2019 Speakers
Moderator: Agnes Augustin / President and CEO, Shaw Rocket Fund
Since 2004, Augustin has been driving the Shaw Rocket Fund’s ongoing commitment to champion Canadian children’s and youth programming through strategic investments in linear and digital content and spearheading industry initiatives such as the much celebrated Shaw Rocket Prize. Her dedication toincrease the profile of the Canadian children’s and youth media industry, both domestically andinternationally can be seen through Fund’s activities and strategic global partnerships. In her role at the
Shaw Rocket Fund, she is proud to support the Canadian children’s media sector by supporting the creation of high quality content for children and their families to enjoy on all platforms around the world. Prior to assuming her position at the Shaw Rocket Fund, Augustin worked in many sectors of the Canadian film and television industry. She held senior management positions in business affairs with a number of
production and distribution companies, starting her career as a financial analyst with Telefilm Canada. Augustin also held the position of head of production for Country Music Television (Corus Entertainment)and was a production accountant and independent producer. As a consultant, Agnes worked with many organisations including PwC and the BC Economic Development Association.
Since 2004, Augustin has been driving the Shaw Rocket Fund’s ongoing commitment to champion Canadian children’s and youth programming through strategic investments in linear and digital content and spearheading industry initiatives such as the much celebrated Shaw Rocket Prize. Her dedication toincrease the profile of the Canadian children’s and youth media industry, both domestically andinternationally can be seen through Fund’s activities and strategic global partnerships. In her role at the
Shaw Rocket Fund, she is proud to support the Canadian children’s media sector by supporting the creation of high quality content for children and their families to enjoy on all platforms around the world. Prior to assuming her position at the Shaw Rocket Fund, Augustin worked in many sectors of the Canadian film and television industry. She held senior management positions in business affairs with a number of
production and distribution companies, starting her career as a financial analyst with Telefilm Canada. Augustin also held the position of head of production for Country Music Television (Corus Entertainment)and was a production accountant and independent producer. As a consultant, Agnes worked with many organisations including PwC and the BC Economic Development Association.
Molly Barton / CEO, Serial Box
Barton is the CEO and cofounder of Serial Box, a premium platform that delivers audio and written stories in short installments. Serial Box recently announced four series based on marvel characters including Black Panther and Jessica Jones. The Serial Box apps have been downloaded by hundreds of thousands of listeners and readers, Apple named Serial Box a best app of the year and Buzzfeed called it a “Must Have App.” Prior to founding Serial Box, Barton was Global Digital Director at Penguin Random House.
Barton is the CEO and cofounder of Serial Box, a premium platform that delivers audio and written stories in short installments. Serial Box recently announced four series based on marvel characters including Black Panther and Jessica Jones. The Serial Box apps have been downloaded by hundreds of thousands of listeners and readers, Apple named Serial Box a best app of the year and Buzzfeed called it a “Must Have App.” Prior to founding Serial Box, Barton was Global Digital Director at Penguin Random House.
Kevin Beggs / Television chairman, Lionsgate
Beggs is chairman of the Lionsgate Television Group, overseeing development and production of all scripted and non-scripted programming. A 20-year veteran of the Company and a member of its corporate senior management team, he has spearheaded the strategic expansion of Lionsgate’s television production operations into one of the largest independent television businesses in the world.
Since joining Lionsgate in 1998, Beggs has guided the Television Group’s growth into a leading supplier of premium content for streaming, cable and broadcast networks. Lionsgate’s roster of nearly 70 shows on dozens of different platforms includes: the ground-breaking hit series Orange is the New Black (Netflix); the critically-acclaimed Dear White People (Netflix); the new “spy-fi” series The Rook (Starz); the popular Step Up: High Water (YouTube Premium), the syndication success The Wendy Williams Show; the long-running drama Greenleaf (OWN); and the comedy Kevin Hart: What the Fit (YouTube).
Beggs has also been responsible for Lionsgate’s iconic multiple Emmy Award winner Mad Men, eight seasons of Showtime’s hit comedy Weeds, seven seasons of Showtime’s acclaimed Nurse Jackie and six seasons of USA’s Dead Zone.
Beggs is chairman of the Lionsgate Television Group, overseeing development and production of all scripted and non-scripted programming. A 20-year veteran of the Company and a member of its corporate senior management team, he has spearheaded the strategic expansion of Lionsgate’s television production operations into one of the largest independent television businesses in the world.
Since joining Lionsgate in 1998, Beggs has guided the Television Group’s growth into a leading supplier of premium content for streaming, cable and broadcast networks. Lionsgate’s roster of nearly 70 shows on dozens of different platforms includes: the ground-breaking hit series Orange is the New Black (Netflix); the critically-acclaimed Dear White People (Netflix); the new “spy-fi” series The Rook (Starz); the popular Step Up: High Water (YouTube Premium), the syndication success The Wendy Williams Show; the long-running drama Greenleaf (OWN); and the comedy Kevin Hart: What the Fit (YouTube).
Beggs has also been responsible for Lionsgate’s iconic multiple Emmy Award winner Mad Men, eight seasons of Showtime’s hit comedy Weeds, seven seasons of Showtime’s acclaimed Nurse Jackie and six seasons of USA’s Dead Zone.
Mark Bishop / Co-CEO and partner, Marblemedia
Bishop is co-CEO and partner at Marblemedia. An accomplished entrepreneur, brand-builder and trusted media industry advocate, Bishop, alongside co-founder Matt Hornburg, has grown Marblemedia into one of Canada’s leading independent production, distribution and digital media companies.
In addition to serving as executive producer across Marblemedia’s successful portfolio of television and interactive digital media properties, Mark leads the company’s strategic growth and management of all divisional and corporate undertakings, including global distribution and sales (Distribution360), finance, marketing, digital media and new business ventures, such as Marblemedia’s YouTube digital channels, Marblekids and Marblejr.
Bishop is co-CEO and partner at Marblemedia. An accomplished entrepreneur, brand-builder and trusted media industry advocate, Bishop, alongside co-founder Matt Hornburg, has grown Marblemedia into one of Canada’s leading independent production, distribution and digital media companies.
In addition to serving as executive producer across Marblemedia’s successful portfolio of television and interactive digital media properties, Mark leads the company’s strategic growth and management of all divisional and corporate undertakings, including global distribution and sales (Distribution360), finance, marketing, digital media and new business ventures, such as Marblemedia’s YouTube digital channels, Marblekids and Marblejr.
Colin Bohm / EVP content and corporate strategy, Corus
Bohm is EVP content and corporate strategy at Corus Entertainment Inc.
Bohm oversees Corus’ original content businesses Nelvana, Corus Studios, Kids Can Press and Toon Boom, and is responsible for the company’s business development and strategic planning activities, including the development of global strategic partnerships and Corus’ mergers and acquisitions initiatives.
Bohm began his career at Corus in 2002 as director, planning and analysis, responsible for the company’s financial analysis and business planning, later becoming VP, international of Nelvana Enterprises, then EVP, head of Corus kids.
He gained international experience and developed his entrepreneurial skills through a number of successful start-up ventures, including the Lanforce Consulting Group and eTour.com.
Bohm holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Toronto with a focus in Finance and Strategy, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from McGill University.
Bohm is EVP content and corporate strategy at Corus Entertainment Inc.
Bohm oversees Corus’ original content businesses Nelvana, Corus Studios, Kids Can Press and Toon Boom, and is responsible for the company’s business development and strategic planning activities, including the development of global strategic partnerships and Corus’ mergers and acquisitions initiatives.
Bohm began his career at Corus in 2002 as director, planning and analysis, responsible for the company’s financial analysis and business planning, later becoming VP, international of Nelvana Enterprises, then EVP, head of Corus kids.
He gained international experience and developed his entrepreneurial skills through a number of successful start-up ventures, including the Lanforce Consulting Group and eTour.com.
Bohm holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Toronto with a focus in Finance and Strategy, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from McGill University.
Jamie Brown / CEO & executive producer, Frantic Films
As CEO and executive producer of Frantic Films, Brown has been proud to see the company become one of Canada’s leading film and television producers across multiple genres including lifestyle, factual, reality, sports, comedy and drama.
After beginning his career as an entertainment lawyer, Brown transitioned into producing and was the first recipient of the Lions Gate Innovative Producer Award. He was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, received the I.H. Asper Broadcast Entrepreneur of the Future Award and was the CMPA’s Entrepreneur of the Year. Among his many creative achievements are numerous Canadian Screen Awards, Banff Rockies, Geminis and Golden Sheaf awards. He was also a member and later Chair of both the CMPA and National Screen Institute boards.
Over its 20 years in business, Frantic has won more than 100 awards for its work. Its film and television projects are seen in over 130 countries around the world on channels such as Food Network, HGTV, CBC, CTV, Discovery, History, IFC, CNBC and more. Recent productions include comedies ‘Still Standing’ and the ‘Baroness von Sketch Show’, unscripted series ‘Backyard Builds’ and ‘The Stats of Life’, one-off documentaries ‘Indictment – The Shelly Chartier Story’, feature films ‘Into Invisible Light’ and ‘Stand!’ and web series ‘Writers Block’.
Brown has created or co-created over a dozen series and has produced hundreds of hours of content. A complete list of his film and television work is available at www.franticfilms.com
As CEO and executive producer of Frantic Films, Brown has been proud to see the company become one of Canada’s leading film and television producers across multiple genres including lifestyle, factual, reality, sports, comedy and drama.
After beginning his career as an entertainment lawyer, Brown transitioned into producing and was the first recipient of the Lions Gate Innovative Producer Award. He was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, received the I.H. Asper Broadcast Entrepreneur of the Future Award and was the CMPA’s Entrepreneur of the Year. Among his many creative achievements are numerous Canadian Screen Awards, Banff Rockies, Geminis and Golden Sheaf awards. He was also a member and later Chair of both the CMPA and National Screen Institute boards.
Over its 20 years in business, Frantic has won more than 100 awards for its work. Its film and television projects are seen in over 130 countries around the world on channels such as Food Network, HGTV, CBC, CTV, Discovery, History, IFC, CNBC and more. Recent productions include comedies ‘Still Standing’ and the ‘Baroness von Sketch Show’, unscripted series ‘Backyard Builds’ and ‘The Stats of Life’, one-off documentaries ‘Indictment – The Shelly Chartier Story’, feature films ‘Into Invisible Light’ and ‘Stand!’ and web series ‘Writers Block’.
Brown has created or co-created over a dozen series and has produced hundreds of hours of content. A complete list of his film and television work is available at www.franticfilms.com
John Brunton / CEO, chairman and producer, Insight Productions
Brunton thinks TV. All the time. As the Globe and Mail writes, he “has airwaves between his ears.”
A natural-born storyteller, Brunton is now celebrating over forty years at the helm of Insight Productions. As chairman and CEO, Brunton’s entrepreneurial ingenuity, creative vision and passion for television have enabled him to position Insight as an industry leader in the development, financing and production of world class television programs.
As the executive producer of compelling dramas and documentaries, ground-breaking award shows, record-breaking comedy and variety series, sports, music and other programs across all conventional and digital platforms, Brunton has worked with some of the most talented personalities in the world.
Brunton thinks TV. All the time. As the Globe and Mail writes, he “has airwaves between his ears.”
A natural-born storyteller, Brunton is now celebrating over forty years at the helm of Insight Productions. As chairman and CEO, Brunton’s entrepreneurial ingenuity, creative vision and passion for television have enabled him to position Insight as an industry leader in the development, financing and production of world class television programs.
As the executive producer of compelling dramas and documentaries, ground-breaking award shows, record-breaking comedy and variety series, sports, music and other programs across all conventional and digital platforms, Brunton has worked with some of the most talented personalities in the world.
