frow. In her role, she is responsible for growing and shaping the broadcaster’s factual slate, driven by a passion for stories that surprise, inspire, and connect with audiences.
Her recent commissions include Diana’s Wedding...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Jarrett Sherman is an Emmy-nominated engagement strategist and the founder of SuperServe, a strategy-led consultancy that helps creators, entertainment companies, and audience-driven brands turn loyalty into a repeatable growth and revenue advantage.
He specializes in entertainment-tested fandom mechanics – return rituals, recognition, access, and participation loops – that convert passive...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Sam Sniderman is President of Electric Palm Media, a Los Angeles-based advisory firm specializing in strategy, corporate development and value creation for global content businesses. He works with leading producers, studios and investors on growth, M&A and evolving business models across film, television and digital media.
Sniderman has been a senior...show more
Justin Stockman is responsible for English TV programming including CTV, Crave, and Bell Media’s English-language specialty channels Discovery, MTV, E!, Much, CTV Drama, CTV Life, CTV Comedy, CTV Sci-Fi with a focus on developing ground-breaking new content.
Stockman also leads Bell Media's diversity and inclusion initiatives, both internally as a member...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Stu Stone is a filmmaker, producer, and actor who began his career as a child and built an impressive list of film and television credits. He is best known for voicing Ralphie in the beloved animated series The Magic School Bus and for appearing in films such as Donnie Darko and The...show more
Jennifer Twiner McCarronisPresident of Blue Ant’s Kids, Family and Young Adult (YA) division, where oversees all animation and live action.
Jennifer joined animation studio Atomic Cartoons (Atomic) in 2011 and helped grow it from a 10-person team into an industry leader in kids and family content. In 2016, she was appointed...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Patrick Vien is Group Managing Director, International at A+E Global Media, 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...show more
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival
Speaking on: Banff World Media Festival










.png)