Drew Buckley / Co-founder and chief operating officer , Electus
Buckley is co-founder and chief operating officer of Electus, a full-service production studio that creates, produces and sells domestically and internationally a broad range of entertainment and branded content – scripted and unscripted – to broadcast, cable and digital/OTT platforms around the world. Recently Buckley lead the sale of Electus to Propagate Content and is responsible for overseeing content operations, finance, acquisitions, and all transactions within Electus and their partner companies, in addition to serving as executive producer on such series as Emmy Nominated You vs. Wild for Netflix, National Geographic’s Running Wild with Bear Grylls and ABC’s The Toy Box, as well as the Tribeca-awarded film, Mansome. In 2017 he was the lead negotiator in the acquisition of Artist First a leading talent management services company based in Beverly Hills.
Additionally, he oversees production company Big Breakfast, also under the Electus banner, which produces programming for digital and traditional entertainment platforms. Content includes truTV’s Adam Ruins Everything, Pop’s Hot Date and numerous series for Facebook, such as I Want My Phone Back and How to Spot.
Prior to Electus, Buckley served as executive vice president of Windsor Media.There, he led the digital investment team and was at the forefront of raising capital with Sovereign Wealth Funds. He also served as the founding executive and general manager of Yahoo!
Buckley is co-founder and chief operating officer of Electus, a full-service production studio that creates, produces and sells domestically and internationally a broad range of entertainment and branded content – scripted and unscripted – to broadcast, cable and digital/OTT platforms around the world. Recently Buckley lead the sale of Electus to Propagate Content and is responsible for overseeing content operations, finance, acquisitions, and all transactions within Electus and their partner companies, in addition to serving as executive producer on such series as Emmy Nominated You vs. Wild for Netflix, National Geographic’s Running Wild with Bear Grylls and ABC’s The Toy Box, as well as the Tribeca-awarded film, Mansome. In 2017 he was the lead negotiator in the acquisition of Artist First a leading talent management services company based in Beverly Hills.
Additionally, he oversees production company Big Breakfast, also under the Electus banner, which produces programming for digital and traditional entertainment platforms. Content includes truTV’s Adam Ruins Everything, Pop’s Hot Date and numerous series for Facebook, such as I Want My Phone Back and How to Spot.
Prior to Electus, Buckley served as executive vice president of Windsor Media.There, he led the digital investment team and was at the forefront of raising capital with Sovereign Wealth Funds. He also served as the founding executive and general manager of Yahoo!
Sally Catto / General manager for programming, CBC
Catto is the general manager, programming for CBC. She oversees the strategic direction and programming of original & acquired scripted, digital original and unscripted programming for the network such as Schitt’s Creek, Workin’ Moms, Kim’s Convenience, Baroness Von Sketch Show, Anne, Alias Grace and The Great Canadian Baking Show.
In her role she has also overseen the re-branding of the documentary strategy and the revitalization of Arts programming.
Catto has a long history at the CBC from her earliest days in 2001 as an executive in Charge of production, drama to her subsequent positions including creative head, drama and executive director, commissioned & scripted programming. During her tenure she has overseen such programming as Heartland, Murdoch Mysteries, Book of Negroes, Being Erica and Mr. D.
Catto has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to Canadian programming, being named Playback’s 2015 Programmer of the Year, WIFT-T’s 2014 Crystal Award Winner for creative excellence and recently CBC was named Playback’s 2016 media company of the year.
Catto started her career as a lawyer at Stikeman Elliott and Goodmans. She has also worked as a literary agent for film & television and at production companies including Accent Entertainment. She spent a year overseas at Australian broadcaster SBS working in scripted & business affairs.
Catto is the general manager, programming for CBC. She oversees the strategic direction and programming of original & acquired scripted, digital original and unscripted programming for the network such as Schitt’s Creek, Workin’ Moms, Kim’s Convenience, Baroness Von Sketch Show, Anne, Alias Grace and The Great Canadian Baking Show.
In her role she has also overseen the re-branding of the documentary strategy and the revitalization of Arts programming.
Catto has a long history at the CBC from her earliest days in 2001 as an executive in Charge of production, drama to her subsequent positions including creative head, drama and executive director, commissioned & scripted programming. During her tenure she has overseen such programming as Heartland, Murdoch Mysteries, Book of Negroes, Being Erica and Mr. D.
Catto has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to Canadian programming, being named Playback’s 2015 Programmer of the Year, WIFT-T’s 2014 Crystal Award Winner for creative excellence and recently CBC was named Playback’s 2016 media company of the year.
Catto started her career as a lawyer at Stikeman Elliott and Goodmans. She has also worked as a literary agent for film & television and at production companies including Accent Entertainment. She spent a year overseas at Australian broadcaster SBS working in scripted & business affairs.
Susan Cavan / Executive producer, Tallboyz
President of Accent Entertainment, Cavan is one of Canada’s leading independent film and television producers and a WIFT Special Jury Award of Distinction recipient. Cavan is dedicated to developing, financing and producing high quality, talent-driven projects with an original point of view, ranging from the comedic to the dramatic and, more often than not, a combination of the two.
Through Accent Entertainment, founded in 1990, Cavan’s extensive credits include Take This Waltz, coproduced, written and directed by Sarah Polley and starring Michelle Williams, Luke Kirby, Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman; many projects by Bruce McCulloch of Kids In The Hall (Young Drunk Punk, Death Comes To Town); Superstar for Paramount and Lorne Michaels, starring Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell; Twitch City starring Don McKellar and Molly Parker, and Mesmer coproduced with David Bowie and starring Alan Rickman.
A graduate of law from Queen’s University, Susan specialized in entertainment law before it was a specialty. She became Vice President of business and legal affairs for Cineplex Corporation, and later a founding partner and President of Alliance Communications. There she spearheaded international co-productions while executive producing television series, as well as the ground-breaking Gail Singer documentary about female comics, Wisecracks, featuring Ellen DeGeneres.
President of Accent Entertainment, Cavan is one of Canada’s leading independent film and television producers and a WIFT Special Jury Award of Distinction recipient. Cavan is dedicated to developing, financing and producing high quality, talent-driven projects with an original point of view, ranging from the comedic to the dramatic and, more often than not, a combination of the two.
Through Accent Entertainment, founded in 1990, Cavan’s extensive credits include Take This Waltz, coproduced, written and directed by Sarah Polley and starring Michelle Williams, Luke Kirby, Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman; many projects by Bruce McCulloch of Kids In The Hall (Young Drunk Punk, Death Comes To Town); Superstar for Paramount and Lorne Michaels, starring Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell; Twitch City starring Don McKellar and Molly Parker, and Mesmer coproduced with David Bowie and starring Alan Rickman.
A graduate of law from Queen’s University, Susan specialized in entertainment law before it was a specialty. She became Vice President of business and legal affairs for Cineplex Corporation, and later a founding partner and President of Alliance Communications. There she spearheaded international co-productions while executive producing television series, as well as the ground-breaking Gail Singer documentary about female comics, Wisecracks, featuring Ellen DeGeneres.
Ryan Chanatry / General manager, Topic, from First Look Media Service
Chanatry is the general manager of Topic, First Look Media’s video streaming service where he oversees business strategy and operations, P&L, as well as original programming, content acquisitions & sales, marketing, and distribution. Previously, Chanatry oversaw First Look’s audience development efforts, including acquisition strategy, partnerships, newsletter growth, and paid media.Before joining First Look Media, Chanatry was director, global marketing insights at Netflix where he led the team responsible for consumer intelligence and tracking across brand, advertising and social media as well as strategic creative planning and development. In addition he worked extensively on Netflix’s international market launches across Europe and Japan.He joined Netflix in 2013 from Mediacom in Singapore where he was director, Asia-Pacific insights & decisions. Before that he was a senior brand strategy consultant at Interbrand in the US, Japan, and Singapore. Chanatry holds a B.S. with honors in marketing and human resources from The Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University.
Chanatry is the general manager of Topic, First Look Media’s video streaming service where he oversees business strategy and operations, P&L, as well as original programming, content acquisitions & sales, marketing, and distribution. Previously, Chanatry oversaw First Look’s audience development efforts, including acquisition strategy, partnerships, newsletter growth, and paid media.Before joining First Look Media, Chanatry was director, global marketing insights at Netflix where he led the team responsible for consumer intelligence and tracking across brand, advertising and social media as well as strategic creative planning and development. In addition he worked extensively on Netflix’s international market launches across Europe and Japan.He joined Netflix in 2013 from Mediacom in Singapore where he was director, Asia-Pacific insights & decisions. Before that he was a senior brand strategy consultant at Interbrand in the US, Japan, and Singapore. Chanatry holds a B.S. with honors in marketing and human resources from The Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University.
Sean Cohan / President, Wheelhouse
Cohan serves as president of Wheelhouse Entertainment, and chief business officer, Wheelhouse Group, where he is responsible for driving content and marketing opportunities across multiple businesses and platforms, including talent, brand and other strategic, corporate partnerships for the company.
Prior to Wheelhouse, Cohan worked at A+E Networks for nearly 15 years. He served as president of international and digital media at A+E Networks, where he oversaw the company’s rapid growth units and was a member of the A+E executive and senior leadership teams. He was responsible for the company’s brands, services, content and digital business outside of the US, and all US domestic digital activities, including sites, apps, digital-first content studio, distribution and licensing.
Cohan serves as president of Wheelhouse Entertainment, and chief business officer, Wheelhouse Group, where he is responsible for driving content and marketing opportunities across multiple businesses and platforms, including talent, brand and other strategic, corporate partnerships for the company.
Prior to Wheelhouse, Cohan worked at A+E Networks for nearly 15 years. He served as president of international and digital media at A+E Networks, where he oversaw the company’s rapid growth units and was a member of the A+E executive and senior leadership teams. He was responsible for the company’s brands, services, content and digital business outside of the US, and all US domestic digital activities, including sites, apps, digital-first content studio, distribution and licensing.
Mike Cosentino / President, Content and Programming, Bell Media
Cosentino is responsible for all linear and digital content and programming for CTV, Canada’s #1 network, CTV2, and Bell Media’s English-language suite of entertainment specialty networks, including Bravo, Comedy, Gusto, Discovery Networks, Space, MUCH, MTV, and more. He also oversees the development, creation, and execution of original production and in-house content for Bell Media Studios and the program strategy for Crave, Bell Media’s premium SVOD service.
As part of his portfolio, he oversees the development, creation, and execution of English-language original programming for Bell Media’s conventional, specialty, and OTT services. Cosentino also directs the company’s Hollywood buy strategy during the annual May screenings in Los Angeles. Previously, Cosentino’s portfolio was expanded to include Bell Media’s entertainment specialty networks when he was promoted to Senior Vice-President, CTV and Specialty in 2016.
In his prior role as Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks and Crave, Cosentino was integral to the launch of Crave in 2014 and again during its transition to a direct-to-consumer service in 2016. In that role, he was part of the team that secured exclusive rights for HBO and Showtime programs and negotiated exclusive deals for several franchise series, including South Park, Dr Who, and the first worldwide SVOD deal ever for Seinfeld. Cosentino also commissioned Crave’s first original series Letterkenny which launched to #1 status on Super Bowl Sunday in February, 2016.
Cosentino is responsible for all linear and digital content and programming for CTV, Canada’s #1 network, CTV2, and Bell Media’s English-language suite of entertainment specialty networks, including Bravo, Comedy, Gusto, Discovery Networks, Space, MUCH, MTV, and more. He also oversees the development, creation, and execution of original production and in-house content for Bell Media Studios and the program strategy for Crave, Bell Media’s premium SVOD service.
As part of his portfolio, he oversees the development, creation, and execution of English-language original programming for Bell Media’s conventional, specialty, and OTT services. Cosentino also directs the company’s Hollywood buy strategy during the annual May screenings in Los Angeles. Previously, Cosentino’s portfolio was expanded to include Bell Media’s entertainment specialty networks when he was promoted to Senior Vice-President, CTV and Specialty in 2016.
In his prior role as Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks and Crave, Cosentino was integral to the launch of Crave in 2014 and again during its transition to a direct-to-consumer service in 2016. In that role, he was part of the team that secured exclusive rights for HBO and Showtime programs and negotiated exclusive deals for several franchise series, including South Park, Dr Who, and the first worldwide SVOD deal ever for Seinfeld. Cosentino also commissioned Crave’s first original series Letterkenny which launched to #1 status on Super Bowl Sunday in February, 2016.
Moderator: Valerie Creighton / President and CEO, Canada Media Fund
Creighton is an industry leader in arts, culture and media, recognized for reenergizing some of the country’s most important organizations in the sector over the last 30 years. An expert in organizational change, Creighton has been recognized as a visionary in promoting Canada’s cultural wealth.
Currently serving as President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, Creighton positions Canadian programming at the forefront in world markets advocating successful, innovative Canadian content and software applications for current and emerging digital platforms. Creighton has taken part in foreign trade missions, and been recognized with numerous awards nationally and from her home province of Saskatchewan, where she owns and operates the Red Horse Ranch.
Most recently she was invested into the 2016 Saskatchewan Order of Merit, was named one of 2016’s 20 most powerful women in global television by The Hollywood Reporter, and was awarded as the Honorary Maverick for the 2017 Female Eye Film Festival.
Creighton is an industry leader in arts, culture and media, recognized for reenergizing some of the country’s most important organizations in the sector over the last 30 years. An expert in organizational change, Creighton has been recognized as a visionary in promoting Canada’s cultural wealth.
Currently serving as President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, Creighton positions Canadian programming at the forefront in world markets advocating successful, innovative Canadian content and software applications for current and emerging digital platforms. Creighton has taken part in foreign trade missions, and been recognized with numerous awards nationally and from her home province of Saskatchewan, where she owns and operates the Red Horse Ranch.
Most recently she was invested into the 2016 Saskatchewan Order of Merit, was named one of 2016’s 20 most powerful women in global television by The Hollywood Reporter, and was awarded as the Honorary Maverick for the 2017 Female Eye Film Festival.
Margaret Dean / Head of Studio, Crunchyroll
Emmy-Award winner Margaret Dean is the Head of Studio for Crunchyroll, the world’s most popular anime brand. In this role, Dean is responsible for the development and production of original content, operating from studios in Los Angeles and Tokyo. Dean is also the President of Women in Animation.
Prior to Crunchyroll, Dean was the General Manager of Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, the largest stop motion studio in Southern California, where she supervised production of Emmy award-winning Robot Chicken (Adult Swim) and Buddy Thunderstruck (Netflix) as well as expanded Stoopid Buddy’s range of work to include 2D and 3D CGI.
Known for building studios and animation pipelines, Dean has been responsible for the design or re-design of several studios large and small, including Columbia-TriStar TV, Warner Bros. Animation, Mattel’s Playground Production, Omation (Steve Oedekerk), Technicolor Animation and Wildbrain Entertainment.
Emmy-Award winner Margaret Dean is the Head of Studio for Crunchyroll, the world’s most popular anime brand. In this role, Dean is responsible for the development and production of original content, operating from studios in Los Angeles and Tokyo. Dean is also the President of Women in Animation.
Prior to Crunchyroll, Dean was the General Manager of Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, the largest stop motion studio in Southern California, where she supervised production of Emmy award-winning Robot Chicken (Adult Swim) and Buddy Thunderstruck (Netflix) as well as expanded Stoopid Buddy’s range of work to include 2D and 3D CGI.
Known for building studios and animation pipelines, Dean has been responsible for the design or re-design of several studios large and small, including Columbia-TriStar TV, Warner Bros. Animation, Mattel’s Playground Production, Omation (Steve Oedekerk), Technicolor Animation and Wildbrain Entertainment.
Paul DeBenedittis / EVP, Programming and Content Strategy, Nickelodeon
DeBenedittis is EVP of programming and content strategy for the Nickelodeon Group. In this role, he leads the content and programming strategies, partnerships, acquisitions and media planning for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nicktoons and TeenNick as well as Nickelodeon’s global channels on platforms including linear television, digital, branded apps, VOD channels, DTO and wireless.
DeBenedittis was most recently SVP, programming strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide, including Disney Junior and Disney XD, where he led the planning, scheduling, acquisitions and co-production teams in the U.S. and was responsible for programming across their TV and digital portfolio, employing strategies for franchise properties such as The Descendants, Camp Rock, Star Wars Rebels and The Mickey Mouse Club House. He also oversaw the Disney Channel Worldwide Programming Strategy team, working closely with management, programming and distribution teams on programming strategy across all territories.
Prior to The Walt Disney Company, DeBenedittis spent 10 years at MTV as EVP, multiplatform programming, content strategy and scheduling. DeBenedittis led the programming strategy and content windowing for hit series and events including Laguna Beach, Jackass, The Osbournes, The Real World, Total Request Live, The MTV Video Music Awards and The MTV Movie Awards. He was also responsible for curating the network’s various programming destinations, including MTV’s primetime originals block, The 10 Spot, and the channel’s weekday afternoon and weekend slates. Earlier, he was Director of Programming, Acquisitions and Scheduling at USA Networks and Lifetime Television.
DeBenedittis is EVP of programming and content strategy for the Nickelodeon Group. In this role, he leads the content and programming strategies, partnerships, acquisitions and media planning for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nicktoons and TeenNick as well as Nickelodeon’s global channels on platforms including linear television, digital, branded apps, VOD channels, DTO and wireless.
DeBenedittis was most recently SVP, programming strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide, including Disney Junior and Disney XD, where he led the planning, scheduling, acquisitions and co-production teams in the U.S. and was responsible for programming across their TV and digital portfolio, employing strategies for franchise properties such as The Descendants, Camp Rock, Star Wars Rebels and The Mickey Mouse Club House. He also oversaw the Disney Channel Worldwide Programming Strategy team, working closely with management, programming and distribution teams on programming strategy across all territories.
Prior to The Walt Disney Company, DeBenedittis spent 10 years at MTV as EVP, multiplatform programming, content strategy and scheduling. DeBenedittis led the programming strategy and content windowing for hit series and events including Laguna Beach, Jackass, The Osbournes, The Real World, Total Request Live, The MTV Video Music Awards and The MTV Movie Awards. He was also responsible for curating the network’s various programming destinations, including MTV’s primetime originals block, The 10 Spot, and the channel’s weekday afternoon and weekend slates. Earlier, he was Director of Programming, Acquisitions and Scheduling at USA Networks and Lifetime Television.
Pat DiVittorio / VP, CTV and Specialty Programming, Bell Media
As VP, CTV and Specialty Programming, DiVittorio is responsible for all day-to-day programming strategies, including scheduling and strategic planning for Bell Media’s conventional and English-language entertainment specialty channels. DiVittorio also advises on program acquisitions and development as part of the Programming Council, which focuses on the creation and selection of hit programming.
DiVittorio joined the company in 1990 as program coordinator for local station CTV Toronto, and has held positions of increasing responsibility, most recently as VP, programming planning.
Throughout her television career, DiVittorio also worked at Showcase as program scheduler, where she was involved in program scheduling, planning, and creating an inventory and traffic system. Prior to joining the television industry, DiVittorio worked as a media buyer at Harrison, Young, Pesonen & Newell.
DiVittorio is a member of Canadian Women in Communications (CWC) and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. She also served on the board of directors for Women in Film and Television – Toronto (WIFT-T).
DiVittorio holds a double honours degree in Mass Communications and Sociology from York University.
As VP, CTV and Specialty Programming, DiVittorio is responsible for all day-to-day programming strategies, including scheduling and strategic planning for Bell Media’s conventional and English-language entertainment specialty channels. DiVittorio also advises on program acquisitions and development as part of the Programming Council, which focuses on the creation and selection of hit programming.
DiVittorio joined the company in 1990 as program coordinator for local station CTV Toronto, and has held positions of increasing responsibility, most recently as VP, programming planning.
Throughout her television career, DiVittorio also worked at Showcase as program scheduler, where she was involved in program scheduling, planning, and creating an inventory and traffic system. Prior to joining the television industry, DiVittorio worked as a media buyer at Harrison, Young, Pesonen & Newell.
DiVittorio is a member of Canadian Women in Communications (CWC) and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. She also served on the board of directors for Women in Film and Television – Toronto (WIFT-T).
DiVittorio holds a double honours degree in Mass Communications and Sociology from York University.
Peter Emerson / President, Cineflix Media Inc.
Working with Cineflix Media’s senior executive team on strategic growth initiatives, Emerson leads Cineflix Studios and is driving the expansion of the company’s scripted slate. Cineflix Studios co-produces and distributes the WGNA, Hulu, Super Channel, CBC dramatic series Pure, the CBC/NBCUniversal International Networks hit series Coroner, and SYFY, Space award-winning series Wynonna Earp.
Previously, Emerson was a founder and President of eOne Television International where he oversaw all aspects of the company’s international television activities, including the international roll-out of The Walking Dead, and many other high-profile shows through an output deal with AMC Studios. Prior to eOne, Emerson built Oasis International and was a partner in Blueprint Productions, both of which were acquired by eOne in 2008 to form eOne Television.
Working with Cineflix Media’s senior executive team on strategic growth initiatives, Emerson leads Cineflix Studios and is driving the expansion of the company’s scripted slate. Cineflix Studios co-produces and distributes the WGNA, Hulu, Super Channel, CBC dramatic series Pure, the CBC/NBCUniversal International Networks hit series Coroner, and SYFY, Space award-winning series Wynonna Earp.
Previously, Emerson was a founder and President of eOne Television International where he oversaw all aspects of the company’s international television activities, including the international roll-out of The Walking Dead, and many other high-profile shows through an output deal with AMC Studios. Prior to eOne, Emerson built Oasis International and was a partner in Blueprint Productions, both of which were acquired by eOne in 2008 to form eOne Television.
Lisa Godfrey / VP, original content, Corus Entertainment
Godfrey has 25 year’s experience in the television industry both in production and broadcasting. As VP of Original Content at Corus Entertainment, Godfrey oversees Original Content development and production for Drama, Lifestyle, Factual and Kids content for Corus’s portfolio of channels including, Global, HGTV Canada, FOOD Network Canada, W Network, Slice and History, YTV, Teletoon and Treehouse.
Godfrey’s career in television began working on Canada’s first daytime talk show, The Shirley Show. Following that she spent several years working in the United States producing Universal Television’s Sally Jesse Raphael, Paramount Pictures’ The Montel Williams Show and was development producer for Telepictures and Pearson Television.
In 2001 Lisa transitioned to broadcasting, joining Specialty broadcaster Alliance Atlantis as Director of Original Content for a number of their specialty channels including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Slice, History Television, and National Geographic Channel. In 2010 her focus shifted when she took on the role of Director of Programming and Scheduling at Shaw Media, developing programming and scheduling strategies for some of the country’s biggest specialty services.
As a mother, wife, television executive and TV enthusiast, Godfrey approaches her personal and professional life with passion, vigor and unwavering commitment.
Godfrey has 25 year’s experience in the television industry both in production and broadcasting. As VP of Original Content at Corus Entertainment, Godfrey oversees Original Content development and production for Drama, Lifestyle, Factual and Kids content for Corus’s portfolio of channels including, Global, HGTV Canada, FOOD Network Canada, W Network, Slice and History, YTV, Teletoon and Treehouse.
Godfrey’s career in television began working on Canada’s first daytime talk show, The Shirley Show. Following that she spent several years working in the United States producing Universal Television’s Sally Jesse Raphael, Paramount Pictures’ The Montel Williams Show and was development producer for Telepictures and Pearson Television.
In 2001 Lisa transitioned to broadcasting, joining Specialty broadcaster Alliance Atlantis as Director of Original Content for a number of their specialty channels including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada, Slice, History Television, and National Geographic Channel. In 2010 her focus shifted when she took on the role of Director of Programming and Scheduling at Shaw Media, developing programming and scheduling strategies for some of the country’s biggest specialty services.
As a mother, wife, television executive and TV enthusiast, Godfrey approaches her personal and professional life with passion, vigor and unwavering commitment.
Moderator: Lon Hall / Owner, Hall Webber LLP
Hall has been practicing law in Toronto since 1982. Originally a securities and corporate-commercial lawyer, he began working exclusively in the entertainment industries in 1986 with Peter Steinmetz & Associates. From 1987-1992 Hall worked at Atlantis Films (predecessor of Alliance Atlantis Entertainment) as VP, business affairs where he initiated and headed up the business & legal affairs department. At the end of 1992, Hall left Atlantis to start what is now known as Hall Webber LLP: a law firm dedicated to entertainment law.
Hall practices primarily in the areas of production, distribution, talent, financing and business transactions, as well as errors & omissions, on behalf of corporate and individual clients in the film, television and digital media sectors.
In addition to his legal practice, Hall acts as an Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) Arbitrator; and has executive produced the television series Pet Project (life network, Canada; Animal Planet, USA) the Gemini Award-winning The Surreal Gourmet (Food Network, Canada and USA), Crash My Kitchen (Food Network, Canada) and Tooned! (Teletropolis, Canada), as well as the recent documentary Omega Man (part of Bell’s limited series Engraved on a Nation).
Hall also currently sits on the board of directors of two charities: Moving Beyond Prejudice and The Citrine Foundation of Canada and is a former director of Variety-the Children’s Charity (Ontario).
Hall has been practicing law in Toronto since 1982. Originally a securities and corporate-commercial lawyer, he began working exclusively in the entertainment industries in 1986 with Peter Steinmetz & Associates. From 1987-1992 Hall worked at Atlantis Films (predecessor of Alliance Atlantis Entertainment) as VP, business affairs where he initiated and headed up the business & legal affairs department. At the end of 1992, Hall left Atlantis to start what is now known as Hall Webber LLP: a law firm dedicated to entertainment law.
Hall practices primarily in the areas of production, distribution, talent, financing and business transactions, as well as errors & omissions, on behalf of corporate and individual clients in the film, television and digital media sectors.
In addition to his legal practice, Hall acts as an Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) Arbitrator; and has executive produced the television series Pet Project (life network, Canada; Animal Planet, USA) the Gemini Award-winning The Surreal Gourmet (Food Network, Canada and USA), Crash My Kitchen (Food Network, Canada) and Tooned! (Teletropolis, Canada), as well as the recent documentary Omega Man (part of Bell’s limited series Engraved on a Nation).
Hall also currently sits on the board of directors of two charities: Moving Beyond Prejudice and The Citrine Foundation of Canada and is a former director of Variety-the Children’s Charity (Ontario).
Jocelyn Hamilton / President - Canada, Television, Entertainment One
Hamilton leads all Canadian operations for Entertainment One’s television business which includes the strategic planning and day-to-day management of eOne’s television development and production activities in Canada. In her role, she focuses on building and broadening strong relationships with creative talent and Canadian broadcasters, while overseeing all aspects of the studio’s original slate across all genres. Jocelyn also spearheaded the creation of eOne’s podcast network which is now the #1 independent podcast network in Canada.
As executive producer, Hamilton has helped bring to life such high-profile projects as Burden of Truth, CBC; Cardinal, CTV/Hulu; Mary Kills People, Lifetime/Global; Nurses, Global; Private Eyes, Global/ION; Ransom, Corus/CBS; Gord Downie’s JUNO-Award winning project Secret Path; The Detail, CTV/ION; and, Burden of Truth, CBC/CW. Hamilton also oversees all unscripted content including Border Security, Global/Netflix; Expecting, UPtv; Make it to the Moon, Discovery Canada and The Last Goodbye Discovery ID.
Hamilton has 30 years of creative and business experience in the entertainment industry. Prior to eOne, she served as VP, programming & original productions for Corus Kids where she was responsible for all content strategies, programming and original productions, both affiliated and independent. She held a number of other key roles over many years at Corus Entertainment, which included overseeing Comedy and Drama original programming for all Corus specialty networks as well as Movie Central and HBO Canada.
Hamilton is on the board of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, Board Chair for Women in Film and Television (WIFT) – Toronto and is featured on Ryerson’s School of Media Wall of Fame.
Hamilton leads all Canadian operations for Entertainment One’s television business which includes the strategic planning and day-to-day management of eOne’s television development and production activities in Canada. In her role, she focuses on building and broadening strong relationships with creative talent and Canadian broadcasters, while overseeing all aspects of the studio’s original slate across all genres. Jocelyn also spearheaded the creation of eOne’s podcast network which is now the #1 independent podcast network in Canada.
As executive producer, Hamilton has helped bring to life such high-profile projects as Burden of Truth, CBC; Cardinal, CTV/Hulu; Mary Kills People, Lifetime/Global; Nurses, Global; Private Eyes, Global/ION; Ransom, Corus/CBS; Gord Downie’s JUNO-Award winning project Secret Path; The Detail, CTV/ION; and, Burden of Truth, CBC/CW. Hamilton also oversees all unscripted content including Border Security, Global/Netflix; Expecting, UPtv; Make it to the Moon, Discovery Canada and The Last Goodbye Discovery ID.
Hamilton has 30 years of creative and business experience in the entertainment industry. Prior to eOne, she served as VP, programming & original productions for Corus Kids where she was responsible for all content strategies, programming and original productions, both affiliated and independent. She held a number of other key roles over many years at Corus Entertainment, which included overseeing Comedy and Drama original programming for all Corus specialty networks as well as Movie Central and HBO Canada.
Hamilton is on the board of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, Board Chair for Women in Film and Television (WIFT) – Toronto and is featured on Ryerson’s School of Media Wall of Fame.
Lisa Hamilton Daly / Director, original series, Netflix
Hamilton Daly joined Netflix as director, original series in January 2018, and currently oversees the development and production of the upcoming drama series Spinning Out, Firefly Lane, Sweet Magnolias and Tiny Pretty Things, among others. Previously she worked for A+E’s Lifetime channel, developing movies, miniseries, and backdoor pilots, including the 8-hour Flowers in the Attic wheel of movies and several Emmy-nominated shows including Flint, starring Queen Latifah. For Lifetime Films, she oversaw the production of several independent films including Lila & Eve, starring Viola Davis and Jennifer Lopez, and Paris Can Wait starring Diane Lane and Alec Baldwin. Prior to Lifetime/A+E, Hamilton Daly worked at DreamWorks Pictures in development and creative and literary affairs in both the Los Angeles and New York offices. She started her career at Artists Management Group, Michael Ovitz’s management venture, in the literary rights department. She holds an M.A./Ph.D. in English and American Literature and Languages from Harvard University.
Hamilton Daly joined Netflix as director, original series in January 2018, and currently oversees the development and production of the upcoming drama series Spinning Out, Firefly Lane, Sweet Magnolias and Tiny Pretty Things, among others. Previously she worked for A+E’s Lifetime channel, developing movies, miniseries, and backdoor pilots, including the 8-hour Flowers in the Attic wheel of movies and several Emmy-nominated shows including Flint, starring Queen Latifah. For Lifetime Films, she oversaw the production of several independent films including Lila & Eve, starring Viola Davis and Jennifer Lopez, and Paris Can Wait starring Diane Lane and Alec Baldwin. Prior to Lifetime/A+E, Hamilton Daly worked at DreamWorks Pictures in development and creative and literary affairs in both the Los Angeles and New York offices. She started her career at Artists Management Group, Michael Ovitz’s management venture, in the literary rights department. She holds an M.A./Ph.D. in English and American Literature and Languages from Harvard University.
Tom Hastings / Director, original programming, Drama, Bell Media
As the Director of Drama in Bell Media’s Original Programming Unit, Hastings supervises the development and production of original Canadian dramatic series across Bell Media’s family of channels, including CTV, Space, Bravo, Crave.
Hastings has extensive relationships with Canada’s independent production community and is especially known for his respected relationships with Canadian writers and producers.
He holds a doctorate degree, having obtained his Ph.D. in English Literature.
As the Director of Drama in Bell Media’s Original Programming Unit, Hastings supervises the development and production of original Canadian dramatic series across Bell Media’s family of channels, including CTV, Space, Bravo, Crave.
Hastings has extensive relationships with Canada’s independent production community and is especially known for his respected relationships with Canadian writers and producers.
He holds a doctorate degree, having obtained his Ph.D. in English Literature.
Kevin Healey / SVP of Alternative Comedy and Worldwide Formats, Propagate Content
Healey has created, written, developed and produced a diverse array of shows including Syfy’s Megahit Scare Tactics, Tru TV’s hit comedy show Fameless with David Spade, Scare Pewdiepie for YouTube Red, Betty White’s Off Their Rockers for NBC, the FOX comedy reality hit Mobbed with Howie Mandel, The Carbonaro Effect for TRU TV, Animal Planet’s Fool’s Gold and Prank Encounters with Gaten Matarazzo for Netflix. Healey is the SVP of Alternative Comedy and Worldwide Formats for Propagate Content in Hollywood.
Healey has created, written, developed and produced a diverse array of shows including Syfy’s Megahit Scare Tactics, Tru TV’s hit comedy show Fameless with David Spade, Scare Pewdiepie for YouTube Red, Betty White’s Off Their Rockers for NBC, the FOX comedy reality hit Mobbed with Howie Mandel, The Carbonaro Effect for TRU TV, Animal Planet’s Fool’s Gold and Prank Encounters with Gaten Matarazzo for Netflix. Healey is the SVP of Alternative Comedy and Worldwide Formats for Propagate Content in Hollywood.
Jeff Hersh / VP, Strategy OTT Distribution and Premium SVOD, Bell Media
Hersh is responsible for formulating and executing the strategy and business development for Bell Media. In addition, he is responsible for Crave and the strategy and expansion of Bell Media’s OTT and direct-to-consumer opportunities.
Formerly Vice-President, Strategy, Revenue Management, and Research, Hersh led the strategy and business development for Bell Media in addition to the revenue management and research functions for the company.
Hersh joined Bell Media in 2013 from BCE where he was director, corporate strategy and mergers and acquisitions.
Hersh also founded, led, and sold a start-up in the online apartment rental industry. Prior to that, he was at Fairfax Media in Australia.
Hersh holds an HBA and MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.
Hersh is responsible for formulating and executing the strategy and business development for Bell Media. In addition, he is responsible for Crave and the strategy and expansion of Bell Media’s OTT and direct-to-consumer opportunities.
Formerly Vice-President, Strategy, Revenue Management, and Research, Hersh led the strategy and business development for Bell Media in addition to the revenue management and research functions for the company.
Hersh joined Bell Media in 2013 from BCE where he was director, corporate strategy and mergers and acquisitions.
Hersh also founded, led, and sold a start-up in the online apartment rental industry. Prior to that, he was at Fairfax Media in Australia.
Hersh holds an HBA and MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.
Brad Holcman / Senior director, A+E
Holcman joined A+E in 2012 as senior director, non-fiction and alternative programming. In this role, Holcman oversees the development and production of many of A+E’s unscripted critically acclaimed projects 60 Days In, Intervention (4-time Emmy Nominee – 2015-2018), The Employables, Undercover High and the recently announced series The Impossible: Live, Volcano Walk Live, America’s Top Dog (A&E’s first competition series), and The Accused. He has also overseen some of A+E’s past hits including Duck Dynasty, Behind Bars: Rookie Year, Gangland Undercover, and Panic 9-1-1 to name a few. His passion is to build relationships with the world’s producers and broadcasters to develop and produce for A+E. Holcman came to A+E from fox21 where he served as director of creative affairs, and was responsible for overseeing the development of all reality and alternative programming including Countdown, Beauty and the Geek, Saved, Untitled Jamie Kennedy Project and Game Show in My Head, as well as numerous pilots for broadcast and cable networks. He also assisted with fox21’s slate of scripted projects, including Homeland, Sons of Anarchy and Brickleberry. Prior to fox21, Holcman worked in Drama Development at 20th Century Fox Television. Holcman received his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and Communication from the University of Michigan.
Holcman joined A+E in 2012 as senior director, non-fiction and alternative programming. In this role, Holcman oversees the development and production of many of A+E’s unscripted critically acclaimed projects 60 Days In, Intervention (4-time Emmy Nominee – 2015-2018), The Employables, Undercover High and the recently announced series The Impossible: Live, Volcano Walk Live, America’s Top Dog (A&E’s first competition series), and The Accused. He has also overseen some of A+E’s past hits including Duck Dynasty, Behind Bars: Rookie Year, Gangland Undercover, and Panic 9-1-1 to name a few. His passion is to build relationships with the world’s producers and broadcasters to develop and produce for A+E. Holcman came to A+E from fox21 where he served as director of creative affairs, and was responsible for overseeing the development of all reality and alternative programming including Countdown, Beauty and the Geek, Saved, Untitled Jamie Kennedy Project and Game Show in My Head, as well as numerous pilots for broadcast and cable networks. He also assisted with fox21’s slate of scripted projects, including Homeland, Sons of Anarchy and Brickleberry. Prior to fox21, Holcman worked in Drama Development at 20th Century Fox Television. Holcman received his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and Communication from the University of Michigan.
Meghan Hooper White / SVP, original movies, co-productions and acquistions, Lifetime and Lifetime Movies
Hooper White is Senior Vice President, original movies, co-productions and acquisitions, for Lifetime and Lifetime Movies (formerly LMN). Based in New York, Hooper White oversees the development and production on both original films and original co-production film commissions, international co-productions and all program acquisitions for Lifetime and Lifetime Movies. She joined the networks in 2011 as vice president co-productions and acquisitions and was responsible for overseeing all co-productions and program acquisitions. Hooper White has overseen a wide variety of projects during her tenure including the slate of movies for It’s A Wonderful Lifetime, the pop culture sensation A Deadly Adoption starring Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig, the remake of cult classic, Mother, May I Sleep with Danger? for its 20th Anniversary from executive producer James Franco, the critically-acclaimed and provocative 2018 scripted series, Mary Kills People, and Lifetime’s highly acclaimed 2017 movie Story of a Girl marking Golden Globe winner Kyra Sedgwick’s directorial debut and starring Kevin Bacon.
Additionally, Hooper White oversaw the acquisitions of films such as Return To Zero which earned Minnie Driver an Emmy nomination, Custody starring Viola Davis and the Critics’ Choice nominated film, Stockholm, Pennsylvania starring Cynthia Nixon, Jason Issacs and Saoirse Ronan.
Prior to joining Lifetime, Hooper was director, program acquisitions and administration for NBC Universal, where she managed acquisitions and inventory of all films and series for USA Network and its emerging sister networks Cloo and Universal HD.
Hooper White is Senior Vice President, original movies, co-productions and acquisitions, for Lifetime and Lifetime Movies (formerly LMN). Based in New York, Hooper White oversees the development and production on both original films and original co-production film commissions, international co-productions and all program acquisitions for Lifetime and Lifetime Movies. She joined the networks in 2011 as vice president co-productions and acquisitions and was responsible for overseeing all co-productions and program acquisitions. Hooper White has overseen a wide variety of projects during her tenure including the slate of movies for It’s A Wonderful Lifetime, the pop culture sensation A Deadly Adoption starring Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig, the remake of cult classic, Mother, May I Sleep with Danger? for its 20th Anniversary from executive producer James Franco, the critically-acclaimed and provocative 2018 scripted series, Mary Kills People, and Lifetime’s highly acclaimed 2017 movie Story of a Girl marking Golden Globe winner Kyra Sedgwick’s directorial debut and starring Kevin Bacon.
Additionally, Hooper White oversaw the acquisitions of films such as Return To Zero which earned Minnie Driver an Emmy nomination, Custody starring Viola Davis and the Critics’ Choice nominated film, Stockholm, Pennsylvania starring Cynthia Nixon, Jason Issacs and Saoirse Ronan.
Prior to joining Lifetime, Hooper was director, program acquisitions and administration for NBC Universal, where she managed acquisitions and inventory of all films and series for USA Network and its emerging sister networks Cloo and Universal HD.
Cathie James / Co-president, Proper Television
James is Co-President of Proper Television, which is part of the Boat Rocker Media family. Since joining the company in 2010 as Creative Director, she has more than doubled Proper’s production slate and built its reputation as a producer of blue chip international formats.
James executive produces MasterChef Canada, The Canadian Baking Show, Iron Chef Canada and Mary’s Kitchen Crush, as well as overseeing Proper’s original development slate. She created the CBC format Redemption INC with Kevin O’Leary, and as an executive at CBC Factual Entertainment was instrumental in developing Next Great Prime Minister, a format which sold in several territories around the world. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and began her career in news and current affairs.
James is Co-President of Proper Television, which is part of the Boat Rocker Media family. Since joining the company in 2010 as Creative Director, she has more than doubled Proper’s production slate and built its reputation as a producer of blue chip international formats.
James executive produces MasterChef Canada, The Canadian Baking Show, Iron Chef Canada and Mary’s Kitchen Crush, as well as overseeing Proper’s original development slate. She created the CBC format Redemption INC with Kevin O’Leary, and as an executive at CBC Factual Entertainment was instrumental in developing Next Great Prime Minister, a format which sold in several territories around the world. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and began her career in news and current affairs.
JJ Johnson / Founding partner, Sinking Ship Entertainment
Johnson is the creative force and founding partner of Sinking Ship Entertainment. He is an Emmy award-winning executive producer, and director, and Emmy nominated writer with international acclaim for over 15 series and 500 episode credits. He and Sinking Ship Entertainment are globally recognised for such successes as Annedroids, Odd Squad and the Dino Dan and Dino Dana series. He has been lauded by the Hollywood reporter as one of the top 20 under 35. Among his many accolades, J.J. made Emmy Award history in 2015 for being nominated three times in the same directing category for different series, going on to win the award for Outstanding Directing in a Children’s or Pre-School Children’s series for Odd Squad. J.J.’s additional contributions to the film and television industry include his participation in the Geena Davis Institute panel on STEM Trends in Media in 2017; he delivered the keynote address at the International Communication Association’s Children, Adolescents, and the Media conference in 2017; and he is currently co-chair of the Youth Media Alliance in Canada.
Johnson is the creative force and founding partner of Sinking Ship Entertainment. He is an Emmy award-winning executive producer, and director, and Emmy nominated writer with international acclaim for over 15 series and 500 episode credits. He and Sinking Ship Entertainment are globally recognised for such successes as Annedroids, Odd Squad and the Dino Dan and Dino Dana series. He has been lauded by the Hollywood reporter as one of the top 20 under 35. Among his many accolades, J.J. made Emmy Award history in 2015 for being nominated three times in the same directing category for different series, going on to win the award for Outstanding Directing in a Children’s or Pre-School Children’s series for Odd Squad. J.J.’s additional contributions to the film and television industry include his participation in the Geena Davis Institute panel on STEM Trends in Media in 2017; he delivered the keynote address at the International Communication Association’s Children, Adolescents, and the Media conference in 2017; and he is currently co-chair of the Youth Media Alliance in Canada.
Gosia Kamela / Drama and feature film production executive, Bell Media
As a drama and feature film production executive for Bell Media’s original programming team, Kamela is responsible for overseeing the development and production of original drama series across Bell Media’s family of channels, including: CTV, Space, Bravo, and Crave/HBO Canada. She is also on the team that pre-licenses Canadian Feature Films for Crave. Her projects include the critically acclaimed series Orphan Black for the Space channel, and more recently CTV’s new drama Transplant and Carter for Bravo. Previously, she was the Executive on MTV Canada’s Degrassi: The Next Generation, CTV’s limited series The Disappearance, Bravo’s 19-2, and CTV’s Flashpoint. Prior to joining Bell Media, Kamelawas a Producer at True West Films (It’s All Gone Pete Tong, Everything’s Gone Green).
As a drama and feature film production executive for Bell Media’s original programming team, Kamela is responsible for overseeing the development and production of original drama series across Bell Media’s family of channels, including: CTV, Space, Bravo, and Crave/HBO Canada. She is also on the team that pre-licenses Canadian Feature Films for Crave. Her projects include the critically acclaimed series Orphan Black for the Space channel, and more recently CTV’s new drama Transplant and Carter for Bravo. Previously, she was the Executive on MTV Canada’s Degrassi: The Next Generation, CTV’s limited series The Disappearance, Bravo’s 19-2, and CTV’s Flashpoint. Prior to joining Bell Media, Kamelawas a Producer at True West Films (It’s All Gone Pete Tong, Everything’s Gone Green).
Gave Lindo / Executive director of OTT programing, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Lindo is the executive director of OTT programming for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation where he leads the content strategy for the public broadcaster’s over-the-top streaming service, CBC GEM, and oversees its slate of original digital content for all platforms. Prior to his appointment, he served as senior director and chief of staff of programming where he oversaw CBC’s programming operations and content partnerships. Previously, Lindo has served as the executive director of Reelworld Film Festival, as a business executive at CBC, and began his career as a corporate media lawyer. Lindo currently serves on a number of boards including Ontario Creates, the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, and Laidlaw Foundation. He holds BA, MBA, and JD degrees from the University of Toronto.
Lindo is the executive director of OTT programming for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation where he leads the content strategy for the public broadcaster’s over-the-top streaming service, CBC GEM, and oversees its slate of original digital content for all platforms. Prior to his appointment, he served as senior director and chief of staff of programming where he oversaw CBC’s programming operations and content partnerships. Previously, Lindo has served as the executive director of Reelworld Film Festival, as a business executive at CBC, and began his career as a corporate media lawyer. Lindo currently serves on a number of boards including Ontario Creates, the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, and Laidlaw Foundation. He holds BA, MBA, and JD degrees from the University of Toronto.
Sam Linton / Head of original content, Canadian Media, Blue Ant Media
As head of original content, Canadian Media for Blue Ant Media, Linton brings over 30 years of production expertise to the media company’s specialty television channels including Cottage Life, T+E, Makeful, Smithsonian Canada and BBC Earth Canada. In her role, Linton oversees commissioning and production of original series such as Blown Away, Paranormal 911, Life Below Zero: Canada, Hope For Wildlife, Crazy Beautiful Weddings and Great Canadian Cottages with Colin and Justin. Linton has written, produced and directed many series and one-offs. Her former roles include director of programming for Discovery Canada and Animal Planet, in addition to SVP of Factual for Cineflix Productions where she executive produced series such as May Day, Final 24, Mega Moves and Urban Legends. Linton also held leadership roles at History Television as acting head of factual content and RTR Media as VP and EP for RTR Media.
As head of original content, Canadian Media for Blue Ant Media, Linton brings over 30 years of production expertise to the media company’s specialty television channels including Cottage Life, T+E, Makeful, Smithsonian Canada and BBC Earth Canada. In her role, Linton oversees commissioning and production of original series such as Blown Away, Paranormal 911, Life Below Zero: Canada, Hope For Wildlife, Crazy Beautiful Weddings and Great Canadian Cottages with Colin and Justin. Linton has written, produced and directed many series and one-offs. Her former roles include director of programming for Discovery Canada and Animal Planet, in addition to SVP of Factual for Cineflix Productions where she executive produced series such as May Day, Final 24, Mega Moves and Urban Legends. Linton also held leadership roles at History Television as acting head of factual content and RTR Media as VP and EP for RTR Media.
Moderator: Michael MacLennan / Screenwriter and producer
MacLennan has been nominated seven times for the Writers Guild of Canada Canadian Screenwriting Award, and received the WGC’s 2018 showrunner of the Year Award. A producer of nearly 300 episodes, his credits include co-executive producer of Queer As Folk, creator and EP of Godiva’s, Co-EP on Flashpoint, Bitten, and Freeform’s hit series The Fosters. He co-created and show-ran Bomb Girls, which was twice nominated for Best Series by the Canadian Screen Awards, and honoured as Outstanding Dramatic Series by the US Gracie Awards. He has written multiple pilot scripts for both CBS and ABC, and recently served as EP and showrunner for the BritBox/ITV series The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco. He is currently back home in Toronto, where he serves as EP and showrunner for the new Netflix series Tiny Pretty Things.
MacLennan has been nominated seven times for the Writers Guild of Canada Canadian Screenwriting Award, and received the WGC’s 2018 showrunner of the Year Award. A producer of nearly 300 episodes, his credits include co-executive producer of Queer As Folk, creator and EP of Godiva’s, Co-EP on Flashpoint, Bitten, and Freeform’s hit series The Fosters. He co-created and show-ran Bomb Girls, which was twice nominated for Best Series by the Canadian Screen Awards, and honoured as Outstanding Dramatic Series by the US Gracie Awards. He has written multiple pilot scripts for both CBS and ABC, and recently served as EP and showrunner for the BritBox/ITV series The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco. He is currently back home in Toronto, where he serves as EP and showrunner for the new Netflix series Tiny Pretty Things.
Marie McCann / Senior director of children’s content, CBC Kids
McCann is the senior director of children’s content for CBC Kids. McCann oversees development, production, acquisition as well as in-house production of our-award winning content. McCann has been a performer, writer, director and producer and in kids television for over 25 years.
McCann is the senior director of children’s content for CBC Kids. McCann oversees development, production, acquisition as well as in-house production of our-award winning content. McCann has been a performer, writer, director and producer and in kids television for over 25 years.
Bruce McCulloch / Executive producer and showrunner, Tallboyz
McCulloch is a Canadian actor, comedian, writer, and director. Perhaps best known for his work with the award-winning sketch troupe, The Kids in the Hall, McCulloch has since had a career spanning television, film, and the stage.
He has written and performed in Young Drunk Punk (a series inspired by his own life), Death Comes to Town, and This Blows (web series) also for CBC, and he created Carpoolers for ABC. He has directed such shows as SNL, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Schitt’s Creek, and Trailer Park Boys.
As an actor, he has appeared in numerous Canadian and American television shows such as Saturday Night Live, Arrested Development, Gilmore Girls, Comedy Bang Bang, Workaholics, Nobodies, and even Anne of Green Gables.
McCulloch has also written and/or directed several films including Dog Park starring Luke Wilson, Superstar starring Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell, Stealing Harvard starring Jason Lee, Leslie Mann and Tom Green, and Comeback Season starring Ray Liotta.
McCulloch has two spoken word/comedy/music CDs; Shame-based Man and The Drunk Baby Project. On stage, he has written or performed several one-man shows including Two-Headed Roommate, Jazz Stenographers, Slightly Bigger, and is currently performing Tales of Bravery & Stupidity, which he is turning into his next book. His first book, Let’s Start a Riot was released by Harper Collins.
McCulloch is a Canadian actor, comedian, writer, and director. Perhaps best known for his work with the award-winning sketch troupe, The Kids in the Hall, McCulloch has since had a career spanning television, film, and the stage.
He has written and performed in Young Drunk Punk (a series inspired by his own life), Death Comes to Town, and This Blows (web series) also for CBC, and he created Carpoolers for ABC. He has directed such shows as SNL, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Schitt’s Creek, and Trailer Park Boys.
As an actor, he has appeared in numerous Canadian and American television shows such as Saturday Night Live, Arrested Development, Gilmore Girls, Comedy Bang Bang, Workaholics, Nobodies, and even Anne of Green Gables.
McCulloch has also written and/or directed several films including Dog Park starring Luke Wilson, Superstar starring Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell, Stealing Harvard starring Jason Lee, Leslie Mann and Tom Green, and Comeback Season starring Ray Liotta.
McCulloch has two spoken word/comedy/music CDs; Shame-based Man and The Drunk Baby Project. On stage, he has written or performed several one-man shows including Two-Headed Roommate, Jazz Stenographers, Slightly Bigger, and is currently performing Tales of Bravery & Stupidity, which he is turning into his next book. His first book, Let’s Start a Riot was released by Harper Collins.
Leslie Merklinger / Senior director of Audio Innovation, CBC
Merklinger is the senior director of Audio Innovation at the CBC. She launched CBC Podcasts in 2015 and serves as it’s creative and strategic head.
Under Merklinger’s head, CBC has become Canada’s #1 podcast publisher with a slate that has earned multiple awards, critical reviews, regular presence on Best of Lists worldwide and garners over 21 million downloads per month.
Prior to moving to audio, Merklinger was an audio award winning television veteran with over 3 decades as a producer, director and commissioning editor. Her career has spanned many genres, including current affairs, talk, documentary, factual and lifestyle television at various independent tv production companies and every major broadcaster in Canada, including CTV, CBC, Global Television, Canwest, Shaw Media, Alliance Atlantis and CBC. Prior to her move to audio, Merklinger was head of original programming for Food Network Canada.
Merklinger holds a master’s in creative media education from the University of Bournemouth, UK, teaches radio and television arts at Ryerson University and is a regular judge for Taste Canada, Canada’s national cookbook awards
Merklinger is the senior director of Audio Innovation at the CBC. She launched CBC Podcasts in 2015 and serves as it’s creative and strategic head.
Under Merklinger’s head, CBC has become Canada’s #1 podcast publisher with a slate that has earned multiple awards, critical reviews, regular presence on Best of Lists worldwide and garners over 21 million downloads per month.
Prior to moving to audio, Merklinger was an audio award winning television veteran with over 3 decades as a producer, director and commissioning editor. Her career has spanned many genres, including current affairs, talk, documentary, factual and lifestyle television at various independent tv production companies and every major broadcaster in Canada, including CTV, CBC, Global Television, Canwest, Shaw Media, Alliance Atlantis and CBC. Prior to her move to audio, Merklinger was head of original programming for Food Network Canada.
Merklinger holds a master’s in creative media education from the University of Bournemouth, UK, teaches radio and television arts at Ryerson University and is a regular judge for Taste Canada, Canada’s national cookbook awards
Arif Noorani / Executive producer, CBC podcasts
Noorani is the executive producer of CBC Podcasts, launching the department four years ago. He has developed more than twenty series including the investigative podcasts Uncover (Escaping NXIVM, Bomb on Board, The Village) and Someone Knows Something. Other series include On Drugs, The Shadows, Love Me and Personal Best. He has launched shows across platforms and lead some of CBC’s most successful programs.
Noorani is the executive producer of CBC Podcasts, launching the department four years ago. He has developed more than twenty series including the investigative podcasts Uncover (Escaping NXIVM, Bomb on Board, The Village) and Someone Knows Something. Other series include On Drugs, The Shadows, Love Me and Personal Best. He has launched shows across platforms and lead some of CBC’s most successful programs.
Host: Sangita Patel / Entertainment reporter, ET Canada
Born and raised in Toronto, Patel always excelled in academics while pursuing her passion for performing. After graduating university, Patel worked as an electrical engineer by day and volunteered for community television by night. Patel worked her way up, reporting on local lifestyle and entertainment news.
Finally, an opportunity to combine her passions for television and science came along when Patel was offered a job as a weather presenter. It was at that point that Patel left her well-paying day job to work in media full-time and she hasn’t looked back since.
In 2014, Patel joined ET Canada to cover the hottest red carpets and interview the biggest stars on the planet including Julia Roberts, Dwayne Johnson and Helen Mirren.
Named one of Hello Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People, Patel has appeared in national beauty campaigns for Shoppers Drug Mart and L’Oréal and played a reporter in an episode of the TV series, The Strain and Private Eyes. Dusting off her steel-toed boots once again, Patel was named the host of HGTV Canada’s Home to Win in 2016.
In 2019, Patel was named as the Canadian spokesperson for Covergirl’s Simply Ageless Collection. A strong believer in education, Patel is supporter of Pathways to Education, Children’s Wish and ONE Campaign.
Born and raised in Toronto, Patel always excelled in academics while pursuing her passion for performing. After graduating university, Patel worked as an electrical engineer by day and volunteered for community television by night. Patel worked her way up, reporting on local lifestyle and entertainment news.
Finally, an opportunity to combine her passions for television and science came along when Patel was offered a job as a weather presenter. It was at that point that Patel left her well-paying day job to work in media full-time and she hasn’t looked back since.
In 2014, Patel joined ET Canada to cover the hottest red carpets and interview the biggest stars on the planet including Julia Roberts, Dwayne Johnson and Helen Mirren.
Named one of Hello Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People, Patel has appeared in national beauty campaigns for Shoppers Drug Mart and L’Oréal and played a reporter in an episode of the TV series, The Strain and Private Eyes. Dusting off her steel-toed boots once again, Patel was named the host of HGTV Canada’s Home to Win in 2016.
In 2019, Patel was named as the Canadian spokesperson for Covergirl’s Simply Ageless Collection. A strong believer in education, Patel is supporter of Pathways to Education, Children’s Wish and ONE Campaign.
Moderator: Marguerite Pigott / Film Commissioner and director of entertainment Industries, City of Toronto
Pigott is Film commissioner and director of Entertainment Industries for the City of Toronto. Previously, Pigott was VP of outreach and strategic initiatives for the Canadian media producers association, where she lead the CMPA’s efforts to future-proof Canadian independent production companies through initiatives targeting innovation and digital business models, and for whom she also produced the highly respected media conference Prime Time. Concurrently, she served as Vice Chair of Ontario Creates. Prior to the CMPA, Pigott was head of creative development for the national, pay television broadcaster Super Channel, where she oversaw the pre-licencing of series and features, and led the team that invested Super Channel’s development fund. Marguerite has also served as ViP of development and production for Odeon Films, An Alliance Atlantis Company, where she executive produced Fubar, Saint Ralph, waydowntownand many more. For the Toronto international film festival, Pigott programmed the Canadian selection for the 2006 and 2007 festivals.
Pigott is Film commissioner and director of Entertainment Industries for the City of Toronto. Previously, Pigott was VP of outreach and strategic initiatives for the Canadian media producers association, where she lead the CMPA’s efforts to future-proof Canadian independent production companies through initiatives targeting innovation and digital business models, and for whom she also produced the highly respected media conference Prime Time. Concurrently, she served as Vice Chair of Ontario Creates. Prior to the CMPA, Pigott was head of creative development for the national, pay television broadcaster Super Channel, where she oversaw the pre-licencing of series and features, and led the team that invested Super Channel’s development fund. Marguerite has also served as ViP of development and production for Odeon Films, An Alliance Atlantis Company, where she executive produced Fubar, Saint Ralph, waydowntownand many more. For the Toronto international film festival, Pigott programmed the Canadian selection for the 2006 and 2007 festivals.
Carter Pilcher / CEO, Shorts International
Pilcher founded Shorts International in 2000. Coming from a background in both investment banking and law, Pilcher has made Shorts International the world’s leading short movie Entertainment Company, functioning as distributor, broadcaster and producer. Pilcher has extensive experience in short movie production and short movie entertainment. He is a voting member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and a member of the Short Film and Feature Animation Branch of The US Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) – the guys who pick the Oscars. Pilcher, originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, received a B.S. from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a J.D. from Georgetown University, is a member of the New York Bar and attended the London Business School Corporate Finance Evening Program.
Pilcher founded Shorts International in 2000. Coming from a background in both investment banking and law, Pilcher has made Shorts International the world’s leading short movie Entertainment Company, functioning as distributor, broadcaster and producer. Pilcher has extensive experience in short movie production and short movie entertainment. He is a voting member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and a member of the Short Film and Feature Animation Branch of The US Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) – the guys who pick the Oscars. Pilcher, originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, received a B.S. from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a J.D. from Georgetown University, is a member of the New York Bar and attended the London Business School Corporate Finance Evening Program.
Steve Raizes / SVP, Viacom Podcasts
Raizes is responsible for leading the strategy, marketing, operations/P&L and, in partnership with each brand, creative development for all podcasting across Viacom. He holds the same role for Live and Experiential Events across Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV, Paramount Network, TVLand, and VH1. His audio team launched the Comedy Central Global Podcast Network and produced award-winning, “best of 2018” podcasts including The Daily Show: Ears Edition Podcast (fastest late night podcast to reach 1M downloads). His team was also responsible for the creation of Comedy Central Presents Clusterfest, a 3-day 45,000 person Comedy festival in San Francisco that has featured Jon Stewart, Amy Schumer, Kevin Hart and interactive IP celebrations of iconic shows such as South Park, Seinfeld and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
In his previous role Raizes oversaw Home Video and Consumer Products for Comedy Central, Spike TV and TVLand. During this time he focused on expanding the brands from linear screens to the real world through projects such as putting Lip Sync Battle across a cruise fleet and placing South Park’s Cheesy Poofs in every Wal-Mart in America (a crowning achievement). Raizes also ran Comedy Central’s DVD division, and during his tenure it became the #1 TV on DVD Comedy brand.
Raizes began his career in the entertainment industry as an assistant to Scott Rudin.
He holds an MBA from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business with a specialization in Entertainment, Media and Technology and earned a BA in Sociology from Harvard University.
Raizes is responsible for leading the strategy, marketing, operations/P&L and, in partnership with each brand, creative development for all podcasting across Viacom. He holds the same role for Live and Experiential Events across Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV, Paramount Network, TVLand, and VH1. His audio team launched the Comedy Central Global Podcast Network and produced award-winning, “best of 2018” podcasts including The Daily Show: Ears Edition Podcast (fastest late night podcast to reach 1M downloads). His team was also responsible for the creation of Comedy Central Presents Clusterfest, a 3-day 45,000 person Comedy festival in San Francisco that has featured Jon Stewart, Amy Schumer, Kevin Hart and interactive IP celebrations of iconic shows such as South Park, Seinfeld and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
In his previous role Raizes oversaw Home Video and Consumer Products for Comedy Central, Spike TV and TVLand. During this time he focused on expanding the brands from linear screens to the real world through projects such as putting Lip Sync Battle across a cruise fleet and placing South Park’s Cheesy Poofs in every Wal-Mart in America (a crowning achievement). Raizes also ran Comedy Central’s DVD division, and during his tenure it became the #1 TV on DVD Comedy brand.
Raizes began his career in the entertainment industry as an assistant to Scott Rudin.
He holds an MBA from New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business with a specialization in Entertainment, Media and Technology and earned a BA in Sociology from Harvard University.
Nataline Rodrigues / Director of original programming, Rogers Media
Rodrigues is an award-winning entertainment executive with over 20 year’s experience in production and programming for broadcast television and digital media platforms.
In her current role as director of original programming, Rodrigues oversees the submission, development, and production of original Canadian programming in all genres for all Rogers Media non-sports television brands and platforms.
Since joining Rogers in 2013, Rodrigues has led the development and production of critically acclaimed original scripted programs that include dramatic series like: Hudson and Rex, The Murders, Bad Blood, Between as well as the Chinese/English procedural drama Blood and Water. Nataline also oversaw the Canadian slate and launch of Viceland Canada , as part of a joint venture between Rogers and Vice Media. Viceland programs she EP’d include the documentary series CyberWar, Dead Set on Life with Matty Matheson, and scripted comedies Nirvanna The Band The Show as well as Fubar: Age of Computer. Other original comedies under her direction include Second Jen, Mangoes A Slice of Life, sketch series Sunnyside and single cam Young Drunk Punk as well as the second seasons of Seed, Package Deal and Meet the Family. On the unscripted side she has helmed seasons of the international reality series The Bachelor Canada as well as formats like Storage Wars Canada; amplified the OLN brand with new series like Illusions of Grandeur, Close Up Kings, Escape or Die, and Polar Bear Town while cultivating ongoing series The Liquidator, Survivorman and Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan.
Rodrigues is an award-winning entertainment executive with over 20 year’s experience in production and programming for broadcast television and digital media platforms.
In her current role as director of original programming, Rodrigues oversees the submission, development, and production of original Canadian programming in all genres for all Rogers Media non-sports television brands and platforms.
Since joining Rogers in 2013, Rodrigues has led the development and production of critically acclaimed original scripted programs that include dramatic series like: Hudson and Rex, The Murders, Bad Blood, Between as well as the Chinese/English procedural drama Blood and Water. Nataline also oversaw the Canadian slate and launch of Viceland Canada , as part of a joint venture between Rogers and Vice Media. Viceland programs she EP’d include the documentary series CyberWar, Dead Set on Life with Matty Matheson, and scripted comedies Nirvanna The Band The Show as well as Fubar: Age of Computer. Other original comedies under her direction include Second Jen, Mangoes A Slice of Life, sketch series Sunnyside and single cam Young Drunk Punk as well as the second seasons of Seed, Package Deal and Meet the Family. On the unscripted side she has helmed seasons of the international reality series The Bachelor Canada as well as formats like Storage Wars Canada; amplified the OLN brand with new series like Illusions of Grandeur, Close Up Kings, Escape or Die, and Polar Bear Town while cultivating ongoing series The Liquidator, Survivorman and Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan.
Michael Rotenberg / Co-founder and partner, 3 Arts Entertainment
Rotenberg cofounder and partner at 3 Arts Entertainment. He is a multiple Emmy winning television producer and talent manager. He currently is executive producing HBO’s Emmy nominated series, Silicon Valley and Insecure as well as shows such as the critically acclaimed series , It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX), Man With A Plan (CBS), and American Vandal (Netflix). His past credits include the Emmy winning series King of the HilL (FOX), the Emmy nominated series Everybody Hates Chris (CW), the Emmy winning series The Chris Rock Show (HBO), the Emmy nominated series The Mind of the Married Man (HBO), and Beavis and Butt-Head (MTV). He has also produced many Emmy winning comedy specials such as Chris Rock’s Bring the Pain, Bigger and Blacker and Never Scared, Howie Mandel’s Hooray for Howiewood, Dave Chapelle’s Killin’ Them Softly , D.L. Hughley’s Going Home, and George Lopez’s HBO special It’s Not Me, It’s You.
In film, Rotenberg has produced features such as Extract (Miramax), Office Space (Fox), Head of State (Dreamworks), Down To Earth (Paramount), Son-in-Law (Disney), and Reign Over Me (Sony).
As a producer and manager, he plays an integral role in the development and production of television and film properties, as well as shepherds the careers of many top actors, writers, and directors. Rotenberg started his career as an attorney working with Loeb and Loeb and the Samuel Goldwyn Company.
Rotenberg cofounder and partner at 3 Arts Entertainment. He is a multiple Emmy winning television producer and talent manager. He currently is executive producing HBO’s Emmy nominated series, Silicon Valley and Insecure as well as shows such as the critically acclaimed series , It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX), Man With A Plan (CBS), and American Vandal (Netflix). His past credits include the Emmy winning series King of the HilL (FOX), the Emmy nominated series Everybody Hates Chris (CW), the Emmy winning series The Chris Rock Show (HBO), the Emmy nominated series The Mind of the Married Man (HBO), and Beavis and Butt-Head (MTV). He has also produced many Emmy winning comedy specials such as Chris Rock’s Bring the Pain, Bigger and Blacker and Never Scared, Howie Mandel’s Hooray for Howiewood, Dave Chapelle’s Killin’ Them Softly , D.L. Hughley’s Going Home, and George Lopez’s HBO special It’s Not Me, It’s You.
In film, Rotenberg has produced features such as Extract (Miramax), Office Space (Fox), Head of State (Dreamworks), Down To Earth (Paramount), Son-in-Law (Disney), and Reign Over Me (Sony).
As a producer and manager, he plays an integral role in the development and production of television and film properties, as well as shepherds the careers of many top actors, writers, and directors. Rotenberg started his career as an attorney working with Loeb and Loeb and the Samuel Goldwyn Company.
Adriano Schmid / Senior director of Production, Discovery Networks International
As senior director of production, Schmid oversees the team responsible for program development and original productions for Discovery Kids Latin America.
Among some of the most recent Discovery Kids projects completed under his supervision is Mini Beat Power Rockers, the International Emmy nominated CG-animated series about a group of babies who want to spend their time at the daycare rockin’ & rolling as well as the third season of O Zoo Da Zoo (Zu and her Zoo), which is produced in Brazil, and has been nominated twice for an International Emmy Award for live-action series. Schmid also supervised the two seasons of the live-action series Big Top Academy, produced by Apartment 11 Productions in association with DK and TVOkids, in collaboration with Cirque Du Soleil Images.
Before assuming his current role, Schmid was senior supervising producer for Discovery’s portfolio of channels in Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market. In this position, he had the opportunity to work in a vast array of projects in the documentary, lifestyle and entertainment, and non-fiction categories.
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Schmid started his career in television in 1992. He has a Master’s degree in film from the University of Miami and joined Discovery Networks in 1999. He is based in Miami, Florida.
As senior director of production, Schmid oversees the team responsible for program development and original productions for Discovery Kids Latin America.
Among some of the most recent Discovery Kids projects completed under his supervision is Mini Beat Power Rockers, the International Emmy nominated CG-animated series about a group of babies who want to spend their time at the daycare rockin’ & rolling as well as the third season of O Zoo Da Zoo (Zu and her Zoo), which is produced in Brazil, and has been nominated twice for an International Emmy Award for live-action series. Schmid also supervised the two seasons of the live-action series Big Top Academy, produced by Apartment 11 Productions in association with DK and TVOkids, in collaboration with Cirque Du Soleil Images.
Before assuming his current role, Schmid was senior supervising producer for Discovery’s portfolio of channels in Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market. In this position, he had the opportunity to work in a vast array of projects in the documentary, lifestyle and entertainment, and non-fiction categories.
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Schmid started his career in television in 1992. He has a Master’s degree in film from the University of Miami and joined Discovery Networks in 1999. He is based in Miami, Florida.
Jessica Schmiedchen / Executive in charge of development, CBC Unscripted Content
Schmiedchen is an innovative media executive with close to 20 years experience in content development. In her role in CBC’s Unscripted Content group, Schmiedchen oversees development of original content and formats in the genres of factual entertainment and doc series – on both linear television and on the broadcaster’s streaming service, CBC Gem. She is responsible for sourcing the best new formats from around the world, and working with the independent production community in Canada to bring their ideas to life.
Since joining the Unscripted team in 2011, Schmiedchen has helped launch many popular and award-winning programs series as Still Standing, Hello Goodbye, The Detectives, Back in Time for Dinner, Canada’s Smartest Person Jr, and the CBC Gem original series, Red Button and Inside an Athlete’s Head.
Schmiedchen is an innovative media executive with close to 20 years experience in content development. In her role in CBC’s Unscripted Content group, Schmiedchen oversees development of original content and formats in the genres of factual entertainment and doc series – on both linear television and on the broadcaster’s streaming service, CBC Gem. She is responsible for sourcing the best new formats from around the world, and working with the independent production community in Canada to bring their ideas to life.
Since joining the Unscripted team in 2011, Schmiedchen has helped launch many popular and award-winning programs series as Still Standing, Hello Goodbye, The Detectives, Back in Time for Dinner, Canada’s Smartest Person Jr, and the CBC Gem original series, Red Button and Inside an Athlete’s Head.
Adam Steinman / VP, creative, format, development & sales, Warner Bros. International Television Production
Steinman served as vp, non-scripted international development and sales from October 2010 until October 2016 and in November 2016 was promoted to vp, creative, format, development and sales at Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP), where scripted formats have been added to his remit.
In this position, Steinman is charged with overseeing the adaptation, development, and sale of programming based on formats and original concepts developed from within the International Television Production Group and international third-party producers. He is also responsible for helping WBITVP identify producers and broadcasters to partner with, as well as acquiring formats to be exploited internationally.
During his WB tenure, Steinman has played an integral role in the development, acquisition, and international roll out of Impractical Jokers, The Bachelor, and Bachelorette, Hello Goodbye, America’s Best Dance Crew, Tower C, Who Do You Think You Are?, First Dates, Back In Time For Dinner, Ellen’s Game Of Games, Little Big Shots, Million Dollar Mile, and Mental Samurai.
For Warner Bros, he oversees the successful WB/CBC Canada Format Incubator which produced the ratings hit, Under New Management, where a second successful season premiered March 2019. He was instrumental in managing the multi-year TV Asahi co-development deal, and also helped develop and adapt the RTE Format Farm winner, The Hit, which sold to seven territories including Netherlands, China, and Russia.
Steinman served as vp, non-scripted international development and sales from October 2010 until October 2016 and in November 2016 was promoted to vp, creative, format, development and sales at Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP), where scripted formats have been added to his remit.
In this position, Steinman is charged with overseeing the adaptation, development, and sale of programming based on formats and original concepts developed from within the International Television Production Group and international third-party producers. He is also responsible for helping WBITVP identify producers and broadcasters to partner with, as well as acquiring formats to be exploited internationally.
During his WB tenure, Steinman has played an integral role in the development, acquisition, and international roll out of Impractical Jokers, The Bachelor, and Bachelorette, Hello Goodbye, America’s Best Dance Crew, Tower C, Who Do You Think You Are?, First Dates, Back In Time For Dinner, Ellen’s Game Of Games, Little Big Shots, Million Dollar Mile, and Mental Samurai.
For Warner Bros, he oversees the successful WB/CBC Canada Format Incubator which produced the ratings hit, Under New Management, where a second successful season premiered March 2019. He was instrumental in managing the multi-year TV Asahi co-development deal, and also helped develop and adapt the RTE Format Farm winner, The Hit, which sold to seven territories including Netherlands, China, and Russia.
Trish Williams / Executive director of scripted content, CBC
As executive director, scripted content at CBC, Williams oversees the public broadcaster’s drama, comedy and film teams across all broadcast and streaming original long-form programming.
Williams most recently served as VP, Temple Street, where she oversaw the creative execution of series for production as well as the sourcing and development of IP and new original series for primetime cable, pay, conventional and OTT platforms. She also served as co-executive producer of ongoing drama series Killjoys.
Prior to joining Temple Street, Williams was director, drama, at Bell Media. There she lead a team of executives handling all development and production of original drama series and movies across CTV, Space, Bravo, TMN/HBO Canada, and MUCH, a highlight being creative oversight of several new series such as Orphan Black, Saving Hope, Motive, Sensitive Skin, and The LA Complex. She learned the ropes as a production executive on the international hit series Flashpoint and Degrassi.
Williams has an MA from the Joint Programme in Communication and Culture from York and Ryerson universities.
As executive director, scripted content at CBC, Williams oversees the public broadcaster’s drama, comedy and film teams across all broadcast and streaming original long-form programming.
Williams most recently served as VP, Temple Street, where she oversaw the creative execution of series for production as well as the sourcing and development of IP and new original series for primetime cable, pay, conventional and OTT platforms. She also served as co-executive producer of ongoing drama series Killjoys.
Prior to joining Temple Street, Williams was director, drama, at Bell Media. There she lead a team of executives handling all development and production of original drama series and movies across CTV, Space, Bravo, TMN/HBO Canada, and MUCH, a highlight being creative oversight of several new series such as Orphan Black, Saving Hope, Motive, Sensitive Skin, and The LA Complex. She learned the ropes as a production executive on the international hit series Flashpoint and Degrassi.
Williams has an MA from the Joint Programme in Communication and Culture from York and Ryerson universities.
Host: Odario Williams / Musician
Williams is a Guyanese-born entertainer, raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Today Williams resides in Toronto and is the lead vocalist for the award-winning hip-hop collective Grand Analog. His rap career began while studying creative writing, theatre and film at the University of Winnipeg. He always considered Winnipeg, where he honed his craft, to be a hotbed for creativity & self-expression. As an entertainer, Williams wears many hats, describing himself mainly as a storyteller (he’s also been titled a “modern day renaissance man”). Aside from being an actor, songwriter, producer, teacher, journalist and poet, Williams is no stranger to the CBC airwaves as a broadcaster. Over the last decade he has been a regular host on Radio 3. He’s also guest-hosted The Signal, CBC Music Top 20 and the Weekend Morning show. Odario is currently the host of Afterdark on CBC Music.
Williams is a Guyanese-born entertainer, raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Today Williams resides in Toronto and is the lead vocalist for the award-winning hip-hop collective Grand Analog. His rap career began while studying creative writing, theatre and film at the University of Winnipeg. He always considered Winnipeg, where he honed his craft, to be a hotbed for creativity & self-expression. As an entertainer, Williams wears many hats, describing himself mainly as a storyteller (he’s also been titled a “modern day renaissance man”). Aside from being an actor, songwriter, producer, teacher, journalist and poet, Williams is no stranger to the CBC airwaves as a broadcaster. Over the last decade he has been a regular host on Radio 3. He’s also guest-hosted The Signal, CBC Music Top 20 and the Weekend Morning show. Odario is currently the host of Afterdark on CBC Music.
Olivia Wingate / Founder, Mo Studios
Wingate grew up in London but has been based in New York on-and-off for over 2 decades, first moving to New York to obtain her MBA from NYU.
After 10 years as a theatre producer specialising in contemporary American Drama and Comedy in the UK, working with playwrights including Bridget Carpenter, Stephen Belber, Angus McLachlan and comedians including David Cross, Patton Oswalt, Eugene Mirman, Louis CK and Reggie Watts, Wingate then became a talent manager and formed Olivia Wingate Artists in 2004 to then merge with Avalon Entertainment Group in 2012 to become their New York office. Her longtime clients included Marc Maron, Reggie Watts, John Hodgman, Wyatt Cenac, Maeve Higgins and Eugene Mirman. Throughout this time, she developed and produced numerous TV shows and specials around her clients. Most notably MARON (IFC),
Ragnorok: John Hodgman (Netflix), Why Sh#t So Crazy – Reggie Watts (Comedy Central) and Wyatt Cenac: Brooklyn (Netflix)
In July 2015 she left the management business to become SVP scripted development at Left/Right Studios. There she set up shows at numerous networks/streamers, including the critically acclaimed Bobcat Goldthwait’s Misfits & Monsters (TruTV), Joe Mande’s Award-Winning Standup Special (Netflix) and the documentary feature It Started As A Joke which premiered at SXSW2019.
In June 2018 Wingate launched Mo Studios, prioritising female, diverse and queer creatives, and focusing on global comedy in all genres and formats.
Wingate grew up in London but has been based in New York on-and-off for over 2 decades, first moving to New York to obtain her MBA from NYU.
After 10 years as a theatre producer specialising in contemporary American Drama and Comedy in the UK, working with playwrights including Bridget Carpenter, Stephen Belber, Angus McLachlan and comedians including David Cross, Patton Oswalt, Eugene Mirman, Louis CK and Reggie Watts, Wingate then became a talent manager and formed Olivia Wingate Artists in 2004 to then merge with Avalon Entertainment Group in 2012 to become their New York office. Her longtime clients included Marc Maron, Reggie Watts, John Hodgman, Wyatt Cenac, Maeve Higgins and Eugene Mirman. Throughout this time, she developed and produced numerous TV shows and specials around her clients. Most notably MARON (IFC),
Ragnorok: John Hodgman (Netflix), Why Sh#t So Crazy – Reggie Watts (Comedy Central) and Wyatt Cenac: Brooklyn (Netflix)
In July 2015 she left the management business to become SVP scripted development at Left/Right Studios. There she set up shows at numerous networks/streamers, including the critically acclaimed Bobcat Goldthwait’s Misfits & Monsters (TruTV), Joe Mande’s Award-Winning Standup Special (Netflix) and the documentary feature It Started As A Joke which premiered at SXSW2019.
In June 2018 Wingate launched Mo Studios, prioritising female, diverse and queer creatives, and focusing on global comedy in all genres and formats.
John Young / CEO, Boat Rocker Media
Young was born and raised in Loch Lomond, Scotland and graduated with honours from the Law School at the University of Dundee. He also received a diploma in legal practice from Glasgow University.
Young is the CEO of Boat Rocker Media, a global entertainment company that creates, produces and distributes premium content for all platforms; producing shows such as Orphan Black, The Next Step, The Amazing Race Canada, Killjoys, Big Brother Canada, Masterchef Canada and X Company.
Young serves as vice chair on the board of the academy of Canadian cinema and television. He is a member of the boards of Golf Town, Sporting Life and Toys R Us. He is also the chairman of the board of feeding Canadian kids, a Canadian charity committed to feeding nutritious dinners to children who suffer food insecurity in underprivileged communities.
Young is a graduate of the directors governance college at University of Toronto’s Rotman school of business.
Young was born and raised in Loch Lomond, Scotland and graduated with honours from the Law School at the University of Dundee. He also received a diploma in legal practice from Glasgow University.
Young is the CEO of Boat Rocker Media, a global entertainment company that creates, produces and distributes premium content for all platforms; producing shows such as Orphan Black, The Next Step, The Amazing Race Canada, Killjoys, Big Brother Canada, Masterchef Canada and X Company.
Young serves as vice chair on the board of the academy of Canadian cinema and television. He is a member of the boards of Golf Town, Sporting Life and Toys R Us. He is also the chairman of the board of feeding Canadian kids, a Canadian charity committed to feeding nutritious dinners to children who suffer food insecurity in underprivileged communities.
Young is a graduate of the directors governance college at University of Toronto’s Rotman school of business.
Moderator: David Zitzerman / Partner and head of the Entertainment Law Group, Goodmans
Zitzerman has exclusively practised entertainment law for over 25 years. His practice focuses on the film, television and on-line industries in Canada and the United States. His clients include independent producers, Canadian networks, Hollywood studios, US networks, cable services and OTT services, film and TV distributors, writers and performers. He was named one of the 30 leading entertainment lawyers in the world by Euromoney’s 2019 The Best of the Best , one the leading 500 lawyers in Canada by Lexpert/American Lawyer and is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell.
Zitzerman is a Canadian arbitrator for the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), an Adjunct Professor teaching entertainment law at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, a guest lecturer at Osgoode Hall Law School and is a frequent commentator on entertainment industry issues for Bloomberg BNN and other media outlets. He is a co-author of Entertainment Law in Canada published by LexisNexis.
Zitzerman is a director and serves on the Executive and Investment Committees of the Canadian Film Centre, is a director of the Canadian Screenwriters Collection Society, is on the Program Advisory Committee of the Ryerson School of Radio & Television Arts, is a Gold Patron of the Toronto International Film Festival and is a member of Film Ontario, the Canadian Media Production Association, Women in Film and Television-Toronto and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.
Zitzerman has exclusively practised entertainment law for over 25 years. His practice focuses on the film, television and on-line industries in Canada and the United States. His clients include independent producers, Canadian networks, Hollywood studios, US networks, cable services and OTT services, film and TV distributors, writers and performers. He was named one of the 30 leading entertainment lawyers in the world by Euromoney’s 2019 The Best of the Best , one the leading 500 lawyers in Canada by Lexpert/American Lawyer and is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell.
Zitzerman is a Canadian arbitrator for the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), an Adjunct Professor teaching entertainment law at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, a guest lecturer at Osgoode Hall Law School and is a frequent commentator on entertainment industry issues for Bloomberg BNN and other media outlets. He is a co-author of Entertainment Law in Canada published by LexisNexis.
Zitzerman is a director and serves on the Executive and Investment Committees of the Canadian Film Centre, is a director of the Canadian Screenwriters Collection Society, is on the Program Advisory Committee of the Ryerson School of Radio & Television Arts, is a Gold Patron of the Toronto International Film Festival and is a member of Film Ontario, the Canadian Media Production Association, Women in Film and Television-Toronto and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.
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